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HISTORICAL RECORD - April 1944




HEADQUARTERS 722ND BOMB. SQ. (H)

450TH BOMB. GP. (H)

U. S. ARMY  APO 520

 

10 May 1944

 

SUBJECT: Historical Records.

 

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

 

            1. Unit history of the 722nd Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1 April to 1 May 1944.

 

                        a. The present designation of the unit is the 722nd Bombardment Squadron (H), 450th Bombardment Group (H), 47th Bombardment Wing (H).

 

                        b. Changes in Organization.

 

                                    (1) None.

                                    (2) None.

                                    (3) MAJOR WILLIAM A. MCWHORTER, 0397563 was aptd Squadron Commander of the 722nd Bomb. Sq. (H), vice MAJOR WILLIAM L. ORRIS, 0399548, as of the 30 April 1944 (SO #68).

                                    (4) Captain Dawkins became S-3 vice Major McWhorters, 30 April 1944, Squadron Order #6, par #2.

 

                        c. Station. Army Air Base, Manduria, Italy.

 

                        d. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted

                                                                                                Enlisted Men              Officers

                                    (1) a. At beginning                            385                             79

                                         b. Net Increase                               0                                  0

                                         c. Net decrease                              0                                  2

                                         d. At end                                        385                             77

 

                        e. Movements. None

 

                        f. Campaigns. None

 

                        g. Operations.

 

                                    (1) Number of Missions  17  Sorties  152

 

                                    (2) Principal targets were M/Y in the Balkans and A/C factories in Austria.

 

                                    (3 &4) The early part of the month we were given targets that were an aid to the Russians. We helped to destroy M/Y in the Balkans and in that way destroyed important supply lines to the South end of the Russian front.

                                    On 3 April 1944, Lt. Col Gideon led the group and the wing to attack the Budapest M/Y. The smoke screen used by the enemy was to little advantage, since the target was well hit. It proved to be one of the bet raids this Group was on. Severe damage and destruction was done to the M/Y, and equipment and installations adjacent to the M/Y. the refinery that was hit was still burning when reconnaissance planes went over the following day.

                                    On 4 April 1944 we bombed the Bucharest M/Y. The Bulk of the German supplies to the eastern front runs through Bucharest. The Target was well hit and damage was great.

 

                        h. Commanding Officer in important operations. None.

 

                        i. Losses in action.

                                    Mission, Ploesti M/Y and Oil Refineries, 5 April 1944

 

                                    2nd Lt. Beene, Rex A             Sgt. Domorack, John C.

                                    2nd Lt. Cheesman, Robert E.           Sgt Rabe, Willard A

                                    2nd Lt. Cowgill, Winfield                    Sgt Schmitd, Miles F

                                    2nd Lt. Golemgeake, Harold E         Sgt Rosen, Sol

                                    Sgt. Keevert, LaVerne                      Sgt Jensen Ronald T H

 

                                    Mission, Mestre M/Y Italy, 7 April 1944

 

                                    2nd Lt. Nutt, Robert W                       S/Sgt Bliss, Eugene W

                                    2nd Lt. Fox, Roger M             S/Sgt Williams, George W

                                    2nd Lt. Paulagrove, James H           S/Sgt Rabello, Walter B

                                    2nd Lt. Fraitig, Robert B.                   S/Sgt Rick, Robert

                                    S/Sgt Pfaffinger, Richard C.            Cpl Byrd, John P

 

                                    Mission, A/C Ftry at Wiener Neustadt, April 12, 1944

 

                                    2nd Lt. Sebastian, Walter J.              S/Sgt Neff, Merle A

                                    2nd Lt. Shebest, Joseph E                Sgt Schira, Raymond J

                                    2nd Lt. Archer, Robert K                    S/Sgt Cassell, Elmo L

                                    2nd Lt. Marsden, Robert B.               Cpl Slingland, Charles R.

