HEADQUARTERS
450TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) AAF
APO-520 US ARMY
S-2 NARRATIVE REPORT
MISSION DATE: JANUARY 29, 1944


MISSION NBR. 18

TARGET: Siena, Italy - Marshalling Yard

I. CHRONOLOGY
Thirty-six B-24's took off at 0835 hours to bomb the marshalling yard at Siena, Italy. Three returned early. Thirty-one dropped 93 tons of 500 lb G.P. bombs on target E.T.A. at 1217 hours from 20,000 feet. Thirty-two returned to base at 1435 hours while one landed at San Pancrazio due to malfundction of landing gear. One landed at San Severo Airdrome on route out because of a runaway prop, made repairs, joined formation on its way in and landed at base. One elected not to bomb thru undercast and returned with full bomb load.

II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused with the 449th Bomb Group at 0945 hours at 6,000 feet over Manduria, thence to Vieste, continued on course to I.P. (Monte-Varchie) where left turn was made onto target which was attacked on axis of 220 degrees. Rally was made to the right, proceeded to Point-Ala-Sparviers, to coordinate points as briefed to Capri to base.

III. RESULTS
All bombs dropped in the target area, were on an E.T.A. of 1217 hours through a solid undercast. Bomb strike photos showed a solid cloud cover over the target and an assessment of damage was impossible.

IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None observed or encountered.
B. Flak: None observed or encountered.

V. OBSERVATIONS
There was a possible submarine sighted. At the Airdrome at Iesi, the landing strips appeared to have been repaired and 8 aircraft (unidentified as to kind or type) were noted in the Dispersal Area at the south and west ends.

VI. CASUALTIES
None

VII. FLIGHT LEADERS
Mills Leebody Word Lehman Giraudo Pomerville
Davis Kingsman Colley Artzer Miller Bailen