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HEADQUARTERS, 722ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
APO 520 U. S. ARMY
10 July 1944
SUBJECT: Historical Records
TO: Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention:
Historian (through channels).
1. Unit
history of the 722nd Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1 June
to 30 June 1944.
a. The present designation of the
unit is 722nd Bombardment Squadron, 450th Bombardment
Group (H), 47th Wing, 15th Air Force, United States Army.
b. Changes in Organization
(1) None
(2) None
(3) None
(4) None
c. Strength commissioned and
enlisted.
(1) Month of June 1944
(a)
At beginning: 510
(b)
Increase: 0
(c)
Decrease: 27
(d)
At end: 483
d. Manduria, Italy, #25, Army Air
Base.
e. No movement of organization in June.
f. Campaigns
(1) Italian
(2) Duration: from 2 January 1944,
still in progress
g. Operations.
(1) Fourteen (14) missions were
flown for one hundred and forty-three (143) sorties.
(2) We had five tactical missions
against marshalling yards that were located at Genoa, Ferrara, Castel-Maggiore,
in Italy; at Simeria, roumania, and at Brod, Yugoslavia. We flew six (6)
missions against oil refineries and storage facilities; Two (2) were flown to
Ploesti, Roumania; one (1) to Trieste, Italy; one (1) to Constanta, Roumania;
one (12) to Osijek, Yugoslavia; and one (1)
to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. One (1) mission was flown to
Allach, Austria, an aircraft assembly facilities and one (1) mission attacked
the center of Munich.
(3) One of the most important
missions of the month was flown against the airdrome and Heinkel Aircraft
Assembly Plant at Schwechat, Austria on 26 June 1944. Lt. Col William Snaith,
Group Operations Officer, led out Group and the entire wing. Ten five-hundred
all purpose bombs were carried on this mission. The first bursts were observed
to be directly on the aiming point and the remaining bombs made an excellent
pattern in the target area. The target area was completely destroyed as was
evident on bomb strike photos. This mission was considered a very successful
one.
(4) (a) The Group and our Squadron
was subjected to enemy fighters on the mission to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia,
on 16 June. Ten to fifteen single engine aircraft (ME 109's) opposed our
formation in attacks which were not considered too aggressive. The attacks were
made from a low position and were not coordinated.
(b) The most sever enemy reaction was encountered during our mission to
Ploesti, Roumania on 24 June. The air battle lasted for about 20 minutes
starting ten minutes before the target. The enemy opposition consisted of 30-35
Me 109's, 10-15 FW 190's, 2 JU 88's, and 3 Me 110's. The attacks were well
coordinated and for the most part were made by units of three or four planes
from 12 o'clock level. Other passes were made from other angles. The fire power
consisted of 20 mm cannons and rockets. Three (3) of our planes were shot down.
(5) Our formation encounters flak at
practically every mission with very rare exceptions. Ploesti, Roumania and
Munich, Austria, heavy, intense and accurate flak is always encountered.
(6) On the 26 June 1944, Lt. Col
William Snaith, Group Operations Officer, led an excellent mission to
Schwechat, Austria. The objective was to destroy the Heeinkel Aircraft Assembly
Plants and airdrome which was accomplished. The target area was well covered
with an excellent pattern. Bomb strike photos showed that the target was
demolished. We lost two crews on this mission due to flak.
h. Losses in Action
(1) On the mission to Ploesti,
Roumania on 24 June 1944, three of our crew were missing in action. Following
is a list of those who were missing: 2nd Lt. Herbert P. Johnson Jr.;
2nd Lt. Dan G. Barnes; 2nd Lt. Jason H. Lotow; 2nd
Lt. John W. Lindsey; S/Sgt Howard W. Shout; S/Sgt John D. Hull; Sgt Louis
Balek; Sgt Abraham Barn; Sgt David A. Braga; Sgt William L. Cassidy; 2nd
Lt Henry G. Van Popering; 2nd Lt Murray, Leonard P.; F/O Joseph K.
