12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: August 1943

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 and diaries have also been included.

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

NC: Nurse Corps.

A/F: Air Field

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

OD: Officer of the day/Olive Drab

abs: absent

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

OTU: 447th 27 Oct 43?

Assg: Assigned

PAX: Passengers

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

PBS: 447th 2 June 44?

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

BC: Bomber Command

POE: Point of Embarkation

BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep 44?

PX: Post Exchange

CA: Heavy Cruiser

QM: Quarter Master

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

R/B: Road Bridge

CO: Commanding Officer

RC: 448th 10 Sep 43?

CP: Command Post

R/J: Road Junction

CQ: Charge of Quarters

R/Y: Railroad Yards

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

Repl: Replacement

D/H: Direct Hit

RON: Remain OverNight

Demo: Demolition

RR/B: Railroad Bridge

DS: Detached Service

RR/J: Railroad Junction

E/A: Enemy Aircraft

RR: Railroad

E/F: Enemy Fighter

S/E: Single Engine (plane)

E/M: Enlisted Men

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44?

SD: Special Duty

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

sk: sick

FO or F/O: Flying Officer

SO: Special Order

Frag: Fragmentation

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

Sq: Squadron

GO: General Order

Sqdn: Squadron

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action

I & E: Information & Education

T/C: Troop Concentration

IP: Initial Point

T/E: Twin Engine (plane)

L/G: Landing Ground

TAC: Theater Allied Command

Lox: Liquid Oxygen

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

L/S: Landing Strip

TD: Temporary Duty

L/V: Large Vehicle

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43?

LOT: 447th 2 May 44?

TO: Technical Order

LST: Landing Ship Tank

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

Ltr: Letter

Trfd: Transferred

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

u/i: 448th 26 Sep 44?

MATS: Military Air Transport Service

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

XC: Cross Country

M/V: Military Vessel

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

MC: Maintenance Crew

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

For my dad,

Colonel John Fitzgerald, USA (retired)

“Lil Butch”

John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, USAF (retired)

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

Sunday, 1 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Rumania, 177 B-
24's, of the IX Bomber Command (including B-24's on loan from the Eighth Air Force)
are dispatched to bomb oil refineries at Ploesti and nearby Campina. The operation
(TIDALWAVE) is costly, 54 planes and 532 airmen are lost, but damage to the targets is
severe. 5 Medal of Honors are awarded for this mission. In Sicily, 230+ P-40's, the
largest Ninth Air Force total to date, attack Adrano, the area near Randazzo, Messina,
Milazzo, Taormina, and shipping in the Straits of Messina.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): During
the night of 31 Jul/l Aug Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
drop leaflets on Rome and Naples, Italy, and bomb Randazzo and Adrano, Sicily. During
the following day, B-17's bomb Capodichino Airfield, Italy, and B-25's hit Milazzo,
Sicily. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium
bombers hit Paterno, Randazzo, Adrano, Bronte, Santa Maria di Licondia, and motor
transport in the Orlando area. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF)
Beaufighters score hits on shipping between Sardinia and Italy. On the ground in Sicily,
US ground forces advance E along the coast, approach Troina further inland, and begin a
movement to flank defenses. The British, to the S, penetrate into Regalbuto. During the
month of August, the 3rd Air Defense Wing (64th Fighter Wing effective 7 Aug 43)
transfers from Licata to Gela, Sicily. HQ 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers
from Chateau-dun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia. The 2nd, 4th and 5th
Fighter Squadrons, 52nd Fighter Group transfer from La Sebala, Tunisia to Boccadifalco,
Sicily with Spitfires. The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from
Palermo to Termini, Sicily with Spitfires. The 429th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
2nd Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to Massicault,
Tunisia with B-17's.

445th BS War Diary: A celebration was given at Group Headquarters in honor of the
first anniversary of the activation of the 321st Bomb Group. Purple hearts were awarded
to Major Cook, Lt. McLeod, Lt. Shaw and Lt. Rudolph. This marks Lt. Rudolph’s
second award of the Purple Heart. T/Sgt. Eagan was also awarded the Purple Heart.
Later on this morning, Air Medals were presented to our combat crews by Major Cook in
a very informal ceremony. Chow today at noon was very good and plenty of beer was
available for all. Everybody having the day off, the men visited Tebarka, Ain Draham,
Beja, and Souk El Khemis.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Eagan, T/Sgt

McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt, bombardier Rudolph, Raymond L., 2Lt, pilot

Shaw, William H., 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 1 August 1943 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: The Group celebrated its First Anniversary today. Everybody had
the day off and a meeting was held at Group Headquarters at which decorations were
awarded and General Carlyle Ridenour commended the Group on its accomplishments.
Ours was the first Group to have its training, come overseas, and complete 100 missions
in the first year of its existence.

Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, 47th Wing, Commander

446th BS Special Account: On August 1, 1943 the 446th Bombardment Squadron
celebrated their first anniversary at Souk-el-Arba. Although facilities were not good
enough by far to celebrate the occasion those in charge did the best they could and the
result was enjoyable.

The day started out with a Group formation at Group Headquarters where awards
were given out to those who had earned them. There were a number of men in the 446th
who received them. It had been planned to enlist the services of Bob Hope and Company
for this meeting but at the time it was impossible to contact him.

Everyone was given the day off immediately after the formation and because of
this the Anniversary supper was served the night previous. Everything was purchased for
the meal that could possibly be obtained and with the large amount of beer that
accompanied it, the meal was quite a success.

All in all the day was a big success. With a year behind them which saw many
interesting events take place, which witnessed many head aches and much work, which
saw many great achievements by them, the 446th started on their second year resolved to
surpass anything they had yet accomplished. Woe is the enemy!

447th BS War Diary: A holiday for the entire group. We celebrated our first birthday
today. The Group and squadron have been activated just one year. There was a group
meeting this morning and Col. Knapp expressed his satisfaction for the accomplishments
achieved during our first year. General Ridenour also gave a little talk and congratulated
us on the fine work don in this theatre. The Purple Heart was awarded the men in the
group who have earned it. Five men in our squadron received the award from Col.
Knapp. They were: Capt. Manly, Lt. McCone, Lt. Tate, S/Sgt. Jensen and S/Sgt. R.E.
Murphy. The colonel also presented the squadron commanders with Air Medals and
clusters to be awarded the combat men in their respective squadrons. After the gathering
at group all the officers of our squadron went to the Bellevue Hotel located at Ain
Draham for dinner. Special arrangements had been made by Capt. Gale and Maj.
Sampson to take over the dining room for the occasion. We had steak and French fried
potatoes—all we could eat and champagne was available for those who wanted it at $16 a
bottle. The party was a big success. The enlisted men had a feast of their own at the
squadron area. They had fresh meat and free beer---and the day off to spend in any way
they liked. Maj. Sampson expressed his appreciation to both the enlisted men and the
officers for a job well done during the past year.

Sunday, 1 August 1943 (continued)

Gale, Myron, Maj, Executive Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner

Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier

Murphy, Russell E., S/Sgt, gunner Tate, Roy W., 2Lt, bombardier

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander

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

Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, 47th Wing, Commander

447th BS Special Account: The squadron celebrated its first birthday on this date. Col.
Knapp took the occasion to call all the squadrons together and express his appreciation
for the outstanding accomplishments of the squadrons in one short year. General
Ridenour, the Wing Commander, was also present and made a short speech in which he
said that no other Group in the Air Force in a year’s time had received as thorough a
training program and completed as many missions against the enemy as our Group had.
Up to that date our Squadron had participated in 78 of the Group’s 99 missions. During
the ceremony Purple Hearts were awarded the following men in this squadron: Capt.
Manly, Lt. McCone, Lt. Tate, S/Sgt. Jensen, and S/Sgt. R.E. Murphy. Air medals and
other awards were presented to the squadron commanders to be passed on to the men
who had earned them in their respective organizations. After the ceremonies free beer
and a gala feast was served the enlisted men. The officers took over the dining room in
one of the hotels in the mountains (Bellevue) and had a banquet. Steak and French fried
potatoes were the big items on the menu. Champagne was available for those who
wanted it. The holiday was enjoyed by one and all.

Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence

McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier Murphy, Russell E., S/Sgt, gunner

Tate, Roy W., 2Lt, bombardier

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

Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, 47th Wing, Commander

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 2 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, P-40's attack
shipping in the Straits of Messina and off Milazzo.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and light and medium bombers
hit trucks, a dump and road junction in NE Sicily, docks and shipping at Milazzo,
Messina and in the Reggio di Calabria, Italy area, and targets of opportunity (mainly
motor transport) from Barcellona S to Adrano. On the ground in Sicily, US ground
forces push slowly W while British troops gain control of Regalbuto and fight
indecisively in the streets of Centuripe. HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its
81st, 82nd, 83rd and 434th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's transfer from
Hergla, Tunisia to Ponte Olivio, Sicily. HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from Agrigento
to Termini, Sicily. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 488th and 489th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Hergla, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily with
B-25's. The 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group transfers from Agrigento to
Termini, Sicily with Spitfires.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. One of our ships ferried some patients from
the base hospital to Constantine.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 3 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, B-25's bomb
Adrano and its highway approaches; and 300+ P-40's, the largest Ninth Air Force total to
date, attack harbors and shipping at Milazzo and Messina, and give direct support to
British ground forces in the Catania-Bronte area.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light bombers hit tactical targets; and
fighters, light and medium bombers hit shipping in the Straits of Messina and at Milazzo
and attack Adrano and Biancavilla and gun emplacements and bridges in the area. On the
ground in Sicily, US forces continue E along the N coast toward the Furiano River. At
Troina, further inland, the enemy continues firm resistance. HQ 82nd Fighter Group
transfers from Souk-el-Arba, Algeria to Grombalia, Tunisia. The 414th Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers with B-17's from
Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia. The 486th and 487th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer with
B-25's from Hergla, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: The mission scheduled for today was cancelled. 20 combat crew
members left for rest camp at Ain Taya.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Another move is in the offing. Maj. Sampson flew to our new
field today for an inspection. We are to move to Soliman which is about thirty miles
from Tunis.

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 4 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, P-40's attack
shipping at Messina and support ground forces at the N end of Mount Etna. On the
ground in Sicily, US troops are halted by fierce opposition at the Furiano River and at
Troina.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the submarine base at
Naples; B-26's and B-25's hit the railroad bridge at Cantanzaro and railroad at Paola. In
Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) medium and light bombers, and
fighters attack communications targets, gun positions, and storage areas in the Milazzo-
Adrano-Biancavilla and Bronte-Riposto-Fiumefreddo areas. A number of NATAF
aircraft hit rail sidings on the toe of Italy and attack shipping off Messina, Sicily. On the
ground in Sicily, the British cross the Salso River with 2 divisions, while other forces
prepare to drive on Catania and others continue toward Misterbianco. HQ 99th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 347th and 348th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy)
transfer with B-17's from Navarin, Algeria to Oudna, Tunisia. The 95th, 96th and 97th
Fighter Squadrons, 82nd Fighter Group, transfer from Souk-el-Arba, Algeria to
Grombalia, Tunisia with P-38's.

445th BS War Diary: 48 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the marshalling yards
and bridge at Marina di Paolo. 72 x 500 lb. bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8000
ft. The coverage of the target was very poor and only a very few hits were scored in the
marshalling yards and on the tracks north and south of the town. No flak was seen.
Three enemy planes were seen at 1’oclock above the formation but did not attack. It was
very windy today and fairly hot. One of the men out on the line caught an old deformed
Arab stealing a couple of his barracks bags. The Arab was brought into Intelligence and
questioned by one of the enlisted men who speaks French. He couldn’t get anything out
of him so the Arab was turned over to the French civil authorities.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Eleven of our planes participated in a raid on Marino Di Paolo
marshalling yards and railroad bridge in Italy. Bombing results poor. All our planes
returned safely.

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 16)

“Marshalling yards and railroad bridges at Paola, Italy. No flak, no fighters. Of the 36
P-38s we were supposed to have for escort, we only got six. The rest couldn’t find us, I
guess.”

