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HISTORICAL RECORD - May 1944




HEADQUARTERS 723RD BOMB (H) SQ

450TH BOMB GP (H)

APO  520                   US ARMY

 

10 June 1944

 

SUBJECT:  Historical Records.

 

TO:  Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention: Historian. (Through Channels)

 

            1. Unit history of the 723rd Bomb (H) Squadron, for the period 1 May 1944 to 1 June 1944.

 

                        a. The present designation of the unit is 723rd Bomb (H) Squadron, 450th Bomb (H) Group, 47th Wing, 15th Air Force.

 

                        b. Changes in organization.

 

                                    (1) None

                                    (2) None

                                    (3) None

                                    (4) None

 

                        c. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted.

 

                                    (1) Month of May 1944

 

                                                (a) At beginning:                  466

                                                (b) Net increase:                      27

                                                (c) Net decrease:                  

                                                (d) At end:                             493

 

                        d. Station – A/B Manduria, Itlay

 

                        e. Movements – None.

 

                        f. Campaigns

 

                                    (1) Italian

                                    (2) Duration: From 2 January 1944, still in progress.

 

                        g. Operations

 

                                    (1) Number of missions,  17:            Sorties,  171

                                    (2) Principal targets were Oil Refineries in the Balkans, A/D's and Aircraft Factories in Austria; and M/Y and Harbors in Italy and France.

                                    (3) & (4) The targets for this month were widely dispersed with no major part  of the month being devoted to any particular area. Destruction of M/Y and Oil Refineries in the Balkans cut enemy fuel source, and supply lines to the Russian Front; bombed A/C Factories in Austria, and the enemy suffered a reduction in production of fighters for all fronts; and the bombing of M/Y's and harbors in France and Italy have cut enemy supply routes for the current Italian Campaign.

                                    On May 5th & 31st, 1944, our targets were oil refineries at Ploesti, Roumania. In spite of the smoke screen covering the targets, huge fires were started and great damage inflicted on the enemy's vital oil supply as well as refinery installations. Flak was intense, accurate, and heavy. In both cases, fires were still burning the following day as per photo reconnaissance.

                                    On May 12th, 1944, the Allies began their destruction of enemy supply routes in preparation for the current drive in Italy. Our target on this day was the harbor at San Stephano. Col. Mills, our Group CO, lead the group and an excellent bombing job was accomplished. Gen. Twining commended the group for their splendid work which resulted in severe damage to the harbor installations. Flak was moderate but extremely accurate.

 

                                    On May 24th, 1944, our target was an A/C Factory in Weiner-Neustadt, Austria. Our squadron was flying the low left box of the second attack unit. In the vicinity of Graz, enroute to the target, 30/40 ME 109's and 10 FW 190's intercepted the formation. A shattering head-on assault with fighters through the first attack unit occurred and they then concentrated on the second unit which was following in close formation. Our squadron lost three aircraft to the fighters which after their first diving head-on assault made aggressive attacks from all angles, high, low and level. Explosive 20 mm cannon projectiles were effectively used by the fighters and most of our aircraft were crippled. Accurate, intense flak was experienced over the target and our ships suffered further damage; however, none were lost to it. Bombing results were generally poor on this raid. Lts. Smick, Morris, and John Thomas, landed their damaged aircraft on the home base sans flaps and brakes. Ordering their respective crews to the rear of the ship as their wheels touched the ground, made the aircraft tail-heavy and caused its tail to drag and set as a braking device.

 

            h. Commanding Officer in important operations.      None

 

            i. Losses in action - Officers and Men

 

     24 May 1944                                                                Mission: Wiener-Neustadt, Austria

 

                     Killed in action:

 

                                          S/Sgt. Harold E. Brown            AEG

 

                     Missing in action:

 

1 Bert O. Baker                    P                     6  James W. Rodgers Jr.     ROG

2 Guy V. Munsey Jr.     CP                  7  Orval A. Smith     AAEG

3 Park G. Chetwood     N                     8  Henry A. Mayer     AROG

4 James C. Graham     B              9 John L. Lindsay     AG

5 Charles L. Roberts    AEG    10 Stanley E. Tysco     AAG

 

