SUBJECT: HISTORICAL RECORDS

TO: Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention: Historian (through Channels)

1). Unit history of the 720^th Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1 May to 31 May 1944.

            A. The present designation of the unit is 720^th Squadron, 450^th Bombardment Group (H), 47^th Wing, 15^th Air Force, United States Army.

            B. Changes in Organization

            1). Captain Floyd I. Robinson appointed Squadron Operations Officer, per Squadron Order No. 14, Paragraph 1, dated 6 May 1944, vice Captain Grant D Caywood.

            2). Captain Grant D Caywood appointed Squadron Commander per Squadron General Order No. 2, dated 25 May 1944 vice Captain Gordon T Colley.

            C. Strength, commissioned and enlisted

            1). Month of May 1944

                        a). At Beginning: 514

                        b). Increase:          81

                        c). Decrease:        85

                        d). At End:          510

            D. Manduria, Italy, #25, Army Air Base.

            E. No movement of organization in May.

            F. Campaigns

                        1). Italian

                        2). Duration: from 2 January 1944, still in progress.

            G. Operations

                        1). Sixteen (16) missions were flown for one hundred and fifty-nine (159) sorties.

                        2). Two (2) missions were flown against oil refineries at Ploesti, Roumania; and one (1) mission to the same type target at Porto Marghero, Italy. Against marshalling yards we flew the following missions: one (1) to Brasov, Roumania; three (3) in Italy at Piacenza, Vicenza and La Spezia; and two (2) such missions to France at Nice and Marseilles. One (1) mission was attempted against a railroad bridge near Latisana, Italy and when that target could not be reached, a railroad bridge near Montesilvano, Italy, was bombed. One (1) mission was flown to attack an enemy troop concentration opposing the Anzio beachhead. Two (2) missions were flown against an airdrome near Wiener-Neustadt, Austria, and one (1) mission against an aircraft components factory in the same vicinity. Two (2) missions were flown to Porto San Stefano, Italy, to attack harbor installations.

            3). An important mission was flown on 29 May. The pattern and aim was good and installations on Wollensdorf Airdrome, near Wiener-Neustadt, Austria, were well hit. The bomb load was 10 X 500. Ten (10) of our planes took off, one (1) returned early, and nine (9) hit the target. The fighter escort was good and did not permit the hovering enemy to make an effective attack on our formation. Flak was ineffective and all our planes returned safely. Our objective was to destroy airdrome installations and aircraft assembly facilities. Another purpose was to relieve the great aerial pressure which the enemy is exerting against the Partisans in Yugoslavia.

            4a). The Squadron was subjected to enemy fighter attacks just as the left rally was made from an oil refinery at Ploesti on 5 May. The attacks were mostly form six o'clock high, and out of the sun. Attacks were made singly and in pairs. Several attacks were also made from twelve o'clock level; and two (2) attacks from five and seven o'clock. The 15/20 ME 109's and one (1) FW 190 were not aggressive in the air battle which lasted for approximately twenty (20) minutes. All our planes returned safely. Our gunners claimed one (1) FW 190 shot down. Our formation was also subjected to ineffective rocket fire.

            4b). During the mission to Wollensdorf Airdrome, at Wiener-Neustadt, two (2) of our bombers were shot down on the first pass, which came from high at twelve (12) o'clock. This was on 24 May. Enemy aircraft encountered numbered 40/50 ME 109's and 10 FW 190's. Attacks  were from 12 o'clock high, level and low in "V" formations of eight (8) to fifteen (15) planes. Then broke upward and attacked from all around the clock. Rocket fire against us was again ineffective. The attacks were aggressive with the enemy diving through the formation. This air battle lasted for 20 to 25 minutes and covered the route from Graz to the target. Our gunners clamed 2/2/2. 

            4c). On another mission to Wollensdorf, at Weiner-Neustadt, enemy fighters attempted to reach our Squadron. The escort was excellent and the enemy could not reach our formation. This was on 29 May.

