| APO-520 | US ARMY |
| S-2 NARRATIVE REPORT | |
| MISSION DATE: JANUARY 24, 1944 | ||||
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MISSION NBR. 15
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 82nd 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. |
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VII. FLIGHT LEADERS |
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| Mills | Richman | Orris | Glavin |