12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: April 1945

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For my dad,

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

“Lil Butch”

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

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

Contributors

Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Italy)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acronyms & Abbreviations

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

Nav: Navigator

A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak

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

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

NC: Nurse Corps.

abs: absent

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

NRO: 445th 16 Apr 45?

Assg: Assigned

OD: Officer of the day, also Olive Drab

ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar)

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

ATC: Air Transportation Command

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

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

PAX: Passengers

BC: Bomber Command

PBS: 447th 2 June 44?

Bmb: Bombardier

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

Bn: Battalion

POE: Point of Embarkation

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

PX: Post Exchange

BSM: Bomb System Maintenance

QM: Quarter Master

CA: Heavy Cruiser

R/B: Road Bridge

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

RC: Red Cross

C/D: 446th 5 Apr 45?

R/J: Road Junction

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

R/Y: Railroad Yards

CO: Commanding Officer

Repl: Replacement

CP: Command Post

RON: Remain OverNight

CQ: Charge of Quarters

RR/B: Railroad Bridge

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

RR/J: Railroad Junction

D/H: Direct Hit

RR: Railroad

Demo: Demolition

S/E: Single Engine (plane)

DS: Detached Service

S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran)

E/A: Enemy Aircraft

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

E/F: Enemy Fighter

SD: Special Duty

E/M: Enlisted Men

sk: sick

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44?

SO: Special Order

F/L: Formation Leader , also light Leader

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?

FO or F/O: Flying Officer

Sq: Squadron

Frag: Fragmentation

Sqdn: Squadron

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action

G.O.: General Order

T/C: Troop Concentration

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position

T/E: Twin Engine (plane)

GTC: 445th 1 Mar 43?

TAC: Theater Allied Command

I & E: Information & Education

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

IP: Initial Point

TD: Temporary Duty

L/G: Landing Ground

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43?

Lox: Liquid Oxygen

TO: Take-Off (time), also Technical
Order, and Transportation Officer

L/S: Landing Strip

T/O: Table of Organization

L/V: Large Vehicle

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

LOT: 447th 2 May 44?

Trfd: Transferred

LST: Landing Ship Tank

u/i: 448th 26 Sep 44?

Ltr: Letter

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

WP: White Phosphorus (bombs)

MATS: Military Air Transport Service

WT Station: 445th 20 Jul 43?

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

XC: Cross Country

M/V: Military Vessel

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

MC: Maintenance Crew

Sunday, 1 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 31 Mar/1 Apr, A-20s and A-26s on intruder missions over the Po Valley continue to
attack road and railroad bridges, motor transport, loading points, and other targets;
principal strikes are made at Po River bridges; fighters and fighter-bombers during the
day strike rail bridges, dumps, rail lines, marshalling yards, trains, vehicles, gun
positions, several buildings (including an ammunition plant and truck factory), and a
variety of targets of opportunity in the Po Valley and NE Italy; medium bombers hit
railroad bridges at Calcinato, Crema, Mantua, Monselice, Colle Isarco, San Ambrogio di
Valpolicella, and Perea; HQ 87th Fighter Wing is disbanded at Florence; HQ 321st
Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Solenzara, Corsica to Falconara.

445th BS War Diary: Easter was observed informally. Excellent Easter ham supper
served at E.M. Mess. Good mail call. All wooden floors are being removed with all
salvageable material conserved. Another advance party went to Falconara Airfield in
Italy. C-47’s are making numerous trips to the new field.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 823; Squadron Mission 519: Capt. Webb
and Lt. Poteete led 24 planes, 18 from the 445th, in attack upon Mantua North R.R.
Bridge, the alternate target. 1000# bombs dropped from 10,500/11,000 ft. Some planes
returned due to poor visibility. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate on run at alternate from
known positions. RESULTS: Good concentration in target area. Bridge believed hit.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

Poteete, Max W., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: As the squadron continues preparation for moving back to the
Italian mainland, eight enlisted men are sent to replacement center for infantry training.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 563

TARGET: Mantua N. RR Bridge, Italy (Alt) DATE: 1 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Webb led the formation; Lt. Fisher led the anti-flak element. Primary was cloud
covered, alternate attacked and bridge believed hit. One concentration cut tracks just S of
bridge. Phosphorus ships did not drop. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate.

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

Sunday, 1 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Fisher, Carl D., 1Lt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 564

TARGET: Monselice RR Bridge, Italy (Alt) DATE: 1 Apr 1945

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

Major Farwell led the formation. Alternate attacked due to cloud cover at primary. Two
close patterns covered bridge from center to N, others were in the vicinity of S approach.
No flak, spare returned early.

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

447th BS War Diary: The following enlisted men assigned on combat rotation to the 7th
Repl. Depot for transshipment to the United States. Departed Ltr. Hq. 12th Air Force, 24
March 1945: T/Sgt. George D. Schnaars, T/Sgt. Andrew C. Dubbs. Cpl John E.
McCready, MIA, 6 Feb. 1945, returned to duty 1 April 1945. Four officers and 70
enlisted men to DS, Falconara Air Field, Italy. Usual camp duties with 16 planes local
transition.

Dubbs, Andrew C., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner McCready, John E., Jr., Cpl, gunner

Schnaars, George D., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: No Entry

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Freund left for the Cannes rest camp this morning and
Flight Officer Rutz returned from Cannes. Flight Officer Mann was promoted to Second
Lieutenant today.

Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier-navigator Mann, James R., 2Lt, pilot

Rutz, Victor H., F/O, bombardier

448th BS Mission Summary: Major Farwell led the mission off this morning that
attacked the rail bridge at Monselice. After scoring a 100% bombing accuracy on the
bridge Major Farwell led the formation back without a loss. Three planes went for gun
positions near Ala, also, but due to overcast, they were unable to attack them.

Sunday, 1 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, Commander

Monday, 2 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Major General Benjamin
W Chidlaw takes command of the Twelfth AF and will shortly take over command of the

Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) also. In Italy, A-20s and A-26s
continue intruder missions during the night of 1/2 Apr concentrating on Po River
crossings and other Po Valley communications targets; B-25s bomb railroad bridges at
Fornovo di Taro, Drauburg, San Michele all' Adige, Matrei am Brenner, Steinach, and
Colle Isarco, and a railroad fill at Vo Sinistro; fighters and fighter-bombers again hit
communications in the Po Valley but divert sizeable effort to attacks on methane plants in
the C Po area; the P-47s are attacked by about 40 fighters during the day, 13 are claimed
destroyed; HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Alesan, Corsica to
Rimini.

445th BS War Diary: Extra baggage shipped to new field today. Let-up in mission with
445th furnishing only the lead spare for the group mission. Bob Testa became quite giddy
following a terrific work-day.

Testa, Robert W., Sgt, intelligence, public relations

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

446th BS War Diary: A 9-plane mission is flown and we are ready to strike about half
of the tents early in the morning and send them to the new base via air transport and our
B-25’s. Last minute packing and scrapping of excess baggage continues.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 565

TARGET: Matrei N. RR Bridge, Austria DATE: 2 Apr 1945

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

Major Smedley led the formation. All bombs in close concentration covering bridge. No
flak.

Smedley, Robert R., Maj, pilot, Operations Officer

447th BS War Diary: One officer and 19 enlisted men TDY Falconara Airfield, Italy.
The following officers, Flight officers and enlisted men assigned and joined squadron
from Hq. 57th Bomb. Wing, 1 April 1945, par 1, SO 60 Hq. 321st Bomb Group: 2nd Lt.
Lewis C. Perry, 2nd Lt. Norman R. Anderson, 2nd Lt. William T. Lutz, F/O Lester W.
Dunaway, F/O Howard J. Corbin, Cpl. John J. McCarthy, Pvt. Vincent J. Flora, Cpl
Laverne L. Lero, Cpl. John A. Olden, Cpl. Herman A. Heinlein, Cpl. Henry C. Zoltewicz,
Cpl. Charles V. Quinn, Jr., Cpl. Robert D. Huggins, Cpl. William E. Poe, Sgt. Robert E.
Tressler, assigned and joined from Hq. 57th Bomb Wing, par 2 SO 60 Hq. 321st Bomb
Group.

Anderson, Norman R., 2Lt, Corbin, Howard J., F/O,

Dunaway, Lester W., F/O, Flora, Vincent J., Pvt,

Heinlein, Herman A., Cpl Huggins, Robert D., Cpl,

Lero, Laverne L., Cpl, Lutz, William T., 2Lt,

McCarthy, John J., Cpl, Olden, John A., Cpl,

Monday, 2 April 1945 (continued)

Perry, Lewis C., 2Lt, Poe, William E., Cpl,

Quinn, Charles V., Jr., Cpl, Tressler, Robert E., Sgt,

Zoltewicz, Henry C., Cpl,

447th BS Mission Summary: 18 planes took part in a mission against Matrei Bridge in
Italy. All planes returned safely to home base.

448th BS War Diary: Plans continued for the coming move as tents and other
constructions were being torn down.

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Lee led the 448th’s planes in attacking the rail
bridge at Matrei, Austria, today. An excellent concentration was scored on the bridge.
Another formation of the Squadron’s planes flew to Fornova di Taro but due to weather
there they were unable to drop their bombs. All the Squadron’s planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Lee, Howard M., 1Lt

Tuesday, 3 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 2/3 Apr A-20s bomb the marshalling yard at Mantua, several Po River crossings and
other communications targets in the Po Valley; weather hampers operations during the
day; medium bombers cancel most missions, but manage to bomb the Po Valley bridges
at Camposanto, Usigliano, and Modena; the XXII Tactical Air Command [including
Brazilian and South African Air Force (SAAF) units] blast communications, fuel dumps,
methane plants, trains, motor transport at numerous points in N Italy (mainly in the Po
Valley), including Parma, Modena, Fidenza, Lodi, Bergamo, Reggio Emilia, and
Piacenza. The detachment of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, XXII Tactical Air
Command, operating from Florennes, Belgium with Beaufighters, moves to Strossfeld,
Germany.

445th BS War Diary: New combat crew enlisted men were sent to Falconara as part of
advance detail. Work continues in squadron area, tents are being lowered, and occupants
are doubling up with their neighbors.

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

446th BS War Diary: 32 Officers and 34 EM’s remain behind as the motor convoy
leaves for Bastia, enroute to Falconara, Italy. The convoy gets away about 0830 hours.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: All vehicles departed by surface vessel for the new airfield. 2
officers and 50 enlisted men duty to TDY, Falconara Airbase, Italy. Cpl John E.
McCready, Jr., promoted to S/Sgt., Par 2 SO 61 Hq. 321st Bomb Gp. Sgt. Robert G.
Tressler promoted to T/Sgt. par 3, SO 61, Hq. 321st Bomb Gp.

McCready, John E., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Tressler, Robert E., T/Sgt,

447th BS Mission Summary: 6 planes participated in a mission against Modena Rail
Bridge in northern Italy. All planes returned safely to home base.

448th BS War Diary: Sections continued their packing for the new field and transports
continued to ferry equipment over to the new field. Lieutenants Neilson, Plummer,
Morris, Coogan, Korntved, Freeman, Thompson, Landis, Schneider, Keene and Flight
Officers Clark and VanHorn, Sergeants Dutilly, Krysak, and Corporals Wall, Griffin,
E.I., Green, Cusack, Reed, Litwiller, Woodling, and Pvt. Stracuzzi were assigned to the
Squadron as new combat crewmen.

