12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: January 1945

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). Available
mission reports, personal mission logs and diaries have also been included.

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

Nav: Navigator

A/F: Air Field

N.B.S.: 448th 15-21 Jun 43?

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

NC: Nurse Corps.

abs: absent

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

OD: Officer of the day/Olive Drab

Assg: Assigned

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

ASV: Feb 43 original crew list?

OTU: 447th Aug/Dec 42 and 27 Oct 43?

ATC: Air Transportation Command

PAX: Passengers

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

PBS: 447th 2 June 44?

Bmb: Bombardier

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

POE: Point of Embarkation

BC: Bomber Command

PX: Post Exchange

Bn: Battalion

QM: Quarter Master

BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep 44?

R/B: Road Bridge

CA: Heavy Cruiser

RC: Red Cross

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

R/J: Road Junction

CE: McRae 9 Apr +several? (re bombing)

R/Y: Railroad Yards

CO: Commanding Officer

Repl: Replacement

CP: Command Post

RON: Remain OverNight

CQ: Charge of Quarters

RR/B: Railroad Bridge

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

RR/J: Railroad Junction

D/H: Direct Hit

RR: Railroad

Demo: Demolition

S/E: Single Engine (plane)

DS: Detached Service

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

E/A: Enemy Aircraft

SD: Special Duty

E/F: Enemy Fighter

sk: sick

E/M: Enlisted Men

SO: Special Order

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44?

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

Sq: Squadron

FO or F/O: Flying Officer

Sqdn: Squadron

Frag: Fragmentation

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

T/C: Troop Concentration

GO: General Order

T/E: Twin Engine (plane)

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position

TAC: Theater Allied Command

GTC: 445th 1 Mar 43?

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

I & E: Information & Education

TD: Temporary Duty

IP: Initial Point

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43?

L/G: Landing Ground

TO: Take-Off (time) / Technical Order /
Transportation Officer

Lox: Liquid Oxygen

T/O: Table of Organization

L/S: Landing Strip

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

L/V: Large Vehicle

Trfd: Transferred

LOT: 447th 2 May 44?

u/i: 448th 26 Sep 44?

LST: Landing Ship Tank

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer

Ltr: Letter

WT Station: 445th 20 Jul 43?

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

XC: Cross Country

MATS: Military Air Transport Service

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

M/V: Military Vessel

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

MC: Maintenance Crew

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

For my dad,

Colonel John Fitzgerald, USA (retired)

“Lil Butch”

John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, USAF (retired)

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

Monday, 1 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack bridges at Palazzuolo sull'Oglio, Parma, and Calcinato (the latter 2 targets are
missed) and an ammunition dump at Parma; fighter-bombers support ground forces S of
Bologna, hit communications and numerous targets of opportunity to the N and
completely destroy a fuel dump at Parma; A-20s on intruder missions during the night of
31 Dec/1 Jan, achieve excellent results on a motor park near Molinelle and hit a
marshalling yard near Milan. HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) departs Corsica
for the US where it converts to A-26 aircraft in preparation for assignment to the Pacific.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in a mission against the Calcinato
railroad bridge, Italy and got off to a bad start for the New Year by completely mission
the target. The men contended themselves, however, in the old saying that “a bad start
means a good finish.” The combat crews encountered bitter cold weather on the mission.
There was promise of a “White New Year’s Day” with a light snow falling in the
morning. Although it covered the ground like a white blanket, it quickly disappeared.
The big turkey dinner was served at 3:30 P.M. and was greatly enjoyed by one and all.
Word was received that Sgts. Rossi and Riley and Lt. Corey were prisoners of war. They
were part of Lt. Richardson’s crew which was shot down on September 18, 1944 near
Rimini. Navigator 1st Lt. Harry F. Sides left the squadron today on rotation orders. He
had flown 54 combat missions. There was some training today.

Corey, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Richardson, John S., 1Lt, pilot

Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl, photographer Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Sides, Harry F., 1Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #670; Squadron Mission # 422: Capt.
Collins led 9 ships of this squadron in a formation of 18 ships sent out to bomb the
railroad bridge at Calcinato, Italy. The planes dropped 1000 pound bombs from 10,500
to 11,000 feet. Area cover was provided while no flak was encountered. Extremely
turbulent air hampered bombing. The primary target was not hit. The main
concentration of bombs was just short of the bridge to the south, hitting in the river bed.
Some bombs hit west of the target across the railroad tracks. The first box of six in the
second flight was unable to get satisfactory run due to extreme turbulence of air and
attacked the target of opportunity, the Parma west railroad bridge. Malfunction in lead
plane caused bombs to be dropped south of target.

446th BS War Diary: Many a headache as members of the squadron awake on New
Years Day. Quite a sumptuous meal is served at noon and early risers get to see a flurry
of snow at breakfast-time. Promotions are posted for Lieuts. Ottem and Ramsey, the
former being made a Captain, the latter getting his silver bar.

Ottem, Earl R., Capt, navigator Ramsey, Lamar E., 1Lt, pilot

Monday, 1 January 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 464

TARGET: Calcinato RR Bridge, Italy DATE: Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 9

Lt. Matthews led the formation. Bridge was not hit, main concentration of bombs was
just short to S of bridge in river bed. Some bombs hit W of target across RR tracks. No
flak, no fighters. Lt. Pietrowski was spare and returned early.

Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The kitchen staff served another delicious meal today at noon.
Even though operations were not suspended the holiday spirit was felt throughout the
squadron.

447th BS Mission Summary: 11 of our planes participated in a mission over Pavia
Ammo Dump in Northern Italy. Excellent results were achieved with 100% bombing
accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: The new year started off in a big way for the Squadron this
morning as a blanket of snow greeted the personnel when they awoke to begin the day’s
work. However, this did not prevent the day’s mission from taking off. And to greet the
men this afternoon as they came in after the mission was a well-prepared turkey dinner
with all the trimmings. And once again, to start the new year off, the Squadron showers
began operation. This was really welcome, since it is much more convenient here than
having to go to the Group showers about two miles down the road. Thus the new year
started off in grand style, in what might be called the proverbial “bang”.

448th BS Mission Summary: Amid snow flurries the Billy Mitchells departed to bomb a
Kraut ammunition dump at Pavia, Italy. Captain Swanson led the Group formation of
which the 448th furnished nine planes. And to make the day perfect, it was a 100%
bombing accuracy mission. The formation left a blazing inferno of explosions and flying
debris that could be seen for sixty miles. Smoke columns reached a height of 7,000 feet.
Kraut defenses were completely overwhelmed, and although scant anti-aircraft fire was
encountered no damage or casualties were suffered to the planes. Thus a blazing “finis”
was written to another vital Kraut target.

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot

Tuesday, 2 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, fighter-bombers
concentrate their effort in the W Po Valley and Brenner area, claiming large number of
rail lines cut and many vehicles and trains destroyed and damaged; the Milan marshalling
yard is hit hard and good coverage is achieved on support targets in the US Fifth Army
battle area; A-20s during the night of 1/2 Jan, continue intruder missions over the Po
Valley; the 84th and 86th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group
(Light) move from Rosignano Airfield to Grosseto with A-20s.

445th BS War Diary: After completing New Year’s festivities, the men went back to
work today but were also busy talking about the 319th Bomb Group which left to return to
the States. Many theories were discussed in respect of the reasons behind the move to the
States for the “lucky 319th”. Most popular seemed to be the one having that group
changing to A-26s back in the promised land. A number of the men believe the 321st will
follow suit in due time. The Medics were in their glory today as typhoid, tetanus and
small pox shots were administered to all squadron personnel. A good amount of mail
arrived today.

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are performed as there is no mission
flown today.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: A meeting was held this afternoon in the Enlisted Men’s club for
all flying personnel, officers and enlisted men. 1st Lt. George G. VanJohn briefed the
crews on the latest escape procedure and course of conduct to follow if taken prisoner.
Lt. Ritger, an evader from 446th Squadron, also talked to the crews about his experiences.
Usual camp duties throughout the day.

Ritger, Frederick C., 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS

VanJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence, 445th BS

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Cloudiness and threatening weather throughout most of the day
made the mission scheduled for today a stand down. The only excitement during the day
was when the newly erected shower caught fire this evening. No serious damage was
caused, however as the flames were quickly extinguished. But it was rather chilly for the
fellows who dashed out of the burning building with their clothes still hanging on the
nails inside. Luckily, no one was burned, and after the fire had been extinguished
showers were resumed.

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Wednesday, 3 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
score direct hits on 2 railroad bridges at Lavis and fly good coverage of the Chiusaforte,
Canale d'Isonzo, and Padua railroad bridges; fighter-bombers hit a large number of
communications targets (mainly railroad targets) in the Po Valley which is also subjected
to intruder missions during the night of 2/3 Jan, when pontoon bridges, vehicles, and
Ghedi Airfield are hit.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron snapped back “on the ball” today when they helped
attack the Padua north rail diversion, Italy with 100 per cent bombing accuracy resulting.
It was the work of old reliable 1st Lt. Lloyd Finkhouse who chalked up his eleventh
straight perfect mission. He is the leading bombardier in the group. Captains Russell and
Casaburi: Lts. Galindo and Richardson; and Sgts. Hickey, Plott and Marinucci were
reported prisoners of war through official channels. Sgt. Lemke was reported a prisoner
of war by his mother through a letter to his organization. Cpl. Tronolone was unofficially
reported wounded but a prisoner of war. The only man not accounted for in the two
crews is Lt. R.A. DiFulvio. There was the usual training today. Capt Hatcher escorted a
nurse into the operations-intelligence hut today, thus marking the first time a nurse has
entered the sacred portals of this hut.

Casaburi, Robert R., Capt, navigator DiFulvio, Rudolph A., 2Lt, bombardier

Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 1Lt, bombardier Galindo, Daniel, 1Lt, bombardier

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot Hickey, William R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt, armorer-gunner

Marinucci, Andrew J., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Plott, J ohn M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Richardson, John S., 1Lt, pilot

Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot

Tronolone, Joseph A., Cpl, turret gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #671; Squadron Mission # 423: Capt.
Jeffrey led a formation of 24 planes – 12 from this squadron in an attack on the Padua
west railroad diversion, Italy. Area cover was furnished and the bombers went to 10,500
and 11,000 feet to drop 1000 pound bombs. No flak or fighters reported. RESULTS:
All bombs in the target area with several direct hits seen. North span appeared down
before bombing.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission #424 was flown on this date when 3
ships went out on a nickeling mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lucky combat personnel get long-awaited travel orders to the
states; Capt. Jordan, Lieut. Davis, Lieut. Ritger, Sergeants Knapp and South. The two
enlisted men, original members of the squadron, had flown their 100th mission a few
weeks previously. The squadron sends up 15 ships to fly against Padua railroad bridge,
Italy.

Wednesday, 3 January 1945 (continued)

Davis, Robert L., 2Lt, pilot Jordan, Henry L., Capt, pilot

Knapp, Walter E., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Ritger, Frederick C., 1Lt, pilot

South, William R., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 465

TARGET: Padua N, RR Diversion, Italy. DATE: 3 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 Lb. 446th Planes: 9

Captain Jeffrey and Lt. Matthews were the leaders. All bombs in target area. Several
direct hits seen. N span appeared down before bombing. No flak, no fighters.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot, 445th BS Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 466

TARGET: Nickeling Mission, Po Valley. DATE: 3 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: Leaflets. 446th Planes: 6

Captain Smedley led the formation. Mission accomplished. Flak was heavy, scant,
inaccurate. No fighters.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Jack Bowman on orders to U.S., Hq. 12th AF Ltr. 22 Dec.
1944. S/Sgt. Herbert Dimondstein and S/Sgt. Millard C. Freeman on rotation to U.S. Par.
1, Ltr. Orders, Hq. 12th AF, 26 Dec. 1944. Following men promoted to indicated grade
this date: to T/St.: S/Sgt. Gaston G. Poulin and S/Sgt. George D. Schnaars. To S/Sgt:
Sgt. Andrew C. Dubbs. To Sgt: Cpl. Roy H. Bartram and Cpl. Paul W. Finnegan. These
promotions authorized by Par 1, SO 1, Hq. 321st Bomb Gp., 1 Jan. 1945.

Bartram, Roy H., Sgt, gunner Bowman, Jack, S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Dimondstein, Herbert, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Dubbs, Andrew C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Finnegan, Paul W., Sgt, gunner

Freeman, Millard C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Poulin, Gaston G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Schnaars, George D., T/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 13 of our planes participated in a raid on Chiusaforte West
Railroad Bridge in Northern Italy. Our flight was led by Capt. Wiginton and 100%
bombing accuracy was achieved.

Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: The 448th flew two missions today, despite the cloudy and
threatening weather. Lieutenants Mallin, Kruse, and Reedy and Sergeant Hersh left this
morning for the good old United States on combat rotation.

Hersh, Bertram (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt, pilot or Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt, bombardier

Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 3 January 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: The target for the first mission was the railroad bridge at
Chiusaforte, Italy. Captain Ovard led the 448th’s flight of eleven (11) planes on this
mission. Hits were scored on the east section and east approach to the bridge. Several of
the planes, however, dropped their bombs on the alternate target, the rail bridge at
Latisana, due to difficulty in finding the primary target, with possible hits on the west
approach. No anti-aircraft fire was encountered, and all the planes returned safely at
1544.

Ovard, Glen S., Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The second mission was a nickeling mission over the Po
Valley. The 448th had three planes on this mission, which dropped all the leaflet bombs
on the designated targets. Only slight anti-aircraft fire was encountered, and no damage
or casualties suffered. All the planes were down safely at 1530.

Thursday, 4 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
hit bridges at Lavis and Calliano; fighters and fighter-bombers interdict Po Valley
communications and hit an ammunition dump at San Felice del Benaco; during the night
of 3/4 Jan, A-20s successfully hit a stores dump and bridge near Mestre, and destroy or
damage 50+ vehicles. The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, based at
Pisa, Italy with Mosquitoes, sends a detachment to operate from Etain, France attached to
the 425th Night Fighter Squadron.

445th BS War Diary: There was practice bombing today together with a practice
nickeling mission and a few cross-country flights. A total of ten gunners spent some time
on the “Jam Handy” gun trainer while 6 bombardiers were on the bomb trainer. The
mission today was “rough” with extremely accurate flak injuring Lt. Silnutzer and Flight
Officer Brooks while Lt. Ottinger’s plane was badly shot up and he landed without
brakes. He coasted the entire length of the runway and the ship finally rolled off the end
and into the rough ground. Nobody was injured. A number of the men were sick today
due to the shots. Chicken was served for supper. It rained late in the evening.

Brooks, William F., F/O, bombardier Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt, pilot

Silnutzer, Joseph A., 2Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #673; Squadron Mission # 425: Capt.
Dyer led a formation of 20 ships – 10 from the 445th – to attack the Rovereto railroad
bridge, Italy. 1000 pound bombs were dropped on enemy gun positions. Area cover was
provided. Flak was heavy, scant to moderate and accurate. It started 30 to 40 seconds
before bombs away and stopped soon after breakaway. 12 ships were holed, two men
were wounded but no planes were lost. No enemy air opposition reported. RESULTS:
12 ships dropped but bridge believed missed. All bombs over to northeast of target. 2
ships dropped incendiaries on known gun areas with fairly good results.

Dyer, Robert E., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Another combat mission today as the new year gets under way.
Some mail arrives with a few late Xmas packages.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 467

TARGET: Calliano RR Bridge, #2, Italy DATE: 4 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 13

Lt. Pietrowski led the formation. Good concentration covering S approach with possible
hits on S end of bridge. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate. No fighters. Lt. Everhart
was a spare and returned early. Capt. Smedley flew the anti-flak ship, but did not drop
due to interference on run.

Everhart, Herman E., 2Lt, pilot Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 4 January 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: The weather has been getting colder and the snow appears to be
creeping down the mountains. Usual camp duties throughout the day.

447th BS Mission Summary: 10 of our planes, led by Lt. Remmel participated in a raid
on Rovereto Bridge in Northern Italy. Our flight dropped North and East of target.

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: None

448th BS Mission Summary: With one mission on the schedule for this morning, the
448th sent thirteen (13) planes led by Captain Grady out to bomb the railroad bridge at
Calliano, Italy. Over the target, Sergeant LaBella, one of the Squadron’s gunners flying
as bombardier, was wounded by a burst of flak near the nose of his plane. Despite the
flak wounds which caused profuse bleeding about his face, he remained at his post. An
excellent bomb pattern was scored on the bridge with many direct hits. The bridge was
reported down after the attack. Despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire only a few of the
planes were holed and none were lost. The formation returned at 1350.

Grady, John R., Capt, pilot LaBella, Dante (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Friday, 5 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): During the night of 4/5
Jan, A-20s on a S Po Valley intruder mission bomb the Modena, Italy area. Bad weather
cancels all other operations.

445th BS War Diary: Nine planes scheduled for flight training took off in a pouring rain
but returned soon afterward being airborne about 25 minutes. It rained hard today and
the armorers had a bad time out in the mud on the line. When they are forced to drop
bombs from the ships, the big missiles sink nearly four inches in the ground and there is
quite a bit of “bitching” when the armorers are ordered to change the bomb load. Coffee
and doughnuts were served in the enlisted men’s club this afternoon with Janie presiding.
Dock Smith and a few of the “Mitchell-Aires” entertained with some music at the same
time.

Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, Flight Surgeon

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Routine duties are performed as the group is unable to get off a
combat mission because of the weather, either here or at the target region.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Usual camp duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission due to unfavorable weather conditions.

448th BS War Diary: Rain greeted the men as they awoke this morning and the mission
was quickly call stand down. So most of them just turned over in their sacks and made
with some more horizontal time. Later in the morning the rain turned to hail and the little
pellets really peppered the tents for awhile. Nothing else, particularly, happened during
the day in the camp area.

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Saturday, 6 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Bad weather over N Italy
grounds the medium bombers. In Italy, XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-
bombers hit rail lines and bridges in the Genoa-La Spezia coastline area, and bomb
vessels in the harbors at Genoa and Imperia. The air echelon of the 417th Night Fighter
Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force and air
echelon attached to the 422nd Night Fighter Squadron), based at La Vallon, France,
begins operating from Florennes, Belgium with Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: The bad weather continued with more rain falling today. Eleven
of the combat crew members received promotions today. Some mail arrived today. The
engineering department is conducting quite a few engine changes recently. The changes
are being accomplished despite the inclement weather and the extremely unfavorable
condition of the ground. Despite the many difficulties and handicaps, engineering
personnel usually average 10 hours on an engine change. Capt. Napple went to turn the
gas heat on in his tent and failed to get a flow of gas at the twist of his wrist. He jumped
on Lt. Galny for not filling the can but the latter assured him that he had indeed filled the
gasoline can just a few hours previous. Capt. Napple investigated outside his tent,
discovered his entire gasoline set gone. “Beats me” was his answer.

Galny, Gerhard Henry, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Napple, Francis L., Capt, navigator

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Routine duties are performed as the group is unable to get off a
combat mission because of the weather, either here or at the target region.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The following men promoted to indicated grades, Par. 5, SO 2,
Hq. 321st Bomb Gp. 4 January 1945: To be T/Sgt.: S/Sgt. Theodore A. Fiocca and
S/Sgt. Bernard R. Guild. To be Sgt: Cpls: Horace E. Drew, Robert L. Gordon, William
F. Hourahan, Harold Phares, Jr., Samuel E. Fromm, Richard E. Hagan, Bruce H. Huntley,
and Edward C. Staub. Morning Report for week: Officers 88, Enlisted Men-360.

Drew, Horace E., Sgt, turret gunner Fiocca, Theodore A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Fromm, Samuel E., Cpl, aerial gunner Gordon, Robert L., Sgt, gunner

Guild, Bernard R., T/Sgt, aerial gunner Hagan, Richard E., Cpl, gunner

Hourahan, William F., Jr., Sgt, gunner Huntley, Bruce H., Sgt, gunner

Phares, Harold, Jr., Sgt, radio-gunner Staub, Edward C., Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: The bad weather of yesterday continued unabated today. Needless
to say, the mission scheduled for today was stand down. Rain, hail, and occasional
flashes of lightening was the dish of weather, somewhat unusual, for the day. The usual
camp duties were stand down also.

Saturday, 6 January 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Sunday, 7 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
the medium bombers and A-20s; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-
bombers make 6 cuts on the Brenner rail line, damage the W end of the rail bridge at
Cittadella, and hit the marshalling yard S of Trento; most of the XXII Tactical Air
Command's effort is concentrated against land and water communications in the La
Spezia-Genoa area, including attacks on shipping at Savona and San Remo harbors.

445th BS War Diary: Two B-25s formerly assigned to the 319th Group were ferried in
today and were assigned to this squadron. Lt. Robson went to rest camp in southern
France today by C-47 courier. There was an extensive training program carried out today
both on the ground and in the air. The two new B-25s were assigned to Sgts. Raley and
Hayes both of whom had crewed cargo ships for some time. Three good meals were
served today with roast turkey the best for supper. The S-2 section put up a fine map of
the Philippines area following the landings on Luzon.

Hayes, William R., Jr., Sgt, engineering, crew chief

Raley, Alvin T., Sgt, engineering, crew chief Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Routine duties are performed as the group is unable to get off a
combat mission because of the weather, either here or at the target region.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Usual camp duties and no change in morning report.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission. Bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: The weather cleared off somewhat this morning, but bad weather
over Italy and the muddy conditions of the field prevented the mission from taking off
this morning. Captain Grady and Lieutenant Bard left this morning for the AAF rest
camp at Cannes, France. The rest camp has just recently been opened to the 12th Air
Force. It had been formerly used by the 9th Air Force.

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot Grady, John R., Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Monday, 8 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, XXII Tactical
Air Command A-20s fly 33 effective sorties in the Po Valley during the night of 7/8 Jan;
bad weather sharply reduces daytime operations; of 3 medium bomber missions
dispatched, only 1 reaches the target (the Chivasso railway bridge) where only 6 medium
bombers bomb through the overcast; less than 20 XXII Tactical Air Command fighters
hit scattered targets in the Po Valley; HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing moves from Lido di
Roma to Siena; and HQ 62nd Troop Carrier Group moves from Malignano Airfield to
Tarquinia. The 437th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 319th Bombardment Group
(Medium), begins a movement from Serragia, Corsica to the US (the squadron will
convert to A-26s and transfer to the Pacific in Jul 45).

445th BS War Diary: The day was windy and rainy. Seven of the practice bombing
ships were forced to land at the 310th Group’s base at Ghisonaccia due to the severe
cross-winds. There is at present an acute shortage of toilet paper and the men are using
anything from second sheets of typewriter paper to any magazines or newspapers
available. There is a rumor going around to the effect that the 310th is packing for a
move. Some of the men state that the 310th is headed for the States; others scoff at this
and say that the group is merely moving to Italy. The new theater opened this evening.
Sergeant Joseph Beresh, a very worth armorer, was promoted to staff sergeant today.

Beresh, Joseph, S/Sgt, armorer

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Routine duties are performed as the group is unable to get off a
combat mission because of the weather, either here or at the target region.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The general concern of all members of the organization at present
is to keep warm and dry. Usual camp duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission. Bad weather again.

448th BS War Diary: The mission scheduled for today was stand down as threatening
weather once again prevailed. This afternoon strong winds threatened to do damage to
some of the tents. It was a typical Corsican gale. The Rome rest camp has been opened
up the personnel of the 57th Bomb Wing. This afternoon Lieutenants Norris and Garrett,
and Sergeants Enderle, Justice, Wimberly and Yarbrough left for the rest camp.

Enderle, Melvin J., Sgt, gunner Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot

Justice, Conway J., Jr., Sgt, gunner Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt, pilot

Wimberly, Charles G., Sgt, intelligence Yarbrough, Edward B., Sgt, engineering

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Tuesday, 9 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack bridges at Palazzuolo sull'Oglio, Pontetidone, Romano di Lombardia, and an
assembly area at Crespellano; fighters and fighter-bombers in an excellent day against
communications in the W and C Po Valley and other points in N Italy make numerous
rail cuts, destroy or damage many vehicles and trains and effectively hit ammunition and
fuel dumps, guns, and strongpoints along the US Fifth Army front in the N Apennines;
the 4th and 8th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, move from Malignano
Airfield to Tarquinia with C-47s; the 18th and 35th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop
Carrier Group, move from Ciampino to Rosignano Airfield with C-47s. The 438th, 439th
and 440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium),
begin a movement from Serragio, Corsica to the US (they will convert to A-26s and
move to Okinawa in Jul 45).

445th BS War Diary: The squadron bombed two targets today – the Parma west railroad
bridge and the Fornovo di Toro railroad bridge, Italy – both with 100 per cent bombing
results. Lt. Fischer, a former pilot with the squadron, returned today to greet one and all.
He is stationed in Italy piloting a general around. There are a number of bets being made
as to when this group will return to the States. Anything to break the dull routine on the
island. Many packages arrived today, including a number of Christmas parcels. A film
was shown illustrating the Articles of War. After the latter a sex film was shown to the
men. Bob Testa, a topnotch public relations man in the squadron, passed out during the
film. It was very cold today.

