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

Wednesday, 1 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's bomb gun positions in the Sant' Ambrogio area; fighter-bombers, including some Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft, hit trucks, gun positions, and other military targets E of Casoli, at Lanciano, near Guardiagrele, W of Mignano, W of Minturno, and near Chieti. Several of these missions are in support of the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies. During the month of Dec 43, HQ XII Bomber Command transfers from Tunis, Tunisia to Bari, Italy. HQ 52nd Fighter Group and its 5th Fighter Squadron transfer from Boccadifalco and Bo Rizzo, Sicily respectively to Corsica with Spitfires.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Mission.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today. The Squadron personnel were paid this morning in the Officers’ mess building. It got very cold in the afternoon and many of the men stayed in their tents to hug the stoves. Most of the men have a good supply of coal in their tents and this affords them the comfortable heat on these raw days. It was cold, windy and rainy tonight. The wind at times threatened to blow down some of the tents.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Planes arrived here today from Grottaglie bringing the balance of our men and equipment. Troops were paid which brought up morale and brought on the poker games. Weather is bad.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We finally got started moving – we moved to Foggia today, just about 60 miles from the front line. You can really hear the fight going on from here; it can shake you in your bed at night. No raids at the home base yet.”

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Usual squadron duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 2 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's, A-20's, and RAF light bombers support ground forces in the Monte Trocchio area, and other B-25's, A- 20's, and RAF and SAAF airplanes support ground forces near Sant' Ambrogio; more B- 25's hit bridge and approaches near Chieti; fighters strafe trucks and trains while fighter- bombers blast gun positions along the US Fifth and British Eighth Army fronts, and hit harbors and shipping along the Yugoslav coast at or near Omis, Drvenicki, Trogir, Vrbnik, and Ston.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The first mission of the month was flown today, our planes taking off to bomb the road bridge northwest Chieti about 25 miles north of the front lines. The formation was scattered due to the lead ship being hit by flak just before the target. The east approach was believed to have been hit. Two of our planes failed to return from this mission; both were shot down by flak at the target. Major Bates was pilot of the lead ship which was shot down and Lt. Clark was his co-pilot with Captain Brown, group bombardier, as bombardier. The loss of these men is deeply felt throughout the Group. It will be difficult to replace them. A second mission was flown today against the road bridge at Chieti with better results. The east approach was hit and direct hits were made on the road to the west of the bridge. Numerous near misses were made on the bridge itself. Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, bombardier, HQ 321st BG Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 162/mission 161) Group Mission # 163: ------Mission Report # 163, 2 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M), 447th & 448th Squadrons. 2. At 0840 23 B-25s took off to bomb road bridge NW of Chieti. One returned early. 20 dropped 113x500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and .025 second fusing at 0940 hrs. from 8500/9500 ft. 20 returned at 1030. Two lost due to flak. One parachute seen. Axis of attack 287°. 3. Lead ship was hit by flak and exploded on bomb run, forcing formation to scatter. No hits on bridge but hits believed made on E approach. 4. Flak------Heavy, intense, very accurate, tracking, within radius of 4/5 miles of target. Positions noted 1000 yards N of target and 1000 yards NE in field. Flak loss intense to N and E of target. One report that after flak burst, spiral trail of smoke developed. 8 A/C holed. Ground----Ship appeared to be B-25 on ground N of Ripatta at 41° 54’ N, 15° 14’ E. 5. Enroute and return---4/10 cumulus at 4000 feet. Target------CAVU. 6. Flight leaders------Major Bates, Lts. Clark and Beeson.

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Number of sorties—22 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 163/mission 162) Group Mission # 164: ------Mission Report # 164, 2 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M), 445th & 446th Squadrons. 2. At 1410 18 B-25’s took off to bomb road bridge NW of Chieti. None returned early. 18 dropped 103 x 500 lb bombs with 1/10 and .025 fusing at 1505 hours from 10.800/12,000 ft. 18 returned at 1535. Axis of attack 218°. 3. One crew reports direct hits on center of bridge. Good concentration on East approach and hits on road to W. Numerous near misses on bridge. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------2 S/E at coast N of target 3,000’ above formation. Did not attack. 20/25 S/E on Pescara A/D Marine-----2 cruisers shelling Pescara. 2 E boats heading E. from Pescara. Flak------Heavy, moderate, accurate. 4 A/C holed. Heavy positions were generally in NE/SW line about 5 miles SE of Chieti. Hills to NW were filled with small arms fire. Heavy positions noted 1 mile NE of bridge on both sides of Pescara River and 1500 yards S of bridge, ½ mile E of factory, and near E end of bridge. 5. WEATHER: CAVU. 6. None. Flight leaders – Col. Knapp, Capt. Tipton, Lt. Tapper. Number of sorties – 18 Photos taken.

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

445th BS War Diary: It was very cold this morning and the sight of snow covered mountains in the distance made it seem all the colder. The rainstorm which we had last night apparently turned out to be a snowstorm in the mountains. There were several red alerts sounded this evening which sent some of the men scurrying for their slit trenches. There was no bombing but some of the men reported seeing glows of fires toward the south.

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 162/mission 161) Group Mission # 163: (445th BS did not participate)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 163/mission 162) Group Mission # 164:

A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 42-64508 P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Williamson, Loyd V., F/O N None None B Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E None listed Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R None listed None listed G Orr, William J., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt G Dillon, James A., Sgt Asmus, George D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt CP Pamp, Arvid A.,2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E None listed Donegan, John B., S/Sgt R Lestz, Sidney “Lefty”, S/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Henrich, James G., Sgt Smith, James B., S/Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” Joy” (Bear - no lettering) P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt, Ward, James M., 2Lt Commander CP Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st Vallery, Dean B., F/O BG Commander N Larson, Harold W., 1Lt None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Lockwood, Patrick B., M/Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R None listed None listed G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64529 P Young, William G, 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt Halpin, John J., Sgt R None listed None listed G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None None Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R None listed G Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt F None

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/02/43: “The afternoon is unusually bright and sunny. I just brought my blankets in from airing. Last night when we were loading bombs it was freezing cold and today the mountains to the north are blanketed in snow. Several miles across the plain, directly in front of our tent, stretches a long plateau skirted by a narrow bench land dotted with farmhouses. Up the face of a rugged section of the escarpment winds a road leading to a monastery, which beckons constantly to my roving nature. The sound of our planes has just died in the distance. They are on their way to smash a bridge in the way of the Nazi retreat before the Eighth Army. Two planes were lost by other squadrons of the Group this morning over the same target, one carrying down the CO of the 48th and the Group Bombing Officer, Capt. Brown. Everyone is rather tense, except Col. Knapp, who is leading this afternoon’s mission. A couple of P-47s that belong to a P-40 Group near us are doing “Lazy Ss” high and off to the left. Being the first of their kind in this area they attract much attention. A pair of Spits (British Spitfires) just buzzed us.”

446th BS War Diary: Weather cleared up and we had a mission with fairly good results. There is snow on the hills to the Northwest.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 162/mission 161) Group Mission # 163: (446th BS did not participate)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 163/mission 162) Group Mission # 164: Squadron Mission 129 TARGET: Road Bridge N of Chieti DATE: 2 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 9 Col. Knapp, Group CO led the formation. 1 crew, Lt. Tapper, reported direct hits on center of bridge. Good concentration on E approach, and hits on road to west. Numerous near misses on bridge. Flak was heavy, accurate, and 4 a/c were hit. Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Tapper, George C., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Davison, William R., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, Pvt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt None listed G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” St. Joe” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt Bahm, Linston A., PFC E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt R None listed None listed G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13208 (spare) A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R None listed Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R None listed None listed G Samsel, John C., Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt F None None

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None None B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt None listed G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 41-13008 (spare) A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” (spare) P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., Sgt Motika, John F., Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., T/Sgt None listed G Martin, Edward F., Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I made another day trip to Grottaglie today & picked up another plane. I got back late this after noon. I had bad news awaiting me, my old Radio man John P Sweeney, went down in a plane yesterday on a mission. I sure feel bad about it but its one of those things, hope there’s no more like it – Goodnight now!” Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG

447th BS War Diary: Cpl. Pat Holland was sent to hospital with an old leg injury. Surrounding mountains are covered with snow this morning. Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 162/mission 161) Group Mission # 163: 12 of our planes took off to bomb a road bridge near CHIETI, Italy. The flak was so terrific that casualties resulted. One of our planes, piloted by 1st Lt. W.T. Williams who was on his 52nd mission, was shot down. Other members of the crew were: 2nd Lt. A.C. Drury, S/Sgt. C.O. Brown, S/Sgt. C.D. Goodwin, S/Sgt. E.V. Boza, and S/Sgt. W.F. Kazar. S/Sgt. James M. Batteiger, engineer of the plane directly in front of Lt. Williams saw a direct hit on the right engine. He watched it fall to about 3000 ft, still going down and out of control. 448th Sq. also lost a plane, which exploded in mid-air. This ship was flown by no other than the Squadron C.O., Major Bates. Two other planes, piloted by Lt. Fallone and Lt. Jahraus, each landed with only one engine operating. Both planes had the oil lines of one of their engines shot out and Lt. Jahrhaus’ plane also had a flat tire. Lt. Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Broyles had the tail assembly of his plane shot up. Lt. Beeson had the rudder of his plane hit. The following men were injured on this mission and will receive Purple Hearts: 2nd Lt. D.W. Thomas, pilot; 2nd Lt. G.J. Trevor, co-pilot; S/Sgt. E.F. Bartkus, radio-gunner’ S/Sgt. J.M Batteiger, engineer-gunner’ and S/Sgt. R.A. Lotitio, radio-gunner.

A/C No. 42-64598 (MACR-1619 - shot A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon down) Ball” P Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt CP Drury, Alfred Charles, 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt S/Sgt E Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Kazar, William F. ,Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-30557 P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Sattenspiel, Stanley J., 1Lt Deane, George J., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None Hassett, Leo P., Cpl A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None None B Becker, Edward B., “Jalone”, 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., Sgt Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt Werner, Robert G., Jr., 2Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E Czabaj, Matthew W., Sgt McGrail, Robert J., T/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt O’Mara, Robert M., Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None None Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Gill, Paul W., 1Lt Thomas, David W., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt N None Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12930 “Snafu” A/C No. 41-13181 “Sophisticated Lady” (returned early – engine trouble) P Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N None None B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., PFC

447th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1619:

A/C No. 42-64598 (MACR 1619 - shot down) P Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt - KIA CP Drury, Alfred Charles, 2Lt - KIA N None B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., S/Sgt - KIA E Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt - KIA R Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt - KIA G Kazar, William F. ,Sgt - KIA F None

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt., engineer-gunner, 447th BS

447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 520 December 4, 1943.

SUBJECT: Missing Aircraft Report.

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

1. On December 2, 1943, Lt. Williams was flying in the second ship (42- 64598), fourth element and last flight. I was flying as Tail Gunner in the lead ship (41- 30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again”) of the third element of the last flight.

2. Just as we started our bomb-run, I observed a direct hit in the right engine of Lt. Williams’ plane and smoke and flame issued forth. The plane apparently went out of control and nosed downward. I continued to watch it descend for about 3000 feet, at which time it disappeared from my sight due to it passing under the fuselage of our plane.

NORMAN J. BATTEIGER, Staff Sergeant, 35305577, Tail Gunner. (Inclosure to MAC Report, Lt. Williams & Crew, dated 4 December 1943) ------

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

HEADQUARTERS 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF A P O 5 2 0 Office of the Operations Officer U. S. Army, Dec. 7, 1943

SUBJECT: Conclusions as to use of parachute. TO : Whom it may concern.

1. As a result of interrogation of personnel participating in combat mission of morning of Dec. 2, 1943, it is to be concluded that a parachute was seen to be used by a member of one of the two aircraft lost on this mission.

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

2. It is not possible to stat definitely from which of the two aircraft the jump was mad, due to conflicting reports of eye-witnesses.

BAILEY C. COOK, Lt. Colonel, Air Corps, Operations Officer. (Inclosure to MAC Report, Lt. Williams & Crew, dated 4 December 1943) ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Henry, Forrest R. "Steamboat", 1Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG

HEADQUARTERS 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 520, US ARMY

STATEMENT OF GROUP PHOTO INTERPRETER REGARDING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING COMBAT MISSION

U. S. Army Dec. 7, 1943. (Note: photos missing from MACR) These pictures were taken by the photographer flying off the left wing of the crashed airplane. See diagram: T T T A/C # 42-64598. T P. 2nd Lt. W. T. Photographer -- T T -- crashed plane. WILLIAMS.

Photograph W-1 shows an outline of a smoking plane in a diving position. Photograph W-2 shows the same plane, crashed and burning. This crashed position is located on the inclosed map by a green circle and the area outlined in green in the area covered by the photograph. The red circle (approximately 2½ miles away) is the location, where a few minutes later two planes were reported shot down from a formation, by an Artillery Flash Spotter of the British 5th Army Corps.

FORREST R. HENRY, 1st Lieutenant, Air Corps, Group Photo Interpreter. (Inclosure to MAC Report, Lt. Williams & Crew, dated 4 December 1943) ------Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 163/mission 162) Group Mission # 164: (447th BS did not participate)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 48) TARGET: Road Bridge NW Chieti 1:50 500 lbs bombs Plane 695 (42-64695): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Briskey, Lt. Sattenspiel, S/Sgt Monroe, S/Sgt, Boyd, Sgt. Crowell “This was my first flight as an element leader. Lt. Williams and crew which included Lt. Williams, Lt. Drury, S/Sgt. Brown, S/Sgt. Godwin, S/Sgt. Boza and Sgt. Kazar in plane 598 went down over target. Lt. Thomas, Lt. Trevor, S/Sgt. Batteiger, S/Sgt. Bart and S/Sgt. Lotito were all wounded by flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 52) “Chieti, Italy” Williams shot down: KIA.

447th BS Special Accounts: On December 2, 1943 twelve of the squadron planes were scheduled to participate in a raid on a road bridge near Chieti, Italy. One of the planes returned early—eleven took part in the raid. The plane piloted by Lt. William T. Williams failed to return. The planes piloted by Lt. Beeson and Lt. Broyles were severely damaged. Several other planes of the squadron were damaged slightly. Very intense and accurate antiaircraft fire was responsible for the damage and loss. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt, pilot Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

The crew lost when Lt. Williams’ ship went down were as follows: P 1st Lt. William T. Williams E S/Sgt. Charles D. Godwin CP 2nd Lt. Alfred C. Drury R S/Sgt. Elmer V. Boza B S/Sgt. Charles O. Brown G Sgt. William F. Kazar Crew members suffering slight injuries during the mission were as follows: P 2nd Lt. David W. Thomas E S/Sgt. James M. Batteiger CP 2nd Lt. Graham J. Trevor R S/Sgt. Rocco A. Lotito R S/Sgt. Ernest F. Bartkus The formation, led by Major Bates of the 448th, took a course roughly up the East coast of Italy to a point opposite the target and then flew due west to the target. The course proved to be an unwise one as the planes were within range of the German front- line guns, were subjected to intense antiaircraft fire 30 seconds after their turn to the west and continued to be under this fire until they broke away after the bombing run. A direct hit in the gas tank of the lead plane piloted by Major Bates sent it down in flames and left the formation without a leader. The planes were pretty much scattered and still quite a distance from the target. Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Lt. Williams’ plane was hit at about the same time as the lead ship. S/Sgt. James M. Batteiger at the tail gun in the plane in front of Lt. Williams saw a direct hit on the right engine. Smoke and flames poured from the engine and the plane seemed to be out of control as it went down rapidly. S/Sgt. Batteiger watched the plane as long as he could and reported that he last saw it at about 3000 ft, still out of control and going down 2nd Lt. Ryherd reported seeing the plane also at about 3000 ft and it appeared to him that it was upside down. He was flying co-pilot in one of the planes in Lt. Williams’ flight. No one in the formation reported seeing the plane hit the ground but a friendly Field Artillery observation pilot reported later in the day that two planes had been seen to crash and burn in the locality over which the formation was flying. One man reported seeing a parachute but his report could not be confirmed by any other members of the formation and was not confirmed by the observation pilot. Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt., engineer-gunner Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot Flak fragments cut the oil lines in one engine of Lt. Fallone’s plane and he had to fly home and land on one engine. The oil lines in one engine of Lt. Jahrhaus’ plane were cut by flak also and one of his tires shot through. He landed his plane on one engine with one tire flat. Lt. Broyles’ plane received several hits in the tail section and one of his engines cut out. He flew for awhile on one engine but got the other one started before he got back to the base. The damage to the tail of his ship was quite severe. Lt. Beeson’s plane was hit in the tail section also and damaged severely. Most of the six other squadron planes in the formation were damaged slightly by flak. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt, pilot Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Because of the intensity of the flak and the fact that the leader of the formation had been shot down the bombing results of this mission were poor. It was a very costly undertaking for the squadron. Lt. Williams’ crew was the second such loss for the squadron since the beginning of its participation in combat missions. The mission was the 52nd for Lt. Williams. Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 162/mission 161) Group Mission # 163: Mission # 126 (163): At 08:40 twenty three B-25’s off to bomb road bridge NW CHIETI, Italy. One returned early. 20 dropped 113 x 500 bombs at 09:40 from 5,500 – 9,500 feet. Twenty returned at 10:30. Two planes lost due to flak. Lead ship hit by flak and exploded on bomb run, forcing formation to scatter. No hits on bridge but some on E approach. Flak: Heavy, intense and very accurate. 8 A/C hit. Weather: 4/10th cumulus at 4,000 feet enroute. CAVU at target. No E fighters. F/L: Major Bates and Lt. Clark (lost)

A/C No. 41-30326 (MACR-1516 - shot A/C No. 41-30548 down) P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt CP Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Commander N Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt, None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ Evans, Ivor P., 2Lt 321st BG E Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt Currie, James L., Sgt R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt Tanner, James T., S/Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt VanCura, Edward W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 42-64521 P Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Fleming, George B., F/O Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Bates, Willie L., F/O N None None B McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), Capt, HQ 321st BG (observer) A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Biener, Martin B., 2Lt CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt Cain, George S., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., PFC StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64514 P Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Tobias, William M., 2Lt N None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., PFC G Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 163/mission 162) Group Mission # 164: (448th BS did not participate)

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1516:

A/C No. 41-30326 (MACR-1516 - shot down) P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt - POW, RMC and EUS CP Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Commander - POW, RMC and EUS N Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt - KIA B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ 321st BG - KIA E Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt - KIA R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt - KIA G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt - KIA F None

Eyewitness Accounts: Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator, 448th BS

448th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF APO 520, US Army

We (42-64514) started in on the bomb run - flak increasing very strong and accurate for about (4) minutes - we were doing evasive action and I happened to glance at the lead ship in the lead element to see if they were dropping their bombs - I saw the lead ship hit as the bomb bays had just opened - the plane instantly burst into flames - and slid off to the left and crashed in front of the primary target Chieti bridge.

Walter C., Feeley Jr. 2nd Lt., Air Corps Bombardier

------Eyewitness Accounts: Joli, William H., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

448th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF APO 520, US Army

On the 2nd of December, 1943, during a combat mission in which our objective was a road bridge at Chieti, I observed the following -- My position in the formation was 1st Flight, 1st Element, number three ship, placing me (42-64521) on the left wing of ship # 41-30326. Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

At approximately 0930, just before our point of release, ship # 41-30326 suddenly burst into a great sheet of flames. It held its position momentarily and then veered off towards me. In order to avoid a collision it was necessary for me to pull my ship up sharply. The ship then passed underneath me and the heat from it was felt in my ship. The stricken ship was last seen in a steep diving turn enveloped in flames. Evidently the ship received a direct hit in its left wing gas tanks, spreading ignited gas over the entire ship and surrounding air. There was a small concussion from the exploding gasoline, but no parts were seen to disintegrate from the ship.

From what I observed, it is my opinion that it was impossible for any of the crew members to escape because of the intense heat, and altitude of the ship when last seen.

WILLIAM H. JOLI, 2nd Lieut., Air Corps, Pilot. ------

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

HEADQUARTERS 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF A P O 5 2 0 Office of the Operations Officer U. S. Army, Dec. 7, 1943

SUBJECT: Conclusions as to use of parachute. TO : Whom it may concern.

1. As a result of interrogation of personnel participating in combat mission of morning of Dec. 2, 1943, it is to be concluded that a parachute was seen to be used by a member of one of the two aircraft lost on this mission.

2. It is not possible to stat definitely from which of the two aircraft the jump was mad, due to conflicting reports of eye-witnesses.

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

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Henry, Forrest R. "Steamboat", 1Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG

HEADQUARTERS 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 520, US ARMY

STATEMENT OF GROUP PHOTO INTERPRETER REGARDING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING COMBAT MISSION

U. S. Army Dec. 7, 1943. (Note: photos missing from MACR) These pictures were taken by the photographer one element behind the crashed airplane. See diagram: T----- crashed plane. T T A/C # 41-30326. T P. 2nd Lt. P. I. Clark. T T -- photographer.

The first picture of the aircraft is observed on photo B-2. Photo-graph B-3 shows the plane in smaller scale and to the right of the target (Road Bridge). A straight line drawn from these two positions and continuing in the direction of the line of light passes through a white flash which appears on photograph B-4. This spot (white flash) on photo B-4 does not appear on any other photograph of this identical area. A line through these three points converge on an explosion which appears on photograph B-5. The character of the explosion is much different than the explosions and smoke of the surrounding bomb bursts. The same explosion which is now a fire appears on photograph B-7 and the general form and color of this column of smoke indicates something other than bomb smoke there.

Further proof that this is the burning aircraft is seen on photo B-8. This photo was taken several hours later, craters can be seen in place of bomb bursts but where the aircraft exploded no craters are visible. However, an examination of before and after pictures show a scoring of earth in this area.

What appears to be a parachute is found on photograph B-1. A more definite outline of a parachute, which was taken by another photographer in the same flight, appears on photo B-9. A line from one parachute position on photo B-1 to the parachute position on photo B-9 is in the same direction as the wind. This would indicate it was one and the same parachute.

FORREST R. HENRY, 1st Lieutenant, Air Corps, Group Photo Interpreter. ------

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Bates, James P. "Jimmy", Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE (Some time after liberation from POW)

Lt. Clark bailed out before myself. The plane was wildly spinning to earth and we each experienced difficulty leaving through the top hatch.

ABBE, Richard A., 2nd Lt., 0-793082, Navigator: Bailed out - parachute aflame - according to German Officer - near Chieti, Italy. The information that I received on Abbe was that his body was found, badly burned, apart from the wreckage, and that his rip cord was pulled but his chute was burned up.

BROWN, Robert H., Captain, 0-727308, Bombardier: Body found charred in wreckage - Source German Reporting Officer.