Clark, F/O, Coogan, 2Lt,

Cusack, Cpl, gunner Dutilly, Sgt, gunner

Freeman, 2Lt, Green, Cpl, gunner

Griffin, E. I., Cpl, gunner Keene, 2Lt,

Korntved, 2Lt, Krysak, Sgt, gunner

Landis, 2Lt, Litwiller, Cpl, gunner

Wednesday, 4 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAFMTO: HQ 90th
Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) begins a movement from San Severo, Italy to the
US. In Italy, B-25s continue to blast communications along the Brenner rail line,
ranging from the railroad bridge at Drauburg to the Camposanto railroad bridge; the B-
25s also inflict considerable damage on the Merano methanol plant; P-47s concentrate on
enemy movement, rail lines, and ammunition and fuel dumps throughout the Po Valley.
The 489th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium),
moves from Alesan, Corsica to Rimini, Italy with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. William L. Henry, veteran of 91 combat missions, 51 in
C.B.I Theatre, returned to the U.S.A. today. 1st Lt. F.J. Wren, veteran of 80 missions in
the M.T.O., also departed for home. Movements of supplies continue to the new field.

Henry, William W., S/Sgt, gunner Wren, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot/bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 830; Squadron Mission 520: Capt.
Bowling and Lt. Shutters led 15 squadron planes in a 24 ship attack upon Ora Rail
Bridge, and Salorno Rail Embankment and Drainage Canal, the alternate target. 1000#
bombs dropped from 11,500/12,000 ft. One element returned due to malfunction of
sight. Flak heavy, intense, and accurate. Three planes holed; one landed on friendly
field in Italy. RESUKTS: Lead flight dropped on primary with bombs concentrated
South of bridge on east bank of Adige River. Second flight bombed alternate when lead
A/C had sight malfunction. Bombs hit south of Salorno fill (alternate) and east of R.R.
tracks. Three A/C only of anti-flak formation dropped short on west bank of Adige
River; other three did not drop due to sight malfunction of element leader. Submarine
observed near Bastia.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

446th BS War Diary: According to information received, the convoy left Bastia this
morning via LST and are due in Leghorn this afternoon. More personnel and equipment
is shipped to the mainland via C-47 and B-25.

Wednesday, 4 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 566

TARGET: Modena N RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Apr 1945

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

Lt. Berge led the formation. Four runs were made on target due to difficulty in picking
up station. Bombs hit about 300 yds of the target. No flak.

A/C No. unknown

Berge, Gale B., 1Lt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 567

TARGET: Ora RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb. (Anti-flak) 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Bowling led the formation. Three a/c only of the anti-flak formation dropped short
on W bank of Adige River; other three did not drop due to sight malfunction of element
leader. Heavy, intense, accurate flak on anti-flak a/c. Three holed, one landed at friendly
field.

Bowling, Dan P., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 568

TARGET: Ora RR Div. Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. Patterns on both approaches, bridge probably not hit. Flak
was heavy, moderate inaccurate tracking thru breakaway.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. John E. McCready, Jr., assigned to the 7th Repl. Depot for
transshipment to the United States. 3 officers duty to Falconara Airfield, Italy. 1st Lt.
Henry C. Satterwhite promoted to Capt. Par 1 SO 82, Hq. 12th Air Force. The following

Wednesday, 4 April 1945 (continued)

officers promoted to 1st Lt. Par 1, SO 82, Hq. 12th Air Force: 2nd Lt. Robert O. Britt, 2nd
Lt. Roy V. Bryson, 2nd Lt. Frank Calabrese, 2nd Lt. Vernon E. Jansen, 2nd Lt. Floyd W.
Prillman, 2nd Lt. Melvin G. Steffan, 2nd Lt. Edwin C. Vantrease.

Britt, Robert O., 1Lt, pilot Bryson, Roy V., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Calabrese, Frank (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Jansen, Vernon E., 1Lt, pilot

McCready, John E., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Prillman, Floyd W., 1Lt, navigator

Satterwhite, Henry C., Capt, pilot Steffan, Melvin G., 1Lt, pilot

Vantrease, Edwin C., 1Lt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 planes took part in a mission against Ora Rail
Diversion Bridge in Italy. All planes returned safely to home base.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Lee was promoted to Captain today, and Second
Lieutenants Bechtle, Schwartz, Schweitzer and Valenti were promoted to First
Lieutenants today. Lieutenant Stannard and thirty-nine (39) EM left for the new field at
Falconara this morning to help prepare for the remainder of the men and equipment to
come.

Bechtle, Robert M., 1Lt, pilot Lee, Howard M., Capt, pilot

Schwartz, Theodore (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Schweitzer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

Stannard, Lewis J., Jr., 1Lt, B.S.M., Adjutant Valenti, Jack J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The same three planes were scheduled to attack gun
positions near Ora rail bridge. Intense and accurate flak was met causing damage to all
three planes. One bombed on single engine but returned safely. Another was forced to
land at Pisa. No one received wounds however.

Thursday, 5 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25s bomb 5 bridges in
N Italy and Austria, at Steinach, Austria, and Matrei am Brenner, Modena, Salorno, and
San Michele all'Adige, and blast gun positions at La Spezia, Italy; these attacks follow
night raids by A-20s and A-26s on bridges at Lavis, Ala, San Michele all'Adige, San
Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Piazzola sul Brenta, Cittadella, and Montebello, Italy and
other targets; fighters and fighter bombers devote their largest effort to close support of
ground forces, blasting occupied areas and gun positions in the Massa Lombarda area,
and also attack communications and dumps in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Move continues. Partial work force for Operations and
Intelligence arrived at the new field in Italy. Lt. Lowman, T/Sgt. Killeen, and Cpl. Byrd
were among the moving party.

Byrd, Leonard E., Cpl, intelligence Killeen, Frank P., T/Sgt, operations

Lowman, Robert S., 1Lt, intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 833; Squadron Mission 521: Lt. Mogren
led nine squadron ships in an 18 plane attack upon La Spezia Coast Defense Guns.
1000# bombs dropped from 12/13,000 ft. Flak not very accurate. RESULTS: One
pattern started short in water and walked halfway through last half of area; other pattern
along west boundary of area.

A/C No. unknown

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 836; Squadron Mission 522: Lt. Mogren
led six 445th planes in attack on La Spezia Coast Defense Guns. 1000# bombs dropped
from 10,500/11,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Bombs started in center of target area,
walked through eastern perimeter. Western gun believed still operational.

A/C No. unknown

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt

Thursday, 5 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: More packing of cargo planes and nothing much to do at night
except take in the movie, which fortunately, is still operating.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 569

TARGET: La Spezia, C/D Guns, Italy DATE: 5 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. S.A.P. 446th Planes: 9

Capt. Gates led the formation. Both flights had excellent concentration in target area.
Heavy, scant, inaccurate flak.

Gates, Edward, Capt, pilot, 447th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 570

TARGET: La Spezia, C/D Guns, Italy DATE: 5 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. S.A.P. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Kimble led the formation. Bombs well concentrated in target area. No flak at main
formation.

A/C No. unknown

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt

447th BS War Diary: The move to the new field is going along in splendid fashion and
should be completed shortly.

447th BS Mission Summary: 6 planes flew on a mission against La Spezia Coastal
Defenses Guns in Italy. Excellent bombing was reported with all guns being silenced.
Higher Hq. sent down a letter of congratulations for the days work.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeants Seward, Magyar and Veeck left for the U.S. today after
completing their missions with the Squadron. All staff sections made plans to leave
tomorrow for the new field to resume operations there.

Magyar, Steven J., Sgt, gunner Seward, Richard F., T/Sgt, gunner

Veeck, Richard W., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: The B-25s broke off the “Battle of Brenner Pass”
temporarily today to attack coastal guns near La Spezia. Captain Lyons led the
Squadron’s planes this morning in scoring a good concentration of bombs on the gun
positions. Captain Lyons led the 448th’s planes back this afternoon to get what few guns

Thursday, 5 April 1945 (continued)

remained from this morning’s devastating attack. No losses were suffered during the
day’s operations.

A/C No. unknown

Lyons, John B, Capt

Friday, 6 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General Thomas
C Darcy takes command of the XXII Tactical Air Command. In Italy, A-20s and A-26s
on night intruder missions during the night of 5/6 Apr, bomb several bridges in the Po
River Valley, scoring good results on 8 of the targets, also hitting an assembly area along
the Po River; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers hit lines of
communications, mainly in the Po Valley, and support US Fifth Army forces attacking
toward Massa Lombarda; B-25s cancel missions against targets on the Brenner line due
to weather, but hit 6 bridges in the C Po Valley and gun positions at La Spezia. The 446th
and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium),
move from Solenzara, Corsica to Falconara, Italy with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Finkhouse and Cpl. Kangas were among the dignitaries who
left for our new base today. Twelve planes carried supplies during the day.

Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 1Lt, bombardier Kangas, Angelo J., Cpl, operations

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 838; Squadron Mission 522 (actually523):
Capt. Bowling led nine squadron ships in 18 plane attack upon Camposanto R.R. Bridge,
the alternate target. 1000# dropped from 11,500/12,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: missed
Bridge. May have cut tracks.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

446th BS War Diary: The convoy arrived at the new base today at 1700 hours and we
find that we are to live in permanent buildings, the first such comfort for most of us in
over two years foreign service. There is running water and practically a complete airbase
here. Early arrivals have done much in the way of getting showers and storage huts
erected for the squadron.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 571

TARGET: Rolo RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 6 Apr 1945

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

Lt. Carlson led the formation. First flight of nine a/c made four passes, unable to bomb
due to low clouds. Second flight of nine dropped on third pass, all bombs short of bridge,
south of river. No flak, spare returned early.

Friday, 6 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Carlson, Lowell A., 1Lt

447th BS War Diary: The vehicle convoy arrived at Falconara Airbase in Italy today. 9
planes left Solenzara Airfield, Corsica for Falconara Airfield, Italy. 17 enlisted men duty
to temporary duty Falconara Airfield, Italy.

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes participated in a mission against Rolo Railroad
Bridge in Italy. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Freund returned from Cannes today and Flight Officer
Campbell, K., and Lieutenant Sturgis left for the Cannes rest camp. Sergeants Goethals
and Qualls left for the rest camp at Nice, France, recently set up for enlisted combat
crewmen. The Staff Sections began operations at the new field today and eleven (1) of
the Squadron’s planes were flown over for operational use.

Campbell, Knox L., F/O, pilot Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier-navigator

Goethals, Camiel A., T/Sgt, gunner Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner

Sturgis, Cloral S., 2Lt pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Autrey led the Squadron’s planes back to the
Brenner Pass today to attack the rail bridge at Camposanto. The concentration of bombs
fell across the north end and approach. All planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Autrey, W.F., 1Lt

Saturday, 7 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 6/7 Apr, A-20s and A-26s bomb bridges at Lavis, Ala, Rovereto, and San Ambrogio di
Valpolicella, and several Po River crossings; during the day weather grounds the medium
bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter bombers, operating on a
limited scale, hit the Montechino oilfield, ammunition dumps and communications
targets N of the battle area, and gun positions in the Monte Belvedere-Strettoia area in
which US Fifth Army forces push N. Units moving from Corsica to Italy: HQ 57th
Bombardment Wing and HQ 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) with the 380th, 381st
and 428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) from Ghisonaccia to Fano with B-25s; the
486th, 487th and 488th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group
(Medium), from Alesan to Rimini with B-25s.

445th BS War Diary: Last of Operations Personnel and Intelligence staff departed for
Italy. Mission from Corsica that was slated to land in Italy was forced to return.
Transports delivered throngs of crews, engineers, armorers, and line personnel to the new
field. All that now remains on Corsica, in addition to the above mentioned crews, are the
minimum number to maintain a clean-up remnant of the squadron. A few cooks, motor
pool men, and administrative clerks remained behind. They will arrive later, in the main
boat.

