12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: January 1944

The following is a compilation of the 321st Bomb Group’s individual Squadron War
Diaries. They have been transcribed word for word, from the Squadron Histories
provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air Force
Base Alabama. At the end of each Squadron’s daily entry, the individuals cited in the
entry are identified by full name, rank and duty, in alphabetical order. The day’s entry
begins with the Tactical Operations Statement, from the United States Army Air Forces
(USAAF) Chronology, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO).

A/C: Aircraft sk: sick

A/D: Aerodrome abs: absent

Assg: Assigned XC: Cross Country

BC: Bomber Command S.O.I.: Standard Operating Instructions?

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited E/A: Enemy Aircraft

Demo: Demolition SC: Flight

E/M: Enlisted Men L/V: Large Vehicle

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader IP: Initial Point

FO: Flying Officer B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

Frag: Fragmentation L.S.T.: Landing Ship Tank

Ltr: Letter POE: Point of Embarkation

L/S: Landing Strip M/V: (some kind of water vehicle/boat?)

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck) L/G: Landing Ground

M/Y: Marshalling Yards A/F: Air Field

Repl: Replacement T.O.T: Time Over Target/Time On Target

R/J: Railroad Junction (road junction?) C.O.: Commanding Officer

RR: Railroad C.P.: Command Post

R/Y: Railroad Yards L.O.T.: ? see 447th, 2 May

S.D.: Special Duty C.A.: ? see 447th, 8 May

SO: Special Order A.A.: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

GO: General Order

Sq: Squadron R/B: Road Bridge

Sqdn: Squadron RR/B: Railroad Bridge

Q.M.: Quarter Master S.A.P.: Semi-Armor Piercing

Trfd: Transferred T.O.: Technical Order

TD: Temporary Duty P.B.S.: 447th, 2 June ?

D.S.: Detached Service RON: Remain OverNight

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator PX: Post Exchange

S/E: Strategic fighter T/E: Tactical fighter

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

O.D.: Officer of the day C.Q.: Charge of Quarters

N.C.O.: Non-Commissioned Officer GP: General Purpose

Saturday, 1 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): ARMY AIR FORCES,
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (AAFMTO): A complete
reorganization of USAAF units in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) takes
place: US Army Air Forces, North African Theater of Operations (USAAFNATO) is
redesignated AAF Mediterranean Theater of Operations (AAFMTO); XII Air Force
Services Command becomes AAF Services Command Mediterranean Theater of
Operations (AAFSCMTO); III Air Services Area Command (Special) becomes XII Air
Force Services Command; II Air Services Area Command becomes XV Air Force
Services Command; XII Air Force Engineer Command (Provisional) becomes AAF
Engineer Command, Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Provisional); and XII Air
Force Training Command is changed to XII Air Force Training and Replacement
Command. The XII Bomber Command, Twelfth Air Force is reorganized as a medium
bomber organization, 3 B-25 groups and the 3 B-26 groups of the 42d Bombardment
Wing (Medium), under Brigadier General Robert D Knapp. HQ 33d Fighter Group
transfers from Santa Maria to Cercola, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: The New Year was ushered in very violently in the form of strong
winds and a driving rain which started almost immediately after the celebrations had
ceased. The baby cyclone leveled the Intelligence-Operations, Medical, Supply, Motor
Pool and Communications tents. Other tents in the area also suffered damage. Despite
the inclement weather, the men enjoyed the big New Year’s meal served at 2:00 P.M. It
consisted of roast turkey with all the trimmings, practically the same meal that was
served on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Immediately after the meal, a liquor raffle was
held at the orderly room and many of the men had “liquid refreshment” that night.

446th BS War Diary: Rain and windstorm blew down several tents during the morning.
The ground was drenched and the big feast was postponed.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Happy Hangover Day. No mission scheduled. 1944 started off by
bringing headaches in the form of hell and high-water. A rain storm, the like of which
few of us have ever witnessed, settled down on this area early this morning and lasted
until evening. About half a dozen of our area tents were completely blown down and
many ended up in a crippled condition. To see small groups of men drenched to the very
marrow of their bones, battling wind, rain and mud in order to restore their tents to a
somewhat upright position, would have won praise and admiration from the most
hardened navel officer. 1st Lt. H.J. Fallone transferred to United States as of Dec. 29 by
letter from XII Air Force. Morning Report for week ending Jan, 1: Officers—56;
Enlisted men—254.

Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 2 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the
Terni marshalling yard and iron works and nearby barracks; P-40's and Spitfires from the
AAF, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), South
African Air Force (SAAF), and Royal Air Force (RAF) blast snowbound vehicles in the
Avezzano-Popoli area, warehouses at San Benedetto de Marsi and gun positions and
defended areas around Chieti; A-36's hit Civitavecchia harbor and marshalling yard to the
S of town, the Anagni marshalling yard and nearby pun positions, and other targets of
opportunity; B-26's bomb bridges at Riva Santo Stefano and Ventimiglia, the marshalling
yard at Arma di Taggia, and bridge over the Var River. HQ 340th Bombardment Group
(Medium) and its 488th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) transfer from Foggia to
Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: The day was ideal with a warm sun shining most of the day.
There was plenty of work to do, repairing collapsed tents. All tents which went down
yesterday were set up today and most of the men rebuilt their tents with an eye towards
sturdy construction to withstand other assaults from the weather. The Squadron was
restricted for five days because of the “fireworks” on New Year’s Eve. The men enjoyed
the move “Juke Girl” with Ann Sheridan at the granary after supper.

446th BS War Diary: Successful three hour mission today. Big meal originally for New
Years served at one o’clock. The morale of the squadron jumped ten points as we put
away turkey and all the trimmin’s.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 143

TARGET: Terni M/Yds., Italy DATE: 2 Jan 1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 5

Lt. Latremore, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Most of the bombs were reported to have
fallen south of the marshalling yards, with a few hits observed at the west choke points.
However, two road junctions were hit; one building was seen to explode, and a fire was
seen west of the iron works. Two ME-109’s seen at target but did not attack. Slight flak
over target. Lt. Brady could not take off because of damaged elevator. Lt. Davison
returned early due to low oil pressure.

Brady, Joseph A., Lt, pilot Davison, William R., Lt, pilot

Latremore, Fred S., Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships were scheduled to participate in a raid over Terni,
Italy. 1 ship piloted by Lt. Jahrhaus returned early due to a malfunction of the nose
wheel. The following completed their fiftieth mission today: Capt. E.H. Beeson, Lt.
Paiton, Lt Hanlon, and S/Sgt. Funk. Our New Years Day turkey was served today which
helped considerable to remove the gloom that had settled over the moral on New Years
Day.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, operations Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner

Hanlon, James A., Jr., Lt, pilot Jahrhaus, Alfred B., Lt, pilot

Paiton, Harold K., Lt, navigator

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 140 (178): At 11:00 24 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y, 2
returned early. At 12:30 dropped 116 x 500 bombs from 10,000 feet and returned at
13:40. Most bombs S of M/Y near Terni iron works and Birgnone Barracks with a few
hits at W choke point. Smoke and dust from bombing by previous group obscured target.

1 building near M/Y seen to explode and 1 fire seen near iron works. 2 ME-109’s over
target but did not attack. Flak: slight. Weather: CAVU at target.

Monday, 3 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General Edward
M Morris assumes command of the XII Fighter Command. In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb a
troop concentration area at Prijedor, and hit Split and Sibenik. In Italy, P-40's and A-36's
bomb gun positions near Cassino, the Anagni railroad station, a village near Vicenza, the
railway and trains between Ceccano and Segni, and the harbor at Civitavecchia; P-40's,
with SAAF and RCAF Spitfires, hit 100+ vehicles in the Avezzano-Sulmona area; other
P-40's, with AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighters, hit targets in the Filetto-Tollo areas
in support of ground troops.

445th BS War Diary: A beautiful, balmy day today very reminiscent of spring. 2nd Lts.
Farrell, a pilot; Walsh, bombardier; and Humphrey, Supply Officer, were promoted to 1st
Lt. The mission today which went to bomb the town of Prijedor in Yugoslavia was very
successful. A delicious meat loaf was enjoyed by all for supper. The movie “Mrs.
Miniver” was shown at the granary after supper. The men enjoyed this excellent show
very much.

Farrell, Robert A., 1Lt, pilot Humphrey, Malcom R., 1Lt, supply

Walsh, Frank J., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Another three hour mission—successful. Sergeants Pilcher and
Underwood reached that big fiftieth mission. Mail call late in the afternoon.

Pilcher, Byron E., Sgt, gunner Underwood, Ferrel E., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 144

TARGET: Prijedor, Yugoslavia. DATE: 3 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Tapper led the formation. Excellent coverage of target. Several fires started. Slight,
inaccurate, heavy and light flak encountered. 8/10 unidentified S/E a/c reported above
formation W of target, but did not attack. Lt. Davison was a spare, and returned early.

Davison, William R., Lt, pilot Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid over Prijedor, Yugoslavia.
Results: very good. A meeting of all section-heads was called by Maj. Sampson in order
to discuss plans for another move. The date for this next move was temporarily set for
Jan. 10. S/Sgt. L.B. Iverson taken to hospital to be operated on for appendicitis.

Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt, gunner Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 141 (179): At 09:50 24 planes off to bomb Prijedor,
Yugoslavia. All dropped bombs 140 x 500 on target from 10,000 feet and returned at
12:45. Excellent coverage of target, bombs started at River SW of town and went
through town with concentration of hits on center. Several small fires seen. 8 to 10 E/A
above formation at target but did not attack. Slight, heavy inaccurate flak at target.
Weather: CAVU at target. F/L Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Tuesday, 4 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Yugoslavia, B-25's
bomb the Brodac town area and marshalling yard, and the town of Travnik. P-40's hit a
bridge and trains and fly patrols over the battleline in Italy. Transfers in Italy: HQ XII
Bomber Command and HQ 57th Bombardment Wing from Bari and Foggia respectively
to Trocchia. HQ 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and 12th Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron from San Severo to Pomigliano with F-4's and F-5's.380th and
428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), from
Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: The warm weather continues to prevail and the men are “eating it
up”. There was a training flight and some new gunners went up on a practice gunnery
mission. Luxury rations were distributed from 11:00 to 15:00.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. McClelland finishes his last mission. Lt. Casarella joins the
squadron as assistant S-2 officer.

Casarella, Salvatore P., Jr., Lt, intelligence McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 145

TARGET: Doboj, Yugoslavia. DATE: 4 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Beeson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. The primary target was not reached.
Barracks and road three miles NE of D Brodac bombed. Numerous hits reported on
barracks. Five direct hits on RR. No fighters, no flak. Lt. Topham was a spare, and
returned early.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, operations, 447th BS Topham, Arthur H., Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our planes and one spare were scheduled in a raid over Doboj,
Yugo. The spare returned early. Results: Fair. Flak: light. Cpl Stonewall J. Williams
trans. to organization unknown. Cp. Williams entered the hospital while we were
stationed at Grottaglie. At the critique it developed that the wrong town was bombed on
today’s mission. The town hit was about 65 miles Northeast of Doboj.

Williams, Stonewall J., Cpl, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: Mission 142 (180): At 13:06 24 planes off to bomb Doboj,
Yugoslavia. All dropped 144 x 500 bombs at 14:50 from 10,000 feet, all returned at
16:05. Hits in E. end of barracks, 5 direct hits on RR and roads SE of barracks, center of
barracks hit. Flak: Moderate, very inaccurate. Weather: 5/10th cover at target, visibility
unlimited.

Wednesday, 5 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-36's hit gun
positions N of Mignano and on the S slope of Monte Porchia. Weather cancels other
operations. 489th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group
(Medium), transfers from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: Hard rains and cold breezes broke the spell of good weather and
turned the area into a muddy, wet lot. Captain Richard P. Tipton, our Commanding
Officer, was promoted to Major today. The whole Squadron hailed his promotion. It was
well-deserved. Aircraft 762, which was used for many ferrying trips, was transferred to
the 57th Fighter Group. The snow-covered mountains around San Giovanni and San
Angelo presented a beautiful sight in the distance.

Tipton, William L., Maj, pilot, 445th BS Commander

446th BS War Diary: No mission—bad weather. Lucky seven go to rest camp at Capri:
Lt. Brady, Lt. Clark, Lt. McCabe, S/Sgt. Helisek, and Sgts. Anderson, Bedwell, and
Velarde.

Anderson, Edward J., Sgt, gunner Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt, gunner

Brady, Joseph A., Lt, pilot Clark, Robert A., Lt, pilot

Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt, gunner McCabe, Peter T., Lt, bombardier/navigator

Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled due to bad weather. Cpl. Pat. Holland
transferred to 7 Station Hospital as of Dec. 19.

Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 6 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26's bomb
Pontedera hitting the marshalling yard and Piaggio aircraft factory there, the Lucca
marshalling yard, and the railway N of Follonica; P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers attack
gun positions in the Cervaro-Monte Trocchio area and near Aquino, the town of Cervaro,
the railway at Civitavecchia, trains N and E of Rome, the Velletri train station, and the
town of Fondi.

445th BS War Diary: There were snow flurries in early morning but they didn’t last. A
number of the Officers and enlisted men went to rest camp by truck today. There were
practice gunnery and bombing missions and a new crew and plane arrived today. The
plane has a large number of guns in the nose and it is designed for strafing.

446th BS War Diary: Another day of bad weather. Captain Hixson, engineering officer,
returns from rest camp, along with Lieutenants Braswell, Fetterly and Clark plus enlisted
men Carstens, Langan, Ramirez, Valenti and Nieman.

Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot Carstens, Clarence H., Sgt, gunner

Clark, Samuel E., Jr., bombardier Fetterly, Orville D., Lt, pilot

Hixon, Sherman, Capt, engineering Langan, Charles H., Sgt, gunner

Nieman, John W., Sgt, gunner Ramirez, Zenon, Jr., Sgt, gunner

Valenti, Alfio P., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 7 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's strike
Perugia Airfield; A-20's hit defenses in close support of the US Fifth Army; B-26's hit the
marshalling yards at Foligno and Arezzo and attack a bridge at Roccasecca; A-36's hit
gun positions, trucks, and trains in the Cervaro-Aquino-Cassino area, bomb the Aquino
station, and hit the Velletri railway yards; P-40's give close support in the Monte Maio,
Monte La Chiaia, Monte Porchia, and Cedro Hill areas as the US Fifth Army drives
toward the Rapido River. Air echelon of the 417th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air
Force, transfers from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is
at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

445th BS War Diary: Some of the Officers and enlisted men who have completed the
required number of missions learned that they would leave shortly for the United States.
There was a practice bombing flight and also a transition flight. The mission today was
“hot” and one of the Group’s planes was lost. After successfully “sweating out” the
intense flak barrage, one of the engineer-gunners fell off the truck taking the crews from
the planes to interrogation and suffered a crushed foot. The victim, Cpl. Robert C. Jones,
explained that he was “too eager” to get in the doughnut line. A number of men returned
from rest camp today.

Jones, Robert C., Cpl, engineer-gunner

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Tapper squadron operations officer finished his fiftieth today,
along with Sgt. South and Sgt. Knapp of the original gang.

Knapp, Walter E., Sgt, gunner South, William R., Sgt, gunner

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 146

TARGET: Perugia A/D, Italy. DATE: 7 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Anderson, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Target well covered. Explosions in hangers
on SW corner of field. Two hangers observed burning. One fire in hanger seen before
bombing. Numerous scattered fires observed. Some from burning a/c hit on the ground,
and some from burning oil. One B-25 observed just after target going down, under
control, with right engine smoking. Five persons seen bailing out. Flak at target was
heavy, intense, accurate. Our flight however, received very little flak.

Anderson, Andrew H. L., Lt, pilot, 448th BS or Anderson, Douglas R., Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships and one spare took off to participate in a raid on
Perugia, Italy. The spare was not needed and returned early. Sophisticated Lady (ship
#41-13181) returned from a combat mission today for the hundredth time. She is the
only one of our planes to hold such a record to date. Lt. Jahrhaus brought her in on the
100th.

Jahrhaus, Alfred B., Lt, pilot

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 143 (181): At 11:42 24 planes off to bomb Perugia A/D,
Italy. All dropped 1566 frags from 10,500 feet. 23 planes back 14:20. 1 plane lost over
target (448) Strings of bombs covered field just E of hangars and in hangars, S dispersal
area well covered, explosion in hangar in SW corner of field, 2 hangars burning and
scattered fires in hangars of S dispersal area. B-25 hit just after target R engine smoking
but going down under control, 5-6 persons seen bailing out, 1 report stated that plane
nosed in and crashed, another report that plane made controlled landing 10 miles S of
target on level ground. Crew members: Capt. Culp, Lieuts’ Anderson, Perry, Matkins,
Sgt: Spencer, Holguin and Allen. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate. Weather: CAVU
at target. F/L: Anderson. (Culp)

A/C No. unknown shot down

Culp, Merle H., Capt

Anderson, Andrew H.L., Lt

or Anderson, Douglas R., Lt

Perry, Lawrence A., Lt

Matkins, Marvin F., Lt

Spencer, John S., Sgt

Holguin, Renato (NMI), Sgt

Allen, Clifford N., Sgt

None

Saturday, 8 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's bomb the harbor,
warehouses, and railway at Metkovic, Yugoslavia. In Italy, A-20's hit railway stations at
Frosinone and in the Colleferro-Segni area; B-26's bomb marshalling yards at Grosseto
and Lucca; P-40's support the US Fifth Army in the mountains E and SE of Cassino, and,
with A-36's, hit railway targets S of Rome at Aquino, Frosinone, Palestrina and
Castelforte; other P-40's hit Avezzano, and A-36's blast trains and vessels in the vicinity
of Tarquinia.

445th BS War Diary: Eight Officers and 10 enlisted men combat crews officially
received their orders to return to the United States. They will probably leave tomorrow.
Major Tipton, Commanding Officer, was transferred to 12th Bomber Command and is to
be succeeded by Captain Ellwood H. Beeson, formerly of the 447th Squadron. The Group
lost another ship today when enemy fighters destroyed a bomber from the 448th Squadron
not far from Manfredonia. There was a large mail call in the afternoon. The men
enjoyed the doughnuts distributed by the Red Cross girl at supper. For further
entertainment, there was an Italian accordionist serenading the enlisted men in the mess
tent

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, commander

Tipton, William L., Maj, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Fighter opposition met on mission today against Metkovic,
Yugoslavia. Lt. Riordan reached that happy “50” and Lt. Wright put on his silver bars.
Captain Ford and Lt. Russell left for new assignments at the XII Bomber Command.
Mail call with a few late Xmas packages.

Ford, George L., Capt, intelligence Riordan, Roland C., Lt, pilot

Russell, Burton E., Lt, pilot Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 147

TARGET: Metkovic M/Y, Yugoslavia. DATE: 8 Jan1944
Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Latremore, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Good pattern on M/Yds, at least ¾ or
M/Yds hit. Building area near station well covered along N side. Fires and several
explosions observed. One B-25 shot down at 40º 50’, 16º 41’ and to 17º 10’. Flak was
heavy, slight, intense, inaccurate. Formation attacked by 4 e/a believed to be FW 190’s,
at target, Enemy a/c followed the formation back to the Italian coast, attacking all the
way. Enemy pilots seemed very experienced and seemed to know the fields of fire from
the B-25’s. Formation also attacked by 6/9 ME-109’s, 13 minutes after target, staying
with the formation until the Italian coast was reached. These were very aggressive.
Three e/a claimed destroyed. Lt. Topham was a spare, and returned early. Lt. Dickerson
flew lead navigator with Lt. Latremore of the 445th Sqdn.

Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, bombardier Latremore, Fred S., Lt, pilot, 445th BS

Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt, pilot

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships took part in a raid on the railroad junction and yards
at Metkovic, Yugoslavia. The target was well covered and the flak was practically nil.
As the formation was on the route home, it was attacked by 9 German fighters. The
attackers were very aggressive and persistent and concentrated on one of our ships which
was being flown by Lt. Trevor. His plane had dropped behind due to a mechanical
failure of the left engine and the fighters succeeded in knocking it down. The fighters
tagged the formation almost to the Italian coast. Members of this crew were: Lt. G.J.
Trevor, pilot, Lt. J.E. Briskey, Jr., Co-pilot, Lt. A.L. Kingsley, bombardier, Pfc J.H.
Jeffrey, engineer, S/Sgt. J.C. Mayo, radio-gunner, and Sgt. J.M. Reilly, turret-gunner.
According to those who witnessed this ship go down there is little hope of any of the
crew escaping. Morning report for week ending Jan. 8: officers—55; Enlisted men—
252.

A/C No. 450 shot down

A/C No. 498

Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt

Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt

None

Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt

Deane, George J., 2Lt

Jeffrey, James H., Cpl

Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt

Mayo, Jack C., S/Sgt

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt

Reilly, James M., Sgt

Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt

None

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: On January 8, 1944 seven planes of this
squadron participated in a raid on the railroad junction and yards at Metkovic,
Yugoslavia. A successful bombing run was made with little opposition from flak.
Several bursts were seen but they were not close enough to do any damage.

Thirteen minutes after the bombing run the formation was attacked by nine
German fighters. Just prior to the attack the left engine of the plane piloted by Lt. Trevor
had been feathered, presumably because of some mechanical failure, and this ship lost
altitude and straggled from the formation. When the fighters came in to attack they
singled out the straggler and made a concentrated attack upon it. The plane continued to
lose altitude and was finally seen to hit the water. The crew of the ship which was shot
down was as follows: 1st Lt. Graham J. Trevor, pilot; 1st Lt. John E. Briskey, Jr., co-pilot;
1st Lt. Andrew L. Kingsley, bombardier; Cpl. James H. Jeffrey, engineer; S/Sgt. Jack C.
Mayo, radio-gunner; S/Sgt. James M. Reilly, turret gunner.

Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Jeffrey, James H., Cpl, engineer-gunner

Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt, bombardier Mayo, Jack C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Reilly, James M., S/Sgt, turret gunner Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot

The fighters were very aggressive in their attack upon the formation. In twos and
fours they made pass after pass at various elements of the formation from the front, sides
and rear and the attacks continued until the formation reached the coast of Italy. Three of

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

the fighters were shot down, two by 448th gunners and one by Sgt. Robert Boyd of this
squadron. Lt. Trevor’s plane was the only B-25 lost. The plane piloted by Lt. Knodle
received a hit in the right engine but the engine continued to function until he was taxiing
off the runway after landing. Lts. Nowakowski, Anderson and Vincent all reported
observing Lt. Trevor’s plane as it was attacked. When Lt. Nowakowski saw the plane it
was flying straight and level at about 1500 feet. The formation at that time was at about

4000 feet or 2500 feet above Lt. Trevor’s plane. Four German fighters were diving on
the straggling plane and firing at it when Lt. Nowakowski lost sight of it. Lt. Anderson
saw three fighters attacking Lt. Trevor’s plane from the rear. The fighters were flying
along parallel to the formation and the waist gunner on Lt. Anderson’s plane, Sgt. Robert
Boyd, got a good shot at one of the fighters. He shot about a hundred rounds into it, most
of them into the enemy aircraft’s tail section. The tail of the fighter fell apart and it went
down into the sea. The other two fighters continued to press their attack on Lt. Trevor’s
plane. All during the running fight with the fighters the formation was diving down to
get on the deck. Lt. Vincent reported seeing Lt. Trevor’s plane hit the water and at that
time the altitude of the formation was about 400 feet. He was looking back and saw a
tremendous spray of water as the plane hit. He did not see the plane after that.
According to his estimate Lt. Trevor’s plane went in about twenty miles from the Italian
coast.

Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt, pilot Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt, gunner

Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt, pilot

Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

Capt. Beeson took a plane out to the area shortly afterwards and searched
thoroughly for some trace of the plane which went down but could find nothing.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, operations

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 52)

TARGET: Metkovic M/Y 1:50 500 lb bombs

Plane 498: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Langston, Lt. Deane, S/Sgt Czabaj, S/Sgt, Ennis, S/Sgt
Crowell

Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt, gunner

Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot

“Lt. Trevor and crew which included Lt. Trevor Lt. Briskey, Lt. Kingsley, Pfc.
Jeffery, S/Sgt Mayo and Sgt. Reilly in plane 450 were attacked by several fighters and
shot down in the Adriatic Sea. Sgt. Crowell shot down one E/A. ¾ of M/Y although
smoke obscured visions of targets. At least three fires and several fires observed after
explosions caused by direct hits on fuel tanks.”

Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Jeffrey, James H., Cpl, engineer-gunner Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt, bombardier

Mayo, Jack C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Reilly, James M., S/Sgt, turret gunner

Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 144 (182): At 10:59 24 planes off to bomb Metkovic,
Yugoslavia, M/Y and docks. All dropped bombs 135 x 500 at 12:10 from 9,500 feet. 23
planes returned at 12:50, 1 B-25 lost. Good pattern on M/Y at least ¾ of yard hit
although smoke obscured observation, 3 fires 1 very large and several explosions resulted
from direct hits on fuel storage tanks on SW tip of M/Y. RR tracks cut at E end of M/Y
and building area near station well covered. 13 E/A attacked formation (FW-190’s) at
target and followed it back to Italian coast, enemy apparently experienced and avoided B-
25’s fields of fire by attacking high, low, and head on thru formation. 1 B-25 shot down
by fighters at 41º 50’ N and 16º 40’ E. 3 E/A destroyed and 2 probables. Flak: Slight,
inaccurate and heavy. Weather: CAVU.