                                    Sgt. Park, William L                          S/Sgt Nally, Raymond E.

 

                                    Mission, Toulon Harbor Installations, 29 April 1944

 

                                    Maj. Orris, William L                         Sgt Houston, Harvey A

                                    2nd Lt. Phillips, Harold G.                  S/Sgt Furer, Melvin

                                    1st Lt. Aubins, Albert E                     Cpl Regier, August J

                                    1st Lt. Lehman, Charles P                 S/Sgt Root, Lowell E

                                    S/Sgt Deal, Herman A                      S/Sgt Slinkard, Albert

                                                                                                S/Sgt Kosak, Anthony J

 

                                    Mission, Toulon Harbor Installations, 29 April 1944

 

                                    2nd Lt. Maddox, Hubert R                 S/Sgt. Ryan Thomas J

                                    2nd Lt. Poore, Robert W                   S/Sgt. Vrla, Edwin F 

                                    2nd Lt. Ryan, Frank M                        S/Sgt Bosserman, Harold D

                                    2nd Lt. Tipton, Vernon J                    T/Sgt Van Roden, Richard J

                                    Sgt. Shrum, Wymand D                    T/Sgt Vlass, Harold C. Jr.

 

                        j. Those who have distinguished themselves. None.

 

            2. Enclosed is the War Diary of this unit for the period 1 April 1944 to 1 May 1944.

 

                                                                                                            JULES J. L. HESSEN

                                                                                                            2nd Lt., Air Corps

                                                                                                            Squadron Historian

 

            1 Incl – War Diary



722ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

WAR DIARY  MONTH OF APRIL

 

April 1

 

Yesterday was payday and this morning a lot of sad faces could be seen in the mess hall. Poker and black jack is a good game for the winner, but I don't think the losers like it too much. Many of the boys have sworn off playing but they don't mean it. What they do mean is that they are now broke and they can't until next payday,

Today was April Fools day but he customary pranks were not seen. No one complained about having itching powder put in their bed, perhaps because there isn't any around here. Every one was on the lookout for pranksters and all were a little disheartened that nothing happened. It's really marvelous how everyone's morale is so high. All seem to be acting just like they did back in the states. Today was one of those "mission planned and briefed – bad weather - mission called off "days. 

 

April 2

 

A lot of fellows ere burning the midnight oil last – night either cards of letter writing – take your pick.

It's a great thing to see the faces of the combat crews returning from a successful mission. They stand on the doughnut line full of smiles. Can't blame them though they sure did a great job today – right on the beam.

One would think there's an FHA Project starting on the Manduria Air Base. Cottages are being built by the score. Some of them look as fashionable as any in the states. The "Eye-ties" can do marvelous things with this sandstone they dig out of the ground. A good many of the boys are living in better quarters than they had in any army camp across the ocean.

Chaplain Stevens was on hand today for the services. Without a doubt a larger crowd attends services here than did "back home".

 

April 3

 

Blue Monday – but no one seemed blue. Perhaps they did look a little yellow from those Atabrine tablets that have become part of the evening menu. But as Captain Brewer says, "it's better to be a little yellow than to be a dead duck."

The weather sure is getting beautiful. Old man weather seems to be on the beam, no one can complain when the weather is nice. We all have our fingers crossed and sure hope it keeps up.

There was a show in town tonight. What a mad scramble there is to get on the trucks leaving for town. Excitement galore but sometimes it isn't worth it.

 

April 4

 

There was a mission today and we hit the Bucharest marshalling yards in order to stop the German traffic that goes to the Eastern Front.

Threw were G.I. Movies at the Oria Cinema. At times the G.I. Movies have a good selection of news and short subjects. Our base theatre, the outdoor one we are all anxiously awaiting the opening of, isn't finished as yet but it won't be long. It sure will be great having the movie on the base. The mad scramble to get to and from will be at an end. Special service is trying to arrange it so that we will not have to go off the field for entertainment.

