HEADQUARTERS 721^ST BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

450^TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)

10 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 May 1944 to 1 June 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 May

                                                                                    Officers            Enlisted Men

                                    a). at beginning                     89                    395

                                    b). net increase                         7                      11

                                    c). net decrease                        0                        0

                                    d). at end                                96                    406

                        D). Station – Army Air Base, Manduria, Italy.

                        E). Movements – None

                        F). Campaigns – None

                        G). Operations – The 721^st Bombardment Squadron (H) is proud to share in the commendations received this month for outstanding bombing results. Following is in part one of the five (5) commendations received during May. "The terrific destruction inflicted on the enemy by units of the Fifteenth Air Force on twenty-nine (29) May and thirty (30) May is a record without precedence anywhere. Let us keep this high standard of attainment as our goal. The Hun can't take it."

                        Squadron activities have continued at the regular pace through out this month. Following is a record of the more important events taking place in the Squadron. The weekly News Summary was presented by Captain Charles S Bowman and Lieutenant Robert S Ogozalek each Sunday evening in the S-2 War Room. The presentations have proven very popular among both the enlisted men and the officers as is evidenced by the large attendance. Group boxing matches were held on Sunday evenings under the supervision of Special Service. On 8 May 1944 officers from the 47^th Wing Headquarters inspected the entire Group and were well pleased with the progress made since our arrival five (5) months ago. Movies were shown for (4) times a week. Tuesday night's regular G.I. movies were shown and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights regular movies were presented. Following are a few of the movies which were shown this month: "The Falcon Meets Danger" with Tom Conway, "Reveille With Beverly" starring Ann Miller, "His Butler's Sister" with Deanne Durbin. On 22 May the first movie was presented at the new Group outdoor theater. This is one of the finest Army theaters in Italy. The movie was "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" starring Betty Grable. "The Uninvited" with Ray Milland, Donald O'Connor in "Mr. Big": and "Ladies Courageous" with Loretta Young, were the other movies. Church Services were held on the Base for Protestants, in Manduria for Catholics and on Friday evenings in the Chaplain's office for men of Jewish faith. Daily inspections were made in the Squadron area and the usual Saturday morning "stand-by" was held by Major Howard A Davis. Three (3) formations were called during this month for the presentation of awards. 

            1). Number of missions: 17 Sorties: 194.

            2). Following is a description of the important missions:  

            Ten (10) B-24's took off at 1015 – 1042 hours, 5 May 1944 to bomb Ploesti Marshalling Yards, Roumania. Twenty-seven (27) tons of 500# G.P. bombs were dropped on the target at 1359 hours from 20,500 – 22,000'. All planes retruned to the base at 1700 hours. The B-24 Lieutenant Eldred was hit by flak which knocked out the No. 2 engine. Other planes received minor holes from both flak and 20 mm. 1^st Lt Leonard B Scott suffered a slight cut on the forehead caused by flak. The target was completely obscured by clouds over the aiming point, but breaks in the cover while on the run enabled the bombardiers to make sightings which gave a concentrated pattern calculated to caver the marshalling yards and the refinery. Photos taken show some strings falling in the right areas. Smoke pots were throwing a screen along the roads to the south of the town, around the marshalling yards and the refinery and this added to the sighting difficulties. Thirty (30) minutes past the target a column of smoke, extending about 12,000' into the air could be observed, indicating a large oil fire.

            On 6 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0800 – 0828 hours to bomb the Northwest Marshalling Yards at Brasov, Roumania. There were no early returns. Twenty-five (25) tons of 500 lb G.P. (.10 - .01) bombs were dropped on the target at 1147 hours from 20,000 – 21,500 feet. All ships returned safely to base without damage and with no injuries to any of the crew embers. The greatest concentration of our bombs was about seven hundred (700) feet north of the Aiming Point. The target area was hit hard and many fires were seen among the cars in the marshalling yard.

            The entire Air Force was scheduled on 11 May 1944 to fly double sorties against selected objectives in Italy in support of an all out effort by the ground forces to break the stalemate on the Italian Front. Our target was Porto San Stephano, the principal unloading for supplies shipped down the West coast by small boats, this port has provided forward rail lines with nearly twenty-five (25) per cent of the total supplies required by the enemy troops in the line. The shore installations and roads were principal objectives. Eleven (11) B-24's took off at 0511 hours. There were no early returns. Thirty-three (33) tons of 500 # (.10 - .25) G.P. bombs were dropped on the target at 0858 hours from 18,500'. The target was covered with an excellent concentration of hits with few in the water adjacent to the docks. The aiming point was covered and the strings were all well inside the designated area. Visual observation showed that fires had been started and that there were explosions such as oil concentrations would make. All of our ships returned to the base and there were no crew injuries. The crews were briefed to fly second mission but returned soon after take-off because of bad weather.

            On13 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 1000 hours to bomb the marshalling yards at Piacenza, Italy. One (1) returned early, 2^nd Lt Caharles R Clark, who jettisoned his bombs in the Mediterranean Sea. Nine (9) dropped twenty-two and one half (22 ½) tons of 500# G.P. (.1 - .025/.1 - .01) bombs on the target at 1453 hours from 20, 500'. There was a good concentration of bomb hits in the target area with many hits at the choke point and large fires started. Photo coverage shows hits on transshipment sheds, narrow gauge railroad tracks, cement plant installation, pumping station, electric Locomotive shops and railroad station. All ships returned safely to the base. None of the crew members were injured. 

