12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: February 1945

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For my dad,

Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (retired)

“Lil Butch”

John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired)

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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, journals, and diaries have also been included.

Contributors

Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Italy)

Jack Brellenthin, great nephew of: Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

Dave Charville, grandson of: Charville, Leighton D. "Danny", 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

Barbara Connolly, daughter of: Ennis, Edward C., T/Sgt, radar-radio-gunner, 447th BS

Bob Haney, son of: Haney, Vincent M., M/Sgt, flight engineer, 341st BG

Ed Haney, cousin of: Dickson, Gale M., Capt, pilot, 446th BS

John Hughes, son of: Hughes, John J., 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS

Don Kaiser, son of: Kaiser, Quentin C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 489th BS

John Lanza, nephew of: Lanza, William A., Sgt, gunner, 446th BS

Lorraine McRae, daughter of: McRae, James A., 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS

Bob Ritger, nephew of: Ritger, Frederick C., 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS

Dominique Taddei: author, U.S.S. Corsica (Corsica)

Vinny White, son of: White, Joseph P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 381st BS

Acronyms & Abbreviations

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

Nav: Navigator

A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak

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, also Olive Drab

Assg: Assigned

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar)

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?

BC: Bomber Command

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

Bmb: Bombardier

POE: Point of Embarkation

Bn: Battalion

PX: Post Exchange

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

QM: Quarter Master

BSM: Bomb System Maintenance

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 , also light 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

G.O.: 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), also Technical
Order, and 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

Thursday, 1 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
curtails operations; A-20s and medium bombers are grounded and fighters and fighter-
bombers fly only 14 sorties, 12 against communications targets N of the battle area and 2
weather reconnaissance sorties.

445th BS War Diary: General Knapp was present at ceremonies at the motor pool area
this afternoon when awards were presented to various members of the squadron. The
weather was balmy, very ideal for a move as some of the men put it. The rumor of a
move is in the warm, sunny air these days. Lts. Dyer and Payne and Sgts. Cavanaugh
and Freiler went home on rotation today. Lt. RG Rice, who was responsible for cracking
up an aircraft recently when he raised the landing gear before the ship was airborne on
take-off, was acquitted at a hearing today and was recommended for flying duty. Luxury
rations were distributed to the men today. Beer was distributed in the evening along with
some coca cola.

Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Sgt, gunner Dyer, Robert E., Capt, pilot

Freiler, Walter C., Sgt, gunner

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

Payne, Lawrence J., 1Lt, pilot Rice, Rudolph G., 2Lt, pilot

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

446th BS War Diary: Major Ziglar goes on temporary duty and Sgt. Beets gets orders to
go home.

Beets, Frank T., S/Sgt, gunner Ziglar, Frank C., Maj, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 488

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 1 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: A formation was held in the 448th area for 447th and 448th officers
and enlisted men in order that General Robert D. Knapp could present medals and
clusters to a number of men.

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

447th BS Mission Summary: A mission was scheduled for today but cancelled because
of bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: This afternoon General Knapp, 57th Wing Commander visited the
Group and in an impressive ceremony presented the following awards to officers and
enlisted men of the Squadron: Distinguished Flying Cross: Major Farwell, Captain
Furey, Lieutenant Lyons; Bronze Star: Major Knievel, Master Sergeant Courtney, Staff
Sergeants Libero, Schaeffer, and Wilcox, Sergeant Lison. Air Medal: 1st Lt. Brown,

Thursday, 1 February 1945 (continued)

Second Lieutenants Allendorph, Armstrong, Bartlett, Cannon, Gardner, Russell, H.,
Russell, J., Schwartz, Sheppard, Steely, Stout, Sutton, West, Wilson, Zakopacan, Staff
Sergeant Magers, Sergeants Ferrell and Foote, Corporals Sevier, Turner, Vandenberg,
Ward, Weese, Petix. Purple Heart: First Lieutenant Brown, Second Lieutenant Arnold,
Technical Sergeant LaBella, Staff Sergeants Hawthorne and Qualls. First Oak Leaf
cluster to Air Medal: Lieutenants Allendorph, Freund, Gardner, Steely, Staff Sergeants
Bergstrom, Ferrel, Magers, Sergeants Turner and Weese. Second Oak Leaf Cluster to
Air Medal: Staff Sergeants Bergstrom, Justice, Marduese, Reves, Sergeant Wright.
Third Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: Technical Sergeants Bass, Hulse, and Schaffer,
Staff Sergeants Abiecunas, Bergstrom, Baird, Edwards, Enderle, Gage, Goethals, Justice,
Langley, Marduese, Moleski, Pealer, Ratcliffe, Sharp, Sergeant Wright. Fourth Oak Leaf
Cluster to Air Medal: Technical Sergeants Berman, Morefield, Randall, and Seward,
Staff Sergeants Bergstrom, Holloway, Markiewicz. Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal:
Staff Sergeants Bergstrom, Hawthorne, and Veeck. This afternoon, Captain Swanson
returned from the rest camp at Cannes, France, also this afternoon Lieutenants Russell,
H., Russell, J., Stout, and Sergeants Morefield and Schaffer left for the AAF rest camp at
Capri, and Sergeants Berman and Hawthorne returned from the Isle.

Abiecunas, Joseph P., S/Sgt, gunner Allendorph, John B., 2Lt, bombardier

Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 2Lt, bombardier Arnold, Harold L., 2Lt, bombardier

Baird, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Bartlett, Thomas M., 2Lt, pilot

Bass, Bernard G., T/Sgt, gunner Bergstrom, Daniel P., S/Sgt, gunner

Berman, Samuel (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner Brown, Royden (NMI), 1Lt, pilot

Brown, Royden (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Cannon, John L, 2Lt, bombardier

Courtney, Howard W., M/Sgt, armament Edwards, Jesse R., S/Sgt, photographer

Enderle, Melvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander

Ferrel, Bruce M., S/Sgt, gunner Foote, Lancel H., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier-navigator Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Gage, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner Gardner, Philip K., 2Lt, bombardier

Goethals, Camiel A., S/Sgt, gunner Hawthorne, Ralph C., S/Sgt, gunner

Holloway, Garland (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Hulse, Donald W., T/Sgt, gunner

Justice, Conway J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

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

Knievel, Arthur W., Maj, executive LaBella, Dante (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

Langley, Edmund P., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Libero, Victor P., Sgt, armament

Lison, George C., Sgt, Bomb System Maintenance

Lyons, John B., 1Lt, pilot Magers, Marshall P., S/Sgt, gunner

Marduese, Alfred K., S/Sgt, gunner Markiewicz, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner

Moleski, Benny M., S/Sgt, gunner Morefield, James C., T/Sgt, gunner

Pealer, Woodward D., S/Sgt, gunner Petix, Ignatius D., Cpl, gunner

Qualls, Thomas B., S/Sgt, gunner Randall, Charles R., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner

Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Reves, Louis E., S/Sgt, gunner

Russell, Harold H., 2Lt, pilot Russell, John D., 2Lt, pilot

Schaeffer, John H., S/Sgt, armament Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner

Schwartz, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Sevier, Fred L., Cpl, gunner

Thursday, 1 February 1945 (continued)

Seward, Richard F., T/Sgt, gunner Sharp, Russell L., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Sheppard, John W., 2Lt, bombardier Steely, Ralph K., 2Lt, bombardier

Stout, Charles S., 2Lt, bombardier Sutton, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot Turner, James H., Sgt, gunner

Vanderberg, Edward V., Sgt, gunner Veeck, Richard W., T/Sgt, gunner

Ward, Paul D., Cpl, gunner Weese, Charles F., Sgt, gunner

West, Alden A. "Bud", 2Lt, pilot Wilcox, John F., III, S/Sgt, armament

Wilson, James M., 2Lt, pilot Wright, Melvin M., Sgt, gunner

Wright, Melvin M., Sgt, gunner Zakopacan, John S., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The day here was nice one, despite the few clouds that
floated lazily overhead, but with stormy weather in the Po Valley the mission was stand
down.

Friday, 2 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers, taking advantage of improving weather conditions in NE Italy, hit bridges at
Lavis, Chiusaforte, Calliano, Mantua, Rovereto, Calcinato, and Dogna; bad weather at
bases restricts XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft to 5 weather reconnaissance sorties.

445th BS War Diary: The attack on the Calliano railroad bridge, Italy resulted in 100
per cent bombing accuracy. Lt. Kendall had just left the ground with his B-25 on a
routine training flight when one of his engines cut out. He managed to gain enough
altitude to land the plane again on the airdrome. It was a close call as Lt. Skebay,
bombardier-passenger on the flight, will readily acknowledge. Sergeant Bertling was
acquitted in a trial today. He was courts-martialled for negligence in the Sgt. Dexter
accident on December 3 last. Four officers and two enlisted man combat crews were
assigned today. The good weather persists. There was some mail today.

Bertling, Gerald M., Sgt, gunner Dexter, Richard W., Sgt, armament

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot Skebay, Robert J., 1Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #709; Squadron Mission #460: Capt.
Wagner led 17 squadron ships in a 20 plane mission sent out to bomb the Calliano
railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound and 500 pound bombs were dropped from 12,000 ft.
Area cover was provided. Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, inaccurate to fairly
accurate tracking in bursts of 4 from 20 seconds before bombs away to breakaway. No
ships holed, none lost. RESULTS: It was difficult to identify the target due to haze and
ground snow but the main concentration was in the target area with a few possibly over.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Hurley is promoted to Captain and Lt. Perlman is made a 1st
Lt. A 15 plane mission is flown to northern Italy.

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot Perlman, Jacob L., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 489

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 2 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak no fighters.

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 490

TARGET: Calliano Rail Bridge, Italy. DATE: 2 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Wagner led the formation. Target identification difficult due to haze and ground
snow. Main concentration in target area but possibly just over. Two three ship elements
bombing separately report hits on bridge and North approach. Third element of second
flight dropped on second run. One ship dropped incendiaries on gun position with
unobserved results. Falk was heavy, scant to moderate, inaccurate. No fighters.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

Friday, 2 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 491

TARGET: Mantua East Railroad Bridge, Italy. DATE: 2 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Pietrowski led the formation. Due to clouds in target area lead six a/c did not drop,
others dropped on second pass. Results generally unobserved because of clouds. No
flak, no fighters.

Pietrowski, Stanley J., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Sgt. Neil F. Gary reduced to grade of private for failure to fly
combat. Usual camp duties.

Gary, Neil F., Pvt, personnel

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenants Bechtle and Birkhead returned from Capri rest camp
this afternoon.

Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Despite cloudiness and threatening weather today, the
mission took-off as scheduled. The 448th had twelve (12) planes on the mission which
attacked the Mantua Causeway. Heavy cloud formations were encountered all the way to
the target. Despite the limited visibility at the objective good concentration of bombs
was scored on the south end with several direct hits reported. No enemy anti-aircraft fire
was encountered and the formation returned safely to base.

Saturday, 3 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather restricts
combat operations to an attack by 4 P-47s on the Sonico marshalling yard.

445th BS War Diary: There was a stand-down on the mission today and 12 aircraft were
unloaded for training flights. The training program was extensive with many transition
flights made. The armorers had their usual “bitch” about unloading the ships after
spending some arduous hours loading the planes the night before. Theirs is a thankless
and dirty task. Since the shortage in bombardiers appears over, the pilots release for
bombing in 714 was removed. Lts. Kendall and Skebay are now on DS to the 310th in
order to study the new radio-bombing. It is just a spare time proposition. There was a
big party at the squadron Officers club tonight when Colonel Smith was feted by all the
“big wheels” of this group and some from the 340th. Col. Smith is to be relieved and will
be sent to the United States. Lt. Col. Cassidy, his successor, was also present at the
blowout.

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

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot Skebay, Robert J., 1Lt, bombardier

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

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

446th BS War Diary: Staff Sgt. George LeMoine, squadron mess Sergeant, is killed in
an automobile accident near the airbase. He was one of the original members of the
446th. Flight Officer Codd is appointed a 2nd Lieut.

Codd, Russell G., 2Lt, bombardier LeMoine, George F, S/Sgt, cook

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 492

TARGET: Reconnaissance DATE: 3 Feb.1945

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

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

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 13 planes were up on local training and 7 planes practicing PDI
runs. First Lieutenant Henry J. Magne relieved from assignment and assigned on combat
rotation to the Replacement Depot for transshipment to US, Ltr. Hq. 12th AF 27 January
1945.

Magne, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: Mission scheduled but cancelled due to unfavorable
weather.

448th BS War Diary: Second Lieutenants Kuoni, Rubin, and Stromberg were promoted
to First Lieutenants today. Sergeant Posnansky left this morning for TD with the 176th
Signal Warning Platoon.

Saturday, 3 February 1945 (continued)

Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Posnansky, Frederick H., Sgt, communications

Rubin, Julius W., 1Lt, pilot Stromberg, Carl K., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission for today was stand down, because of bad
weather conditions over the Po Valley area.

Sunday, 4 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
bomb railroad bridges at Ala, San Michele all' Adige, Lavis, Dogna, and Bodrez, and
attack the Ala marshalling yard; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-
bombers escort the medium bombers and, in widespread areas of N Italy, destroy 2
bridges, damage 8 others, and blast rolling stock.

445th BS War Diary: A crew sent to Ciampino airdrome, Home, today to change an
engine on aircraft 535 which made forced landing there several days ago on a cross-
country. Duty sergeant James and his detail-men erected a new wall tent for the use of
the S-2, operations personnel who are scheduled to tear down their hut tomorrow. A
move is in the offing and the new tent will be used temporarily until the move actually
takes place. The balmy weather continues. This morning the kitchen served corn flakes
for the first time overseas. Drinks at the enlisted men’s club tonight were “on” the Major.
Cols Cassidy and Young attended for a while and then left.

Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander

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

James, Sgt, duty sergeant

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #713; Squadron Mission #461: The
squadron sent 3 planes along with 15 others to attack the San Michele rail diversion
bridge, Italy. 1000 pound bombs were dropped from 12,000 ft. Area cover was
furnished. There was no flak. RESULTS: One concentration was slightly over and to
the right. Another pattern was believed to have crossed the bridge. Shadow and snow-
covered tracks made observation difficult.

446th BS War Diary: Promotions go to the following men: Billups, Clark, A., Nigrelli,
Robbins, Toper are new Staff Sgts.; Dobrow and Johnson, M.W., are made Sgts. A 15
plane mission is flown and Lt. Meier returns from the United States.

Billups, Joseph E., S/Sgt, engineering

Clark, Ashbrook (NMI), S/Sgt, engineering or Clark, Allan E., S/Sgt, armament

Dobrow, Edgar J., Sgt, gunner Johnson, Mosens W., S/Sgt, communications

Meier, Donald J., 1Lt, communications Nigrelli, Ernest J., S/Sgt, gunner

Robbins, James S., S/Sgt, engineering Toper, Raymond S., S/Sgt, engineering

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 493

TARGET: San Michele Railroad Diversion, Italy DATE: 4 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Smedley led the formation. Once concentration over and slightly to right, another
pattern believed to have crossed bridge. Shadow and snow cover made identification
difficult. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Crisp, the spare, returned early.

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 4 February 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Joseph G. Boyle transferred to 340th par 7, SO 29, HQ. 321st
Bomb Gp. The following officer and enlisted men assigned and joined squadron from
57th Bomb. Wing par 4, SO 18 Hq. 321st Bomb. Gp. F/O Lewis W. Tougaw, Cpl.
William Marion, Cpl. Marlin J. Plough.

Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Marion, William T., Jr., Cpl, gunner

Plough, Marlin J., Cpl., gunner Tougaw, Lewis W., F/O, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: A mission of 15 planes flew to northern Italy but no
bombs dropped due to over cast.

448th BS War Diary: Corporal Masbruch, a tail gunner was assigned to the Squadron
this morning.

Masbruch, Arthur G., Cpl, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission got off as scheduled this morning but had to
turn back over Italy before reaching the target area; bad weather once again over the Po
Valley.

Monday, 5 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s score
excellently against the San Ambrogio di Valpolicella landslide (the overhanging cliff
collapses on the railroad by bombing) and bridges at San Michele all' Adige and
Calliano; during the night of 4/5 Feb, XXII Tactical Air Command A-20 intruder
missions hit lights, motor transport, and roads in the Po Valley and areas S of Bologna;
fighters and fighter-bombers fly 270+ sorties against communications targets in N Italy;
incendiary bombing of a truck park damages numerous vehicles.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission was cancelled this morning. S-2,
operations personnel moved to the new wall tent this morning only to discover later in the
afternoon that the move was postponed indefinitely. Plans are now to move back into the
hut which luckily has not yet been dismantled. Packing was accomplished by all
departments but on a small scale so that unpacking wasn’t such a terrific task after all.
Anyway the weather continues to be perfect. Lts. Morgan and Doris were “wracked
back” for buzzing today. Buzzing is strictly taboo theses days. Some packages arrived
today. Lt. Born veteran of 60 missions was transferred to MATS today.

Born, Walter E., 1Lt, pilot Doris, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt, pilot

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

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are performed as there is no flying.
Some mail reaches the squadron after a lull in news from home.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The following enlisted men promoted to indicated grade, SO 19,
Hq. 321st Bomb. Gp. 3 Feb. 1945: To T/Sgt.; S/Sgt. Smith B. Applegarth, S/Sgt. Isidore
Ifshin, To S/Sgt.; Sgt. James E. Citarelli, Sgt. Earl W. Dulaney, Sgt. Zigmond
Klimkowicz, Sgt. Carl H. Netzel, Sgt. James H. Williams, Sgt. Carl Daniels, Sgt. Paul W.
Finnegan, Sgt. Jacob A. McKnight, Sgt. James W. Simms, Sgt. Robert E. Young.

Applegarth, Smith B., T/Sgt, gunner Citarelli, James E., S/Sgt, gunner

Daniels, Carl, S/Sgt, gunner Dulaney, Earl W., S/Sgt, gunner

Finnegan, Paul W., S/Sgt, gunner Ifshin, Isidore, T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Klimkowicz, Zigmond, S/Sgt, gunner McKnight, John A., S/Sgt, gunner

Netzel, Carl F., S/Sgt, gunner Simms, James W., S/Sgt, gunner

Williams, James H., S/Sgt, gunner Young, Robert E., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission.

448th BS War Diary: Staff Sergeant Manning who had been on TD with the 6660th
Signal School Company returned to the Squadron this afternoon. Staff Sergeants Qualls
and Marduese were promoted to Technical Sergeants and Corporals Atherton, Brentar,

Monday, 5 February 1945 (continued)

Fletcher, Oliver, Shields, Varga, White, Biersdorff, Gutierrez, Parham, Sevier, Tangren,
Ward, Petix, DiSalvo, and Wolfe were promoted to Sergeants today.

Atherton, Robert C., Sgt, gunner Biersdorff, Charles J., Sgt, gunner

Brentar, Joseph E., Sgt, gunner DiSalvo, Alfred J., Sgt, gunner

Fletcher, William H., Sgt, gunner Gutierrez, Ralph (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Manning, James F., S/Sgt, communication Marduese, Alfred K., T/Sgt, gunner

Oliver, Walter A., Sgt, gunner Parham, Ralph E., Sgt, gunner

Petix, Ignatius D., Sgt, gunner Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner

Sevier, Fred L., Sgt, gunner Shields, Robert L, Sgt, gunner

Tangren, Donald E., Sgt, gunner Varga, Frank K., Sgt, gunner

Ward, Paul D., Sgt, gunner White, Frank H., Sgt, gunner

Wolfe, Bernard M., Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: It was a stand down mission once again this morning,
despite the clear weather that prevailed over Corsica, but not before the crews had been
briefed and were out at the planes. Apparently poor conditions over Northern Italy was
the cause once again.

Tuesday, 6 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack
railroad targets on the line running N to the Brenner Pass, damaging bridges at Rovereto
and Ala; marshalling yards at Rovereto and San Ambrogio di Valpolicella and a bridge at
Crema are less successfully hit; fighter-bombers cut railroad bridges at Nervesa delta
Battaglia and San Michele all'Adige; the P-47s claim 3 fighters destroyed in combat N of
Verona and attack numerous targets of opportunity throughout the target areas; during the
night of 5/6 Feb, A-20s attack lights, roads, and motor transport in the C Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: The Rovereto railroad bridge was today’s target in Italy and 100
per cent bombing accuracy was the result. Capt. Wagner and Lts. Cox, Ottinger and
Palmer were sent to the Cannes, France rest camp today. Lt. Mogren was grounded 30
days for buzzing yesterday. This restriction isn’t expected to last very long since the
pilots are badly needed these days. It was decided that the S-2, operations personnel
would move back into the hut and preparations were made for such a change. Some mail
and packages arrived today. Hamburgers were served for supper tonight.

Cox, Harold L., 2Lt, pilot Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt, pilot

Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt, pilot Palmer, Richard W., 1Lt, bombardier

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #716; Squadron Mission #463: (skipped
from 461 to 463). Capt. Jeffrey led 15 planes from the squadron to lead 20 planes from
the group in an attack on the Rovereto railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 lb and 500 lb bombs
were dropped from 11,500 to 12,500 ft. A total of 8 P-47s dive-bombed flak positions.
The flak was heavy, intense and fairly accurate form the initial point through the bomb
run and breakaway. Eight ships were holed but none lost. RESULTS: Bombs started
just short of the center of the bridge and walked through the bridge. Target was well hit
with excellent concentration of bomb hits.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Another mission is flown to Brenner Pass as the squadron is called
upon for 12 planes.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 494

TARGET: Rovereto M/Y, Italy (Primary) DATE: 6 Feb.1945

Crema Railroad Bridge, Italy (Alternate)

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 5

Lt. Remmel led the formation. Our element of three ships bombed primary target laying
pattern across yards just N of main station building. Eight ships unable to pick up
primary in time for bomb run bombed alternate with excellent concentration on W half of
bridge. Five ships failed to drop when lead plane was lost to flak at primary. Two ships
dropping incendiaries had good coverage of gun positions. The spare did not drop. Flak
was heavy, intense and accurate, both barrage and tracking.

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

Tuesday, 6 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 495

TARGET: Rovereto Railroad Bridge, Italy DATE: 6 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Collins led the formation. Bombs started just short of center of bridge and walked
through it. Target well hit, with excellent concentration. Flak was heavy, intense, fairly
accurate.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 496

TARGET: Mori Railroad Bridge, Italy DATE: 6 Feb.1945

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

Lt. Lyons led the formation. Majority of bombs in target area. Some over to W.
Incendiary planes report good coverage. Flak was heavy, intense, accurate.

Lyons, John B., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: Crews on the three planes that failed to return are as follows: Lt.
Earl H. Remmel, Lt. Leslie T. Speer, Lt. Franklin L. Darrell, Lt. Harlan N. Tulley, T/Sgt.
Isidore Ifshin, T/Sgt Bernard R. Guild, Sgt. Silas A. Barrett; Lt. Carl W. Cahoon, Lt.
Robert H. Young, S/Sgt. John A. McKnight, S/Sgt. Robert G. Jones, Cpl. Joseph H.
Cruse, Cpl. Thomas J. Maloney; Lt. Jackson R. Dodson, Lt. John L. Dickson, Sgt.
Norman B. Lubinsky, Sgt. Vincent E. Theiss, Sgt. Richard E. Hagan, Cpl. John E.
McCready. Lt. Donald J. Colgan received several scratches on his face from flak. T/Sgt.
George Schnaars was hit in the forearm by flak but neither man was seriously wounded.

Barrett, Silas A., Sgt, gunner Cahoon, Carl W., 1Lt, pilot

Colgan, Donald J., 1Lt, bombardier Cruse, Joseph H., Cpl, radio-gunner

Darrell, Franklin L, Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Dickson, John L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Dodson, Jackson R., 1Lt, pilot Guild, Bernard R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Hagan, Richard E., Sgt, radio-gunner

Ifshin, Isidore (NMI), T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Jones, Robert G., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Lubinsky, Norman B., Sgt, bombardier-gunner

Maloney, Thomas J., Cpl, gunner McCready, John E., Jr., Cpl, gunner

McKnight, John A., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot Schnaars, George D., T/Sgt, gunner

Speer, Leslie T., 2Lt, pilot Theiss, Vincent E., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Tulley, Harlan N., 1Lt, navigator Young, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: 16 planes mission against Crema Rail Bridge in northern
Italy. 3 planes failed to return and are unaccounted for. Lt. Hutson landed at Pisa on the
way to the target, because of engine failure.

Tuesday, 6 February 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown shot down

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt

Cahoon, Carl W., 1Lt

Speer, Leslie T., 2Lt

Young, Robert H., 2Lt

Tulley, Harlan N., 1Lt

None

Darrell, Franklin L, Jr., 1Lt

McKnight, John A, S/Sgt

Ifshin, Isidore (NMI), T/Sgt

Jones, Robert G., S/Sgt

Guild, Bernard R., T/Sgt

Cruse, Joseph H., Cpl

Barrett, Silas A., Sgt

Maloney, Thomas J., Cpl

None

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. unknown

Dodson, Jackson R., 1Lt

Hutson, Ernest G., 1Lt

Dickson, John L., Jr., 2Lt

None

Lubinsky, Norman B., Sgt

Theiss, Vincent E., Sgt

Hagan, Richard E., Sgt

McCready, John E., Jr., Cpl

None

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Matthews returned today from the 12th AFSC where he
had been on TD. He is grounded and awaiting rotation home.

Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission got off in clear weather this morning with the
448th having fifteen (15) planes loaded with 1000 lb. GP bombs and two planes with
incendiary bombs in the formation that attacked the rail fill at Mori, Italy. Lieutenant
Bard led the formation battling heavy overcast all the way to the target where they met
heavy, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire that holed several of the planes. Despite the
adverse weather and enemy opposition, an excellent pattern was scored on the target with
many direct hits reported. It was another 100 % bombing accuracy mission. Lieutenants
Autrey and Barile were wounded when a burst of flak sent fragments through the pilot’s
compartment of their plane. They were not hospitalized, however.

A/C No. unknown

Bard, John A., 1Lt

Autrey, W.F. (io), 1Lt

Barile, Sam (NMI), 2Lt

Tuesday, 6 February 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Lyons, John B., 1Lt

Wednesday, 7 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 6/7 Feb, A-20s bomb lights and movement over extensive areas of N Italy; during the
day B-25 blasts cut bridges at Bodrez and Lavis, a viaduct at Lavis, and block rail lines at
San Michele all'Adige and Mantua; XXII Tactical Air Command P-47s destroy 4 railroad
bridges and damage another severely in the NE and C Po Valley and Brenner Pass, and
blast dumps and sugar refineries in the Mantua, Brescia, and Reggio Emilia areas.

445th BS War Diary: A bombing accuracy of 70.8 per cent was achieved on the raid on
the Lavis station yard, Italy today. Operations-Intelligence personnel moved back into
their hut today. The group is now referring to its aircraft by the large numbers painted on
the tail fins recently rather than the smaller numerals. Roast beef was served for supper
tonight and it was greatly enjoyed. Basketball practice was held in the area today. Four
officers and three enlisted men combat crews were sent to rest camp today. The squadron
ambulance rolled off a mountain cliff tonight enroute to the saw mill. It is not
immediately known who was hurt in the accident.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #720; Squadron Mission #464: Capt.
Collins led 18 ships from the squadron on a mission to attack the Lavis station yards,
Italy. 500 pound bombs were dropped from 11,000 ft. Area cover was provided. This
flight of bombers received no flak. It was directed at a flight of ships hitting the Lavis
bridges nearby. RESULTS: Patterns across south section of yard, south of main
building. Some bombs short, some over.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: More promotions. To be Staff Sgt.: Beavers, Demmitt, Cubbage
and Luitjens; to Sergeant: Anderson, C., Boylan, Broderick, Freeman, Lind, McEuen,
Nichols, Taylor, T., Beck, Brady, Carl, Jakielek, Martin, T.J., Moncure, Springer,
Wimert.

Anderson, Chester S., Sgt, gunner Beavers, Marque F., S/Sgt, gunner

Beck, Junior D., Sgt, gunner Boylan, James P., Sgt, gunner

Brady, Walter (NMI), Sgt, gunner Broderick, Emmett P., Sgt, gunner

Carl, Edgar W., Sgt, gunner Cubbage, Robert, S/Sgt, gunner

Demmitt, Henry H., S/Sgt, gunner Freeman, Harold W., Sgt, gunner

Jakielek, Ernest F., Sgt, gunner Lind, Kenneth H., Sgt, gunner

Luitjens, Harvey J., S/Sgt, gunner Martin, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt, gunner

McEuen, Richard W., Sgt, gunner Moncure, James D., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Nichols, Henry J., III, Sgt, gunner Springer, Walter H., Sgt, gunner

Taylor, Tullis (NMI), Sgt, gunner Wimert, Donald A., Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 7 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 497

TARGET: Lavis Railroad Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 7 Feb.1945

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

Lt. Ingram led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area. Some bombs cut N
approach at dyke, others reported to have hit embankment between two bridges and N
bridge. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate, three men wounded.

Ingram, William T., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 498

TARGET: Lavis Viaduct, Italy (Primary) DATE: 7 Feb.1945

Mantua Causeway, Italy (Alternate)

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

Lt. Swanson led the formation. Good concentration on center of viaduct. Smoke
obscured accurate results. At the alternate, there was very good concentration on
causeway; appeared to be split. Flak was heavy, intense, accurate, one man wounded.

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes participated in a mission against Lavis Diversion
Bridge in northern Italy. All planes returned safely but four crewmen were slightly
injured. They were as follows: 2nd Lt. Edwin C. Vantrease, 2nd Lt. Shelby D. Wallis,
Sgt. Daniel P. McMenamin, Cpl Robert E. Neely. The squadron received 100 %
bombing accuracy for this mission.

McMenamin, Daniel P., Jr., Sgt, engineer-gunner Neely, Robert E., Cpl, gunner

Vantrease, Edwin C., 2Lt, bombardier Wallis, Shelby D., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenants Martin, McRee, Copes and Cooper left this morning
for the Cannes, France, rest camp, and Captains Burks & Bongiovanni returned from
Cannes. Lieutenants Cannon and Valenti, and Sergeants Shields and Ward left for the
AAF rest camp at Capri also, and the plane returned this afternoon with Lieutenants
Russell, J.D. Russell, H.H., and Stout and Sergeants Morefield and Schaffer from Capri.
Lieutenants Kirk and Kiska left today for the United States after completing their tour of
duty here.

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

Cannon, John L, 2Lt, bombardier

Cooper, James W., 2Lt, pilot or Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt, pilot

Copes, Wilson R., 1Lt, pilot Kirk, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Kiska, George P., 2Lt, bombardier Martin, James M., Jr., Lt, bombardier

McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier Morefield, James C., T/Sgt, gunner

Russell, Harold H., 2Lt, pilot Russell, John D., 2Lt, pilot

Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner Shields, Robert L, Sgt, gunner

Stout, Charles S., 2Lt, bombardier Valenti, Jack J., 2Lt, pilot

Ward, Paul D., Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 7 February 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had fourteen (14) planes on its only mission
today, attacking the Lavis viaduct. Captain Swanson led this mission which encountered
heavy cloud formations over the Italian mainland, but found the target clear. Here the
enemy put up a desperate barrage of anti-aircraft fire that holed several of the planes,
wounded one man, and show down one plane. Smoke pots were used to obscure the
target. Despite this, Captain Swanson led his planes in where they scored another 100%
bombing accuracy mission. The concentration of bombs was in the center of the viaduct
with many direct hits scored. The missing plane was last seen losing altitude going away
from the target with a large hole in the left wing, knocking out the left aileron, and
numerous other holes in it. At that time all crew members were still in the plane.
Lieutenant Meyers was unable to lead his second flight into the Lavis target, so turned to
the Mantua causeway, where his flight likewise scored a 100% bombing accuracy. Only
light flak was encountered there, and the causeway was well covered. Direct hits
appeared to have split it. The crew of the missing plane was Lieutenants Sheffield and
Sanders and Sergeants Reves, Petruzzi, Lasskow and Brentar.

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

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. unknown

Sheffield, Woodrow W., 2Lt

Lyons, John B., 1Lt

Sanders, William A., 2Lt

None

Reves, Louis E., S/Sgt

Petruzzi, Evo J., Sgt

Lasskow, Maxwell A., Sgt

Brentar, Joseph E., Sgt

None

Thursday, 8 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 7/8 Feb, A-20s on intruder missions bomb various targets at 58 points in the Po Valley
and Brenner Pass area; medium bombers during the day attack bridges at Calliano,
Chiusaforte, Dogna and Piacenza; fighters and fighter-bombers closely support US Fifth
Army forces in the Serchio Valley where counterattacks oppose the Allied offensive-and
destroy the Nervesa della Battaglia railroad bridge and oil dump N of Mestre.

445th BS War Diary: Master Sergeant Wendell J. Bell, Corning, N.Y., was the here
today. He was the one who taxied aircraft 928 away from its hardstand to a point of
refuge while a large fire was blazing away around four thousand pound bombs lying near
some gasoline drums. After Sgt. Bell had taxied the plane out of danger, the bombs
exploded sending shrapnel and rocks all over the area. Many of the maintenance tents
were wrecked but only one plane was damaged by the flying rocks and shrapnel. The
force of the explosion was such as to send a wrench clean across the runway and onto a
wing of a B-25 in another squadron almost a half mile away. No one was seriously
injured. Today is the second anniversary overseas for the group. Baked ham and apple
pie were especially enjoyed for supper. In the evening, a big champagne party was held
in the enlisted men’s club and many “celebrities” were present. These included many of
the squadron’s “alumni” such as Major Neumann, Lt. Humphrey, Capt. Anderson and
others. Major Bounds and many of the staff officers of the squadron were present. It was
a gala affair enjoyed by one and all. Lts. Miron, McFatter and Shutters made 1st
Lieutenant today.

Anderson, Melvin A., Capt, bombardier Bell, Wendell J., M/Sgt, engineering

Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander Humphrey, Malcom R., 1Lt, supply

McFatter, Joe H., 1Lt, pilot Miron, Lane L., 1Lt, pilot

Neumann, Robert H., Maj, pilot, Operations Officer

Shutters, Paul E., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #721; Squadron Mission #465: Lt.
Webb led 12 ships from the squadron which formed the second flight of a formation sent
out to attack the Calliano railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound and 500 pound bombs were
dropped from 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft. Escort was P-47s. Flak was heavy, intense and
accurate at the first flight for 30 seconds before bombs away, tracking on breakaway.
The second flight received heavy, moderate and fairly accurate flak mostly on
breakaway. Six unknown aircraft were seen in the area but they did not attack. 1 ship
was lost, 6 men wounded and 10 ships were holed. RESULTS: Greatest concentration
just over. Some bombs may have walked through target. Flak ships got good coverage
on gun positions.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Starczewski is made a 1st Lieut., as Flight Officers Smith,
Atkins and Anderson are made second lieutenants. A 12-plane mission is flown and two
of our ships make forced landings in Italy after a “hot” flight.

Atkins, Richard A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Smith, Clarence J. H., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 8 February 1945 (continued)

Starczewski, Phillip R., 1Lt, bombardier

Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt, pilot or Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt, pilot

or Anderson, William H., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 499

TARGET: Calliano, Italy DATE: 8 Feb.1945

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

Lt. Marchant led the formation. Bombs hit just short of bridge and walked through target
to river, covering bridge. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, very accurate. One man
killed, twelve planes holed. Lt. Crisp landed on single engine at Pisa. Lt. Chandler
crash-landed at Florence, crew safe. One report of ME-109s being sighted, but they did
not attack. Lt. Berge, the spare, returned early.

Berge, Gale B., 2Lt, pilot Chandler, Warren W., 1Lt, pilot

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes participated in a mission to Calliano Rail Bridge
No. 2 in northern Italy. All planes returned safely, but many planes were holed. 1st Lt.
Donald J. Colgan, bombardier in lead ship was killed over the target by flak. Capt. S.P.
Olson navigator on lead ship was severely wounded about the face by flak. He is
recovering in the 40th Station Hospital.

Colgan, Donald J., 1Lt, bombardier Olson, Svend P., Capt, navigator

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: Nine of the 448th’s planes flew on the only mission today
for the Squadron, the Calliano Railroad Bridge. Lieutenant Lyons led the formation
which attacked in clear weather through a heavy barrage of intense and accurate anti-
aircraft fire. Several of the planes received damage from the flak but Lieutenant Lyons
led his formation on to the target where another extremely successful mission was scored.
Numerous hits were made in the center of the bridge, but smoke obscured clear
observation. Captain Bongiovanni, Lieutenants Sheppard and Styers and Sergeant
Hildreth receive slight wounds on today’s mission. Lieutenant Schweitzer and Sergeant
Powell received more serious wounds and were rushed to a hospital immediately. One
plane was lost. It was last seen heading northward, losing altitude with one engine
smoking. The crew of the missing plane was Lieutenants Birkhead and Pruitt and
Sergeants Ratcliffe, Hovorka, Randall and Hawthorne.

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), Capt, navigator Hildreth, Elmer L., Sgt, gunner

Powell, Neil J., Sgt, gunner Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot

Sheppard, John W., 2Lt, bombardier Styers, Charles W., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 8 February 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. unknown

Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt

Lyons, John B., 1Lt

Pruitt, Henry L., 2Lt

None

Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., S/Sgt

Hovorka, Leo F., Sgt

Randall, Charles R., Jr., T/Sgt

Hawthorne, Ralph C., S/Sgt

None

Friday, 9 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 8/9 Feb, A-20s and A-26s on intruder missions attack communications targets
throughout the C and NE Po Valley; weather restricts daytime operations to weather
reconnaissance and supply dropping missions.

445th BS War Diary: It was “stand-down” on the mission today. Lts. Robson and
Finkhouse gave a lecture on bombing to all the bombardiers. Two of the most popular
and faithful members of the squadron left today on rotation orders taking them to the
States. They are technical sergeants Charlie Larkin and Charlie Doherty. Capt. Weld
and Sgt. H.J. Jones also left. The men on the line were rebuilding damaged tents and
installations on the line today following yesterday’s explosions. The weather was warm
again but it was a bit windy in the afternoon making landings difficult for the men on
practice bombing.

Doherty, Charles S., T/Sgt, gunner Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 1Lt, bombardier

Jones, Harvey J., S/Sgt, gunner

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

Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt, bombardier Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

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

446th BS War Diary: Lucky five to get orders to go home are Capt. Mayo, Lieuts.
Derringer and Farber and EM Bundy and Bruner.

Bruner, Edward (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Bundy, Garland A., T/Sgt, gunner

Derringer, Albert J., 1Lt, bombardier Farber, Joseph L., 1Lt, bombardier

Mayo, Jack D., Capt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Cpl. Forman L. Cole assigned and joined from Hq. 19th Repl Bn.
Par 9 SO 38 Hq. 19th Repl. Bn. 1st Lt. Lee F. Huchingson assigned and joined from 445th
Bomb. Sq. duty Supply Officer, par 6 SO 20 Hq. 321st Bomb Gp.

Cole, Forman L., Cpl, armament Huchingson, Lee F., 1Lt, Adjutant

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Burks, Operations Officer was promoted to Major, and
second Lieutenants Allendorph and Gardner were promoted to First Lieutenant.

Allendorph, John B., 1Lt, bombardier Burks, Richard W., Maj, pilot

Gardner, Philip K., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS Mission Summary: Cloudy threatening weather prevailed over most of
Corsica today, as bad weather was reported in the Po Valley also. The crews for today’s
mission arrived at the briefing hut, however, before being told that the mission was a
stand down.

Saturday, 10 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 9/10 Feb, A-20s and A-26s hit railroads, lights, and movement in the Po Valley and
Brenner area and bomb docks at La Spezia; weather cancels all but 2 medium bomber
missions; however, the B-25s cut bridges at Palazzuolo sull' Oglio and Romano di
Lombardia; fighter-bombers concentrate on railroads in NE Italy, and destroy numerous
vehicles in a truck park in the Mantua area.

445th BS War Diary: The Palazzolo railroad bridge, Italy was bombed today with 100
per cent bombing accuracy resulting. Three combat officers went to the Ile Rousse rest
camp today while three combat enlisted men went to the rest camp at Rome. The
weather was again ideal and some packages arrived which made the day all the better.
With the outdoors so perfect lately, many of the men are getting their quota of exercise
via basketball, horseshoes, softball and other games. There was a party held at the
enlisted men’s club tonight in honor of 1st Sgt. Matt Campbell’s 43rd birthday.

Campbell, Matthew (NMI), S/Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #725; Squadron Mission #466: Lt.
Bowling led 9 ships from this squadron in a formation of 18 ships sent out to attack the
San Michele diversion fill, Italy. Due to bad weather over the primary target, the
alternate target – Palazzolo railroad bridge – was bombed. 500 pound bombs were
dropped from 10,500 ft and 12,500 ft. Area cover was provided. There was no flak.
RESULTS: A concentration of bombs went across the east half and east approach with
some direct hits reported. 1 pattern over. Some bombs caused several explosions
possibly the result of hits on gas stores.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: A 9-plane mission is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 500

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 10 Feb.1945

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

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

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 501

TARGET: Romano Di Lombardo Rail Bridge, Italy (Alt) DATE: 10 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Smedley Alternate attacked because of weather. Excellent concentration, direct
hits reported. Third element of first flight dropped on second run. No flak, no fighters.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men assigned and joined
organization from 57th Bomb Wing, 7 Feb. par 3, SO 22, Hq. 321st Bomb Group: Cpl.
Donald Levy, Cpl Frank L. Maples, Cpl John P. Ross, Cpl Bernard Steinhauser, Cpl

Saturday, 10 February 1945 (continued)

Charles E. Wilvert. 2nd Lt. Floyd W. Prillman, 2nd Lt. George A. Wood, F/O Carl B.
Brown, F/O Glenn J. Crowley, F/O Robert L. Hay, Cpl Richard S. Brockman, Cpl. Joel
L. Cline, Cpl. Thomas J. Lendino, Capt. Jack L. Erb, 1st Lt. Wallace I. Duty, 2nd Lt.
Rodney O. Bradshaw, 2nd Lt. James L. Michael. The following officers promoted to the
indicated grade: 1st Lt. Earl H. Remmel to captain, 2nd Lt. Robert A. Balboni and Vernon
L. Schmoke to 1st Lt., par 2 SO 33, Hq. 12th Air Force. The following enlisted men
promoted to Sergeant par 1 SO 21, Hq. 321st Bomb Gp. Cpl. Charles W. Hardage, Cpl.
Leroy Jones, Cpl. Camille J. Merlino, Cpl. James R. Newton, Cpl. Emigdio Ruiz, Cpl.
Stanley E. Teutsch, Cpl. Frank W. Hunsaker Jr., Cpl. Walter F. Meiborg, Cpl. Karl N.
Mindlin, Cpl Charles J. Price, Cpl Robert A. Stroupe, Cpl Edgar M. West. Morning
report: Officers 88; Enlisted Men: 354.

Balboni, Robert A., 1Lt, bombardier Bradshaw, Rodney O., 2Lt, pilot

Brockman, Richard S., Cpl, gunner Brown, Carl B., F/O, pilot

Cline, Joel L., Cpl, gunner Crowley, Glenn J., F/O, bombardier

Duty, Wallace I., 1Lt, pilot Erb, Jack L., Capt, pilot

Hardage, Charles W., Sgt, gunner Hay, Robert L., F/O, pilot

Hunsaker, Frank W., Jr., Sgt, gunner Jones, LeRoy (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Lendino, Thomas J., Cpl, gunner Levy, Donald (NMI), Cpl, gunner

Maples, Frank L. Jr., Cpl, gunner Meiborg, Walter F., Sgt, gunner

Merlino, Camille J., Sgt, gunner Michael, James L., 2Lt, bombardier

Mindlin, Karl N., Sgt, gunner Newton, James R., Sgt, gunner

Price, Charles J., Sgt, gunner Prillman, Floyd W., 2Lt, navigator

Remmel, Earl H., Capt, pilot Ross, John P., Cpl, gunner

Ruiz, Emigdio, Sgt, radio-gunner Schmoke, Vernon L., 1Lt, bombardier

Steinhauser, Bernard (NMI), Cpl, gunner Stroupe, Robert A., Sgt, gunner

Teutsch, Stanley E., Sgt, gunner West, Edgar M., Sgt, gunner

Wilvert, Charles E., Cpl, gunner Wood, George A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: No Mission.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Furey, assistant operations officer, was transferred to
Group today. Lieutenants Ashland and Boyd, F/O Campbell, and Corporals Nugent and
Rayfield were assigned to the Squadron today. Corporal Anderson, an armorer, was
assigned also.

Anderson, Kenneth A., Sgt, armament or Anderson, Reuben E., Sgt, armament

Ashland, Arthur E., 2Lt, pilot Boyd, Wilford D., 2Lt, bombardier

Campbell, John E., F/O, pilot Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Nugent, Earl W., Cpl, gunner Rayfield, Bernard G., Cpl, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Leonard led the 448th’s nine planes, flying as the
second element in today’s mission, in the attack on the Romano Di Lombardo rail bridge.
The formation was originally scheduled to attack the San Michele Rail Diversion bridge,
but when the bombers arrived there, they found an overcast which prevented clear
observation of the target, so they turned to the alternate. The weather there wasn’t much

Saturday, 10 February 1945 (continued)

better, but the bridge was bombed with an excellent concentration in the center and west
approach. Direct hits were observed, and the objective was reported down after the
attack. It was another 100% bombing accuracy mission for the Squadron. No enemy
opposition was encountered, and the formation returned safely to base at 1300.

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 11 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s on night
intruder missions attack enemy movement and lights at various points in N Italy, hit
bridges in the Po Valley, and attack frontline positions in the N Apennines; weather
grounds the medium bombers but fighters and fighter-bombers blast railroad bridges and
lines in the NE and C Po Valley and stores and supply dumps in the C and W Po River
areas.

445th BS War Diary: Ten crews were standing by for the mission today but it was
cancelled probably due to bad weather in the target area. There was some practice
bombing and transition flights were made. Capt. Stanton W. Johnson, Aerial Gunnery
Officer, gave a lecture on position firing to all the gunners in the squadron. 1st Lt.
Herbert E. Robson brought out the “railroad tracks” today as he was promoted to captain.
The drinks were on Capt. Robson at the club tonight.

Johnson, Stanton W., Capt, Armament Officer Robson, Herbert E., Capt, bombardier

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

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are carried out as there is no flying.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 502

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 11 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Hurley was the pilot accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following sergeants promoted to staff sergeants: Carroll G.
Appleman, Marvin S. Goldman, Bruce H. Huntley, Harry A. Keenan, Michael M.
Moslyar, Dan Ochs, Harold Phares Jr., Edward C. Staub, Bernard A. Flanigan, Robert L.
Gordon, Dewey D. Jones Jr., George T. Lejman, Daniel P. McMenamin Jr., Richard H.
Perl, Kenneth C. Smith, Robert C. Stokes. The following corporals were promoted to
sergeants: Arthur F. Anderson, Paul W. Cunningham, Charles E. Hawthorne, Harry H.
Judy, Jr., George K. Lamb, William T. Marion Jr., Robert P. Rinard, Raymond S.
Cassidy, Joseph E. Flanagan, Joe F. Householder, Frederick J. Krauss, Clarence C.
MacMullen, Robert E. Neely, John T. Smith, Hazen A. Thomas. 1st Lt. George G.
VenJohn held a meeting of several enlisted men today in order to talk over information
and educational program with them.

Anderson, Arthur F., Sgt, gunner Appleman, Carroll G., S/Sgt, gunner

Cassidy, Raymond S., Jr., Sgt, gunner Cunningham, Paul W., Sgt, gunner

Flanagan, Joseph E., Sgt, gunner Flanigan, Bernard A., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Goldman, Marvin S., S/Sgt, gunner Gordon, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner

Hawthorne, Charles E., Sgt, gunner Householder, Joe F., Sgt, gunner

Huntley, Bruce H., S/Sgt, gunner Jones, Dewey D., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Judy, Harry H., Jr., Sgt, gunner Keenan, Harry A., S/Sgt, gunner

Krauss, Frederick J., Sgt, gunner Lamb, George K., Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 11 February 1945 (continued)

Lejman, George T., S/Sgt, armorer-gunner MacMullen, Clarence C., Sgt, gunner

Marion, William T., Jr., Sgt, gunner

McMenamin, Daniel P., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Moslyar, Michael M., S/Sgt, gunner Neely, Robert E., Sgt, gunner

Ochs, Dan N., S/Sgt, gunner Perl, Richard H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Phares, Harold, Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Rinard, Robert P., Sgt, gunner

Smith, Kenneth C., S/Sgt, gunner Staub, Edward C., S/Sgt, gunner

Stokes, Robert C., S/Sgt, gunner Thomas, Hazen A., Sgt, gunner

VenJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: The weekly I & E lecture was held tonight in the Enlisted Men’s
Mess Hall. Nothing else other than the usual Squadron duties happened during the day.

448th BS Mission Summary: The morning dawned bright and clear here on Corsica but
bad weather over the Po Valley area prevented the mission from taking off.

Monday, 12 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s, during the
night of 11/12 Feb, bomb communications targets in the Po Valley and NE Italy,
including the Brenner Pass area; bad weather during the day restricts medium bomber
operations to bombing the bridge at Ala and a sugar refinery at Legnago; only 1 fighter
gp, the 57th, can operate, hitting bridges, rail lines, and guns in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Once again ten crews were standing by and once again the
mission was cancelled. The operations board shows 18 combat crews available today
with 17 operational aircraft ready for action. Lt. Lawrence and Sgts. Clayton and Reagin
were sent to rest camp today. There was some formation flying in the morning while
practice assembly and formation took place in the afternoon. Major Bounds test hopped
534 while two ships went to the bombing range. The evening meal will now be served
from 5:30 to 6:30 instead of the previous schedule of 5 to 6.

Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander Clayton, Ross W., Sgt, gunner

Lawrence, Edward C., 2Lt, pilot Reagin, Charles T., Sgt, gunner

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

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are carried out as there is no flying.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 503

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 12 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Hurley was the pilot accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The following officer, flight officer and enlisted men assigned and
joined organization from Hq. 57th Bomb. Wing, 10 Feb. 1945 par 1, SO 25 Hq. 321st
Bomb. Gp: F/O Armond H. Bethke Jr. F/O John I. Fowler, 2nd Lt. Melvin G. Steffan,
Cpl. Emanuel L. Santora. Usual camp duties throughout day.

Bethke, Armond H., F/O, pilot Fowler, John I., F/O, bombardier

Santora, Emanuel L., Cpl, gunner Steffan, Melvin G., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenants Martin, McRee, Copes and Cooper returned from the
Cannes rest camp today, while Lieutenants Churchill, Cook, Smith and Armstrong left to
supply the Squadron’s quota to this beautiful rest Haven. Lieutenant Stromberg and
Sergeants Pealer and Fletcher left for the Capri rest camp also today. Lieutenants Butler
and Tryon and Corporals Carter, Soltys, Fields, Pituck, Blackard and Schaeffer were
assigned to the Squadron today. Private Lellis returned from TD with the 310th Bomb
Gp. And Cpl. Morella left for TD with the 310th Bomb Gp.

Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 2Lt, bombardier Blackard, Hershel L., Cpl, gunner

Butler, Glenn D., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 12 February 1945 (continued)

Carter, Eugene F., Cpl, gunner or Carter, Hugh A., Cpl, gunner

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

Cooper, James W., 2Lt, pilot or Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt, pilot

Copes, Wilson R., 1Lt, pilot Fields, James A., Cpl, gunner

Fletcher, William H., Sgt, gunner Lellis, Michael C., Pvt, duty soldier

Martin, James M., Jr., Lt, bombardier McRee, Malcolm B, 2Lt, bombardier

Morella, James R., Cpl, cook Pealer, Woodward D., S/Sgt, gunner

Pituck, James B., Cpl, gunner Schaeffer, John H., Cpl, armament

Smith, Milford A., 1Lt, pilot Soltys, John J., Cpl, gunner

Stromberg, Carl K., 1Lt, pilot Tryon, Ben L., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: It was a clear day once again and at briefing time the crew
members took off for the briefing hut. It wasn’t long, however, before they came back.
Bad weather over the Po Valley, the usual reason, made the mission stand down.

Tuesday, 13 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 12/13 Feb, A-20s attack enemy movement in the C and NC Po Valley; medium
bombers hit bridges at Calcinato, Dogna, and Chiusaforte and the bridge approach at
Lavis; fighter-bombers fly nearly 350 sorties against enemy communications in N Italy
including marshalling yards at Verona, Parma, and Vicenza.

