The month of August marked the peak of operational efficiency for the 450th Bombardment Group in Italy. As a prelude to the invasion of Southern France, all communications, installations and supply routes leadingn from Northern Italy and Southern Germany were attacked methodically and in great strength. Gun emplacements in the Toulon and Genoa areas were demolished during the first half of the month setting an air force record of 94.6% scoring average that elicited a few commendations from higher echelons.

A total of 503 sorties and 513 operational hours were flown during the month of August with two (2) killed in action and fifty-two (52) missing. Our strength at the beginning of the month showed a total of 2120 officers and men, and 2197 at the end of the month; A total increase of 77 despite the losses sustained.

Major Louis Wright, Group Communications Officer flew with a detail of enlisted men to the Northern tip of the Island of Corsica where he installed a radio beacon in the vicinity of Calvi. This installation was later employed by the XV Air Force aircraft in their operations against the enemy in Southern France. Two days before the invasion Major Wright flew around the Island checking receptivity of the signal and made the final adjustments preparatory to its use during the invasion. Convoys of operational and cargo vessels were sighted in the waters adjoining the Island of Corsica pre-staging the landings that were to take place 48 hours later.

At 2400 on August 14 the crews were briefed on the route and target although no details were released by S-2 and S-3 regarding the nature of the mission. As the briefing officer put it: "It should not tax your imagination too strongly to convince yourselves of the vital importance of the target."

At 0100 the bombers began to roll down the runway with a maximum bomb and gas load. Search light batteries on the field and in adjoining sister fields of the 47th wing were stabbing the sky as the various elements began to form. As the mission proceeded, intermittent explosions were heard in the vicinity. Later messages revealed that one plane of the 449th exploded on take-off and two of the 376th hit tension wires. All the 450th planes got off without mishap and reached their destination. Although nothing had been officially said regarding the invasion, all personnel seemed to be appraised of whatever "was cooking," and remained on hand to watch the mid-night take-off.

The mild fall weather of Southern Italy enabled the personnel to enjoy a few hours of leisure time at the seaside, and the squadrons took advantage of this respite to have their squadron parties. Some of the group officers managed a few hours off duty at the beach too. On the whole there was a general consensus that it would be a long war, so everyone began to think about improving living facilities for the long rainy winter.

During the month of August two stage shows were presented on the Cottontail Theater Stage in addition to the nightly movies. "Organized confusion," a group colored stage show featuring a bit of Jazz and "Sad Sack" was well received. Jack Haley and his charming girls did much to enliven the spirits of the officers and men when they presented a variety of acts. Mr. Haley was quite surprised to find installations in the field such as he saw here. Needless to say, the ladies were very popular. What with acrobatics, dancing, singing and a fast repertoire of gags, the whole show was a successful bit of entertainment. After the show some of the officers tried to teach the troupe a form of entertainment very common in the army.

Boxing continued in popularity during the month. The unusually pleasant autumn weather of Southern Italy lived up to its reputation and enabled the wielders of the leather gloves to show their wares.

Baseball, softball, checkers, and ping-pong were indulged in in varying degrees by crew members and men on the line. The great "Cinkowski" erstwhile twirler of Alamogordo fame spun the ball over the plate and out of reach of many a would-be batter. There lies in wait for next month a tournament in which the 450th plans to take a leading part.

The Fighting Marines and the Navy personnel from the Texas and Nevada lying in Taranto Harbor waiting for "D-Day" visited the field. Colonel Gideon, the group C.O. treated the visitors to a nice ride in a B-24. The Navy reciprocated by giving us a chance at a real meal on board their battleships. "What we need is more battleships in the vicinity," said a contented officer after indulging in a five course meal topped with a fine sundae.

Captain "Stormy" Jackson, group weather officer had a caller in the person of his own cousin who is part of the Nevada's complement. The captain received him in his Tuffaceous "Casa"

Three doughnuts and a smile is still the order of the day after a mission. The crews get their own coffee, the Red Cross girls hands them the doughnuts and throws in a smile for good measure.

The educational program begun in the preceeding month, increased its curriculum by adding several languages under the direction of Lt. A.L. Campa, college professor in civilian days. Spanish, French, and Italian complete the romance languages taught by the doctor, and German is being taught by S/Sgt. Bezner. Psychology continues its ascendancy under T/Sgt. Micek of the public relations offices. The sergeant was an industrial psychologist for the Simmons Company way back when.

Major Thorpe, the flight surgeon rigged up his ambulance with a radio transmitter and receiver in order to accelerate the medical aid given to wounded men coming in from a mission. The plane calls in, the surgeon gets the message on tower frequency and communicates with the pilot, ascertaining the nature of the injury. This procedure has been found highly satisfactory in attending to the patients in record time.

Major Francis Harwood assumed command of the S-2 department upon the return to the States of Major McKamy. The outgoing major along with Captain Vernon Weber, squadron S-2, returned to America to renegotiate contracts.

Preparatory to the presentation of awards a precise personal inspection was conducted by Colonel Gideon during which numerous officers and men got a reminder of the meaning of military appearance. The monthly reviews following defense-day observance brought out arms, helmets and gas masks.

The numerous awards received by the 450th are a tribute to the performance of our crews. The following decorations were awarded during the month of August:

                     Silver Stars                                                                           13
                     Distinguished Flying Crosses                                           71
                     Purple Hearts                                                                        31
                     Air Medals                                                                            48
                     O.L.C. to the Air Medals                                                   409
                     Total                                                                                     672

"Molto Buono" the group weekly has increased its size and enhanced its front page by a formidable font. The paper contributes greatly to the morale of the group.

The public relations office swung into high gear this month with about a thousand releases to the hometown papers telling the American public about the conduct of their men overseas. The large number of clippings of stories senr in by the P.R.O. is a source of great satisfaction to the personnel of the 450th.