            4d). Again on 30 May enemy fighter reaction was severe during a mission to the vicinity of Wiener-Neustadt. Sixteen (16) to twenty (20) ME 109's attacked from six (6) o'clock, level and high, then broke down to come in from 3 or 4 o'clock level. The attacks were mostly single passes, but some came in two (2) abreast with one breaking down and one upward. The attacks were very aggressive; closing to fifty (50) yards. Our gunners claimed two (2) destroyed. The battle was cut short when P-51's put in a welcome, belated appearance. All our planes returned safely to base.

            4e). Flak is not reported because it is encountered on all missions, with rare exceptions.

            H. Colonel John S. Mills, Group Commander, led a fine mission to Porto San Stefao, Italy on 17 May. The target was harbor installations. Our Squadron led the Group and 1^st Lt Robert Brown and 1^st Lt Rolland Carr, Squadron Navigator and Bombardier, flew in the lead with Colonel Mills. Lt's Brown and Carr form the best "team" in the Group and continued their fine string of successes. A good pattern was on the target and flak was evaded by good navigation and flying.

            I). Losses in Action

                        1). 2^nd Lt Francis D Layton and his crew became missing in action during the raid on Weiner-Neustadt, Austria on 24 May 1944. Following is a list of his crew: 2^nd Lt Harry F Reed Jr, F/O Zelig Finkelstein, 2^nd Lt Stanley Lewandowski, S/Sgt William Teunis Jr, S/Sgt Rodney L Booker, Sgt Charles M Trinnier and Cpl Frank E VanLimburg.

                        2). 2^nd Lt Donald G Guldberg and his crew became missing in action during the raid to Weiner-Neustadt, Austria on 24 May 1944. Following is a list of his crew: 2^nd Lt Paul E Lee, 2^nd Lt James J Akins, 2^nd Lt Robert R Cook, S/Sgt Robert L Bauer, S/Sgt Jack M Suverkrup, Sgt James Fife and Sgt Walter S Florozak.

            J). Awards

            1). The following enlisted men were awarded the Soldiers Medal for heroism involving a burning plane on 16 April 1944: T/Sgt Julian C Clark and Pfc Marquis Cedeno.

            2). The folling enlisted men were awarded the Good Conduct Medal: T/Sgt Scott M Ayleswoth Jr, T/Sgt Walter O Cannon, S/Sgt Clarion J Frymier, S/Sgt Joseph J Heffernan, S/Sgt John Mason Jr and S/Sgt Harley O Tedford Jr.

            3). The following Officer and enlisted men were awarded the Order of the Purple Heart for wounds received in action: 2^nd Lt Thomas F Hart, S/Sgt Clarence R Deal and S/Sgt Charles C Felchner.

            4). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded the Air Medal: 1^st Lt Paul F. C. Radue, 2^nd Lt Oscar J Anderson, 2^nd Lt Francis D Bauder, 2^nd Lt Harry L Foster Jr, 2^nd Lt David W Magnuson, 2^nd Lt Preston K McKart, 2^nd Lt Wayne L Murray, 2^nd Lt Robert H Rieback, T/Sgt Donald E Wilson, S/Sgt Jimmie C Finch, Sgt Oscar L Barbee, Sgt Fred G Beck, Sgt Nicholas M DePaul, Sgt James R Martin, Sgt Robert P Neary, Sgt John Waschak, Sgt William K Gernheuser and Pfc Leon Rosenband.   

            5). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their second Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 2^nd Lt Harold A Felder.

            6). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their third Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 2^nd Lt Glen E Boyle, S/Sgt Randolph F Haney and Cpl Everett O Moody.

            7). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their fourth Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 2^nd Lt Lawrence J Smith, T/Sgt Robert B Culver Jr, S/Sgt James G Foster and Cpl Everett O Moody.

            8). The following enlisted man has been awarded his fifth Oak Leaf Silver Cluster: T/Sgt Donald Van Deusen.

            9). The following enlisted men have been awarded their seventh Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: T/Sgt Robert E Beshore, S/Sgt Norman J Kirkland and S/Sgt Raymond H Strautman.

