Briefing Notes

449^th B.G.

(450^th Included)

Date:                             April 25, 1945

Target:                          Linz, Austria

Mission Number:        253

Note:                             S-2 narratives for 450^th B.G. lists this mission

Reel Number:              0593

Frame:                          0349

1.      Formation Position (See Reverse)

2.      Briefing      0515

          Stations     0615

          Start Eng   0710

          Taxi Out    0720 and take of to the ________________.

          RENDEZVOUS over Manduria on course to San Vito at 4,000 ft at 0816 Baker behind the 450^th.

          FIGHTER provide Penetration - Target - Withdrawal cover:

4.      Target Time:  1218 to 1223 Baker - Axis of Attack 133º True.

          Bombing Alt:  A-1 25000'  A-2  25500'  B-1  24500'  B-2  24000'

5.      Rally - Left

6.      Alternate Landing Fields - 1.   Zara (4405 1515)

                                                          2.   Foggia (4126-1532)

7.      Altimeter setting on return ______________________________.

8.      Communications.

9.      NOTES:

1.      Window, load 4 carriers per ship in A-1 & A-2 and dispense at rate of 3 units every 20 seconds from 3 minutes before IP until clear of flak.

2.      Use carpet from 5 minutes before IP until 15 min. after tgt.

3.      Base altitude for radio reference is 16,000 ft.

4.      Use Vilshofen 4839N 1311E as control point for assuming spacing and bombing formation.

5.      Air Force Formation loose column of wings in order 304, combined 49^th and 47^th, 55 and 5^th.

6.      Wing Formation loose col of Groups with 449 echeloned left 47^th Wing will follow 49^th in close order.

7.      No bombing of unassigned targets in Italy or Yugoslavia.

8.      Bomb by boxes.  Visual Bombing only.

ADO-717^th Sq Maj Parker in 42 taxiing out at 0700 Baker

TCO-719^th Sq Lt Col Allen

SPARES 4-53-75-34

     PFF 20-50                                                                      *   Camera Ships

                                                                                          ** Oblique

                                                                                         *** 24" camera

Mission Weather Data

1.      WINDS AND TEMPERATURES:

2.      FREEZING LEVEL:         7000 ft.

3.      GENERAL WEATHER:  SOUTH ITALY  Scattered middle clouds at 9000 ft with tops at 12000 ft.  Patches of ground fog inland with scattered low clouds along the east coast from 3000 to 6000 ft.

                                                ROUTE OUT  Nearly clear over Adriatic.  From Vis Isle northward, increasing ??? of middle clouds from 16000 to 18000 ft, becoming broken in the Fiume area and continuing northward over the Alps. Broken low clouds also on the northern slopes of the Alps.

                                                TARGETS  Over primary and first three alternates, 5/10 low clouds, 3/10 middle to 16000 ft, and scattered high clouds at 25000 ft.  Over alternate #7 on southern slopes of the Alps, only 4/10 middle clouds.

                                                RETURN  Generally clear over the Adriatic.  Broken low clouds from 3000 to 10000 ft on the Italian east coastline, thinning to scattered at 4000 ft inland and over this Base.

4.      ALTIMETER SETTINGS:  Take-off     29.96 inches.

                                                Return       29.95

5.      NOSE NAVIGATORS will take hourly weather observations.

MISSION WEATHER DATA

FOR NAVIGATORS

1.      WINDS AND TEMPERATURES:

2.      ALTIMETER SETTINGS:       (inches)

                   Take-off     __________

                   Return       __________

3.      ICING LEVEL _____________

4.      GENERAL PRELIMINARY CLOUD FORECAST

          A.      Base at take-off

          B.      Route

          C.      Target

          C.      South Italy on return

5.      SUGGESTIONS FOR FLIGHT FROM WEATHER STATEMENT

6.      WEATHER SHIPS

************** FIGHTER INFORMATION **************

36 P-51's of the 325th Fighter Group will take off at 1000 Baker to intercept 47^th and 49^th Wings at 4718N 1251E at 1120 Baker and provide escort on Penetration, Target and Withdrawal.

Alt Tgt #6 for 25 Apr 45:

Wing has changed MPI's from those originally selected.

Intell lennex? will show the correct ones as revised.

Use these instead of those shown in Field Order, which was not changed.

This applies to ALT #6 ONLY

Phone call from Sgt. ?????? (Ops) received at 2025 hrs.

MISSION STATEMENT:

            All Wings of the AF will attack communications targets at Linz.

            Since the capture of Vienna, Linz is considered to be the major Austrian rail target, containing the largest known stock concentrated behind the southeast front.

            Linz is also considered the most vital communications center for the enemy is preparing defenses of the National Redoubt and the handling of forces destined for that area.

            Photo recon of 20 April showed 675 units in the north half of the main yard and 556 in the station yard.

A.F. FORMATION:

            Loose column of Wings 304, Combined 49 & 47, then 55 and 5^th.

WING FORMATION:  450 - 449

            Your target time is 1218 to 1223 hours.

ESCORT:

            Close escort on PTW.

            36 P-51's will take off at 1000 hours to rendy with 47^th Wing at 1120 hours at 4718 - 1251.

DETAILS OF I.P. TO TARGET:

            I.P. Wegscheib 4836 - 1347

            Axis of attack - 133 Dgs. True.

1.                  I.P. located at end of RR - which runs right (West) to Danube River.

2.                  Cross small river right after I.P.

3.                  Cross second river 9 miles from I.P.

4.                  Cross RR 13 miles from I.P.

5.                  RR comes in from left of course, then parallels course to your right all way to target.

6.                  Danube to right of course all way to target.

7.                  Danube bends around to north at Linz - Makes a U bend.  RR also forms an inverted U inside the bend of the river.

DETAILS OF THE TARGET:

1.                  Danube river makes a U bend to north and east.

2.                  RR lines bend inside the river bend.

3.                  River on approach on course to target.

4.                  Main Station M/Y is the M/Y on West.

5.                  Your target is the 1^st M/Y.

6.                  Two bridges over Danube on N.W. side.

7.                  Large squarish group of white buildings to right.

8.                  Rectangular wooded area to right of target.

9.                  Square pattern of streets beyond M/Y.

10.              Main M/Y - Danube and harbor beyond target.

11.              P.W. Camp South of Target - Traun River.

            I.P. Wegscheib 4836 - 1347

            Axis of attack - 133 Dgs True.

            Target time - 1218 to 1223 Baker.

            Bombing altitude - 25,500 ft.

            Rally - Left.

            Base altitude for radio reference - 16,000 ft.

1^ST ALTERNATE TARGETS:

            (1)        Wels Station M/Y

(4)               Passau East M/Y

LAST RESORT TARGETS:

(6)        Frielassing M/T Depot

(7)               Cortine D'Ampezzo/ Explosive stores.

OTHER GROUPS:

ENEMY DEFENSES:

            AA.      (Linz 164 - Enns & Steyr - 77)

LINZ:               You can expect intense accurate flak at this target.

                        The defenses will be entered about 12 miles from the target, with density of defenses building up as the target is approached.

                        Rally heading should be less than 85 dgs. to keep the formation clear of flak at Enns.

WELS:

            Latest report only light AA.

            20 & 25 March - No flak.

            Rally - left to keep out of Linz flak.

PASSAU:

            Photo cover of 21 March shows no guns.

            19 March - No flak encountered by 8 B-17's.

FRIELASSING:

            No information.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO:

            No reports and no experience.

AIR:

1.                  No opposition is expected south of the Alps, with possible exception of small shadowing formation.

2.                  General Salzburg area there is the possibility of interception by 20/30 SE/F.

3.                  From Lake Cheim, past the Munich area and on through the target area the capabilities are 100 to 120 SE/F and 50 to 60 ME-262's.

4.                  If the enemy elects to oppose our formations the scale of effort would probably be 60 to 80 SE/F and 30/35 ME-262's.

5.                  After target - small formations may attempt to attack stragglers.

ESCAPE:

1.                  Basic principles.

2.                  Dog Tags, G.I. shoes, and .45 pistols.

3.                  Get out of target area before asking help.

4.                  Poor people - when alone.

                        SAFE AREAS:

                        Linz go southeast - Area N.W. of Bruck.

                        Passau - Same

                        Wels - Same

                        Cortina - Areas East of Trento.

                        If in Italy - Don't try to cross battle lines.

                        Russia - Stag - Stop - Amerikanski.

                                                Dog Tags.

P.O.W. CAMPS:

            Camp at Linz.

            Note coordinates of P/W camps posted.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1.                  Visual bombing only.

2.                  Positive target identification.

3.                  Note the area of limited activity.

4.                  This is a planned visual mission.

5.                  Don't talk about mission.

6.                  Swiss M/T and trains - Red Cross - Avoid.

ALTERNATE TARGETS:

            WELS STATION M/Y:

                        I.P Klaus 4750 - 1410.

                        MPI 5.5 - 7.8

                        Approach from the Southeast.

                        M/Y lies North side of city.

                        Street overpass to right of A/D.

                        Roads come down from North to M/Y.

                        1 mile from Traun river to M/Y.

                        Rally left.

            PASSAU EAST M/Y:

                        I.P. Peuerbach 4822 - 1346

                        MPI K.7 - 8.9

                        Approach from the southeast.

                        M/Y lies along south bank of Danube.

                        Enns river joins.

                        Towns between two rivers.

                        Center of M/Y nearest river junction.

            LAST RESORT TARGETS:

                        FRIELASSING M/T DEPOT:

                        I.P. Altenmarkt 4800 - 1232.

                        MPI 8.0 - 7.8

                        Approach from the northwest.

                        Junction of 2 rivers just east of target.

                        Salzburg beyond target.

                        AP - NE building - workshops.

            CORTINA D'AMPEZZO:  EXP STORES:

                        I.P. Forni 4626 - 1235

                        Approach from East.

                        5 miles N.E. of Cortina.

                        River flows north.

                        Road turns to east.

                        Wooded area north of road.

Plan "A"

          I.            PLAN. This plan directs all wings against the LINZ Communications Center.  Normal effort will be employed.

                                                With the Russian capture of VIENNA, LINZ is considered to be the major Austrian traffic center containing the largest known stock concentrated behind the southeastern front.  Most of the north-south railroads between Czechoslovakia and Austria funnel through VIENNA, thus at the present time, the LINZ-BUDFJOVICE-PRAGUE line constitutes the closest effective line of lateral communications behind the eastern front.

                                                It is considered that LINZ constitutes the most vital communications center for the enemy in preparing defenses of National Redoubt and the handling of forces destined for that area.  The armament products of the LINZ Hermann Goering Works add to the importance of this target.

                                                Latest photo cover on 20 April shows 675 active units in the north half of the main yard, 850 in the south half and 556 in the station yard and wagon works area.

                                                The Air Force formation:  loose column of wings - 304^th, combined 49^th and 47^th, 55^th and 5^th Wings.

         II.            TARGETS and MISSIONS.

A.                47^TH WING.

1.                  Primaries:

a.           The 450^th Group will attack LINZ Main M/Y (North) at 1218-1223 hrs.

b.           The 449^th Group will attack LINZ Main Stations Sidings at 1218 to 1223 hours.

2.                  First Alternates:

(1)      WELS Station M/Y.  IP: KLAUS (4750N-1410E).   ref: MBC 14-99.

        MPI:  6.4-8.3 for 450^th; 5.5-7.8 for 449^th.

(4)      PASSAU East M/Y.  IP: PEUERBACH (4822N-1346E).  ref: TCS 13-129.   MPI: K.7-8.9 for both groups.