TERHO, Harold V., S/Sgt, 37292739, Engineer: Charred body found in wreckage - Source German Reporting Officer.

HENRY, Lewis F., S/Sgt, 35330507, Radio Operator: Charred body found in wreckage - Source German Reporting Officer.

PASCHAL, John W., S/Sgt, 13066066, Gunner: Charred body found in wreckage - Source German Reporting Officer. ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE (Some time after liberation from POW)

Maj James P. Bates escaped the same as I - through hatch directly overhead. As far as I know the following were in the plane when it crashed - Brown - Terho - Henry - Paschal. Brown in nose - rest in rear. The nature of the accident prohibited my seeing any of the crew, except the co-pilot, following the explosion.

ABBE, Richard A., 2nd Lt., 0-793082, Navigator: German officer informed me that the body of Lt. Abbe was found with a Burnt parachute away from the plane. I assumed he jumped and his chute was burned so as to be ineffective. This information came to me while in a German hospital the same day as the crash.

BROWN, Robert H., Captain, 0-727308, Bombardier: Capt. Brown apparently couldn’t reach an escape hatch and crashed with the plane. According to a German Officer, Killed in plane - Wreckage of plane contained 3 or 4 bodies. Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

TERHO, Harold V., S/Sgt, 37292739, Engineer: My assumption is that Terho crashed with the plane. The anti-aircraft shell exploded in the rear and may have thrown him out. He was tail gunner. I believe the 3 men in the rear were killed by the explosion.

HENRY, Lewis F., S/Sgt, 35330507, Radio Operator: I believe Henry was killed by the explosion.

PASCHAL, John W., S/Sgt, 13066066, Gunner: I believe Paschal was killed by the explosion. ------

Friday, 3 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The Twelfth Air Force transfers its entire II Air Service Area Command with all of its subordinate units to the Fifteenth Air Force, where it shortly becomes the XV Air Force Service Command. This is a major step toward making the Fifteenth a separate, self-sufficient air force. B-25's bomb harbor and marshalling yard at Sibenik, Yugoslavia.

In Italy, fighter-bombers, along with RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) airplanes, hit tanks and trucks in the Guardiagrele-Lanciano areas. Other fighter-bombers attack a vessel at Sibenik, Yugoslavia and vehicles and trains N of Rome. Anzio and Nettuno, Italy are also bombed. The 2nd Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, transfers from Boccadifalco, Sicily to Corsica with Spitfires.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today.

445th BS War Diary: Some of the men are getting the football fever again as evidenced by a group of the men throwing and kicking a football around in the area. One of our men who visited Bari yesterday told of the bombing of that port last night by German raiders. He tells that he was but 8 miles away from the port at the time when the Jerries dropped their eggs. He reported the terrific confusion caused the explosion of an ammunition ship and told of the huge, glowing fires started by the bombs. A number of the men are visiting Foggia each evening for the purpose of attending the nightly shows in the theatre. The Squadron is not as yet running any trucks in due to the shortage in that department. Some of the men “bum” rides with another Squadron’s trucks while others hitchhike their way in.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual garrison duties. No mission because of weather.

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Bari docks were bombed last night. The interest in foxholes has picked up considerably today.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 4 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The Second Cairo conference, Operation SEXTANT, opens and lasts until 6 Dec. President Franklin D Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston S Churchill, and President is met Inonu of Turkey attend. Churchill discusses the possibility of Turkey entering the war; the plan for the amphibious assault in the Bay of Bengal is cancelled; a tentative timetable is set up for Pacific offensive; and a unified Command is established in the Mediterranean effective 10 Dec. Weather grounds Twelfth Air Force elements of Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF). The 4th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, transfers from Boccadifalco, Sicily to Corsica with Spitfires.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: The men enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes this morning. There was more football practice in the afternoon. For supper, the men were treated to a steak dinner with mashed potatoes and very good gravy. A light rain fell in the evening and it was rather damp.

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/04/43: “Read “Disaster at Bari,” a Bantam War Book by Glenn Infield, for a detailed account of this dramatic incident. Night before last, a force of enemy planes raided the harbor at Bari. Much damage was done. We could see the AA fire and flash of bombs. The same night the Allied 5th Army began the heaviest barrage of war on the Germans entrenched in the mountains. We could hear the thunder of guns all night long. Several days ago, a vapor trail revealed the presence of an enemy reconnaissance plane at very high altitude. A pair of Spits roared past in pursuit and soon a couple of P-38s joined them from another angle. We continued to watch the vapor trails and far in the distance we could see them mixing it up. Two enemy planes, Ju.88s were reported shot down. We spent the day wiring the tent for lights and radio. It is very homelike but the rumor is that we will move again soon.”

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Bad weather continues keeping planes grounded. Rations today lifted morale.

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. The following men left for rest camp at Capri. They will be gone seven days, exclusive of travel: Lt. J.J. Fallone, Lt. R.H. Spingler, Lt. L.K. McFadden, Lt. R.C. Olson, T/Sgt. Myers, S/Sgt. Harter, S/Sgt. Penson, S/Sgt. Szczepanski, and Sgt. Dunlop. Lt. H.M. Brinkley transferred to 57th Station Hospital. S/Sgt. Frank L. Johnson transferred to 46th General Hospital. Morning Report for week ending Dec. 4th: Officers—59: Enlisted Men: 255. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Dunlap, Woodrow, Sgt, gunner Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier

Saturday, 4 December 1943

Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, gunner McFadden, Kenneth L., 2Lt, pilot Myers, William W., T/Sgt, gunner Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 1Lt, pilot Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 5 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): At the Cairo Conference, President Roosevelt decides on General Dwight D Eisenhower as the Supreme Allied Commander for Operation OVERLORD, the invasion of W Europe. The CCS issue a directive for the organization of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF) consolidating British and US forces of the Mediterranean Air Command (MAC) and Northwest African Air Force (NAAF). Weather hampers medium bomber operations, but B-25's manage to bomb a bridge at Pescara, Italy and marshalling yard and shipyards at Split, Yugoslavia. In Italy, US fighter-bombers and fighters (and a number of other Allied airplanes) hit gun positions S of Chieti, Italy, a vessel in Poljud, Yugoslavia harbor (near Split), trains and trucks W of Aquino, bridges near Mignano and Ladispoli, the town of Arezzo, airfields at Piombino and Aviano, and building S of Garda Lake. HQ Twelfth Air Force transfers from Tunisia to Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: None of the ships reported were sighted on today’s mission against shipping along the Yugoslavian coast and the alternate targets of Split, Solin, and shipping at Grohote were hit. Bombs made a good pattern across the harbor at Split and two fires and an explosion were observed. An explosion was also seen at Solin and one element bombed a small motor vessel in a cove near Grohote on Solta Island but missed.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 164/mission 163) Group Mission # 165: ------Mission Report # 165, 5 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1345 36 B-25s took off on shipping sweep to first bomb cruiser near Trojia. None returned early. 36 dropped 216x500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and .025 fusing at 1505 hrs from 9500/10,000 ft. on alternate targets of Split, Solin and shipping at Grohote. 36 returned at 1555 hrs. Axis of attack 90°. 3. Bombs were observed (see Map reference S/32 (1) Split N&S Harbors) across neck S-26 and S-27 also W. of shipyards at U & V 30-31, in M/Ys and in town at V-53, 54, and 55, where two fires and explosion were observed. Hits also just W of Solin on edge of shore approximately ZP & ZG-18 where there was an explosion. One element bombed small M/V in cove near Grohote on Solta Island but missed. 4. Air------None. Ground----None. Marine----One burning V/V and two others in Vlaka Harbor W of Hvar with Seibel ferry coming from Hvar Harbor. Two M/Vs in Hvar Harbor. This burning boat also placed in Hvarski Channel-S. of Milna. Two M/Vs one large, reported on N side of Hvar Island, in cove W. of Brac, and in Stari Grad Harbor. Several medium M/Vs sighted N side of Vis Island one reported as 400 feet tanker in Vis Harbor. A long slender boat throwing large wake was seen N of Vis Island heading NE. A warship was reported anchored in harbor at Vrbovska (Hvar Island) and another large ship anchored at 15° 34’ E and 43° 38’ N. The cruiser was said to have been seen by one observer in Sibenik. 2 M/Vs in harbor at Grohote, and one Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

leaving (Solta Island) and 8/10 medium M/Vs in cove S. of Milna on Brac Island. Also 1 large ship was seen proceeding W. about 10 miles W and a little S. of Pelagosa Island and another 4 miles SE of Cajola. Flak------None. 5. Enroute and Return----CAVU Target------5/10 strato-cumulus at 9500 ft. Visibility: unlimited. 6. None. Flight leaders---Schwane, Lts. Young, Spikes and Ryan. Number of sorties---36 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Captain, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: It was a beautiful day with a bright sun shining in a clear sky with mild weather prevailing. In the afternoon the men watched the antics of the buzzing P- 47’s with great interest. But their hearts still belong to the B-25’s which they patiently sweat out today after a “rough” mission. The men enjoyed a delicious fresh port supper with boiled potatoes, beans, tea and cake. The meals have been decidedly better lately and the men feel that they are getting their money’s worth – they contribute two dollars out of their pay each month for these “fresh meat” suppers.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 164/mission 163) Group Mission # 165:

A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-30354 (Bear - no lettering) P Vallery, Dean B., F/O Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Williamson, Loyd V., F/O Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None listed None listed R Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64529 P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt None listed R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt G None listed Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt F None None Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Young, William G., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Nysson, John W., 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E None listed None listed R Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-64508 P Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E None listed None listed R Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt Jones, Robert C., Pvt G Henrich, James G., Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Weather lifted and we went on a mission. Rumored that we are to move again to a field about twenty miles from this base. No one likes the idea.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 164/mission 163) Group Mission # 165: Squadron Mission 130 TARGET: Slit, Yugoslavia. DATE: 5 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 12 MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation. Bombs hit neck of harbor, and W of ship yards in the marshalling yards. Also in town where fires and explosions were seen. 1 element bombed a small V/V, but missed. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Klang dropped out and returned because of low oil pressure.

A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Schwane, Henry H., Maj, Commander Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G South, William R., S/Sgt Edwards, David R., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 41-13008 P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., S/Sgt Walsh, Thaddeus, J., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Martin, Edward F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Mastrioanni, Henry L., 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Brown, Jean H., Cpl R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Nieman, John W., Pvt G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Motika, John F., Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-64551 (returned early – low oil pressure in left engine) P Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt G Skill, Donald H., Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt

447th BS War Diary: 2nd Lt. Becker and S/Sgt. Fiorello completed their fiftieth mission. An abandoned German barracks building near Foggia fell under the hammers and wrecking bars of the officers today. Section by section it was trucked to the area and will be reassembled and used for officers mess and club. A letter of commendation from Maj. Gen. Doolittle to 321st Bomb. Gp. Thru 47th Wing appeared on bulletin board today. It reads: “Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, 18 Nov. Subject—Commendation. TO: Commanding Officer 321st Bombardment Group thru 47 Wing. 1. The 321 Bombardment Group has been in this command since 15 March 1943. Within that time the Group has flown 233 missions totaling 4230 sorties and has successfully dropped 4513 tons of bombs on a wide variety of land and naval targets. 26 of the Group’s Aircraft were lost in combat against 78 of the enemy aircraft either destroyed, probably destroyed or damaged. This group has held the lowest record for early returns of any unit in this command. 2. Every man within this unit should be exceptionally proud of this record and great credit is reflected upon the Group’s Commanding Officer, especially since operations were carried out against insuperable difficulties. 3. With the transfer of the 321st Bombardment Group from this command I express my appreciation to all for the great work done and wish much success for you in your new organization. Signed—J.H. Doolittle, Maj. Gen.” “Hdqts. 47 Wing 24 Nov. 1943. TO: C.O. 321 Bomb Gp. 1. It is with great pleasure that I forward this letter. 2. Every man should take great pride in the accomplishments of the Group. 3. I regret that the situation necessitated a transfer. C.H. Ridenour, Brig. Gen.” Becker, Edward B., 2Lt, bombardier Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt, gunner Doolittle, James Harold “Jimmy”, Maj Gen, 15th AF, Commander Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, 47th Wing, Commander

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 164/mission 163) Group Mission # 165: 9 planes took off—1, Lt. Hanlon pilot, returned early due to mechanical malfunction. 8 of our planes participated in a sea sweep over the northern part of the Adriatic. The objective being a German cruiser near Trojia. After failing to find their primary target they went on and bombed the docks and shipping at Split and Solin in Yugoslavia. N e/a observed. Results of mission: good.

Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-30557 P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt Schrader, Harold F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle II” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Werner, Robert G., Jr., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Deane, George J., 2Lt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt McGrail, Robert J., T/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl O’Mara, Robert M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Lady” Ball” P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt 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 Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., PFC None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” Done Crapped Again” P Thomas, David W., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt N None None B Sattenspiel, Stanley J., 2Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” (returned early – turret out) P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt N None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Baringer, Paul S., Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 61) TARGET: Cruiser near Trojia-Split Solin and shipping at Grohote. 2:10 Plane 557 (41- 30557) “Alternate target bombed when cruiser not sighted.” Flight leader Lt. Spikes.

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 49) TARGET: Cruiser near Trojia Split, Solin and Shipping 2:10 500 lbs bombs at Grohote (alternate) Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Briskey, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt Mays, S/Sgt, Boyd, Sgt. Crowell “Bombs were observed across ship yards, across M/Y and in town 2 fires were seen. One element bombed Merchant vessel in cove but miss it.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 164/mission 163) Group Mission # 165: Mission # 127 (165): At 13:45 thirty-six B-25’s off on shipping sweep to bomb cruiser near TROIA. None returned early. 36 dropped 216 x 500 bombs at 15:05 from 9,500 – 10,000 feet on alternate target of SPLIT, SOLIN and shipping at GROHOTE. All returned at 15:55. Hits, two fires and explosion seen on shore of SOLIN. Near misses on M/Y. One M/V burned in VLAKA harbor W of VLAR. Cruiser not seen. Flak: No flak or E fighters. Weather: CAVU enroute and 5/10th at 9,500 at target. F/L: Lt. Ryan.

A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30355 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt CP Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt E Mauder, Charles G., Cpl Schmidt, Walter I. S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt) P Fleming, George B., F/O McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None None B McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 42-64514 P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., Tobias, William M., 2Lt N None None B Evans, Ivor P., 2Lt Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Currie, James L., Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt McEntee, Peter M., PFC G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt F None Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30548 P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt CP Bates, Willie L., F/O Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt Alexander, Philip D., Pvt G Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30327 P Biener, Martin B., 2Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Shaw, David S., S/Sgt G Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None

Monday, 6 December 1943

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

In Italy, P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers bomb bridges at Ceprano and W of Mignano; weather cancels other operations. The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Montecorvino Airfield, Italy with P-39's. The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Corsica with P-39's. A detachment of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, based at Cantania, Sicily, begins operating from Gaudo Airfield, Italy with Beaufighters.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: The morning was cloudy and misty. Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 11 to 3. A delicious supper of fresh hamburgers and sauerkraut was served to the men this evening. The men have been receiving quite a bit of fresh meat lately and of course there is no complaining about that.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Eight Army starts push which helps morale. Usual garrison duties.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: (Dec 3-6) “I have been dead tired and sleepy the last few days, keeping so busy, I hope it slows down. I haven’t had time to write a better even, I’ll try to do so tonight at least get one off to Enid. I have received 2 Xmas packages & 15 letters since I have been here, Boy was I glad to get them. It sure makes me feel good to know they have found me at last. I’ll try to write those letters now – All for now.” Letter Home: “Tomorrow is Dec. 7 two years so fast. Well, I hope it doesn’t last too much longer. I’m ready to go home.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. T/Sgt Roy Dobbs appointed mess Sgt. 1st Lt. W.W. Whitton received word of his promotion to Capt. on Nov. 14, 1943. Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, Mess Sergeant Whitton, Walter H., Jr., Capt, armament

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 7 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's and A-36's bomb the harbor and town of Civitavecchia; B-25's also attack Pescara, hitting the railroad, road, and town area; A- 36's, P-40's, and RAF DAF fighters hit a gun position W of Orsogna, the towns of Viticuso and San Vittoria, and a bridge at Civitella Roveto.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Civitavecchia was bombed today by our aircraft. Strings were seen to fall across the outer mole of the harbor and across the end of the ferry house where fires and one explosion were seen in a grain silo and the warehouse area. Other strings fell through barracks area and the dock side of town. Near misses were made on three ships and possible hits or near misses on three others.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 165/mission 164) Group Mission # 166: ------Mission Report # 166, 7 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1225 – 36 B-25’s took off to bomb Civitavecchia shipping and docks. 4 returned early. 32 dropped 176 x 500 lbs. with .10 and .45 second fusing at 1425 hours from 10,000/11,000 ft. 32 returned at 1535 hours. Axis of attack 360°. 3. RESULTS: Ref. TC. 3-111A-NA. Strings observed across outer mole and across end of ferry terminal where fires and explosion were seen in grain silo and warehouse area. Other strings fell along dock side of town (20-21F) – others near gas works at 26-H and through barracks area. Near misses on three ships at wide place at mole with possible hit on the one at 19 G-H. Also near misses or possible hits on two ships – one very large – at F-20 in harbor entrance – other at F-25. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------2 unidentified planes seen just past bomb line. 5 E/A on ground N side of Tarquinia A/D also unidentified. Ground----Several fires seen in M/Y and explosion in station area – from previous groups’ bombing. Marine----Ship in outer harbor seen on its side. Flak------None. 5. WEATHER: Enroute: Clouds 5/10 cumulus over land. Base at 5,000 ft., tops at 10,000 ft. CAVU over water surface. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. Target: CAVU. Return: Same as en route. 6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Bugbee, Boatwright and Armbruster. Number of sorties---32 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Captain, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Tuesday, 7 December 1943

445th BS War Diary: The second anniversary of America’s entry into the world conflict was observed quietly here in the Squadron. The enlisted men’s club committee today raffled off their stock of liquor. The club will not be rebuilt at this base and the committee gave one and all an equal chance to share in the “spoils”. At night, a siren was sounded for a test air raid but most of the men failed to hear it. None of the “50-mission men” have been scheduled as yet.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 165/mission 164) Group Mission # 166:

A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” Joy” P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt N None None B Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Jones, Robert C., Pvt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Orr, William J., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Williamson, Loyd V., F/O CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E Reddy, John E., S/Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt McGee, William N., 1Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E Haney, T. J. S/Sgt Dillon, James A., Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 2-64508 A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Jackson, John I., 2Lt Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Pvt R Russell, Clayton B., T/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt Henrich, James G., Sgt F None Carner, Donald E., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Another good mission today. 2nd Pearl Harbor Anniversary today and no one has forgotten.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 165/mission 164) Group Mission # 166: Squadron Mission 131 TARGET: Civitavecchia DATE: 7 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 9 Lt. Bugbee, 447th Sqdn led the formation. Bombs fell across outer mole and into ferry terminal where fires and explosions were seen in grain silos and the warehouse area. Some fell on the dock side of town, others near the gas works and through the barracks area. There were near misses and possible hits on two ships, one very large, at the harbor entrance. No flak, no fighters. Lt Brady returned early because his turret guns would not fire. Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Anderson, Allen J., Sgt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Underwood, Ferrel E., T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt Edwards, David R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 42-64511 A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” (returned early – turret out) P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Brown, Jean H., Cpl R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Another day, I have just finished a letter to Enid, & have been sitting here by the fire listening to the Radio, one set of a B- 25. We have been listening to a German program especially for the U.S. boys. The program consists mostly of songs and the lady in charge is none other than “Midge – the bitch from Berlin.” What a gal. I guess she tries to make us all home sick. She’s good at that – she just finished by saying she was feeling like a million – she wished we were too. Some fun we’re having over here. We have had quite a day for Dec 7 – our 2 yr anniversary. I guess I’d better stop for now, might write the folks a letter – I’ll give the diary more news after listening to “Midge – the Bitch” tomorrow night – So Goodnight for now.”

Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Lts. Saiers, Sattenspiel, Stephenson, and S/Sgt. D.D. Alton completed their fiftieth mission. At 1800 hours today the enlisted men held a meeting in order to discuss plans for their club. A Pres-Treas. And a council of six men were elected as governing body. S/Sgt. Jack Yates was re-elected as president and treasurer of the club. Those chosen for the council were: T/Sgt. Myron Small, T/Sgt. Boyd Tracy, S/Sgt. D.D. Alton, S/Sgt. Hoskins, Cpl. Gino Franzi, and Cpl. Jerry Oranski. Major Sampson will act as officer-adviser for the club. Cpl. Storm will have chare of collecting the dues, auditing the books, etc. Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier Franzi, Gino C., Cpl, intelligence Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt, communication Oransky, Jarrold S., Cpl, communications Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt, navigator Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 1Lt, bombardier Small, Myron R., T/Sgt, communication Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot Storm, Carson W., Cpl, engineering Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 165/mission 164) Group Mission # 166: 10 of our planes participated in a raid over CIVITAVECCHIA Harbor, Italy. No flak, no enemy fighters. Results: very good.

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Langston, Everett D. 2Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt Johnston, William M., 2Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt Commander N Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., Sgt R Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt Schrader, Harold F., Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt

Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Thomas, David W., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N None None B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Sattenspiel, Stanley J., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 41-30557 Ball” P Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt N Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., PFC A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” Lady” P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 2Lt Kinsley, Andrew L., 2Lt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 50) TARGET: Civitavecchia shipping 3:05 500 lbs bombs Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Briskey, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt Mays, S/Sgt, Boyd, Sgt. Crowell “Strings observed across after Mole and across end of ferry terminal, where fires and explosions were seen in grain silos and warehouses. Near missed on three ships and possible hits on tow boats. No flak.”

Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 165/mission 164) Group Mission # 166: Mission # 128 (166): At 12:25 thirty six B-25’s off to Bomb CIRITAVECCHIA shipping and docks. Four planes returned early. 32 dropped 176 x 500 bombs at 14:35 from 10,000 – 11,000 feet. 32 returned at 15:35. Strings observed across outer mole and across end of ferry terminal, explosion and fire in grain silo and warehouse area. Strings through gas works and barracks area. Possible hits on two ships near misses on three. Flak: No flak and no E/fighters. Weather: 5/10th Cumulus enroute. CAVU at target. F/L: Lt. Boatwright.

