12th Air Force

321st Bombardment Group

History: May 1943

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

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

A/F: Air Field

NC: Nurse Corps.

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer

abs: absent

OD: Officer of the day/Olive Drab

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

Assg: Assigned

OTU: 447th 27 Oct 43?

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

PAX: Passengers

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

PBS: 447th 2 June 44?

BC: Bomber Command

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep 44?

POE: Point of Embarkation

CA: Heavy Cruiser

PX: Post Exchange

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

QM: Quarter Master

CO: Commanding Officer

R/B: Road Bridge

CP: Command Post

RC: 448th 10 Sep 43?

CQ: Charge of Quarters

R/J: Road Junction

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

R/Y: Railroad Yards

D/H: Direct Hit

Repl: Replacement

Demo: Demolition

RON: Remain OverNight

DS: Detached Service

RR/B: Railroad Bridge

E/A: Enemy Aircraft

RR/J: Railroad Junction

E/F: Enemy Fighter

RR: Railroad

E/M: Enlisted Men

S/E: Single Engine (plane)

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44?

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

SD: Special Duty

FO or F/O: Flying Officer

sk: sick

Frag: Fragmentation

SO: Special Order

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?

GO: General Order

Sq: Squadron

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position

Sqdn: Squadron

I & E: Information & Education

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action

IP: Initial Point

T/C: Troop Concentration

L/G: Landing Ground

T/E: Twin Engine (plane)

Lox: Liquid Oxygen

TAC: Theater Allied Command

L/S: Landing Strip

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

L/V: Large Vehicle

TD: Temporary Duty

LOT: 447th 2 May 44?

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43?

LST: Landing Ship Tank

TO: Take-Off (time) / Technical Order

Ltr: Letter

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

Trfd: Transferred

MATS: Military Air Transport Service

u/i: 448th 26 Sep 44?

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer

M/V: Military Vessel

WT Station: 445th 20 Jul 43?

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

XC: Cross Country

MC: Maintenance Crew

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For my dad,

Colonel John Fitzgerald, USA (retired)

“Lil Butch”

John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, USAF (retired)

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

Saturday, 1 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's bomb
the harbor at Reggio di Calibre. In Tunisia, P-40's bomb and strafe shipping and shore
installations on the NE coastline.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the
Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's and P-38's fly
uneventful shipping sweeps. In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighters and A-20's hit shipping in the Gulf of Tunis and jetties at Sidi Daoud and
Kelibia, and attack positions in the NE Tunisian battle area as Allied ground forces
regroup for the final Tunisian offensive. During the month of May, the 2nd Air Defense
Wing transfers from Oran, Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria. The wing will be
redesignated the 63rd Fighter Wing in Jul 43. During the month of May, the 15th
Bombardment Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force with A-20's and A-36's transfers
from Nouvion, Algeria to Sale, French Morocco. The squadron flew the first USAAF
mission in Europe but is now relegated to a training role. The 81st and 82nd
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's
transfer from Canrobert, Algeria to Thibar, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: 18 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) took off on a sea search. Nothing was
sighted. 440 rounds of ammunition were fired to clear the guns. Visibility was so poor
that the ships had difficulty in landing. We on the ground really “sweated out” the boys
today.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 33, Sqdn 22 composed of 9 planes led by Major
Schwane on a sea sweep, but no target sighted.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 2 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, P-40's
attack shipping off the coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Tunisia, bad weather restricts the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) to
reconnaissance missions. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters hit
tank and troop concentrations near Massicault and Tebourba and fly battle area
reconnaissance as the US II Corps occupies Kef en Nsour while the enemy withdraws
toward Bizerte.

445th BS War Diary: We are being relieved by one of the other squadrons. Our crews
really deserve a rest back at Ain M’Lila.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Six more of our planes went to the advanced base at Souk el Arba
today. The planes at this base concentrated their attacks on shipping. At this stage of the
campaign the axis is being pushed steadily toward Tunis and Bizerte and shipping is
being attacked to thwart all attempts at evacuation. Our planes with no outer wing tanks
are capable of operating from this advanced base.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 3 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, P-40's
fly fighter-bomber missions against a bridge, buildings, and docks in the NE part of the
country.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's bomb a landing ground
near Protville and B-17's hit shipping at Bizerte. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fighters fly numerous reconnaissance missions over the battle area as Mateur
falls to the US 1st Armored Division. Other fighters escort NASAF bombers. Fighter-
bombers bomb the Massicault area.

445th BS War Diary: Our ships continue a shuttle service between Souk el Arba and
Ain M’Lila. Some of our ground crew has remained at Souk el Arba to maintain the
ships of the Squadrons relieving us. Lt. Lord came up yesterday and is paying off those
who were not present at Ain M’Lila to receive their April Pay.

Lord, Robert O. Jr., 2Lt, Engineering Officer, Executive Officer

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 34A, Sqdn 23 composed of 10 planes led by
Major Schwane on a sea sweep. Mission turned back because of poor visibility.

Group mission 34B, Sqdn 24 composed of 11 planes. Major Schwane led the
formation on a sea sweep. A dry run, but enemy fighters and a ship sighted.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: At Air M’Lila one of our planes took part in a sea sweep. No
target was sighted and the plane returned safely. Capt. John Canning, squadron surgeon,
left this morning for the advanced base at Souk el Arba. At Souk el Arba our planes
participated in two missions today, both sea sweeps. Five of our planes took part in the
first sweep. Nothing was sighted and all planes returned safely. One of our planes took
part in the second sweep. Nothing was sighted and the plane returned safely.

Canning, John A., Capt, Medical Officer

448th BS War Diary: Mission 25 (35): At 09:05 6 planes off to bomb on sea sweep,
returned at 13:10 no bombs dropped no E/A sighted. Slight flak from Bizerte. Weather:
9/10th coverage at 5000 feet. F/L: Heinlen.

Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander

Tuesday, 4 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's attack
shipping at Reggio di Calabria and Taranto. In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zaghouan, including
a landing ground and a road running to Bou Ficha. P-40's fly sea patrol and escort, as
well as fighter-bomber missions in the Zaghouan area.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Tunisia, weather restricts Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) operations to
a reconnaissance and uneventful shipping sweep; Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fighters attack gun positions and vehicles near Zaghouan and Massicault and at
other points in the surrounding areas. A-20's and medium bombers hit Zaghouan in
support of the French advance.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Tipton flew to Souk el Arba to pick up a couple more men and
return to Ain M’Lila.

Tipton, William L. "Tip", 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 34C, Sqdn 25. 10 planes led by Major Schwane,
but no target sighted.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: At Souk el Arba five of our planes participated in a sea sweep.
Nothing was sighted and all plane returned safely. Capt. R.W. Manly left Ain M’Lila for
the advanced base at Souk el Arba today. The transfer of Lt. Albert Duke from the
squadron became effective today.

Duke, Albert, 2Lt, pilot Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 5 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, P-40's
strafe and bomb a bridge, vessels, docks, warehouses, and other buildings at Nabeul
harbor.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-l7's bomb a vessel off Capo San Vito.
In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb shipping off Marettimo Island. In Tunisia, NASAF B-
17's hit Tunis harbor and attack ships and docks at La Goulette. B-25's and B-26's bomb
shipping E of Cape Zebib, and hit a landing ground at Galaat el Andeless and near
Protville. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and bombers fly 6
missions against strongholds on the NE and E slopes of Djebel Bou Aoukaz as the British
5 Corps' 1 Division attacks and gains the position. Fighters hit shipping in Gulf of Tunis
and attack landing grounds and concentrations near Protville. Wellingtons bomb roads at
Bir Meherga. After regrouping and re-equipping, HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 37th and
49th Fighter Squadrons with P-38's transfer from Mediouna, French Morocco to
Telergma, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: The shuttle service between Souk el Arba and Ain M’Lila was
completed today as all the crews have now arrived back at Ain M’Lila.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: At Ain M’Lila three of our planes participated in a sea sweep. No
shipping sighted and all planes returned safely. Italian transport planes escorted by
fighters were encountered on the sweep and the P-38s attacked them. Six transports and
three enemy fighters were shot down. At Souk el Arba six of our planes participated in a
sea sweep. A convoy was sighted, attacked and several small ships sunk. All of our
planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 26 (36): At 06:00 6 planes off on sea sweep, returned at
09:25. No bombs dropped. 2 E/A transports shot down by escorts. No flak. Weather:
High scattered cumulus. F/L: Issacson.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 6 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's bomb
Reggio di Calabria harbor, hitting several vessels and shore installations. In Tunisia, B-
25's attack Furna and Massicault and surrounding areas. P-40's hit shipping in the Gulf of
Tunis and vehicles and buildings along the coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's, escorted by fighters, bomb
Marsala and Trapani. In Italy, B-25's and B-26's, escorted by fighters, bomb a convoy
SW of Marettimo Island, the port of Favignana, and vessels W of Mitrettimo. In
Tunisia, the British 18 Army Group opens the final assault on Tunis and Bizerte before
dawn. The assault is supported by massed artillery fire and the most intensive air
bombardment yet employed in North Africa. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) airplanes bomb El Aouina, La Sebala, and Ariana Airfields during the night of
5/6 May. Today, fighters, A-20's, and medium bombers fly over 1,400 sorties, attacking
Protville and La Sebala Airfields, trucks on the Massicault-Tunis road, Bordj Frendj,
Djebel Achour, traffic SW of Tunis, troops N of Massicault, the Djedeida-Saint-Cyprien
road, the road S of Djedeida, and numerous other points of strength in extreme NE
Tunisia. B-25's and B-26's bomb 2 beached vessels at Cape Zebib, and ships, a
lighthouse, and parked aircraft near Capes Fortass, Zebib, Cap Serrat and at Protville.
Fighters escort the bombing missions. The 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with
P-38's transfers from Mediouna, French Morocco to Telergma, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: 25 B-25’s of the Group took off at 12:00 on a sea search. The
element leaders in our Squadron were Lt. Tipton and Lt. Walker. No enemy shipping
was sighted. 250 rounds of ammunition were fired to clear the guns. All ships were
down at 16:00

Tipton, William L. "Tip", 1Lt, pilot

Walker, James O., 2Lt, pilot or Walker, Robert S., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 36A, Sqdn 26 composed of nine planes. Lt.
Griffith led the formation with Major Schwane as co-pilot on a sea sweep. 300 and 500
lb bombs were used to sink two flak barges and damage others.