Wednesday, 4 August 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 67 (100): At 0730 48 planes off to bomb Mariana di
Paolo M/Y and bridge. One returned early, 47 planes dropped 276 x 500 from 75/9000
feet at 1015. All planes back at 1245. Coverage of target poor only few hits reported on
M/Y bombs generally N of target. Three E/A at 1 o’clock did not attack. Tankers and
mines observed and positions reported. No flak. Weather: Low scattered cloud at 1500.
F/L: Culp and Sinclair.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 5 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, B-25's bomb
the town, roads, and road junctions of Francavilla and shipping in the Straits of Messina.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light and medium bombers
attack troops, roads, and gun positions at Adrano and Troina and surrounding areas in
support of Allied ground forces, hit motor transport behind enemy lines in Sicily and on
the toe of Italy, and sink or damage over 20 small vessels and barges at Milazzo and in
the Straits of Messina; and Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's,
operating in 2 forces, hit the docks and railroad yards at Messina. B-25's bomb a
switching station at Guspini, Sardinia, and P-40's, after escorting the B-25's, attack and
probably sink a U-boat off SW Sardinia. On the ground in Sicily, US forces open an
assault on the San Fratello ridge, and further inland gain positions overlooking Troina.
The enemy withdraws from the town during the night. The British 13 Corps overruns
Paterno, Misterbianco, and Catania; the British 30 Corps continues toward Adrano. HQ
310th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 379th, 380th, 381st and 428th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-25's from Dar el Koudia to Menzel Temime,
Tunisia. The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers with P-39's from Sfax
to Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia. The 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers with
Spitfires from Agrigento to Termini, Sicily. The 346th and 416th Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer from Navarin, Algeria to
Oudna, Tunisia with B-17's.

445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for a move in the near future to a new
base near Soliman, approximately 18 miles south of Tunis and to the east.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 6 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, 60+ B-26's hit

Bronte, Catania, and Randazzo and the area N of the Adrano-Biancavilla road; 20+ others
bomb road intersections in Adrano and Bronte; and 100+ P-40's attack shipping and shore
targets in the Messina area while 30 others attack shipping on the W coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb coastal roads near
Messina; B-26's and B-25's hit a road junction SW of Badiazza and railroad bridges N of
Gesso; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium bombers hit
roads, junctions, and buildings in the Troina, Adrano, Biancavilla, Tortorici, Bronte,
Piranino, and Randazzo areas and the Bagnara, Italy area; and fighter-bombers hit
shipping from Vibo Valentia S to the Straits of Messina. On the ground in Sicily, US
troops are unable to cross the Furiano River as fierce resistance continues. At Troina,
troops push through the town and 1 mile (1.6 km) to the E before opposition halts them.
The British take Biancavilla, and Adrano falls as the enemy pulls out during the night of
6/7 Aug. HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 32nd, 353rd and 419th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from St-Donat, Algeria to Oudna,
Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: 48 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the road junction 1
mile northwest of Gesso in Sicily. The escort was 36 P-38’s of the 82nd. 72 x 500 lb.
demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8000 ft. It is reported on the main
road junction west of the river and railroad bridge—many hits. Railroad and coastal road
were cut in a number of places west of the river. Railroad bridge southwest of Spadafora
San Martino was hit. Some bombs fell over the target and into the sea. One flak position
was knocked out. One P-38 crashed into the sea. One of the bombers dropped a dinghy
and the pilot was seen swimming toward it. One enemy aircraft was attacked by the
escort about 8 minutes before the target was reached. The flak was heavy, moderate to
intense and accurate from the target. Flak from a barge near the coast was heavy, slight
and accurate. It is believed that we will move to our new location tomorrow morning,
depending, however, the weather and whether our ships and crews can be spared. C-47’s
and trucks are already busy transporting our equipment to Soliman.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Group mission 101, Sqdn 78
composed of 12 planes. Capt. Griffith led the Group to the RR and road junctions at
Badiazza, Sicily. 500 lb bombs were dropped on the main road junction and RR bridge.
Lt. Shepard was slightly injured on the face by flak. Sgt. Edwards was also hit but not
injured.

Edwards, Earl W., Sgt, gunner Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt, bombardier

Friday, 6 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction
near Gesso, Sicily. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt

McCone, Walter G. 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 13)

TARGET: RR Junction Gesso Sicily. 4:35 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt,
Anderson, S/Sgt Draper

“RR and coastal road hit in number of places W of river. RR bridge SW of Spadafora
San Martino reported hit. One of escorting P-38’s crashed into the sea and one of our
planes dropped dinghy Radio. Pilot seen swimming toward it.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 17)