The baseball season is under way and practically every night a game is played. This evening Ordinance played armament and by the results of the game loading bombs must be a good trainer because ordinance walked away with the game.

 

April 5

 

What a beautiful day it was today. Strange thing when the day is nice it sure is hard to believe that there's a war going on.

The mess Sergeant was all smiles today when he stood at the end of the show line pouring ice-cold coco-colas into the mess cups instead of GI coffee. Too bad the seen ounces didn't do more than just cover the bottom of our cups. Everyone is looking forward for those three bottles per week that the Stars and Stripes mentioned. Those Coco-Cola bottles sure decorated the Officers tables in the mess hall.

Another movie tonight and another mad scramble for transportation. Everyone returns with "gray hair" caused by the dusty roads.

 

April 6

 

Today was the day of rest even though it was Thursday. The reason a simple one  - no mission.

Sometimes it cost quite a bit to indulge I a game of volley ball – especially if your continually lose. Everyone works quite hard the days the missions are scheduled and therefore relaxation is in abundance on those no mission days. Although the mechanics are kept pretty busy taking care of the planes to put them in readiness for the next mission. The boys are doing a fine job as is made evident in the fact that our Squadron has the least number of early returns.

 

April 7

 

"What a beautiful morning" – it seems as if that song was written for this day. A number of the boys went to the beach to practice shooting their "small arms". The group private beach is really something to rave about. The water – Gulf of Taranto - is as clear as a crystal and as refreshing as a beautiful damsel. It brings back fond memories to many, especially those who had their basic training at Miami Beach and the Officers who went through OOS at Miami. Although we all hope the war is over before summer, but just in case it isn't we sure are going to have a good place to cool off at.

"Cabin in the Sky" was shown tonight in the Oria Theatre. It's funny to see "This new picture dedicated free to the Armed Forces" just before an old picture is shown on the screen. 

 

April 8

 

The mission took off in what seemed like a beautiful day but the weather around the target wasn't any too good because the mission was called back. The crews who are nearing their completion of their 50 missions were a little peeved. Their anxious to get it over with and get back to God's Country, the good old United States.

One of the boys found out last night that this Italian cognac is just a wee bit stronger than home brewed corn liquor. He probably will be an ardent prohibitionist from now on.

 

April 9

 

Easter Sunday! Fond recollections of Easter parades, walking through the park with your best gal and what not were brought back to memory today. The mission was cancelled therefore all were able to attend the Easter Services. The weather must be bad up there - but it sure is beautiful in these parts.

Chaplain Stevens held an excellent outdoor service. A B-24 provided the background and fin protectors from the bombs were used to provide seats for all. A choir of EM and Officers in excellent voice and an organ to accompany them provided the music. The services were heard over a loudspeaker. Everyone agreed that the services ere excellent – take a bow, Chaplain Stevens.

 

April 10

 

Last night it rained and it sure brought back memories of our first few months in thee parts when rain was in abundance and we couldn't walk a step without stepping in mud. It was cloudy during the day and was a real typical "Blue Monday".

There was another movie in town tonight. The "Eyeties" seem to have nothing else to do but sit around and gape at the GI's rushing to and from the show.

 

April 11

 

Today we wore out some shoe leather - in other words we has an hour of drill. We did not drill for so long it was really a novelty and I don't believe anyone minded it at least not too much. Perhaps the fact that if they did mind it would not help the situation had something to do with it.

There's a lot of new faces in the Squadron now. All the old timers give them inside tips about life overseas. They don't realize how lucky they are to be here when everything is all set up. Most of them are a bit bewildered since they have been indoctrinated with the fact of how rough it is overseas.

The new crews were lectured by the Intelligence Officers and in the afternoon went on practice missions. Formation flying is quite important and the old crews know it.

There was a GI movie in town tonight but the crowd was not as great as usual perhaps the drilling in the morning had something to do with it.

