12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 

321st Bombardment Group 

History: May 1945 

 

 

 

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

For my dad, 

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

 

“Lil Butch” 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

Contributors 

 

Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Italy) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 


Acronyms & Abbreviations 

 

A/C: Aircraft 

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of 
Operations USA 

A/D: Aerodrome 

Nav: Navigator 

A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak 

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

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery) 

NC: Nurse Corps. 

abs: absent 

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer 

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer 

NRO: 445th 16 Apr 45? 

Assg: Assigned 

OD: Officer of the day, also Olive Drab 

ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar) 

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster 

ATC: Air Transportation Command 

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

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb) 

PAX: Passengers 

BC: Bomber Command 

PBS: 447th 2 June 44? 

Bmb: Bombardier 

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator 

Bn: Battalion 

POE: Point of Embarkation 

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory 

PX: Post Exchange 

BSM: Bomb System Maintenance 

QM: Quarter Master 

CA: Heavy Cruiser 

R/B: Road Bridge 

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited 

RC: Red Cross 

C/D: 446th 5 Apr 45? 

R/J: Road Junction 

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

R/Y: Railroad Yards 

CO: Commanding Officer 

Repl: Replacement 

CP: Command Post 

RON: Remain OverNight 

CQ: Charge of Quarters 

RR/B: Railroad Bridge 

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service 

RR/J: Railroad Junction 

D/H: Direct Hit 

RR: Railroad 

Demo: Demolition 

S/E: Single Engine (plane) 

DS: Detached Service 

S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran) 

E/A: Enemy Aircraft 

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing 

E/F: Enemy Fighter 

SD: Special Duty 

E/M: Enlisted Men 

sk: sick 

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44? 

SO: Special Order 

F/L: Formation Leader , also light Leader 

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions? 

FO or F/O: Flying Officer 

Sq: Squadron 

Frag: Fragmentation 

Sqdn: Squadron 

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK) 

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action 

G.O.: General Order 

T/C: Troop Concentration 

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position 

T/E: Twin Engine (plane) 

GTC: 445th 1 Mar 43? 

TAC: Theater Allied Command 

I & E: Information & Education 

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force 

IP: Initial Point 

TD: Temporary Duty 

L/G: Landing Ground 

TDY: Temporary Duty 

Lox: Liquid Oxygen 

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43? 

L/S: Landing Strip 

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




L/V: Large Vehicle 

T/O: Table of Organization 

LOT: 447th 2 May 44? 

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target 

LST: Landing Ship Tank 

Trfd: Transferred 

Ltr: Letter 

u/i: 448th 26 Sep 44? 

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action 

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding 
Officer 

MATS: Military Air Transport Service 

WP: White Phosphorus (bombs) 

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck) 

WT Station: 445th 20 Jul 43? 

M/V: Military Vessel 

XC: Cross Country 

M/Y: Marshalling Yards 

ZI: Zone of Interior (U.S.A.) 

MC: Maintenance Crew 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


Tuesday, 1 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): During the night of 30 
Apr/1 May A-20s and A-26s bomb targets of opportunity in N Italy; bad weather during 
the day cancels medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers destroy numerous motor 
and horse-drawn vehicles in NE Italy; US Fifth Army forces approach the Brenner Pass 
on the Austro-Italian border, while British Eighth Army elements make contact with 
Yugoslav troops of Marshal Tito near Monfalcone; the flight of the 5th Photographic 
Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), operating from 
Pisa with F-5s returns to base at Peretola Airfield, Florence. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Training schedule maintained. Expectantly news of rumored 
peace. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are performed as the war draws to a close 
and we anticipate news of the end momentarily. 

 

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Rumors are flying thick and fast as to whether there 
will be any more missions from here. Both the officer’s and enlisted men’s clubs are 
well on their way to completion and from all indications they will both be very nice. 
S/Sgt Elmer P. Dressler duty to DS to U.S., Ltr. Hq., 12th AF. F/O William T. Atkins 
appointed 2nd Lt., AUS, Ltr., Hq., 12th AF effective 1 May 1945. 

Atkins, William F., 2Lt, bombardier Dressler, Elmer P., S/Sgt, engineering 

 

448th BS War Diary: The mission was called off due to adverse weather conditions. 
Corporal Mayer left for the United States on Rotation. 

Mayer, Alfred M., Cpl, engineering 

 

 


Wednesday, 2 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Bad weather continues; 
medium bombers are grounded while the XXII Tactical Air Command flies an uneventful 
armed reconnaissance in NE Italy. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Captains Hurley and Kimble return from temporary duty at 12th 
Air Force and a new Armament officer, Capt. Basore, arrives in the squadron. 

Basore, Capt, Armament Officer Hurley, John R., Capt, pilot 

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Cpl. David J. Dubin duty to DS pending assignment 
to 414th Night Fighter Squadron. Sgt. Salvatore L. Cascio assigned and joined from Hq., 
19th Repl. Bn., par 3, SO 75, Hq., 321st Bomb. Gp. 

Cascio, Salvatore L., Sgt, Dubin, David J., Cpl, communications 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission was again called off because of bad weather. It was 
announced this evening that all German armies in Italy had surrendered unconditionally 
to the Allies. 

 

 


Thursday, 3 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): To assure that the enemy 
implements the surrender terms in Italy and to observe road activity, fighters fly 
reconnaissance missions over N Italy and SW Austria; medium bombers drop leaflets in 
several areas where enemy troops might be unaware of the surrender. The 121st Liaison 
Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to Fifth Army), moves from Florence to Verona, Italy 
with L-4s and L-5s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: More routine days as premature rumors of peace keep coming 
from various sources. 

 

447th BS War Diary: No mission. 1st Lt. Robert K. Murchland MIA to duty. Usual 
organizational duties. 

Murchland, Robert K., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled. Up to this date, the Group has flown 
897 missions. The Group has not yet been declared non-operational. 

 

 


Friday, 4 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The XXII Tactical Air 
Command continues flying visual reconnaissance during the night and day in N Italy; the 
US 85th Infantry Division reaches the Austrian border near San Candido and pushes on to 
the Brenner Pass at Vipiteno without opposition. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Lts. Santone, Weiner; Sgts. Johnson, Watts, Andrews, F.L. Smith, 
and Moorehead rotated to U.S., following completion of missions. Non-operational 
flights. 

Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt, gunner Johnson, John E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Moorehead, Lewis E., Sgt, gunner Santone, Michael A., 1Lt, pilot 

Smith, Francis L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Watts, Joseph T., Jr., Sgt, gunner 

Weiner, Irving B., 1Lt, bombardier 

 

446th BS War Diary: More routine days as premature rumors of peace keep coming 
from various sources. 

 

447th BS War Diary: T/Sgts. Richard H. Perl and Gaston G. Poulin relieved from 
assignment and departed to U.S. Also Capt. Marchant, 1st Lt. Hiller and S/Sgt. Williams 
relieved form assignment and departed for U.S. on combat rotation. Usual 
Organizational duties. 

Hiller, Frederick J., 1Lt, bombardier Marchant, Wendell E., Capt, pilot 

Perl, Richard H., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Poulin, Gaston G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Williams, James H., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled. Plans for demobilization began. 
Second Lieutenant Sturgis, 1st Lieutenants Smith and Pritchett, and Sergeants Snoddy and 
Yacur were assigned to the Squadron. 

Pritchett, 1Lt Smith, 1Lt 

Snoddy, Sgt Sturgis, Cloral S., 2Lt pilot 

Yacur, Sgt 

 

 


Saturday, 5 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): XXII Tactical Air 
Command fighters continue reconnaissance flights over N Italy, SW Austria, and as far N 
as Munich, Germany; fighters destroy numerous aircraft at an airfield SE of Munich. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Sgts. Haynes and Slodden rotated to U.S. after completion of tour. 

Haynes, Irving L., Sgt, armorer-gunner Slodden, Henry M., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

446th BS War Diary: More routine days as premature rumors of peace keep coming 
from various sources. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 1st lt. Robert K. Murchland relieved of duty to DS pending asgmt. 
to 7th Repl. Depot for transshipment to U.S. combat rotation. Departed Lr. Hq., 12th AF: 
Capt. Wendell E. Marchant, 1st Lt. Frederick J. Hiller, S/Sgt James H. Williams. Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

Hiller, Frederick J., 1Lt, bombardier Marchant, Wendell E., Capt, pilot 

Murchland, Robert K., 1Lt, pilot Williams, James H., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled. Major Farwell, Captains Ivory and 
Leonard, Lieutenant Armstrong and Sergeants Martin, Shaw, Varga, Enderle and Moleski 
returned from a ten day furlough in Cairo, Egypt. 

Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 1Lt, bombardier Enderle, Melvin J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., Capt, pilot 

Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot Martin, Lewis E., T/Sgt, gunner 

Moleski, Benny M., S/Sgt, gunner 

Shaw, David S., Sgt, communications or Shaw, Walter R., Sgt, engineering 

Varga, Frank K., T/Sgt, gunner 

 

 


Sunday, 6 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General Robert S 
Israel, Jr takes command of the XXII Tactical Air Command. Fighters fly reconnaissance 
over the French and Italian Alps. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Promotions are announced for the following 2nd Lieuts: Bachman, 
Pouse and Wallace. Lieuts. Hensler and Maki and Sgt. Karuzas return from behind 
enemy lines, having been shot down on a combat mission. Sergeant Mabe, the First 
Sergeant of the 446th, along with EM Bamrick, Yantis, Dillon and Lamacchia get those 
homeward-bound papers. 

Bachman, William C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Bamrick, Thomas P., Sgt, engineering 

Dillon, Martin A., Sgt, communications Hensler, Donald C., 2Lt, bombardier 

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

Lamacchia, Peter T., Sgt, Supply Mabe, John I., T/Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt 

Maki, Allan A., 1Lt, pilot Pouse, Alford H., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier 

Wallace, Merwin W., 1Lt, pilot Yantis, Billie (NMI), Sgt, armament 

 

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Elmer P. Dressler left on permanent rotation. S/Sgt 
William Huizingh on DS at Group returned to duty and put on TDY to USA. S/Sgt 
Olney W. Morris, Sgt. William J. Hoffman, Cpl Merle L. Bunch, and Cpl. Cyril Gralke 
relieved of duty and put on TDY to USA. Usual Organizational Duties. 

Bunch, Merle L., Cpl, armament Dressler, Elmer P., S/Sgt, engineering 

Gralke, Cyril, Cpl, transportation Hoffman, William J., Sgt, transportation 

Huizingh, William (NMI), S/Sgt, communications 

Morris, Olney W., S/Sgt, armament 

 

448th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled. Preparations for a large-scale training 
program began, with which the Information and Education section is to play a big part. 
Lieutenants Meyers and Stromberg returned from the rest camp at Cannes, France, and 
Sergeant Sharp returned from the rest camp at Nice, France. Captain Bongiovanni and 
Sergeants Biernachi, Brandon, Wist, Kulczynski and VanOrden returned to the United 
States. Second Lieutenants Ashland, Bottom, Bruhn, Lyons, Stokes and Stow were 
promoted to 1st Lieutenants. 

Ashland, Arthur E., 1Lt, pilot Biernachi, Stanley (NMI), Sgt, operations 

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), Capt, navigator 

Bottom, James W., 1Lt, bombardier Brandon, James L., S/Sgt, communications 

Bruhn, Charles A., 1Lt, pilot Kulczynski, Maryan S., Sgt, cook 

Lyons, John W., 1Lt, bombardier Meyers, Kenneth F., 1Lt, pilot 

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

Stokes, George M., 1Lt, pilot or Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt, pilot 

Stow, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot Stromberg, Carl K., 1Lt, pilot 

VanOrden, Lester E., Sgt, engineering Wist, Charles G., Sgt, intelligence 


Monday, 7 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): P-47s fly reconnaissance 
over the Austrian Alps. HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 65th Fighter Squadron move from 
Verona to Grosseto, Italy with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Ground personnel departed for U.S. They were Sgts. Campbell 
(1st Sgt.), Coffee, Beeler, Ehler, Roberts, Hayes, Mathewson, Berman, Pickens, Lestz, 
Stewart, Light, Meddaugh, Lien, Hastings, Hanna, Bell, Williams, Kuhlmann, Goodhart, 
Leitz, Carter, Cpls. Szwast, Macola, Matthews, Leibgot, Abrams, Galowtsky, Hall. Capt. 
Bruce Lowery went on TD to U.S. Non-operational flights. Sgt. John R. Apperson 
appointed acting first sergeant. 

Abrams, George W., Cpl, transportation Apperson, John R., Sgt, personnel 

Beeler, Howard N., S/Sgt, medical Bell, Louis E. "Lew", Sgt, armament 

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

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

Carter, Robert A., Sgt, armament Coffee, Leon (NMI), Sgt, engineering 

Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt, communications Galowtsky, Anthony E., Cpl, ordnance 

Goodhart, Jacob C., Sgt, engineering Hall, James C., Cpl, ordnance 

Hanna, Arthur M., Sgt, engineering Hastings, Leon P., Sgt, engineering 

Hayes, William R., Jr., Sgt, engineering, crew chief 

Kuhlmann, Alvin W., Sgt, engineering 

Leibgot, Michael (NMI), Cpl, communications Leitz, Thomas J., Sgt, engineering 

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

Lien, Arthur I., Sgt, engineering Light, Ralph E., Jr., Sgt, engineering 

Lowery, Bruce, Capt, armament Macola, Anthony P., Cpl, engineering 

Mathewson, Melvin J., T/Sgt, engineering Matthews, Clifford K., Cpl, medical 

Meddaugh, Elijah B., Sgt, communications Pickens, Harry K., Sgt, engineering 

Roberts, Alfred W., Jr., Sgt, transportation Stewart, Eugene W., Sgt, transportation 

Szwast, Stanley J., Cpl, engineering Williams, Norman K., Sgt, engineering 

 

446th BS War Diary: More lucky men are headed for the states: Lt. Dwyer, Ems: 
Marshall, Dudley, Kelley, N., Kroggel, Weyrick, Olsen, E., Vandertuuk, Wilhelm, Cooke 
and Bishop are ground personnel leaving and Alberico and Leary are gone on combat 
rotation. 

Alberico, Camillo A., S/Sgt, gunner Bishop, Jack G., Sgt, ordnance 

Cooke, Donald C., Sgt, personnel Dudley, Jasper E, Cpl, ordnance 

Dwyer, Owen V., 1Lt, armament Kelley, Norman S., Sgt, cook 

Kroggel, Robert W., Sgt, engineering Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Marshall, John R., Sgt, Operations Olsen, Edward L., Sgt, engineering 

Vandertuuk, Albert B., Sgt, engineering Weyrick, Earl W., Sgt, armament 

Wilhelm, Walter J., Sgt, engineering 

 

447th BS War Diary: The following EM and officers are relieved of duty and put on DS 
to 7th Repl. Depot for transshipment to US: Capt. John M. Hamilton, M/Sgt Woodrow H. 
Perry, T/Sgt Edmund D. Schwegmann, S/Sgt Clyde C. Hilliard, Sgt James E. Dowell, 


Monday, 7 May 1945 (continued) 

 

Cpl. John B. Sharp, Pfc. George J. Sarberg, and Pfc. Lloyd B. Altheir. The following 16 
EM relieved of duty and put on SD pending assignment in grade to 7th Repl. Depot for 
transshipment: Sgt. James H. Whipple, S/Sgt. Eugene R. Nagy, Jr., Cpl. Louis G. Steves, 
Sgt. Thomas H. Smith, T/Sgt Robert E. Bruns, T/Sgt Harry C. Nieman, T/Sgt Joseph 
Obrazik, T/Sgt Joseph J. Oler, T/Sgt Royal L. Pauschert, T/Sgt Roy G. Pearson, S/Sgt 
Glen S. Thomason, Sgt. Clyde C. Murphy, Jr., Fred J. Corbo. Usual Camp Duties. 

Altheir, Lloyd B., PFC, medical Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering 

Corbo, Fred J., Sgt, transportation Dowell, James E., Sgt, mess 

Hamilton, John M., Capt, Medical Officer Hilliard, Clyde D., S/Sgt, photographer 

Murphy, Clyde C., Jr., Sgt, engineering Nagy, Eugene R., Jr., S/Sgt, engineering 

Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering Obrazik, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt, engineering 

Oler, Joseph J., T/Sgt, engineering Pauschert, Royal E., T/Sgt, engineering 

Pearson, Roy G., T/Sgt, engineering Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament 

Sarberg, George J., PFC, medical 

Schwegmann, Edmund D., T/Sgt, communications 

Sharp, John B., Cpl, transportation Smith, Thomas H., Sgt, engineering 

Steves, Louis G., Cpl, engineering Thomason, Glenn S., S/Sgt, engineering 

Whipple, William E. Sgt, armament 

 

448th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled. V-E Day begins tonight at midnight 
and will last for 24 hours. Thirty-six bottles of American whiskey was donated to all 
Enlisted Men of this squadron in order to celebrate the event in the right manner. 
Captains Ivory, Kneisle and Leonard, Sergeants Enderle, Moleski, Konczak, Lane, Lison, 
Updyke, Coomes, Ludtke, Polcawich, Rice, Sampson, Will, Ziemba, Lewis, Larson, 
Pfeiffer, Reiser, Lanningham, and Mindnich and Corporals Wiles, Liona and Bradford 
and Private Nelson returned to the United States on Rotation. 

Bradford, Nealy (NMI), Cpl, ordnance Coomes, Eldon W., Sgt, engineering 

Enderle, Melvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., Capt, pilot 

Kneisle, Herman M., Capt, communication Konczak, Louis A., Sgt, medical 

Lane, Howard W., Sgt, transportation Lanningham, Theodore R., S/Sgt, engineering 

Larson, Harold A., Sgt, tech supply Leonard, Lee V., Capt, pilot 

Lewis, Charles H., Sgt, engineering Liona, Casimer F., Cpl, transportation 

Lison, George C., Sgt, bomb system maintenance 

Luedtke, Claron W., Sgt, engineering Mindnich, Walter S., Sgt, ordnance 

Moleski, Benny M., S/Sgt, gunner Nelson, John F., Pvt, duty soldier 

Pfeiffer, Robert C., Sgt, engineering Polcawich, John (NMI), Sgt, engineering 

Reiser, Albert (NMI), Sgt, engineering Rice, Robert L., Sgt, engineering 

Sampson, Donald A., Sgt, engineering Updyke, Ernest (NMI), Sgt, tech supply 

Wiles, Marvin R., Cpl, medical Will, Sanford W., Sgt, engineering 

Ziemba, Joseph A., Sgt, ordnance 


Wednesday, 9 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): With combat operations in 
S Europe at an end, transport aircraft continue supply and evacuation missions. The 447th 
Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from 
Solenzara, Corsica to Falconara, Italy with B-25s. In late May 45, HQ 60th Troop Carrier 
Group and 10th, 11th, 12th and 28th Troop Carrier Squadrons begin a movement from 
Pomigliano, Italy to Waller Field, Trinidad with C-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. James Moncure returns from behind the lines, having been 
shot down on one of the last missions flown by the group. 

Moncure, James D., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: Guns stopped firing at 12:01 this AM. Pfc Downey left for 60th 
Station Hospital. The men are all waiting now for the announcement of the value of 
points for discharge. Two million men to be discharged on this system. Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

Downey, Thomas, Pfc, transportation 

 

448th BS War Diary: Today seemed comparatively mild after the wild celebrating we 
did last night and we are now “back to normal”. Plans for a peace-time schedule were 
started by the Information and Education section. It was revealed that aside from having 
an inspection and parade Saturday mornings, we were to have Saturdays and Sundays off. 
Flight Officer Carr was promoted to Second Lieutenant. 

Carr, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot 

 

 


Thursday, 10 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Flight Officer McNeal, R. is promoted to 2nd Lieut. 

McNeal, Raymond L., 2Lt, bombardier 

 

447th BS War Diary: Cpl Thomas J. Maloney a MIA returned to duty. T/Sgt Earl W. 
Dulaney relieved of duty and put on DS to 7th Repl. Depot pending transshipment to US 
on combat rotation. Usual Organizational Duties. 

Dulaney, Earl W., T/Sgt, gunner Maloney, Thomas J., Cpl, gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: Usual routine schedule. Captain Lyons and Sergeants Shields, 
Varga, Ferrell and Morefield returned to the United States. Flight Officer Rutz was 
promoted to Second Lieutenant. 

Ferrell, Bruce M., Sgt, gunner Lyons, John B., Capt, pilot 

Morefield, James C., T/Sgt, gunner Rutz, Victor H., 2Lt, bombardier 

Shields, Robert L, T/Sgt, gunner Varga, Frank K., T/Sgt, gunner 

 

 


Friday, 11 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Council T. Walker is back from the states. Lieuts. Codd and 
Burkland are made 1st Lieuts. 

Burkland, Donald K., 1Lt, pilot Codd, Russell G., 1Lt, bombardier 

Walker, Council T., M/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: T/Sgt Roy J. Dodds returned from cook and bakers school. Cpl 
Charles Davenport returned from USA to duty. PX today – six cans of beer. Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

Davenport, Charles (NMI), Cpl, armament Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, Mess Sergeant 

 

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Rayfield was transferred and assigned to Headquarters 
AAF/MTO. 

Rayfield, Bernard G., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

 


Saturday, 12 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Large-scale redeployment 
of Twelfth AF units officially begins (although the first large movement to the ZI has 
earlier taken place on 12 Jan 45, followed by redeployment of various units to all the 
theaters). On 12 May, the Twelfth has 198 units assigned and 8 attached; by the end of 
May, 17 assigned units will be redeployed from the theater, 43 assigned service units 
disbanded (and personnel used to form 21 new service units), 9 assigned units transferred 
to other HQ in the theater, and 1 attached unit released-leaving 150 assigned and 7 
attached units intact. The 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic 
Group (Reconnaissance) moves from Villafranca to Peretola Airfield, Florence, Italy 

with F-5s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Lts. Krause, Palmer, and Cravey rotated to U.S. Sgts. Taylor, 
Otterness, and Stanley rotated to U.S. following tour of duty. T/Sgt. Warren B. Smith 
transferred to MATS. 

Cravey, Robert P., 2Lt, bombardier-navigator Krause, Richard B., 1Lt, bombardier 

Otterness, William B., Sgt, gunner Palmer, Richard W., 1Lt, bombardier 

Smith, Warren B., T/Sgt, gunner Stanley, Harold G., Sgt, gunner 

Taylor, Marion R., Sgt, gunner 

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Moncure is promoted to Technical Sgt, then given his orders 
to return to the states. Lieut. Hensler and Sgt. Karuzas are leaving today for home, also. 

Hensler, Donald C., 2Lt, bombardier 

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

Moncure, James D., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: Orderly Room valuating points for the Squadron. Most men have 
required 85 points for eligibility of discharge – Probably won’t affect Air Corps. Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Second Lieutenant Campbell was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 
Sergeant Abiecunas and Corporal Marek left for the United States. 

Abiecunas, Joseph P., S/Sgt, gunner Campbell, John F., 1Lt, pilot 

Marek, Matthew L., Cpl, armament 

 


Sunday, 13 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 16th Troop Carrier 
Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, ceases operating from Brindisi and returns to 
Rosignano Airfield, Italy with C-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison life – Mother’s Day. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties are performed as maintenance is done on the line 
and personnel records are checked by Orderly Room clerks. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Usual Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Today, the second Sunday in May, was Mother’s Day. There was 
no change in the usual routine squadron schedule. 

 

 


Monday, 14 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties are performed as maintenance is done on the line 
and personnel records are checked by Orderly Room clerks. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Five men were assigned to the First Emergency Rescue Squadron. 
Two men assigned to 313 Signal Co. Cing. One draftsman assigned to 3rd Photo Group. 
Some practice formations plus the usual Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Captain Autrey and Sergeant Schaffer left for the United States. 
Corporals Gorman, Larsen and Marsh, and Private Petty were transferred to the 1st 
Emergency Rescue Squadron. 

Autrey, W. F. (i o), Capt, pilot Gorman, Henry A., Cpl, engineering 

Larsen, Fred M., Cpl, gunner Marsh, Harry L., Cpl, engineering 

Petty, Wade H., PFC, engineering Schaffer, Irving J., T/Sgt, gunner 

 


Tuesday, 15 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties are performed as maintenance is done on the line 
and personnel records are checked by Orderly Room clerks. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Several men left on combat rotation. All men in Squadron 
attended the training film, “Combat America”. Practice flying formation plus the Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Nothing other than the usual organizational duties occurred during 
the day. 

 

 


Wednesday, 16 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 121st Liaison 
Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to Fifth Army), moves from Verona to Manerba, Italy 
with UC-78s, L-4s and L-5s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: I & E Films shown. Usual garrison duties and non-operational 
flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Eleven lucky individuals are heading homeward, all combat men: 
Capts. Carlson, Crisp and Fisher plus Ems Cornelius, Cubbage, Luitjens, Ross, Bates, 
Cammack, DeSorbo, Law. 

Bates, Ralph W., Sgt, gunner Cammack, Herbert R., Sgt, gunner 

Carlson, Lowell A., Capt, pilot Cornelius, Wilbur G., T/Sgt, gunner 

Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., Capt, pilot Cubbage, Robert, S/Sgt, gunner 

DeSorbo, John S., S/Sgt, gunner Fisher, Carl D., Capt, pilot 

Law, John B., S/Sgt, gunner Luitjens, Harvey J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Ross, Harry K., T/Sgt, gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: Several more men left on combat rotation. Local transition plus 
the Usual Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: There was no change in the usual squadron duties. 

 

 


Thursday, 17 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Capts. Bowling, Poteete, Lts. Cox, Emler, Sgts. Chauncey, 
Cubley, and Krauk rotated to U.S. after completing their missions. Usual training. 

Bowling, Dan P., Capt, pilot Chauncey, Martin E., T/Sgt, gunner 

Cox, Harold L., 2Lt, pilot Cubley, Harold B., T/Sgt, gunner 

Emler, Richard S., 2Lt, pilot Krauk, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner 

Poteete, Max W., Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: Major Smedley, Capt. Malone, Lts. McGann and McCloud plus 
EMs Tucker, McCommack, Travis, Schlott and Wimmer are Cairo-bound for a five-day 
trip. 

Malone, Robert C., Capt, personnel, Adjutant McCloud, Ray L., 1Lt, pilot 

McCommack, James H., Sgt, engineering McGann, Edom K., 1Lt, bombardier 

Schlott, Charles E., S/Sgt, intelligence 

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

Travis, Edward J., Sgt, engineering 

Tucker, Gerald T., M/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Wimmer, Warren H., S/Sgt, communications 

 

447th BS War Diary: PX today. Thirteen planes in local transition plus the Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Usual organizational duties were all that took place. 

 

 


Friday, 18 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Sgts. Matter, Nuttal, Ott, Salch, and Sycylo rotated to States after 
completing tour. Usual training. 

Matter, Dean R., T/Sgt, gunner Nuttal, John H., T/Sgt, gunner 

Ott, James B., S/Sgt, gunner Salch, Raymond F., T/Sgt, gunner 

Sycylo, Theodore W., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieut Brock is reported killed in action over Yugoslavia on one of 
the last missions of the war in Italy. 

Brock, Thomas E., 2Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine men left on combat rotation. Thirteen planes on local 
transition plus Usual Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: First Lieutenant Brink was promoted to Captain and Second 
Lieutenants Beckman and Cameron were promoted to First Lieutenants. Sergeants 
Oliver, Scott and Griffen left on a 10 day furlough. 

Beckman, Harold C., 1Lt, pilot Brink, Richard E., Capt, bombardier 

Cameron, Alexander G., 1Lt, bombardier Griffen, Harry J., S/Sgt, intelligence 

Oliver, Walter A., T/Sgt, gunner Scott, Joseph M., Sgt, intelligence 

 

 

 


Saturday, 19 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Fifteen men leaving on combat rotation. Eight men promoted to 
Pfc on Squadron Order. Usual Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Staff Sergeants Wilson, Law and Benchowski were promoted to 
Technical Sergeants; Sergeants Hart, Brock, Kubasiewicz, Mann, Ritter, LaPlant, Hurley, 
Kougher, Rennels and Sabo were promoted to Staff Sergeants; Corporal Zurek was 
promoted to Sergeant, and Privates First Class Griffith, Smith and Piurek were promoted 
to Corporals. 

Benchowski, John H., T/Sgt, engineering Brock, Wendell A., S/Sgt, engineering 

Griffith, Chester M., Cpl, ordnance Hart, Gerald S., S/Sgt, ordnance 

Hurley, Daniel J., S/Sgt, personnel Kougher, Bruce A., S/Sgt, engineering 

Kubasiewicz, Stanley F., S/Sgt, engineering LaPlant, Madoris J., S/Sgt, ordnance 

Law, Richard L., T/Sgt, engineering Mann, S/Sgt, gunner 

Piurek, Ned J., Cpl, ordnance Rennels, George C., S/Sgt, engineering 

Ritter, William C., S/Sgt, engineering Sabo, Louis S., S/Sgt, engineering 

Smith, Virgil D., Cpl, ordnance Wilson, Elrod C., T/Sgt, ordnance 

Zurek, Aloysius F., Sgt, ordnance 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Sunday, 20 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Skebay relieved Lt. Silnutzer as Squadron Bombing Officer. 

Silnutzer, Joseph A., 2Lt, bombardier Skebay, Robert J., 1Lt, bombardier 

 

446th BS War Diary: Ems Zabinski and Casey are transferred to the 60th Troop Carrier 
Group. 

Casey, Michael F., Sgt, supply Zabinski, Joseph J., Sgt, engineering 

 

447th BS War Diary: Three motor pool men left to join troop carrier outfits. Lt 
VenJohn left for Rome to attend Army Education Staff School. Usual Organizational 
Duties. 

VenJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence 

 

448th BS War Diary: Flight Officers Stanwood, Chakmakian, Campbell, Higby, Libby 
and Nolkemper were promoted to Second Lieutenants. Lieutenant Ashland was 
transferred to the 1st Emergency Rescue Squadron. 

Ashland, Arthur E., 1Lt, pilot 

Campbell, John E., 2Lt, pilot or Campbell, Knox L., 2Lt, pilot 

Chakmakian, George E., 2Lt, pilot Higby, Paul K., 2Lt, bombardier 

Libby, Donald E., 2Lt, bombardier Nolkemper, Harold J., 2Lt, pilot 

Stanwood, Ralph E., 2Lt, pilot 

 

 

 


Monday, 21 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieut Ramsay, assistant Operations Officer, is made a Captain. 

Ramsay, Lamar E., Capt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Capt Muzinich promoted to Major. Several 2nd Lts promoted to 
First Lt. Col. Strenger left to inspect bomb damage in Italy and Germany. 10 planes in 
local formation. Usual Organizational Duties. 

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

 

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Taylor left to return to Headquarters 321st Bomb Group. 
Privates Griffin and Sweeney were transferred to the 60th Troop Carrier Group. 
Lieutenant Wiman left for Rome to attend the Army Education Staff School. Lieutenants 
Bechtle, Schwartz, Schweitzer, Stromberg and Wuest, and Sergeants Sullivan, Fletcher, 
Hunter, Martin, Sevier, Turner, Vandenberg and Weese left for the United States. 

Bechtle, Robert M., 1Lt, pilot Fletcher, William H., T/Sgt, gunner 

Griffin, Pink C., Sgt, communications or Griffin William G., Sgt, engineering 

Hunter, Dewey G., T/Sgt, gunner Martin, Lewis E., T/Sgt, gunner 

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

Sevier, Fred L., T/Sgt, gunner Stromberg, Carl K., 1Lt, pilot 

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

Sweeney, George W., Pvt, engineering Taylor, Grover A., Sgt, medical 

Turner, James H., T/Sgt, gunner Vandenberg, Edward V., T/Sgt, gunner 

Weese, Charles F., T/Sgt, gunner Wiman, 1Lt, 

Wuest, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot 

 

 

 

 

 


Tuesday, 22 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Knapp notified of his promotion to Second Lieutenant. 
Much comment, the greater part adverse. Films and non-operational flights. 

Knapp, Robert D., Jr., 2Lt, gunner 

 

446th BS War Diary: Routine work as we wonder what will be our ultimate fate. Some 
articles of clothing are being turned in to Supply, so our Barracks bags will lighten from 
time to time. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Five men left on combat rotation. 23 EM promoted. 11 planes in 
local transition. Usual Organizational duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Fleming was promoted to Captain. Second Lieutenants 
Boyd, Butler, Carroll, Dean, Herrin, Host, Miller, were promoted to 1st Lieutenants. 

Boyd, Wilford D., 1Lt, bombardier Butler, Glenn D., 1Lt, pilot 

Carroll, 1Lt, Dean, 1Lt 

Fleming, George B., Capt, pilot Herrin, John C., 1Lt, pilot 

Host, Carroll, 1Lt Miller, 1Lt 

 


Wednesday, 23 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): HQ 64th Troop Carrier 
Group and 16th, 17th, 18th and 35th Troop Carrier Squadrons begin a movement from 
Rosignano Airfield, Italy to Waller Field, Trinidad with C-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Capts. Mogren, Rigler, Lts. Miron, Beck, Silnutzer, Sgt. Krober 
rotated to U.S. after completion of missions. 

Beck, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier Krober, Raymond D., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner 

Miron, Leno L., 1Lt, pilot Mogren, Edward G., Capt, pilot 

Rigler, Edward J., Capt, pilot Silnutzer, Joseph A., 2Lt, bombardier 

 

446th BS War Diary: Capts. Kimble and Paulson, Lt. Panning and Ems Edwards, 
Henry, Utz, Beavers, Wagner, Dobrow and Johnson are heading for the states; they were 
all combat personnel. 

Beavers, Marque F., S/Sgt, gunner Dobrow, Edgar J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Edwards, David R., Sgt, gunner or Edwards, Earl W., Sgt, gunner 

Henry, Clark H., Sgt, gunner Johnson, Carl W., Sgt, gunner 

Kimble, Arnold P., Capt, pilot Panning, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot 

Paulson, Ronald A., Capt, bombardier Utz, James W., T/Sgt, gunner 

Wagner, William M., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes in local transition. The following O & EM sent home 
on rotation: 1st Lts. D.A. Amundson, L.C. Breckenridge, D.W. Brice, L.N. Brown, Jr., 
P.I. Buckley, H.K. Buechner, E. Cammack, F.H. Smith; T/Sgts. P.W. Finnegan, R.L. 
Gordon, H.A. Keenan, M.M. Moslyar, W.F. Meiborg, C.F. Netzel, and S/Sgt J.W. 
Simms. 

Amundson, Donald A., 1Lt, pilot Breckenridge, Louis C., 1Lt, pilot 

Brice, David W., 1Lt, pilot Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 1Lt, pilot 

Buckley, Paul I., 1Lt, pilot Buechner, Helmut K., 1Lt, pilot 

Cammack, Elmore (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Finnegan, Paul W., T/Sgt, gunner 

Gordon, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner Keenan, Harry A., S/Sgt, gunner 

Meiborg, Walter F., S/Sgt, gunner Moslyar, Michael M., S/Sgt, gunner 

Netzel, Carl F., T/Sgt, gunner Smith, Frederick H., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Private DelGuergio left the Ille Rousse, Corsica Rest Camp on 
Temporary Duty. Captain Wonnacott returned to the squadron after 30 days of 
Temporary Duty in the United States. 

DelGuergio, Jerry S., PFC, duty soldier Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, 24 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 7th Troop Carrier 
Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, moves from Tarquinia to Rosignano, Italy with C-
47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Lts. Buckham, Sprankle, Sgts. Gum, Hunsberger, Bierly, 
Heckman, Edwards, Clayton rotated to U.S. after completion of tour. 

Bierly, Glenn E., S/Sgt, gunner Buckham, John K., 1Lt, pilot 

Clayton, Ross W., S/Sgt, gunner Edwards, Jack M., S/Sgt, gunner 

Gum, Paul V., S/Sgt, gunner Heckman, Kenneth W., S/Sgt, gunner 

Hunsberger, William R., Sgt, gunner Sprankle, Floyd H., 2Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: More lucky persons get stateside orders: Lt. Codd and Sgts. 
Lamm, Ransom and Flasher. The Cairo trip returns and a fine time is reported by all. 

Codd, Russell G., 1Lt, bombardier Flasher, Henry F., Sgt, gunner 

Lamm, Earl D., T/Sgt, gunner Ransom, Gerald H., T/Sgt, gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: The following rotated to US: 1st Lts R.D. Appenzeller, A.E. 
Autry, H.D. Radel, J.W. Yerger, T/Sgt. R.C. Stokes. 13 planes in practice formation. 
The officers and EM who have been sent to US on TDY were changed to permanent 
rotation. Usual Organizational Duties. 

Appenzeller, Richard D., 1Lt, pilot Autry, Aaron E., 1Lt, pilot 

Radel, Henry D., 2Lt, bombardier Stokes, Robert C., T/Sgt, gunner 

Yerger, John W., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: No change other than that of the usual operational duties. 

 

 


Friday, 25 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): HQ 62nd Troop Carrier 
Group moves from Tarquinia to Rosignano Airfield, Italy. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Officers’ Club opened in squadron tonight. Usual garrison duties 
and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes on practice formation. Two S/Sgts promoted to T/Sgt. 
Three Sgts promoted to S/Sgt. Three Cpls promoted to Sgt. Fifteen Pfcs and three Pvts 
promoted to Cpl. Sgt R.C. MacAuslan sent to US to attend Infantry OCS. Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

MacAuslan, Robert C., Sgt, gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: Corporals McCall, Reber, Swenson, Taylor, Tiger, Weiss and 
Yaw were promoted to Sergeants. Privates First Class Oddo, Oneth, Pankiewicz, 
Scombardi, Chappell, Dunn, Fisher, Grissom, Janus, Jungquist and McEver were 
promoted to Corporals. 

Chappell, William C., Cpl, armament Dunn, Vernon L, Cpl, engineering 

Fisher, Amos W., Cpl, transportation Grissom, John E., Jr., Cpl, engineering 

Janus, Bill (NMI), Cpl, cook Jungquist, Walter L., Cpl, engineering 

McCall, Robert V., Sgt, personnel McEver, Thomas J., Cpl, duty soldier 

Oddo, Anthony A., Cpl, engineering Oneth, Albert L., Cpl, engineering 

Pankiewicz, Edward J., Cpl, engineering Reber, Hugh W. L., Sgt, engineering 

Scombardi, John (NMI), Cpl, transportation Swenson, James R., Sgt, engineering 

Taylor, Allan J., Sgt, personnel Tiger, George E., Sgt, cook 

Weiss, Arthur A., Sgt, bomb system maintenance 

Yaw, Philip C., Sgt, engineering 

 

 

 


Saturday, 26 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General Charles 
T Myers assumes command of the Twelfth AF. The 4th and 8th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 
62nd Troop Carrier Group, move from Tarquinia to Rosignano Airfield, Italy with C-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Inspection conducted by Group Officers. Parade followed. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: The Group held a large formation and parade this morning. This 
will continue every Saturday morning, with Saturday afternoon and Sunday off. 
However, each section has to keep one man on duty for this period. Usual Organizational 
Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: There was no change other than that of usual squadron duties. 

 

 


Sunday, 27 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Everyone has gone swimming or sight-seeing. Usual 
Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Usual organizational duties were all that took place. 

 

 


Monday, 28 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 13 planes on local transition. Col. Strenger returned from TDY 
Northern Italy and Germany. Lt. VenJohn returned from TDY in Rome. Cpl Charles 
Davenport placed on DS, Hq., 321st Bomb. Gp. Usual Organizational Duties. 

Davenport, Charles (NMI), Cpl, armament VenJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Wiman returned from Rome, where he attended the 
Army Education Staff School. Sergeant Dittman left for Alexandria, Egypt. Sergeants 
Griffen, Oliver and Scott, and Private Walter returned from a ten day furlough in Rome. 

Dittman, Paul F., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Griffen, Harry J., S/Sgt, intelligence 

Oliver, Walter A., T/Sgt, gunner Scott, Joseph M., Sgt, intelligence 

Walter, Robert I., PFC, supply Wiman, 1Lt, 

 


Tuesday, 29 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: I & E training and usual garrison duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes on local formation. 1st Lt. Donald P. Twieg on TDY 
Hq., 12th AFSC, par. 1, SO 115, Hq., 57th Bomb. Wing. Usual Organizational Duties. 

Twieg, Donald P., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: No change took place today. 

 

 


Wednesday, 30 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes local transition. Cpl Buford T. Williams sent to US for 
redeployment. Usual Organizational Duties. 

Williams, Buford T., Cpl, armament 

 

448th BS War Diary: Sergeant Royce, Corporal Rushton and Private Gallagher left for 
the United States. 

Gallagher, Leo (NMI), Pvt, engineering Royce, James R., T/Sgt, communications 

Rushton, Willie C., Cpl, engineering 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, 31 May 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): No Entry 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The post-war program is under way and the I & E school begins. 
There is some calisthenics in the afternoon plus swimming, volleyball and track to fill the 
days. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes local formation. Usual Organizational Duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: No changes took place aside from usual squadron duties. Thus 
ended another month in the history of the squadron. 

 

 


May 1945 

 

445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for May 1945 

 

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M) 

APO 650 

1 June 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records 

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing 

 Attentions: Historian 

 

 1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period May 1, 1945 to May 31, 
1945. 

a Original unit 

 (1) 445th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th

 Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force. 

 (2) Barksdale Army Air Base, La., was place of activation 

 (3) June 23, 1942 was date of activation 

 (4) G.O. #145, Hq. 3rd Air Force, 23 June 1942 was authority for activation 

 (5) National guard, selective service and regular army were sources of 

 personnel 

 

 b Changes in organization 

 (1) No changes in designation, no transfer, unit was not placed on DS or TS 

 nor was it attached to other headquarters for operational control 

(2) There was no change of commanding officers. 
(3) There was no change of staff officers. 
(4) There was no new T/O 





c Strength, commissioned and enlisted 

 (1) Month of May 1945 

 (a) At beginning - 496 

 (b) Net increase - 

 (c) Net decrease - 101 

 (d) At end - 395 

 

d Stations of units or echelons – Falconara Airfield, Italy – still present this base. 

 

e Movements – there was no movement of the squadron during the month of 

 May, 1945. 

 

 f Campaigns – hostilities ceased in Italy. 

 

 g No combat missions flown by squadron. 

 

 h Losses in action – none 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

i Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action: 

 

G.O. #102, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 11 May 1945: 

Distinguished Flying Cross (Extraordinary achievement in aerial flight) 

1st Lt. Bernard J. McMahon, pilot 

 

G.O. #94, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 3 May 1945: 

 Distinguished Flying Cross 

1st Lt. Paul E. Shutters, pilot 

 

G.O. #93, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 2 May 1945: 

 1st Cluster to Air Medal 

2nd Lt. Robert A. Davies, S/Sgt. James P., Cruise, gunner 

 2nd Cluster to Air Medal

S/Sgt. James P. Cruise, gunner 

 4th Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Rudolph G. Rice, pilot S/Sgt. Ray E. Barrett, gunner 

1st Lt. Roger R. Knauss, pilot S/Sgt. Manuel Garza, gunner 

1st Lt. Rudolph J. Takacs, pilot S/Sgt. John R. Hagains, gunner 

2nd Lt. Robert E. Doris, pilot S/Sgt. Richard A. Larson, gunner 

2nd Lt. William G. Brown, pilot S/Sgt. Andrew D. Peters, gunner 

S/Sgt. Frank E. Barnett, gunner 

5th Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Cecil A. Brown, pilot S/Sgt. Paul V. Gum, gunner 

1st Lt. Gerhard H. Galny, Jr., pilot S/Sgt. John R. Hagains, gunner 

1st Lt. Robert F. Mitchell, navigator S/Sgt. Keith B. Lile, gunner 

1st Lt. Paul L. Young, pilot S/Sgt. Jack R. Osborn, gunner 

T/Sgt. Reginald J. McMahon, gunner S/Sgt. Frank E. Barnett, gunner 

S/Sgt. Max E. Baker, gunner S/Sgt. Edward R. Heintz, Jr., gunner 

S/Sgt. Jack M. Edwards, gunner 

6th Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Julian R. Coale, Jr., pilot S/Sgt. Jack M. Edwards, gunner 

1st Lt. Bernard J. McMahon, Jr., pilot S/Sgt. Paul V. Gum, gunner 

1st Lt. Robert F. Mitchell, navigator 

 

G.O. #103, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 12 May 1945: 

 1st Cluster to Air Medal

S/Sgt Paul J. Brezko, gunner S/Sgt John A. Duryea, gunner 

S/Sgt John G. Brunda, gunner S/Sgt Alonzo Farmer, gunner 

S/Sgt Donald Carlock, gunner S/Sgt Edwin H. Hafferkamp, gunner 

S/Sgt. Philip J. Hieronimus, gunner S/Sgt. Frank A. Posillico, gunner 

S/Sgt. Brendon J. Murphy, gunner S/Sgt. Robert C. Stansberry, gunner 

S/Sgt. John J. Naughton, Jr., gunner S/Sgt. Cleofas M. Vargas, gunner 

S/Sgt. Antonio Palermo, gunner 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

 2nd Cluster to Air Medal

S/Sgt John G. Brunda, gunner S/Sgt. John J. Naughton, Jr., gunner 

S/Sgt Donald Carlock, gunner S/Sgt. Antonio Palermo, gunner 

S/Sgt. John A. Duryea, gunner S/Sgt. Frank A. Posillico, gunner 

S/Sgt. Alonzo Farmer, gunner S/Sgt. Robert C. Stansberry, gunner 

S/Sgt. Edwin H. Hafferkamp, gunner S/Sgt. Cleofas M. Vargas, gunner 

S/Sgt. Philip J. Hieronimus, gunner 

 3rd Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Joe G. Badger, pilot S/Sgt. John J. Naughton, Jr., gunner 

1st Lt. Richard C. Rosenthal, bombardier S/Sgt. Frank A. Posillico, gunner 

F/O Frank M. Schneiringer, bombardier S/Sgt. Robert C. Stansberry, gunner 

S/Sgt. Edwin B. Kimmel, gunner S/Sgt. Cleofas M. Vargas, gunner 

S/Sgt. Morris M. Miller, gunner 

 4th Cluster to Air Medal

S/Sgt. William F. Friedli, gunner S/Sgt. Freddie Perich, gunner 

S/Sgt. Harry L. Kabrich, gunner S/Sgt. Cleofas M. Vargas, gunner 

S/Sgt. Paul J. Koski, gunner 

5th Cluster to Air Medal

S/Sgt. Daniel P. Emberton, gunner 

 

G.O. #106, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 15 May 1945 

Air Medal (Meritorious achievement in aerial flight) 

Sgt. Earl Crocker, gunner Sgt. Ray Kelley, gunner 

Sgt. Matthew J. Dolecki, gunner Sgt. Raymond VanSteenhouse, gunner 

Sgt. Brady A. James, gunner Sgt. John A. Thomson, gunner 

 1st Cluster to Air Medal

2nd Lt. Victor J. Hancock, pilot 

2nd Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. John F. Joyce, Jr., navigator F/O Albert A. Grattopp, 

2nd Lt. Robert E. Jordan, 

 3rd Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Thomas M. Brown, bombardier 2nd Lt. Charles W. Mutchler, pilot 

1st Lt. Guilford Jones, Jr., pilot F/O Floyd A. Carlson, pilot 

2nd Lt. Robert D. Henderson, pilot S/Sgt. Robert L. Lorenz, gunner 

 4th Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. William H. Jackson, bombardier 

 

G.O. #107, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 16 May 1945 

 Silver Star (Gallantry in action) 

1st Lt. James B. Fisher, Jr., pilot 

 Bronze Star (Meritorious achievement) 

T/Sgt. Arthur R. Lien, engineering 

 

 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

G.O. #109, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 18 May 1945 

Air Medal (Meritorious achievement in aerial flight) 

2nd Lt. Jack C. Valiquette, Sgt. John R. Wells, gunner 

F/O Robert F. Richardson, Sgt. Roy M. Wilmes, gunner 

Sgt. John Graff, gunner 

 1st Cluster to Air Medal

2nd Lt. William A. Hoecheim, F/O Donald L. Fredenburg, 

2nd Lt. Wilmer E. Reid, 

2nd Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Edgar A. Hume, Jr., bombardier F/O Donald H. Marks, bombardier 

2nd Lt. John R. Carlson, S/Sgt. Brendon J. Murphy, gunner 

3rd Cluster to Air Medal

1st lt. Noel F. Dickens, bombardier F/O Donald E. Crampton, pilot 

1st Lt. Paul R. Riggenbach, pilot S/Sgt. Philip J. Hieronimus, gunner 

 4th Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Fred K. Amundson, pilot S/Sgt. Jefferson M. Hickman, gunner 

1st Lt. Frederick R. Stolberg, pilot S/Sgt. Sanford L. Josephson, gunner 

1st Lt. Charles R. Wilson, pilot S/Sgt. James A. Stack, gunner 

S/Sgt. Nicholas Alexaki, gunner S/Sgt. Philip B. Teague, gunner 

 5th Cluster to Air Medal

1st Lt. Donald M. Middleton, pilot S/Sgt. Manuel Garza, gunner 

T/Sgt. James S. Lowrey, gunner S/Sgt. Robert D. Knapp, Jr., gunner 

 

G.O. #113, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 26 May 1945 

Distinguished Flying Cross (Extraordinary achievement in aerial flight) 

1st Lt. Arthur L. Curry , pilot 1st Lt. James Kourafas, pilot 

1st Lt. Norman H. Doe , pilot 1st Lt. Donald M. Middleton, pilot 

1st Lt. William H. Jackson, bombardier 1st Lt. Rex E. Reade, pilot 

1st Lt. Edward A. White, pilot 

 

 j No photographs submitted 

 

2. Enclosed is War Diary, 445th Bombardment Squadron for the period from May 1, 
1945 to May 31, 1945. 

 

For the Commanding Officer: 

 

Incl: JACK LOCKE, 

War Diary. Capt., Air Corps, 

 Squadron Historian. 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for May 1945 

 

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M) 

APO 650 

1 June 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records 

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bomb Wing, APO 650 U.S. Army 

 

 1. Outline History of the 446th Squadron for the period 1 May 1945 to 30 May 1945: 

a Original unit 

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

 (2) Organized 1 August 1942 

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

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

 (5) Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and 

 replacement centers 

 

 b Changes in organization 

 (1) No change 

 

c Strength, commissioned and enlisted 

 (1) 1 May 1945 112 Officers, 356 Enlisted Men 

 (2) Net Increase None None 

 (3) Net Decrease 10 Officers, 59 Enlisted Men 

 (4) 30 May 1945 102 Officers, 297 Enlisted Men 

 

d Stations of units or echelons 

 (1) None 

 

e Movements of units or echelons. 

 (1) None 

 

 f Campaigns 

 (1) Po Valley 

 (2) From 5 April1945 to 8 May 1945 

 (3) Campaigns not referred to before: 

 (a) Air Combat Balkans, from 4 October 1943 to 8 January 1944. 

 (b) Northern Apennines, from 10 September 1944 to 4 April 1945. 

 

 g Operations 

 (1) With the cessation of hostilities in Europe, combat missions were 

 discontinued and a training program inaugurated. 

 (2) Ground school for combat personnel, aerial training, I & E classes, physical 

 education and athletics made up the program. 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

h Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action: 

 (1) Distinguished Flying Cross Awarded to: 

 1st Lt. Robert F. Panning, pilot, GO #92, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Gail B. Berge, pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Andrew J. Corra, bombardier, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Albert W. Dunn, pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. William F. Fein, bombardier, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Wendell L. French, pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Roland B. Jackson, pilot, GO #94, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Allan A. Maki, pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Ray L. McCloud, pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. John E. McCullough Jr., pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Richard W. O’Connor, navigator, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. David M. Sherline, pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Cecil E. Welsh Jr., pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Thomas A. Williams, navigator, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 2nd Lt. Richard A. Atkins Jr., pilot, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 2nd Lt. Russell G. Codd, bombardier, GO #92, XII Air Force 

 T/Sgt Harold W. Freeman, gunner, GO #92, XII Air Force 

 T/Sgt Ernest J. Nigrelli, gunner, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 

 (2) Soldiers Medal Awarded to: 

 1st Lt. Noel P. Holt Jr., pilot, GO #92, XII Air Force 

 1st Lt. Thomas A. Williams, navigator, GO #113, XII Air Force 

 

 (3) Air Medal Awarded to 

 2nd Lt. William S. Goff, , GO #106, XII Air Force 

 F/O Allen E. Cloyd Jr., , GO #106, XII Air Force 

 Sgt. Frederick N. Brenner, gunner, GO #109, XII Air Force 

 Sgt. Norman G. Krebs, gunner, GO #109, XII Air Force 

 Sgt. Robert M. Lattin, armorer-gunner, GO #109, XII Air Force 

 Sgt. Raymond F. Taylor, gunner, GO #109, XII Air Force 

 

 

Incls: 

Incl. 1-War Diary 

Incl. 2-I&E Schedule 

Incl. 3-Flight and ground training for combat personnel 

 

 PAUL T. COOPER, 

 Lt. Colonel, Air Corps, 

 Commanding. 

 

 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

446th BS War Diary: Training Schedule for May 1945: 

 

I & E Schedule 

 

SUBJECT UNIT TEACHER CLASS ROOM 

Basic Mathematics All Squadrons Lt. David Fox 446th E.M. Day Room 

Fox, David F., 2Lt, bombardier, 446th BS 

Algebra All Squadrons Sgt. Rowley 447th Officers Club 

 Rowley, Verlin B., Sgt, intelligence, 447th BS 

Bookkeeping HQ, 445th, 448th T/Sgt. Fogwell 448th E.M. Mess 

 Fogwell, Richard E., Jr., T/Sgt, armament, 448th BS 

Bookkeeping 446th and 447th Lt. Gargiulo 447th Officers Mess 

 Gargiulo, Vincent J., 1Lt, bombardier 

Psychology All Squadrons Lt. Richard Fox Group Theater 

Fox, Richard F., 2Lt, supply, 446th BS 

Radio HQ, 447th, 448th Lt. Plummer 448th Nissen Hut 

 Plummer, 2Lt, 448th BS 

Radio 445th and 446th Lt. Meier 446th Officers Day Room 

Meier, Donald J., 1Lt, communications, 446th BS 

Electricity All Squadrons M/Sgt. Graf HQ. G.L.O. Room 

Graf, Edward E. "Gene", M/Sgt, communications, 445th BS 

Commercial Law All Squadrons Capt. Locke HQ. Class Room 

Locke, Jacob "Jack", Capt, intelligence, 446th BS 

English All Squadrons Lt. Dunn 446th E.M. Mess 

Dunn, Albert W., 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS 

Business Adm. HQ., and 445th Lt. Joyce 445th E.M. Mess 

Joyce, John F., Jr., 1Lt, navigator, 445th BS 

Business Adm. 447th and 448th S/Sgt. McConnell HQ. E.M. Mess 

McConnell, S/Sgt, gunner, 448th BS 

Business Adm. 446th Lt. Brown, C. 445th Officers Mess 

Brown, Cecil A., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS 

Blue Print Reading HQ., 446th, 448th Pvt. Gallagher 448th Officers Club 

Gallagher, Leo (NMI), Pvt, engineering, 448th BS 

Blue Print Reading 445th and 447th Capt. Kelly 445th E.M. Day Room 

Kelly, John E., Capt, Communication Officer, 445th BS 

Agriculture All Squadrons Capt. Johnson 445th Officers Club 

Johnson, Stanton W., Capt, Armament Officer, 445th BS 

Music (Harmony) All Squadrons T/Sgt. Hodgen HQ. E.M. Day Room 

Hodgen, Allen J., T/Sgt, personnel, HQ 321st BG 

Physics All Squadrons Lt. Wood 447th E.M. Mess 

Wood, George A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS 

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

Classes will begin at 1030 hours, one hour periods, five days per week. 

 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

Ground School, Ground Training and Flight Training Schedule 

 

Ground School and Ground Training was started 21 May 1945, for combat personnel. 
Five hours instruction per week was given in the following subjects: 

 

Bombing Equipment Personal Equipment 

Dead Reckoning First Aid 

Map Reading Emergency Procedures 

Weather Interrogation 

Radio Escape and Evasion 

Armament Combat Intelligence 

Bomb loading and fusing Military Courtesy 

Preflights Orientation 

 

Aerial Training was as follows: 

 

 Type Sorties Hours

 

Transition 8 1300 

Formation 39 7335 

Instrument 23 4355 

Navigation 11 4615 

Bombing 6 14 Practice runs 1110 

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

 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for May 1945 

 

447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) 

APO 65 

1 June 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records. 

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing. 

 Attention: Historian. 

 

1. Outline History of the 447th Bombardment Squadron for the period 1 May 1945 to 31 
May 1945. 

 

 a. 447th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st bombardment Group (M). 

(1) 447th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th 


 Bombardment Wing (M), 12th Air Force. 

(2) Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, South Carolina. 
(3) 23 June 1942 
(4) G.O. 145, Hq. 11 AF, 23 June 1942 
(5) Transferred from other units and Selective Service. 





 b. Change in Organization. 

 (1) No Change 

 (2) Echelons or units. 

 (a) Transferred. 

 16 officer and 44 enlisted men trfd to 7th Repl. Depot 

 2 officers and 4 enlisted men trfd to USA 

 5 enlisted men trfd to 414 NFS 

 5 enlisted men trfd to 1st Emer. Res. Sqdn. 

 2 enlisted men trfd to 313 Sig. Co. 

 1 enlisted man trfd to 3rd Photo Gp. 

 1 enlisted man trfd to 47th Bomb. Gp. 

 1 enlisted man trfd to 60th Tp. Carr. Gp. 

 2 enlisted men trfd to 64th Tp. Carr. Gp. 

 1 enlisted man trfd to 2616 Rep. Unit. 

 (b) On DS or TD. 

1 officer to Hq. 12th AFSC on TD 

1 officer to Nor. Italy and Germany on TD 

1 officer to Rome on TD 

2 enlisted men to Ille Rousse Rest Camp, Corsica on TD 

 (c) No Change. 

 (3) No change in commanding officers during the month 

 (4) No change in staff officers during the month. 

 (5) No Change. 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

 c. Strength, Commission and enlisted. 

 (1) Month of May 1945. 

 (a) At Beginning. 107 Officers; 358 Enlisted Men 

 (b) Net increase. 

 (c) Net decrease. 21 Officers; 61 Enlisted Men 

 (d) At end: 86 Officers; 297 Enlisted Men. 

 

 d. Stations of units or echelons. 

 (1) Falconara Air Field, Italy 

 (a) 7 April 1945 

 (b) Still at the same station. 

 

 e. Movement of units or echelons. 

 (1) Did not move during month. 

 

f. Campaigns. 

 (1) Did not participate in any campaigns this month 

 

 g. Operations. 

 (1) No combat operations this month. 

 

h. No command officers in important missions during the month. 

 

i. Losses in action during the month of May 1945. 

 (1) No losses 

 

j. Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action during the month, and were 
presented the following awards: 

 

 On General Order No. 93, dated 2 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 T/Sgt Charles W. Hardage, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt Bruce H. Huntley, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt James H. Newton, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Camille J. Merlino, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Hugh H. Lankester, bombardier, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

2nd Lt. Shelby D. Wallis, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

T/Sgt. Charles W. Hardage, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

T/Sgt Bruce H. Huntley, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

T/Sgt. James R. Newton, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

T/Sgt. Charles J. Price, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

T/Sgt. Emigdio Ruiz, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt Frank W. Hunsaker, Jr., gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt. Camille J. Merlino, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt. Dan Ochs, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

1st Lt. Norman I. Rose, pilot, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. John W. Yerger, pilot, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

T/Sgt. Emigdio Ruiz, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt. Robert L. Gordon, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt. Frank W. Hunsaker, Jr., gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 

On General Order No. 94, dated 3 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 Capt. Ernest G. Hutson, Jr., pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 Capt. Henry C. Satterwhite, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Richard D. Appenzeller, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

1st Lt. Leonard P. Caflisch, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

1st Lt. Henry D. Radel, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

1st Lt. John W. Yerger, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

2nd Lt. Erwin E.W. Heist, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

1st Lt. Richard G. Briggs, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. John R. Highsmith, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Richard D. Appenzeller, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Richard G. Briggs, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Leonard P. Caflisch, bombardier, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Edmund R. Carlin, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Paul R. Peck, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

2nd Lt. Frank J. Blankemeyer, bombardier, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt James W. Simms, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Richard D. Appenzeller, pilot, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Leonard P. Caflisch, bombardier, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Paul R. Peck, pilot, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

1st Lt. Henry D. Radel, bombardier, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

S/Sgt. James W. Simms, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 

On General Order No. 96, dated 5 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 2nd Lt. Norman R. Andersen, , Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Russell R. Graze, pilot, Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. William T. Lutz, , Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Lewis C. Perry, , Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. George H. Sznarwokowski, pilot, Air Medal 

F/O Lester W. Dunaway, , Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Charles E. Wilvert, gunner, Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Vincent J. Flora, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt Herman A. Heinlein, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt Robert D. Huggins, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt. Laverne L. Lero, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt John J. McCarthy, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt William E. Poe, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt Charles U. Quinn, Jr., gunner, Air Medal 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

Sgt Emanuel L. Santora, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt Stephen G. Smith, Jr., gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt Bernard Steinhauser, gunner, Air Medal 

 Sgt. Henry C. Zoltewicz, gunner, Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Russell R. Graze, pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. George H. Sznarwokowski, pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Edgar M. West, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 Capt. Henry C. Satterwhite, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. George S. Fairchild, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. John R. Highsmith, pilot, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Burton E. Stroupe, bombardier, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Albert Dolezal, gunner, 4th OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Richard G. Briggs, pilot, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Frank J. Blankemeyer, bombardier, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt James R. Newton, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 

On General Order No. 98, dated 7 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. Herbert E. Barrett, pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Rodney C. Bradshaw, pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Armond H. Bethke, Jr., pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Arthur F. Andersen, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Joel L. Cline, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Paul Cunningham, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Joe F. Householder, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Herbert L. Bradshaw, , 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Rodney O. Bradshaw, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Robert O. Britt, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Armond H. Bethke, Jr., pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Carl B. Brown, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Arthur F., Andersen, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt. Raymond S. Cassidy, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Paul Cunningham, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Joel L. Cline, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt John A. Harvey, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Charles E. Hawthorne, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Edward H. Henkler, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt. Joe F. Householder, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Herbert E. Barrett, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Armond H. Bethke, Jr., pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Carroll G. Appleman, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Raymond S. Cassidy, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Joel L. Cline, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Paul Cunningham, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Bernard A. Flanagan, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

 S/Sgt John A. Harvey, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Charles L. Hawthorne, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Edward H. Henkler, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 

On General Order No. 103, dated 12 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. William V. Gough, bombardier, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Robert C. Hixon, bombardier, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. George A. Wood, Jr., pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. William T. Lutz, , 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Tony Pobereyko, bombardier, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Maynard G. Weppner, bombardier, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Harry H. Judy, Jr., gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Frederick J. Krauss, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt George K. Lamb, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Thomas J. Lendino, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Donald Levy, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Ernest J. Longenecker, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Clarence C. MacMullen, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Frank L. Maples, Jr., gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Paul C. Mullis, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Brendon J. Murphy, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert E. Neely, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Marlin J. Plough, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Jack D. Barfield, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Roy V. Bryson, Jr., pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Frank Calabrese, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Wallace I. Duty, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. James L. Michaels, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Melvin G. Steffan, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Donald P. Twieg, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Glen J. Cromley, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Tony Pobereyko, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Lewis W. Tougaw, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Maynard G. Weppner, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Thomas J. Lendino, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Donald Levy, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Ernest J. Longenecker, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert E. Loux, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Clarence C. MacMullen, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Frank L. Maples, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Daniel P. McMenamin, Jr., engineer-gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Paul C. Mullis, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert E. Neely, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Luther A. Pennington, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

 S/Sgt Marlin J. Plough, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert P. Rinard, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Jack D. Barfield, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st lt. Roy V. Bryson, Jr., pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Vernon L. Schmoke, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. James J. Stephens, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Donald P. Twieg, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Carl B. Brown, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Homer L. Greene, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Tony Pobereyko, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Maynard G. Weppner, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Dewey D. Jones, Jr., gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt. Leroy Jones, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert A. Jones, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Harry H. Judy, Jr., gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt George B. Lamb, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Thomas J. Lendino, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert B. Loux, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Clarence C. MacMullen, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Karl N. Mindlin, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Luther A. Pennington, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Robert P. Rinard, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt Philip L. Judkins, gunner, 6th OLC to Air Medal 

 

On General Order No. 106, dated 16 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. Floyd W. Prillman, navigator, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. Robert L. Hoy, pilot, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt John T. Smith, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Hazen A. Thomas, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Charles E. Wilvert, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Richard L. Brockman, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Joseph B. Flanagan, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Robert C. MacAuslan, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt William T. Marion, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt John P. Ross, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Charles D. Rowe, Jr., gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Santora, Emanuel L., gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Stephen G. Smith, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 Sgt Bernard Steinhauser, gunner, 1st OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Thomas P. Elliott, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. William V. Gough, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Robert C. Hixon, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Vernon E. Jansen, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Floyd W. Prillman, navigator, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

 1st Lt. George A. Wood, Jr., pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. John I. Fowler, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 2nd Lt. George H. Sznarwokowski, pilot, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 F/O Raymond L. McNeal, bombardier, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt Freeman P. Tyler, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Emil C. Goethe, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Frederick J. Krauss, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt John T. Smith, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Harvey Stocker, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Hazen A. Thomas, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Charles E. Wilvert, gunner, 2nd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Frank Calabrese, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. John V. Davies, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Thomas P. Elliott, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Robert C. Hixon, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Robert C. King, Jr., pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. James L. Michaels, bombardier, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. George R. Morrison, pilot, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt Freeman P. Tyler, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Edward C. Staub, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Harvey Stocker, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt Hazen A. Thomas, gunner, 3rd OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Edmund R. Carlin, pilot, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt Richard H. Perl, engineer-gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 S/Sgt James H. Williams, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Frederick J. Hiller, bombardier, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 F/O Howard J. Corbin, , Air Medal 

 Sgt John A. Olsen, gunner, Air Medal 

 T/Sgt Earl W. Dulaney, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 

k. No Photographs were submitted for this month. 

 

2. The enclosed is War Diary, 447th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 May 1945 
to 31 May 1945. No special accounts for the month. Squadron Statistics for the month 
are omitted due to cessation of activities agains the enemy. 

 

 For the Commanding Officer: 

2 Incls: WILLIAM E. LEVINE, 

 Incl 1 – War Diary Capt., Air Corps, 

 Historian 

 


May 1945 (continued) 

 

448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for May 1945 

 

HEADQUARTERS 448th Bombardment Squadron (M) 

APO 650, US ARMY 

9 June 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records 

TO : Commanding General, 12th Air Force, 

 A-2 Section, Attention: Historian 

 

 1. Outline History of the 448th Bombardment Squadron for the period 1 May to 31 
May 1945. 

a Present Designation: 

 448th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th 

 Bombardment Wing (M). 

 

 b Changes in organization 

 (1) No change. 

(2) No change. 
(3) No change. 
(4) Captain Kneisle (Herman M., communications) left for U.S. on Rotation. 
Lieutenant Plummer appointed Acting Communications Officer. Captain 
Wonnacott (Robert C., engineering) returned to Squadron after 30 days 
T.D. in U.S. 
(5) No Change. 





c Strength, commissioned and enlisted 

 (1) Month of May 1945 

 (a) 111 Officers assigned, 354 Enlisted Men assigned, 6 

 attached. 

 (b) No increase. 

 (c) 10 Officers, 61 Enlisted Men decrease 

 (d) 101 Officers assigned, 296 Enlisted Men assigned, 3 attached 

 

d Stations of units or echelons 

 (1) Falconara Air Field, Falconara, Italy. 

 (a) April 8, 1945 

 (b) None. 

 

e Movements of unit or echelons. 

 (1) None 

 

 f Campaigns 

 (1) None 

 




May 1945 (continued) 

 

g Operations 

 (1) None 

 

h Command Officers in important missions: 

 (1) None 

 

 i Losses in action 

 (1) None 

 

j Personnel Who Have Distinguished Themselves in Combat: 

 (See enclosure #2) 

 

 k Number of photographs being submitted. 

 (1) None. 

 

 2. Enclosed are Journal of Events, 448th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 
May to 31 May 1945; Account of Personnel Who Have Distinguished Themselves in 
Combat for month of May 1945. 

 

For the Commanding Officer: 

 

 ALWIN H. SARGENT, 
Captain, Air Corps, 

 Squadron Historian. 

Incl: 2 

Incl 1 - Unit Journal of Events 

Incl 3 - Account of Personnel Distinguishing Themselves 

 

448th BS War Diary: Personnel Who Have Distinguished Themselves in Action: 

 

G.O. # 93, 12th AF, 2 May, ’45, for Meritorious Achievement 

Lt. Thompson, San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ‘45 Air Medal 

F/O Clark, San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ‘45 Air Medal 

Sgt Stracuzzi, gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ‘45 Air Medal 

Sgt Reed, gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ‘45 Air Medal 

Lt. Lyons, John W., bombardier San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Lt. Coogan, San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

F/O Sharar, San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Sgt Martin, Merle L., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Sgt Masbruch, Arthur G., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Sgt Wall, gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Sgt Griffin, E.I., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Lt. Host, Carroll San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 


F/O, Campbell, John E., pilot or Knox L. San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

May 1945 (continued) 

 

F/O, Chakmakian, George E., pilot San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

Lt. Bartlett, Thomas M., pilot San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

F/O Higby, Paul K., bombardier San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

F/O Nolkemper, Harold J., pilot San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Sgt Sullivan, James G., gunner or Timothy V. Asti, Italy 15 Dec ’44 3rd OLC to AM 

Sgt Carter, Eugene F., gunner or Hugh A. San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Sgt Fields, James A., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Sgt Nelson, William M., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

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

Staz Di Ceraino, Italy 10 Mar ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Sgt Zimmerman, Carl F., gunner San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Zakopacan, John S., pilot San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 5th OLC to AM 

Sgt Sullivan, James G., gunner or Timothy V. Chiari, Italy 24 Mar ’45 5th OLC to AM 

Sgt Head, Guthrie H., gunner San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 5th OLC to AM 

Sgt Sullivan, James G., gunner or Timothy V. Longastrino, Italy 9 Apr 45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Sullivan, James G., gunner or Timothy V San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr 45 7th OLC to AM 

 

G.O. # 94, 12th AF, 3 May, ’45, for Extraordinary Achievement 

Lt. Stromberg, Karl K., pilot Lavis, Italy 7 Feb ’45 DFC 

Lt. Wuest, Robert F., pilot Lavis, Italy 27 Feb ’45 DFC 

Lt. Freund, John F., bombardier Maribor, Yugoslavia 12 Apr ’45 DFC 

Sgt Sullivan, James G., gunner or Timothy V Argenta, Italy 11 Apr ’45 DFC 

Sgt Justice, Conway J., Jr., gunner Lavis, Italy 27 Feb ’45 DFC 

 

G.O. # 96, 12th AF, 5 May, ’45, for Meritorious Achievement 

Lt. Neilson, San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Sgt Litwiller, gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Sgt Woodling, gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Lt. Cameron, Alexander G., bombardier Longastrino, Italy 9 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

Lt. Lang, Robert H., bombardier Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Lt. Sutton, Norman J., bombardier Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Sgt Harageones, George J., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Sgt Parham, Ralph E., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 5th OLC to AM 

Sgt Dittman, Paul F., Jr., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 5th OLC to AM 

 

G.O. # 102, 12th AF, 11 May, ’45, for Extraordinary Achievement 

Lt. Wilson, James M., pilot Lavis, Italy 27 Feb ’45 DFC 

 

G.O. # 109, 12th AF, 19 May, ’45, for Meritorious Achievement 

Sgt Green, gunner San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 Air Medal 

Sgt Safko, Edward A., gunner Longastrino, Italy 9 Apr ’45 1st OLC to AM 

Lt. Carroll, San Martino, Ital 19 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

F/O Libby, Donald E., bombardier Argenta, Italy 11 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 


Sgt Hanley, gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

May 1945 (continued) 

 

Sgt Rainey, gunner Salorno, Italy 20 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

Sgt Safko, Edward A., gunner Matrei, Austria 2 Apr ’45 2nd OLC to AM 

Lt. Sheppard, John W., bombardier Longastrino, Italy 10 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Lt. Stokes, George M., pilot or Louis S. Salorno, Italy 20 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

F/O, Campbell, John E., pilot or Knox L. Argenta, Italy 11 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

F/O Chakmakian, George E., pilot San Michele, Italy 22 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Sgt Ward, Paul D., gunner Argenta, Italy 11 Apr ’45 3rd OLC to AM 

Maj Burks, Richard W., pilot Ala, Italy 24 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr., bombardier Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Barile, Sam (NMI), pilot San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Gardner, Philip K., bombardier San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Meyers, Kenneth F., pilot Steinach, Austria 17 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Spaur, Melvin J., pilot Steinach, Austria 17 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Steely, Ralph K., bombardier Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. Stout, Charles S., bombardier San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Lt. West, Robert F., pilot Steinach, Austria 17 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Sgt Murray, Francis J., gunner San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Sgt Wolfe, Bernard M., gunner Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 4th OLC to AM 

Capt Autrey, W.F., pilot San Michele, Italy 25 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Shields, Robert L., gunner San Nicolo, Italy 22 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Varga, Frank K., gunner Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Enderle, Melvin J., gunner Longastrino, Italy 9 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Ferrell, Bruce M. gunner Volargne, Italy 18 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Moleski, Benny M., gunner Argenta, Italy 11 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

Sgt Sharp, Russell L., Jr., gunner Argenta, Italy 11 Apr ’45 6th OLC to AM 

 

G.O. # 113, 12th AF, 26 May, ’45, 

for Gallantry in Action 

Lt. Smith, Milford A., pilot Lavis, Italy 27 Feb ’45 Silver Star 

 

for Extraordinary Achievement 

Sgt. Varga, Frank K., gunner Maribor, Yugoslavia 12 Apr ’45 DFC 

 

for Meritorious Achievement 

Sgt Qualls, Thomas B., gunner Ossenigo, Italy 11 Mar ’45 1st OLC to AM