12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: April 1944

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

A/C: Aircraft sk: sick

A/D: Aerodrome abs: absent

Assg: Assigned XC: Cross Country

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

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

Demo: Demolition SC: Flight

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

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

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

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

Ltr: Letter POE: Point of Embarkation

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

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

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

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

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

RR: Railroad C.P.: Command Post

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

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

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

GO: General Order

Sq: Squadron R/B: Road Bridge

Sqdn: Squadron RR/B: Railroad Bridge

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

Trfd: Transferred T.O.: Technical Order

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

D.S.: Detached Service RON: Remain OverNight

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator PX: Post Exchange

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

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA

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

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

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

Saturday, 1 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack
Leghorn harbor, bridges at Orvieto, and railway track S of Poggibonsi; B-26s hit Arno

River railroad bridges at Signa, Riva-Trigoso, and Valdarno, while A-20s hit ammunition
dumps; P-40s hit targets in the vicinity of Gaeta, Formia tunnel, several fuel dumps,
bridges, and guns in the battle areas; P-47s bomb Poggibonsi bridge and strafe a train;
and fighters patrol the Anzio battle area without incident. During Apr, XII Bomber
Command moves from Trocchia, Italy to Corsica; 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop
Carrier Group, and 16th, 17th, 18th and 35th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop Carrier
Group begin operating from bases in India until Jun 44 with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: It was a great surprise to find that although the squadron has a
goodly supply of jokesters not a single April Fool’s joke was pulled. The old Italian
woman who walks eight miles to and from Agroppoli with a huge basket of laundry on
her head came to the officer’s area this morning for a new basket of work. There are a
number of Italians who perform this amazing feat. A railroad bridge south east of
Orvieto was knocked out on today’s mission. We had fresh beef for supper. Sgt
McNevin ate two portions. McNevin, John L., Jr., Sgt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Sgt Allen Turner finishes his fiftieth combat mission.

Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt, bombardier/gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 207

TARGET: S. Orvieto Bridge, Italy. DATE: 1 Apr 1944

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

Major Hunter led the formation. Bombs fairly well concentrated in target area with both
approaches to bridge hit, and possibility of bridge itself being hit. Flak was heavy,
moderate to intense, accurate. Fourteen planes hit. Shortly after leaving target 8/10 ME-
109s came in but were chased by escort. Lt Vivas was a spare and returned early. Lt.
Hurley made landing on one engine, due to a flak hit.

Hunter, William C., Maj, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot

Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 5 of our ships, led by Lt. Banks, took part in a raid on Orvieto
North Bridge. Lt. Button turned back 2 minutes from IP due to an engine failure. Capt.
Cloward’s ship went down on its tail before take-off and didn’t take the air. All the
planes were shot up by flak, some requiring extensive patching. Bombs seemed fairly
well in target area, with both approaches reported hit. 8/10 E/A sighted and made one or
two passes but were chased away by escort. S/Sgt. F.X. Burke returned from hospital
which he entered March 26th. Morning Report: Officers---70; EM----259.

Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt, pilot Burke, Francis X., S/Sgt, supply
Button, Ervine J., 2Lt, pilot Cloward, Glannin A., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 1 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 202 (247). At 13:10 24 planes off to bomb S. Orvieto
bridge A561485 and dropped 77 x 1000 bombs at 15:20 from 1000 feet. One returned
early and 23 returned at 16:05 escort of P-47’s, 14 planes holed. About 5 minutes after
leaving target 8-10 ME-109’s came in at second flight but were chased by escort, two
making only one pass at wing ships. One silver colored plane seen going down in flames
just N of Viterbo. Bombs seen fairly well concentrated in target area with both
approaches to bridge hit and possibility of bridge being hit. Some strings in field
between RR and river SW of bridge with some short NE of bridge. Three trains headed
N between Orte and target, 15-20 cars at locomotive shed at Cittaducale. 80-100 cars on
RR between Narni and Orte. Flak, heavy, moderate to intense and accurate. Weather:
2/10th cover and hazy at target.

Sunday, 2 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack railroad bridges at Arezzo, Fano, Ficulle, Magra, N of Orvieto, and S of
Poggibonsi, scoring some direct hits, hits on approaches, and several near misses; fighter-
bombers hit trucks and the railroad station at Fara in Sabina and E and N of Anzio, attack
the Formia tunnel, fly armed reconnaissance over the Atina and Arce areas, bomb a
factory and buildings N of Cassino, the town of Pignataro Interamna and numerous
bridges, dumps, gun positions and targets of opportunity in or around the battle areas. 99th
Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, attached to 324th Fighter Group, moves
from Capodichino to Cercola, Italy with P-40s.

445th BS War Diary: This was Palm Sunday. The enlisted men played the officers a
game of softball: Score – officers 11, Enlisted men 0. Later in the evening the enlisted
men in the engineering section played the other enlisted men. The engineers lost 18-0.
The umpire was Christopher Beccarelli. A short corporal with a long nose and a
Brooklyn accent. His wise cracks and antics during the game amused the spectators at
least as much as the games themselves. Mosquito bars were issued today. Captain
Smith, the medical officer, says the mosquitoes are due any hour.

Beccarelli, Christopher, engineering Smith, William C. “Doc”, Capt, surgeon

446th BS War Diary: Usual duties in the squadron. Lt. Bsharah gets to that big “50”.

Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 208

TARGET: RR Bridge, Ficulle, Italy. DATE: 2 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Olsen, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. Three runs made before bombs were
dropped. Report target as being well camouflaged. Most hits reported on W approach
and over to SW, with others on E approach and possible hit on bridge itself. Flak was
heavy, moderate and accurate. Five planes holed.

Olsen, Robert C., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships, led by Capt. Olson took part in a raid on RR bridge
near Ficulle. Three runs were made before bombs were dropped. The target was well
camouflaged and exceedingly difficult to pick-up. Most reports of bombs on W approach
and over to SW with others on E approach and possible hit on bridge. Some bombs short
and to E and tracks believed to be cut W of bridge. Today’s training consisted of practice
bombing. T/Sgt. Prince gave a lecture and demonstration on the use of the K-17 and K-
20 camera to nine of our radio operators, which was held at the Group Photo Lab.

Olsen, Robert C., Capt, pilot Prince, John T. T/Sgt, photographer, 445th BS

448th BS War Diary: Mission 203 (248). At 08:40 24 planes off to bomb RR bridge
near Ficulle and dropped 26 x 1000 at 10:56 from 11,000 feet. All returned at 12:10.
Escort P-47’s, 5 planes holed. Three runs were made on the target before bombs were

Sunday, 2 April 1944 (continued)

dropped, target is reported to be well camouflaged and exceedingly difficult to pick up.
Also due to terrain and tunnels RR line is little use as a land mark. Most hits reported on

W approach and over to SW with other at E approach and possible hit on the bridge.
Some bombs dropped short of the target. Tracks believed cut to W of bridge. Tracks
between Orte and Orvieto filled with rolling stock. Five trains with 40 cars each reported
near Spoleto and also just E of Rieti. Weather: CAVU, slight haze. F/L: Lt. Stewart.

Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt, pilot or Stewart, John C., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 3 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack railway bridges at Orvieto, cutting approaches to a bridge to the N of town; other
medium bomber attacks on bridges abort because of weather but light bombers
successfully bomb an ammunition dump; A-36s attack the railway at Attigliano and
bomb an underpass in the area, while P-40s hit Sesti Bagni railroad station, a supply
dump SE of Frosinone, the town of Itri, a bivouac area NW of Velletri and several trucks;
and P-47s successfully bomb Pignataro Interamna and nearby road junction.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron was put on training today for an indefinite period of
time. The new commanding officer Col. Smith has expressed his dissatisfaction with the
bombing by the group and is taking steps to try to improve the situation. New gas masks
were distributed today along with mosquito head nets. Some of the boys think the
mosquitoes will come first. Another ball game was played today between the engineers
and the other enlisted men. This time the engineers won 8-4.

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

446th BS War Diary: No mission today. Usual duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but was cancelled due to weather
condition. Plane # 583, with Capt. Fraser as pilot, Lt. Speer as co-pilot and crew returned
from an eight day trip to Cairo. Today’s training consisted of practice bombing and local
transition. A meeting was held at the Group Photo Lab where 10 of our Radio operators
received instructions on the K-17 and K-20 cameras.

Fraser, Harry A., Jr., Capt, pilot

Speer, Leslie T., Lt, pilot or Speer, Marvin L., Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Tuesday, 4 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bomber
missions are aborted due to weather but light bombers manage to bomb an ammunition
dump and fighter-bombers bomb Terracina and Formia, attack a bridge and several
vehicles during armed reconnaissance of the Rome-Orte area, bomb Itri and Fondi, hit
numerous gun positions, a railway station, a bivouac area, and a vehicle concentration,
and attack targets of opportunity between Atina and Cassino.

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

321st BG: Mission NO: 249 Date: 4 Apr 44 NO A/C: 25

Squadrons: 445-6 447-6

446-7 448-6

Target: Perugia A/D

Time OFF: 0925 T.O.T.: 1155 Time Down: 1245

Axis of Attack: 225° Height: 11/11500 ft.

Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None

Bombs Dropped: 10 A/C DROPPED: 66x500 pounders

Escort: 12 Spits close----12 P-47s high.

Route: N-6740, N-2769, H-0853, G-6292, B2115, B-2155, X-2186, R-9813 circled 360°

then S. over Orte and return via G-6292

Weather: Enroute and Return: 3/10 low clouds, 8/10 altocumulus bases, at 9000 tops

11,000 ft. Vis---unlimited.

Target: At primary—10/10 overcast tops at 11,000

Flak: None

Enemy Air: None

Claims: None

Results: Due to cloud cover couldn’t see primary and not positive of identification of

secondary target. Two reports of bombing railroad S. of Orte at 42° 22’ N, 12°

27’ E and of hitting oil dump near railroad with resulting large fire. This fire also

reported just E. of Orte M/Yds.

Observation: None

Flight Commander: Major Bell.

Flight Leaders: Lt. Sowder, Major Register, (Capt. Wilson.)

Number of Sorties: 25 Photos Taken:

Signed: Malcolm D. Haven, Major, Air Corps, Gp. S-2 Officer.

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

Tuesday, 4 April 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Harry Craig left the Squadron today after having been with the
unit since it was activated in August 1942. The officers club was the scene of
considerable festivity tonight. One of the officers returned with a few cases of
Champagne and “Doc” Smith supplied the musical stimulation with his accordion. At
0200 in the morning the harmonizing had degenerated into discords that the officers
living nearby discovered were not conducive to sleep. The officers club has now been
dressed up considerably. What with the large fireplace, the bar, two dining booths, and
the display of feminine pulchritude on the walls one would hardly suspect that a few
weeks ago that there was nothing here but an Italian field. Another ball game today.

Craig, Harry W., Lt, armament Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon

A/C No. 42-64527

A/C No. 42-64575

Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt

Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt

Gunder, William H., 2Lt

None

Fischer, Sigmond M., 2Lt

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

Miller, Edward A., 1Lt

Soltysiak, Stanley J., Pvt

Donagan, J B., S/Sgt

O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt

Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt

Eiff, William C., S/Sgt

Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt

None

A/C No. 42-32333

A/C No. 42-64529

Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt

McLain, Damon I., 1Lt

Lyons, Lawrence L., 2Lt

Schweda, George J., 2Lt

None

Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt

O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt

Weaver, Gerald R., Pvt

Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt

Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt

Plott, John M., S/Sgt

Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt

McGinley, Joseph B, Sgt

Abrams, Samuel, Pvt

None

A/C No. 42-32434

A/C No. 42-64667

Wilson, Victor H., Capt

Charville, Leighton, D. “Danny”, 2Lt

Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt

Casaburi, Robert R., 2Lt

None

Schutte, W G., 1Lt

Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt

Dillon, J A., S/Sgt

Kitts, Gordon L., Sgt

Dipietrantonio, J N., T/Sgt

Smith, Francis L, S/Sgt

Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt

Kramer, Henry P., Sgt

None

Tuesday, 4 April 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13179 (SPARE)

Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt

Hammar, Robert L., 2Lt

None

Brule, Gordon J., 2Lt

Hickey, William R., Sgt

Wilson, John P., T/Sgt

Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt

None

446th BS War Diary: Big mail call today and a mission.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 209

TARGET: Perugia A/D, Italy. DATE: 4 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 7

Lt. Sowder, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. Due to cloud cover, primary target could not
be seen. Identification of secondary target not positive. Two reports of bombing RR
south of Orte, hitting oil dump near RR. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Jordan was a spare and
filled in to complete the mission.