Whitmore; 2nd Lt Robert P. Gruber Sgt Reubin P. Wavra; Sgt Fredrick
H. Collins Jr.; Sgt Richard A. Partlow; Sgt James D. Knuckles; Sgt Robert T.
Currar; Sgt John J. Krzeminski; 2nd Lt Walter A. Murphy; 2nd
Lt Arthur Branan Jr; 2nd Lt Earnest V. Glockner; 2nd Lt
Frank H. Weston; S/Sgt Carl G. Danielson; S/Sgt Dennis W. Bluejacket; Sgt David
J. Walsh; Sgt Kenneth P. Weckerle; Sgt John W. Ingram; Sgt William K. White.
(2) ON the 26 June on a mission to
Schwechat, Austria, two of our crews were missing in action. Following is a
list of those who were missing: 2nd Lt Eugene F. Frink; 2nd
Lt Thomas C. Begush; 2nd Lt Virgil O. Johnson; 2nd Lt
Maurice C. Mower Jr.; S/Sgt Smith, Arlington B.; Sgt Paul A. Lord; Cpl Dudley
J. Geiger; Cpl Hoyard G. Pearce; Sgt James W. Goodwin; Sgt Edwin L. Gee; 2nd
Lt Robert A. Schoeffler; 2nd Lt Warren S. Follett; 2nd Lt
Earnest R. Shull; 2nd Lt John G. Karabaic; S/Sgt John J. Borgers;
S/Sgt William E. Harris Jr.; Sgt Batista J. Sartori, Sgt James E. Rossney; Pfc
James B. Reilly Jr.; Sgt Daniel Harnchar.
2. Enclosed
is the War Diary of this unit from the period 1 June to 30 June 1944.
For the Commanding Officer:
JULES
J. L. HESSEN
1st
Lt., Air Corps
Squadron
Historian
1 Incl. War Diary
WAR DIARY
FOR MONTH OF JUNE
June 1
There wasn't any mission today and the program scheduled was
maximum maintenance and training. The new crews were indoctrinated at Group S-2
in Escape Procedure and Aircraft identification. During the morning and afternoon
gunnery and bombing missions were flown. Those who were not scheduled for
flying or indoctrination had a beautiful day and a good majority spent it
swimming at our private beach. Most of the new men can't imagine how we could
have such a nice base overseas. All the training films they saw back in the
states depicted how rough it is overseas. No one seems sorry that they were
misinformed.
The dayroom was exceptionally busy last night. The dice
board was as active as it possibly could have been. The special of the house
was "rum cokes" and even though it was Italian rum it still tasted good.
Music can be heard all day long emanating from the squadron
area. The loudspeaker is outside the orderly room and it is attached to the
radio in our dayroom.
June 2
Todays target was the Simeria marshalling yards in Roumania.
The faces of the returneing crewmen showed that the mission was an absolute
failure. The navigation was excellent: all agreed that the formation couldn't
be better: there was no flak to interfere with them: no fighters to disturb the
formation and yet the target was missed entirely. A good number of men finished
their fifty missions and were placed on rotation today.
In the evening we saw Bob Hope in "Let's Face It". All
agreed that it was darn good entertainment. Betty Hutton didn't do a bad job of
keeping everyone amused – of course in a different way. Our Group theatre is
really marvelous and is well appreciated by all. It's quite a difference from
the theatre in Oria. And during these warm nights it's quite enjoyable to be
out in the open.
June 3
There was an early morning briefing for a marshalling yard
in Roumania but it was "scrubbed". This morning, being Saturday, brought on the
weekly inspection. The area designated as the "home of Holy Joe" is by far the
nicest area in the group. And so we seem to always pass inspection on top of
the list. The stone houses make everything look so unlike an army base. It's
quite easy for the men to keep their quarters "up to snuff" since they take
personal pride in their little stone homes.
Saturday night brought on the usual card games and "shoot
the Bull" sessions. Saturday night unlike the Saturdays we knew in civilian
life is an off night in this part of the world.
June 4
The target for today was the marshalling yard at Genoa,
Italy. The aiming point was hit and there was an excellent pattern – good work
boys.
There was a boxing show this evening over at the Group ring.
The card was quite good but due to some reason beyond the control of Lt.
Cumming the matchmaker, those who were supposed to box could not be there.
However a volunteer pickup card was made and the audience witnessed five good
bouts.
June 5
The mission for today was the Castel Maggiore Marshalling
Yards, in Italy. Lt. Col. Gideon the Acting group commander led the formation.