Sunday, 9 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Prime Minister Winston S
Churchill and General Charles A De Gaulle meet at Marrakesh, French Morocco. They
discuss cooperation of a French expeditionary force in invasion of Europe and the degree
of authority of the French inside France after the invasion. In Italy, B-25's attack the
marshalling yard and docks at Ancona; P-40's hit tanks and trucks at Palena and S of
Sulmona, and positions and vehicles near Cervaro; and A-36's hit positions in the same
area. 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing, based at Elmas, Sardinia with
Beaufighters, sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

445th BS War Diary: The Officers and enlisted men who are to return to the United
States left this morning by truck for Foggia main where they will board a transport for
Algiers. There were many handshakes and many envious glances were cast at the
departing men. Two of the enlisted men did not leave today. One was at rest camp while
the other hadn’t packed in time. The former sounded plausible but the men were
scratching their heads all day over the latter. Among the Officers to leave was Lt.
Haegele, Operations Officer and Flight Officer Vallery is rumored to be the new
Operations Officer. Lt. Stanley J. Malek was relieved of his duties as Mess Officer and
was succeeded by Lt. Sam Gregory, the Adjutant. Major Tipton awarded Air Medals to
flying personnel in a short ceremony in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the fresh stead
for supper.

Gregory, Samuel J., 1Lt, Adjutant Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt, pilot

Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence Tipton, William L., Maj, pilot, Commander

Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Six men put aside their parachutes and started sweating out orders
for home today: F/O Cornell, Lt. Davison, Sgts. Beach, Nieman, Rockafellow, and J.C.
Mitchell.

Beach, Louis A., Sgt, gunner Cornell, Earl K., 2Lt, pilot

Davison, William R., 2Lt, pilot Mitchell, John C., Sgt, gunner

Nieman, John W., Sgt, gunner Rockafellow, Alfred A., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 148

TARGET: Ancona M/Y, Italy. DATE: 9 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Tapper led the formation. Hits were observed along the north quay, among buildings
and along the east dock side, the dock itself and part of the town. E/A seen but did not
attack. Flak was heavy, light, mod., inacc.

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 5 of our ships participated in a raid on the marshalling yards at
Ancona, Italy. Results—good. Lt. Anderson and S/Sgt. Cook completed their fiftieth
combat mission today. A formal presentation of Air Medals was made at the squadron
area today. The formation was called together by Capt. Gale after which Major Sampson
presented the medals.

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt, pilot or Anderson, Sherman E., 1Lt, bombardier

Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt, gunner Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

A/C No. 498

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt

Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt

Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt

Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt

Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 53)

TARGET: North and East quays at Ancona 2:20 500 lbs bombs

Plane 498: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Langston, Lt. Holloway, Lt. Mayben, S/Sgt Czabaj, S/Sgt,
Ennis, S/Sgt Crowell

Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt, gunner

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt, pilot Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot

“This is my first experience at landing the flight. Bombs seem to hit on N quay
and among buildings, on E side. Docks also hit.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 145 (183): At 11:30 24 planes off to bomb N and E
Quays and dock facilities at Ancona. 3 returned early and 21 dropped 123 x 500 bombs
from 10,000 feet at 12:50, all returned at 13:50, bombs hit along quay and among
building on E dock side. 3 E/A seen near target but did not attack. Flak: Moderate,
inaccurate, heavy. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sowder.

Sowder, Tony K., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 10 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's hit San
Benedetto de Marsi; P-40's, with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF airplanes, hit communications,
gun positions, trucks, and tanks at numerous points in and NW of the battle area; other P-
40's give close support to ground forces in the Chieti area; and A-36's hit trucks, tanks,
trains, and other targets of opportunity N of Rome. Transfers: HQ 47th Bombardment
Group (Light) from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy. Air echelon of the
417th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force (attached to RAF 337 Wing) from
Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia,
Corsica.

445th BS War Diary: Another touch of balmy weather delights the men today. Major
Tipton, our former C.O. left today and as a parting shot, left a letter for all to read on the
bulletin board. It was a very friendly letter and was signed, “Your buddy –Dick Tipton”.
It was regarded as one of the finest gestures from a C.O. Major Tipton will long be
remembered by the men under his command. S/Sgt. Edward F. Klunk, a bombardier who
completed 25 combat missions, was chosen to be considered for a radio interview from
Algiers concerning his combat experiences. A public relations representative from
Algiers is expected to come here to choose a man from the Group for the interview. A
rumor was circulated to the effect that our Group would move within five days to a place
near Foggia. There was a test hop today and flights to Naples and Bari. The movie “Big
Shot” with Humphrey Bogart was shown at the granary at night.

Tipton, William L., Maj, pilot, 12th Bomber Command

Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Captain Chappell assumes command of the squadron in the
absence of Lt. Col. Schwane. Lt. Wright and Lt. Topham fly their “50”.

Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt, pilot Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 149

TARGET: San Benedetto M/Y, Italy. (alt) DATE: 10 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Fraser, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Falconera, the primary target, was found to
have a 0/10 cloud coverage. At the alternate, both choke points of M/Y reported hit.
Direct hit reported on large red-topped building. Six ships dropped bombs just off shore.
Flak was both heavy and light, immoderate, intensely, generally trailing. Lt. Wright was
hit on the side of the face by flak after coming off the target, and required medical
attention.

Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships led by Lt. Fraser participated in a raid over San
Benedetto, Italy. Our flight was first in the formation. Results of bombing—poor. Capt.
Bugbee, Capt. Spikes, 1st Lt. Springler, 2nd Lt. Werner, and S/Sgt. Mercer transferred to
U.S. per letter of Jan. 6, 1944, 12th A.F. Hq. 1st Lt. Wm M. Johnston transferred to Hqs.

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

12th A.F. by Special Order #9 dated Jan. 9, 1944. Capt. E.H. Beeson transferred to 445th
Squadron. The following promotions came through as of Jan. 9: Sgt. J.M. Reilly to
S/Sgt. P.F.C. J.H. Jeffrey to Cpl, P.F.C David O. Erickson to Cpl., and Cpl. Foster R.
Ludtke to Sgt. A new combat crew is assigned to this squadron as of today. They are:

2nd Lt. G.D. Seavey, 2nd Lt. H.D. Tompkins, 2nd Lt. J.W. McDermott, T/Sgt. R.W.
Harman, Sgt. J.H. Grant, and Sgt. A. Schwartz.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, operations Bugbee, James M., Capt, pilot

Erickson, David O., Cpl, engineering Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Grant, James H., Sgt, gunner Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt, gunner

Jeffrey, James H., Cpl, engineer-gunner Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier

Ludtke, Foster R., Sgt, gunner Mercer, William R., S/Sgt, gunner

McDermott, James W., 2Lt, bombardier Reilly, James M., S/Sgt, turret gunner

Schwartz, Arthur, Sgt, gunner Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot

Spikes, Robert F., Capt, pilot Springler, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot

Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt, pilot Werner, Robert G., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 146 (184): At 13:00 23 planes off to bomb M/Y at
Falconara, all dropped 129 x 500 bombs at 14:00 from 10,500 feet on alternate target of
San Benedetto, all back at 15:30. Falconara covered by overcast. At alternate bombs
were concentrated starting at bases of both N and S moles, thence across tracks and into
town, both choke points of M/Y hit, large red top buildings between shore and M/Y
suffered direct hit. Six planes dropped bombs just off shore. Flak: Heavy, moderate and
trailing. Weather: 4/10th cover.

Tuesday, 11 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26's attack the
iron and steel works at Piombino during the night of 10/11 Jan; during the day, B-25's
bomb Falconara (hitting the railroad junction) and railroad yards at Fabriano; P-40's and
A-36's blast defenses and gun positions in Cervaro-Monte Trocchio, a gun position N of
Minturno, the towns of Sora and Isola del Liri, road traffic in the Macerata-Aquila-Popoli
area, and railroad facilities at San Giorgio del Sannio. Transfers: HQ 87th Fighter Wing
to Nouvion, Algeria from the US. 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light), from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-
20's.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

321st BG: Mission NO: 185 Date: 11 Jan 44 NO A/C: 23

Squadrons: 445-7 447-6 (1 returned early)

446-4 448-5

Target: Falconera M/Y, Italy.

Time Up: 1208 T.O.T.: 1330 Time Down: 1425

Axis of Attack: 180° Height: 10,500/11,500 ft.

Bombs Dropped: 71 x 500 lb bombs with .1 and .25 fusing

Weather: Clouds 4/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’. Visibility 15 miles. Slight haze.

At Target: Clouds 4/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’. Clear over target. Visibility 15
miles, slight haze.

Return: Clouds 5/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’. Visibility: 15 miles, slight haze.

Flak: Target – slight, light, inaccurate – two guns reported at 33-F. 10/18 bursts from
Ancona

Results: Strings of bombs observed falling across RR tracks – at NW end of M/Yds –
near junction – in front of RR station and SE choke point. Some bombs over near
barracks, some just off shore – Coordinates of bomb fall to N 23-84 (?) J-28 to K-28 and
G-22. One fire in yards reported. (4 planes failed to drop)

Observation:

Air—-----One report of one E/S near San Benedetto.

Marine—Two medium M/V, estimated (300’ – 400’) in Porto Civitanova Harbor.
Submarine observed while formation was heading north – sub was heading south ten
miles S of Porto Civitanova – crash dived turning 180°. Large vessel reported as cruiser
headed N., 10 miles off coast at 45° N. One large M/V (500’) heading S. 5 miles N of
Sari Gallia.

Ground---None

Flight Leaders: Lts. Sowder and Fetterly

Photos Taken.

Signed: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: There were several instrument training flights scheduled. There
was another flight to Bari and the plane which went to Naples yesterday returned today.
Lt. Melvin A. Anderson, a bombardier in the Squadron, is gaining quite a reputation for
his rare humor. Most of the men know him for his imaginary bombing of “broom
factories and ball bearing factories”. Lt. Anderson is a cigar addict and has never been
caught without at least a small stub in his mouth. Anderson, Melvin A., 2Lt, bombardier

A/C No. 41-13207

A/C No. 42-32333

Vallery, Dean B., F/O

House, Robert M., 2Lt

Charville, Leighton D. "Danny", 2Lt

Walker, Robert S., 2Lt

None

Souders, Walter E., 2Lt

Smith, P. F., S/Sgt

Belt, H. C., S/Sgt

Dillon, J. A., S/Sgt

Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt

Dipietrantonio, J. N., T/Sgt

Irving, Ralph D., Sgt

Herrman, Byard G., Sgt

None

Asmus, G., D., S/Sgt

A/C No. 41-64667

A/C No. 41-13179

Panp, A. K., 2Lt

Carney, J. B., 2Lt

Noel, William H., 2Lt

Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt

None

Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt

Monk, William, 2Lt

Schaviak, Willis, M., Sgt,

Chambers, Jimmie, Cpl

Townsend, C. A., T/Sgt

Stein, Louis, T/Sgt

Reddy, John E., Sgt

Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt

None

A/C No. 41-13202

A/C No. 41-12924

Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt

Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt

Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt,

Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt (446th BS)

Miller, Edward A., 2Lt

None

Underwood, James H., 2Lt

Castle, Roy V., Cpl

Hetland, Arthur M., Jr, Cpl

Garner, D. E., Cpl

Marcoulier, William A., Sgt

Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt

Carson, Cecil F., Cpl

Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt

None

A/C No. 41-29985

Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt

Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt

None

Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt

Donagan, J. B., S/Sgt

Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt

Forbes, Robert W., Sgt,

None

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Chappell relinquishes command of the squadron upon return
of Lt. Col. Schwane. PX today and we draw some beer on rations, something new for us.
Lt. Fetterly winds up his half-a-hundred missions.

Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt, pilot

Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 150

TARGET: Falconera M/Y, Italy. DATE: 11 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 4

Lt. Sowder, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Strings of bombs observed falling across RR
tracks at NW end of M/Y. Some bombs were over near barracks, and some were just off
shore. One fire reported in yards. Four planes in first flight failed to drop their bombs.
No fighters. Flak was slight, high, inaccurate. Lt. Strom did not take off, magneto
trouble.

Sowder, Tony K., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Strom, Ernest M., Lt, pilot

A/C No. 41-30551

A/C No. 41-13208

Holt, Robert L., 2Lt

Walker, Dale F., 2Lt

Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt

Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt

None

Bahm, Linston A, PFC

Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt

Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt

Wuotila, Benjamin O., S/Sgt

Smith, Roy W., Sgt

Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt

Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt

Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt

None

Tissier, Rene G., Cpl

A/C No. 42-64557

A/C No. 41-12963

Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt

Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt

Ryder, David, 2Lt

Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt

None

Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt

Nicklaus, George E., 2Lt,

Brown, Newton E., 2Lt

Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt

Carstens, Clarence H., S/Sgt

Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt

Fontenot, V. L., T/Sgt

Holtzclaw, James R., PFC

Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt

None

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at
Falconara, Italy. Results—fair. Choke point hit.