            Ten (10) B-24's took off at 0755 – 0827 hours 14 May 1944 to bomb the marshalling yards at Vicenza, Italy. None returned early. Twenty-five (25) tons of M17 500# (31 seconds) clusters were dropped on the target area at 1148 hours from 19,000'. Photo coverage shows bursts in an area extending across the woolen mill and highway to the south with the main concentration of bursts Southeast of the target area. There were no injuries suffered by any of the crew members and all our ships returned safely to the base at 1430.

            Ten B-24's took off at 1030 hours 17 May 1944 to bomb the dock facilities, roads and railroads at Porto San Stefano, Italy. There were no early returns. Twenty-five (25) tons of 500# (.10 - .01/.10 - .025) G.P. bombs were dropped on the target at 1334 hours from 19,500'. The entire target area was well covered with heavy concentration of bombs. Railroads and highways were out and tunnels blocked. Six (6) to seven (7) ships in the harbor were apparently hit. Many storage buildings in the harbor area were blown up. All planes returned safely to the base at 1554 hours. There were no injuries to any of the crew members.

            On 19 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0600 hours to bomb Spezia Railroad Installations. There were no early returns. Twenty-five (25) tons of 500# (.10 - .01/.10 - .025) G.P. Bombs were dropped on the target at 1018 hours from 21,000'. A heavy pall of smoke and a light cloud layer so obscured the northeast marshalling yard that the first attack unit was forced to run on the same target assigned the second attack unit which was the marshalling yards a the south end of the oil storage area hitting at least three (3) storage tanks and causing a great explosion and fire and bursts in buildings adjacent to the marshalling yard. There was a heavy concentration on the railroad overpass at the south end of the oil storage area and on the marshalling yard at the north and of the commercial port. The dock areas were also hit and there was a possibility of strikes on the power station. Many fires were observed by the crews over the entire designated area as the formation rallied left. There were no crew injuries. All planes except the one piloted by 2^nd Lt Gordon A Salinger, returned safely to the base. Lt. Salinger had to land at Naples to refuel because his fuel transfer system was out. He returned to this base later in the day.

            On 22 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0915 hours to bomb the Latisano Railroad Bridge. None returned early. None (9) dropped twenty-two and one half (22 ½) tons of 500# (.1 - .0) G.P. bombs on the target of opportunity (railroad tracks and highway five (5) miles North of Pescara, Italy) at 1244 hours from 20,000 – 21,000 feet. One (1) 1^st Lt William L Eldred, jettisoned his bombs at the coordinates 44.30N – 14.00E. Bombs straddled railroad and highway in a heavy concentration approximately 1500 feet north of Saline River Bridge about five (5) miles North of Pescara. Numerous hits on the target were seen and tracks are believed to be out. Ten (10) aircraft returned to the base at 1353 hours. There were no injuries suffered by any of the crew members.

            On 23 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0725 hours to bomb troop concentrations in the Grettoferrata Area. One (1) returned early, 2^nd Lt John H Martin, who brought his bombs back to the base. Nine (9) dropped twenty-two and one half (22 ½) tons of 500# (.1 - .01 - .025) G.P. bombs on the target area at 1116 hours from 19.000 – 20,000 feet. Photo coverage reveals six (6) bursts six hundred (600) feet north of Villa Cavalleti; several bursts on the Villa Grazieli; several bursts approximately on thousand (1000) feet north of Villa Grazioli, and approximately twenty (20) burs across small buildings. All planes returned safely to the base at 1235 hours. The B-24 piloted by 1^st Lt Leonard B Scott received from ten (10) to fifteen (15) flak holes, one (1) flat tire, and the No. 3 gas tank was punctured. There were no crew injuries.

            Although the mission flown on 24 May 1944 could not be classed as "important" from the results of the bombings, it is included here because of the enemy opposition encountered. Ten (10) B-24's from our Squadron took off at 0610 hours in the Group formation to bomb hangars and installations at Wollersdorf Airdrome located at Weiner-Neustadt, Austria. Eight (8) dropped twenty (20) tons of 500# (.10 - .01 - .025) G.P. bombs on the target area at 1037 hours from an altitude of 20,000 feet. Strike assessment from photographs is impossible due to the cloud coverage of 3/10 to 5/10 over the target area. Bombs were dropped past the aiming point and hits were over. Fighter attack started in the vicinity of Graz at about 1012 hours and was made by forty (40) to fifty (50) ME-109's and ten (10) FW-190's who came in, attacked in three waves of about fifteen (15) to twenty (20) aircraft per wave. It was made in the nature of a mass attack as one wave followed the other so close as almost to seem continuous. In all there were about forty-five (45) attacks and the Group lost six (6) aircraft and two (2) aircraft missing in the twenty-five (25) minutes the formation was under fire. Gunners had been alerted prior to the attack and had their waist windows open and were manning the guns in anticipation of attack. Two (2) of our aircraft were seen to crash. They were piloted by 2^nd Lt Murray V Hollander and 2^nd Lt Joseph P Gallagher. S/Sgt Harold Adams and S/Sgt Louis Grande each shot down and ME-109.  