            10). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded the Air Medal: 2^nd Lt Elmer Adrian, 2^nd Lt Louis Amster, 2^nd Lt Richard D Anderson, 2^nd Lt John C Ebert, 2^nd Lt Louis W Lessard, 2^nd Lt Herbert J Littlefield, 2^nd Lt Julius Nathanson, 2^nd Lt Victor K Todd, S/Sgt Solomon E Lubin, S/Sgt Theodore S Modrowski, Sgt Joe D Allen, Sgt Fred W Barlow, Sgt Marvin R Freeman, Sgt Howard C Jamieson, Sgt Garnett H Jones, Sgt Melvin H Schoenberger and Sgt Gordon P Yohann. 

            11). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their first Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 2^nd Lt John d Adeimy, 2^nd Lt Harry B Mayo, S/Sgt Armand J L'Heureux, S/Sgt Howard J Verduin, S/Sgt Peter P Zaleski, Sgt Bennett H Collins, Sgt James P Cox, Sgt James C Davis and Sgt Vincent C Truex.

            12). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their second Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 2^nd Lt Maurice A Erickson Jr, 2^nd Lt Herbert Gouldon, 2^nd Lt William H Skau, 2^nd Lt Robert B Stricklin, S/Sgt Stanley S Butynski, S/Sgt James E Strickland, S/Sgt Howard J Verduin and Cpl John J Stranahan.

            13). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their third Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 1^st Lt James G Wright, 2^nd Lt Dave Counts, 2^nd Lt Thomas F Hart, S/Sgt Russell J Hecht, S/Sgt John Starkovich and S/Sgt Howard J Verduin.

            14). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded their fourth Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: 1^st Lt Gerald M French, 2^nd Lt Jorgen M. J. Augustenberg, 2^nd Lt Donald R Bechtel, 2^nd Lt Richard S Cummings, 2^nd Lt Donald DeKraker, 2^nd Lt Harold E Gladstone, 2^nd Lt John L Polce, 2^nd Lt Stanley A White, F/O James D Cumming, S/Sgt Charles C Felchner, S/Sgt Morris L Hopkins, S/Sgt Stanley J Johnson, S/Sgt Joseph A Mandanyohl, S/Sgt Carl A Moen Jr and S/Sgt Howard J Verduin.

            15). The following enlisted men have been awarded their fifth Oak Leaf Silver Cluster: T/Sgt James A Wood, S/Sgt Clairon J Frymire, S/Sgt William J Haight, S/Sgt Victor J Monkus, S/Sgt Elwyn D Roberts, S/Sgt Howard J Verduin and Sgt Joseph J Hefferman.

            16). The following enlisted men have been awarded their sixth Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster:

T/Sgt Walter O Cannon, S/Sgt Howard R Barkley, S/Sgt Victor J Monkus, S/Sgt Harley O Tedford, S/Sgt Howard J Verduin and S/Sgt Joseph J Hefferman.

            17). The following enlisted men have been awarded their seventh Oak Leaf Bronze Cluster: T/Sgt Scott M Aylesworth and S/Sgt John Mason Jr.

            Enclosed is the War Diary of the unit from the period 1 May to 31 May 1944.

Walter T. Malcolm

1^st Lt, Air Corps

Asst Squadron S-2

720^TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON DIARY FOR MAY 1944

1 May

No mission flown today. The weather was bright and cool. Two practice flights were held, in search of leaders. It was "defense day" an all personnel wear or carry their respective arms, gas mask and helmet. The formal opening of the "Day Room" was held this evening. It was a fine party. This also celebrated the opening of the new mess hall for enlisted personnel. This hall was very nice: with nicely painted tables, white walls and a concrete floor. Capt. Wagner, Squadron Surgeon, gave the first of four scheduled lectures on malarial control. All squadron personnel were present. All are to start taking atabrine today. The movie shown in Oria was "Swing Out the Blues". Today is the first anniversary of this group, and this added to the holiday spirit.

