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HEADQUARTERS 721ST BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
450TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
APO 520 U. S. ARMY
10 March 1944
SUBJECT: Historical Records.
TO: Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention:
Historian (through channels).
1. Unit
history of the 721st Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1
February 1944 to 1 March 1944.
a. The present designation of the
unit is 721st Bombardment Squadron (H), 450th Bombardment
Group (H), 47th Wing.
b. Changes in organization
(1) None
(2) None
(3) None
(4)
1st Lt. Thomas A. Scott replaced Capt. Gordon T. Colley as
Operations Officer (S-3), 16 February 1944, Squadron Orders Number 2.
c. Strength, commissioned and
enlisted.
Enlisted
Men Officers
(1) at beginning 389 86
(2) net increase (3) net
decrease 18 4
(4) at end 371 82
d. Station – Army Air Base,
Manduria, Italy
e. Movements – none
f. Campaigns – none
g. Operations – Life had settled
down to a fairly regular routine by the beginning of February for the 721st
Bombardment Squadron (h). Movies were being shown three times a week outdoors
here on the base. On the 16th of February the Special Services began
showing them at the theater in the town of Oria. A matinee was held the 28th
of the month with the attraction being a double feature movie, "This Is The
Army" and "They've Got Me Covered" starring Bob Hope. This was a four hour show
and was viewed by a large attendance at both the afternoon and evening
presentations. A stage show was presented at the theater in Oria by a group of Italian
entertainers on February 7th and 8th. This show, too, was
viewed by a large attendance. On the night of February 5th some
enlisted man fired their weapons for no reason whatsoever. The next day a
formation was called by the Squadron Commanders and the men were given a
lecture as to the danger of such incidents, and told not to let it happen
again. As a result of this all squadrons drilled for one hour in the rain, snow
and mud. Capt. C. S. Bowman and Lt. R. S. Ogozalek inaugurated a News Summary
Lecture. Attendance was terrific! The men showed their interest by coming in
large numbers and later viewing the maps, Bombline, and bombing result photos.
Capt. Bowman handles the Southwest Pacific and Italian Theaters, while Lt.
Ogozalek lectures on the Russian Situation and the Allied Bombings from
England. At the lecture following the raid on Regensburg, German, photos on the
results of the mission were shown by the Photo-Interpreter Officer, 1st
Lt. Borden S. Chronister. The officers were paid for the first time since
coming overseas on the 7th February. The enlisted men were paid on
the 14th of February, signed the payroll on the 15th and
were paid again on the 29th of the month. These were formations
which every man willingly attended. During this month all men still living in
pup tents were given larger tents and much time was utilized by the men to
build bunks and tables for their new homes. It was necessary for the men to
build slit trenches for each tent because of the danger of being bombed by
fragmentation bombs. Capt. Paul W. Osincup, Squadron Medical Officer, ordered
weekly physicals due to the increasing number of venereal disease cases in the
Group. Church services of all denominations were attended by large crowds during
this month. Sunday, February 6th was Crew Sunday at the Protestant
Church services conducted by the Group Chaplain, Capt. Paul M. Stevens. The
Chaplain also had weekly services on Thursday nights. A new mess hall for the
officers opened on the 14th of February. The enlisted men had two
tents with tables and benches provided. This was quite an improvement over the
system previously used. Instructions on the developments in armament were given
to the Flying Officers and crew members on the 18th and 19th
of this month by instructors from the 15th Air Force. The PX
continued to serve the men once a week with the ground crew being taken care of
in the morning and the flying personnel in the afternoon. On February 28th
a formation was called for the entire Group by the Group Commander, Col. John
s. Mills. At this time the Colonel read commendations received by this Group
for their outstanding bombings on the mission to Regensburg, Germany and Steyr,
Austria. The Commanding Officer also expressed his thanks and appreciation for
the fine work done by the entire Group and asked us to continue to work in the
same cooperative manner.
There were
a number of promotions for both the enlisted men and the officers during this
month. The officers' promotions were as follows: Capt. Gordon T. Colley,
Operations Officer of the Squadron was transferred to the 720th
Bombardment Squadron (H) on 3 February 1944 to replace the late Capt. Clark J.
Wicks, former Commanding Officer of that squadron who died of wounds sustained
on a mission. 1st Lt. Thomas A. Scott was appointed Squadron
Operations Officer and 1st Lt. C. A. Kingsman was appointed
assistant Operations Officer and Squadron Air/Sea Rescue Officer on Special
Orders as of 16 February 1944. 2nd Lt. Leo C. Stoeber who had been
on detached service at Bagnoli, Italy returned to duty on the 16th
of this month. He was appointed from assistant Engineering Officer to
Engineering Officer. In addition to his other duties he will be the Weights and
Balance Officer and the Squadron Camouflage Officer effective the date 16 February
1944. 1st Lt. Charles W. Robinson was released from assignment and
duty with the Squadron and assigned to Headquarters of this Group.