            On 25 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0920 hours to bomb the Porto Marghera Oil Storage Installations, Italy. There was one (1) early return, 2^nd Lt John T DeVane who brought back his bombs. Nine (9) dropped twenty-two and one half (22 ½) tons of 500# G.P. bombs (mixed fusing .10 - .01 - .10 - .025) on the target at 1240 hours from 19,000 feet. The aiming points for both attack units were well covered with strikes. Concentrations of bombs into the target areas ignited oil storage tanks and smoke rose to 10,000 feet as the formation left the target. Photo coverage indicates large fires with direct hits destroying a large tank. Heavy smoke indicated a good concentration of bombs. All planes returned to the base at 1303 hours. None of the crew members suffered injuries. 

            On 26 May 1944 eleven (11) B-24's took off at 0600 hours to bomb the car repair and machine ships in the Marshalling Yard at Nice, France. None returned early. Eleven (11) dropped twenty-seven and one half (27 1/2) tons of 500# (mixed fusing .10 - .01 and .10 - .025) bombs on the target from 20,000 feet at 1031 hours. An excellent concentration of hits was effected on the target area. Many fires and heavy smoke were visible as the formation withdrew. Photo coverage discloses that most of the bombs fell through smoke created by previously attacking units, although some hits were observed widening the periphery of the strike area. Sticks were seen bursting across railroad tracks and railroad stations. Many bursts were seen in the military camp area. All planes returned safely to the base with no crew injuries.

            Nine (9) B-24's took off at 0600 hours, 27 May 1944 to bomb the St. Charles Marshalling Yard at Marseille, France. None returned early. Nine (9) dropped twenty-two and one half (22 1/2) tons of 500# G.P. (.10 - .01 / .10 .025) bombs on the target at 1050 hours from 21,000'. When our Group arrived over the target it was seen that our aiming point was smoke covered and the first attack unit dropped into the smoke but results were so obscured that no bursts were observed. The second attack unit was confronted with the same situation and their bombs also fell in the smoke covered target area. Some burst could be seen among nearby warehouses and across the St. Charles Station. A stick of bombs can be seen bursting across the aiming point. Several bursts could be seen in the city. The bombing of this Group can be considered effective after evaluating all observations of crew members as to the approximate positions where they fell.

            On 29 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0600 hours to bomb the repair shops and hangars located on the southeast end of the Wollersdorf Airdrome located at Weiner Neustadt, Austria. There were no early returns. Twenty-five (25) tons of 500# G.P. (.1 - .01) were dropped on the target from 21,000 feet. Due to bombings by previous groups, smoke obscured the aiming point. The lead bombardier caught a glimpse of a hangar through the smoke and aimed to the left of it. However, the majority of the bombs fell into the target area. Bombs burst on the hangar line and on the hangars. Due to intense canopy of smoke over the target area and the concentration of groups in the target area, it is hard to isolate the bomb bursts. All our planes returned safely to the base with no crew injuries.

            On 30 May 1944 ten (10) B-24's took off at 0630 hours to bomb the Ebreichsdorf Aircraft Factory. Nine (9) dropped twenty-two and one half (22 1/2) tons of 500# G.P. (.10 - .01) in the target area from 20,000 feet at 1034 hours. 1^st Lt John Gilday jettisoned his bomb load of two and one half (2 ½) tons near Bad Voslau Airdrom because of damage to the electrical system from flak. Photo coverage revealed no bursts on the aiming point. There were burst probably hitting a highway and small buildings; many bursts in the triangle formed by two highways; and a concentration of bursts 1500 feet to 2000 feet southeast of the target and ten bursts in the region of Bad Voslau. Seven (7) of our planes were holed by flak. Three (3) of our crew members seriously wounded from flak: S/Sgt Alvah W Snitehurst, S/Sgt George (NMI) Bodnarik and S/Sgt Donald R Spencer. All ships returned to the base.

            On 31 May 1944 eight (8) B-24's took off at 0550 hours to bomb Ploesti/Romano American Oil refinery. One, 1^st Lt Gordon J Salinger returned early bringing back his bomb load. Seven (7) dropped seventeen and one half (17 ½) tons of 500# (.10 - .025) G.P. bombs in the target area at 0955 hours from 19,000 – 21,000 feet. As the formation approached the target, and at an extreme distance of thirty-five (35) miles, it could be seen that smoke pots were in use and that the city of Ploesti and the aiming point were rapidly being covered with a heavy concealing cloud. It was evident that visual bombing would be impossible so P.F.F. was utilized. All bombs were dropped through the smoke as the entire area by that time was entirely concealed, the screen being absolutely effective and the heaviest yet encountered by this Group. A large column of smoke was seen above the smoke screen in the vicinity of the Dacia Romano Oil Refinery indicating some bombs fell at that point as it was in line with previous bomb fall. Five (5) of our aircraft were holed by flak. 2^nd Lt John H. Martin, Pilot, was fatally wounded from flak. The bombardier on the same ship, 2^nd Lt Gerard M Mardone, was seriously wounded on the left side of his chest from flak. None of our planes were lost on this raid.   