A/C No. 41-29967 (returned early) A/C No. 41-30355 (returned early) P Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt CP Tobias, William M., 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., PFC Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-30327 (returned early) P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Robert, Maurice L., PFC E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 42-64519 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt E Mauder, Charles J., Cpl Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt G Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-30352 P Fleming, George B., F/O Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Bates, Willie L., F/O N None None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Currie, James L., Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt F None

Wednesday, 8 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Italy, B-25's bomb bridges, industrial targets, marshalling yard, and town areas of Pescara, Ancona, and Aquila; A-20's hit gun emplacements and bivouac area near Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; other A-20's, operating with RAF and SAAF aircraft attack troop concentration and gun positions near Miplinnico; fighter-bombers of the AAF, RAF, RAAF, and SAAF bomb targets in support of ground troops near Orsogna; A-36's and P-40's hit communications targets (roads, railroads, bridges) at Avezzano, Frosinone, Viticuso, Gaeta, and Sant' Elia Fiumerapido. HQ 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and its 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron transfer from La Marsa, Tunisia to San Severo, Italy with F-4's and F-5's. HQ 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group transfers from La Marsa, Tunisia to San Severo, Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: High layers of clouds caused the bombing of the alternate target of Pescara bridges today instead of Zara, the primary. Bombs fell through warehouses and industrial plant north of the river and into the town. Hits were made on the approaches to both the railroad and road bridges and a few direct hits were made on each. Other bombs started in the middle of the bridges and went through the marshalling yards. A building was seen to explode south of the railroad bridge and a large fire from the industrial plant.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 166/mission 165) Group Mission # 167: ------Mission Report # 167, 8 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 445th, 446th, 447th, 448th Squadrons. 2. At 1100 – 35 B-25’s off to bomb shipping and harbor facilities at Zara. None returned early. 35 dropped 209x500lb bombs with 1/10 nose fusing at 1300 hrs. from 10,000/11,000 ft. on alternate target of Pescara bridges. 35 returned at 1335 hrs. None mission, lost, or at friendly field. Axis of attack 175°--130°. 3. Reference TC. 3-31-NA. Bombs widely placed with strings starting in water and through probable warehouses. Through industrial plant N of river and into town to S and across both ends of bridges 5 and 5A with a few direct hits on both. Other bombs started in middle of bridge (5) and went SW across northerly end of M/Ys. Building seen to explode SE of RR bridge and large fire observed near industrial plant E of bridge (5A) and No of river. 4. Air------None Ground----Truck convoy parked along Pescara/Francavilla al Mare road. Marine----Three medium M/Vs-200/300 feet in harbor of Francavilla al Mare. Flak------Heavy, intense to moderate accurate----8 A/C holed. Positions: 4 heavy guns seen 42° 30’ N, 14° 10’ E just W of RR. Positions: Just N of Pescara and at town of Francavilla al Mare and another at Ortona A Mare. 5. Enroute----6/10 altostratus at estimated 15,000ft. As formation approached target they encountered layers of strato cumulus at 7000 up to 12,000 ft. which caused bombing of alternate. Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

Target------6/10 altostratus at 15,000. Visibility—unlimited Return------5/10 altostratus at 15,000 ft. Visibility--unlimited. 6. None. Flight leaders----Lts. Boatwright, Young, and Tapper. Number of sorties---35 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Captain, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The turkeys, which were constantly taunted by the men and who gained revenge for it by “roosting” on the enlisted men’s mess hall, were finally killed today. There was a very ugly rumor circulating to the effect that 30,000 bags of mail and packages were sunk in Bari where the Germans raided last week. This didn’t help the men’s morale a bit. Another rumor has it that this Squadron and the Group will move shortly to a new base near Naples. Both of these rumors are as yet unconfirmed. Lt. Triplett, Lt. Lorton and several enlisted men were placed on DS and will tour some airfields in Italy and Sicily taking pictures of enemy planes. A double feature movie was shown in camp tonight. “Charley’s Aunt” and “Sweater Girl” were both enjoyed greatly by the men who welcomed the idea of not having to ride all the way to Foggia to see a movie. Lorton, Harold E., 2Lt, pilot Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 166/mission 165) Group Mission # 167:

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64575 P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt, HQ 321st BG B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Whitaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Orr, William J., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” Judy” P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Williamson, Loyd V., F/O N None None B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F None Carner, Donald E., Cpl Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 42-64508 P Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Pvt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., T/Sgt G Henrich, James G., Sgt Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-30354 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Dillon, James A., Sgt Haney, T. J., S/Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None

446th BS War Diary: Good weather continues so another mission. Major Schwane promoted to Lt. Col. Boys who were left in North Africa began arriving on this date. Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 166/mission 165) Group Mission # 167: Squadron Mission 132 TARGET: Pescara Bridges DATE: 8 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 10 Lt. Boatwright, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs were widely placed and some probable hits on warehouse. Strings went through the industrial plant, into the town, and across both ends of bridges with a few direct hits. Some bombs started in the middle of the bridges and went across the M/Y. A building was seen to explode and a large fire was observed. No fighters, flak was heavy and intense and eight of our a/c were hit. Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 42-64511 A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Polka” Pee Wee” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Brady, Joseph H., 1Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R Nieman, John W., Pvt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Edwards, David R., Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 41-13008 P Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt Cpl G Skill, Donald H., Sgt Martin, Edward F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Cpl Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt Motika, John F., Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None

Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Midge just finished her program for tonight, & wished us well by playing Home Sweet Home. Some gal – I guess Germany wants to keep us happy. I spent this afternoon rewiring our electrical system here in our camp area. “No 3 way switches” I guess my father would remember about that. I received 2 letters today – from Enid & Mom & Dad. Sure glad to get them, so I’ll try and answer them tonight. Still no more word of John Sweeney. I have another mission to fly tomorrow & hope we have no trouble. Things are going along OK but wish it was going faster – it can’t get over too soon for me. Bye now.” Letter Home: “I haven’t wrote to Mrs. Sweeney. It’s too bad about John.” Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Jack Yates and T/Sgt. Myron Small and Cpl Jerry Oransky made a trip to Bari to purchase whiskey and electrical fixtures for the enlisted men’s club. By Special Order #206 dated 6 Dec. From 321 Bomb Gp., the following men of this organization were promoted: to be Corporals: P.F.Cs A.F. Statham, D.W. Allender, T.P. Doyle, C.J. Sexton, J.P. Biel, F.J. Corbo, A. Zacharya, B.A. Yager, F.R. Haley, Jr, E.S. Florio, to be Sergeants: Cpls J.M. Reilly and L.P. Hassett. To be Staff Sergeants: Sgts P.S. Baringer, J.H. Kellner, J.M. Crowell, H.B. Harmer, H.F. Schrader, G.P. Werner. To be Tech. Sergeants: S/Sgts Boyd Tracy and Frank M. Kastelic. By Special Order #33 dated 7 Dec. and signed by Maj. R.D. Sampson, Pvt D.O. Ericson is promoted to P.F.C. D.O. Erickson. For the first time at this base, movies were shown at Group last night. The show-house was a granary and the picture (double-feature) “Sweater Girl” and “Charley’s Aunt.” Allender, Darrel W., Cpl, engineering Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Biel, John P., Cpl, armament Corbo, Fred J., Cpl, transportation Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Doyle, Thomas P., Cpl, engineering Erickson, David O., PFC, engineering Florio, Edward S., Cpl, armament Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, armor-gunner Hassett, Leo P., Sgt, photographer Kastelic, Frank M., T/Sgt, gunner Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt, gunner Oransky, Jarrold S., Cpl, communications Reilly, James M., Sgt, turret gunner Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner Sexton, Cornelius J., Cpl, operations Small, Myron R., T/Sgt, communication Statham, Alvin F., Cpl, photographer Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner Werner, George P., S/Sgt, gunner Yager, Basil A., Cpl, engineering Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence Zacharya, Andrew, Cpl, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 166/mission 165) Group Mission # 167: 9 of our planes participated in a raid over Pescara, the target being a bridge. Flak: heavy, intense and accurate. Results: good. S/Sgt. J.J. Kordzi and S/Sgt. L.B. Iverson received injuries from flak. They will be awarded the Purple Heart.

Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G per Mission Crew List: Harmer, Harry Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt B., Sgt, but per Lt Stephenson’s war diary is: Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” P Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Haeberle, John H., 2Lt N None None B Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), PFC E Baringer, Paul S., Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Reilly, James M., Cpl F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Schrader, Harold F., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., PFC A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 42-64695 Done Crapped Again” P Thomas, David W., 2Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt N None B Deane, George J., 2Lt E Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt R Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt G Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 51) TARGET: Shipping at Zara Alt. Pescara bridges 2:35 500 lbs bombs Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”) : Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Briskey, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt Mays, S/Sgt, Boyd, Sgt. Crowell “Bombs widely placed with strings starting in water and through warehouses, industrial plants N of river and into town to S across both ends of bridges with direct hits on both. Buildings on SE of RR exploded. Flak heavy, medium and accurate.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 166/mission 165) Group Mission # 167: Mission # 129 (167): At 11:00 thirty-five B-25’s off to bomb shipping and harbor facilities at Zara. None returned early. 35 dropped 209 x 500 bombs at 13:00 from 10,000 – 11,000 feet on alternate target of Pescara bridges. 35 returned 13:35. Bombs widely placed thru warehouses, industrial plant N of river and across both ends of bridges, direct hits on both. Other bombs across M/Y and buildings; explosion seen. No E/A. Flak: Heavy, intense to moderate, accurate. 8 planes holed. Weather: 6/10th altostratus at 15,000 enroute and layers stratocumulus 7,000 – 12,000 feet at target. F/L: Lt. Boatwright.

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 2-64521 P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., PFC E Currie, James L., Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 42-64552 P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Bates, Willie L., F/O Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., Sgt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Fleming, George B., F/O Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None None B McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30352 P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt G Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64514 (returned early) P Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Tobias, William M., 2Lt N None B Evans, Ivor P., 2Lt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Pvt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt F None

Thursday, 9 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Italy, B-25's bomb railway and road bridges at Giulianova, tracks at Pescara and Teramo, and a marshalling yard and ironworks at Terni; A-20's hit gun positions and bivouac area at Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; A-36's and P-40's attack Orsogna and coastal targets in support of the British Eighth Army, Avezzano marshalling yard and villages along the US Fifth Army front, troops at San Pietro Infine and Viticuso and nearby gun positions, viaduct and railway bridge E of Guidonia airfield, crossing at Furbara, and trains and trucks in the Rome area. Brigadier General George H Beverley takes over as the new Commanding General, XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional).

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today the entire group was honored by a visit of General Arnold. General Spaatz and General Cannon accompanied him on his inspection of the Group Headquarters and the four squadrons in formation in front of the granary. General Arnold made presentations to Lt. Colonel Cook (Silver Star), Captain Bradley (DFC), and Master Sergeant Horne (Legion of Merit). Due to 10/10 cloud cover over the primary target of Ancona, the alternate target, Giulianova bridges was bombed. Bombs were seen to hit both bridges and on the road and railroad junctions north of the bridges. Possible hits were made on a flak position just south of the target area. Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", General, Chief of the Army Air Forces Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt, pilot, 446th BS Cannon, John K., General, 12th AF Commander Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Horne, Wendell C., MSgt, engineering, 447th BS Spaatz, Carl Andrew “Tooey”, Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 167/mission 166) Group Mission # 168: ------Mission Report # 168, 9 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 0910 36 B-25’s took off to bomb shipping and/or harbor facilities and areas in town of Ancona. Due to 10/10 cover at 500 ft. none returned early. 36 dropped 212x 500 lbs bombs with .01 nose fusing at 1050 hours from 10,000/11,000 ft on alternate target of Giulianova bridges. 36 returned at 1130. Axis of attack 180°. 3. RESULTS: (Ref TC-3-221-NA) Bombs were seen to hit across both bridges on road and RR junction north of bridges, across S mole of harbor and along beach at mouth of river. Some bombs in water. Possible hits on flak position just S of target area and some bombs seemed to walk down RR tracks S. of bridges. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------Possible flight of 20 E/A seen in distance. Did not attack. Strange looking discs seen falling in clusters 4 mi N of target – 3 mi E of shore line to E of formation. Orange colored objects observed ½ mile off Giulianova appeared floating just off water and one red balloon (weather?) seen at 10,000 ft., also near Giulianova. Ground----None. Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

Marine----One medium M/V (200-350 ft) in Giulianova harbor – approx. (I-21). Another smaller boat along N jetty. 8/12 small boats at Tortoreto harbor. 5 small boats – single mast – clumsy in appearance – heading north seen – 15 miles E of Giulianova. Flak------Heavy, moderate to intense, accurate – at target – both N and S of town. Positions observed 18 to 20 F to G. Elsewhere – Position seen at 1:100,000 map – B-9764. – also some heavy moderate and inaccurate from Ancona and Tortoreto. 5. WEATHER: Enroute – Clouds 9/10 alto cumulus at 15,000 ft. Visibility, hazy, 15 miles. Target – 9/10 alto cumulus at 15,000 with 10/10 strato cumulus at 500 over target prevented bombing. Vis. Hazy, 15 mi. Return - same as enroute. 6. None. Flight leaders – Capt. Tipton, Chappell and Lt. Beeson. Number of sorties---36 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Captain, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The men “spruced up” today for the first time in quite a while. The order read “Class A’s” and it sent many of the men to the bottom of their barracks bags to pull out wrinkled blouses and pants. In the afternoon, the Squadron together with the entire Group stood inspection and were honor guard for the presentation of several awards. General “Hap” Arnold, chief of the Army Air Forces, was there in person to pin the medals on and to exchange some banter with some of the men. Lt. Gen. Spaatz was also on hand. Afterward, the men enjoyed a fine beef dinner.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 167/mission 166) Group Mission # 168:

A/C No. 42-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” Joy” P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt, McGee, William N., 1Lt Commander CP Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), Capt, HQ 321st Walker, Robert S., 2Lt BG N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., Pvt Reddy, John E., S/Sgt R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., S/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt F None None Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued) A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ (Bear - no lettering) Judy” P Vallery, Dean B., F/O Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Williamson, Loyd V., F/O Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Pvt R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt N None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F None

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/09/43 20:30 hours: “Just returned from loading bombs. Moonlit night. December 7th, I caught a B-25 to Tunis, where I have longed to return ever since we came across to Italy. Jack Beasley also went along to look about a bomb sight. We landed at Bizerte where we ate dinner at the transient mess. We then took off for Elouine near Tunis, but as we were about to land, I heard over the intercom that the field was closed and we were ordered to proceed to Foch Field five miles away. Upon inquiring, we learned that President Roosevelt and his party, returning from the Cairo conference, were expected at any moment. While we were talking, three C-54s with a large P-38 escort appeared over the field and landed at Elouine. We missed seeing the President, as he had been taken to La Marcia before we arrived there. I was much impressed with Tunis this time, particularly by the palm trees and buildings. Being away seemed to cause them to be more striking than ever before. I shall always want to return there. The shops have been reopened and stocked with goods that two months ago could not be found anywhere. The war appears to be over for those people and everyone is smiling and happy. The girls on the streets were a pleasant relief Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued) from the uncomely characters one sees over here (Italy). The French women are indeed lovely. Our time was spent mostly at the shops where I bought some books and a hammered copper plate with silver inlay, which I intend to send to Margaret. Saw several shows and ate at a very nice restaurant. We came home the same route we had taken going down. As we approached the coast of Italy just south of the Isle of Capri, which looked so very peaceful in the sunlight, I had to meditate upon the contrast of our being there with the last time I had approached the coast over a practically identical course. Then, we were being shot at all the while and threatened by fighters. After two and a half hours flight we were back at Foggia and just in time to stand in formation for two hours waiting for General Arnold and two other Generals to come and pin silver stars on Col. Cook and the Legion of Merit on Pat Lockwood. Now I understand we are moving to a field near Naples, which means building a new home. I am much better for my trip to Africa.”

446th BS War Diary: Group formation reviewed by Generals Arnold, Spaatz, and Cannon. Capt. Bradley received D.F.C. presented to him by General Arnold. Lt. Fox arrived here from Africa. Another mission. Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt, pilot Fox, David F., 2Lt, bombardier or Fox, Richard F., 2Lt, supply Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", General, Chief of the Army Air Forces Cannon, John K., General, 12th AF Commander Spaatz, Carl Andrew “Tooey”, Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 167/mission 166) Group Mission # 168: Squadron Mission 133 TARGET: Giulianova Bridges, Italy DATE: 9 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 11 Capt. Tipton, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs hit across both bridges, on the road and RR junctions, and across the mole in the harbor. Some bombs walked down RR tracks and possible hits were made on flak positions south of the target. No fighters attacked, but 20 were seen in the distance. Flak was heavy and accurate. Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-64551 Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Chappell, Howard L., Capt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt F None None Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Motika, John F., Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-13008 P Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Parrish, William W., Cpl Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt Martin, Edward F., Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl Graham, Robert W., 1Lt (observer) A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Pee Wee” Polka” P Brady, Joseph J., 2Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Mastrioanni, Henry L., 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Nieman, John W., Pvt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 42) “# 42 Dec. 9, 1943 Time 3:00 Sqdn Mission # 133 Gr. Mission # 168 500# demo Giulianova Bridges, Italy Formation Leader - Capt. Tipton Results - Bombs seen to hit bridges on road & railroad junctions N of bridges. Possible hits on flak positions. Remarks - No fighters attacked formation although a possible 20 enemy A/C were seen. Flak heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. Ship number - 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” Formation 3-3 P- Topham, CP - Ryder, B- Nicklaus, E - Kaney, RG- Nieman, G -Holtzclaw” Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt, gunner Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier Nieman, John W., Pvt, radio-gunner Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 10) “We finished a mission today in Northern Italy, blew hell out of some Road Bridges & railroad junctions. Braswell & I flew together. We have a mission tomorrow, where I don’t know. This afternoon we dressed up in our full dress, & General H.H. Arnold was here to give citations of Merit to 3 fellows. We had steak for supper tonight, was pretty good Italian meat. I guess we have 3 hogs we’ve bought – We will have them ate up soon – What I would give for some eggs – I guess this is all for today, so until tomorrow.” Arnold, Henry H. “Hap”, General, Chief of the Army Air Forces Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Results: very good. S/Sgt. Paul Lutchesky and P.F.C. Lewis Weiher had an accident while taking Italian K.P’s home to S. Giovanni last night. Outside limits of S. Giovanni Sgt. Lutchesky lost control of the weapons carrier, which he was driving, and it crashed into a low stone wall and turned completely over, landing on its wheels. One of the Italians was killed and another seriously wounded. Lt. M.T. Holloway has been appointed investigating officer. Cpl Gino Franzi will act as interpreter. About noon today a notice appeared on the bulletin board which read that all men, except area guards would fall out in front of the orderly room at 1330 dressed in Class A. At 1330 a fine bunch of men, all shyly displaying the famous “barracks bag press” left the area and marched to Group. There we lined up with the other Squadrons into a Group formation. Even now the purpose of the occasion was a mystery to most everyone. Finally, after a wait that any enlisted man would gladly have traded for a shift of guard, the “stars” arrived. None other than General Arnold, Lt. Gen Spaatz and Maj. Gen. Cannon. They were met by Col. Knapp. Gen. Arnold presented several medals, one—The Legion of Merit—was presented to M/Sgt. W.C. Horne. Gen. Arnold then made a hasty review of the squadrons and departed. Franzi, Gino C., Cpl, intelligence Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering Lutchesky, Paul, S/Sgt, mess Weiher, Lewis E., PFC, transportation Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", General, Chief of the Army Air Forces Cannon, John K., General, 12th AF Commander Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Brigadier General, 57th BW Commander Spaatz, Carl Andrew “Tooey”, Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 167/mission 166) Group Mission # 168: 9 of our planes participated in a raid on some bridges at Giulianova, Italy.

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64695 P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt Thomas, David W., 2Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt Mayben, Ernest P. Jr., 2Lt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl None A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Cpl Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” P Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt N None None B Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Deane, George J., 2Lt E Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt N None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Cpl E Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 62) TARGET: Shipping at Ancona-Giulianova Bridge. 2:20 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”) “Bombs hitting bridge and RR junction. Possible hits on flak position.” Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 167/mission 166) Group Mission # 168: Mission # 130 (168): At 09:10 thirty-six B-25’s off to bomb shipping and harbor facilities at ANCONA, Italy. None returned early. 36 dropped 212 x 500 bombs at 10:50 from 10,000 – 11,000 feet on alternate target of Giulianova bridges. Some bombs down RR tracks south of bridges. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate at target. Flight of 20 E/A did not attack. Weather: 9/10th – 10/10th stratocumulus with hazy visibility at target.

