12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: March 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

WP: White Phosphorus (bombs)

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

WT Station: 445th 20 Jul 43?

MATS: Military Air Transport Service

XC: Cross Country

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

M/V: Military Vessel

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

MC: Maintenance Crew

Thursday, 1 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): US Army Forces in the
Middle East (USAFIME) takes over NW Africa from MTO US Army and is redesignated
the Africa-Middle East Theater (AMET). AAF, MTO: "A" and "D" Flights of the 121st
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, operating from Vittel, France with L-4s and L-5s, return
to base at Florence, Italy. In Italy, during the night of 28 Feb/1 Mar, A-20s fly intruder
missions against targets at Lecco and in the Parma area, starting large fires and causing
several explosions during a strike on the Casarsa delta Delizia temporary railroad bridge,
and hit bridges at Nervesa delta Battaglia and Sacile; weather cancels all daytime
operations except for reconnaissance and supply runs.

445th BS War Diary: Bad weather prevailed; hence, no mission or training for the day.
A ship did brave the elements, arriving from Tripoli with food and beer. Capt. Hargrave
lectured at the Enlisted Men’s club on general war topics. Work started on the softball
diamond which is located in pasture adjacent to Ordnance area. A small assortment of
mail was distributed.

Hargrave, Frederick M., Capt, Allied Liaison Officer

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

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

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Flight Officer Erwin E.W. Heist appointed to grade of 2nd Lt., Ltr.
Hq. 12th AF, 19 Feb. 1945. Usual camp duties.

Heist, Erwin E. W., 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: The month of March started out slowly with most of the day
cloudy and threatening. The bad weather continued over most of the Po Valley and
Brenner Pass area. Nothing other than the usual routine Squadron duties happened
during the day.

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

Friday, 2 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers and fighters hit communications,
ammunition and stores dumps, 2 sugar refineries, guns, vehicles, and buildings S of
Bologna and in the Po Valley, and the airfield at Aviano and Lonate Pozzolo.

445th BS War Diary: Work on the baseball field continued. Capt. Jeffrey, veteran of 70
combat missions as pilot, departed for the U.S.A. Several officers and enlisted men
departed for rest camp. Special bombing equipment is being installed in one plane. Lts.
Kendall, pilot, and Skebay, bombardier, are working on this new bombing assignment.
Their first attempt to hit a practice target on Isole d’Afrique resulted in a complete miss.
Puzzled as to the reason for their poor showing, they closely analyzed the problem;
findings, maps and island itself don’t concur.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot

Skebay, Robert J., 1Lt, bombardier

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

446th BS War Diary: Our squadron flies a weather mission without incident.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 526

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 2 Mar 1945

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

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

A/C No. unknown

Hurley, John R., Capt

447th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Theodore A. Fiocca and S/Sgt. Dale G. Miller assigned on
combat rotation to the 7th Repl. Depot for transshipment to U.S.

Fiocca, Theodore A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Although no rain fell during the day, the low ceiling halted all
flying except local training flights. Sergeant Bergstrom, who received a serious wound
on a mission in October, 1944, and who had been returned to the Squadron, left this
morning for the United States. Bergstrom, Daniel P., S/Sgt, gunner

Friday, 2 March 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: The cloudy and threatening weather prevailed over most
of Corsica and northern Italy again today. So the mission scheduled was stand down
once again.

Saturday, 3 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, overcast skies and

turbulent winds hamper medium bomber missions against communications in the Brenner
area, allowing only limited success against targets; the Crema and Fidenza Bridges in the
Po Valley are damaged; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers, destroy a sugar
refinery at Verona and achieve good results against communications and dumps in the C
Po Valley and Brenner area; other fighters and fighter-bombers support the US Fifth
Army S of Bologna; A-20s during the night of 2/3 Mar, hit roads, ammunition supplies,
and vehicles at several points in the Po Valley, particularly in the Bologna-Modena
regions, and bomb the Legnano marshalling yard.

445th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. John L. McNevin, 445th ballyhoo expert, drew the lucky
number at the afternoon lottery. He will soon depart for the states on permanent rotation
plan. Softball practice was held today with several promising prospects reporting. Capt.
Johnson, erstwhile gunner officer, took several fond pupils on a practice gunner mission.
A plane was sent to Tripoli in quest of food and that wonderful ??%beer.

Johnson, Stanton W., Capt, Armament Officer

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 761; Squadron Mission 487: Lt. Rigler led
12 squadron ships on a 24 plane attack upon Salerno Rail Embankment, Italy. 1000
pound bombs were dropped form 11/11500 ft. Five planes dropped bombs on Peschiera
Rail diversion bridge. No flak was observed. RESULTS: Turbulence caused a miss at
primary target. Rail line possibly cut at alternate target.

A/C No. unknown

Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 762; Squadron Mission 488: Three 445th
planes joined 21 others from group to attack San Michele Main Bridge and Diversion
North approach. Two anti-flak ships holed. Falk heavy, moderate, fairly accurate.
Turbulent air prevented three ships from dropping bombs. RESULTS: North diversion
hit. Gun positions reported well hit.

446th BS War Diary: Routine work is carried out by all personnel as there is no mission
flown.

Saturday, 3 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 527

TARGET: San Michele Main Br & Diversion, Italy DATE: 3 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: Incend. 446th Planes: 3

Major Farwell led the formation. Gun positions reported well hit. Flak was heavy,
moderate, fairly accurate thirty seconds on run and break-away.

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

447th BS War Diary: Cpl Irvin A. Beske transferred to 340th Bomb Gp., par. 1 SO 46,
Hq. 57th Bomb. Wing.

Beske, Irwin A., Cpl, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes participated in a raid on Salorno Rail
Embankment in Northern Italy. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Captains Grady and Bard, and Sergeants Law, Qualls, Veeck,
Schaffer, Brusa, Magyar and Markiewicz returned from Cairo today.

Bard, John A., Capt, pilot Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner

Grady, John R., Capt, pilot Law, Richard L., S/Sgt, engineering

Magyar, Steven J., Sgt, gunner Markiewicz, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner

Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner

Veeck, Richard W., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: The bad weather cleared up overnight, but a strong
northerly wind greeted the crew members this morning as they took off to attack the rail
bridge at San Michele. Major Farwell led the Group mission today with the 448th having
fifteen (15) planes in the lead and second flights. Despite the turbulent air, an excellent
concentration was scored on the central portion of the bridge. It was another 100%
bombing accuracy mission for the Squadron. Only a few bursts of anti-aircraft fire were
seen and all the planes returned without damage or casualties.

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj

Sunday, 4 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, good flying
weather permits a full-scale effort; medium bombers hit 7 railroad bridges on the Brenner
line and in NE Italy; the Salorno railroad fill receives a particularly good concentration of
bombs; XXII Tactical Air Command P-47s concentrate on communications targets in the
Po Valley, knocking out a span of the Cittadella railway bridge; Brazilian P-47s blast an
ammunition dump at Villafranca di Verona; during the night of 3/4 Mar, A-20s bomb the
bridge and bridge approaches at Casarsa della Delizia, Ostiglia, and Nervesa della
Battaglia, the radar station at Vignola, and lights, motor transport, roads, and other targets
of opportunity at over 30 places in the C Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Officers and enlisted men departed for Capri rest camp; a few
officers went to the rest camp on Corsica. Five ships were in the air for transitional
training, one was on the bombing range. Lts. Kendall and Skebay are training another
team, Lts. O’Neal and Puchalia, in the use of the special equipment which was recently
installed. Chicken a la king was served at mess hall for the evening meal. “Peggy Lou”,
B-25 crewed by T/Sgt. Fred Lawrence, completed its 100th mission today. T/Sgt. Bill
Shattuck, formerly a crew chief, assumed his duties as assistant technical inspector. Cpl.
T.J. Byrne, who devotes his heart and soul to assembling war news for the less observant
and studious, led a round table discussion at the Enlisted Men’s Club. The subject and
principle topic was “What to do with Germany after the War.”

Byrne, Thomas J., Sgt, armament Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot

Lawrence, Frederick H., T/Sgt, engineering, crew chief

O'Neil, William H., 2Lt, pilot Puchalia, John M., 2Lt, bombardier

Shattuck, William H., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner, crew chief

Skebay, Robert J., 1Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 764; Squadron Mission 489: Lt. Rigler led
nine 445th ships in an 18 plane mission against Ponte di Piave Diversion Rail Road
Bridge. 1000 pound bombs dropped from 10500/11500 ft. No flak encountered.
RESULTS: All bombs in target area. Bridge believed well hit.

A/C No. unknown

Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Two combat missions are flow, the second one having 14 planes.

Sunday, 4 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 528

TARGET: Ala Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 14

Capt. Myers led the formation. First flight hit railway about 200 yards N of bridge and in
river bed just E and short of target. Second flight hit S approach and possibly bridge
itself. Anti-flak ships report hits on S part of gun area. Flak was scant, inaccurate at anti-
flak a/c, none ate formation.

Myers, Harold C., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 529

TARGET: Ponte di Piave Div. Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Rigler led the formation. All bombs in target area. Excellent concentration on SW
over-water span. Bridge believe well hit. No flak, no fighters.

Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: The following personnel left for a visit to Middle East: Capt.
W.E. Marchant, 1st Lt. R.D. Appenzeller, 1st Lt. L.N. Brown, T/Sgt. Harry C. Nieman,
T/Sgt. Gaston G. Poulin, S/Sgt. Andrew C. Dubbs, S/Sgt. Earl W. Dulaney, S/Sgt. James
M. Morton, S/Sgt. James W. Simms. S/Sgt. M.A. Andryscak gave the E/M a lecture on
Legal Rights in the Club. This was in conjunction with I&E program. A large crowd
attended.

Andryscak, Michael A., S/Sgt, gunner Appenzeller, Richard D., 1Lt, pilot

Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Dubbs, Andrew C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Dulaney, Earl W., S/Sgt, gunner Marchant, Wendell E., Capt, pilot

Morton, James M., S/Sgt, medical Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering

Poulin, Gaston G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Simms, James W., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 8 planes took part in a raid on Ponte di Piave Rail Bridge
in Northern Italy. All planes returned safely and excellent results were achieved.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenants Martin and Bottom and Sergeants Langley and Justice
left this morning for the Capri rest camp and Lieutenants Fleming and Beckman, Flight
Officer Carr and Sergeants Kocsis and Huha returned. Lieutenant Garrett and Sergeant
Sullivan returned today from DS to the 12th Air Force. Sergeants McTaggart, Oliver,
Parham and White were promoted to Staff Sergeants, and Corporals Dittman, Glass,
Murray, Nelson, and Payne were promoted to Sergeants today.

Beckman, Harold C., 2Lt, pilot Bottom, James W., 2Lt, bombardier

Carr, Robert E., F/O, pilot Dittman, Paul F., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Fleming, George B., 1Lt, pilot Glass, David H., Sgt, gunner

Huha, George (NMI), Sgt, communications Justice, Conway J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Kocsis, Michael (NMI), Sgt, cook Langley, Edmund P., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner

Martin, James M., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier McTaggart, Leonard A., S/Sgt, gunner

Murray, Francis J., Sgt, gunner Nelson, William M., Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 4 March 1945 (continued)

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

Payne, Robert R., Sgt, gunner White, Frank H., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Myers led the Group mission this morning to
attack the Ala rail bridge. It was a clear day here on Corsica, and remained that way
throughout the entire flight to the target. The 448th had sixteen (16) planes on mission,
including three incendiary planes. Although it was not a 100% bombing accuracy
mission, concentrations of bombs fell on the north approach and along the tracks, at least
temporarily knocking them out. No flak was encountered by the main formation and
only slight and inaccurate flak was thrown up at the anti-flak planes. Numerous hits were
scored by the incendiary planes on the gun position. All planes returned safely at 1400.

Myers, Harold C., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Myers, Harold C., Capt

Monday, 5 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s hit lines of

communications in the N Po Valley during the night of 4/5 Mar; results are generally
good; bad daytime weather grounds the medium bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command
fighter-bombers and fighters operate on a greatly reduced scale, mostly in the C Po
Valley, hitting bridges at Casarsa della Delizia, Nervesa della Battaglia, Ostiglia, and
Ostellato, and attacking the town of Vignola.

445th BS War Diary: Officers and enlisted men left for Rome rest camp. Several crews
practiced with a hydraulic “mock-up” at the line. Chiefly concerned with this practice
session were the pilots and engineer gunners. Sergeant Mathewson supervised the drills.
The special equipment training continued.

Mathewson, Melvin J., T/Sgt, engineering

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

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are carried out and we catch up on back
work.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: The following 2nd Lts. promoted to rank of 1st Lt., par 3, SO 55,
Hq. 12th AF: Richard G. Briggs, Edmund R. Carlin, Robert C. King, Jr., Paul H. Peck,
Leonard P. Caflisch, Jr., Henry D. Randel, Norman I. Rose, Frederick H. Smith, Burton
E. Stroupe. Capt. Hargrave, Cp. GLO, spoke to Officers in their club at 2000 hours on
situations at the different fronts. About 70 Officers were present. Usual camp duties
throughout day.

Briggs, Richard G., 1Lt, pilot Caflisch, Leonard P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Carlin, Edward R., 1Lt, pilot

Hargrave, Frederick M., Capt, Allied Liaison Officer

King, Robert C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Peck, Paul R., 1Lt, pilot

Randel, Henry D., 1Lt, bombardier Rose, Norman I., 1Lt, pilot

Smith, Frederick H., 1Lt, pilot Stroupe, Burton E., 1Lt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Although no rain fell during the day, the clouds remained low and
hampered all Squadron activities. Lieutenants Kuoni and Ivory returned today from the
rest camp at Cannes, France, where they have been a couple days overdue.

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Only one mission was schedule this morning for the
Squadron. But bad weather here on Corsica made it a stand down.

Tuesday, 6 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
pound communications in the Brenner Pass and hit bridges at Pordenone, Ossenigo,
Enego, Ora, Pizzighettone, and San Ambrogio di Valpolicella; fighters and fighter-
bombers concentrate on close support of the US Fifth Army S and SW of Bologna;
during the night of 5/6 Mar, a few A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Two flights of special equipment plane during the day. Planes
held practice bombing at the range. Fair mail call was held.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 766; Squadron Mission 491: Lts. Webb
and Mogren led two flights of six ships each against Pizzighettone Railroad bridge. 1000
pound bombs and P.W. pamphlets dropped from 12500 ft. No flak was encountered.
RESULTS: First flight hit west approach. Second flight cored possible hits on west
span.

A/C No. unknown

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt

446th BS War Diary: A big mail call today and the morale of the squadron climbs. The
mission is led by Capt. Smedley as we sent 18 ships as our part of the combat flight.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 530

TARGET: San Ambroglio Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 6 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 18

Capt. Smedley led the formation. Excellent patterns starting short but carrying well on to
target with direct hits probable. Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, inaccurate. No
fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Smedley, Robert R., Capt

Tuesday, 6 March 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Several planes took part in local formation flying and practicing
bombing. Usual camp duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission by this squadron today.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant William Ward, Flight Officer Carr, and Master
Sergeant Crider were placed on DS with the 445th Squadron.

Carr, Robert E., F/O, pilot Crider, Eugene W., M/Sgt, engineering

Ward, William C., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Leonard and Major Burks led the 448th’s planes,
thirteen (13) of them, on today’s mission over the Campo north rail bridge. However, the
Campo bridge was not attacked due to a heavy overcast there, and Captain Leonard led
the formation to the Pizzighettone rail bridge. Although it was clear there, severe
turbulence made bombing extremely difficult. Ground haze prevented good observation
of results, but it was believed that hits were scored on both approaches. No flak was
encountered and all the planes returned safely at 1320.

A/C No. unknown

Leonard, Lee V., Capt

Burks, Richard W., Maj

Wednesday, 7 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s continue
interdiction of enemy communications, damaging a railroad bridge at Longarone and
railroad fills at Peri and Ossenigo; the XXII Tactical Air Command concentrates on
communications in the NE, Po Valley and fuel and ammunition dumps in the C part of
the Valley with generally good results; during the night of 6/7 Mar, A-20s hit the Ostiglia
crossing and bridges at Nervesa della Battaglia and Casarsa della Delizia, and bomb
targets of opportunity in the Brenner area.

445th BS War Diary: Enlisted crew members were promoted. Three officers left for
Corsica rest camp; three, to Cannes, France. Stand down was observed for training.
Several enlisted men in the squadron closely resemble wounded gladiators, but in reality
they are only casualties from the volleyball court. Large quantities of mail and packages
were distributed. The officers lost a practice softball game to the G.I. club by a 7-3
count. Batteries; for the officers, Jackson, Bowling and Robson; for the enlisted men;
Seymour went the route with Robello behind the plate. Field will hereby be referred to as
Lowman Park. “Animal Kingdom”, with Ann Sheridan and Dennis Morgan, showed at
group theatre.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot Jackson, William H., 1Lt, bombardier

Robello, Manuel H., Sgt, mess Robson, Herbert E., Capt, bombardier

Seymour, Robert J., Sgt, operations

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

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Ingram leads the mission as the weather continues to permit
the group to pound the Brenner Pass line.

Ingram, William T., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 531

TARGET: Longarone Rail Bridge, Mantua E. Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 7 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Ingram led the formation. First flight bombed on second pass, first box of six hit
road and rail bridge S of Longarone. Three a/c bombed primary but hit N and W of
bridge, second flight of eight a/c did not bomb primary due to clouds and turbulence but
hit alternate with excellent concentration. No flak, no fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Ingram, William T., Capt

Wednesday, 7 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 532

TARGET: Bologna/Adriatic Area, Italy DATE: 7 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: Propaganda Leaflets. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Swanson led the formation. Mission accomplished. Flak was heavy, moderate,
fairly accurate, three planes holed. No fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: Cpl. Robert C. MacAuslan promoted to Sgt., par 2, SO 42, Hq.
321st Bomb. Gp. Usual camp duties throughout day.

MacAuslan, Robert C., Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No mission today.

448th BS War Diary: Major Knievel returned from Cannes today where he had been
hospitalized for a few days. Lieutenants Bennett, Brown, Steely and Bruhn left for the
Cannes rest camp today. Second Lieutenants Armstrong, Cannon, and K.F. Meyers were
promoted to First Lieutenants today. Master Sergeant Raybourn was attached to the
Squadron this afternoon and joined from the 57th Wing.

Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 1Lt, bombardier Bennett, Samuel J., 1Lt, engineering

Brown, Royden (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Bruhn, Charles A., 2Lt, pilot

Cannon, John L, 1Lt, bombardier Knievel, Arthur W., Maj, executive

Meyers, Kenneth F., 1Lt, pilot Raybourn, M/Sgt,

Steely, Ralph K., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Bard led the 448th’s eight planes which made the
second flight of the first mission today to attack the Mantua east rail bridge. It was a
clear day here on Corsica and good weather remained all the way to the Po Valley.
Originally scheduled to bomb the Longarone rail bridge, Captain Bard was unable to lead
his planes on a bomb run there due to some overcast and sever turbulence. They scored
an excellent concentration on the Mantua bridge with several direct hits observed. No
enemy anti-aircraft fire was encountered and all the bombers returned safely at 1410.

A/C No. unknown

Bard, John A., Capt

Wednesday, 7 March 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: The second mission for today led by Captain Swanson
was a nickeling mission. Leaflets were dropped over the Bologna, Adriatic coast area.
Some light flak was encountered near Cento that was fairly accurate, but no planes were
lost and the formation returned at 1345. The 448th had six planes on this mission.

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

A/C No. unknown

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt

Thursday, 8 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
are hampered by heavy clouds but hit the Novara marshalling yard, Longarone and Mori
rail fills, and Rovereto bridge; fighters and fighter-bombers pound communications and
supplies, destroy a road bridge SW of Bologna, severely damage an ammunition plant
and surrounding complex NW of Milan, and hit several other targets, including a bridge
near Montebello which Brazilian P-47s operating with the XXII Tactical Air Command
cut in half; A-20s, operating during the night of 7/8 Mar, attack river crossings at
Borgoforte, Cremona, Ostiglia, San Benetto Po, Viadana, and Ora, and numerous
vehicles, lights, and general movement in the C Po Valley and along the Brenner line.

445th BS War Diary: We are enjoying beautiful spring weather. The officers are
clamoring for a return tilt with the G.I. team, claiming that first string was not available.
A fair U.S.O. show was held at group theatre. The audience was extremely rude. Four
new ground crew members reported to the squadron today. S/Sgt. Stanford returned
following 30 day furlough in the U.S.A. He reported things as splendid at home, both
from a military and civilian point of view. A volley ball court was erected at the line
today. Reasons were because of convenience, and it also was difficult to disengage
participants from games in the area. Now the problem is solved. Spare time can be spent
playing volley ball, but men are available for duty at all times. A meeting of all pilots
and bombardiers was held at Officer’s club.

Stanford, Hirman P., S/Sgt, Carpenter

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 770; Squadron Mission 492: Capt. Collins
led four 445th ships in a 24 plane attack on Rovereto Rail Bridge. P.W. pamphlets and
1000 pound bombs dropped from 11500/12500 ft. Flak heavy, scant, to fairly accurate.
Nine ships holed, one man slightly wounded. RESULTS: Excellent concentration.
Tracks crossed in several places.

A/C No. unknown

Collins, Daniel P., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 771; Squadron Mission 493: 445th
contributed 12 ships to a 27 plane formation which attacked the Mori Rail fill. Heavy
flak holed 18 planes, but no losses. Two ME-109’s were observed. 1000 pound bombs
were dropped from 11500/13000 ft. RESULTS: All patterns formed close concentration.
Bridge and tracks believed to be hit.

Thursday, 8 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Col. Cassidy, the group CO, flies the lead in today’s mission as
the squadron sends up 13 planes against communications lines along the Brenner route.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 533

TARGET: Rovereto Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 8 Mar 1945

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

Lt. Col. Cassidy led the formation. All patterns formed close concentration, bridge hit.
Six anti-flak a/c divided effort between AA positions with good results. Flak was heavy,
scant and then moderate to intense, accurate. Nine planes holed, one man wounded.

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

447th BS War Diary: Usual camp duties.

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes participated in a raid over Mori Rail Fill in
Northern Italy. Excellent results were reported. All planes returned safely to home base.
A few were holed by anti-aircraft fire.

448th BS War Diary: Technical Sergeant Dugan, a ground man was assigned to the
Squadron today.

Dugan, T/Sgt,

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th led the Group formation to attack the Rovereto
rail bridge today with seven planes in the lead flight. Captain Lyons flew as lead pilot
with Colonel Cassidy as flight commander. Except for a few scattered clouds the route to
the target was clear; Captain Lyons had no difficulty in identifying it. An excellent
concentration was scored on the center of the bridge, and a later reconnaissance
photograph revealed that the bridge had been destroyed. It was another 100% bombing
accuracy mission for the 448th. Despite the heavy, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire
encountered on the bomb run, Captain Lyons led his bombers through the flak with only
one of the 448th’s planes being holed, and all the planes returned at 1245.

A/C No. unknown

Lyons, John B., Capt

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

Friday, 9 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit bridges
at San Ambrogio di Valpolicella, San Michele all'Adige, Bozzolo, Santa Margherita
d'Adige, Ora, and Montebello, the marshalling yard at Ora, and the bridge approach at
Ala; fighters and fighter-bombers attack bridges, railroads, vehicles, trains, supply
dumps, parked airplanes, buildings, and other targets over wide areas, including Milan,
Cittadella, Ala, Santa Margherita d'Adige, La Spezia, Ghedi, Lecco, and the battle area in
the N Apennines. A-20s, on intruder missions during the night of 8/9 Mar, bomb river
crossings in the Po Valley at several locations, among them Ostiglia, San Benedetto Po,
and Borgoforte.

445th BS War Diary: Officers and enlisted men departed for Capri rest camp. A crew
also took off for Cairo. Special equipment and night transitional flying was held. “Meet
Me in Saint Louis”, a top-notch movie, was shown at the group theatre. Judy Garland
and Margaret O’Brien were splendid in their respective roles. “Doc” Beccarelli, self-
styled iron man of the outfit, professed to suffering from a terrific hangover. A good
roast beef supper was served.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Doc", Cpl, engineering

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 774; Squadron Mission 494: Capt. Collins
and Lt. Poteete led 18 bombers in attack upon San Ambrogio Rail bridge. No flak
encountered. 1000 pound bombs dropped from 11/11500 ft. RESULTS: Good
concentration in target area.

A/C No. unknown

Collins, Daniel P., Capt

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: More mail late in the afternoon. Another combat mission is
flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 534

TARGET: San Michele Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 9 Mar 1945

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

Lt. Morton led the formation. The first flight was forced off the bomb run to avoid a
310th Group formation and attacked the alternate. The second flight hit the diversion at
the S junction of the fill and also E of the fill with possible hits on fill itself. Scarecrow
flak observed in Ora area. One ME-109 passed within 2000 yds of formation, circled and
turned away. Morton, William C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

Friday, 9 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 535

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 7 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Hurley led the formation. Mission accomplished. Heavy flak observed, no
fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Hurley, John R., Capt

447th BS War Diary: The following E/M promoted to indicated grade, par. 1, SO 44,
321st Bomb Gp.: To T/Sgt: S/Sgts: Andrew C. Dubbs, Paul W. Finnegan, Earl W.
Dulaney, Carl F. Netzel, Richard H. Perl. To S/Sgt: Sgts: Charles W. Hardage, Walter
F. Meiborg, Charles J. Price, Harvey Stocker, Stanley E. Teutsch, Frank W. Hunsaker,
Jr., James R. Newton, Emigdio Ruiz, Robert A. Stroupe, Edgar M. West.

Dubbs, Andrew C., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Dulaney, Earl W., T/Sgt, gunner

Finnegan, Paul W., S/Sgt, gunner Hardage, Charles W., S/Sgt, gunner

Hunsaker, Frank W., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Meiborg, Walter F., S/Sgt, gunner

Netzel, Carl F., T/Sgt, gunner Newton, James R., S/Sgt, gunner

Price, Charles J., S/Sgt, gunner Ruiz, Emigdio, S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Stocker, Harvey, S/Sgt, gunner Stroupe, Robert A., S/Sgt, gunner

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

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes participated in a raid on Bozzolo Rail Bridge on
the Brenner pass line. All planes returned safely to home base.

448th BS War Diary: It was a clear day here on Corsica, the typical Spring-fever kind.
Nothing particularly other than usual Squadron duties occurred during the day.
Lieutenant Martin and Bottom and Sergeants Langley and Justice returned from Capri
today, and Lieutenant Schwartz and Flight Officer Higby and Sergeants Abiecunas,
Sharp and Defazio left for the Capri rest camp. Sergeants Raybourn and Fry were
relieved from attached to the Squadron today. Private Thorsett was transferred to
Headquarters MATS and left this morning.

Abiecunas, Joseph P., S/Sgt, gunner Bottom, James W., 2Lt, bombardier

Defazio, Angelo T., Jr., Sgt, engineering Fry, Tom M., Sgt, communication

Higby, Paul K., F/O, bombardier Justice, Conway J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Langley, Edmund P., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner Martin, James M., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

Friday, 9 March 1945 (continued)

Raybourn, M/Sgt, Schwartz, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Sharp, Russell L., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Thorsett, Clifford R., Sgt, engineering

448th BS Mission Summary: Today was the Squadron’s non-operational day for the
week, hence no mission was scheduled for the day.

Saturday, 10 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb
bridges and other communications targets in the E Po Valley during the night of 9/10
Mar; B-25s bomb bridges at Ora, Bozzolo, and San Michele all'Adige, and a railroad fill
at the Ceraino railroad station; fighters and fighter-bombers hit communications and
targets of opportunity at various locations in the E Po Valley, including several bridges,
and numerous ammunition dumps and vehicles.

445th BS War Diary: T/Sgts. Bill DeLaune and Les Kavan, two very popular gunners,
left for home, following completion of their tour of duty. Both were very cheerful,
cooperative individuals, and they received the best wishes from the entire squadron. The
wonderful spring weather still holds on with everyone pessimistically expecting a
blizzard. Luxury rations were distributed. Revelry prevailed as long as the short beer
ration lasted. Softball practice held by both squadron teams. A member of another
squadron crash landed a ship at the line today. The pilot exhibited some splendid flying
skill.

DeLaune, William P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Kavan, Lester D., T/Sgt, gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 777; Squadron Mission 495: Lt. Shutters
led 12 ships from 445th in 24 plane attack upon San Michele (New) Rail bridge. 1000
pound bombs dropped from 11500/12500 ft. No flak encountered. RESULTS: One
compact cluster solidly on bridge. Six ships returned with bombs due to mechanical
failure of lead plane.

A/C No. unknown

Shutters, Paul E., 1Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 778; Squadron Mission 496: Three ships
from squadron in 21 plane attack on Staz Di Ceraino Rail fill. 1000 pound bombs
dropped from 12/12500 ft. One ship crash landed safely at base. Seven ships were holed
by persistent flak batteries. RESULTS: One flight hit south end of cornice with good
concentration.

446th BS War Diary: Our ship flies the weather reconnaissance flight as the group again
goes in the heavily-defended Brenner area.

Saturday, 10 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 536

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 10 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Hurley led the formation. Mission accomplished. Heavy flak observed, no
fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Hurley, John R., Capt

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Frederick E. Loewus on DS to U.S., Ltr. Orders 12th AF.
Following E/M assigned and joined to Sq. fr. H1. 57th Wing, par 3, SO 45, 18 March
1945: Cpl. Donald R. Case, Cpl. Felix E. Wagner, Cpl. Leonard Zalman.

Bower, Leslie E., S/Sgt, engineering Case, Donald R., Cpl, engineering

Wagner, Felix E., Cpl, engineering Zalman, Leonard, Cpl, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes participated in a raid on San Michele New
Diversion Bridge in Northern Italy. All planes returned safely to base. An excellent
coverage was shown by photo interpretation.

448th BS War Diary: Corporal Stiffler, a ground radio operator returned this morning
form the US where he had been on thirty days TD. Lieutenant Garrett was transferred to
321st Group Headquarters to become assistant Air Inspector.

Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot Stiffler, Stanley R., Cpl, communications

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th flew both first and second flights, eighteen (18)
planes led by Captain Swanson and Captain Bard on the Group mission that attacked the
rail fill at Staz Di Ceraino. Clear weather prevailed all the way from Corsica to the target
area. The Germans threw up an intense and accurate anti-aircraft barrage, that caused
damage to several of the planes, but none were lost over the target. A good concentration
of bombs was scored by the first flight on the South end of the cornice. Lt. Sculley was
forced to crash-land when he returned to base, as his hydraulic lines had been shot out.
No one was injured however. All the other planes retuned safely.

Saturday, 10 March 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Bard, John A., Capt

Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt

A/C No. unknown crash landed

Sculley, Thomas S., 2Lt

Sunday, 11 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s of the 57th
Bombardment Wing score damaging hits on a bridge and fills at San Michele all'Adige,
Volargne, and Ossenigo, and, attacking a target in Austria for first time, bomb a bridge at
Drauburg; fighters and fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air Command hit rail lines
and dumps in the C Po Valley and in the Brenner area; during the night of 10/11 Mar A-
20s hit several Po River crossings, Ghedi and Pavia Airfields, road junctions, and other
targets in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Collins lectured on “Ditching and Air-Sea Rescue” to a
group of new crew. A group departed for Rome rest camp. Special equipment flying
was resumed today. John McNevin and “Doc” Beccarelli were serving as Kitchen Police
today. The stately corporal, Beccarelli, has aspirations toward becoming a Border
Patrolman so he considers kitchen police as splendid training. Lt. Jack Locke, S-2
Officer, returned from rest camp leave at Corsica mountain spot. An Army Chaplain
film, and enlightening production, was shown under the auspices Information and
Education Service. Fresh African dates served at mess halls. Roast pork served at
supper.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Doc", Cpl, engineering Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

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

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 779; Squadron Mission 497: Lt. Webb led
16 ships from squadron in 30 ship attack on Ossenigo Rail fill, also the alternate target,
Pizzighettone Rail bridge. 1000 pound bombs, 100 pound white phosphorus bombs, and
propaganda leaflets dropped from 11500/12500 ft. Flak was heavy to moderate.
RESULTS: Fair coverage at primary target; several probable hits on alternate.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 780; Squadron Mission 498: One
squadron ship in 18 plane attack on Peri Rail fill. Nine ships hit alternate, Pontetidone
Railroad bridge because of turbulent air at primary target. 1000 pound bombs dropped.
RESULTS: Both targets believed well hit.

Sunday, 11 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Another batch of mail, this time mostly old mail of a month or
more ago. Lt. Crisp and Capt. Ingram lead the mission.

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Ingram, William T., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 537

TARGET: Peri Rail Fill, Pontetidone Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 11 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 17

Lt. Crisp and Capt. Ingram were the leaders. Main concentration at primary believed E
of tracks. Nine a/c did not bomb primary due to short and turbulent run. Reported
alternate, Pontetidone well hit on W end and approach. Flak was heavy, moderate to
intense, accurate. Six planes holed, one man wounded. No fighters. Lt. Capalety
returned early because of hydraulic leak.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt

Ingram, William T., Capt

447th BS War Diary: No combat missions today. However 21 planes took part in local
formation flying through the day. Capt. Hargrave, Gp GLO spoke to EM at 2000 hrs on
situation at fronts. 150 men attended.

Hargrave, Frederick M., Capt, Allied Liaison Officer

447th BS Mission Summary: No combat missions today.

448th BS War Diary: Second Lieutenants H. Russell, Wuest and Zakopacan were
promoted to First Lieutenants today. Sergeants Chase, Morian, Sidoti, Hudson and
Sadofsky were promoted to Staff Sergeants, and Corporals Blackard, Fields, Rayfield,
Pituck, Soltys, Carter, Judnich, Rainey, Safko and Weeks were promoted to Sergeants.
Corporals Tesoriero, Tracht and K. Thompson were assigned to the Squadron.

Blackard, Hershel L., Sgt, gunner

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

Chase, Harry M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Fields, James A., Sgt, gunner

Hudson, Willie H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Judnich, Raymond J., Sgt, gunner

Morian, Charles R., S/Sgt, gunner Pituck, James B., Sgt, gunner

Rainey, Sgt, gunner Rayfield, Bernard G., Sgt, gunner

Russell, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot Sadofsky, John (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner

Safko, Edward A., Sgt, gunner Sidoti, Nick S., S/Sgt, gunner

Soltys, John J., Sgt, gunner Tesoriero, Cpl, gunner

Sunday, 11 March 1945 (continued)

Thompson, K., Cpl., gunner Tracht, Cpl, gunner

Weeks, Donald E., Sgt, gunner Wuest, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot

Zakopacan, John S., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had fourteen (14) planes in the Squadron’s only
mission for the day, which led the Group formation with Captain Myers as lead pilot. It
was a clear day on Corsica, but the formation encountered some clouds over the sea. At
the target, however, it was clear with much turbulent air. This made accurate bombing
extremely difficult. Six of the 448th’s planes bombed the rail fill at Ossenigo, scoring a
good concentration on the south end of the fill and walking across the railroad and road.
Some heavy and intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered, but only one plane received
any holes, none serious. The other six planes in the first flight bombed the Pizzighettone
rail bridge, because the turbulent air at Ossenigo forced them to turn to the alternate. The
east approach and end was well hit with direct hits observed. It was a 100% bombing
accuracy mission. The two anti-flak planes reported a good coverage of the gun areas
also. It was on this mission that Sergeant Langley crawled down into the bomb bay and
released a bomb that had been caught between the bomb bay doors when he attempted to
close them. The turbulent air had torn the bomb loose form one of its shackles and it was
hanging out the bomb bay as the plane turned form the primary target. Any slight
movement of the fuse would have se the bomb off as it had armed itself when it fell from
the shackle. Any slip here would have meant certain death as he could not take a
parachute with him. All the planes returned safely after the mission at 1350. Sergeants
Sullivan and Bass received slight wounds today but were not hospitalized.

A/C No. unknown

Myers, Harold C., Capt

Langley, Edmund P., Jr., T/Sgt

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

Monday, 12 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit 7
railroad bridges, cutting two, and fills--severely damaging one and a train--in the Brenner
area and in NE Italy as far E as the Yugoslav border area; fighter-bombers blast
communications in N Italy, making 36 rail cuts, 19 of them on the Brenner line; P-47s
also bomb and severely damage a munitions factory NW of Zagreb, Yugoslavia; during
the night of 11/12 Mar, A-20s on intruder missions hit Po River crossings, a sugar
refinery, vehicles, and trains.

445th BS War Diary: Four officers left for Cannes rest camp. Some combat crew
members were promoted. Ships trained on the bomb range, with special equipment, and
night transitional. Beautiful weather again today. The G.I. ball club took advantage of it
and slaughtered the officer team, 13-1. Wellnitz toyed with the puny hitters as he
chalked up a victory in his first start of the season. New combat crews arrived.

Wellnitz, Lorton A., Sgt, statistical

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 782; Squadron Mission 499: Capt. Collins
led 12 ships with 1000 pound bombs in attack on San Margherita South Rail bridge.
Bombs were dropped from 11500 ft. RESULTS: All bombs struck in target area.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Collins, Daniel P., Capt

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Ingram is again called upon to lead the B-25’s against
targets in the Brenner area.

Ingram, William T., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 538

TARGET: Ala Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 12 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Incend. (446th) 446th Planes: 3

Lt. Morton led the formation. One close pattern on bridge; another started short but
carried through. Reports gun position bracketed by WP. No flak, no fighters.

Morton, William C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

Monday, 12 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 539

TARGET: S. Margherita N. Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 12 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Ingram led the 446th. Bombs hit a little short of target and walked through the
bridge to the river with possible hits on bridge. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate. No
fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Ingram, William T., Capt

447th BS War Diary: The following Officers and E/M returned from TD, Cairo: Capt.
Wendell E. Marchant, 1st Lt. Richard D. Appenzeller, 1st Lt. Lyle N. Brown, Jr., T/Sgt.
Harry C. Nieman, T/Sgt Gaston G. Poulin, T/Sgt. Andrew C. Dubbs, T/Sgt. Earl W.
Dulaney, S/Sgt. James M. Morton, S/Sgt. James W. Simms.

Appenzeller, Richard D., 1Lt, pilot Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Dubbs, Andrew C., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Dulaney, Earl W., T/Sgt, gunner

Marchant, Wendell E., Capt, pilot Morton, James M., S/Sgt, medical

Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering Poulin, Gaston G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Simms, James W., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 18 planes on mission flown against Ala Rail Bridge in
Northern Italy. All planes returned safely to home base, and excellent results reported.

448th BS War Diary: It was a clear and warm, typically spring day here on Corsica,
although late in the evening some clouds formed over the mountains and threatened to
bring some rain. On their days off many of the boys are going up into the mountains
fishing, and several of them have brought back a number of fish. Much in interest is
being taken in the Squadron softball games which take place every afternoon on “Ryan
Field”. A league has been formed among teams in the Squadron, and every afternoon
after working hours games are played, many of them hotly contested. Captain Hayes and
Lieutenants Bartlett and Bechtle left this morning for the Cannes rest camp, and
Lieutenants Bruhn, Steely, Brown, and Bennett returned from Cannes.

Bartlett, Thomas M., 1Lt, pilot Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot

Bennett, Samuel J., 1Lt, engineering Brown, Royden (NMI), 1Lt, pilot

Bruhn, Charles A., 2Lt, pilot Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., Capt, armament

Steely, Ralph K., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS Mission Summary: Today was another no-mission day for the Squadron.

Tuesday, 13 March 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Smedley, Robert R., Capt

447th BS War Diary: The following E/M on TD to 520 Air Serv. Gp. SO 55, Hq. 57th
Bomb Wing: T/Sgt Leslie E. Bower, Cpl Donald R. Case, Cpl. Leonard Zalman, Cpl.
Felix E. Wagner.

Bower, Leslie E., S/Sgt, engineering Case, Donald R., Cpl, engineering

Wagner, Felix E., Cpl, engineering Zalman, Leonard, Cpl, engineering

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes participated in an attack on Mantua Causeway
in Northern Italy. All planes returned safely. Good coverage was attained in the target
area.

448th BS War Diary:

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Lyons and Lieutenant Lee led the two flights of
the Group mission that attacked the rail bridge at Vo Sinistro, of which the 448th had
fourteen planes today. The weather was clear all the way to the target and Captain Lyons
had no difficulty in picking it up. Only a few bursts of inaccurate flak was encountered,
which did not interfere with the bombing. An excellent pattern was scored on the rail
bridge, with possible bomb hits on a road bridge just east of the target. It was another
100% bombing accuracy mission for the Squadron. No damage was received by the
formation and all returned safely at 1540.

Lyons, John B., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Lyons, John B., Capt

Wednesday, 14 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s damage
bridges at Casarsa della Delizia, Cittadella, Vipiteno, and Campo; fighters and fighter-
bombers attack communications, ammunition and supply dumps, motor transport, trains,
buildings, and other targets, escort medium bombers, and support ground forces,
operating over much of N Italy from the Apennine battle area N and NE. A-20s hit river
crossings and targets of opportunity in the Po Valley during the night of 13/14 Mar.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Ottinger departed for home following completion of a tour of
combat duty. Officers and enlisted men departed for Rome and Capri rest camps.
Practice was held for formal review. Practice night flying continues.

Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 786; Squadron Mission 500: Lts. Bowling
and Poteete led 27 ships, 18 from the squadron, in attack up on Vipiteno Rail bridge.
1000 pound and 100 pound white phosphorus bombs dropped from 12500/13000 ft. Two
ships holed by scant to heavy flak. RESULTS: Clouds obscured target after bombs
released. Bomb smoke observed covering target area. Anti-flak elements reported gun
positions well hit.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: A small batch of mail arrives as the squadron gets off another
mission.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 542

TARGET: Vipiteno Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 14 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: Incend. 446th Planes: 3

Lt. Bowling led the formation. Clouds obscured target after bombs were released
preventing observation. Bomb smoke was observed to cover target area. Last element
over target unable to bomb. Anti-flak elements reported that all three gun positions were
effectively hit. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate, no fighters.

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: The following officers promoted to indicated rank: To Capt: 1st
Lt. Edward A. Miller, to 1st Lt.: 2nd Lt. Jack B. Antry, 2nd Lt. Thomas P. Elliott, 2nd Lt.
John R. Highsmith, 2nd Lt. James J. Stephens, 2nd Lt. Albert C. Tarquinio.

Wednesday, 14 March 1945 (continued)

Antry, Jack B., 1Lt, pilot Elliott, Thomas P., 1Lt, pilot

Highsmith, John R., 1Lt, pilot Miller, Edward A., Capt, Aerial Gunnery Officer

Stephens, James J., 1Lt, pilot Tarquinio, Albert C., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 Aircraft flew a mission against South Campo Bridge.
All planes and crews returned safely to home base.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Schwartz, Flight Officer Higby and Sergeants
Abiecunas, Sharp and DeFazio returned from the Capri rest camp today.

Abiecunas, Joseph P., S/Sgt, gunner Defazio, Angelo T., Jr., Sgt, engineering

Higby, Paul K., F/O, bombardier Schwartz, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Sharp, Russell L., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had three planes on the Group’s mission today,
led by Lieutenant Ivory. They were anti-flak planes that attacked the gun positions at
Vipiteno rail bridge. The weather was clear all the way to the target and despite some
anti-aircraft fire that was heavy but inaccurate, the gun positions were well covered with
phosphorous bombs that enabled the attacking formation to score heavily on the bridge.
None of the planes received any damage and returned at 1345.

A/C No. unknown

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Bard led the Group’s second mission for today
with the 448th having twelve planes in this formation that attacked the Campo North rail
bridge. The weather was CAVU all the way to the target. Despite the accurate anti-
aircraft fire that holed seven of the Squadron’s B-25s, Captain Bard led his formation
over the bridge where both approaches and the north end of the bridge was well covered
with hits. Two enemy fighters were seen attempting to make a pass at the formation but
the P-47 escort drove them off before they could make any contact. All the planes
returned at 1340

A/C No. unknown

Bard, John A., Capt

Thursday, 15 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack
railroad bridges and fills at Salzano, Canale d'Isonzo, Rovereto, Palazzolo sull'Oglio,
Romano di Lombardia, and Mori; fighters and fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air
Command concentrate on communications lines in NE Italy, particularly the Brenner rail
line, and also blast several supply and ammunition dumps; A-20s continue intruder
missions during the night of 14/15 Mar, hitting Po River crossings and fills in the San
Ambrogio di Valpolicella area.

445th BS War Diary: Today marked the end of two years of combat operation for this
squadron. An unimpressive ceremony was held at group headquarters for presentation of
awards. Generals Cannon and Knapp inspected the troops and pinned medals upon the
recipients. Among the men decorated were M/Sgt Wendell Bell, flight chief of the 445th,
who received the Soldier’s Medal for his sensational feat which was described previously
in this diary. From an uncritical viewpoint, it must be understood that the ceremony was
a “spur of the moment” event. Nevertheless, every man present felt that some statement
should be made in commemoration of the occasion. An enlisted man never expects
praise for routine duty, but a brief tribute to his accomplishments goes a long way in
maintaining good morale. Bear was served at both clubs during the evening. A gay
festive mood prevailed. Nils (Snyder) Ekelund giving his nymph-like dance of spring to
the delight of a ballet starved audience. Steak sandwiches and devilled eggs were
devoured following the brew appetizer. Some 445th members put on a show at group
club. They were Sgts. Lavine, Lestz, Naughton, Schell, and Cpl. “Casey” Jones, all ex-
members of the “Cornzapoppin” troupe. A rigid training schedule was pursued in spite
of the ceremony. Bomb range, transitional, gunnery training missions were flown. Also
one crew swung a compass in a ship.

Bell, Wendell J., M/Sgt, engineering

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

Ekelund, Nils J. "Snyder", Cpl, armament

Jones, Columbus E., Cpl, duty soldier or Jones, Kenneth R., Cpl, duty soldier

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

Lavine, Leonard, Sgt, intelligence

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

Naughton, John J., Jr., Cpl, gunner

Schell, Stewart I., Sgt, radio-gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 789; Squadron Mission 501: Lt. Poteete
led nine 445th ships in 18 plane mission against the alternate target, Canale d’Isonzo
bridge. 1000 pound bombs were dropped from 9/9000 ft. No flak observed. RESULTS:
Poor visibility prevented nine ships from dropping bombs. However, on second run, nine
ships scored hits on southwest approach.

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 15 March 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Today is the second anniversary of combat for the 321st Bomb
Group, as we flew the first mission on March 15th, 1943, with Ain M’Lila as our base. In
that time the group has compiled quite an impressive record, flying in support of six
amphibious operations, credited with participation in five campaigns in the
Mediterranean area, and 15,800 sorties. We have dropped 20,000 tons of bombs on all
types of targets and have a long list of “first” to our credit. Ceremonies are held at our
base on Corsica, Major Gen. John K. Cannon being the honor guest.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 543

TARGET: Muhldorf Rail Fill, Austria DATE: 15 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Leonard led the formation. Bombs of first flight centered squarely on bridge with
good concentration. Second flight hit N approach. Several reports of gap in bridge after
attack. No flak, no fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: The following F/Os appointed to rank of 2nd Lt.: Homer L.
Greene, Frank J. Blankemeyer.

Blankemeyer, Frank J., 2Lt, bombardier Greene, Homer L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes took part in a raid on Canale D’Isonzo Railroad
Bridge in Northern Italy. Excellent results were achieved with 100% bombing accuracy.
Capt. Muzinich led our Squadron and also the Group. His co-pilot was Lt. Col. Cameron,
Gp. Operations Officer. This was Capt. Muzinich’s last mission; it was also the last
mission for Capt. Mesna, the lead bombardier and T/Sgt. Schnaars, lead radio man. When
they landed this lead plane was met by Major. Gen. John K. Cannon, CG of the 12th AF
and Brig. Gen. Robert D. Knapp.

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

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

Thursday, 15 March 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt

Cameron, William D., Jr., Lt Col, HQ
321st BG

Mesna, Leeland A., Capt

Schnaars, George D., T/Sgt

448th BS War Diary: Today marks two years in combat for the 321st Bomb Group. It
was two years ago today that the Group flew its 1st combat mission in North Africa.
General Cannon, Commanding General of the 12th Air Force was here all day today with
Brig. General Knapp to help celebrate the occasion for the Group. In an impressive
review this afternoon all the Squadrons assembled on the parade grounds, and General
Cannon presented awards to the following men of the 448th after conducting an
inspection of the ranks: Silver Star: Captain Zinkand. Distinguished Flying Cross:
Lieutenants Fleming, Gardner, Gladwell, Kuoni, Rubin. First Oak Leaf Cluster to
D.F.C.: Lieutenant McRee. Soldier’s Medal: Sergeant Qualls. Bronze Star Medal:
Sergeants Bardell, Coomes, and Kubasiewicz. Air Medal: Lieutenants Meyers and
Arnold, Sergeants Sidoti, Hudson, Morian and O’Brien. Purple Heart: Lieutenant
Cooper. Following this the Squadrons passed in review before General Cannon. This
evening all the drinks in the Officer’s and Enlisted Men’s Clubs were on the house in
honor of the occasion. Flight Officer Lang was promoted to Second Lieutenant today.

Arnold, Harold L., 2Lt, bombardier

Bardell, Kenneth E., M/Sgt, engineering

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

Coomes, Eldon W., Sgt, engineering

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

Fleming, George B., 1Lt, pilot Gardner, Philip K., 1Lt, bombardier

Gladwell, James G., 1Lt, pilot Hudson, Willie H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

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

Kubasiewicz, Stanley F., Cpl, engineering Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, bombardier-navigator McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier

Meyers, Kenneth F., 1Lt, pilot Morian, Charles R., S/Sgt, gunner

O'Brien, Brendan M., Sgt, gunner Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner

Rubin, Julius W., 1Lt, pilot Sidoti, Nick S., S/Sgt, gunner

Zinkand, Willard T., Capt, bombardier

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Leonard led the Group’s second mission today
which set out to attack a rail fill at Muhldorf, just inside the Austrian border. However
due to bad weather, the formation had to turn back before reaching the Austrian border.
They dropped their bombs on a small bridge near Salzano, Italy, almost completely

Thursday, 15 March 1945 (continued)

destroying it. The concentration was squarely on the bridge with many direct hits
reported. No flak was encountered and all the planes were down at 1345. General
Cannon and General Knapp were at the planes to greet the crew members, as they
returned.

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

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

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Leonard, Lee V., Capt

Friday, 16 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25s of the 57th
Bombardment Wing, flying their farthest N penetration to date, bomb the Brixlegg,
Austria railroad bridge. In Italy, B-25s also hit the Spilimbergo power plant, with
excellent results, and lightly damage 3 bridges on the Brenner line, 1 in the C Po Valley,
and 1 in NE Italy; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers continue to attack
communications in the Po Valley and NE Italy, while A-20s bomb bridges and targets of
opportunity on night intruder missions along the Po R and in the N Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Five enlisted crew members were checked out as bombardiers.
Special glide bombing equipment was installed. Lt. Mitchell lectured on navigational
procedure. Training flights made, among them were bomb range practice, gunnery range,
and transitional. Pretty good mail call. Band went to Naples to support Mitchell
Bombers, the basketball team from the 321st that is making the basketball followers sit up
and take notice in the Naples elimination tournament. John McNevin went to Naples to
cover the game. 556th E.M. defeated 447th Officers, 1-0. Lorton Wellnitz was practically
invincible on the mound for the locals. Fielding gems by Kelly and “Slim” Comer
featured defensive play of the day.

Comer, Ernest F. "Slim", Sgt, engineering Kelly, James R., Sgt, cook

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt Mitchell, Robert F., 1Lt, navigator

Wellnitz, Lorton A., Sgt, statistical

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

446th BS War Diary: The third year of combat for the group begins as the battle of
Brenner Pass continues.

446th BS Mission Summary: No mission

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 6 planes and crews participated in a raid on Fidenza Rail
Bridge in northern Italy using special equipment. The results were excellent with a score
of 100 % bombing accuracy. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: The second mission for today was stand down due to bad weather
over the assigned target area. Lieutenants Miller, Friske, and Dean and Corporals
Gosiewski, Hanley and McConnell were assigned to the Squadron today.

Dean, 2Lt Friske, 2Lt,

Gosiewski, Cpl, Hanley, Cpl,

McConnell, Cpl Miller, 2Lt

Friday, 16 March 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Fleming led the second flight of the only
mission today with the 448th having six planes on this mission to attack the Fidenza rail
bridge. Special equipment known by the code name of “Shoran” was to be used on this
mission. Although a heavy overcast was encountered over the water, over Italy it broke
off and was CAVU at the target. The bombs were dropped squarely on the bridge, and
following this attack it was reported to be out. No flak was encountered and all the
planes returned safely at 1150.

A/C No. unknown

Fleming, George B., 1Lt

Saturday, 17 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s and B-26s
during the night of 16/17 Mar, bomb Po River crossings, other bridges, lights, and
movements in the Po Valley; B-25s bomb railroad bridges and fills at Cittadella, San
Michele all' Adige, Aldeno, Bozzolo, Canneto sull' Oglio, Pontetidone, Pizzighettone,
and Pontevico; fighters and fighter-bombers are greatly restricted by bad weather but
score effectively against dumps, bridges, railroads, marshalling yards, trains, and
buildings mainly in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: The first practice flight was held for the glide bombing equipped
plane. Officers departed for Cannes rest camp on the Riviera. The returnees from this
spot report the rest camp to be very beautiful, but they were slightly disappointed at the
entertainment facilities. Prices are sky-high and food is scarce at civilian restaurants.
During the evening there was a large fire in the 446th area. The building containing the
orderly room, S-3 and S-2 was completely destroyed by the fire. Some of the records
were salvaged, but the loss was tremendous minimized, and will greatly inconvenience
the workers in the above mentioned office. Capt. Robson, who has been serving as
Squadron Bombing Officer and has flown 70 missions, departed for the U.S.A. today.
The 445th E.M. baseball team bowed to the 447th officers, 5-3. Bob Seymour pitched
creditable ball, but loose fielding support accounted for the deficit in score. “Ducks were
left on the pond” by 445th hitters.

Robson, Herbert E., Capt, bombardier Seymour, Robert J., Sgt, operations

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 793; Squadron Mission 502: Capt. Collins
and Lt. Poteete led 27 ships, 15 from the 445th, against Pontevico Rail bridge, alternate
target. 1000 pound bombs dropped (long delays) and 100 pound white phosphorus
returned. Hazy weather prevented w.p. bombs from being dropped. RESULTS: One
concentration covered bridge center. Some were short and fell in the river. Nine ships
forced to make two passes due to poor visibility.

A/C No. unknown

Collins, Daniel P., Capt

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Saint Patrick’s Day turns out to be one we’ll long remember as the
squadron orderly room, a wooden building, catches fire at around 2030 hours and burns
to the ground in short order. Fortunately, no-one was hurt and the greater part of the
records were saved. Operations had moved into the structure shortly before the fire and
much of their paper work was damaged.

Saturday, 17 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 545

TARGET: Pontetidone Rail Bridge, Italy (alt) DATE: 17 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 18

Capt. Ingram led the formation. Alternate target attacked because of weather enroute to
the primary. Patterns crossed bridge and the W approach with direct hits reported on
bridge. No flak, no fighters.

Ingram, William T., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Ingram, William T., Capt

447th BS War Diary: The following enlisted men were promoted to the indicated ranks,
per special order No. 49 Hq. 321st Bomb. Gp. To technical sergeants: S/Sgt. James E.
Citarelli, S/Sgt. Carl Daniels, S/Sgt. Harold Phares, Jr.; To staff sergeants: Sgt. Raymond
S., Cassidy, Sgt. John A. Harvey, Sgt. Charles E. Hawthorne, Sgt. Edward H. Henkler,
Sgt. Leroy Jones, Sgt. Robert A. Jones, Sgt. Robert E. Loux, Sgt. Ernest R. Lussier, Sgt.
Camille J. Merlino, Sgt. Karl H. Mindlin, Sgt. Robert P. Rinard; To sergeant: Cpl.
Stephen G. Smith, Jr.

Cassidy, Raymond S., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Citarelli, James E., T/Sgt, gunner

Daniels, Carl, T/Sgt, gunner Harvey, John A., S/Sgt, gunner

Hawthorne, Charles E., S/Sgt, gunner Henkler, Edward H., S/Sgt, gunner

Jones, LeRoy (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Loux, Robert E., S/Sgt, gunner

Lussier, Ernest R., S/Sgt, gunner Merlino, Camille J., S/Sgt, gunner

Mindlin, Karl N., S/Sgt, gunner Phares, Harold, Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Rinard, Robert P., S/Sgt, gunner Smith, Stephen G., Jr., Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes and crews participated in a raid on Pizzighettone
Rail Bridge, the alternate target for the day with good results. The bombing accuracy
was rated as 83 %. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Second Lieutenant Sutton was promoted to First Lieutenant today.

Sutton, Norman J., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS Mission Summary: On the Group’s first mission today the 448th had three
anti-flak planes. Lieutenant West led the anti-flak formation which attacked anti-aircraft
batteries near the Pontevico rail bridge. Despite haze which reduced visibility a good

Saturday, 17 March 1945 (continued)

coverage of the gun positions was scored. No flak was encountered and all the planes
returned safely at 1430.

A/C No. unknown

West, Alden A. “Bud”, 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: On the second mission today, Captain Bard led the
Group’s mission to the Ora rail bridge, with the 448th having nine (9) planes in the lead
flight. However, due to overcast at Ora, the formation was unable to attack the bridge
and turned to the alternate target at Pizzighettone. Haze at the Pizzighettone rail bridge
prevented accurate bombing, but the main concentration of bombs landed on the west
approach, which was believed out. It was another milk run for the Squadron as all planes
returned safely at 1430.

Bard, John A., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Bard, John A., Capt

Sunday, 18 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 17/18 Mar, A-20s and A-26s continue intruder missions in the Po Valley,
concentrating on Po River crossings; B-25s bomb the railroad bridges at Bozzolo, and
Palazzuolo sull' Oglio, the railroad fill at Salorno, and the causeway at Mantua; fighters
and fighter-bombers hit dumps and support ground forces S of Bologna, and attack
communications targets over wide areas of the Po Valley; the most devastating raid of the
day is flown against the Novara marshalling yard where 14 locomotives are destroyed.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Crowley transferred to Air Service Group today. He has been
on DS since June, 1944. A group left for Rome rest camp today. Training missions were
flown. Area softball team defeated Armament again, this time by a 10-2 score. Leonard
Lavine made his first appearance on the mound today, pitching a fine game. Parker
caught for the winners; Lew Bell and Gus Carter was the battery for the losers. Elbert
Rucker, Georgia Peach, flashed his old-time form in the field for the losers. Rumors still
persist that the group is moving to Italy. It still remains to be seen. The proposal was
met with split opinion. Some want to leave Corsica at any cost; others choose to tough it
out here, even though have not encountered anyone who professes any love for Corsica.

Bell, Louis E. "Lew", Sgt, armament Carter, Gus, Sgt,

Crowley, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot Lavine, Leonard, Sgt, intelligence

Parker, Charles O., Sgt, ordnance Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 797; Squadron Mission 503: Lts. Bowling
and Poteete led 14 of an 18 plane formation in attack on alternate target, Palazzolo Rail
bridge. 1000 pound bombs dropped from 12/12500 ft. RESULTS: Two runs made on
target with probable hits at center of bridge.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt

446th BS War Diary: Promotions are posted. Dobrow is made a Staff Sgt. with
Sanders, J.M. Taylor and Knopp new Sergeants.

Dobrow, Edgar J., S/Sgt, gunner Knopp, Von C., Sgt, gunner

Sanders, Jesse A., Jr., Sgt, gunner Taylor, James M., Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 18 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 546

TARGET: Romano di Lombardia Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 18 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 18

Capt. Ingram led the formation. Finding primary weathered in, all ships made two passes
at alternate, but due to cloud interference only three ships bombed. Believed hit short on
E bank of river. No flak, no fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Ingram, William T., Capt

447th BS War Diary: First Lieutenant William E. Kibler relieved of assignment and
assigned on combat rotation to 7th Replacement Depot for transshipment to the U.S. Ltr.
Hq. 12th AF 14 March 1945. First Lieutenant Ralph E. Hennessey relieved from
assignment and assigned on combat rotation to the 7th Replacement Depot for
transshipment to the U.S. Private William R. Mulford relieved of assignment and
assigned to the 7th Replacement Depot for transshipment to the U.S.

Hennessey, Ralph E., 1Lt, pilot Kibler, William E., 1Lt, pilot

Mulford, William R., Pvt, mess

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes and crews flew a mission to the Bronzola Rail
Bridge, but the cover was ten/tenths. No bombs were dropped. All planes returned
safely.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Hayes and Lieutenants Bartlett and Bechtle returned from
Cannes rest camp, and Captain Lichtward and Lieutenants Gardner and Zakopacan left
for Cannes today. Flight Officers Sharar and Corporals Hauke and Martin, Merle L.,
were assigned to the Squadron today. Sergeant Edmonson, the Squadron carpenter, left
today for the Falconera airfield in Italy, where the Group is due to move shortly.
According to preliminary reports, the field will be an excellent set-up with buildings as
living quarters, and running water in the barracks, almost like being back in the states.
Staff Sergeants Sevier, Shields, Vanderberg, and Varga were promoted to Technical
Sergeants today, Sergeants Smith, N.L., and Zimmerman were promoted to Staff
Sergeants and Corporal Mann was promoted to Sergeant.

Bartlett, Thomas M., 1Lt, pilot Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot

Edmonson, Loyal C., Sgt, engineering Gardner, Philip K., 1Lt, bombardier

Hauke, Cpl Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., Capt, armament

Lichtward, Frederick W., Capt, intelligence Mann, Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 18 March 1945 (continued)

Martin, Merle L., Cpl Sevier, Fred L., T/Sgt, gunner

Sharar, F/O, Shields, Robert L, T/Sgt, gunner

Smith, Norman L., S/Sgt, gunner

Vanderberg, Edward V., T/Sgt, gunner Varga, Frank K., T/Sgt, gunner

Zakopacan, John S., 1Lt, pilot Zimmerman, Carl F., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Myers led the Group to attack the rail bridge at
Bronzola on the first mission today which the 448th led with twelve (12) planes in the
lead flight. Bad weather forced the formation to turn to the alternate, the rail bridge at
Pizzighettone. Overcast intervened here and the formation was forced to return to base
without bombing either target. No flak was encountered and all the planes were down
safely at 1400.

Myers, Harold C., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Myers, Harold C., Capt

448th BS Mission Summary: The 448th had four planes led by Lieutenant Ivory on the
second mission today. They were in the second flight which was to attack the Ora rail
bridge. But once again weather intervened and they were forced to bomb the alternate,
the rail bridge at Palazzolo. Here they were forced to make two bomb runs before
picking up the target. Hits were scored on the east approach and probably some in the
center. Once again the enemy offered no opposition and all the planes returned safely at
1420.

A/C No. unknown

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt

Byrne, Thomas J., Sgt, armament Hughes, Richard C., 2Lt, pilot

Kangas, Angelo J., Cpl, operations McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 800; Squadron Mission 504: Capt. Collins
and Lt. Webb led an 18 ship attack, 15 from the 445th, on Ora Rail bridge. No flak
observed. 1000 pound bombs dropped from 10500/11000 ft. RESULTS: All bombs in
target area. Some were squarely on the bridge.

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt

446th BS War Diary: Newest Captains in the squadron are Kimble and Crisp and 1st
Lieutenants include Bogan, Everhart, Gahm, Fein, Long and O’Connor. An 18-plane
mission is flow to Ora today.

Bogan, Floyd W., 1Lt, pilot Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt, pilot

Everhart, Herman E., 1Lt, pilot Fein, William F., 1Lt, bombardier

Gahm, Edward L., 1Lt, bombardier Kimble, Arnold P., Capt, pilot

Long, Emmett N., 1Lt, pilot O'Connor, Richard W., 1Lt, navigator

Monday, 19 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, XXII Tactical Air

Command A-20s strike heavily against general movement in the Po Valley during the
night of 18/19 Mar, and are followed during the day by fighter and fighter-bomber
attacks on communications in the C Po Valley and NE Italy where numerous rail cuts are
made, 3 bridges damaged, and several supply dumps hit; medium bombers damage a
bridge at Muhldorf, Germany, bridges and fills at Perca, and at 7 other locations on the N
Italian approaches to the Brenner Pass.

445th BS War Diary: Both officers and enlisted men left for Capri rest camp. The plane
returned from Cairo today. Lt. Hughes was transferred to the 12th Air Force today to
become aide to a general. John McNevin, Philadelphia’s gift to the literary world,
departed for the U.S.A. John paid his last respects with an impromptu speech of 187, 321
words. Angelo Kangas, whose weird jokes always received hearty response from
McNevin, is said to be suffering from chronic dementia. T.J. Byrne returned form his
paid vacation to Sardinia. His daily column was sorely missed during his absence. Many
men’s thoughts are governed by what they read. As Will Rogers once said, “All I know
is what I read in the papers”, certainly applies in many cases. T.J. has relegated the Stars
and Stripes to a poor second in a squadron popularity consensus.

Monday, 19 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 547

TARGET: Ora Rail Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 19 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 18

Capt. Kimble led the formation. The anti-flak a/c had excellent coverage of the gun area.
No flak fired at main formation which bombed across N approach to the bridge and the
fill S of the bridge. Flak at anti-flak element was heavy, moderate, accurate. Two men
wounded. No fighters.

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt, pilot

A/C No. unknown

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 3 planes flew a mission to Bronzola Rail Bridge---but
missed the target entirely. All planes returned safely. 6 planes flew to Pizzighettone Rail
Bridge. Excellent results with 100 % accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Bard led the Group to bomb the rail bridge at
Bronzola today with the 448th having nine planes in the lead flight. Overcast did not
prevent Captain Bard from picking out the target. Previous excellent coverage of flak
positions by the anti-flak planes effectively neutralized them to the extent that only scant
and very inaccurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered by the formation. The bridge was
well covered with the bombs, with the main concentration being in the center. This was
Captain Bard’s 70th combat mission and he led the formation back without a loss, or any
of the planes being holed.

A/C No. unknown

Bard, John A., Capt

Monday, 19 March 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Autrey led the Squadron’s three anti-flak
planes on the second mission today which attacked gun positions at Ora. Although no
planes were lost, two were holed and Flight Officer Rutz received wounds when a piece
of flak crashed through the nose of his plane. He was not hospitalized, however. An
excellent coverage of the gun positions was scored, which enabled the main formation to
attack the rail bridge without a burst being fired at them.

A/C No. unknown

Autrey, W.F., 1Lt

Rutz, Victory H., F/O

448th BS Mission Summary: On the Group’s 800th mission today, the 448th had three
planes in the last element which attacked the Ora rail bridge. It was clear weather all the
way to the target with not a burst of flak being encountered. The formation dropped all
its bombs in the target area, with the 448th’s bombs falling on the east end and approach.
Seven enemy fighters were seen by the formation but they made no passes at the B-25s.
All the planes returned at 1530.

Tuesday, 20 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, XXII Tactical Air

Command A-20s during the night of 19/20 Mar continue intruder missions into the Po
Valley while fighters and fighter-bombers pound communications targets in the Valley
during the day and severely damage fuel dumps near Mantua; medium bombers hit 4
bridges on the Brenner line and 2 others in NE Italy and hit other bridge approaches
nearby. HQ 79th Fighter Group moves from Fano to Cesenatico, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Johnson was on the mission today flying as bombardier. He
forgot to open the bomb bay doors; hence, no bombs were dropped. This was rather
ironical since he formerly served as squadron armament officer. Special equipment,
transitional, and bomb range practice missions flown by the squadron. 445th G.I.’s
literally slaughtered the 445th officers in softball today. 14-3 was the final score.
Wellnitz turned in his third straight pitching triumph without a reversal. Lts. Palmer and
Henderson made spectacular catches in the outfield to keep the score from mounting.
Capt. Jackson and Lt. Rigler pitched for the losers, the latter being blasted for 11 runs in
three innings.

Henderson, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot Jackson, James O., Capt, Executive Officer

Johnson, Stanton W., Capt, Armament Officer

Palmer, Richard W., 1Lt, bombardier Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot

Wellnitz, Lorton A., Sgt, statistical

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 801; Squadron Mission 505: Lts. Webb
and Wilson led 12 ships from squadron in 24 plane attack on Le Cave station yards. 1000
pound and 100 pound white phosphorus bombs dropped from 12500/13000 ft., with five
anti-flak ships being holed. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate at anti-flak elements.
RESULTS: Pattern observed across marshalling yards. Anti-flak ships did not report
hits on gun positions.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt

Wilson, Charles B., 2Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 802; Squadron Mission 506: Three
squadron ships in 18 plane attack upon San Ambrogio (primary) and Romano di
Lombardia Rail bridges (latter alternate). 1000 pound bombs dropped from 11/11500
and 10700 ft. respectively. No flak at either target. RESULTS: Bridge believed hit at
both targets.

Tuesday, 20 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Captain Smedley, the Operations officer, is promoted to Major.
Capt. Ottem and Lt. Gallagher get those precious orders to return to the states.

Gallagher, Andrew R., 1Lt, pilot Ottem, Earl R., Capt, navigator

Smedley, Robert R., Maj, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 548

TARGET: Le Cave Station Yards, Italy DATE: 20 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. First flight laid pattern across center of M/Y while the
second flight bombed across S. end. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate to inaccurate.
No fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 549

TARGET: Spilimbergo Ammo Dump, Italy DATE: 20 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (Shoran) 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Rice led the formation. Three runs were made on target but fading signals on bomb
run prevented from dropping. No flak, no fighters.

Rice, Ernest C., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 3 planes flew to Romano di Lombardia Rail Bridge.
Excellent results with 100 % bombing accuracy. 6 planes flew to San Ambrogio rail
bridge. Very good results with a 95 % accuracy.

A/C No. unknown

Rice, Ernest C., Capt

Tuesday, 20 March 1945 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: For the Group’s first mission today, the 448th had three
anti-flak planes led by Lieutenant Wilson. They encountered some accurate flak that
holed several planes. A fair coverage of the gun positions was claimed with possible
direct hits in a twelve (12) gun battery near Campo. All planes returned at 1235.

A/C No. unknown

Wilson, James M., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Lyons led the second flight in the Group’s second
mission today which attacked the rail bridge at San Ambrogio. Weather all the way to
the target was CAVU. Possible hits were scored on the north end of the bridge by
Captain Lyons’ flight. No enemy opposition was encountered and all the planes returned
safely at 1420.

A/C No. unknown

Lyons, John B., Capt

448th BS Mission Summary: The third mission for today was another Shoran mission.
Lieutenant Fleming led the 448th’s six planes which were the second flight in this
formation. The weather was CAVU all the way to the target which was an ammunition
dump at Spilimbergo, Italy. Bombs were not dropped, however, due to mechanical
failure of the special equipment. The formation made three passes at the target but each
time the signals faded out on the bomb run. No enemy opposition was encountered and
the formation returned safely at 1530.

Tuesday, 20 March 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Fleming, George B., 1Lt

Wednesday, 21 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): A-20s continue to attack
communications in the Po Valley especially the Po River crossings during the night of
20/21 Mar; during the day fighter-bombers concentrate on railroad targets (lines, trains,
bridges, and viaducts) and dumps in the Po Valley and areas N of the battleline in the N
Apennines; medium bombers bomb a railroad fill at Salorno, bridges at Casarsa della
Delizia and Pizzighettone, marshalling yards at Vipiteno and Brennero, and bridge
approaches at Campo. The 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group, move
from Fano to Cesenatico, Italy with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Several departed for Rome rest camp. Three planes went to the
bombing range, 5 were on transition, one plane practiced special equipment flying, and
another swung a compass. A plane carried the advance planning party to the Falconera
Airfield in Italy. Capt. Furey, Capt. Manske, Sgts. Lens and Martinez made the trip, but
returned later in the day. Reports on the new base varied from highly favorable to highly
unfavorable. The quarters sound nice, but it will be a far cry from informal camp tent
life. Chris Beccarelli put out a tremendous waling in his back yard today. “T.J. Says” is
back at its familiar spot on the bulletin board. A good quantity of mail and packages was
distributed today.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Doc", Cpl, engineering

Byrne, Thomas J. "T.J.", Sgt, armament

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot, Commander

Lens, Edward, Sgt, engineering

Manske, Joseph M., Capt, Engineering Officer

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 804; Squadron Mission 507: Three
squadron ships in 18 plane attack on Campo south rail bridge. 1000 pound bombs and
100 pound white phosphorus bombs dropped. Two anti-flak ships holed by moderate
flak. RESULTS: Anti-flak elements completely missed gun batteries. Second box of six
aircraft hit SE approach to bridge.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 806; Squadron Mission 508: Lt. Bowling
led nine squadron ships in 21 plane mission against Vipiteno sidings. One plane crash
landed at base. 13 ships were holed by very accurate flak. Both 500 pound G.P. and 100
pound W.P. bombs dropped. RESULTS: Patterns on south choke and center. Anti-flak
results indefinite.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt

Wednesday, 21 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Everhart’s ship is lost over Campo railroad bridge in
northern Italy as the squadron sends out 15 planes. Other crewmen missing are Lt. Falk,
Flight Officer Callaway, and Sgts. Scheetz, Springer and Wilkins.

Callaway, Charles R., F/O, pilot Everhart, Herman E., 1Lt, pilot

Falk, Jack G., 2Lt, bombardier Scheetz, Elvin N., Sgt, engineer- gunner

Springer, Walter H., Sgt, radio-gunner Wilkins, Albert K., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 550

TARGET: Campo S. Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 21 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb. M-47 W.P. and 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Hurley was the leader. One anti-flak element was unable to bomb the 12 gun
positions because of clouds. The other element over-shot the gun position hitting the
mountain side. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, fairly accurate. Two planes holed.
No fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Hurley, John R., Capt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 551

TARGET: Campo N. Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 21 Mar 1945

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

Major Smedley led the formation. Flash photos showed that bomb patterns cut N
approach. Bridge probably not hit. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. Nine
ships holed, one lost. One man wounded.

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. unknown

Everhart, Herman E., 1Lt

Smedley, Robert R., Maj

Callaway, Charles R., F/O

None

Falk, Jack G., 2Lt

Scheetz, Elvin N., Sgt

Springer, Walter H., Sgt

Wilkins, Albert K., Sgt

None

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 21 March 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes participated in a mission on the Vipiteno sidings
with good results. The accuracy percentage scored as 90 %. One plane crash landed on
the runway as a result of flak and a flat tire. No one was injured.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: The group sent its first mission today to Campo to bomb
the south rail bridge on the Brenner Pass line. Captain Leonard led this mission with the
448th having nine planes in the lead flight. It was clear weather all the way to the target,
and only slight opposition was met from ground batteries. Lieutenant Autrey had
previously led a formation of anti-flak bombers over gun positions near Campo where the
phosphorous bombs had silenced a number of the gun positions. Although observation
was difficult due to smoke from exploding bombs, the target was well covered with both
approaches believe out. Captain Leonard led his bombers back safely without damage or
casualties.

A/C No. unknown

Capt, Lee V., Capt

Autrey, W.F., 1Lt

Thursday, 22 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 21/22 Mar, A-20s and A-26s continue intruder raids concentrating on Po River
crossings in the E Po Valley; during the day P-47s blast rail lines, trains and other
communications targets, especially in the E Po Valley and areas to the N. In Austria, B-
25s destroy a bridge at Brixlegg, severely damage the Steinach bridge, and hit bridge
approaches at Muhlberg and the town of Matrei am Brenner. Weather prevents successful
attacks on 2 targets in N Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Planes were on bombing range today. Also special equipment
flight was in the air. A courier took rations and mail to Falconera. Vivid descriptions
continue concerning our quarters-to-be. They vary from an abandoned dairy barn to an
exclusive resort hotel. A very poor supper was served and a worse mail call was held. A
Yugoslavian choir, Doc Smith and his orchestra, along with hot fudge do-nuts and coffee
was the treat in store for those who wandered down to group during the evening. The
strange thing abut these open-for-all occasions is that no one seems to know about them
until the following day.

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 807; Squadron Mission 509: Lt. Kendall
led seven 445th ships in 18 plane special equipment attack on Palmonova/Medeuzza
Ammunition Dump. RESULTS: Mission abortive due to failure to pick up signals. No
visual bombing was possible.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 808; Squadron Mission 510: Five
squadron ships in 24 plane attack upon Muhlberg Rail bridge. 1000 pound bombs
dropped from 11500/12000 ft. No flak encountered. RESULTS: Well concentrated
pattern started short of bridge, extended across south end and approach.

446th BS War Diary: 21 fortunate enlisted men are given promotions as a 12-plane
mission is flown. New Technical Sgts are: Karuzas, Lamm, Kelly, Utz and Ross; Staffs
include: Anderson, Benedict, Carl, Falls, Freck, Jakielek, McEuen, Beck, Martin,
Broderick, Englehaupt, Fitzgerald, Holdridge and Moncure.

Anderson, Chester S., S/Sgt, gunner Beck, Junior D., S/Sgt, gunner

Benedict, William P., S/Sgt, gunner Broderick, Emmett P., S/Sgt, gunner

Thursday, 22 March 1945 (continued)

Carl, Edgar W., S/Sgt, gunner Englehaupt, Russell L., S/Sgt, gunner

Falls, Robert H., S/Sgt, gunner Fitzgerald, George L., S/Sgt, gunner

Freck, Byron P., S/Sgt, gunner Holdridge, John F., S/Sgt, gunner

Jakielek, Ernest F., S/Sgt, gunner Karuzas, Alexander W., T/Sgt, gunner

Kelly, Thomas J., T/Sgt, gunner Lamm, Earl D., T/Sgt, gunner

Martin, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner McEuen, Richard W., S/Sgt, gunner

Moncure, James D., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Ross, Harry K., T/Sgt, gunner

Utz, James W., T/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 552

TARGET: Palmonova/Medeuzza Ammo Dump, Italy DATE: 22 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb. G.P. (Shoran) 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Kendall led the formation. Mission abortive due to failure to pick up signals; weather
prevented visual bombing. No flak, no fighters.

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 553

TARGET: Muhlberg Rail Bridge, Austria DATE: 22 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Ingram led the formation. Flash photos show that well concentrated bomb patterns
started short of bridge and extended across S end and approach. No flak, no fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Ingram, William T., Capt

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 6 planes participated in a raid on the Muhlberg rail bridge
– The results were very good. Another 6 planes mission with special equipment flew into
Italy, but because of technical difficulties with the special equipment, they had to turn
back without dropping their bombs.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Grady, Lieutenants Gladwell and Martin, and Sergeant
Trigler left for the U.S. today after completing their tour of duty. Lieutenant Blake was
relieved from assignment with the Squadron and assigned to the AAF Redistribution
Center at Miami, Florida, where he is now. Captain Lichtward and Lieutenants Gardner
and Zakopacan returned today from the Cannes rest camp, and Captain Lyons left as the

Thursday, 22 March 1945 (continued)

Squadron’s quota for the Cannes rest camp this time. Sergeant Pitts left on TD with the
176th Signal Surface Warning Platoon this morning.

Blake, Thomas L., 1Lt, bombardier Gardner, Philip K., 1Lt, bombardier

Gladwell, James G., 1Lt, pilot Grady, John R., Capt, pilot

Lichtward, Frederick W., Capt, intelligence Lyons, John B., Capt, pilot

Martin, James M., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Pitts, Donald W., Sgt, communication

Trigler, Louis E., S/Sgt, gunner Zakopacan, John S., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Sturgis led the 448th’s six planes in today’s
mission that went after the rail bridge at Muhlberg, Austria. It was a long haul for the B-
25s but a milk run. Although some cloudy weather was encountered enroute to the
target, the formation found CAVU weather awaiting them at Muhlberg. Large columns
of bomb smoke made observation of results difficult, but the target area was well covered
with an excellent pattern of bombs. The 448th’s planes, the last element, scored hits on
both the south end and approach. All the planes were down safely at 1540.

A/C No. unknown

Sturgis, Cloral S., 2Lt

Friday, 23 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s attack
loading points and crossings along the Po River during the night of 22/23 Mar; P-47s
concentrate on communications and general movement in the lower Brenner area during
the day; the fighter-bombers also blast several dumps in the C Po Valley; B-25s hit
bridges, railroad fills, and bridge approaches in the Brenner area at Matrei am Brenner,
Austria and Pordenone, Salorno, San Michele all' Adige, Vo Sinistro, Longarone, and
Perca, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Ships were on the bomb range and flying transition. General
Eaker visited the squadron area today accompanied by Gen. Cannon and other high
ranking officials. Cpl. Christopher (Doc) Beccarelli, eminent biological research
authority and self-appointed goodwill ambassador to Italian villages, left for a visit to
Catania. The Cpl. Was well supplied with soap, C-rations, and pro-kits.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Doc", Cpl, engineering

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

Eaker, Ira C., Gen, CINC Mediterranean Allied Air Forces

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 809; Squadron Mission 511: Lt. Webb led
nine 445th ships in 18 plane attack upon Matrei South rail bridge. 1000 pound bombs
dropped from 12/12500 ft. No flak observed. RESULTS: Good concentration. Bridge
believed hit.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 810; Squadron Mission 512: Lt Kendall
led 18 ships, six from 445th, in attack upon Longarone Rail bridge. No flak observed.
1000 pound bombs dropped. RESULTS: Bridge covered with bomb pattern. Second
and third flights made second runs, but photos confirm pattern established.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt

Friday, 23 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Northrup of Armament heads for the good old states.
Combat personnel heading for the U.S.A. are Lt. Perlman and Sgts. Haxby and Murch.