Group mission 36, Sqdn 27 composed of 1 plane flown by Lt. VanArtsdalen on
a sea sweep. No target sighted.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: At Ain M’Lila five of our planes participated in a sea sweep.
Nothing sighted and all our planes returned safely. At Souk el Arba six of our planes
took part in a sea sweep. A convoy was sighted, attacked and one Siebel Ferry blown up.
All our planes returned safely.

Thursday, 6 May 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 371

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 27 (37): At 12:10, 24 planes off on sea sweep. All
returned at 15:50, no bombs dropped. 2 FW-190’s seen Northwest of Cape Rosa, no flak.
Weather: Overcast at sea, visibility 10 miles. F/L: Heinlen.

Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 8)

TARGET: Sea Search 3:30 Plane 371

“Returned because of weather.”

Friday, 7 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, B-25's hit
the town of Kelibia. P-40's bomb and strafe shipping in the Gulf of Tunis, severely
damaging 3 boats.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
during the night of 6/7 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons bomb the docks and shipping at Trapani as a diversion for a mine-laying
mission off Malta. In Tunisia, NASAF P-40's attack motor vessels, the quay and dock
area at Tunis harbor. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, A-20's,
and medium bombers hit El Aouina Airfield and traffic on the roads around Tunis,
especially the Tunis-Bizerte road, as the Allied forces of Lieutenant General Harold R.
Alexander's 18 Army Group overrun both Tunis and Bizerte, splitting the enemy's forces.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. One of our ships was on a local training
gunnery mission and 1 ship was test hopped by Lt. Tipton and Capt. Smith our flight
surgeon as co-pilot.

Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, Flight Surgeon Tipton, William L. "Tip", 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 36B, Sqdn 28 composed of 11 planes. Lt.
Bradley led the Group with Major Schwane as co-pilot on a sea sweep, but no target
sighted.

Bradley, James L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Four of our planes at Souk el Arba participated in a sea sweep.
Nothing sighted and all our planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 8 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In the Mediterranean,
B-25's hit the landing ground on Pantelleria Island. In Tunisia, P-40's strafe and bomb
shipping in the Cap Bon area and shipping and shore installations on the Gulf of Tunis.
Fighters claim 5 Bf 109's destroyed.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the
Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's and Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and A-20's bomb the landing ground on
Pantelleria Island. In Tunisia, NASAF B-26's and P-4O's attack small vessels off NE
Tunisia. Weather prevents the success of other shipping sweeps, but B-25's hit a road
junction and railroad at Korba and a highway N of Beni Khalled. P-40's bomb docks
near Thonara. NATAF fighters and A-20's bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily,
convoys and road network near Soliman and Hammamet, tanks near Protville, troops,
emplacements, trucks, landing grounds, and vessels on and near Cap Bon and in the area
S of Tunis. On the ground, CORPS FRANC D'AFRIQUE makes an official entry into
Bizerte as the British 7 Armored Division pushes N from Tunis toward the US II Corps
zone. The British 6 Armored and Indian 4 Infantry Divisions, pushing SE toward
Hammamet, are stopped at Hammam Lif as the enemy strives to keep their line of retreat
to the Cap Bon peninsula open. The British 5 Corps' l Division and 4 Indian Division
push E with the French 19th Corps which meets firm resistance near Zaghouan. HQ 52nd
Troop Carrier Wing arrives at Oujda, French Morocco from the US. This begins the
buildup of troop carrier units for the planned airborne assault on Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today as the ground forces east of Bizerte and north of
Tunis are moving so fast that there is no need for the air support. It was learned today
that Capt. Nickerson our Intelligence Officer and Lt. Malek, the assistant Intelligence
Officer went into Tunis with the British 8th Army armored forces when the city was
captured to be the first two American officers to enter Tunis after its capture.

Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence Nickerson, James E. "Nick", 1Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 36C, Sqdn 29, 8 planes led by Lt Griffith on a sea
sweep. No target sighted.

Griffith, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Five of our planes at Souk el Arba participated in a sea sweep.
Noting sighted and all our planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 9 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's attack
harbor facilities at Messina, scoring hits on the ferry terminal, roundhouse, 2 ferries, and
a ship. In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit the landing ground on Pantelleria Island. In
Tunisia, over 300 P-40's fly escort and reconnaissance missions, and strafing and
bombing raids on landing grounds vessels, vehicles, bridges, and gun positions in the
areas of Zembra Island, Cap Bon, and Pantelleria Island. HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group
transfers from Fayidk Egypt to Nouvion, Algeria and begins training for the invasion of
Sicily.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of 9/10 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons bomb Villacidro, Elmas, and Decimomannu Airfields. In Sicily, B-17's, with
P-38 escort, bomb Palermo; B-26's follow immediately with an attack on the same target.
In Tunisia, during the night of 9/10 May, Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) Blenheims, bomb troops and vehicle concentrations in the Homemade-Nabeul-
Menzel Bou Zelfa-Soliman-Tazorhrane areas. Fighter sweeps over the battle area provide
cover for destroyers, strafe barges, bomb buildings in the battle area, strafe trucks
between Hammamet and Soliman and bomb a landing ground near Menzel Temime. A-
20's and medium bombers also bomb shipping, hit concentrations in the battle area and in
the town of Soliman, and bomb the airfield on Pantelleria Island. The US II Corps
receives the unconditional surrender of enemy troops in its zone. HQ 313th Troop Carrier
Group and it's 47th and 49th Troop Carrier Squadrons with C-47's arrive at Oujda, French
Morocco from the US and begin training for the invasion of Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 10 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In the Mediterranean,
B-25's and P-40's bomb Pantelleria landing ground. In Tunisia, P-40's bomb the Medi
and Cap Bon peninsula. Fighters claim 4 airplanes destroyed. The 36th and 44th Troop
Carrier Squadrons, 316th Troop Carrier Group with C-47's transfer from Egypt to
Nouvion, Algeria and begin training for the aerial assault on Sicily.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
during the night of 9/10 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons bomb Palermo and the surrounding area. B-17's follow up, shortly past noon,
with raids on the airfields at Milo and Bo Rizzo. In Tunisia, Northwest Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) fighters, A-20's, and medium bombers attack Pantelleria harbor in the
Mediterranean, Korba bridge, Menzel Temime landing ground, Kelibia areas, and town
of Menzel Bou Zelfa. Numerous motor transport and troop concentrations on Cap Bon
peninsula are bombed and strafed as British 6 Armored Division drives to Hammamet,
cutting off the peninsula. HQ 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from
Telergma, Algeria to Sedrata, Algeria. The ground echelon of the 414th Night Fighter
Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, arrives at La Senia, Algeria from the U.S. The air echelon
is in England training on Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: Six B-25’s (1 of the 445th) took off at 08:00 on a sea sweep. No
enemy shipping was sighted. All ships down at 12:00. On the second mission today, 5
B-25’s (4 of the 445th) took off at 12:30 on a sea sweep. Again no shipping was sighted
and all ships returned safely to base.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 38, Sqdn 30 composed of 1 plane flown by Lt.
Schmidt on a sea sweep. No target was sighted. Combat crews returned from Souk El
Arba today.

Schmidt, Frederick C., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: AT Ain M’Lila five of our planes participated in a sew sweep.
Nothing sighted and all our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 371

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st
BG (observer)

Monday, 10 May 1943 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Morton, William H. “Mort”, 1Lt

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 9)

TARGET: Sea Sweep 4:05 Plane 375

“No target sighted.”

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 9)

“I’ve told you all there was to tell about 8 of my raids, so now I’ll pick up where I left off.
The ninth was a dry run. It was a low element sea sweep and so was not looked upon
with any marked degree of favor from us boys who have to go on them. It was unusual in
a way, though. Usually sea sweeps consist of two flights, one high and one low. This one
consisted of a low element only, and was to depend on its element of surprise for its
success. We had a flight of about 25 or 30 P-38’s as our escort, and our flight was made
up of six ships lead by the erstwhile Lt. Morton. It was our job to go out and fly through
the channel between Sicily and the small islands off the west coast, covering the water
from Trapani to Marsala in that direction, attacking any enemy shipping encountered.

We approached the island from the west almost directly toward Marsala, turned
north and went around the westernmost island, returning again almost directly toward
Marsala. We didn’t go around the other two islands because visibility was excellent and
no shipping could be seen for miles beyond Trapani. We saw one or two vessels just off
shore from the harbor at Marsala, but didn’t attack due to there proximity to shore. It
would have been suicide. Our action in passing it up was sanctioned on our return.

Such was mission No. 9 for me. Dull, uninteresting, and, except for the short time
we were off shore from Sicily, slow-moving. Morton, never one to dally where there is a
chance of flak, poured on the coal as we began our turn around the westernmost island.
We didn’t slow up until Sicily was out of sight.

I had Major Pemberton of Group Intelligence on board as a passenger and on the
way back I pulled out of formation a little way and let him fly. He was a flyer for the
R.A.F. during World War I but holds no flight rating with the U.S.A.A.F. in this war. He
said that Col. Knapp had let him fly a B-25 once before in the States, between Walterboro
and DeRidder and that is all the stick time he had had in a B-25. He did remarkably
well, and I let him fly to within sight of our home base, when I took over to get back in
formation and land.