Sowder, Tony K., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 41-30293

A/C No. 42-64549

Walsh, George F., 2Lt

Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt

Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt

Gibbons, George H., 2Lt

None

Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt

Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt

Zelnick, John J., Sgt

Kane, Ronald J., Sgt

Orechia, James R., T/Sgt

Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., S/Sgt

Thornton, Edward P., Sgt

Burrow, Isom F., Cpl

None

A/C No. 42064511

A/C No. 42-32446

Cooper, Paul T., Capt

Dickson, Gale M., 1Lt

Holt, Robert L, 2Lt

Mayfield, Estel A., 2Lt

Dunn, Thomas B., 2Lt

McCabe, Peter T., 1Lt

Mottley, John F., 2Lt

McCabe, Peter T., 1Lt

Shellhamer, Lawrence, Cpl

Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt

Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt

Cohen, George, T/Sgt

Foley, Joseph M., Sgt

Samsel, John C., S/Sgt

None

Tuesday, 4 April 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64509

A/C No. 41-13123

Walker, Dale F., 1Lt

Othick, Ronald R., 2Lt

Hipson, Robert G., 2Lt

Sampson, Allan T., 1Lt

None

Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt

Hughes, John J., 2Lt

Hanley, James, Jr., S/Sgt

McArdle, John R., PFC

Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt

Harrison, Hoyt V., S/Sgt

Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt

Murch, George M., Jr., Pvt

None

A/C No. 41-30387

Matzinger, Keith R., 1Lt

Ritger, Frederick C., 2Lt

None

Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 1Lt

Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt

Crozer, Robert L., S/Sgt

Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., S/Sgt

None

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 210

TARGET: Nickeling Mission, Velletri (Front post) DATE: 4 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: None (Pamphlets) 446th Planes: 1

Col. Smith was the flight commander. Pamphlets successfully dropped. No flak no
fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships, led by Lt. Banks, took part in a raid on Perugia
A/D. Due to cloud cover bombs were not dropped and returned to base without incident.
Lt Tomkins and crew in shop #583 carried out a nickeling mission on Vellutri. The
mission was reported successful. Six ships and crews made a practice low level bombing
flight which was led by Major Sampson. Each of the three elements made four practice
runs with the D-8 sight. Capt. Henry W. Stephenson is ordered to DS with 57th Wing.
The following enlisted men have been reduced to the grade of private without prejudice:
S/Sgt. William R. Milan, S/Sgt. Verlin L. Wadlow, S/Sgt. James B. Shields, S/Sgt. Max
A. Wilson, Sgt. Gerard G. O’Neil, and Sgt. Julius Sabo. The following enlisted men have
been promoted to the rank of corporal; PFC William H. Pierce and Pvt. Charles M.
Richards.

Banks, Herbert L., 2Lt, pilot Milan, William R., Pvt, engineering

O’Neil, Gerard G., Pvt, armament Pierce, William H, Cpl, radio-gunner

Richards, Charles M., Cpl, radio-gunner Sabo, Julius, Pvt, gunner

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot Shields, James B., Pvt, radio-gunner

Stephenson, Henry W., Capt, pilot Tomkins, Howard D., 2Lt, pilot

Wadlow, Verlin L., Pvt, communication Wilson, Max A., Pvt, communications

Tuesday, 4 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 204 (249). At 09:24 25 planes off to bomb Perugia A/D
and dropped 66 x 500 bombs by 10 planes at 11:55 from 11,000 feet. All returned at
12:45. Escort, Spits and P-47’s. No planes holed. Due to cloud cover primary target
was not observed and no positive identification of secondary target. Two reports of
bombing RR S of Orte and of hitting oil dump near RR with resulting fire. Weather:
10/10th cover. F/L: Bell and Sowder.

Bell, Robert C., 2Lt, Bombardier Sowder, Tony K., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 5 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather
precludes all light and medium bomber action; P-40s hit the Colleferro railway station,
several fuel dumps, and gun positions in the US Fifth Army battle areas; A-36s bomb
Formia, and railway stations NW of Rome and in the Frosinone area.

445th BS War Diary: No missions were flown again today, squadron was still on
training. Lt Vallery buzzed the area about 1300 O’clock, there were no serious
repercussions, except Sgt. McNevin was awakened. (McNevin was on duty the night
before!) Just as the S-2 department was about to get the news the energizer went out.
This has happened on numerous occasions before. The enlisted men had a good time this
evening with the help of some Italian Cognac.

McNevin, John L., Sgt, intelligence Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: The mission for today was cancelled. Lts. Othick and Vivas get
their silver bar.

Othick, Ronald R., 1Lt, pilot Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled but cancelled due to weather condition.
Today’s training consisted of practice bombing. 1st Lt. John J. Thomas has been assigned
to this squadron from the 445th squadron. The following officers and enlisted men have
been assigned to the squadron per orders from 57th Wing: 2nd Lt. William E. Kibler, (p),
2nd Lt. Ralph T. Grimes (cp), 2nd Lt. Marvin L. Spruill (b), Sgt. Roy C. Dawson (EG)
S/Sgt, Paul L. Free (RG), and Sgt. Vincent A. Mango (AG).

Dawson, Roy C., Sgt, engineer-gunner Free, Paul L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Grimes, Ralph T., 2Lt, pilot Kibler, William E., 2Lt, pilot

Mango, Vincent A., Sgt, aerial gunner Spruill, Marvin L., 2Lt, bombardier

Thomas, John J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 205 (252). At 12:00 24 planes off to bomb RR bridge N
of Orte and dropped 191 x 500 bombs at 13:58 from 10,500 feet. All returned at 15:10,
escort 12 Spits, no planes holed. Good concentration of hits reported on both end and
center of bridge with few over. Reports of direct hits on center and SE end with two
reports of destruction of bridge. Many cars observed on RR in the area. Weather: CAVU.

Thursday, 6 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit
Perugia Airfield while B-26s bomb a bridge and its approaches NW of Orvieto; weather
prevents other medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers attack the railroad stations at
Capronica and Maccarese, guns SE of Littoria, a road bridge E of Pescasseroli, railroad
bridges in the Arezzo area, other rail facilities in C Italy, and small transport vessels in
the Aegean Sea. 10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, moves from
Pomigliano to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Mission was sent out today to bomb Perugia airdrome, but
returned without bombing because of cloud cover. The enlisted men and officers played
another ball game with a tie score of 8-8. Pvt Phaup had a busy day today clearing
Italians out of the squadron area. He was designated as sort of a military police for this
purpose. Undoubtedly most of the Italians coming to the camp have no bad intentions for
they are looking for food, laundry, or some kind of work. The camp is an economic
boom to the poor natives living in the vicinity. Many of the men in the squadron tried to
pick up a few words of Italian, so that they can exchange a few ideas with the local
Italians.

Phaup, Ferrell, G., Pvt, transportation

446th BS War Diary: A successful mission today and a mail call give morale a boost.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission Report.

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge N of Orte.
Due to weather condition our shops failed to reach the target, therefore the crews
participating in this raid were not credited with a mission. Two officers and eight
enlisted men have left for rest camp at Capri. Today’s training consisted of practice
bombing and slow time on plane 557.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Friday, 7 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers attack bridges, tracks and a viaduct at Attigliano, Ficulle, Certaldo, Pontassieve
and Incisa in Valdarno, and hit Prato marshalling yard; light bombers hit an ammunition
dump; Ausonia, Pignataro Interamna, San Apollinare and Terracina are bombed by P-40s
along with a dump and several gun positions SE of Rome; P-47s also hit bridges and
trucks in this same area and attack the Empoli marshalling yard while A-36s hit gun
emplacements, train and tracks in the Orvieto area and vicinity and approaches to the
Montalto di Castro bridge.

445th BS War Diary: The group had a very successful mission today, placing a heavy
concentration of bombs on the railroad bridge south of Attigliano. The officers played an
exciting game of volleyball. The volleyball court is a source of a lot of fun. Games are
frequently being played. Since Col. Smith assumed command of the group there has
been some activity around the squadron which the men feel might be an anticipation of
an inspection by the Col. For example more orders than usual are being given to pick up
cigarette butts, and police the area. More slit trenches have been dug, and some of them
have been dug deeper. Today some of the men constructed a urinal consisting of a tin
can on the end of a pipe driven into the ground. However it seems a little too highed tone
for some of the men and prefer the old fashioned method of using the ground.

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

446th BS War Diary: Another mission is flown today. 1st Sergeant Mabe returned from
the hospital.

Mabe, John I., T/Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 211

TARGET: RR Bridge N of Orte, Italy. DATE: 7 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 7

Capt. Neuman, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Good concentration of hits reported,
scoring on both ends and center of bridge. No flak, no fighters.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 212

TARGET: Nickeling Mission, Ceprano & Frasencco, Italy DATE: 7 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: None (16 Pkgs. Leaflets) 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Davies led the formation. Leaflets successfully dropped.

Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge north of Orte,
with Lt. Wiginton leading the flight. Good concentration of hits reported on both ends
and center of bridge. Reports of direct hit on center and SE end with 2 reports that bridge
was destroyed. The same crews that participated in this mission were scheduled on The
6th of April. Due to weather condition no bombs were dropped at the time. Lt. Davies
and crew in ship #538 carried out a successful nickeling mission on Ceprano and

Friday, 7 April 1944 (continued)

Frosinono. Today’s training consisted of practice bombing and local transition. 58
gunners attended a meeting under the direction of M/Sgt. Perry regarding care and
checking of guns. The following officers and enlisted men have been assigned to this
squadron per special orders of 57th Wing dated April 6th: 2nd Lt. Edward Krafka (p), 2nd
Lt. John R. Gillis (cp), Sgt. Everett H. Clyne (ag), S/Sgt. Joseph P. Alpino (rg), Sgt. John
Joskowski (g), and T/Sgt. John P. Gaydos (ag). The following officers and enlisted men
have been assigned to our squadron per orders of 57th Wing dated April 7th: 2nd Lt.
Anthony L. Muzinch (p), 2nd Lt. Henry J. Magne (cp), 2nd Lt. Hyman Heedelman (b),
S/Sgt. Robert P. Qintenz (eg), S/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart (rg), and Sgt. Dale C. Miller (g).
Sgt. Harry Wanner has been reassigned to this squadron from the 22nd Replacement
Center. Pfc Lewis E. Weiher was discharged from the hospital and returned to the
squadron.

Alpino, Joseph P., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Clyne, Everett H., Sgt, armament-gunner

Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt, armament-gunner

Gillis, John R., 2Lt, pilot Heedelman, Hyman, 2Lt, bombardier

Joskowski, John, Sgt, gunner Krafka, Edward, 2Lt, pilot

Magne, Henry J., 2Lt, pilot Miller, Dale C., Sgt, gunner

Muzinch, Anthony L., 2Lt, pilot Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament

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

Weiher, Lewis E., PFC, transportation Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot,

448th BS War Diary: Mission 206 (253). At 13:30 3 planes off on nickeling mission
over Chieti and Manopetto and dropped 24 bombs and 24 packages. All returned at
15:55. Escort 6 P-40’s. Three bursts of heavy flak from Guilianoova, 5 E boats moving
N very slowly at 14:55. F/L: Sowder.

Sowder, Tony L., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 8 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack a bridge NW of Orte while A-20s successfully attack supply stores; fighter-
bombers hit several bridges, motor transport, and supply dumps in C Italy, and bomb
railroad tracks at Sesti Bagni and Maccarese.

445th BS War Diary: The mission took off to bomb the railroad bridge south of Orvieto
but returned early because of the cloud cover. We had a strong wind this afternoon
which blew down the small tent over the officers latrine. At the time it was occupied by
an unsuspecting officer. Incidentally both the officers and enlisted mens latrine have a
fine view of the highway and conversely the people on the main highway also had a fine
view especially when there were no tents erected. It was a fine warm day, there was a
mail call in the afternoon.