445th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was to bomb the San Michele rail diversion
bridges and 66.6 per cent was achieved. Lt. Emler and Sgts. Larson and Josephson were
sent to the Rome rest camp today. Capt. Hatcher gave a gunnery lecture to all gunners
today. His talk covered gunnery in general, gun maintenance, safety precautions, test
firing, etc. There was a formation today in class “A’s” for presentation of awards
ceremonies. The Tripoli “rum runner” returned today laden down with plenty of beer.

Emler, Richard S., 2Lt, pilot Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot

Josephson, Sanford L., Cpl, gunner Larson, Richard A., Sgt, gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #728; Squadron Mission #467: Lt.
Webb led 9 ships from this squadron which formed the second flight of a formation sent
out to attack the San Michele rail diversion bridge, Italy. 500 pound bombs were
dropped form 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft. Area cover was furnished and no flak was
encountered. RESULTS: Majority of bombs just west of target in Adige river. Some
bombs may have hit bridge. One cluster 300 feet west of target along canal west of
Adige.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Captain Matthews and Sgt. Cifuni head for the good old U.S.

Cifuni, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Matthews, John W., Jr., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 504

TARGET: Lavis Railroad diversion, Italy DATE: 13 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. and 100 lb Phosphorus 446th Planes: 12

Major Farwell led the formation. Target bombed on second run. Main concentration on
tracks at S approach of N bridge. Possible pattern on S end. Other strings on either side
of tracks. Anti-flak ships dropped phosphorus with fair to good results on gun positions.
Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, inaccurate. Three planes holed. No fighters.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: The following sergeants reduced to corporal: Ollie C. Smith,
Louis G. Steves. Captain J. Maurice Wiginton transferred to Hq. 321st Bomb Gp. Par 5
SO 24 Hq 321st Bomb Gp.

Smith, Ollie C., Cpl, engineering Steves, Louis G., Cpl, engineering

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

Tuesday, 13 February 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 plane formation flew a mission against San Michele Rail
Diversion Bridge. All planes returned and excellent results achieved with 100 %
bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: This afternoon, despite threatening weather, General Knapp, in a
formation of the Group presented the following awards to personnel of the 448th
Squadron: Air Medal: Lieutenants Akers, Barile, Wuest, Sergeants Atherton, Biersdorff,
Ederer, DiSalvo, Martin, Tangren, Varga, Wolfe; First Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal:
Lieutenant Wilson; Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: Sergeant Seward. Lieutenants
Cannon and Valenti and Sergeants Shields and Ward returned from the AAF rest camp at
Capri. Lieutenant Sculley returned from TD with the 57th Bomb Wing where he had
been flying as a courier pilot.

Akers, Harold B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Atherton, Robert C., Sgt, gunner

Barile, Sam (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Biersdorff, Charles J., Sgt, gunner

Cannon, John L, 2Lt, bombardier DiSalvo, Alfred J., Sgt, gunner

Ederer, Robert J., Sgt, gunner Knapp, Robert D., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

Martin, Lewis E., Sgt, gunner Sculley, Thomas S., 2Lt, pilot

Seward, Richard F., T/Sgt, gunner Shields, Robert L, Sgt, gunner

Tangren, Donald E., Sgt, gunner Valenti, Jack J., 2Lt, pilot

Varga, Frank K., Sgt, gunner Ward, Paul D., Sgt, gunner

Wilson, James M., 2Lt, pilot Wolfe, Bernard M., Sgt, gunner

Wuest, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission for today took-off early this morning in order
that the crew members would be back in time for the presentation of awards this
afternoon. The 448th had twelve (12) planes on this mission; three of them loaded with
incendiary bombs, and attacked the Lavis Rail Diversion. Due to haze over the target
area, the formation was unable to pick it up on the first run, and dropped their bombs on
the second run. The main concentration was on the south approach, some bombs falling
on the south end. The phosphorous planes scored numerous hits on gun positions near
the target, resulting in only slight opposition by anti-aircraft batteries. All the planes
returned safely at 1200.

Wednesday, 14 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 13/14 Feb, A-20s bomb the bridge approach at Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and hit
targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; during the day medium bombers bomb bridges or
bridge approaches at San Michele all'Adige, Tarvisio, Bressanone, and hit guns near
Ponte Gardena; fighters and fighter-bombers, operating in poor weather, attack mainly
communications targets in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Again the squadron bombed the San Michele rail diversion
bridges but this time the percentage of bombing accuracy was only 63.8 per cent. Fifteen
combat enlisted men received promotions today. Today is Ash Wednesday and church
services were held at the group chapel. The squadron personnel signed the payroll today.
The weather continued to be wonderfully warm. Roast beef was on the menu for supper
and a hypnotist entertained in the evening at the group theater.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #730; Squadron Mission #468: Capt.
Hatcher led 6 planes from this squadron which formed the first flight of a formation of 11
bombers which went out on a nickeling mission. They dropped their propaganda leaflets
on a German rest and replacement camp. 15,000 ft. was the altitude of release. No
escort was provided and no flak was encountered. RESULTS: Dropped visually at 1st
and 2nd dropping points. On 3rd point, dropped on dead reckoning due to cloud cover.

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #732; Squadron Mission #469: Capt.
Wagner led 9 ships from this squadron which led a formation of 17 planes sent out to
attack the San Michele rail diversion bridge, Italy. 500 pound bombs were dropped from
12,500 ft to 13,000 ft. Area cover was provided while no flak was encountered.
RESULTS: Patterns east and west of target. Another pattern started short and walked up
to bridge. Tacks hit but bridge believed not hit. Smoke pots ineffective.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Newest 1st Lieuts. In the 446th include Berge, Clark, Hahn,
Haeberlin, Holt, Manolis, McCloud, Panning, Sheetinger, Sloan and Haynes. Enlisted
men get long awaited promotions too: to Staff Sgt go the following name men: Beecher,
Karuzas, Lamm, Murch, DeSorbo, Kelly, Law, Utz, Wagner. Sergeants are Andrews,
Cammack, Chase, Griffin, Jeczewski, Feola, Krider, Swann, Wilkins, Bass, Chapin,
Hatcher, Kirwan, Pelusi, Vanderpool.

Andrews, James R., Sgt, gunner Bass, Charles L., Sgt, gunner

Beecher, Everett., S/Sgt, gunner Berge, Gale B., 1Lt, pilot

Cammack, Herbert R., Sgt, gunner Chapin, Correll C., Sgt, gunner

Chase, William H., Sgt, gunner Clark, Samuel E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

DeSorbo, John S., S/Sgt, gunner Feola, Joseph A., Sgt, gunner

Griffin, John A., Sgt, gunner Haeberlin, Paul L., 1Lt, pilot

Hahn, Melvin G., 1Lt, pilot Hatcher, James T., Sgt, gunner

Haynes, Allan C., 1Lt, pilot Holt, Noel P., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 14 February 1945 (continued)

Jeczewski, Joseph M., Sgt, gunner Karuzas, Alexander W., S/Sgt, gunner

Kelly, Thomas J., S/Sgt, gunner Kirwan, Harold J., Sgt, gunner

Krider, Emanuel (NMI), Sgt, gunner Lamm, Earl D., S/Sgt, gunner

Law, John B., S/Sgt, gunner Manolis, Ronald J., 1Lt, pilot

McCloud, Ray L., 1Lt, pilot Murch, George M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Panning, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot Pelusi, Richard D., Sgt, gunner

Sheetinger, Dan A., 1Lt, pilot Sloan, Thomas M., 1Lt, pilot

Swann, Homer W., Sgt, gunner Utz, James W., S/Sgt, gunner

Vanderpool, Ralph M., Sgt, gunner Wagner, William M., S/Sgt, gunner

Wilkins, Albert K., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 505

TARGET: Nickeling Mission DATE: 14 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: Leaflets (Frontpost) 446th Planes: 2

Capt. Hatcher led the formation. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hatcher, James T., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 506

TARGET: Lavis Railroad Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 14 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. and 100 lb. Phosphorus 446th Planes: 13

Capt. Smedley led the formation. First box of six did not drop. Bombs of other elements
started N of dyke and walked S with good coverage of target area. One element hit
several hundred feet W of N bridge. Accurate observation of results impossible because
of smoke pots. Anti-flak a/c report good coverage. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate.
Three planes holed. No fighters.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Corporal Edward H. Henkler promoted to grade of sergeant SO 25
Hq. 321st Bomb Gp. 1st Lt. Leland A. Mesna promoted to rank of captain 9 February
1945 par 2 SO 37 Hq 12th Air Force.

Henkler, Edward H., Sgt, gunner Mesna, Leeland A., Capt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: 8 planes participated in a raid on San Michele Rail
Diversion Bridge in northern Italy. All planes returned safely. Results not good as to
photo interpretation.

448th BS War Diary: When he came back from the mission today, Lieutenant Bard
found out that he had been promoted to Captain. Lieutenant Cherry left for TD with Hq
57th Bomb Wing.

Bard, John A., Capt, pilot Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had three planes on the first mission today, a
nickeling flight that dropped leaflets on a German rest and replacement area near
Bologna. Good weather prevailed all the way and no difficulty was encountered in

Wednesday, 14 February 1945 (continued)

identifying the target area. No opposition was encountered, and the formation returned
safely at 1405. Lieutenant Bard led the 448th’s planes, eleven (11) of them in the second
flight on the second mission that went after the Lavis rail diversion bridge once again.
Clear but rough weather was encountered over the target. Despite this a good
concentration was scored near the north dyke. Accurate observation was difficult due the
effect of smoke pots. The gun positions were well covered by phosphorous bombs,
resulting in only slight opposition being met. One chaff plane was hit in the bomb bay,
however, setting fire to one of the bombs. Sergeant Qualls, the turret gunner climbed into
the bomb bay and released the bomb, after all efforts to salvo it had failed. He had to
climb into it without his parachute, because of the narrow passage way, and any slip
would have met certain death. All the planes returned safely this afternoon.

Bard, John A., Capt, pilot Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner

Thursday, 15 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
bomb the Spilimbergo ammunition dumps through an overcast, but are forced by the bad
weather to cancel all other operations; fighter-bombers, limited by weather, concentrate
on railway targets in NE and W Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were scheduled for the combat mission today but a
stand down order was issued. 1st Lt. William C. Lower, one of the original members of
the squadron and one of the squadron’s most popular officers, was transferred to the 447th
squadron today. He was acting as Personal Equipment officer with this squadron before
the transfer. There were four transition flights while two pilots checked out on
instrument flying. The sport of horseshoes is gaining in popularity as each day finds a
number of the men tossing them at the stakes. The movie “Winged Victory” was greatly
enjoyed at night. It was an Air Corps film and won praise due to the fact that it had less
“corn” than the usual Hollywood flickers based on the Army Air Corps.

Lower, William C., 2Lt, personal equipment

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

446th BS War Diary: Squadron duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Several crews on local transition flights. F/O Haage appointed 2nd
Lt. 29 Jan 1945, Hq. 12th AF. Usual duties prevailed throughout the day.

Haage, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeants Heinbaugh, Kruppa, Damon, Crawford, Skimp, and
Handler, and Corporals Lester and Spelich, who were assigned to the Squadron and
placed on DS with the 446th were relieved from assignment and assigned to the other
Squadrons and Group Headquarters.

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: Due to cloudiness and threatening weather throughout the
day the mission was stand down.

Friday, 16 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers cut rail lines at the S end of Garda Lake, and
bomb an ammunition and fuel dump E of Nervesa della Battaglia and an ammunition
dump E of Villafranca in Lunigiana.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled. Major General John K. Cannon, 12th
Air Force commander, was on hand today to personally award the group a battle streamer
for the Presidential citation. After the presentation, officers and enlisted men from the 4
squadrons passed in review. Brig. Gen. Knapp was also present at the ceremony. The
men in the squadron were amazed to hear of the startling news that an American task
force was pounding Tokyo and sailing calmly within 200 miles of the Jap capital. The
mail call was very productive today. The film “Saratoga Trunk” was shown at the movie
tonight. Ingrid Bergman won plenty of fans from here performance and here appearance.
Jimmie Chambers announced that he had officially fallen in love with Joan Leslie and
accompanied that announcement with another to the effect that he and “Moe” Martinez
would tour the area and confiscate all Leslie pin-ups.

Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander

Chambers, Jimmie, T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

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

Martinez, Elmo J. "Moe", M/Sgt, engineer-gunner

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

446th BS War Diary: Cornelius and Wilking are made Technical Sergeants as there is
no mission flown.

Cornelius, Wilbur G., T/Sgt, gunner Wilking, Robert L., T/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: A formation was held at group at 10 o’clock this morning at which
time the Group was presented the War Departments unit citation by General John K.
Cannon. S/Sgt. Edward Kruppa assigned and joined squadron from 448th squadron 13
February 1945 par 2 SO 26 Hq. 321st Bomb Group (M).

Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander

Kruppa, Edward J., S/Sgt, communications

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: At an impressive review on the parade grounds this morning,
General Cannon, Commanding General of the 12th Air Force, presented the Group its
Battle Streamer, symbolic of its Distinguished Unit Citation. Major Gaffney, Group
Executive, read the citation, following which General Cannon attached the streamer to
the staff of the Group Colors. Following this, the four Squadrons passed in review before
General Cannon, then marched off the field. Lieutenant Stromberg and Sergeant Pealer

Friday, 16 February 1945 (continued)

returned from Capri rest camp today, and Captain Bongiovanni, Lieutenant Spaur, F/O
Rutz and Sergeants Smith, N.L. and Goethals left for Capri. Lieutenant Matthews left for
TD with MATS Hq. and Sergeant Steinberg was transferred to Headquarters Squadron
57th Bomb Wing.

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), Capt, navigator

Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander

Gaffney, Charles H, Maj, Executive Officer, HQ 321st BG

Goethals, Camiel A., S/Sgt, gunner Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt, pilot

Pealer, Woodward D., S/Sgt, gunner Rutz, Victor H., F/O, bombardier

Smith, Norman L., Sgt, gunner Spaur, Melvin J., 2Lt, pilot

Stienberg, Reuben H., T/Sgt, personnel Stromberg, Carl K., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission was stand down once again today due to
weather conditions over the target area, but not before the crew members had arrived at
the briefing hut.

Saturday, 17 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
bomb bridges at Chiusaforte, Bressanone, Crema, and Dogna; fighters and fighter-
bombers hit communications targets in the Po Valley and damage bridges at Nervesa
della Battaglia, Cittadella, Calliano, Ala, and Pordenone; also bombed are guns and
dumps from the S of La Spezia E to the battle area below Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: The Sacile rail diversion bridge, Italy was today’s target but the
bombing accuracy was too low to mention. After all, you can’t get 100 per cent every
day. A plane was sent to Catania today to return with the crew of aircraft 535 which was
grounded there yesterday on a liquor run following engine trouble. The engine will be
changed at Catania. There was some training today. Personnel in the squadron and
group are benefiting greatly from the new arrangement at the group theater which allows
for two shows every other night. First show starts at 6:30 P.M. and the second at 8:30
P.M. Almost as good as home, ain’t it?

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #734; Squadron Mission #470: Lt.
Webb led 12 ships from this squadron which formed the second flight of a formation of
24 ships sent out to attack the Sacile rail diversion bridge, Italy. This was the alternate
target and it was bombed due to the fact that the primary target was weathered in. 1000
pound bombs were dropped from 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft. P-47s flew close escort. There
was no flak. RESULTS: Patterns across center, west end and west approach of bridge.
Direct hits were reported while some bombs were short and northwest of bridge.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Sacile railroad bridge is made the target for the mission. All our
ships return safely.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 507

TARGET: Sacile Railroad Diversion Bridge, Italy (Alt) DATE: 17 Feb.1945

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

Lt. Crisp led the formation. Unfavorable weather prevented bombing of primary target.
On the alternate, bomb patterns fell across center, W end and W approach. Direct hits
reported. Some bombs short and S of target. No flak, no fighters.

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. William C. Lower assigned and joined squadron from 445th
squadron 15 February 1945 par 2 SO 28 Hq. 321st Bomb Group. T/Sgt. Joseph Claude B.
Paynter Jr. TD to US, Ltr. order 12th AF 17 February 1945. 1st Sgt. Joseph J. Vishy, Jr.
transferred to the Replacement Depot for transshipment to US 17 February 1945 par 1,
Ltr. Order Hq. 12th AF. Morning Report Officers: 89: Enlisted Men: 353.

Lower, William C., 2Lt, personal equipment

Paynter, Claude B., Jr., T/Sgt, engineering

Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

Saturday, 17 February 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes participated in a raid on Poreneoue Rail
Diversion in northern Italy. All planes returned safely. Just fair results as shown by
photos.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission for this morning took-off on time. The
weather was clear with a few fleecy clouds floating about. Lieutenant Meyers led the
formation to attack the rail bridge at Dogna, Italy. However, overcast there cause them to
turn to the alternate target, the Pordenone Rail bridge. The 448th had twelve (12) planes
in this formation, leading the Group. A good concentration was scored on both ends of
the bridge despite the haze that made observation difficult. No enemy anti-aircraft fire
was encountered and all the planes returned safely at 1505.

Meyers, Kenneth F., 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 18 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 17/18 Feb, A-20s bomb targets in the Po Valley, including the towns of Nogara,
Castelfranco Veneto, Modena, Cremona, Bovolone, and Isola della Scala, bridges at
Cittadella and Villafranca in Lunigiana, and airfields at Ghedi and Villafranca in
Lunigiana; all B-25 missions abort due to weather except an attack on the Ala rail bridge;
fighters and fighter-bombers fly less than 100 sorties, hitting ammunition dumps and
railroad bridges and lines, mainly in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron snapped back “on the ball” with 100 per cent
bombing accuracy on the Lavis rail diversion bridges, Italy. A new engine and a
maintenance crew was sent by C-47 to Catania to effect an engine change on aircraft 535
grounded there. There seems to be a minor epidemic of colds running rampant in the
squadron. Colds appear to run periodically in the squadron. The 445th Squadron’s
basketball team played its first game this evening when it ran up against a tough
Ordnance quintet and lost, 39-27. The 445th was ahead 22-21 at half-time and made it
interesting for three quarters but the bomb loaders poured it on in the last quarter, sparked
by their ace of aces, Steve Wojnolowicz who is just about the best all-around athlete in
the group. W.B. Smith and Farmer played well for this squadron.

Farmer, Alonzo (NMI), Sgt, gunner Smith, Warren B., Sgt, gunner

Wojnolowicz, Stephen J., Sgt, ordnance

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #735; Squadron Mission #471: This
squadron supplied 3 ships in a 27 ship formation sent out to attack the Bressanone south
railroad bridge, Italy. The bombers failed to rendezvous with the escort. No flak was
encountered. RESULTS: Mission abortive because of converging cloud layers.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #736; Squadron Mission #472: Capt.
Wagner led a mission of 24 planes – 12 from the 445th – to attack the Lavis rail diversion
bridge, Italy. The alternate was the Calcinato railroad bridge. 1000 pound bombs were
dropped from 11,500 feet. Area cover was provided. Flak was heavy, moderate,
inaccurate from bomb release and tracking for 20 seconds on the breakaway. 1 ship was
holed. RESULTS: 2nd flight broke off halfway on bomb run due to the fact that the
target was obscured by haze and smoke pots. Attempted to bomb alternate but it too was
obscured by low cloud cover. 1st flight bombed primary on 2nd run. 1 pattern across
south end of south bridge, other pattern just west of north bridge.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lavis railroad bridge is named the objective as 12 planes of the
squadron attack this target without mishap.

Sunday, 18 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 508

TARGET: Lavis Railroad Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 18 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Wagner led the formation. Second flight (446th) broke off half way on bomb run
due to target being obscured by haze and smoke from pots. Attempt on alternate balked
by low cloud cover. First flight bombed primary on second run. No flak, no fighters.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Jack D. Barfield and 1st Lt. Robert C. Hixon assigned and
joined squadron from Hq 57th Bomb Wing, 13 February 1945 par 2 SO 29 Hq. 321st
Bomb Gp. (M).

Barfield, Jack D., 1st Lt, bombardier Hixon, Robert C., 1st Lt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: 11 planes took off on a mission over northern Italy.
However, due to heavy overcast no bombs were dropped. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Schweitzer returned from the hospital where he had
been receiving treatment for his wounds incurred during a recent mission. Sergeant
Fletcher returned from the Capri rest camp today.

Fletcher, William H., Sgt, gunner Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Despite cloudy weather here the mission took-off this
morning to attack the rail bridge at Bressanone, Italy. It was the 448th’s lead once again,
with Captain Leonard as lead pilot. However, the weather grew steadily worse over Italy
and finally at 1325 they were forced to turn back before reaching the target area. The
cloud layers had become impenetrable. All the planes returned safely.

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot

Monday, 19 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General Edward
M Morris takes command of the XII Air Force Services Command (until 1 Jan 44
designated the III Air Service Area Command). In Italy, bad weather grounds the
medium bombers; fighter-bombers, some bombing by radar-control because of heavy
clouds, attack-communications and dumps in the W Po Valley and NE Italy, and claim
several rail line cuts in the Brenner area.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled this morning with 13 crews standing
by. Another familiar figure in the 445th squadron left on rotation orders for the States.
He is S/Sgt. Eddie Klunk, veteran bombardier of 25 missions who later became a crew
chief on the line. Cpl. Tetla, a telephone operator at ground, also left for the States. Both
were permanent rotations. There was quite a bit of training today. There was a sharp
drop in temperature and the balmy days were forgotten as cold breezes swept the area.
Chicken a la king was especially enjoyed for supper. T.J. Byrne, armorer who has gained
quite a bit of squadron fame for his news interpretations, has finally been persuaded to
“put it down on paper”. His news column, “T.J. Says---2” is being read with a great deal
of interest and enthusiasm by all squadron personnel. Posted daily on the S-2 news
board, the column interprets the news of the day and allows the writer to post his
predictions about various phases of the war.

Byrne, Thomas J., Sgt, armament

Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt, bombardier, crew chief

Tetla, Stephen S., Sgt, communications, ground telephone operator

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

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Sweppenheiser gets orders to return to the States.

Sweppenheiser, Gordon W., Sgt, Chemical Warfare Service

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 509

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 19 Feb.1945

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

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

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Private Philip L. Barksdale on TD to 176th Sig. Surf. Warn plant,
16 February 1945 par 3 SO 38, 57th Bomb Wing. Hq. Usual camp duties.

Barksdale, Phillip L., Cpl, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: Nine plane mission scheduled for mission but due to
unfavorable weather did not take off.

Monday, 19 February 1945 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Captain Leonard and Lieutenants Brink, Autrey, and Rubin left for
Cannes rest camp this morning, and Lieutenants Churchill, Cook, Smith, and Armstrong
returned from Cannes. Captains Grady and Bard and Sergeants Law, Qualls, Veeck,
Schaffer, Brusa, Magyar and Markiewicz left for TD to Cairo, Egypt, for RAF Flight
Control School. Privates Brown, Denby, Dillon, Dunn, Griffen, Jungquist, Kovacs,
Oddo, Oneth and Pankiewicz were promoted to Privates First Class today by the
Commanding Officer.

Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 2Lt, bombardier Autrey, W. F. (i o), 1Lt, pilot

Bard, John A., Capt, pilot Brink, Richard E., 1Lt, bombardier

Brown, Joseph C., PFC, armament Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner

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

Denby, William A., PFC, parachute Dillon, Harry L., PFC, engineering

Dunn, Vernon L, PFC, engineering Grady, John R., Capt, pilot

Griffin, Charles W., PFC, communications Jungquist, Walter L., PFC, engineering

Kovacs, George (NMI), PFC, transportation Law, Richard L., S/Sgt, engineering

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot Magyar, Steven J., Sgt, gunner

Markiewicz, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner Oddo, Anthony A., PFC, engineering

Oneth, Albert L., PFC, engineering Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner

Rubin, Julius W., 1Lt, pilot Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner

Smith, Milford A., 1Lt, pilot Veeck, Richard W., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Cloudy weather prevailed over most of Corsica today and
stormy weather over the Po Valley area made the mission scheduled for this morning
stand down, but not before the crews had been briefed and were out at the planes
awaiting take-off.

Tuesday, 20 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 27th and 86th Fighter
Groups and an air service group are transferred from the Twelfth AF to the First Tactical
Air Force (Provisional) in France; HQ 86th Fighter Group moves from Pisa, Italy to
Tantonville, France. In Italy, A-20s on night intruder missions during the night of 19/20
Feb, bomb targets of opportunity at over 30 points in the C Po Valley, several rail
diversions, and marshalling yards at Villafranca in Lunigiana, Roncanova, Bovolone,
Cerea, Legnago, Cittadella, Casa di David, Isola della Scala, Castelfranco Veneto, and
Nogara; fighter- bombers devote their main effort to support the US Fifth Army offensive
in the Monte Torraccia area; medium bombers bomb bridges at Montebello, Chiusaforte,
Salzano, and Calcinato; the detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd
Fighter Wing, operating from Etain, France with Mosquitos, returns to base at Pisa.

445th BS War Diary: As the song goes, there’ll be some changes made and they were
being made today. First of all, news came in that Major Bounds, and Captains Wagner
and Hatcher would leave tomorrow on rotation orders. It was then learned that Capt.
Frank M. Furey, formerly assistant operations officer at group, was appointed squadron
commander. Then the changes came thick and fast. Capt. Lord was relieved of his duties
as Executive Officer and named Group Special Services Officer. He was replaced by
Capt. James O. Jackson, former S-2 Officer. Capt. Jackson’s successor was 1st Lt. Jack
Locke who served as assistant S-2officer for the 446th squadron. Lt. Ashton was
transferred to wing and Lt. Hancock, a pilot was placed on DS to the 521st Service Gp.
The mission to bomb the Calliano railroad bridge, Italy, resulted in 75 per cent bombing
accuracy. Two officers and two enlisted men combat crews were assigned today. There
was a party held tonight to honor Major Bounds and Captains Hatcher and Wagner who
depart tomorrow for the States. The squadron personnel were surprised and delighted to
find a colorful, fascinating juke box resting comfortably in the enlisted men’s club today.
It gave out with American rhythms and possessed all the charm and fascination of a
pretty girl as all the men crowded around for a look.