2nd
Lt. Howard L. Anderson rejoined the Squadron after being confined to the
hospital for eight days due to Jaundice. 1st Lt. William A. Clarke
was put on detached service and sent to Bari for treatment by an eye specialist
on the 4th of February and returned to duty on the 12th.
2nd Lt. Olin L. Reynolds was released from the hospital on February
10th. They had been confined to the hospital because of colds. 2nd
Lt. Leslie J. Paul was sent to the hospital on February 11th due to
a locking of his right elbow. 1st Lt. Elbert A. Whitt also went to
the hospital on that day for treatment of hemorrhoids. On the 27th
of February 2nd Lt. Robert M. Wagoner was placed on detached service
and sent to the hospital. He suffered with a bad case of bronchitis.
(1)
Number of missions 10, Sorties
83.
(2) The targets of the important
missions flown this month were located in northern Italy, Austria and Germany.
Marshalling Yards, a Stores Dump and aircraft factories were the objectives.
(3) Following is a description of
the important missions:
On 16
February 1944 the Squadron participated on the mission to bomb the Marshalling
Yards at Pontassieve, Italy. The primary target was well covered with bursts,
the greatest concentration being on warehouses and barracks in an area
northwest of the town. Other hits were on railroad tracks a short distance from
the target. Twelve of our ships participated carrying a total bomb load of
thirty-six (36) tons. Three (3) ships returned early bringing back their bombs,
the remaining ships dropped the twenty-seven (27) tons of bombs on the target
and target area. All planes returned safely to the base without damage, nor did
any crew members suffer injuries.
The target
for the mission flown on 17 February 1944 was a Stores Dump in Italy. The total
bomb load of twenty-one (21) tons of demolition bombs were dropped on the
target. Four (4) of our aircraft were damaged by flak. These were: the oil line
on number (3) engine on the plane flown by 2nd Lt. Edmund H. Wolcott, forcing
him to feather that propeller and stop the engine; plexiglass hit on 2ndf Lt.
William P. Cannon's plane, which caused a minor eye injury to one of the crew
members, S/Sgt Charles H. Powell; nose turret, top turret, and waist were holed
on 2nd Lt. Merle W. Emch sustained eleven (11) flak holes in it. All
planes except the one piloted by 1st Lt. Thomas A. Scott retuned
safely. Lt. Scott has been recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross
because of his outstanding performance beyond the line of duty on this raid.
While approaching the target Lt. Scott's ship developed engine trouble. In
spite of this and with danger of heavy flak, Lt. Scott continued flying in the
formation and dropped his bombs on the target. As soon as he did he notified
the deputy leader to take over as he was forced to leave the formation. In
order to assure his men of a fairly safe place in which to land he circled
around until he found one. When he did he ordered his men to jump, set the
plane on automatic pilot and bailed out himself. Upon landing on the ground he
gathered his men together and kept them undercover until it was safe to advance
to the Headquarters of our ground forces. This was particularly dangerous
because it happened on the beachhead near Anzio, Italy. None of the men
suffered serious injuries and in a few days all retuned safely to the base.
There were
no missions flown until the 22nd of February. On this day eleven of
our ships participated in the raid on the Regensburg/Obertraubling Aircraft
Factory in Germany. This was the first mission flown into Germany and the
feeling was one of excitement among the members of the crews. All realized the importance of the target
because of its large output of ME 109's. The target area was covered with
smoke, but those dropping bombs at this point believe they were on the target
for a good coverage of burst. The entire bomb load for the Squadron was
thirty-three (33) tons of demolition bombs. 2nd Lt. Gordon J.
Salinger and crew returned early with the entire bomb load, and 2nd
Lt. Robert L. Waste brought back six (6) bombs because the bomb bay door would
not open. 2nd Lt. William P. Cannon jettisoned his bombs at a point
47'10'N-15'40'E, while the remainder of the bombs were dropped on the target
and the target area. All others retuned safely to the base and there were no
injuries to any of the crew members except to 2nd Lt. Merle W. Emch
who suffered minor frost bite.
The target
on 23 February 1944 was the Aero Engine Works at Steyr, Austria. Nine (9) ships
from our Squadron departed from this base with the Group formation of which
four, 2nd Lt. Abner D., Hervey, 2nd Lt. Joseph P.