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

446th BS War Diary: Squadron duties as we start setting up offices and move in
supplies.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: 3 planes left Solenzara, Corsica for Falconara Airfield, Italy.
Officers and enlisted men continued to leave Corsica for the new base.

447th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

448th BS War Diary: Sixty Officers and 148 EM were flown over to the new field
today. The living quarters for the EM is a “U” shaped building, formerly used by the
British here, with latrines in the rear of each wing. The kitchen and Mess Hall is located
between the two wings. Staff Sections are temporarily set-up adjacent to the building in
Nissen Huts. Officer’s quarters were in tents adjacent to the wings of the building. Work
continued in the destruction of the camp sight on Corsica.

448th BS Mission Summary: No mission was scheduled from the new field today, but
the one from Corsica was stand down due to weather conditions.

Sunday, 8 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 7/8 Apr, A-20s and A-26s hit command posts and dumps; medium bombers, despite
bad weather bomb railroad bridges at Salorno, San Michele all' Adige, Vo Sinistro, and
Bondeno, a railroad fill and canal at Salorno, and gun positions at La Spezia; XXII
Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers concentrate their efforts on the Brenner area
communications (cutting lines in 31 places and damaging 4 bridges), oil fields in the C
Po Valley, and points further N; the 445th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st
Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Solenzara, Corsica to Falconara with B-25s

445th BS War Diary: Work and cleaning going on at new base. Opinions vary, but no
one seems to enjoy the new quarters. Too crowded, no storage space, and absolutely no
element of privacy. They miss home atmosphere that tents partially provided. ‘Tis going
to be a garrison existence here – one must have pass to leave the compound, wear Class
A uniform, etc. No nightly shows like were held on Corsican, no club, no mess hall.
Some of these will no doubt be provided, but to a G.I. soldier, lack of the above
mentioned facilities breeds dissatisfaction. Chris “Doc” Beccarelli is serving as straw
boss and interpreter for a group of Italian laborers. We once called such people
B.M.O.C. (Big man on the campus), but B.T.O would perhaps be more appropriate.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Doc", Cpl, engineering

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 841; Squadron Mission 524: Lt. Mogren
led nine 445th ships in a 17 plane attack upon Salorno Rail Fill and Drainage canal.
1000# bombs dropped from 12,500/13,000 ft. Flak heavy, scant, and inaccurate to coast
from target. RESULTS: Good concentration in target area; direct hits on the fill.

A/C No. unknown

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 842; Squadron Mission 525: Capts. Webb
and Bowling led 20 44th planes in an 80 plane attack upon Defense Area “Harry”. Frags
carried, 7116 dropped, 564 salvoed, 1920 returned due to last flight being late at target.
No flak. RESULTS: Flash photos show West gun positions smothered; crews report
remainder of area well covered. Three A/C dropped at wrong point due to a lead plane
losing a cluster when bomb bay doors opened.

Sunday, 8 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

446th BS War Diary: An 8-plane mission is flown. Lieut. Alward is made a 1st Lt.

Alward, Charles W., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 572

TARGET: Salorno Rail Fill and Drainage Canal, It. DATE: 8 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. Good concentration of bombs in target area with direct
hits reported on the fill. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

447th BS War Diary: Weather prohibited remaining crews to get air base in Italy.
Everyone was scheduled to leave for the new field – but due to bad weather a few men
were unable to take off.

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes participated in a mission against Salorno Station
Rail Bridge in Italy. All planes returned safely to home field.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Smith returned from Switzerland today where he had
been hospitalized after bailing out of his plane when it went down in February.

Smith, Milford A., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Leonard led the first mission of the Squadron
from the new base to attack the rail bridge at Salorno. The planes from Corsica were
stood down once again due to weather conditions. The concentration of bombs fell
squarely on the center of the bridge and it was believed down. All planes returned safely.

Sunday, 8 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Leonard, Lee V., Capt

Monday, 9 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s and A-26s
on intruder missions during the night of 8/9 Apr, bomb bridges, vehicles, and targets of
opportunity in the Po River Valley and NE Italy; during the day B-25s and XXII Tactical
Air Command fighter-bombers [in conjunction with RAF Desert Air Force (DAF)
fighter-bombers and Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) heavy bombers]
blast gun positions, troop concentrations, enemy HQ, and strong group points in the
Lugo-Imola area in support of a British Eighth Army offensive; other XXII Tactical Air
Command fighter-bombers bit communications in N Italy (including the Brenner line)
and methane plant and ammunition and fuel dumps in the W C Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: First missions flown from Italy. 20 planes in all, 11 at first; later,
nine crews which just arrived from Corsican, arrived, ate, and then took off on a frag
mission.

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

446th BS War Diary: More promotions: To 1st Lieut. go the following, Cimino, Corra,
Dunn, Fodor, French, Neel, Weihe. A close support mission is flown to aid the Allied
armies in northern Italy.

Cimino, William C., 1Lt, bombardier Corra, Andrew J., 1Lt, bombardier

Dunn, Albert W., 1Lt, pilot Fodor, Joseph M., 1Lt, bombardier

French, Wendell L., 1Lt, pilot Neel, John D., 1Lt, pilot

Weihe, Frederick A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 573

TARGET: Defense Area “Harry”, Italy DATE: 9 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 21

Capt. Gates led the formation. Flash photos show W gun positions smothered, crews
report remainder of area well covered. Lt. Carlson’s flight did not bomb due to sight
malfunction. No flak.

Gates, Edward, Capt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. unknown

Carlson, Lowell A., 1Lt

Monday, 9 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Arrival of 10 combat and 1 non-operational aircraft with Col.
Strenger and Capt. Muzinich arrived at the new air base in Italy. T/Sgt. Robert E.
Tressler transferred to Hq. 57th Bomb Wing Par 1, SO 74, Hq. 57th Bomb Wing.

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot Strenger, Marshall C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

Tressler, Robert E., T/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: 11 planes took part in a mission against Defense Area
“Harry”. This was in direct support of ground troops at the front.

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes bombed the same area in the afternoon. Good
results were reported and all planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: The remainder of the planes left on Corsica arrived here
this morning, and this afternoon the Squadron went all-out with nineteen(19) planes in
the air to support the jump-off of ground forces in Northern Italy about to begin the last
offensive in Italy. The Squadron left the Brenner Pass to attack defense positions west of
Ravenna and north of Faenza. Major Farwell led the formation with fragmentation
bombs covering the assigned area well. All planes returned safely.

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, Commander

Tuesday, 10 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 9/10 Apr, A-20s and A-26s hit guns and other close support targets along the British
Eighth Army front (which stretches from W of Imola to Comacchio Lagoon and the
coast) and also hit several Po River crossings and attack the Brenner line bridges at Lavis,
Rovereto, and San Michele all'Adige; during the day B-25s and XXII Tactical Air
Command fighter-bombers continue pounding support targets along the battlefront;
fighter-bombers also attack bridges on the Brenner line and communications and other
targets in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Frag missions flown again today. Armorers are really busy, but
they actually seem glad because from this corner, it looks like the last round.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 844; Squadron Mission 526: Capt. Poteete
led 19 445th planes in a 36 A/C attack upon gun positions (south half) at Longastrino.
500# dropped from 10/11,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Excellent concentration on all
aiming points. No wild bombs.

A/C No. unknown

Poteete, Max W., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 845; Squadron Mission 527: Capt. Webb
led 18 squadron ships in a 60 plane assault on Mansa Lombardi Defense Area. 4194 frag
clusters dropped; 2640 returned due to failure to identify target due to haze from a
previous bombing. 350 salvoed. 12 ships holed. RESULTS: Bombs of first formation
had good coverage. Second reports good coverage. One flight of 12 A/C dropped when
lead plane hit by flak.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

Tuesday, 10 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: News reaches the squadron that Switzerland has interned Lt. Falk,
Sgts. Wilkins, Springer and Scheetz. A pair of close support missions are flown by the
group.

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

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 574

TARGET: Gun Areas N half, Longastrino, Italy DATE: 10 Apr 1945

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

Lt. Lee led the formation. Excellent coverage of all aiming points except one small area
assigned to six a/c. No flak.

A/C No. unknown

Lee, Roy N., 2Lt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 575

TARGET: Gun Area (S half) Longastrino, Italy DATE: 10 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Poteete led the formation. Excellent concentration on all aiming points. No flak.

Poteete, Max W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 576

TARGET: Massa Lombarda Defense Area, Italy DATE: 10 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Crisp led the formation. Bombs of first formation had good coverage of E end of
target area. Second formation reports good coverage of W portion of assigned area. One
flight believed to have dropped in or very near target when the lead a/c was hit by flak on
the run and made an emergency salvo. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate tracking flak on
approach and break-away.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

Tuesday, 10 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Cpl. Irving R. Goodshitt assigned and joined from Hq. 19th Repl.
Bn. Par 6, SO 95, Hq. 19th Repl. Depot.

Goodshitt, Irving R., Cpl,

447th BS Mission Summary: Two missions today, 18 planes participated in the first
against Longastrino Gun Area in northern Italy. All planes returned safely. 13 planes
took part in a second mission against the same target area. All planes returned safely.
Good results were obtained on both missions.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Williams, Flight Officer Carr and Sergeant Crider left
with the 321st Basketball team to participate in the Cairo tournament today.

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

Williams, Peter G., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Lee led the Squadron’s planes in attacking gun
positions near Longastrino this morning. The target area was well covered with bomb
explosions. All the planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Lee, Howard M., Capt

448th BS Mission Summary: The Massa Lombarda Defense Area was the target for this
afternoon’s mission. Captain Leonard led the Squadron’s planes on this mission, scoring
an excellent pattern on the western portion of the target area. Some flak was encountered
but all planes returned without loss.

A/C No. unknown

Leonard, Lee V., Capt

Wednesday, 11 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 10/11 Apr, A-20s and A-26s bomb bridges at Lavis, Ala, Rovereto, San Michele
all'Adige, and San Ambrogio di Valpolicella, and hit vehicles, Po River crossings and
targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; medium bombers continue to support British
Eighth Army forces between Imola and Comacchio Lagoon, bomb guns SE of La Spezia
in front of the US Fifth Army advance, and bomb 4 bridges on the Brenner line; XXII
Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers also fly support on the Eighth Army front, and
hit communications (including the Brenner line) and fuel and ammunition dumps in the
N.

445th BS War Diary: Plane lost today over target. Lts. Dentoni and Lewis, S/Sgts.
Ohm, Vaselewski, Nelson and Morisi were the crew members aboard. RAF reports their
fighters followed the planes over to Allied lines. Moving and building still goes on.
Capt. Smith, flight surgeon, arrived from Corsican. Everyone wishes that the old Sarge,
Sgt. Buck Sergeant, would hurry over as he is one of the leading mail men of the Armed
Forces, and is sorely missed.

Dentoni, Louis M., 1Lt, pilot Lewis, Max E., 1Lt, pilot

Morisi, David D., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nelson, Jacob M., S/Sgt, gunner

Ohm, Merton D., S/Sgt, gunner Sergeant, William A. "Buck", Sgt, mail clerk

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

Vaselewski, Andrew C., S/Sgt, gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 846; Squadron Mission 528: Capt.
Bowling led 48 planes, 13 from 445th in attack upon Argenta Reserve Area #3. Frags
dropped from 10/11,500 ft. One ship lost on run. Five holed. RESULTS: Excellent
coverage by two flights parallel to road of the east third of their area. One large fire of
area. Buildings in east end of area heavily hit and left burning. All flights reported
excellent coverage.