1 Thomas P. Griffin     P                  6 Carmel R. Clune     ROG

2 Herbert K. Morrison     CP      7 Francis J. Lyons     AAEG

3 John D. Lawson     N               8Edgar F. Howard     AROG

4 John G. Scocos     B               9 Ralph C. Scudder     AG

5 Alexander Banner      AEG    10 Harry Stewart     AAG

 

1 John F. Wells     P                               6 William L. Balentine Jr.     ROG

2 John H. Lane Jr.     CP                  7 Nick Lepovich     AAEG

3 David Waterman     N                     8 John M. Florip     AROG

4 Ronald J. Kaulfuss     B              9 Frank A. Frantz     AG

5 Silvio P. Farina Jr.      AEG    10 Harry D. Cobbledick     AAG

 

     24 May 1944                                                                Mission: Wiener-Neustadt

 

                     Wounded in action:

 

                                          Lt. H. King

                                          S/Sgt. J. Rapoza

                                          S/Sgt. J. Russel

 

30 May 1944                                                                Mission: Ebreichadorf, Austria

 

 

                     Missing in action:

 

1 Jack C. Morris     P                 6 Frank E. Riley Jr.     ROG

2 William R. Cubbins     CP      7 Christian Dittman     AAEG

3 Benoni S. Green     N                  8 John D. Matthews     AROG

4 James W. Donnel     B                9 Joseph J. Ukish     AG

5 Frank W. Lynch      AEG                10 Jimmie T. Vandergriff     AAG

 

Note:      This crew, with the exception of Sgt. Christian Dittman, AAEG, has been returned to group from the Island of Vis.

 

31 May 1944                                                                Mission: Ploesti, Roumania

 

                     Missing in action:

 

1  James C. Lombardi     P                     6 Drexel W. Clatterbruck     ROG

2  James G. Althouse     CP      7 John F. Diviney     AAEG

3  Lex H. Blankenship     N                     8 Edward L. Sanderson     AROG

4  Kenneth D. Barney     B                9 Raymond R. Sinclair     AG

5  Floyd W. Cline      AEG             10 Clarence D. Witherow     AAG

 

j. Members who have distinguished themselves:

 

     Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross:

 

          John F. Wells, 1st Lt. (MIA)

               5 April 1944, Mission to M/Y Ploesti, Roumania

 

          Thomas B. Miller, 1st Lt.

               13 April 1944, Mission to Vecses A/D, Budapest, Hungary

 

          David Wateman, 1st Lt. (MIA)

               13 April 1944, Mission to Vecses A/D, Budapest, Hungary

 

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

            For the Commanding Officer:

                                                                                    C. J. ANTONIE,

                                                                                    2nd Lt., Air Corps,

                                                                                    Squadron Historian.

 

            WAR DIARY OF THE 723RD BOMB SQUADRON (H)

                        1 MAY 1944 TO 1 JUNE 1944

 

1 May 1944

            No mission today – just practice missions. It's plenty chilly and we were supposed to be in summer uniforms today, but the majority are not. Many went to the cinema at Oria in the afternoon and evening.

 

2 May 1944

            No mission scheduled. Just a practice bombing mission. They are trying to perfect the bomb pattern. The bombardiers are unhappy because they are releasing on the box leaders – they have plenty of cameras to get the results. And to climax the practice mission, clouds appeared in the target area and the results were obscured which made everybody unhappy. Classes were held in the evening for new crews, given by Lt. Hartz and Capt. "Doc" Smith.

 

3 May 1944

            The mission was set for a 0615 briefing, then changed to 0915 briefing. Just at the end, the mission was called off at which time all cheered – you could observe the look of relief come over the boys's faces. They were to have gone to Ploesti again – we were heavely attacked by fighters one time when we were there and on Apirl 15, they put up terrific flak for 18 minutes, as we flew through the target area.

 

            We got another Replacement crew:

 

            1. 2nd Lt Guy V. Munsey, Jr.             P            6. S/Sgt James W. Rogers                  ROG

            2. 2nd Lt Mart L. Cope, Jr                     CP            7. Sgt Orval A. Smith              AAEG

            3. 2nd Lt Park C. Chetwood                  N            8. Sgt John L. Lindsay                       AROG

            4. 2nd Lt James C. Graham                      B            9. Sgt Henry A. Mayer             AG

            5. Sgt. Charles L. Roberts                      AEG            10. Sgt Stanley E. Tyaco              AAG

 

            "The Black Hills Express" was on at the Cinema in Oria. The boys cheered when it started and held their noses at the end – o, well! They passed away a couple of hours.

 

4 May 1944

            Mission briefed at 0545. The target is the North M/Y and Concordia Vega Refinery at Ploesti, Roumania. The following took off: Lt. Courtright lead the 2nd attack unit; Lt. Henderson and Baker. Lt. Miller lead the left box with Lts. Morris, Griffin, Barbati, John Thomas, Wilder and Smick.

            After they were all in the air the mission was called off but told to stay in the air and use up some of their gas so they could better land with the bomb load. They stayed up about four hours and all landed safely.

 

5 May 1944

            The weatherman finally called off his clouds, and the boys roared over Ploesti to give it the hammering which had been promised it the past two days. The morning was bright and sunny as Courtright took off to lead the second attack unit with Henerson, Baker, Conklin, Morris, Smick, Barbati, J. Thomas, Griffin and Wilder doing a swell job to make it a neat and formidable formation., Morris blew two cylinders and had to return early with nine flak holes in his ship as a souvenir of his jaunt. The other boys went over the smoke-covered target, thru accurate intense flak and eager enemy fighters, to drop their potent eggs where they'd do the most good – for our side, of course. All ships return safely and the boys are proud of a job well done.

            Lt. Gillen was transferred to 47th Wing Hq; Lt. Antonie replaces him and will try to fill his shoes. (What size are they Gil?)

 

6 May 1944

            The clouds hung low over the field but the boys took off to smash the M/Y at Brasov, Roumania. Kellman led the second attack unit. Baker, Zink, Barbati, Morris, J. Thomas, Hefner, Henderson, and Smick were close at his heels. Early photos show a good pattern of bombs on the target. Flak was light and inaccurate for a change and the boys felt as though it was more or less of a milk run. Intercepting fighters took a look at the formidable formation and proceeded to go the other way while the going was good. The weather over the target was good except for a slight haze. The final score for the day:

 

                        We – one successful mission

                        The Jerries – no marshalling yard at Brasov

 

7 May 1944

            Briefing was at 0615. The boys took off and formed over the low broken clouds over the field. Capt. Beth was leading the group today with Wells, Zink, Wilder, Hefner, Jeff Thomas, Morris, Baker, John Thomas, and Zeitler making up a major portion of the first attack unit. Somewhere between Nis and Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the weather closed in and the formation returned without dropping its bombs. The days accomplishment was a few hours of flying time for all concerned.

            We traded Lt. Cope, CP, to the 720th Sq for Lt. D. Jeanson, a bombardier. We also sent a crew to England. The transferred are:

 

            P Lt. Vogel              ROG Opitz

            CP Lt. Tatum             AAEG Munsterman

            N Lt. Pitken             AROG Connors

            E Lt. Senio              AG Spitz

            AEG Klatz                AAG Evanoff

 

            Some of the boys responded to church call and rode the dusty way to Manduria for services.

 

8 May 1944

            Briefing was scheduled for 0630. The crews looked at the solid grey of the clouded sky with a dubious eye. Their doubts about a mission today were not unfounded and before briefing got underway the whole thing was called off. Oddly enough the clouds broke up shortly after the announcement that the mission was cancelled and the sun shone all day.

            A few groans were heard from the boys when they learned that their day off was to be partially occupied with Russian aircraft identification and an "Escape" lecture.

 

9 May 1944

            Briefing was set for 1100 and there was much speculation as to what the target might be. Well, the boys didn't find out a thong today as the mission was called off several hours before briefing time. Ole man weather opened up his umbrella of clouds and the sun didn't show its face all day.

            The line of Italian workers who eat at our mess hall is getting so ling that one of our cooks remarked at breakfast this morning, "We ought to move the mess onto the Piazza in Manduria and feed the entire populace."

            The USO show was thoroughly enjoyed; the magician had one GI plenty worried about his necktie which he had cut into tiny pieces. Needless to say, it came out of the bag whole again.

 

10 May 1944

            Crews were briefed to blast Wiener-Neustadt off the map. Captain Beth took off to lead the group wit Wells, Zink, Wilder, J. Thomas, Morris, Conklin, John Thomas, Baker and Griffin filling in. The weather here was beautiful, but the boys ran into messy weather near the Island of Vis and had to turn around. Bomb were dropped into the sea and there should be a multitude of fishes that are no more.

 

11 May 1944

            No mission scheduled today so the boys took advantage of a day off by getting a little extra "sack time". During the afternoon, the warm sunny weather induced many to make use of the available athletic equipment and probably wished that they were tossing the horsehide around an American ball diamond.

            Briefing for tomorrow's all-out-bombing of the enemy's shipping and rail communications was held at 2000 hours. News of the briefing time started a flow of rumors like we've never heard before. In fact the latest had the invasion army half-way through France.

 

12 May 1944

            Courtright, Morris, Wilder, Barbati, Henderson, Smick, Griffin, Jeff Thomas, J. Thomas, and Beth, took off to plaster harbor installations at San Stephano. Early morning weather was clear and cool The boys reported good coverage of the target and photos confirmed their observations. The second mission of the big aerial offensive scheduled this afternoon got no farther than a few ships off the ground when weather stuck its nose into our business again and the mission was scratched. Rumors about he invasion are still buzzing.

 

13 May 1944

            It was a cool clear morning and the boys appreciated the briefing time which was 0815. Kellman lead the second attack unit with his buddies Conklin, Jeff Thomas, Loomis, Wilder, Smick, Henderson, Griffin, Morris, Baker and Miller taking off at 1010 to join him, The target, Piacenza M/Y was listed as being strongly defended by flak and possible strong fighter formations. Well, the boys got the surprise of their lives when they smashed the target without the sign of an enemy fighter or the predicated black flower garden at 20,000 feet. Though it was a long trip, none of the boys showed the slightest sign of weariness behind their smiles.

 

14 May 1944

            It was Mother's Day today but the boys didn't drop roses to the enemy at Vicenza, Italy. Briefing was at 0630. The weather was clear and warm all day. At 0820, with dense clouds of dusty trails following them down the runway, Beth, Conklin, Baker, Miller, Wilder, Tautfest, John Thomas, Smick, Barbati and Hefner took off. Early reports seem to indicate that the repair sheds and wagons at Vicenza escaped without too much damage as most of the bombs fell over and beyond the target area. As the formation returned to the base, flares came from some of the ships indicating that someone had completed their fifty missions, T/Sgt LeRoy F. Adams and T/Sgt John B. Tierney. Congratulations to them!

 

15 May 1944

            No mission today. The weather here was clear and hot. From the quiet around the squadron, one would gather that the boys were getting a little sack time or were down to the beach for a swim. The housing program in the area is making steady progress and from the looks of things the fellows are going to be reluctant to leave the comforts of their improvised homes when the war is over.

 

16 May 1944

            It's been a warm sunny day. With no mission being scheduled the boys welcomed the announcement, "A truck will leave the squadron area for the beach this afternoon." From early reports the water was a little on the cool side but it was alright after a fellow got slightly numb. While the boys were having fun a new crew from England joined the squadron. Their names are:

 

1st Lt. Thomas C. Sullivan     P               T/Sgt Myron D. Parsons

1st Lt. Arthur R. Love Jr.     CP                  T/Sgt Paul J. Marlino

2nd Lt. Robert J. Schmidt     N              S/Sgt Willard S. Bales

2nd Lt. Melvin F, States     B             S/Sgt Arthur L. Longfellow

T/Sgt John J. Kramer                                   S/Sgt Jimmy T. R. Bertson

 

17 May 1944

            It was another warm clear day. After a two-day "stand down" a mission was scheduled. Briefing was at nine o'clock, (much to the liking of the flyers). And Wells, Henderson, Smick, Kellman, Morris, Baker, Wilder, Jeff Thomas, Griffin, and Hefner took off at 1030 hours to bomb San Stephano, Italy. The target was well hit as per crew reports. Coffee and doughnuts were on hand for all crew members on their return.

 

18 May 1944

            Briefing was at 0600 hours and Courtright Henderson, Griffin, Barbati, Lombardi, Jeff Thomas, Hefner, Miller, Zink, and Conklin took off to bomb Ploesti. The weather over this field was beautiful, but the boys ran in to a mess of clouds near Begrade, Yugoslavia and had to turn back. The free hours of the afternoon were utilized by the fellows and the truck for the beach was packed. Many of the fellows are returning with their packets filled with seashells.

 

19 May 1944

            The boys were sleepy-eyed when they reported for the 0430 Briefing. The early hour seemed to indicate a long trip, but to the surprise of everyone concerned, the mission called for a raid on La Spezia M/Y. The weather here at the field was clear but enroute the fellows ran into rain, lightning and clouds. At the target there was a break in the clouds so the boys utilized this break to lay their eggs squarely on the M/Y. The predicted flak failed to materialize much to the happiness of everyone.

 

20 May 1944

            No mission today and the early morning inactivity was indicative of the men partaking their favorite pastime "Bunk Fatigue". Well, they can't be blamed as yesterday's rising was certainly at an ungodly hour. This would have been a swell day for the beach; if it hadn't rained, if the boys had had the ambition, and if it hadn't been so nice to stay in bed.

 

21 May 1944

            No mission today. Curhch services were well attended on the base as well as in Manduria. The warm clear weather brought most of the fellows down to the beach. Since there are now water wings available, a mattress cover wetted and filled with air makes a pair of water wings deluxe.

            At four o'clock this afternoon the group was assembled for awards and decorations. S/Sgt Leon E. Layton received the Silver Star, Purple Heart and the Air Medal, while 1st LT. Thomas B. Miller and 2nd Lt. Ronald J. Kaulfuss each were awarded the D.F.C.

            We are now at the stage where quite a few of the fellows are completing their 50 missions so we received 10 Enlisted Men today to fill in the vacant places. Their names are as follows:

 

            Sgt. Clair V Troup

            Sgt. Geo. W. Chapman

            Sgt. Caniel Valencia

            Sgt. Jack S. Georgas                     Sgt. Francesco R. Maloney

            Sgt. Jim T. Vandergiff                  Sgt Earnest L. Thompson

            Sgt. Joe Penyak                            Sgt George A. Farr

            Sgt. John O. Tate

 

            The fights staged in the gourp area were enthusiastically attended. Hit 'em again, Jim!

 

22 May 1944

            Briefing was at 0800 and the target was supposed to have been Latisana R/R in N. Italy. Capt. Beth, Hefner, Morris, Courtright, Sullivan, Zink, Baker, Jeff Thomas, and Wilder took part in today's raid which finally wounded up at Giulianova Montesilvano. From the expression on everyone's face, it wasn't a mission that came up to the standards set by the last few missions.

            Betty Grable in "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" made everyone's heart beat a little faster. Well, she is "purty".

 

23 May 1944

            Briefing was at 0600 and the target enemy troops concentratied at Grottoerrata. Smick returned early but Conklin, Tautfest, Lombadi, Miller, Jeff Thomas, Barbati, Henderson, John Thomas and Sullivan went on to tdrop their bombs. Clouds made it difficult to get an estimate of dameage done, but it is very likely that somebody down below got a sudden jolt.

            Most of the morning was sunny and warm, but clouds rolled in and it rained for about two hours.

            We received two new men today, Lts. James Dennel and Sgt. John T. Divenly. In the meantime, S/Sgts, John P., Luna, and Wilbur D. Mangrum completed their fiftieth mission.

            The movie, "Meet John Doe", was well attended although it was cold. The Walt Disney cartoon "Pluto" in "Army Mascot" brought many a laugh – so let's have many more of them.

 

24 May 1944

            This was a rather disastrous day for us. We lost three ships and crews to fighters shortly before I.P. of our target, Wiener-Neustadt. Those missing in action, and those wounded are listed below.

 

            MIA            P Thomas P. Griffin              Francis J. Lyon

                        CP Herbert E. Morrison            Edgar F. Howard

                        N John D. Lawson                  Ralph C. Scudder

                        B John G. Scocos                  Harry Stewart

                            Alexander Donner            Carmel R. Clune

 

                        P John F. Wells                      ROG William Balentine

                        CP John H. Lane             ARG Nick Lepovich

                        N Dave Waterman                  AG Harry D. Cobbledick

                        B Ronald Kaulfuss                     AG John M. Florip

                        E Silvino P. Farina             AG Frank A. Frantz

 

                        P Berto Baker               ROG James W. Rodgers

                        CP Guy V. Munsey                       AAAG Orbal J. Smith

                        N Park G. Chetwood            AAAG Charles Roberts

                        B James D. Graham            AG John L. Lindsay

                        E Henry A. Mayer             AAG Stanley E. Tysco

 

            KIA            Harold E. Brown

 

            Wounded     Lt. King

                                    Sgt Rapoza

                                    Sgt Russel

 

            The movie "The Uninvited", a creeps producer was shown and everyone enjoyed it, and I'm sure the entertainment helped to erase memories of the days' mission. Then too, bottles of beer graced our mess tables at dinner time tonite. It was REALLY a rare treat. Now that we've tasted the stuff let's have it more often.

 

25 May 1944

            After yesterday's mission the boys "sweated out" todays' raid. Much to the happiness of all concerned it wasn't the "Wiener Schnitzel Works" again. Porto Marghera, Italy, was slated for a pasting and got it – but good. Reports say that smoke from burning oil storage tanks rose to 10,000 feet.

            A lot of the boys are accumulating their 2 ounces of medicinal whiskey (received after each raid), and the old timers have a quart and then some saved for "D" day. What a headache someone's going to have the morning after completing fifty missions. By the way, T/Sgts. Tierney and Adams, and S/Sgts. Keleshian and Duda left today for Naples and home. Tierney who never stood short on anything of course had more supplies in his footlocker than the PX did. As he packed he decided the time had come to dispose of his accumulations. Cigarettes, matches, soap, candy, razor blades and shoe laces went flying in all directions. (I guess Tierney had no kitchen sink in his locker) and his buddies had a swell time and a few laughs scrambling for everything that came their way.

            Hey! What is this? Ice cream on Tuesday, beer on Wednesday and today coca cola; but are we complaining? You're doggone right, we didn't get an egg in our beer!

            The stage show following the barbecue for forty-missioners started out very well, but fizzled out toward the end. The conclusion was definitely "Nieto Buono".

           Lt. J. P. Orely was all smiles today - - reason: 50 missions for him.

 

26 May 1944

            We had another 0430 briefing this morning for the long hike up to this city of Nice, France. Inaccurate flak was all the enemy could toss up in return for the damage our bombs inflicted on their M/Y.

            The movie at our open air amphitheatre was well attended. "Mr. Big" with Donald O'Connor and Gloria Jean was the big attraction. Unfortunately tho, the excellent singing and musical tunes were spoiled by malfunction in the P. A. system. To be frank about it, the whole thing sounded like a very slowly turning record on a phonograph. The Special Service officer apologized for the difficulty and said, "Bear with us and we'll have the equipment fixed by Monday nite". Of course, from somewhere in the darkness a voice squeaked out, "I can't stay here that long."

            A new crew was added to our squadron roster. Their names are:

 

2nd Lt. J. A. Althouse         S/Sgt. D. W. Clatterbuck

2nd Lt. J. W. Alley                Sgt. R. R. Sinclair

2nd Lt. L. H. Blankenship   Sgt. E. L. Sanderson

2nd Lt. K. D. Barney            Sgt. C. D. Witherow

S/Sgt. F. W. Cline               Sgt. Wm. F. Smiley

 

27 May 1944

            Today's mission took the fellows up to Marseilles, France. The reported flak wasn't as good as it was supposed to have been – much to the liking of everyone concerned. G.A.Franz, J. T. Robertson, V. D. Halsey, W. L. Buksa, E. J. Macafee, and L. L. McClain were especially happy to see the black puffs far away, because today marked up number 50 and their last mission. By the way, Lt. Hefner and crew landed in Corsica again. I guess the chicken dinner they had there the last time they were there was quite an invitation to set down again.

            The boys are kidding Lt. Frye because he had discovered that Italian cognac is more potent than his Georgia's sour mash whiskey – do they call it "white lightning". Is it peddled in fruit jars, Frye?

 

28 May 1944

            A day of rest – just as the day was intended. The weather was warm, so the beach truck left the squadron area early this afternoon. From the looks of the beach and the crowd one would think it was Coney Island – but the New Yorkers don't believe it. By the way, mattress covers filled with air are becoming more and more apparent and they're about as easy to ride  on the surf as a bucking bronco.

            The boxing matches provided some very good entertainment, and several hard punches packed enough wallop to make them felt in the fifteenth row.

            Along about 1100 o'clock the air raid siren started to wail and there was a mad scramble for the shelters. One lad must have dived thru his mosquito netting, forgot to put on trousers over his long handles, (but he had his shoes – in his hand.) Setting a record-breaking pace he hung himself up on a tent rope and found himself sitting down, but what's a little set back. He came up with a bound and started tracking across the stone bestrewn area. His language was indicative of the fact that a toe or two was stubbed.