A/C No. 42-29967 A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Tobias, William M., 2Lt Cooper, James W., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Pvt Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt F None Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-30327 P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt CP Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Hammerschmidt, Henry E., S/Sgt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 42-64655 P Joli, William H., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L. PFC Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R House, Harry H., S/Sgt Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt G Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F None None

Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Gouge, David J., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Mauder, Charles J., Cpl Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 P Fleming, George B., F/O CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC F None

Friday, 10 December 1943

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

In Italy, P-40's and A-36's attack oil tanks, warehouses, railroads, and vessel at Civitavecchia, the town of Acquafondata, and with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF airplanes, hit tactical targets along the British Eighth Army front, and later strafe road traffic in the Canosa Sannita-Chieti area. Fighters also bomb a vessel in the harbor at Split, Yugoslavia. HQ 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Philippeville, Algeria to Corsica. The 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Foggia to San Severo, Italy with P-38's and F-5's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: A large number of packages and a great deal of mail arrived this morning and there were the usual happy faces to go with it. A “short arm” inspection was held just after chow in the Medical tent. Several of the men erected a goal post in the area yesterday and this afternoon, a number of the men were kicking a football through and around those goal posts. The men enjoyed the movie “Coney Island” starring the glamorous Betty Grable in enriching Technicolor. The movie was held at the farmhouse across the road where Group Headquarters is located. It was announced that there would be a movie every other night besides occasional stage shows. The men are very happy over this schedule. The night was very cold and rainy.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual garrison duties. Enlisted Men are building a mess hall out of salvaged lumber. Large mail call resulted in many Christmas packages. Morale unusually high. Group Officer’s club opened with great success.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We were up early this morning for our mission but bad weather stopped us, its 8:45 PM now & its raining pretty good. We have lots of targets to bomb if we just have the weather to get off the ground. Since its winter I guess we’ll have lots of wet and muddy weather here. Our radio reception is bad tonight so we’re spending our time having a bull session. One of the fellows here bought a ham from a Wop today – its not very good looking but he’s trying make it eatable now. I’ll tell you tomorrow how it turned out. So long.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Late last night the balance of our men left in Africa caught up with us. These late arrivals are: Lt. James F. McGill, T/Sgt. A.R. Kammerlohr, Pvts Erickson, Hatcher, Scarchilli, Kracher, Stagnitta, and Johnson. A Group of B-17’s landed on our field this afternoon. Weather or not they will operate from here has not been announced as yet. The B-17’s are using the hardstands which we had our ships on and our ships were more or less bunched and moved to other spaces. Everyone seems to be planning to attend the movies at Group tonight which will feature non other than Betty “Pin-up” Grable in “Cooney Island.” A goodly supply of Christmas

Friday, 10 December 1943 (continued) packages arrived today. More promotions: Sgt. W.W. Dunlop to S/Sgt., Cpl. A. Zacharya to Sgt., P.F.C. J.H. Erickson to Cpl., and P.F.C. J.J. Smith to Cpl. Dunlap, Woodrow, S/Sgt, gunner Erickson, David O., Pvt, engineering Erickson, John H., Cpl, decontamination Hatcher, James H., Pvt, armament Johnson, Eldon F., Pvt, medical Kammerlohr, Arthur R., T/Sgt, personnel Kracher, Robert E., Pvt, engineering McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant Scarchilli, William A., Pvt, mess Smith, John J., Jr., Cpl, armament Stagnitta, Salvatore, Pvt, medical Zacharya, Andrew, Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 11 December 1943

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

In Italy, P-40's and A-36's attack Anzio, Nettuno, Viticuso, San Vittore del Lazio, Pontecorvo, Acquafondata, the railway siding at Arce, tracks and junction N of Ostia, and railway between Ostia and Lido di Roma. Weather causes abandonment of B-25 operations.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: A large number of letters and packages arrived this morning. The combat crews voiced unanimous approval of the notice on the board today to the effect that each combat crew member would receive two ounces of whisky after he returned from each mission. The whisky is supposed to settle the nerves and as the boys say, they are mighty “nervous” after missions. Lt. Larson, formerly the Squadron Navigation Officer, and now the Group Navigation Officer, was promoted to Captain today. Practically all the Squadron transportation was sent out to the line at night to shine headlights on the runway to guide several B-17’s in to a safe landing. Larson, Harold W., Capt, navigator

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Enlisted men’s mess hall opened today. Fair weather and no mission. Two mail calls.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 11) “Believe it or not, the ham turned out good. We fried it in a mess kit & ate it by the hand to mouth method. No bread to go with it so used H2O for a chaser. We made a mission today to Northern Italy, everything O.K. The mission wasn’t so hot. The Red Cross had doughnuts for us, they’re pretty good. That’s about all for today, now news, no letters or mail of any kind. I’ll finish by writing a few letters, I always write to the Wife ever day if I can, So this is all for today.” Letter Home: “We have moved to another place here in Italy. I’m still flying the same plane. I’m well satisfied with them. I like them and I’m glad it was them I got my last training in. Nick and Dickson are all well. So are McDonough and Cobbett. There are 5 men of my crew here. Cobbett and McDonough are stationed near by here. They say to tell you Hello. Mom, I told them you have heard from their homes. All were glad to hear you had. Mom, if you have an extra picture or two of the crew pictures made up, I sure wish you would send me a couple. One of each. Three other fellows and I in this tent bought a ham from a Wop here yesterday. It’s gone already, but it sure was good. We fired it in our wood stove in a mess kit. I ate ham and ham alone. Boy, was it ever a treat. I’m sending a 5 Lire note (5 cents) for you. It’s military currency.” Cobbett, Stanley W., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot McDonough, John F., S/Sgt, gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Nicklaus, George Edward "Nick", 2Lt, bombardier Saturday, 11 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Ten bags of squadron mail were brought in today. The E.M’s meals and mess hall in general have shown marked improvement under the leadership to T/Sgt. Roy Dodds, the former griping about the food has not only been erased but compliments have sprung up instead. Morning report for week ending Dec. 11: Officers---58: Enlisted Men---254. Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, Mess Sergeant

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 12 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather curtails operations.

In Italy, B-25's bomb the road, railroad, and landing ground at Terracina; P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers hit trucks along roads in the Chieti-Francavilla area and bomb the town of Itri; fighters fly patrols and reconnaissance over the battle area. The 10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gerbini, Sicily to Pomigliano, Italy with C-47's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Our target today was the Roccasecca Road Bridges. Extensive cloud cover prevented observation but bombs were believed to have hit on the alternate targets of Terracina landing ground and others were seen to hit on the road near the landing ground.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 168/mission 167) Group Mission # 169: ------Mission Report # 169, 12 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF. 2. At 1050 24 B-25’s took off to bomb bridges at Roccasecca. None returned. 14 dropped 84x500 lb bombs with .o1 nose fusing at 1200 hours from 11,500/13,500 ft. on road and railroad and landing ground at Terracina – due to heavy cloud cover inland over both primary and alternate target area. 24 returned at 1255 hours. Axis of attack 290° 3. RESULTS: Due to extensive cloud cover a few hits only were seen on road near Terracina L/G where RR is nearest to road. Some bombs possible on RR and on L/G. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground----None. Marine-----None. Flak------A few bursts along coast and slight heavy inaccurate from Terracina. Batteries observed along main road to Rome past L/G – about 2 miles NW of town. 5. WEATHER: Enroute: 6/10 towering cumulus, base 4,000, tops 15,000. Visibility: unlimited Target: 8/10 towering cumulus, base 4,000, tops 18,000: formation turned away at initial point due to cloud formations on bomb run. Return: same as enroute. 6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Tapper and Bugbee. Number of sorties---24 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Captain, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

------132/12 IDTW V IDJM HR 22 IMMEDIATE T 12 BG 321BG FROM TIF 1219304 TO L 12 BG 340 BG 321 BG 47 BG AO399 12/12 GR --- ET

FROM COMMANDING GENERAL 12 TH AIR SUPPORT COMMAND.

JUST SAW PHOTOGRAPHS BOMBING C I V I T A V E C C H I A DECEMBER 7.

THEY SHOW BEAUTIFUL WORK BY B 25S. CONGRATULATIONS ON MARVELOUS BOMBING NOT ONLY FOR THIS SHOW BUT IN ALL YOUR BOMBING IN SUPPORT OF THE 5 TH ARMY.

DT 121930 SENT JO VA ------

445th BS War Diary: A beautiful sunshiny, war day today. A number of the men were sent to rest camp today to the historic Isle of Capri. The Squadron today expressed its deep sympathy to Sgt. William R. Hayes, a mechanic, whose father died recently. Our returning combat crews welcomed the Red Cross girl serving doughnuts and coffee today for the first time in over a month. A delicious steak supper was enjoyed by all the men. Several alerts were sounded at night, announced by the weird moan of the siren. Many of the men hit the slit trenches but no bombing resulted. Hayes, William R., Jr., Sgt, engineering

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 168/mission 167) Group Mission # 169:

A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” Joy” P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., T/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E Dillon, James A., Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Large mail call and rations raised morale.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 168/mission 167) Group Mission # 169: Squadron Mission 134 TARGET: RR and L/G, Terracina DATE: 12 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 9 Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Extensive cloud cover made accurate observation impossible. A few hits were seen on road near L/G. There were no fighters and only a few bursts of flak. Lt. Rigling returned early because the radio was not working.

A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt Lantz, David W., S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” A/C No. 41-13208 P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Elliott, Douglas A., 2Lt CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., JR., S/Sgt Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., S/Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-30293 P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Chappell, Howard L., Capt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” (returned early – radio not working) only pilot listed – likely crew is: P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None B Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 43) “# 43 Dec. 12, 1943 Time 2:30 Sqdn Mission # 134 Gr. Mission # 169 500# demo RR & L/G Terracina Formation Leader - Lt Tapper Results - Possible hits on R.R. & L/G - heavy cloud cover. Remarks - No fighters, few bursts of flak along coast & slight heavy inaccurate from Terracina.

Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

Ship number - 41-30293 Formation 3-1 P- Chappell, CP - Walker, N- Dickerson, B- Pappas, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G - Osterman” Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, navigator Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt, gunner Pappas, William J., 2Lt, bombardier Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Tapper, George G., 2Lt, pilot Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 12) “I got out of the sack early this morning, had two eggs for breakfast, we bought some from a Wop. We went on a mission today North of Rome, was kinda tough but we all returned safe. I received a letter each from Mom & Dad. & Enid also a Xmas package from the folks. Boy, was the candy bars ever good. I got a shot in the arm for typhus and have written the folks & Enid a letter each – So now I’m ready for the sack again. We have been damned busy lately & I’m kinda tired & needing sleep. Guess I’m getting old – That’s all, Diary.” Letter Home: “No, Mom, I am not on patrol duty. I’m in the real thing but o.k. Still in B-25s…I’m o.k. and all the crew are with me except John Sweeney. He sure was a swell kid.” Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG

447th BS War Diary: The following left today for rest camp at Capri: Lts. H.A. Fraser, W.M. Johnston, P.W. Gill, B.B. Miller, T/Sgts. Boyd Tracy, F.M. Kastelic, S/Sgts. F.X. Early, F.F. McGrail, and R.D. Hoskins. S/Sgt. W.R. Mercer completed his fiftieth mission today. Message of Congratulations to the 321st B.G. from 12th Air Support Command dated Dec. 7th, appeared on bulletin board today: “Congratulations: Saw photos of bombing of Civitavecchia. They show beautiful work.” Early, Frank X., S/Sgt, gunner Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot Gill, Paul W., 2Lt, pilot Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt, communication Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt, gunner McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Mercer, William R., S/Sgt, gunner Miller, Benjamin Bartow, 1Lt, pilot Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 168/mission 167) Group Mission # 169: Mission today was to bomb the railroad at Terracina, Italy. The target was partially closed and no bombs were dropped by this squadron. This was an alternate target, the primary one having been Roccasecca, Italy. 6 of our ships participated.

Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” Runner” P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt Ludtke, Foster R., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Deane, George J., 2Lt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” Ball” P Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt N None None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 168/mission 167) Group Mission # 169: Mission # 131 (169): At 10:50 twenty-four B-25’s off to bomb bridges at Roccasecca. 14 dropped 84 x 500 bombs at 12:00 from 11,500 – 13,500 feet on road and RR and landing Ground at TERRACINA. All planes returned at 12:55. Heavy cloud over primary and alternate targets; 10 did not drop bombs. Few hits observed on road near TERRACINA L/G where RR is nearest to road, clouds obscured observations. Flak: No flak or E/A. Weather: 6/10th towering cumulus 4,000 – 15,000 feet enroute, 4,000 – 18,000 feet at target.

Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30352 P Fleming, George B., F/O Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Tobias, William M., 2Lt N Boland, Chester H., Capt None B Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F None Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 42-64552 P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 1Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30327 P Joli, William H., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt Evans, Ivor P., 2Lt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt R House, Harry H., S/Sgt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Pvt G Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None

Monday, 13 December 1943

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

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb an oil depot, harbor, warehouses, and railway yard at Sibenik and Split.

In Italy, P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers attack defended points in the Miglionico area; quays, roads, railway yard, and gun emplacements at Terracina; and bridges at Pontecorvo and W of Isolella; town areas and bridges at and near Atina and Acquafondata are also hit. The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, based at Montecorvino Airfield, Italy with P-38's and P-39's, begins operating from Capodichino, Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Shipping facilities in Split was the target hit today. Hits were observed throughout the target area causing a huge cloud of black smoke and an explosion. A large fire was observed as the planes left the target.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 169/mission 168) Group Mission # 170: ------Mission Report # 170, 13 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1030 24 B-25’s took off to bomb target “C” and “F” in Split. None returned early. 24 dropped 130x500 lb bombs with .10 and .025 second fusing at 1240 hours from 11,000/12,000 ft. 24 returned at 1340 hours. Axis of attack 120°.

3. RESULTS: Ref. Illustration No. S. 153/2. Target “F” covered by string of bombs, where “huge black smoke” and “explosion” were observed. Hits on mole South of “F”. Large fire observed near shore half way between “C” and “D”. Generally believed “C” not hit. Observation impaired by reason of clouds.

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground----Concentration of rolling stock in Drnis RR M/Yds. 43° 52’, 16° 10’. Marine-----1 large M/V from 350’ to 400’, 05/06. 2 medium M/V at 07/08. 1 naval craft, destroyer or U boat 08/07. 1-400’ M/V, 2 small boats, in harbor E of Split at 43° 30’, 16° 32’. Flak------None.

5. WEATHER: Enroute: 7/10 stratocumulus at 5,000’, tops at 8,000’ clearing over Adriatic then becoming 8/10 over Yugoslavia. Cloud coverage prevented bombing of primary and first alternate target. Visibility, unlimited. Target: 5/10 stratocumulus at 5,000’ tops 8,000; Clouds caused formation to change axis of attack. Visibility unlimited. Return: Same as enroute. Monday, 13 December 1943 (continued)

6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Beeson, Haegle. Number of sorties---24 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The food situation continues to be very good thanks to the two heifers which were purchased by Lt. Malek out of the Squadron mess fund. The men enjoyed fresh beef stew for dinner and supper. The men witnessed one of the headquarters tents burned to the ground. Some of the men who had suffered the same fate shook knowing heads with that “we know how somebody feels” attitude. Our combat crews attended a meeting in the granary together with the combat crews from the other three Squadrons. They heard Lt. Col. Olmsted tell them that they would have to “stick it out” over here until replacements arrived. He stated that he didn’t look for replacements until next Spring. Col. Knapp gave a “farewell speech”. He is leaving the Group. After the meeting the men enjoyed “They Got Me Covered” a movie with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 169/mission 168) Group Mission # 170:

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., Pvt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., Sgt G Smith, James B., S/Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Williamson, Loyd V., F/O Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Jones, Robert C., Pvt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F None None Monday, 13 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64508 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt F Asmus, George D., Sgt None

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Two large mail calls today. Lt. Col. Olmstead took command of Group today. Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 169/mission 168) Group Mission # 170: Squadron Mission 135 TARGET: Split, Yugoslavia. DATE: 13 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Beeson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Target was well covered and explosions and black smoke were observed. Hits were made on mole and fire was seen on the shore. Observation was impaired by cloud. No flak and no fighters. Lt. Wright was forced to return because of low oil pressure. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.) T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” (returned Pee Wee” early – low oil pressure) P Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Motika, John F., Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt F None None Monday, 13 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Nieman, John W., Pvt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This has been more or less a day of rest. We ate took it easy – we cleaned up the tent this morning, took a shower & washed my head. We then ate dinner and then another pilot – Brellenthin & I went into Foggia. We went to a show – Johny Apales, then to the Red Cross to try to find Watkins & some of the old gang, but no luck – So until tomorrow.” Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Last night, around twelve o’clock we had two short alerts. The sound of the siren and the shots by the area guards brought the boys out of their bed into the foxholes. Last night Lt. Haeberle had an accident while driving a jeep from here to Manfredonia. A piece of toilet-paper blew up against his face from the floor of the jeep thereby shutting off his vision just as he was approaching a G.I. truck. He lost control of the jeep and ran into the truck, knocking off the right front wheel of the jeep. Lt. Haeberle was taken to the hospital but injuries sustained were not serious. Three femmes of the Army N.C. graced the officers mess for a roast-beef feed at supper. The gals were guests of Lt. Becker. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt, pilot Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 169/mission 168) Group Mission # 170: The target bombed today was Split, Italy—a third alternate. 6 of our ships participated. Results: fair. Our ships led the formation, Lt. Beeson leading.

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” II” P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None Monday, 13 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Cpl Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” Ball” P Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Sholund, John D., 2Lt Commander N Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt Deane, George J., 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge Runner (returned early) P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt N None B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 64) TARGET: Shipping at Ancona-Giulianova Bridge. 2:20 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”) “Large fires seen on shore but observation impaired by clouds.” Flight leader Lt. Beeson.

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

Monday, 13 December 1943 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 169/mission 168) Group Mission # 170: Mission 132 (170): At 10:30 twenty four B-25’s off to bomb target “O” & “F” in SPLIT, Yugoslavia, none returned early. 24 dropped 130 x 500 bombs at 12:40 from 11,000 – 12,000 feet. All returned 13:40. Target “F” covered by string resulting in explosions and several fires. “C” target not hit. Flak: No flak or E/F. Weather: 7/10th stratocumulus at 5,000 -8,000 preventing bombing of primary target and 1st alternate. Visibility unlimited with 5/10 stratocumulus.

A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 42-64655 P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Boatwright, John S., 1Lt CP Culp, Merle H., Capt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-30355 P King, James L., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., S/Sgt Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt Tuesday, 14 December 1943

321st Bomb Group Headlines:

Tuesday, 14 December 1943 (continued)

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit Orte, concentrating on the marshalling yard; light bombers attack road bridge SW of Pontecorvo in front of US Fifth Army lines; P-40 fighter-bombers hit bridges S of Roccasecca and E of Atina; A-36's destroy a bridge at Ceprano and bomb railroad yards, the town area, and highway at Sora, and docks and town area of Civitavecchia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: The roar of many B-17’s taking off woke the men this morning. Mail that had come in late last night, was available for distribution right after breakfast this morning. Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 11 to 3 today. They were free of charge. More mail arrived in the afternoon. At long last it appears that the Christmas mail is starting to come in and the men look forward to each day in the hope of “cashing in” on their Xmas packages. It rained on and off in early afternoon. The night was very dark and cold.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Good weather here but mission cancelled. Shows almost every night at group helps morale greatly.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We have had bad weather today. It seems that we might have lots of rainy weather from now on. We got as far as in the planes and ready to take off before the mission was ordered closed. We certainly have a lot of missions & bombing to do to finish this affair of ours here. The sooner the quicker for me. We certainly have enough flying groups here so I hope its over soon. So long.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. At 1700 yesterday Col. Knapp called together all combat men in the Group. They met in the granary-movie house. Col. Knap bid farewell to the 321st Bomb Group as he was about to leave for another position. Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, 321st BG Commander 447th BS Special Accounts: The eve of December 14 marked the opening of our squadron N.C.O. club. This club is an independent and self-supporting organization. The club room is truly one of which every member is proud. The interior has an appearance of a present-day U.S. bar which might easily have been sprinkled with a dash of a sixteenth century drawing room. The oil paintings, upholstered furniture, full-length mirrors etc, all tend to give the impression that this is not just another Sloppy Joe affair. A wide variety of wines, rum, brandy and whiskey is on sale. No money is handled across the bar but each customer presents a ticket, good for five dollars in trade, which is punched in accordance with the price of the drink. Bartenders are chosen from an alphabetical roster. Two men work per night. Everything has gotten off to a grand start and everyone feels certain man a long winter evening will pass quickly and pleasantly for those who patronize the club.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry Wednesday, 15 December 1943

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

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb the airfield at Mostar and A-36 and P-40 fighter-bombers attack vessels, vehicles, and parked aircraft N and E of the Peljesac Peninsula, near Mostar, and at the Zemonico landing ground. In Italy, B-25's and A-20's bomb roads at Pontecorvo and N of Frosinone; fighter-bombers blast gun positions along the US Fifth Army front.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Most of the bombs fell south of the target with one possible hit and several near misses on today’s mission to Pontecorvo road bridge. Several strings of bombs fell across the road.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log: 0800 Asbury to BBF. “Check Alternate targets—O.K.” 0810 TBF to Asbury. “Do not brief, Stand-by—weather.” 0810 Col. Knapp to Asbury. “Wants A/C with CP and E for 0930 take off to Naples.” 0825 A.C.C. to Asbury. “Hit target, climb above weather to get there.” 0900 TBF to Asbury. “Change rendezvous time to 1145.” 0930 TBF to Asbury. “Check rendezvous time and “flare system”—O.K.” 1045 Operator to Bradley. “Yellow Alert.” 1050 Operator to Bradley. “Alert off.” 1305 Bradley to TBF. “Bombed primary. TBF wants to know whether or not Flight Leader received call from Bomber Control on “C” Channel.” 1317 Tower to Toohey. “All 24 mission A/C down, first one in at 1245.” 1335 Bradley to TBF. “Hits along road and near bridge, no hits on bridge.” 1400 2nd B.G. to Asbury. “B-17’s will return at 1515.” 1425 Cann to Asbury. “How about weather around target area—Army reports that we bombed 5 miles W of target.” 1500 Asbury to Cann. “Save weather report. Cann asked how many 1000’s we can get. Explained situation as regards target.” 1515 TBF to Asbury. “Probably 24 A/C with 1000’s.” 1520 Asbury to Jamison (Ordnance). “Check with TBF and get some 1000’s.” 1535 Asbury to Sqdns. “Notified of A/C desired.” 1540 Cann (TBF) to Asbury. “Load 24 A/C with 500’s—Ordnance notified.” 1800 TBF to Larson. “2 formations of 12 A/C with 500’s .1 and .025. Stand-By for 0830 briefing.” Primary: German Troops and Store in town of BIHAC. 44° 49’ N 15° 53’ E. No photo coverage. 1st Alternate: SIBENIK. Shipping or Wharf. Warf from S38 to V41 and ZC 46 to ZC 48 on target chart S-39 (1). Forecast: Favorable after midday. May move to Italy. Alt. (1). Station DIORTE. M/Y’s photo # 4073 sortie #NA 762. 12 A/C on N. end and 12 A/C on the S end.

Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 170/mission 169) Group Mission # 171: ------Mission Report # 171, 15 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1055 - 24 B-25’s took off to bomb road bridge at Pontecorvo. One returned early. At 1210 hours 23 planes dropped 62x1000 lb bombs with .01 nose fusing from 10,500/11,500 ft. 23 returned at 1245 hours. Axis of attack 50°. 8 A/C holed. 3. RESULTS: Most hits S of target area with one possible hit on bridge and several near misses. Strings fell across roads running SE and SW from town with on string about a mile over into NE part of town. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------2 S/S E/A seen near target – engaged by escort. Air-Ground-6/8 S/E and 5 large E/A on L/G Aquino. Marine-----None Flak------H.I to moderate – around target area – mostly from SE and SW of town. Elsewhere: Some heavy from coast going in just NE of lake at Terracina, near Fondi, and gun emplacement observed ½ mile N of Sperlonga M- 5296 – along road. Also in valley between Cassino and Cervaro – heavy, moderate. 5. WEATHER: Enroute: Clouds: 6/10 cumulus at 5,000 ft. Visibility: unlimited. Target: Clouds none, Visibility: Hazy, 8 miles. Return: Same as enroute. 6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Brosnan, Captain Chappell. Number of sorties---23 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The men enjoyed delicious French toast for breakfast this morning. There was a yellow alert this morning but it only lasted for three minutes. There were no enemy planes seen. The various “Do What’s Right” signs in the area are being noted with some curiosity by the men in the Squadron. A truck loaded down with plenty of bags of mail backed up to the mail room this morning and unloaded its precious burden. The packages were distributed in the afternoon from 4 to 5. There were rigid inspections of all aircraft machine guns on the line today. Due to a faulty energizer, there were no lights in the area tonight.

Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 170/mission 169) Group Mission # 171:

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Williamson, Loyd V., F/O Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Pvt R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., Pvt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., S/Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P House, Robert M., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Dillon, James A., Sgt Donegan, John B., S/Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Another mission today. Twenty bags of mail today satisfied almost everyone.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 170/mission 169) Group Mission # 171: Squadron Mission 136 TARGET: Pontecorvo, Italy DATE: 15 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 1000# 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Brosnan, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Most bombs hit south of target area, with possible hit on bridge and several near misses. Some fell across roads outside of town, and northeastern part of town. Flak was heavy, intense, and 8 a/c were hit. 2 enemy fighters were engaged by escort. Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Patrick T., 2Lt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Chappell, Howard L., Capt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 44) “# 44 Dec. 15, 1943 Time 2:30 Sqdn Mission # 136 Gr. Mission # 171 1000# demo Pontecorvo, Italy Formation Leader - Lt Brosnan Results - Most hits S of target with 1 possible hit on bridge. Remarks - Heavy intense to moderate flak. 2 E/A aircraft seen near target & engaged by escort. 8 aircraft received flak holes. Ship number - 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” Formation 1-1 P- Chappell, CP - Walker, N- Schad, B- Brown, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Fiebelkorn” Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Brown, Newton E., 2Lt, bombardier Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt, gunner Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt, navigator Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 13) “I flew another mission today – we carried this one on just above the line on the west coast of Italy, we flew almost 12 minutes just 2 to 5 miles behind the line. We got an important bridge out of the way – we used 1000 lb. bombs. There was lots of flak & 3 enemy fighters were supposed to have been seen – We all got back safe – all for now.”

447th BS War Diary: Last night at 1800 began the official opening of the N.C.O. club. The furnishings of the club—chippendale furniture, oil paintings by Italian masters, full- length mirrors etc. would be the envy of every night-club owner to say nothing of the goodly variety of drinks. S/Sgt. J.H. Kellner returned form hospital. Cpl. J.F. Siebert was taken to the hospital to be treated for and infection on leg resulting from a burn. Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt, gunner Siebert, Harold F., Cpl, mess

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 170/mission 169) Group Mission # 171: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on a railroad bridge at Pontecorvo, Italy. Results: Fair.

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-64695 P Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt E Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Cpl Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F Hassett, Leo P., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 2Lt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Schrader, Harold F., Sgt F None None Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 170/mission 169) Group Mission # 171: Mission # 133 (171): At 10:55 twenty-four B-25’s off to bomb road bridge at Pontecorvo. One returned early. 23 planes dropped 62 x 1000 bombs from 10,500 – 11,500 feet at 12:10. All returned at 12:45. Most hits S of target area with 1 possible hit on bridge and several near misses. Strings fell across roads running SE and SW from town. 2 S/E E/A seen near target and engaged by escort. Flak: Heavy, intense to moderate at target area and moderate elsewhere, fairly accurate. 8 ships hit. Weather: 6/10th coverage at 5,000 feet with visibility unlimited enroute. Hazy at target. F/L: Lt. Brosnan.

A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-30355 (returned early – co- (returned early – bombsight out) pilot sick) P Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt CP Tobias, William M., 2Lt Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/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 Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer) None A/C No. 41-30343 (returned early – A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” pilot sick) P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt CP Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2lt N None None B McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30352 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None None B Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl G Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None

Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30327 P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Bell, Albert R., Commander Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 16 December 1943

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

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb shipping at Zara and the harbor and marshalling yard at Sibenik; P-40's and P-47's hit a vessel S of Zara and strafe targets of opportunity on the Peljesac Peninsula.

In Italy, A-20's attack gun positions near Mignano; P-40's and A-36's hit gun batteries and strongpoints along the British Eighth Army front S and E of Chieti, gun emplacements and troop concentrations all along the US Fifth Army front, especially NE and S of Cassino, and also bomb Roccasecca and docks at Civitavecchia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today’s mission was aimed at troop concentrations in the town of Bihac. The target area was well covered with several direct hits seen on the assigned target, the east quay. A string of bombs fell along the south edge of town and probable hits were made on marshalling yards, and highway with one large fire seen near the marshalling yards. The west quay was also hit and the highway running along the waterfront was hit near and to the right of the dock target. It was announced today that Lt. Colonel Olmsted assumed command of the Group, effective as of December 6, 1943 and that Colonel Knapp was transferred to Tactical Bomber Forces as of the same date to assume the duties of Deputy Commander. Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, Commander Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 171/mission 170) Group Mission # 172: ------Mission Report # 172, 16 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1130 - 24 B-25’s took off to bomb troop concentrations in town of Bihac. None returned early. 24 dropped 132x500 lb and 3x1000 lb bombs with .025 nose fusing at 1315 from 11,500 ft on alternate target of Sibenik. 24 returned at 1400. Axis of attack 130°. 3. RESULTS: Target area well covered. Several direct hits on East quay (assigned target) from ZC 45 to ZP 48. String of bombs along S edge of town from Q 37 to Z 47. Probable hits on M/Yds and highway Q 37 to W 44. 1 large fire reported near RR M/Yd. West quay also hit. Highway running along waterfront hit to right of dock target at ZC 49. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground----None. Marine-----1 M/V 300’ long stationary at mouth of River Krka, north of Sibenik. 1 medium M/V anchored off Murter Island, on fire, 6 miles north of Sibenik. 1 M/V medium at ZE 42. I M/V at ZN 42 part of harbor. 3 M/V small anchored between east and west quays. 1 ship burning south of Vodice. 1 tanker 200’ anchored off M/Yd to the south. Thursday, 16 December 1943 (continued)

Flak------Heavy, moderate, intense, inaccurate.

5. Weather Enroute: Clouds: 5/10 stratocumulus over water at 3,000 becoming 7/10 stratocumulus as formation proceeded inland. This overcast prevented bombing of primary target. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. Weather over alternate Target: Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. Weather on route back: Clouds: 5/10 cirrostratus at 20,000 feet. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. 6. Flight leaders: Lieutenants Haegele, Spikes. Number of sorties: 24 Photos taken. Six ships per Squadron MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: There was a technical inspector looking over the engineering section today and more inspections were held concerning the aircraft machine guns. A plane was sent to Grottaglie today to bring back old 434, a Squadron plane whose right landing gear had crumpled after one of the Athens Eleusis missions. The American Red Cross distributed doughnuts and coffee this afternoon. More mail and packages arrived in late afternoon. The men enjoyed a delicious supper of boiled ham. A number of the combat crews are receiving three day passes lately. The night was cold and very clear with a bright moon illuminating the area.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 171/mission 170) Group Mission # 172:

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr. S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 16 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P House, Robert M., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Dillon, James A., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Williamson, Loyd V., F/O CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Orr, William J., Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: And still more mail. Mission again today. Very good results.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 171/mission 170) Group Mission # 172: Squadron Mission 137 TARGET: Sibenik, Yugoslavia. DATE: 16 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500 # 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Haegele, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Target was well covered. Several direct hits on E quay and also on W quay. Probable hits on M/Y, and S edge of town. Waterfront highway was also hit. Flak was heavy and intense, no fighters. Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-13200 St. Joe” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 16 December 1943 (continued) A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Mastrioanni, Henry L., 2Lt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Motika, John F., Sgt R Underwood, Ferrel E., T/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt Brandoff, Daniel (NMI), Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-13208 Polka” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Nieman, John W., Pvt McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC Samsel, John C., Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” (spare – not completed) P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt CP Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We barely got started on a mission today, in Yugoslavia – but we had to return back, all the rest of the planes got through O.K. We are working quite hard between work and air raids keeping us awake at night we’re getting along OK. So Good night.”

447th BS War Diary: First Lieutenants R.F. Spikes, J.M. Bugbee, E.H. Beeson received word of their being promoted to Captain. Today the ship flown by Capt. Beeson had one engine to cut out on it about ten minutes off shore on the trip home. However, this did not cause injury to any member of the crew as Capt. Beeson had no trouble in bringing the ship back and landing it with only one engine functioning. Spec. Order #13 dated Dec. 6 appeared on bulletin board today reading: “The undersigned hereby assumes command.” Charles T. Olmstead, Lt. Col., A.C. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, Capt, pilot Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, Capt, pilot Thursday, 16 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 171/mission 170) Group Mission # 172: 7 of our ships participated in a raid over Sibenik Harbor, Yugoslavia. Results: Fair.

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt Deane, George J., 2Lt E Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt Mays, Jack C. S/Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt, G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” Lady” P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Delbert D., S/Sgt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” (spare – not completed) P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt N None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt F None

Thursday, 16 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 64) TARGET: Troops at Bihac-Alternate Sibenik 2:30 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”) “Sibenik bombed. Target well covered. Probable hits on M/Y and highway. One large fire near M/Y. W quay hit.” Flight leader Captain Spikes.

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 171/mission 170) Group Mission # 172: Mission # 134 (172): At 11:30 twenty four planes off to bomb troop concentration in town of Bihac. None returned early and all dropped 132 x 500 bombs and 3 x 1000 bombs at 13:50 from 11,500 feet on alternate target of SIBENIK. All returned at 14:00. Target well covered, several direct hits on E quay probable hits on M/Y, one large fire reported. Highway along water front and W quay hit. Flak: Heavy, intense accurate. Weather: 7/10th Cumulus prevented bombing of primary target, hazy at alternate.

A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P King, James L., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Robert, Maurice L., PFC E Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R House, Harry H., S/Sgt Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt G Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30352 P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 2Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt VanCura, Edward W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30327 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Tobias, William M., 2Lt N None None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 16 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64655 P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt CP Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt F None

Friday, 17 December 1943

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

In Italy, A-20's strike an artillery concentration near Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; All B-25 missions are abortive; A-36's and P-40 fighter-bombers bomb positions at Monte Trocchio, Cervaro, and Cardito, and the marshalling yard, barracks, warehouses, and docks at Nettuno and Anzio.

In Yugoslavia, P-40's and P-51's, with SAAF escort, strafe a vessel near Trpanj.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today’s mission was a “dry-run”. The planes took off to bomb Roccasecca road bridge but turned back without dropping bombs due to bad weather.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 172/mission 171) Group Mission # 173: ------Mission Report # 173, 17 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1150 hrs. 24 B-25’s took off to bomb road bridge at Roccasecca. None returned early. None dropped their bombs. 24 A/C returned at 1350, due to weather over coast of Italy. 3. None. 4. None. 5. Enroute----6/10 stratocumulus at 4000 feet with 8/10 alto cumulus at 11,000. Clouds on bomb run at 9000 feet. Visibility hazy—6 miles. Return-----5/10 strato at 4000 feet with 7/10 alto at 11,000 feet. 6. Flight leaders: Captain Sinclair and Lt. Tapper. Number of sorties------24. No Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: Captain Tipton returned to camp with six stitches in his nose received yesterday when the jeep in which he and Lt. Craig were riding in collided with a medium tank that had gone out of control. Lt. Craig jumped clear of the collision and was unhurt. There was a flight to Cairo today which took 5 men from the 47th Fighter Group to rest camp. Five of our men also went along. Another flight went to Algiers taking Lt. McGee and Sgt. Garner on their way home. The air raid siren sounded at 12:30 but it was just a “dry run”. Christmas packages continue to flow in and more were given out between 4 and 5. The men enjoyed a delicious beef supper tonight. It was an exceptionally dark night tonight and very chilly. Craig, Harry W., 2Lt, armament Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner McGee, William N., 2Lt, pilot Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot Friday, 17 December 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 172/mission 171) Group Mission # 173:

A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Kaschenback, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N None None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Williamson, Loyd V., F/O Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr. 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., PFC Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt Stein, Phillip (NMI), S/Sgt G Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Vallery, Dean B., F/O Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Jones, Robert C., Pvt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt Carner, Donald E., Cpl G Reddy, John E., S/Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F None None

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/17/43: “Took my first flight in a B-17 this afternoon and enjoyed it greatly. Found a Christmas package from Mother when I got down. It contained her picture and I was depressed to see that she has aged greatly since I left. Still that same brave look in her eyes. Loaded bomb tonight. Night is moonlit. Cold but no frost. Today I picked a beautiful rose at a farmhouse and have it on the table in my canteen cup, but I see it is wilting. I hate to have to throw it away.”

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Chas. McGuire left for Isle of Capri to assume another position. He was formerly asst. operations officer. Lt. Owen Dwyer took over his duties. More mail. Planes failed to reach target because of weather. Dwyer, Owen V., 1Lt, armament McGuire, Charles W., 2Lt, operations

Friday, 17 December 1943 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 172/mission 171) Group Mission # 173: Squadron Mission 138 TARGET: Roccasecca, Italy DATE: 17 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 12 Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Due to weather over the coast of Italy all planes returned without reaching the target or dropping their bombs. No fighters or flak and Lt. Topham returned because of a rough engine. A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Bettinger, Howard P., 1Lt McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Brooks, Galen B., S/Sgt Samsel, John C., Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Pee Wee” P Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Tapper, George G., 1Lt CP Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, T/Sgt Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Bahm, Linton A., PFC E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Motika, John F., Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt F None None Friday, 17 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-30293 P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt G Brandoff, Daniel (NMI), Pvt Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” (returned early – engine trouble) P Knapp, Theodore A., 1Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt Nieman, John W., Cpl G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 14) “Another trip north of the line here in Italy, between Naples & Rome, we were trying for an important bridge there, important to the Germans for supplies. The mission wasn’t very complete but tomorrow is another day. Two of the fellows are over at the Bar. Rudy & I have stayed here in the tent, fried us a couple of eggs apiece. & how we did enjoy it. I’m going to write a letter or two, then to bed, I’m kinda tired. – OK?” Letter Home: “We bought us some eggs from an Italian today so Rudy and I stayed here at the tent tonight and fried us a couple of eggs apiece. Boy, what a treat! That makes 4 eggs I have had in 3 months. They cost us 10 cents apiece. The guns on the front don’t make too much noise tonight. Maybe I can get some sleep.” Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. "Rudy", 1Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: Cpl. Fred Corbo promoted to Sgt. Corbo, Fred J., Sgt, transportation

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 172/mission 171) Group Mission # 173: 2 of our planes were scheduled as spares today. One returned early as it was not needed. The other completed the mission which was over road bridge near Roccasecca. Results: very poor.

Friday, 17 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 2Lt N None Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Reilly, James M., Sgt F None None

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 172/mission 171) Group Mission # 173: Mission # 135 (173): At 11:50 twenty four planes off to bomb road bridge at ROCCASECCA. All dropped 57 x 1000 bombs and 12 x 500 bombs at 12:00 from 11,000 feet. All returned at 12:40. Bombs widely scattered with two hits on road bridge and several on RR bridge, bombs fell on road of both sides of bridge. Flak: Intense, heavy and accurate. Weather: 5/10th at 3,000 feet, visibility hazy. F/L: Capt. Culp. Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 41-30355 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 17 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None B Robert, Maurice L., Cpl E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt F None Saturday, 18 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather limits operations.

In Italy, P-40 fighter-bombers attack positions in Tollo, Canosa Sannita, and Orsogna, and strafe a schooner off Trogir; A-36's hit defended areas near Cassino and at Viticuso, a supply dump and gun emplacement near Tenacina, and positions at Monte Trocchio.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: The Christmas mail is at last coming in very regularly. Practically every day, the mail Sergeant is flooded with a large number of Christmas packages. Due to the large influx of these packages, a great deal of candy, cookies and fruit cake is going the rounds. Appetites are varying inversely with the packages. The more packages, the less appetite. The corned beef and cabbage for dinner, however, was enjoyed by one and all. Very dull day with nothing of interest happening.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. No mission but lots more mail.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Just had another egg made into a sandwich – what a treat, as now I’m ready to write a letter or two. We have had bad weather today, so no mission, but if weather permits, will have one tomorrow. Wells & Burns were over from the 340 Gp. Today, went to Foggia today, nothing there – all blew up. So until tomorrow, Goodnight now.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Decoration of the officers club for the dance tomorrow night is reaching completion. A Xmas tree with trimmings ranging from cotton balls to beer bottles holds the lime light. Artist A.M. Holloway contributed a masterpiece for the wall. Morning report for week ending Dec. 18: Officers—68; Enlisted Men—254. Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 19 December 1943

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

In Italy, B-25's bomb the Terni marshalling yard and the Orte marshalling yard and airfield; A-20's attack road, bridge, and the town of Orte and hit Cassino; P-40's bomb Orsogna, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, and dump near Arce, and hit shipping at Split, Trogir, and Solin, Yugoslavia. A-36's hit railroad and harbor area at Civitavecchia, Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Roccasecca road bridge was again the target for today. The bombs were widely scattered with hits reported on the railroad bridge and possible hits on the road bridge. Bombs were observed to fall on the road at both ends of the road bridge, and on southern approach to the railroad bridge.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 173/mission 172) Group Mission # 174: ------Mission Report # 174, 19 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1050 hrs 24 B-25’s took off to bomb bridge at G-706260 at Roccasecca. None returned early. 24 dropped 57x1000 lb bombs and 12x500 lb bombs at 1200 hrs from 11,000/12,000 feet. 24 returned at 1240. Axis of attack---60° 3. Bombs were widely scattered with two hits on road bridge and several on railroad bridge reported. Bombs were observed to fall on road at both ends of road bridge, to the NE over bridge and along southern approach to railroad bridge. 4. Air------None. Ground-----None. Marine-----None. Flak------AT TARGET--Heavy, intense and trailing from around bridge. Also some from 3-4 miles N. of Fondi---from around W of Isoletta and from NW side of lake NE of Terracina. White flashes observed 2000’ below formation and some above formation observed while near Settefrati (41° 41’ N, 13° 51’ E). Little or no flak (other than Settefrati) observed after leaving target area. 5. Enroute and return------5/10 cumulus at 3000’ tops at 5000’. Visibility: Hazy—10mi. Target------Visibility: Hazy---10 miles. 6. None. Flight leaders------Lt Tapper and Captain Culp. Number of sorties------24 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Sunday, 19 December 1943

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron motor pool supplied a truck which took the Catholic men to Mass at the 57th Fighter Group. The Protestant members were able to attend services at the Group chapel. The day was clear and bright with a warm sun making it very pleasant all day. Lt. Thornburn returned from Algiers where he took Lt. McGee and Sgt. Garner en route to the United States. More Christmas packages arrived in the afternoon. A delicious spaghetti supper was enjoyed by all the men. The night was damp and very cold. Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt, radio gunner McGee, William N., 2Lt, pilot Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 173/mission 172) Group Mission # 174:

A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt Donegan, John B., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Williamson, Loyd V., F/O Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Dillon, James A., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” Judy” P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N None None B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Jones, Robert C., Pvt R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Reddy, John E., S/Sgt Orr, William J., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/19/43: Sunday afternoon, warm and sunny “I had a bath and then watched the boys play some sandlot football. Their enthusiasm was great. The B-17s came in from a raid over Germany around four o’clock and I walked over to see their wounds. Three planes failed to return and several others I saw were shot up pretty badly. Our planes could not get the target on account of clouds. Many Christmas packages are arriving and everyone is in good spirits. Guard tonight. Went to church.”

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Three mail calls took care of almost everyone.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 173/mission 172) Group Mission # 174: Squadron Mission 139 TARGET: Roccasecca DATE: 19 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 1000# 446th Planes: 10 Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs were widely scattered with two hits on road bridge and several on RR bridge. Bombs fell on road at both ends of bridge and along southern approach to RR bridge. Flak was heavy, intense, but no fighters.

A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt Russell, Burton E., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Kent, Carl Hugh, T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt Rigling, Samsel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None None B Cleveland, William C., Sgt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Brandoff, Daniel (NMI), Pvt F None None

Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Tapper, George G., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Bahm, Linston A., PFC Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 42-62526 P Knapp, Theodore A., 1Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt Nieman, John W., Cpl G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Pee Wee” P Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 14?) “We got off on another mission today, we were scheduled to get a bridge just north of the line – North of Naples near Cassino – one thing for sure that bridge isn’t there tonight. It was rather a rough mission, lots of flak, & accurate. Also some new rocket flak we couldn’t learn much about. Don’t know for sure if we’ll have a mission tomorrow or not – so until tomorrow, so long Diary.”

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen nurses from the 55th and 61st hospital attended the dinner and dance given by the officers tonight. Music was provided by a six piece band from an ordnance company. The affair was held in the squadron officer’s mess hall and a good time was had by all. S/Sgt. A.H. Smith completed his 50th combat mission today. 2nd Lt. J.D. Sholund transferred to Hq. MATS per SO 116 Hq. XII AF 30 Oct. 1943. Another change in the guard set-up. The way it stands now a man scheduled for guard will stand

Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

2 hour shifts per night, being off 4 hours between shifts. Combat men are also pulling guard now. As it stands now guard comes around about once every five nights. Sgt. Verlin Rowley has been chosen the new treasurer for the Enlisted Men’s mess fund and N.C.O. club. He replaces Cpl. Storm Rowley, Verlin B., Sgt, intelligence Sholund, John D., 2Lt, pilot Smith, Argyle H., Cpl, turret gunner Storm, Carson W., Cpl, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 173/mission 172) Group Mission # 174: 3 of our ships participated in a raid over Roccasecca road bridge, Italy. Two of these planes flew with the 446th Squadron, the other went as a spare.

A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-30557 P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Werner, Robert G., Jr., 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat” (spare) P Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt F None Reilly, James M., Sgt

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 173/mission 172) Group Mission # 174: Mission # 136 (174): At 10:50 twenty four planes off to bomb road bridge at ROCCASECCA. All dropped 57 x 1000 bombs and 12 x 500 bombs at 12:00 from 11,000 feet. All returned at 12:40. Bombs widely scattered with two hits on road bridge and several on RR bridge, bombs fell on road of both sides of bridge. Flak: Intense, heavy and accurate. Weather: 5/10th at 3,000 feet, visibility hazy. F/L: Capt. Culp. Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., Cpl Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30355 P Culp, Merle H., Capt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt CP Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., Pvt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 42-64655 (early return – gas leak) P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt VanCura, Edward W., Sgt F None None

447th BS Special Accounts: On December 19 the squadron officers gave a dinner and dance to which girls of the Nurses Corps were invited. This was the second such social event to break the monotony of routine operations since our arrival overseas. The dance was held in the officers mess in the area and in this respect it was different from our only other squadron dance which was held at the Red Cross Officers Club in Ain M’Lila, Tunisia, early in the Spring of this year. The party was a bit success. The cold buffet dinner was laid out in such a manner as to be the envy of any hostess in the “know”, a six piece half-colored-half white band gave out with that inimitable American jive, fourteen comely members of the gentler sex were present, the bar did a rushing business, and the work of the self-appointed interior decorators won sighs and “ahs” from all the guests. Orchids for the fine dinner which consisted of cold cuts of roast beef, potato salad, cheese, fruit salad, cake and all the accessories go to Capt. Myron Gale who again demonstrated his virtues in the arts culinary. The good captain also arranged for the band, six enlisted men of an Ordnance Company, and the service. Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Lt. E. (Jalone) Becker with his winning ways played a major role in luring the fair damsels to our den. The gals, done up in their natty navy blues, were from the 55th and 61st hospitals. Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", Capt, bombardier Our C.O., Maj. R.D. Sampson conceived the idea for stocking up a bit of the amber fluid—namely, Rye—for the party. Each night after a mission all participating officers signed a roster as having received two shots of combat liquor. The drinks were not consumed, however, and by the time the night for the party rolled around—seven quarts of Rye were available for the block. This, supplemented by our goodly stock of brandies, cognac and other varieties of thirst-quenchers left no one wanting for a drink. Dispensers of the poison for the night were Capt. R.W. (Horse) Manly, Lt. Don Chinnock and your reporter. Manly, Robert W. "Horse”, Capt, intelligence Chinnock, Donald R., 1Lt, communication Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence “your reporter” Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander The artful brush of Lt. A.M. Holloway did some master work to help put the party over. His classy invitation cards which were planted in the two hospitals no doubt did much to convince the gals that this party was something they couldn’t afford to miss. Also the choicy Christmas greeting placard displaying a scantily-clad beauty which he made for the west wall of our shack adds infinitely to the atmosphere. Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator A goodly number of the officers had a hand in putting up the Xmas tree, and tacking bits of foliage about the rafters and ceiling. The tree was trimmed with cotton, bits of red paper, beer bottles and given a red-lighted effect by covering a light shade with red paper and focusing it on the tree. A baseball hat, a football and a pile of empty boxes wrapped with the Xmas wrappers from home under the tree make it look amazingly like what we might see if we could be home this year. One of the nurses turned out to be a warbler and she did two or three favorites for us near the end of the party. The affair broke up about midnight after quite a few of the gals had raided the kitchen and stocked up on roast beef sandwiches to take home with them. Our gallant men saw that none of them went home unescorted.