Fischer, F. R., 2 Lt, pilot Testa, Robert W., Sgt, intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #676; Squadron Mission # 426: Lt.
Poteet led 3 ships in a mission which was unable to bomb the primary due to cloud
coverage and bombed the target of opportunity, Fornovo di Toro railroad bridge, Italy.
No escort was furnished. No flak or enemy fighters were reported. 1000 pound bombs
were dropped from 10,500 feet. RESULTS: Bombs hit west approach.

Poteet, Max W., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #677; Squadron Mission # 427: Capt.
Wagner led 6 ships to bomb the target of opportunity, the Parma west railroad bridge,
Italy. Poor weather conditions prevented bombing the primary. No flak or fighters
reported. RESULTS: Compact concentration of bombs covering east end of bridge and
across the east approach.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Rest campers return from their holidays as another group leaves
for vacationland on the mainland.

Tuesday, 9 January 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 468

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 9 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: -- 446th Planes: 1

1Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Cpl. C.A. Willis assg and joined Sq.

Willis, Clinton A., Cpl, transportation

447th BS Mission Summary: Finally got a break in the weather and 9 of our planes
participated in a raid on Parma W. Road Bridge in Northern Italy. Our flight, led by Lt.
Rice, received very good results—97% bombing accuracy.

Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Captain Kneisle returned from DS with the 319th Bomb Group this
morning. He is the Squadron communications officer, and had been with the 319th for
over a month. Staff Sergeants Hulse, LaBella, and Schaffer were promoted to Technical
Sergeants today, and Sergeants Enderle, Gage, Justice, and Langley were promoted to
Staff Sergeants. They are radio and tail gunners.

Enderle, Melvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Gage, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner

Hulse, Donald W., T/Sgt, gunner Justice, Conway J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Kneisle, Herman M., Capt, communication LaBella, Dante (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

Langley, Edmund P., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission scheduled for today took off about noon,
after being delayed by bad weather here. But it was unable to reach the target due to
stormy weather over Italy, and returned early.

Wednesday, 10 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather restricts

operations but fighter-bombers effectively attack communications and supply dumps in
the C and N Po Valley; the strikes are concentrated in the N and around Piacenza, and
score nearly 50 rail cuts, along with destruction of 80 motor transports and several trains;
fuel and ammunition dumps in the Milan area are bombed and a 400-foot (122 m) naval
vessel at Venice is destroyed; HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group and the 16th and 17th Troop
Carrier Squadrons move from Ciampino to Rosignano Airfield with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: There was an extensive training program carried out today. More
packages and some mail arrived today. Bob Logan impressed a number of the men this
morning by the adroit and clever manner in which he made an exit from formation to
escape the rigors of the daily drill session. The shortage of toilet paper continues. The
USO show this afternoon was especially good and won the enthusiasm and approval of
all the men. Bobby Seymour, youthful operations clerk, shined today as the group touch
football team scrimmaged.

Logan, Robert R., T/Sgt, intelligence Seymour, Robert J., Sgt, operations

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: More idle flying days because of the weather. A mail call or two
brightens up the life of the men.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 469

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance. DATE: 10 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: - - 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following officers and E/M left for Rest Camp on Isle of
Capri: 2nd Lts. Richard G. Briggs, Paul R. Peck, Carl W. Cahoon, Sgts. Verlin B. Rowley
and George T. Steele. Usual camp duties.

Briggs, Richard G., 2Lt, pilot Cahoon, Carl W., 2Lt, pilot

Peck, Paul R., 2Lt, pilot Rowley, Verlin B., Sgt, intelligence

Steele, George T., Sgt, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: It’s the same ole story about the fickle Corsican weather. A USO
show starring Peggy Jean, the baton twirler, visited the base for two performances in the
Group theater, one this afternoon and the other tonight. From all indications it was
enjoyed by everyone, some even going back for seconds on Peggy Jean. Lieutenant
Matthews left this morning for TD with XII AFSC at Naples. Lieutenant Gilbert, the
ordnance Officer, Lieutenants Lyons, Rubin and Autrey and Sergeants Gage and Baird
left for five days at the AAF rest camp at Capri.

Wednesday, 10 January 1945 (continued)

Autrey, W. F. (i o), 2Lt, pilot Baird, James (NMI), Jr., Sgt, gunner

Gage, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner Gilbert, Ralph W., 1Lt, ordnance

Lyons, John B., 1Lt, pilot or Lyons, John W., 1Lt, bombardier

Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt, pilot Rubin, Julius W., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission for today was stand down once again.

Thursday, 11 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 10/11 Jan, A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the W Po Valley; clearing weather
during the day enables an increase of fighter and fighter-bomber attacks in the Po Valley
and in the US Fifth Army battle area in the N Apennines; many ammunition and fuel
dumps, rail lines, trains, and vehicles are pounded, and an alcohol refinery at Piacenza is
severely damaged.

445th BS War Diary: A 5-minute radium application was given to combat personnel
having suffered discomfort from colds by Major Mikell of the 12th Air Force. It
happened at the officers club today. There was some formation flying today. Brief but
spirited snow flurries fell today tingeing the countryside with a white cover. The sun
soon dispelled this, however. The payroll was signed today. The chicken supper was
especially enjoyed today. Some mail arrived while Christmas packages continue to
trickle in.

Mikell, Maj, HQ 12th Air Force, medical

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: More idle flying days because of the weather. A mail call or two
brightens up the life of the men.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 470

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance. DATE: 11 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: - - 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following E/M trfd to 448th Sq from DS 446th Sq: T/Sgt.
Wayne E. Damon, James C. Heinbaugh, S/Sgts. Edward J. Kruppa, James S. Skimp,
Sgts. Howard W. Crawford, William Handler, Cpls. Julian N. Lester, Daniel A. Spelich.

Communications Personnel:

Crawford, Howard W., Sgt Damon, Wayne E., T/Sgt

Handler, William (NMI), Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., T/Sgt

Kruppa, Edward J., S/Sgt Lester, Julian N., Cpl

Skimp, James S., S/Sgt Spelich, Daniel A., Cpl

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: A nice blanket of snow greeted the personnel once again this
morning as they arose for the day’s work. It snowed most of the morning, but the crew
members of today’s mission were called over to Group once again before being told that
it was stand down. Captain Rogers and Captain Shear left today for the Zone of Interior,
after having flown their last mission. Captain Grady and Lieutenant Bard returned from

Thursday, 11 January 1945 (continued)

the 9th Air Force rest camp at Cannes, France. They looked refreshed and eager to take
up where they left off and really enthusiastic about the set up there.

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot Grady, John R., Capt, pilot

Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., Capt, pilot Shear, Meyer (NMI), Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: No mission

Friday, 12 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather severely
curtails operations, but fighters and fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air Command
score successfully against communications targets in W and C Po Valley, claiming 50+
rail cuts and destruction or damage of 100+ vehicles.

445th BS War Diary: Aircraft 509 cracked up on takeoff for training flight this
afternoon when Lt. Rice raised the landing gear before the plane was airborne. Lt.
DeBoer was the pilot. The plane is wrecked beyond repair. There were many practice
bombing flights made today together with other training flights. The men are not turning
out for drill these days. Just 11 men were counted today as they participated in drill on
the motor pool lot. Tripoli beer arrived and two bottles were sold to each man at 10
francs a bottle at the club. Spaghetti and meat balls were served for supper. Heavy rain
and snow fell at night.

DeBoer, Jay, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Rice, Rudolph G., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: More idle flying days because of the weather. A mail call or two
brightens up the life of the men.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 471

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance. DATE: 12 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: - - 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Capt. W.E. Levine, Sq Intelligence Officer, returned from 15th Fld.
Hosp where he has been confined for the past two weeks with pneumonia. The following
E/M returned from rest camp at Capri: Cpls. Frank P. Bauer, Ernest E. Fischinger, James
B. Shields, Pfc. Robert P. Biscailus.

Bauer, Frank P., Cpl, intelligence Biscailus, Robert P., PFC, armament

Fischinger, Ernest E., Cpl, engineering Levine, William E., Capt, intelligence

Shields, James B., Pvt, radio-gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission due to bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: More bad weather greeted the men this morning, as the mission
scheduled for today was, of course, stand down. Captain Joyce and Lieutenant Myers left
this morning for the Cannes, France, rest camp, to find out for themselves about its
excellence. Who knows, they too, may come back with bear stories about it. Nothing
else happened today other than the usual routine.

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Myers, Harold C., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Saturday, 13 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, Bad weather
prohibits all but weather reconnaissance and a scramble mission, all uneventful.

445th BS War Diary: The mail situation has slowed down quite a bit and the men are
complaining about it. The area is very muddy these days due to the abundant
precipitation. Public relations pictures were taken out on the tine today. The highlight of
the day’s activities was the showing of a syphilis film which was revealing to put it
mildly. The frequent scenes showing the administering of long, ugly needles made many
of the men wince while the distasteful showing of venereal cases sickened many others.
After the show, T.J. Byrne officially discarded his pi-up girls. His walls now wear only a
map and a picture of Ernie Pyle.

Byrne, Thomas J., Sgt, armament

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Doyle is assigned to 57th Wing.

Doyle, John D., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The ground was covered with snow and ice this morning and from
all appearances it probably will get another coat before noon. Morning Report:
Officers—88; E/M—353.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: It was another morning of snow on the ground as it snowed most
of the night. As the sun came out things really became muddy and sloppy. Of course the
mission this morning was stand down. The field was too muddy to use. Sergeants
Damon, Heinbaugh, Kruppa, Skimp, and Crawford and Corporals Handler, Lester and
Spelich were assigned to the Squadron from the 447th and place on DS with the 446th.
They are all ground personnel.

Communications Personnel:

Crawford, Howard W., Sgt Damon, Wayne E., T/Sgt

Handler, William (NMI), Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., T/Sgt

Kruppa, Edward J., S/Sgt Lester, Julian N., Cpl

Skimp, James S., S/Sgt Spelich, Daniel A., Cpl

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Sunday, 14 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
cancels all combat missions.

445th BS War Diary: It was learned that Pvt. Murray P. Carnol was court-martialed and
sentence to 18 months at hard labor. He will be dishonorably discharged from the
service. Pvt. Irving L. Haynes was promoted to corporal and placed back on flying
status. Extra guards were placed on the line tonight following last night’s incident when
a 448th guard fired at someone tampering with an airplane. The person escaped. A
steady rain fell today but stopped in late afternoon. Doris Duke Cromwell, the
millionaire tobacco heiress, visited the officers club and the line area today along with
General Knapp. An investigation is being conducted concerning the crackup of Lt.
DeBoer’s ship.

Carnot, Murray P., Pvt, duty soldier DeBoer, Jay, Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Haynes, Irving L., Cpl, armorer-gunner

Knapp, Robert D., Brigadier General, pilot, 57th BW Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Another quiet day as weather hinders bombing operations.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: It has been raining, sleeting and snowing for the past twelve hours.
The linemen stayed in the area, except a minimum number for guard. Sgt. Earl Dulaney
tried to obtain a film so we could have a movie in the club but he was unsuccessful.

Dulaney, Earl W., Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: Rains continued this morning. The mission was stand down
before the crew members departed for the briefing hut. A sex hygiene movie was shown
the Enlisted Men in the mess hall this afternoon at 1330. The weekly I & E meeting was
held this evening at 1830 in the Enlisted Men’s mess with Sergeant Sullivan relating
some of his experiences on his first tour of duty in the Southwest Pacific. Lieutenant
Zinkand assumed the duties of Squadron Bombing Officer, succeeding Captain Joyce,
who has completed his illustrious tour of duty.

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Zinkand, Willard T., 1Lt, bombardier

Sullivan, James G., Sgt, gunner or Sullivan, Timothy V., Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Monday, 15 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, operations
resume as the weather clears; medium bombers concentrate on the Brenner rail line,
flying nearly 150 sorties against bridges at San Michele all'Adige, Rovereto, Ala, Lavis,
Santa Margherita d'Adige, and Motta di Livenza; the XXII Tactical Air Command attacks
communications in the Po Valley and further N, destroying or damaging several bridges
and a very large number of railway cars (most of them at the Como marshalling yard);
during the night of 14/15 Jan, A-20s hit targets in the Po Valley, including Po River
crossings at Borgoforte, Piacenza, and San Benedetto Po.

445th BS War Diary: An officer and two enlisted combat crew members arrived today
from Columbia. The Borgo Val di Toro railroad bridge, Italy was slugged with 100 per
cent bombing accuracy. Capt. Collins and crew left for Cairo today. Jackie, the Red
Cross girl, served doughnuts and coffee out on the line this morning. Bob Testa really
went to town on public relations pictures today, taking some 50 odd snaps out on the line.
His work in increasing the output of better pictures has received many favorable
comments. A good supply of mail and some Christmas cards arrived today. The usual
training program was in effect.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #680; Squadron Mission # 428: Lt.
Kendall led 10 ships in the second flight of a 20-ship formation sent out to bomb the
Rovereto railway bridge, Italy. The planes dropped 1000 pound bombs from 12,000 and
12,500 feet. Area cover was furnished but no enemy fighters were reported. Flak was
heavy, scant and inaccurate but didn’t hole any of the ships and there were no losses.
There was no flak on the bomb run and the flak stopped when the incendiaries fell.
These bombs covered the Rovereto gun area very well. RESULTS: South approach to
Rovereto bridge hit with good concentration. Bridge believed not hit. First 6 aircraft of
second flight encountered haze over primary and went to the alternate. This, however,
was heavily covered with clouds so they bombed the target of opportunity the Borgo Val
Di Toro railway bridge, Italy. There was a good concentration on the center of this
bridge and it was believe hit.

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #681; Squadron Mission # 429: The
squadron supplied 1 incendiary ship on the mission. Only one of the group’s incendiary
ships hit the gun area. The flak on the mission started just before bombs away and lasted
30 to 40 seconds.

446th BS War Diary: More homeward-bound personnel of the squadron leave for sunny
shores: Lieuts. Gittings, Goodrich, Grove, Hogman, Lippy and EM Clickner, Cohen,
Lundtoft, McFarland, Rousos. Rovereto railroad bridge in northern Italy is the target for
a combat mission.

Clickner, Albert H., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Cohen, Irwin, T/Sgt, gunner

Gittings, Raymond W., 1Lt, pilot Goodrich, John W., 1Lt, pilot

Monday, 15 January 1945 (continued)

Grove, Russell V., 1Lt, pilot Hogman, Francis H., 1Lt, bombardier

Lippy, Harvey W., 1Lt, bombardier Lundtoft, Hans G., T/Sgt, gunner

McFarland, Charles W., T/Sgt, gunner Rousos, Milton P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 472

TARGET: Rovereto Station Yards, Italy DATE: 15 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. and 500 M-17 Incend. 446th Planes: 13

Captain Farwell led the formation. Excellent patterns covered all four aiming points with
possible direct hits on S overpass. Fairly large explosion of fire N of S choke point. One
incendiary ship laid pattern across S most section of gun area. Flak was heavy, moderate,
inaccurate. No fighters. Lt. Taylor did not take off because of hydraulic leak.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander, 448 BS Taylor, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following officer and E/M relieved from assignment and
transferred on combat rotation to 7th Replacement Depot for transshipment to U.S., Par 1,
Ltr. Orders, Hq. 12th AF, 9 Jan 1945: Capt. Edward Krafka, S/Sgts. Vincent A. Mango,
Robert P., Quintenz. Sgt. Harry Wanner trfd on combat rotation to 7th Repl. Depot for
transshipment to U.S. Par 2, Ltr. Orders, Hq., 12th AF, 11 Jan. 1945.

Krafka, Edward (NMI), Capt, pilot Mango, Vincent A., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Wanner, Harry, Sgt, armament-gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: Ten of our planes on mission over Rovereto Italy. Our
flight was led by Lt. Marchant. The mission as a whole was not so good with few bombs
on target.

Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Captain Joyce returned from TD at the Cannes, France, rest camp
this morning and received his orders to leave for the good old USA. Lieutenants Tetlow,
Rosenau and Norris and Sergeants Perillo, Dembrowski, Wald and Bell left this morning
also to return to the US after completing their tour here. Privates Morian and Petix were
prompted to Corporals today. Private Woodward was transferred to the 40th Station
Hospital after a leave of illness there.

Bell, Flavious J., T/Sgt, gunner Dembrowski, Henry J., Sgt, gunner

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Morian, Charles R., Cpl, gunner

Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt, pilot Perillo, Anthony L., T/Sgt, gunner

Petix, Ignatius D., Cpl, gunner Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt, pilot

Tetlow, John S., 2Lt, pilot Wald, Douglas A., Sgt, gunner

Woodward, Theodore B., Pvt, duty soldier

448th BS Mission Summary: Despite the mud today the mission took off, although
delayed about an hour. The target was the marshalling yards at Rovereto, Italy. Bad
weather prevailed most of the way to the target, but cleared up somewhat just before the
Po Valley was reached. Some enemy reaction was encountered, but it was light with
only a couple of the planes being holed. Captain Farwell, Squadron CO, led this flight

Monday, 15 January 1945 (continued)

which scored an excellent pattern over the target, causing one large explosion. The
incendiary planes scored hits on gun emplacements. A direct hit was seen on the south
overpass.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

Tuesday, 16 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 15/16 Jan, A-20s exploit a break in the bad weather and blast motor transport around
Genoa and NE of Milan; during the day bad weather returns, grounding the medium
bombers and limiting fighter-bombers to 16 completed sorties against communications in
the Po Valley and NE Italy; the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd
Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Malignano to Peretola Airfield,
Florence with F-5s.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Wren and Sgt. Andrews, two of the older combat men, were
placed on DS to the 12th Air Force. They are scheduled to ferry supplies to partisan
forces in the Balkans. A heavy rain put a stop to all ground and air activities today. The
chicken supper tonight was inadequate in the minds of many of the men.

Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt, gunner Wren, Frank J., 2Lt, pilot/bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lieuts. Matthews, Pietrowski and Wozniak get those railroad
tracks.

Matthews, John W., Jr., Capt, pilot Pietrowski, Stanley J., Capt, pilot

Wozniak, Stanley E., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The following officers promoted to rank of 1st Lt. Par. 1 SO 9, Hq.
12 AF, 10 Jan. 1945: 2nd Lts. Donald A. Amundson, Richard D. Appenzeller, Aaron E.
Autry, Louis C. Breckenridge, David N. Brice, Lyle N. Brown, Jr., Paul I. Buckley,
Helmut K. Buechner, Carl W. Cahoon, Elmore Cammock, Jackson R. Dodson, George S.
Fairchild, Frederick E. Loewus. Following F/O’s appointed to rank of 2nd Lt., Ltr. Hq,
12th AF, 24 Dec. 1945: F/O’s Shelby D. Wallis, John B. Bokum.

Amundson, Donald A., 1Lt, pilot Appenzeller, Richard D., 1Lt, pilot

Autry, Aaron E., 1Lt, pilot Bokum, John B., 2Lt, bombardier

Breckenridge, Louis C., 1Lt, pilot Brice, David W., 1Lt, pilot

Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Buckley, Paul I., 1Lt, pilot

Buechner, Helmut K., 1Lt, pilot Cahoon, Carl W., 1Lt, pilot

Cammock, Elmore (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Dodson, Jackson R., 1Lt, pilot

Fairchild, George S., 1Lt, pilot Loewus, Frederick E., 1Lt, pilot

Wallis, Shelby D., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today due to unfavorable weather.

448th BS War Diary: After yesterday’s brief spell of clear weather the rains came once
again this morning, raining most of the day. Of course the mission was stand down.
Nothing else occurred during the day other than the usual camp duties necessary to keep
the Squadron functioning.

448th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

Wednesday, 17 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers, taking advantage of improved weather conditions, attack 6 rail targets on the
Brenner rail line, blocking the line at Calliano, cutting tracks at Ora, and destroying a
section of the bridge at Sacile; in NE Italy fighters and fighter-bombers concentrate their
large effort on rail lines and bridges, destroying 4 and damaging another, cutting tracks at
numerous points, and blasting vehicles and trains; HQ 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance) and the 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Rosia
and Malignano respectively to Florence/Peretola with A-20s, B-25s and F-5s.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron attacked the San Michele rail fill, Italy with 100 per
cent bombing accuracy as the results. Capt. Farrell was unable to get one engine started
in time for takeoff and when he finally managed to take off, he was too far behind the
formation to catch up. However, he picked out his own target and bombed the Borgo Val
di Toro railroad bridge with 100 per cent bombing accuracy. This mission was destined
to become humorously famous and was tagged “Farrell’s Folly”. He received quite a
ribbing over this incident. Doris Duke Cromwell and General Knapp were on hand out
on the line to watch the ships take off. Ironically enough, the general’s son was in ship
227 which happened to be stuck in the mud and was the only ship unable to take off.
There was a USO show today, some mail arrived and macaroni and meat balls was on the
supper menu. The generator broke down in the officers’ area tonight.

Farrell, Robert A., Capt, pilot Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt, pilot

Knapp, Robert D., Brigadier General, pilot, 57th BW Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #684; Squadron Mission # 430: Capt.
Weld led a formation of 19 ships – 17 from this squadron – to bomb the San Michele
railfill, Italy. Area cover was furnished but no fighter opposition was reported. 1000
pound bombs were dropped from 11,000 to 11,500 feet. There was no flak. RESUKTS:
All bombs in the target area with a good concentration of bombs at south culvert and road
bridge approach.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: The squadron sends up 12 planes as its share of a formation to
bomb in northern Italy.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 473

TARGET: Ora RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 17 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 16

Captain Pietrowski led the formation. Bombs covered entire bridge and NE approach,
starting S of target in the river and walking across the target. Flak was heavy, moderate
to intense, accurate. Six planes holed. No fighters.

Pietrowski, Stanley J., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 17 January 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: The following men promoted to indicated grade: Par. 4 SO 6,
Hq., 321st Bomb Gp. 14 Jan. 1945: To S/Sgt.: Sgts. Robert F. Buzby, Robert P.
Megivern, Thomas J. McKinney, Olney W. Morris, John J. Smith, Jr. To Sgt: Cpl.
Warren L. Coffey, Jr. To Cpl: Pvt. Alois Betmarik, Jr. Pfc. Merle Franklin, Pfc. Herman
C. Wikle.

Betmarik, Alois, Jr., Cpl, radio-gunner Buzby, Robert F., S/Sgt, armament

Coffey, Warren L., Jr., Sgt, cook Franklin, Merle (NMI), Cpl, armament

McKinney, Thomas J., S/Sgt, armament Megivern, Robert C., S/Sgt, gunner

Morris, Olney W., S/Sgt, armament Smith, John J., Jr., S/Sgt, armament

Wikle, Herman C., Cpl, mess

447th BS Mission Summary: 11 of our planes on raid on Ora road bridge in northern
Italy. Bombing results excellent with 100% bombing accuracy. However, all the news
was not good. Sgt. Roy H. Bartram, radio-gunner on Lt. Morrison’s crew, was killed by
flak over the target.

Bartram, Roy H., Sgt, gunner Morrison, George R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Campbell, Flight officers Baird and Higby and
Corporals Dittman and Nelson, combat men, were assigned to the Squadron this
afternoon. A USO camp show gave two performances for the Group at the newly erected
indoor Group theater here this afternoon and evening. From all indications it was
enjoyed very much by everyone. The Unit ate dinner in the Enlisted Men’s mess hall and
thoroughly enjoyed the meal with the G.I.’s.

Baird, James L., F/O, pilot Campbell, Knox L., 2Lt, pilot

Dittman, Paul F., Jr., Cpl, gunner Higby, Paul K., F/O, bombardier

Nelson, William M., Cpl, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Although cloudiness prevailed this morning, the mission
took off on time to attack the railroad diversion bridge at Ora, Italy. The 448th had ten
planes led by Captain Swanson for this mission. The weather cleared over the target
affording better observation of the results. Heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire was
encountered causing damage to several of the planes, but no casualties. Hits were scored
on both approaches to the target causing great damage. Six planes dropped their bombs
on a target of opportunity, the Parma east railroad bridge, when their bombsights fogged
over the primary target. Hits were scored on the approaches here also, but none on the
bridge itself.

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had one plane on the second Group mission of
today, loaded with 100 lb. long delay fused bombs. The target, the San Michele rail fill,
was covered with a good concentration of bombs. No enemy opposition was
encountered, and the plane and its crew returned with the formation safely to base.

Thursday, 18 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 17/18 Jan, A-20s attack Po River crossings, lights and movement throughout the Po
Valley; during the day medium bombers pound targets on the Brenner line, including a
temporary bridge between San Michele all'Adige and Ora, and an overhanging cliff over
the railroad at San Ambrogio di Valpolicella; fighters and fighter-bombers blast
communications lines in NE Italy and fuel and supply dumps in the Piacenza area,
destroying numerous railroad tracks, trains, and vehicles, and causing explosions or fires
in most of the dumps.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron attacked the Ala railroad bridge and the Borgo Val
di Toro bridge in Italy with 95.8 and 100 per cent bombing accuracy respectively. Sgts.
Larkin, Doherty and Chambers were promoted to technical sergeant today while Cpls.
Clayton and Edwards were advanced to the grade of sergeant. Five officers and two
enlisted men were sent to rest camp today. There was some ground and air training held
today. Major Bounds went duck-hunting today on a clear day. Cpl. Ferrell Phaup was
relieved of his duties as duty sergeant and broken to the grade of private for inefficiency.
He was relieved by K.C. Jones. There was a fairly good mail call today.

Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander

Chambers, Jimmie, T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Clayton, Ross W., Sgt, gunner

Doherty, Charles S., T/Sgt, gunner Edwards, Jack M., Sgt, gunner

Jones, Casey (NMI), 2Lt, ordnance

Larkin, Francis C. "Charley", T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Phaup, Ferrell, G., Pvt, transportation

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #685; Squadron Mission # 431: Capt.
Weld led a 22-ship formation – 11 from this squadron – to bomb the Ala railroad bridge,
Italy. Area cover was furnished with no enemy fighter opposition reported. 1000 pound
bombs and some 500 pound incendiaries were dropped from 12,500 feet. Several planes
were unable to bomb the primary and attacked the alternate target, the Borgo Val Di Toro
railroad bridge. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate with 2 ships holed and one lost.
RESULTS: Excellent concentration on thee Ala bridge with several strings through the
bridge. There was a good concentration in the center of the Borgo bridge.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Another mission is flown as the weather gives the group a chance
to knock out some more bridges in the Po Valley region.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 474

TARGET: Ala RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 18 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb., and Incendiaries. 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Ramsay was the pilot. One incendiary ship reported hits on N gun positions, two
missed their objectives and one returned bombs to base, gun position not identified.
Primary target reported hit. The formation received flak but the incendiary planes did
not. One plane was shot down by flak (447th). Five chutes seen.

Ramsey, Lamar E., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 18 January 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 475

TARGET: Rovereto RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 18 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 10

Captain Matthews led the formation. First flight’s bombs covered the bridge with a good
concentration. Second flight hit over to E of target. Last element of the second flight had
a poor run on the primary target and attacked the alternate, reporting a string of bombs
across the center of bridge. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate barrage type. Lt. Crisp
the spare returned early.

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Matthews, John W., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 of our planes flew mission on Ala Rail Bridge in
northern Italy. Flak was heavy, intense and accurate. Lt. Murchland’s plane had the left
engine shot out and the crew bailed out 17 minutes from target in the Po Valley. It is
known for certain that five chutes were seen to open and there is a strong possibility that
all six men jumped. The ship was under control until just before it crashed and burned.
The crew was as follows: 1st Lt. Robert K. Murchland, pilot; F/O Emil R. Nyman, co-
pilot; 2nd Lt. John B. Bokum, bombardier; Sgt. Charles J. Hopp, engineer; Sgt. William F.
Hourahan, Jr., radio-gunner; and Sgt. Samuel E. Fromm, armorer-gunner.

A/C No. unknown shot down

Murchland, Robert K., 1Lt

Nyman, Emil R., F/O, pilot

None

Bokum, John B., 2Lt

Hopp, Charles J., Sgt

Hourahan, William F., Jr., Sgt

Fromm, Samuel E., Cpl

None

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Myers returned this morning form the 9th Air Force rest
camp at Cannes, France, and Captain Furey and Lieutenant Gladwell left this afternoon
for it. Lieutenant Garrett and Sergeant Sullivan left this morning for DS with the 12th Air
Force (rear). Lieutenants Lyons, Autrey, Gilbert, and Rubin and Sergeants Baird and
Gage returned from the Capri AAF rest camp and Lieutenant Ivory and Kuoni and
Sergeants Brusa and Turner left as the 448th’s quota to the Capri rest camp. Privates
White and Hochron were transferred to Hq. MATS and left this afternoon. Sergeant
Schaffer and Sergeant Scott left today to go to Rome to make a Public Relations Release
radio recording of a combat experience. It was the first radio release for the 448th.

Autrey, W. F. (i o), 2Lt, pilot Baird, James (NMI), Jr., Sgt, gunner

Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Gage, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot

Gilbert, Ralph W., 1Lt, ordnance Gladwell, James G., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 18 January 1945 (continued)

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Myers, Harold C., 1Lt, pilot Rubin, Julius W., 2Lt, pilot

Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner Scott, Joseph M., Sgt, intelligence

Lyons, John B., 1Lt, pilot or Lyons, John W., 1Lt, bombardier

Sullivan, James G., Sgt, gunner or Sullivan, Timothy V., Sgt, gunner

Turner, James H., Sgt, gunner or Turner, William D., Sgt, gunner

White, Frank H., Pvt, gunner or White, Joseph J., Pvt, engineer

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Lee flew the 448th’s lone plane on today’s
mission. Loaded with incendiary bombs they were to attack gun positions at the target,
the Ala railroad bridge. The gun positions were well covered with a good pattern of
bombs, knocking out several of them resulting in only moderate but accurate anti-aircraft
fire being encountered by the formation. No casualties or damage was suffered by the
448th’s plane.

Lee, Howard M., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 19 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 18/19 Jan, A-20s bomb motor transport movements, lights, roads, and railroads
throughout the Po Valley; weather cancels medium bomber operations and prevents
fighter-bombers from completing the XXII Tactical Air Command's only mission
airborne during the day.

445th BS War Diary: Three officers and two enlisted men combat crew members were
assigned to the squadron today. Three combat officers and two enlisted men were sent to
rest camp. Sgt. Owens and Pvt. Borck left the squadron today for rotation. Sgt. Owens, a
crew chief, is going home on 30-day rotation while Borck had sweated out permanent
rotation for several months and finally made the team. Old Man Weather cooked up a
rare mixture of freak weather including rain, winds and some fancy rainbows that caught
the fancy of squadron personnel. Some members of this squadron joined the group team
that played the 340th 9-man touch football team in the mud at Knapp Field today. Both
teams slogged in the goo and finally the game wound up in a 6-6 tie. Capt. Hargrove, the
group air liaison officer, gave a lecture on the war at the enlisted men’s club this evening.

Borck, Jess S., Pvt, armament Owens, Sgt, crew chief

Hargrave, Frederick M., Capt, Allied Liaison Officer

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Squadron duties and a bit of maintenance work on the line as no
mission is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The following officers relieved from assignment and assigned to
7th replacement depot on combat rotation for transshipment to U.S. Par. 1, Ltr. Hq, 12th
AF, 15 Jan. 1945. Capts. William C. Huffman, Richard E. Murray and Harold N.
Lindell. T/Sgt. Fred C. Wilczynski relieved from assignment and assigned to 7th Repl.
Depot for transshipment to U.S. Par. 1, Ltr. Orders, Hq, 12th AF, 15 Jan. 1945. Cpl.
Charles Davenport and Pfc. Patrick L. Kelly duty to TD U.S.

Davenport, Charles (NMI), Cpl, armament Huffman, William C., Capt, bombardier

Kelly, Patrick L., PFC, ordnance Lindell, Harold N., Capt, navigator

Murray, Richard E., Capt, pilot Wilczynski, Fred C., T/Sgt, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission due to bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: Private Lellis left today for TD with the 310th Bomb Group.
Lieutenant Friedman, a celestial navigator, was assigned to the Squadron today. Second
Lieutenants Autrey, Cherry, Churchill, Cook, Cooper, Copes, Ivory, and Smith were
promoted to First Lieutenants today. There were beaucoup free drinks in the Officer’s
club in celebration of the promotions.

Autrey, W. F. (i o), 1Lt, pilot Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 19 January 1945 (continued)

Churchill, Duane W., 1Lt, pilot Cook, Don W., 1Lt, pilot

Cooper, James W., 1Lt, pilot or Cooper, Richard J., 1Lt, pilot

Copes, Wilson R., 1Lt, pilot Friedman, Lester C., 2Lt, celestial navigator

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Lellis, Michael C., Pvt, duty soldier

Smith, Milford A., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Once again bad weather intervened to make the mission
for today stand down.

Saturday, 20 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
destroy 1 and damage another bridge near San Michele all'Adige, and score good
coverage on the Trento marshalling yard; the XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-
bombers very successfully blast communications and fuel and ammunition dumps in the
Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Rice, who was responsible for cracking up aircraft 509 by
raising the landing gear before the plane was airborne on a training flight on January 12,
is under-going a training program outlined by group operations by flying with staff offers
of the various squadrons. Luxury rations were distributed this afternoon. Overseas
service stripes were given out to the men – four of them to the old boys of the squadron.
Several letters arrived in the mail call today addressed to Capt. James O. Jackson. They
were written by his ever-loving wife and they beat him here. He is du “any day now”.

Jackson, James O., Capt, intelligence Rice, Rudolph G., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Home-bound personnel of the squadron include two of the
original men. Cpl. Ilnicki and Line Chief Council Walker. Combat personnel getting
orders to go home include Lieut. Kiernan and EM Freeman, C.O., Petrella, and Bryan.
Promotions for two armament men are posted: Sosnicka is made a staff, Lancaster a
sergeant.

Bryan, Dwight L., S/Sgt, gunner Freeman, Cecil O., T/Sgt, gunner

Ilnicki, William N., Cpl, engineering Kiernan, Noble J. 1Lt, bombardier

Lancaster, Francis M., Sgt, armament Petrella, Luigi C., T/Sgt, gunner

Sosnicka, Edward (NMI), S/Sgt, armament Walker, Council T., M/Sgt, engineer-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Usual camp duties were the order of the day. Morning Report for
week ending Jan. 20th: Officers—84, E/M—349.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission due to bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: At briefing this morning a shake-down inspection was conducted
on the combat personnel of the Squadron there. Numerous discrepancies were found in
violation of security regulations. Warning was given to them with disciplinary action as
punishment for further violations. Lieutenant Riley and Sergeants Doughty, Pineda,
Carrick, and Knauss left this morning for the USA after completing their combat flying
here. Sergeant Freeman, airplane mechanic with the Squadron left on 30 days TD in the
US, and Corporal Tucker, chemical warfare man with the Squadron, left on ground
rotation for the US today also.

Saturday, 20 January 1945 (continued)

Carrick, Kenneth M., Sgt, gunner Doughty, Paul V., Sgt, gunner

Freeman, Abraham (NMI), Sgt, engineering Knauss, Charles F., Sgt, gunner

Pineda, Nico M., T/Sgt, gunner Riley, Robert L., 1Lt, pilot

Tucker, George M., Cpl, chemical warfare service

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission took off as scheduled this morning but it was
forced to turn back over Italy due to bad weather there. No credit for the mission was
given.

Sunday, 21 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather restricts
operations during the night of 21/22 Jan to armed reconnaissance by 5 A-20s; the A-20s
bomb communications targets in the Po Valley. During the day B-25s hit bridges at
Rovereto and Lavis, destroy a bridge at Pontetidone, and blast a railroad fill at San
Michele all' Adige, and supply dump at Cremona; fighters and fighter-bombers
concentrate on communications in the same area as the medium bombers, destroying 1
bridge, inflicting 36 rail cuts, hitting fuel and ammunition dumps, and destroying and
damaging many vehicles and much railroad rolling stock, mostly in Milan area.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron helped attack the Lavis rail viaduct, Italy with 100
per cent bombing accuracy resulting. It rained today. Capt. Hatcher returned from the
rest camp at Cannes, France. He spent several days at the hospital there. Angelo Kangas
was especially sharp in his cutting wit tonight as he parried verbal thrusts with both
officers and enlisted men. Although he is as versatile with the officers as he is with the
enlisted men, his jibes with the officers are all the more enjoyed for obvious reasons. The
chicken served for supper was poor again. There was no mail today. Alas and alack.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #689; Squadron Mission # 432: Lt.
Bowling led 13 ships from this squadron forming the third flight of a 24-plane formation
sent out to attack the Lavis rail viaduct, Italy. Area cover was provided. The ships
dropped 1000 pound bombs from 12,500 to 13,000 feet. Flak was heavy, moderate and
accurate with 13 ships being holed although none were lost. However, 1 man from
another squadron was killed and another wounded. A total of some 15 unidentified
single-engine aircraft were sighted near Vicenza but did not attack. RESULTS: Bombs
fell across the west section of the viaduct and to the north and south but the main
concentration fell between the viaduct and the nearby river.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown to Lavis railroad Diversion, Italy.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 476

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 21 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: - - 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 477

TARGET: Lavis RR Diversion, Italy DATE: 21 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 12

Captain Grady led the formation. One box of six hit several hundred feet short and to
the E. Others hit in the target area with best concentration hitting N end and approach.
Smoke pots ineffective. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. Fifteen planes
holed on crash-landed at base. No fighters. Lt. Crinnion landed at 310th field with rudder
and control cable shot away.

Crinnion, Edward V., 1Lt, pilot Grady, John R., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

Sunday, 21 January 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: Eight plane mission against Lavis Viaduct, Lavis, Italy, on
the Brenner Pass line. Lt. Roland G. Bullion, pilot, was killed by a direct flak hit. The
co-pilot, Lt. Briggs, and Sgt. Perl, engineer, who took the pilot’s seat, did a fine job of
bringing the plane back safely.