 

29 May 1944

            Wiener-Neustadt, (Wallersdorf A/D), was plastered today and the boys were proud of a job well-done. There were no losses in the group so there was nothing to mar the success of the mission. Lt. Conklin was so happy to get back, was his fiftieth, that he gave the field a good buzz job. Others who finished were:

            S/Sgt Berth Ashton              Lt. Ew. F. Pickard

            T/Sgt Ralph L. Wiley  

            S/Sgt John Lombardo

            S/Sgt Henry A. Stenvik

           

            Everybody in the squadron beat a path to the latrine. The ole "G.I.s" were the cause and not the raid on Wiener-Neustadt. Lt. Ralph Bentz marked his laundry – but good.

            The movie "Lost Angel" was shown, but it was interrupted somewhere in the middle of it by the announcement, "There are hostile aircraft in the vicinity so proceed to the air raid shelter." Did he say proceed? Run would have been a much better word, because track records for all distances were shattered. However, there was no further excitement and on the "All-clear" the boys came from shelters, fox holes and fields to see the remainder of the movie.

 

30 May 1944

            Briefing was a 0500 hours and the target was a factory at EB Reichsdorf, Austria. The bombing run saw flak from Vienna and Wiener-Neustadt with a few little towns in between tossing up their two "marks" worth. From all reports the mission was "SNAFU" because there were too many groups trying to get over the little target at the same time. Wasn't there anyone who bowed politely and said, "After you?" Regardless of the results of the mission, Lts. Dickerman, Zink, Bailen, and Buksa, and Sgts. Hutchinson and Goodyke, were happy. Who wouldn't be, after completing their fiftieth mission. As is usually the case boys who have completed their missions are quite verbose, and the public relations officer was having his hands full trying tot take down all the stories.

            Over the muddled sound of a dozen fellows talking at once came the remark, "Lt. Bailen, don't forget to tell about your hidden in an ammunition can while the flak was "a poppin' over Wiener-Neustadt." Lt. Bailen is a minute individual and is the subject of ribbing on many an occasion.

            Now then, some fellows who complete fifty missions are given a bottle of beer, others are received with open arms and handshakes, but Lt. Conklin, who, in his happiness, gave the field a buzz job that made all other buzzings look like high altitude flying was welcomed all right – but with the news that he was under arrest. "That's life, I guess," says Conklin, "but doggone, can't a fellow have a little fun over here just once."

            We had our third successive air raid alert this week. Everybody scattered from the movie, (it wasn't good anyway), and made for air raid shelters, fox holes, and some took to the fields. After it was all over with, flashlights gave away the various places of refuge. Judging from the distance of some lights, the bearer must have done nothing but run during the entire alert.

            We lost a crew today and I'm sure all the boys will be missed by their friends in the squadron. The lost are: Lts. Morris, Cubbins, Donnel, and Green, and Sgts. Lynch, Riley, Dittman, Matthews, Ukish and Vandergriff.

 

31 May 1944

            Briefing at 0430 and the boys were again on their way to the important oil refinery target of Ploesti, Roumania. The weather was excellent for a change, but the Hun hid Ploesti under a very effective smoke screen so bombing results were impossible to ascertain. Fighters and flak cost the squadron on ship and the following named personnel:

 

            Lt. Lomardi                                  Sgt. Cline

            Lt. Althouse                                 Sgt. Sanderson

            Lt. Barney                                    Sgt. Sinclair

            Lt. Blankenship               Sgt. Diviney

            Sgt. Clatterbuck                Sgt. Witherow

 

            1st Lt. Henderson and Sgts. Bratton and Larbig flew the mission they have so long sweated out. Today made number fifty and along with this being payday who wouldn't be all smiles.

            Monday nite was supposed to have brought a few German parachutists in our area so everyone on guard is armed and dressed like a commando. Lt. Quinn and Lt. Antonie roamed the country-side in search of the reported Nazies. Lt. Antonie was loaded down with pistol, Tommy-gun, flashlight, ammunition (enough to slay an army), and steel helmet, and after he retuned everyone ribbed him about being a "Junior Ranger" who couldn't scale a two foot wall.

            We had no alert tonite, but everyone was prepared and had one foot in the aisle as they watched the movie, "Ladies Courageous", which from numerous reports was Niento Buono.

 




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