2 May

No combat mission today. Practice formation and bombing flights were held. The area was rather quiet with enlisted personnel "lying-low" after the formal opening of the dayroom. The problem now seeks to be as to how things can be made quiet enough at night, for personnel to sleep. In the evening six fine boxing matches were held by group in our squadron "Manduria Square Gardens". "Gunner" Kristal, of the 720^th Squadron, dropped a bout by TKO to a British ack-ack man. The feature bout showed two M.P.'s and everyone hoped they would murder each other, or at least commit "modified mayhem". 

3 May

The mission briefed for the marshalling yards at Ploesti, Rumania, was "scrubbed" just after briefing: mild cheering accompanied the news that this mission was cancelled. In the afternoon a ceremony was held in which awards were presented to group combat personnel. Col. John S Mills, Group Commander, was presented the "Silver Star". This was for outstanding leadership when our squadron led the Wing on the Ploesti raid of 5 April. Col. Mills had directed the attack as co-pilot with Captain Colley, Squadron Commander. The Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, and Order of the Purple Heart were also presented. The "holiday spirit was continued when our mess served "old fashioned" hot dogs, and the meal was further pepped up with Coca-Cola for each man. The latter came from our Post Exchange ratio. The movie shown in Oria was a "horse-opry" entitled the "Black Hills Express".

4 May

A mission was briefed and took off for Ploesti Marshalling Yards. The planes were back in about three hours because of weather. In the afternoon all personnel exercised in a close-order drill, except skeleton forces in each section. It was a fine day for weather and all sections were busy on maintenance.

5 May

Eight of our planes took off and bombed an oil refinery at Ploesti, Rumania. The bomb load was 10 X 500. The target was obscured by smoke from pots of the enemy and preceding bombs. All our planes retuned safely and one gunner claimed an FE 190 destroyed. Fighter opposition was not as great as expected. 1^st Lt Phebus became Engineering Officer today and the fact that we had no early returns made him happy. The squadron saw a film on malarial control at S-2. The movie shown in Oria was "The Saint Returns". One gunner completed fifty missions today and was placed on rotation. This "possibility" helped the morale of combat men.

6 May

Eight of our planes dropped seventy, five-hundred pounders on Brasov, Rumania marshalling yards. One plane could not get them away and jettisoned just after leaving the target. It was a good mission with fighter opposition and flak being slight. The bombing pattern was not so good but the choke point was well covered. Capt. Grant T Caywood became Squadron Commander today, replacing Capt. Colley. Capt. Floyd I Robinson became Operations Officer, replacing our new commander. Our 1^st Sergeant was "hurt" because the Colonel did not inspect the area today. Especially so, because he learned that Wing will inspect on Monday. Informal softball games are an almost daily occurrence when the planes are out. Yesterday, Engineering beat Ordnance 15 to 3. For this shellacking Ordnance had plenty of "excuses" but no "excuse".

7 May

Nine planes took off for the mission to Bucharest marshalling yards. The planes turned back due to weather, having met no opposition from fighters or flak. Notification was received that T/Sgt Julian Clark and Pfc Marquis Cedeno, of Ordnance and Armament, respectively, were awarded the Soldiers Medal for having saved a burning aircraft on the line. To prove who puts on these fights we have – today we had no program because Lt James Cumming of the 720^th has been at rest camp. Group Special Services is just there.

8 May

The mission was scrubbed before briefing. The morning was cool with a completely overcast sky. Wing officers inspected today and our squadron area was noted as the best in the group. Instruction was given in recognition of Russian aircraft and in escape procedure. Practice bombing and gunnery flights were flown by replacement crews. The move, "Reveille With Beverly" shown in Oria seemed very popular with the men. The 720^th softball team lost to 450^th Group, 7 to 5. Our boys still think they have the best team. This 450^th personnel team is not popular.