Northrup, Frederick W., Capt, armament

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 554

TARGET: Longarone Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 23 Mar 1945

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

Lt. Kendall led the formation. First flight dropped on first run hitting S approach.
Second and third flights made second run covering the bridge with a good concentration.
No flak, no fighters.

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: The following officers were promoted to the grade of 1st Lt. as of
Par. 1 Special Order No. 74 Hq. 12th AF date of rank 21 March 1945: 2nd Lt. Albert W.
Fach, 2nd Lt. William V. Gough, 2nd Lt. Donald P. Twieg, 2nd Lt. Herbert E. Barrett, 2nd
Lt. Donald W. Gies.

Barrett, Herbert E., 1Lt, pilot Fach, Albert W., 1Lt, bombardier

Gies, Donald W., 1Lt, pilot Gough, William V., 1Lt, bombardier

Twieg, Donald P., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: 6 planes and crews participated in a raid on the Longarone
Rail Bridge with excellent results. Their bombing accuracy was 100 %. All planes
returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Second Lieutenant Sculley was promoted to First Lieutenant
today.

Sculley, Thomas S., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Leonard led the Group mission back to Austria
again today, this time to attack the rail bridge at Matrei, just south of Muhlberg, on the
Brenner Pass line. The 448th had nine planes in the lead flight on this mission. The
weather was CAVU once again over Matrei. The target area was well covered with
several direct hits observed. No enemy opposition was encountered and the formation
returned safely at 1545.

A/C No. unknown

Leonard, Lee V., Capt

Saturday, 24 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 23/24 Mar, A-20s and A-26s pound marshalling yards, river crossings and other
bridges, and a variety of other targets in the Po Valley and NE Italy where fighters and
fighter-bombers during the day destroy or damage numerous rail lines and train cars; B-
25s bomb bridges or bridge approaches at Piacenza, Chiari, Perea, Casarsa della Delizia
and Palazzolo sull'Oglio, Italy and Muhlberg and Steinach, Austria. The 85th Fighter
Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, moves from Fanto to Cesenatico, Italy with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: A group left for Rome, Capri, and Ile Rousse rest camps. Only
officers are permitted to visit the latter place. Luxury rations distributed today. Lt.
DeBoer returned to the squadron today following his harrowing escape through German
lines. He was forced to bail out in northern Italy. All crew members are reported safe
even though some are prisoners; some are reported to be in the hands of the Partisans. It
rained today for the first time in several weeks.

DeBoer, Jay, Jr., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 812; Squadron Mission 513: Capt. Collins
led 17 ships, nine from 445th, in attack on the alternate target, Chiari Rail bridge. No flak
was observed. 1000 pound bombs dropped from 12/13500 feet. RESULTS: Some direct
hits were reported.

A/C No. unknown

Collins, Daniel P., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 813; Squadron Mission 514: Capt. Farrell
led 21 ships, three anti-flak from 445th, in attack upon the alternate target, Palazzolo rail
bridge. One anti-flak ship holed. Flak heavy, scant, fairly accurate. RESULTS:
Bombed alternate due to cloud cover at primary. Excellent concentration observed.
Bridge and gun positions both believe to be well hit.

A/C No. unknown

Farrell, Robert A., Capt

Saturday, 24 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Routine squadron duties as the squadron prepares to move to Italy
once again. Shipping boxes come out of hiding and we begin wondering how we’ll get
all our belongings in the luggage allowed.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 555

TARGET: Muhlberg Rail Bridge, Austria DATE: 24 Mar 1945

Canneto Rail Bridge, Italy (Alt)

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

Capt. Morton led the formation. First flight after two unsuccessful runs on primary
attacked alternate, first box of six releasing on second run, third element on first run. All
bombs short. Second flight bombed primary, first box of six on second run, third element
on first run. Patterns crossed the bridge. No flak, no fighters.

Morton, William C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 556 (Alt)

TARGET: Ora Main Rail Bridge, Chiari Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 24 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 1

Capt. Collins led the formation. Alternate was attacked because of weather at primary.
First flight hit short of SE approach. Second flight made a second run and put patterns
across the E end of bridge. Direct hits on bridge were reported. No flak, no fighters.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 557

TARGET: Ora Rail Diversion Bridge, Italy DATE: 24 Mar 1945

Palazzolo Rail Bridge, Italy (Alt)

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

Capt. Farrell (anti-flak) and Major Farwell were the leaders. Alternate bombed due to
cloud cover at primary. Excellent concentration in target area. Flak was heavy, scant,
fairly accurate on anti-flak a/c, none at main formation. One plane holed, no fighters.

Farrell, Robert A., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

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

447th BS War Diary: Captain John R. Piasta was relieved from duty and reassigned to
temporary duty with the AAFTAC, Orlando, Florida, USA, per Par. 1 Ltr Hq 12th AF.

Piasta, John R., Capt, communications

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes flew a mission to the Canneto Rail Bridge with
good results as far as accuracy was concerned, but it is believed the bridge was not hit. 3
more planes participated in a raid on Palazzolo Rail Bridge with excellent results. All
planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Bard left today to return to the U.S. after completing his
missions with the Squadron. His orders were rushed through in an effort to get him back

Saturday, 24 March 1945 (continued)

in time to see his mother who is very ill. Technical Sergeant Witherell was assigned to
the Squadron today as a ground man.

Bard, John A., Capt, pilot Witherell, T/Sgt,

448th BS Mission Summary: The target for today’s first mission was the main rail
bridge at Ora. Lieutenant Lee led the 448th’s seven planes on this mission which were the
second flight. However, heavy overcast at Ora prevented the formation from bombing
there and they turned to attack the rail bridge at Chiari. It was another 100% bombing
accuracy mission for the 448th as the concentration of bombs fell across the east end and
approach. Several direct hits were scored. No enemy opposition was encountered and all
the planes returned safely at 1545.

A/C No. unknown

Lee, Howard M., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: Major Farwell led the 448th’s second mission today,
leading six planes in the first flight, to attack the rail diversion bridge at Ora. But the
heavy overcast at Ora turned the formation away also, and they attacked the Palazzolo
rail bridge. Once again another 100% bombing accuracy mission was scored for the
Squadron. The bridge was well covered with bomb burst and numerous direct hits were
believed seen. The main formation encountered no opposition here also, and all planes
returned safely at 1550.

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj

Sunday, 25 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 24/25 Mar, A-20s and A-26s continue intruder missions, attacking Po River crossings
and railroad and motor transport targets; P-47s, during the day, raid railroad bridges and
lines, hitting targets at Lavis, Casarsa della Delizia, San Michele all'Adige, Pavia, Santa
Margherita d'Adige, and other points in the Po Valley and NE Italy, and bomb fuel
dumps N of the battle area; 6 medium bomber missions against bridges and fills in Italy
and Austria are ineffective because of bad weather.

445th BS War Diary: Escape and Evasion lecture given to new crews. Ship returned
from Catania today. Capt. Kelly, Cpl. Pinson, and Pvt. Cousens left today to begin duties
at Falconera Airfield. Rigid training schedule in progress. Talk of the move
monopolizes greater part of the day. E.M. softball team blanked Headquarters, 6-0.
Lavine chalked up his second victory while he remains undefeated. New Russian drive
assuming gigantic proportions. It is still raining spasmodically today.

Kelly, John E., Capt, Communication Officer Pinson, John B., Cpl, carpenter

Cousens, Charles H., Pvt, armament Lavine, Leonard, Sgt, intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 814; Squadron Mission 515: Lt. Kendall
led 21 ships, nine from 445th, in special equipment attack upon Volargne Rail fill. 1000
pound and 100 pound white phosphorus bombs dropped from an altitude of 12,700 ft.
Four planes made a second target run. RESULTS: Very poor since only one flight
dropped on first run. Visual bombing proved unsuccessful.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt

446th BS War Diary: A 12-plane mission is flown as more belated mail arrives for the
squadron.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 558

TARGET: Volargne Rail Fill, Italy DATE: 25 Mar 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (Shoran) 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Fleming led the formation. First flight unable to synchronize on signals did not bomb.
Second flight trying visual pass also did not drop. Third flight dropped with special
equipment on first run, bombs over and slightly left. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate.
No fighters.

Fleming, George B., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

Sunday, 25 March 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 559

TARGET: Muhlberg Rail Bridge, Austria DATE: 25 Mar 1945

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

Capt. Kimble led the formation. Second flight bombed on first run, pattern falling across
N end of bridge. First flight bombed on second run hitting both approaches. No flak, no
fighters.

A/C No. unknown

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt

447th BS War Diary: Major Marshall C. Strenger was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col,
dated 24 March 1945. The following men were promoted to the grade of PFC. Per Sq. O.
11 447th Bomb Sq: Pvt. William A. Caston, Sr., Pvt. Louis S. Ciranny, Pvt. Arthur H.
Hayes, Pvt. John J. Randall, Pvt. James E. Sommers. Second Lieutenant John L. Dickson
Jr returned to the squadron after being MIA since the 6th of Feb. He was promoted to the
rank of 1st Lt.

Caston, William A., Sr., PFC, communications Ciranny, Louis S., PFC, engineering

Dickson, John L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Hayes, Arthur H., PFC, engineering

Randall, John J., PFC, communications Sommers, James E., PFC, engineering

Strenger, Marshall C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes participated in a raid on the Muhlberg Rail
Bridge, Austria, with excellent results. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Lichtward, the Squadron Intelligence Officer left this
morning, amid handshakes and bon farewells from his many friends in the Squadron, for
the U.S. on permanent rotation. Sergeant Walker was assigned to the Squadron this
morning as a ground man.

Lichtward, Frederick W., Capt, intelligence

448th BS Mission Summary: On the first mission this morning the 448th had six planes,
the second element of the first flight which attacked the Muhlberg rail bridge in Austria
once again. Although some cloud cover was encountered over the Po Valley, it was
CAVU at Muhlberg. The bridge appeared to be well covered with bomb strikes. Both
approaches were hit as well as the north end. No flak was encountered and all the planes
returned safely at 1405.

Sunday, 25 March 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: The other mission was another Shoran mission.
Lieutenant Fleming led the 448th’s six planes and the Group to attack the rail fill at
Volargne. However, due to mechanical failure, the Squadron was unable to drop and
returned all the bombs. All planes returned safely with encountering any enemy
opposition.

A/C No. unknown

Fleming, George B., 1Lt

Monday, 26 March 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
the medium bombers and hampers operations in general; during the night of 26/27 Mar, 3
A-20s hit bridges at Cittadella and Verona; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced
scale, hit communications targets in the W Po Valley, cutting a road bridge and several
railroads, and attacking several targets of opportunity.

445th BS War Diary: Still raining, preventing mission or training of any sort. A few
promotions came through for some enlisted combat crew members. Bob Long, popular
armorer, gave a big party in celebration of his birthday. A gay motif’ prevailed. Beer,
cognac, cherry brandy, champagne, and vino flowed freely. Rest rooms were provided
for the weary. A fine party.

Long, Robert H. "Bob", Sgt, armament

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

446th BS War Diary: Usual duties are performed and more preparations are made for
the move.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Albert V. Hanley was promoted to the grade of First
Sergeant per p