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. unknown

Dentoni, Louis M., 1Lt

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

Lewis, Max E., 1Lt

None

Ohm, Merton D., S/Sgt

Morisi, David D., S/Sgt

Nelson, Jacob M., S/Sgt

Vaselewski, Andrew C., S/Sgt

None

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 847; Squadron Mission 529: Capt.
Kendall led six 445th ships in 24 A/C attack on Argenta Reserve area. Three (Special
Equipment). Frags dropped from 10/11,000. Three A/C holed. Falk heavy, moderate to
intense through 15/20 sec. of break. RESULTS: Excellent coverage through target area,
crossing road in four distinct patterns. Several buildings seen burning fiercely.

Wednesday, 11 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 848; Squadron Mission 530: Lt. Mogren
led nine planes in an 18 A/C attack upon San Ambrogio Fill Culvert. 1000# bombs
dropped from 11,500/12,000 ft. Flak heavy, scant, to out of range. RESULTS: Main
weight of both flights scored direct hits. Bridge covered by smoke. Several large fires.

A/C No. unknown

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Lieuts. Gambino and Yarbrough and Sgt. Popovich get those
long-awaited home order as the squadron flies a duo of missions.

Gambino, Samuel F., 1Lt, bombardier

Popovich, Chris (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner

Yarbrough, George L., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 577

TARGET: Argenta Reserve Area, Italy DATE: 11 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentations 446th Planes: 14

Capt. Bowling led the formation. Excellent coverage observed. One large fire in center
of area. Buildings at E end were heavily hit and left burning. Several scattered fires also
reported. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate on run and break. One a/c hit in the tail
and last seen losing altitude rapidly.

Bowling, Dan P., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

Wednesday, 11 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 578

TARGET: Argenta Reserve Area, Italy DATE: 11 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentations 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Rice led the formation. Excellent coverage through target area, several buildings
seen burning fiercely on break-away. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, through
break.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 579

TARGET: San Ambrogio RR Culvert, Italy DATE: 11 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb and 3 a/c 100 lb phos. 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Kimble led the formation. Main weight of bombs from both flights were across S
approach were direct hits were observed. Smoke prevented accurate observation.
Several large fires were started among the railway cars just S of bridge. Anti-flak
element reported good coverage of gun positions. Flak was heavy, scant and out of
range.

A/C No. unknown

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt

447th BS War Diary: No Entry.

447th BS Mission Summary: Three missions for today. 6 planes participated in first
against Argenta Reserve Area. # 3, 11 planes took part in a second against the same area,
9 planes took part in third mission against Volargne Rail Fill. All planes returned safely
and good results achieved.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Booth left for the U.S. this morning on permanent
rotation of ground men. Eleven more EM returned to Squadron from Corsica this
morning.

Booth, Ernest L., Sgt, engineering

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Autrey led the Squadron’s planes to attack the
Argenta Reserve area this morning. An excellent coverage of the assigned area was
scored with many fires reported. Although heavy flak was encountered all the planes
returned safely.

Wednesday, 11 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Autrey, W. F., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Ivory led the Squadron back to the Brenner
Pass this afternoon to bomb the rail fill at Volargne. A landslide was caused, completely
blocking the tracks. No opposition was encountered, and all planes returned.

A/C No. unknown

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt

Thursday, 12 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 11/12 Apr, A-20s and A-26s hit Po River crossings; medium bombers, restricted by
low clouds, bomb approaches to the Maribor, Yugoslavia bridge, hit targets along the
Brenner rail line, and support the British Eighth Army in the Argenta area; fighter-
bombers attack NE Italian railroad lines, including fuel dumps and communications
targets in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Sgt. Bob Long, very popular and efficient armorer, was severely
injured when a 1000 pound bomb was released, fracturing his spine and mangling his
foot. The act occurred while a crew was loading the bombs. The armorers are working
long hours now. Their fatigue is evidenced by recent accidents. Jack Houlton, who was
bedfast for several days without benefit of hospitalization and X-ray, was finally removed
to the 60th Station Hospital. Long’s injury marks the fifth suffered in the armament group
in less than 90 days. Malle, an Ordnance worker, is slowly recovering from injuries he
received several weeks ago.

Houlton, Lawrence J. "Jack", Sgt, armament Long, Robert H. "Bob", Sgt, armament

Malle, Joseph R., Sgt, ordnance

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 850; Squadron Mission 531: Lt. Shutters
led 12 445th planes in 54 A/C assault on the Maribor Rail Bridge and the Borovnica West
Rail Viaduct (alternate). 1000# bombs and 100# White Phosphorus bombs dropped from
10/10,000 ft. One ship lost due to intense flak. Crew believed to have parachuted. 17
planes holed with two men wounded. RESULTS: Patterns straddled bridge. No direct
hits. Six A/C out of position on bomb run, attacked alternate with good results. Only one
of four gun positions silenced.

A/C No. unknown

Shutters, Paul E., 1Lt

446th BS War Diary: A 15-plane mission is flown and we lose a ship in the target area.
The pilot was Lieut. Maki and other crew members are Lieut. Brock, Flight Officer
Hensler, Sgts. Karuzas, Moncure and Broderick. Lieut. Starczewski is wounded in action
this mission. Sgts. Wellington and Gottfried are given orders to got to the states.

Brock, Thomas E., 2Lt, pilot Broderick, Emmett P., S/Sgt, gunner

Hensler, Donald C., F/O, bombardier

Karuzas, Alexander W., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Maki, Allan A., 1Lt, pilot Moncure, James D., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Thursday, 12 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 580

TARGET: Maribor RR Bridge, Yugoslavia DATE: 12 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (3 a/c 100 lb phos) 446th Planes: 15

Capt. Marchant led the formation. Bombs hit near both approaches and patterns
straddled bridge but there were no direct hits. Lt. Starczewski was wounded on the run.
Lt. Maki’s plane was hit badly and crashed. Six chutes seen. Six a/c out of position on
bomb run hit alternate target with good concentration. Flak at primary was heavy,
moderate to intense and accurate; both at main formation and anti-flak element. No flak
at alternate. Lt. Sykes returned early because of radio malfunction.

Marchant, Wendell E., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. unknown shot down

A/C No. unknown

Maki, Allan A., 1Lt

Sykes, Ralph L, 2Lt

Brock, Thomas E., 2Lt

None

Hensler, Donald C., F/O

Karuzas, Alexander W., T/Sgt

Moncure, James D., Jr., S/Sgt

Broderick, Emmett P., S/Sgt

None

A/C No. unknown

Starczewski, Phillip R., 1Lt

447th BS War Diary: Our new camp site is shaping up fine and everyone is just about
settled down once more. Most all personnel seem to like the set up pretty good.

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes participated in a mission against Maribor Rail
Bridge in Yugoslavia. All planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Sturgis and Flight Officer Campbell returned from
Cannes, and Sergeants Goethals and Qualls returned from the Nice rest camp today. The
personnel, the water echelon, left Corsica this morning for the new base.

Campbell, John E., F/O, pilot Goethals, Camiel A., T/Sgt, gunner

Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner Sturgis, Cloral S., 2Lt pilot

Thursday, 12 April 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant West led the Squadron to Yugoslavia this
morning to attack the rail bridge at Maribor. The bomb pattern covered the bridge well
and it was believed destroyed. All planes returned safely this afternoon, although
Lieutenant Dean received slight wounds from flak. He was not hospitalized.

Dean, 2Lt

A/C No. unknown

West, Alden A., “Bud”, 1Lt

Friday, 13 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s are
restricted by weather to 1 mission, an attack on a road bridge at Mollinella; fighter
bombers continue to hit communications and dumps in the Po Valley and guns in the La
Spezia area; during the night of 12/13 Apr, A-20s and A-26s attack Po River crossings at
San Benedetto Po, Ostiglia, Piacenza, and Casalmaggiore, bridges at San Ambrogio di
Valpolicella, and motor transport and targets of opportunity in the Milan area.

445th BS War Diary: President Roosevelt’s death at Warm Springs, Ga. was reported
this morning. He died of cerebral hemorrhage. Harry Truman, ex Vice-President, now our
Commander-in-Chief. It might be mentioned at this time the total ignorance of many
officers and enlisted men as to whom would succeed our president. They used to require
simple knowledge like that before we could go out for recess at country school in the 3rd
grade. Friday 13th, skeptically observed. Capt. Farrell, operations officer and erstwhile
birdman, took off amidst much bustle, for Cannes, France rest camp.

Farrell, Robert A., Capt, pilot, Operations Officer

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

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Shettleworth, a combat man with 75 missions, is the lucky
recipient of rotation orders to the U.S.A.

Shettleworth, William E., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships with their crews participated in a practice
formation. Usual squadron duties. Morning report, Officers- 94, Enlisted Men- 351.

447th BS Mission Summary: A mission was scheduled for today but due to weather
conditions was cancelled.

448th BS War Diary: Captain Lee left for the Cannes rest camp and Captain Marshall
left for the Ille Rousse rest camp in Corsica.

Lee, Howard M., Capt, pilot Marshall, Ulysses, S., Capt, medical

448th BS Mission Summary: The mission for today was stand down due to weather
conditions.

Saturday, 14 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 13/14 Apr, A-20s and A-26s continue to hit communications in the Po Valley; bad
weather over the N part of the Brenner line prevents medium bomber attacks but the B-
25s hit alternates on the S part of line at Salorno, San Ambrogio di Valpolicella, and
Chiusaforte, bomb guns SE of La Spezia in support of the US Fifth Army, and hit 5
defensive positions along the British Eighth Army front in the Argenta area; fighter-
bombers concentrate on supporting Fifth Army forces SW of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: Convoy arrives from Corsica. Landed at Leghorn, drove by truck
to Falconara Airfield. Certainly nice to have trucks available again. Motor pool drivers,
mechanics, and dispatchers, to live in tents outside the compound.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 851; Squadron Mission 532: Capt. Poteete
led nine ships in an 18 plane assault upon Salorno R.R. Embankment and Drainage
Canal, the alternate target. 1000# bombs dropped from 10,500/11,000 ft. No flak. Close
P-51 escort. RESULTS: Track cut in places, but no direct hits. Primary was covered
over badly.

A/C No. unknown

Poteete, Max W., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 853; Squadron Mission 533: Capt.
Kendall led 27 planes, nine from the 445th, in a special equipment attack upon Argenta
Troop Area Three. Frags dropped from 10,500/11,000 ft. Five planes holed by heavy,
though inaccurate flak. RESULTS: Three excellent parallel through center and north
end and south half of area. Two additional patterns started in west portion of area,
walked into town.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

Saturday, 14 April 1945 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 854; Squadron Mission 534: Lt. O’Neill
led six 445th planes in a 27 plane attack upon Argenta Troop Area Four. Frags dropped
from 10,500/11,000 ft. Special equipment used. Scattered flak holed two aircraft.
RESULTS: First two flights released on special equipment and report excellent
concentrations in target area. Third flight did not drop due to special equipment
malfunction.

A/C No. unknown

O’Neill, William H., Jr., 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Two missions are flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 581

TARGET: Salorno Rail Embank. And Drainage Canal, Italy (alt) DATE: 14 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. Primary not attacked because of weather. At the alternate,
photos show one pattern starting short and crossing N approach at the embankment.
Other patterns S and E of target against side of hill. No flak.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 582

TARGET: Argenta Troop Area Three, Italy (alt) DATE: 14 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 1

Capt. Kendall led the formation. Three excellent parallel patterns through center and N
and S halves of area. Two additional patterns started in W portion of area and walked
into the town. Flak was heavy, scant, accurate, just before bomb release and on break-
away.