Gallagher, 2nd Lt. Wade H. Williford and 2nd Lt. Elmer J.
Hartman returned early. 2nd Lt. Joseph D. Anderson's plane was the
only one from our Squadron of which we have a report who dropped his load of
12-500 lb demolition bombs direct on the target. Four of our aircraft failed to
return. The ships were piloted by 2nd Lt. Robert L. Waste, 2nd
Lt. Thomas M. Haggerton, 2nd Lt. William P. Cannon and F/O George A.
Stanley. These ships were hit by some of the best fighters in the Luftwaffe!
There was no damage to the ship of Lt. Anderson except minor flak holes and
none of the crew were injured.
The
Regensburg/Prefening Aircraft Factory was the target on 25 February 1944. This
was the lat mission for this month, but the best one to date. The target was
well covered and the pattern excellent. A huge column of smoke was visible to
the trailing ships from twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes after leaving the
target. Eight (8) of our planes participated carrying a bomb load of twenty-four
(24) tons. There were no early returns. All planes dropped their bombs directly
on the target. There was no serious damage to any of our aircraft except to the
ship of 2nd Lt. Wade H. Williford who was forced to and because of
gasoline shortage cased by holes in the tank brought his ship down at the air
base at Trottaglie, Italy. S/Sgt Herbert A. Levene was wounded in the right
hand by 20 m.m. cannon and Sgt. Eugene A. Lloyd suffered a wound in the left
leg also from 20 m.m. cannon. Sgt. Levene after being wounded shot down a ME
109 and has been recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The 721st
Bombardment Squadron (H) is proud to share n the commendations received from higher
commands for the work done by this Group on both the raid on Steyr, Austria and
Regensburg, Germany. Praise was received from General Arnold, Lt. General
Spaatz and Lt. General Eaker on the skill, determination and courage displayed
in the raid on Regensburg, described as the greatest of air battles. And, so
the Squadron begins its third month in the combat area with a determined effort
to continue such destruction through to the heart of Germany, and to spur them
on are the words of praise from General Arnold, "By your attacks on Regensburg,
Steyr and other vital fighter factories German fighter production is being
wiped out and the foundation for final and decisive operations in the future is
being laid. I commend all ranks in your command from top to bottom for the
superb job you are doing".
h. The
Squadron Commanding Officer, Major Howard A. Davis, participated in three (3)
missions during this month one of which was classed as an important mission.
This mission was the raid on the Regensburg/Obertraubling Aircraft Factory in
Germany on 22 February 1944.
i. Losses
in action.
(1) In the raid on the
Regensburg/Obertraubling Aircraft Factory in Germany, 22 February 1944 one (1)
B-24 piloted by 1st Lt. William E. Reno failed to return. Members of
the crew were:
1st Lt. William E. Reno 0-737650
F/O Harold J. Houghton T-122632
2nd Lt. Louis H. Prentice 0-809635
2nd Lt. Jack H.
Montgomery 0-751922
S/Sgt Harry A. Kandarian 39236900
S/Sgt Armand E. Miller 12190952
S/Sgt Roger W. Goodson 34385543
S/Sgt Arthur H. Mainard 37497683
Sgt Henry N. Erickson 39611815
Sgt Claude D. Day 35269524
(2) In the raid on the Aero Engine
Works at Steyr, Austria, 23 February 1944 four (4) of our aircraft failed to
return. The members of the missing crews are:
2nd Lt. Robert L. Waste 0-670683
2nd Lt. Harold J. Ayme 0-684226
2nd Lt. Laurence H.
Kravetz 0-689612
2nd Lt. Bruce C. Lindsay 0-749649
S/Sgt Stanley J. Dryla 33186438
S/Sgt Robert E. Ludwig 33356052
Sgt J. L. Clenton Chain 34155718
Sgt Oklahoma V. Carrol, Jr 38395855
Sgt Bruce W. Mahar 31220444
2nd Lt. Thomas M.
Haggerton 0-684862
2nd Lt. Holley G. Ponder 0-677867
2nd Lt. Luther J.