Monday, 20 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The MAAF is established, retroactive to 10 Dec 43. Commanded by Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder (RAF), MAAF is comprised of all Allied air elements (RAF, USAAF, French, and other) which are operating in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). These elements previously were part of the Mediterranean Air Command (MAC) and Northwest African Air Force (NAAF), which are disbanded. US Army Air Forces, North African Theater of Operations (USAAFNATO) is established with General Carl Spaatz as commander, to facilitate administration of AAF units of the Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Forces.

In Italy, P-40's and RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighter-bombers blast vehicles and heavily defended areas near Chieti and Orsogna, and hit a fuel dump near Manoppello. A-36's bomb Terracina and hit water towers, a train, and a railway station S of Rome.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: There was an inspection of all small arms in the Squadron today conducted by armament personnel. Once again more Christmas packages arrived in the afternoon. This marks the seventh straight day that packages have arrived. A plane took off for Naples today taking combat crews to rest camp. A truck left for Naples taking ground crews to rest camp. Supper consisted delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes and luscious chicken gravy. Needless to say, it was enjoyed by all. “G.I. Patter”, a new column on the S-2 bulletin board written by Sgt. McIntosh, is making a big hit with the men. The column consists of humorous poems, jokes, small skits and the like all very cleverly written by the former radio gunner who is definitely talented along those lines. McIntosh, Sgt, radio-gunner, S-2

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Enlisted men are receiving three day passes to visit Naples. More mail.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Today was quite a day of rest. Jumped out of the sack – ate breakfast, cleaned my 45 pistol, then went into Foggia. I went to the Hospital (Nick went with me) to see Dickson who has yellow jaundice. Then we went to the Red Cross & found some fellows to talk with, came home, ate fried chicken & so have written letters tonight & I’ ready for the sack. Will probably have a big day tomorrow. So until then.” Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Nicklaus, George Edward "Nick", 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. One of our Italian K.P’s was hit by an English truck while crossing the highway directly behind the motor pool. He was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance from 448 sq. which due to the proximity of the 448th dispensary, arrived at the scene of the accident ahead of our medics. 1st Sgt. Vishy, M/Sgt. Horne and Cpl. Franzi left to-day for Naples in order to purchase fruits, vegetables etc for our Christmas Dinner. The following left for rest camp today: Lt. Monday, 20 December 1943 (continued)

D.W. Thomas, Lt. J.G. Boyle, Lt. DeMay, Lt. J.P. Lanza, Lt. S.I. Sattenspiel, S/Sgts. G.W. Roever, G.P. Werner, W.R. Henry, R.A. Lotito, and D.D. Alton. Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt, pilot Franzi, Gino C., Cpl, intelligence Henry, William R., S/Sgt, gunner Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering Lanza, Joseph Peter, 1Lt, bombardier Lotito, Rocco A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 1Lt, bombardier Thomas, David W., 1Lt, pilot Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt Werner, George P., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 21 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Lieutenant General John K Cannon takes command. In Italy, B-25's bomb Terracina; P-40's hit the same target and also bomb positions and munitions factory S of Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; A-36's bomb positions, a fuel dump, and munitions factory in the Cervaro area, and hit trains, a seaplane base, a radar station, trucks, and other targets in the Rome-Civitavecchia area.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Roccasecca road bridge was covered by clouds preventing bombing of the primary target so the alternate of Peneciua was hit. The target a road east of the town, was hit on a bend just east of town. Bombs were seen to fall on a cliff above the road block. Over the target Sgt. Cleveland of the 446th Squadron became excited when his ship was hit by flak, bailed out, and was believed to have landed north of town. Cleveland, William C., Sgt, gunner, 446th BS

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 174/mission 173) Group Mission # 175: ------Mission Report # 175, 21 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1300 - 24 B-25’s took off to bomb Roccasecca road bridge G-706260. None returned early. 24 dropped 64x1000 and 1x500 lb. bombs with .10 and .025 fusing at 1415 hours from 10,000/11,500 ft. on alternate target of road east of Terracina. 24 returned at 1515. 16 ships holed. Axis of attack 250° 3. RESULTS: Road believed hit on bend just E of town and also across town to south. Bombs were seen to fall on cliffs above road – across road between road and sea and some in sea. Just at target bombardier Sgt. Cleveland of Ship 293 of 446th Squadron bailed out, believed to have landed NE of town. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------4/5 E/A seen 12 miles from Naples – unidentified – no attack. Ground-----Much traffic both directions Fondi-Itri road. Marine-----None. Flak------At target: Heavy, intense and accurate, also from along road Fondi- Terracina and from along shore Terracina to Sperlonga. Some colored flak – red and blue flashes from Terracina with streamer effect. Had appearance of tracers. From 3 miles W of Fondi – bursts below formation of light flak had appearance of incendiaries. 5. WEATHER: Enroute - 8/10 alto stratus at 17,000. 6/10 stratocumulus at 3,000 in valleys with towering cumulus base at 6,000; low stratocumulus kept formation from bombing primary. Off shore there was an overcast at 8,000’. Visibility: Slight haze, 10 miles. At target - 5/10 Stratocumulus at 8,000’. Visibility: Slight haze, 10 miles. Return - 8/10 altostratus at 17,000. 8/10 stratocumulus at 7,000. Visibility: Slight haze, 10 miles.

Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued) 6. None Flight leaders - Lts. Tapper, Beeson, Neuman and Captain Culp. Number of sorties - 24 Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Acting Intelligence Officer ------445th BS War Diary: A plane was sent to Naples today to pick up combat crews at rest camp there. This ship returned today as did the plane which was sent to Naples yesterday for the same purpose. Training classes in various phases of aerial gunnery were held behind the S-2 tent today for the benefit of the newer combat crews. At an impressive ceremony, which included a color guard of Squadron combat crews, Col. Knapp presented Capt. Tipton and Lt. Kailer with the Purple Heart this afternoon for wounds received in action. For the 8th straight day, Christmas packages arrived in the Squadron. This time there was some mail to go along with them. This was the first mail received in quite some time as lately practically all that came in were packages. A good number of armament men and crew chiefs were limping around the area today. The game of two hand touch in football was always known as a grueling game. The supper tonight consisted of delicious beef with fresh potatoes. The meals continue to be of high caliber lately and the men seem more than satisfied. There was a slight drizzle that lasted most of the evening. Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt, pilot Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, 321st BG Commander Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 174/mission 173) Group Mission # 175: A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64529 (spare) Judy” (spare) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Jones, Robert C., Pvt R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” P House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None B Stokes, Oliver O., S/Sgt E Dillon, James A., Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/21/43: 23:00 hours “Wrote three letters. Got a package from Kay Simpson and four letters in tonight’s mail. We are all in at home, no guard duty. The Dutchman (Clifford Weidler) is lying half-asleep in his homemade bunk and Rucker is writing letters. Louie is playing the radio. T.J. is at rest camp in Naples. The BBC is broadcasting a Christmas program, which like so much else they do strikes me as being very genuine. The program has changed to “Mail Call” and now it’s “Pistol Packin’ Mamma.” Rain is falling on the tent. Rough mission today. 46 had a ship crash land. No one hurt.”

446th BS War Diary: Mission today with plenty of flak. Lt Brady’s ship so badly shot up he had to crash land at home base. No one injured in landing but Lt. Mastroianni got slight cut from flak. Sgt. Cleveland bailed out of Lt. Fetterly’s plane over target. Because of steep dive he evidently thought the plane out of control. Brady, Joseph J., 2Lt, pilot Cleveland, William C., Sgt, gunner Fetterly, Orville D., 1Lt, pilot Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 174/mission 173) Group Mission # 175: Squadron Mission 140 TARGET: Terracina DATE: 21 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 1000# 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Road believed hit just E of town and across town to the south. Bombs fell on cliffs above road and between road and the sea. Sgt. Cleveland of plane 293 (Lt. Fetterly pilot) baled out at the target and believed to have landed NE of town. Flak was heavy, intense, and accurate. Lt. Brady crash landed at his home base because his hydraulic system was shot out, Lt. Mastroianni, his bombardier was slightly injured by flak. All others were OK. (See story in Special Events Section)

Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Davison, William R., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None B Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Martin, Edward F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam II of St. Joe” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Tapper, George G., 1Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Born, Walter E., Jr., 1Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - A/C No. 41-30293(MACR-1513 - hit Pee Wee” (crash landed at base) by flak over target - landed safely at home base) P Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Cleveland, William C., Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1513:

A/C No. 41-30293 (MACR-1513 - hit by flak over target - landed safely at home base) P Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt - stayed with plane CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt - stayed with plane N None B Cleveland, William C., Sgt - bailed out over target, POW E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt - stayed with plane R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt - stayed with plane G Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt - stayed with plane F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl - stayed with plane Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Fetterly, Orville D., 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF APO 520, New York, N. Y.

23 December 1943 SUBJECT: Missing Combat Crew Member.

TO : Whom it may concern.

I was pilot on airplane no. 42-30293 from which Sergeant William C. Cleveland, 38121729, bombardier, parachuted out over the target at Terracina, Italy on 21 December 1943. Our altitude was approximately 10,000 feet when we reached the target and the flak was heavy, intense, and accurate. Just after Sergeant Cleveland informed me by interphone that the bombs were released and the bomb-bay doors were closed the ship was hit by flak. The flak had bursts so close that the airplane shuttered from the explosions. The formation immediately went into a steep dive and violent evasive action.

After we were out of the flak and had resumed normal flight my Co-Pilot went back to the navigator’s compartment and closed the top part of the escape hatch. I called the crew members to see if everything was alright but got no response from my bombardier so, while the co-pilot took over the controls, I went up in the bombardier’s compartment to investigate. Sergeant Cleveland was not there nor was he anyplace else in the airplane.

In My opinion, Sergeant Cleveland, as soon as the bomb-bay doors were closed, crawled back into the navigator’s compartment, and, in extreme fright thinking that the airplane was badly damaged by the flak hits and out of control, jumped while we were still in the dive. None of my crew saw him leave the airplane.

ORVILLE D. FETTERLY, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Pilot.

(Inclosure to MAC Report, Sgt William C. Cleveland, 446th Sq, dated 23 Dec 43) ------

Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: At 1345 today a small formation from each squadron marched to Group where Col. Knapp made presentations of the Purple Heart. The men from this squadron to receive the award were: Lts. Broyles, Becker, and Paiton; S/Sgts. Harter, Kordzi, and Sheets. In a letter of Dec. 21 the following men were promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. as of Dec 10th: A.M. Holloway, A.B. Jahraus, W.M. Johnston, F.F. Becker, R.F. Halloran, G.J. Deane, J.H. Haeberle, H.J. Fallone, R.G. Davies, H.K. Paiton, J.F. Briskey, Jr., P.A. Broyles, E.P. Mayben, Jr., H.W. Joiner, R.C. Olson, J.J. Nowakowski, B.B. Miller, Jr., R.H. Spingler, E.L. Saiers, F.W. Vincent, K.C. McFadden, K.C. DeMay, J.P. Lanza, D.P. McCormick, H.W. Stephenson, G.J. Trevor, F.E Ryherd, S.I. Sattenspiel, J.G. Boyle, Jr., and D.W. Thomas. Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", 1Lt, bombardier Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot Deane, George J., 1Lt, bombardier DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt, pilot Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt, pilot Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt, pilot Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, 321st BG Commander Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt, communication Lanza, Joseph Peter, 1Lt, bombardier Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt, bombardier McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, bombardier Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt, pilot Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt, navigator Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 1Lt, bombardier Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt, gunner Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 1Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot Thomas, David W., 1Lt, pilot Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 174/mission 173) Group Mission # 175: 9 of our ships participated in a raid on a road bridge near Terracina, Italy.

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Werner, Robert G., Jr., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt E Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None Hassett, Leo P., Sgt A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, Capt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt Haeberle, John H., 2Lt N None None B Kingsley, Andrew L., S/Sgt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Jeffrey, James H., PFC F None None A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” Runner” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Beeson, Elwood H., Capt CP Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated II” Lady” P Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt Deane, George J., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Reilly, James M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 P Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 174/mission 173) Group Mission # 175: Mission # 137 (175): At 13:00 twenty four planes off to bomb ROCCASECCA road bridge. All dropped 64 x 1000 bombs and 1 x 500 bomb at 14:15 from 10,000 feet on alternate target of road E of Terracina. All planes returned at 15:50. Road hit on bend just E of town and also across town to S, some bombs on cliff and into sea. Just at target bombardier Sgt. Cleveland (ship # 293-446th Sq) bailed out and believed to have landed NE of town. Four or five E/A seen 12 miles from NAPLES but did not attack. Much ground traffic seen. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate. Incendiary and tracer type. Weather: Low cumulus kept formation from bombing primary target, at alternate 5/10th cover at 8,000 feet. L/L: Capt. Culp. Cleveland, William C., Sgt, gunner, 446th BS

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., Cpl Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Currie, James L., Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Penhale, Walter B., Pvt Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 42-64519 P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O King, James L., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Cpl Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer) A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64655 P Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt Culp, Merle H., Capt CP Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt N None Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None

Wednesday, 22 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Major General Paul L Williams reassumes command of the XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional).

In Italy, P-40's and Spitfires of the Twelfth Air Force, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF hit strong points in the Tollo-Miglianico-Chieti areas; P-40's blast bridge, locomotives, trucks, and railroad tracks at and near Tortoreto and Benedello; P-47's strafe targets of opportunity in the area around Zara, Yugoslavia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Cancelled:

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 12 to 2 today. It was a slim ration this week, consisting of 3 packs of cigarettes. Weather conditions forced a cancellation of the mission. Some packages arrived but the men were more interested in the large number of letters which came in with the packages. Delicious fresh ham and potatoes were greatly enjoyed by the men. There was a large attendance at the Christmas show at the granary. An Italian magician entertained with the assistance of a small but corny Italian band and a buxom Italian lass who graced the stage with her presence. The movie shown after the stage show was “The Sky’s the Limit”, a new one in the States, staring Fred Astaire and twinke-toes Joan Leslie.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Cancelled: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64529 P Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and (Bear - no lettering) Joy” P Vallery, Dean B., F/O Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 42-64508 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and heavy mail call.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Cancelled: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 42-64511 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Tapper, George G., 1Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 41-13208 P Bettinger, Howard P., 1Lt Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt

Wednesday, 22 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-13008 Polka” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O A/C No. 41-13000 (spare) P Russell, Burton E.,

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual squadron duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Cancelled: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 41-30557 Ball” P Beeson, Elwood H., Capt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge Runner” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Cancelled: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Fleming, George B., F/O Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 42-64514 P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64521 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt A/C No. 41-29967 (spare) P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt

Thursday, 23 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): P-40's and P-47's attempt to support Yugoslav partisans resisting the German invasion of Korcula Island off the Peljesac Peninsula, but bad weather prevents location of targets.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: Today is the 321st Bomb Group’s “Christmas”. By arrangement with the other Groups, our boys celebrated the holiday today and will hang out the “business as usual” sing on the regular Xmas on the 25th. There were no flights today and nearly everyone took off for the neighboring towns and villages for a good time. Some mail and packages arrived today. The delicacy of the day was huckleberry pie for supper.

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

447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled. Squadron operations ceased today in order to take advantage of a holiday while the opportunity presents itself.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 24 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather severely hampers operations. P-40's fail to locate the target, a vessel at Ugljan Island, Yugoslavia, but shoot down 1 airplane in the Adriatic Sea.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Lt. Colonel Cook was relieved of duties of Group Operations Officer and appointed Group Deputy Commander. Captain Asbury was made Group Operations officer. No mission today. Asbury, Wilburn, Capt, pilot Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot

445th BS War Diary: Christmas Eve. An order for a two-day “stand-down” mad it three days off in a row for the boys and permitted many of them to take off for the Christmas “holidays”. Some of the men, full of the traditional “Christmas spirit”, have decorated their tents with Christmas trimmings obtained in packages from home. One tent even went so far as procuring a Christmas tree and trimming it in the tent. A delicious supper of fresh pork chops was enjoyed by all the men. Ella Logan appeared in person tonight to entertain the men on Christmas Eve. She was very good. Some of the men managed to attend the midnight Mass at the 57th Fighter Group.

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 12/24/43: 08:05 hours “Yesterday I went to Foggia Main and visited Steve Ronyetz. Also saw a boy named Thomas from SLC whom I knew at Sheppard field. Steve is a good boy. Was impressed with the spirit of their squadron. Was depressed by the sight of filth and poverty in the town of Foggia.” 12/24/43: 21:00 hours Christmas Eve “I have spent the evening in the tent and am about to retire. A spirit of cheerfulness prevails throughout the camp but there is little else than packages from home to suggest the Yuletide season. Some of the boys are getting right handy with their bottles. This evening Ellen Logan was late for an engagement at the granary where picture shows are held. I didn’t go on account of I was in a more meditative mood. Enjoyed the BBC programs, “Force’s Favorites” and “Radio Newsreel.” British programs are so genuine. Heard most of F.D.R.’s talk announcing the appointment of General Eisenhower to lead the Western offensive which I expect to break about March 1st. Have received many packages, today one from Margaret and one from Sally. Mostly candy. No mission for our Group tomorrow, though I think the B-17s were being readied. They have had a couple of very rough missions lately. The Dutchman is trying to sleep in spite of the lights and radio and is doing a lot of good-natured bitching about it. Rucker is writing letters. Tom, George and Louie have gone on guard. Something of a big meal is being planned for tomorrow. GIs and Red Cross gave a party for the kids of Foggia this morning. If I had known of it sooner, I would have gone to it. Weather mostly cloudy, but very little rain. Gets cold, rather, at nights. Do quite a lot of reading lately.”

Friday, 24 December 1943 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Ella Logan and cast entertained at Group. Officers had party at their club. Not much sign of Christmas here but morale not too low.

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

A/C No. unknown (MACR-? - crashed into Lion Mountain, near La Senia Air Base, in Africa - due to poor visibility) P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt - KIA CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt - KIA

PAX Graham, Robert W., 2Lt - KIA PAX Carnes, James B., Sgt - KIA PAX Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt - KIA

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Nothing unusual happened today except that the EM’s bar did a rushing business. The fact that the Christmas tree wasn’t lit up didn’t prevent a lot of the boys from doing so. Ella (Loch Lomond) Logan put in a personal appearance at the Group Movie House tonight. After her performance she was the quest of our officers who in turn entertained her at our squadron officers club.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 25 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): A-36's bomb road, trucks, and the town area at Pontecorvo, Italy. P-40's, with a few SAAF Spitfires, hit a motor launch in Peljesac Channel of Yugoslavia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: A vote of thanks goes to Lt. Kneisle and his staff for the delicious Christmas dinner served today. We were served Turkey with all the “fixins” and as much as we could eat. No mission today. Kneisle, Herman N., 2Lt, communications

445th BS War Diary: “Merry Christmas”. This gala phrase was on the lips of all the “G.Is” today as the big holiday was observed quietly. There was no aerial activity whatsoever. Some packages and letters arrived this morning. The big meal was held at 2:30. Feature attraction was roast turkey with a supporting cast of giblet dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, beans, bread with fresh butter, apple pie, fruit salad and coffee. Needless to say the men were in hearty approval of such a sumptuous repast. A liquor raffle was held immediately after the big meal and some of the men saw fit for some “celebrating”. It rained this evening.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Porter, Sgts Didiwick and Shields received their orders to go home. Nice turkey dinner helps out a lot as far as morale was concerned. Didiwick, Claudius T., Sgt, gunner Shields, James A., Sgt, gunner Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: (21-22-23-24-24-25 Dec) “It seems I have failed to enter anything in my little book, the last few days. There hasn’t been much going on, have flown one mission in the last five days, this time on the other side of Rome. It wasn’t too bad, but we picked up just a few holes. Yesterday, 24th Slim & I went to a town near by “Rignano Garganico”, a small town on top of a hill near by, we drank quite a few bottles of wine, ate bread, pine cones, cheese, & last but not least, ‘roasted Cat’. I really believe the cat was the best meat I have eaten since I left the States. Yes – including the turkey we had for Xmas today. Nothing like a cat sandwich. Today we had our turkey dinner, dressing & everything. I had a good leg. Tonight we have listened to “Midge the bitch from Berlin”. A very good program. No mail today, but I have to write my usual letters so I’ll stop for tonight. Its cold here today, seems like Xmas but wish I was home. Merry Xmas to everyone.” Letter Home: “This is Xmas day and it’s really the coldest day we have had here in Italy. The cold is the only thing that makes it seem like Xmas. Oh, yes, we had a turkey dinner today all the fixins. Yesterday Slim and I went visiting in a town nearby. We drank some wine with some Italians, ate Xmas bread, cheese, nuts, roasted pine cones, and the best of all they gave us plenty of roasted cat. Really, the cat wasn’t bad. I’ll have it as a regular diet. Anyway, it was a good experience. So much for cat.”