The target ws not too well hit. The pattern was good but it went past the
target with only the lad bombardiers bombs hitting the aiming point. The
bombardiers claimed that the target was one for medium bombers.
In the evening Red Skelton was shown in "Whistling in
Brooklyn". For some strange reason all the southerners and westerners didn't
like the picture, probably the title had something to do with it.
Presentation of awards was made and a good number of our squadron
men were presented with the air medal.
June 6
Today the target was the old favorite – Romano-American Oil
Refinery at Ploesti, Rumania. The boys were a little peeved since they hit flak
at points they had no reason to be near. It seems as if the navigators used the
flak point as check points. The target was once again very effectively screened
and results were not observed. However some oil fires were observed so some
damage was done.
In the evening there were GI movies and the attendance was
quite large. The moon was shinning bright today and although one couldn't
indulge in romance a lot of moonlight dreaming was done.
June 7
It was a beautiful day an since there was no mission a good
number of men went to the beach. There were lectures held in S-2 during the
morning afternoon and evening on Air Sea Rescue.
In the evening Olivia DeHaviland was featured in Government
Girl. Of course a picture depicting the toughness of civilian jobs is not one
to be shown to soldiers.
June 8
There was no mission again today. Most were surprised at the
lack of activity so close to the Wake of the invasion. We had another day of
"close order drill". There were high altitude formation flying in the afternoon
in search for prospective unit and box leaders. In the afternoon there was also
aircraft identification classes held in S-2.
There was an excellent show on the stage at our theatre this
evening. It was probably the finest stage show we have had. The vaudeville
included a good band, a very pretty singer, a good juggler, some comedy skits
and a couple of hefty blondes, the peroxide variety. The show kept the
audience, the largest yet, very enthused for over an hour and a half.
June 9
Today our group was the leader of the wing and the mission
was to Oberpfaffenhoffen Airdrome, in the Munich area. The target was well hit
and all were surprised at the absence of fighters and the ineffective flak.
It was another beautiful day and a good many of the boys
went to the beach. The GI mattress covers are being put to good use. The boys
wet the outside of them and then run up and down the beach filling them with
air, then they tie up the open end and have a gigantic raft to play around with
in the water.
In the evening a fairly large crowd saw "The Adventures of
Tartu", with Robert Donat. Many can recall seeing this picture at Alamogordo,
New Mexico.
June 10
The objective of today's mission was to destroy the oil
storage and loading facilities at the Trieste Harbor in Italy. The group had a
good pattern on the briefed aiming point. A large ship, probably a warship was
hit by a few bombs. Flak was very ineffective and the escort arrived just in
time to scare away a possible interception by enemy fighters.
It was a quiet mid afternoon and evening with no scheduled
entertainment. The beach was visited even at a late hour today since the
weather was so nice. The softball games were in full swing and attracted quite
a crowd to watch.
Another Saturday night and as serene as possible. We now
have our "night clubs" to visit and any one who says our dayroom is not a night
club is open for an argument. All that is lacking is our best glass or perhaps
a good blind date.
June 11
The mission for today was to bomb the oil fields at
Constanta, Roumania, on the Black Sea. Lt. Col Snaith led our Group and the
Wing. The mission was well led but the bombing was poor and the bombs fell
short of the target.
Since there was no boxing held this evening the night was a
quiet one. A good number of the boys still have money left because there were
quite a few card games. The night came to a close much later than usual;
reason? No mission for the morrow.
June 12
Today we had a standdown. In the morning a practice mission
was held for formation and gunnery practice. The beach was well used today and
all found the water just fine. We now have M.P.'s patrolling the beach. Perhaps
the boys getting caught "with their pants down" had something to do with it.
In the evening the movie feature was "Bombers Moon". The
pictures that have false heroism in them are not too greatly received by combat
men.
June 13
The Allach Aircraft Engine Works near Munich, Austria,
provided the target for today. The boys looked a little disheartened the target
was o hit. For some strange reason the first attack unit bombed Munich, the
secondary target, even though the primary target was clear. GI Movies were
shown this evening. There's a variety of tastes in the Group. Some fellows get
up and leave after the first reel, others don't even leave after it's over. GI
Movies aren't the best type of entertainment but nevertheless it is
entertainment.
June 14
The mission today went to Ostrek, Yugoslavia. The target was
not hit with any pattern but fortunately the Group preceding us bombed it to
"Kingdom-come".