A/C No. 42-64512

A/C No. 42-64695

Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt

Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt

Seavey, George D., 2Lt

Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt

None

McCormick, Donald P., 1Lt

Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt

Schwartz, Arthur, Sgt

Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt

Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt

Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt

Grant, James H., Sgt

Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt

None

A/C No. 42-64695

Davies, Robert G., 1Lt

Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 2Lt

None

McDermott, James W., 2Lt

Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt

Ennis, Edward C., T/Sgt

Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt,

Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 147 (185): At 12:05 25 planes off to bomb Falconera
M/Y, 1 returned early and 22 dropped 71 x 500 bombs at 13:30 from 10,500 feet. All
returned at 14:25. Strings of bombs observed falling across RR tracks at NW end of M/Y
near junction, in front of RR station and SE choke point. 1 fire in yards reported, 4
planes did not drop bombs. Flak: Slight, light and inaccurate. Weather: 4/10th Strato-
cumulus, slight haze. F/L: Sowder.

Sowder, Tony K., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 12 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Colonel Archibald Y
Smith assumes command of the XII Air Force Training and Replacement Command. In
Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb the Giulianova railway bridge and attack a dam and road
bridge; A-20's hit San Donato; P-40's attack a vessel in the Krka River of Yugoslavia, hit
enemy defensive positions at San Biagio Saracinesa, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, Monte
Trocchio, and Atina, and bomb Vallerotonda; A-36's attack the Avezzano railroad yards,
a village near Atina, railroad facilities at Cisterna di Latina, and numerous trucks and
train cars in the Rome area.

445th BS War Diary: The Medics had a big day today as typhoid, typhus and small pox
“shots” were administered to all Squadron personnel. The mild weather hangs on and
none of the men are complaining about it. Another instrument training flight was
scheduled. It was this Squadron’s turn to send a courier plane to Naples. A new
replacement crew arrived today. They were formerly of the 309th Group in Columbia, a
familiar outfit to a number of the men in this Squadron. The movie “Bachelor Mother”
with Ginger Rogers made quite a hit with the men. It was shown at night in the granary.

446th BS War Diary: Sergeant Barber finishes his missions.

Barber, Otis C., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 151

TARGET: Isoletta Dam, Italy. DATE: 12 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Beeson, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Bursts seen on all sides of target, but none
on the dam though. Two possible his on road bridge just S of dam. Ten a/c holed, one
shot down, seen to break in two at navigator’s compartment. Seen to crash at 21º 32’ N,
13º 52’ E, after being hit one minute past target. Two parachutes observed. Flak was
heavy, intense, and accurate from coast to target, firing on single guns. No fighters. Lt.
Rigling and Lt. Brellenthin were spares, and returned early.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, commander, 445th BS

Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot Rigling, Samuel, Jr., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships took part in a raid on the Isoletta Dam, Italy. Flak
was very heavy with results that the formation was broken up and bombing very poor.
Ship #210 piloted by Lt. Vincent went down over the target when a direct hit was made
on the right wing which caused the gas tank to explode thereby knocking off the right
wing and pieces of the tail. Two parachutes were seen to open. Members of the crew
were: 1st Lt. F.W. Vincent, pilot; 1st Lt. J.E. Haeberle, co-pilot; S/Sgt. W.P. Franklin,
bombardier; Sgt Wm. O’Loughlin, engineer; S/Sgt D.A. Davis, radio-operator; S/Sgt.
Harold F. Schrader, turret-gunner; and Sgt. L.P. Hassett, photographer. This was the
second ship of this squadron to be lost this far during January. F.F.C. Anthony Bellonia
transferred to hospital. S/Sgt. R.E. Armstrong completed his fiftieth combat mission
today.

Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt, gunner Bellonia, Anthony, PFC, mess

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 210 shot down

Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt

Haeberle, John H., 1Lt

None

Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt

O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt

Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt

Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt

Hassett, Leo P., Sgt

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: Six of our planes took part Jan. 12 in a raid,
the objective being a dam near Isoletta, Italy. The target was a few miles behind the
enemy lines and within range of their heavy anti-aircraft guns near the front. One minute
before the target was reached intense, heavy and accurate flak was encountered by the
formation and the flak continued until the formation was about four minutes away from
the target.

The plane piloted by Lt. Vincent received a direct hit in the outer wing gas tank of
the right wing. The wing collapsed and fell off when the tank exploded and the entire
plane was engulfed in flames. The plane spiraled to the right, spun down and crashed to
the ground. Two parachutes were seen floating down after the wreckage. The crew was
as follows: 1st Lt Fred W. Vincent, pilot; 1st Lt. John H. Haeberle, co-pilot; S/Sgt W.P.
Franklin, bombardier; S/Sgt D.A. Davis, radio-gunner; Sgt. William O’Loughlin,
engineer; S/Sgt. Harold F. Schrader, turret gunner; Sgt. Leo P. Hassett, photographer.

Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt, bombardier

Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Hassett, Leo P., Sgt, photographer

O'Loughlin, William M., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

The intensity and accuracy of the flak caused the formation to scatter somewhat
and the bombing results as shown by the available photographs were poor. The camera
in the third flight went down with Lt. Vincent’s plane so the photographic coverage was
not complete but no hits on the dame were observed by the crews participating in the
raid.

Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

Lt. E.D. Langston who was in the same flight with Lt. Vincent and in the element
behind his got a good view of the plane when it was hit. He reported that parts of the tail
of the ship fell off also when it started down. He saw the two chutes open but was unable
to tell what part of the plane they came from.

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt, pilot Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

The flak was of the tracking variety rather than barrage. Apparently the enemy
gunners were singling out elements and concentrating their fire on the selected element,
following it all the way into and away from the target. Lt. Vincent’s plane was about two
minutes away from the target when it was hit. The loss is the second for the squadron in
this first month of 1944.

Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 148 (186): at 12:45 18 planes off to bomb Isoletta dam,
55 x 1000 bombs dropped at 14:00 from 10,000 feet. 17 returned at 14:45. 1 plane shot
down by flak (446), bursts seen on all sides of targets, no hits observed on the dam, 2
possible hits on road bridge S of dam, also hits on E road bridge approach and road
bridge junction 1 mile W of dam. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate along coastal road.
11 A/C holed 1 B-25 broken in two, 1 Spit Fire exploded. Weather: 5/10th Strato
Cumulus at 6000 feet, visibility 15 miles.

Thursday, 13 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's and B-
26's bomb Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino airfields; A-20's strike the town of Atina.

AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighter-bombers hit shipping along the Dalmatian coast at
Sibenik and in the Krka River of Yugoslavia. A-36's hit the town and railway yards at
Isola del Liri, a factory at Colleferro, docks at Formia, railroad yards at Valmontone, and
a railway station SE of Frosinone. P-40's hit Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, San Biagio,
Saracinesa, and a rail and road junction near Villa Latina. 86th and 97th Bombardment
Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfer from Vincenzo Airfield to
Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for a move. The other Squadrons are
already starting the move to the new base. The mission today cost the Squadron one of
its oldest ships, “Ch-7”. F/O Vallery was forced to make a crash landing at this base after
his hydraulic system had been shot up by flak. The landing was practically perfect but it
was the last flight for this famous shop which had over 80 combat missions to its credit.
Lt. Neumann was made Operations Officer and F/O Vallery was made Assistant
Operations Officer. Orders came in for a number of the Officers and enlisted men
combat crews to return to the United States. In the evening there were classes held in the
intelligence office for cadet applicants.

Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot, Operations Officer Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: The squadron lost six men on a raid against an airdrome north of
Rome today. It was reported that six chutes were seen leaving the ship. Lt. Elliott was
pilot, with Lt. Farrell as co-pilot. Sgts. Brooks, Plaine, Valenti, and Wuotila were others
on the plane. Radioman Haasch reaches his fiftieth.

Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt, gunner Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot

Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Haasch, George F., Sgt, radio-gunner

Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt, gunner

Wuotila, Benjamin O., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 152

TARGET: Guidonia A/D, Italy. DATE: 13 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. McClelland led the formation. String of bombs covered area from center of field to
revetment on W, extending up to hangars. Barracks and Administration Buildings were
hit and two fires observed. Some strings ob bombs hit NW of target. Fires from previous
bombings reported at W hangar. Flak was heavy, accurate, intense from target. Lt.

Elliott’s plane was hit, and crashed in flames two miles NW of the target. XII Bomb Gp
reported seeing five parachutes on the ground. Lt. Boulton’s plane was also hit by flak,
causing him to make a forced landing at Naples.

Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot

McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. unknown (shot down)

Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt

Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt

None

Brooks, Galen B., S/Sgt

Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt

Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt

Wuotila, Benjamin O., S/Sgt

None

447th BS War Diary: 3 of our ships took part in a raid on Guidonia A/D, Italy.
Results—good. Center of field, barracks and administration buildings hit. 446th
Squadron lost a ship over the target. 4 parachutes left the plane but only 2 were seen to
open. Advance echelon moved to new location at Vincenzo L/G.

A/C No. 512

Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, Capt

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt

None

Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt

Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 54)

TARGET: Guidonia A/D 2:50 Frags

Plane 512: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Langston, Lt Nowakowski, S/Sgt. Monroe, S/Sgt. Czaja,
S/Sgt. Harmer

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt, gunner Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, armor-gunner

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt, pilot Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot

“Strings of bombs covered area from center of field to revetments up to hangars.
Barracks and administration buildings hit and two fires seen. One B-25 (446th) hit and
crashed.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 149 (187): At 11:55 18 planes off to bomb Guidonia
A/D. None returned early, 17 dropped 1020 frags at 13:10 from 11,000 feet. 16 returned
at 14:45. 1 plane lost, 1 at friendly field and 1 crash landed at our field. Strings of
bombs covered area from center of field to revetments on W extending up to hangars.
Barracks and Administration buildings hit and 2 fires observed, some strings of bombs
NE and NW of target. 1 B-25 hit by flak and crashed 1 mile W of target just W of
cement factory, 2 parachutes seen to open although 4 left plane. Flak: Heavy, intense
and accurate. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Shutt.

Shutt, Erwin F., 2Lt, pilot

Friday, 14 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's strike the

Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's offer close support to US Fifth Army forces in the Monte
Trocchio area; P-40's blast Loreto tank repair shops; P-40's and A-36's hit defenses in the
San Giuseppe, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, and Monte Trocchio areas; A-36's also attack road
and buildings E of Minturno, the town of Isoladel Liri, and the harbor at Anzio. Transfers
in Italy: HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) from Amendola to Vincenzo Airfield with B-25's
and 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with
P-51's.

445th BS War Diary: Moving day for the Squadron. All the sectional tents came down
and were transported to the new base by truck. The new base is located about 17 miles
away, about 4 miles south of Foggia. The bivouac area is located on a farm a good
distance off the main road. The Orderly room, Operations-Intelligence and a number of
the pyramidals went up today in beautiful spring like weather. All available vehicles wee
used all day to effect the move. Eight B-25’s were sent to the new base, enough to fill in
a possible mission tomorrow. Also the scheduled combat crews and a small number of
ground crew personnel were sent to the new base.

446th BS War Diary: The squadron moved from Amendola, Italy, to Vincenzo A/D, a
distance of 18 miles by motor transport. Official confirmation regarding the air crash of
one of our ships while in North Africa came in today. The accident was blamed on poor
visibility and took place at Lion Mountain on December 24. Lt. Klang was pilot with Lt.
Henson as co-pilot. Lt. Graham of our Tech Supply, along with Sgts. Bonacich and
Carnes perished. More pleasant news was travel orders to the good old U.S.A. for
Captain Caldwell, Lt. Anzalone, and S/Sgts. Corthell and McNair.

Anzalone, Benjamin W., 1Lt, bombardier Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt, gunner

Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt, navigator Carnes, James B., Sgt, engineering

Corthell, Richard J., S/Sgt, gunner Graham, Robert W., 2Lt, engineering

Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt, pilot Klang, Irving E., 2Lt, pilot

McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Entire squadron moved to Vincenzo Landing Ground
which is one of the Foggia satellites. 35 Q.M. trucks were available for the move. Tents
were erected and all personnel settled by night fall at the new location. P.F.C. A.S.
Landa transferred to hospital. 1st Lt. B.B. Miller, Jr and S/Sgt. R.D. Penson, transferred
to U.S. as per letter Jan 12, 1944, 12th A.F. Hq.

Landa, Arthur S., PFC, supply Miller, Benjamin B., 1Lt, pilot

Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 15 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Lieutenant General Ira C
Eaker, USAAF, assumes command of MAAF and Army Air Forces, MTO (AAFMTO),
replacing Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder, RAF, and General Carl Spaatz, who
along with Air Vice Marshall Sir Arthur Coningham, RAF, and numerous other
American and British officers have departed for the UK. In Italy, B-25's attack the
Foligno railway junction; B-26's bomb bridges at Orvieto. P-40's of the 79th Fighter
Group and RAF 239 Wing hit the San Valentino station in a joint attack; A-36's and other
P-40's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, hit gun positions and strongpoints, especially
at Picinisco and Atina; P-40's on armed reconnaissance hit the railroad W of Frosinone
station and strafe the Ceccano station and railway cars.