3.                  Second Alternates:

                                                    (6)   FRIELASSING M/T  Depot.  IP:  ALTENMARKT (4800N-1232E).  ref: MBC 14-10.

                                                            MPI: 8.5-6.8 for 450^th; 8.0-7.8 for 449^th.

                                                    (7)   CORTINA D'AMPEZZO/CIMADANCHE Expl.Stores.

                                                            IP:  FORNI (46 26 N - 12 35 E).

                                                            MPI: See annotated photo TR/109 sent with Intelligence Annex for 14 April 1945.

B.                  5^TH WING.

1.                  Primary:

a.           Six groups will attack LINZ Main M/Y and Main Station Sidings at 1330 to 1345 hours.

2.                  Alternates:  #1, 2, 3 and 7.

C.                49^TH WING.

                                    1.         Primary:

a.           Three groups will attack LINZ Main M/Y and Main Station Sidings at 1210 to 1218 hours.

                                    2.         Alternates:  2, 3, 4 and 7.

D.                55^TH WING.

                                    1.         Primary:

a.           Four groups will attack LINZ Main M/Y and Main Station Sidings at 1250 to 1300 hours.

                                    2.         Alternates:  4, 5, 6 and 7.

E.                  304^TH WING.

                                    1.         Primary:

a.           Four groups will attack LINZ Main M/Y and Main Station Sidings at 1130 to 1140 hours.

2.                  Alternates:  4, 5, 6  and 7.

F.                  ALTERNATES:

1.                  WELS Station M/Y.

2.                  FRIELASSING M/Y.

3.                  SIMBACH M/Y.

4.                  PASSAU East M/Y.

5.                  BRUNICO East RR Bridge.

6.                  FRIELASSING M/T Depot.

7.                  CORTINA D'AMPEZZO/CIMABANCHE Expl. Stores.

G.               15^TH FIGHTER COMMAND.

1.                  Provide close escort for all wings on PTW.  Normal effort.

2.                  Conduct armed recce in areas to be assigned later.

3.                  Fulfill necessary MATAF requirements.

       III.            TARGET INFORMATION.

                        A.        LINZ M/Ys.

                                    1.         See 49^th Wing Target Information Handbook.

2.                  This target was last attacked by the 15^th Air Force on 31 March.  Photos on 20 April show the yards active and loaded with 675 active units in the north half of the main yard, 850 in the south half and 556 in the station yard and wagon works area.

                        B.         WELS M/Ys (48 11N - 14 03 F, elev. 1,020 feet).

                                    1.         WELS lies about 16 miles SW of LINZ and is on the main route from Southern and Western Germany to VIENNA, Hungary and the Balkans.

                                    2.         The station and sidings, the loco depot and the large sorting sidings and M/Y stem out from the northeastern edge of the city in a NE direction for a distance of between 2 and 3 miles.  This communications center lies approx.  8 mile north of the TRAUN River.

                                    3.         The Main M/Y and sorting sidings are located farthest east and cover an area approx. 4,000 feet by 600 feet.

                                    4.         The Main Loco Depot lies just to the SW of the Main M/Y and occupies an area approx. 2,200 feet by 1,000'.

                                    5.         Photo cover on 20 April showed 300 mixed wagons on the Station Sidings.

                                    6.         Refer to TCS and BCS 14-121; BC and TP 14-6; MRC 14-99; TPO 14-6; TC 14-23-NA; Ills. 6(d)(vi)126/2, /3 and /4.

                        C.        PASSAU East M/Y (48 35 N - 13 27 E, elev. 987 feet).

                                    1.         The town of PASSAU is situated on the sharp point of land formed by the junction of the DANUBE and the INN Rivers, and is almost wholly built on this narrow spit of land which identifies the confluence.

                                    2.         The yards are about 2 miles long, running almost exactly B-W along the south bank of the DANUBE, the more northerly of the two rivers.  At the extreme west end of the installations is the RR Bridge across the DANUBE and, at the east end, one across the INN.  There are two M/Y's, one freight yard, two stores depots, one loco depot and a station included in the rail facilities.  A harbor is situated at about the center of the length of the yards, on the DANUBE side.

                                    3.         This target was attacked by the 8^th Air Force on 18 and 19 April with good concentrations on the East M/Y.  Substantial damage was done but repairs to trackage has probably been effected by now.  The yards were heavily loaded at the time of the attack.

                                    4.         Refer to TCS and BCS 13-129; MP and MBC 13-129; and Ill. 6 (b)10a/5.

       IV.            DEFENSES.

                        A.        GROUND.

                                    1.         LINZ.

                                                a.        Photo cover to 17 April shows 164 heavy guns at LINZ with 77 at ENNS and STEYR to the south and east (see flak map #44 and reports 54, 55, 56, 57, 61 and 62).

                                                b.        On 31 March the 47^th Wing reported flak at this target as intense and accurate.

                                                c.         The defenses will be entered about 12 miles from the target.  At 5 miles from the yards, the formations will be within range of approx. 90 heavy guns.  This number builds up to about 150 as the target is approached.  The rally heading should be less than 85º to keep the bombers clear of the guns around ENNS.

                                    2.         WELS.

                                                a.        See flak map mentioned above which shows only light guns at WELS.

                                                b.        On last attacks made 20 and 5 March, nil flak was reported.

                                                c.         Rally left to keep clear of LINZ flak.

                                    3.         PASSAU.

                                                a.        Photo cover to 21 March shows no heavy guns at PASSAU.  On 19 March attack by 8 B-17's nil flak was reported.

                        B.         AIR.

                                    1.         Nil enemy air opposition is expected south of the Alps with the possible exception of small shadowing formations.  In the general SALZBURG area there is a possibility of interception by 20 to 30 SEF but enemy reaction south of SALZBURG is doubtful.  Along the penetration route from Lake CHIEM, past the MUNICH area and on through the target area the enemy can put up to 100 to 120 SEF and 50 to 60 Me262's.  If the enemy elects to react, the scale of effort would probably be restricted to 60 to 80 SEF and 30 to 35 Me262's.  After leaving the target area, small enemy formations may elect to attack stragglers.

        V.            ESCAPE.

                        A.        See Special and Weekly Escape Bulletins.

                        B.         POW Camp -- Attention is called to Camp #173.

       VI.            SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

                        A.        Italian bombline as of 1450 hours, 24 April: M-8499, 6399, thence north bank of PO River to 1092, G-1004, thence TARTARO River (also known as Canale BIANCO) to F-9610, 9202, 8024, 5024, 3010, 0510, 0508, thence TARO River to 90 northing, thence east along 90 northing to L-2090, 2046, 0046, P-8025, 4125.

                        B.         Russian front line changes as of 22 April: 5250-1407, SW to MELCHOW to BIESENTHAL, to FURSTENWALDE, east to BRIESEN, to line at FRANKFURT 5207-1442, SW to LUBBEN, to DAHME, south to SCHLIEBEN, SE to FINSTERWALDE, to RUHLAND, west to ESLTERWERDA, SE to SCHWEPNITZ, to  KAMENZ, south to BISCHOFSWERDA, NE to line at 5113-1420.  4843-1650, NW to 4846-1635, SW to 4837-1621, south to line at WETZLEINSDORF.

                                    Russian front line changes as of 23 April: old line to 4910-1633, to 4912-1623, to 4911-1621, to 4907-1622, thence JILDAVA River to 4853-1643, 4849--1638, to 4848-1627, to 4843-1624, to 4836-1615, to 4848-1619, to DANUBE River at 4821-1619.

                                                                                                                                                HOMAS, A-2

INCLOSURES:

    1  ea Route Flak Negative.

    2  ea Photo 4144 (37PRS308) 1 annotated.

  10  ea MBC 14-10 (FREILASSING Ordnance Depot).

  18  ea MP 13-160 (FREILASSING).

CORRECTION:  Russian front line, 22 April: insert after BITSENTHAL: south to BERNAU SW to BUCH, to 5240-1323, SW to 5230-1338, to WERLSFF, to FURSTENWALDE, then as above.

ADDENDUM:  Following 47^th Wing Message FSWF 193 is quoted:

            Subject is mutual identification during link up stage between Allied and Soviet forces.  During period of link up in German forces under SHAEF, and Soviet High Command will use following agreed recognition system.  This system applies to all Allied forces liable to make contact in Germany Soviet forces.  Overall recognition signals:  1.  Tanks, infantry and, where practical, aircraft: Allied elements will identify themselves by a series of more than two green start rockets or green very lights.  Soviet forces will use series of red rockets.  2.  Armored vehicles markings: AFF armored vehicles carry large white five pointed star surrounded by four inch wide white circle on horizontal surfaces, markings will be as large as surface permits.  Other vehicles except Royal Air Force carry marking as above and in addition a white star on either side of vehicle.  RAF vehicles carry RAF roundels on front and rear, and on a horizontal surface.  Yellow or cerise panels fluorescent panels may be seen from air depending on local orders of day.  Soviet armored vehicles will carry white band painted completely around turret in center thereof and white cross on top of turret.  3.  Aircraft will carry nationally prescribed markings.

SECRET PD FIELD ORDER 112 ABLE FOR 25 APRIL 1945 PD MAPS(S) NORMAL

1.         SEE INTELLIGENCE ANNEX PD

2.         TARGET:    450 LINZ MAIN MAPS? YARD NORTH PD MPI H.8-10.0 ON TCS 14-104 PD

                                449 LINZ MAIN STATION SIDINGS PD MPI E.2-10.8 ON TCS 14-104 PD

            SECONDARY     (1)     WEIS STATION LYARD ON MBC 14-99 PD I.P. KLAUS 4750 N 1410 E

                                                    MPI's          450 - 6.4 - 8.3

                                                                        449 - 5.5 - 7.8

                                          (4)     PASSAU EAST M/Y ON TCS 13-129 PD  I.P. PEUERBACH 4822 N, 1346E

                                                    MPI - BOTH GROUPS K.7 - 8.9

                                          (6)     FRIELASSING MT DEPOT ON MBC 14-10 PD  I.P. ALTENMARKT 4800 N, 1232 E

                                                    MPI's BOTH GROUPS 8.5 - 3.7

                                          (7)     CORTINA D'AMPEZZO/CIMABANCHE EXPLOSIVE STORES PHOTO TR/109 PD

                                                    I.P. FORNI 4626 N, 1235 E. MPI SEE ANNOTEATED PHOTO TR/109 SENT WITH INTELLIGENCE ANNEX FOR 14 APRIL 1945 PD

      RENDEZVOUS                    450 and 449 RENDY MANDURIA ON COURSE TO SAN VITO PD

                                          450 DEPART AT 3,000 FEET AT 0815 BAKER

                                          449 DEPART AT 4,000 FEET AT 0816 BAKER

      WING LEAD GROUP 450^TH

      ROUTE OUT              (A)    SAN VITO TO

                                          (B)     KEYPOINT LEDENICE 4509 N, 1451 E TO

                                          (C)    TURNPOINT TARVISIO 4631 N, 1335 E TO

                                          (D)    TURNPOINT ELDING 4803 N, 1210 E TO

                                          (E)     TURNPOINT BORIEN 4817 N, 1209 E TO

                                          (F)     TURNPOINT VILSHOFEN 4839 N, 1311 E TO

                                          (G)    INITIAL POINT

                                          (H)    TARGET PD

                                          KEYPOINT ALTITUDE:  16,000 FEET

                                          KEYPOINT TIME:  1026 TO 1031 BAKER

      INITIAL POINT - WEGSCHEIB 4836 N, 1347 E

      AXIS OF ATTACK   133 DEGREES TRUE

      TARGET TIME     1218 BAKER TI 1223 BAKER

      BOMBING ALTITUDE   450 AT 24,000 FEET - 449 AT 25,500 FEET PD

      RALLY    LEFT

      ROUTE BACK TARGET TO RALLY POINT MONICHDORF 4822 N, 1448 E TO TURNPOINT ST.

                                LORENZEN 4709 N, 1424 E TO TURNPOINT LEDENICE 4509 N, 1451 E TO BASE

3.   a.    450 AND 449 WITH 28 A/C EACH PLUS SPARES LOAD 500's RDX FUSED .1 NOSE AND .025 TAIL AND DESTROY LINZ MAIN MARSH YARD NORTH AND LINZ MAIN STATION SIDINGS PD FOR AIMING POINTS SEE ANNOTATED TARGET MATERIAL PD INTERVALOMETER SETTING 25 FEET PD LOAD 8 BOMBS PER AIRCRAFT PD

      b.    450 WILL FURNISH WEATHER RECCY IN LOCAL AREA AND TO PRECEDE FORMATION ON INITIAL PART OF ROUTE OUT PD THIS A/C WILL TAKE OFF AT 0600 BAKER AND WILL CONTACT CUTLET CONTROL ON CHARLED CHANNEL USING CALLSIGN CLEARVIEW PD

      c.     FIGHTERS TO PROVIDE ESCORT ON PENETRATION CMA TARGET AND WITHDRAWAL PD

      d.    (1) AIRFORCE WEATHER RECCY TO PRECEDE FORMATION ON ROUTE OUT AND ROUTE BACK PD

              (2) AIRFORCE WEATHER RECCY TO PROVIDE ROUTE AND TARGET WEATHER RECON AT FIRST LIGHT PD

      e.     PATHFINDER LEAD AS NAVIGATIONAL AID ONLY PD THIS IS A PLANNED VISUAL MISSION PD AIRFORCE FORMATION LOOSE COLUMN OF WINGS IN ORDER 304 WING CMA COMBINED 49 AND 47 WINGS CMA 55 WING AND 5 WING PD WING FORMATION CLOSE COLUMN OF GROUPS WITH 449 ECHELONED LEFT OF 450 PD USE VILSHOFEN 4839 N, 1311 E AS SPACING POINT PD WING BREAK UP POINT LEDENICE 4509 N, 1451 E PD 47 WING WILL FOLLOW 49 WING IN CLOSE ORDER IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ESCORT PROBLEM PD 49 WING KEYPOINT TIME 1018 BAKER TO 1026 BAKER PD 49 WING TARGET TIME 1210 BAKER TO 1218 BAKER PD ALL WINGS HAVE SAME ROUTE OUT AND I.P. PD

              BASE ALTITUDE FOR RADIO REFERENCE 16,000 FEET PD

4.   OMITTED

5.   RECALL CODE WORD "DUCKSOUP"

      WING AIR COMMANDER CAPT. KELLY OF THE 450^TH

      BOMBER FIGHTER VHF CHANNEL ABLE       :     INTERGROUP VHF CHANNEL CHARLIE

                                                                                      :     EMPLOY CARPET PD EMPLOY WINDOW IN

      BOMBER CALLS:  R/T       W/T                                 ACCORDANCE WITH SOP PD

      450 - PULPWOOD ONE    AB

      449 - PULPWOOD TWO   AC                                  FIGHTER CALLS:

      5 WING - FOOTHOLD                                              ESCORT:  RINGWAY

      49 WING - CHANNEL                                               AIRFORCE WX RECCY ROUTE OUT:   ENCORE 1

      55 WING - BURGLAR                                               AIRFORCE WX RECCY ROUTE BACK: ENCORE 2

      304 WING - BELLBUOY