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HEADQUARTERS 721ST BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
450TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
APO 520 U. S. ARMY
10 April 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 March
1944 to 1 April 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) None
c. Strength, commissioned and
enlisted.
(1) Month of March
Enlisted Men Officers
(a)
at beginning 371 72
(b)
net increase
24 17
(c)
net decrease (d) at end 395 89
d. Station – Army Air Base, Manduria,
Italy.
e. Movements – None.
f. Campaigns – None.
g. Operations – Because of bad
weather only ten (10) missions were flown during the month of March. However,
to the various members of the Group "No Combat Mission Flown This Date" does not
necessarily mean nothing done on that day. On the contrary, much time is taken
and many preparations made for missions which are never flown. The Group
Operations and Intelligence Sections spend many hours planning the missions
whether cancelled or flown. The Ordnance Section has to load bombs and the
Engineering Section pre-flight the ships. Some missions are cancelled before
the hours of preparation are spent, but there are also many missions which are
all set to fly but which at the last minute – after "stand-by" orders are given
– are cancelled.
Under the supervision of the Group
Special Service sixteen (16) movies were presented at the theater in Oria.
Capacity crowds attended both the afternoon and evening performances at all
shows. The better movies shown this month were: "Thank Your Lucky Stars"
starring Eddie Cantor; "Thousands Cheer" with a large cast of Hollywood
favorites; "Presenting Lilly Mars" starring Judy Garland; Olivia De Haviland in
"Princess O'Rourke"; "Coney Island" with Betty Grable; "A Guy Named Joe"
starring Spencer Tracy; and, two of the most outstanding pictures of the
season, "Song of Bernadette" with Jennifer Jones, and, Greer Garson in "Madame
Curie". For stage shows were presented this month. Two of these were USO shows
which were given on the 3rd and on the 24th of March. On
March 21st a show was presented by enlisted men of the 331st
Service Squadron entitled "Stage Door Latrine". A capacity crowd was present at
the performance which was given at 1930 hours. The Group witnessed their first
"big name" stage show at the theater in Oria at the evening presentation of the
movie "Fallen Sparrow". John Garfield the star of the picture appeared in
person with Eddie Foy, and three "starlets" from Hollywood. Because of the
large attendance anticipated it was necessary to have the men draw for tickets
for admittance. Evidently more tickets were printed than planned because the
show was witnessed by an extremely large enthusiastic audience.
The following named Second
Lieutenants were appointed First Lieutenants effective 25 February 1944:
Leonard B. Scott, Harvey E. Helmberger, Abner D. Hervey, Robert W. Cain, Howard
L. Anderson, Thomas S. Scott, Wade H. Williford, William P. Cannon, Edmund H.
Wolcott, Robert L. Waste and Thomas M. Haggerton.
Brigadier General Atkinson,
replacing Brigadier General Ridenour, visited the 450th War Room, on
the 2nd of this month to plan the next day's mission. The weekly
News Summary presented each Sunday evening by Capt. Charles S. Bowman and Lt.
Robert S. Ogozalek have proven to be an outstanding success. At each lecture
the Bomb Spot Photos of previous raids are shown by the Photo-Interpretation
Officer, 1st Lt. Borden S. Chronister. Religious services were held
for all denominations each week. A choir was organized under the direction of
the Group Chaplain, Capt. Paul M. Stevens. On 8 March 1944 members of the ground
crews that lived in tents began moving them in compliance with an order given
by the Squadron Commander that the tents be set up on three company street.
Orientation Lectures were given to the new crews at various times during the
month. Inspections were started this month. The first Saturday morning inspection
was held by the Commanding Officer at 0900 hours, 25 March 1944. Class A Uniforms
were worn and a half hour drill was scheduled. Following the inspection Major
Howard A. Davis addressed the men and told them that because of the fine
condition of the tents and the Squadron area the drill was cancelled. The
Commanding Officer took the opportunity while most of the men were there to
tell them of the equipment such as clothes racks, and bunks, being made for
them. He also warned the men about the liquor situation here in Italy. The
Major commented on the area and told the men that the Saturday morning inspections
would be held "from here on in". Daily inspections would be held also, but it
would not be necessary for the men to "stand-by". With end of March
construction was well under way on the enlisted men's mess hall and Day Room.
Although only three (3) months have passed since the Squadron arrived at this
base, many improvements have been made such as pyramidal tents replacing the
pup tents; permanent buildings for the Squadron Headquarters and Personnel
Supply; and, company streets, gibing the area a n appearance of a well
organized squadron.
(1) Number of missions: 10,
Sorties; 82.
(2) The targets of the important
missions flown this month were located in Austria, Bulgaria, Southern France
and Northern Italy. An aircraft factory, submarine facilities, a landing
ground, a ball-bearing plant and marshalling yards were the objectives.
(3) Following is a description of
the important missions:
The target for 11 March 1944 was the
Submarine Repair Facilities at Toulon, France. Briefing was held at 0615 hours
with nine (9) of our ships taking off at 0930 hours. This Squadron dropped
twenty-seven (27) tons of demolition bombs in the target area. On this raid
there were three (3) enemy aircraft claimed. S/Sgt Charles H. Burritt destroyed
an ME 109 and S/Sgt's Glenn W. Painter and Joseph C. Darby each claim an FW
190. Two of our ships received minor flak holes but all returned safely to the
base. There were no crew injuries suffered on this mission.
The next important mission took
place on 17 March 1944. The target was the airdrome at Schwechat, Austria.
Seven (7) of our planes took off with one early return. 2nd Lt. Russell
E. Boggs and crew who jettisoned their bombs near Balatan Lake, Hungary. The
bomb load we 10-500 lb. demolition bombs. A solid overcast prevented any
observations or results of the bombs dropped. All planes from our Squadron
returned safely to the base with out damage. None of the crew members suffered injury.
The target on 18 March 1944 was the
dispersal areas on Lavariano Landing Ground in Northern Italy. Nine (9) of our
planes flew on this mission with one early return, 2nd Lt. LeRoy D.
Tate. Each ship carried a bomb load of 20 X 120 lb fragmentation bombs. Six (6)
ships dropped their entire bomb load on the target while the bomb load in the
remaining three ships were dropped in the following manner: 2nd Lt.
Edmund H. Wolcott cropped seventeen (17) on the target and three (3) on a
railroad bridge near the target. Capt. William V. Pitt dropped seventeen (17)
on the target and jettisoned three (3) after leaving the target because they
could not be released over the target. Major Howard A. Davis's ship salvoed
their bombs while turning off the target. All ships returned safely to the base
suffering no damage nor any crew injuries. Results: The target area was well
covered.
On 19 March 1944 eight (8) of our
ships were on the mission to the Steyr Walzergerwerk Ball Bearing Plant,
Austria carrying a total bomb load of twenty-five (25) tons of 500 lb demolition
bombs. However, the formation did not reach Steyr but dropped their bombs on
the City of Graz, Austria. The results of the bombing were a good concentration
of bomb hits on factory buildings located in the Southwest corner of Graz.
There was onle large fire started. There were no early returns. The ships
piloted by 2nd Lt. Harvey E. Helmberger, 2nd Lt. LeRoy D.
Tate, and 2nd Lt. Leonard B. Scott were damaged with small holes
from flak. 2nd Lt. Howard L. Anderson's ship was hit by flak in the
nose turret, top turret and where the horizontal stabilizer is fastened to the
fuselage base of the top turret. Sgt. Byron C. Nelson suffered minor scratches
on the face from pieces of scattered plexiglass. No other crew members were injured
and all our planes returned safely to the base.
Ten (10) planes from our Squad4ron
took off on the mission to bomb Steyr Walzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant 23
March 1944. The total bomb load carried was twenty-five (25) tons of G.P.
demolition bombs. Of the ten (10) ships, eight (8) jettisoned their bombs in
the Adriatic Sea. This was necessary because of the weather. They were not able
to find the target and although some of the ships went on to bomb an alternate
target our ships returned earlier to the base. There were no crew injuries to
any of the members who returned nor were any of the aircraft damage, but two of
our ships failed to return to the base. The ships and crew were lost in the
following manner: Bad, weather, poor visibility, and scattered rain showers
made the formation flying very hazardous. One (10 hour out on course after
leaving this base, 1st Lt. William E. Whalen, who was flying in the
number seven (7) position, pulled up, crashing into the plane flying in the
number four (4) position, piloted by 2nd Lt. Elmer J. Hartman. The
fuselage of Lt. Harman's ship broke in two and fell into the sea. 1st
Lt. Whalen went into a flat spin and crashed into the sea. No parachutes were
seen from either ship.
