| APO-520 | US ARMY |
| S-2 NARRATIVE REPORT | |
| MISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 1944 |
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MISSION NBR. 183 TARGET: Ferrara, Italy - Railroad Bridge I. CHRONOLOGY Thirty-nine B-24 type aircraft took off at 0830-0859 to bomb the Ferrara Railroad Bridge. There were two early returns. Twenty-eight aircraft dropped visually 54.5 tons of 1000 lb G.P. bombs on the target at 1250 hours from 25,000 - 26,000 feet. A 1/2 ton was jettisoned due to rack malfunction. In addition, 1 jettisoned 2 tons due to accidental release; 1 jettisoned 2 tons because pilot lost oxygen supply on bomb run; 3 others jettisoned 6 tons to maintain formation; and 4 others returned bombs to base because aircraft didn't go over target. Thirty-six aircraft returned to base at 1453 hours and one additional aircraft returned at a later hour, having stopped at a friendly field. None lost. None missing. None at friendly fields. II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT Rendezvous and route to the vicinity of the Initial Point were as briefed. At this juncture, however, the 450th was crowded by another bomber formation and in the ensuing maneuvers for proper spacing, one box of 7 aircraft lost the formation and failed to go over the target. The remainder of the formation made a visual run on the target on an axis of 250-260 degrees and accomplished a left rally and returned to base as briefed. Weather enroute to and from the target was generally clear with scattered alto-cumulus up to 11,000 feet. Over the target, it was clear. III. RESULTS Photo coverage shows bombs bursting near and across the North approach to the bridge. The main part of the bridge appears to be undamaged. Bombardier's Combat Mission Report: Report of results of The First Attack Unit unobtainable. The Second Attack Unit lead Bombardier experienced a malfunction as he crossed the coast, the Rate End of his sight being frozen. The pilot turned the lead over to the Deputy. When he peeled off to leave the lead position all but the Deputy and one other ship in his box followed him including the Yoke 2 box. The Deputy Lt. Heryla of the 722nd Sqdn. took over and led his ship and one other over the target, making a normal run. Lt. Heryla states his synchronization was good and visual observations were that the bombs were near hits on the bridge. Photos show the bombs fell in the smoke in the immediate target area. Yoke 2 box did not get into position to make a run on the target and the bombs were either salvoed in the Adriatic or brought back to base. Lt. Caselli of the 723rd Squadron led the
Third Attack Unit and was unable at any time to find the bridge which was
totally obscured by smoke. However Lt. Caselli exhibited excellent bombing
judgment and technique by synchronizing for course and rate on check point
going into the target and then off setting his crosshairs on the smoke to where
the target should be in relation to the check points. Photos show the men point
of impact of his unit's bombs to be 800 feet right of the assigned aiming pint
with the pattern developing on both sides of the north approach to the bridge
with several near misses on the approach. IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE A. Fighters: None. B. Flak: At the target intense, accurate, and
heavy type flak was encountered. 15 aircraft here holed, one of these was
seriously damaged. V. OBSERVATIONS In the target area at 1220 hour and at 26,000 feet, three
B-24 type aircraft flew above and out of range of our formation. These three
aircraft did not go through flak and when our formation got out over the
Adriatic, Sea, the said three aircraft headed back to Italy. Approaching the target at 1245 hours at 26,000 feet, a
smoke screen appeared to be laid by an enemy aircraft at 15,000 feet. The target was effectively blanketed by smoke pots
surrounding the bridge. Prevailing ground wind added to its effectiveness on
today's axis of attack. VI. CASUALTIES Two crew members slightly wounded by flak. 15 aircraft
received minor flak damage, 1 severe. VII. FLIGHT LEADERS PILOT BOMBARDIER NAVIGATOR PILOT BOMBARDIER NAVIGATOR Stevens Miller Chittero Young Friend Fanshell Massey Caselli Cozart Wood Heryla Zick |