446th BS War Diary: Usual ground duties with a mission flown in the morning.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 213

TARGET: RR Bridge at Orvieto M/Y, Italy. DATE: 8 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Cooper led the formation. A complete overcast prevented bombs being dropped.
Flak was light, meager, inaccurate. No fighters.

Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge at Orvieto M/Y,
with Capt. Thomas Bounds leading the flight. No bombs were dropped due to a
completed coverage of target. Five new pilots, two bombardiers, four engineers, five
radio gunners and four armorer gunners received dinghy drill under the direction of Lt.
Piasta. T/Sgt. Arthur R. Kammerlohr returned from the hospital. A formation of all
officers and enlisted men was held at group. Brigadier General R.D. Knapp addressed
the 321st Bomb Group and made several presentations. Major R.D. Sampson was
presented the D.F.C.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot Kammerlohr, Arthur R., T/Sgt, personnel

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

Piasta, John R., Lt, communications Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

447th BS War Diary Special Accounts: At a Group dress-formation, our veteran,
youthful, Commanding Officer Major Raymond D. Sampson, was one of several officers
in the Group to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross. Major Sampson, then Captain,
became “C.O.” of the “Fighting Four-Forty-Seventh” at Columbia Army Air Base
September 8, 1942, guiding it through the Tunisian and Sicilian Campaigns and on into
Italy up to the present date. An able and intrepid flyer, a real flying, fighting “C.O.”, he
has been an inspiration to his men, rolling up 56 combat missions and still going strong
“in addition to his other duties.”

Saturday, 8 April 1944 (continued)

The citation says the rest: “RAYMOND D. SAMPSON, 0399563, Mayor, White
Cloud, Michigan. For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as
pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On 20 March 1943, Major Sampson lea a formation of six
B-25’s in a low level attack on a heavily escorted convoy in the Sicilian Straits.
Displaying extraordinary courage and skillful leadership in the face of intense antiaircraft
fire from the convoy, attacks from enemy fighter planes, and adverse weather conditions
which made coordination of high and low level bombing extremely difficult, Major
Sampson directed successful evasive action, and attacking at mast level enabled his
bombardiers to score direct hits on two merchant vessels and one destroyer. A second
destroyer also was damaged by a near miss. During a running battle with enemy aircraft
on the return course, Major Sampson skillfully maneuvered his flight into position to
protect two damaged aircraft and escorted them safely to friendly territory. His
proficiency and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the
Military Service of the United States.”

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 207 (254). At 10:50 26 planes off to bomb RR bridge at
Orvieto M/Y but turned back at 12:31 and all down at 13:35. Overcast prevented
reaching target. At 13:00. Overcast prevented reaching target. At 13:00 personnel were
seen on foot SE of Carsoli. Weather: 10/10th cover.

Sunday, 9 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-40 and A-36
fighter-bombers bomb the railroad line between Rome and Bracciano, hitting tracks, a
station, and a warehouse; attack Littoria and Terracina, repair shops NW of Valmontone
and several gun positions; and bomb scattered motor transport during armed
reconnaissance of the Avezzano-Sora-Pontecorvo-Ceprano areas. 379th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Ghisonaccia,
Corsica to Fano, Italy with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: Many of the boys remembered Easter Sunday last year, when Lt.
Rudolph’s ship was so badly shot up near Tunis going through some of the worst flak the
group has ever seen. In contrast today there was no mission and a large number of the
men went to church services somewhere in the vicinity of the camp. The men are now
taking atabrine daily and the mosquito bars are being erected. There was a baseball game
today between the officers and the engineers, Beccarelli the inimitable umpire from
Brooklyn amused the spectators with his constant flow of wisecracks including his
comments about the various plays in the game. The baseball diamond has a backstop, the
field has been rolled. There was a silo in center field which no one has reached yet.

Rudolph, Raymond L., Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: No mission today.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled but cancelled due to weather condition.
Today’s training consisted of low level formation flying and bombing practice. Under
the direction of Lt. J.L. Beal, who was recently appointed recreation officer in addition to
his other duties, is doing an excellent job providing recreation for all officers and enlisted
men in this squadron. Volley-ball courts, a basketball court and a baseball diamond has
been erected. Morning report: officers---83; E/M---279

Beal, Joseph L., Lt, executive officer

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Monday, 10 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s hit an
ammunition dump at Gallicano nel Lazio; B-25s bomb the Orvieto marshalling yard and
2 bridges; B-26s hit Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges and tracks, and viaducts at
Bucine and W of Arezzo; fighter-bombers operating over wide areas of C Italy and in the
battle zones hit railroad bridges, railroad cars, motor transport, barracks, and troop
concentrations with good effect. 522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 27th
Fighter-Bomber Group, move from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno, Italy with A-36s and
P-40s.

445th BS War Diary: The mission today was a great success in precision bombing. The
Orvieto railroad bridge was knocked out with a fine concentration of bombs. In addition
to the baseball diamond and volleyball court we now have a basketball court. The
officers of the 445th defeated the officers of the 446th in a game of basketball. We had C-
rations tonight.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Kerr reaches 50 on the mission.

Kerr, John C., Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 214

TARGET: Orvieto RR Bridge, Italy. DATE: 10 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Cooper led the formation. Bombs reported to have fallen slightly over to NW and
between road and RR to SE. Strings reported on E choke point of M/Y and some hits on
bridge itself. No flak no fighters.

Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 215

TARGET: Nickeling Mission Avezzano, Frosione, Ceprano Italy. DATE: 10 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: Pamphlets (Propaganda) 446th Planes: 2

Lt. Hurley led the formation. Pamphlets successfully dropped.

Hurley, John R., Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on Orvieto RR bridge, with
Lt. Banks leading the flight. Bombs appeared to have fallen over to NW and between
road and RR to SE. Strings reported on S choke point and some hits on bridge itself.
Small fire seen between bridge on M/Y. Lt. Seavey and crew in ship 175 carried out a
successful nickeling mission on Avezzano, Caprano, and Frosinono. Today’s training
consisted of practice formation, low level formation and local transition.

Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 10 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 208 (255). At 09:55 27 planes off to bomb Orviete RR
bridge and dropped 105 x 1000 at 11:55 from 11,500 feet. All returned at 13:05. Escort
12 planes holed. Bombs appeared to have fallen slightly over and to NW between road
and RR to SE. Strings reported on S choke point of M/Y and some hits on bridge. Small
fire observed near bridge. 30-40 car train stationary at Stimigliano. 20-30 cars stationary
10 miles S of Orte. No flak at target. Weather: Visibility unlimited.

Tuesday, 11 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit the
Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, while B-26s hit marshalling yards at Ancona and
Siena; fighter-bombers concentrate on attacks against railroad targets NE of Rome and
buildings inland from the E coast; tracks are hit hard in the Arezzo-Pontassieve area as
are stations at Maccarese and Cesano; an overpass, bridges, railroad cars and dumps
throughout C Italy are attacked, as is the town of Gaeta. 488th Bombardment Squadron
(Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to
Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: Two missions were scheduled today, both were cancelled
although the local weather in the afternoon looked beautiful. Rumor goes around the
camp that we may go to Corsica, sometimes rumors are right, sometimes they are wrong.

446th BS War Diary: Too much weather to permit a mission today.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but cancelled due to weather condition.
Today’s training consisted of low level formation with six ships participating, local
transition and practice with bomb trainers.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Wednesday, 12 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers bomb rail lines approaching the Monte Molino bridge and at a nearby junction
to the Viterbo line, railroad and road bridges S of Orvieto and at Certaldo, tracks
approaching a bridge at Impeda, and railroad bridges over the Var River and at Albenga;
light bombers pound the Zagarolo supply dump; fighter-bombers and fighters (some
operating with British aircraft) hit communications (mainly railroad bridges), vehicles,
supply dumps at various places, including Arezzo, the island of Elba, Orvieto, NE of
Grosseto, NW of Bracciano, Civita Castellana, Montalto di Castro, between Piombino
and Viterbo, in the Castiglioncello area, NW of Montepescali and S of Cecina

445th BS War Diary: There were two missions today. The bridge over the Tiber river
was hit on the second mission. Col. Smith had directed that an investigation be made
concerning the absence of Capt. House from the base for a month on a trip to Cairo.
Capt. Neumann, operations officer flew his airplane quite low over the 32nd Hospital, he
was apparently trying to get a look at a very beautiful nurse with whom he is acquainted.
The boys had a mail call today, some of them were cheered up. Another softball game.
An alert tonight (The Germans probably went toward Naples!). In any event they never
showed up over our base.

House, Robert M., Capt, pilot Neuman, Robert H., Capt, pilot, Operations Officer

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

446th BS War Diary: Another combat mission.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 216

TARGET: Bridges near Attigliano, Italy. DATE: 12 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Bounds, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. Good concentration reported on N pinpoint.
Large explosion on N end of bridge. Bombs more scattered on S bridge with possible hit
on N end and on rail junction. Lt. Wilcox was hit by flak and salvoed bombs before
reaching target. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense and very accurate. Nine planes
holed.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, 447th BS Wilcox, Harry B., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: 13 of our ships participated in a raid on bridges near Attigliano,
with Capt. Bounds leading the flight. Good concentration reported on N pin-point on N
end of bridge where there was a large explosion. On S bridge, bombs appeared more
scattered with possible hits on N end and on RR junction. Other bombs short between
river and RR bridge and near large bridge crossing river. Today’s training consisted of
local gunnery mission and practice on bomb trainers. Pvt. Robert E Kracher has bee
promoted to rank of Pfc.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot Kracher, Robert E., PFC, engineering

Wednesday, 12 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 209 (258). At 09:35 21 planes off to bomb bridge 9 miles
S of Orvieto and dropped 79 x 1000 bombs at 11:00 from 11,500 feet. Escort 12 Spits, 9
planes holed. Several reports of bridge being hit with bombs across either end and center

with others just short and over to NW and SE. Approximately 35 cars at Rieti and
Viterbo. Two trains at Orte. Heavy, moderate and accurate flak from batter pin-pointed
NE bridge at target and from W of river S of target, also heavy, moderate accurate flak on

bomb run and 6 guns reported immediately S of Basia in hills just E of river. Weather:
CAVU. F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr., Capt

Thursday, 13 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack
Terni and a bridge at Marsciano while B-26s bomb Ancona marshalling yard and a
nearby railroad bridge; fighter-bombers again strike mainly at communications, the town
of Itri, Cesano station, a factory at Fontana Liri, a railroad overpass at Fara in Sabina,
Anguillara, and bridges, trucks and other targets at points throughout C Italy.

445th BS War Diary: There was a mission today, they went after another railroad
bridge. Col Cook’s D.F.C. for a sea sweep on March 31, 1943 came through. Some of
our bombardiers went over and operated the bomb trainer. There was roast beef for
supper tonight.

Cook, Bradley C., Col, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Col. Schwane leaves for Cairo for a few days trip. Sgt.
Fontenot flies his fiftieth.

Fontenot, V. L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 217

TARGET: Marciano RR Bridge, Italy. DATE: 13 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Neuman, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Just as bomb run started, 340th Group
came in on collision course. Fourteen planes in 321st formation dropped bombs, the
remainder diving to avoid other group. Most bombs fell N of river, W of railroad bridge
and E of road bridge. One report of target being hit. Only one plane in this Sqdn.
dropped bombs. No flak no fighters.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 218

TARGET: Nickeling Mission. Manopello and Chieti, Italy. DATE: 13 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: Pamphlets (Propaganda) 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Kerr led the formation. Pamphlets successfully dropped. No flak.

Kerr, John C., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on Marciano RR bridge, with
Lt. Banks leading the flight. Just as the bomb run started the 340th Group came in on
collision course resulting only 14 planes dropping their bombs; the others diving to avoid
the 340th. Most of the bombs fell to N of river of target and E of road bridge. The road
running N of town reported cut. The following enlisted men have been promoted to the
grade of T/Sgt, per S.O. #66, 321st Group Hq.: S/Sgt. Aubrey N. Chatters, S/Sgt. William
E. Mathews, and S/Sgt. Carl M. Carlson. Pfc James W. Austin has been placed on DS
with Hq. Cpl. Donald E. Bailey and Pfc Lewis E. Weiher have been reclassified from
cook to truck driver. Sgt. Gerard G. O’Neil has been admitted to the hospital. The
following enlisted men have been promoted to the grade of S/Sgt. per S.O. 66, 321st
Group Hq.: Sgt. Jordon L. Bushnell, Sgt. Leonard W. Lord, Sgt. Liebnick Cangillieri,
Sgt. Clint R. Collins, Sgt. Leland H. Smith and Cpl. Robert H. Gillies. Lt. Beebe and

Thursday, 13 April 1944 (continued)

crew carried out a successful nickeling mission on Chieti and Manopello. Today’s flight
training consisted of a navigation formation and practice bombing.