445th BS War Diary: The weather today is cloudy, cold and windy. Personnel and
equipment continue to arrive at the new base. The remainder of the planes were ferried
to the new base and by the end of the day, all the remaining personnel had arrived at the
new location. Lt. Strenger’s plane dropped a 1000 lb. bomb on the runway after
returning from the mission of the day. The accident was apparently due to faulty bomb
racks. Poor visibility made landings difficult today.

Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: More travel orders—this time for Captain Bradley, Captain
Chappell, Lt. Coe, plus Higgins, Chamberlain, Hershberger, Lowell, and J.A. Smith.
Mail call.

Bradley, James L., Jr., Bradley, pilot Chamberlain, Don C., Sgt, gunner

Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Coe, George A., 2Lt, bombardier

Hershberger, Ingwal J., Sgt, gunner Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt, gunner

Smith, James A., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 153

TARGET: RR Junction at Foligno, Italy. DATE: 15 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3

Lt. DeMay, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Strings of bombs observed to cross M/Yds
and hit barracks, also crossing road. RR lines N of junction reported cut. Buildings,
locomotive shed, and power station hit. No flak or fighters.

DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 5 of our ships took part in a raid on the railroad yards at Foligno,
Italy. Results—good. Hits on Marshalling Yards, barracks, shed and power station. Our
flight was first in the formation, being led by Major Sampson. S/Sgt. L.B. Iverson
transferred to hospital. Morning report for week ending Jan. 15: Officers—46; Enlisted
Men—232.

Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt, gunner Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 150 (188): At 13:30 18 planes off to bomb Foligno RR
Junction. 1 returned early, 17 planes dropped 47 x 1000 bombs at 14:50 from 11,000
feet, all returned at 16:10. Strings observed across M/Y and into barracks and across
road, other bombs cut RR lines N of junction, E and W junction believed hit, locomotive
shed and power station. Weather: Hazy with 6/10th Strato Cumulus cover.

Sunday, 16 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the
marshalling yard and choke points at Terni; B-26's attack the marshalling yard and bridge
at Orte; A-20's bomb the town of Atina; P-40's attack bridges in the San Giorgio del
Sannio area and gun emplacements near Cassino; Sant' Angelo in Theodice and
Picinisco; A-36's hit the railway junction at Cecina, road and railway S of Siena, and the
town areas of Avezzano and Formia. Transfers in Italy: HQ 79th Fighter Group and 85th
and 86th Fighter Squadrons from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; and 99th
Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command (attached to 79th Fighter Group), from
Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: The weather is very cool and appetites are sharp these days. The
new area is located right in the midst of farmland and there are cows, chickens, turkeys,
pigs, sheep and plenty of dogs roaming about. The mess tent is already set up, much to
the joy of the various “chowhounds”. Several training flights were scheduled today and a
new replacement crew arrived. The fuel situation is very poor and there are no lights in
the area yet – two reasons for some of the “bitching” going on in the Squadron. S/Sgt.
Thomas H. Flynn, bombardier in our Squadron, returned today after a harrowing
experience following the October 8th mission over Athens-Eleusis airdrome in Greece.
His plane was shot down by fighters, three of the crew members being killed. He
survived and after several months spent through Greece and Turkey, hi finally made it
back. He had some vivid stories to relate to his open-mouthed buddies.

Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt, bombardier, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Brady finished his fiftieth today.

Brady, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 154

TARGET: Terni M/Y, Italy. DATE: 16 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 4

Lt. Ryan, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Good coverage. Hits on or near both choke
points. Strings reported across middle of yards. Fires and two or three fires seen. Some
bombs short, and some over to SW of M/Yds. Two B-26’s see to go down near Orte. No
fighters, no flak.

Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participated in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at
Terni, Italy. Hits on or near both Choke points. A new crew was assigned to this
squadron as of Jan 13. The crew consists of: 2nd Lt. Eugene E. Stocking, 2nd Lt. Eldon R.
Haynes, 2nd Lt. Leonard E. Adcock, Sgt. Roy H. Bartram, Pvt. Delbert D. Davis, and Sgt.
Sidney Orloff.

Adcock, Leonard E., 1Lt, bombardier Bartram, Roy H., Sgt, gunner

Davis, Delbert D., Pvt, gunner Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt, pilot

Orloff, Sidney, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 16 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 151 (189): At 11:30 18 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y. 1
returned early, 17 dropped 48 x 1000 bombs at 12:50 from 11,000 feet, all returned at
14:25. Good coverage, hits on or near both choke points, strings reported across middle
of yards, fires and 3 explosions noted, some bombs fell short and others over to SW of
yards. 1 B-26 observed going down and hitting ground in vicinity of Orte. Weather:
7/10th Strato Cumulus at 4000 feet. F/L: Ryan.

Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 17 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's attack
marshalling yards at Terni, Chiaravalle, and Montemarciano; B-26's strike the Orte
railway bridge and Viterbo marshalling yard; P-40's hit the Sibenik, Yugoslavia harbor,
the bridge at San Giorgio del Sannio, gun positions at San Giuseppe and Formia and
docks at Anzio; A-36's bomb Anzio, the Avezzano town area and road junction, and
Tarquinia town and factory buildings. Transfers in Italy: 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th
Fighter Group, from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; 92nd Fighter Squadron,
81st Fighter Group, from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Capodichino with P-39's.

445th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Charley Larkin returned to the squadron today after having
spent several months in a hospital in North Africa. He was suffering from malaria and
yellow jaundice. The men were very glad to see their old buddy back. Charley, a
mechanic on the line, is very well liked in the Squadron. Lt. Underwood was name the
Squadron Bombing Officer and Lt. Anderson was designated as his assistant. There was
a big mail call this afternoon and nearly everyone got a good quota of letters. Lt.
Underwood held a meeting for all bombardiers in his tent today. A Red Cross girl
distributed doughnuts and coffee to the men in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the steak
supper.

Anderson, Charles, Lt, Bombardier or Anderson, Melvin A., 2Lt, bombardier

Larkin, Francis C. “Charley”, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Underwood, James H., Capt, bombardier, bombing officer

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather kept our planes from reaching the target and Kaney
got his 50 in. Promotions came out for ten combat men and they are happy. Twelve new
combat personnel arrived from you-know-where.

Kaney, Oscar J., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 155

TARGET: Terni M/Y, Italy DATE: 17 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Neumann, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. No bombs dropped. Both primary and
alternate targets had heavy overcast of 4000/10000 ft. Heavy, moderate accurate flak
over the overcast.

Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: Three of our ships and two others acting as spares participated in a
raid over Terni M/Y, Italy. The spares returned early. Target not reached due to faulty
navigation. Everyone busy getting settled once more at the new site, rebuilding the mess
halls (the EM were able to get a Nissen Hut for their mess), officers setting up their
former one; bargaining with Italians for the digging of Fox-holes, latrines etc.

Monday, 17 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 512

Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, Capt

Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt

None

Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt

Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt

Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 55)

TARGET: Terni M/Y 1:55 No bombs dropped

Plane 512: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Haynes, Lt. Mayben, S/Sgt. Monroe, S/Sgt. Boyd, S/Sgt.
Harmer

Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt, gunner Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, armor-gunner

Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt, pilot Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot

“No bombs dropped due to heavy overcast on both primary and altimate target”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 152 (190): At 12:00 18 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y.
No bombs dropped due to heavy overcast, all returned at 13:45. Heavy, moderate and
accurate flak experienced over overcast.

Tuesday, 18 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26's hit the
harbor, tin mills, steel works, power house, and blast furnaces at Piombino, and bomb the
Montalto di Castro railroad and bridge; B-25's hit the town and railway viaduct at Terni,
and A-20's blast gun positions in the Minturno area; P-40's hit trains, wharves and vessels
in the Ploca and Metkovic, Yugoslavia areas; A-36's and P-40's pound troops, trucks, and
gun positions in the Minturno area and near Pontecorvo and Atina, hit a gasoline dump at
Pignataro Interamna, a warehouse at Fontana Liri, a factory at Ceprano, the rail and road
junction at Avezzano, and railway at Santa Marinella. Transfers in Italy: 81st and 434th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), from Foggia
to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, from
Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's; 344th, 345th and 415th Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), from Manduria to Lecce with B-
24's.

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 09:00 to 15:00.
It was a very good ration this week. Four pilots, three bombardiers and a radio operator
were assigned from the 310th Bomb. Group. Three of the planes held a practice bombing
mission in which they simulated actual combat conditions. A plane went up to drop-
check a parachute. The Italian K.P.’s became very excited when they saw the parachute
floating down and were dismayed quite a bit when they saw the dummy on the ground.

446th BS War Diary: Ship #3008, one of the oldest ships of the outfit, made a crash
landing with Lt. Ryder at the controls. The hydraulics had been ruptured by flak on a
successful raid. PX today—badly needed cigarettes finally acquired. Lt. Brown got to
that well known 50.

Brown, Aud W., Lt, pilot or Brown, John R., Lt, bombardier

Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 156

TARGET: Terni Viaduct, Italy. DATE: 18 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Brady led the formation. Bursts seen among buildings in the vicinity of viaduct.
Bombs fell on incline just N of target. Hits seen in SW part of Terni. One report of a hit
on the viaduct. No fighters. Flak was heavy, intense and accurate from Orte. Lt.
Ryder’s plane crash landed at home base. No casualties.

Brady, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 5 of our ships participated in a raid over a viaduct near Terni. Hits
seen near the viaduct but extent of damage not observed. P.F.C. Herman G. Ketter, Jr.
assigned and transferred from Replacement battalion as of Jan. 16.

Ketter, Herman G., Jr., PFC, armament

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 153 (191): At 12:50 18 planes off to bomb Terni viaduct,
3 returned early and 15 dropped 37 x 1000 bombs on target at 14:50 from 10,500 feet, all
back at 15:45, 5 A/C holed by flak. Smoke obscured target area but bursts seen among
buildings in vicinity of viaduct, bombs fell on incline just N of target, hits on SE part of
Terni in vicinity of Royal Arms factory. 1 hit on viaduct. 1 B-25 crashed landed at home
base. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate from Orte. Weather: CAVU.

Wednesday, 19 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb
Rieti Airfield; B-26's hit the airfield at Viterbo; A-20's attack the marshalling yard at
Colleferro; P-40's bomb and strafe 2 schooners at Makarska, Yugoslavia; A-36's hit guns,
trucks, and trains N of Rome and fly 70+ sorties against rail, communications and troop
positions in the US Fifth Army battle area as the Garigliano bridgehead expands; P-40's
also hit defended positions in the battle area and near Scauri, Tremensuoli, and Alvito.
Transfers in Italy: HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 82nd and 83rd
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; HQ 27th
Fighter-Bomber Group and 522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons from
Paestum to Pomigliano with A-36's; HQ 31st Fighter Group and 309th Fighter Squadron
from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

445th BS War Diary: A number of training flights were scheduled for the day. There
was a test hop and another parachute was drop-checked. Lt. Lowman contributed a
number of fine photographs of movie stars and the Intelligence section turned it into a
pin-up gallery in the office. It caught the eye of one and all – a vision of breath-taking
beauty. The oldest ship in the Squadron, old “Idaho Lassie”, was photographed today for
a public relations story. She is the veteran of over 100 combat missions.

Lowman, Robert S., 2Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: No Entry

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The target today was the Airdrome at Rieti, Italy. 6 of our planes
were on the mission. The L/G was completely covered and a power line Hit north of the
Field.

A/C No. 695

Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, Capt

Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt

Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt

Davis John V., 2Lt

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt

Payne, Leonard T., Sgt

None

Wednesday, 19 January 1944

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 56)

TARGET: Rieti A/D 2:35 500 lb bombs

Plane 695: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Davies, Lt. Paiton, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt Monroe, S/Sgt.
Ennis, Sgt. Payne

Davies, John V., 2Lt, bombardier Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt, pilot

Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator Payne, Leonard T., Sgt, gunner

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot

“Field well covered, road junction N of hangars also hit with power lines knock
out.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 154 (192): At 12:05 18 planes off to bomb Rieti A/D.
All dropped 105 x 500 bombs at 13:20 from 11,000 feet and returned at 14:40. Field well
covered with bombs across center, in front of hangars and along NW side and across road
running along N side of field, power line hit and cut. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 20 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26's bomb the
Viterbo marshalling yard and attack a bridge at Pontecorvo; B-25's attack railroads in the
Carsoli area; A-20's give close support to the US 5th Infantry Division in the Minturno
area; British and US P-40's follow RAF light bombers in a raid on the Popoli station; A-
36's pound a rail and road crossing at Viterbo and P-40's hit communications at
Frosinone, Palestrina, and Carsoli, where a traffic block is created; A-36's and P-40's fly
nearly 200 sorties in support of the US Fifth Army ground forces as the 36th Infantry
Division begins an assault across the Rapido River in the Theodice area; and P-40's hit
targets along the British Eighth Army front.

445th BS War Diary: The planes were badly shot up today. After bombing the primary
target, they were led over Roccasecca and Terracina where they received an intense flak
barrage. Most of the ships had at least 15-20 flak holes. The food situation isn’t quite as
good as it used to be. Consequently, the men have acquired the habit of taking slices of
bread to their tents and toasting them at night. This takes the “edge” off their appetites.

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather kept our ships from reaching the target again. Capt.
Warren joins us as our new “Doc”. More new combat men come in and Lt. Shepard gets
his “going home” papers. Lots of V-Mail today and morale is high. Houghom end 50.

Houghom, Sgt Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt, bombardier

Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical officer

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 157

TARGET: G-277889 DATE: 20 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Boatwright, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs dropped on unidentified location.
First flight made a 360º turn before crossing lines in order to avoid a collision course with
another group. Flak was slight, to moderate to intense, and heavy. Eight ships holed. Lt.
Dickson was a spare, and returned early.

Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: Our squadron had practice bombing today. The other squadrons
flew a mission. The officers’ mess hall is once more open for business. Last evening the
first meal in the building at this field was consumed. Starting last evening a truck from
the motor pool will carry men to the movies in Foggia every night.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 155 (193): At 12:05 18 planes off to bomb bridge (T-6-
277889). Bombs not dropped because formation forced off course by another group, all
planes returned at 13:50. Flak: Heavy, moderate and inaccurate. F/L: Boatwright.

Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot

Friday, 21 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26's hit
railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto; B-25's bomb chokepoints around Rome and
unsuccessfully attack the Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's attack communications at Atina; P-
40's hit shipping at Povlje, Yugoslavia; other P-40's and A-36's attack strongpoints,
trucks, a command post, a HQ building, and radar station in the battle area; P-40's also
give close support to US Fifth Army troops which are hardpressed at both Garigliano and
the Rapido River bridgeheads; and A-36's bomb Veletri, a concentration at Minturno, and
the area S of Viterbo. "B" and "C" Flights of the 15th Combat Mapping Squadron, 5th
Photographic Reconnaissance Group, depart Colorado Springs, Colorado to join "A"
Flight. The 15th, based at Bari, Italy with F-5's and B-25's, has been in the MTO since
Dec 42. 381st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium),
transfers from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: Two missions were flown today and there are rumors rampant
about another invasion. A beer ration was distributed to the men at noon chow. Captain
Gaffney was named the Mess Officer and Lt. Lower is his assistant. It was officially
learned that Lt. Fisher, pilot who went down on the October 8th mission, is a German
prisoner of war. Lt. House accidentally dropped a 1000 lb. bomb on returning from the
mission. The Squadron members attended a Group meeting after chow at which time Lt.
Col. Olmsted pointed out the great work done by the Group in paralyzing rail traffic to
Rome and then made the stunning announcement that landings would be made just south
of Rome early tomorrow morning. He gave out all details and this policy was criticized
in the Squadron.

Fisher, James B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Gaffney, Charles, H., Capt, Executive Officer

House, Robert M., 1Lt, pilot Lower, William C., Lt, personal equipment

Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Our squadron sent six planes. Group meeting this
afternoon, where we had a “preview” of the invasion plans to take place early the
following morning. Lt. Col. Olmstead, the Commanding Officer of the group, and
Captain Abbott, A.L.O. of the T.B.F. outlined the phases of the operation to us. Very
interesting.

Abbott, Capt Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 158

TARGET: PonteCorvo Road Bridge, Italy. DATE: 21 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Tapper led the formation. Most bombs fell W of target. W approach and road
junctions believed hit. One crew reports hits on bridge. Some bombs fell in town. Flak
was heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. No fighters. Eighteen planes holed.

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Two missions scheduled today. On the morning mission 6 of our
ships participated on a raid on the Foligno M/Y, Italy. The target was closed due to fog
and all ships returned with their bombs. However, the ship piloted by Lt. Davies salvoed
two bombs in the ocean. In the afternoon mission 5 of our ships participated. The target
was a road bridge near PonteCorvo, Italy. 1 ship flow by Lt. McFadden returned early
due to a leak in the gas tank. Results of raid—good. As per special order #12 Hqs 321st
Bomb Gp (M) AAF dated 19 January 1944 the following new men are assigned to this
squadron: 1st Lt. Thomas C. Bounds, pilot, 1st Lt. Ernest P. Dusek, pilot, 1st Lt. W.J.
Toltzman, co-pilot, 1st Lt. G.G. Baker, co-pilot, 1st Lt. J.H. Windler, bombardier, 2nd Lt.
J.C. Davidson, pilot, T/Sgt. J.J. Altobello, radio-gunner, Sgt. H.E. Orzynski, gunner, PFC
D.D. Issacs, turret-gunner, S/Sgt. W.B. Mayhew, Jr., gunner, Cpl. W.W. Stewart,
bombardier, S/Sgt. H.M. Glass, turret-gunner, Sgt. L. Cangillieri, turret-gunner, S/Sgt. H.
Konchinsky, bombardier, PFC L.L. Huddleston, turret-gunner, Pvt. H.E. Drew, turret-
gunner and Sgt. A. Evans, bombardier. As of S.O. #6, Hq. AAFSC, Med. Theatre of
Operations dated Jan 6, 1944, Sgt. Andrew R. Richard is assigd 447 Bomb Sq.

Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt, pilot

Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt, pilot Cangillieri, Liebnick, Sgt, turret gunner

Davidson, James C., 2Lt, pilot Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot

Drew, Horace E., Pvt, turret gunner Dusek, Ernest P., 1Lt, pilot

Evans, Allen, Sgt, bombardier Glass, Henry M., S/Sgt, turret gunner

Huddleston, L. L., PFC, turret gunner Issacs, Dwight D., PFC, turret gunner

Konchinsky, Herman, S/Sgt, bombardier Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt, gunner

Richards, Andrew R., Sgt, engineering Stewart, William W., Cpl, bombardier

Toltzman, William J., 1Lt, pilot Windler, John H., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: Mission 156 (194): At 09:05 18 planes off to bomb Foligno M/Y.
All returned at 11:30. Weather: CAVU at enroute, solid overcast at target. No alternate
given and instructions not to bomb target of opportunity.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 157 (195): 18 planes off to bomb PonteCorvo; road
bridge. All dropped 51 x 1000 bombs at 15:15 from 11,000 feet and returned at 15:40.
18 A/C holed by flak. Most of bombs W of target by 300 – 900 feet, W approach and
road junction hit, 1 elements bombs across bridge and some bombs in town. Flak:
Heavy, moderate, accurate. Weather: CAVU, slight haze. F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 22 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, maximum
support is given to Allied landings at Anzio, which are begun by the US Fifth Army's VI
Corps at 0200; fighter-bombers, light and medium bombers direct efforts toward isolating
the landing area by cutting roads, bridges, and railroads and obstructing towns in the
surrounding region, at Valetri, Valmontone, Colleferro, Ceprano, and Fondi and hitting
traffic and communications throughout the area; fighters maintain a patrol over shipping
and beachhead and successfully intercept several enemy fighter-bomber missions
directed against the landings.

445th BS War Diary: Our Squadron participated in the early mission this morning to
bomb an important road junction near the point where landings were made south of
Rome. Later that day it was learned that our mission was successful in blocking an
important road between Rome and the 5th Army front. This blockage caused a German
motor convoy to clog and turn around, making them easy prey for P-38 fighter bombers.
Two missions were flown again today. There was a practice bombing mission held today
and Lt. Farrell flew to Naples as Group courier ferrying some P-40 pilots.

Farrell, Robert A., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Two missions today, ten of our ships participating. Supported
invasion forces south of Rome, by hitting Valmontone road junction.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 159

TARGET: Valmontone Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 22 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 4

Lt. McFadden, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Road about 1000 ft W of junction cut.
Road about 1000 ft SE of junction believed cut. Hits NE of jct. in town. Some bombs
short, about 1000 ft SW of jct. Flak was heavy, moderate accurate. Lt. Abraham was a
spare, and returned early. Italy was invaded thirty miles S of Rome at 0200 this morning.

Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt, pilot McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: 160

TARGET: Valmontone Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 22 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Brosnan, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. This was the second mission for this date.
Palestrina, about six miles NNW of Valmontone was hit. Hits observed through RR
close to road. Area just E also covered. Believed road cut near RR. Some hits over and
into town. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate. Also heavy flak from Artena.

Brosnan, Cornelius C., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: The group flew two missions again today. On the first mission the
target was the road junction at Valmontone, Italy. 8 of our ships participated. Our
squadron was 1st in formation, being led by Maj. Sampson. 1 ship, Lt. Knodle pilot,
returned early due to generator trouble. Results of bombing—poor. The flak was
extremely heavy and several of our ships were shot up rather badly. “Sophisticated

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

Lady” piloted by Lt. Olson returned with a fatal injury to her engineer-gunner, S/Sgt.
Delore E. Monroe, In all probability he was killed instantly over the target, having
received two severe flak wounds about the head. On the second mission of the day 2
ships from our squadron flew as spares but both returned early. The target was
Valmontone, Italy. Results—very poor. The squadron was called together in a formation
at 1620 last evening and marched to Hq. There Lt. Col. Olmstead enlightened the boys
with a short talk as to the purpose behind our bombing and the strategy used. He also let
us in on the “secret”—that another invasion just south of Rome was scheduled to take
place at 0200 last night. As of Special Order #12 dated Jan. 19, 1944 321 Bomb Group
Hqs. The following men of this squadron are promoted to T/Sgts: S/Sgts. M.L. Czaja, A.
Kaufold, R.A. Lotitio, H.H. Dexter, J.J. Kordzi, Jr., E.C. Ennis, and R. Mellado. S/Sgt.
Delore E. Monroe killed in action. Morning report for week ending Jan 22: Officers---
50; E.M. ---255.

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt, gunner Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt, gunner

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Kaufold, Adolph, S/Sgt, gunner

Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt, communication

Lotitio, Rocco A., S/Sgt, gunner Mellado, Ricardo, S/Sgt, gunner

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: S/Sgt. Delore E. Monroe was hit fatally by
flak over the target the morning of Jan. 22, 1944. An engineer gunner on the plane
piloted by Lt. R.C. Olson, S/Sgt. Monroe was on his 27th mission when he received the
fatal wound in the head.

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot

The target for mission was the road junction at Valmontone, Italy and nine of the
squadron planes participated in the raid. These nine planes made up the lead flight and
Lt. Olson was leading the third element of this flight.

Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot

At the target moderate, heavy flak was encountered and as the third element came
in on the bombing run there was a heavy burst of flak very near the tail on the left side.
Many large holes were cut in the tail section by the fragments and there were two holes in
the left wing when the plane landed. One large fragment entered S/Sgt. Monroe’s skull
and the crew members believe that he was killed instantly. His position at the tail gun
place him nearest the burst of flak and no other members of the crew were injured.

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Lt. Olson dropped out of the formation as soon as the bomb line was passed on
the way home and flew to Foggia Main as quickly as possible so that immediate medical
care would be available for the injured man. When he landed, however, and the
ambulances came to the plane, S/Sgt. Monroe was dead.

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

The deceased gunner joined the squadron in October while we were at Grottaglie
and had participated in raids over the Balkans and northern Italy.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 158 (197): At 14:00 18 planes off to bomb Valmontone
road junction. All dropped 54 x 1000 bombs at 15:15 from 11,000 feet, all planes
returned at 16:12. Strings of bombs started SW of target walked thru RR close to road;
area E of target well covered. Target road cut near RR, some hits over and into town.
Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Brosnan.

Brosnan, Cornelius C., 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 23 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Colonel William S
Gravely takes command of XII Air Force Training and Replacement Command.B-26's
bomb the area S of Avezzano while B-25's hit the town of Avezzano and road junction at
Monte Cornacchia; A-20's bomb Vallecorsa with good results; A-36's attack Vallecorsa,
road junctions at Fondi and in the Priverno area, the town of Ceccano, and railroad at
Sezze; P-47's bomb the bridge at Skradin, Yugoslavia; RAF Desert Air Force (DAF)
fighters strafe tanks and trucks on the British Eighth Army front, and XII Air Support
Command fighters cover the US Fifth Army's Anzio beachhead during the day.

445th BS War Diary: Two missions flown again today. On the morning mission this
squadron formed the entire first flight in an attack on another vital target near the
invasion area. There was pilots’ meeting at 13:00 ordered by Capt. Beeson. Three planes
went on a practice bombing mission to test bomb racks. There was also a flight to swing
the compass. The supper tonight was especially delicious. It consisted of fresh pork
chops fresh potatoes, apple pie, fresh butter and coffee.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Another doubleheader mission today, 9 ships taking part.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 161

TARGET: RR Junction Avezzano, Italy. DATE: 23 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3

Lt. Neumann, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. A few bombs hit road and rail junction.
Others observed across road just W of target area, leading W from road to Rome. Other
bombs widely scattered. Flak was heavy, moderate, inaccurate.

Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: 162

TARGET: RR Junction Avezzano, Italy. DATE: 23 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt Tapper led the formation. This was the second mission for this date. No results.
Complete overcast tops to 7000 ft, visibility unlimited. No flak or fighters.

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Two missions scheduled for today. 5 of our ships completed the
mission with the morning formation. Two others returned early. One, flown by Lt.
Dusek returned early when the left engine cut out. The other, flown by Lt. Bounds, was
sent out as a spare but was not needed. The target was the RR junction at Avezzano,
Italy. The flak was extremely heavy and the results of the bombing poor. On the 2nd
mission of the day 3 of our ships were scheduled to participate. However, one ship flown
by Lt. Langston, after taxiing out of parking area discovered that an oil cover was loose.
He returned to the ships hardstand where a hasty repair was made. He then took off in an
attempt to overtake the formation but a spare had already filled in. The target was a road
bridge at Avezzano, Italy but due to a complete overcast, no bombs were dropped. Upon

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

returning from the mission Lt. Fraser crash landed his plane on our home field. After
circling the field twice he, although blinded by the sun, attempted to land. (He decided to
judge the runway by the dust of the ship ahead of him). In doing so he landed on the left

side of the runway and has left landing gear hit a barrel placed at the runways edge. The
plane had in it the original bomb load with which it started out. As per letter dated Jan.
22, XII Air Force Headquarters, the following men were transferred to the U.S: T/Sgt
W.W. Myers., S/Sgt R.J. McGrail and S/Sgt. R.W. Sheets.

Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt, pilot Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Langston, Everette D., 1Lt, pilot McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner

Myers, William W., T/Sgt, gunner Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: The squadron’s third plane of the month was
lost January 23, 1944 when a landing accident occurred as the planes were returning from
an afternoon mission. The plane, 42-64600, was piloted by Lt. Harry A. Fraser and his
report of the accident was as follows.

Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

“I approached the field in loose formation. I was leading the third element in a
box of 9 planes. After leading my wingman into the traffic pattern I pulled out to go to
sea to drop one 1000 lb. delayed action bomb. These orders were countermanded by
instructions from the tower so I entered traffic but due to the sun I could not see the
runway and so went around. By this time the second nine ships were in the pattern and I
became number 10 in traffic. Again the sun and other airplanes in my predicament
prohibited a safe approach so again I went around. This time I was number 6. Five other
ships before me had also gone around.”

“I dropped my wheels and attempted to follow the ships before me. On the final
approach I could fairly accurately judge the position of the runway from the dust of the
ship which had already landed on the left of the runway and from the approach of the
ship ahead of me although I still could not see the outline of the runway. I spaced myself
behind the other ship and slightly above and to the left of him, dumped full flaps and
slowed for a landing. As my airplane dropped I caught the outline of the runway. At this
time I was possibly 50 ft. back of the runway and 6 to 8 ft. in the air. My airspeed was
between 105 and 110 mph indicated and my flare out for landing was about complete. At
this time my left wing was caught in a mild prop was and dropped. I kicked full right
rudder to pick up the wing. Ailerons were useless. The rudder action was sufficient to
pick up the wing but would not skid the plane to the right. At this moment both my co-
pilot and I saw the white barrels marking the end of the runway. It was too late to use
throttle to skid right. Had I attempted to balloon the aircraft over the barrels I would have
stalled at 20-30 ft. above the runway and would have fallen straight down. In
consideration of 3000 lbs. of bombs aboard I elected to take no chance of stall out.
Consequently my left landing gear hit the barrel and was torn from the nacelle. A normal
landing position was assumed and I landed on my right wheel. As soon as we were on
the ground Lt. Seavey cut all switches and mixture controls. I was able to hold the left

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

wing off the ground by rudder until approximately 60 miles per hour at which speed the
wing hit the ground and we slowed to a stop to the left of the runway. The entire left side
of the plane was demolished. The bombs in the Bombay remained safe in the shackles.
None of the crew were injured in any way.”

Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 159 (199): At 13:50 18 planes off to bomb Avezzano
hairpin turn W of town. Target completed covered by overcast, all planes returned at
15:50, no bombs dropped. 2-3 MT on road between Sulmona and Avezzano, 20 to 23
M/T at Roccaraso, 35-40 M/T pulling guns at Vivia de Marsi. F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Monday, 24 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather cancels all
medium and light bomber operations. In Italy, fighters maintain cover over the Anzio
beachhead (Anzio and Nettuno are captured during the day) and encounter increased air
attacks; 3 fighters are claimed destroyed in aerial combat, while 1 Allied fighter is lost. P-
40 fighter-bombers hit road at Penne, while A-36's bomb Velletri and the road junction E
of town, and hit other communications targets.

445th BS War Diary: The top meal for today was a fried chicken supper. The Red
Cross girl distributed doughnuts and coffee immediately after supper. An unusual squall
swept up just after supper and some rain fell driven by strong winds. It lasted for about
one hour. There were two navigational training flights today and another to test bomb
racks.

446th BS War Diary: 43 enlisted men received promotions today. Seventeen men get
their travel orders this morning—lucky fellows. Five more men come in on combat
status. A mail call this afternoon with quite a few letters. Everyone happy.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. The following new men were assigned to this
squadron today: 2nd Lt. M.K. Matthewson, from the 310th, 1st Lt. H.J. Banks, 2nd Lt. L.L.
Edwards, 2nd Lt. C.F. Jones, Cpl. Walter F.K. Tollefson, S/Sgt. H.B. Harriman and S/Sgt.
W.E. Matthews. 2nd Lt. R.P. Dunn transferred from this squadron. Sgt. L.J. Steves
transferred to hospital. The officers had as their guests last evening none other than Mr.
and Mrs. Humphrey Bogart.

Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt, pilot Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot

Edwards, Lyle L., Lt, pilot Harriman, Henry B., S/Sgt, gunner

Jones, Claude F, 2Lt, bombardier Mathews, William E., S/Sgt, gunner

Matthewson, Merton K., 2Lt, navigator Steves, Louis G., Sgt, engineering

Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 25 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb
Valmontone; B-26's hit the Sezze marshalling yard, the Sezze-Bassiano road, Amelia,
and Rieti marshalling yard; A-20's attack Terelle; A-36's hit Civita Castellana, Itri,
Velletri, and railroad rolling stock in the area; P-40's hit Velletri and Belmonte in Sabina
and strafe trucks E of Fondi; P-40's and P-47's hit shipping in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia,
and nearby road and rail traffic. British fighters of the RAF DAF hit bridge approaches at
Popoli, near the British Eighth Army front. Detachment of the 416th Night Fighter
Squadron, Twelfth Air Force (attached to RAF No. 286 Wing) at Rerhaia, Algeria returns
to base at Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: The weather was very cold today and most of the men stayed in
their tents around the warmth of the good old stoves. Seven new gunners were assigned
to the Squadron today. Captain Beeson flew to Gioia. It is rumored that he will be sent
home and many of the men are wondering just who his successor will be.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Three of the squadron’s ships go on a mission against a road
bridge at Ceprano. Four EM for combat join us from 47th Bomb Group. Carstens gets
his missions in.

Carstens, Clarence H., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 163

TARGET: Ceprano Road Bridge, Italy. DATE: 25 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3

Lt Stephenson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. One report of bridge being hit. Greatest
concentration of bombs E of target with some across road. Flak was heavy, intense,
accurate. Fourteen a/c were holed. Lt Morris was a spare, and returned early.

Morris, Meade L., Jr., Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated on a raid on the Ceprano road
bridge, Italy. The bridge itself was missed but several roads hit. As per letter dated 34
Jan. 1944, XII A.F. Hqts., the following men are asgd to this squadron: 2nd Lt. W.A.
Bryant, 2nd Lt. LeRoy Alger, 2nd Lt. H.G. McCaleb, Sgt. C.R. Collins, Sgt. J.T. Blalock
and S/Sgt. A.W. Chatters. The following men came to us from 47th Bomb. GP: S/Sgt.
D.H. Craig, PFC R.E. Morrissey, and Pvt. R.H. Gillies.

Alger, LeRoy, 2Lt, pilot Blalock, Joe T., Sgt, gunner

Bryant, William A., 2Lt, pilot Chatters Aubrey W., S/Sgt, gunner

Collins, Clint R., Sgt, gunner Craig, Dana H., Sgt, gunner

Gillies, Robert H., Pvt, gunner McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt, bombardier

Morrisey, Raphael E., PFC, engineer-gunner

Tuesday, 25 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 695

Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, Capt

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj

Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt

Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt

Schwartz, Arthur, S/Sgt

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt

Smith, Daniel R., Sgt

or Smith, Leland H., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 57)

TARGET: Ceprano Road Bridge 1:50 1000 lb bombs

Plane 695: Lt. Stephenson, Major Sampson, Lt. Paiton, Lt. Boyle, S/Sgt Schwartz, T/Sgt.
Ennis, Sgt. Smith

Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Ennis, Edward C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

Schwartz, Arthur, S/Sgt, gunner Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot

Smith, Daniel R., Sgt, turret-gunner or Smith, Leland H., S/Sgt, gunner

“One report of Road bridge hit. Greatest concentration of bombs east of target
with some across road bend.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 26 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20's attack
Cisterna di Latina, toward which the US Fifth Army's VI Corps is moving; A-36's and

P-40's fly harassing attacks against roads and railroads, bombing at Belmonte in Sabina,
Cisterna, Itri, Ceccano, Frosinone, Poggio Mirteto and at points around these towns; A-
36's destroy a fuel dump and several trucks and artillery caissons in the Ceprano-Priverno
area.

445th BS War Diary: Today the Squadron flew its 166th combat mission helping the
Group register its 200th combat mission. “Patricia” one of the Squadron’s oldest ships
was tested for combat today and grounded. The boys claim she is just getting too old.
The entire Squadron was delightfully surprised to learn that Lt. Col Bailey C. Cook had
succeeded Captain Beeson as Squadron Commander. Col. Cook was the former
Commanding Officer in this Squadron and is respected and well-liked by all.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: No mission-bad weather. PX late in the afternoon, cigarettes and
candy.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Cpl D.E. Strait asgd from 57 Ftr. Gp. As per
S.O. #12 Hq. XII ASC, dated 23 Jan. 1944. As per letter dated 26 Jan 1944, XII Bomber
Command the following crew is assigned to this squadron: 2nd Lt. Nathan Mims, 2nd Lt.
Harvey A. Dean, 2nd Lt. Svend P. Olsen, Sgt. L.W. Ford, Sgt. R.W. Bean and Cpl. W.H.
Pierce.

Bean, Robert W., Sgt, gunner Dean, Harvey A., 2Lt, pilot

Ford, Leonard W., Sgt, engineer-gunner Mims, Nathan, 2Lt, pilot

Olson, Svend P., 2Lt, navigator Pierce, William H., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Strait, Daymond E., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 27 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's attack
roads at Velletri, the railway at Colleferro and marshalling yard at Orte; B-26's bomb
bridges at Ceprano and marshalling yard at Terni; A-20's give close support to the US
Fifth Army attack near Terelle; A-36's bomb railways and buildings at Poggio Mirteto,
Ceccano, and Ciampino, hit rail and road traffic S of Rome, and, with P-40's, hit the town
of Piedimonte; 70+ P-40's provide close support to Fifth Army forces in Cisterna di
Latina and Atina, bombing gun positions; Allied fighters over the Anzio beachhead
successfully meet increased enemy air effort, claiming 28 aircraft downed in aerial
combat.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in two missions today as they lend air
support to invasion forces south of Rome. The second mission of the day which raided
Orte road junction was very successful. Captain Beeson left the Squadron today headed
for the United States and a well-earned rest. Two practice bombing missions were flown
today. A new crew arrived today, former B-26 fliers. A delayed action bomb which was
dropped in this vicinity by one of our returning bombers exploded in the evening. No
damage to anything as it was quite a ways off. The boys were talking far into the night
about the unusually fine show put on by Joe E. Brown who appeared in person down at
Group headquarters in the afternoon. Putting on a one-man show with cloudy, cold
weather prevailing, Brown left his entire audience with a wonderful feeling all over and
aching sides from the many laughs he gave them.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: We lost a ship on the first of two missions today. Lt. Ryder was
piloting #557 when it was hit over the target; Lt. Clark was co-pilot, with Lt. Schad, Sgt.
Delesdernier, Sgt. Holtzclaw and Sgt. Langan making up the remainder of the crew. In
the afternoon we were paid a visit by Joe E. Brown of the movies; he put on a swell show
with lots of laughs.