9 May

Briefing was set for 1100 hours but was cancelled before that hour. Beer, at a quart for each man, was a lone and popular item at the Squadron Post Exchange. Beer was served in the officers' mess in the evening. A stage show, by the USO was held afternoon and evening in Oria. Despite this attraction by Special Services, S-2 had about fifty men present for the weekly news and bomb strike presentation. The 720^th softball team lost to the 331^st Service Squadron 2 to 1. Our team still looks pretty classy and the 331^st has a fine team and won a good game.

10 May

The mission was abortive. Ten of our planes took off in nice weather for Wiener Neustadt but turned back after several hours due to bad weather. All bombs were jettisoned in the Adriatic.

The bomb load was 10 X 500. Ordnance beat engineering 17 – 7, in softball. Engineering was beaten by the "boom" of the "bomb boys". Ordnance really "teed-off" on that pitcher.

11 May

A practice mission for today was cancelled. The program was maximum maintenance. The squadron Post Exchange is very popular this week, with beer and coca-cola for each man. There was also a fine supple of cigarettes and candy. The 450^th Group team beat the 720^th, in softball. The men of our squadron are "griped" because the group outfield was solid 720^th. 

12 May

This was a "double-header" day. We ran two missions against harbor installations and shipping. The missions served a double purpose in that our planes were routed past our front lines in an effort to boost morale there, and, of course, to cut down facilities for supplying the German forces. Eleven of our planes took off in the morning, and all bombed Porto San Stefano, Italy. The pattern was good and was right on our aiming point. The bomb load was 12 X 500 general purpose bombs. Col. Mills was leading the group and aiding him were 1^st Lt Robert Brown and 1^st Lt Rolland R Carr, 720^th Squadron navigator and bombardier, respectively. These two men have worked on more than their share of our very successful missions, including this morning's mission. Ten planes were scheduled and took off for the second mission. These planes turned back before rendezvous was made, due to weather. The show in town was "Beautiful But Broke". 

13 May

The mission continued the counter communications plan. Ten of our planes and crews took off to bomb the marshalling yards at Piacenza, Italy. Lt Col Gideon was leading the group in another of our planes. Nine of our planes dropped their 10 X 500 bomb loads, in a good pattern, on the target. We had two planes return earlyl There was no flak and no fighter opposition.

14 May

Ten of our planes took off for the marshalling yards at Vicenza, Italy. Eight planes each dropped 10 clusters of incendiaries at the target. One plane dropped two, and later jettisoned eight. One plane was forced to turn back twenty minutes short of the target. Navigation was very poor, the mission was poorly run, and it is doubtful if anyone hit the target. There was no fighter opposition and flak was slight, inaccurate, and of heavy caliber. Col Mills addressed a formation of the ground echelon and congratulated and thanked these men. Col Mills also read messages of commendation. The boxing show scheduled for the evening was cancelled because of the danger of air attack. Our personnel are enjoying the beach which the 47^th Wing has established.

15 May

There was no mission today. The program was maintenance and two practice missions were flown. The officers have built a volleyball court and have set up a board for the "eagle-eyed" basketball men. With the warm sun, exercise is doubly beneficial. With the same facilities for enlisted men, and the boxing ring and softball diamond, all men can get some recreation and exercise. There was a movie in Oria. This is not so popular now because games are attracting attention. The men liked Deanna Durbin's new-found roundness displayed in "His Butler's Sister".

16 May

No mission today. The weather here is very pleasant and all men are puzzled by the seeming "delay". Practice formation and bombing missions were flown. Combat personnel went down to the beach in the afternoon for a swim. S-2 could not have the weekly news presentation because of a conflict with lectures on "escape".

17 May

Col Mills, Group Commander, led a fine mission to Porto San Stefano, Italy, to bomb harbor installations. The bomb load was 10 X 500. The pattern was good and the target was well hit. Flak was not effective and all men were grateful that Col. Mills had done an excellent job in evading the flak. There was no fighter opposition. Ten of our planes were scheduled, took off, and bombed the target. Our squadron was leading the group and 1^st Lt Robert Brown and 1^st Lt Rolland R Carr, Squadron Navigator and Bombardier, again did a good job. That is becoming the usual thing. The beach is being used now by personnel who have a little time. This is a fine aid to health and morale. The group softball league got off to a good start when 720^th beat 721^st Armament.