Austin, James W., Jr., PFC, gunner Bailey, Donald E., Cpl, transportation

Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt, pilot Beebe, Harwood, Jr., Lt, pilot

Bushnell, Jordon L., S/Sgt, gunner Cangillieri, Liebnick, S/Sgt, gunner

Carlson, Carl M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Chatters, Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner

Collins, Clint R., S/Sgt, gunner Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt,

Lord, Leonard W., S/Sgt, gunner Matthews, William E., T/Sgt, gunner

O’Neil, Gerard G., Sgt, armament Smith, Leland H., S/Sgt, gunner

Weiher, Lewis E., PFC, transportation

448th BS War Diary: Mission 210 (259). At 09:10 26 planes off to bomb Marciano
RR bridge and 14 dropped 55 x 1000 bombs at 11:05 from 10,000 feet. Twelve Spits
escort, no planes holed. Just as bomb run started 340th Group came in on collision course

with result 14 planes dropped bombs, the remainder diving to avoid the other Group.
Most bombs fell to N of river W of RR bridge and E of road bridge. Road running N
from town reported out and one report of target being hit. Truck convoy of 35 M/T’s
heading NE between Terni and Spoleto. No flak. Weather: 7/10th high Cirus.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 211 (260). At 14:30 3 planes of to bomb Chisti and
Manopello with nickels. They dropped at 15:30 and all planes back at 16:40. Four Spits
escort, no flak. Weather 8/10th cover towering Cumulus.

Friday, 14 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack
Viterbo Airfield and Leghorn marshalling yard, B-26s strike at Poggibonsi, Certaldo,
Cecina and Magra, attacking mostly rail facilities and hit Arezzo bridge and viaduct and
Bucine viaducts; fighter-bombers also concentrate on rail lines and bridges and hit many
supply dumps, gun positions and factories, generally located NE of Rome. HQ 340th
Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Paestum, Italy to Corsica.

445th BS War Diary: The Viterbo airdrome was attacked today, there was excellent
coverage. Lt. Waterman’s ship didn’t check out and he couldn’t take off. The spare
which filled in for him was shot down over the target by flak. We had macaroni for
supper. There was another baseball game this afternoon.

Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Dwyer makes 1st Lieut. Today.

Dwyer, Owen V., 1Lt, armament

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 219

TARGET: Viterbo A/D, Italy. DATE: 14 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Cooper led the formation. Fairly good coverage of bombs indicated. Strings
through center of field and landing strip. Hits on or near three hangers reported, also hits
in barracks area SE of A/D. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense and accurate. Nineteen
planes were hit. No fighters. Lt. Herbert mad an emergency landing, due to hydraulic
system being shot out.

Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot Herbert, John J., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 8 of our ships participated in a raid on Viterbo A/D, with Lt.
Stocking leading the flight. Strings of bombs through field and land strip. Good
coverage indicated and hits on or near 3 hangars. Also hits in barracks area. Lt. Dalley
and crew were shot down near target by heavy flak. The following crew in 559 was shot
down over the target: 2nd Lt. Fenton M. Dalley (p), 2nd Lt James E. Kelley (cp), 2nd Lt
Allen E. Wingrove (b), Cpl. Francis R. Ellis (eg), S/Sgt. Jack L Phelps (rg), and Sgt.
Daniel R. Smith (tg). Two officers and eight enlisted men have left for rest camp at
Capri. Flight training consisted of a navigation formation and low level formation.

A/C No. 559 shot down

Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt

Kelley, James E., 2Lt

None

Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt

Ellis, Francis R., Cpl

Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt

Smith, Daniel R., Sgt

None

Friday, 14 April 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary Special Accounts: Today we lost one ship, our 11th combat loss, in
the attack on Viterbo Main Airdrome. Ship # “559” was flying left wing in the 4th
element, 3rd flight over Viterbo-Main A/S, 1047 hours at 11,000 feet, when hit by heavy
flak just at, or after, bomb release. It was soon to spiral or spin, possibly out of control,
leveled off momentarily between 3000 and 1000 feet altitude, possibly inverted then
dived toward the ground. One observer reported seeing it crash and explode about 2
miles North of the target near Viterbo-Montefiascone highway

448th BS War Diary: Mission 212 (261). At 08:35 38 planes off to bomb Viterbo A/D
and dropped 275 x 500 bombs at 10:44 from 10,500 feet. All returned except one at
12:07. Escort 12 Spits and 19 planes holed. Strings of bombs through center of field and
landing strip, fairly good coverage indicated, hits on or near three hangars also in
barracks area short of hangars. Flak: Heavy, moderate to intense mainly from between
A/D and town of Viterbo. One plane shot down by flak. Weather: CAVU, slight haze.
F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 15 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
strike a marshalling yard at Leghorn and a tunnel and railroad bridges in C Italy; P-47s
attack rail lines, bridges and ammunition dumps NE of Rome with good results; other P-
47s, P-40s and A-36s hit numerous targets, including rail lines, motor transport shop,
vehicles, tanks and gun positions, in C Italy and in the US Fifth Army battle areas. XII
Air Support Command is redesignated XII Tactical Air Command. Moves in Italy: HQ
332nd Fighter Group and 301st Fighter Squadron from Montecorvino to Capodichino with
P-39s; 486th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium),
from Gaudo Airfield to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: The men heard the “Berlin Bitch” broadcast that our group would
move to Corsica and said there would be a warm reception. The mission today was
cancelled after the crews had stood by at planes during the morning. Another ball game
today.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Braswell goes on detached service to A.F.S.C.

Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but cancelled due to weather condition.
One XC flight to Foggia by Capt. Stephenson, Major R.D. Sampson, Capt. R.C. Olson,
Capt. K.L. McFadden, Capt. E.F. Becker, Lt. S.T. Olsen and four enlisted men have left
on DS- USAFIME. Morning report: officers----83; EM----279

Becker, Edward B., Capt, bombardier McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot

Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot Olsen, Svend P., Lt, navigator

Stephenson, Henry W., Capt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Sunday, 16 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb
approaches to Ficulle and Todi railway bridges; A-20s blast fuel supplies; P-40s, P-47s
and A-36s hit the Capranica viaduct, town of Zagarolo, railway at Spigno Monferrato,
marshalling yard at Orte-Terni, tunnel at Capranica and tracks, vehicles, railway cars,
ammunition dump, bridge, and targets of opportunity at various points in C Italy.

445th BS War Diary: There was a mission today, another bridge. Another ball game.
Luxury rations were distributed today. This was a big occasion because Coca-Colas were
included.

446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 220

TARGET: Orte RR Bridge to Terni, Italy. DATE: 16 Apr 1944

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

Lt. Wiginton, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. Seven a/c of first flight bombed Ficulle RR
Bridge and report tracks cut 100 yds. S of bridge and may have cut track 100 yds. N of
bridge. Bridge itself not hit. Nineteen a/c bombed Orte RR Bridge to Terni and reported
no hits on target. Flak was heavy, moderate, inaccurate. No fighters.

Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on Ficulle RR Bridge, with Lt.
Wiginton leading the flight. Both the alternate and primary targets were hit cutting tracks
but no hits on bridges. The alternate target in this raid was the Orte RR bridge. Capt.
Cloward and crew carried out a successful nickeling mission on Vellerti. Today’s
training consisted of lo flight, practice formation, navigation flight and a local instrument
flight.

Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot Cloward, Glannin A., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 213 (262). At 09:30 26 planes off to bomb Ficculle N
and S RR bridges, alternate Orte RR bridge. 85 x 1000 bombs dropped on primary at
11:20 and others dropped on alternate. Ficculle N RR bridge not hit but tracks cut 100
yards S of bridge and 100 yards N of bridge. Lead ships of first flight did not identify
target in time to bomb due to haze and bombed alternate with second flight which also
did not pick up their primary target. 19 planes bombed Orte RR bridge, most bombs N of
bridge cutting tracks others short and E of target. No hits were scored on the bridge.
Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate from all targets. Weather: Hazy. F/L: Capt. Crowell.

Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 214 (263). At 14:35 3 planes off on nickeling mission
over Vellerti and dropped “The Front Post” at 15:50. All returned at 16:25. Escort 6
Spits. 3 JU-88’s seen but did not attack. Weather: CAVU.

Monday, 17 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: 121st Liaison
Squadron, AAF, MTO moves from Oran to Telergma, Algeria with L-4s and L-5s; first
mission is in Sep 44. In Italy, B-25s attack bridges N of Orte and at Monte Molino,
while A-20s pound a fuel dump NE of Rome; P-40, P-47 and A-36 fighter-bombers hit
motor transport stores and gun positions N of Anzio, bomb Fara in Sabina station, hit
tracks, trains and guns in the Orte and Narni area and at other points N of Rome.

445th BS War Diary: The departments are starting to pack today in preparation for the
move to Corsica. The “Berlin Bitch” was right. There was a mission today, another
bridge. It was hit. Also another ball game.

446th BS War Diary: Another mission today---successful. A mail call in the late
afternoon.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 221

TARGET: RR Bridge S of Attigliano, Italy. DATE: 17 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Crowell, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. In spite of very turbulent air and the flight
leader being shot down just before reaching the target, bombs observed hitting both NW
and SE approaches with several direct hits reported on bridge itself. Flak was heavy,
moderate to intense and accurate. Nine planes holed. No fighters.

Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Capt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge S of Attigliano
with Lt. Seavey as flight leader. In spite of turbulent air and 448th Sq. flight leader being
shot down just before target, bombs were observed hitting both NW and SE approaches
with several direct hits on bridge itself. Some short and over S of river. Today’s flight
training consisted of a three ship formation led by Lt. Speer, Lt. Swanson in plane #505
flew a mission for the heavy AA batteries at Salerno, and Capt. Bounds flew a local
gunner mission. T/Sgt. Albert V. Hanley was admitted to the 32nd Field Hosp. for
observation.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot Hanley, Albert V., T/Sgt, transportation

Seavey, George D., Lt, pilot Speer, Leslie T., Lt, pilot or Speer, Marvin T., Lt, pilot

Swanson, Robert H., Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 215 (264). At 08:35 27 planes off to bomb RR bridge 2
miles S of Attigliano and dropped 96 x 1000 bombs from 10,500 feet at 10:30. One
plane was lost and the rest returned at 11:45. Captain Crowell the leader of the flight was
hit in the Navigator’s compartment by flak and was soon going down under control over
the target. The tail of Captain Crowell’s ship was shot off (#655). Two to five chutes
were reported to have opened by the rest of the formation, the plane crashed just N of
town. In spite of very turbulent air and the flight leader being shot down just before the
target bombs were observed hitting both NE and SE approaches with several direct hits

Monday, 17 April 1944 (continued)

reported on the bridge itself. Some bombs fell short and over. Flak: Heavy, intense and
accurate, starting at IP and going to target. Weather: Hazy. F/L: Capt. Crowell.

Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Capt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 655 shot down

Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Capt

Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt

Hough, William S., 2Lt

Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt

Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt

Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt

Johnson, Joseph M., S/Sgt

None

Tuesday, 18 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-47 fighter-
bombers cut several rail lines in the Florence and Arezzo areas and strafe trains and

motor transport; P-40s and P-47s hit Itri and a rail bridge and fuel dumps as the campaign
against communications continues.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Neumann, our operations officer led the mission today. The
target was not bombed because of weather. After the mission seven crews and crew
chiefs flew to Corsica to operate temporarily with the 310th. Packing is still going on in
preparation for the move. Lt Paul who got some flak in his foot on a raid is going to go
back to the states.

Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot Paul, V. L., Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown and we have beautiful weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 222

TARGET: Orvieto RR Bridge, Italy. DATE: 18 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Neuman, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Cloud formation prevented bombing.
Planes returned with bombs.

