12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 

321st Bombardment Group 

History: June 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 

PRO: (packet) 448th 9 Jun 45? 

BSM: Bomb System Maintenance 

PX: Post Exchange 

CA: Heavy Cruiser 

QM: Quarter Master 

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited 

R/B: Road Bridge 

C/D: 446th 5 Apr 45? 

RC: Red Cross 

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

R/J: Road Junction 

CO: Commanding Officer 

R/Y: Railroad Yards 

CP: Command Post 

Repl: Replacement 

CQ: Charge of Quarters 

RON: Remain OverNight 

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service 

RR/B: Railroad Bridge 

D/H: Direct Hit 

RR/J: Railroad Junction 

Demo: Demolition 

RR: Railroad 

DS: Detached Service 

S/E: Single Engine (plane) 

E/A: Enemy Aircraft 

S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran) 

E/F: Enemy Fighter 

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing 

E/M: Enlisted Men 

SD: Special Duty 

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44? 

sk: sick 

F/L: Formation Leader , also light Leader 

SO: Special Order 

FO or F/O: Flying Officer 

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions? 

Frag: Fragmentation 

Sq: Squadron 

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK) 

Sqdn: Squadron 

G.O.: General Order 

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action 

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position 

T/C: Troop Concentration 

GTC: 445th 1 Mar 43? 

T/E: Twin Engine (plane) 

I & E: Information & Education 

TAC: Theater Allied Command 

IP: Initial Point 

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force 

L/G: Landing Ground 

T.C.W.: Tactical Control Wing (?) 

Lox: Liquid Oxygen 

TD: Temporary Duty 

L/S: Landing Strip 

TDY: Temporary Duty 

L/V: Large Vehicle 

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43? 




LOT: 447th 2 May 44? 

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

LST: Landing Ship Tank 

T/O: Table of Organization 

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 

WP: White Phosphorus (bombs) 

M/Y: Marshalling Yards 

WT Station: 445th 20 Jul 43? 

MC: Maintenance Crew 

XC: Cross Country 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


Friday, 1 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: The men that were at Cairo Rest Camp returned today and others 
left for the Rest Camp at Ile Rousse, Corsica. Usual garrison duties and non-operational 
flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieuts. Jackson, McGann, Ratliff plus Ems Freeman, McEuen are 
transferred to the 515th Air Service Group; they were all combat personnel. 

Freeman, Harold W., T/Sgt, gunner Jackson, Roland B., 1Lt, pilot 

McEuen, Richard W., S/Sgt, gunner McGann, Edom K., 1Lt, bombardier 

Ratliff, James E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes flew in local transition. Three officers and two enlisted 
men, flying personnel, left for the US today. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Maj. Burks, Lts. Russell and Freund and Sgts. Sadofsky and 
Mitchem left for the United States. They flew the first ship to leave the squadron for the 
U.S. 

Burks, Richard W., Maj, pilot Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier-navigator 

Mitchem, Dewey A., S/Sgt, gunner 

Russell, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot or Russell, John D., 1Lt, pilot 

Sadofsky, John (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner 

 

 

 

 


Saturday, 2 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: There was an inspection of the personnel’s living quarters 
followed by a formation for the presentation of awards. Many of the men left on week-
end passes some going to Pescara which seems to be the most popular spot for “rest and 
relaxation”. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Still wondering what will be our ultimate fate the EMs of the 
squadron had a get-together in the Ems bar which lasted until mid-night. 

 

447th BS War Diary: Today we had our regular Saturday inspection, with Colonel 
Cassidy as inspecting officer, with a parade following immediately. Everything seemed 
satisfactory. The usual practice of having Saturday afternoon off was followed. 

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

 

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

 

 


Sunday, 3 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: After first being discharged fro the Army, Robert D. Knapp, Jr., 
son of Brigadier General R.D. Knapp, Sr., Wing Commander, received his gold bar and 
became an officer. 

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

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

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgts. Edson, Gribbin, Huerner, Boedecker, Maurin, Cpls. 
Brandoff, Chapin, Tracy, PFC. Pesante, Sarver, have their orders and are heading for the 
States. 

Boedecker, James, Sgt, engineering 

Brandoff, Daniel, Cpl, engineering, engineer-gunner 

Chapin, Correll C., Cpl, gunner Edson, Ernest R., Sgt, photo 

Gribbin, James E., S/Sgt, ordnance Huerner, Elmer L., T/Sgt, communications 

Maurin, Carl J., Sgt, armament Pesante, James V., PFC, transportation 

Sarver, Lawrence J., PFC, gunner Tracy, Edward J., Cpl, engineering 

 

447th BS War Diary: 13 enlisted men were transferred to 7th Repl. Depot for 
transshipment to US Redeployment. A plane carrying five officers and three enlisted 
men left this morning for a short stay in Cairo, Egypt. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Capt. Culp returned to the squadron after being in a German 
concentration camp for over a year. He was captured January 7, 1945 near Perugia, Italy, 
and was released on V-day in Italy. Sgts. Crider, Rocole, Lawton Quigley, Rappaport, 
Manchester and Scott, and Cpls. Dunbar, Lloyd, Surdi, Wolfe and Yearwood left for the 
United States. Squadron personnel were told today that if they didn’t sign up for one of 
the I & E courses then they would be forced to attend Aircraft Recognition & Code 
classes. Result: All I & E courses were overflowing. 

Crider, Eugene W., M/Sgt, engineering Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot 

Dunbar, Louis C., Cpl, communication Lawton, Russell W., S/Sgt, engineering 

Lloyd, Joseph B., Cpl, engineering Manchester, Ivan B., Sgt, cook 

Quigley, Paul E., Sgt, armament 

Rappaport, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt, photographer 

Rocole, Leslie (NMI), Sgt, engineering Scott, Joseph M., Sgt, intelligence 

Surdi, Benjamin J., Cpl, gunner Wolfe, Marvin G., Cpl, transportation 

Yearwood, Joe C., Cpl, engineer 

 

 

 


Monday, 4 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Another batch of officers left for the Rest Camp at Ile Rousse. 
There was a dance at the Headquarters Enlisted Men’s club which was attended by some 
of the 445th personnel, who supplied some of the feminine companions. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Pfc. Edward Patty, professional tennis player, is assigned to the 
squadron. 

Patty, John Edward "Budge"(assg PFC 446th 4 Jun & Pvt 448th 5 Jun 45?) 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes flew in local formation today. Lt. Reid gave a lecture 
on “What about the Italians” this afternoon, and had 68% attendance. Usual 
organizational duties. 

Reid, Walter H., 2Lt, 

 

448th BS War Diary: All personnel were told in a meeting today that movements to the 
United States would be sooner than previously expected. Had “show-down” inspection. 

 

 

 

 


Tuesday, 5 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Some men left today for Capri. Still others are bound for Venice. 
Usual training flights and garrison duties. We heard that Sgts McNevin and Larkin are 
no civilians. 

Larkin, Francis C. "Charley", T/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

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

 

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Roy C. Moose has been hospitalized for an operation. Lt. 
French has returned from 12th Air Force where he was on detached service. 

Moose, Roy C., 2Lt, intelligence 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes flew local transition today. Usual organizational duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Pvt. Patty transferred from Hq. 12th AF to squadron. Signed 
payroll and vouchers. 

Patty, John Edward "Budge"(assg PFC 446th 4 Jun & Pvt 448th 5 Jun 45?) 

 

 

 


Wednesday, 6 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and training flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Pvt. Jarrett has been transferred to the 6677th Disciplinary 
Training Center. 

Jarrett, Richard L., Pvt, transportation 

 

447th BS War Diary: 9 planes in local formation, 6 planes flew on night transition. 
Usual duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Pfc’s Janus, Jungquist, McEver, Chappell, Dunn, Fisher, Grissom, 
Oddo, Oneth, Pankiewicz and Scombardi were promoted to Corporals. Cpls. Reber, 
McCall, Swenson, Taylor, Tiger, Weiss and Yaw were promoted to Sergeants. Sgts. 
Reno, Schriebel and Yaffee, Cpl. Pierce and Pfc. Griffin returned from D.S. to duty. 

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

Fisher, Amos W., Cpl, transportation Griffin, Pink C., PFC, communications 

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 

Pierce, Wilbur E., Cpl, communications Reber, Hugh W. L., Sgt, engineering 

Reno, William F., S/Sgt, communications Schriebel, Paul J., Sgt, communications 

Scombardi, John (NMI), Cpl, transportation 

Swenson, James R., Sgt, engineering Taylor, Allan J., Sgt, personnel 

Weiss, Arthur A., Sgt, bomb system maintenance 

Yaffee, Frank (NMI), Sgt, communications Yaw, Philip C., Sgt, engineering 

 

 

 


Thursday, 7 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Major Gustav M Minton Jr 
takes command of HQ XXII Tactical Air Command, which ceases to function; Major 
Minton continues in the command until transfer to Army Air Forces Service Command, 
Mediterranean Theater of Operations (AAFSCMTO) on 12 Aug. 

 

445th BS War Diary: More men left for Ile Rousse while others returned, looking as 
though they could use a rest. More training and the usual duties. Sgt. Lestz is now a 
civilian. 

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

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieuts. Moore, Tourtellot, Strassner, plus Sgts. Stevenson, 
Lesnikowski have been transferred to M.A.T.S. 

Lesnikowski, Sgt Moore, Howard T., 2Lt, pilot 

Stevenson, Sgt Strassner, 2Lt 

Tourtellot, 2Lt 

 

447th BS War Diary: 13 planes in local formation, 2 planes night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Had meeting of all personnel and were told that men with highest 
number of points would be leaving for the United States in the very near future. 

 

 

 


Friday, 8 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Some more men left for the states today. We who are left are still 
carrying on the usual regular duties and training. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgts. Amspacker, Mancuso, Dechert, Floethe, Freeman, 
DuCharme, Lampasona, Sommer, Spinner, Lattin, Lloyd Maguire, Rife, Cpls Erickson, 
Hause, Hoffman, Pruitt, and Pfc. Fuller are heading homeward. 

Amspacker, Arthur A., T/Sgt, armament Dechert, John A., Sgt, engineering 

DuCharme, Ralph J., Sgt, engineering Erickson, Roland A., Cpl, operations 

Floethe, Jack A., S/Sgt, armament Freeman, Robert E., S/Sgt, communications 

Fuller, Roy L., PFC, ordnance Hause, Leroy W., Cpl, ordnance 

Hoffman, Leroy H., Cpl, personnel 

Lampasona, John N., S/Sgt, armament-gunner 

Lattin, Robert M., Sgt, armorer, gunner Lloyd, Alfred J., Sgt, ordnance 

Maguire, Joseph F., Sgt, communications, radio-gunner 

Mancuso, Anthony J., T/Sgt, engineering Pruitt, William N., Jr., Cpl, ordnance 

Rife, Lorne E., Sgt, armament Sommer, Willard V., S/Sgt, communications 

 

447th BS War Diary: 38 enlisted men relieved from assignment and assigned to 7th 
Repl. Depot for transshipment to US, Redeployment Par 1, Ltr Orders Hq., 12th AF, 8 
June 45. 9 planes on formation 2 planes night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: All personnel were told they had to report to S-2 before leaving 
for the United States to pick up PRO packet which contained pictures and publicity for 
the 321st Group. This packet will be given to newspapers in home town of individual 
upon arrival in U.S. 

 

 

 

 


Saturday, 9 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Another living quarters inspection was held today. Some of the 
men left for the week-end at Pescara. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Luszczenski, Cpls. Callaghan, Low, and Pfc. Zero are 
transferred to the 51st Troop Carrier Wing. 

Callaghan, Eugene D., Cpl, operations Low, Carl M., Cpl, engineering 

Luszczenski, Stanley B., Sgt, engineering Zero, Anthony M., PFC, transportation 

 

447th BS War Diary: More enlisted men left the organization today. Those men with a 
critical score under 85 are being sent out to units that are staying overseas, either in this 
theater or the Pacific. Men with 85 points or over and who can be spared are being sent 
to the US for redeployment. At the same time this organization is receiving men with 85 
points or over, who will be sent on to US from here. Therefore there is plenty of activity 
and excitement in the Squadron at present. 

 

448th BS War Diary: General Meyers presented Capt. Culp four awards at a base 
ceremony today. He received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart 
and the Air Medal. Sgt. Dittman and Pvt. Bilodeau returned to duty from T.D. Pfc’s 
Bello and Gill were placed on T.D. with the 302nd Signal Co. Pfc. Dunn transferred to 
the 51st T.C.W. Sgts. Hildreth, Karabinos, Shaw, Wilson, Hyden, Biersdorff, Ingraham, 
Kubasiewicz, Lange, LaPlant, LeSassier, Manning, Marx, McTaggart, Rauch, Reno, 
Schaeffer, Wilcox, Fuoco, Goodrich, Huebel, Hagopian, Huha, Jackson, Langley, Myall, 
Opitz, Schriebel, Whaley, Yaffee and Zurek, and Cpls. Denby, Gardner, Hojnacki, 
Pierce, Plourde and Taylor and Pfc’s Brown and Fisher left for the United States. 

Bello, George J., PFC, duty soldier Biersdorff, Charles J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Bilodeau, Arthur (NMI), Pvt, cook Brown, Joseph C., PFC, armament 

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Denby, William A., Cpl, parachute 

Dittman, Paul F., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Dunn, Vernon L, Cpl, engineering 

Fisher, Amos W., Cpl, transportation Fuoco, Frank (NMI), Sgt, gunner 

Gardner, Thomas G., Cpl, armament Gill, Clarence (MNI), PFC, duty soldier 

Goodrich, Orville H., Sgt, ordnance Hagopian, Aram (NMI), engineering 

Hildreth, Elmer L., Sgt, gunner Hojnacki, Adam A., Cpl, cook 

Huebel, Leo E., Sgt, engineering Huha, George (NMI), Sgt, communications 

Hyden, Aaro W., Sgt, communications Ingraham, Herman R., S/Sgt, engineering 

Jackson, Houston S., Sgt, cook Karabinos, Joseph M., T/Sgt, engineering 

Kubasiewicz, Stanley F., S/Sgt, engineering Lange, Clayton V., Sgt, armament 

Langley, James C., Sgt, operations LaPlant, Madoris J., S/Sgt, ordnance 

LeSassier, John W., Sgt, engineering Manning, James F., S/Sgt, communication 

Marx, Leonard R., Sgt, armament McTaggart, Leonard A., S/Sgt, gunner 

Meyers, General, Myall, William D., Sgt, armament 

Opitz, Fred E., Sgt, communications Pierce, Wilbur E., Cpl, communications 

Plourde, Lucien P., Cpl, ordnance Rauch, Charles M., Sgt, engineering 


Saturday, 9 June 1945 (continued) 

 

Reno, William F., S/Sgt, communications Schaeffer, John H., Sgt, armament 

Schriebel, Paul J., Sgt, communications 

Shaw, David S., Sgt, communications or Shaw, David S., Sgt, communications 

Taylor, Allan J., Sgt, personnel Whaley, Peter W., Sgt, 

Wilcox, John F., III, S/Sgt, armament Wilson, Elrod C., T/Sgt, ordnance 

Yaffee, Frank (NMI), Sgt, communications Zurek, Aloysius F., Sgt, ordnance 

 

 

 


Sunday, 10 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: A warm Sunday and many of the men spent it at the beach nearby. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Pfc. Jerome Meany left for Army Education Staff School in 
Rome. 1st Lt. Jackson is assigned to the squadron. 1st Lt. Holt has been transferred to the 
515th Air Service Group. 

Holt, Noel P., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Jackson, Roland B., 1Lt, pilot 

Meany, Jerome P., PFC, communications 

 

447th BS War Diary: The officers and men who went to Cairo returned today. Usual 
Organizational duties. 

 

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

 

 

 

 


Monday, 11 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: More men left for the good old U.S.A. today. Usual training and 
garrison activities. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Ems Kelly, Carl, Dalpos, Taylor, Alton, Byman, Kane, Freeman, 
Lancaster, Schuback, Yakelis, Krasity, Rowe, Shumaker, and Shuttz left this morning for 
the states. 1st Lt. Cecil E. Welch, Jr. was killed by an accidental fall at Ile Rousse rest 
camp on the Island of Corsica. 

Alton, Leo F., Sgt, engineering Byman, Arvid R., Sgt, engineering 

Carl, Edgar W., S/Sgt, gunner Dalpos, Joseph N., S/Sgt, gunner 

Freeman, William B., Sgt, engineering Kane, Ronald J., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Kelly, Thomas J., T/Sgt, gunner Krasity, Emil (NMI), Sgt, ordnance 

Lancaster, Francis M., Sgt, armament Rowe, Maynard (NMI), Sgt, transportation 

Schuback, Wallace C., Sgt, communications 

Shumaker, Acie C., Sgt, transportation Shuttz, Vernon E., Sgt, cook 

Welsh, Cecil E., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Yakelis, Joseph M., Sgt, engineering 

Taylor, Allan J., gunner or Taylor, George A., Sgt, engineering 

 or Taylor, James M., Sgt, gunner or Taylor, John D., T/Sgt, communications 

 or Taylor, Raymond F., Sgt, gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: 13 planes on local formation and 2 on night transition. 9 enlisted 
men and one officer sent home on redeployment. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Cpls. Shulanski and Webb, Pfc’s Frey, Griffin and Smith and 
Pvts. Adams, Bilodeau, Dearien, Dombrowski and StGermain left for the United States. 
Pfc. Alcala returned from T.D. to duty. The 1st Sgt. announced that we had a large 
amount of money in the E.M. Club fund and had to get rid of it before the group broke up 
or it would be given to the Italian Relief Fund. We are tearing out portion of mess hall 
for a bar and all liqueur will be given away. 

Adams, Edward T., Pvt, cook or Adams, William M., Pvt, engineering 

Alcala, Pedro A., PFC, duty soldier Bilodeau, Arthur (NMI), Pvt, cook 

Dearien, John W., Pvt, duty soldier Dombrowski, Michael (NMI), Pvt, ordnance 

Frey, Fred L., Jr., PFC, transportation Griffin, Pink C., PFC, communications 

Shulanski, Joseph (NMI), Cpl, personnel Smith, Virgil D., Cpl, ordnance 

StGermain, Walter A., Pvt, engineering Webb, Ernest F., Cpl, medical 

 

 

 


Tuesday, 12 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and training flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Maurer and Pvt. Tagg are assigned to the squadron. 

Maurer, Sgt Tagg, Carrol H., Pvt, transportation 

 

447th BS War Diary: 4 planes on local formation and 2 on night transition. 9 enlisted 
men and one officer sent home on redeployment. 

 

448th BS War Diary: There was a parade and inspection today. Work was begun on our 
bar. Cpls. McCall, Reber, Swenson, Tiger, Weiss and Yaw were promoted to Sergeants. 
Pfc’s Chappell, Grissom, Janus, Jungquist, McEver, Oddo, Oneth, Pankiewicz and 
Scombardi were promoted to Corporals. 

Chappell, William C., Cpl, armament 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 Tiger, George E., Sgt, cook 

Weiss, Arthur A., Sgt, bomb system maintenance 

Yaw, Philip C., Sgt, engineering 

 

 

 


Wednesday, 13 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and training was cut short by strong winds. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st lt. Hutchins is transferred to 38th General Hospital in Cairo. 
Sgts. Ahl, Karp are promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Cpls. Bell, Giffin, Welch, 
Frazier have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Pfc. Cothran, Efrid, Stiebel, Eads, 
Hedberg, and Vermouth are promoted to the grade of Corporal. 

Ahl, Irwin M., S/Sgt, cryptographic Bell, William E., Sgt, operations 

Cothran, Thomas H., Jr., Cpl, engineering Eads, Clifton D., Cpl, engineering 

Efrid, John W., Cpl, engineering Frazier, James R., Sgt, communications 

Giffin, Alva H., Sgt, armament Hedberg, James L., Cpl, armament 

Hutchins, Darwin P., 1Lt, gunnery instructor 

Karp, William B., S/Sgt, engineering Stiebel, Austin O., Cpl, gunner 

Vermouth, George J., Cpl, armament Welch, Edwin S., Sgt, communications 

 

447th BS War Diary: 11 planes flew local formation. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lt. Gilbert was assigned to the squadron. 

Gilbert, 2Lt 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, 14 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Another batch of men left for the U.S.A. More training. The Red 
Cross stage show at the Coffee Shoppe was excellent. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieuts. Hahn, Neel, and Cimino, Staff Sergeants Englehaupt and 
Beck are transferred to the 515th Air Service Group. 

Beck, Junior D., S/Sgt, gunner Cimino, William C., 1Lt, bombardier 

Englehaupt, Russell L., S/Sgt, gunner Hahn, Melvin G., 1Lt, pilot 

Neel, John D., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: 6 officers and 4 enlisted men, all flying personnel, rotated to US. 
9 planes local formation and 2 night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lt. Wiman was transferred to the 47th Bomb Group. Lts. Carroll 
and Cannon, F/O Stewart and Sergeants Codd and Pituck were transferred to the United 
States. Pfc. Dunn was promoted to corporal. 

Cannon, John L, 1Lt, bombardier Carroll, 1Lt, 

Codd, James P., Sgt, gunner Dunn, Vernon L, Cpl, engineering 

Pituck, James B., T/Sgt, gunner Stewart, F/O 

Wiman, 1Lt, 

 

 

 

 


Friday, 15 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 86th Bombardment 
Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Grosseto to Pisa, Italy 
with A-20s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and flight training. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Owens has been assigned to the squadron. Pfc. Johnson is 
transferred to the 302nd Signal Company of the Troop Carrier Wing. 

Johnson, Alfred L., PFC, duty soldier Owens, 1Lt 

 

447th BS War Diary: 9 planes local formation and 2 night transition. 1st Lt. Robert T. 
Taylor assigned this organization. 

Taylor, Robert T., 1Lt, 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lt. Howard was transferred from the 57th Bomb Wing to the 
squadron. Sgt. Wimberly was transferred to Hq. Sq., AAF/MTO, in Naples. Pfc. 
Crowther was transferred to the 51st T.C.W. Trucks will now leave every Saturday for 
St. George and return Sunday. 

Crowther, Leland H., PFC, armament Howard, 2Lt 

Wimberly, Charles G., Sgt, intelligence 

 

 

 


Saturday, 16 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: There was an inspection of personnel living quarters today. Once 
again Pescara was favored by the presence of a goodly number of “our boys”. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lucky Corporal Koszczuk left this morning on a twelve day 
furlough. 

Koszczuk, Jan P., Cpl, cook 

 

447th BS War Diary: Today was show down inspection for all personnel. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Inspection held as usual but no parade. Our bar opened tonight. 
Almost as wild as V-nite. All liquor was given away. 

 

 

 

 


Sunday, 17 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): HQ 47th Bombardment 
Group (Light) and 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) move from Grosseto to 
Pisa, Italy. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Some men left for rest camp and others returned in the same 
familiar peaked condition. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Smiling Corporal Sharp left this morning on his homeward 
journey. 

Sharp, Gloyd E., Sgt, engineering or Sharp, Walter S., Sgt, armament 

 

447th BS War Diary: Usual organizational duties. 

 

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

 

 

 

 


Monday, 18 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and training flights. Part of the ceiling fell 
in one of the bays in the enlisted men’s building just missing our duty sergeant who 
probably thinks it’s a clear case of sabotage. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Corporal Henry L. Cowan was one of the fortunate men who left 
this afternoon for rest camp in Alexander, Egypt. 1st Lt. Weinstein has been assigned to 
the squadron as Personal Equipment Officer. 

Cowan, Henry L., Cpl, intelligence Weinstein, 1Lt, Personal Equipment Officer 

 

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. D.P. Twieg returned from TDY Hq., 12th A.F. 12 planes 
local formation and 2 on night transition. 

Twieg, Donald P., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Sgts. Bever, Forst, Forster, Genung, Higgins, Leonard, Leyden, 
Meno and Wernicki transferred from 57th B.W. and assigned to squadron. 

Bever, Sgt Forst, Sgt 

Forster, Sgt Genung, Sgt 

Higgins, Sgt, Leonard, Sgt, 

Leyden, Sgt Meno, Sgt 

Wernicki, Sgt 

 

 

 

 

 


Tuesday, 19 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: More men have left for the U.S. Another Red Cross stage show 
with an excellent mind reading act was put on at the Coffee Shoppe. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Technical Sergeants Brodsko, Harrison, Pare, Dion, Stewart, and 
Meyring have been assigned to the squadron as radio-gunners. 

Brodsko, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Dion, T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Harrison, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Meyring, T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Pare, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Stewart, T/Sgt, radio gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: 11 planes on local formation and 2 flew night transition. Usual 
camp duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Revealed that no man with less than 85 points will be given Rest 
Camp leave. 

 

 


Wednesday, 20 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Still more men are leaving for home and still we who remain carry 
on with the necessary duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st Lieuts. Jackson, Alward, Clark, Sherline, Bogan, and Fein, 
Technical Sergeants Nigrelli and Alexander, and Staff Sergeants Martin and Nichols have 
been transferred to the 515th Air Service Group. 

Alexander, Preston S., T/Sgt, gunner Alward, Charles W., 1Lt, pilot 

Bogan, Floyd W., 1Lt, pilot Clark, Samuel E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier 

Fein, William F., 1Lt, bombardier Jackson, Roland B., 1Lt, pilot 

Martin, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Nichols, Henry J., III, S/Sgt, gunner 

Nigrelli, Ernest J., T/Sgt, gunner Sherline, David M., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: 12 officers and 8 enlisted men, all flying personnel, returned to 
US. 11 planes on local formation and 2 flew night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lts. Sculley, Gardner, Zakopacan and Blank, F/O Hedman and 
Sgts. O’Brien, Mientkiewicz, Magers and Weeks left for the United States. 

Blank, 2Lt, Gardner, Philip K., 1Lt, bombardier 

Hedman, F/O Magers, Marshall P., S/Sgt, gunner 

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

O'Brien, Brendan M., T/Sgt, gunner Sculley, Thomas S., 1Lt, pilot 

Weeks, Donald E., S/Sgt, gunner Zakopacan, John S., 1Lt, pilot 

 

 

 


Thursday, 21 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Another bunch of men left for home today. Usual garrison duties 
and non-operational flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 2nd Lt. Vernon D. Stone was killed in an automobile accident ten 
miles south of Loreto, Italy. 2nd Lt. David Fox has been promoted to the rand of 1st 
Lieutenant. 

Fox, David F., 1Lt, bombardier Stone, Vernon D., 2Lt 

 

447th BS War Diary: No change. 7 planes on local formation and 2 on night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Capt. Sargent, I & E Officer, gave lecture on Pacific War from 
invasion of Philippines to present date. 

Sargent, Alwin H., Capt, intelligence 

 

 

 

 


Friday, 22 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Unit moves from Italy to 
the US: 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), begins a 
movement from Pisa; 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group from Cattolica. 

 

445th BS War Diary: More flights for fuel consumption etc. Men left for Rest Camp. 
The Mitchell-Aires, 321st Dance Band is breaking up and they are getting rid of their 
instruments. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st Lieuts. Haynes, Sheetinger, Fox, Sloan, Fodor, Haeberlin, 
Treadwell, Corra, and Flight Officer Jennings, as well as Staff Sergeants Boylan, 
Benedict, Wimert, Technical Sergeant Demmitt have been transferred to the 515th Air 
Service Group. 1st Lt. John T. Mohan, the squadron supply officer, has been transferred 
to the 340th Bombardment Group (M). 

Benedict, William P., S/Sgt, gunner Boylan, James P., S/Sgt, gunner 

Corra, Andrew J., 1Lt, bombardier Demmitt, Henry H., T/Sgt, gunner 

Fodor, Joseph M., 1Lt, bombardier Fox, David F., 1Lt, bombardier 

Haeberlin, Paul L., 1Lt, pilot Haynes, Allan C., 1Lt, pilot 

Jennings, F/O Mohan, John T., 1Lt, Supply Officer 

Sheetinger, Dan A., 1Lt, pilot Sloan, Thomas M., 1Lt, pilot 

Treadwell, Joseph (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Wimert, Donald A., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: 6 officers and 4 enlisted men, flying personnel, left for U.S. The 
majority of these flying officers and men are taking airplanes back to the States with 
them. 4 planes local formation and 2 on night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lts. Stokes, Bartlett, Bruhn, Nolkemper, Sutton, Valenti, Smith, 
Armstrong, Russell, Beckman, Arnold and Akers, and Sgts. Wolfe, Soltys, Parham, 
Zimmerman, Morian, Forst, Head and Chase left for the United States. 

Akers, Harold B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 1Lt, bombardier 

Arnold, Harold L., 1Lt, bombardier Bartlett, Thomas M., 1Lt, pilot 

Beckman, Harold C., 1Lt, pilot Bruhn, Charles A., 1Lt, pilot 

Chase, Harry M., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner Forst, Sgt 

Head, Guthrie H., Sgt, gunner Morian, Charles R., T/Sgt, gunner 

Nolkemper, Harold J., 2Lt, pilot Parham, Ralph E., T/Sgt, gunner 

Russell, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot or Russell, John D., 1Lt, pilot 

Smith, Milford A., 1Lt, pilot Soltys, John J., T/Sgt, gunner 

Stokes, George M., 1Lt, pilot Sutton, Norman J., 1Lt, bombardier 

Valenti, Jack J., 1Lt, pilot Wolfe, Bernard M., S/Sgt, gunner 

Zimmerman, Carl F., T/Sgt, gunner 

 

 

 

 


Saturday, 23 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 85th and 86th 
Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), begin a movement 
from Pisa, Italy to the US. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Another personnel living quarters inspection was held today. 
More aircraft are being tested in preparation for the trip home. Once again some of the 
men left or Pescara for the week-end. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Pfc. Meany returns from his tour of schooling in Rome. 

Meany, Jerome P., PFC, communications 

 

447th BS War Diary: No change. Usual organizational duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Cpl. Levin and Pfc. Thompson returned from D.S. to duty. 

Levin, Jerome K., Cpl, photographer Thompson, Louis A., PFC, communications 

 

 


Sunday, 24 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): HQ 47th Bombardment 
Group (Light) begins a movement from Pisa, Italy to the US. 

 

445th BS War Diary: As of today, the 321st Mitchell-Aires is no more. So passes one of 
the high spots of the group. The band was enjoyed by everyone in this group and other 
groups in the wing. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st Lieuts. Bachman, Buchanan, Pouse, Wallace, Barbee, and 2nd 
Lieut. Atkins as well as Ems Bass, Kirwan, Pelusi, and Grantham have been transferred 
to the 515th Air Service Group. Staff Sergeants Ahl, Fye, and Jones, Sergeants Bell, 
Johnson, Maurer, Corporals Cotton, Duty, Everitt, Parr, Vann, Pfc. Webber, and Pvt. 
Flagg are transferred to the 57th Fighter Group. 

Ahl, Irwin M., S/Sgt, cryptographic Atkins, Richard A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot 

Bachman, William C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Barbee, Harvey C. Jr., 1Lt, pilot 

Bass, Charles L., Sgt, gunner Bell, William E., Sgt, operations 

Buchanan, Talmadge A., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Cotton, George (NMI), Cpl, cook 

Duty, Donald W., Cpl, communications Everitt, Ernie G., Cpl, cook 

Flagg, Raymond H., Pvt, cook Fye, S/Sgt, 

Grantham, Kenneth C., Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Johnson, Mosens W., Sgt, communications Jones, Julian A., S/Sgt, engineering 

Kirwan, Harold J., Sgt, gunner Maurer, Sgt 

Parr, Edwin B., Cpl, ordnance Pelusi, Richard D., Sgt, gunner 

Pouse, Alford H., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Vann, Earl T., Cpl, cook 

Wallace, Merwin W., 1Lt, pilot Webber, Frank B., PFC, personnel 

 

447th BS War Diary: 22 enlisted men, all under 85 points, assigned t 57th Ftr. Gp. 13 
enlisted men assigned and joined this organization from 57th Ftr. Gp. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lts. Mann, Rutz, Chakmakian, Host and Lang, and Sgts. 
Gutierrez, Genung, Oliver and Meno left for the United States. Sgts. Roy, Asche, 
Cowan, James, Warren, Darendinger, Lewter and Ahles were transferred to the squadron 
from the 57th F.G. Sgts. McGinchey, Reber, Walter, and Weiss, and Cpls. Denny, 
Escobar, Levin, Marks and Young, and Pfc’s Nash, Thompson were transferred to the 
57th F.G. 

Ahles, Sgt Asche, Sgt 

Chakmakian, George E., 1Lt, pilot Cowan, Sgt 

Darendinger, Sgt Denny, Joseph C., Cpl., communications 

Escobar, Catarino H., Cpl, cook Genung, Sgt 

Gutierrez, Ralph (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner Host, Carroll, 1Lt 

James, Sgt Lang, Robert H., 1Lt, bombardier-navigator 

Levin, Jerome K., Cpl, photographer Lewter, Sgt 

Mann, James R., 1Lt, pilot 

Marks, Thomas H., Cpl, cook or Marks, William, Cpl, transportation 

McGinchey, John J., Sgt, personnel Meno, Sgt 


Sunday, 24 June 1945 (continued) 

 

Nash William A., PFC, duty soldier Oliver, Sgt 

Reber, Hugh W. L., Sgt, engineering Roy, Sgt 

Rutz, Victor H., 1Lt, bombardier Thompson, Louis A., PFC, communications 

Walter, Robert I., Sgt, supply Warren, Sgt 

Weiss, Arthur A., Sgt, bomb system maintenance 

Young, William H., Cpl, engineer 

 

 

 

 

 


Monday, 25 June 1945 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The 97th Bombardment 
Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), begins a movement from Pisa, Italy 
to the US. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The men were shown a short movie on Rotation today and now 
know as much as they knew before. Usual garrison duties and training flights. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st Lieuts. Gahm, McCloud, Berge, Chandley, Weihe, French, 
Golden, Dunn, Williams, and 2nd Lieuts. Huntsley, Rooker, McNeal, Crandall, Sykes, and 
Flight Officer Johnson, as well as Ems Taylor, Jeczewski, Reda, Reinartsen, Peterson, 
Chase, Sanders, Krider, Harrison, and Stewart have been transferred to the 515th Air 
Service Group. 

Berge, Gale B., 1Lt, pilot Chandley, Shirly S., 1Lt, bombardier 

Chase, William H., Sgt, gunner Crandall, Lawrence A., 2Lt, 

Dunn, Albert W., 1Lt, pilot French, Wendell L., 1Lt, pilot 

Gahm, Edward L., 1Lt, bombardier Golden, Benny (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier 

Harrison, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Huntsley, Glenn W., 2Lt, 

Jeczewski, Joseph M., Sgt, gunner Johnson, Richard W., F/O, pilot 

Krider, Emanuel (NMI), Sgt, gunner McCloud, Ray L., 1Lt, pilot 

McNeal, Raymond L., 2Lt, bombardier Peterson, James R., Jr., Sgt, gunner 

Reda, John J., Sgt., gunner Reinartsen, Charles R., Jr., Sgt, gunner 

Rooker, John C., 2Lt Sanders, Jesse A., Jr., Sgt, gunner 

Stewart, T/Sgt, radio gunner Sykes, Ralph L., 2Lt, pilot 

Taylor, Allan J., gunner or Taylor, James M., Sgt, gunner 

 or Taylor, Raymond F., Sgt, gunner or Taylor, Tullis (NMI), Sgt, gunner 

Weihe, Frederick A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Williams, Thomas A., 1Lt, navigator 

447th BS War Diary: 9 officers and 6 enlisted men, flying personnel, sent to US. 7 
planes on local formation and 2 planes flew night transition. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lts. Campbell, Carr, Bottom, Barile, Howard, Allendorph, Butler, 
Friske, Dean, Stow, Pushee and Sheppard, and Sgts. Harageones, Higgins, Murray, 
Leyden, Payne, Wernicki, Nelson and Leonard were transferred to the United States. We 
were given a “dressing-down” by Maj. Farwell concerning inspections, as we were the 
worst of all squadrons at the last one. 

Allendorph, John B., 1Lt, bombardier Barile, Sam (NMI), 1Lt, pilot 

Bottom, James W., 1Lt, bombardier Butler, Glenn D., 1Lt, pilot 

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

Carr, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot Dean, 1Lt 

Farwell, Harold S., Maj, pilot, Commander Friske, 2Lt, 

Harageones, George J., S/Sgt, gunner Higgins, Sgt, 

Howard, 2Lt Leonard, Sgt, 

Leyden, Sgt Murray, Francis J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Nelson, William M., S/Sgt, gunner Payne, Robert R., S/Sgt, gunner 

Pushee, 2Lt Sheppard, John W., 1Lt, bombardier 

Stow, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot Wernicki, Sgt 


Tuesday, 26 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: 1st Lieut. Richard W. O’Connor, the squadron navigator, has been 
transferred to the 340th Bombardment Group (M). Staff Sergeants Lind and Swann also 
have been transferred to the 515th Air Service Group. 

Lind, Kenneth H., Sgt, gunner O'Connor, Richard W., 1Lt, navigator 

Swann, Homer W., Sgt, gunner 

 

447th BS War Diary: No change. Usual organizational duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Sgts. Addario, Roy, Asche, Cowan, James, and Warren, and Cpls. 
Huehn, Darendinger and Lewter and Pfc’s Bedell and Ahles were transferred form the 
57th F.G. and assigned to the squadron. 

Addario, Sgt, Ahles, Cpl 

Asche, Sgt Bedell, PFC 

Cowan, Sgt Darendinger, Cpl 

Huehn, Cpl James, Sgt 

Lewter, Cpl Roy, Sgt 

Warren, Sgt 

 


Wednesday, 27 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Corporals Lorenz, and Rowlett have been assigned to the 
squadron. Corporal Guest and Sergeant Giffin are transferred to the 350th Fighter Group. 
The squadron commanding officer, Lt. Col. Paul T. Cooper, started on his homeward 
journey today. Major Robert R. Smedley is now the commanding officer of the 
squadron. Lt. Roy C. Moose has been transferred to the 350th Fighter Group as an 
intelligence officer. 

Cooper, Paul T., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Giffin, Alva H., Sgt, armament 

Guest, Morris F., Jr., Cpl, engineering Lorenz, Cpl 

Moose, Roy C., 2Lt, intelligence Rowlett, Cpl 

Smedley, Robert R., Maj, pilot, Commander 

 

447th BS War Diary: 3 officers and 2 enlisted men, flying personnel, rotated to US. 27 
enlisted men attached and joined from 350th Ftr. Gp. 21 enlisted men assigned to the 
350th Ftr. Gp. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Sgts. Eikler, Freeman, Kubel, Lashock, Sapara, and Swenson, and 
Pvt. Troccoli were place on T.D. with the 515th Air Serv. Group. Lts. Spaur, Korntved, 
and Higby, and Sgts. White and Feter were transferred to the 515th A.S.G. Sgt. Russell 
and Pvt. Gesmer transferred from 350th F.G. and assigned to squadron. Sgts. Beckman, 
Burns, Doell, Pitts and Griffin, and Cpls. Anderson, Oddo, Cordo, Miller, and Szvetics, 
and Pfc’s Grindstaff and Griffis were transferred to the 355th F.S. Sgts. Conoway, 
Dawson, Grove, Johnson, McAdams, Spekter, Wroblewski and Blackard, and Cpls. 
Kelsey, Sheckells, Sullivan, Blake, Dehn, Dissen, Hansen and Oneth, Pfc. Finall and Pvt. 
Post were transferred to the 346th F.G. Sgts. Jacobs, Letellier, Smetzer, Bates, Dugan, 
Atherton, Bower, and Braga, and Cpls. McEver, Pankiewicz, Galligham, Farris, Kyser 
and McQuay, and Pfc. Alcala were transferred to the 347th F.G. Cpl. Sommers transferred 
to the 414th Night Fighter Squadron. Sgt. St.Laurent left for D.S. at Cannes, France. Pfc. 
DelGuergio returned from T.D. to duty. 

Alcala, Pedro A., PFC, duty soldier 

Anderson, Kenneth A., Cpl, armament or Anderson, Reuben E., Cpl, armament 

Atherton, Robert C., S/Sgt, gunner Bates, Warren F., Sgt, engineering 

Beckman, Sgt Blackard, Hershel L., S/Sgt, gunner 

Blake, Thomas L., Cpl, armament Bower, Sgt 

Braga, Sgt Burns, Sgt 

Conoway, Sgt Cordo, Dominic J., Cpl, engineering 

Dawson, Sgt Dehn, Monroe O., Cpl, armament-gunner 

DelGuergio, Jerry S., PFC, duty soldier Dissen, Richard A., Cpl, armament 

Doell, Sgt Dugan, T/Sgt, "ground man" 

Eikler, Maynard L., Sgt, communications Farris, Cpl 

Feter, Sgt Finall, Boyd M., PFC, ordnance 


Wednesday, 27 June 1945 (continued) 

 

Freeman, Abraham (NMI), Sgt, engineering Galligham, Cpl 

Gesmer, Pvt Griffin, Charles W., Sgt, communications 

Griffin, E. I., Sgt, gunner Griffis, Roy J., Pvt, engineering 

Grindstaff, Clate J., PFC, transportation Grove, Sgt 

Hansen, Robert E., Cpl, armament Higby, Paul K., 2Lt, bombardier 

Jacobs, Sgt Johnson, Sgt 

Kelsey, Cpl Korntved, 2Lt, 

Kubel, Francis W., Sgt, engineering Kyser, Cpl 

Lashock, Ray A., Sgt, engineering Letellier, Sgt 

McAdams, Sgt McEver, Thomas J., Cpl, duty soldier 

McQuay, Cpl 

Miller, Herbert (NMI), Cpl, communications, radio-gunner 

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

Pankiewicz, Edward J., Cpl, engineering Pitts, Donald W., Sgt, communication 

Post, Pvt, Russell, Sgt 

Sapara, Andrew M., Sgt, engineering Sheckells, Cpl 

Smetzer, Sgt Sommers, Robert F., Cpl, gunner 

Spaur, Melvin J., 1Lt, pilot Spekter, Sgt 

StLaurent, Raymond M., Sgt, gunner Sullivan, Cpl 

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

Troccoli, James V., Pvt, engineering White, Frank H., T/Sgt, gunner 

Wroblewski, Sgt 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, 28 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Corporal Henry L. Cowan returns from the Army Air Force rest 
camp in Alexander, Egypt. 

Cowan, Henry L., Cpl, intelligence 

 

447th BS War Diary: 6 officers and 4 enlisted men, flying personnel, sent to U.S. 2 
planes on local transition and 2 on night transition. 

 

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

 

 

 

 


Friday, 29 June 1945 

 

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

 

445th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. 

 

446th BS War Diary: The enlisted men of the squadron gave a farewell party for the 
future transferees. 

 

447th BS War Diary: 9 officers and 6 enlisted men, flying personnel, rotated to U.S. 2 
men assigned from Hq., 321st Bomb Gp. 3 enlisted men assigned to 416th Night Ftr. Sq. 
4 men assigned to 57th Ftr. Gp. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Sgts. DiSalvo, Dittman, Ederer, Fields, McConnell, Masbruch, 
Ryan, Cpls. Garmong, Goodman, Jungquist, Langness, Lehti and Light, and Pfc. 
DelGuergio were transferred to the 414th Night Fighter Squadron. Sgts. Neidhardt, Daly, 
Lebica, Cook and Stontz and Cpl. Dickinson transferred from the 414th N.F.G. and 
assigned to squadron. Pfc. Unger returned from D.S. to duty. Sgt. Witherell assigned to 
57th F.G. 

Cook, Sgt Daly, Sgt 

DelGuergio, Jerry S., PFC, duty soldier Dickinson, Cpl 

DiSalvo, Alfred J., S/Sgt, gunner Dittman, Paul F., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner 

Ederer, Robert J., Sgt, gunner Fields, James A., S/Sgt, gunner 

Garmong, Robert F., Cpl, engineering Goodman, John T., Cpl, gunner 

Jungquist, Walter L., Cpl, engineering Langness, Irving (NMI), Cpl, armament 

Lebica, Sgt Lehti, George E., Cpl, armament 

Light, Edward B., Cpl, armament Masbruch, Arthur G., Sgt, gunner 

McConnell, S/Sgt, gunner Neidhardt, Sgt 

Ryan, Joseph C., Sgt, personnel Stontz, Sgt 

Unger, Wilmer H., Pvt, communications Witherell, T/Sgt, 

 

 

 


Saturday, 30 June 1945 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The organization charts 
show a further net loss during Jun 45; 16 units have been transferred to other HQ within 
the theater, 1 sent directly to the Pacific, another redeployed to the US, 3 disbanded, 9 
provisional units discontinued, and 5 attached units relieved (plus a Brazilian unit 
attached for operations being released); only 2 units are added to the Twelfth. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Pay Day. There was no inspection today and everyone was 
pleased. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Staff Sergeant Richardson, Sergeant Koeger, and Corporals 
Bulger, Harris, Sharp, Allan, Breen, Bronowski, Butler, Cothran, Davidson, Eads, and 
Eckles, as well as Pfc. Riddle are transferred to the 340th Bombardment Group (M). The 
squadron ordnance officer, 1st Lieut. Glenn A. Roberts, has been assigned to the 340th 
Bombardment Group (M). Technical Sergeant Jefferies, Sergeant Morris, Corporals 
Krejny, Toth, Pfc. Gola, Meany, Puffinbarger, and Pvts. Tagg, Vail, Wofford, are 
transferred to the 79th Fighter Group. 1st Lieuts. Wilcox, Burkland, and 2nd Lieut. 
Stalsby, as well as Flight Officer Bjerva have been transferred to the 515th Air Service 
Group. 

Allan, John, Cpl, engineering Bjerva, Leo B., F/O 

Breen, Sgt Bronowski, Sgt 

Bulger, David J., Cpl, engineering Burkland, Donald K., 1Lt, pilot 

Butler, Sgt Cothran, Thomas H., Jr., Cpl, engineering 

Davidson, Marvin J., Cpl, communications Eads, Clifton D., Cpl, engineering 

Eckles, Wallace, Cpl, engineering Gola, Peter J., PFC, armament 

Harris, Price F., Cpl, armament Jefferies, James C., T/Sgt, supply 

Koeger, Paul W., Sgt, armament Krejny, Robert (NMI), Cpl, communications 

Meany, Jerome P., PFC, communications Morris, Idris (NMI), Sgt, personnel 

Puffinbarger, Ralph L., PFC, armament Richardson, Jack D., S/Sgt, engineering 

Riddle, Walter W., Cpl, transportation Roberts, Glenn A., 1Lt, Ordnance Officer 

Sharp, Gloyd E., Cpl, engineering or Sharp, Walter S., Cpl, armament 

Stalsby, 2Lt Tagg, Carrol H., Pvt, transportation 

Toth, John (NMI), Cpl, engineering Vail, Burling K., Pvt, duty soldier 

Wilcox, Ralph E., 1Lt, pilot Wofford, Willis B., Pvt, armament 

 

447th BS War Diary: No change. Usual organizational duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Lts. Thompson, Keene and Cameron, and Sgts. Hauke, Woodling, 
Rainey and Bever transferred to 515th A.S.G. Lts. Stanwood, Freeman and Williams also 
transferred and were assigned to 515th A.S.G. Cpls. Tesoriero, and Thompson, and Pfc’s 
Gentry, Kovacs and Rogers transferred to 340th Bomb Group. Sgt. Tiger, Cpls. Chappell, 
Griffin and Grissom, and Pfc’s Schwartz, Unger, Whichard, Yarbrough, and R. 
Yarbrough transferred to the 79th F.G. Sgt. Glass transferred from 416th N.F.G. and 
assigned to squadron. Pfc. Grigas transferred to 974th Air Emergency Sq, 548th A.S.G. 
Pfc. Rogers returned from D.S. to duty. Capt. Sargent transferred to 340th Bomb Group. 


Saturday, 30 June 1945 (continued) 

 

Bever, Sgt Cameron, Alexander G., 1Lt, bombardier 

Chappell, William C., Cpl, armament Freeman, 2Lt, 

Gentry, Edgar W., PFC, transportation Glass, David H., S/Sgt, gunner 

Griffin, Charles W., Cpl, communications Grigas, Alexander C., PFC, personnel 

Grissom, John E., Jr., Cpl, engineering Hauke, S/Sgt, gunner 

Keene, 2Lt, Kovacs, George (NMI), PFC, transportation 

Rainey, S/Sgt, gunner Rogers, John J., PFC, communications 

Sargent, Alwin H., Capt, intelligence Schwartz, Harry (NMI), PFC, armament 

Stanwood, Ralph E., 2Lt, pilot Tesoriero, Cpl, gunner 

Thompson, 2Lt, Thompson, K., Cpl, gunner 

Tiger, George E., Sgt, cook Unger, Wilmer H., PFC, communications 

Whichard, PFC Williams, Peter G., 1Lt, pilot 

Woodling, S/Sgt, gunner Yarbrough, Edward B., PFC, engineering 

Yarbrough, Roy A., PFC, engineering 

 

 

 

 

 


May 1945 

 

445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for June 1945 

 

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M) 

APO 650 

1 July 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records 

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing 

 Attentions: Historian 

 

 1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period 1 June 1945 to 30 June 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 June 1945 

 (a) At beginning - 395 

 (b) Net increase - 

 (c) Net decrease - 137 

 (d) At end - 258 

 

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 

 June, 1945. 

 

 f Campaigns – hostilities ceased in Italy. 

 

 g No combat missions flown by squadron. 

 

 h Losses in action – none 

 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

i Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action: 

 

G.O. #120, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 1 June 1945: 

Distinguished Flying Cross (Extraordinary achievement in aerial flight) 

1st Lt. Milton H. Brown, bombardier 

1st Lt. John H. O’Keefe, pilot 

 

G.O. #125, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 7 June 1945: 

 9th Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal 

T/Sgt. Jimmie Chambers, engineer-gunner 

 

G.O. #133, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 15 June 1945: 

Distinguished Flying Cross

1st Lt. John P. Murphy, bombardier 

 

G.O. #135, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 17 June 1945: 

Bronze Star (Meritorious Achievement) 

Sgt. Edgar C., Jackson, ordnance 

 

G.O. #136, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 18 June 1945: 

Bronze Star

T/Sgt. Donald A. Fitch, armament 

 

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

 

For the Commanding Officer: 

 

Incl: EDGAR F. ULMER, 

War Diary. Capt., A.C., 

 Squadron Historian. 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for June 1945 

 

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M) 

APO 650 

1 July 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records 

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

 Attention Historian. 

 

 1. Outline History of the 446th Squadron for the period 1 June 1945 to 30 June 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 June 1945 102 Officers, 297 Enlisted Men 

 (2) Net Increase None None 

 (3) Net Decrease 60 Officers, 61 Enlisted Men 

 (4) 30 May 1945 42 Officers, 236 Enlisted Men 

 

d Stations of units or echelons 

 (1) None 

 

e Movements of units or echelons. 

 (1) None 

 

 f Campaigns 

 (1) None 

 

 g Operations 

 (1) With the rotation and redeployment systems gaining momentum, the rapid 

 loss of personnel led to the discontinuing of I & E classes. 

(2) Ground school and ground training for combat crewmen was still carried 
out and the schedule set up for May was adhered to. 


 

 





June 1945 (continued) 

 

(3) Aerial Training was as follows: 


 Type Sorties Hours 

 Transition 60 117:40 

 Formation 20 37:10 

 Instrument 37 97:30 

 Bombing 4 7:25 

 Navigation 39 106:50 

 Night Flying 36 77:50 

 

h Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action: 

 (1) Distinguished Service Cross Awarded to: 

 1st Lt. Roland B. Jackson, pilot, GO #60, MTC 

 (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Awarded to: 

 Capt. Lamar E. Ramsay, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Charles W. Alward, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st lt. Harvey C. Barbee Jr., pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Floyd W. Bogan, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Allan C. Haynes, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Paul L. Haeberlin, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Noel P. Holt, Jr., pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Dan A. Sheetinger, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Thomas M. Sloan, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 1st Lt. Joseph Treadwell, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 2nd Lt. William H. Anderson, pilot, GO #117, XII AF 

 2nd Lt. Donald O. Hensler, bombardier, GO #117, XII AF 

 (3) Air Medal Awarded to: 

 2nd Lt. Julius C. Stalsby, , GO #106, XII AF 

 F/O George C. Ballas, , GO #106, XII AF 

 F/O William F. Reed, GO #106, XII AF 

 F/O Joseph N. Spradlin, , GO #106, XII AF 

 Sgt. Herbert M. Gersch, gunner, GO #106, XII AF 

 Sgt. Roderick B. MacLeod, gunner, GO #106, XII AF 

 Sgt. Wayne G. Merfield, gunner, GO #106, XII AF 

 Sgt. Edward F. Sause Jr., gunner, GO #106, XII AF 

 Sgt. George J. Wiessel, gunner, GO #106, XII AF 

 

2. War Diary Enclosed. 

 

 ROBERT R. SMEDLEY, 

 Major, Air Corps, 

 Commanding. 

 

 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for June 1945 

 

447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) 

APO 65 

1 July 1945 

SUBJECT: Historical Records. 

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing. 

 Attention: Historian. 

 

1. Outline History of the 447th Bombardment Squadron for the period 1 June 1945 to 30 
June 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. 

 54 officers and 35 enlisted men trfd to 515 Air Sv. Gp. 

 1 officer and 60 enlisted men trfd to 7th Repl. Depot. 

 3 enlisted men trfd to 302nd Sig. Co. Troop Carrier Wing. 

 1 enlisted man trfd to 51st Troop Carrier Wing. 

 1 officer and 21 enlisted men trfd to 350th Ftr. Gp. 

 24 enlisted men trfd to 57th Ftr. Gp. 

 14 enlisted men trfd to 414 Night Ftr. Sq. 

 3 enlisted men trfd to 416th Night Ftr. Sq. 

 3 enlisted men trfd to 79th Ftr. Gp. 

 6 enlisted men trfd to 340th Bomb Gp. 

 (b) On DS or TD. 

5 officers and 3 enlisted men on TD to Cairo, Egypt 

 1 enlisted man to Alexandria, Egypt on TD. 

 6 enlisted men to 515 Air Scv. Gp. 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. 

 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

 c. Strength, Commission and enlisted. 

 (1) Month of June 1945. 

 (a) At Beginning. 98 Officers; 301 Enlisted Men 

 (b) Net increase. 

 (c) Net decrease. 48 Officers; 70 Enlisted Men 

 (d) At end: 50 Officers; 231 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 June 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. 113, dated 26 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. Robert A. Balboni, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st lt. Jesse J. Craddock, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. John V. Davies, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. George S. Fairchild, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. John R. Highsmith, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. George R. Morrison, Jr., pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st lt. Vernon L. Schmoke, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Burton E. Stroupe, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 T/Sgt. Richard H. Perl, engineer-gunner, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 

On General Order No. 134, dated 15 June 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. Hugh H. Lankester, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 

 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

On General Order No. 125, dated 7 June 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. Richard L. Willis, pilot, Silver Star. 

 1st Lt. Herbert E. Barrett, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Robert C. King, Jr., pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 2nd Lt. Glen J. Cromley, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 2nd Lt. Lewis W. Tougaw, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 T/Sgt. Robert A. Stroupe, gunner, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Edwin C. Vantrease, bombardier, Soldier’s Medal 

 

On General Order No. 120, dated 29 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 Lt. Col. Marshall C. Strenger, pilot, commander, Silver Star 

 

On General Order No. 117, dated 29 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 1st Lt. Richard G. Briggs, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Edmund R. Carlin, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Paul R. Peck, pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 1st Lt. Frank J. Blankemeyer, bombardier, Distinguished Flying Cross 

 

On General Order No. 116, dated 28 May 1945, from 12th AF. 

 S/Sgt. Zigmond Klimkowicz, gunner, 5th OLC to Air Medal 

 1st Lt. Donald W. Gies, pilot, 6th OLC to Air Medal 

 T/Sgt. Harold Phares, Jr., radio-gunner, 6th OLC to Air Medal 

 

k. No Photographs were submitted for this month. 

 

2. Enclose War Diary, 447th Bomb Sq., for the period 1 June 1945 to 30 June 1945. 

 

 For the Commanding Officer: 

 

1 Incls: WILLIAM E. LEVINE, 

 Incl 1 – War Diary Capt., Air Corps, 

 Historian 

 


June 1945 (continued) 

448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for June 1945 

 

HEADQUARTERS 448th Bombardment Squadron (M) 

APO 650, US ARMY 

2 July 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 June to 30 
June 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) Major Burks (Richard W., pilot), Operations Officer, left for the U.S. Lt. 
Lee (Howard M., Capt, pilot) appointed Operations Officer and Lt. Sturges 
(Cloral S., pilot) appointed Ass’t Operations Officer. Lt. Wiman ( ), 
Information and Education Officer, left for the 47th Bomb Group. 
(5) No Change. 





c Strength, commissioned and enlisted 

 (1) Month of June 1945 

 (a) 101 Officers assigned, 296 E.M. assigned. 

 (b) None 

 (c) 54 Officers; 62 E.M. 

 (d) 47 Officers; 234 E.M. 

 

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 

 

g Operations 

 (1) None 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

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 
June to 30 June 1945; Account of Personnel Who Have Distinguished Themselves in 
Combat and were cited during month of June 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. # 120, 12th AF, 1 June ’45 

for Gallantry in action 

Maj. Farwell, Harold S., pilot, Commander Rovereto, Italy 20 Feb ‘45 Silver Star 

 

for Extraordinary Achievement 

Lt. Rutz, Victor H., bombardier Ora, Italy 19 Mar ’45 DFC 

Lt. West, Alden A. “Bud”, pilot Maribor, Yugo. 12 Apr ’45 DFC 

 

G.O. # 125, 12th AF, 7 June ’45, for Extraordinary Achievement 

Lt. Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr., bombardier San Michele, Italy 3 Mar ’45 DFC 

Lt. Sculley, Thomas S., pilot Staz di Ceraino, Italy 10 Mar ’45 DFC 

Lt. Steely, Ralph K., bombardier Mori, Italy 6 Feb ’45 DFC 

Lt. Stout, Charles S., bombardier San Michele, Italy 3 Mar ’45 DFC 

 

G.O. # 129, 12th AF, 9 June ’45, for Gallantry in Action 

Capt. Culp, Merle H., pilot Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 Silver Star 

 

 


June 1945 (continued) 

 

G.O. # 134, 12th AF, 16 June ’45, for Extraordinary Achievement 

Lt. Matkins, Marvin F., bombardier Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 DFC 

Lt. Anderson, Douglas R., pilot Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 DFC 

Lt. Perry, Lawrence A., navigator Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 DFC 

Sgt. Spencer, John S., gunner Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 DFC 

Sgt. Holguin, Renato (NMI), gunner Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 DFC 

 

G.O. # 135, 12th AF, 17 June ’45, for Extraordinary Achievement 

Sgt. Allen, Clifford N., gunner Perugia, Italy 7 Jan ’44 DFC