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

Saturday, 14 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 583

TARGET: Argenta Troop Area #4, Italy (alt) DATE: 14 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation (Spec Equip) 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Rice led the formation. First two flights released on special equipment and report
excellent concentration in target area. Third flight did not drop due to S.E. malfunction.
Flak was heavy, scant, fairly accurate.

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

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 15 planes and crews participated in a mission on two
targets, against troop areas #3 and #4 with bombing accuracy computed to be 55 % and
98 % respectively. Special equipment was used on area # 4, all planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Rice, Ernest C., Capt

448th BS War Diary: The water echelon arrived today after a six hour trip across the
Tyrrhenian Sea to Leghorn by boat and overland by truck to the new field. Thus
completing the move with but a few stragglers left on Corsica to be flown over later.

448th BS Mission Summary: Captain Leonard led the mission this morning. The target
was the Argenta Troop area. The target area was well covered with bomb bursts, and all
the planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Leonard, Lee V., Capt

Saturday, 14 April 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: This afternoon, Lieutenant Fleming led the Squadron’s
planes back to Argenta, using Shoran Equipment. Although difficulty is being
experienced with the equipment, most of the bombs dropped were in the target area,
causing heavy damage to buildings. No losses were suffered, as all returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Fleming, George B., 1Lt

Sunday, 15 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 14/15 Apr, A-20s and A-26s concentrate on communications targets in the Po Valley,
particularly the Po River crossings; during the day medium bombers and fighter-bombers
concentrate on direct support of the US Fifth and British Eighth Army drives, hitting
troop concentrations, guns, strongpoints, and a variety of targets in areas S of Bologna,
around Medicina and Sasso Marconi and at other points in battle areas.

445th BS War Diary: Enlisted men’s promotions announced today. All were crew
members. Has been some time since any member of the ground personnel has received
and promotion other than the charitable bequeathment of P.F.C., which was so
generously granted the fortunate few recently.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 856; Squadron Mission 535: Three 445th
planes went with 15 446th A/C to attack Steinach S. Rail Bridge. 1000 # bombs dropped
(long delays), others returned. RESULTS: Did not drop on primary or alternate due to
poor weather

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 857; Squadron Mission 536: Capt. Webb
led nine squadron ships in 24 plane attack upon Bologna West Road Diversion Bridge.
RESULTS: Did not drop due to poor weather.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Chandler heads for home as Sgt. Nigrelli is transferred to
the 12th AF. Bad weather keeps the group from bombing the target.

Chandler, Warren W., 1Lt, pilot Nigrelli, Ernest J., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 584

TARGET: Steinach S. RR Bridge and Tunnel, Austria DATE: 15 Apr 1945

Ostiglia NW Bridge, Italy (Alt)

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

Lt. Fisher led the formation. Did not drop at either target due to weather.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Qualls left for the U.S. today after completing his tour of
duty here with the Squadron.

Qualls, Thomas B., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: The target for today’s mission was the rail bridge at
Ostiglia. Major Farwell led the formation in scoring hits on both approaches, causing
severe damage. No flak was encountered and all planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj

Sunday, 15 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Fisher, Carl D., 1Lt

447th BS War Diary: The following Flight Officers were promoted to the grade of 2nd
Lt. per letter of Headquarters 12th AAF, effective 15th April 1945: Lewis W. Tougaw,
Tony Pobereyko, Russell R. Graze, George H. Sznarwokowski, Maynard G. Weppner,
Carl B. Brown, Glen J. Cromley, Arnold H. Bethke, Jr., Robert L. Hoy, and John I
Fowler.

Bethke, Armond H., 2Lt, pilot Brown, Carl B., 2Lt, pilot

Cromley, Glenn J., 2Lt, bombardier Fowler, John I., 2Lt, bombardier

Graze, Russell R., 2Lt, pilot Hoy, Robert L., 2Lt, pilot

Pobereyko, Tony (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier Sznarwokowski, George H., 2Lt, pilot

Tougaw, Lewis W., 2Lt, bombardier Weppner, Maynard G., 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS Mission Summary: 3 planes and crews participated in a raid on the N.E.
Ostiglia Rail Bridge with a computed bombing accuracy of 100%.

Monday, 16 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 15/16 Apr, A-20s and A-26s hit Po River crossings, the towns of Vignola, Zoeca, and
Sassuolo, and several targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; during the day medium
bombers bomb bridges on the Reno River near Bologna, blast troop reserve areas SE of
Portomaggiore on the British Eighth Army front, and attack troop concentrations S of
Portomaggiore; fighters and fighter-bombers concentrate most of their effort on close
support targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S and SW of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: Much excitement created on the line today. A Messerschmitt 109
landed at base. No one observed it en route because it circled the field and dropped right
in. The pilot was a Yugoslavian serving in the Luftwaffe. Two theories are advanced;
(1) that he was lost and low on fuel, (2) that he just “threw in the towel”. Perhaps reason
No. 2 is more likely.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 859; Squadron Mission 537: Capt.
Bowling led 12 445th ships in 24 plane attack upon Bologna West Road Bridge.
RESULTS: Mission abortive due to cloud cover.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 860; Squadron Mission 538: Capt.
Kendall led 12 ships, three from the 445th in a frag attack on Portomaggiore Reserve
Area. Altitude was 11/12,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: NRO due to complete undercast.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

Monday, 16 April 1945 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 861; Squadron Mission 539: Three
squadron ships in 36 plane attack on Bologna West Road Bridge. 1000# and 100# W.P.
bombs dropped from 10,500/11,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Scattered; direct hits on
center of bridge. Anti-flak scored good results in three positions.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 862; Squadron Mission 540: Capt.
Kendall led 12 squadron ships in a 24 plane attack upon Bologna West Road Diversion
Bride. 1000# dropped from 11,500/12,000 ft. No flak holes though it was thick to scant
at breakaway. RESULTS: Patterns crossed center of bridge; also west approach to the
bridge. Special equipment failed no visual bombing was used.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 863; Squadron Mission 541: Capt. Webb
led 6 squadron ships in 18 A/C attack upon Consandolo Reserve Area. RESULTS: No
bombs dropped due to haze and smoke and sun glare.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

446th BS War Diary: Three close support missions are flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 585

TARGET: Bologna W Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 16 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Phosphorus (Anti-flak) 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Morton led the formation. Mission abortive due to cloud cover at target. No flak.

Morton, William C., Jr., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

Monday, 16 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 586

TARGET: Bologna W Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 16 Apr 1945

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

Major Smedley led the formation. All bombs returned due to cloud cover at target. No
flak.

A/C No. unknown

Smedley, Robert R., Maj

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 587

TARGET: Portomaggiore Reserve Area, Italy DATE: 16 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Kendall led the formation. No results observed due to complete overcast. No flak.

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 588

TARGET: Bologna W Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 16 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb phos. and 1000 lb G.P. 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Rice led the formation. Bombing scattered but generally in target area. Direct hits
on center of bridge. Anti-flak bombed three positions with good results. No flak.
(Bombing was done with Norden sight when S.E. faded out.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 589

TARGET: Bologna W Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 16 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb 446th Planes: 12

Lt. Berge led the formation. Patterns crossed center of the over-water section of bridge
with direct hits observed. West approach also well covered. S.E. faded out and bombing
was done visually. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate.

A/C No. unknown

Berge, Gale B., 1Lt

Monday, 16 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 590

TARGET: Consandolo Reserve Area, Italy DATE: 16 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 3

Major Farwell led the formation. No bombs dropped due to smoke and haze at target.
Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate. Seven planes holed.

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

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: A total of 39 crews were put up to participate in four
separate missions, but because of weather only one mission with 12 planes was finally
completed on Bologna West Road Bridge with a bombing accuracy of 85%. 2 of our
craft were holed by flak, and one crew member, Bernard Steinhauser, Sgt., was lightly
wounded but not hospitalized.

Steinhauser, Bernard (NMI), Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Ivory led the 448th’s B-25s to attack the road
bridge at Bologna this morning, but had to turn back due to cloud cover in the target area
without dropping bombs.

A/C No. unknown

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Fleming led the Squadron back to Bologna this
afternoon where his formation scored heavily on the bridge; most of the hits were in the
center of the bridge.

A/C No. unknown

Fleming, George B., 1Lt

Monday, 16 April 1945 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: Major Farwell led another formation of the Squadron’s
planes to attack the Consandolo Reserve Area. No bombs were dropped however, due to
haze and difficulty in identifying the target area. No losses were suffered during the
day’s operations.

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj

Tuesday, 17 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 16/17 Apr, A-20s and A-26s hit Po River crossings and several towns W and SW of
Bologna; during the day B-25s of the 57th Bombardment Wing successfully attack 4
Reno River bridges near Bologna and close support targets on the British Eighth Army
front to the SW, and extensively damage 4 bridges in N Italy and Austria on the Brenner
rail line; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers concentrate on close
support of the US Fifth Army S and W of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: A new bombing method was used in today’s bombing mission.
Lt. Middleton, before approaching the target, got the unwavering urge to take a crap.
Nothing was in sight that would make a good container until he spied a musette bag.
This was used as a receptacle. It was dropped along with the bombs. Perhaps the
German press will bill it as the “nastiest attack we’ve suffered”.

Middleton, Donald M., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 864; Squadron Mission 542: Capt.
Kendall led 16 445th ships in 30 ship attack upon Bologna West Road Bridge. 1000# and
100# W.P. bombs dropped from 10,500/11,500 ft. One ship holed by persistent flak, 20 to
30 seconds of it. RESULTS: Shoran used with good results. Patterns across east and
west end. Gun positions well hit.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 867; Squadron Mission 543: Lt. Mogren
led nine 445th ships in 21 plane raid on Praduro Road Bridge. 1000# and 100# W.P.
bombs dropped from 11,500/12,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Anti-flak elements missed
their target. Direct hits reported on bridge.

A/C No. unknown

Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt

Tuesday, 17 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: A 15-plane mission is sent up by the squadron as close support
continues.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 591

TARGET: Bologna W Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 17 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb M-47 W.P. & 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 1

Capt. Kendall led the formation. Shoran used with excellent results. Two patterns
crossed W end and approach, one pattern crossed E end. Gun positions bombed with
excellent results also. Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, fairly accurate. One plane
holed.

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 592

TARGET: Steinach S RR Bridge & Tunnel Mouth, Austria. DATE: 17 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. Photos show both bridge and tunnel mouth covered by
bomb patterns. The mission attacking the fill bridge was observed to have cratered the
fill in several places near the S W end. No flak.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes and crews participated in a raid on Praduro Road
Bridge with a 100% bombing accuracy. 9 more crews participated in a raid on Bologna
Road Bridge with 100% bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Powell was transferred to the 40th Station Hospital today.

Powell, Neil J., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant West led the Squadron to Steinach, Austria,
this morning to bomb a rail fill. The concentration of bombs fell on the south end of the
fill and tracks with possible direct hits on a bridge there.

Tuesday, 17 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

West, Alden A. “Bud”, 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: This afternoon’s mission was stood down due to weather,
but lieutenant Autrey led three anti-flak ships to attack gun positions near Praduro. Good
coverage of the target area was reported. No losses were suffered from today’s
operations.

A/C No. unknown

Autrey, W. F., 1Lt

Wednesday, 18 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 17/18 Apr, A-20s and A-26s pound communications in the S Po Valley and towns of
Vignola, Bazzano, and Sassuolo in the US Fifth Army battle area; medium bombers hit 2
railroad fills and a bridge on the S Brenner line and troop concentrations on the US Fifth
and British Eighth Army fronts, SW of Bologna and in the Dugnano Paderno area;
fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air Command also concentrate on support targets in
the Fifth Army battle area.