A/C No. unknown

Bullion, Roland G., 1Lt

Briggs, Richard G., 2Lt

Perl, Richard H., Sgt

448th BS War Diary: Staff Sergeant Bass was promoted to Technical Sergeant today,
Sergeants Edwards and Reves were promoted to Staff Sergeant and Corporals Turner,
Vandenberg and Weese were promoted to Sergeant. Sergeants Schaffer and Sergeant
Scott returned from Rome today. From all reports the recording went over perfectly.

Bass, Bernard G., T/Sgt, gunner Edwards, Jesse R., S/Sgt, photographer

Reves, Louis E., S/Sgt, gunner Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner

Scott, Joseph M., Sgt, intelligence Turner, James H., Sgt, gunner

Vanderberg, Edward V., Sgt, gunner Weese, Charles F., Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: On the first mission today the 448th had 12 planes, the
lead element led by Captain Grady. The target was the rail diversion bridge at Lavis,
Italy. Taking off on schedule despite the threatening weather, the formation encountered
heavy cloud formations over Italy but over the target area it was CAVU. On the bomb
run enemy fire was heavy and intense with a number of the planes being holed, but no
casualties suffered. The enemy attempted to obscure the target with smoke pots but these
were also ineffective. Excellent patterns were scored in the target area with the heaviest
concentrations being at the north end and approach. One shell fragment punctured one of
Lieutenant Rubin’s tires over the target, and when he attempted to land, he ground-
looped his plane. No one was injured however in the landing.

Grady, John R., Capt, pilot Rubin, Julius W., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had three planes with the formation that
attacked the Lavis rail viaduct on the second mission. The weather over the target was
CAVU and heavy and intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered damaging one of the
planes. Sergeant Hawthorne received lacerations about the face when a shell fragment
shattered plexiglass canopy of his compartment. Ten to fifteen unidentified fighters were
seen in the target area, but they made no passes at the bombers. A good concentration of
bombs was scored on the west section of the viaduct. All planes returned safely at 1425.

Hawthorne, Ralph C., Sgt, gunner

Monday, 22 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s score
damaging hits at Rovereto, San Michele all' Adige and on the Dogna bridge, and attack
the Chiari and Crema bridges with fair results; fighter-bombers range over practically all
of N Italy destroying and damaging a large number of vehicles and railway cars and
several locomotives, also hitting fuel and ammunition dumps around Mantua. The air
echelon of the 417th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to 422nd Night Fighter
Squadron) operating from Florennes, Belgium with Beaufighters, returns to base at La
Vallon, France.

445th BS War Diary: The day was perfect with no wind and a bright sun shining. To fit
the perfect weather, the squadron flew two perfect missions, blasting both the San
Michele racks, Italy and the Chiari railroad bridge, Italy with 100 per cent bombing
accuracy. The weather was extremely cold and Sgt. Kabrich had both legs frozen on the
mission. There was the usual flight training. Some mail and packages arrived in late
afternoon. Sgt. Lipshin was relived of his duties in the kitchen due to sickness and was
made sergeant of the guard. A total of 23 men were counted in the operations-
intelligence hut listening to the 9 P.M. news tonight. The remarkable progress made by
the swiftly-advancing Russian armies have created a lively subject for discussion among
the men. Sgt. Kabrich was sent to the 40th Hospital for observation.

Kabrich, Harry L., Sgt, gunner Lipshin, Philip P., Sgt, mess

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #692; Squadron Mission # 433: Capt.
Weld led 9 ships of this squadron in the lead of a 17-ship formation sent out to bomb the
San Michele tracks, Italy. The alternate target was the railroad bridge at Chiari, Italy.
1000 pound bombs were dropped from 11,500 feet at both targets. Weather was good at
both targets. There was no flak at either target. RESULTS: Compact concentration on
center of both bridges.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Another mission to the Lavis region is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 478

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 22 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: --- 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 479

TARGET: Lavis RR Bridge, Italy. DATE: 22 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 13

Lt. Wozniak led the formation. Seven a/c bombed primary, hitting N of the bridges,
possibly cutting railway at the N dyke. Fifteen a/c bombed alternate because of poor
bomb run due to extreme turbulence at the primary. Smoke pots greatly reduced
visibility at the primary. Alternate received good concentration on W half of bridge

Monday, 22 January 1945 (continued)

which was believed hit. Falk was heavy, moderate, inaccurate. One plane holed. No
fighters.

Wozniak, Stanley E., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Ernest C. Rice promoted to captain, Par. 2, SO 15, Hq. 12th
AF, 17 Jan 1945. The following officers and E/M assigned and joined squadron from
Hq., 57th Bomb Wing, Par. 3, SO 10, 19 Jan. 1945: 2nd Lts. Herbert E. Barrett, Robert O.
Britt, William V. Gough, Donald P. Twieg, Robert H. Young, F/O Tony Pobereyko,
T/Sgts. Philip L. Judkins, Freeman P. Tyler, S/Sgt. Luther A. Pennington, Cpls. John T.
Smith, Thomas J. Maloney, Frederick J. Krauss, and Joseph E. Flanagan.

Barrett, Herbert E., 2Lt, pilot Britt, Robert O., 2Lt, pilot

Flanagan, Joseph E., Cpl, gunner Gough, William V., 2Lt, bombardier

Judkins, Philip L., T/Sgt, gunner Krauss, Frederick J., Cpl, gunner

Maloney, Thomas J., Cpl, gunner Pennington, Luther A., S/Sgt, gunner

Pobereyko, Tony (NMI), F/O, bombardier Rice, Ernest C., Capt, pilot

Smith, John T., Cpl, gunner Twieg, Donald P., 2Lt, pilot

Tyler, Freeman P., T/Sgt, gunner Young, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: 10 of our planes flew on a mission over Chiari Railroad
bridge in northern Italy, the alternate target. The squadron came through with 100%
bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Bard led the 448th’s eleven planes on today’s
mission which attacked the rail bridges at Lavis and Crema. Good weather prevailed
enroute to and over the target, and heavy but inaccurate flak was met at Lavis. None of
the planes were holed, however. The enemy made a vain attempt to obscure the target
with smoke pots. One ME-110 was seen near there, and it followed the formation to the
target but made no passes at it. The first element dropped on the Lavis bridge and scored
numerous hits on the north approach, cutting the railway at the north dyke. Due to
turbulent air there, the second element went to the Crema bridge. A good concentration
was scored on the west half of the bridge, and some bombs were dropped on the east
approach. All the planes retuned safely at 1410.

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 23 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 22/23 Jan, A-20s bomb lights, roads, and river crossings at over 50 locations in the Po
Valley, hit several targets of opportunity, and attack Borgoforte and San Benedetto Po
and airfields at Villafranca di Verona and Ghedi; weather cancels medium bomber
operations during the day; fighter-bombers operate mainly against communications,
principally railroad targets, in the Po Valley but also hit ammunition dumps, shipping,
guns, vehicles, and other targets in N Italy scattered from Genoa to NE Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Enlisted bombardiers attended a lecture on the bombsight on the
line this afternoon. Lts. Middleton and Epstein were the instructors. Eight gunners
received promotions today. There was the usual training program in effect. Three
members of this squadron joined the group football team to play the 340th team. Once
again they played on a wet field turned gradually into a sea of mud by a driving rain.
This time the score was 7-7. Some mail and packages arrived today. The men enjoyed
some coca colas at the club tonight. An unusually excellent movie was shown at the
theater tonight. It was “Rhapsody in Blue”, one of the more recent pictures base on the
life of the renowned song-writer George Gershwin.

Epstein, Philip (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier Middleton, Donald M., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: No missions are flown and maintenance work is caught up with.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 480

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 23 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: --- 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following officers and E/M returned from rest camp at Capri:
2nd Lts. Richard G. Briggs, Paul B. Pack, Carl W. Cahoon, Sgts. Verlin B. Rowley,
George T. Steele.

Briggs, Richard G., 2Lt, pilot Cahoon, Carl W., 1Lt, pilot

Pack, Paul B., 2Lt, pilot Rowley, Verlin B., Sgt, intelligence

Steele, George T., Sgt, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today due to unfavorable flying weather.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Bergstrom returned from the hospital this morning. He
had been there since he was seriously wounded in the Galliate mission. He is now
awaiting orders to return to the United States. Nothing else other than the usual routine
was the order for today.

Bergstrom, Daniel P., Sgt, gunner

Tuesday, 23 January 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: Rain and cloudiness most of the day made the mission
stand down, as all other operational flights were halted also.

Wednesday, 24 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, cloud conditions
and ground fog at bases nearly halt operations; 1 medium bomber flies weather
reconnaissance over the Venice area and P-47s fly weather reconnaissance over the
Bologna-Parma area; 2 of the P-47s destroy a truck and damage a train near Parma.

445th BS War Diary: A navigator-bombardier and an armorer-gunner were assigned to
the squadron today. Lts. Poteet and Vaughan went to the rest camp at Cannes, France by
C-47 transport. Lts. Huchingson and Middleton; Sgts. Krauk, Apperson and Cpl.
Brubaker went to the Rome rest camp. The enlisted bombardiers were given another
lecture on the Norden bombsight, this time having Sgt. Beasley as instructor. A total of
10 ships went to the bombing range today while 5 others went to the instrument range.
The rate machine went into action today at long last after it had been broken down for
some time. Interest is still high on the progress of the lightning Russian armies who seem
to steamroller the Germans without rest. Another unusually fine movie was enjoyed by
the men tonight. It was “Mrs. Parkington” with Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon
turning in another swell job of acting teamwork. The men howled at a short showing the
12th Bomb Group at its new base in Burma. The mud was terrific.

Apperson, John R., Sgt, personnel

Beasley, Alvin A., Sgt, armament or Beasley, John B., Jr., Sgt, armament

Brubaker, Guy E., Cpl, mess Huchingson, Lee F., Lt, Adjutant

Krauk, Edward A., Sgt, gunner Middleton, Donald M., 2Lt, pilot

Poteet, Max W., 2Lt, pilot Vaughan, Fred W., 1Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: No missions are flown and maintenance work is caught up with.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 481

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 23 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: --- 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Combat crews sent to Line to clean airplanes this afternoon.
Usual camp duties. No change in morning report.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission because of bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Furey and Lieutenant Gladwell returned from the
beautiful rest camp at Cannes, France, in the Riviera. Captain Swanson left as the
Squadron’s quota to this rest camp for the next period. Lieutenants Sturgis and Stow,
Sergeant Hildreth and Corporals Zimmerman, Payne and Glass were assigned to the
Squadron this afternoon.

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot Gladwell, James G., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 24 January 1945 (continued)

Glass, David H., Cpl, gunner Hildreth, Elmer L., Sgt, gunner

Payne, Robert R., Cpl, gunner Stow, Charles E., 2Lt, pilot

Sturgis, Cloral S., 2Lt pilot Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot

Zimmerman, Carl F., Cpl, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Clear weather prevailed here most of the day, but bad
weather over the target area made the mission stand down before the crews reached the
briefing hut.

Thursday, 25 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 24/25 Jan, A-20s make several intruder attacks on roads, motor transport, bridges, and
trains; bad weather during the day greatly curtails flying; the only medium bomber
mission dispatched achieves poor results on the Cremona ammunition dump; fighter-
bombers and fighters of the XXII Tactical Air Command hit communications and dump
areas, mainly in the Milan area, with good general success.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Collins and his Cairo crew returned to the squadron today.
Those who were short of gas masks, tent pegs and poles were able to draw same at supply
today. Mail and packages arrived today. After a chicken supper, the men drank some
Tripoli and quite a few personnel were beer-logged and tipsy. The squadron was startled
to receive word that Pvt. Murray P. Carnot, the convicted misappropriator of government,
had made good an escape from the stockade and was on the loose again. This news
brought an extra detail of guard out and many excited men were seen milling around the
area with machine guns ready.

Carnot, Murray P., Pvt, duty soldier Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Taylor is made a First Lieut.

Taylor, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: There were a few local training flights. Cpl. Sam W. Cohen
reduced to grade of private by request of E/M, Par 3, SO 12, Hq. 321st Bomb Gp., 23 Jan
45.

Cohen, Sam M., Pvt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: The big news of the day was the Commanding Officer’s
promotion to Major. Congratulations were in order from all sections of the Squadron,
and by the end of the day Major Farwell, one of the best-liked CO’s the Squadron has had
was suffering from a badly shaken right arm and hand. This evening in the Officer’s
club he proceeded to give a party in honor of this well-earned promotion. Everything, of
course, was on him, and before the evening had ended everyone was feeling no pain from
his “cheer”. Staff Sergeants Brandon, Rappaport, Crowley, and Reno, Sergeants Baldo,
Yaffee and Schriebel, Corporals Levin, Sommers, Heaston, Pierce and Surdi, and
Privates Thompson, Unger, Bilodeau and Denny, were placed on DS with Hq Sq of 321st
Bomb Group this afternoon.