Thompson 0-809766
2nd Lt. Francis A. Hager 0-682029
T/Sgt Stanley W. Ezell 19169640
T/Sgt Huron R. Volives 34313630
S/Sgt David L. Almada 19202972
Sgt Adolphus J. Von Dette 19044288
Sgt Nicholas J. Scirotta 12034577
P.F.C. Michael (NMI) Moser 11019746
2nd Lt. William P. Cannon 0-747736
2nd Lt. Ralph E. Peck 0-690969
2nd Lt. John L. Mitchall 0-690682
T/Sgt Roy B. Hansen 16006893
S/Sgt James E. Flynn 33298008
Sgt Henry C. Urech 38239212
Sgt James (NMI) Carder 37473377
Sgt Jack H. Tracy 13095099
F/O George A. Stanley T-121903
1st Lt. Warren C. Blim 0-442439
2nd Lt. Hugo J. Paggi 0-689633
2nd Lt. Samuel E. Artzer 0-1574379
T/Sgt Charles F. Vorhies 37185340
T/Sgt Ralph L. Pippins 14099802
S/Sgt J. Dean Moore 37473029
Sgt Maynard J. Lawson 15064826
Sgt Ernest R. Hamric 13023350
j. Following are the names of the
members of the 721st Bombardment Squadron (H) who have distinguished
themselves and the engagement for which they received their reward.
Purple
Heart
S/Sgt Ralph F. Stevenson 15320018 For injuries suffered while on the raid on Verona, Italy, 14
January 1944.
S/Sgt Charles H. Powell 34582710 For injuries suffered while on the raid on a Stores Dump in Italy, 17 February 1944.
S/Sgt Eugene A. Lloyd 13170475 For injuries suffered while on the raid on the Regensburg/Prufening Aircraft Factory, Germany, 25 February
1944.
S/Sgt Herbert A. Levene 12083627 For injuries suffered while on the raid on the Regensburg/Prufening Aircraft Factory, Germany, 25 February
1944
(1) During this month (5) combat
crew members have received credit for destroying enemy aircraft. They are as
follows:
Sgt William H. McCarthy 11117954 ME 109 Mission:
Regensburg, Germany, 22 February 1944.
S/Sgt Byron K. Beard 19085816 JU 88 Mission: Steyr, Austria 23 February
1944.
Sgt Robert C. Acosta 39243579 ME 109 Mission:
Steyr, Austria 23 February 1944.
S/Sgt Byron H. Nelson 37654183 ME 109 Mission:
Steyr, Austria 23 February 1944.
S/Sgt Herbert A. Levene 12083627 ME 109 Mission:
Regensburg, Germany, 25 February
1944.
2. The war
diary of this unit for the period 1 February 1944 to 29 February 1944 was
submitted at an earlier date.
For the Commanding Officer:
ROBERT
S. OGOZALE,
2nd
Lt., Air Corps,
Squadron
Historian.
1 February 1944
There was no mission on this date
and squadron activities were confined to usual routine. Weather was cold and
cloudy, being unsatisfactory for a mission.
Lt. Anderson rejoined the squadron
after being confined to the hospital for eight days.
2 February 1944
There was no mission on this date
and squadron daily activities were just routine duties. There was an outdoor
movie by the hangar on the night of this date. There was a large crowd in spite
of the cold. The movie was "Roxie Hart", starring Ginger Rogers.
3 February 1944
There was another Group mission on
this date which took off at 1010 hours with the Marshalling Yards at
Pontassieve, Italy as the target. The planes of this squadron that went on this
mission were flown by Lt. Williford, Lt. Waste, Lt. Cannon, Lt. Haggerton, Lt.
Wolcott, Lt. Gallagher, Lt. L. B. Scott, Major Gideon, and Lt. T. A. Scott.
This squadron dropped 27 tons of demolition bombs. A solid undercast prevented
bombing the primary target and all planes bombed the secondary target, the
Marshalling Yards at Stimigliano. There were no accurate observations as to
hits at Stimigliano, but it is believed that most bombs fell to the right of
the R. R. tracks. No photos were available of any hits registered.
There was no fighter escort on this
mission, and no enemy fighters were encountered. Flak, heavy, of slight
intensity, an inaccurate was encountered, but no ships were holed. All planes
and crews returned to the base safely.
Captain Colley, well-liked
Operations Officer of the 721st Bomb Squadron, was transferred to
the 720th Bomb Squadron on this date to replace the late Captain
Wicks, the Commanding Officer of the 720th Bomb Squadron who died of
wounds sustained from flak.
4 February 1944
Squadron
activities followed the usual routine. The weather turned very cold during the
day and rain started falling late in the afternoon. This heralded more of the
Italian mud, much to the disgust of everyone in the Squadron.
The mission
for this date was the submarine pens and shipping in the harbor of Toulon,
France. This was a Group mission and took off at 0826 hours and returned at
1400 hours without reaching the target or without jettisoning any bombs. The
formation was le by the 376th Bomb Group and when they were turned
back by weather, all other groups followed suit. Flak, heavy, slight and
inaccurate was encountered on trip but no enemy fighters were encountered. All
planes and crews returned uninjured.