“Two bridges & three road intersections about 10 miles NW of Messina. This raid was
to cut off any retreat by the Germans from Messina. Catania fell yesterday and an
evacuation of Sicily may be attempted soon. Forty-eight of us with thirty-six P-38s for
escort, made the trip. The flak was very accurate as to altitude but we all got through.
We had one hole in our ship (Helmet). One P-38 hit the water on the return trip.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 68 (101): At 0920 48 planes off to bomb R/J one mile
NW of Gesso. 48 dropped 285 x 500 bombs from 75/9000 feet at 1159. All planes
returned at 1355. Hits reported on main R/J west of river and on RR bridge, RR and
coastal road out in number of places west of river. RR bridge SW of Spadafora San
Marino reported hit. Some bombs fell over into sea. Flak positions N of main road
blown up. B-25 dropped dinghy and pilot of P-38 seen swimming towards it. One E/A
attacked by escort. One B-17 seen spinning to ground NW of Messina. Intense, heavy
accurate flak. Weather: Hazy. F/L: Culp and Issacson.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 7 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, 150 B-25's
attack Randazzo; and 140+ P-40's attack shipping at Messina and in the Straits, and
shipping and shore-supply stores along the NE coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Sicily
throughout the day Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) medium and
light bombers pound Randazzo, the enemy's key withdrawal point; Maletto is also
bombed; P-40's and A-36's strafe and bomb small craft between Sicily and mainland
Italy, motor transport near Randazzo, a warehouse N of Messina, dumps on the toe of
Italy, and vehicles and communications targets in the Sant' Agata di Militello, Bronte,
Cesaro, Tortorici, Castiglione di Sicilia and Riposto areas. In Italy, Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's in 2 forces hit the landing ground at Crotone while
B-26's bomb the railroad bridge at Marina di Cantanzaro and highway bridge over the
Angitola River. On the ground in Sicily, US forces improve their positions on the N
coast in the San Fratello region against heavy resistance. During the night of 7/8 Aug, a
small amphibious force lands on the coast 2 miles (3.2 km) E of Sant' Agata di Militello,
greatly aiding progress along the coast. Other forces begin a drive on Randazzo. HQ 5th
Bombardment Wing transfers from Chateaudun, Algeria to Depienne, Tunisia. HQ 47th
Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers from Souk-el-Arba to Hammamet, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb Crotone airdrome in
Italy. One of our ships had to return early. 30 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped
by the 445th from 8000 ft. The bomb pattern on the target area was perfect. Three planes
on the ground were seen to explode, and barracks and highways on the west side of the
field were also hit. No enemy aircraft were sighted and the flak from the target was
heavy, slight and inaccurate. A little light flak was encountered along the coast, possibly
from 20 mm guns. Packing for the move has been completed and the move has been
postponed till tomorrow. This evening the men in the Squadron loaded the trucks. The
men out on the line who worked in the Operations building rather hated to leave this old
Arab house that represented the Operations and Intelligence headquarters for the
Squadron. For it seemed to them to be something they had built themselves.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 102, Sqdn 79 composed of 1 plane flown by Lt.
Kirk. 500 lb bombs were dropped on Crotone A.D. Italy and the coverage was excellent.
Three planes were seen to explode on the ground, and barracks and the highway were
also hit.

Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on Crotone airdrome in
Italy. Bombing results excellent….field rendered unserviceable. All our planes returned
safely. An advance detail left today by truck for our new base at Soliman. Quite a bit of

Saturday, 7 August 1943 (continued)

heavy equipment has been moved up already and more went in the trucks today. All
personal belongings are to be packed tonight and we are to be ready to move by morning.

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 18)

“Crotone airdrome in Southern Italy. Heavy, slight, inaccurate flak – Field was very
well covered. All ships got back to the base this time. P-38s.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 69 (102): At 1025 36 planes off to bomb Crotone A/D.
35 dropped 180 x 500 bombs and 28 x 300 bombs from 75/8500 feet at 1305. 34
returned at 1545, one landed at Bizerte and one returned early. Bomb pattern crossed S
part of field excellently. Hits made among dispersed planes and in revetments. Three
planes seen to explode Barracks and highway W of field also hit. 100-115 E/A on field.
Slight heavy and inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Ford and Sinclair.