In the evening the movie, The Iron Major, was shown at our
out-door theatre but he majority of the squadron wasn't there. Tonight was the
official opening of the dayroom. Ice-cream, sandwiches, pickles and punch were
served plus an abundance of liquor and wine to be had for a price at the bar. A
few of the officers had "dates" along with them. We had an Italian band present
and those who cared to could dance. Lt. Moberly attempted to dance with a
fairly pretty nurse but before he finished one step some-one cut in. The
bandleader sensing what was going on kept the music going for at least fifteen
minutes and quite a few boys had a chance to dance with the nurse. All but Lt.
Moberly! Everyone had a grand time and once again when the twenty second does something
it does it right.
June 15
There was no mission – the mission that was supposed to be
was scrubbed. It was a beautiful day and practice formation, gunnery and
bombing flights were held. On off days the beach comes in handy for those not
busy.
IN the evening the best stage show this group has seen was
had. It was an Italian show but it had good acts, singing and several good
looking Italian girls. During the performance it was announced that land based
bombers, presumably B-29's bombed the Japanese mainland. The yells and applause
for that was greater than ever given to any entertainers. Before the show
started one of the men with the show complimented the 450th by
telling us that we have the best stage and theatre he has seen in Italy.
June 16
Today's target was destroyed by an excellent bombing
pattern. The target was Bratislava, in Czechoslovakia. The flak was ineffective
and the enemy fighters were not too aggressive.
IN the evening a very good picture was shown at our theatre;
it was "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby. It looks as if the boys appreciate good
pictures.
June 17
No mission today. Briefing was held at a very early hour but
he mission was called off immediately after briefing, due to bad weather.
The weather wasn't bad around these parts and quite a number
of men went to the beach. Fair skinned lads have "hibernated" for the summer
since all are getting a nice coat of tan or a painful sunburn from the strong
Italian sun.
June 18
Once again a mission was scrubbed just after briefing. The
squadron seems to be getting loads of compliments on having the finest mess. We
all hope it keeps up. Of course the mess personnel hear gripes registered
everyday but that's a prerogative of a soldier. There was a time when a can of
old "C" rations tasted like a banquet dinner and yet now when we have fresh
meat with all the trimmings some fellows complain. It can't be helped some
fellows just live to eat.
June 19
There was no mission today. Since there was no mission
planned at least all had a chance to sleep late. Maximum training and
maintenance was ordered and consequently practice missions were flown. It was a
beautiful day and many of the boys weren't to the beach. The beach was really
ideal. There were women today and beside that the women ere Red Cross girls who
handed out ice-cold lemonade and doughnuts. In the evening "Bombardier" was
featured. The "Great Bombardiers" hid their faces from the rest of the crew
members. It's a good picture for the home front but definitely not for a heavy
bombardment outfit.
June 20
Another missionless day – the mission was scrubbed before
briefing. Today the Red Cross visited our mess hall and gave out all the
doughnuts a person could eat.
In the evening we had a good evening of entertainment. The
M.C. of the stage show was "Patsy Moran" and a few well talented folks. A
pretty singer and two versatile "clowns" made up the cast. After that a few GI
reels were shown. All in all, it was a good nights entertainment.
June 21
The mission today was scrubbed. The weather in this area was
excellent. All the sections are busy getting their respective sections in tip
top shape for the coming inspection. In the evening Special Services arranged
for an old movie from the movie library. The choice was not so good since the
sound track was very defective. It was supposed to be a thriller; it did keep
us in suspense because we didn't hear a word. Most of the boys blame it on
Special Services when it isn't there fault at all. They try to have
entertainment every night and it's impossible to get good picture all the time.
June 22
The target for today was the Udine Marshalling Yard in
Italy. The weather closed up as the formation was over the Adriatic and so our
bombers turned into Ferrara. They bombed the Marshalling Yards and industrial area
and photos showed that it was well hit.
The inspection all the sections have been waiting for was
called off. Now that every thing is in tip top condition there really isn't any
need for an inspection. It's the old army way of doing things but it works.
In the evening a French Show was called off and instead
there was an old picture entitled "You Can't Escape From Me". We would have
much rather have seen the French gal who rings a belt of bells by the movement
of her hips.