Lieutenant
Clarke was put on Detached Service and sent to Bari for treatment by an eye
specialist.
5 February 1944
The crews were briefed early on the
morning of this date for another Group Mission, but the mission was cancelled
before the take-off time due to the weather over the target area.
At about
2100 hours on this date, a number of men started a little celebration by firing
their weapons in the air – in unison with firing from the other squadron areas.
More rain on this date and more mud and water.
6 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date due to rain and the day was very cold and disagreeable.
There was a communion service at the Protestant Service on the morning of this
date. The service was called "Crew Sunday" and all pilots competed in trying to
have their entire crew present for the service.
The
squadron was called together at 1300 hours for a meeting by Captain Davis
concerning the firing of weapons the night before. This was in conjunction with
meetings held by all squadrons for the same purpose.
The whole
group had to go out on the ramp and drill for one hour as disciplinary action
for the incident of the night before.
7 February 1944
Incidentally,
a heavy snowfall started at about 1300, which added to the discomfort of the
men and officers and added to their anger at having to drill in the mud and
water, however, after slipping and sliding for an hour, everyone's sense of
humor began to overcome their anger because of the comical sight that everyone
made while drilling in the mud. Everyone certainly was determined to "nab"
anyone else firing their weapons after that afternoon.
8 February 1944
There was
another Group mission on the morning of this date. The target for today was the
Viterbo Main Airdrome, in Italy. This squadrons planes that flew on this
mission were flown by: Lt. Reno, Lt. T. A. Scott, Lt. Wolcott, Lt. Gallagher,
Lt. Waste, Lt. Cannon, Lt. Anderson, Captain Davis, and Lt. Emch. This squadron
dropped 21.6 tons of fragmentation bombs on the alternate target which was the Airdrome
at Tarquinia. There was too much undercast at the areas between the taxi and
landing strips, and four parked aircraft were believed to be damaged.
There was
not fighter escort for our planes on this mission. No flak or enemy aircraft
were encountered. All planes and crews returned to the base uninjured.
All men
still living in pup tents had to draw large tents on this date and have them
erected by night. There had not been enough large tents available for the
entire squadron to have them before. All who did not already have them, quickly
drew the tents and started putting them up. Everyone agreed that they needed
marine pumps to pump the water holes dry so as to have a place to erect the
tents. But managed to get them up O.K.
Also, on
this afternoon, the first of weekly physicals was had for the prevention of any
venereal diseases. Major Clark told the Squadron that slit trenches must be
built as soon as possible to comply with a Base Order as this base was in
danger of bombing with fragmentation bombs.
9 February 1944
Early in
the morning on this date, the crews met for the briefing of a mission, bu the
mission was cancelled before the take-off due to bad weather over the target
area.
Life in the
squadron continued in the routine channels with the mud drying rapidly. The
Operations Office of this squadron moved its location on this date.
10 February 1944
Another
Group mission took off at 0715 hours to bomb the town of Valmontone, Italy. The
planes from this squadron that participated in this raid were flown by: Lt.
Cannon, Lt. Anderson, Lt. Helmberger, Lt. Salinger, Lt. L. B. Scott, Lt.
Haggerton, Lt. Hervey, Lt. Gallagher, Lt. Hartman, and Lt. Williford. This
squadron carried a total of 30 tons of demolition bombs. Because of complete
cloud cover over the target, all planes returned and brought all bombs back to
the base.
There was
no fighter escort on this mission. A heavy, slight to medium, flak wa
encountered but none of the ships were holed. No enemy fighters were
encountered on this mission, also. All planes and crews returned to the base
uninjured.
Life in the
squadron continued in the usual routine with the ground drying rapidly.
Lieutenant
Hall and Lieutenant Reynolds were released from the hospital on this date.
11 February 1944
The crews
were briefed for a mission on the morning of this date but the mission was
cancelled before take-off time. The weather became very severe during the day.
By the middle of the afternoon, there was a 40 mile wind and there was a brief
hail storm, also.
Everyone
certainly worried about their tents during the afternoon while there was such a
hard wind blowing, but none of them were blown down. However, the
canvas-covered walls and roof of or new latrine were blown over. Another
outdoor movie was held on the night of this date by the hangar, the attraction
being the movie "Claudia". The usual invitation was posted, "Movie tonight,
bring your own seat"!