Monday, 10 May 1943 (continued)

Up until this mission (No 9) which took place on May 10th, my combat career
consisted mainly of free rides and dry runs…”

Knapp, Robert D., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

Morton, William H. "Mort", 1L, pilot

Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, intelligence, HQ 321st BG

Tuesday, 11 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, B-24's strike
Catania harbor, severely damaging the harbor area and several ships. In Tunisia, B-25's
strike the battle area in NE Tunisia. P-40's fly escort and armed reconnaissance, and
carry out bombing and strafing missions in the Cap Bon area against motor transport,
concentrations, roads, docks, and AA batteries.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's, B-26's, and B-25's bomb
Marsala, hitting the warehouse, docks, railroad yards, seaplane base, and city area. In
Italy, NASAF P-40's bomb and strafe harbor at San Michele. In Tunisia, Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and A-20's attack vehicles, gun positions
and troop concentrations in the Zaghouan-Sainte-Marie du Zit area and on Cap Bon as
the British 4 Division completes an uneventful sweep around the Cap Bon peninsula,
revealing no important forces there. Resistance in the Zaghouan sector weakens. The 29th
and 48th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 313th Troop Carrier Group, with C-47's arrive at
Oujda, French Morocco from the US. The 310th, 311th and 312th Bombardment
Squadrons (Dive), 86th Bombardment Group (Dive), with A-36's, arrive at La Senia,
Algeria from the US.

445th BS War Diary: A few local formation flights were flown. A few Air Medals were
awarded. One went to Sgt. Krzyzanowski, Sgt. Brainard and St. Gallaher for shooting
down one ME-109 each on March 31st. Sgt. Krzyzanowski is still in the hospital but his
condition has improved. Sgt. Brainard is out of the hospital and is awaiting to be put
back on flying status.

Brainard, Walter R., Sgt, gunner Gallaher, Sgt, gunner

Krzyzanowski, Frank J., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 12 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, B-25's
bomb targets in the battle area in NE Tunisia.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the docks at Marsala
during the night of 11/12 May; some bombs fall on Mazara del Vallo and Trapani. In
Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, A-20's, and medium
bombers fly sweeps and tactical reconnaissance over the battle area and hit positions S of
Bou Ficha which form the last link between the enemy forces and the sea. By night,
enemy resistance in the S is almost ended. Enemy troops, including Colonel-General
Jurgen von Arnim, Commander-in-Chief, Army Group Africa, are surrendering en masse.
HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) and it's 309th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) with
A-36's arrive at La Senia, Algeria from the US. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter
Group, with P-39's, transfers from Maison Blanche, Algeria to Warnier, Algeria. The
ground echelon of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force arrives at La
Senia, Algeria from the US. The air echelon is in England training with Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: No Entry

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Tunis and Bizerte fell today. Our men at Souk el Arba visited
Tunis, saw thousands of Italian and German prisoners, picked up souvenirs, etc. It was
announced that there would be no more sea sweeps from Souk el Arba and everyone
there had the day off.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 13 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-25's bomb
Augusta while RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command,
attack the Messina ferry terminal.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the area of the
railroad station, marshalling yard and docks in Naples during the night of 12/13 May. In
Sardinia, B-17's, B-25's and B-26's from 7 bomb groups, escorted by fighters from 4
fighter groups, bomb Cagliari, hitting shipping, the dock area, marshaling yard, oil dump,
chemical plant, and city area. In Tunisia, the Tunisian campaign ends with the surrender
of Marshall Giovanni Messe, commander of Axis forces in Africa. HQ 51st Troop
Carrier Wing transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Mascara, Algeria. HQ 60th Troop
Carrier Group and it's 11th and 28th Troop Carrier Squadrons with C-47's, transfer from
Relizane, Algeria to Thiersville, Algeria. The 34th, 37th and 432nd Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), with B-26's transfer from
Telergma, Algeria to Sedrata, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: 24 B-25’s took off at 11:20 to bomb the railroad center at Cagliari
in southern Sardinia. Lt. Tipton led the 445th flight. 48 P-38’s and 20 P-40’s were our
escort. This was a coordinated attack with 3 other Groups. The target was reached at
13:30. 15 x 1000 lb and 6 x 500 lb demolition bombs were dropped by our Squadron.
The railroad tracks were well covered. The sheds along the railroad tracks were left
burning. The eastern part of the town was left in flames. The gas works were seen to
explode and one merchant vessel in the harbor was left burning. The flak was heavy and
intense over the target but inaccurate. Lt. Lord was relieved as adjutant and appointed
Engineering Officer. Lt Bell who has been our Engineering Officer since before leaving
the States was transferred to Group. Lt. Crumb, the Assistant Engineering Officer was
appointed Squadron Special Projects Officer. Lt. Gaffney was transferred into the
Squadron from the 447th to be our new Adjutant. The men are anxious for the news of
the last German resistance in North Africa. The rumors are rampant that we will go
home in the near future.

Bell, Ernest C., 2Lt, Engineering, Officer Crumb, Lloyd P, Lt, Special Projects Officer

Gaffney, Charles, H., 1Lt, Adjutant Lord, Robert O. Jr., Capt, Engineering Officer

Tipton, William L. "Tip", 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Group mission 39, Sqdn 31. 11
planes, Major Schwane led the Group, to Cagliari, Sardinia. 1000 lb bombs were
dropped on the target which was well covered. Lt. Williams, after manual operation of
his landing gear failed, was forced to belly land. T/Sgt. Sheehan was slightly wounded
by flak.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt, gunner

Williams, Wallace, 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 13 May 1943 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, Commander

Williams, Wallace, 2Lt

Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt

447th BS War Diary: Six of our planes participated in a raid on the railroad yards at
Cagliari, Sardinia. Bombing results excellent. The flak was very intense and several of
our planes were hit. Lt. J.P. Burns’ ship received a direct hit by an 88mm shell which
pierced the fuselage near the tail. The shell failed to explode and the plane came back
with only two holes in it. Had the shell exploded it would have destroyed the plane
completely. All our planes returned safely. It was announced tonight that all organized
resistance by the axis in Tunisia had ceased. It only remains for the ground forces to mop
up the few remaining isolated German and Italian units. This marked the successful
completion of the first campaign in which our squadron had participated.

Burns, John P., 1Lt, pilot

A/C No. 371

A/C No. unknown

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

Morton, William H. “Mort”, 1Lt

A/C No. unknown

Burns, John R., 1Lt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 28 (52): At 11:20 24 planes off to bomb RR yards at
Cagliari. Dropped 66 x 1000 bombs from 12,500 feet and 6 x 500 bombs at 13:30. All
returned at 15:00. RR yards well covered large sheds left burning and several bombs fell
shot in harbor area. Large M/V in harbor left burning. 6 E/A seen over target engaged

Thursday, 13 May 1943 (continued)

by escort. Intense, heavy, accurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Schwane, Tipton and
Morton.

Morton, William H. "Mort", 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

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

Tipton, William L. "Tip", 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 10)

TARGET: Cagliari RR Yards 3:40 Plane 371

“RR yards and warehouse completely demolished. Bombs dropped on town which was
also ruined.”

446th BS Special Account: Major Schwane led a formation against Cagliari, Sardinia.
The target was well covered and some flak encountered. Lt. Williams, after manual
operation of his landing gear failed, was forced to belly land. T/Sgt. Sheehan was
slightly injured by flak.

Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt, gunner Williams, Wallace, 2Lt, pilot

The following is an account of this mission by Lt. Williams:

As I write this I can see now that here was the start of an unlucky streak for me.
Since the fall of Tunisia we had to work on Sardinia, Sicily, and Pantelleria. Real work.
My thirteenth mission, on the thirteenth of May! What an experience.

Cagliari took an awful pounding that day, the Fortresses, and B-26’s hit it before
us and we went in about noon. There were huge fires and immense clouds of smoke.
Even the P-38 escort had 500 lb bombs under their wings. Our bomb run was made at
about 10,500 feet. We could see a lot of flak bursts up ahead, about where we intended
to release our bombs. Just after I had dropped my bombs there was a burst just under my
right wing and nacelle. That was too close, one chunk had severed the hydraulic lines
and perforated the right side of the plane. The nose wheel tire we found out had been hit,
and the windshield on the co-pilot’s side was broken. One piece hit T/Sgt. Sheehan in the
leg. Not too serious though. I though we were going down over the target, but we
managed to keep up with the formation. The landing situation didn’t look any too good,
the right wheel was hanging out of the nacelle and no hydraulic pressure. We tried to use
the emergency system, but the cable broke. While the rest of the formation landed we
circled the field and when the runway was clear we brought the plane in. Nobody was
hurt in the landing. It was a pretty rugged experience, but it was O.K. That was the last
mission for that plane. All it was good for was spare parts after that.

Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt, gunner WALLACE WILLIAMS, Jr

Williams, Wallace, 2Lt, pilot 1st Lt., Air Corps.

Friday, 14 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): P-40's fly sea patrol
and escort for bombers.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of 13/14 May, Wellingtons hit Cagliari. During the day, B-25's
and P-38 escorts bomb the dock and town area of Olbia claiming destruction of 3 vessels.
B-26's hit Porto Ponte Romano. In Italy, B-17's bomb Civitavecchia. During the day,
P-38's bomb tunnel, barracks, airfield, industry, power station, and town areas at Sassari
and Abbasanta, Italy; and Alghero and Porto Torres, Sardinia. HQ 1st Air Defense Wing
transfers from Casablanca, French Morocco to Sousse, Tunisia. The unit will be
redesignated the 62d Fighter Wing in Jul 43. The 10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th
Troop Carrier Group, with C-47's, transfers from Relizane, Algeria to Thiersville,
Algeria. The 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, with C-47's, arrives
at Lourmel, Algeria from the US. The 95th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 17th
Bombardment Group (Medium), with B-26's, transfers from Telergma, Algeria to
Sedrata, Algeria. The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, with P-39's, transfers
from Le Sers, Tunisia to Djidjelli, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: 18 B-25’s (7 of the 445th) took off at 10:27 to bomb Olbia in
Northern Sardinia. The formation was led by Major Cook with Lt. Walker leading the
second element. 84 P-38’s were our escort. 42 x 500 lb. bombs were dropped by the
445th from 9500 ft. Hits were observed on one merchant vessel moored at the mole.
Sheds in the east end of the mole were hit and smoke was seen rising from the east end of
the mole. The flak was heavy and trailing but not too intense. This was the longest
mission yet completed by our Squadron or the Group.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander

Walker, James O., 2Lt, pilot or Walker, Robert S., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 40, Sqdn 32, 7 planes. Major Schwane led the
Group to Olbia Terranova. 500 lb bombs were used and as a result the target was well
covered and the town left smoking. This was the longest mission flown to date, a total of
954 miles.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: At Ain M’Lila four of our planes participated in a raid on the
harbor at Olbia. One large ship in the harbor was hit, also the moles and sheds were
covered by bombs. Italian leaflets were dropped in addition to the bombs. All our planes
returned safely.