Ford, Charles L., Jr., Capt, pilot Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 8 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, 90+ B-25's
bomb the Randazzo area; 130+ P-40's hit shipping at Messina and provide ground
support in NE Sicily as US and British forces push E and N, capturing Sant' Agata di
Militello, Monte Camolato, and Bronte.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): North-
west African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's hit highway and rail bridges at
Angitola, Italy, while P-38's strafe trains and other targets of opportunity SW of the town.
In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium bombers
pound Randazzo; fighters hit road targets N of Etna, shipping in the Straits of Messina
and cover ground forces at Sant' Agata di Militello. HQ 63rd Fighter Wing transfers from
Maison Blanche to Rerhaia, Algeria. HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers
from Souk-el-Arba to Soliman, Tunisia. The 352nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers with B-17's from St-Donat, Algeria to
Oudna, Tunisia. The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, arrives at Algiers,
Algeria from England where it trained with Beaufighters. The 417th Night Fighter
Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, arrives at Tafaraoui, Algeria from England where it trained
with Beaufighters. The squadron flies it's first combat mission today. The 445th, 447th
and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium),
transfer with B-25's from Souk-el-Arba to Soliman, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: This morning the trucks and C-47’s took the remainder of our
equipment up to the new base. The personnel were ferried up in our ships. Lt. Czapski
was seriously injured this afternoon when he fell off a heavy duty Italian truck which the
Squadron uses to simplify transportation and was run over. The back wheel of the heavy
truck passed over Lt. Czapski’s chest. He was taken to the hospital in a critical condition.
Our Squadron area is situated about 1 mile from the dispersal area among the sand dunes
along the beach of the Gulf of Tunis. This set-up is much better than our last one as it is
all sand around the area rather than yellow dust. There is always a good breeze off the
Gulf and the good salt air will do everyone a world of good after spending two months in
that hellhole of Souk el Arba. When we arrived, the kitchen was in a Nissen hut and the
enlisted men’s mess tent had already been completed by the advanced parties.

Czapski, Bernard S., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: By military aircraft and four DC-3 transport planes the entire
squadron was moved bag and baggage to our new base at Soliman today. Our camp site
is an olive grove about two miles from the beach. The runway is about a half mile to the
North and our dispersal area is just this side of the runway. We have three Nissen huts
two of which will be used for the enlisted men’s mess and the other for the officer’s
mess. This new base has many advantages over our last one. It is near the beach so that

Sunday, 8 August 1943 (continued)

the men are able to go swimming every day,, it is cooler here, the city of Tunis is nearby
and our planes will have less distance to travel on missions.

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 16)

“Moved from Souk el Arba to Tunis. Our tent area here is in an olive grove. We are just
a few hundred yards from the sea.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 9 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, B-25's hit
Divieto and a nearby tunnel W of Spadafora San Martino, and attack special points in the
battle area of NE Sicily; P-40's hit shipping at Messina, Milazzo, and Palmi.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): North-
west African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb crossroads N of Messina, Sicily.

In Italy, B-25's hit Cantanzaro and Soverato River bridges, B-26's attack Angitola River
bridges, P-40's sweep over S Sardinia, and P-38's hit a lighthouse and other targets of
opportunity in S Italy. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) bombers
hit the Gesso road junction; fighters concentrate on highways and junctions and also hit
all sidings and gun positions in areas around Linguaglossa, Floresta, Falcone, Patti,
Orlando, Novara di Sicilia, and Milazzo. On the ground in Sicily, US troops reach
Torrenuovo, and, to the S, drive the enemy back to the Simeto River between Cesaro and
Randazzo. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) transfers from Malta to Torrente
Comunelli, Sicily. The 446th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st Bombardment
Group (Medium), transfers with B-25's from Souk-el-Arba to Soliman, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: The orderly room and practically the entire Squadron is already
set up. The Operations building, which is in a Nissen hut, and the Officer’s mess hall are
still under construction. This field was formerly occupied during the North African
campaign by the Germans. There are several 88 mm anti-aircraft guns still as the
Germans left them. There are also many evidences that the Germans were heavily
bombed here as we can see wrecked fighters and bombers and bomb crates all over the
field. There is also a lot of equipment in one of the olive groves along the edge of the
landing field. Our transportation problem has been somewhat simplified due to the
German’s hurried evacuation of this area as there are numerous German jeeps,
automobiles, motorcycles and trucks to be used with only a few repairs needed.

446th BS War Diary: The Group moved by plane and convoy to Soliman.