Lt. Paul
was sent to the hospital on this date where he was treated for a locking right
elbow. Lt. Whitt, Supply Officer, was also admitted to the hospital on this
date.
12 February 1944
The weather
continued cloudy and quite windy. A mission was briefed at 1400 but wa
cancelled before take-off time.
Life
continued in the usual routine with work progressing on the Squadrons new mess
hall and showers.
Lieutenant
Clarke returned to the squadron on this date. He had been on Detached Service
in Bari for eye treatment.
13 February 1944
The crews
were briefed on the morning of this date for a mission, but the mission was
cancelled before the take-off time. Weather was cold, windy, and partly cloudy.
Since there
was no mission, there was a very large attendance at the Protestant Church
Service on this morning, and combat crews were well represented.
Another
outdoor movie was held on the night of this date on the side of the hangar. The
attraction was "Buckskin Frontier" starring Richard Dix. There was a large
crowd present which was very enthusiastic during the love scenes.
14 February 1944
The
warbirds of this squadron again spread their wings and took part on the Group
Mission on this date. The primary target for this mission was the Marshaling
Yards at Verona, Italy. The primary target was obscured by a haze and cloud
cover which permitted bomb release, but which prevented any accurate
observations. Some smoke was seen in the target area and two bursts on tracks
in the center of the east marshalling yards.
The planes
that went on this mission were flown by: Lt. Cannon, Lt. Waste, Lt. Anderson,
Lt. T. A. Scott, Lt. Wolcott, Lt. Williford, Lt. L. B. Scott, Lt. Salinger,
Capt. Davis, and Lt. Emch. Lt. Cannon, Lt. Williford, and Lt. Emch were early
returns due to mechanical failures. This squadron carried 30 tons of demolition
bombs. The early returns returned their bombs to the Base. Three planes dropped
9 tons of bombs on the secondary target which was the Marshalling Yards at
Mantove. Four of the planes dropped 12 tons of bombs on the primary target.
Between
twenty and twenty-five enemy fighters picked up the formation in the target
area and were immediately engaged by the P-38 escort. The ensuing battle
between the fighters was fast and furious. Flak was encountered along the west
side of the Marshalling Yards at Verona, heavy, moderate to intense, and
accurate. Scattered, sporadic flak of the heavy type came from the north of the
Marshalling Yards and from the city of Verona. Heavy, intense, inaccurate flak
was encountered over the cities of Ferrara and Bologna while some was observed
coming from the east side of a road at Grizzana.
All of our
planes and crews returned uninjured to the Base, but many members suffered from
frostbite. All members suffered from the cold as the temperature was 60 degrees
below zero, Fahrenheit. Ten men were treated for frostbite and three of these
were sent to the hospital for treatment.
The enlisted
men were paid on this date for the month of January.
The
squadron's new mess hall was opened on this date with much improved
accommodations for the men. The enlisted men were provided with tents to eat in
that were equipped with table and lights. The officers of the squadron started
eating in the Squadron mess hall where one room was provided with tables,
benches and plates for them.
15 February 1944
There was
no mission on this day. The weather was cold and partly cloudy.
The
enlisted men signed the payroll on this date for the month of February. It
seemed quite odd to be paid on one ay and sign the payroll the next for another
month's pay.
16 February 1944
Lt. T. A.
Scott was appointed Squadron Operations Officer and Lt. C. A. Kingsman was
appointed assistant Operations Officer on Special Orders as of this date. Lt.
Roberson was transferred to Group, Lt. Staber was appointed Engineering
Officer, and Lt. Bolten was appointed Assistant Engineering Officer on the same
Special Orders.
17 February 1944
This
squadron again took part in another Group Mission on this date. The target for
this mission was a Stores Dump in Italy. The planes that flew on this mission
were flown by: Lt. Emch, Lt. Helmberger, Lt. Cannon, Lt. Wolcott, Lt. Willford,
Lt. Salinger, and Lt. Gallagher. This squadron carried 21 tons of demolition
bombs on this mission and dropped the same amount on the target. The target was
fairly well covered with hits.
There was
no fighter escort on this mission and no enemy fighters were encountered. Flak
was encountered over the target which was heavy, intense, and very accurate as
to altitude. Four of our aircraft were damaged by flak as follows: Oil line on #3
engine on plane flown by Lt. Wolcott, forcing him to feather that prop and stop
the engine; plexi-glass hit on Lt. Cannon's plane, which caused a minor eye
injury to S/Sgt Charles H Powell; nose turret, top turret, and waist were holed
on Lt. Helmberger's plane, and the plane flown by Lt. Emch sustained 11 flak
holes in it. All planes returned to the Base safely.
Life in the
squadron continued in the usual routine but the men met the weekly PX line for
their rationed supplies.
18 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date. The weather was cold and rain was falling at frequent
intervals. Instruction in new developments in armament was given to the flying
officers on this date by the Fifteenth Air Force. Another movie was held in the
theatre in Oria and this squadron was well represented.
19 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date due to weather as it was cold and raining. Instructions
were given to other members of flying crews and armament department in latest
developments in armament by the Fifteenth Air Force.
20 February 1944
The planes
took off on this morning on a mission, but returned to the field before the
formation was formed due to cloud formations making it impossible to fly the
mission. Weather continued cold with intermittent showers.
21 February 1944
The crews
were briefed on the morning of this date for a mission, but the mission was
cancelled due to weather conditions.
A weekly
news presentation was given in the War Room by Captain Bowman and Lieutenant
Ogazalek, the S-2 officers, in the evening on this date, and a large crowd was
present. There was also a movie at the theatre in Oria on the night of this
date, titled "Higher and Higher" and there was a large crowd present for the
showing.
22 February 1944
The 721st
Bomb Squadron was represented by 12 planes on the take-off on the mission on
this date, which took off at 0815 hours to bomb the Messerschmitt Assembly
Plant located a the Airdrome near Regensburg Obertraubling, Germany. The planes
that went over the target from this squadron were flown by: Major Davis, Lt.
Wolcott, Lt. Reno, Lt. Hartman, Lt. Helmberger, and Lt. Miller. Lt. Gallagher, Lt. Anderson, and Lt.
Salinger were early returns. This squadron dropped 27 tons of demolition bombs
on the target. The target area was covered with smoke, but those dropping bombs
at this point believe they were on the target for a good coverage of bursts. At
least 7 hits were observed near the Southeast corner of target rectangle.
Photos taken show bursts and bombs falling in direct line with the target area.
The ground was snow covered and observations were made through an opening near target
area.
This was a
very important target and was also the longest mission that the Group had flown
and it was the first time that they had flown over Germany. This factory was
credited with producing 50% of the Messerschmitt production and 1/3 of
Germanys' single engine fighters.
There was
no fighter escort on the trip up and fighters were encountered in the target
area. Between 25/30 ME-109's and 10/15 FW-190's were encountered. The enemy
aircraft came up through clouds in formations of 6 to 8, then attacked in pairs
which joined at 4, 5 and 7 o'clock high.
Lt. Reno's
plane and crew are missing from this raid over enemy territory. Major Davis'
crew claimed two enemy aircraft damaged. S/Sgt J. R. Frank (NMI), ball turret
gunner on Lt. Wolcott's ship claimed 1 ME-109 as a probable. A P-38 escort
picked up the formation soon after they left the target on the return trip and
no more enemy aircraft were encountered. None of our aircraft were damaged by
fighters or flak. Over the target, barrage type flak, heavy, moderate to
intense and accurate was encountered. Flak in varying amounts were encountered
enroute to and from target areas at Graz, Linz, Stenoge, Maribor and Straubing.
No crew members were injured on this mission.
Lt. C. A.
Kingsman was sent to Bari, Italy on Detached Service on this date.
23 February 1944
Early on
the morning of this date, the crews were briefed for another Group mission and
took off at 0841 hours to bomb the Aero Engine Works at Steyr, Austria. This
squadron had five planes over the target which were flown by: Lt. Anderson, Lt.
Waste, Lt. Haggerton, Lt. Cannon, and F/O Stanley. Lt. Hervery, Lt. Gallagher, Lt. Williford, and Lt. Hartman were
early returns. This squadron dropped 15 tons of demolition bombs on the target.
There were some hits in the target area which was observed to be smoking. Bomb
strike photos show the bursts outside the target area are mostly in the workers
quarters N.W. of the target and in buildings between the forks of the river.
There were approximately 25 bursts in the labor camp area, some among the
office buildings and some on the highway between the shops area.
About
fifteen to twenty minutes form the target and in normal formation, a number of
enemy aircraft estimated at 50 ME-109's, 25 ME-110's, 15 FW-109's and 15
JU-88's. These were experienced Luftwaffe fighters which attacked our squadron
and cut it to shreds. During the attack by the fighters, the flak was heavy and
intense, but the men had their thoughts glued to the fighters. The ME-109's had
blue and silver markings on them. Lt. Waste, Lt. Haggerton, Lt. Cannon, and F/O
Stanley were shot down in this area. Lt. Cannon's ship was last seen going down
with #2 engine burning furiously and five men were seen to bail out. This was a
drastic loss to the whole squadron. Over the target, our group encountered intense,
accurate, heavy flak. Flak was encountered at Blagenfurt and at Graz, but it was
slight, fairly accurate, and heavy of the barrage type. P-38's picked the
formation up about fifteen minutes after they left the target on the return
route and no other enemy fighters were encountered.
A number of
officers and enlisted men in the flying crews left on this date for a few days
at a rest camp.
A news
presentation was given in the War Room by Captain Bowman and Lieutenant
Ogozalek. There was a very large attendance, including a number officers and
enlisted men from the English Anti-Aircraft batteries around the area.
24 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date and all crews were resting from the missions of the
last two days and the linemen were busy repairing the ships.
25 February 1944
The combat
crews were briefed early on the morning of this date to take part in the 31st
mission of the Group. The target for this mission was the Regensburg Prufening
Aricraft Factory. The planes took off from this Base at 0841 hours. This
squadron was represented by eight planes which were flown by: Lt. Wolcott, Lt.
Williford, Lt. Anderson, Lt. Courtright, Lt. T. A. Scott, Lt. Hartman and Lt.
Tate. All of the these planes flew over the target and dropped 21 tons of
demolition bombs on the target. The density of the smoke from preceeding bomb burst
made an analysis of the bomb strikes impractical except among personnel
barracks to the North and West of the target area where several direct his were
observed. However, it is believed that the target was well covered and that the
pattern was excellent. A huge column of smoke was visible to the trailing ships
from 20 to 30 minutes after leaving the target.
While still
fifty minutes from the target and in cruising formation, between 5 to 15 enemy
aircraft consisting of ME-109's, ME-110's, FW-190's, and JU-88's were sighted
but no attacks were pressed home until 20 minutes before the target. These
joinings were not aggressive, coming in either singly or in pairs from 500
yards. Few attacks were made on the formation, it seemingly being the intent to
wait for stragglers. There were apparently no coordinated attacks but the
fighters hung to the formation for an hour and ten minutes before they turned
back. All of our planes returned from this mission, but Lt. Williford crash
landed at San Pencrazio because his hydraulic system and brakes had been shot
out. There were no crew injuries in this landing.
Lt.
Hartman's plane suffered minor flak holes and Lt. Williford's plane was hit by
one 20 m.m. shell and on 50 cal. S/Sgt Levene on Lt. Williford's crew clamed
one enemy fighter destroyed. S/Sgt Levene received a slight wound in the right
had and S/Sgt Lloyd, the right waist gunner on Lt. Williford's crew was wounded
in the leg by a 20 m.m. shell. These two men are now eligible for the Purple
Heart award. This group encountered intense, accurate, heavy flak over the
target and also from I.P. to the target. P-38's picked the formation shortly
after they left the target on the route back and there was no other
interference from fighters. The planes had to land in rather high winds and
rain squalls when they returned to the base.
26 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date, but the crews were briefed early on this morning for a
mission. It was cancelled before take-off time due to weather conditions.
Lt. Emch
returned to duty on this date after spending some tine in the hospital
recuperating from frostbite.
27 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date, because of adverse weather conditions. There was heavy
rains and overcast on this date.
Several
crews from the 400th Bomb Group arrived on this date as
replacements.
Lt.
Salinger was sent to Bari, Italy on Detached Service, and Lt. Kingsman returned
to duty from Detached Service at Bari. Lt. Wagner was admitted to the hospital
on this date.
The
following named Second Lieutenants were appointed First Lieutenants on this
date, effective as of 24 February 1944: Lt. Paul, Lt. Cain, Lt. Nelson, Lt.
Cannon, Lt. Waste, Lt. Haggerton, Lt. Wolcott, Lt. Anderson, Lt. Whitt, Lt. T.
A. Scott, Lt. Williford, Lt. L. B. Scott, Lt. Helmberger, and Lt. Hervey.
Lt. Whitt returned
to duty from the hospital where he had been for treatment.
28 February 1944
There was
no mission on this date. The crews were briefed, but the mission was cancelled
before take-off time due to adverse weather conditions.
Another
news presentation was given in the War Room on this evening by Captain Bowman
and Lieutenant Ogozalek. There was a large attendance, including a number of
officers and enlisted men from the English anti-aircraft batteries in this
area.
29 February 1944
The combat
crews were again briefed on this morning, but the mission was again cancelled
because of adverse weather conditions. There were scattered showers and heavy
overcast.
Robert S. Ogozalek
2nd Lt., Air Corps
Squadron Historian
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