Ashton, Thomas W., 1Lt, intelligence Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot, Commander Hancock, Victor J., 1Lt, pilot

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot Jackson, James O., Capt, Executive Officer

Locke, Jacob "Jack", 2Lt, S-2 Officer

Lord, Robert O. Jr., Capt, Group Special Services Officer

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #739; Squadron Mission #473: Capt.
Collins led the flight of 14 ships from this squadron which formed the second flight of a
formation of 26 planes sent out to attack the Calliano railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound
bombs and 100 pound phosphorus bombs were dropped from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft.
Anti-flak planes went along to hit gun positions while area cover was furnished. Flak
was heavy, moderate and fairly accurate. Anti-flak planes got heavy, intense and
accurate flak. A total of 7 anti-flak ships were holed while two were holed in the regular
formation. RESULTS: Majority of bombs hit east and south of bridge. One element
may have crossed tracks south of bridge. Good results on flak positions.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

Tuesday, 20 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Ralph M. Vanderpool, a radio gunner, is killed in action on
the mission against Calliano railroad bridge, Italy.

Vanderpool, Ralph M., Sgt, radio-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 510

TARGET: Calliano, Italy Railroad Bridge. DATE: 20 Feb.1945

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

Lt. Ingram led the formation. Majority of bombs hit E and S of bridge. One element’s
may have crossed tracks S of bridge. Good results on flak positions. Flak was heavy,
moderate, fairly accurate. Anti-flak ships received heavy, intense, accurate flak on run
and break-away.

Ingram, William T., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 511

TARGET: Rovereto Railroad Bridge, Italy. DATE: 20 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (446th anti-flak bombs) 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Swanson led the formation. Anti-flak a/c reported good coverage of positions. One
A/F element became separated from Trento. One crewman killed.

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 512

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 20 Feb.1945

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

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

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Les F. Huchingson transferred to 57th Bomb Wing par 4 SO
39, Hq. 57th Bomb Wing. The following 1st Lts. promoted to rank of captain: James F.
McGill, Edward Gates, Wendell E. Marchant.

Gates, Edward, Capt, pilot Huchingson, Lee F., 1Lt, Adjutant

Marchant, Wendell E., Capt, pilot McGill, James F., Capt, Adjutant

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes participated in a raid on Montebello Railroad
Bridge in northern Italy. The squadron came through with 100 % bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: Second Lieutenants Bartlett, Steely, Stout, West and Wilson were
promoted to First Lieutenants today.

Bartlett, Thomas M., 1Lt, pilot Steely, Ralph K., 1Lt, bombardier

Stout, Charles S., 1Lt, bombardier West, Alden A. "Bud", 1Lt, pilot

Wilson, James M., 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 20 February 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: The weather cleared up enough today for the mission to
take-off. Captain Swanson led the 448th’s planes which once again led the Group mission
in the attack on the Rovereto Rail bridge. Heavy clouds were found in abundance,
however, over Italy and the target area. The 448th had fifteen (15) planes on this mission.
The second box of six planes were the only ones that dropped on the primary target, but
results were unobserved due to smoke pots and haze. The remainder of the bombers
turned to the Montebello Rail bridge. An excellent concentration was scored in the
center of the bridge with several direct hits reported. Heavy and intense anti-aircraft fire
was encountered, causing some damage to several of the planes, but no one was injured
and all the bombers returned at 1600.

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

Wednesday, 21 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, night fighters and
A-20s on intruder missions during the night of 20/21 Feb, continue to attack
communications and supplies in the Po Valley; medium bombers, during the day, bomb
bridges at Dogna, Crema, and Romano di Lombardia; fighter-bombers devote their main
effort to close support of ground forces along the W and C US Fifth Army front, and also
hit communications to the N of the battleline and in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Two attacks were carried out today on the Crema railroad bridge,
and the Romano di Lombardia bridge, Italy. Both resulted in 100 per cent bombing
accuracy. Major Bounds and Capts. Hatcher and Wagner left today, buzzing the area in a
fond farewell with “Spirit of Portchester”. Capt. Robert A Farrell, popular pilot in the
squadron, took over as operations officer and had Lt. Kendall as his assistant. Capt.
Furey called a meeting at the enlisted men’s club and Capt. Jackson introduced him to the
men. His speech was short and sweet, just stopping long enough to say “Hello”. The
brevity and strength of his greeting impressed the men. Some packages arrived today.
Pork chops were served at the supper meal.

Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander Farrell, Robert A., Capt, pilot

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot, Commander Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot

Jackson, James O., Capt, Executive Officer Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #742; Squadron Mission #474: Lt.
Bowling led 12 ships from this squadron which formed the third flight of a 39 plane
formation sent out to attack the Romano di Lombardia railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound
and 500 pound bombs were dropped from 10,500 ft to 11,000 ft. Area cover was
furnished while no flak was encountered. RESULTS: The formation was forced back
from the primary by a low overcast and bombed the alternate instead which was the
Romano bridge. All attempted a run on a 205 degree axis but were unable to drop their
bombs due to low scattered clouds. They made a second run at 13 degrees and this time
were able to drop. Excellent patterns covered the bridge from the center to the east
approach with several dire hits reported. One string was over at center.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #743; Squadron Mission #475: This
squadron furnished 3 ships in the second flight of an 18 ship formation sent out to attack
the Lavis marshalling yards, Italy. This target was covered by weather, however, and the
Crema railroad bridge was attacked instead. 1000 pound bombs were dropped from
12,500 ft to 13,000 ft. Area cover was provided and the bombers failed to encounter any
flak. RESULTS: 1st box of 6 aircraft of 1st flight made 2nd run due to haze. Hits reported
on west end and west approach to bridge. Some bombs hit road bridges over the canal
and some hit on northwest edge of city due to difficulty in target identification because of
haze.

Wednesday, 21 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Romano di Lombardo gets our attention as the group continues to
pound targets in the Brenner Pass region.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 513

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 21 Feb.1945

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

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

Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 514

TARGET: Romano Di Lombardo Railroad Bridge, Italy (Alt) DATE: 21 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Muzinich led the formation. Low overcast short of primary target, forced bombing
of alternate. Excellent patterns covering bridge from center to E approach scoring direct
hits. No flak, no fighters.

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 514

TARGET: Crema Railroad bridge, Italy DATE: 21 Feb.1945

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

Major Farwell led the formation. First box of six made second run due to haze. Hits
were reported on W end and W approach to bridge. Some bombs hit the road bridges and
some hit in NW edge of city. Haze made target identification difficult. No flak, no
fighters.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes flew a mission over northern Italy today. 3
planes bombed Crema Rail Bridge and 9 planes bombed Romano Di Lombardia Bridge.
The squadron received 100 % accuracy on both missions. All planes returned safely to
home base.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Lyons had been notified of his promotion from First
Lieutenant just before taking off on today’s mission. Lieutenant Myers was promoted to
Captain also. Corporal Morella retuned from the 310th today where he had been on TD.

Lyons, John B., Capt, pilot Morella, James R., Cpl, cook

Myers, Harold C., Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had fifteen (15) planes in a maximum effort of
the Group this morning to attack the marshalling yards at Lavis. It was another clear day
on Corsica, but before reaching the Po Valley cloudy and overcast weather began closing
in on the formation, led by Major Farwell, until they were unable to reach the primary
target at Lavis. They split and Major Farwell led six of the 448th’s planes to attack the

Wednesday, 21 February 1945 (continued)

Crema rail bridge. Due to haze, Major Farwell had to lead his planes on a second run
over the target before identifying it. Most of the bombs fell on the west end and
approach with several direct hits reported. No enemy anti-aircraft fire was encountered
and all the planes returned safely. Captain Lyons led the second flight of the other group
of planes that attacked the Romano Di Lombardo rail bridge of which the 448th had nine
planes. Haze was encountered here also, making observation difficult, and the formation
had to make two passes at the target also before dropping their bombs. An excellent
concentration was scored on the east end and center of the bridge with several direct hits
observed. Likewise, no enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed and all the bombers
returned safely.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander Lyons, John B., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 22 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 21/22 Feb, A-20s attack an ammunition dump, railroad bridges and lines, and road
lights in the Po Valley; B-25s bomb railroad bridges and marshalling yards at Lavis,
Bressanone, and Ala, cutting the bridge at Lavis and the through tracks at the Ala
marshalling yard; fighters and fighter-bombers continue to support US Fifth Army forces
S and SW of Bologna and hit communications targets, dumps, vehicles, and guns in and
N of the battle area in the Apennines Mountains and in the Po Valley, and bomb airfields
at Ghedi and Bergamo.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron helped attack the Lavis rail diversion bridges, Italy
and the group bombing accuracy was put at 89.5 per cent. Sgt. Berman’s ship 534 today
completed its 100th combat mission. Fresh frankfurters was a rare treat for supper. A
good supply of mail which arrived just before supper made them taste even better. A
Corsican girl gave a lecture to the enlisted men at the club in the evening. She spoke
about her native island, its customs and traditions and afterwards answered questions
popped to her by interested squadron personnel. They were chiefly interested in learning
her comparison of the German and American soldiers. Her answers were favorably
received.

Berman, Charles S., Sgt, engineering, crew chief

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #744; Squadron Mission #476: Lt.
Poteete led 9 ships from this squadron which were in the second flight of a formation of
39 planes sent out to attack the Lavis rail diversion bridges, Italy. 1000 pound and 500
pound bombs were dropped from 11,500 ft. to 23,000 ft. Area cover was provided. Flak
was heavy, moderate and accurate, directed mainly at chaff element. A total of 8 ships
were holed but none lost. A Focke Wulf 190 and ME-109 were seen in the area but the
P-47 escort chased them away. RESULTS: Main weight of bombs fell across the dike
just west of target but flash photos show a small concentration of bombs squarely on the
north bridge.

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: (22 and 23 Feb): A mission is flown each of these days. The mail
situation begins to improve as quite a bundle arrives.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 516

TARGET: Lavis Railroad Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 22 Feb.1945

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

Capt. Smedley led the formation. Main weight of bombs fell across dyke just W of
target. Small concentration reported squarely on objective. Smoke pots in operation but
ineffective. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate. Eight planes holed. Two enemy a/c
seen but did not attack.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 22 February 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Robert W. Mulholland transferred to 12th Air Force. Par 1
SO 40 Hq. 57th Bomb Wing. The following officers and enlisted men assigned and
joined this squadron from 57th Bomb Wing 20 February 1945 par 3 SO 31, Hq. 321st
Bomb Gp. F/O Russell R. Graze, F/O George H. Sznarwokowski, F/O Maynard G.
Weppner, Cpl. Stephen G. Smith, Cpl. Irwin A. Baske, Cpl. Robert C. MacAuslan.

Baske, Irwin A., Cpl, gunner Graze, Russell R., F/O, pilot

MacAuslan, Robert C., Cpl, gunner Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot

Smith, Stephen G., Jr., Cpl, gunner Sznarwokowski, George H., F/O, pilot

Weppner, Maynard G., F/O, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 of our aircraft flew a mission against Lavis rail
Diversion Bridge. The accuracy for the day is not known because it was impossible. To
separate the bombs of the different squadrons.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Matthews returned today from TD with Headquarters
MATS. Sergeant Posnansky, a ground radio operator with the Squadron, left for the
United States on rotation. Lieutenants Herrin and Lyons, J.W., F/O Stanwood, and
Corporals Safko, Weeks, and Judnich were assigned to the Squadron this morning.
Sergeants Skimp and Handler and Corporals Lester and Spelich were detached form the
Squadron to the 445th Squadron and placed on DS with the 448th. Lieutenants
Schweitzer, Sutton and Wiman, Sergeant Langley, J.C., and Private Fegley left for the
Capri rest camp this morning, and Captain Bongiovanni, Lieutenant Spaur, F/O Rutz and
Sergeants Smith, N.L. and Goethals returned from the Capri rest camp this afternoon.

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), Capt, navigator Fegley, Russell D., Pvt, engineering

Goethals, Camiel A., S/Sgt, gunner

Handler, William (NMI), Sgt, communications Herrin, John C., 2Lt, pilot

Judnich, Raymond J., Cpl, gunner Langley, James C., Cpl, operations

Lester, Julian N., Cpl, communications Lyons, John W., 1Lt, bombardier

Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt, pilot

Posnansky, Frederick H., Sgt, communications Rutz, Victor H., F/O, bombardier

Safko, Edward A., Cpl, gunner Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot

Skimp, James S., S/Sgt, communications Smith, Norman L., Sgt, gunner

Spaur, Melvin J., 2Lt, pilot

Spelich, Daniel A., Cpl, communications Stanwood, Ralph E., F/O, pilot

Sutton, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier Weeks, Donald E., Cpl, gunner

Wiman, 1Lt,

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Swanson led the 448th’s Mitchells today that
attacked the Lavis rail diversion bridges once again. Taking off in clear weather on
Corsica, they encountered some overcast in the Po Valley, but had no difficulty in
identifying the target. The Germans attempted to obscure the objective with smoke pots,
but they were ineffective. Several planes were holed by the anti-aircraft fire, which was
heavy and accurate and tracking on the breakaway. No casualties were suffered,
however, and all the planes returned safely at 1330. A good concentration of bombs fell
in the target area. Several direct hits were scored on the north bridge.