June 23
Our planes took off on a mission today but returned after
two hours because of bad weather. I was a rather hot day and an excellent one
for the beach. Quite a number of men could be seen indulging in basketball and
volley ball. In the evening a mystery was shown entitled Nine Girls. The sound
was quite good and it satisfied the most pickiest spectators. News just came
out that the rest camps are opened to everyone. Each week a number of men from
the Squadron will be sent to Lecce or Santa Cesara and Officers to Villagio
Mancuso. It seems unbelievable that we have been overseas for more than six
months.
June 24
Eleven of our planes took off this morning to bomb the
Americano/Romano Oil Refinery at Ploesti, Roumania. The target was not hit due
this tome to ineffective bombing. The formation ran into quite a few enemy fighters
and flak at the target was heavy, and accurate.
The day room was quite busy tonight. As usual there was an
Italian band to play music for us. We are the only Squadron to have a band
every Saturday night. If they could only be taught how to play music in the
American way. Music is supposed to be universal but it sounds quite different
when played by an Italia orchestra. The dice board was not used tonight,
probably due to the fact that very few of the men have any money left fro last
months salary. Oh well payday is not too far off.
June 25
Todays target was the harbor installations at Toulon,
France. Due to adverse weather the mission was not completed. There were some distinguished
visitors at the base today. They were Gen Salinas, a Mexican officer, Major
General Henry and entourage. General Henry is Liaison officer to the Mexican
officer. It was a quiet evening with no entertainment – just an off night.
June 26
Todays the 450th can take a bow. The mission was
to the Schwechat A/D and A/C Assembly Plant and the results were better than
perfect. Approximately 300 bombs landed within 500 feet of the aiming point.
The Fuehrer must be very unhappy!
The movie this evening was "Never A Dull Moment" with the
Ritz Brothers. It wasn't too good a picture just jammed full of "Slapsticks"
but nevertheless a good number of men enjoyed it. Everyone was so happy over
todays results it didn't take too much to make them laugh anyway. Fresh
potatoes seems to be in season. This evening, the third in succession, the mess
hall served real fresh potatoes. Tonight the meal was supplemented by the
wondrous of things, Fried Chicken. Keep it up there cooks, you're doing fine.
June 27
Todays target was the Budapest/Vecses Airdrome but Brod
Marshalling Yards were hit instead due to adverse weather. The results were
good, not as good as yesterday but nevertheless we did do some damage.
In the evening the theater offered Andy Hardy's Double Life
with Mickey Rooney since GI Movies were expected and scheduled it came as a
pleasant surprise. It's quite pleasant at the outdoor theatre. Before the show
begins Special Services reads the news compiled by Group S-2 and all listen
intently. Then any special messages pertaining to future events are made and
then the show begins.
June 28
There was a standdown today which in other words meant
maximum training and for a good many maximum swimming. Of course there is a
good number of men who will catch up on their "sacktime". There was an
inspection today and per usual our squadron passed with flying colors. All the
other Squadrons seem to be having trouble with their shower rooms but he 722nd
in its own private shower room is in tip top working condition. The shower room
is for both officers and enlisted men. With the officers having full use of it
from four o'clock to six o'clock. Four luscious cans of good old American beer
was afforded to all members of the Squadron "Nuff Sed".
IN the evening a large crowd attended a picture that wasn't
worth seeing "Gildersleeves Ghost". Oh well the bad must be taken with the good
anyway the beer made up for it.
June 29
Another standdown ordered today. Practice formation flying
and gunnery missions were scheduled for the day. Complete serenity prevailed in
the Squadron area. Rome has just been put on limits to officers of the group.
It is presumed and hoped for by the EM that they'll soon be given a chance to
go. Only 3 officers a week are given the opportunity of going since
accommodations at Rome are not yet set.
June 30
The mission for today was the Zagreb A/D. It would have been
just as well if we had another standdown since due to bad weather the target
wasn't bombed and bombs were either jettisoned or brought back to base.
Today was a happy day in the Squadron – it was payday also
can be termed dice and card playing day. In the evening "Hi Diddle Diddle" with
Adolph Menjou, Dennis O'Keefe and Martha Scott was featured. It was a fairly
good comedy at least not too many fellows walked out.
JULES
J. L. HESSEN
1st
Lt., Air Corps
Squadron
Historian
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