Friday, 14 May 1943 (continued)

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 1Lt, pilot (mission 10)

“…Beginning with my 10th mission things began to look better. On May 14th we went on
a little ride up the east coast of Sardinia, just out of sight of land, turned slightly to the
northwest and bombed the harbor and shipping at Terranova.

We were to follow a flight of B-25s from the 310th Bomb Group over the target,
but for some reason we got there first. I talked to some of the 310th boys later in
Constantine and from their reports we did all right. One ship, they said, was sinking and
one was on fire. The mole showed signs of having had a rather bad inning….

The scenery was beautiful. Deep blue water, still and peaceful, surrounded by the
brilliant white line of the beach. Rugged mountains all around with their green turned
blue by the distance. And at the peak of the little bay and harbor was a colorful little
town, almost cuddling against the foot of the mountains. Yes, it was a beautiful scene,
marred only by the puffs of black smoke that mark the burst of anti-aircraft shells. Then
we dropped our bombs.

Flak was hardly thick enough to bother and we flew on across the island towards
the west, unmolested. Our escort, P-38s again, were to strafe anything that moved all up
and down the west coast. We never saw them from the time we sighted land on the east
coast until we were well on our way home. We saw a little of their handiwork, however,
as we flew away over the coast. We could look to the south of us and see great columns
of dust and smoke that we learned later rose from a landing field. The P-38s shot down
five enemy aircraft that day to no losses of their own.

It might be well to note here the feeling we have for the peashooters (fighters),
and the boys who fly them. We lean slightly toward the P-38s. On a mission we seldom
see them in the vicinity of the target. They are off in parts unknown raising hell. And
although we seldom see our fighters, we also rarely see any enemy planes. The boys tie
into them before they get to us---so they do their job well and we can’t complain. On a
recent raid I saw two P-38s in the immediate vicinity of the target. They were hot after
an ME-109 that had come in a little too close to us. He never got quite close enough.
They got him. And some of my crew saw him crash and blow up.

We made it on home from Terranova, unmolested and uneventfully. So---my 10th
raid—a success—was over.”

Saturday, 15 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In the Mediterranean,
P-40's fly sea patrol.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Palermo during the
night of 14/15 May. In the Mediterranean, the Northwest Coastal Air Force (NACAF)
maintains sea patrol and reconnaissance over large area from the W coast of Italy over
Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, and as far N as Marseilles, France. HQ 31st Fighter Group
transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia. HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and it's
15th, 53rd and 59th Troop Carrier Squadrons, with C-47's, arrive at Lourmel, French
Morocco from the US. The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Group, with P-40's,
transfers from Ebba Ksour, Tunisia to Menzel Temime, Tunisia. The 307th Fighter
Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, with Spitfires, transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba,
Tunisia. The 309th, 310th and 312th Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 86th Bombardment
Group (Dive), with A-36's, transfer from La Senia, Algeria to Mediouna, French
Morocco.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today. A three day rest period was declared
for all combat crews beginning today. This is a much-deserved rest for both the combat
crews and the ground echelon which has worked very hard since we started our combat
duty. This rest period and the end of the North African campaign has made everyone
somewhat optimistic about the outcome of the war.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: A three day holiday begins as of today in celebration of the
Tunisian victory. All activity is suspended and only personnel needed for guard and
administration must remain in squadron area. All our crews which have been operating
from Souk el Arba returned to Ain M’Lila today. The ground personnel which had been
at Souk el Arba left there today by motor convoy.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 16 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): P-40's escort shipping
off the Mediterranean coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Trapani during the
night of 15/16 May. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and Northwest
African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) planes fly sea patrol, reconnaissance, and convoy
escort. The 51st Troop Carrier Squadron (C-47's), 62nd Troop Carrier Group, transfers
from Nouvion, Algeria to Matemore, Algeria. HQ 350th Fighter Group transfers from
Oran, Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria. It's 345th Fighter Squadron (P-39's) transfers
from La Senia, Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: Many of the crews are enjoying passes in Constantine and nearby
towns such as Batna and the ancient ruins of the Carthaginians at Timgad. This is one of
the most well-preserved ruins in North Africa.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: A squadron truck was sent to Batna and Timgad today for
sightseeing. The convoy arrived from Souk el Arba with our ground personnel who had
been on duty there during the latter phase of the Tunisian campaign.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 17 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the Lido di Roma
seaplane base and drop leaflets over Rome. The 8th Troop Carrier Squadron (C-47's),
62nd Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Matemore, Algeria. The
309th Fighter Squadron Spitfires), 31st Fighter Group, transfers with Spitfires from Le
Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: The crews and ground echelon continue to enjoy passes and the
well-earned rest.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: A squadron truck was sent to Timgad again today to give the rest
of the men an opportunity to see the Roman ruins there.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 18 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of l7/l8 May, Wellingtons bomb the Alghero-Sassari area. In
the Mediterranean, during the day, the Northwest African Air Force (NAAF) begins a
strong air offensive against Pantelleria Island in conjunction with a naval blockade. Over
80 B-25's and B-26's, escorted by P-38's, blast the island, hitting Porto di Pantelleria and
Marghana Airfield. In Sicily, B-17's, with fighter escort, bomb Trapani. The 4th Troop
Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, transfers with C-47's from Nouvion, Algeria
to Matemore, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: At 9:30, 18 B-25’s (4 of the 445th) took off to bomb the village of
Pantelleria escorted by 48 P-38’s of the 82nd Fighter Group. This is another coordinated
attack by four medium bomber Groups. 30 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped
from 6000 ft. by the 445th. The pattern of the bombing was excellent. Smoke and flames
covered the entire area. When the formation turned off the bomb run they saw one ship
in the harbor that had received a direct hit by the formation. The flak was of a barrage
type, heavy, moderate, and inaccurate. All ships returned safely.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Group mission 41, Sqdn 33. 4
planes with 500 lb bombs to Pantelleria. The target was well covered and town left
smoking. Lt. Griffith was promoted to Captain.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 29 (54): At 11:05 18 planes off to bomb Pantelleria
(town on island). Dropped 108 x 500 bombs from 6500 feet at 11:30, all returned at
13:10. Pattern excellent, smoke and flames covered entire area, direct hits claimed on
ship in harbor. A L/G on south end of town had about 6 enemy transports on it.
Moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak of barrage type. Weather: 5/10th cover, hazy. F/L:
Heinlen and Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Heinlen, Clayton H., Maj, pilot, Commander

Wednesday, 19 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, after 2
days of sand storms, aircraft are again airborne. P-40's fly escort for ships in area E of
Kelibia off Cap Bon peninsula.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, B-25's hit Milis and Villacidro Airfields while B-26's bomb Monserrato and
Elmas Airfields, the outskirts of Quarto Sant'Elena, and Cagliari harbor. In Sicily, B-17's
bomb Milo Airfield at Trapani. The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier
Group which has been operating from bases in Egypt and Palestine with C-47's, returns to

Nouvion, Algeria. The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group, transfers
with A-20's and P-38's from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia. The 317th Fighter
Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, transfers with P-40's from Tafaraoui, Algeria to
Montesquieu, Algeria and flies it's first combat mission.

445th BS War Diary: 24 B-25’s (5 of the 445th) took off at 11:05 to bomb the airdrome
at Villacidro in southern Sardinia. 24 P-38’s were our escort. Our ships dropped 350 x
20 lb. frags from 10,000 ft. Bomb bursts were seen among dispersed aircraft and at least
6 fires and columns of black smoke were seen as the formation left the target. Two
strings of bombs fell across fuel dumps and the barracks area causing explosions. Flak
positions in the southwest corner of the field were hit. One enemy aircraft was shot down
by the escort. 30.000 leaflets written in Italian were dropped over the airdrome. The flak
was heavy, moderate and inaccurate. This evening at a Group ceremony, Purple Hearts
were awarded to Lt. Olson, Lt. Rudolph, Sgts. Brainard, Katz, Klunk, Krause and
VanHall. The soldiers medal was awarded to Sgt. Burton for rescuing three men from a
crashed aircraft in which Sgt. Burton was flying when it crashed on a routine night flight
during the early stages of our training back in Columbia, South Carolina.

Brainard, Walter R., Sgt, gunner Burton, Sgt, gunner

Katz, Paul F., Sgt, photographer Klunk, Edward F., Sgt, bombardier

Krause, Gerald C., Sgt, engineer-gunner Olson, Walter N., 2Lt, pilot

Rudolph, Raymond L., 2Lt, pilot VanHall, Ernest C., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 42, Sqdn 34 composed of 4 planes led by Major
Schwane to Villacidro L/G, Sardinia. Frag bombs were dropped and photo interpretation
showed little damage.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our planes participated in a raid on Villacidro landing
ground in Sardinia today. Bombing results excellent. All our planes returned safely.
There was a group meeting in the granary. The Group Commander commended the men
for the manner in which they had done their job and presented medals to those who had
earned them. Seven of our men received the Purple Heart. They were: Lts. Ackley, Orr
and T/Sgt. Drogosch, S/Sgts. Ludtke, Osowiecki, Noble and Perpich.

Wednesday, 19 May 1943 (continued)

Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Drogosch, Robert C., T/Sgt, gunner

Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt, gunner Noble, Francis L., S/Sgt, armament

Orr, Douglas C., 2Lt, bombardier Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner

Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt, gunner

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

A/C No. 371

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

Colby, John W., 2Lt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 30 (55): At 11:05 24 planes off to bomb A/D at
Villacidro, Sardinia. Dropped 1638 frags from 10,000 feet at 13:00. 23 planes returned
at 14:35. Bombs burst across dispersal area on field and among fuel dumps and barracks,
hit flak positions SW corner. 30,000 Italian leaflets dropped. About 50 E/A observed on
field, 25 of them JU-88’s. Moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: Strato cumulus.

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 11)

TARGET: Villacidro A/D 3:30 Plane 371

“Several hits on planes on ground which were not dispersed properly.”