Baldo, Louis A., Sgt, communications Bilodeau, Arthur (NMI), Pvt, cook

Brandon, James L., S/Sgt, communications Crowley, David F., Jr., S/Sgt, photo lab

Denny, Joseph C., Sgt, radio-gunner Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander

Thursday, 25 January 1945 (continued)

Heaston, Edward E., Cpl, communications Levin, Jerome K., Cpl, photographer

Pierce, Wilbur E., Cpl, communications Rappaport, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt, photographer

Reno, William F., S/Sgt, communications Schriebel, Paul J., Sgt, communications

Sommers, Robert F., Sgt, gunner Surdi, Benjamin J., Cpl, gunner

Thompson, Louis A., Pvt, communications Unger, Wilmer H., Pvt, communications

Yaffee, Frank (NMI), Sgt, communications

448th BS Mission Summary: Although clear weather prevailed once again over Corsica,
bad weather in the Po Valley made the mission stand down for the day.

Friday, 26 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 25/26 Jan, A-20s fly armed reconnaissance of the Po Valley, bombing Po River
crossings, Ghedi Airfield, and general movement throughout the area; both the 57th
Bombardment Wing and the XXII Tactical Air Command cancel all operations for the
day because of bad weather.

445th BS War Diary: Three combat crews practiced dry ditching on the line.
Preparations are now under way for a move in the near future to the Falconara airbase
north of Ancona, Italy. The men aren’t too enthusiastic about the base since all expect it
to be very cold and miserable. Capt. James O. Jackson, who left the squadron in October
1944 for a 30-day stay in the States, returned to the squadron today. In the evening, there
were warnings of a high wind but the night was calm, clear and beautiful.

Jackson, James O., Capt, intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: More squadron duty days as weather hinders flying.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Major Myron Gale, the Squadron’s Executive Officer, returned
from TD USA to duty. The following E/M promoted to indicated grade, Par. 3, SO 13,
Hq 321st Bomb Gp, 24 Jan 1945: To Sgt: Cpls. Carroll G. Appleman, Marvin S.
Goldman, and Harvey Stocker. The following E/M reclassified to 521: S/Sgt. Harold R.
Bauder, Sgt. Neil F. Gary, and Pvt. Sam M. Cohen.

Appleman, Carroll G., Sgt, gunner Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Cohen, Sam M., Pvt, gunner Gale, Myron, Maj, Executive

Gary, Neil F., Sgt, personnel Goldman, Marvin S., Sgt, gunner

Stocker, Harvey, Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission—bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: Professor Trowbridge, one of the Red Cross workers, gave a
lecture for the enlisted men and officers this afternoon, about Russia and the Balkan
countries. It was extremely interesting and educational. Having spent most of his time
since World War I traveling in Europe and Russia, Professor Trowbridge had a wide
background of experience for this lecture. This talk was in place of the weekly I & E
lecture given every Sunday evening.

448th BS Mission Summary: The day dawned clear once again but stormy weather over
northern Italy made the mission stand down, but not before the crew members had gone
to briefing hut. It is a sad sight sometimes to see them trudging back from the briefing
hut after receiving the sad news of a stand down.

Saturday, 27 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
during the morning causes all medium bombers to abort except for an attack on a bridge
at Bressana Bottarone; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers
continue the interdiction of communications with good results against motor transport,
trains, rail lines, bridges, and storage dumps; P-47s of the 57th Fighter Group destroy an
oil plant near Fornovo di Taro. The 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing,
based at Pontedera, Italy sends a detachment to operate from Florennes, Belgium with
Beaufighters attached to the 422nd Night Fighter Squadron.

445th BS War Diary: There was no flying the better part of the day due to violent
crosswinds that achieved 40 miles per hour velocity. Six men were injured this morning
when a fuse from an incendiary bomb exploded while changing a bomb load on the line.
Sgt. Malle from ordnance was the only one seriously injured. He sustained severe
lacerations of the leg and was moved to a hospital where he received several blood
transfusions. Aircraft 535 piloted by Capt. Wagner enroute to Naples had one engine
catch fire near the Italian coast. A fire extinguisher put out the fire and Capt. Wagner
went on single engine to land at Ciampino airdrome. Once again the 321st touch football
team met the 340th at Knapp Field. This time, the ground was fairly firm and the 321st
broke the tie by winning, 12-0. Word was received that Pvt. Carnot returned to the
stockade under his own power.

Malle, Joseph R., Sgt, ordnance

A/C No. 535

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #696; Squadron Mission # 434: Lt.
Bowling led a flight of bombers from this squadron out on the mission for this date but it
was forced to return due to weather. A mission was officially credited to the men.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #697; Squadron Mission # 435: Lt.
Webb led a flight of 12 planes out on a nickeling mission in which 1 plane was lost to the
flak but the crew was safe. Weather was 7 too 8/10 coverage.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 27 January 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: More squadron duty days as weather hinders flying.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 482

TARGET: Lavis Rail Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 27 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 13

Major Farwell led the formation. Did not drop due to adverse weather enroute to primary
and at alternate target. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Crisp the spare, returned early.

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 483

TARGET: Eastern Po Valley DATE: 27 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: Leaflets 446th Planes: 3

Lt. Webb led the formation. Only two dropping points used due to weather. Flak was
heavy, scant, fairly accurate. One plane crash-landed at base with landing gear retracted.
One plane was lost in enemy territory. The crew bailed out and are safe.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: The following Officers and EM assigned and joined the Squadron
from Hq. 57th Bomb. Wing, Par. 3, SO 14, Hq. 321st Bomb Gp. 25 Jan. 1945: 2nd Lt.
Edwin C. Vantrease, 2nd Lt. Roy V. Bryson, 2nd Lt. Frank Calabrese, S/Sgt. Emil C.
Goethe, Cpl. George K. Lamb, Cpl. Robert E. Neely. 1st Lt. Ralph T. Grimes relieved
from assignment and assigned on combat rotation to 7th Replacement Depot for
transshipment to U.S., Ltr. Orders, Hq. 12th AF, 23 Jan. 1945. 1st Lt. Joe W. Gould and
T/Sgt Russell K. See relieved from assignment and assignment on combat rotation to 7th
Repl. Depot for transshipment to U.S., Lot. Orders, Hq. 12th AF, 18 Jan. 1945. Morning
Report: O-87, EM-355.

Bryson, Roy V., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Calabrese, Frank (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Goethe, Emil C., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Gould, Joe W., 1Lt, bombardier, navigator

Grimes, Ralph T., 1Lt, pilot Lamb, George K., Cpl, gunner

Neely, Robert E., Cpl, gunner See, Russell K., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Vantrease, Edwin C., 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: Mission of 9 planes led by Lt. Gates took-off but due to
bad weather returned early without reaching target. They experienced some difficulty in
landing because of a strong cross wind. We also had 3 planes on a nickeling mission.
Just as the nickels were away the planes received flak. Lt. Morton and crew, consisting
of F/O Greene, Lt. Lankester, Sgt. Flanigan, Sgt. Ruiz, S/Sgt. Klimkowicz, in plane 506
had trouble after crossing back into friendly territory and bailed out. All reports are that
all members are safe with 5th Army. Lt. Appenzeller who was also on the Nickeling
Mission returned over the home field only to find that his hydraulic system was out of
order. His wheels came down but failed to lock. After circling the field in order to
expend his fuel supply he made a belly landing. All crew members escaped injury, but
the plane is a complete wreck.

Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 27 January 1945 (continued)

A/C No. 506 crashed

A/C No. crash landing

Morton, William C., Jr., 1Lt

Appenzeller, Richard D., 1Lt

Greene, Homer L., Jr., F/O

None

Lankester, Hugh H., 1Lt

Flanigan, Bernard A., Sgt

Ruiz, Emigdio, Sgt

Klimkowicz, Zigmond, S/Sgt

None

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenants Ivory and Kuoni and Sergeants Brusa and Turner
returned from the Capri rest camp. Lieutenants Bechtle and Birkhead and Sergeants
Berman and Hawthorne left for the Capri rest camp this morning. Sergeant Poteet left to
return to the USA this morning after completion of his tour of duty over here. Captain
Marrich returned from the US to resume his duties with the Squadron as Adjutant. After
his 30 days TD in the US, that place we want to go back to some day, you know, the
good Captain looked like he had added some weight. But he says the US is not like it
was when we were last there. It has really changed; He said, frankly, he was glad to be
back with the Squadron, and his many friends here.

Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot Berman, Samuel (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner

Hawthorne, Ralph C., Sgt, gunner Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Marrich, Martin K., Capt, adjutant

Poteet, Edward J., Sgt, gunner Turner, James H., Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Good weather permitted the two missions scheduled for
today to take off. The target for the first mission was the rail diversion bridge at Lavis,
Italy. The 448th had 13 planes for this mission led by Major Farwell, the Squadron CO.
Heavy overcast and rough weather forced the formation to return without dropping the
bombs. The rough weather caused heavy damage to some of the planes, as bombs were
shaken loose in bomb bays and hydraulic lines cut. Fortunately no enemy opposition was
encountered.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander

448th BS Mission Summary: The second mission was a nickeling mission over the
Easter Po Valley. The 448th had three planes on this mission with some of the leaflet
bombs, but due to bad weather most of them were returned. Some fairly accurate anti-
aircraft fire was encountered. The 448th’s planes returned safely at 1500.

Monday, 28 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
hampers operations; B-25s have good results on railroad bridges at Lavis and San
Michele all'Adige; XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft operate effectively against
communications and transport targets throughout N Italy including at Milan, Pavia,
Cremona, Nervesa della Battaglia, Treviso, Genoa, Padua, and the Lake Maggiore areas.

445th BS War Diary: Due to severe cross-winds, the mission was cancelled. Other
flights were also grounded due to existing weather conditions. The operations-
intelligence hut has blossomed out with some fine pin-ups mostly due to the efforts of
young Bobby Seymour. Sgt. Kabrich returned from the hospital where he underwent
treatment for his frozen legs incurred on the January 22nd mission. There was some
training today. Some mail arrived. Pork chops and apple pie were enjoyed at supper.

Kabrich, Harry L., Sgt, gunner Seymour, Robert J., Sgt, operations

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Cassidy is started homeward on combat rotation as the
mission goes to the Brenner Pass area.

Cassidy, Warren J., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 484

TARGET: Lavis RR Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 28 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 13

Capt. Leonard led the formation. Good concentration reported on both bridges. Direct
hits seen on the N bridge. Some bombs were N of target cutting the rail line. Incendiary
a/c reported good coverage of both flak positions. Falk was heavy, moderate, accurate.
Eight planes holed, one man wounded.

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: An 11 plane mission was scheduled for a target in
Northern Italy, but after 9 ships had taken off, the mission was cancelled and due to a
terrific cross wind, they landed at 310th. Later in the day all planes were flown back to
home base.

448th BS War Diary: Nothing else of any particular importance other than the usual
routine of Squadron duties happened during the day.

448th BS Mission Summary: The day dawned clear once again and the mission took-off
as scheduled on time. The target was the railroad bridge at Lavis once again. It was the
only mission for the Squadron today. Only slight anti-aircraft fire was encountered, and
the planes suffered no damage. The 448th had 12 planes on this mission led by Captain

Monday, 28 January 1945 (continued)

Leonard. A good concentration was scored on both approaches to the bridge, and several
direct hits were seen.

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot

Tuesday, 29 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, due to high
winds and generally bad weather, medium bombers successfully bomb only 2 targets, the
railway bridges at Calliano and Rovereto, and attack with less success bridges at Motta di
Livenza, Lavis, Mantua, and Chiusaforte, and railway station at Lavis; XXII Tactical Air
Command fighters and fighter-bombers operate primarily against communications
throughout the Po Valley; results are generally good and a bridge at Nervesa della
Battaglia is cut; bridges or their approaches at Cittadella, Santa Margherita d'Adige and
Cismon del Grappa are damaged along with a variety of targets. During the night of
28/29 Jan, A-20s hit rail facilities, pontoon bridge, lights, and motor transport at nearly
50 locations in the Po Valley. The 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd
Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), based at Peretola Airfield, Florence with F-5s,
sends a flight to operate from Pisa.

445th BS War Diary: The men were interested to learn that Lt. Col. Charles F. Cassidy
replaced Col. R.H. Smith as Group Commander. Lt. Col. Earl B. Young was named as
the Deputy Group Commander. Some of the most severe winter weather was
encountered today with some snow flurries falling in the morning. Despite the cold
weather, the 321st went out to Knapp Field and whipped the 340th Bomb Group, 31-14 to
win the Wing championship. This entitles the individual members to a gold, engraved
medal. Winners of this medal from the 445th include Sgts. Wellnitz, McNevin and Pfc.
Seymour.