Clark, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Delesdernier, Chester N., Sgt, gunner

Holtzclaw, James R., Sgt, gunner Langan, Charles H., Sgt, gunner

Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt, navigator

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 164

TARGET: Velletri Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 27 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 6

F/O Sowder, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Hits reported in NE and middle part of town.
Road hit S of town. Some bombs fell on the road E of road junction. Flak was heavy,
accurate, and intense. Two B-25’s lost over target. One of them was Lt Ryder’s, which
received a direct hit in either the cockpit or navigator’s compartment and burst into
flame. TBF reports that two parachute were seen from each of the ill-fated planes. Lt
Abraham’s plane was forced to use the emergency system to lower the landing gear at the
home base.

Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt, pilot Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot

Sowder, Tony K., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 557 shot down

Ryder, David, 2Lt

Clark, Robert A., 2Lt

None

Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt

Delesdernier, Chester N., Sgt

Holtzclaw, James R., Sgt

Langan, Charles H., Sgt

None

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 165

TARGET: Orte Road Junction, Italy DATE: 27 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 4

F/O Vallery, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Hits across M/Yds just S of N junction and
from S choke point N to middle of yards. Some bombs started at river S of M/Y and
walked along tracks northward. Dust considerably obscured N part of M/Y. Two E/A
seen, but did not attack. No flak. This was the second mission for this date.

Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: Two missions today for the Group. On the first mission our
squadron used only 1 ship, Lt. Dusek pilot, which flew as a spare but was not needed and
returned early. 8 of our ships participated in the 2nd or afternoon mission. The target was
the road junction at Orte, Italy. Results – fair. On this mission PFC Harriman was
wounded while test-firing his guns when his ammunition belt jammed and an empty
cartridge hit him at the back of his head. Lt. Ryherd, his pilot, upon returning and not
knowing the seriousness of the wound landed at Foggia Main where hospital facilities
could be reached without delay. While the planes were assembling for the take-off, one
ship, Lt. Stocking, pilot, hit the wing of another and damaged it to the extent that the
plane could not take off.

Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt, pilot Harriman, Henry B., S/Sgt, gunner

Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 160 (201): At 09:05 18 planes off to bomb Velletri road
junction, all dropped 41 x 1000 bombs at 10:15 and 15 returned at 11:15, 1 landed at
Naples and 2 were shot down over target (448 – 446). Previous bombing obscured
observations, but hit reported in NE and middle of town. Road hit S of town leading to
Cisterna di Roma. Some bombs on road E of junction at target. Flak: Heavy, intense
and very accurate. 1 B-25 seen hit and exploding in air over target. 1 B-25 seen to hit
the ground with 2 parachutes reported open. Weather: CAVU at target. 2 ME-109’s
followed formation until chased off by P-38’s. F/L: Sowder.

Sowder, Tony K., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. 41-13123

Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt

Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt

None

Waller, Colver K., 2Lt

Marshburn, James T., S/Sgt

Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt

Stackman, Walter C., S/Sgt

None

448th BS War Diary: Mission 161 (202): At 13:40 17 planes off to bomb Orte road
junction, all dropped 9 x 1000 delayed and 51 x 1000 bombs at 15:05 from 10,000 feet
and returned at 16:30. Hits across M/Y just S of N junction and from S choke point N to
middle of M/Y. Some bombs started at river S of M/Y and walked across tracks
northward. Dust from previous raids obscured N part of M/Y, 1 very large crater seen in
N junction. 2 E/A seen below formation but did not attack, 20 car train standing in
station on RR between Orte and Stimigliano. 1 small and 1 medium M/V in San
Benedetto harbor. Weather: CAVU at target.

Friday, 28 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the
Orte marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges at Orvieto and Montalto di Castro; A-20's bomb
Cisterna di Latina with good results; P-40's and P-47's bomb the Popoli road junction,
and A-36's hit railroad, road, and gun positions in the Cassino-Vicenza-Velletri areas, the
Colleferro marshalling yard, and Atina town area; P-40's hit Terelle, Belmonte in Sabina,
and Cisterna; Allied fighters over the Anzio area claim 21 aircraft shot down. 416th Night
Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, transfers from Grottaglie to Pomigliano, Italy with
Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: The weather was not quite so cold today. A practice bombing
mission was flown today and another was flown to swing the compass. Col. Cook flew a
mission today, acting as command pilot in F/O Vallery’s plane. A new combat crew
arrived today. This Squadron is beginning to receive quite a few of replacements. The
men enjoyed a delicious steak supper tonight.

Cook, Badley C., Col, pilot, Commander Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: A successful mission today.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 166

TARGET: Terni M/Y, Italy. DATE: 28 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt Fetterly led the formation. Tracks to Topi and Narni believed cut about 100 ft from W
choke point. Few hit near barracks at SW corner of town. Other hits in town and some
in fields N of M/Y. No flak or fighters.

Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a mission to bomb the Marshalling
Yards at Terni, Italy. Results – good. As per letter XII Hq. dated Jan. 27 the following
officers and E/M were assigned for transshipment to the U.S.: 1st Lts. R.F. Halloran, J.P.
Lanza, E.P. Mayben, D.W. Thomas, J.A. Hanlon, H.W. Joiner, A.M. Holloway, T/Sgt.
R.A. Lotitio, S/Sgts. M.J. Funk, G.P. Werner, E.F. Bartkus, W.R. Henry and F.X. Early.

Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt, gunner Early, Frank X., S/Sgt, gunner

Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Halloran, Robert F., 1Lt, navigator

Hanlon, James A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Henry, William R., S/Sgt, gunner

Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt, pilot

Lanza, Joseph P., 1Lt, bombardier Lotitio, Rocco A., T/Sgt, gunner

Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Thomas, David W., 1Lt, pilot

Werner, George P., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Mission 162 (203): At 11:15 24 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y
and dropped 13 by 1000 bombs from 9000 feet at 12:30. All returned at 13:45. Tracks
Topi and Narni believed hit about 200 feet from W choke point, few hits near barracks at

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

SW corner of town, hits in NW corner of town, some bombs in fields N of M/Y and SW
of town. 2 strings of bombs started in center of yard and walked into town area.
Weather: CAVU. F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 29 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb San

Benedetto de Marsi marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges N of Rome; P-47's bomb a
munitions factory at Bussi sul Tirino; P-40's and A-36's, in support of US Fifth Army
forces, bomb positions in the Anzio beachhead area and hit enemy forward road and rail
communications; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet little air opposition.

445th BS War Diary: A number of the 2nd Lts. made 1st Lieutenant today including Lt.
Neumann, Operations Officer and Lt. Underwood, Bombing Officer. There was a
practice bombing mission flown and two navigational flights were also flown. The latter
were to instruct bombardier-navigators to become navigators. There was a mail call
today and quite a few packages arrived. Humphrey Bogart and his wife, Mayo Methot
appeared in person down at Group headquarters in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the
show very much. The weather was fairly mild today. A new combat crew arrived
tonight.

Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot Underwood, James H., Capt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Humphrey Bogart dropped in this afternoon, along with his wife,
a comedian and an accordionist. The show was entertaining.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 167

TARGET: San Benedetto M/Y, Italy (alt) DATE: 29 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Lt Fraser, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. String of bombs fell in water E and SE of target.
S mole hit. RR tracks believed cut S of M/Y. Report of few hits in M/Y. No fighters no
flak. Lt Brellenthin was a spare.

Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participated in a mission to bomb the railroad at
San Benedetto, Italy. Results – good. 1st Lt. P.I. Blumenfeld, T/Sgt. J.J. Kordzi and
S/Sgt. R.C. Hoskins were assigned for transshipment to U.S. as per letter dated 27 Jan.
1944, XII Bomber Command. Sgt. L.G. Steves and S/Sgt. E.P. Harriman absent to
hospital unknown. The following men were assigned to us through 321 B.G. from XII
Bomber Command, letter dated 28 Jan. 1944: 2nd Lts. E.J. Button, J.E. Metzger, W.T.
Rye, Jr., J.D. Snyder, Sgt. R.W. Koecher, T/Sgt. L.G. Hubert, Sgt. J.L. Bushnell, S/Sgt.
M.A. Wilson, Sgt. H.E. Fowler and S/Sgt. M.H. Beckhart.

Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt, bombardier

Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt, gunner Button, Ervine J., 2Lt, pilot

Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt, gunner Harriman, Henry B., S/Sgt, gunner

Hubert L G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt, communication

Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., T/Sgt, communication Metzger, Joseph E., 2Lt, pilot

Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Snyder, John D., 2Lt, bombardier

Steves, Louis G., Sgt, engineering Wilson, Max A., S/Sgt, communications

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 163 (204): At 10:19 24 planes off to bomb Foligno M/Y,
all dropped 23 x 1000 delayed and 66 x 1000 from 10,500 feet at 12:00, all returned at
12:40. Strings of bombs in water E and SE of target, S mole hit, RR tracks cut S of M/Y,
few hits in M/Y. 3 large M/V in San Benedetto harbor. Weather: 7/10th at 20,000 feet
over alternate of Foligno.

Sunday, 30 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's hit road
junctions at Valmontone and Genzano di Roma, and bomb the town of Monte Compatri;
weather cancels all B-26 operations and several B-25 missions. A-20's hit the town of and
road junction near Cori, and XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit Sora; US and
RAF fighters hit barges and fishing boats off Zara and Trojica, Yugoslavia; fighters on
patrol over Anzio meet no air opposition. 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter
Wing, transfers from Montecorvino to Marcianise, Italy with Beaufighters. The
detachment operating from Gaudo Airfield also transfers.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in two missions today as ideal weather
prevailed for air operations. Taking advantage of the good weather, several training and
test flights were flown. Sgt. A. M. Hetland conducted a class for new combat crews
which consisted of familiarizing them with the B-25 aircraft. There was a meeting of all
enlisted men at noon today to discuss mess improvements. 2nd Lts. Gifford and Kauric
were promoted to 1st Lt.

Gifford, Frank, 1Lt, pilot Hetland, Arthur M., Jr, Sgt, engineer-gunner

Kauric, William J., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Two missions with fifteen ships of our squadron taking part.
Heavy weather kept us off the target in the second raid. Lt. McGuire was relieved from
assignment with us, going to XII Air Force. He served as assistant operations officer
here. Three men got to that big fifty today—Ramirez, Smith, R.W., and Dick Leahy, one
of the original boys back at Ain M’Lila. Mail call.

Leahy, Richard P. “dick”, Sgt, gunner McGuire, Charles W., 2Lt, operations

Ramirez, Zenon, Jr., Sgt, gunner Smith, Roy W., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 168

TARGET: Genzano Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 30 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 8

F/O Sowder, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs reported scattered. Hits on both sides
of road jnct. And town N and S of main road. One large explosion reported near town.
Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, and accurate. No fighters. Lt Abraham did not take
off because of “Mag” trouble. Lt Holt’s plane had engine trouble one minute from target,
and as a result his and two other planes in his element did not cross the target but brought
their bombs back. Twenty-one planes in the formation were hit by flak.

Sowder, Tony K., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

Holt, Noel P., Jr., 2Lt, pilot or Holt, Robert L., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 169

TARGET: Marino Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 30 Jan1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb Demo. 446th Planes: 7

Lt Vallery, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Target was reached but bombs were not
dropped. Solid overcast over target. No fighters, no flak, Lt Brellenthin was a spare, and
returned early.

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: Two missions were flown by the Group today. On the first
mission eleven of our ships were scheduled. Ten of these completed the mission. One
ship (Lt. Langston, pilot) returned early due to failure of turret. The target was Genzano
road junction, Italy. Results – poor. On this mission Lt. McDermott and Cpl Statham
were slightly wounded by flak. On the afternoon mission no bombs were dropped due to
an overcast of the target. Our squadron had 11 ships on the mission. The target was
Marianna, Italy. 2nd Lt. H. Beebe transferred to North Africa on detached service. PFC
A.S. Landa transferred to organization unknown. The following men were assigned to
this organization as per letter dated 29 Jan. 1944, XII Bomber Command. 2nd Lts. M.L.
Speer, N.J. Lundmark, A.L. Schnoebelen, S/Sgts. C.S. Escher, C.M. Carlson and Sgt.

John Corkill.

Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Carlson Carl M., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Corkill, John, Sgt, gunner Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt, gunner

Landa, Arthur S., PFC, supply Langston, Everette D., 1Lt, pilot

Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier McDermott, James W., 1Lt, bombardier

Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt, pilot Speer, Marvin L, 2Lt, pilot

Statham, Alvin F., Cpl, photographer

A/C No. 181

Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, Capt

Metzger, Joseph E., 2Lt

Matthewson, Merton K., 2Lt

Deane, George J., 2Lt

Morrissey, Raphael E., PFC

Wilson, Leo W., S/Sgt

Blalock, Joe T., Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 58)

TARGET: Marino RJ 2:15 No bombs dropped

Plane 181: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Metzger, Lt. Matthewson, Lt. Deane, Pfc. Morrissey,
S/Sgt. Wilson, Sgt. Blalock

Blalock, J