18 May

Ten of our planes took off for Ploesti, Rumania, oil refineries. The mission was abortive, when the planes turned back after several hours. The cause was weather, again. The Squadron Photographer was busy taking pictures of the various sections for the squadron album. S/Sgt "Joe" Heffernan, gunner, finished fifty today. In typical Bronx fashion, "Joe" said it was a "cinch" and Adolph's lads were a lot of chumps. Approval on that "score" was not spontaneous.

19 May

The mission today was flown through hazardous weather conditions. The group was ably led, as usual, by Lt Col Robert Gideon and the target was rather clear. The pattern and aim was good and the target well hit. Ten of our planes bombed the marshalling yards at Spezia, Italy. The bomb load was 10 X 500. Flak was slight to moderate, inaccurate. And all our planes returned. There was no fighter opposition. 2^nd Lt Lawrence Miles, bombardier, was the first officer in the group to complete fifty missions. His success "gave heart" to other men who are still "sweating them out". He is bombardier and owes great thanks to 2^nd Lt "Pappy" Cantrell, who has flown forty-five missions without turning back. "Pappy" is not the "hot type" but all know him as a fine pilot and officer; an officer who cares for his men and does a good job in a quiet manner.

20 May

This was an "off" day in everything. It rained here and almost all were pleased to learn that this was possible, in Italian summer. The Saturday inspection was fine, and showed that our new acting First Sergeant, Thomas Wilson, is capable as well as affable. Our squadron softball team beat the 47^th Wing Officers, 7 and 0. Our boys played good ball to beat a good team.

21 May

There was no mission today. The weather was cloudy and cool in the morning. The sun came out bright in the afternoon and many men went to the beach. This was, of course, after a group formation at which awards were made. Notable awards for our squadron were the Silver Star to S/Sgt Howard R Barkley, and a Soldiers Medal to Pfc Marquis Cedeno, of Armament. Sgt Barkley was given this fine award for gallantry in action during a raid on Steyr, Austria. He was wounded on the same mission. Pvt Cedeno had, with great courage, extinguished a fire on a B-24 aircraft after another had exploded nearby. In the evening five good matches in the boxing ring were held in the 720^th "Manduria Square Gardens". 2^nd Lt James Cumming, of the 720^th is still the motivating force behind this fine entertainment which last night drew over a thousand spectators. The 720^th was the only squadron who had fighters in the show and we had two who lost and drew in good fights. Lt Cumming has difficulty getting some of our "Wednesday evening battlers" into the ring on Sunday night. Lt Cumming acts as matchmaker and referee and wants to get rid of the latter job. The 450^th Bomb Group is deeply indebted to the colored boys from the 734 MP's and to the British anti-aircraft units. These outfits are always well represented by men who fight clean, hard and interesting matches. The feather bout last evening was a fine heavyweight match in any arena. In this fight Stanley Goicz took a close decision from Ira Baudie, of the 734 MP's. Both these men had the "know how" and "willingness" which makes for an interesting fight. Stanley Goicz is a "stranger" to fans here, and a welcome new face. He came from up "Gioia way".

22 May

The mission was briefed for a railroad bridge over the Tagliamento River, near Latisana, Italy. The load was 10 X 500 and altitude 20,500 feet. Ten of our planes took off but. Due to weather conditions, could not reach the primary target. Alternate targets could not be reached. All our planes bombed on a target of opportunity at Montesilvano, Italy. The railroad bombed was cut. And the pattern looked good. Flak was heavy, intense, and accurate, in the vicinity of Pescara. There was no fighter opposition. All our planes sustained minor damage but all retuned safely. In the evening, Group Special Services opened a very nice outdoor theater on the base. An ample stage has been erected, a screen has been mounted, and there is a projection booth. A good crowd attended and enjoyed "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" and "Betty Grable". Our men were very grateful for this new theater because there is no transportation problem and there is no dusty, rough road. There will be no "S.R.O. sign" out in this theater because capacity is unlimited. The theater was well planned and will give a lot of enjoyment.