445th BS War Diary: Word announced that yesterday’s operations produced 37 sorties,
most since Salerno – Anzio landings. Several squadron members report visiting the 60th
Station Hospital where Bob Long and Jack Houlton are confined. Lon is to be placed in a
cast and transported to a General Hospital. Jack is up, recuperating slowly. Though their
injuries are serious, it can be termed a blessing that they were not killed or maimed. Stars
and Stripes arrive regularly now. Group Theatre set up and operating now. Food is
terrible. No mail today.

Houlton, Lawrence J. "Jack", Sgt, armament

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 869; Squadron Mission 544: Capt. Poteete
led 18 planes, nine from the 445th, in an attack upon San Ambrogio Rail Bridge. 1000#
bombs dropped from 12,500/13,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Bombs generally in target
area; bridge believed to be hit.

A/C No. unknown

Poteete, Max W., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 870; Squadron Mission 545: Capt. Webb
led 12 ships, three from the squadron, in a nickeling mission over the Bologna area.
RESULTS: Mission accomplished.

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

Wednesday, 18 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Sixteen fortunate Enlisted Men get promotions.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 593

TARGET: Volargne, RR Fill, Italy DATE: 18 Apr 1945

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

Major Farwell led the formation. Photos confirm that pattern extended across fill from
the river and up mountain side with the main weight on the fill. No flak. Lt. Anderson
did not take off because of engine trouble.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 594

TARGET: Bologna Area, Italy DATE: 18 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Leaflets “Front Post”. 446th Planes: 3

Capt. Webb led the formation. Mission accomplished. No flak.

Webb, Allen W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes and crews participated in a raid on the San
Ambrogio Rail Bridge with a bombing accuracy of 94%. 3 planes participated in a
Nickeling mission to the Bologna Area.

448th BS War Diary: The following promotions were made during the day: To T/Sgts.
Mientkiewicz, Turner, and Weese. To S/Sgts: Sgts. Blackard, Carter, Fields, Glass,
Payne and Weeks. To Sgt: Cpls Cusack, Griffin, E.I., Litwiller, Masbruch, McConnell,
Wall and Woodling. To Cpl: Pvt. Stracuzzi.

Blackard, Hershel L., S/Sgt, gunner

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

Cusack, Sgt, gunner Fields, James A., S/Sgt, gunner

Glass, David H., S/Sgt, gunner Griffin, E. I., Sgt, gunner

Litwiller, Sgt, gunner Masbruch, Arthur G., Sgt, gunner

McConnell, Sgt, gunner Mientkiewicz, Casinier (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

Payne, Robert R., S/Sgt, gunner Stracuzzi, Cpl, gunner

Turner, James H., T/Sgt, gunner Wall, Sgt, gunner

Weeks, Donald E., S/Sgt, gunner Weese, Charles F., T/Sgt, gunner

Woodling, Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Volargne Rail Fill was the target for this morning’s
mission. Major Farwell led the Squadron’s planes in the attack which scored a heavy
concentration on the center of the fill. It was another 100% bombing accuracy mission
for Major Farwell.

Wednesday, 18 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj

448th BS Mission Summary: All planes except three were stood down due to weather
this afternoon. The Squadron had three planes in a nickeling mission that dropped
leaflets in the Bologna area. All planes returned safely from the day’s operations.

Thursday, 19 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 18/19 Apr, A-20s and A-26s bomb roads, vehicles, and lights in the Bologna, Turin,
Milan, and Mantua areas, and continuing to pound Po River crossings, hit 8 bridges;
medium bombers bomb bridges in the Brenner Pass and support ground forces at several
points including Budrio, Vignola, and San Martino in the Soverzano areas; fighter-
bombers hit dumps, communications, and close support targets in the US Fifth Army
battle areas S and W of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations distributed today. A one week supply of beer,
coca-coal, and cigarettes were distributed. Very timely indeed, for it had been four long
weeks since they had been issued. Many squadron members were severely powder
burned at the Group Theatre as a result of the showing of “Hopalong Cassidy” in “Colt
Comrades”. The mystery too many was where in the dickens they found such a heroine.
Naturally we can’t kick because our price of admission is nil, but it seems such a shame
that Hollywood producers are still able to sell the American public such mediocre films.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 871; Squadron Mission 546: Capt.
Bowling led 12 ships, six from the squadron, in an attack upon Vignola Road Bridge.
1000# bombs from 12,000 ft. No effective flak. RESULTS: Direct hits observed center
and north end of bridge.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 874; Squadron Mission 547: Lt. Shutters
led nine squadron shops in a 19 A/C attack upon Vignola Reserve Area. 100# G.P.
bombs dropped from 10,500/11,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Central and southern
portion of target area well covered.

A/C No. unknown

Shutters, Paul E., 1Lt

Thursday, 19 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Another two-mission day and we are really teaming with the
ground troops to get the enemy on the run.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 595

TARGET: Vignola Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 19 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Bowling led the formation. Close concentrations by each box of six a/c on N and S
half of bridge. Direct hits observed on center and N end. Flak was heavy, scant,
inaccurate, well out of range.

Bowling, Dan P., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 596

TARGET: Vignola Defense Area, Italy DATE: 19 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 9

Major Smedley led the formation. Good coverage of all of the area except S and E edges.
Anti-flak element believed to have missed the gun areas. Flak was heavy and light, scant
and out of range.

A/C No. unknown

Smedley, Robert R., Maj

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 planes participated in a raid on Vignola Reserve Area
with a bombing accuracy of 44%. 6 planes participated in a raid on South Martino Troop
Area with a bombing accuracy of 98%.

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Brown was transferred to the 47th Bomb Group this
morning. Sergeants West, McLoone, Kelly and Lande were assigned to the Squadron
today.

Brown, Royden (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Kelly, Sgt

Lande, Sgt McLoone, Sgt,

West, Charles G., Sgt, intelligence

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Wilson led the Squadron’s planes off this
morning to attack the Vignola Defense area. The area was well covered with the
fragmentation bombs.

Thursday, 19 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Wilson, James M., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: The target for this afternoon’s mission was the S. Martino
Troop Area. Major Farwell led the formation to this target, scoring good patterns on all
the assigned aiming points. No losses were suffered during the day’s operations.

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj

Friday, 20 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 19/20 Apr, A-20s and A-26s on night intruder missions continue to pound Po River
crossings and vehicle movement throughout the Valley; medium bombers considerably
damage 4 of 6 railroad bridges and fills attached on the Brenner line, and also hit HQ in
the battle area and 2 Reno River bridges N of Bologna; fighter-bombers again support US
Fifth Army elements S and W of Bologna as they begin to emerge from the Apennines
onto the Po plain.

445th BS War Diary: A.P.O. set up at group now. Should definitely improve the mail
service. Report comes to our attention that the Germans two days ago landed a party
between 321st and Fano. They attempted to blow up a pipe line. Bombs were found.
Spikes were placed in the road, but the attempt to blow up the pipe line failed.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 875; Squadron Mission 548: Capt.
Poteete led 18 ships, nine from the 445th, in an attack upon Poggio Roace Rail Bridge,
alternate target. 1000# bombs dropped from 12,500/13,000 ft. No flak. RESULTS:
Direct hits reported. All aircraft made two runs, bombed on the second pass.

A/C No. unknown

Poteete, Max W., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 877; Squadron Mission 549: 445th had
three planes in an 18 A/C attack on Salorno Station Rail Bridge and the alternate target,
Legnano Rail Diversion Bridge. No flak, 1000# bombs were dropped from
11,500/12,000 ft. RESULTS: Patterns showed possible hits at primary. Three ships
which bombed the alternate, missed completely.

446th BS War Diary: April 20-21: A mission is scheduled for each of these days.
Lieut. Manolis leaves for home on the latter date; he served as assistant S-2 officer after
being grounded.

Manolis, Ronald J., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 597

TARGET: Salorno S RR Fill, Italy DATE: 20 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. First box of six first flight hit short and to the right of fill;
third element hit center of target and walked over. First box of six second flight hit

Friday, 20 April 1945 (continued)

slightly left of target, cutting NE approach. Third element of second flight started short
in water and walked through target. Flak was light, scant, inaccurate.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 598

TARGET: Salorno Station RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 20 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Hutson led the formation. Pattern cut S approach and starting short, crossed bridge
with possible hits and carried over to the river. Three a/c out of formation at the primary
attacked alternate which was missed as bombs hit to N. No flak.

Hutson, Ernest G., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS Mission Summary: 3 crews participated in a raid on Legnano Rail Diversion
with a bombing accuracy of 25%. 12 crews participated in a raid on the Salorno Station
Rail Bridge with a bombing accuracy of 100%.

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Morefield and Pvt. Gillespie were transferred to the 45th
Station Hospital. Captain Swanson, Lieutenants Churchill, Cook, Copes, and Cooper,
and Sergeants Berman, Bass, Brusa, LaBella and Markiewicz left for the U.S. after
completing their missions.

Bass, Bernard G., T/Sgt, gunner Berman, Samuel (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner Churchill, Duane W., 1Lt, pilot

Cook, Don W., 1Lt, pilot

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

Copes, Wilson R., 1Lt, pilot Gillespie, Delmar B., PFC, duty soldier

LaBella, Dante (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner Markiewicz, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner

Morefield, James C., T/Sgt, gunner Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Ivory led the Squadron’s planes this morning
out to bomb the rail bridge at San Michele. The bomb patterns walked through the target
with direct hits reported seen. The Squadron had three planes in the mission that bombed
the Salorno rail fill also, with good results reported. No losses were suffered during the
day’s operations.

Friday, 20 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 1Lt

Saturday, 21 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 20/21 Apr, A-20s and A-26s bomb Po River crossings with good results; weather
curtails daytime operations but medium bombers score hits on the Matrei am Brenner
bridge on the Brenner rail line in Austria and in the late afternoon hit Po River crossings;
XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter bombers, grounded most of the day, fly
close support to the US Fifth Army which drives into Bologna (a longstanding objective)
and begins to push rapidly across the plain toward the Po River.

445th BS War Diary: 41 new combat crew members arrived. Bologna falls. A German
trainer came in tonight to land and surrender. Two passengers, both Czeks of the German
Air Force. Second such occurrence within a week.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 878; Squadron Mission 550: Capt.
Kendall led 18 ships, nine from the squadron in an attack (special equipment) on Corto
Road Bridge. 1000# bombs dropped from 9/9500 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Second flight
used Norden sight, missed. First flight used Shoran equipment, also missed.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

446th BS War Diary: April 20-21: A mission is scheduled for each of these days.
Lieut. Manolis leaves for home on the latter date; he served as assistant S-2 officer after
being grounded.

Manolis, Ronald J., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 599

TARGET: Corto Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 21 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Kendall led the formation. Second flight bombed before first flight using Norden
sight and missed bridge. Second flight over the target used S.E. and hit short and to the
left. No flak.

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: Usual camp duties.

Saturday, 21 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: 9 of our planes participated in a mission attacking Sandon
Road Bridge (G-464429) with Capt. Rice leading our squadron. The mission was a
failure and the bridge was not damaged. Bombs were all out of the target area. Results:
Bombing accuracy – 0% and bombing efficiency – 0%.

A/C No. unknown

Rice, Ernest C., Capt

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Lesser, and Sergeants Goethals, Langley, Rockwell
and Holloway left for the U.S. today after completing their tour of duty.