Nine (9) of our planes took off with
the Group formation on the raid on the marshalling yards at Mestre, Italy, 28
March 1944. There were no early returns. That portion of the target assigned to
this Group was squarely hit with concentration of bombs across the aiming
point. Photo coverage indicates the following damage: Several direct hits on a
chemical plant; direct hits on warehouses and storage buildings; direct hits on
transhipment sheds; a concentration of hits on an industrial plant; and, a
concentration of bombs across railroad tracks. A large fire was seen in the
center of the aiming point indicating the destruction of oil and gasoline
cares, and the entire area was covered with smoke as the formation turned away
after the bomb run. The entire bomb load carried by our planes was twenty (20)
tons of demolition bombs. One plane, piloted by Capt. William V. Pitt, was
forced to leave the formation because of mechanical difficulties before
arriving at the target. Word was later received that a safe landing was made at
t friendly airfield in Italy. All other planes returned safely to the base.
There were no crew injuries nor were any of the ships damaged.
.
29 March 1944 eight ships from our
Squadron participated on the raid on Bolzano Marshalling Yards in Italy. The
target was well covered with a concentration of hits near the bridges and in
the marshalling yards. Photo coverage showed direct hits at the choke points of
the marshalling yards with bombs on the
end of the bridge and one near the end of the highway bridge. The bridges are
believed to be severely damaged. Several direct hits were recorded on a
locomotive depot and care repair shop and the buildings were seen burning.
There were bursts among cars in the man marshalling yard. Bomb hits were
observed on the rail line leading out to Innsbruck. A direct hit on the flumes
of power station broke the leads and water was seen running out. The entire
target area was smoke covered as the formation made its rally. The entire bomb
load was twenty (20) tons of 500 lb demolition bombs. There were no injuries
suffered by any of our crew members nor were any of the planes damaged.
Nine (9) planes from our Squadron
participated in the raid on the marshalling yards at Sofia, Bulgaria, 30 March
1944. The entire bomb load was twenty-seven (27) tons of 500 lb demolition bombs.
Smoke from previous bomb bursts prevented the accurate observation of bomb
damage. There were strings of bombs across the choke point at the end of the
marshalling yard and several hits on the buildings adjacent to the marshalling
yard. Photo coverage showed bombs fell in the South and Southwest part of the
city and there were scattered strings of bombs over an extended area. The B-24
piloted by Lt. Howard L. Anderson received minor flak holes in the wing tip and
in the nose glass. Other than this all ships retuned to the base undamaged, There
were not injuries suffered by any of the members of our crew.
h. The Squadron Commanding Officer,
Major Howard A. Davis, participated in one (1) mission during this month; the
raid on dispersal areas on Lavariano Landing Ground in Northern Italy, 18 March
1944.
i. Losses in action.
(1) ON the mission to bomb Steyr
Walzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant 23 March 1944 two B-24's were lost in the
following manner: Bad weather, poor visibility, and scattered rain showers made
the formation flying very hazardous. One (1) hour out on course after leaving
this base, 1lst Lt. William E. Whalen, who was flying in the number seven (7)
position, pulled up, crashing into the plane flying in the number four (4)
position, piloted by 2nd Lt. Elmer J. Hartman. The fuselage of Lt.
Hartman's ship broke in two and fell into the sea. 1st Lt. Whalen
went into a flat spin and crashed into the sea. No parachutes were seen from
either ship. Members of the crews were:
2nd Lt. Elmer J. Hartman 0-542322
2nd Lt. Joseph C. Penn 0-680498
2nd Lt. Richard J. Pratt 0-689645
2nd Lt. Robert W. Lilley 0-753145
S/Sgt Harold R. Askins 35567639
S/Sgt Aldo J. Ciliotta 32573448
S/Sgt George L. Bronson 37239941
S/Sgt Merle L. Morine 36318631
S/Sgt William C. Kleeman 15336865
Sgt William (NMI) Broughton 15336865
1st Lt. William E. Whalen 0-660312
2nd Lt. Harry J.
Whitelam, Jr 0-756844
2nd Lt. John J. Fortune 0-698188
2nd Lt. Lincoln D. Prater 0-690820
S/Sgt John E. Shields 13114181
S/Sgt Edward S Semans 13114181
S/Sgt Byran K. Beard 19085816
Sgt Virgil L. Stelck 37661256
Sgt Jessie C. Cummings 18082504
Sgt Elroy L. Fahrenback 39261898
(2) During this month three (3)
combat crew members have received credit for destroying enemy aircraft. They
are as follows:
S/Sgt Charles H. Burritt 12130066 ME 109 Mission:
submarine Facilities, Toulon, France 11 March 1944.
T/Sgt Hugh E. Cameron 19028819 ME 109 Mission:
Ball Bearing Plant, Steyr, Austria, 19 March 1944.
S/Sgt Glenn W. Painter 37408370 ME 109 Mission:
Ball Bearing Plant, Steyr, Austria, 19 March 1944.
Air Medals were awarded by
Headquarters, Fifteenth Air Force, per General Orders, Number 138, 14 March
1944. The Air Medal was awarded the following named personnel, air Corps, Army
of the United States, residence as indicated, for Meritorious achievement in
aerial flight while participating in sustained operational activities against
the enemy between the dates indicated:
Howard A. Davis, 0437919, Captain, 545 Blauve Avenue, Akron,
Ohio. From 8 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Raymond E. Barthelmy, 0674105, First Lieutenant, 4143 Lake
Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio. From 8 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Merle W. Emch, 0747240, Second Lieutenant, Route 1, Gearard,
Ohio. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Harry D. Feltenstein, 0798466, Second Lieutenant, 1541 N 4th
St., Springfield, Illinois. From 14 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Joseph P. Gallagher, 0684860, Second Lieutenant, 846 E. W.
Moreland, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From 19 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Julian D. Fleming, 0684860, Second Lieutenant, Buckhead,
Georgia. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
William C. Goldberg, 0747661, Second Lieutenant, 502 East
Mair, Bennettsville, South Carolina. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Stanley I. Gottlieb, 0752331, Second Lieutenant, 22-99 Mott
Avenue, Far Rockway, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Francis A. Hager, 0682029, Second Lieutenant, 358 West
Abbott Street, Lansford, Pennsylvania. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Thomas M. Haggerton, 0684862, Second Lieutenant, Roswell,
New Mexico. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Elmer J. Hartman, 0542322, Second Lieutenant, 1623 Pearl
Street, Denver, Colorado. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
William J. Heiser, 0749634, Second Lieutenant, 836 Monroe
Street, Brooklyn, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Harvey E. Helmberger, 0680634, Second Lieutenant, Madison,
Nebraska. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Joseph F. Henchman, 0689965, Second Lieutenant, 187 Newton
Street, Athol, Massachusetts. From 16 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Abner D. Hervey, 0749239, Second Lieutenant, 521 W. 5th
Street, Hope, Arkansas. From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Herbert S. Huff, 0805835, Second Lieutenant, 414 W. Main
Street, Lansdale, Pennsylvania. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
John b. Kantner, 0751912, Second Lieutenant, 15050 Camden Ave
East, Detroit, Michigan. From 19 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Albert C. Kirsnis, 0799793, Second Lieutenant, 441 West
Broad, Paulsboro, New Jersey. From 14 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Lawrence H. Kravetz, 0689612, Second Lieutenant, 233 Chester
Street, Brooklyn, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
George W. Lamoreaux, 0690700, Second Lieutenant, 923 N.