 

April 12

 

Another beautiful day. It looks as if we are really in Sunny Italy. The beach had quite a crowd. Even though there is so much paraphernalia issued telling not to take in too much sun all at once, still may fellows look like turnips and God only knows how they feel.

The Orderly room EM played the ground Officers volley ball this evening. Although it sounds hard to believe the Officers won. The Orderly room "Commandoes" are going to have to sit a little lower in their chairs.

When the 722nd Bomb Sq does anything you can rest assured it is going to surpass any other outfit. The newly built orderly room can stand on equal footing with a Wall Street office. The Squadron Dayroom has been started on. A number of the fellows seem doubtful of its completion, but Lt Thomas, our Adjutant, assures us that it will be done. At the present moment there isn't any lumber or roofing, but where there's a will there's a way.

 

April 13

 

PX day today and from 0730 the line forms outside the PX tent. One would think that the candy ad cigarettes aren't rationed. The strange part about it is that whether you come early or late everyone gets the same. Today we had beer of course it doesn't compare to that stuff we have back home but it does bare a resemblance. Didn't hear anyone complain about getting drunk on beer, but there sure is a lot of boys who wouldn't mind.

The doughnut line was full of smiles, yes, they did a good job on the Budapest Airdrome. Looks like the huns will have to speed up their aircraft production to keep up with eh amount we destroy.

 

April 14

 

The mission was called off before briefing this morning. Orders came for the crews to clean their planes. The mud on the runway makes them appear fairly dirty.

Taking advantage of the fact that there was no mission, the Intelligence Section held classes in aircraft recognition and Escape procedure.

"Buffalo Bill" was featured at the Oria Cinema. Quite a bit of hooting in the audience at the cowboys and Indians.

 

April 15

 

It was another beautiful morning. Those who had days off sure had nice weather to go with it.

This evening a large number of the Squadron attended a War News Presentation Lecture. Lt Hessen covered all theatres due to Captain Johnstons absence. The Squadron seems to enjoy it since they are able to learn what is happening in the world and how the war is progressing.

It was a quiet day and the usual routine was followed. Since there was no movie all had a chance to catch up on their correspondence.

 

April 16

 

It was a bit difficult getting up this morning for a good number of men. Briefing was at 0545 and a lot of dreary eyed men filed into the War Room. The target for the day was Brasov, Roumania. The marshalling yard was very well covered and the customary smiling faces were observed on the men waiting on the doughnut line – another mission well done.

Today was the day of accidents. For one thing, on the takeoff a 50 caliber machine gun was accidentally fired, and near misses were reported by many. Later in the evening about 2100 a fire broke out in a B-24 ship of the 720th Squadron and caused a terrific explosion. So terrific was it that a good number of men thought for sure the huns were over and it took a lot of persuasion to get them out of their foxholes. The ship blew up into a thousand and one pieces and it burned up costing the lives of four men. S/Sgt Eberly from our squadron died as a result of this accident. M/Sgt Merritt and S/Sgt Eberly were busy protecting the other aircraft in order to avoid a possible catastrophe and did an excellent job of dispersing the aircraft. The Squadron is proud of them both.

 

April 17

 

Here it is Monday again. The days are flying past so quickly that it is getting impossible to keep track of them. When one thinks that each day that passes is another day nearer peace one doesn't mind it too much.

Pancakes for breakfast covered with rich creamy butter and delicious syrup. The cooks are really getting on the beam – no one complained about this mornings breakfast. It wasn't like "Mom use to make it" but what food could be.

The Opera has come to town! Yes, it looks as if a lot of Officers and EM are going to turn cultural. Madame Butterfly is going to be enacted and a good number of EM got their tickets from Special Service. Sorry it will cost the Officers "one buck".

Those who didn't care about going to Lecce to see the opera went to see "What a Woman" in the Oria Theatre.