23 May

Ten planes took off with 10 X 500 load to attack a troop concentration at Grottaferrata, Italy. This was in support of the Anzio beachhead. Our men are always seemingly enthused about aiding the infantry. Men of the Air Forces have a very wholesome respect for the soldiers up on the front. The target was partially obscured by clouds and the first run was broken up when another formation came into our line of flight. On the second run the lead element of the second attack unit did not drop bombs and therefore there of our plane retuned bombs to the base. Six of our planes dropped in the target area. Results were not observed. One of our planes was forced to turn back just short of the target when the plane was damaged by flak and 2^nd Lt Thomas Hart, navigator, was wounded. This plane was "washed out" on landing at base but no one suffered further injury. The movie scheduled for this evening in our new outdoor theatre was "called" because of rain and wet grounds. A "raincheck" is not necessary for future attractions nor will a double-header result. The "G.I." movies which were to be shown will no doubt be scheduled for an open date. The squadron's weekly news presentations have been cancelled. Lack of attendance is attributed to the major competition of movies and sports. Intelligence does not feel capable of competing with Betty Grable and others from Hollywood and does not want to interfere with the "great American pastime". News coverage will be kept up on a squadron bulletin board as has been the policy in the past. Excellent coverage of the news is available at Group S-2 War Room. Squadron softball lost a non-league game to the 723^rd Squadron 5 to 4. It was supposedly a "tune-up" for the 331 Signal Game.

24 May

The mission was for Wollensdorf Airdrome a t Wiener-Neustadt, Austria. The bomb load was 10 X 500. Eight of our planes were scheduled but only seven got off, due to sickness of an officer at take off time. Our plane did not lead the group, but our crew operated with Lt Col Gideon in the lead. The mission was not successful. We did not meet any escort for penetration and our group was attacked before we reached the initial point. Two of our bombers went down in the first pass, which came from high at eleven to one o'clock. The attackers swept around to attack from all angles but did not shoot down more bombers. Our gunners claimed two destroyed, two probables, and two damaged. We did not hit the target. In the evening a thriller was held at our theater entitled "The Uninvited". It was a "spook" show and one combat man commented that he was more frightened than he had been on the mission. But from witnessing the movie and listening to stories concerning the mission, it is safe to assume that the "goose-flesh" on that man came from more natural causes. The evening was cool and damp. The theater is popular and the crowed was fine. By beating the 331^st Signal Team our squadron took over first place the league results from winning 3 and losing 0.

25 May

Mission for Porto Marghero, Italy. The target attacked was an oil refinery, specifically; the oil storage and power house. The bomb load was 10 X500. Ten of our planes took off and seven bombed the target. Two planes turned back, and one jettisoned after leaving the target. Flak was slight and inaccurate and there was no fighter opposition. The target was well hit. In the evening all men who have over forty missions were invited to a barbecue and show at the theater. This "forty-plus" party was sponsored by our Red Cross Director. There was a fine barbecue, "real" potatoes roasted, and a show. From all reports the local talent "laid an egg". The "clown prince" of this outfit "Doc" Hunt, has apparently, long ceased to be funny. That is the "rumor".

26 May

The mission was for a marshalling yard at Marseilles, France. Twelve of our planes were scheduled with a bomb load of 10 X 500. The target was well hit with an excellent pattern. Eleven of our planes dropped bombs on the target. One plane was forced to turn back, due to mechanical failure. The fine mission boosted morale. No flak and no fighters is the best boost for combat morale, followed closely by good escort. The movie in the evening was "Mr. Big". The only thing 'big" about this entertainment was the disappointment, due to defective sound. Many of our men went down to the beach for a fine swimming day. It is rumored that many men were caught with their "pants off' when some nurses came to the beach.