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 11)

“Another good raid. My eleventh raid was over a small air field in southern Sardinia
near the town of Villacidro. It was uncertain at the time we took off that any planes
would be on the field, but it was known that the field was in use to some extent and the
possibility of our finding some ships on it was good enough for us to go out loaded with
frag bombs.

Lt. Black, a tent mate of mine and a darn good navigator, was in the lead ship and
responsible for the navigation of the flight. He did an excellent job. Sardinia looked to
be covered with a thick layer of clouds as we approached. The weatherman had
predicted 3/10ths coverage over the target, but at first it looked as though he would be
wrong. I began to wonder as we approached the island whether Sammy would fly over
the clouds looking for a hole or try to go under. I didn’t like the latter idea s the clouds
looked to be pretty low to me.

He kept on course, however, except for a few shallow turns to avoid the possibility
of A.A. predicting our course long enough to get hit. Blakie’s navigation proved his
merit when suddenly the clouds opened up in a large gaping hole and we saw our target
directly in front of us. He had split the field and that is darned good in anybody’s
navigation.

Wednesday, 19 May 1943 (continued)

We opened our bomb bay doors and flew straight ahead—level and on course.
The inevitable black puffs, scattered and almost half-hearted, appeared around us. Then
I heard the click of the bomb releases in my head-phones, saw the bomb bay door light go
off, and gave my ship (Ruff Stuff) all the throttle it could take to keep up with the
formation. We turned toward the west, having come up from the south, and headed out to
sea. Again, not a one of our P-38 escorts was to be seen! Nor were any enemy ships in
evidence in the air. Everything was going good.

Radio contact with the escort ships is a wonderful thing. But most often it proves
entertaining to us. They carry on a continual line of chatter. Usually someone is
cussing. “Get the hell down here in formation!” “What in God’s name are you doing out
there---committing suicide?” “Goddammit, get in formation!” Best of them all was one
boy’s exclamation just as we arrived over the target. We couldn’t see them, but we could
hear them. Apparently they were out looking for a little trouble when I heard one of them
say, “Holy sh--! Here comes the whole damn Luftwaffe!”

The trip home again was uneventful. We suffered no losses and only two ships
had been hit by flak: mine and someone else’s. The hit I got was one small piece of flak
in the bombardier’s compartment. Colby found it shortly after we left the island and his
eyes were as big as half-dollars as he tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Look what I
got!” No damage resulted.

The P-38s had another good day: they got eight enemy ships to no losses of their
own…”

Black, Donald "Blackie", 1Lt, navigator Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator

Thursday, 20 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In the Mediterranean,
P-40's escort ships and fly sea patrol off Cap Bon and in the Kelibia area.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of l9/2O May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Villacidro and Decimomannu Airfields. During the day, P-
38's bomb Milis Airfield and targets of opportunity at Bonorva while B-25's bomb
Villacidro, Alghero, and Decimomannu Airfields In Italy, P-38's bomb the docks on the
Gulf of Aranci, a railroad bridge NE of Perfugas, the Macomer rail junction, and targets
of opportunity at Sassari, Bonnanaro, and Chilivani while B-17's strike Grosseto
Airfield. In the Mediterranean, P-38's and P-40's strafe and bomb Pantelleria Island.
HQ 33rd Fighter Group and it's 59th Fighter Squadron transfer with P-40's from Ebba
Ksour, Tunisia to Menzel Temime, Tunisia. The 2nd, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52nd
Fighter Group transfer with Spitfires from Le Sers, Tunisia to La Sebala, Tunisia. The
12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers with C-47's from
Tafaraoui, Algeria to Relizane, Algeria. The 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group
transfers with Spitfires from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: At 19:15, 24 B-25’s (7 of the 445th) took off to bomb Villacidro
airdrome. Our flight was led by Lt. Tipton. 498 x 20 lb. fragmentation bombs were
dropped by our squadron. Dispersed aircraft were well covered on the field by the bursts.
One ME-323 was set on fire and two ships were seen to explode. It was estimated that
300 enemy aircraft were dispersed on the field. One ME-109 and one JU-88 were
destroyed in aerial combat by the escort. The men of the Squadron have acquired several
pets such as dogs, chickens, rabbits and one man has a monkey which he bought from
one of the boys from the Coast Artillery near the field.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 43, Sqdn 35, 8 planes. Major Schwane led the
Group to the Villacidro L/G. Frags were dropped and the area was well covered.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Five of our planes participated in another raid on Villacidro
landing ground. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

A/C No. 371

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

Thursday, 20 May 1943 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 31 (56): At 09:15 24 planes off to bomb Villacidro.
Dropped 1692 x frags at 11:20 from 7000 feet, all returned at 13:000. Estimated 50 E/A
on ground, 1 ME-323 set afire and 2 others exploded on ground. Dust on target indicated
some planes taking off before approach of formation. 1 ME-109 destroyed in air by
S/Sgt. Uzailko and 1 JU-88 destroyed by escort. Weather: CAVU.

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 12)

TARGET: Villacidro A/D 3:25 Plane 371

“Flight leader Lt. Seel. Mission successful and hits on planes on ground.”

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 11)

“There were 24 ships in our formation on my eleventh mission the one over the airfield at
Villacidro. We bombed exactly those portions of the field we were told to bomb. Our
photographs showed that---but they also showed that the joint was lousy with airplanes!
We hadn’t touched a greater part of the field where most of the planes were parked. We
had done a lot of damage---just as we intended and hoped. But the pictures showed a lot
more to be done.”

Friday, 21 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, during the
night of 2O/2l May, RAF Liberators, under operational control of IX Bomber Command,
bomb Messina and Reggio di Calabria. During the day, B-24's hit Vila San Giovanni and
Reggio di Calabria; gunners claim 4 fighters destroyed. In the Mediterranean, P-40's
fly sea patrol off the NE Tunisian coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of 20/21 May, Wellingtons hit Villacidro and Decimomannu
Airfields and targets of opportunity. During the day, B-25's and B-26's bomb the same
airfields. In the Mediterranean, P-40's attack gun positions and targets of opportunity
on Pantelleria Island. In Sicily, B-17's hit hangars, repair shops, dispersal points, and a
gun battery at Castelvetrano. HQ 52nd Fighter Group transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to
La Sebala, Tunisia. HQ 314th Troop Carrier Group and it's 32nd, 50th and 61st Troop
Carrier Squadrons with C-47's arrive at Berguent, French Morocco from the US. The 7th
Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group transfers with C-47's from Nouvion,
Algeria to Matemore, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: 24 B-25’s (6 of the 445th) took off at 15:00 to bomb Villacidro
airdrome again. Major Cook led the formation. 388 x 20 lb. fragmentation bombs were
dropped by the 445th. Strings of bombs burst among the planes in the revetments in the
northwest corner of the field. Three twin-engine ships were seen to explode in the
southwest corner. Four columns of black smoke were seen as the formation left the
target. One ME-109 was destroyed by the bombers, five were destroyed by the escort.
One B-25 of the 310th Bomb Group was seen to explode and one was seen to spin in. A
party tonight for the Officers was arranged by Lt. Nickerson at the Officer’s club. The
master of ceremonies was Lt. Jackson who proved to be a very able emcee with his with
and dry Texas humor. Boiled eggs, white and red vino were served as refreshments.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Jackson, James O., 1Lt, intelligence

Nickerson, James E. "Nick", 1Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 44, Sqdn 36 composed of 6 planes led by Capt
Griffith. The target was the Villacidro L/G where 100 lb bombs were dropped and the
target well covered. Heavy intense flak was encountered and S/Sgt. Walter E Porter was
injured. Lt. Porter’s plane was hit several times.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, gunner

Porter, Jack G., 2Lt, pilot or Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Seven of our planes participated in a raid on the Villacidro landing
ground. Bombing results were good. This raid turned out to be much hotter than those of
the two days previous. The flak was very intense and accurate. Six of our planes were
hit but none damaged seriously. Our crews saw two of the 310th’s planes shot down over

Friday, 21 May 1943 (continued)

the target (they made their run just ahead of us). The fighter escort got into a dogfight
with enemy fighters and managed to keep them away from the bomber formation.

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

A/C No. unknown

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Morton, William H. "Mort", 1Lt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 32 (57): At 15:00 24 planes off to bomb Villacidro.
Dropped 1710 frags from 7500 feet at 17:00, all returned at 18:25. Four strings of bombs
seen to explode in revetments NW corner of field. Four columns of black smoke
observed. Three planes on ground burning from other Group’s attack. About 15-20 E/A
seen in combat with escort. 2 medium M/V observed 1 in gulf of Onistrano, other in
Parogobe. Intense, heave, accurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 12)

“So on my twelfth raid mine was one of 24 ships sent up by the 321st. We were to bomb
immediately behind 24 ships from the 310th. The purpose was to cover the entire field
with frag bombs. We did. The 310th went in just ahead of us. We could see them up
ahead in what seemed to be a cloud of bursting flak. Looking down for the quick glances
I sometimes got I could see the field covered in the little mushrooms of smoke and dust
sent up by the small frag bobs. A tank or dump of gasoline was on fire and smoking
joyfully. It looked as though they had done a good job. Then up ahead, somewhere in
the cloud of black smoke, I saw a ship burst into flame and fall. I got only a glimpse, but
some of my crew said they saw five chutes—and the 310th ships carry a crew of only five,
so we felt good about it, or, that is, better about it.

I was on Morton’s wing again, and the wary Morton doesn’t hang around once
his bombs are away, I had to pour on plenty of coal to keep up!

Just as we turned away from the target we saw the only enemy fighter we had
seen in a long time. It was the one I have already mentioned---the one with two P-38s on
his tail. He never got within range of our guns.

We broke away from the target, dodging now and then in anticipation of flak.
None came within worry distance. The road home was a breeze.

A P-38, with one engine out, flew formation with me—on my right wing—from the
time we left the island “til we got well inshore from Philippeville. Shortly after we left
the island we could hear the fighter boys talking among themselves. (We seldom do any
talking except in case of emergency.) Apparently they were missing someone. I heard
one guy ask if anyone had seen so-and-so. Someone answered and said, “I saw him in a

Friday, 21 May 1943 (continued)

lot of flak near the target. Think he got hit and went down.” In a few minutes came
another answer. “Hell, they didn’t get me. I’m over here riding on a truck driver’s
wing.” It was the guy on my wing! When we were well over home territory he pulled up,
waved to us, and took out for home…”

Morton, William H. "Mort", 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 22 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In the Mediterranean,
P-40's fly sea patrol off NE Tunisia.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
as a diversion for a convoy passing off Sicily during the night of 21/22 May, Northwest
African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons fly intrusion missions dropping bombs
on Castelvetrano, Sciacca, Milo, and Bo Rizzo Airfields. In the Mediterranean,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly convoy escort. The 60th
Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from Ebba Ksour, Tunisia to
Menzel Termime, Tunisia. The 93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group transfers with
P-39's from Bone, Algeria to Monastir, Tunisia. The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th
Fighter Group transfers with P-39's from Orleansville, Algeria to Maison Blanche,
Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: The mission today was cancelled due to bad weather. Lt. Fisher
was transferred to the 47th Wing.

Fisher, 2Lt

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot:

“I thought that on this day I would get my 13th raid. A Mission was scheduled for the
afternoon, but I had a test hop to make on my ship---minor tail repairs. They got me up
early that morning and I took it up and wrung it out, found it O.K. if not better than
before. I was set to go that afternoon. They had put wing racks on but I raised so much
hell about that I got them taken off. The ship was loaded, and about noon we were
briefed and sent out to the ships. We got ready and were all on board. It was just engine
time (time to start our engines) and I had my hand on the main switches, just about to
turn them on when a jeep drove madly up and someone waved and yelled, “Mission
cancelled.”

Sunday, 23 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In the Mediterranean,
P-40's fly convoy escort off Tunisia.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the
Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's and B-26's
bomb the docks and airfield on Pantelleria Island and P-40's attack gun positions on the
island. In Italy, P-38's attack the zinc works at Iglesias and Carloforte harbor on San
Pietro Island. The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group transfers with P-39's from
Bone, Algeria to Sfax, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: 38 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) took off at 08:30 to bomb the docks and
village of Pantelleria. The escort was 12 P-40’s of the 325th Fighter Group. 72 x 300 lb.
demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th. The bomb pattern was excellent. The
outer and inner mole, warehouses, south side of harbor and town were hit. One medium
and at least four small craft in the harbor were hit. One ship was seen to explode. Flak
positions in the east part of town were hit. Fires were left burning on the moles and in
town. Heavy, moderate and inaccurate flak was encountered. The combat crews judge
from the accuracy of the flak received from the Germans in North Africa that the gunners
on Pantelleria are Italians. We received our first replacements today for the combat
crews. These were three officers ad three enlisted men. All the men were eager to learn
from them what was happening in the States.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 45, Sqdn 37 composed of 10 planes led by Major
Schwane. 300 lb bombs were dropped on the town and docks at Pantelleria. Target was
well covered. 1/100’ and 1/150’ merchant vessels were set afire. A 150’ barge and an
80’ boat and 12 small boats were set afire. 1 Siebel Ferry was hit and another received a
near miss. Two flak positions were completely covered. The center and NE sections of
the town were set afire and warehouses W of the town were hit and left burning. Capt.
Griffith made a forced landing at Souk el Arba where his plane remained for an engine
change.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our planes participated in a raid on the town and docks at
Pantelleria. Bombing results excellent—docks, warehouses and ships in the harbor hit.
All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Sunday, 23 May 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 33 (58): At 08:30 38 planes off to bomb docks and town
of Pantelleria. Dropped 12 x 100 and 265 x 300 bombs from 10,000 feet at 10:45. All
returned at 12:30. Pattern excellent on outer and inter mole, warehouses on S side of
harbor and town well covered. 1 medium M/V and 4 small M/V hit, 1 ship exploded.
Falk position E of town hit, moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L:
Heinlen, Bates, Veum.

Bates, James P., Capt, pilot Heinlen, Clayton H., Maj, pilot, Commander

Veum, Ole E., Capt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 13)

“Raid No. 13 went off uneventfully and successfully today. Mine was one of thirty-six
ships in the air---all from the 321st, and the greatest number of ships the group has ever
put in the air in one formation.

Our target was the harbor and town on the northwest coast of the island of
Pantelleria. The only trouble we had was staying in formation. That many ships is too
many to put into one formation where mobility and flexibility are at a premium. We
would lag behind, pour on the coal to catch up, and before we knew it would be way out
in front, throttles almost closed trying to slow up. It was a mess….

We went over the target in fair order and, from the pictures we took, apparently
knocked hell out of the joint.

Our escort consisted of 12 P-40s and they stayed right with us all the way. No
enemy pursuit was anticipated and none were encountered. Flak was light although one
boy either had and engine hit or burned out or something because he put in at a field on
the way home.

It was a gravy train…

I see by the bulletin board that I have been awarded the Air Medal (along with
darn near everyone else in the group) for meritorious service in combat. Mebbe so. But
the medal is awarded to all combat crew members who are alive after five raids on the
enemy. I now have 13 missions and since an oak leaf cluster is awarded for each five
after the first five, I am now well on my way to my second cluster… All I have to do is
keep surviving!

Monday, 24 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's hit
the Villa San Giovanni ferry slip and railroad yards, and ferry terminal and a nearby
tanker at Reggio di Calabria. The 45th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier
Group transfers with C-47's from Libya to Nouvion, Algeria.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the
Mediterranean, during the night of 23/24 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the harbor and airfield at Pantelleria Island. During the day,
NASAF and Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters follow with more
attacks on the airfield. In Sardinia, P-40's, P-38's, B-25's, B-26's and B-17's, bomb
targets including Carloforte harbor, factories, hangars, and oil dump at Alghero and the
seaplane base at Porto Conte, the railroad bridge at Arbatax, the area near Macomer, the
town of Iglesias, the harbor at La Maddalena Island, harbor, warehouses, and dump at
Terranova, and the airfield at Olbia.

445th BS War Diary: A day of rest for the combat crews. It is reported that T/Sgt. Boyd
who was in Lt. Adcock’s crew when it was shot down at El Djem on April 4th is in the
hands of the Germans. No word has been received concerning the remainder of the crew
but it is a popular belief that the remaining crew members are prisoners of war
somewhere.

Adcock, Roy D., 2Lt, pilot

Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt, gunner or Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 25 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's attack the
Messina, Italy ferry docks and railroad yards.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of 24/25 May, Wellingtons bomb the docks and marshalling
yard at Olbia. Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fighters, medium and
heavy bombers bomb Portoscuso, Porto Empedocle, Boccadifalco Airfield, Licata harbor,
and Milo Airfield. In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) and NASAF P-40's and B-25's hit the airfield, shipping, and military
concentrations on Pantelleria Island. In Italy, NASAF fighter, medium and heavy
bombers bomb Terranova, a tunnel near Macomer, and Messina.

445th BS War Diary: 31 B-25’s (8 of the 445th) took off at 11:20 to bomb docks and
shipping at Licata in Sicily. This being our first mission to Sicily. 24 P-38’s of the 82nd
Fighter Group were our escort. 12 of the fighters carried bombs to sweep the harbor
ahead of our attack. 64 x 300 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by our ships from
10,000 ft. One 90 ft. vessel received a direct hit and one near miss. Near misses were
observed on the outer mole. A few hits also in the town itself. The poor formation
accounted for the poor bomb pattern. All ships returned safe to base. We received
another replacement crew today consisting of three officers and three enlisted men. It
seems rather odd to see strange men around the area and in the chow line as we have been
together so long that it is seldom that the men ever refer to each other without using their
first names.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 46, Sqdn 38 composed of 8 planes led by Lt.
Williams to Licata, Sicily. 300 lb bombs were dropped, but target poorly covered.

Williams, Wallace, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Ten of our planes participated in a raid on the harbor at Licata,
Sicily. Bombing results poor—most bombs landed in the sea. All our planes returned
safely.

A/C No. unknown “Ruff Stuff”

A/C No. 371

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

Tuesday, 25 May 1943 (continued)

A/C No. unknown

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, C.O.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 34 (59): At 11:30 34 planes off to bomb harbor and ships
at Licata, Sicily. 3 returned early, 31 dropped 225 x 300 bombs at 14:02 from 10,000
feet and returned 16:30. Turn on to target made late, formation spread, most bombs fell
wide of target in the sea. Bombs on store shed near W. breakwater and in center of town,
one hit on medium M/V in harbor. 4 E/A seen south of Pantelleria. Slight, heavy,
inaccurate flak. Weather: slight haze over target. F/L: Stultz.

Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 13)

TARGET: Licata Harbor 4:50 Plane 371

“10 to 30 vessels sighted. Warehouse hit. Fires started in city. Flak heavy inaccurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 14)

“Since I wrote up my 13th raid, a lot has happened. There was my 14th, which was a bust
of the first water. Our target was the harbor at Licata on the southern coast of Sicily—a
beautifully undefended spot and we missed it all to hell. We left our base at Ain M’Lila
and flew southeast by east until we were well south and east of Pantelleria, then cut north
and started climbing. By the time we reached our bombing altitude of 9000 feet, we were
fairly close to our target. We were preceded by a formation of B-26s that, when they hit
the coast, turned northeast to bomb another port not far from our target. We were to hit
the coast at about the same place, turn right and bomb the harbor and sipping. Instead
of flying directly into the coast to the left of our target, we somehow came almost directly
at it. To correct, Major Sampson made a sharp left turn to get over the coast and then a
sharp right one to head for the target. Somehow we got pretty well scattered during the
turning. But that wasn’t the bad part---we would have been O.K. but our run was too
short and practically all our bombs fell wide—into the sea.

We made it back to our base without trouble and everyone mad as hell. It took us
three hours and fifty minutes to make the trip---and all just to bomb the Mediterranean!”