Cassidy, Charles F., Jr., Lt Col, pilot, 321st BG, Commander

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt

Seymour, Robert J., PFC, operations

Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

Wellnitz, Lorton A., Sgt, statistical

Young, Earl B., Lt Col, Deputy Commander, 321st BG

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #699; Squadron Mission # 436: Capt.
Weld led a mission consisting of 25 ships including 4 chaff and 1 incendiary ship to
attack the railroad bridge at Ala, Italy. The escort consisted of anti-flak fighters. There
was no flak. RESULTS: Bad terrain causing strong drifts caused the mission to be
abortive. The planes had used an unusually high amount of gas on the assembly made
difficult due to weather and hence did not have enough gas left to make another pas at the
target.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: 15 of the squadron’s ships join with the group on Mission 700 to
attack Mantova railroad bridge, Italy. Squadron ship #501 flies its century mission.

Tuesday, 29 January 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 485

TARGET: Mantua E RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 29 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 15

Captain Matthews led the formation. Bombs concentrated to S and W end and approach
of bridge. Due to local weather conditions, too much gas was expended in assembly to
reach primary so alternate target was bombed. No flak, no fighters.

Matthews, John W., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Usual Camp Duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes participated in mission on Lavis Marshalling
Yard in Northern Italy. Excellent results were achieved with 100% bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: The first mission got off on time as scheduled this
morning. The 448th had nine planes led by Lieutenant Bard. The target was the Lavis
marshalling yards that the group has tried to knock out on several occasions. The
weather was clear with only a few fleecy clouds floating about over Italy. Only light flak
was encountered, but only three planes were able to drop on the target. A large mountain
near it obscured the view until they were right over it. The remainder of the formation
then turned to the alternate target, the causeway at Mantua, where they achieved a good
concentration near the south end. Several direct hits were seen.

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had three chaff planes loaded with incendiary
bombs for the second mission. The target was the Lavis rail diversion bridge with the
incendiary planes dropping their bombs on flak positions to silence them. Due to local
weather conditions, however, the formation was unable to assemble properly and was
forced to bomb the alternate target of Mantua East railroad bridge. A good concentration
was achieved on the south end and approach. No flak was encountered and all planes
returned safely.

Wednesday, 30 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, good weather in
the Po Valley permits full-scale operations against communications lines; during the
night of 29/30 Jan, A-20s intruders pound scattered movement (much of it near Milan),
several Po River crossings including Borgoforte, Piacenza, and San Benedetto Po, the
harbor at La Spezia, and fuel dumps and other targets at many locations; B-25s
effectively strike the Brenner rail line during the day, especially the Lavis and Trento
marshalling yards and bridges at Lavis and Calliano; XXII Tactical Air Command
fighters and fighter-bombers strike railroads and bridges in NE Italy cutting many lines
and damaging several bridges, and hit fuel dumps and factories around Parma.

445th BS War Diary: Two officers and two enlisted men combat crew members were
assigned to the squadron today. Lts. Cravey and Born were sent to the rest camp at
Cannes, France. Red Cross coffee and doughnuts were served in the area this morning.
Two of the old members of the squadron – Sgts. Larkin and Doherty – were officially
grounded from combat. Larkin had flown 66 missions and Doherty chalked up 65 before
finishing. They were well up on their liquid refreshments when last seen. Their orders
went in and they’re expected to leave in a week or so. Capt. Johnson and Cpl. Beccarelli
were chosen to leave tomorrow to form an advanced echelon to the new base. Their job
is to be orientated on the various locations of supply depots and other places of business
frequented by the squadron in operation. More packages arrived today.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Galom", Cpl, engineering Born, Walter E., 1Lt, pilot

Cravey, Robert P., 2Lt, bombardier Doherty, Charles S., T/Sgt, gunner

Johnson, Stanton W., Capt, Armament Officer

Larkin, Francis C. "Charley", T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #703; Squadron Mission # 437: Capt.
Wagner led a flight of 21 ships including 1 chaff plane to attack the Rovereto marshalling
yards, Italy. Area cover was furnished. This mission was abortive due to weather.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: (January 30 and 31): The railroad bridge at Lavis, Italy is paid
another call by the group on the second of these days. Another pay-day rolls around and
the second overseas anniversary of the group approaches.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 486

TARGET: Calliano Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 30 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 16

Major Ziglar led the formation. First flight’s bombs walked across center of target.
Direct hits on fill reported. Second flight had good concentration on N end of fill, and N
approach. Anti-flak a/c had good coverage of center of flak area. Flak was heavy, scant,
inaccurate. No fighters. The other three squadrons did no bomb due to weather.

Ziglar, Frank C., Maj, pilot

Wednesday, 30 January 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Major Myron Gale rld. Fr. Asgmt. and transferred to Hq. 57th
Bomb. Wing, par. 2, SO 22, Hq. 57th Bomb. Wing, 28 January 1945. Pvt. Sam W. Cohen
transferred to 981st MP Co., par. 1, SO 21, Hq. 57th Wing, 27 Jan 1945. Capt. Joe L. Beal
relieved of duties as Adjutant and appointed Administrative Executive Officer, par 1, 04,
447th Bomb. Sq., 321st Bomb. Gp, 30 Jan. 1945. 1st Lt. James F. McGill relieved of
duties as Supply and Transportation Officer and appointed Sq. Adjutant. Par. 2, 04, 447th
Bomb Sq., 321st Bomb. Gp, 30 Jan. 1945.

Beal, Joseph L., Capt, Administrative Executive Officer Cohen, Sam M., Pvt, gunner

Gale, Myron (NMI), Maj, Executive McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant

447th BS Mission Summary: A mission of 12 planes took off for target in Northern
Italy, but because of bad weather they turned back without bombing the objective.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: Good weather prevailed once again for today’s mission,
which took off to bomb the Calliano rail bridge fill. The 448th had four planes on this
mission, which scored hits on the north end and approach and on gun positions. Only
scant and inaccurate flak was encountered, and all the planes returned safely, none of
them being holed.

448th BS Mission Summary: On the second mission, the 448th had one plane to bomb
gun positions near the Rovereto rail yards. The formation was unable to reach the target
due to bad weather, however, and returned back at 1155.

448th BS Mission Summary: The third mission was unable to reach its target also, due
to adverse weather en route. The 448th had nine planes in this formation led by
Lieutenant Myers, which was to bomb the Rovereto rail bridge. They turned back at
1157.

Myers, Harold C., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 31 January 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack railroad bridges at Chiusaforte, Voghera, Lavis, Rovereto, and San Michele all'
Adige, and the marshalling yard at Rovereto, with only fair results; fighters and fighter-
bombers hit bridges, rail lines, trains, vehicles, and other targets over widespread areas of
N Italy; during the night of 30/31 Jan, A-20s hit several railroad targets during intruder
missions in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron helped attack the Voghera railroad bridge, Italy with
97.6 per cent bombing accuracy resulting. A new aircraft was assigned to the squadron.
Lts. Kourafas and PL Young were sent to the Ile Rousse rest camp on Corsica. Today
was payday for the squadron. The men enjoyed a delicious roast beef supper. Packages
and some letters arrived late in the evening. There were some cross-country flights.

Kourafas, James, 2Lt, pilot Young, Paul L., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #705; Squadron Mission # 438: This
squadron furnished two ships to drop chaff in a 20-plane formation sent out to attack the
Lavis rail diversion bridges, Italy. 1000 pound and 500 pound bombs were dropped from
12,000 and 12,500 ft. Area cover was provided. Flak was heavy, scant to moderate and
fairly accurate. RESULTS: three close concentrations, one on south bridge, another
north and west of the tracks and another started short and walked up to the bridge and
possibly to north of the bridge.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #706; Squadron Mission # 439: Lt.
Bowling led 15 ships from this squadron which formed the third flight of a 40-plane
formation sent out to attack the Piacenza railroad bridge, Italy. Failure to rendezvous
with the anti-flak fighters resulted in the bombing of the alternate target, Voghera north
railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound bombs were dropped from 10,500 feet to 12,500 ft.
Flak was light, scant and inaccurate. RESULTS: Excellent concentration on center of
bridge with a number of direct hits reported.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 487

TARGET: Lavis RR Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 31 Jan.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 15

Captain Smedley and Lt. Ingram were the leaders. Bombs fell in three close
concentrations. One covering the S bridge, another to N of target and W of tracks and the
third starting short and walking up to and possibly on the N bridge. Anti-flak a/c reports
good coverage of gun positions. Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, fairly accurate. No
fighters.

Ingram, William T., 1Lt, pilot Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 31 January 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: The following officer and EM assigned and joined organization
from Hq. 57th Bomb. Wing, par 2, SO 17, Hq. 321st Bomb. Gp. 30 Jan. 1945: 2nd Lt.
Albert W. Fach, Cpl. Harry H. Judy, Jr.

Fach, Albert W., 2Lt, bombardier Judy, Harry H., Jr., Cpl, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 14 plane mission took part in raid on Voghera N. Rail
Bridge in Northern Italy. The Squadron came through with 100% bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Bongiovanni and Burks left this morning for the 9th AAF
rest camp at Cannes, France. Captain Ovard and Sergeants Haack, Hallman, Walker, and
Carter left this morning to return to the US after completing their tour over here.
Sergeant Willey, one of the crew chiefs, left for the US also this morning on emergency
rotation. Lieutenant Stokes, F/Os Chakmakian and Libby and Corporal O’Brien were
assigned to the Squadron today.

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), Capt, navigator Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot

Carter, Eugene F., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner or Carter, Hugh A., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Chakmakian, George E., F/O, pilot Haack, Cecil J., T/Sgt, gunner

Hallman, Robert I., T/Sgt, gunner Libby, Donald E., F/O, bombardier

O'Brien, Brendan M., Cpl, gunner Ovard, Glen S., Capt, pilot

Stokes, George M., 2Lt, pilot or Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt, pilot

Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt, gunner Willey, Charles E., Sgt, engineering

448th BS Mission Summary: On the first of two missions today the 448th had three
planes that attacked the Lavis rail diversion bridge with a group formation of 20 planes.
The weather over the target area was clear, and good concentration on the target was
scored. Hits were scored on both the north and south bridges. Some flak was
encountered, damaging several planes on this mission.

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had 11 planes on the second mission today.
The target was the Piacenza rail bridge. Due to inability to rendezvous with fighter
escort, however, no bombs were dropped, and the formation turned to the Voghera north
rail bridge. Here an excellent pattern was scored on the target. Direct hits with the
concentration of bombs were made on the northern end of the bridge. Only light and
inaccurate flak was encountered with none of the planes being damaged.

January 1945

445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for January 1945

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M)

APO 650

1 February 1945

SUBJECT: Historical Records

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing

Attentions: Historian

1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period January 1, 1945 to January
31, 1945.

a Original unit

(1) 445th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th

Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.

(2) Columbia Army Air Base, S.C. was place of activation

(3) June 23, 1942 was date of activation

(4) GO #145, Hq. 3rd Air Force, 23 June 1942 was authority for activation

(5) National guard, selective service and regular army were sources of

personnel

b Changes in organization

(1) No changes in designation, no transfer, unit was not placed on DS or TS

nor was it attached to other headquarters for operational control

(2) There was no change of commanding officers.
(3) There were no changes of staff officers
(4) There was no new T/O.

c Strength, commissioned and enlisted

(1) Month of January 1945

(a) At beginning – 465

(b) Net increase ------

(d) At end - 463

d Stations of units or echelons

(1) Name of station – Solenzara Airfield, Corsica

(a) Date of arrival – April 24, 1944

(b) Still present at this base

e Movements of unit

(1) There was no movement during the month

January 1945 (continued)

f Campaigns

(1) Italy

(2) From January 1, 1945 to January 31, 1945 (still in progress)

g Operations

(1) Campaign – Italian

(2) Nature of operations – objective bombing

(3) 20 missions and 165 sorties flown during the month

(4) Results of an important mission

(a) Mission: January 21st attack on Lavis rail viaduct, Italy.

1. Target was important because it facilitated traffic along the Brenner

line, main rail line supplying German armies in Italy. Lavis is

located about 50 miles north of the important supply diffusion point

of Verona.

2. Despite known flak positions, there was a good probability of a

successful mission.

3. The successful completion of this mission would represent a blow

struck at an important enemy supply line, thus indirectly aiding the

Allied troops in Italy.

4. Aerial photographs disclosed the damage done to this target.

5. Despite the accurate barrage of flak which killed one, wounded one

and holed 13 aircraft, the 445th Bombardment Squadron achieved

100 per cent bombing accuracy.

h Command Officers in important missions

1. On January 22, Captain Hatcher (Leon F., Jr., pilot) – Operations Officer –

flew as co-pilot with Capt. Weld (Willis R., pilot) in the lead ship of a

formation which attacked the Chiari railroad bridge, Italy and the results

showed 100 per cen