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

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on Orvieto RR bridge with Lt.
Stocking as flight leader. Cloud formation caused formation to return after reaching
vicinity of Avezzano, without dropping bombs. Today’s training consisted of local
transition, 12 dry runs with the Norden sight and XC formation, consisting of 7 ships to
Corsica. 1st Lt. Fred E. Ryherd, 2nd Lt. Wayne T. Rye, Jr., 2nd Lt John R. Gillis, S/Sgt.
Sidney Orloff, S/Sgt. Herman Roberts and Sgt. Robert P. Quintenz are on DS with the 5th
Army. Pvt. Cleo W. Simms has been assigned to this organization per SO 67, Hq. 321st
Bomb Gp. 24 officers and 32 EM departed for Corsica.

Gillis, John R., 2Lt, pilot Orloff, Sidney, S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Quintenz, Robert P., Sgt, engineer-gunner Roberts, Herman, S/Sgt, gunner

Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt, pilot

Simms, Cleo W., Pvt, gunner

447th BS War Diary Special Account: Today six of our advance echelon ships flew our
first mission from Corsica, operating from the 310th Group base in conjunction with
them. They hit Piombino Harbor Installations (Italy) with excellent results.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 216 (265). NO MISSION. At 09:30 27 planes off to
bomb Orvieto RR bridge and formation turned back at 10:45 due to complete overcast N
of Naples. Formation turned back in the vicinity of Avezzano.

Wednesday, 19 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Bad weather severely
restricts operations. In Italy, B-26s hit Cecina railroad bridge and Ancona marshalling
yard while B-25s hit a marshalling yard at Piombino; P-47s hit railroad tracks, a
marshalling yard, junction, and railway cars between Pontedera and Empoli and between
Figline Valdarno and San Giovanni Valdarno. 487th and 498th Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to
Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: Preparations for the move are nearing completion but no orders
yet as to the exact time. The officers and men are eating together in one line. It is
necessary to sit on the ground as the mess halls have been torn down. The crews in
Corsica went on a mission bombing the harbor installations at Piombino. As usual there
is a great deal of talk in the tents and around the camp about the move and as usual there
is a great deal of grumbling.

446th BS War Diary: The move to the new base in Corsica begins. 170 men are
involved in preliminary preparation.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 223

TARGET: Ficulle S. RR Bridge, Italy Piombino (Alt) DATE: 19 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Wiginton, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. Target area well hit especially N jetty,
deck side, RR yard and fuel storage tanks. Other hits observed on large factory building
and probable powerhouse area. Two boats on N side of N jetty reported hit. Flak was
heavy, moderate to intense and fairly accurate. Three planes holed. No fighters. Lt.
Ritger returned early, turret trouble. (Piombino, the alternate target bombed)

Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on Ficulle S RR bridge, but
due to circumstances the alternate target, Piombino Harbor Installations, was bombed.
Target area hit with large concentration of bombs, RR hit, large explosion and fire of fuel
storage tanks and two boats about 150/200 ft. were reported hit. The flight was led by
Lt. Wiginton. This was our first mission from Corsica, working in conjunction with the
310th Bomb Gp. 6 officers and 8 EM departed for Corsica. Today’s training consisted of
local transition and Lt. Wiginton in plane 181 went on an XC flight from Corsica to Italy.
2nd Lt. Sherman E. Anderson was wounded in action. Major R.D. Sampson, Capt. R.C.
Olson, Capt. K.L. McFadden, Capt. E.F. Becker, 1st Lt S.T. Olsen and four enlisted men
have returned from DS.

Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt, bombardier Becker, Edward B., Capt, bombardier

McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot

Olsen, Svend P., 1Lt, navigator Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 19 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 216 (265). At 12:10 25 planes off to bomb Ficculle S RR
(bombed alternate at Piombino Harbor) at 13:40 from 11,500 feet with 98 x 1000 bombs.
All planes down at 14:40. Escort 12 Spits. 3 planes holed. Target area well hit with
longest concentration of hits observed starting short and NE of junction of N jetty and
dock side and carrying through into RR yards causing large explosions and fires in fuel
storage tanks. Other hits observed on large factory building and in power house area.
Two boats on N side of N jetty reported hit as well as scattered bombs just S and over
boatyard near S jetty. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate from target area and from the
Island of Elba. 5-8 small M/V’s and 3 200’ ships in Piombino Harbor 7 “F” boats in
Talmone Harbor and a large M/V off the coast of San Vincenzo. Weather: CAVU. F/L:
Captain. Freeland.

Freeland, Levi A., Jr., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 20 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium and
light bombers score hits on a marshalling yard and 3 fuel dumps at Leghorn and near
misses on Cecina and Certaldo bridges and Arezzo viaduct; fighter-bombers hit railroad
lines and fuel dump in the Florence area; bridges, dump, rail lines and train cars near
Civitavecchia and Zagarolo, at Sezze, near Ladispoli, SW of Stimipliano and N of
Monterotondo; and guns S of Albano Laziale; in the battle area around Cassino fighter-
bombers blast several gun positions and hit bridges, trucks, troops and other targets, at
several points, including Falconara, Recanati, San Benedetto de Marsi, and the Fondi-Itri
and Orte-Orvieto areas. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing moves from Trocchia, Italy to
Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

445th BS War Diary: Today all the tents were taken down and the packing was
completed, ready to take off on a moments notice. Notice then came through that the
move had bee postponed and it was uncertain when we would go. A few of the men put
up their tents, others slept on the ground, some in buildings at the group headquarters,
some in the officers club. The Italians in the vicinity were permitted to come into the
area for the purpose of cleaning out things that were not going to be moved. They were
like scavengers. In particular all pieces of lumber or wood appeared to be precious to
them, however scarcely nothing was undesired. In Corsica the mission was cancelled
because of bad weather. The crews are living in tents set up by the 341st Service Sqdn.
for a transit area.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Col. Schwane returns from Cairo and resumes command of the
squadron. There is a baseball game after evening chow.

Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, 446th BS Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission today. Pvt. William R. Milan and S/Sgt. James H.
Grant were admitted to the 32nd Field Hospital. Everyone is making preparations for our
move to Corsica.

Grant, James H., S/Sgt, gunner Milan, William R., Pvt, engineering

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Friday, 21 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s blast an
ammunition dump while P-47s attack train, rail lines, and motor transport behind enemy
lines; other P-47s, along with P-40s and A-36s, attack railway lines and trains between
Rome and Terni, between Rome and Tivoli, and between Orte and Attigliano; hit a motor
transport concentration NE of Rome; and attack several bivouac areas and gun positions
in the battle areas.

445th BS War Diary: Today there wasn’t much to do except to wait around for orders.
The ground echelon convoy took off for Salerno at about 1400. The L.S.T. was loaded
with squadron equipment and personnel at 2230. There was an alert for an hour about
that time. The loading operations went smoothly. The L.S.T. was a British ship. The
enlisted men were provided no food by the ship or ships mess but were compelled to eat
cold C-rations. They slept in the hold and on the deck.

446th BS War Diary: More moving today.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission today. 1st Lt. Joe L. Beal and seven enlisted men
flew to our new base in Corsica. Major Myron Gale and Captain Robert W. Manly
returned from a trip to the Middle East.

Beal, Joseph L., 1Lt, Executive Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

Manly, Robert W., Capt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Saturday, 22 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb a
bridge and tracks S of Ficulle and a bridge N of the town; other B-25s and B-26s attack
San Stefano al Mare harbor, the N section of Orvieto, Chiusi railroad bridge, viaducts S
and W of Arezzo and Bucine, Certaldo railroad bridge, bridge approaches at Incisa in
Valdarno, a bridge near Siena and viaduct at Poggibonsi; A-20s hit Valmontone
ammunition dump and Sonnino; P-47s hit a railroad, trains, and tunnels in the Florence
area and W of Chiusi, marshalling yard at Siena, a vessel S of Savona, railroad lines S of
Orte and the town of Gaeta; and P-40s attack gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead and
bomb the Ferentino dump area and towns of Fondi, Terracina and Formia.

445th BS War Diary: At about 1400 hours the L.S.T. took off for Corsica, it was
accompanied by a sister ship carrying other squadrons. A destroyer went on ahead. The
weather was fine during the day and it was a beautiful trip. Back at the Guado base some
officers and enlisted men took off for Cairo. The remaining combat crews flew to
Corsica, landed at the Solenzara airfield, pitched pyramidal tents near the planes and had
supper with the 845th Engineers.

446th BS War Diary: Part of the air echelon leaves for Corsica and the other men make
the long jump from our bivouac area to the tobacco warehouse.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 224

TARGET: Ficulle RR Bridge, Italy. San Stefano Harbor (Alt) DATE: 22 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Cooper led the formation. In coming in on primary target at 150º lead formation
was unable to pick up bridge in time to bomb. One flight of six made second run at 230º
and dropped bombs which dropped mostly to SW of bridge. Four planes dropped on
what is believed to be N Orvieto bridge without observation. Seventeen planes bombed
alternate. Reports of hits on warehouse and possible hit on barge. Flak at both targets
was heavy, moderate and inaccurate. No fighters.

Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in raid on Ficulle RR bridge with Lt.
Seavey leading the flight. Due to bad visibility the alternate target, St. Stefano Harbor
and Installations were hit with large concentration of bombs falling along shore of
auxiliary harbor. Hits on warehouse and a possible hit on a barge resulting in an
explosion were reported. The move is on, USN and British trucks have arrived to move
our equipment and some of the personnel, to Salerno for embarkation to Corsica. Major
Raymond D. Sampson led an 8 plane formation from Italy to Corsica. Morning Report:
officers----80; Enlisted Men---277.

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

Saturday, 22 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 217 (266). At 07:40 27 aircraft off to bomb Ficulle RR
bridges or San Stefano Harbor. They dropped 24 x 1000 bombs at Ficulle RR bridge
from 10,000 feet and 63 x 1000 bombs at San Stefano. Escort Spits. No planes holed. In
coming in on primary target lead formation was unable to pick up bridge due to position
of sun and very bad visibility. One flight of six made run on target and dropped bombs
which fell mostly to SW of bridge. 4 planes dropped on what is believed to be N Orvieto

bridge without observing results. 17 planes dropped on the alternate of San Stefano with
a large concentration of bombs falling along the shore of the auxiliary harbor. Reports of
hits on warehouse and possible hits on a barge resulting in explosion. Flak: Heavy,
moderate and inaccurate at both targets. Weather: Very hazy.

Sunday, 23 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit
bridges and approaches at Attigliano; B-26s attack Incisa in Valdarno viaduct and bridge,
Cecina marshalling yard and attack, but fail to hit, Poggibonsi viaduct; P-47s, A-36s, and
P-40s hit rail lines and bridges NE of Rome and along the E coast in several areas
including points around Orvieto, Orte, Tivoli and Capronica. HQ 321st Bombardment
Group (Medium) and 445th and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from
Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: Ship landed at Porto-Vecchio, Corsica at about 1330 and
unloading operations were promptly commenced. An advance detail went on ahead to
find out where the camp site would be. Apparently the Generals and the Colonels had
not made up their minds because we were directed to move temporarily into a field near
the village of Solenzara and also near the coast. It was a beautiful green field with a fast
flowing brook nearby. The area adjacent to the beach had been well mined by the
Germans. The mines were still being removed. There was a A.A. outfit living in the
same field.

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Roulier flies his big fiftieth.

Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 225

TARGET: RR Bridge N of Orvieto, Italy. DATE: 23 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Freeland, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. Target reported to have received several
direct hits. Hits observed on tracks S of bridge and Just N of tunnel entrance with some
strings in river and others scattered to E. Scant and inaccurate flak. No fighters. Lt.
Ritger was a spare and filled in to complete the mission.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge at A-585407
with Lt Wiginton as flight leader. Target reported to have received several direct hits
with greatest concentration of bombs falling short. Other bombs observed hitting tracks
south of bridge and just north of tunnel entrance. Lt. Thomas acted as navigator, for Col
Smith, in plane 583 on an XO flight. Cpl. Warren L. Cogey, Jr. was admitted to the 32nd
Field Hosp. Still waiting at Salerno for embarkation to Corsica. The remaining
personnel of the 447th, who are waiting for orders at the Gaudo A/D, have moved to the
Headquarter buildings (Tobacco warehouse).

Cogey, Warren L., Jr., Cpl, cook Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

Thomas, John J., 1Lt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 23 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 218 (267). At 11:15 26 planes off to bomb RR bridge 8
3/3 miles NW of Orte and dropped 96 x 1000 bombs at 12:40 from 10,500 feet and all
returned at 13:40. Escort 12 Spits. No planes holed. Target reported to have received
several direct hits with greatest concentration of bombs falling short, over and across
tracks to right of bridge. Other bombs observed hitting S of bridge and just N of tunnel
entrance. Flak: Meager, heavy and inaccurate. Weather: Hazy. F/L: Freeland.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr., Capt, pilot

Monday, 24 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto, at Arezzo, at Grosseto and N and S of Incisa
in Valdarno; A-20s hit a dump at Valmontone; P-40s, P-47s and A-36s hit shipping off
Leghorn, Avezzano station, Orvieto and Terni marshalling yards, Canino landing ground,
railroad tracks at numerous points S of Orvieto and rail lines, truck parks and targets of
opportunity N of Rome.

445th BS War Diary: No order was received all day as to whether we would stay at the
field where we were or would move to some other area. Some of the men went fishing in
the nearby brook. Some went swimming and found the water flowing from the Corsican
mountains ice cold. Capt. Neumann led the mission today and with outstanding bombing
two bridges were knocked out.

Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Still waiting to move to Corsica by boat.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 226

TARGET: Bridge S of Orvieto M/Y, Italy. DATE: 24 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 7

Capt. Neuman, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Target observed well hit, with bombs on
tracks just E of M/Y, across RR Bridge and overpass. No flak or fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on Bridge South of Orvieto
M/Y with Lt. Seavey leading flight. Target observed well hit with bombs on tracks just E
of M/Y, across RR bridge and overpass. Some short and others hit N end of road bridge.
This was our first mission from our home field here in Corsica. No orders have been
received as yet in regard to our departure to Corsica.

Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary Special Account: Gave our virgin field at Solenzara, Corsica, its
“baptism of fire” by participating in a highly successful attack on Orvieto South Railway
Bridge.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 219 (268). At 14:45 26 planes off to bomb bridge S of
Orvieto and dropped 201 x 500 bombs at 16:15 from 8,500 feet. All returned at 17:25.
Escort 12 Spits, no planes holed. Target observed well hit with bombs just E of M/Y
across RR bridge and overpass. Some short and others hit N end of road bridge to NE of
target. 50-60 M/T’s going S between Cietta and Di Pieve and Ficulle. M/T activity on
coastal road. Weather: CAVU.

Tuesday, 25 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, attacks against
lines of communications N of Rome continue; A-20s hit storage areas while medium
bombers attack Pesaro marshalling yard, dumps at Manoppello and bridges and
approaches at Incisa in Valdarno, Arezzo, Asciano, Magra, Ficulle and Orvieto; viaducts
at Incisa and Calafuria are attacked with poor results; P-40s and P-47s hit roads, gun
positions, railroads, ammunition dump and trucks N of Rome, near Ficulle, Orte and
Orvieto; and P-47s also damage destroyers off Elba Island. HQ 47th Bombardment
Group (Light) and 84th, 85th, 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) move from
Capodichino to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20s. 417th Night Fighter Squadron,
Twelfth Air Force (attached to RAF No. 337 Wing), moves from La Senia, Algeria to
Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; the ground echelon has been at Borgo since Feb 44.

445th BS War Diary: Today we received orders to a new area, back of Group
Headquarters. It was a rocky terrain. The S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4 and Dispensary tents were
put up and their equipment moved when an order was received to hold up further moving
because we would not stay in this area. A few of the officers tents and the mess hall was
moved over before this order was received. More men went fishing today. So far no one
has seen any fish brought back to the camp.

446th BS War Diary: Lots of first class mail arrives for the squadron. Capt. Holloway,
Lt. Dickerson, and the following enlisted men return from Capri rest camp: Walker,
Orechia, Dechert, Mitchell, Boatright, Holstein, Mecca and Doyle.

Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., Sgt, gunner Dechert, John A., engineering

Dickerson, Claude M., Lt, bombardier Doyle, Charles F., medic

Holloway, McGlon T., Capt, intelligence Holstein, Clarence M., engineering

Mecca, Joseph D., engineering Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Orechia, James R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Walker, Council T., engineering

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 227

TARGET: Bridge at Orvieto, Italy. DATE: 25 Apr 1944

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

Capt. Cooper led the formation. Direct hits observed on center of bridge across tracks to
NW and possible hits on SE approach, with many bombs to NW of target. Flak was
heavy, scant to moderate and accurate. Four planes holed. No fighters.

Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our planes participated in a raid on bridge nine (9) miles S of
Orvieto. Direct hits observed on center of bridge across tracks to NW and possible hits
on SE approach with many bombs over to NW of target. Still waiting on orders
regarding our embarkation.

Tuesday, 25 April 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 220 (269). At 14:30 26 planes off to bomb bridge 9 miles
S of Orvieto and dropped 184 x 500 bombs from 9000 feet at 16:09. All returned at
17:10. Escort 12 Spits. 4 planes holed. Direct hits observed on center of bridge across
tracks to NW and possible hits on SE approach with many bombs over to NW of target.
Much rolling stock N of Ficulle and S of Chiusi one “F” boat proceeding S off Formiche
di Grosseto. Weather: CAVU.

Wednesday, 26 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
greatly curtails activity; P-47s attack motor transport and railroad tracks and hit a gas
dump near Trasimeno Lake, a landing ground at Canino and marshalling yards of
Leghorn.

445th BS War Diary: Bad weather prevented any mission today. No decision was mad
as to where the squadron would finally encamp. It was tentatively decided to put the
squadron in a field used for gasoline storage, but difficulties were encountered in getting
the gasoline moved out. Then was thought a certain field would be the right place, but it
turned out to be a grain field.

446th BS War Diary: In the first rain of a number of days the men left in Italy started for
the POE at Salerno in the afternoon, a distance of 26 miles. We boarded the HMS
Thruster.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission today. The move is on, all the remaining equipment
and personnel left the Gaudo A/D for Salerno. All equipment was loaded and the
personnel boarded a British LST for our new base in Corsica.

447th BS War Diary Special Account: The ground echelon, and remaining flying
personnel, left Gaudo A/D, in motor convoy, for Port of Salerno, and embarked on a
British LST headed for Corsica. On the 27th, the ship developed rudder and screw
trouble, “aggravated” no doubt by a slight collision with a sister ship, so was towed to
Naples. There we unloaded all our earthly belongings into a warehouse, found billets in
Naples and sat down to wait for the Navy to rescue us. Thee we “sat” at month’s end.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Thursday, 27 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
severely restricts operations; P-40s attack a supply dump N of Rome, scoring 7 hits in the
target area. 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance), based at Pomigliano, Italy, sends a detachment to operate from
Nettuno, Italy with F-5s.

445th BS War Diary: Today the area for the 44th squadron was finally selected and
preparations was commenced to dig in. Major Register has been active getting lumber
with which to build an officer club and mess. There was not mission today because of
rain. The new area is composed of five separate fields and it is proposed to put the
officers in one field, the officers club in the second field and the enlisted men and
administration tents in two other fields.

446th BS War Diary: The good ship Thruster left Salerno for the island of Corsica.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission today. Turbine trouble made it necessary for our boat
to be towed to Naples, arriving approximately at 2000 hours. All the personnel, with the
exception of the ones in charge of a vehicle, were instructed to take their bed rolls and to
ashore where trucks were waiting to take them to Staging Area No. 1 at Bagnolia, and are
to bivouac at this location until further orders are received. The officers are staying at the
Transit Hotel in Naples.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

Friday, 28 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack Piombino, railway bridges N of Orvieto, Ficulle, and W of Arezzo, and hit
viaducts at Incisa in Valdarno and Piteccio; A-20s score hits on a fuel dump; P-40s and
P-47s hit a fuel dump NW of Ferentino, warehouses S of Avezzano, several railway lines
and targets of opportunity N of Rome, the Orbetello railroad yards, San Stefano al Mare
harbor, rail lines at points between Rome and Avezzano, several gun emplacements,
Follonica and Chiusi marshalling yards, and cut railroad lines at several points NW of
Rome; fighter-bombers also hit Chiusi marshalling yard, tracks around Castiglione della
Valle, Cortona marshalling yard, Grosseto railroad bridge, scattered motor transport and a
barge near Follonica.

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

321st BG: Mission NO: 270 Date: 28 Apr 44 NO A/C:

Squadrons: 445-7 447-

446-7 448-

Target:

Time Up: T.O.T.: Time Down:

Axis of Attack: ° Height:

Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None

Bombs Dropped:.

Escort:

Route:

Weather: Enroute and Return:

Target:

Flak: None

Enemy Air: None

Claims: None

Results:

Observation:

Flight Leaders:

Number of Sorties: Photos Taken:

Signed: Air Corps,

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

Friday, 28 April 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The squadron went on a mission today, another bridge. The
combat crews who had been living in the transient area of the 341st Service Sqdn. moved
down to the new area. The men were lining up pegs for their tents with strings because
the command insisted that the tents be put up in a straight line, and at the same angle.
This squadron is feeding two other squadrons and the chow line is almost a couple of
hundred yards long.

A/C No. 41-30550

A/C No. 42-53373

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt

Coale, Julian R., 2Lt

Hammar, Robert L., 2Lt

Gunder, William H., 2Lt

Casaburi, Robert R., 2Lt

None

O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt

Werner, Samuel, 2Lt

York, Rufus , Sgt

Soltysiak, Stanley J., Pvt

Kintly, James E., T/Sgt

Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt

Eiff, William C., S/Sgt

Weaver, D. W., Cpl

None

Bull, G.R. (War Correspondent)

A/C No. 42-64659

A/C No. 41-12817

Wilson, Victor H., Capt

Shynshka, Lubomier P.,2Lt

Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt

Fischerm, F. R.

Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt

None

Schutte, W. G., 1Lt

Wren, Frank J., 2Lt

Dillon, J. A., S/Sgt

Ellison, Clyde , Sgt

Dipietrantonio, J. N., T/Sgt

DeRose, Louis A., Sgt

Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt

Plott, John M., S/Sgt

None

Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

A/C No. 42-64529

A/C No. 42-32458

Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt

Russell, Lawrence L., 2Lt

Charville, Leighton D. “Danny”, 2Lt

Schweda, George J., 2Lt

None

Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt

Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt

Hickey, William R., Sgt

Caccucci, Harold A., Sgt

Wilson, John P., T/Sgt

Hall, Warren F., Sgt

Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt

Semsker, Frank S,

None

A/C No. 42-32321

Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt

McLain, Damon I., 1Lt

Souders, Walter E., 1Lt

Miller, Edward A., 1Lt

Belt, H.C., S/Sgt

Lysowski, R A., S/Sgt

Irving, Ralph D., S/Sgt

None

Friday, 28 April 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: We arrive at Porto Vecchio and travel five miles to a staging area
for the night. The ship is unloaded and some of the baggage is sent on to our base.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 228

TARGET: N Ficulle RR Bridge, & Pode Nuovo N&S, Italy. DATE: 28 Apr 1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 & 500 lb. 446th Planes: 7

Lt. Wiginton, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. The first box of six bombed S alternated.
Bombs observed on both N & S approaches with report of one pier being hit. The second
box of six, first flight bombed the primary. Bombs fell both N & S of bridge with
possible hits on approaches. First box of six, second flight bombed the N alternate. Most
bombs fell over to N and NW of target with one report of direct hit. Flak was heavy,
scant to moderate and accurate. One plane holed. No fighters.

