| APO-520 | US ARMY |
| S-2 NARRATIVE REPORT | |
| MISSION DATE: JANUARY 18, 1944 |
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MISSION NBR. 9 TARGET: Pisa, Italy - Marshalling Yard I. CHRONOLOGY Thirty-one B-24's dropped 79 tons of 500 lb Demo. bombs from 20,000 - 21,500 feet. The 32nd plane over the target suffered malfunctioning bomb bay doors and jettisoned bombs later enroute to home base, in Adriatic Sea. II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT There were three early returns that jettisoned bombs over sea enroute to home base. There were no enemy aircraft encountered, although unknown types were believed seen, trailing at a distance, returning from target to about bomb lines. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82nd Fighter Group. III. RESULTS A heavy concentration of hits were seen on target. Intense smoke and flames followed from marshalling yard and immediate area. One bridge crossing river east of target claimed hit and destroyed. IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE A. Fighters: None encountered. B. Flak: None near formation. Moderate, inaccurate, heavy type seen coming from Marcianna, Island of Elba, and Prombion, Italy. Four batteries believed seen at latter point. V. OBSERVATIONS Town of Pontedira seen smoking. Eight miscellaneous freighters plus two possible CL's seen in Leghorn Harbor. A large convoy with P-38's cover seen proceeding toward Naples at 1129 hours. Thirty-seven freighters countered. VI. CASUALTIES One B-24 failed to return to base. It was seen leaving formation approximately nine miles from target. One prop feathered by aircraft not out of control. |
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VII. FLIGHT LEADERS |
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| Gideon | Carr | Wicks | Amster | Word | Glover |
| Davis | Kingsman | Colley | McGinnity | Miller | Kaulfuss |