 

April 18

 

Today the weather started out beautifully. It was so clear in the morning it wasn't very evident why there wasn't any mission. But, per usual, the weatherman was right again and the afternoon brought on clouds and the sun was shut out for the day. It wasn't long after before it began to rain and the day was a dismal one.

"Rigoletto" was on at the opera this evening. The attendance tonight should have been doubled since those who went last night brought back very favorable reports. Perhaps the reason why so many of the boys from the Squadron expect to attend is made evident in the fact that there isn't any movie tonight.

 

April 19

 

Spring Fever seems to be getting the best of many. Some can be seen walking around in a daze, probably thinking of the times they would stroll through the park with their best gal on beautiful days. Those who ere off today together with the combat crews who didn't fly due to a cancellation of the mission could be found loafing in the sun. Modesty seems to have been forgotten since many of the boys had some heated games of volley ball in their birthday suits.

The usual Wednesday evening movie was on tonight. The usual "grey headed victims" could be seen on the return trip – those nice dusty roads are to blame.

 

April 20

 

Lt. Thomas, the Squadron Adjutant, got a brainstorm the other day. The ail room, which is by the way a small wooden shack, now has a gigantic airmail stamped envelope painted on it. It's really very novel and serves a dual purpose. Primary reason to show the new men how to address their mail and secondly to decorate the mail shack. Of course the envelope is addressed to some Texas Gal. The fact that Lt Thomas is a Texan of course had nothing to do with it.

Today was PX day and there rations for the EM are definitely improving. The Officers now have their own PX in town. Everyone seems to be getting sufficient cigarettes and candy to satiate their appetites. Today was once again another usual day.

 

April 21

 

The morning was started off with French toast for breakfast. The GI bread sure had a different flavor today, especially covered with cherry preserves.

Special Services arranged for a USO show this evening in conjunction with the regular Friday night movie. The show was corny. It consisted of Italian talent. Although it was quite amusing to see the fat "eyeties" try to dance the American way. They just can't be compared to the American dancers – in looks or in talent.

We were warned today about he coming "mosquitoe netting" inspection. Since the day was cloudy and it rained a good part of the afternoon, everyone had an excellent opportunity to get prepared.

 

April 22

 

Peace and quiet reigned supreme today – reason obvious – no mission. The weather sure had been disappointing the last few days. It seems as if the weather has a lot to do with the way we feel besides having to do with whether or not we have a mission.

This evening the Squadron S-2 Officers gave a War News Lecture. It seems as if the 722nd Squadron has the most number of men interested in what's happening in the news or else it is the interesting way the Intelligence Officers present it, because the attendance is gratifying. Lt Thomas, the Squadron Adjutant, is always present to do some side line heckling.

 

April 23

 

There was a late briefing and an important target today, the Schwechat A/C Factory near Vienna. The target area was it but the pinpoint seemed to have escaped damage. The Bombardiers are a little discouraged – blame it on the drift. The weather was CAVU and the target stood out plainly – but.

There were church services today held by Chaplain Stevens. Many of the men go to either Oria or Manduria and attend church services there. The Holy Rosary church in Manduria always has a goodly number of GI's and Nurses present. But it's for religious and not the Nurses that the bulk of the men attend.

 

April 24

 

There was a bit of excitement on the field this morning. Twenty two British Halifaxes landed on the field. They had Polish crews with a few Englishmen. The boys in the tower had a little difficulty bringing them in but they did it safely. Quite a crowd was out on the field to take a look at the British bombers. This was the first time for many that they saw a British Halifax. All agreed that they were nice planes but no comparison to our Liberators.

Today was Monday and back home the family wash would be seen hanging on the line. But here in Italy that scene doesn't appear. The Italians probably do not consider Monday as "washday". Many of the boys think that they don't consider any day wash day.

Another movie tonight with a full house attendance. It seems as if no on wants to be absent from any entertainment.