            H). The Squadron Commanding Officer, Major Howard A Davis, anticipated in five (5) missions this month: The raid on Porto San Stephano, Italy, 12 May 1944; the second mission to bomb the dock facilities, roads and railroad at Porto San Stephano, Italy, 17 may 1944; the mission to bomb troop concentrations in the Gretto-Ferrata Area, Italy, on 23 May 1944; the raid on the St. Charles Marshalling Yard at Marseille, France, 27 May 1944; and, the mission to bomb the Ebreichsdorf Aricraft Factory, Austria , 30 May 1944.   

            I). Losses in action

                        On 24 May 1944 on the raid to bomb the Wollersdorf Airdrome located at Weiner-Neustadt, Austria, two of our aircraft were lost due to enemy fighters:

                        2^nd Lt Murray V Hollander                                0668241

                        2^nd Lt William T Just                                                0700470

                        2^nd Lt Orrin R Smith                                     0703117

                        2^nd Lt James E Seidler                                    0684200

                        T/Sgt Charles A Shafer                         15054188

                        S/Sgt Albert W Rucki                          12164732

                        Sgt Hamilton L Gibb                                        35521941

                        Sgt Gordon R Wallace                                  39411951

                        Sgt William D Rankin                                    38396417

                        Sgt Francis R Roffman                                  37348261

                        2^nd Lt Joseph P Gallagher                               0684860

                        2^nd Lt Herman J Simler                         0810236

                        2^nd Lt Waldermar C George                       0691888

                        2^nd Lt Anthony A Alson                          0703680

                        S/Sgt Everett R Cich                            16056871

                        S/Sgt William R Stricklin                                  34426662

                        Sgt Aubrey V Kavich                                    35695155

                        S/Sgt James Vander Kooi                          37434383

                        Sgt Frank J Dyjer                                     16061769

                        Sgt Robert (NMI) Freislinger                  16136346

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

S/Sgt Harold J Adams – 13048812 - ME-109 - Weiner-Neustadt, Austria - 24 May 1944

S/Sgt Louis J Grande – 12157775 – ME-109 – Weiner-Neustadt, Austria – 24 May 1944

Cpt Ronald F Yound – 37356665 – ME-109 – Ploesti, Roumania – 31 May 1944

S/Sgt George J Jackson – 16019193 – ME-109 – Ploesti, Roumania – 31 May 1944

            Following is a list of the men who have completed their fifty (50) missions during this month:

                        1^st Lt Russell E Boggs                         0691035

                        1^st Lt Merle W Emch                          0747240

                        T/Sgt Hugh E Cameron                                19028819

                        T/Sgt Daniel G Chaplin                                   11089458

                        T/Sgt Leon C Satterfield                              39282973

                        T/Sgt Joesph R Bury                            12185278

                        T/Sgt Agatino (NMI) Rigano                        32539208

                        S/Sgt Louis J Grande                                   12157775

                        S/Sgt Edwin (NMI) Hoime                         37321318

                        S/Sgt William J McCarthy                                11117954

                        S/Sgt Russell E Gilmore                                  36728986

                        S/Sgt Lyle R Drager                                                37543525

            The Air Medal and/or Oak Leaf Cluster for the Air Medal were awarded to the personnel for meritorious achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational activities against the enemy, and/or, for meritorious achievement in aerial flight while performing an act of merit.   

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

                        For the Commanding Officer:

Robert S Ogozaleck

1^st Lt, Air Corps

Squadron Historian

1 May 1944

            There was no mission today but practice missions were flown both morning and afternoon to acquaint the new men with the tactics here and give them more practice I formation flying. Lt. Chronister gave a lecture to the Bombardiers today on target identification. The movies today were "Battle of Britain" and "Swing Out The Blues". They were enjoyed by all who attended.

2 May 1944

            The crews were briefed this morning at 0730 for a practice bombing mission in which they flew six bombing runs over the practice target to test a new idea to improve the bombing pattern.

            Indoctrination lectures were given to new crews by Intelligence, Operations, Communications, and the Medics.

3 May 1944

            The crews were briefed this morning at 1130 for another practice mission for more practice in the formation flying. Colonel Mills emphasized that there must be an improvement in the formations. The mission took off at 1330 and returned at 1830.

            A formation was held in front of Group Headquarters at 1545 this afternoon. Colonel Mills was awarded the Silver Star, Colonel Gideon and Lieutenant Courtright were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Captain McQueen was awarded the Air Medal. Numerous Purple Heart awards were presented also.

            There was an afternoon and evening movie at the theatre in Oria today. The movie was "Black Hills Express".

4 May 1944

            The crews were briefed at 0545 this morning and took off at 0700 to bomb Ploesti, Romania, but the mission was recalled shortly after the formation left and planes returned to the base.

            The weather here is beautiful today. Many of the boys can be seen wearing sun tans already.

5 May 1944

            The crews were briefed and took off this morning at 1015 on the 60^th Group mission to bomb the Marshalling Yards at Ploesti, Rumania. The bomb load for today's mission was 10 X 500 per plane.