Saturday, 25 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled. Squadron operations shut down for the day. Once more turkey was the main attraction at the dinner. The meal was very excellent. In addition to the servings at the chow line, each table was well stocked with cigarettes, assorted nuts, oranges, candy etc. With the meal also went a rather potent punch, containing a goodly amount of gin. Uncle Sam did a splendid job of “timing” this year in regards to our Christmas packages. For about ten days prior to Christmas, packages have been flowing in steadily. Naturally many others will arrive late but all in all everyone seem well satisfied with the Christmas mail situation. Morning Report for week ending Dec. 25: Officers---68: Enlisted Men—254.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 26 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather limits operations to uneventful reconnaissance flights. The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, transfers from Cantania, Sicily to Montecorvino, Italy with Beaufighters. A detachment is operating from Gaudo Airfield, Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

445th BS War Diary: Heavy clouds and almost a continual rain curtailed plans for the mission and kept most of the men hugging their stoves in their tents. Some first-class mail arrived in the afternoon. A delicious turkey noodle soup was enjoyed by all the men in the evening. The feature movie in the evening was “Tarzan Triumphs”. A rumor went the rounds that this outfit would move to a spot 7 miles from Naples within a few weeks.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Mail call and rations help brighten an otherwise gloomy day.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “God – what a windy, rainy, & cold day. Weather was so bad a person could not get off the field without making an instrument take-off. I stayed around camp until after dinner then went into Foggia in Mike’s jeep on out to the 2 Bb Gp to see Watkins & Club. They’re all well & good. We have a mission for tomorrow, its clearing up so it might be that we’ll go. Its 8:30 PM – so had better write to my wife. ‘That’s all’.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled due to much rain.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 27 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25’s attack a vessel near Zara, Yugoslavia. A-36’s attack targets in Italy, hitting a factory and railroad at Anagni, harbor and railroad facilities at Civitavecchia, a bridge at Pontecorvo, and several gun positions and vehicles. A detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, based at Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters begins operating at Rerhaia, Algeria.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: A formation took off to bomb Roccasecca road bridge but turned back short of Naples due to very poor weather.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Abortive: ------Memo ) 27 December 1943 To ) S-1, S-3, Group Statistical. Summary of Today’s Mission, 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1040 hrs 24 B-25’s took off to bomb bridge at G-706260 near Roccasecca. 24 A/C returned early at 1150 hrs.—having turned back just north of Naples—at San Maria Capua---because of weather. No bombs dropped. 3. Weather over Italy, broken overcast at 10,000/12,000 feet, over coast from Naples, north to Gaeta and out to sea. Solid overcast from 14,000’ to 6000 feet. 4. No observations. 5. None. Flight leaders – Captains Culp, Beeson; Lts. McClelland and Neumann.

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

445th BS War Diary: Cold weather with high winds prevailed today and rain, snow and hail fell at various times of the day. This inclement weather forced the mission back before the target was reached. Most of the men hugged their stoves today as it was very chilly. Enlisted men from the ground crew were sent to the rest camp at Naples. 2nd Lts. Young, Thornburn and Kaschenbach became 1st Lts. today. Kaschenback, Carl E. “Kasch”, 1Lt, pilot Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt, pilot Young, William G, 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Abortive: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-64508 Joy” P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt

Monday, 27 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 42-64575 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ (Bear - no lettering) Judy” P Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather and no mission.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Abortive: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 42-64511 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 41-13208 P Bettinger, Howard P., 1Lt Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-13008 Polka” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O A/C No. 41-13000 (spare) P Russell, Burton E.,

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I started out on a mission today, but when I got to the target, the weather was so bad we had to turn back. Clouds were so heavy & completely covering the ground that we couldn’t see a thing. Its been cold all day so after supper tonight some of the boys & I went to the bar & had a few stiff drinks. So now I’ll write a couple of letters & hit the sack, maybe I’ll keep warm enough tonight – so until tomorrow.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual squadron duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Abortive: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 41-30557 Ball” P Beeson, Elwood H., Capt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge Runner” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt

Monday, 27 December 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Abortive: Scheduled planes and pilots:

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Culp, Merle H., Capt Gouge, David J., 2Lt A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 42-64514 P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64521 P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt A/C No. 41-30327 (spare) P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt

Tuesday, 28 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25’s, A-20’s, and A- 36’s, in coordination with Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) heavy and medium bombers operating against targets in the Rome area, bomb landing grounds at Ciampino, a bridge at Roccasecca and a road and railway to the E of town, ships and harbor at Civitavecchia, and railway sidings W of Frosinone; and P-40’s hit the harbor at Anzio and communications in the Pontecorvo and Atina areas. The 486th and 487th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25’s.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Our bombs were aimed at the Rome/Ciampino south airdrome today. One string of bombs fell through the hangars and another through dispersal area and dispersed aircraft. The southern portion of the housing area was hit; two or three fires were seen in dispersal areas and two or three in the hangar area. An explosion was seen near the road west of the airdrome.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 175/mission 174) Group Mission # 176: ------Mission Report # 176, 28 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1054 – 33 B-25’s took off to bomb Rome/Ciampino South A/D. 5 returned early. 28 dropped 1896x20 lb. frags with instantaneous fusing at 1237 from 10,500/11,500 feet. 28 returned at 1355. Axis of attack 75°. 3. Crews report excellent coverage with concentration of bombs in S and E dispersal areas. 3 hangars in W perimeter also believed hit as were the buildings to N of A/D between hangars and housing area. S. portion of housing area hit. 3/4 fires seen in dispersal areas as well as 2/3 fires in hangar area. Explosion seen near road W of A/D. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------B-26 seen to crash land in water just off San Felice Circeo Point. E/A sighted, low, S of Rome heading 300°. Air-Ground---10 S/E A/C in SE dispersal area. 2/3 T/E bombers in SW corner, appeared wrecked. One large transport seen between 2 revetments in E dispersal area; ¾ A/C on N. Ciampino near race track; 7/8 T/E bombers on N edge of Practica di Mare which was partially inundated. Marine------None. Flak------Slight, heavy and moderate light – both inaccurate. Concentrated heavy flak from Valmontone area seen directed at B-26 formation. 5. WEATHER: Weather enroute: Clouds: 7/10 to 8/10 at 5,000 feet. Tops 10,000 feet. Visibility Unlimited. Target: CAVU Return: Same as enroute.

Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

6. None Flight leaders: Capt. Beeson, Lts. Cassels and McClelland. Number of sorties - 28 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: Very cold and windy today. The high winds ripped many tents but the only real casualty was the enlisted men’s mess tent which blew down. Some first- class mail arrived today. Lt. Carmine, co-pilot who went down with Lt. Fisher on Oct. 8, was reported in German hands. Trucks took combat crews to rest camp today. The Ciampino airdrome was bombed today with good results. The returning planes had quite a time landing what with violent cross winds and hordes of B-17’s landing around the field. Old 373 was obtained from Grottaglie. Its landing gear had buckled after one of the missions at that base and a service unit was taking care of it. The men enjoyed a fine USO stage show in the evening. Carmine, John W., 2Lt, pilot Fisher, James B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 175/mission 174) Group Mission # 176:

A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” Judy” P Thornburn, Thomas H., 1Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Donegan, John B., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Kaschenbach, Carl E., Jr., “Kasch”, 1Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Nysson, John W., 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Reddy, John E., S/Sgt Jones, Robert C., Cpl R Marcoulier, William A., Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Callister, Jack R., PFC Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt None

Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Czapski, Bernard S., 2Lt Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl R Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Hanna, R. J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-30354 Gambler II” P Young, William G., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Vance, Chester L., S/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Carner, Donald E., Cpl G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Isbell, Everett N., PFC F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Mission to Rome as weather clears. No fighters and no flak. Very successful.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 175/mission 174) Group Mission # 176: Squadron Mission 141 TARGET: Rome, Ciampino A/D DATE: 28 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: Frags 446th Planes: 9 Capt. Beeson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Excellent coverage with concentrations in S and E dispersal areas. Three hangars in W perimeter believed hit. Also buildings hit N of A/D between hangars and housing area. S portion of housing area hit. 3 or 4 fires seen in dispersal area as well as 2 or 3 fires in hanger area. Explosions seen near road W of A/D. Five a/c were destroyed on the ground. Enemy aircraft sighted but did not attack. Flak was heavy, but slight. Lt. Brady returned early because Sgt. Spoerl, his radio-gunner became sick. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, 447th BS A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Bettinger, Howard P., 1Lt Russell, Burton E., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Cpl Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 41-13208 P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None B Bahm, Linston A., PFC Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt Mitchell, John C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Motika, John F., 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. 41-13200 (returned early – sick personnel) P Brady, Joseph J., CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt F Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt

Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 45) “# 45 Dec. 28, 1943 Time 3:45 Sqdn Mission # 141 Gr. Mission # 176 Frags Rome, Ciampino South A/D Italy Formation Leader - Capt. Beeson Results - Excellent coverage - 3 or 4 fires seen in dispersal areas - 2 or 3 fires in hangar area. Explosion seen near road W of A/D. 16 A/C on field - 5 destroyed. Remarks - A B-26 made a crash landing in water just off San Felice Circle Point. E/A seen but did not attack. Flak was slight, heavy & moderate - light & inaccurate. Concentrated heavy flak from Valmontone area - seem directed on B-26 formation. Ship number - 42-64520 “Duchess” Formation 3-1 P- Russell, CP - Walker, B- Pestalozzi, E - Kaney, RG- Kent, G -Skill” Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, 447th BS Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt, radio-gunner Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt, bombardier Russell, Burton E., 2Lt, pilot Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 16?) “Cold again – we had a good mission, we went to Rome & bombed a couple of airfields there, we certainly did a good job. Sure had a large no. of planes. I wish we were seeing Rome from the ground though, that would be better. There was lots of flak, & a few fighters today but everyone arrived home safe. I sure hope everything continues as well as it has, I’m sure wanting to get home – O.K. for now?” Letter Home: “It has been awfully cold today and we have had a busy one too. Sure wish I could tell you all we’re doing here but I guess I’ll have to wait or maybe you will read abut our Group in the papers over there. Have you read any lately?”

447th BS War Diary: About 8:30 this morning one of the tents in the area literally went down in flames. The fire was started by the wind blowing sparks from a near-by trash pile against the tent. The tent itself was a complete loss as well as the greater part of the personal equipment within. The members of the tent, none of whom were at home when the fire broke out, were: T/Sgt. Bruns, T/Sgt. Coursen, T/Sgt. Nieman, S/Sgt. Brandt, and Cpl. Holland. All the personal possessions of Cpl. Holland, who was in the hospital at the time, were totally burned. The following left for rest camp at Capri: 1st Lts. E.P. Mayben, R.P. Dunn, H.W. Stephenson, S/Sgts. W.P. Franklin, N.J. Batteiger, R.R. Fiorello, E.C. Ennis, and Sgt. A. Zacharya. Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt, gunner Brandt, George F., S/Sgt, engineering Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering Coursen, William C., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt, gunner Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Niemann, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1Lt, pilot Zacharya, Andrew, S/Sgt, gunner Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 175/mission 174) Group Mission # 176: 7 of our planes were scheduled to participate in a raid over the Rome/Ciampino Airdrome. 4 of the ships completed the mission which turned out to be somewhat of a milk-run. The other 3 ships were forced to return early due to mechanical malfunction.

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt N None None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt Jeffrey, James H., PFC R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt N None Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 1Lt E O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Myers, William W., T/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” (returned early) P Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Harter, James E., S/Sgt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 (returned early) P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 1Lt N None B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 175/mission 174) Group Mission # 176: Mission 138 (176): At 10:54 33 planes off to bomb Rome Ciampino A/D S. 5 returned early and 28 dropped 1896 frags at 12:37 from 10,500 feet and returned at 13:55. Excellent coverage with concentration of bombs in S and E dispersal area, 3 to 5 fires in dispersal area and 2 in hangar area, explosion near road W of A/D. Flak: Slight, heavy and inaccurate. Weather: Target CAVU. F/L: Lt. Cassels.

A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 41-30355 P Biener, Martin B., 2Lt Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., Cpl E Coleman, Smith B., Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Wilkerson, John J., S/Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 42-64519 P Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt Barton, Thomas M., F/O CP Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Ally, George B., S/Sgt E Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt R Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Barry, Robert A., Jr., Sgt Deal, Herman L., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30327 P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Haskell, John D., 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt, Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Cpl Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt F None

Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Silva, John P., S/Sgt Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Currie, James L., Sgt Spencer, John S., S/Sgt R Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt G Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 (returned early) P Driver, William J., F/O CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None B Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt E Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt R Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None

Wednesday, 29 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): P-40’s hit a vessel on the N side of the Peljesac Peninsula in Yugoslavia and a railway station at Anagni, Italy. In Italy, A-36’s attack the railway station at Ferentino, harbor and railroad yard at Civitavecchia, and truck park near Aquino.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: AOC Sinclair, commanding the Tactical Bomber Force, talked to the combat crews and intelligence officers in the granary today. He gave a summary of his activities in the war and went on to tell us why we had been hitting certain targets and what our operations would consist of in the future. We were all greatly interested in what he had to tell us and hope for another such enlightening talk in the near future. No mission today. Sinclair, Laurence Frank, AOC, Tactical Bomber Force Commander

HQ 321st BG Communications Log: 0820 Bradley to TBF. “Cleared A/C to Termini—Griffing to call TBF about weather.” 0910 Knapp to Asbury. “Stand-down for today. Have Combat crews and S-2 personnel assembled for meeting at 1300.” 1020 A/C Sinclaire to Olmsted. “Discussed possibility of having Fighter Group on same A/D with us. It was agreed that it would not be a satisfactory arrangement. He will investigate the situation. 1535 Toohey to TBF. “Local flight granted from 1430 to 1500 per request 446th Squadron.” 1340 Tower to Toohey. “P-38 crash-landed (right main landing gear would not come down). Pilot O.K. Aircraft is clear of runway.” 1410 Bradley to TBF. “Asked them to notify P-38’s Pilot’s Organization that he is here. 15th AF will send transportation for him.” 1720 TBF to Asbury. “Target for 30 December 1943. Primary: BIHAC, Town and Troop Concentrations. 1st Alternate: SEBINIK, wharves S-38 to V-41, target chart S/39 (1) Lake N of SEBINIK—Boat in Lake has priority over 1st Alternate. Squadrons notified.” 2232 TBF to ODO. “Reference to target for 30 December 1943. 6000 Ton Ship reported as being in Lake North of DEBINIK has been confirmed as being at U535705. This Ship will be the 1st Alternate instead of Sebinik, in the event that weather conditions prevent our A/C from attacking the Primary (BIHAC).”

PERSONNEL SELECTED TO GO TO EGYPT TO SCHOOL (BOMBARDIERS & GUNNERS) 448th 2nd Lt. THOMAS L. BLAKE, 0-733134 37 Missions. 445th 2nd Lt. MELVIN A. ANDERSON, 0-741322 20 Missions. 447th Sgt. JAMES M. REILLY, 32177752 31 Missions 446th Sgt. DONALD H. SKILL, 19076761 35 Missions

Wednesday, 29 December 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Some packages arrived this morning. Cloudy weather forced a cancellation of the mission. There was a combat crew meeting in the granary at 1 P.M. and a gunnery class was held in the evening behind the Operations-S-2 tent. One of the men in the Squadron procured a large load of coal which proved to be a valuable acquisition. The men were badly in need of coal as it is needed in the cold, blustery weather. The meal of the day was a delicious beef stew for supper. The men enjoyed the fresh meat immensely. In the evening, some of the men had a chance to see themselves in a movie. It was in “Bombers over North Africa” a film depicting the activities of the 321st Bomb Group as it operated in North Africa. Needless to say, the men were delighted in the show.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Malone promoted to Captain. No mission because of weather. Malone, Robert C., Capt, personnel, Adjutant

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Savannah, GA to Morrison Field, NC: Ferry Flying Time: 5:15 A/C No. B-26B-50-MA 42-65880 P Cooper, Paul T., Capt HQ Army Air Base, CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Barksdale Field, Shreveport, Louisiana: N None Special Order Number 354, 20 Dec 43: B Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt Crew relieved from assignment to the E Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt 476th BS, 335th BG (M), and proceed to R Miles, Walter J., S/Sgt the MTO, on Shipment No. FE-485-AT- G Sharen, Robert L., S/Sgt 5. Capt Paul T. Cooper designated F None Provisional Leader for the movement.

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual squadron duties. 2nd Lt. P.I. Blumenfeld promoted to 1st Lt. as of Nov. 24, 1943. Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 30 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's bomb Zara, Yugoslavia, hitting a junction, railway station, repair shops, warehouse, and harbor. In Italy, A-20's hit Atina; P-40's and A-36's support ground forces, hitting targets in the Chieti-Miglianico area; vessels are hit at Crkvice, Yugoslavia, railway sidings near Frosinone, gun positions near Arce and W of Minturno, and the town areas of Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, Ferentino, and Atina are bombed.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The target was well covered on today’s mission to Falconara marshalling yards. Many of the crews reported direct hits on the junction, one warehouse was left on fire and three large explosions were seen in the yards. Repair shed, railway station and a road were hit by strings of bombs and buildings on both sides of the junction were hit.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log: 0830 Asbury to TBF (Cann). “A/C cleared for Naples & Manduria. It is not necessary to clear ships as long as they fly West of Foggia 0930 Asbury to Ferrel. “Informed them of names of personnel selected for Gunnery School.” 0955 TBF to Asbury. “#23, Alternative #94. Weather is bad over Yugoslavia. Brief Crews and they are to be in the planes at 1145, ready to start up and take off at a signal from the Very Pistol (Green). Another weather Recce is out now. Aiming points on target #23. RR Yards to Junction. Aiming points on target #94. RR Station and Yards. 340 BG will be over same target. We have right of way.” 1530 TBF T Bradley. “Load 24 A/C with 500’s .1 and .025 fuzing.” 1630 Bradley to Squadrons. “All notified of loading.” 1730 TBF to Asbury. “Target later--Stand-by for 0900 tomorrow. Squadrons notified.”

2300 446th to ODO. “Guards checked.” 2035 446th to ODO. “Guards checked.” 2100 448th to ODO. “Guards checked.” 0100 448th to ODO. “Guards checked.” 31/12/43 1030 447th to ODO. “Guards checked.” 0400 447th to ODO. “Guards checked.” 31/12/43

1st Falconara 350° --25. 2nd San Benedetto GS 270 ---2° R. GS 270 ---1° L. First 6 of Flight 1 – Railroad Station. Second 6 of Flight 1 – Junction Point to Freight Yard and M/Y.

First 6 of Flight 2 – Freight Yard. Second 6 of Flight 2 – M/Y.

Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 176/mission 175) Group Mission # 177: ------Mission Report # 177, 30 December 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). At 1205 24 B-25’s took off to bomb Falconara M/Yds. None returned early. 24 dropped 136x500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and .025 fusing at 1400 hours from 10,000/11,000 feet. 24 returned at 1500. Axis of attack 145°. 2. RESUKTS: Ref TC 3-52 NA: Target coverage excellent. Many reports of direct hits on junction. 1 Warehouse left on fire and 3 large explosions in yards. Repair shed at M22 hit. R.R. Station at J-27 hit. Road hit at 25 J & I. Buildings on both sides of junction hit. Some bombs in water may have been from 340th group which bombed first. 3. OBSERVATIONS: Air------2 S/E A/C, 2 miles S of target. Made no passes. Ground------1 train, 15 cars, heading N from Senigallia. 1 train, 50 cars heading N on main line N of target. 1 report of much rolling stock in M/Yds at target. Marine------At Senigallia harbor 1 barge, heading 125°, and 1 small possible naval craft or M/V heading N. Flak------At target Heavy, moderate intensity, inaccurate, light calibre up to 6,000’ – Inaccurate. At Ancona, Heavy, inaccurate. Along road at Pinocchio Heavy, inaccurate. 1 battery of heavy at target ½ mile S of junction at F-24. 4. WEATHER: Enroute. 8/10 base at 5,000 feet, tops at 10,000 on first half of route. Visibility: Hazy, 15 miles. At Target: Clouds- None. Visibility: Hazy, 15 miles. Return: Scattered clouds at 5,000 feet on route from target becoming 6/10 as approached base. Visibility, Hazy-15 miles. 5. Flight leaders: Lt. Wilt and Tapper. Number of sorties - 24 Photos taken.

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

445th BS War Diary: Lts. Ward, Shaw, Triplett; F/O Jones; Sgts. Baird, Boyette and Pierce all received their orders to return to the United States. Lts. Ward and Shaw were promoted to 1st Lt. which gave them added cause for rejoicing. Lt. Kailer flew Lt. Armbruster to the hospital at Naples where the latter will undergo a physical checkup. A new enlisted men’s mess is now erected. Two heifers were cut up this afternoon and will be eaten tomorrow. Large number of packages arrived in the evening. It is very cold tonight. Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt, pilot Baird, Marvin G., Sgt, engineering Boyette, Roy E., Sgt, gunner Jones, William E., F/O, pilot Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt, pilot Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Shaw, William H., 1Lt, pilot Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt, pilot Ward, James M., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 176/mission 175) Group Mission # 177:

A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt Vance, Chester L., S/Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Williamson, Loyd V., F/O House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None None B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl R Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64529 (returned early – guns out) P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Nysson, John W., 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Another successful mission. And still more mail. Usual garrison duties.

Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 176/mission 175) Group Mission # 177: Squadron Mission 142 TARGET: Falconara M/Y DATE: 30 Dec.1943 Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Wilt, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Target coverage was excellent. Many direct hits on junction, one warehouse left on fire, and three large explosions were seen in the yards. The repair shed, RR stations, roads, and buildings on both sides of the junction were hit. Two enemy a/c were seen but did not attack. Flak was heavy, Inaccurate. Wilt, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Davison, William R., 2Lt Russell, Burton E., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Tapper, George G., 1Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Bahm, Linston A., PFC Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., S/Sgt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC G Samsel, John C., Sgt Tissier, Rene G., Cpl F None None

Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

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

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 46) “# 46 Dec. 30, 1943 Time 3:15 Sqdn Mission # 142 Gr. Mission # 177 500# demo Falconara M/Y, Italy Formation Leader - Lt Wilt Results - Target coverage excellent - 3 large explosions in yards. Remarks - 2 E/A seen but did not attack. Flak was heavy moderate to intense & inaccurate. Ship number - 42-64520 “Duchess” Formation 2-1 P- Russell, CP - Walker, B- Nicklaus, E - Kaney, RG- Howe, G -Schultheis” Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier Russell, Burton E., 2Lt, pilot Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: (29-30-31 Dec) “Since I have been busy the last three days my Diary has been neglected. We have had a few good missions & because of weather one was almost a cross country so couldn’t drop any bombs. Its been darn cold, real nasty weather. I’m starting to pace what floor we have in our tent, wondering & worrying about my wife & the baby I’m supposed to have Jan 3. Sure hope they both will be OK and hope I hear from them soon. Hope the way we’re working & living that this will soon be over.”

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

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 176/mission 175) Group Mission # 177: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on Falconara, Italy Marshalling Yards. Bombing results good.

Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” Ball” P Beeson, Elwood H., Capt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt None B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Jeffrey, James H., PFC R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None Hassett, Leo P., Sgt A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None None B Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” Done Crapped Again” P Gill, Paul W., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt N None None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” (returned early – engine trouble) P Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt N None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None

Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 176/mission 175) Group Mission # 177: Mission 139 (177): At 12:05 24 planes off to bomb Falconara M/Y and 24 dropped 136 x 500 bombs at 14:00 from 10,000 feet, all returned at 15:00. Target coverage excellent, many direct hits on junction, 1 warehouse left on fire, 3 large explosions in yards, repair shed, RR shed and buildings on both side of junction hit. 2 S/E fighters seen 2 miles S of target but did not attack. Flak: Moderate, heavy, inaccurate. Weather: Hazy at target. F/L: Lt. Wilt.

A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 42-64519 P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Carr, Randal C., S/Sgt E Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Cpl Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st None BG Commander (Mission Commander) A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None None B Ally, George B., S/Sgt Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Driver, William J., F/O CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None

Thursday, 30 December 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30355 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Spencer, John S., T/Sgt R Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt

Friday, 31 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-40's and Spitfires of the AAF, RAF, RAAF, and SAAF, strike infantry and heavy artillery around Tollo, Orsogna, Miglianico, Ripa, and Teatina in support of the British Eighth Army. A-36's bomb the town of Formia and hit gun positions.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log: Rendezvous with 12th B.G. at 2000 ft at 1130 at San Severo. Their calls are BIGBOY & FLAVOR on 6440. There will be fighter cover at Target.

0845 Bradley to TBF. Cleared 995, (Shutt) for Naples. 0930 TBF to Bradley. Mission # 725. 24 A/C. Primary, Shipping off islands near Zara. If no shipping attack docks at Sibenik at 91, S38 to V41 on chart S39 (1). Any shipping over 150 ft. may be taken as enemy and may be attacked. Want T.O.T. as soon as possible.

TBF to Larson. “Have crews briefed on San Benedetto (#38) as last resort.”

1115 TBF to Bradley. “Stand down for the day.” 1140 TBF to Bradley. “Col Olmsted, Col. Cook and Capt. Asbury to attend meeting at TBF at 1800 tonite, for tactical discussion.” 1600 Matthews to Larson. “Crews available: 445th, 7; 446th, 11; 447th, 7; 448th, 7.” 1650 TBF to Larson. “Middle East Bombing School cancelled for this month— Squadrons notified.” 1700 Olmsted to Col Farrell (TBF). “Capt. Jaenicke to report to Col Neely at A-3, 12 A.F. (Foggia) for 4 days plus. Jaenicke to provide technical advice on B-25 modifications.”

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron personnel were paid today. Three training flights were flown. There was not too much work accomplished today as the men were warming up for the big New Year’s Eve celebration. Roast beef was thoroughly enjoyed for supper. A festive, “wet” time was had during the evening, culminated by a “fireworks” display at 12 o’clock when all or a large number of the men fired their firearms to “ring out the old, ring in the new”. Happy New Year to all.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. News reached here today that Lts. Klang, Henson, Graham, and Sgts. Carnes and Bonacich were killed in a plane crash near La Senia air base in Africa. This is not official yet. What a terrible way to end the month. The accident occurred on December 24, 1943. Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt, gunner Carnes, James B., Sgt, engineering Graham, Robert W., 2Lt, engineering Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt, pilot Klang, Irving E., 2Lt, pilot Friday, 31 December 1943

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Morrison Field, NC to USCG Air Station, Borinquen, Puerto Rico: Ferry Flying Time: 5:15 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual work program.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

December 1943

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for December 1943 December brought many days of bad weather causing the cancellation of some scheduled missions and in other cases complete cloud coverage prevented primary targets from being attacked. Despite the handicap offered by the weather the group carried on and performed many successful raids. During the earlier part of the month, Colonel Knapp was transferred to Tactical Bomber Force and Lt. Colonel Olmsted assumed command of the Group. A Group Officers Club was organized consisting of Group Headquarters and the 445th and 446th Squadrons. The clubroom was located n the building used for administrative offices. Many evening hours of relaxation were spent in the club by the officers as they enjoyed liquors purchased in Cairo and Naples. A poker game was in full swing each evening and many other games were enjoyed as well. The club was decorated by the hanging of two parachutes from the ceiling, indirect lighting and murals on the walls. Italian boys were hired as bartenders and although we were doubtful as to their value at first, they proved to be very satisfactory. Movies and stage show were enjoyed by all in the granary nearly every night of the week. Many of the movies we have seen lately are recent releases. The Podesta in Foggia was the scene of the first Group Officer’s dance on St. Vincent’s Night, December 22nd. The 21st Engineer’s Band supplied the music and the Squadron’s supplied the liquors. Red Cross girls and the fairest of the Army Nurse Corps added the feminine touch. The liquor was fine, the music superb, and all adjudged the affair a raising success. On December 9, 1943 the Group was honored by a flying visit from General Arnold just back from his epoch-making conference with the four power Heads at Cairo. The Group turned out on masse in Class “A” uniforms to see the General make three award-presentations. The photographs tell the story.

December 1943 (continued)

December 1943 (continued)

December 1943 (continued)

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

446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for December 1943

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF 321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 650 1 January 1944 446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARRATIVE HISTORY FOR DECEMBER 1943

A. Original unit 1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Group (M), AAF . 2. Organized 1 August 1942 3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C. 4. Activated at Barksdale Field, La., 23 June 1942 5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement centers

B. Strength, commissioned and enlisted 1. 1 December 1943 64 Officers, 275 Enlisted Men 2. Net Increase None 3. Net Decrease 2 Officers, 8 Enlisted Men 4. 31 December 1943 62 Officers, 267 Enlisted Men

C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof: There were six enlisted men and one officer on DS in North Africa who arrived at this Base on 8 December 1943

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements: 1. Engagement; Split, Yugoslavia. 2. LT. COL. HENRY H. SCHWANE (pilot).

E. Losses in action: 1. Sgt. William C. Cleveland (gunner) missing in action over Italy.

F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in action: Captain James L. Bradley (pilot) was awarded the D.F.C. by General Arnold on Dec. 9, 1943.

G. Campaigns 1. Complete data in attached mission summaries. December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for December 1943

Tragedy struck early in the month when Lt. William Williams and crew were shot down Dec. 2---Squadron Weapons Carrier driven by S/Sgt. Luchetsky flipped over a stone wall near San Giovanni killing on Italian passenger Dec. 8---The officers mess and club was ready for occupation Dec. 9---Lt. Haeberle soloing in a jeep Dec 12 tangled with a two-and-a-half-ton truck (missing one jeep)---Enlisted men’s club opened Dec. 13 with gala festivities---Col. Knapp relinquished the group to Lt. Col. Olmstead at a meeting of combat crews Dec. 13---Officers gave a dinner and dance Dec. 19 in the squadron club. Fourteen gals-in-blue (61st and 55th hospital talent) attended---Mass promotion of officers Dec. 21---Ella Logan and troupe were Christmas eve guests at the squadron officers club---The Yule feast featured turkeys from the states, GI and fat--- Deluge of Christmas packages from home poured in all month---The old year passed out rather quietly with both the officers and the enlisted men’s bars doing a landslide business New Years Eve. Details appear in the War Diary and Special Accounts Sections. Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Luchetsky, Paul, S/Sgt, mess Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot

Despite the large number of missions which had to be cancelled during the month because of bad weather—the squadron chalked up a goodly number totaling fourteen for the month. The raids were about equally divided between the Balkans and northern Italy. The raids over northern Italy just above the battle line were the toughest ones and it was on one of those that heavy flak accounted for one of our planes.

The biggest morale booster of the month came Dec. 21 promotion orders came through for thirty 2nd Lts. in the squadron. Some of the promoted officers joined the squadron last June, others last October.

By the end of the month rumors were being circulated that we would soon move again. Our field is being shared now with B-17s of the 2nd Bomb. Group and is quite crowded.

Missions Flown: 14 Sorties Flown: 94 Bombs dropped (weight): 246,760 Planes lost: 1 Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None Squadron’s 150th mission flown during the month. ------

December 1943 (continued)

447th BS Special Accounts: The following is a “plane-performance” report sent in to North American by their representative here. The record of “The Sophisticated Lady” is outstanding but a similar record is being chalked up by most of the other planes and crews in the squadron.

“The Sophisticated Lady”, bearing the official Air Corps Identification Number AC 41-13181, is a B-25 airplane, which, when combined with her combat crew members and ground personnel, provides an illustrious example of the superior types of machines and men the United States can produce. During her nine months in combat, she has achieved the distinction of having participated in ninety bombing missions during three hundred and twenty hours of combat flying time, and dropped more than one hundred eighty-eight thousand pounds of destruction on enemy objectives. She has created this combat record, not by spectacular stabs at the enemy, but many deliberate and successful bombing runs over enemy targets while under the skilful control of the pilot, First Lieutenant Jack M. DeMoss, and the present pilot, Second Lieutenant Robert Olson. Lieutenant Olson and his crew were assigned to “The Sophisticated Lady” on October 4th, 1943, after Lieutenant DeMoss’s crew had completed its combat tour and returned to the United States. The “lady” has retained an almost perfect maintenance record, failing to qualify for a mission only once due to a double engine-change, which was made after her original engines had incurred 460 hours flying time. This maintenance was not due to critical malfunctioning of the engines but to insure the peak performance which is essential in a combat airplane. She has had no occasion to utilize her many emergency operating systems, since she has never experienced a hydraulic failure. She still retains one of her original main landing gear tires after 570 hours operation. The “Lady’s” pink skin has been marred only seven times by enemy gunfire and the resultant holes were nothing that could not be covered by tin from a tobacco can. On only three occasions did damages approach a serious nature. The first occurred when a small caliber bullet pierced the outer wing trailing edge and narrowly missed severing the aileron control cables, the second when a bullet from an enemy fighter entered the upper turret dome and amputated the lower section of the turret operator’s left ear. All other damages inflicted by enemy gunfire were of no consequences, with the exception of a small piece of shrapnel which entered the nose gun ammunition box and exploded a few rounds of ammunition at the bombardier’s side. Although the “Lady” has accrued ninety combat missions with rather an uneventful career, it is a mistake to assume that she has shirked her duty as a topnotch worker, because she has definitely played a superb part in the drama to gain air superiority over the Axis in this theater. DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C., 2Lt, pilot

The “Sophisticated Lady” was assigned her original crew in February, 1943, prior to the flight overseas. The crew consisted of: Pilot, First Lieutenant Jack M. DeMoss, Kansas City, Missouri; Co-Pilot, Second Lieutenant Chas Hoffman, Newport, Kentucky; Bombardier, Second Lieutenant Andy K. Garrett, Abilene, Texas; Engineer-Gunner, Staff Sergeant Edward Joseph, Hammonton, New Jersey; Turret Gunner, Private First Class, December 1943 (continued)

Robert Smith, Macon, Georgia; and Radio-Gunner, Technical Sergeant John Hofstedt, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew escorted the “Sophisticated Lady” on an uneventful flight overseas to her first combat Base in North Africa via the southern ferry route along the east coast of South America and across the South Atlantic, landing at an airbase near Oran, Algeria. DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot Garrett, Andy K., 2Lt, bombardier Hammonton, Edward Joseph, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt, pilot Hofstedt, John H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

The Bombardment Group to which the “Sophisticated Lady” was assigned was then consolidated and moved to a Base nearer the North African combat area. From this Base, the “Lady” initiated her combat career by participating in bombing missions over various enemy airfields in North Africa. These missions were succeeded by raids on Sardinian harbors at Carloforte, Olbia and Cagliari, Missions within the next few weeks included seven low sea sweeps over the Mediterranean Sea in search of enemy shipping. These missions proved extremely dangerous, since they were executed at deck level against boats which invariably carried an abundance of armament manned by experienced gunners. After two raids on the marshalling yards at Mateur, in North Africa, and attacks on airports at Villacidro, Sardinia, the “Sophisticated Lady” then flew seven missions over the island of Pantelleria to share in the annihilation of the island by air power. Succeeding missions were aimed at the Sicilian targets of Licata, Bo Rizzo, Sciacca, Gerbini, Biscari, San Pietro, Caltanissetta, Palazzolo, Messina and Milo Airdrome.

During the foregoing raids, the “Lady’s” home Base was advanced periodically, so to permit closer co-ordination with Allied Forces and shorten the striking distance to enemy objectives. The mass bombing of Rome on July 19th marked the beginning of large-scale raids on Italy by the ‘Sophisticated Lady” and her associates. During the following weeks, Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew flew through flak and fighters to bomb the Italian targets of Naples, Monte Corvino, Crotone, the marshalling yards at Catanzaro Marine, Marina di Paolo, Benevento, Cancello, Lauria, and road junctions at Potenza, Ariano Irpino, Baronissi and Isernia, Airdromes at Minturno and Practica di Mare were also hit by the “Lady”. The Practica di Mare raid completed fifty combat missions for Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew and they were replaced by: Pilot, Second Lieutenant Robert Olson, Waterloo, Iowa; Co-Pilot, Second Lieutenant Alfred Drury, Marquette, Michigan; Bombardier, Second Lieutenant George Deane, Lincoln Illinois; Navigator, Second Lieutenant Arthur Holloway, Joliet, Illinois; Radio-Gunner, Staff Sergeant George Roever, Longview, Texas; and Turret Gunner, Sergeant Argyle Smith, Fulton, Massachusetts. Lieutenant Olson and his crew continued operations by bombing Grecian airdromes at Argos, Salonika, Athens-Eleusis and Athens-Kalamaki Airdromes.

December 1943 (continued)

On the Kalamaki raid, Sergeant Smith was credited with dropping an enemy ME-109 by fire from the “Lady’s” upper gun turret. The “Sophisticated Lady”, under the guidance of her new crew, also executed missions over Tirana Airdrome, in Albania. Targets at Skoplje, Nis, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Sibenik were also hit by the unrelenting and yet sophisticated “Lady”. Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot Drury, Alfred Charles, 2Lt, pilot Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt, navigator Olson, Robert C., 2Lt, pilot Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Smith, Argyle H., Cpl, turret gunner

And so, “The Sophisticated Lady” continues to fulfill here required assignments of combat routine from the Home Base, which is now located in Italy. Technical Sergeant Arthur Hasler, known as “Sitting Bull” by is buddies, has served as the “Lady’s” crew chief since she entered combat. He is very proud of the “Sophisticated Lady’s” maintenance record and states that she is as good as the day she was born and just as eager. Hasler, Arthur R. "Sitting Bull", T/Sgt, engineering

December 1943 (continued)

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

On December 2, 1943, while on a mission over CHIETI Road Bridge, Major Bates and his crew were shot down in flames. This accident overshadowed by far any other event during the month. The airplane received a direct flak hit in one gas tank and was immediately enveloped in flames. There is a possibility that one of the crew bailed out as photographs taken during the raid show what is believed to be a parachute in the air. Members of the crew were; Major Bates, Pilot, Lt. Clark, Co-Pilot, Captain Brown, Bombardier, Lt. Abbe, Navigator, S/SGTS: Henry, Engineer, Terho, Radio Gunner, and Paschel, Turret Gunner. The loss of these men was felt keenly by all members of the Squadron. Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt, navigator Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, bombardier Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Paschel, John W., S/Sgt, turret gunner Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

On the afternoon of December 3, 1943, Captain Bell assumed command and made a brief address to the Officers and men in which he stated that he would do his utmost to carry on the best traditions of the 448 and expected the cooperation of all personnel Captain Culp was appointed Operations Officer and Lt. Eddy was appointed Assistant Operations Officer. In the absence of Captain Culp who was in Cairo, Lt. Eddy performed the necessary duties pertaining to that office. The remainder of the week passed with little excitement, targets continue to be in Northern Italy and Yugoslavia. Bell, Albert R., Capt, pilot, Commander Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

On December 10 following a mysterious order to appear in class A uniforms the squadron marched to Group Headquarters and there witnessed the award of several medals to personnel of the Group by General Arnold who was accompanied by Lt. General Spaatz and Major General Cannon. T/Sgts: Karabinos and Braun received the Legion of Merit for their work in modifying the B-25’s. Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt, gunner Karabinos, Joseph M., T/Sgt, engineering

Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", Gen, Chief of the Army Air Forces Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander Spaatz, Carl Andrew "Tooey", Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

By December 9 the Enlisted Mens Mess Hall and Club with bar attached was completed and good use was made of this facility. The Officer’s Mess was also completed and operating with great success. Due to some unknown cause the Bill of Fare did not improve during the early part of the month.

December 1943 (continued)

As cold weather and rain became the order of the day the huge coal pile soon dwindled and the camp area began to resemble to resemble Pittsburgh with black coal smoke pouring from many chimneys. Of course many strange gadgets and inventions were used to burn gasoline and oil. As was the case of last winter a steady flow of chickens, eggs and etc came in to supplement the GI chow. Although strict instructions from home ordered that Xmas packages were not to be opened until December 25, many men found the urge irresistible or the pile of packages growing so great that they had to investigate the contents.

Shortly after the move to Amendola it was discovered that shows were a nightly affair in Foggia and by December 2 a truck was sent nightly carrying all personnel who desired to attend. It was discovered that sunny Italy was extremely cold after the sun went down. On December 9 through the efforts of the Group Special Service Officer movies were shown nightly at Group Headquarters, which were enjoyed by all. Early in the month Lt. Jantz started building a show room but as it was soon discovered that hot showers were available in Foggia work was discontinued in the squadron. Jantz, Lawrence E., 2Lt, supply

The weather continued to be inclement and hampered operations on the Line and in the squadron area. Few missions were flown and these had three or four alternate targets which were to be bombed if the primary target was covered. On December 23 the Group was given a day off in which to celebrate Xmas as a mission was scheduled on Xmas day, full advantage was taken of this holiday and everyone reported a Good Time.

As December 25 approached the holiday spirit permeated the squadron, home- sickness was prevalent but no cases proved fatal. On December 24 the cooks announced that turkey would again be in order for the Xmas dinner. All Personnel mentally licked their chops as they recalled the bountiful feast of Thanksgiving Day. The dinner left nothing to be desired. The men ate their fill of the copious servings which ranged from turkey to nuts. Both the officers and men enjoyed a Xmas Eve party in Foggia and at Group Headquarters. Christmas Cheer was obtainable at the bars of both clubs.

During the month Lts: Hayes and Wonnacott received their promotions to the rank of Captain and several Enlisted Men were promoted in grade. Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., Capt, armament Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering

Late in the month the system of three day passes for all enlisted personnel was inaugurated and several men spent three enjoyable days in Naples. However an epidemic of typhus in that city effectually put a stop to the passes. Combat crews continued to go to the Isle of Capri for a seven day rest throughout the month and they reported that the island was beautiful, service was excellent and the rest very beneficial.

December 1943 (continued)

As the month wore on all personnel became more acquired with their surroundings and frequent trips to Manfredonia and Foggia as well as to small towns in the nearby mountains proved that Italy was not as desolate and war stricken as first impressions made it seem.

All personnel who had completed fifty missions were still sweating out their orders that would send them back to good old U.S.A. Letters from former members of the squadron who had returned home did not help the situation.

On December 15 Colonel Knapp bid a fond adieu to his Group and left for higher headquarters. Lt. Colonel Olmsted assumed command. At about the same time the 2nd Bomb Group (H), moved on the same field and crowded B-25’s off the hard stands into the mud temporarily. Rumors were abound that this condition would not long endure shortly the Group would again be on the move. Perhaps to Naples but no one knew definitely. Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

As the year drew to a close thoughts of home became very evident in the squadron, the censors found more and more evidence of that longing to return home.

Peddlers became frequent visitors and cried their wares of chickens, almonds, oranges and Italian vino and needless to say the squadron personnel made many purchases of the wares they offered for sale. Prices ranged from ten cents for a hair cut to twenty cents for an egg. Food was at a premium, but the rich American soldier paid the price and the Italian Co-Belligerents reaped the harvest just as the French Allies had in North Africa.

December 1 – 7 – 43: Squadron strength December 1, 1943, 70 Officers and 278 Enlisted Men. Major Bates, 2nd Lts: Abbe, Clark, S/Sgts: Henry, Paschal, and Terho, Missing in action as of December 2, 1943, while on raid over CHIETI road bridge. Captain Bell assigned and joined and assumed command as of December 2, 1943. 1st Lt. Hayes promoted to Captain. S/Sgt. Moore transferred to 37th General Hospital. The loss of Major Bates and crew was a severe shock to the squadron. Despite unfavorable weather three missions were flown during the week. Cold rains and mud hampered operations in the area and on the line. Morale was low but everyone determined to give Captain Bell their fullest cooperation. Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt, navigator Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot Bell, Albert R., Capt, pilot, Commander Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., Capt, armament Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Moore, Gordon E., S/Sgt, gunner Paschel, John W., S/Sgt, turret gunner Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

December 1943 (continued)

December 8 – 14 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. Lt. Wallnau transferred to the 322nd Service Group. Lt. Tolton transferred to the U.S.A. All remaining men in North Africa returned to the squadron with the remainder of vehicles this week. Several Officers and Enlisted Men, combat crews members departed for a weeks rest on the Island of Capri. Four missions were flown during the week against Italian tactical targets. Weather continued cold and the usual camp duties were performed. On December 10, Generals Arnold, Spaatz, Cannon reviewed the Group and awarded the Legion of Merit T/Sgts: Braun and Karabinos. The Enlisted Mens Club and Bar opened. The Officers Club continued with noteworthy success. Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt, gunner Karabinos, Joseph M., T/Sgt, engineering Tolton, Justin C., 2Lt, pilot Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering

Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", Gen, Chief of the Army Air Forces Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander Spaatz, Carl Andrew "Tooey", Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

December 15 – 21 – 43: The following Enlisted Men were assigned and joined S/Sgts: Lord, Sgt. Everhart; Corporal Bird and Carr. Many Officers and Enlisted Men departed for a weeks rest on the Isle of Capri. The weather continued cold and rainy but despite this handicap five missions were flown over Yugoslavia and northern Italian targets. The Mess succeeded in purchasing fresh vegetables which added much to the Bill of Fare. Packages poured in to all personnel in the squadron. The usual camp duties were performed during this period. Carr, Randal C., Cpl, gunner Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt, gunner Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt, gunner

December 22 – 31 - 43: S/Sgt. Doss assigned and joined. Lt. Evans promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Lt. Wonnacott promoted to Captain. Due to holiday only two missions were flown. Christmas dinner was very successful with turkey for all with all the trimmings. Usual camp duties performed while celebrating the holidays. More Officers and Enlisted men departed for the Isle of Capri. Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt, bombardier Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering