MISSION DATE:       JANUARY 24, 1944

MISSION NBR. 15

TARGET:  Primary Assigned:  Sofia-Vrazhdebra, Bulgaria  -  Airdrome

                        Secondary Bombed:  Skolpje, Yugoslavia  -Marshalling Yard

I. CHRONOLOGY

Twenty-eight B-24's dropped 84 tons of 500 lb Demo. bombs at 1351 hours from 20,000 – 23,000 feet over secondary target.

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

There were five early returns. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82^nd Fighter Group.

III.  RESULTS

The alternate target, Skolpje was hit well in town area, railroad yards and Airdrome.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters: From ten to fifteen ME-109's and FW-190's attacked our lead elements from 11 to 1 o'clock from level to high. They hedge-hopped thru to continue same type of attack on following elements. There was only one pass before the P-38's closed and chased the enemy aircraft down and into clouds. Appearances of enemy aircraft were dark-grey camouflage, prominent white crosses on wings and tails, and silver bellies. This action took place enroute to Sofia near Skolpje-Prizren area at about 1225 hours. At least six of our aircraft were hit, with one Tail Gunner dying from wounds after landing at Niece.              

     B.  Flak: Heavy type, moderate, accurate, probably 8 batteries, ten miles north of Skolpje, Yugoslavia.                  

V.  OBSERVATIONS

Fifteen ME-109's with white spinners were seen circling at 22,000 feet at 1224 hours. They were immediately followed by six ME-109's with yellow spinners. Some activity was noted in railroad yards at Mezdra at 1315 hours. A 30 to 35 car freight train seen north of Skolpje moving SW. Two freight trains, each approximately 20 cars, seen headed toward Skolpje. Twelve to fourteen miscellaneous ship convoy going north about 10 miles out of Brindisi.

VI.  CASUALTIES                        

One Tail Gunner died of wounds after landing. One aircraft missing. At 0235 hours, it was last seen on a heading of 55 degrees as it disappeared in clouds. Appeared to be in control.  

VII. PRELIMINARY CLAIMS           

Four ME-109's were claimed destroyed by our Group. One of these claimed, collided with the tail vertical stabilizer of our aircraft. It lost a wing and was seen spinning down.

VIII. FLIGHT LEADERS:

Mills                            Richman                                 Orris                                        Glavin

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

Mission No. 15.

Narrative report for mission flown 24 January 1944.

1. Unit - 450 Bomb Group.

2.  Target – Primary – Sofia-Vrazhdebra A/D, Bulgaria.

 Secondary bombed  - M/Y, Skolpje, Yugoslavia.

3. 28 b24's dropped 84 tons of 500 lb Demo, .10 Nose and .025 Tail, bombs at 1351 hours from 20-23,000 feet over secondary target.

4.  There were five early returns.

5.  Encounters – from 10 to 15 ME 109's and FW 190's attacked our lead elements from 11 – 1 o'clock from level to high. They hedge-hopped thru to continue same type of attack on following elements. There was only one pass before the P-28's closed and chased the E/A down and into clouds. Appearances of E/A were dark-grey camouflage, prominent white crosses on wings and tails, and silver bellies. This action took place enroute to Sofia near Skolpje-Prizren area at about 1225 hours. At least six of our A/C were hit, with one tail gunner dying from wounds after landing at Niece.

6.  Preliminary claims: 4 ME 109's were claimed destroyed by our group. One of these claimed, collided with the tail vertical stabilizer of our A/C. It lost a wing and was seen spinning down. No individual claim being filed – credit should be passed to the group.

7.  One of our A/C is missing. It was last seen at 42⁰10'N – 21⁰30'E on a heading of 55⁰ as it disappeared in clouds. Appeared to be in control at 0235 hours. All other A/C are accounted for.

8.  Flak encountered as follows:

A.  10 miles north of Skolpje, heavy type, moderate, accurate, probably 8 batteries.

            B.  Heavy, slight, inaccurate – 42⁰10'N – 21⁰10'E.

C.  Heavy type, moderate, accurate between Prizren and Urosevac at 42⁰20'N – 21⁰00'E.

9.  Results. The alternate target, Skolpje was hit well as follows: In town area, R.R. yards and A/D. Photos taken only from lead ship do not cover all of claimed strikes.

10.  4 cameras attempted photo's. Two cameras produced negative takes. One developed well, evaluation not available at this writing. Fourth camera in missing ship.

11.  Observations.

A.  15 ME 109's with white spinners were seen circling at 22,000 feet near 42⁰16'N – 21⁰10'E, time 1224 hrs. They were immediately followed by 6 ME 109's with yellow spinners.

            B. Some activity was noted in R.R. yards at Mezdra, 43⁰09'N – 23⁰40'E

            at 1315 hours, observed from 21,000 feet.

C.  A 30 to 35 car freight train seen north of Skoplje moving SW. Seen from 21,000 feet at 1250 hours.

D.  Two freight trains, each of approx. 20 cars, seen at 42⁰00'N – 21⁰34'E, headed 270⁰ toward Skoplje. Observed from 20,000 feet at 1415 hours.

E. 12 – 14 miscellaneous ship convoy going north about 10 miles out of Brindisi at 1500 hours – seen from 20,000 feet. Very poor visibility obscured observations over route.

12.  Weather: Over primary target – 10/10. Alternate Target – 4/10 to 9/10.

Verne A. Weber

Captain, A. C.

Actg Group S-2