Wiginton, J. Maurice, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-29760

A/C No. 41-1963

Matzinger, Keith R., 1Lt

Hurley, John R., 2Lt

Ritger, Frederick C., 2Lt

Chudars, James E., 2Lt

None

Hughes, John J., 2Lt

McRae, James A., 2Lt

Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt

Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt

Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt

Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt

Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., S/Sgt

Brandoff, Daniel, S/Sgt

None

A/C No. 41-30387

A/C No. 42-32403

Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt

Dickson, Gale M., 1Lt

Sacker, John R., 2Lt

Vancil, A E., 2Lt

None

Wilcox, Harry B., Jr., 2Lt

Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt

Jacob, E A., PFC

Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt

Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt

Cohen, George, T/Sgt

Brown, Ronald M., Sgt

Samsel, John C., S/Sgt

None

Heatley, H.L. (War Correspondent)

A/C No. 42-32394 – Peg O’ My Heart

A/C No. 41-29962

Walsh, George F., 2Lt

Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt

Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt

Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt

None

Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt

Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt

Antonelli, Anthony J., Sgt,

Mowry, Michael L.S., S/Sgt

Orechia, James R., T/Sgt

Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt

Thornton, Edward P., Sgt

Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt

None

Friday, 28 April 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13123

Herbert, John J., 2Lt

Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt

None

Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt

Clay, Donald W., Sgt

Green, Salem M., S/Sgt

Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt

None

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 229

TARGET: RR Bridge Orvieto & Piombino Harbor DATE: 28 Apr 1944

Installations (Alt), Italy

Type of Bombs: 1000 & 500 Lb. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Freeland, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. Primary target cloud covered, alternate
bombed, thirteen planes dropped a good concentration of bombs across W end of steel
works pier causing tremendous explosion. Other bombs fell N into M/Y and across S
quay with possible hits on two small boats. Eleven planes bombed primary, with most
bombs falling just N & E of bridge and possible hits on both approaches. Flak at both
targets was heavy, scant to moderate and inaccurate. Ten planes holed. No fighters.

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Two missions are scheduled for today. In the first mission six of
our ships participated in a raid on Ficula RR bridge N with Lt. Wiginton as flight leader.
Bombs fell N and S of target with possible hits on approaches. 7 ships participated in the
second mission of the day with Lt. Seavey as flight leader. 11 ships bombed the primary

target with most bombs falling N and E of RR bridge at Orvieto, with possible hits on
both approaches. 12 ships dropped bombs on Piombino with good concentration across
W and one pier causing large explosion. Other bombs fell N into M/Y and across S quay.
2nd Lt. Joseph E. Metzger, co-pilot, was killed in action while participating in a raid on
Orvieto RR bridge. He died from flak wound in the head, but his ship came back safely.

Metzger, Joseph E., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary Special Account: 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Metzger, flying co-pilot in an
attack on Orvieto RR Bridge, received a serious head injury just below his helmet, from a
piece of flak over the target, and died before his plane could bring him to medical aid. It
was his 29th combat mission. His loss was felt keenly by his friends, who were many.

Metzger, Joseph E., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 221 (270). At 07:40 27 planes off to bomb N Ficulle RR
bridge and Pode Nuovo N and S bridges. 14 planes dropped 56 x 500 and 27 x 1000
bombs at Ficulle at 09:09 and 6 planes dropped 48 x 500 bombs at Pode Nuovo N and 7
planes dropped 20 x 1000 and 8 x 500 bombs at S alternate. All returned at 10:10. Due

Friday, 28 April 1944 (continued)

to malfunction of bombsight lead ship overshot primary target with results that first box
of 6 bombed the S alternate, second box of six the primary. First box of six of the second

flight bombed N alternate and last box bombed primary. Two of the spares bombed the
primary, on the S alternate. Bombs fell both N and S of bridge at the primary target with

possible hits on approaches. At N alternate most bombs fell over to N and NW with one
report of a direct hit. On S alternate bombs observed on both N and S approaches.
Weather: CAVU. Flak: Meager, heavy accurate flak from Ficulle. F/L: Lt Armstrong.

Armstrong, Donald R., Lt, pilot

Saturday, 29 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack the
Terni viaduct and Attigliano railway bridge, while B-26s bomb bridges and bridge
approaches at Pontassieve and Incisa in Valdarno; A-20s attack a dump NE of Rome; P-
40s and P-47s cut rail lines in many places NE of Rome, hit guns N of Anzio and a dump
SE of Rome, attack the town of Acquapendente, hit approaches and tunnel S of Arezzo
and bridge and trucks in the area, bomb Sinalunga marshalling yard and bridge and
approaches at Monte San Savino, and hit docks at San Vincenzo and boats at Follonica.

446th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), moves
from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: There were two missions scheduled for today but neither was
completed. The fighters failed to rendezvous with the first and cloud cover prevented the
second from reaching the target. Work was commenced today on the construction of the
officers club. Capt Kelly, the communications officer, is the architect. Incidentally he
went to architectural school. The general idea is to build a log cabin effect with a
screened in porch.

Kelly, John E., Capt, Communication Officer

446th BS War Diary: The 30 mile trip from the staging area to the air base is made
during the morning. We set up camp that afternoon.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 230

TARGET: RR Bridge at Marsciano, Italy. DATE: 29 Apr 1944

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

Lt. Neuman, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Formation returned without bombing, due to
heavy overcast. No flak no fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge at Marsciano,
with Lt. Speer leading flight. Formation returned due to heavy overcast from Italian
coast which became worse as formation flew inland. Today’s local training consisted of
local transition. Morning report: officers---79; E/M----277.

Speer, Leslie T., 2Lt, pilot or Speer, Marvin L, 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 225 (272). At 07:57 26 planes off to bomb Orvieto S RR
Bridge and dropped 100 x 1000 bombs at 09:21 from 8,000 feet. All returned at 10:26. 3
planes holed by flak and 12 Spits escort. 2 strings across southern approach, 1 string
across middle of bridge. 50 RR cars at Chiusi and 40 more just S of Lake Bolsena.
Weather: CAVU at target.

Sunday, 30 April 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack
railroad bridges at Ficulle, N Orvieto and Marsciano, while B-26s hit bridges at Cortona
and Incisa in Valdarno and in the nearby areas; P-40s hit rail lines and storage in many
locations N of Rome, hit rail lines and a radar station in the Orvieto area, cut railroads
from Rome to Tivoli and to Civita Castellana and hit targets of opportunity in the area; P-
47s hit numerous railroad lines, rail cars, and other targets N of Rome. Unit moves in
Italy: HQ 86th Fighter-Bomber Group and 525th, 526th, and 527th Fighter-Bomber
Squadrons from Pomigliano to Marcianise with P-40s; 85th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter
Group, from Capodichino to Pomigliano with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in another attack on a railroad bridge.
The mission was led by Capt. Neumann, the squadron put in a fine concentration of
bombs. Capt. Gaffney, executive officer gave the enlisted men a lecture on the necessity
for improvement in discipline and attitude. S/Sgt. McNevin was made 1st Sgt and Sgt
Hetland was made duty Sgt.

Gaffney, Charles H., Capt, Executive Officer

Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., Sgt, engineer-gunner/Duty Sgt

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/First Sgt

Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: A combat mission is carried out and camp continues to be
arranged.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 231

TARGET: RR Bridge Orvieto, Italy. DATE: 30 Apr 1944

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

Lt. Neumann, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Hits reported on S half of bridge. Good
concentration of bombs across S approach. Flak was heavy, moderate and generally
inaccurate. Considerable light flak directly S of target. Three planes holed. No fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on RR bridge south of Orvieto,
with Lt. Speer as flight leader. Hits reported on south half of bridge, good concentration
of bombs across south approach; some over, some short. Capt. Kenneth L. McFadden, 1st
Lt. Robert G. Davies and S/Sgt. Henry E. Orzynski have departed for the U.S. per orders
of April 29th. Today’s local training consisted of practice bombing.

McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot

Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry.

April 1944

445th BS War Diary: Additional Information for April 1944

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Gp. (M)

APO 650

17 April 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

TO : Command General, 57th Wing, APO 650.

Attention: Historian.

1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period April 1st to April 30th.

a. Present Designation: 445th Sq., 321st Group, 57th Wing, 12th Command.

b. Changes in organization.

(a) Lt. Harry Craig, Technical Supply Officer, Transferred

c. Strength, commissioned and enlisted.

(1) Month of April 1944.

(a) 359 At beginning.

(b) 30 Net increase.

d. Stations.

(1) Guado Landing Ground, Italy.

(a) Date of departure: April 21

(2) Solenzara Air Field, Corsica.

(a) Date of arrival: April 23.

e. Movements.

(1) From Guado L/G, Italy, to Solenzara A/F, Corsica

(2) Traveled by Naval Convoy with a calm sea and no enemy action.

f. Operations: During the month the squadron participated in 26 mission and 152
sorties. Some of the more important missions were as follows: April 7th, the squadron
participated in an attack on a railroad south of Attigliano. The purpose was to cut the
main railroad line used y the enemy to supply its front. The bridge was destroyed by an
excellent concentration of bombs. On April 10th, the Orvieto railroad bridge was also
destroyed by an excellent concentration of bombs. On April 14th, the Viterbo airdrome
was attacked. This was on of the principal fighter bases of the Germans in Central Italy.
The squadron placed a pattern of bombs over the designated area destroying planes and
installations on the ground. On April 25th, and also on April 28th, the squadron
participated in raids which resulted in the destruction of bridges. All of these bridges
were small targets and called for the highest in precision bombing.

April 1944 (continued)

g. Command Officers in important missions.

(1) The Commanding Officer of the squadron flew on the mission of April 28th

when the railroad bridge at Pode Nuovo was hit.

h. Losses in action:

(a) Wounded.

Lt. Leighton D. Charville (“Danny”, pilot) was seriously wounded and S/Sgt.
John M. Plott (radio-gunner) and Sgt. Leo J. Thibodeau (engineer-gunner) were slightly
wounded by flak on April 12th when the group was sent to bomb a railroad bridge west of
Guardea, Italy

i. During the month of April the Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded for
extraordinary achievement on the part of two officers while flying missions for this
squadron. Lt. Col. Bailey C. Cook (pilot, Commander) was given the award for leading
an attack on an enemy convoy on April 5, 1943. Capt. Robert M (pilot). House, was
given the award for leading an element on January 27, 1944, in an attack upon vital
enemy supply lines in support of our ground forces near Anzio, Italy.

For the Commanding Officer:

JAMES E. NICKERSON

Captain, Air Corps,

Squadron Historian.

April 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for April 1944

1 May 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR APRIL 1944

A. Original Unit

1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Gp (M) AAF

2. Organized August 1, 1942

3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C.

4. Activated at Barksdale Field, La. June 23, 1942

5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement

centers.

B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted:

1. 1 April 1944 72 Officers, 271 Enlisted Men

2. Net Increase 16 Officers 37 Enlisted Men

3. Net Decrease None None

4. 30 April 1944 88 Officers, 308 Enlisted Men

C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof:

1. None

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements

1. Lt. Colonel Henry H. Schwane

E. Losses in action: None

F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in
action:

1. The D.F.C. was awarded to:

2nd Lt Benjamin W. Anzalone (bombardier) 1st Lt. John J. Herbert (pilot)

Lt. Colonel Henry H. Schwane (pilot) 1st Lt. John R. Hurley (pilot)

2. Air Medals were awarded to the following:

2nd Lt. James E. Chudars (pilot) 1st Lt Gabriel P. Gawrada (bombardier)

Capt. Paul T. Cooper (pilot) S/Sgt Allen B. Turner (bombardier)

Sgt Donald W. Clay (engineer-gunner)

2nd Lt. Robert L. Holt (pilot) S/Sgt Albert H. Clickner (engineer-gunner)

1st Lt John C. Kerr (pilot) S/Sgt Dominick R. DeBari (gunner)

April 1944 (continued)

1st Lt. Edward R. Le Clair (pilot) S/Sgt Earl C. Fiebelkorn (gunner)

1st Lt. Peter T. Mc Cabe (bombardier) S/Sgt John A. Franc (gunner)

2nd Lt. James A. Mc Rae (bombardier) S/Sgt Salem M. Green (radio-gunner)

2nd Lt. Jack D. Mayo (bombardier) T/Sgt Frank M. Howe (gunner)

1st Lt. George E. Nicklaus (bombardier) T/Sgt Edward M. Leary (radio-gunner)

1st Lt. Sumner W. Rice (bombardier) Sgt Edward H. Lorentson (gunner)

1st Lt. Frank P. Vivas (pilot) S/Sgt John J. Mitchell (radio-gunner)

1st Lt. Dale F. Walker (pilot) S/Sgt Michael L.S. Mowry (engineer-gunner)

2nd Lt. Robert D. Wallace (pilot) T/Sgt James R. Orechia (radio-gunner)

S/Sgt Daniel Brandoff (engineer-gunner) S/Sgt John G. Samsel (gunner)

S/Sgt Jean H. Brawn (engineer-gunner) S/Sgt Thomas R. Schultheis (gunner)

G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries.

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for April 1944

Missions Flown: 24 Sorties Flown: 148

Bombs dropped (weight): 422,500 lbs Nickels dropped (packages) 48

Planes lost: 2 planes (one crew) Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None

Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None

448th BS War Diary: Additional Information for April 1944

The month of April began with bright sunshine beaming down upon the squadron
and the smell of Spring in the air. Spring Fever struck a few but for the most part the
personnel enjoyed baseball, volley-ball and trips to neighboring towns in their spare time.
The health of the squadron was excellent and the squadron constructed hot-shower did
much toward keeping everyone clean.

In the Mess Hall and in the PX Captain Marrich’s (Martin K., Adjutant) crew
continued to turn out excellent meals from the bountiful provisions supplied by
Quartermaster. Although the cokes were few and far between the advent of Hershey’s,
and other long forgotten candy bars made the by-weekly candy ration a much sought after
article. The Italian KP’s continued their excellent work and the gleaming of the iron pots
in the kitchen dazzled the eye as well as gave proof to their cleanliness.

Work settled into a well worn groove and everyone became well satisfied with
their home at Guado. Due to the facilities at hand hopes ran high that Guado would be
the squadron’s summer home but fate willed otherwise. Trips continued into the
surrounding countryside as well as to Naples and other historic locations. More Ground
Crew members departed for a weeks rest on the Isle of Capri.

April 1944 (continued)

On April 16, word was received that the squadron was to prepare to move and
immediately all sections began to pack and crate their equipment for an overseas voyage.
The destination was “Somewhere in Corsica”. On April 17, seven crews were ordered to
stand by in preparation for a move to the 310th Bomb Group (M), AAF on the Island of
Corsica. There these crews, under the leadership of Captain Freeland (Levi Z., Jr., pilot)
would operate until joined by the rest of the squadron. On April 18 these crews departed
for their new base. The Ground Crew was to leave on April 20th, on that day orders were
given, trucks secured and packed and sent down to the docks at Salerno. The equipment
was unloaded and the trucks returned for the personnel but failure of the boats to arrive
cancelled the move for that day. Early in the morning of the 21st word was received from
Group Headquarters that no move would be made that day, shortly afterwards trucks
were again sent over with word that the boats would be in Salerno at 14:00 hours that
day. Immediately all personnel gathered their last belongings ate a hurried lunch,
climbed aboard trucks and departed for Salerno. Upon arrival it was discovered the boats
would not be in until 17:00 and at that time would land on the beach rather than on the
quay. This meant that all equipment and baggage that had previously been unloaded on
the docks would have to be transferred to the beach. At approximately 17:00 HMS
BRUISER and HMS THRUSTER slid smoothly on the beach at Salerno. The 448th and
Headquarters were to board the BRUISER and immediately work was begun in loading
the unladen equipment. Work progressed at a fast clip until about 22:00 when the
combination of pouring rain and an air raid alert caused all activity to cease. A few of the
squadron remained awake throughout the night and by 09:00 the next morning all of the
448th personnel and equipment were aboard. At 09:30 Major Kneivel (Arthur W.,
Executive), the Commander of the troops aboard departed on urgent business of securing
transportation by air for 15 officers who did not have accommodations on the boat.
When he returned the ramp had already been lifted and he was forced to leave the jeep to
go by other means and he had to secure a small boat to come aboard. HMS BRUISER
was a sight to behold, on her top deck clustered men and vehicles and below baggage,
equipment and more vehicles. At 10:00 the Captain gave word to drag the boat off the
sand. This was attempted but not met with no success. At first two tugs were called in to
assist in the operation and they too met with failure. Finally the escort destroyer
approached and after much difficulty succeeded in getting a tow line aboard. Then with
the combined efforts of the BRUISER’S engines, the tugs and the destroyer the
BRUISER slowly backed off the sandy beach of Salerno. The time was approximately
16:00. The day passed quietly as the two LST’s escorted by one destroyer steamed
swiftly up the coast of Italy, passed the Isle of Capri and then turned westward towards
the Island of Corsica as darkness closed in the men began secure places in trucks, under
trucks in fact anywhere where there was room to lie down and prepared themselves for
the night. At 22:00 everyone was awakened by the abrupt stopping of the engines but
were relieved to discover that there was only a slight difficulty with the steering gear and
the shop was soon on its way. Without further mishap the three vessels steamed into the

Port of Vecchio, Corsica and after little trouble lowered their ramps and proceeded to
unload. A convoy of 448th’s vehicles was formed and departed for Solenzara A/D. After
a journey of 20 miles over a beautiful winding coastal road all but one truck arrived

April 1944 (continued)

safely at the new airfield. On 2 ½ ton truck driven by Corporal Fisher overturned into a
ditch when the steering gear broke, no injuries were sustained.

The ground personnel found themselves in a lush meadow a short distance from
the sea, Captain Marshall (Ulysses S., medical) issued a needless warning about the
abundance of mosquitoes and their malaria carrying capacity. Tents were hurriedly
erected by some while others slept in the open. However equipment and personnel
continued to arrive throughout the night. Sunday the 23rd dawned with little thought of
rest for the 448th but Headquarters decided that a new area must be found consequently
everyone sat and waited for further instructions. Fortunately the weather remained
excellent and no one suffered from exposure.

On the morning of the 24th instructions were received to move all personnel and
their equipment to a new area about 3 miles north of the old and about a mile and one
half north of the A/D very close to the road. The new area was discovered to be a small
meadow with few trees surrounded by the dense desert like brush that covered most of
this part of Corsica. Work was immediately begun setting up camp, digging fox-holes
and providing messing facilities. Soon after these were set up the men began to look
around and observe their surroundings. Corsica was discovered to contain much dense
vegetation, few people, beautiful streams and high snow capped mountains. The
squadron was located very close to the sea but the presence of German booby traps and
mines prevented exploration of the coast.

On the Line Captain Wonnacott (Robert C., engineering) and Captain Hayes
(Elzie N., Jr., armament) found themselves in another dust-bowl. The field had been
scraped from the brush and had that raw unfinished look that had characterized so many
fields occupied by the 448th. In a few days they and their men succeeded in creating a
presentable Line with the materials at hand.

The saw mill on the island was able to furnish very little lumber to the squadron
but by hook or crook the squadron secured enough to build an Officers Mess Hall and
began on an Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall. KP again became one of the necessary evils for
the Privates, PFC’s and Corporals. Contrary to expectations the food was much better
than “C” rations. Fresh meat was received at least three times a week. On the
entertainment front there was little to be had, movies three times a week were scheduled,
however for nature lovers, fishers and hunters Corsica promised much. A army shower
and laundry solved the problem of cleanliness to some extent.

On April 17th while leading a mission over a RR bridge two miles south of
Attigliano, Captain Crowell (Weymouth [NMI], pilot), received a direct hit in the fuselage
of his plane which tore one rudder off, his plane fell for a short time out of control but
was seen to be under control near the ground, four chutes or more were seen to leave the
plane and the plane crashed just north of the town. Members of the crew were: Captain
Crowell, Pilot, Lt. (Floyd A.) Elliott, Co-Pilot, Lt.(William S.) Hough, Navigator, Lt.

April 1944 (continued)

(Alfred W.) Kreutz, Bombardier, S/Sgt. (Charles W., Jr.) Doss, Engineer Gunner, S/Sgt.
(Herbert J.)Graham, Radio Gunner and S/Sgt (Joseph M.) Johnson, Gunner.

The month closed in a bustle of activity at the new base.

April 1 – 7 – 44: The following Officers and Enlisted Men assigned and joined during
this period: Lts: Bard, Warren, Young, Blume, Furey, Farris, Blackwell, Shaw, Connor
and Schlenk; Sgts: Perillo, Doughty, Mitchell, Holtzendorf, Roberts, Bishop, Stafford;
Private. Kuelling, Piazza. Squadron strength April 1, Officers 69; Enlisted Men 279. Lt.
Marrich promoted to rank of Captain as of the 29th of March and Lt. Armstrong promoted
to 1st Lieutenant. Three Officers and three Enlisted Men to the Cassino front to observe
operations of the Ground Forces. Several more Officers and Enlisted Men of the Ground
Crew departed for a weeks rest on the Isle of Capri. Weather continued to improve and
baseball became the popular pastime. 5 missions were flown during the week with
targets consisting mostly of communication lines in Northern Italy. Squadron Morale
continued high and the anticipated move did not take place.

Armstrong, Donald R., 1Lt, pilot Bard, John A., 2Lt, pilot

Bishop, William (NMI), Sgt, gunner Blackwell, Robert G., 2Lt, pilot

Blume, Wilbur T., 2Lt, bombardier Connor, John C., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Doughty, Paul V., Sgt, gunner Farris, Stephen C., 2Lt, bombardier

Furey, Frank M., 2Lt, pilot Holtzendorf, Henry (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Kuelling, Ernest G., Pvt, communications Marrich, Martin K., Capt, Adjutant

Mitchell, William C., Sgt, gunner Perillo, Anthony L., Sgt, gunner

Piazza, Anthony E., Pvt, communications Schlenk, Henry O., 2Lt, bombardier

Shaw, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Stafford, Robert B., Sgt, communications

Warren, William F., 2Lt, pilot Young, Robert B., 2Lt, bombardier

Roberts, Charles A., Sgt, gunner or Roberts, Harold L., Sgt, gunner

or Roberts, John L., Sgt, gunner

April 8 – 14 – 44: The following Officers and Enlisted Men were assigned and joined
during this period: Lts: Ovard, Stevens, Judy; Sgts: Donaud, Denny, Dembroski. More
Ground Personnel continued to leave for the Isle of Capri Rest Camp. Weather continued
to be good and six missions were flow during the week. An intensive training program
occupied all combat personnel. Daylight saving time was inaugurated and the added hour
of daylight was welcomed by everyone. Food continued excellent which did much to
boost the moral of the men.

Dembrowski, Henry J., Sgt, gunner Denny, Joseph C., Sgt, communication

Donaud, Earl J., Sgt, gunner Judy, Philip R., 2Lt, bombardier

Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt, pilot Stevens, Ray B., 2Lt, pilot

April 15 – 21 – 44: No officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
On April 18th, the long awaited move was announced. On the morning of the 19th 7
crews took off for the 310th Bomb Group (M), AAF A/D in Corsica to operate from there

April 1944 (continued)

until joined by the Ground Echelon. Preparations were begun for the move and all
sections packed their equipment and everyone stood ready to embark on their third
voyage to the Island of Corsica. On the evening and night of 21 April, troops and
equipment were loaded aboard HMS BRUISER and late the next afternoon the ship
weighed anchor and steamed out of Salerno Harbor. At 11:30 on the 22nd of April the
ship dropped anchor at Port Evecco, Corsica. Again the task of unloading and
transporting supplies to the new base was begun.

April 22 – 31 – 44: The following Officers and Enlisted Men were assigned and joined
during this period: Lts: Shear, Carrington, Bearden, Dalby; Sgts: Bell, Edwards and
White. 1st Lt Frederick W. Lichtward promoted to Captain. Lt. Coffee; Sgts: Acey, and
Penhale DS to the U.S.A. The “Old Ordnance Section” were again transferred into the
squadron. After leaving the boat the squadron moved to a large meadow close to
Solenzara A/D. It remained there for two days and then due to the prevalence of
mosquitoes shifted its camp three miles further up the road and there established a
permanent base. The bivouac area was situated beside the main road on fairly high
ground and promised to be as free of mosquitoes as was possible in this area. Work was
immediately begun in setting up all necessary conveniences and by the end of the month
the squadron was well on the way towards having another excellent camp. Squadron
strength 83 Officers and 315 Enlisted Men.

Acey, Marvin E., Sgt, gunner Bearden, James E., 2Lt, bombardier

Bell, Flavious J., Sgt, gunner Carrington, Charles C., 2Lt, pilot

Coffee, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot Dalby, Roy R., 2Lt, pilot

Lichtward, Frederick W., Capt, intelligence Penhale, Walter B., Sgt, gunner

Shear, Meyer (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Edwards, Clarence C., Sgt, gunner or Edwards, Jesse R., Sgt, gunner

White, Frank H., Sgt, gunner or White, George E., Sgt, gunner

or White, Joseph J., Sgt, engineer