HEADQUARTERS 721^ST BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

450^TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)

APO  520                   U. S. ARMY

19 June 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records.

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

            1. Unit history of the 721^st Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1 June 1944 to 1 July 1944.

                        a. The present designation of the unit is 721^st Bombardment Squadron (H), 450^th Bombardment Group (H), 47^th Wing.

                        b. Changes in organization.

                                    (1) None

                                    (2) None

                                    (3) None

                                    (4) None

                        c. Strength, commissioned and enlisted.

                                    (1) Month of June.

                                                                                                Enlisted Men              Officers

                                                (a) at beginning                     406                             96

                                                (b) net increase                                                                                                                                                         (c) net decrease                        7                                                                                                                              (d) at end                                399                             96

                        d. Station – Army Air Base, Manduria, Italy

                        e. Movements – None

                        f. Campaigns – None

                        g. Operations – With the ending of June 1944 the 721^st Bombardment Squadron (H) completed six (6) months of combat duty here in Italy. As is evidenced by an article appearing in the "Molto Buono" the unofficial publication of the 450^th Bombardment Group (H), the Group's present set-up is a great change from the mud soaked field the Group started operations on that 3^rd January 1944. Following is, in part, the article "Morale is High in Group" taken from the "Molto Buono", edited by Staff Sergeant Dick Price. "The Group's social life is complete. The welfare of the men is being handled at the highest degree since arrival in Italy. All squadrons and Headquarters have their own day-rooms, complete with bars, mess halls, living conditions are excellent, areas are neat and attractive, working schedules have been worked out and operation of units is smooth, the library at the Special Service office is larger than ever, PX supplies are getting better each week, the Cottontail theater is operating five (5) days a week, and sports are at a high ebb.

                        "All in all, from the place we walked in not a long while ago, to the present set-up is on ratio as great a difference as Oria is to your home town.

                        "……..The Group is proud of its area and its adaptation of the conditions to its present shape but they are prouder of the fact that the bombs are still dropping from the bays of the "White Tails" and that they are hastening the day when we can all wave at the "old lady" in the harbor….the prettiest sight in the world."

                        Following is a list of some of the movies shown to the Group through Special Service during the month of June: "Let's Face It", with Bob Hope, "Whistling in Brooklyn", with Olivia De Haviland, "The Glass Key" starring Alan Ladd, "The Adventures of Tartu" starring Robert Donat, "The Iron Major" with Pat O'Brien, "Bombers' Moon" with George Montgomery, "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby, "Bombardier" with Pat O'Brien, "Nine Girls" with Ann Harding, "Never A Dull Moment" with the Ritz Brothers, "Andy Hardy's Double Life" with Mickey Rooney and "Gildersleeve's Ghost" starring Gildersleeve. The following training films were also shown" "Ditching" and "The A – 5". Every Tuesday evening G.I. movies are shown.

                        On 8 June 1944, one of the finest stage shows witnessed by this Group was presented at 2030 hours in the Base Outdoor Theater. With a cast of first class Italian artists and a band that played both concert and swing music, the two (2) hour show was one which the men will long remember. Two (2) other stage shows were presented this month: Another Italian show, which, although it was not up to the caliber of the one shown the previous week, it was nevertheless good entertainment and was enjoyed by the capacity attendance who witnessed it. On the night of 20 June 1944 another unit of the USO presented their show.

                        Saturday evening, 10 June 1944, the Squadron opened the enlisted men's Day Room. Without a doubt, this is the largest and best equipped Day Room not only in this Group but in the entire 15^th Air Force. Much appreciation is due to the Squadron Commander, Executive Officer and Adjutant, and to the enlisted men who gave freely much of their time and cooperation in making eh Day Room possible.

                        While flying on a routine flight to Bari, Italy on 19 June 1944, the aircraft piloted by Lt. John T. DeVane crashed a few miles from Manduria, Italy. Also killed in this crash were Lts. Murray V. Hollander and Olin L. Reynolds. Lt. DeVane and Lt. Hollander had just returned from behind enemy lines. Lt. Reynolds, navigator, had fifty (50) missions to his credit and was waiting orders to go home.

                        On 28 June 1944 the entire Group was inspected by officers from the 15^th Air Force and commanders from other Groups in the Air Force. The weekly News Summary was presented by Captain Charles S. Bowman and 1^st Lt. Robert S. Ogozalek. Church services were held each week. On Friday evening for men of Jewish faith; on Sunday on the base for Protestants and in the town of Manduria for the Catholic men. On 30 June 1944 stars for the overseas campaign ribbon were given to the enlisted men when they were paid. The star is the Battle over Italy.

                        (1)  Number of missions:  15,  Sorties:  147.

                        (2) The targets of the important missions flown this month were located in Roumania, Northern Italy, Germany, Yugoslavia, and Austria. A motor works, oil refineries, marshalling yards, an airdrome, and an aircraft factory were the objectives.

                        (3) Following is a description of the important missions:

                        Ten (10) B-24's took off in the Group Formation at 0524 hours to bomb Simeria Marshalling Yards in Roumania. One returned early 2^nd Lt. Ernest B. Thrasher who brought back his entire bomb load. Nine (9) dropped twenty-one and one quarter (21.25) tons of 500# (.10 - .01/.10 - .025) G.P. bombs on the target at 0926 hours from 21,000 feet. 1^st Lt. Harvey E. Helmberger returned .75 tons to the base because of malfunction of the left bomb bay doors. None of our cameras obtained photo coverage. Visual observations indicate that approximately three (3) strings of bombs hit the assigned target area. The balance seemed to be right and either long or short. There were no crew injuries and all ships returned safely to the base at 1205 hours.

                        Eleven (11) B-24's took off at 0715 hours to bomb the West Marshalling Yard, Genoa, Italy. One, 2^nd Lt. John B. Daniels returned early and brought his bombs back to the base. Ten (10) dropped forty (40) tons of 100# (.10 - .025 fusing) G.P. bombs on the target at 1203 hours from 20,000 feet. Photographs show that a very heavy concentration of hits were made on both aiming points allotted. Two hundred (200) bursts were visible in the Marshalling Yard. Many bursts on the station building were noticed. Many bursts were on the Ansaldo Plants at the Northwest end of the Marshalling Yard. Some fires were observed in the target area with two (2) large fires near the first attack unit's aiming point. A large number of wagons in both Marshalling Yards were well covered by bursts. All aircraft returned to the base at 1458 hours. There were no crew injuries.

                        Ten (10) B-24's took off from the base at 1000 hours to bomb the Castel Maggiore New Marshalling Yard, Italy. None returned early. Twenty-five (25) tons of 500# (.10 - .01/ .10 - .025) G.P. bombs were dropped on the target at 1304 hours from 19,500 feet. Photographs show that about thirty (30) bursts were in the marshalling yard. The first two sticks that burst, cut the aiming point. Several units of rolling stock were hit, starting one fire. All lines through the Marshalling Yard were observed cut. Railroad tracks were cut by direct hits at the choke point. Two or three small adjacent buildings received direct hits. In general, the greatest concentration of bursts were slightly long, but within 1,000 feet of the aiming point. All planes returned to the base and none of the crew members suffered injuries.

                        Ten (10) B-24's took off at 0510 hours to bomb the Romano/Americana Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Two (2) returned early: 1^st Lt. William L. Eldred, who when after losing two (2) superchargers dropped five (5) bombs to say in formation. It could not be done so he salvoed the other five (5) and returned to the base. 1^st Lt. Claude L. McIver's aircraft returned to the base after jettisoning his bombs because of trouble with both number two (2) and number three (3) engines. Eight (8) dropped twenty (20) tons of 500# (.10 - .01/ .10 - .025) G.P. bombs on the target at 0920 hours from 22,000 feet. From a distance of twenty (20) miles entire target area was observed as smoke covered. It was light in color but so dense that no part of the city of Ploesti could be seen and so widespread that the target was completely covered and its exact whereabouts could only be estimated. Bombs were dropped through the smoke at the place where it was presumed the refinery would be located and as the formation started the left rally a thick black column of smoke was seen ascending through the ground smoke indicating hits on oil facilities. Photo coverage confirmed the ascending smoke column but did not reveal anything further. A few of the planes received minor flak holes, however, none of the crew members were injured and all aircraft returned to the base at 1236 hours.

                        On 10 June 1944, ten (10) B-24's took off at 0630 hours to bomb the Oil Refinery at Trieste, Italy. One, 1^st Lt. Harvey E. Helmberger retuned early bringing back his bombs. None (9) dropped twenty-two (22) tons of 500# (.10 - .01/ .10 - .025) G.P. bombs on the target at 0944 hours from 20,000 feet. The target was well covered. Two (2) large explosions were observed and large fires were started in oil storage tanks. Several direct hits were made on oiling pier and one or two direct hits on a large liner causing fire. A column of smoke was seen to rise to 10,000 feet. The target was obscured by cloud cover during the bomb run and bombs were dropped by using reference points. All aircraft returned safely to the base at 1152 hours. There were no crew injuries.

                        On 11 June 1944 eleven (11) B-24's took off at 0600 hours to bomb the oil storage installations at Constanto, Roumania. One (1) returned early, 1^st Lt. Gordon J. Salinger who brought back his bombs. Ten (10) dropped twenty-five (25) tons of 250# (.10 - .01/ .0 - .025) bombs on the target at 0946 hours from 19,000 feet. Photo coverage showed several hits on installations at northwest corner of the target area including shoplike building and Railroads siding and probable destruction of one (1) storage tank in the southwest corner of the target area. Also, there were a concentration of bursts on the buildings among trees on the south side of the target area and several hits among the stores and warehouse area southwest of the target starting fires. All planes retuned to the base at 1303 hours. None of our aircraft were damaged by flak nor were there any crew injuries.

                        On 13 June 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off from the base at 0555 hours to bomb the Allach Motor Works located at Allach, Germany. Two (2) returned early: 1^st Lt. Gordon J. Salinger who dropped his bombs in the Adriatic Sea because number 3 and number 4 engines were running away in RPM and manifold pressure and because the oil pressure dropped; 2^nd Lt. James L. Price jettisoned his bombs at 46.30'N – 13.00'E. Six (6) dropped fifteen (15) tons of 1000# (.10 - .01/ .1 - .025 fusing) G.P. bombs on the alternate target of Munich at 1028 hours from 21,000 feet. One (1) aircraft, piloted by 1^st Lt. Leonard B. Scott, was hit by flak and it is not known if this lost aircraft bombed the target. 2^nd Lt. John T. DeVane and crew bailed out over the Island of Vis. A report from Vis says one man was killed. The nature of his death is not known. 2^nd Lt. Patrick J. McGinnity suffered wounds in the leg caused by flak. Six (6) aircraft returned to the base at 1345 hours. Four of the aircraft were holed by flak.

                        On 14 June 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0746 hours to bomb the oil refinery at Osijeck, Yugoslavia. Ten (10) dropped twenty-five (25) tons of 250# F.P. bombs on the target at 1055 hours from 19,000 feet. The target area was smoke-covered on the bomb run making visual observation difficult. Some bombs fell in the town area and a few went over the target. Photo interpretation however indicated substantial damage as follows: (1) Approximately 20 bursts on military installations, (2) Pattern of bombs from two (2) boxes across the target, (3) Direct hit on the storage tank at extreme East side of the tank farm, (4) Direct hits on distillation unit, (6) A direct hit on storage and dispatch installations, with near misses on the water tank and buildings to the east. All aircraft returned safely to the base at 1253 hours. There were no crew injures.

                        On 16 June 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0600 hours to bomb the Bratislava/Apollo Oil Refinery in Germany. There were no early returns. Ten (10) dropped twenty-five (25) tons of 250# G.P. bombs (.10 - .01/ .10 - .025) on the target at 1017 hours from 20,000 feet. A heavy volume of smoke obscured the target during the bomb run. The use of reference points enabled bombardiers to place a good concentration of bombs in the target area. Photos reveal many new fires among the refinery installations with huge columns of smoke rising as high as ten thousand feet. Two (2) of our crew members were injured; 2^nd Lt. James L. Price who was wounded in the left hip and S/Sgt Orion L. Ames who was hit on the right side of the face and in the right eye ball from flying glass. 2^nd Lt. Edgar J. Hall's aircraft was hit by flak in the wing, tail and fuselage. All ships returned to the base at 1252 hours.

                        On 22 June 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0735 hours to bomb the Udine Marshalling Yards as the assigned target. Finding the primary and alternates completely weathered in, a target of opportunity the Marshalling Yard at Ferrara was found. Ten (10) dropped twenty-five (25) tons of 250 pound G.P. bombs from 20,000 feet at 1115 hours. The results were difficult to observe visually although many crews claimed good coverage. Photo analysis indicated the following: ten hits on the industrial plant, concentrations on industrial installations and a heavy concentration of hits on the choke point extending south for 2000 feet. There were no crew injuries and all aircraft returned safely to the base at 1330 hours.

                        On 24 June 1944 twelve (12) B-24's took off at 0530 hours to bomb the Roumana/Americana Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Roumania. One (1) returned early. Eleven (11) dropped twenty-seven and one half (27 ½) tons of 500# G.P. (.10 - .01) bombs on the target area from 21,000 feet. Smoke from pots in the target area obscured aiming point and adversely affected visual observations. Photo coverage revealed main concentration of bombs 2800 feet east southeast of the target area. Concentration was across railroad tracks leading to Busau. One (1) aircraft, piloted by 2^nd Lts. Gordon J. Salinger, is missing. Pvt. Alvin C. Lamke suffered wounds in the abdomen and the right thigh and Sgt. Clemmie D. Hunt was wounded in the left leg from flak which sprayed from his toe to his hip. Five (5) of our planes were holed from flak and 20 m.m.

                        On 26 June 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0530 hours to bomb the Heinkel Aircraft Factory, Schwechat, Austria. None returned early. Ten (10) dropped twenty-five (25) tons of 500# G.P. bombs (.10 - .025/.10 - .00) bombs on the target from 21,500 feet at 0951 hours. The first bursts were observed on the aiming point. Subsequent bursts were observed in a very heavy concentration cover over the entire target area. Photo interpretation reveals: (1) Many bomb strikes across assembly plant. (2) Direct hits on hangars south of the main assembly plant. (3) Bomb concentration was very heavy, obscuring count of individual bursts. The target area was completely destroyed.

                        h. The Squadron Commanding Officer, Major Howard A. Davis, participated in five (5) missions during this month: the raid on the West Marshalling Yard, Genoa, Italy, 4 June 1944; the mission to bomb the Oberpfaffenhofen Airdrome Installations, Austria, 9 June 1944; the mission to bomb the Allach Motor Works, Allach, Germany; the mission to bomb the Romano/Americana Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Roumania, 24 June 1944; and, the raid on the airdrome at Zagreb, Yugoslavia.

                        i. Losses in action.

                                    On the mission to bomb the Allach Motor Works, Allach, Germany one of our aircraft was lost as a result of enemy anti-aircraft, 13 June 1944. Members of the crew were:

                        1^st Lt. Leonard B. Scott, Jr.              0-684904

                        2^nd Lt. Earl G. Anderson, Jr. 0-745853

                        1^st Lt. Bernard J. Wasserman          0-809780

                        2^nd Lt. Andrew Poggi                        0-1703120

                        S/Sgt  Henry T. Everritt                     18151181

                        S/Sgt  Ernest (NMI) Santoscoy        38214364

                        S/Sgt  Ralph S. Stevenson              15320018

                        Sgt.  Ora D. Woodson                      37606457

                        S/Sgt  Clifford E. Nagle                    13091902

                        M/Sgt  Harmon L. Small                   18037795

                                    On the mission to bomb the Romana/Americana Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Roumania enemy aircraft shot down one of our ships. 24 June 1944. Members of the crew were:

                        2^nd Lt. Gordon J. Salinger                0-669792

                        Capt. Henry C. McQueen                 0-364961

                        1^st Lt. Stanley I. Gottlieb                    0-752331

                        2^nd Lt. Diran (NMI) Vartanian           0-716555

                        T/Sgt  J. B. (IO) Tandy                      38106818

                        S/Sgt  Elmo M. Bott, Jr.                    18226832

                        S/Sgt  John G. Panos                       32514147

                        Sgt  Jake E. Brooks                         20415434

                        Sgt  Robert J. Owens                       38458518

                        Sgt  George F. Weishaar                 33377895

                                    (2) During this month four (4) combat crew members have received credit for destroying enemy aircraft. They are as follows:

Sgt. Charles S. Picus                       39551471      ME 109          Mission: Bratislava/Apollo Oil Refinery,                                                                                                                 Germany, 16 June 1944.

Sgt. Floyd A. Gill                               34632161      ME 109          Mission: Bratislava/Apollo Oil Refinery,                                                                                                                 Germany, 16 June 1944.

Sgt. Raymond E. Steensgart           37563121      ME 109          Mission: Bratislava/Apollo Oil Refinery,                                                                                                                 Germany, 16 June 1944.

Sgt. Walter E. Gomer                       13049351      ME 109          Mission: Romana/Americana Oil Refinery,                                                                                                            Ploesti, Roumania, 24 June 1944.

            j. Awards.

                                                AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

                        2^nd Lt. Murray V. Hollander                           0-668241

                        2^nd Lt. William T. Just                                    0-700470

                        Major Howard A. Davis                                0-437919

                        1^st Lt. Raymond E. Barthelmy                      0-674105

                        AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

                        1^st Lt. Earl G. Anderson                                0-745853

                        1^st Lt. Leonard (NMI) Robbins                      0-809726

                        1^st Lt. Theodore W. Schunk              0-747626

                        1^st Lt. Maynard L. Wayne                              0-809782

                        1^st Lt. Chester F. Kingsman             0-738930

                        1^st Lt. Leonard B. Scott                                 0-684904

                        2^nd Lt. Irving J. Weilert                                  0-691426

                        1^st Lt. LeRoy D. Tate                         0-689403

                        Sgt.  Jerry Curreri                                          23629955

                        1^st Lt. Edmund H. Wolcott                             0-799526

                        2^nd Lt. Herbert S. Huff                                   0-805835

                        2^nd Lt. Robert H. Leebody                            0-749619

                        2^nd Lt. Victor K. Meeker                               0-690679

                        S/Sgt  William N. Flanagan                          11032200

                        S/Sgt  Robert C. Fisher                                16021946

                        S/Sgt  J. R. Frank                                          38428302

                        S/Sgt  John V. Goldthwaite                          11085588

                        S/Sgt  James R. McGown                            14156279

                        S/Sgt  Benjamin F. Runyan              35715491

                        2^nd Lt. James F. Hunter                                0-757489

                        2^nd Lt. Claude T. McIver                                0-684017

                        2^nd Lt. Ralph F. McSloy                                0-756300

                        2^nd Lt. William G. Ramshaw             0-689485

                        S/Sgt  Paul D. Bear                                      35620040

                        S/Sgt  Louie L. Graves                                 37230546

                        Sgt  Harold (NMI) Adams                             13048812

                        Sgt  Martin H. Grossman                              13158171

                        Sgt  John Patrick Hortel                               15117642

                        Sgt  William F. Mills                                      36530792

            AWARD OF OAK LEAF CLUSTER FOR THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

                        1^st Lt. Robert H. Leebody                             0-749619

            2. Enclosed is the war diary of this unit for the period 1 June 1944 to 1 July 1944.

                        For the Commanding Officer:

                                                                                                            ROBERT S. OGOZALEK,

                                                                                                            1^st Lt., Air Corps,

                                                                                                            Squadron Historian.

1 June 1944

            No mission today. Beautiful blue Italian skies above – many of the boys went to the beach today.

2 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb the Simeria M/Y in Roumania. Bob load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. bombs. Fling today were; Lts. DeVane, Pitt, Nyreen, Booy, Clark, Helmberger, Salinger, Hill, and Thrasher. Daniels was an early return today.

            The piloting, navigation, etc. were very well done, but the bombing was very poor and ruined an otherwise perfect mission. The bombs fell short of the target. No flak, no fighters, "no nothing".

3 June 1944

            The mission for today was cancelled. We were scheduled to bomb a Marshalling Yard South of Bucharest.

            It has been a beautiful day today. Most of the combat men went to the beach ofr some relaxation.

4 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb the Genoa M/Y in Northern Italy. The bomb load wa 40 X 100 lb. bombs. Major Davis led the formation today. Others from the Squadron flying were; Lts. L. B. Scott, DeVane, Tate, C.R. Clark, Eldred, Salinger, Lumovich, Nyreen, and Daniels. Lt. Daniels was an early return. The mission was very successful with most of the bombs hitting directly in the target.

            1^st Lt. Robert Ogozalek had the surprise element pulled on him when his brother, Capt. Ed Ogozalek, of the 12^th Air Force in Berdinia, dropped in for a visit. Both brothers had not seen each other for two years.

            Boxing bouts were held this evening in the 720^th Squadron area. The bouts were very good.

5 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb Cestal Maggiore. The bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. bombs. Flying today were; Lts. Weilert, Thrasher, Clark, Helmberger, Hall, Eldred, Gilday, Nyreen, Lumovitch, and Booy. Most of the bombs were just over the target. The R.R. bridge was severed in a few places by a string of bombs.

            The movie today was "Whistling in Brooklyn" starring the famous Red Skelton.

6 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb the Oil Fields at Ploesti, Romania. The briefing was very early this morning, being at 0345. The bomb load was 10 X 500 lb pound bombs. Flying today were; Lts. Eldred, Thrasher, Nyreen, Scott, Alexander, DeVane, McIver, Booy, and Hall. The mission cannot be determined as successful or unsuccessful because the bombs all fell through the smoke screen.

            Invasion Day – Allied landings in France today.

            G.I. Movies were shown this evening. 

7 June 1944

            Standdown – no mission today.

            Many of the boys could be seen crowding into trucks this afternoon to go to the beach to cool off.

            The move this evening was "Government Girl" starring Olivia DeHaviland and Sonny Tufts.

8 June 1944

            Another standdown today and every squadron drilled for one hour today.

            Beach call again this afternoon with many answering the call.

            Lt. Boggs, Lt. Emch, and Sgt. Scatterfield left the Squadron yesterday and flew to Naples where they will catch a boat for the U.S.A. They successfully completed their fifty missions.

An all-Italian stage show was held this evening. The performance at dinner in the 721^st Officer's mess hall. The show on a whole was very well done. Judging from the applause, everyone enjoyed it very much.

9 June 1944

            No standdown today – mission to Munich, Germany (of all places) to bomb an aircraft factory. This was a mission that everyone had been dreading. The bomb load today was 10 X 500 pound bombs. Flying today was Major Davis, Lts. DeVane, Scott, Tate, Eldred, C. R. Clark, Lumovich, Huff, Daniels, and Booy. The bombing was done on P.F.F.

            The movie this evening was "The Adventures of Tartu".

10 June 1944

            The mission was to Trieste today. Flying today was Lts. Huff, Booy, Nyreen, Helmberger, Eldred, DeVane, Hall, C. R. Clark, Thrasher, and Daniels. Lt. Helmberger returned early due to mechanical trouble. The results today were fair even though a cloud coverage provided an obstacle for bombing.

            The 721^st Squadron's Enlisted Men's new day room will open this evening. A large turnout is expected.

11 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb the oil fields at Constanta, Rumania – on the coast of Rumania. Flying were; Lts. Helmberger, Nyreen, C. R. Clark, Huff, Hall, Price, Lumovich, Thrasher, and Booy. Lt. Salinger was an early return.

            The target was missed completely.

            The 721^st Squadron gave it's weekly news lecture today. The War Room was jammed to capacity. Lt. Ogozalek covered the Invasion, Russian front, and the whole European Theater.

12 June 1944

            Standdown ordered for today.

            Crowds headed for the beach this afternoon to relax in the sun and to enjoy the swimming.

13 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb the Aircraft Factory at Munich, German. The bomb load was 5 X 1000 pound bombs. Flying today were; Major Davis, Lts. L. b. Scott, DeVane, Lumovich, Edlred, Nyreen, Thrasher, Salinger, C. R. Clark, Price, and Gilday. Upon return and after interrogation, it was found that the target was missed completely. The flak was very intense and accurate here, however, there was little fighter opposition.

            Lt. Salinger and Lt. Price were early returns. Lt. Devane landed on the Island of Viz with a dead engineer. Lt. Eldred landed at Bari to refuel. Lt. Scott and crew, completing their 50 missions today, were shot down over the target.