Goethals, Camiel A., T/Sgt, gunner Holloway, Garland (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner

Langley, Edmund P., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner Lesser, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier

Rockwell, Stewart R., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Fleming led another Shoran mission out to
attack the rail bridge at Sandon, Italy. Although difficulty was experienced with the
special equipment, a good concentration of bombs was scored within the target area. All
planes from today’s mission returned safely.

A/C No. unknown

Fleming, George B., 1Lt

Sunday, 22 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The entire night and day
effort is concentrated against German forces retreating N across the Po River in face of
allied forces which send advance elements racing to the S bank; medium bombers fly 16
missions against ferries and pontoon bridge sites on the Po between Casalmaggiore and
Polesella; XXII Tactical Air Command A-20s and A-26s, fighter-bombers, and fighters
maintain night and day attacks on Po crossings and enemy movement; the command
claims 900+ motor and horse-drawn vehicles destroyed.

445th BS War Diary: Squadron emblem erected in front of compound. Armorers
troubled further. Loaded P-47’s from other groups this morning. Russians in outskirts of
Berlin; likewise, British in Hamburg. 5th Army traveling beyond Bologna. Escape and
Evasion lecture given to new crews by Lt. Locke.

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 882; Squadron Mission 551: Capt.
Kendall and Lt. O’Neill led an 18 plane attack upon Guarda Veneta Pontoon Road
Bridge. Special equipment used from 12/13,000 ft. Heavy, though inaccurate, flak.
500# bombs dropped. RESULTS: Shoran used. First flight of nine hit south of target on
road. Second flight and pattern start on land and cross south end of bridge site. No
bridge visible.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 883; Squadron Mission 552: Three
Squadron planes in 25 A/C on S. Nicolo Ferry Site, West. 500# and 100# W/P dropped
from 10,500/11,000 ft. Inaccurate flak, none for anti-flak elements. RESULTS: Target
well hit with excellent concentration.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 884; Squadron Mission 553: Three
squadron planes in 18 A/C attack upon S. Nicole Ferry Site, East. 500# bombs dropped
from 11,500/12,000 ft. Flak holed two aircraft. RESULTS: Bomb pattern started short
on the south bank and walked up to water, covering the aiming point.

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are performed.

Sunday, 22 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 600

TARGET: S Pier of Polesella Pontoon Bridge, Italy DATE: 22 Apr 1945

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

Lt. Berge led the formation. First flight used S.E. and hit N pier of bridge instead of S
pier. Excellent coverage reported on N pier. Second flight did not drop due to
intervalometer malfunction. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate. Two planes holed.

A/C No. unknown

Berge, Gale B., 1Lt

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 601

TARGET: Polesella M/T Ferry, Italy DATE: 22 Apr 1945

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

Good concentration on the S ferry point. All but one anti-flak a/c was unable to drop
their bombs because of difficulty in identifying target due to weather. Flak was heavy,
moderate, and accurate. Eleven planes holed.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 602

TARGET: S. Nicolo Ferry Site, West, Italy DATE: 22 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb M-47 W.P. Phos. 446th Planes: 9

Capt. Morton led the formation; Capt. Hurley led the anti-flak element. Aiming point
well hit with excellent concentrations in target area. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate.

Morton, William C., Jr., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. unknown

Hurley, John R., Capt

Sunday, 22 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men were assigned to this
squadron Par 19 SO 108 Hq. 19th Repl. Bn., dated 18 April 1945: 1st Lt. Benjamin (NMI)
Maxwell, 2nd Lt. Paul T. Murphy, 2nd Lt. David R. Sherrier, 2nd Lt. Roy R. Manning Jr,
2nd Lt. Albert H. Patterson Jr., 2nd Lt. Duane I. Havens, 2nd Lt. Albert J. Papaleo, 2nd Lt
Michael G. Zimmerman, 2nd Lt. Norman G. Strite, 2nd Lt. Harold H. Schwabauer, 2nd Lt
Frank R. Simmons, 2nd Lt. Raymond E Rybarizyk, 2nd Lt. Cyril K. Brasket, 2nd Lt Walter
H. Reid, 2nd Lt. Howard G. Elicker, F/O Eugene K. Nerhiyter, F/O Robert E. Jensen, F/O
Arlice H. Rankin, F/O Victor G. Stimpson, F/O Carl E. Granfors, Sgt. Robert T. Griffin,
Sgt. William E. Tyndale, Sgt. Travis W. Shedd, Sgt. Charles J. Herz, Sgt. Theodore W.
Reitemeyer, Sgt. Benjamin (NMI) Delmar G. Reed, Sgt. William K. Irwin, Sgt. Charles
R. Campbell, Sgt. Henry M. Cardoza Jr., Sgt. Geo. J. Collins, Sgt. Earnest D. Shattuck,
Pvt. Anthony J. Setaro, Pvt. Bernard R. Ryan. 7 S/Sgts were promoted to T/Sgt, 12 Sgt.
were promoted to S/Sgt., 9 Cpl. were promoted to Sergeant.

Brasket, Cyril K., 2Lt, Campbell, Charles R., Sgt

Cardoza, Henry M., Jr., Sgt, Collins, George J., Sgt,

Elicker, Howard G., 2Lt, Granfors, Carl E., F/O,

Griffin, Robert T., Sgt, Havens, Duane I., 2Lt,

Herz, Charles J., Sgt, Irwin, William K., Sgt,

Jensen, Robert E., F/O, Manning, Roy R., Jr., 2Lt,

Maxwell, Benjamin (NMI), 1Lt, Murphy, Paul T., 2Lt,

Nerhiyter, Eugene K., F/O, Papaleo, Albert J., 2Lt,

Patterson, Albert H., Jr., 2Lt, Rankin, Arlice H., F/O,

Reed, Delmar G., Sgt, Reid, Walter H., 2Lt,

Reitemeyer, Theodore W., Sgt Ryan, Bernard R., Pvt

Rybarizyk, Raymond E., 2Lt Schwabauer, Harold H., 2Lt

Setaro, Anthony J., Pvt Shattuck, Ernest D., Sgt

Shedd, Travis W., Sgt Sherrier, David R., 2Lt

Simmons, Frank R., 2Lt, Stimpson, Victor G., F/O

Strite, Norman G., 2Lt Tyndale, William E., Sgt

Zimmerman, Michael G., 2Lt

447th BS Mission Summary: 12 of our planes participated in a mission attacking the
South Pier of Polesella Pontoon Bridge (M-230993) with Capt Rice leading the squadron.
No bombs were dropped due to Intervalometer malfunction.

A/C No. unknown

Rice, Ernest C., Capt

Sunday, 22 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: On the second mission of the day our squadron sent 3
planes on a mission attacking the Polesella M/T Ferry (M-232789) with Capt Satterwhite
leading our squadron. The mission was a success with bombing accuracy of 100% and
mission efficiency of 100%.

A/C No. unknown

Satterwhite, Henry C., Capt

447th BS Mission Summary: On the 3rd mission of the day 12 of our planes participated
in a mission attacking the S. Nicolo Ferry Site West (F-515110) with Capt Morton
leading our squadron. The mission was highly successful. Results: Mission efficiency
100% Bombing accuracy 100%.

A/C No. unknown

Morton, William C., Jr., Capt

448th BS War Diary: The following combat crewmen were assigned to the Squadron
this morning: Lts. Blank, Erickson, Goodwin, McGregor, Pushee, Rogers, Saliwanchik,
Schiller, Smith, Thompson and Sayre; F/O’s Church, Emerson, Hedman, Johnson,
Maximovich, Rizzo, Stewart; Sergeants: Baird, Bower, Braga, Capsalis, Cauble,
Gallagher, Hornbeck, Hurst, Issacoff, Long, Marcellus, Novitsky, Oliver, Seigal,
Steiman, Stevens, Stewart, and Pvt. Worley. Captain Lee returned from Cannes and
Captain Marshall returned from Ille Rousse rest camp today. Lt. Cherry, Cpl. Cordo, and
Pvts. Denny and Lautenschlager were transferred to the 6577th Mobile Flying Control
Unit.

Baird, Sgt Blank, 2Lt

Bower, Sgt Braga, Sgt

Capsalis, Sgt Cauble, Sgt

Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, pilot Church, F/O

Cordo, Dominic J., Cpl, engineering Denny, Joseph C., Pvt, radio-gunner

Sunday, 22 April 1945 (continued)

Emerson, F/O Erickson, 2Lt

Gallagher, Sgt Goodwin, 2Lt

Hedman, F/O Hornbeck, Sgt

Hurst, Sgt Issacoff, Sgt

Johnson, F/O Lautenschlager, Edward C., Pvt, transportation

Lee, Howard M., Capt, pilot Long, Sgt

Marcellus, Sgt Marshall, Ulysses, S., Capt, medical

Maximovich, F/O McGregor, 2Lt

Novitsky, Sgt Oliver, Sgt

Pushee, 2Lt Rizzo, F/O

Rogers, 2Lt Saliwanchik, 2Lt

Sayre, 2Lt Schiller, 2Lt

Seigal, Sgt Smith, 2Lt

Steiman, Sgt Stevens, Sgt

Stewart, F/O Stewart, Sgt

Thompson, 2Lt Worley, Pvt

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Russell, H., led the 448th’s planes this morning
out to attack the Polesella Ferry Site. A good concentration of bombs was scored on the
target area and the south Ferry point. Some enemy flak was encountered but no losses
were sustained.

A/C No. unknown

Russell, Harold H., 1Lt

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Autrey led the Squadron out to bomb the S.
Nicolo Ferry Site this afternoon. The concentration of bombs fell on the south ferrying
point. Some flak was encountered here also, but no losses were suffered during the day’s
operations.

A/C No. unknown

Autrey, W. F., 1Lt

Monday, 23 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 22/23 Apr, A-20s and A-26s and night fighters hit Po River crossings, a marshalling
yard, airfields, vehicles, trains, and targets of opportunity in general in the N and W Po
Valley; during the day medium bombers pound Po River crossings, road bridges over the
Brenta River, and hit the Brenner rail line at 4 points; fighters and fighter-bombers on
armed reconnaissance in the N and W Po Valley attack motor transport, road bridges, and
numerous targets in support of the US Fifth Army, elements of which cross the Po River.
The detachment of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, operating from
Strossfeld, Germany with Beaufighters, returns to base at Pontedera, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Cpl. Leonard Byrd departed for Capri for a well-deserved rest.
He’s a very enterprising diligent man and a fine S-2 clerk. Byrd has been overseas for
more than 36 months. Looks like rotation prospect from here.

Byrd, Leonard E., Cpl, intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 885; Squadron Mission 554: Three ships
from squadron in 17 A/C attack on Volargne Rail Fill. 1000# bombs dropped from
12/12,500 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Both aiming points well hit with excellent
concentration in target area.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 886; Squadron Mission 555: Lt. Shutters
led three ships in an 18 A/C attack on San Ambrogio Rail Bridge. 1000# dropped from
12/12,500 ft. No flak. RESULTS: Crews reprted close pattern on bridge and south
approach. Photos of one pattern show it to be slightly over.

A/C No. unknown

Shutters, Paul E., 1Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 887; Squadron Mission 556: Capt. Webb
led 18 ships, nine from the 445th, in an attack on Codevigo Road Bridge. RESULTS:
Weather on route forced early return.

Monday, 23 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Webb, Allen W., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 888; Squadron Mission 557: Three 445th
planes in 17 plane attack on Corte Road Bridge. 1000# bombs dropped from 9950/10500
ft. No flak. RESULTS: First flight with special equipment destroyed the east 2/3 of
bridge. Second visually bombed with good concentration.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 889; Squadron Mission 558: One
squadron ship in 20 A/C attack upon Guarda Veneta Pontoon Bridge. 500# bombs
dropped. 100# W.P. bombs returned. Altitude was 9/9,500 ft. Lost one A/C. Crash
landed. Three crew members in Indian Casualty Station. Heavy, accurate flak.
RESULTS: Poor visibility forced a miss at target. Anti-flak ships did not drop.