 

April 25

 

Todays mission could cause some navigators to get ideas. The target was way up in the Northernmost part of Italy near Switzerland. The Macchi Aircraft Factory at Varese, Italy was to be hit. The weather was bad on takeoff and continued that way. The mission was all mixed up since the formation ran into very bad weather. The Group finally dropped their load on Rimini.

Where ever you see one fellow resting his arm on the shoulder of another in a fraternal gesture you can rest assured that he is on the verge of making a touch. Payday isn't far off but he fact still remains that they need money today.

GI Movies were shown in Oria this evening. It was a bit funny seeing a "new" Pete Smith Specialty and then seeing another showing glimpses of old Pete Smith specialties including the "new" one.

 

April 26

 

Today since there was no mission a lot of games could be seen being played. Some had a few fierce games of volley ball, others put on their baseball glove and played that familiar game of catch. Quite a number went to see what the Italian towns had to offer. One thing they have is an abundance of "seniorinas" but if they heed Captain Brewers advice they'll spend there time gaping at the scenery.

Ice cold "cokes" were served in the mess hall this evening. Some Rum Baccardi sure would go nice with it. All can remember the days back in Alamogordo, New Mexico when a quart could be bought for a buck thirty five. A few of the combat men save their shots that they get at the end of a days mission and had nice highballs.

Once again Special Services was on hand to show a movie. It's really going to be a novelty to see a picture shown in its entirety with out a break in it to change reels.

 

April 27

 

Weather was still bad and another day without a mission. The Red Cross in Lecce must have been quite busy. They do serve the most delicious ice-cream in Italy It must seem strange to the eyeties serving to see the zeal with which the American soldier goes for his ice-cream.

Quite a long line had to be sweated out in order to get into the PX. The usual rations were issued. There were a few pipes for those who have enough patience to smoke them.

 

April 28

 

Briefing time was set for 0900. todays target was the Orbatello, Italy port area and railroad. Something happened and the majority of the bombs went to the left of the target. The boys weren't too happy they never are when the target is missed. You could hear some of them say on the doughnut line "I feel guilty accepting the doughnuts today". It's all right fellows it happened to the best.

There were quite a number of packages in the mail today. The folks on the Home Front are really sending out the goods. A lot of gripes can be heard due to the fact that it takes so long for packages to arrive.

Another movie this evening. Everyone is anxiously awaiting he opening of the Group Theater. Riding those dusty roads are getting to be nightmare. "Lady Takes a Chance" was the feature – we take a chance took, bucking the dusty roads to see it.

April 29

 

Early briefing – 0615. todays target was the harbor installations at Toulon, France. Major Orris, the Squadron Commander led the formation. Bombs were dropped in the target area. Due to an effective smoke screen observation was obscured. On the turn away from the target Major Orris' ship appeared to be hit by flak. Smoke was seen coming from the waist. The crew started to bail out in regular intervals and ten chutes were observed. We all hope that the entire crew is safe. Photos indicated that bombs were effectively placed on pinpointed areas. It was a costly day in combat crews for our Squadron, Major Orris and crew and Lt Maddox and crew went down.

This evening there was another War News Lecture in the War Room. These news lectures are now a scheduled affair and the Squadron was advised to attend each week even though notices might not be posted. The War News seems to be improving and it's getting so that many can't understand why the Hun still fights on.

 

April 30

 

Everyone had the look of a millionaire, reason, very simple, today was Payday. You could see a lot of fellows paying off their debts and walking away with very little of the original sum left. There should be some real good card games on tonight.

There were boxing bouts on tonight in the ring that was constructed on the base. The boys put on a good show and a large crowd attends this now weekly affair.

News came in that there was to be no mission on May 1st – some didn't mind that a bit and so another month of operations came to a close.

 

                                                                                                            JULES J. L. HESSEN

                                                                                                            1st Lt., Air Corps

                                                                                                            Squadron Historian.



 




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