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander

Wednesday, 26 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) medium and heavy bombers
hit the airfields at Ponte Olivo, Biscari, and Comiso. P-38's hit Porto Ponte Romano
shipping, and Villacidro Airfield. In the Mediterranean, NASAF P-40's attack gun
emplacements, trucks, and troops on the SE coast of Pantelleria Island. Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's also bomb Pantelleria. In Italy, NASAF P-
38's hit the Tirso power dam and the Golfo Aranci harbor. HQ 81st Fighter Group
transfers from Algeria to Monastir, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: A few local bombing dry runs were made today to check out the
new bombardiers and also to give some of the old men a little practice.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 27 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the
Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-40's bomb the
harbor defenses on Pantelleria Island and Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) P-40's attack targets on the S coast of Pantelleria. In Sardinia, NASAF B-25's
and B-26's hit Villacidro and Decimomannu Airfields. The 111th Observation Squadron,
68th Observation Group transfers with A-20's from Guercif, French Morocco to Nouvion,
Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: 33 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) took off at 16:25 to bomb Villacidro
airdrome. The escort was 40 P-38’s of the 82nd Fighter Group. 648 x 20 lb. frags were
dropped by the 445th from 8500 ft. Coverage of the field was very good except at the
southern end. Bursts were observed among dispersed aircraft. Bombs fell across
revetments on the north side of the field containing 10 to 12 aircraft. Two fires and three
large columns of smoke were seen rising from the target. Flak over the target was
intense, heavy and accurate. Lt. Keeble, the assistant to Lt. Nickerson our Intelligence
Officer was transferred to the 47th Wing as a Photo Interpreter. Lt. Keeble had been with
us since last December.

Keeble, Walter B., 2Lt, intelligence Nickerson, James E. "Nick", 1Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 47, Sqdn 39 composed of 8 planes. Major
Schwane led the Group to the Villacidro L/G, Sardinia. Frag bombs were dropped and
the target was fairly well covered. There was accurate heavy flak.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Eleven of our planes participated in a raid on Villacidro landing
ground. Bombing results good. The flak was very intense. Lt. Hengel had one engine
hit and it caught on fire. He lost altitude rapidly but managed to put out the fire and come
all the way home on one engine. All our planes returned safely.

Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. 371

A/C No. unknown

Spikes, Robert F, 2Lt

Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt

Thursday, 27 May 1943

448th BS War Diary: Mission 35 (60): At 16:25 33 planes off to bomb Villacidro L/G.
30 dropped 2888 frags at 18:25 from 8,500 feet. 31 returned at 30:00. Coverage was
excellent except at southern end of L/G, bombs seen to fall among aircraft, bombs fell
across revetments containing 10-12 E/A on North side of landing ground. Intense, heavy,
accurate flak. Weather: Scattered, slight haze.

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 14)

TARGET: Villacidro A/D 3:15 Plane 371

“Flight leader Major Schwane. Large columns of smoke seen.”

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander, 446th BS

Friday, 28 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, during the
night of 27/28 May, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command, bomb Augusta. During the day, B-24's of 2 groups hit Foggia Airfield and the
surrounding area.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In
Sardinia, during the night of 27/28 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Villacidro, Decimomannu, and Elmas Airfields. In the
Mediterranean, Pantelleria Island is hit by NASAF P-40's and Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's. In Italy, NASAF B-17's bomb the oil refinery,
marshalling yard, harbor, and shipbuilding yards at Leghorn. In Sicily, NASAF medium
bombers attack the airfields of Sciacca, Castelvetrano, Milo, and Bo Rizzo. The 36th, 44th
and 45th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers with C-47's from
Nouvion, Algeria to Guercif, French Morocco to train for the upcoming airborne invasion
of Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: 30 B-25’s (8 of the 445th) took off at 15:35 to bomb Bo Rizzo
airdrome in Sicily. The formation was led by Major Cook, our Commanding Officer.
576 x 20 lb. fragmentation bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8500 ft. 6050 rounds
of ammunition were expended. Coverage of the field was good and hits were seen on
planes and revetments in the northeast corner, the southeast corner and six planes in the
dispersal area south of the field. The escort was far behind when the climb began.
Except for four planes they were not seen again until the coast was crossed on the way
out. The escort was busy with enemy fighters thus leaving our own gunners to fight off
the remainder of the enemy fighters consisting of 30 to 50 ME-109’s, FW-190’s and MA-
202’s which attacked the formation just before the bombing run. Aerial bombs were also
dropped on the B-25’s from 1000 to 3000 ft. above the formation and burst below the
formation. The majority of the aerial bombs were about the size of a 20 lb. frag and a
few were about the size of our 300 lb. demos. At one time Lt. McGee, one of our wing
men, had about 30 of these enemy aircraft on his tail but the attack was broken up when
Sgts. Littleton, tail gunner; Zuckerbrod, Turret gunner; and Nebesnak, waist gunner
accounted for three of the attacking aircraft. Had the formation not been led with the
great skill and leadership, no doubt the formation would have suffered great losses.
Three more of our gunners were credited with having shot down three enemy aircraft.
All told, 11 enemy aircraft were shot down by gunners in the formation on this mission.
Lt. Tipton completed his 25th sortie today being the first in the Squadron to reach 25.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Littleton, Willis W., Sgt, gunner

McGee, William N., 2Lt, pilot Nebesnak, Edward, Sgt, gunner

Tipton, William L. "Tip", 1Lt, pilot Zuckerbrod, Saul, Sgt, gunner

Friday, 28 May 1943 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 48, Sqdn 40 composed of 6 planes led by Lt.
Griffith. The target was the landing ground at Bo Rizzo, Sicily. Frag bombs were
carried and the target was well covered. Six or eight planes were destroyed on the
ground. The formation was excellent and 2 ME-109’s were claimed by S/Sgt Elvin C.
Ludwig, 2 by S/Sgt E.V. Mitchell, 1 by S/Sgt. John Misik, 1 by S/Sgt. Charles E. Wray,
1 by T/Sgt. Charles E. Kendall, and 1 by Lt. Rodney A. Manning. Heavy flak was
encountered and two planes were damaged, although all planes returned safely. On this
mission the Group formation met the strongest enemy fighter opposition to date. A total
of 18 enemy fighters were destroyed, while all bombers returned, this demonstrating the
superiority of the Groups controversial armament modifications.

Griffith, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot Kendall, Charles C., "Spike", TSgt, radio-gunner

Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt, gunner Manning, Rodney A., 2Lt, bombardier

Misik, John, S/Sgt, gunner Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt, gunner

Wray, Charles E., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS War Diary: Ten of our planes participated in a raid on Bo Rizzo airdrome in
Sicily. Bombing results excellent. Our fighter escort was left behind on the climb to the
target and just before making the bombing run the formation was attacked by about thirty
enemy fighters. Our squadron gunners shot down four of the enemy fighters. S/Sgts.
R.D. Lankford, J. Vaccaro, H. Osowiecki and Corp. J.S. Carrin were each accredited with
one enemy aircraft. The flak over the target was very intense. All our planes returned
safely.

Carrin, Joseph S., Cpl, gunner Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt, gunner

Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt, gunner

A/C No. 181 The Sophisticated Lady”

A/C No. unknown

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Burns, John P., 1Lt

Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt

Cohagen, McKinley B., 2Lt

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt

Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt

Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt

448th BS War Diary: Mission 36 (61): At 15:35 30 planes off to bomb Rizzo A/D,
Sicily. One returned early, 29 dropped 2,064 frags at 18:00 from 8500 feet. All returned
at 19:45. Coverage of field was good, hits on plane in NE and SE corners, 10 ME-109’s
destroyed, 4 ME-109’s probably destroyed, 5 ME-109’s damaged, 1 MA-202 destroyed,
2 FW-190’s probably destroyed. From 30-50 E/A attacked our formation, dropping
bombs on it. No hits and intense heavy, accurate flak at target and Trapani.

Friday, 28 May 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 15)

“On May 28th I went on my fifteenth raid and it was a honey. My ship was down for an
engine change and I flew No. 181, “The Sophisticated Lady”---DeMoss’s ship. There
was a whole bunch of airplanes---about 24---ten of which were from our squadron.

Our target was an airfield called Bo Rizzo and located about half way between
Trapani and Marsala on Sicily and 8 or 10 miles inland. We were told the field was
poorly defended, having only three or four batteries of A.A. And I suppose that was true
enough . But Intelligence neglected to mention that we would have to go so close to the
two towns that we would be in range from both of them. We found it out the hard way!
We had barely crossed the coast line when A.A. opened up on us. We carried frag bombs
and had to fly our formation sorta wide---and it is indeed a nervy job to stay out by
yourself when they are shooting at you, as though just flying near someone were
comforting. I was flying on Johnny Burns’ wing and as we approached the target I could
see 2 fighter ships beyond Burns flying a course parallel to ours. I couldn’t tell what they
were but they had only one engine—and our escort was P-38s, which have two engines.
As soon as our bombs were away I moved in on Johnny and gung there. Flak was
bursting all around and I could hear my gunners giving someone hell. We made a diving
turn to the right off the target and hit a speed somewhere approaching 300 mph. Burns’
gunner was going out with the 50 caliber directly under me in the turn. I had to haul
back on the stick with all my strength to keep from dropping into his line of fire. And
again, when I saw Burns’ gunners firing away and could feel and hear mine going at it,
the tendency to pull over closer was terrific. At such a high speed, old 181 gets all out of
trim and it is one helluva job to keep in close, but from time to time I could get glimpses
of ME’s flashing by—so I stuck…

We had a hell of time. Johnny couldn’t make head nor tail of the main formation
and couldn’t decide where to take his. He did the next best thing---when he couldn’t
figure out where he belonged, he took us right up under and behind the main formation.
The only difficulty was that they were diving for the deck. Every now and then they
would level off for a minute or two then dive hell bent for leather again! We rode right
with them and Lalum, the tail gunner, said it was the closest he has ever come to being
tossed out---when I’d hit that dive. Once, when we were right up under the main
formation, Johnny’s metal helmet came down over his eyes and Cohagen, his co-pilot,
was keeping an eye out for enemy fighters---and the formation above him started another
dive! Nixon screamed into the radio for him to dive, but he didn’t hear. He got his hat
fixed back in place just in time to avoid a collision. Big Moose Lingrel, Johnny’s
bombardier, was sitting up in his compartment helplessly watching it all come to pass—
he almost did something in his pants!

My hands were wet and my mouth was dry when the fighters finally left us. Our
formation still wasn’t what it should have been, but it was all in one piece and tightly
packed. And that is what counts against fighter attack. The only damage 181 came away
with was one small flak hole in the right wing. Osowiecki, my turret gunner, got a
Macchi 202 and damaged an ME-109, which is a good day for any man….

Friday, 28 May 1943 (continued)

Our escorts claim to have shot up two enemy pursuits, and our formation got 1!
So when we got back and looked over the pictures of our target and saw that our bombs
had laced the field thoroughly, all agreed we had had a big day….”

Burns, John P., 1Lt, pilot Cohagen, McKinley B., 2Lt, pilot

DeMoss, Jack M., 2Lt, pilot Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt, bombardier Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt, pilot
Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner

Saturday, 29 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
during the night of 28/29 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons bomb the town areas, docks, and airfield at Castelvetrano, Bo Rizzo,
Trapani, and Marsala. In Sardinia, NASAF P-38's bomb Porto Ponte Romano. In the
Mediterranean, P-40's, P-38's, and B-26's of NASAF and Northwest African Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) attack gun positions, a radar station, and town area on Pantelleria
Island. HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Guercif, French
Morocco. The 34th Troop Carrier Squadron, 315th Troop Carrier Group, based at
Aldermaston, England, begins operating with C-47's from Blida, Algeria. The 62nd
Troop Carrier Squadron, 314th Troop Carrier Group arrives at Berguent, French Morocco
from the US with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: A few local flights were made today. Lt. Tipton, our Operations
Officer; Lt. Nickerson, our Intelligence Officer, were both promoted today to the rank of
Captain. 2nd Lt. Malek, assistant Intelligence Officer, was promoted to the rank of 1st Lt.
2nd Lt.s. O’Hara, McGee, Rudolph and Kayser, all first pilots, were also promoted to the
rank of 1st Lt. S/Sgt. Lippincott, engineer on Lt. Adcock’s crew which crashed near El
Djem on April 4th, is reported a prisoner of war in the hands of the Germans. This
information was learned through a letter from his mother to Major Cook, our
Commanding Officer. We are all very anxious for any news about the remainder of the
crew and especially Lt. Adcock who was very well-liked by his fellow Officers and
looked to in esteem by the enlisted men. Preparations are being made for our next move.
All the departments are packing up.

Adcock, Roy D., 2Lt, pilot Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander

Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt, gunner

Malek, Stanley J., 1Lt, intelligence McGee, William N., 1Lt, pilot

Nickerson, James E. "Nick", Capt, intelligence

O'Hara, Roderick E., 1Lt, pilot Rudolph, Raymond L., 1Lt, pilot

Tipton, William L. "Tip", Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 30 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's hit
Foggia Airfield, damaging buildings and hangars, and destroying several aircraft. In the
Mediterranean, B-25's attack concentrations on the NE slope of Pantelleria Island.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the
Mediterranean, during the night of 29/30 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Pantelleria Island. The following morning medium bombers
and fighters also hit the island. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters
hit Pantelleria Island. In Italy, P-38's bomb the Chilivani railway station and marshalling
yard, hit port and railroad at Aranci. B-17's bomb the Pomigliano aircraft factory and
landing ground and Capodichino Airfield and marshalling yard. In Sardinia, P-38's
strafe targets of opportunity. The 43rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 315th Troop Carrier
Group, based at Aldermaston, England, begins operating with C-47's from Blida, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: 20 B-25’s (3 of the 445th) took off to bomb gun batteries at
Pantelleria at 08:00. 9 x 1000 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th. Three
gun positions were believed put out of order. The railroad tracks by the southern target
were cut. Large fire was seen in the docks and bomb bursts were observed in the town
presumably by the escort whose bombing was rather inaccurate. Heavy, moderate,
inaccurate flak was encountered.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 49, Sqdn 41 composed of six planes led by Lt.
Bailey. The target was the Pantelleria anti-aircraft and coastal defense guns. 1000 lb.
bombs were dropped and the targets were well covered. Flak was moderate heavy
inaccurate.

Bailey, Merle H., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Six of our planes participated in a raid on gun batteries along the
coast of Pantelleria. Bombing results fair. All our planes returned safely. The squadron
was alerted today fro an impending move.

A/C No. 2997

A/C No. unknown

McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt

Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt

Sunday, 30 May 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 37 (62): At 08:00 20 planes off to bob flak positions on
Pantelleria, dropped 59 x 1000 bombs from 8500 feet at 09:40, returned 11:25. 3 gun
positions believed hit RR track hit, large fires seen in dock area and bomb bursts in town.
Moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU: F/L: Heinlen.

Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 15)

TARGET: Pantelleria 3:10 Plane 371

“Direct hits on RR leading to city. Plane 371 dropped only 2 bombs. Fires observed in
town.”

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot (mission 16)

“On May 30th I went on my 16th raid. I flew Andrew’s ship, No. 2997, and carried three
1000 lb. bombs for the gun emplacements on Pantelleria. It was a breeze. Flak was very
light and inaccurate and no fighters were encountered.”

Andrews, Austin D., 1Lt, pilot

Monday, 31 May 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, Royal Air
Force (RAF) heavy bombers, including Liberators of No. 178 Squadron under
operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb oil stores, harbor, and seaplane
base at Augusta.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the airfield and
marshalling yard at Foggia. In the Mediterranean, NASAF medium bombers and
fighters hit defended positions on Pantelleria Island. Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) P-40's also hit positions on the island. In Sardinia, P-38's bomb
Cagliari, a factory at Guspini, and a power station at Santa Caterina.

445th BS War Diary: No flights today. Packing of the Squadron equipment was
completed and trucks were loaded ready to move at daylight in the morning to Souk el
Arba.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: The day was spent in preparation for our move. All equipment is
being crated and personal supplies packed. Part of the equipment will be moved by truck
and part of it by military aircraft. The trucks are being loaded tonight so they can pull out
early tomorrow morning.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

May 1943

445th BS War Diary: Additional Information for May 1943: None

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for May 1943: None

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for May 1943: None

448th BS War Diary: Additional Information for May 1943: The month of May
began with signs of cracking up all along the enemy front and the 448th began almost
daily sea sweeps to prevent a German evacuation. On May 10th the organized resistance
collapsed, this caused a great celebration in the squadron. To add to this merriment
Captain Heinlen received his majority. The Flight Crews were up at Souk el Arba on an
advanced mission, but flew no missions. However when the surrender came everyone
was able to collect much booty from the fleeing Germans and the squadrons collection of
motorcycles, cars, etc was started. When the Flight Crews returned everyone began to
predict a move, as the range of action of the B-25 was just about used up. Bombings
continued with concentrations on Sardinia, Sicily and towards the end of the month on
Pantelleria. The tremendous bombing this island was to receive was started by the 321st
Group on May 18th when it dropped 17 tons of bombs on the town.

Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander

In the mess the same chow continued, however by purchases of potatoes, onions
and other vegetables as well as fresh meat and ice cream on a few occasions the fare was
improved. For the first time in Africa flies became extremely annoying. As Tunis was
open to everyone a few men and Officers visited there and reported it a very modern city
with little bomb damage except in the dock area.

As the month drew to a close the rumors of moving became a fact and the packing
and work that goes with such an event became the Order of the Day. This time the move
was to be made by aircraft for the personnel and tentage and the larger equipment by
truck. Just necessary personnel were to move by motor vehicle. Everything was in
readiness on the night of May 31.

May 1 – 7 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Captain Heinlen appointed Major. Usual squadron duties performed. Usual combat
missions performed. Tunisian Campaign nearing end.

Heinlen, Clayton H., Maj, pilot, Commander

May 8 – 14 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. 2nd
Lieutenant Coleman transferred to 12th Air Force Replacement Pool. Flight Echelon
departed Ain M’Lila for Souk el Arba on Special Mission. Souk el Arba Air base used as
advanced Air Base for operations against Axis evacuation from Tunis. All Axis
resistance in North Africa collapsed. Squadron prepares for next step in its participation
in the war in this theater.

Coleman, Warren H., 2Lt, pilot

May 1943 (continued)

May 15 – 21 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. 1st
Lieutenant Wallnau relieved of duties as Squadron Engineering and Tech Supply Officer.
2nd Lieutenant Wonnacott relieved of his duties as Assistant Squadron Engineering and
Tech Supply Officer and appointed Squadron Engineering and Tech Supply Officer.
Usual squadron duties performed while in camp.

Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering

May 22 – 31- 43: The following Officers were assigned and joined. 2nd Lieutenants:
Haskell, Perry, Johnson, Flight Officers: Fleming, Driver and Barton. The following
Enlisted Men were assigned and joined. S/Sgts: Morris, Shoemaker, Oates, Altus,
Larsen, Alley and Sgt. Schultheis. 1st Lieutenants: Mundell, Boland, Stewart, Jantz,
Wonnacott, Ligarde, Mims, Cheetham, Hurst, Gibbons, Conway, Ellington and Powers
were appointed 1st Lieuts. Usual squadron duties performed during this period. With the
end of the Tunisian Campaign the squadron personnel took a well earned rest.

Alley, George B., S/Sgt, gunner Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner

Barton, Thomas M., F/O, pilot Boland, Chester H., 1Lt, navigator

Cheetham, McClain, 1Lt, navigator Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt, pilot

Driver, William J., F/O, pilot Ellington, John H., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Fleming, George B., F/O, pilot Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Haskell, John D., 2Lt, pilot Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt, navigator

Jantz, Lawrence E., 1Lt, supply Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt, bombardier

Larson, Jack E., S/Sgt, engineering Ligarde, Monroe (NMI), 1Lt, navigator

Mims, Joe A., 1Lt, bombardier Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt, bombardier Oates, Theodore A., S/Sgt, gunner

Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt, navigator Powers, Sam L., 1Lt, statistical

Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt, gunner Shoemaker, John W., S/Sgt, gunner

Stewart, John C., 1Lt, pilot Wonnacott, Robert C., 1Lt, engineering