Grant St., Bay City, Michigan. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Robert H. Leebody, 0749637, Second Lieutenant, 1364 Cloverdale,
Los Angeles, California. From 8 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Robert W. Lilley, 0753145, Second Lieutenant, 1614 South 18th
Avenue, Maywood, Illinois. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Bruce C. Lindsay, 0749649, Second Lieutenant, 503 Vandever
Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Victor K. Meeker, 0690679, Second Lieutenant, 1609 Homestead
Street, Toledo, Ohio. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
John L. Mitchell, 0690682, Second Lieutenant, 3737 Kenwood
Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Jack M. Montgomery, 0751922, Second Lieutenant, El Dorado,
Texas. From 14 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Tilman A. Morken, 0689331, Second Lieutenant, Route #2, Park
Lane, Billings, Montana. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
James T. Morris, 0747670, Second Lieutenant, 29 Sharpless
Street, Keyser, West Virginia. From 14 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
George W. Murray, Jr., 0748019, Second Lieutenant, 23
Evergreen St., Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. From 16 January 1944 to 10
February 1944.
Hugo J. Paggi, 0689633, Second Lieutenant, 5 Walker Avenue,
Wappingers Falls, New York. From 14 January 1944 to 27 January 1944.
Leslie J. Paul, 0747312, Second Lieutenant, 11577 La Maida
St., N. Hollywood, California. From 13 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Ralph E. Peck, 0690969, Second Lieutenant, 802 S. Armstrong
St., Kokomo, Indiana. From 8 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Joseph C. Penn, 0680498, Second Lieutenant, 1517 Eleonora
Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Holly G. Ponder, 0677867, Second Lieutenant, Doniphan,
Missouri. From 14 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Richard J. Pratt, 069645, Second Lieutenant, 231 ½ W. 4th
Street, Erie, Pennsylvania. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Louis H. Prentice, 0809635, Second Lieutenant, Route 4 Box
916, Seattle, Washington. From 14 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Olin L. Reynolds, 0809725, Second Lieutenant, 5417 Youpon
Street, Houston, Texas. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Leonard Robbins, 0809726, Second Lieutenant, 901 S. E. 8th
St., Lauderdale, Florida. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Gordon J. Salinger, 0669792, Second Lieutenant, 4 Orange
Street, Attlebore, Massachusetts. From 14 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Theodore W. Schunk, 0747626, Second Lieutenant, 104-26 110th
Street, Richmond Hill, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Leonard B. Scott, 0684904, Second Lieutenant, Star Route,
Minco, Oklahoma. From 16 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Thomas A. Scott, 0449997, Second Lieutenant, Honea Path,
South Carolina. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Leroy D. Tate, 0689403, Second Lieutenant, McLeansboro,
Illinois. From 14 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Robert M. Wagoner, 0747685, Second Lieutenant, Brady, Texas.
From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Frederick A. Wandell, 0681486, Second Lieutenant, 528 Grande
Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Bernard (NMI) Wasserman, 0809780, Second Lieutenant, 80-04
190th St., Jamaica, Long Island, New York. From 13 January 1944 to
20 January 1944.
Robert L. Waste, 0670683, Second Lieutenant, 258 Monroe
Street, Tampa, Florida. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Maynard I. Wayne, 0809782, Second Lieutenant, 1039 Blue Hill
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. From 19 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Irving J. Weilbert, 0691426, Second Lieutenant, 1150 Bay
Road, Webster, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Wade. H. Williford, 0796932, Second Lieutenant, Edgewood
Circle, Gastonia, North Carolina. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Edmund H. Wolcott, 0799526, Second Lieutenant, Dromore Road,
Scarsdale, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Joseph J. Basamania, T-121802, Flight Officer, 53 Thomas
Street, Rochester, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Joseph F. Gavin, T-748123, Flight Officer, 521 Cedar Street,
Allentown, Pennsylvania. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Patrick J. McGinnity, T-121641, Flight Officer, 239 E. 87th
Street, New York, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Andrew Poggi, T-121808, Flight Officer, 8220 Herman Garden
Mall, Detroit, Michigan. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
George A. Stanley, T-121903, Flight Officer, 212 Myrtle
Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Stanley W. Ezall, 19169640, Technical Sergeant, 4709 Summers
Lane, Klamath Falls, Oregon. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Roy B. Hansen, 16006893, Technical Sergeant, 22 ½ Jefferson
Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Ralph I. Pippins, 14099802, Technical Sergeant, Route 2,
Winnsboro, Louisiana. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Charles A. Shafer, 15054188, Technical Sergeant, Landale,
West Virginia. From 19 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Benjamin A. Stock, 32378224, Technical Sergeant, Route 1,
Hannibal, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
T. B. (i.o.) Tandy, 38106818, Technical Sergeant, Gem,
Texas. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Charles F. Vorhies, 37185346, Technical Sergeant, 5727 Nall,
Johnson County, Mission, Kansas. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
David L. Almada, 19202972, Staff Sergeant, 1802 Hancock St.,
Los Angeles, California. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Byron K. Beard, 19085816, Staff Sergeant, 919 Arthur Avenue,
San Leandro, California. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Walter H. Borneman, 33369922, Staff Sergeant, Saratoga,
Virginia. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
William R. Bristol, 16143979, Staff Sergeant, 269 North
Union Street, Aurora, Illinois. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Joseph R. Bury, 12185278, Staff Sergeant, 501 West 178th
Street, New York, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Hugh E. Cameron, 19028819, Staff Sergeant, 3151 West 76th
Street, Los Angeles, California. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Daniel G. Chaplin, 11089458, Staff Sergeant, Kornish, Maine.
From 8 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Joe C. Darby, Jr.,
19148243, Staff Sergeant, Black Diamond, Washington. From 8 January 1944
to 19 January 1944.
Stanley S. Dryla, 33186438, Staff Sergeant, 745 Fraley,
Swedesburg, Pennsylvania. From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
James E. Flynn, 33298008, Staff Sergeant, 8 E. Edison Ave.,
New Castle, Pennsylvania. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
William J. Ford, 17088141, Staff Sergeant, 2738 W. 38th
Street, Denver, Colorado. From 13 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
J. R. (i.o.) Frank, 38428302, Staff Sergeant, Hillsboro,
Texas. From 8 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
John V. Goldthwaite, 11085588, Staff Sergeant, 911 Aslyum
Ave., Hartford, Connecticut. From 8 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Connie J. Jones, 38428029, Staff Sergeant, Columbia Avenue,
Waco, Texas. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
William E. Larcey, 18191917, Staff Sergeant, Soper,
Oklahoma. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Frederick A. Lauer, 12033730, Staff Sergeant, 67 Portland
Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. From 12 January 1944 to 18 January
1944.
Robert E. Ludwig, 33356052, Staff Sergeant, 140 Clarks St.,
Clarks Green, Pennsylvania. From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Arthur H. Mainard, 37497683, Staff Sergeant, Garden City,
Missouri. From 14 January to 21 January 1944.
Stephen (NMI) Malarik, 12263110, Staff Sergeant, 30 Mott
Street, Newark, New Jersey. From 19 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Jack Matau, 35373000, Staff Sergeant, 1471 W. 18th
St., Gary, Indiana. From 13 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
James R. McGown, 14156279, Staff Sergeant, 1252 State
Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky. From 8 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Armond E. Miller, 12190952, Staff Sergeant, 2530 Hollero Avenue,
New York, New York. From 14 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Merle L. Morine, 36318631, Staff Sergeant, 42 Second Street,
LaSalle, Illinois. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
John C. Murphy, 36708815, Staff Sergeant, 250 North Raynor
Avenue, Joliet, Illinois. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Clifford E. Nagle, 13091902, Staff Sergeant, 214 North
Christian St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania. From 14 January 1944 to 22 January
1944.
Richey E. Nelson, 18118403, Staff Sergeant, Box 244, Crosby,
Texas. From 14 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Glenn W. Painter, 37408370, Staff Sergeant, Route #4,
Seymour, Missouri. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Charles H. Powell, 34582710, Staff Sergeant, 708 Fourth
Avenue, West Birmingham, Alabama. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Ralph S. Stevenson, 15320018, Staff Sergeant, 648 W. Pike
Street, Clarksburg, West Virginia. From 8 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Tilman Thompson, 36222185, Staff Sergeant, Owen, Wisconsin.