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

Friday, 23 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s on
intruder missions during the night of 22/23 Feb, hit marshalling yards and airfields
throughout N Italy; medium bombers concentrate on the N end of the Brenner Pass,
damaging bridges at Campo San Pietro and a railroad fill at San Felice del Benaco and
hitting bridges at Dogna; fighter-bombers pound airfields, and enemy movement in the C
and N Po Valley, and damage 5 bridges and cut rail lines at numerous points.

445th BS War Diary: The Campo north railroad bridge, Italy was attacked and hit with
100 per cent bombing accuracy. Rum-runner 535 was back from Catania following her
engine change there and was slow-timed upon her return. Lts. Curry, Buckham and WH
Jackson were promoted to 1st Lieutenant today. In today’s mission, 2nd Lt. Lonnie
Harvel was killed by flak. He was a bombardier and was fatally wounded when a big
piece of shrapnel ripped open the nose of his ship and struck him in the head. Capt.
Robson flew his 70th mission today and called it quits. It was a rough one to finish on.
Luxury rations were distributed for the first time in quite a while.

Buckham, John K., 1Lt, pilot Curry, Arthur L., 1Lt, pilot

Harvel, Lonnie B., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Jackson, William H., 1Lt, bombardier

Robson, Herbert E., Capt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #745; Squadron Mission #477: This
squadron provided three phosphorus ships in a 24 plane formation sent out to attack the
Campo south railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound and 100 pound bombs cascaded down on
the harassed Brenner Pass Jerries from 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft. Area cover was provided
and there were some anti-flak ships. Flak was heavy, scant but fairly accurate at the anti-
flak ships, inaccurate at the formation. One of the anti-flak ships was holed. None were
lost. RESULTS: Long pattern started short of bridge and several direct hits were
reported. The anti-flak ships had difficulty in identifying their target area and bombs hit
east of the gun area.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #746; Squadron Mission #478: Lt.
Poteete led 9 ships from this squadron in a formation of 18 ships sent out to attack the
Campo north railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound bombs were dropped from 12,000 to
13,000 ft. P-47s few as escort. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense and accurate,
concentrating on the second flight made up of ships from the 445th Squadron. Lt. Harvel,
bombardier, was killed on this raid. Five ships were holed. RESULTS: 1 pattern short
and west of bridge. Others concentrated on north end and approach. Good coverage
reported.

Harvel, Lonnie B., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Poteete, Max W., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: (22 and 23 Feb): A mission is flown each of these days. The mail
situation begins to improve as quite a bundle arrives.

Friday, 23 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 517

TARGET: Campo South Railroad Bridge, Italy. DATE: 23 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb and anti-flak 446th Planes: 12

Major Farwell led the formation. Bombs fell in long pattern starting short of bridge and
extending across river. Direct hits on bridge reported by several crews. Anti-flak a/c hit
E of gun area. Flak was heavy, scant, fairly accurate.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: The following men promoted to corporal par 1 SO 32 Hq. 321st
Bomb Gp. Pvt. Max A. Wilson, Pfc. Robert P. Biscailuz, Pvt. Charles E. Hiltibidal, Pfc.
Leonard B. Heiman, Pvt. Gerald G. O’Neil, Pfc. LeRoy B. Huddleson, Pfc. Buford T.
Williams, Pfc. Arnold W. Vollbrecht. The following officer transferred to US on combat
rotation Ltr. Hq 12th AF 20 Feb. 1945. 1st Lt. James W. McDermott. T/Sgt. Smith B.
Applegarth transferred to US on combat rotation. 1st Lt. Edward A. Miller assigned and
joined from 445th squadron. The following corporals promoted to sergeant par 1 SO 32
Hq 321st Bomb Gp. John E. Broadrick Jr., William J. Meehan, Earl J. Vogt, James H.
Hatcher, Lloyd L. Rader.

Applegarth, Smith B., T/Sgt, gunner Biscailus, Robert P., Cpl, armament

Broadrick, John E., Sgt, Jr., operations Hatcher, James H., Sgt, armament

Heiman, Leonard B., Cpl, transportation Hiltibidal, Charles E., Cpl, communications

Huddleson, LeRoy L., Cpl, turret gunner McDermott, James W., 1Lt, bombardier

Meehan, William J., Sgt, armament

Miller, Edward A., 1Lt, Aerial Gunnery Officer

O'Neil, Gerald G., Cpl, armament Rader, Lloyd L., Sgt, engineering

Vogt, Earl J., Sgt, communications Vollbrecht, Arnold W., Cpl, engineering

Williams, Buford T., Cpl, armament Wilson, Max A., Cpl, communications

447th BS Mission Summary: 8 planes flew a mission against Campo N. Rail Bridge in
northern Italy. All planes returned safely to home base.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: The target for today’s mission was the Campo South rail
bridge. Major Farwell led the formation to this vital target of which the 448th had nine of
its B-25s. It was another clear weather day over Corsica. Despite some slight anti-
aircraft fire, Major Farwell led the bombers to the target where an excellent concentration
of bombs was scored on the north approach and end. All the bombers returned safely at
1230. Lieutenant J.D. Russell flew the lead spare plane that filled in for the 446th over
the Campo North rail bridge where he scored a 100% bombing accuracy mission for the
448th. Lieutenant Styers dropped his bombs in a well-concentrated area on the bridge
which was believed to be down after this devastating attack.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander Russell, John D., 2Lt, pilot

Styers, Charles W., 2Lt, pilot

Saturday, 24 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 23/24 Feb, A-20s bomb marshalling yards, including those at Castelfranco Veneto,
Rovereto, Villafranca di Verona, and Legnago, and airfields at Villafranca di Verona,
Ghedi, and Bergamo; medium bombers bomb rail lines, bridges, bridge approaches, and
fills at Bozzolo, Santa Margherita d'Adige, San Michele all'Adige, Pizzighettone, and
Lavis, and severely damage the Sesto Calende industrial complex; fighter-bombers hit
communications, mainly airfields, railroad bridges, lines, and marshalling yards at several
points including Villafranca, Calliano, N of Nervesa della Battaglia, N of Santa
Margherita d'Adige, Bergamo, Pavullo nel Frigano, Isola della Scala, and Motta di
Livenza; fighters and fighter-bombers support US Fifth Army forces, hitting gun
positions in advance of the battlefront, at Montese and E of Modena, and blast targets in
the battle area as the 10th Mountain Division reaches the summit of Monte Torraccia.

445th BS War Diary: The attacks on the Bozzolo railroad bridge and Sesto Calende
assembly plant, Italy today both resulted in 100 per cent bombing accuracy. There was a
funeral held today for Lt. Harvel. He was buried at the Allied military cemetery near
Bastia. B-25 716 “S---house Mouse” with crew chief Sgt. “Lefty” Lestz all smiles today
completed its 100th combat mission. Sgt. Lestz boasts a perfect record for the “Mouse”
which hasn’t returned once due to a mechanical failure. Seven flying officers were sent
to rest camp today, four to Cannes and three, including Capt. Robson, to Ile Rousse.
Major Robert H. Neumann, group assistant operations officer and former member of this
squadron, left the group on permanent rotation today.

Harvel, Lonnie B., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

Lestz, Sidney "Lefty", T/Sgt, engineering, crew chief

Neumann, Robert H., Maj, pilot, Group Asst. Operations Officer

Robson, Herbert E., Capt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #748; Squadron Mission #479: Lt.
Bowling led 13 ships in front of a 22 plane formation which bombed two targets. The
alternate hit was the Bozzolo railroad bridge while the primary attacked was the San
Margherita north railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound, 500 pound and 100 pound bombs
fell from 11,000 to 12,000 ft on the targets. Anti-flak ships hit gun positions while escort
was seen in the target area. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate with 4 ships holed
but none lost. RESULTS: Last element of the first flight hit primary which was difficult
to see. Bombs hit east of the bridge. The rest of the formation hit the alternate and hit
the east approach. The anti-flak ships encountered interference with the main formation
and did not bomb.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #749; Squadron Mission #480: Three
ships took off from this squadron in an 18-plane formation sent out to attack the Sesto
Calende assembly plant, Italy. 500 pound bombs were dropped from 11,000 to 11,500 ft.
There was no flak. RESULTS: Excellent coverage reported, particularly on west
buildings.

Saturday, 24 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Locke is assigned to 445th Squadron. Lieut. Ingram is made
a Capt.

Ingram, William T., Capt, pilot Locke, Jacob "Jack", 2Lt, intelligence

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 518

TARGET: Ala Railroad Bridge, Italy. DATE: 24 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. and Anti-flak. 446th Planes: 10

Lt. Kimble led the formation. Possible hits on bridge at Ala with other bombs to SE of
bridge. First box of six a/c of second flight attacked Mantua E RR Bridge, dropped short
the NE. Falk was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate.

Kimble, Arnold P., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 519

TARGET: Sesto Calende Assembly Plant, Italy. DATE: 24 Feb.1945

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Muzinich led the formation. Excellent coverage of target area reported, particularly
W buildings. No flak, no fighters.

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Joseph J. Altobello relieved from DS and assigned to 1010
AAF Base Unit (A) par 23 SO 214, 1 August 1944 Hq. AAF Redistribution Station no. 1
Atlantic City, N.J. Morning report: Officers: 92: Enlisted Men 353.

Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 17 aircraft flew a mission against Sesto Calende Assembly
Plant and Bozzolo Rail Bridge in northern Italy. Excellent results were achieved on both
with 100 % accuracy. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Leonard and Lieutenants Brink, Autrey and Rubin
returned from the Cannes, France rest camp today, and Major Knievel and Lieutenants
Ivory and Kuoni left as the Squadron’s quota to that famous resort.

Autrey, W. F. (i o), 1Lt, pilot Brink, Richard E., 1Lt, bombardier

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Knievel, Arthur W., Maj, executive

Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot

Rubin, Julius W., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Myers led the 448th’s nine planes on the first
mission today. The primary target was the Ala rail bridge, but the Squadron’s planes
which made the second flight were unable to bomb the bridge there because of an
abortive bomb run, and had to turn to the alternate target, the rail bridge at Mantua.
Bombing in clear weather, Captain Myers led his flight in scoring hits on the northeast
approach to the bridge. Some fairly accurate and heavy flak was encountered with
damage to several planes, but no one was injured and all the aircraft returned safely at
1340. Six of the 448th’s ships flew with the Group today in the attack on the Sesto

Saturday, 24 February 1945 (continued)

Calende Assembly plant. Captain Swanson led the planes which encountered no
opposition and good weather all the way. An excellent coverage of the buildings was
reported with the heaviest concentration on the western buildings. All the planes returned
safely at 1415.

Myers, Harold C., Capt, pilot Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 25 February 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 24/25 Feb, A-20s attack marshalling yards at Villafranca di Verona, Cittadella,
Castelfranco Veneto, Trento, and Turin, and airfields at Villafranca di Verona and
Bergamo; medium bombers cut or damage bridges at Vipiteno, Dogna, Ala, and Campo
San Pietro, and a railroad fill at San Felice del Benaco; XXII Tactical Air Command
fighters and fighter-bombers are restricted by ground haze in the Po Valley but attack rail
lines, marshalling yards, rolling stock, motor transport, and dumps.

445th BS War Diary: Squadron attacks on the Campo north railroad bridge and the San
Felice rail fill, Italy both resulted in 100 per cent bombing accuracy. Four ships were
badly shot up on today’s combat operations. More combat personnel left for the Rome
rest camp today. There were three cross-country flights made.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #750; Squadron Mission #481: Three
ships from this squadron joined a 24 plane formation from the group to attack the Campo
south railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound, 500 pound and 100 pound bombs were dropped
from 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft. Close escort was flown. Flak was heavy, moderate and
accurate at the anti-flak ships and heavy, moderate, accurate to inaccurate on run and
breakaway to main formation. A total of 9 ships were holed with 4 men wounded but no
planes were lost. RESULTS: Loose pattern short and over. Some direct hits were
reported. The three anti-flak planes achieved good coverage on the gun positions.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #751; Squadron Mission #482: Lt.
Poteete led 9 ships from this squadron which formed the second flight of a formation sent
out to attack the Campo north railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound bombs were dropped
from 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft. Close escort was flown. Flak was heavy, scant but erratic.
Six ships were holed, none lost. RESULTS: bombs short to west of bridge and carried
through bridge with some direct hits reported.

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission #752; Squadron Mission #483: The
squadron supplied three ships in a formation sent out to attack the San Felice track (A-
773345). 1000 pound bombs were dropped from 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft. P-47s flew
escort and chased three ME-109s which attempted to intercept the formation. Flak was
heavy, intense and accurate with 12 ships holed and 5 men injured. Although two ships
landed at Pisa due to damage, none were lost. RESULTS: Excellent coverage in target
area reported.

446th BS War Diary: Newest 1st Lieuts: Barbee, Jackson, Maki, McGann, Ratliff,
Treadwell. Lieut. Paulson is promoted to Captain. 22 EM are promoted as combat and
ground personnel are given a boost for their efforts.

Barbee, Harvey C. Jr., 1Lt, pilot Jackson, Roland B., 1Lt, pilot

Maki, Allan A., 1Lt, pilot McGann, Edom K., 1Lt, bombardier

Paulson, Ronald A., Capt, bombardier Ratliff, James E., 1Lt, pilot

Treadwell, Joseph (NMI), 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 25 February 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission