MISSION DATE:  JANUARY 20, 1944        

MISSION NBR.  11

TARGET:  Guidonia, Italy  -  Airdrome

I. CHRONOLOGY

Twenty-two B-24's dropped 26.2 tons of fragmentation bombs from 21,500 feet over the target area at 1303 hours. Four of our aircraft dropped their individual loads as they passed over near-by towns as follows: Ckjisternia, Strimigliano, Marsigliana and unknown point 10 miles south of Guidonia. Total weight of bombs carried by these four aircraft was 4.8 tons.

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

There were three early returns that jettisoned over the sea enroute to home base. There were no encounters with enemy aircraft. None reported as being seen. None of our aircraft failed to return. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82^nd Fighter Group.

III.  RESULTS

Eight aircraft claim to see hits on primary target from the Group. Others were unable to observe results. We followed the 449^th Group which used 500 lb Demos. Our fragmentation bomb hits were difficult to find in view of the larger explosions. Ground was snow-covered, impeding observation. Our Group saw many strikes on the airdrome by the preceding group.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters:   None observed or encountered.      

     B.  Flak:   The flak encountered over target area was apparently of heavier type then seen before, probably 105mm. Intensity was moderate but very accurate. Both barrage and predicted methods of firing was used. Our aircraft claimed a wall of flak was encountered, while bursts seemed to be waiting for them as they progressed on course. Heavy type flak, believed from 88 dual purpose guns, was encountered as the formation crossed the bomb line. This fire was slight in intensity and inaccurate. Flashes were seen in the snow covered mountains but it was impossible to pin-point locations.           

V.  OBSERVATIONS

None.

VI.  CASUALTIES

None.                                 

VII.  FLIGHT LEADERS:

Mills                            Carr                            Wicks                        Guthrie

HEADQUARTERS 450^TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) A.P.O. 520

Mission No. 11.

Narrative report for mission flown 20 January 1944.

1. Unit - 450 Bomb Group.

2.  Target – A/D Guidonia, Italy.

3.  22 of our B-24's dropped 26.2 tons of A. N. Fragmentation bombs, fuzed M 110 – A1, from 21,500 feet over the target area at 1303 hours. 4 of A/C dropped their individual loads as they passed over nearby towns as follows: Cisternia, Strimigliano, Marsigliana and unknown point 10 miles S. of Guidonia. Total weight of bobs carried by this 4 was 4.8 tons.

4.  There were three early returns that jettisoned over the sea en route to base.

5.  There were no encounters with E/A. None reported as being seen.

6.  No claims.

7.  None of our A/C failed to return.

8.  The flak encountered over target area was apparently of heavier type than seen heretofore. Probably 105 MM. Intensity was moderate but very accurate. Both barrage and predicted methods of firing was used. Our A/C claimed a wall of flak was encountered, while bursts seemed to be waiting for them as they progressed on course.  Heavy type flak, believed from 88 dual purpose guns, was encountered as the formation crossed the bomb line. This fire was slight in intensity and inaccurate. Flashes were seen in the snow covered mountains but it was impossible to pin-point locations.

9.  Results – 8 A/C claim to see hits on primary target from this group. Others were unable to observe results. We followed 449 group which used 500 lb demos. our Frag hits were difficult to find in view of the larger explosions. Ground was snow-covered, impeding observation.

10.  2 of our A/C carried cameras. Pictures failed to develop.

11.  Our group saw many strikes on the A/D by the preceding group.

12.  Over the target visibility was only fair, with scattered clouds in valleys.

Verne A. Weber

Captain, A. C.

Actg. Gp S-2