From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Thomas R. Tornillo, 32466984, Staff Sergeant, 102 Walnut
Street, Montclair, New Jersey. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Fred J. Walch, 39187254, Staff Sergeant, Route #1, box 120,
Chehals, Washington. From 13 January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Raymond F. Welty, 33302575, Staff Sergeant, 1216 Prescott
Avenue, McKeesport, Pennsylvania. From 19 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Ray H. Wingate, 15354833, Staff Sergeant, Sterans Road,
Temperance, Michigan. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Robert (NMI) Acosta, 39243579, Sergeant, 20 South Mathews
Street, Los Angeles, California. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Samuel E. Armstrong, 18047625, Sergeant, Route 1, San
Angelo, Texas. From 18 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Harold L. Askins, 35567639, Sergeant, 1022 N. Ewing Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Samuel Belgio, 32624341, Sergeant, 208 Bleacker, Brooklyn,
New York. From 19 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Jesse N. Bradley, 14077533, Sergeant, Route #2 Madison,
Alabama. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
George L. Bronson, 37239941, Sergeant, R.F.D. #2,
Minneapolis, Kansas. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Albert N. Brose, 14078451, Sergeant, 1842 Springgarden
Avenue, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
William (NMI) Broughton, 35680305, Sergeant, Box 28A, R.F.D.
#15, Lockland, Ohio. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
John O. Brown, 37437311, Sergeant, Heota, Iowa. From 13 January
1944 to 18 January 1944.
Robert S. Bulkley, 32674281, Sergeant, Route #1 Bath, New
York. From 8 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Charles H. Burritt, 12130066, Sergeant, 136 Salina Street,
Rochester, New York. From 19 January 1944 to 27 January 1944.
James (NMI) Carder, 37473377, Sergeant, 611 Corning Street,
Red Oak, Iowa. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Oklahoma V. Carroll, Jr., 38395855, Sergeant, Box 223,
Marshall, Oklahoma. From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
J. L. (i.o.) Chain, 34155718, Sergeant, Bastrop, Louisiana.
From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Aldo J. Ciliotta, 32573448, Sergeant, 2309 Herringon Avenue,
Union City, New Jersey. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Frank R. Collinge, 32626578, Sergeant, 21 Dow Avenue,
Mineola, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 18 January 1944.
Claude D. Day, 35269524, Sergeant, 187 Forest Park Road,
Lexington, Kentucky. From 14 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
John R. Demyan, 2254888, Sergeant, 164 E. Tioga Avenue,
Corning, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Lyle R. Drager, 37543525, Sergeant, 3552 44th
Street, San Diego, California. From 8 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Henry N. Erickson, 39161815, Sergeant, Bynum, Montana. From 14
January 1944 to 22 January 1944.
Robert C. Fisher, 16021946, Sergeant, Box 114, Winter,
Wisconsin. From 18 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
William N. Flanagan, 11032200, Sergeant, 10 Woodlawn Avenue,
Needham, Massachusetts. From 8 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Russell E. Gilmore, 36728986, Sergeant, 1053 Woodlawn
Avenue, Des Plains, Illinois. From 8 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Roger W. Goodson, 34385543, Sergeant, Yonges Island, South
Carolina. From 13 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Louis (NMI) Grande, 12157775, Sergeant, 1067 Teller Avenue,
New York, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Ernest R. Hamric, 13023350, Sergeant, Route #1, Box 68B,
Lake Lynn, Pennsylvania. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Elmer E. Hinnenkamp, 37243033, Sergeant, Benton, Kansas.
From 3 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Edwin (NMI) Hoime, 37321318, Sergeant, Route #2, Remore,
North Dakota. From 18 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Lawrence J. Hoover, 37224727, Sergeant, 1145 Mechanic
Street, Emporia, Kansas. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Thomas J. Isgrigg, 15105171, Sergeant, 220 Alliance Place,
Dayton, Ohio. From 19 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Harry A. Kandarian, 39236900, Sergeant, Route 5, Box 630,
Fresno, California. From 14 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
William G. Kleeman, 15336865, Sergeant, 24 E. Mills Avenue,
Wyoming, Ohio. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Wilfred A. Lafond, 31109837, Sergeant, Hooksett, New
Hampshire. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Maynard J. Lawson, 15065826, Sergeant, Wheelersburg, Ohio.
From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Herbert A. Levene, 12083627, Sergeant, 920 5th
Avenue, New York, New York. From 13 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
Thomas R. Lindeland, Jr., 19185464, Sergeant, 5626 Amy,
Oakland, California. From 19 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Robert L. Snyder, 33496094, Sergeant, 685 Market Street
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
William H. Tate, 14142811, Sergeant, Talmo, Georgia. From 8
January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Jack F. Tracy, 13095099, Sergeant, 269 Rowe Avenue, Tamagwa,
Pennsylvania. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Henry C. Urech, 38239212, Sergeant, 215 North Lenox,
Houston, Texas. From 8 January 1944 to 21 January 1944.
Adolphus J. Von Dette, 19044288, Sergeant, Rifle, Colorado.
From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
Kenneth E. Ziehlke, 16149881, Sergeant, 3621 West 65th
Place, Chicago, Illinois. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Agatino (NMI) Rigano, 32539208, Corporal, 225 Mamaroneck
Avenue, Mamaroneck, New York. From 8 January 1944 to 16 January 1944.
Michael Mozier, 11019746, Private First Class, Southport,
Connecticut. From 8 January 1944 to 20 January 1944.
The First (1st) Oak Leaf
Cluster (Bronze) for the Air Medal is awarded to the following named personnel,
AC, Army of the United States, residence as indicated, for meritorious
achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational
activities against the enemy between the dates indicated:
Raymond E. Barthelmy, 0674105, First Lieutenant, 4143 Lake
Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio. From 23 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Robert L. Brown, 0798738, First Lieutenant, 322 Osman
Street, Bucyrus, Ohio. From 20 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
William E. Reno, 0737650, First Lieutenant, 2605 Benton
Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Earl G. Anderson, 0745853, Second Lieutenant, 134 Drexel
Avenue, La Grange, Illinois. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Harold J. Ayme, 0684226, Second Lieutenant, Norco,
Louisiana. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Russell E. Boggs, 0691035, Second Lieutenant, 615 Cheery
Street, Jackson, Mississippi. From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Frederick A. Burns, 0690360, Second Lieutenant, 16 Esten
Street, Providence, Rhode Island. From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Walter P. Cannon, 0747736, Second Lieutenant, 2605 Court,
Muskogee, Oklahoma. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Julian D. Fleming, 0689574, Second Lieutenant, Buchead, Georgia.
From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Harry D. Feltenstein, 0798466, Second Lieutenant, 1541 N 4th
St., Springfield, Illinois. From 27 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Merle W. Emch, 0747240, Second Lieutenant, Route 1, Gearard,
Ohio. From 24 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Stanley I. Gottlieb, 0752331, Second Lieutenant, 22-99 Mott
Ave., Far Rockway, New York. From 21 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Francis A. Hager, 0682029, Second Lieutenant, 358 West
Abbott Street, Lansford, Pennsylvania. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Thomas M. Haggerton, 0684862, Second Lieutenant, Roswell,
New Mexico. From 21 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Elmer J. Hartman, 0542322, Second Lieutenant, 1623 Pearl
Street, Denver, Colorado. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
William J. Heiser, 0749634, Second Lieutenant, 836 Monroe
Street, Brooklyn, New York. From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Harvey E. Helmberger, 0680634, Second Lieutenant, Madison,
Nebraska. From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Abner D. Hervey, 0749239, Second Lieutenant, 521 West Fifth
Street, Hope, Arkansas. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Herbert S. Huff, 0805835, Second Lieutenant, 414 West Main
Street, Lansdale, Pennsylvania. From 22 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Lawrence H. Kravetz, 0689612, Second Lieutenant, 233 Chester
St., Brooklyn, New York. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Robert H. Leebody, 0749637, Second Lieutenant, 1364
Cloverdale, Los Angeles, California. From 23 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Robert W. Lilley, 0753145, Second Lieutenant, 1614 S 18th
Ave., Maywood, Illinois. From 27 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Bruce C. Lindsay, 0749649, Second Lieutenant, 503 Vandever
Ave., Wilmington, Delaware. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Victor K. Meeker, 0690679, Second Lieutenant, 1609 Homestead
St., Toledo, Ohio. From 22 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
John L. Mitchell, 0690682, Second Lieutenant, 3737 Kenwood
Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Jack M. Montgomery, 0751922, Second Lieutenant, El Dorado,
Texas. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Ralph E. Peck, 0690969, Second Lieutenant, 802 South
Armstrong Street, Kokomo, Indiana. From 27 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Joseph C. Penn, 0680498, Second Lieutenant, 1517 Eleonora
Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. From 27 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Holly G. Ponder, 0677867, Second Lieutenant, Doniphan,
Missouri. From 24 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Richard J. Pratt, 069645, Second Lieutenant, 231 ½ Fourth
Street, Erie, Pennsylvania. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Louis H. Prentice, 0809635, Second Lieutenant, Route #4 Box
916, Seattle, Washington. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Olin L. Reynolds, 0809725, Second Lieutenant, 5417 Youpon
Street, Houston, Texas. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Leonard (NMI) Robbins, 0809726, Second Lieutenant, 901 S. E.
8th St., Lauderdale, Florida. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January
1944.
Leonard B. Scott, 0684904, Second Lieutenant, Star Route,
Minco, Oklahoma. From 24 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Thomas A. Scott, 0449997, Second Lieutenant, Honea Path,
South Carolina. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Leroy D. Tate, 0689403, Second Lieutenant, McLeansboro,
Illinois. From 21 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Luther J. Thompson, 089766, Second Lieutenant, Owen,
Wisconsin. From 21 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Robert M. Wagoner, 0747685, Second Lieutenant, Brady, Texas.
From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Bernard (NMI) Wasserman, 0809780, Second Lieutenant, 80-04
190th Street, Jamaica, Long Island, New York. From 21 January 1944
to 3 February 1944.
Robert L. Waste, 0670683, Second Lieutenant, 258 Monroe
Street, Tampa, Florida. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Irving J. Weilbert, 0691426, Second Lieutenant, 1150 Bay
Road, Webster, New York. From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Wade. H. Williford, 0796932, Second Lieutenant, Edgewood
Circle, Gastonia, North Carolina. From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Edmund H. Wolcott, 0799526, Second Lieutenant, Dromore Road,
Scarsdale, New York. From 22 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Joseph J. Basamania, T-121802, Flight Officer, 53 Thomas
Street, Rochester, New York. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Joseph F. Gavin, T-748123, Flight Officer, 521 Cedar Street,
Allentown, Pennsylvania. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Harold J. Houghton, T-122632, Flight Officer, Parish, New
York. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Andrew Poggi, T-121808, Flight Officer, 8220 Herman Garden
Mall, Detroit, Michigan. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
George A. Stanley, T-121903, Flight Officer, 212 Myrtle
Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee. From 21 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Stanley W. Ezall, 19169640, Technical Sergeant, 4709 Summers
Lane, Klamath Falls, Oregon. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Roy B. Hansen, 16006893, Technical Sergeant, 22 ½ Jefferson
Ave., Oshkosh, Wisconsin. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Ralph I. Pippins, 14099802, Technical Sergeant, Route 2,
Winnsboro, Louisiana. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Benjamin A. Stock, 32378224, Technical Sergeant, Route 1,
Hannibal, New York. From 20 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Huron R. Voliva, 34313630, Technical Sergeant, Route #3,
Columbia, North Carolina. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Charles F. Vorhies, 37185346, Technical Sergeant, 5727 Mall,
Johnson County, Mission, Kansas. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
David L. Almada, 19202972, Staff Sergeant, 1802 Hancock
Street., Los Angeles, California. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Walter H. Borneman, 33369922, Staff Sergeant, Saratoga,
Virginia. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
William R. Bristol, 16143979, Staff Sergeant, 269 N. Union
Street, Aurora, Illinois. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Joseph R. Bury, 12185278, Staff Sergeant, 501 W. 178th
St., New York, New York. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Hugh E. Cameron, 19028819, Staff Sergeant, 3151 W. 76th
St., Los Angeles, California. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Daniel G. Chaplin, 11089458, Staff Sergeant, Kornish, Maine.
From 28 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Joe C. Darby, Jr., 19148243, Staff Sergeant, Black Diamond,
Washington. From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Stanley S. Dryla, 33186438, Staff Sergeant, 745 Fraley
Street, Swedesburg, Pennsylvania. From 20 January 1944 to February 1944.
James E. Flynn, 33298008, Staff Sergeant, 8 Edison Avenue,
New Castle, Pennsylvania. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
J. R. (i.o.) Frank, 38428302, Staff Sergeant, Hillsboro,
Texas. From 23 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
John V. Goldthwaite, 11085588, Staff Sergeant, 911 Asylum
Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. From 23 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Frederick A. Lauer, 12033730, Staff Sergeant, 67 Portland
Ave., Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. From 20 January 1944 to 25 January 1944.
Robert E. Ludwig, 33356052, Staff Sergeant, 140 Clarks Street,
Clarks Green, Pennsylvania. From 20 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Arthur H. Mainard, 37497683, Staff Sergeant, Garden City,
Missouri. From 22 January to 31 January 1944.
Jack Matau, 35373000, Staff Sergeant, 1471 W. 18th
Street, Gary, Indiana. From 23 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
James R. McGown, 14156279, Staff Sergeant, 1252 State
Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky. From 23 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Armond E. Miller, 12190952, Staff Sergeant, 2530 Hollaro
Avenue, New York, New York. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Merle L. Morine, 36318631, Staff Sergeant, 42 Second Street,
LaSalle, Illinois. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Clifford E. Nagle, 13091902, Staff Sergeant, 214 North
Christian St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania. From 24 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Glenn W. Painter, 37408370, Staff Sergeant, Route #4,
Seymour, Missouri. From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Charles H. Powell, 34582710, Staff Sergeant, 708 Fourth Ave.,
West Birmingham, Alabama. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Tilman Thompson, 36222185, Staff Sergeant, Owen, Wisconsin.
From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Thomas R. Tornillo, 32466984, Staff Sergeant, 102 Walnut
Street, Montclair, New Jersey. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Fred J. Walch, 39187254, Staff Sergeant, Route #1, box 120,
Chehals, Washington
Charles T. Wernett, 13027447, Staff Sergeant, 1423 Monocray
Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Ray H. Wingate, 15354833, Staff Sergeant, Sterans Road,
Temperance, Michigan. From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Harold L. Askins, 35567639, Staff Sergeant, 1022 N. Ewing
Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. From 13 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
Jesse N. Bradley, 14077533, Staff Sergeant, Route #2
Madison, Alabama. From 18 January 1944 to 23 January 1944.
George L. Bronson, 37239941, Sergeant, R.F.D. #2,
Minneapolis, Kansas. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
William (NMI) Broughton, 35680305, Sergeant, Box 28A, R.F.D.
#15, Lockland, Ohio. From 23 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
John O. Brown, 37437311, Sergeant, Heota, Iowa. From 20
January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
James (NMI) Carder, 37473377, Sergeant, 611 Corning Street,
Red Oak, Iowa. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Oklahoma V. Carroll, Jr., 38395855, Sergeant, Box 223,
Marshall, Oklahoma. From 20 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
J. L. (i.o.) Chain, 34155718, Sergeant, Bastrop, Louisiana.
From 20 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Aldo J. Ciliotta, 32573448, Sergeant, 2309 Herringon Avenue,
Union City, New Jersey. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Frank R. Collinge, 32626578, Sergeant, 21 Sow Avenue,
Mineola, New York. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Claude D. Day, 35269524, Sergeant, 187 Forest Park Road,
Lexington, Kentucky. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Henry N. Erickson, 39161815, Sergeant, Bynum, Montana. From 23
January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Robert C. Fisher, 16021946, Sergeant, Box 114, Winter,
Wisconsin. From 27 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Roger W. Goodson, 34385543, Sergeant, Yonges Island, South
Carolina. From 21 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Louis (NMI) Grande, 12157775, Sergeant, 1067 Teller Avenue,
New York, New York. From 19th January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Ernest R. Hamric, 13023350, Sergeant, Route #1, Box 68B,
Lake Lynn, Pennsylvania. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Elmer E. Hinnenkamp, 37243033, Sergeant, Benton, Kansas.
From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Lawrence J. Hoover, 37224727, Sergeant, 1145 Mechanic
Street, Emporia, Kansas. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Harry A. Kandarian, 39236900, Sergeant, Route 5, Box 630,
Fresno, California. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
William G. Kleeman, 15336865, Sergeant, 24 E. Mills Avenue,
Wyoming, Ohio. From 23 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Maynard J. Lawson, 15065826, Sergeant, Wheelersburg, Ohio.
From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Herbert A. Levene, 12083627, Sergeant, 920 5th
Ave., New York, New York. From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Eugene A. Lloyd, 13170475, Sergeant, 604 Euclid Avenue,
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. From 24 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Bruce W. Mahar, 31220444, Sergeant, 23 Maple Street, South
Portland, Maine. From 20 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
William J. McCarthy, 11117954, Sergeant, 286 Concord Avenue,
Cambridge, Massachusetts. From 28 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
J. D. (I.O.) Moore, 37473029, Sergeant, 4903 Underwood
Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
Bryon H. Nelson, 37654183, Sergeant, 315 Sixth Street, East
Vinton, Iowa. From 23 January 1944 to 10 February 1944.
Richard A. Purcell, 35477212, Sergeant, Route #1, Vincennes,
Indiana. From 20 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Benjamin F. Runyan, 35715491, Sergeant, Route #1,
Petersburg, Indiana. From 23 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Leon C. Satterfield, 39282973, Sergeant, 530 Marine Street,
La Jolla, California. From 27 January 1944 to 3 February 1944.
Nicholas J. Sciarrotta, 12034577, 20 Poplar Street, Trenton,
New Jersey. From 22 January 1944 to 31 January 1944.
William J. Shergold, 12005895, Sergeant, Box 42, Wilton, New
York. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
Alvah W. Snitehurst, 34406363, Sergeant, Box 13, North Miami
Beach, Florida. From 21 January 1944 to 28 January 1944.
Willie H. Tate, 14142811, Sergeant, Talmo, Georgia. From 21
January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
Jack F. Tracy, 13095099, Sergeant, 209 Rowe Avenue, Tamagwa,
Pennsylvania. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Henry C. Urech, 38239212, Sergeant, 215 North Lenox,
Houston, Texas. From 22 January 1944 to 4 February 1944.
Agatino Rigano, 32539208, Corporal, 225 Mamaroneck Avenue,
Mamaroneck, New York. From 19 January 1944 to 24 January 1944.
Michael Mozier, 11019746, Private First Class, Southport,
Connecticut. From 21 January 1944 to 30 January 1944.
The Second (2nd) Oak Leaf Cluster (Bronze)
for the Air Medal is awarded the following named personnel, Air Corps, Army of
the United States, residence as indicated, for meritorious achievement in
aerial flight while participating in sustained operational activities against
the enemy between the dates indicated:
Leonard Robbins, 0809726, Second Lieutenant, 901 S. E. 8th
Street, Lauderdale, Florida. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Thomas A. Scott, 0449997, Second Lieutenant, Honea Path,
South Carolina. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Joseph J. Basamania, T-121802, Flight Officer, 53 Thomas
Street, Rochester, New York. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Joseph R. Bury, 12185278, Staff Sergeant, 501 W. 178th
Street, New York, New York. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Tilman J. Thompson, 36222185, Staff Sergeant, Owen,
Wisconsin. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Jesse N. Bradley, 14077533, Sergeant, Route #2, Madison,
Alabama. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Louis (NMI) Grande, 12157775, Sergeant, 1067 Teller Avenue,
New York, New York. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Lawrence J. Hoover, 37224727, Sergeant, 1145 Mechanic
Street, Emporia, Kansas. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
Agatino Rigano, 32539208, Corporal, 225 Mamaroneck Avenue,
Mamaroneck, New York. From 28 January 1944 to 8 February 1944.
The Second (2nd) Oak Leaf Cluster (Bronze) for the Air Medal is
awarded the following named personnel, Air Corps, Army of the United States,
residence as indicated, for meritorious achievement in aerial flight while
participating in sustained operational activities against the enemy between the
dates indicated:
David L. Almada, 19202972, Staff Sergeant, 1802 Hancock
Street, Los Angeles, California. For the destruction of one (1) enemy aircraft,
type ME 109, 24 January 1944.
Armond E. Miller, 12190952, Staff Sergeant, 2530 Hollero
Avenue, New York, New York. For destruction of one (1) enemy aircraft, type ME
109, 31 January 1944.
Harold L. Askins, 35567639, Sergeant, 1022 North Ewing
Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. For the destruction of one (1) enemy aircraft,
type ME 109, 31 January 1944.
The Third (3rd) Oak Leaf
Cluster (Bronze) for the Air Medal is awarded the following named personnel,
Air Corps, Army of the United States, residence as indicated, for meritorious
achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational
activities against the enemy between the dates indicated:
Harmon L. Small, 18037795, Staff Sergeant, Box 485,
Brownwood, Texas. From 6 January 1944 to 19 January 1944.
The Third (3rd) Oak Leaf
Cluster (Bronze) for the Air Medal is awarded the following named enlisted man,
Air Corps, Army of the United States, residence as indicated, for meritorious
achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational
activities against the enemy between the dates indicated:
Joseph R. Bury, 12185278, Staff Sergeant, 501 W. 178th
Street, New York, New York. For the destruction of one (1) enemy aircraft, type
ME 109, 24 January 1944.
The Fourth (4th) Oak Leaf
Cluster (Bronze) for the Air Medal is awarded the following named enlisted man,
Air Corps, Army of the United States, residence as indicated, for meritorious
achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational
activities against the enemy between the dates indicated:
Harmon L. Small, 18037795, Staff Sergeant, Box 485, Brownwood,
Texas. From 20 January 1944 to 29 January 1944.
2. Enclosed
is the war diary of this unit for the period 1 March 1944 to 31 March 1944.
For the Commanding Officer:
ROBERT
S. OGOZALEK,
2nd
Lt., Air Corps,
Squadron
Historian.
1 Incl. War Diary.
1 March 1944
No mission
today due to threatening weather. The Group enjoyed a movie at the "Oria Opera
House" titled, "Thank Your Lucky Stars". The Special Services Division of the
US Army sponsors these shows.
2 March 1944
No mission.
Old Sol shone very bright today. Brigadier General Atkinson, replacing
Brigadier General Ridenour, visited the 450th War Room in order to
plan the next day's mission. The General is one decorated man, ribbons all over
his chest. The runway is slowly but surely drying up.
3 March 1944
The target
for today is Viterbo, Italy – the Airdrome Satellite No.2. The ships carried 40
X 120 fragmentation bombs. The crews flying were as follows: Lts. Anderson,
Hartman, Emch, Wolcott, Williford, Tate. Major Davis, the Squadron Commander, led the formation. All of the
bombs were jettisoned in Taranto Bay because the target could not be found due
to heavy undercast. On takeoff, Lt. Isbell and entire crew of the 723rd
Squadron perished due to a a crash. Their ship burst into flames immediately
after leaving the ground. The cause of the crash has not as yet been
determined.
The Group
enjoyed a matinee and evening performance at Oria's "Madison Square Garden". It
was a USO Show. You should have heard the "Wolves" bark and howl when the woman
singer, attired in a white evening gown, made her appearance. All in all,
everyone enjoyed themselves.
4 March 1944
The mission
scheduled for today was Breslau, Germany. The boys almost fell over when they
saw the red string pointing to Breslau. The bomb load was 8 X 500. Colonel
Mills led the formation, but the entire Group returned to the home base
approximately an hour after takeoff. In the afternoon, formation flying was
practiced by the Group.
There sure is a lot of moaning
around. The officers were asked to donate $5.00 more for the new "New York Type
Officers Club".
The 451st
Group moved a Squadron in to operate here for a while because their field is
unserviceable due to previous heavy rains.
5 March 1944
Rainy
weather, warm, with very solid overcast today. Everyone took things quite easy
today.
6 March 1944
The men
were briefed to bomb the Airdrome at Lavariano, Italy. After the briefing, the
men stood by due to inclement weather, and the mission was later cancelled.
In the
evening, the Group enjoyed a picture, "Thousands Cheer" which was shown at
Oria.
7 March 1944
Mission #33
came up today. The target briefed was a Marshalling Yard at Certaldo, Italy.
The planes were loaded with 10 X 500 pound bombs. The crews who participated in
this raid today were: Lts. Hervey, Wolcott, Tate, L. B. Scott, Anderson,
Williford, Helmberger, Emch, McIver, and Boggs. The mission was a failure. Most
of the bomb hits were observed to have hit outside of the town with a few
hitting in the town. Lt. Tate, having a malfunction in his bomb racks, brought
all of his 10 bombs back to the base. He returned early and did not complete
the mission. Lt. L. B. Scott returned 2 bombs to the base due to his bomb bay
doors freezing.
8 March 1944
Crews were briefed
to bomb the Arezzo Marshalling Yards at Arezzo, Italy. The bomb load was 12 X
500 pound bombs. The mission was soon scrubbed due to very adverse weather
conditions which soon made the runway unserviceable.
In the evening,
there was a movie shown at Oria at 1900. The house was full. The movie was
titled "Top Man" and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The
enlisted men, who are living in tents in the 721st area, are setting
up Company Streets. The men are working quite diligently moving their tents
into position.
9 March 1944
The
activity in the Squadron resembled a beehive. The enlisted men were filling in
low places in street areas with rocks and sand where they had planned to move
their tents. The weather was very cold with steady rains.
10 March 1944
The crews
were briefed at 0730 to bomb Toulon, France, but the mission was scrubbed due
to adverse weather conditions.
Major
Snaith, Group Operations Officer, lectured to the flying officers on formation
flying. A practice mission was flown during the afternoon to smooth out
formation flying in the newly adopted formation. The planes took off at 1300
and landed at 1600.
In the
evening, the men enjoyed a movie at Oria's "Opera House". The film was tilted,
"Is Everybody Happy", starring Ted Lewis and his band. The turnout was
excellent.
11 March 1944
The combat
crews assembled for briefing at 0615. This was the 34th Group
mission and the target for today was the Submarine Repair Facilities at Toulon,
France. The men that flew today were: Lts. Wolcott, McIver, L. B. Scott,
Hartman, Boggs, Emch, Anderson, Tate and Helmberger. Lt. Eldred returned about
20 minutes before the rest of the squadron. The Squadron dropped 27 tons of
demolition bombs in the area. The results were poor. Most of the bombs swept
through the town.
The Second
Attack Element was led by Lt. Wolcott. Fighter escort (P-38's) covered the boys
on this mission which was greatly appreciated by all. Our Squadron claimed 2
ME-109's destroyed on this mission.
Construction
started on the new mess hall for the Enlisted Men and all are looking forward
to its completion.
12 March 1944
No mission
today as the weather didn't permit. Everyone relaxed and could be found in
their quarters if not at work.
Church services
were held at 1000 for Protestants here on the base and at 1100 in Manduria for
Catholics. There were large crowds at both services.
Another
News Presentation was held in the S-2 War Room at 1830 by Capt. Bowman and Lt.
Ogozalek. There was not quite as large crowd as usual because of heavy rains,
but all seats were occupied.
13 March 1944
There was a
mission scheduled today to bomb the Gorzia Airdrome in Northern Italy. The
mission was scrubbed before the crews were even briefed due to very adverse
weather conditions. The rainfall was very consistent and heavy at times. The
runway at the present time is very muddy.
The
Squadron received 3 new replacement crews today. Lectures were given to these
crews by the Group Operations Officer, Intelligence Section, and Communication
Section. Major Davis, the Squadron Commander, gave the crews a general lecture
on tactics and military discipline.
A slight
fire broke out in the mess hall at approximately 1600 today but was immediately
taken care of. A movie was held at Oria this evening titled, "Presenting Lily
Mars".
14 March 1944
The mission
today was scheduled for Sofia, Bulgaria. There was no briefing because the
mission was called off early this morning due to heavy, consistent rainfalls
both yesterday and early this morning. The runway is very muddy.
A meeting
of all officer crew members was held at 1000 this morning. Lt. Chronister, the
Group photo Intelligence Officer, reviewed previous missions and priority
targets with the officers.
A meeting,
scheduled for all awards and decorations officers, was cancelled by Wing. It
will be held at a later date.
During the
afternoon, heavy rains fell. Everything quiet due to no mission. Old Sol came
out for a few minutes during the afternoon. Men could be seen taking advantage
of this by going in to the new PX in town. An hour later, the rains returned. A
film was shown to all navigators in the War Room at 2100.
The Group
basketball team retuned from Foggia on this date. They went there as the
representative team of this section to play for the championship of the
Fifteenth Air Force. The team was flown there and back in a B-24D type
aircraft.
Our team
lost out in the finals, but played good ball. Our Squadron was represented by
the following men on the tem: Lt. Leebody, Lt. Kingsman, S/Sgt Stose, Pfc.
Cunningham, and Pfc. Walsh.
15 March 1944
No mission
today, but standby was ordered. Runway in very poor condition, but drying up
quite rapidly. The sun was out in full strength this morning, but rain poured
down during the afternoon. It was a very dull day, many of the men going to
town. The movie that was shown tonight at Oria was "Princess O'Rourke",
starring Olivia De Havilland and Robert Cummings.
16 March 1944
Mission
scheduled for the Budapest/Tokol Airdrome in Hungary. Mission was scrubbed
before briefing time due to the very consistent rains. Colonel Mills gave a
talk to the pilots and co-pilots in the S-2 War Room this afternoon. It
concerned a new type of formation flying.
The first
choir practice was held in the Chaplains office at 1830 tonight. There was a
good representation by the 721st Squadron boys.
17 March 1944
Mission
briefed today to bomb the Airdrome at Schwechat, Vienna. The Germans assemble
ME-219's here and possible ME-280 jet propelled aircraft. The alternate target
was the Industrial Heart of Vienna. The men from our Squadron that flew were:
Lts. Hartman, Helmberger, McIver, Eldred, Emch, Boggs, Tate, L. B. Scott, and
Hervey.
Lt. Hartman
didn't get off. Lt. Helmberger returned early doe to instrument trouble. The
bomb load was 10 X 500 pounds. Due to the weather being very poor, the bombs
were not dropped on the briefed target. Some of the men dropped on coordinates
while others picked out targets of opportunity along the way. This mission as a
whole, was unsuccessful.
St.
Patrick's Day was celebrated quietly by some members of the Squadron,
particularly the Irish.
There was a
medium crowd at the theatre in Oria to see the movie, "Coney Island", starring
Betty Grable.
Major
General Twining and his staff visited the War Room in the afternoon today.
18 March 1944
Oh! What a
beautiful morning! Yes, the first beautiful, sunny morning in ages. Anyway, the
mission for today was the Lavariano Landing Strips near Venice, in Northern
Italy. The crews were up bright and early for briefing. The ships carried
fragmentation bombs. Major Davis, the Squadron Commander, led the formation
followed by Capt. Pitts, Lts. Boggs, Wolcott, T. A. Scott, Tate, Anderson,
Helmberger, Eldred, and Hartman. On take-off, one of Lt. Tate's control cables
snapped, so he circled the field and immediately landed with his frag bombs
intact. Most men dropped their bombs directly in the target area but some fell
on the edge of the target. The mission was a success.
The planes returned
to the base at 1325 hours. The crew members hurried to get in the line for
doughnuts and coffee, served by the American Red Cross.
In the
evening, the 721st Officers held a play in the Officer's Club. The
show was a sellout! The audience just rolled in the aisles. This was the first
of its kind in the 450th Bomb Group. After the show, the drinks
flowed freely. All in all, it was a very gala affair and everyone enjoyed
themselves immensely.
19 March 1944
The mission
scheduled for today was the Aircraft Factory at Steyr, Austria. This is where
the engines are put on the enemy's planes. Briefing time was 0830.
The crews
flying from our Squadron are: Lts. Eldred, Hervey, Tate, L. B. Scott, Hartman,
McIver, Anderson, Helmberger, and Boggs. Lt. Boggs, incidentally, never left
the runway, but taxied back to the parking area. The planes returned to their
base at 1700. There is a question as to whether Gras or Klagenfurt was hit. The
primary target was not hit due to heavy undercast. Sgts. Painter and Cameron
each claimed one ME-109 destroyed. Good work, fellows! Another straw in the 721st's
hat.
Capt.
Bowman and Lt. Ogozalack lectured again at 1830. The house was jammed to
capacity. This shows that the men are very much interested. As our guests,
we've had the British men who man the A.A. guns around our field. All in all,
it was a great success.