            The planes today were flown by: Lts. Balinger, Boggs, L. B. Scott, Eldred, Bishop, DeVane, Weilert, Gallagher, Martin, and E. Anderson. The target was completely obscured by clouds over the aiming point, but breaks in the cover while on the run enabled the bombardiers to make sightings which gave a concentrated pattern calculated to cover the marshalling yards and refinery. Smoke pots were throwing a screen along roads to the south of the city, around the marshalling yards and refinery which added greatly to the difficulties. Thirty minutes past the target, a huge column or smoke, extending about 12,000 feet into the air could be seen, indication a large oil fire.

            Intense, accurate, heavy flak was encountered over the target area and also numerous enemy fighters. The #2 engine on Lt. Eldred's ship was knocked out by flak, but he held formation and came back safely to the base. S/Sgt Kavich, on Lt. Gallagher's crew, claimed one ME-109 as a probably and S/Sgt Panos, on Lt. Martin's crew, claimed one ME-109 as a probable. There were no crew injuries on this mission.

            The movie today was "The Falcon Meets Danger" and there were two showings of this movie.

6 May 1944

            The crews met for briefing early this morning and took off at 0800. The target today was the Marshalling Yards at Brasov, Rumania. The crews flying today were: Lts. Eldred, Clark, McIver, Boggs, Gilday, Gallagher, Emch, Weilert, Bruner, Helmberger, and Capt. Pitts. There were no early returns today and the bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. demos per ship. The greatest concentration of our bombs was about 600 – 800 feet north of the Aiming Point. The target area was hit hard, however, and many fires were seen among the cars in the Marshalling Yards.

            The boys had a comparatively quiet run today. The flak encountered over the target was medium, inaccurate, and heavy. There were no encounters with enemy aircraft, though several were seen. All aircraft and crews returned to the base uninjured at 1700 hours.

7 May 1944

            The crews were briefed this morning to bomb the marshalling yards at Bucharest, Rumania. They took off a t0800, but returned to the base at 1210 hours, having turned back because of the weather. Crews flying today were: Lts. E. Anderson, Martin, Gilday, Clark, Emch, Tate, McIver, and Major McWhorter, in one of our ships. All returned their bombs to the base. No flak and no enemy aircraft were encountered.

            Church Services were held this morning, however, the Protestant Services were again held in the 331^st Mess Hall due to high winds.

            The boxing matches for tonight were postponed till Tuesday because of the sudden changed in temperature.

            The weekly news lecture was given tonight in the War Room by Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozalek. They really have to search to find anything along the news line now as all fronts have been rather quiet lately, however, the usual large crowd was present.

8 May 1944

            No briefing or mission today due to weather conditions. Squadron activities remained in the usual channels.

            The movie today was "Reveille With Beverly", starring Ann Miller and numerous spot-light bands.

            The Intelligence Section gave lectures to the whole Group on Russian aircraft and their capabilities and also on Escape procedure.

9 May 1944

            A mission was scheduled for Weiner-Neustadt today but was scrubbed due to weather.

            A USO show was presented at Oria this evening and was very good. Helen Young, popular vocalist who formerly sung with Johnny Long's band, stole the whole show.

10 May 1944

            Briefing was held this morning at 0630. Target was Weiner-Neustadt in Austria. Flying today were Lts. Tate, Helmberger, McIver, Salinger, Martin, C. R. Clark, Bishop, Emch, and Gilday. Lt. E. Anderson did not get off. The formation was recalled due to bad weather.

            The weather was very warm and was partly cloudy during part of the day. No movies were shown today due to the Italians having a fiesta in Oria.

11 May 1944

            No mission today and everyone was busy preparing for tomorrow. The order was that every available ship would fly in the morning. Briefing was held in the War Room tonight at 2000 for tomorrow's mission. There is an air of anticipation and speculation throughout the whole Squadron.

12 May 1944

            The crews were briefed last night for the mission today, the target being the harbor installations at San Stephano, Italy. The planes took off at 0530 this morning and the following crews took part in this mission: Lts. McIver, Daniels, DeVane, Martin, Bishop, Gilday, Boggs, Helmberger, Emch, Capt. Pitt, and Major Davis. We had no early returns today and all planes dropped 10 X 500 lb. demolition bombs each. The target was covered with an excellent concentration of hits with few in the water adjacent to the docks. The aiming point was covered and the strings were all well inside the designated area. Visual observations reported were that after the formation had passed over the target, large fires could be seen such as oil concentrations would make. Major Davis led the Second Attack Unit of our Group today. After studying bomb photos, it is believed that today's bombing was about the most accurate bombing pattern that this Group has had. No fighters were encountered today but the flak over the target was moderate, extremely accurate, and heavy. However, the only ship in our squadron that was damaged was Lt. DeVane's and it was only a hole in the window by the pilot. There were no crew injuries today. The ships retuned to the base at 1046 hours and immediately were serviced and loaded for another mission that was to take off just after dinner.

            This morning, the formations were routed to fly up to just behind our lines, then over the lines to the coast on the route out so as to give the boys in the trenches a chance to see what "Jerry" was getting for breakfast this morning.

            The crews were briefed at 1200 for another mission and the planes started taking off at 1300, but the mission was cancelled by Wing before more than half of the planes had left the field so those that were already airborne, circled and landed again. The mission was cancelled because of very heavy clouds which would hake formation flaying a hazard.

            The movie today in Oria was "Beautiful But Broke" and there was a good crowd there, but they had to weather the dust. Some looked as though they had been dunked in a flour barrel.

13 May 1944

            The "Libs" again took to the air this morning at 1000 to bomb the marshalling yards at Piacenza, Italy. The ships today were flown by: Lts. McIver, Gallagher, Weilert, Daniels, Emch, Salinger, Martin, Eldred, Clarke, and Capt. Pitt. Again there were no early returns from our Squadron and the bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. bombs per ship. A good concentration of hits were scored in the target area with many hits at the choke point and large fires started. A large explosion was observed in the South edge of the marshalling yards.

            The boys were happy when they landed today – no flak, no enemy aircraft, and a perfect bomb pattern. Colonel Rush commended the Group on its fine work. The formations again flew over the battle lines this morning to give the doughboys an idea just what the Germans were taking behind the lines.

14 May 1944 

            The target today is Vicenna Airdrome in Northern Italy. Bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. bombs per ship. Flying today were; Lts. Gilday, Gallagher, C. R. Clark, L. B. Scott, Helmberger, DeVane, C. R. Clark, Salinger, Weilert, and Boggs.  All crews returned safely to the base. The target wasn't hit very bad, most of the bombs were strewn in the fields and some hit a marshalling yard. Lt. C. R. Clark jettisoned his bombs in the Adriatic Sea.

            Church Services were held this morning and large crowds were present to observe Mother's Day. The Protestant Service was held in our Squadron's mess hall this morning and will continue to be held there in the future.

            The news presentation was held at 1830 tonight by Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozaleck, The usual full house was present again.

15 May 1944

            No mission or briefing today. The saying, "Blue Italian Skies" looks to be true today and transportation was furnished this afternoon to take those who wished out to the beach for a swim. The movie today was "His Butler's Sister" starring Deanna Durbin. Of course, there was a good crowd cut to see and hear this little actress.

16 May 1944

            There was no mission today and the weather was very beautiful. Lots of fellows went down to the beach swimming.

            Lectures on Escape Procedure were given to the combat personnel by Air Force representative.

17 May 1944

            The crews took off at 1030 this morning to bomb harbor installations at San Stefano, Italy again. The bomb load this morning was 10 X 500 demos per ship. Flying today were; Major Davis, Lts. Daniels, C. R. Clark, L. B. Scott, Tate, DeVane, Gilday, Boggs, Eldred, and Martin. There were no early returns this morning. The entire target area was well covered with heavy concentrations of bombs. Railroads and highways were out and railroad tunnels blocked. Six to seven ships in the harbor were apparently hit, and many storage buildings in the harbor area were blown up. Another excellent bombing by the "White-tailed Libs". Flak was encountered this morning, being moderate, accurate, and heavy, but only one ship was slightly damaged. All planes returned to the base at 1600 and there were no crew injuries.

            The movie today was "Action In Arabia", starring George Sanders. Very large crowds were present but all are awaiting the opening of the "open-air" theatre here on the base to eliminate the trip to Oria and back in the trucks and being covered with the dust.

18 May 1944

            The target briefed for today was the Ploesti/Unirea Speramtza Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Rumania. Flying today were; Lts. Daniels, Emch, Boggs, Tate, Salinger, Martin, Bishop, C. R. Clarke, McIver, and Capt. Pitt. Our squadron flew in the First Attack Element this morning with Col. Gideon piloting plane #774 with Capt. Pitt acting as Co-Pilot. Very bad weather was encountered about an hour before the target, so the formation returned to the base without reaching the target. The Group was awarded only one mission on today's flight. Slight, inaccurate, and heavy flak was encountered over Aim and the same variety was encountered over Belgrade, but none of our ships were holed. All planes returned to this base at 1220 hours.

            During the afternoon, most of the men could be seen at the beach enjoying themselves in the form of swimming, baseball, football, and getting a good sun tan.

            S/Sgt Scatterfield completed 50 missions today. He is the first airman of the Squadron to complete 50 missions.

19 May 1944

            There was a very early briefing this morning – 0430 and Spezia, in Northern Italy, was the target. The bomb load today was 10 X 500. Flying today were; Lts. Daniels, Tate, Bishop, Martin, Boggs, McIver, C. R. Clark, Emch, Salinger, and Capt. Pitt flew as Co-pilot with Col. Gideon in the load ship of the first attack element. The first attack element and the second attack element was assigned two separate aiming points this morning, but a heavy pall of smoke and a light cloud layer so obscured the Northeast marshalling yard that the first attack unit was forced to run on the same target assigned the second attack unit which was the marshalling yard at the South end of the oil storage area. This was another red letter day for this Group as the bombing was excellent. A very heavy concentration of hits was scored on the marshalling yard and choke point with hits also on the gas works, oil storage area and buildings adjacent to the marshalling yard. There was s heavy concentration on the railroad overpass at the south end of the oil storage area and on the marshalling at North end of commercial poet. Dock areas were also hit and there was a possibility that the power plant was hit. Many fires were observed as the planes left the target. Moderate, inaccurate, and heavy flak was encountered over the target but none of our ships were damaged nor were any of the crews. The ships returned to the base at 1345 hours.

            Movie shown at Oria was "The Bridge of San Luis Rey". This picture was not very good.

20 May 1944

            No mission today due to bad weather. It was very cloudy and there were scattered showers all during the day. Squadron activities continued in the usual channels with numerous ball games developing late in the afternoon.

21 May 1944

            Another standdown today. Most of the fellows are sure catching up on their "sack time". Church services were held today with good crowds being present. The News Presentation was given tonight in the War Room by Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozalek. Officers and Enlisted men could be seen bathing in the beautiful blue-green Mediterranean this afternoon.

22 May 1944

            The mission for today was two important railroad bridges at Latisano, in Northern Italy. Flying today in our Squadron were; Lts. Hollander, Boggs, Scott, Eldred, Gilday, Gallagher, DeVane, Helmberger, Weilert, and Clarke. The bomb load was 10 X 500 G. P. bombs per ship and there were no early returns today.

            The target was completely covered by clouds and the formation circled several times trying to find a break-through, but could not and went on to an alternate. The bombs straddled the railroad and highway about 5 miles north of Pescara in a heavy concentration which was about 1500 feet North of the Saline River bridge. All ships returned safely at 1330 hours. None of our aircraft were damaged and there were no crew injuries. Flak was encountered over the target, being moderate, excellent, and heavy.

            The first movie to be held in the new out-door theatre was held tonight. A very large crowd was present but there was plenty of room for everyone. The move was "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" starring Betty Grable which brought forth many sighs – or something to that effect. The theatre is a very good job of Special Services. The screen, stage, and projection booth are made of rock and there is a very good out-door speaker system consisting of six large speakers. The theatre is estimated to seat between one and two thousand with very good visibility and sound for all. Traveling USO shows say that we now have the best and nicest facilities of any unit in Italy.

23 May 1944

            The ships took off at 0730 this morning to bomb troop concentrations in Grataferrata Area, Italy. The bomb load this morning was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. bombs per ship. Crews flying today were; Major Davis, Lts. McIver, Clark, Salinger, Tate, L. B. Scott, Gilday, Daniels, and Emch. Lt. Martin was an early return. A 10/10 cloud cover obscured the target. There were not many bursts that could be seen in the photo due to the cloud coverage, but bombing was believed to be fairly accurate. All ships retuned to base at 1235 hours, and there were no crew injuries. Several ships were holed by flak over the target as it was moderate, accurate, and heavy. This was a tactical mission, being in cooperation with the ground forces. Major Davis was the Group leader on this mission.

24 May 1944

            The ships took off at 1630 this morning to bomb the Wollersdorf Airdrome, hangars, and installations at Weiner-Neustadt, Austria. The bomb load was 10 x 500 lb. G.P. bombs per ship. Flying today were; Lts. Emch, Helmberger, McIver, Salinger, DeVane, Weilert, Eldred, and Capt. Pitt. There were no early returns on the mission today. In describing the mission today, the single word "Rough!" is a very accurate description. Due to adverse weather conditions, the lead group of the Wing formation was forced to alter the course after reaching landfall, therefore missing the rendezvous with the fighter escort. In the vicinity of Graz, this group was attacked by approximately 60 to 70 enemy fighters and a furious air battle followed. Lts. Hollander and Gallagher were shot down before the target was reached. It is believed Lt. Hollander's entire crew bailed out, but Lt. Gallagher's plane exploded in mid-air. Jerry sure did suffer on this deal, however, as our Squadron alone has filed 19 claims for enemy fighters destroyed and probably destroyed. Flak over the target was intense, accurate, and heavy and holed many of our ships, but of the returning ships, none of the crew members were injured. Strike assessment from photos was impossible due to cloud coverage but bombs were believed to be over the aiming point. Two crew members of Lt. Hollander's ship bailed out soon after the ship was badly damaged by fighters but Lt. Hollander succeeded in keeping his ship in the air until they passed over the Yugoslav border where the remainder of the crew bailed out.

            The movie tonight was "The Uninvited" which brought forth a large crowd to sit under the cloudy sky and shiver, but not from cold! This was one of the rare type of pictures that practically make your hair stand straight up on your head. Everyone that saw the picture enjoyed it very much, however, and shrieks and screams could be heard throughout the squadron area for an hour after the movie, accompanied by much laughter. 

25 May 1944

            The ships took off at 0930 to bomb the Porto Marghara Oil Storage Installations in Northern Italy. Bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. bombs. Crews flying today were; Lts. Salinger, Gilday, Clarke, Eldred, DeVane, Clark, Daniels, Helmberger, Tate, and Martin. There were two aiming points today and both were well-covered with hits; there being 53% of the bombs within 1,000 feet of the aiming points. Good bombing, "Cotton Tails"! No enemy fighters were encountered today and the flak over the target was slight, inaccurate, and heavy. None of our ships were damaged and none of the crew members were injured. Lt. DeVane was an early return due to gasoline leaks.

            A barbecue for the over "40 mission flyers" was held this evening. Everyone remarked that the barbecue was very well prepared. After the feast, a program was held which in many a person's opinion "smelled". The officers especially put on a show which was a very exhibitionistic affair – ask the Enlisted men who walked out.

26 May 1944

            The crews were briefed this morning at 0400 and took off at 0620 to bomb the marshalling yards at Nice, France. Bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. bombs. Flying today were; Capt. Pitt, Lts. Boggs, Daniels, Scott, Gilday, Emch, Martin, DeVane, Tate, and Major Davis. Major Davis again led the Group formation on a very successful mission today. An excellent concentration of hits were effected on the target area. Many fires and heavy smoke were visible as the formation left the target. Another red letter day for the "Cotton Tails". No enemy fighters were encountered and the flak was moderate, inaccurate, and heavy. None of the ships were damaged and none of the crew members were injured.

            The movie tonight was "Mister Big" starring Gloria Jean and Donald O'Conner. The sound track was very bad on this film and it wasn't what you would call up to "par". Due to mechanical difficulties, the show was postponed until a later date after one half of it was shown.

27 May 1944

            The ships took off at 0620 this morning with the St. Charles Marshalling Yard at Marseille, France being the target. Flying today were; Lts. Helmberger, Boggs, Eldred, Emch, C. R. Clark, Daniels, Scott, McIver, and Capt. Pitt. There were no early returns and the bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. Bombs per ship. As far as visual observation, the bombing was very effective but the target was so covered by smoke that the photos showed only a few bursts. Flak was encountered along the coast from the I.P. to the target, however, none of our ships were holed. All ships and crews returned safely at 1430.

            Two of our officers have finished their fifty missions today; they are 1^st Lt. Merle W. Emch and 2^nd Lt. Boggs, both first pilots. Congratulations men! "U.S.A. here I come!" Lucky stiffs – oh well, such is life. Lt. Emch's talk: "I still think I'm dreaming!" Lt. Bogg's: "Gee, look at those new crews coming in!"

28 May 1944

            Standdown today, no mission. Church services this morning were well attended and so was the trip to the beach this afternoon. Major McKamy, Group S-2, says "Gee, the water was fine." News Presentation given tonight by Capt. Bowman and Lt. Ogozalek.

            At 2300, the air raid alarm was sounded. Everyone immediately ran for the shelters. Flashes could be seen in the distance and ack ack could be seen from nearby fields and ports, however, it was later confirmed that it was only one recon plane of Germans.

29 May 1944

            Ships took off at 0600 to bomb the Wellersdorf Airdrome at Weiner-Neustadt, Austria. Flying today were: Lts. Helmberger, Eldred, Gilday, Salinger, Nyreen, Clark, C. R. Clark, Lumovich, DeVane, and Capt. Pitt. No early returns today. The bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. bombs per ship. Due to bombings by previous groups, smoke obscured the Aiming Point. The lead Bombardier caught a glimpse of a hangar through the smoke and aimed to the left of it and the majority of bombs fell in the target area causing great damage. Many fighters were encountered today and the flak over the target area was intense, accurate and heavy, however all of our planes returned safely to the home base. We had no crew injuries today. The fighter escort and protection was excellent today.

            The movie tonight was "The Lost Angel" which was enjoyed very much. In the middle of the feature, Lt. Hollands, Special Services Officer, announced over the P.A. system that an air raid siren would soon be blown. Everyone, in an orderly manner, took shelter immediately for the alert. When the all-clear was sounded, most of the men returned to the theartre to see the rest of this very touching movie.

30 May 1944

            Memorial Day – "Pay respects to the dead". Today's mission was to Ebreichsdorf, Austria. The Aiming Point was the Aircraft Components Factory there. Flying today were; Major Davis, Lts. DeVane, Scott, Helmberger, Martin, Eldred, Gilday, Lumovich, Thrasher, and Nyreen. There were many bursts of the 500 lb. G.P. bombs in the target area on highways and small buildings, but none on the aiming point. Enemy fighters attacked the formation after leaving the target and after our fighter escort had withdrawn. All ships returned safely but S/Sgt Snitehurst was seriously wounded.

            Movie shorts shown this evening were interrupted by an air raid alert. 1^st Lt. Robert Ogozalek, Squadron Security Officer, had his men out in no time flat, guarding the portion of the airfield assigned to him.

31 May 1944

            Early briefing this morning – 0430. The target was Ploesti, Rumania. Bomb load was 10 X 500 lb. G.P. Bombs. Flying today; Capt. Pitts, Lts. Lumovich, C. R. Clark, Tate, Weilert, Martin, Gilday, and Salinger. Lt. Salinger was an early return due to engine trouble. The target was obscured by smoke posts all over the designated bombing area, however, the bombs were dropped into the smoke and results were believed to be fairly good.

            Lt. Johnny Martin, Pilot, was killed instantly by flak which hit him directly in the head. Lt. Nardone, the Bombardier, was seriously wounded in the side by flak. His recovery is unpredictable.

            Three gunners claimed aircraft destroyed – Captain Pitts crew, Lt. Lumovich's crew, and Lt. Weilert's crew.

Robert S. Ogozalek,

1^st Lt., Air Corps,

Squadron Historian