27 May

The mission for today was to a marshalling yard in Marseilles, France. The bomb load was, as usual, 10 X 500. Lt Col Robert Gideon was leading the group and had with him Lt Brown and Lt Carr, squadron navigator and bombardier. Ten of our planes took off and eight bombed the target. One plane returned early from a point just 15 miles short of landfall on France.
Col Gideon jettisoned bombs short of the target when his plane was damaged by flak. The target was obscured by smoke of previous groups but our aiming point was hit. There was no fighter opposition. Several planes were holed by flak and Col Gideon was forced down at Corsica with an engine out. There was no recreation scheduled but when a stand down was announced for the ensuing day, a mild holiday spirit pervaded the barracks and area. The 720^th beat 835^th Engineers, 18 to 3. The game had too many errors by outfielders. A very poor game.

28 May

The program for today was maximum maintenance and training. It was a very nice day and church was well attended. It would have been a very fine Sunday day with a nice radio and the Sunday paper. The American custom of Sunday "hang-over" was probably followed, at least it should have been. The beach came in for heavy duty, morning and afternoon. There was a fine five bout boxing card in the evening. Special Services seems to be propelled with "dead-wood", for Jim Cumming, 720^th Athletic Officer, had to get this card together in a hurry. Without the "Cowboy" (Lt Cumming) we would have no boxing. The 720^th had boys in the two best bouts of the evening. Cpl Alfonso, of Armament, lost a close decision to a colored MP. The crowd booed heartily and Alonso got his colors flying and challenged the colored lad for a rematch. That will be a popular match with the fans. In another bout Sgt Anzelone, one of our gunners, won the finest match of the evening by a TKO in the second round. His opponent was a classy British "Tommy", who showed the "old Moxie" when he got off the canvas three times and came back to fight. Sgt Anzelone is the classiest boy to show in "MANDURIA Square Gardens" to this date. Many of the fans are our squadron men and they have lost their shyness to cheer on their buddies. After show an air raid alert had us in the shelters.

29 May

Eleven of our planes were scheduled for the Wollersdorf Airdrome at Weiner-Neustadt, Austria. One plane did not get off and one retuned early. None planes dropped the 10 X 500 bomb load on the target. The escort was very fine and the P-51's "took care of" the many enemy planes who attempted to reach our bombers. In the evening a large crowd enjoyed the movie "Lost Angel". The beautiful little girl, "Margaret O'Brien", made many of the older men a little homesick. The "kraut" again put in an appearance and came at a very appropriate time. He came over between the second and third reel and men walked off to sweat him out. When he had gone the men walked back to see the ending of the picture. The picture had a lovely ending and so did the day, with no bombs dropped and little dismay.

30 May

The mission was for Ebreichsdorf, Austria, to hit an aircraft components factory. The bomb load was 10 X 500. Nine planes were scheduled and eight dropped bombs "in Austria". One plane returned early. Some twenty (20) German fighters attacked very suddenly from high at five to seven o'clock. These were extremely aggressive. Our gunners claimed two ME 109's destroyed. The battle was of short duration when P-51's came on the scene. The target was not hit and there was no pattern. In the evening there was a long "G.I." movie but the big excitement was an expected land and air attack which never materialized.

31 May

Lt Col Gideon, Group Deputy Commander, With Lt Brown and Lt Carr, squadron navigator an bombardier, led the 47^th Wing, and Air Force, on today's operations. Our wing target was the Ploesti/Romano Oil Refinery. The bomb load was 10 X 500. Ten of our squadron planes took off and bombed the target. The target was very effectively screened by smoke, but huge fires were started, with much black smoke; making it evident that the target was probably hit. Interception was attempted but all our planes returned safely. One ME 109 was claimed as destroyed when the enemy pilot bailed out. In the evening the movie, "Courageous Women", did not strike a responsive chord. Our men have seen too much of the genuine heroics to go for this synthetic variety, especially when it is a bit false in nature. The picture had lots of pretty gals and that was a help. The 720^th softball team lost fist place in the league to 721st Ordnance. The score was 9 to 6, with two extra innings. It was s a good game.

Walter T Malcolm

1^st Lt Air Corps

Squadron Historian