20 March 1944
There was a
briefing at 0630 but no mission on this date as old Sol again went behind a
cloud bank. The mission was cancelled at 0710 hours.
During the
morning, the Group held a practice formation flight. The boys landed, ate
lunch, and were again briefed and flew another practice mission in the
afternoon.
The
Squadron area is coming along in great shape. The Enlisted Men worked very hard
moving their tents so as to form Company Streets. Sand is being filled in so as
to remove the mud.
Lt. Elmer
Hartman, one of our first pilots, received a telegram from his wife stating
that he is the proud papa of a 7 pound baby boy. Elmer says he is going to
check him out as a first pilot on a B-24.
21 March 1944
No mission
due to weather. Solid overcast closed the field. The weather cleared up later
in the afternoon and there was a practice mission flown.
The 331st
Service Squadron presented a strictly G.I. show at the theater at 1900 titled
"Stage Door Latrine". This was enjoyed by all. Incidentally, a new character
was brought forth and she was called "Gloria From Oria"!
22 March 1944
No mission
today. Weather very cloudy and stormy looking. The Awards and Decorations
Officers, Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozalek had a meeting with Colonel Mills this
morning.
A lecture
was given to more new crews by the Intelligence Section this morning.
The
Squadron area is coming along in great shape. Sand is slowly but surely
covering the mud holes and the Company Streets are looking better every day. A
heavy downpour of rain is coming down at the present.
There was a
matinee and evening showing of a movie today and the attendance was excellent
as usual. The movie was "The Song of Bernadette" which was enjoyed very much by
all who attended.
23 March 1944
There was
an important early briefing this morning. The men were briefed to fly to Steyr,
Austria. They took off but returned early due to very bad weather. A
consistent, steady rain poured all afternoon. The old Italian mud is rapidly
beginning to ooze up again.
New crews
have been getting their indoctrination courses today by S-2 and S-3.
1st
Lt. Chester F. Kingsman, Squadron Equipment Officer, gave a lecture to the new
crews coming in to the Squadron on care of their flying equipment for the
simple reason that it is very difficult to obtain in the theatre.
24 March 1944
The mission
for this morning was the famous Ball Bearing Works at Steyr, Austria. Briefing
was held at 0615. Weather here in this vicinity was very poor, but planes
nevertheless took off. The crews of the following officers from this Squadron
flew today: Lts. Hervey, Tate, L. B. Scott, Wolcott, McIver, Emch, Hartman, Boggs,
Eldred, and Whalen. A catastrophe occurred while the formation was flying over
the Adriatic Sea. Lts. Hartman and Whalen collided in mid-air and crashed
head-on into the sea. No chutes were seen and it is believed that all on board
have perished. Lt. Hartman, incidentally, just received a telegram a few days
ago stating that he was the proud father of a 7 pound baby boy. The ships were;
Deuces Wild, flown by Lt. Hartman; and Yankee Fury, flown by Lt. Whalen. Lt.
Whalen was a new replacement flying his first combat mission.
After
passing Monopolie, the Second Attack Element, led by Lt. Hervey, turned back
toward the base in almost solid overcast. The first Attack Element went on to
bomb an alternate target. All of the planes from this Squadron were in the Second
Attack Element, which returned to the base early, and they jettisoned their 24
tons of demolition bombs in the Adriatic enroute back to the base.
Lt.
Helmberger and part of his crew departed this morning for the United Kingdom.
The Squadron
was well represented at the movie tonight which was "Tornado" and which was
enjoyed by all who attended. There was also a USO stage show with the
movie.
25 March 1944
The combat
crews met at 0545 for the briefing on this morning, but the mission was cancelled
at 0615 because of weather conditions.
Rain began
falling early in the morning and there was intermittent showers throughout the
day, so many relaxed and caught up on their "sack time".
The
Squadron had "standby inspection" at 0900 and tents and men were inspected by
Major Davis, the Squadron commander. Major Davis was well satisfied with the
condition and advancements made in the Squadron area.
26 March 1944
The mission
today was planned for Steyr, Austria, but bad weather prohibited this mission
and it was scrubbed. Lt. Ready, 720th Armament Officer, gave a talk
on gunnery and tactics to all of the new combat crews in the S-2 War Room. The
rains came in the afternoon today and continued for several hours.
The Weekly
News Presentation was held in the War Room at 1830 by Capt. Bowman and Lt.
Ogozalek. There was a very large crowd present with the English being well
represented. Major Davis, the Squadron Commander, formally welcomed the new
crew members in our Squadron at the close of the News Presentation.
27 March 1944
No mission
scheduled for today. Captain Kaecker and Lt. Chronister lectured to the
bombardiers on the primary targets listed for the Fifteenth Air Force. The
weather today was good with heavy winds sweeping the base.
There was a
matinee and evening showing of "Madam Curie" at the theatre in Oria which was
attended by a large crowd.
28 March 1944
The crews
were briefed at 0715 for the 39th Group Mission. The target for
today was the Marshalling Yards at Mestre, Italy. Flying today were: Capt.
Pitts, Lts. L. B. Scott, McIver, R. Anderson, H. Anderson, Eldred, Boggs, Emch,
and Williford. With the weather perfect for bombing, the boys really smacked
the yard. Train cars, tank cars and a chemical plant were plastered. The crew members
were very jovial over this triumph and said, "We won't have to go back there
again!"
Capt. Pitts
and crew, flying in the famous 721st "Paper Doll", fell out of the
formation 4 minutes from the target area. Latest reports said they landed a
Foggia, but were heavily attacked by enemy fighters.
The
Enlisted Men's mess hall is coming around slowly but surely. With materials so
difficult to obtain, the Orderly Room is doing an excellent job.
29 March 1944
Crews were
briefed at 0615 hours to bomb the Balsano Marshalling Yards in Northeastern
Italy. The following crews flew today: Lts. L. B. Scott, Weilert, Williford,
Clarke, De Vance, Bishop, Hervey, Emch, and Tate. Lt. Tate never took off due
to a burning nose turret. Lt. Williford circled the field after take-off and due
to a feathered prop, landed immediately. Buildings, repair shops, power station
and a depot were smacked on the button in this raid. The boys were quite
enthusiastic over their success.
There was a
movie at the theatre in Oria at 1330 and 1500 hours. The movie today was "A Guy
Named Joe", starring Spencer Tracy. The usual crowd was present which
practically made the walls of the theatre bulge.
Work
started on the squadron day room which is being constructed of stone and
cement. The work is also progressing rapidly on the new mess hall.
30 March 1944
Today's
mission was briefed to bomb the Railroad Yards at Sofia, in Bulgaria. The crews
flying from the Squadron today were as follows; Lts. Boggs, Weilert, H.
Anderson, Bishop, Dyer, R. Anderson, Wolcott, De Vane, and Williford. Again
there were no early returned, which showed the splendid maintenance by ground
crews. The planes dropped a total of 27 tons of demolition bombs on the target.
Bomb strike photos showed strings of bombs across the choke point at the end of
the Marshalling Yards, South and Southwest part of the city and also hits on
installations in the city.
All of our
aircraft returned to the base at 1240 hours with no crew injuries. Lt.
Anderson's ship suffered minor damage from flak, but none of the other ships
were damaged. Thus, another successful mission was completed by the 450th
Bomb Group.
Colonel
Mills presented the Air Medal to Major Dais at 1500 today, then Major Davis
later awarded the Air Medals to the flying crews who had flown five or more
missions.
31 March 1944
There was
no briefing or mission this date because of weather conditions. Old Sol again
went behind the clouds and the Italian mud again made its appearance.
The Group
was honored with the presence of John Garfield, Eddie Foy, and three screen
starlets who put on a stage show at the theatre in Oria at 1900. Of course,
there was certainly a crowd there tonight ant the performance was enjoyed by
everyone. After the stage show, John Garfield and Eddie Foy retired to the
balcony to see the movie which was "The Falling Sparrow", starring John
Garfield. Everyone is looking forward to seeing more shows like this one for it
was "top notch".
This,
another month in this theater of operations was completed by this Squadron.
Robert Ogozalek,
2nd Lt., Air Corps,
Squadron Historian
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