446th BS War Diary: Three missions are flown and Flight Officer Janovsky, Sgts J.
Dickey, Goodwin and Meade received slight wounds in action against the enemy in
northern Italy.

Dickey, Jack F., Jr., Sgt, gunner Goodwin, Sgt, gunner

Janovsky, F/O Meade, Harold W., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 603

TARGET: San Ambrogio RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 23 Apr 1945

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

Major Smedley led the formation. Crews reported close patterns on bridge and S
approach. Flash photos of one pattern show it to be slightly over. No flak.

A/C No. unknown

Smedley, Robert R., Maj

Monday, 23 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 604

TARGET: Codevigo Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 23 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Webb led the formation. Mission turned back because of weather.

Webb, Allen W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 605

TARGET: Guarda Veneta Pontoon Bridge, Italy DATE: 23 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 500 lb and 100 lb. Phos. 446th Planes: 10

Capt. Kimble led the formation. Both flight made half a run, forced by clouds at assigned
altitude to return to I.P. for second run at lower altitude. All bombs over on bank and in
river NW of target. Anti-flak did not drop due to clouds and ground haze. Flak was
heavy, intense and accurate. One a/c crash landed at M-547422. Lt. Ratliff crash-landed
six miles N of Rimini, three men of his crew having to be hospitalized. Capt. Kimble
landed at home base on single engine. Sgt. Meade, S/Sgt Nichols and Lt. Weihe were
wounded by flak. Ten planes in main formation damaged.

Meade, Harold W., Sgt, gunner Nichols, Henry J., III, S/Sgt, gunner

A/C No. unknown

A/C No. unknown crash landed

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt

Ratliff, James E., 1Lt

A/C No. unknown

Weihe, Frederick A., Jr., 1Lt

447th BS War Diary: The following 2nd Lt’s were promoted to the rank of 1st Lt.:
Rodney O. Bradshaw, James L. Michaels, George A. Woods, Jr.

Bradshaw, Rodney O., 1Lt, pilot Michaels, James L., 1Lt, bombardier

Woods, Charles D., 1Lt, bombardier

Monday, 23 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: On our first mission for the day one of our planes was
tacked on to the 448th Sq. in a mission attacking the Volargne R.R. Fill. With Lt. L.N.
Brown as pilot of the plane.

A/C No. unknown

Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 1Lt

447th BS Mission Summary: On the second mission for the day, three of our planes
flew with the 446th Bomb Sq. but our planes did not drop their bombs. Lt. Yerger was
the leader of this element. The mission was against San Ambrogio Rail Bridge (F-
518642).

A/C No. unknown

Yerger, John W., 1Lt

447th BS Mission Summary: On the third mission for the day 14 of our planes flew in
a mission attacking the Corto Road Bridge (G-494374) with Capt. Rice leading the
mission. The mission was a success with the results of bombing accuracy 100% and
mission efficiency 98%.

A/C No. unknown

Rice, Ernest C., Capt

Monday, 23 April 1945 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Captain Myers left for the U.S. today after completing his seventy
(70) missions with the Squadron.

Myers, Harold C., Capt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: Major Farwell led the Squadron’s planes out to attack the
Volargne rail fill once again. No flak was encountered as the formation scored an
excellent pattern in the target area.

A/C No. unknown

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, Commander

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant West led the Squadron’s planes out this
afternoon to attack a pontoon bridge at Guarda Veneta. Clouds mad observation of
results impossible, but it was believed that the bombs fell in the target area. All planes
retuned safely from the day’s operations.

A/C No. unknown

West, Alden A. “Bud”, 1Lt

Tuesday, 24 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 23/24 Apr, A-20s and A-26s bomb airfields at Villafranca di Verona, Ghedi, and
Bergamo, marshalling yards at Trento, Piacenza. and Fidenza, and vehicles and other
targets of opportunity throughout the Po Valley and elsewhere in N Italy; medium
bombers hit 6 Po River crossings and (as ground forces reach and cross the Po at several
points, relieving necessity for many attacks along the river) then carry out 6 attacks
between Verona and Trento on the Brenner rail line; fighters and fighter-bombers blast
vehicles on the Po Valley roads N of the river and up to the Brenner rail line, and also hit
roads and vehicles between La Spezia and Parma.

445th BS War Diary: An Adriatic club was opened in Ancona today by British
authorities. It is for Allied troops. One can obtain coffee, tea, cakes and sandwiches.
There is a sundry PX there well-stocked toilet articles are for sale. Bob Testa, old stand-
by at S-2, was transferred to Wing Flight Control Section.

Testa, Robert W., Sgt, intelligence, public relations

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 891; Squadron Mission 559: Lt. Shutters
led nine squadron ships in a 21 plane attack upon Vo Sinistro Rail Road Bridge. 1000#
and 100# W.P. dropped from 11,500/12,000 ft. Flak inaccurate. RESULTS: All bombs
formed compact cluster on bridge with direct hits on center.

A/C No. unknown

Shutters, Paul E., 1Lt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 894; Squadron Mission 560: Capt.
Bowling led nine ships in attack upon Zibello Ferry Terminal. 500# bombs dropped from
10,500 ft. Two bursts of flak holed one ships. RESULTS: Excellent concentration on
covering ferry terminal.

A/C No. unknown

Bowling, Dan P., Capt

Tuesday, 24 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Jack Dickey dies of wounds received in action early today.
Lieuts. Fisher and Carlson are made Captains and Flight Officer Vannah goes home.

Carlson, Lowell A., Capt, pilot Dickey, Jack F., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Fisher, Carl D., Capt, pilot Vannah, Harold B., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 606

TARGET: Ala RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 24 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 100 lb Phos. 446th Planes: 3

Major Binks led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area, complete cluster
on bridge. No flak.

Binks, Maj, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 607

TARGET: Vo Sinistro, Italy DATE: 24 Apr 1945

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

Major Smedley led the formation. All bombs formed compact cluster on bridge with
direct hits on center. Three anti-flak a/c covered assigned area. Flak was heavy, scant,
inaccurate.

A/C No. unknown

Smedley, Robert R., Maj

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 608

TARGET: Polesella M/T Ferry Terminus, Italy DATE: 24 Apr 1945

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

Capt. Crisp led the formation. One pattern started on target carrying over in river, second
pattern started slightly short, just left of road; carried through to cover W half of target.
Anti-flak a/c scored good coverage of assigned positions. Flak was heavy, scant,
accurate.

A/C No. unknown

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt

447th BS Mission Summary: 1 of our planes went on the 3rd mission for the day;
comprising part of an anti-flak flight with Lt. Yerger leading the element in attacking gun
positions around Vo Sinistro Rail Bridge one-half of gun area was well covered.

A/C No. unknown

Yerger, John W., 1Lt

Tuesday, 24 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Morning Report: Officers- 114, enlisted men- 360.

447th BS Mission Summary: On the first mission for the day 9 of our planes
participated in a mission attacking the Ala Rail Bridge (F-667900) in northern Italy, with
Capt. Gates leading the formation. Results: All bombs formed a compact pattern on the
bridge scoring D/H’s on center.

A/C No. unknown

Gates, Edward (NMI), Capt.

447th BS Mission Summary: On the second mission for the day 3 of our planes went as
anti-flak flight in attacking gun positions around the Polesella South Ferry State (M-
232989) with Lt. Craddock leading our element. Good coverage was scored on gun
positions.

A/C No. unknown

Craddock, Jesse J., 1Lt

Tuesday, 24 April 1945 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: On the 4th mission for the day, nine of our planes flew in a
mission attacking the Zibello Ferry Terminals with Lt. Morrison leading our squadron.
Target well hit with excellent concentration in back area. Bombing Accuracy - 100%,
Mission Efficiency – 100%.

A/C No. unknown

Morrison, George R., Jr., 1Lt

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Crider returned from Cairo today where he had been with
the basketball team. Sergeant Hulse left for the U.S. after completing his seventy (70)
missions with the Squadron. Lieutenants Autrey and Ivory were promoted to Captains
today, and Second Lieutenants Akers, Arnold, Barile, Sheppard and Spaur were
promoted to First Lieutenants.

Akers, Harold B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Arnold, Harold L., 1Lt, bombardier

Autrey, W. F. (i o), Capt, pilot Barile, Sam (NMI), 1Lt, pilot

Crider, Eugene W., M/Sgt, engineering Hulse, Donald W., T/Sgt, gunner

Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., Capt, pilot Sheppard, John W., 1Lt, bombardier

Spaur, Melvin J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS Mission Summary: The Ala rail bridge was the target for the first mission
today. Captain Lee led the Squadron’s planes on this mission. The entire target area was
well covered with bombs, and one cluster was squarely on the bridge.

A/C No. unknown

Lee, Howard M., Capt

448th BS Mission Summary: Lieutenant Meyers led the 448th’s planes back this
afternoon to the Polesella Ferry Terminus where the bomb pattern fell through the west
half of the target area. All planes returned safely from the day’s operations.

Tuesday, 24 April 1945 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Meyers, Kenneth F., 1Lt

Wednesday, 25 April 1945

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, all combat
operations are aimed at plugging retreat routes and disrupting transport in the N Po
Valley and points to the N; medium bombers hit the Adige River crossing at Cavarzere
and marshalling yard at Gorizia, and attack 5 bridges and fills on the Brenner line in
Austria and N Italy, damaging 2 of the targets; fighters and fighter-bombers harass the
retreating forces in the N Po Valley; during the night of 24/25 Apr, A-20s and A-26s and
night fighters attack the crossings of the Adige and Po Rivers and the Canale Bianco, and
strike airfields at Villafranca di Verona, Udine, and Bergamo, and marshalling yards at
Brescia and Verona.

445th BS War Diary: “Going home” is the topic of the day. Everyone constantly talks
or makes a ready listener for such talk. The war from this group’s point of view is over.
Targets change so fast that missions are uncertain from day to day.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 895; Squadron Mission 561: Capt.
Kendall led nine squadron ships in 21 plane raid upon Cavarzere Road Bridge. 500#
bombs and 100# W.P. bombs dropped from 11,500 ft. One 446th ship crash landed at
friendly field. One man injured by flak, one man missing, chute not opening.
RESULTS: Shoran used, fell just south of bridge. Second flight did not bomb. Flak
forced them off bomb run.

A/C No. unknown

Kendall, Wayne E., Capt

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission 897; Squadron Mission 562: Capt. Poteete
led nine 445th ships in 21 plane raid on Cavarzere Road Bridge. 500# G.P. and 100#
W.P. bombs cropped from 12/13,000 ft. Two ships holed by 15/20 sec. of flak on run.
RESULTS: Excellent concentration on bridge. Anti-flak claims hits.

A/C No. unknown

Poteete, Max W., Capt

Wednesday, 25 April 1945 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Sgts. Dalpos, Nichols and Lattin receive injuries in action against
the enemy as the mission proves to a “hot” one. Sgt. George W. Darnielle is killed in
action as a crewman on the same ship as the above men.

Dalpos, Joseph N., S/Sgt, gunner Darnielle, George W., Sgt, gunner

Lattin, Robert M., Sgt, armorer-gunner Nichols, Henry J., III, S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 609

TARGET: Cavarzere Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 25 Apr 1945

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 9

Capt. Kendall led the formation. Shoran used. First flight only dropped, bo