            G. I. Movies were shown this evening. Most of the audience walked away during the first reel.

14 June 1944

            The mission today went to Ostrak, Yugoslavia. The bomb load was 20 X 250 pound bombs. Flying today were; Lts. Helmberger, C. R. Clark., Huff, Thrasher, Daniels, Lumovich, Salinger, Hall, Booy, and Price. Lt. Salinger was an early return. The target, which was very small, was blasted to smitherings by preceeding groups. Our bombs missed the aiming point entirely.

            A very good movie was shown today – Pat O'Brien in "The Iron Major". A large crowd was present and everyone seemed to enjoy the picture very much.

15 June 1944

            The mission today was scheduled for Bulgaria, however, immediately after briefing, the mission was scrubbed.

            The beach was very crowded today due to the warm weather. Many of the fellows are beginning to resemble Indians.

            Another Italian stage show was given this evening and was well-presented. During the show, a certain G.I. dashed on the stage and jitterbugged to the music of the band. He certainly was a scream!

16 June 1944

            The mission today went to Bradislov, East of Vienna, to hit the Oil Refineries. The bomb load was 20 X 250 pound bombs. Flying today were; Lts. Daniels, Thrasher, Nyreen, Helmberger, Clark, Eldred, Salinger, Booy, Hall, and Price.

            Upon returning from the mission, interrogation reports show the target to be well hit. Smoke rose to 15,000 feet into the air. Lt. Price received a slight flak wound. Three gunners claim enemy aircraft destroyed.

            The movie this evening was "Going My Way" starring Bing Crosby. This was certainly one of the outstanding pictures that we have had.

17 June 1944

            It seems as though all the missions will be briefed early from now on. This morning's mission, after being briefed, was scrubbed due to weather. Most of the crew members said,

"back to the sack we go".

            The beach will have a large crowd this afternoon. When there is no mission, everyone who can, immediately head for the beach.

18 June 1944

            All S-2 officers reported very bright and early this morning. Things were really buzzing from 0100 until 0400. Briefing was at 0445, the target was Ploesti Oil Refinery. Major McKamy, after completing his briefing, was told that the mission was scrubbed due to weather. 1^st Lt. Robert S. Ogozalek briefed the gunners this morning. Practice missions were flown both in the morning and afternoon.

            Many of the old crew members would have completed their missions today. Said Lt. Leebody, "Gosh, I have 49 now. Please give me a run into Northern Italy."

            The weekly news presentation was given today by Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozalek. A very large crowd was present as usual.

19 June 1944

            Another standdown ordered today. With Old Sol shining in all his brilliance, the beach reminded me of Atlantic City or Miami Beach. Ho hum, wish I were there now.

            Another tragedy occurred in the Squadron this afternoon. Lts. DeVane, Hollander, and Reynolds, flying to Bari on a routine flight, crashed outside of Manduria killing all three men. Lts. DeVane and Hollander had just returned from behind enemy lines. Lt. Reynolds, Navigator, had 50 missions to his credit and was waiting orders to go home.

20 June 1944

            Looks as though the 450^th has done such a good job of bombing that the Air Force is giving the Group a rest. (Oh yeah!) Anyway, this makes the fourth day in a row that there has been no mission. A mission was scheduled for today but due to inclement weather, it has been cancelled.

            A practice mission has been ordered and all of the boys are really groaning because of this.

            Lt. Helmberger says, "Gosh, I wish I could get my last mission in so that I can go home." Lt. Helmberger, one of the few original pilots left in the Squadron, has 49 missions to his credit: "Give mea milk run please!"

21 June 1944

            The mission was scrubbed today due to inclement weather in the vicinity of the target area. It certainly was a swell day to get a suntan at the beach today and from Colonels on down could be seen sunning and swimming. Capt. Bowman decided to take it easy by riding to Lecce.

            1^st Lt. Harvey Helmberger has been promoted to Captain. He is also now the daddy of a bouncing baby boy!

22 June 1944

            The group finally took off this morning to bomb the Marshalling Yards at Udine. The bomb load today was 20 X 250 pound bomb s. Flying were; Capt. Helmberger, Lts. Huff, Eldred, Lumovich, Mikkellson, Salinger, Thrasher, Hall, Daniels, Nyreen. Due to weather conditions, the Primary Target was not bombed. Ferrara was bombed instead. All ships returned safely. Completing 50 missions today were; Captain Helmberger, and Lts. Hall and Leebody.

            Says Captain Helmberger, "Yea, won't it be some thrill to see some real country – U.S.A.?" Lt. Leebody, "Los Angeles, I'm coming!" 

23 June 1944

           Same old target again today – Romano-Americana Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Rumania. The bomb load was 20 X 250 pound bombs. Flying today; Major Davis, Capt. Alexander, Lts. Nyreen, Wilder, Gilday, Eldred, Thrasher, Lumovich, Salinger, Daniels, and White. The mission was scrubbed immediately after the planes were in the air. They were ordered to fly a practice mission while in the air which lasted approximately one hour. 

24 June 1944

            "Gentlemen, the target for today – the Americana-Romano Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Rumania." That is the way the briefing officer started off this morning. The bomb load was 10 X 500 pound bombs. Flying today were; Major Davis, Capt. Alexander, Lts. Nyreen, Gilday, Eldred, Thrasher, Lumovich, Salinger, Daniels, and White. Lt., Gilday returned from Western Bulgaria on two engines, good piloting, Jack. Lt. Lumovich also returned early form Bulgaria, and also Lt. Daniels. The target appeared to be very well hit with large fires observed.

            Lt. Eldred's crew, completing 50 missions today, had a very close call. Due to a damaged aircraft, they had to land at San Pancrezio., Lt. White, with both of his ship's vertical stabilizer shot away, plus a feathered engine, landed the aircraft safely at his home base with a wounded man on board.

25 June 1944

            The mission today went to Toulon, France. The bomb load was 10 X 500 pound bombs. The submarine pens was our target today. Flying were; Lts. Lumovich, White, Booy, Gilday, C.R. Clarke, Thrasher, Huff, Hultgren, Daniels, and Mikkelson. The target was a solid undercast, so the bombs were brought back. Lt. Booy is missing. No one seems to know anything about his disappearance.

            Major Davis called a meeting of all combat crew members this evening at 0630 in the day room.

            Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozalek presented their weekly news lecture today before a large audience.

26 June 1944

            The mission today was to the Schwechat Aircraft Factory. The bomb load was 10 X 500 pound bombs. Flying were; Capt. Alexander, Lts. Lumovich, Huff, Nyreen, Daniels, C. R. Clarke, Thrasher, Mikkelson, White, Hultgren. The mission was a success today with great damage being done to the target. No encounters today but the flak was heavy, intense, and extremely accurate. It shouldn't be necessary to go to this particular target again as it was almost completely destroyed.

            The boys were overjoyed over the success of this mission. It shouldn't be necessary to return to that "hot spot" for a while.

27 June 1944

            The ships took off at 0640 to bomb Budapest Vecses Aridrome. Flying today were; Lts. Lumovich, White, Nyreen, Thrasher, Mikkelson, C. R. Clark, Gilday, Hultgren, Huff, and Daniels. Lt. Daniels was an early return today. The bomb load was 20 X 250 pound demos. No enemy fighter encountered today. Fairly good bombing and all ships and crews returned to base uninjured.

            The movie this evening was Mickey Rooney in "Andy Hardy's Double Life". There was also a training film.

28 June 1944

            No mission today. Inspection was held by officers of the Fifteenth Air Force this morning and also officers from other groups of the Forty-seventh Wing. Our group received highest honors of the Fifteenth Air Force on the Squadron areas.

            The movie tonight was "Gildersleeve's Ghost", starring the original Gildersleeve of the Fibber McGee and Ollie program.

            The weather has been very good here but the heat is becoming more noticeable every day. There was a very good crowd at the beach this afternoon.

29 June 1944

            No mission today. Weather clear and very hot. The squadron enjoyed four cans of beer per man tonight. There was much rejoicing over this!

30 June 1944

            The mission today was to bomb the Airdrome at Zagreg, Yugoslavia. The bomb load today was 20 clusters of frags. Flying today were; Major Davis, Lts. Thrasher, Hultgren, Clark, Booy, Daniels, Lumovich, Alexander, and Nyreen. Major Davis was the Wing Leader today. The target was completely covered by a 10/10 coverage of clouds and the formation "let down" to 14,000 feet in an  effort to find a break in the clouds but were unsuccessful. All aircraft and crews returned to the base uninjured.

Robert S. Ogazalek,

1^st Lt., Air Corps,

Squadron Historian.