447th BS War Diary: Everyone was busy today getting the new camp set up. The
officers began putting a cement floor in the Nissen hut they will use as a mess hall.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 10 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-25's attack Randazzo,
Sicily while P-40's bomb and strafe shipping on the SW coast of Italy and in the Straits of
Messina.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Brigadier
General Ray A Dunn takes command of the Northwest African Air Force Troop Carrier
Command (Provisional). In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's
bomb and strafe communications targets on the toe of Italy; and bridges at Angitola and
N of Locri are attacked. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) planes fly anti-
shipping sweeps over coastal areas of NE Sicily and the Straits of Messina, carry out
armored reconnaissance over the battle areas and toe of Italy, and bomb Randazzo, Sicily.
On the ground in Sicily, US Seventh Army forces pursue the enemy to a point W of Naso
near the N coast. During the night of 10/11 Aug, the US 3rd Infantry Division makes an
amphibious landing on the coast, outflanking the enemy E of Capo d'Orlando. The US 9th
Infantry Division reaches a point N of Bronte. HQ Twelfth Air Force transfers from
Algeria to Tunisia. HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Monastir to Sidi Ahmed,
Tunisia. The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light),
transfers from Malta to Torrente Comunelli, Sicily with A-20's. The 342nd Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Chateaudun-du-
Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia with B-17's.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Czapski who was critically injured on August the 8th when he
was run over by a large truck has a 50-50 chance of recovering though it will probably
take some time and he will probably be sent back to the States.

Czapski, Bernard S., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Setting up camp.

447th BS War Diary: Officers and enlisted men continued work on their respective mess
halls.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 11 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, 90+ B-25's
bomb a bridge, roads, railway, and the city area in and about Randazzo. About 170 P-40's
hit Randazzo, shipping at Milazzo and Messina, roads and trains near Messina, and troop
movements and evacuations in NE Sicily.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) again hits communications targets
on the toe of Italy; B-17's hit the marshalling yard at Terni, B-25's bomb the Angitola
River bridges and B-26's and P-38's attack a bridge at Cantanzaro. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers support the US Seventh Army's landing E
of Orlando, Sicily by attacking troop concentrations, gun positions, and communications
lines leading to the area. On the ground in Sicily, US Seventh Army forces take Naso
and press closer to Randazzo. Medium bombers support the British Eighth Army by
raiding the Fiumefreddo and Randazzo areas. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron
(Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Gela to Termini, Sicily with P-51's.
A detachment continues to operate from Gela until Sep 43. The 341st Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Chateaudun-du-
Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia with B-17's.

445th BS War Diary: 25 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb Angitola railway and
highway bridges. 72 x 500 lb. bombs were dropped by the 445th from 7500 ft. The
escort was 24 P-38’s from the 82nd. The formation was led by Major Cook. Several hits
were made on the highway bridge. Bombs fell north and east of the railroad bridge. The
power line between the two bridges was hit. Three bursts of heavy, inaccurate flak were
encountered at the target. A few bursts of flak were seen along the coast on the way out.
Today when a tent caught on fire Sgt. McNevin and Sgt. Killeen were up by the mess
tent. Someone hollered “Fire” which brought it to the attention of McNevin and Killeen.
Sgt. McNevin just stood there with his mouth open sensing what was happening when
Killeen slapped McNevin on the back and said, “Don’t just stand there, you damn fool,
that’s your tent”. But by the time McNevin came out of the fog and was able to scurry to
the burning tent, it was already burned to the ground. There were two other men living in
the tent – Pvt. Kangas and Sgt. Nickell. Sgt. Nickell was able to salvage a couple of his
shirts and a few personal belongings. Pvt. Kangas lost everything. McNevin was able to
salvage only his beloved dog tats. All the rest was gone.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Kangas, Angelo J., Cpl, operations

Killeen, Frank P., T/Sgt, operations McNevin, John L., Jr., Sgt, intelligence

Nickell, John B., Sgt, medical

446th BS War Diary: Setting up camp.

Wednesday, 11 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: One of our planes participated in a raid on railroad and highway
bridges near Angitola, Italy. Bombing results fair. The plane returned safely.

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot: “Spares – no soap.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 70 (103): At 0955 24 planes off to bomb Angitola RR
and highway bridges. 24 planes dropped 135 x 500 bombs at 1130 from 75/8000 feet.
All returned at 1320. Number of hits made on highway bridge. Bombs fell to N and E of
RR bridge. Power line between bridges hit. Slight, heavy inaccurate flak. Weather:
CAVU. F/L: Issacson and Stultz.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 12 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, 79 B-25's
attack Falcone, Patti, Novara di Sicilia, and Barcellona; P-40's bomb and strafe shipping
at Messina.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's attack landing grounds at
Crotone, and B-26's hit Grazzanise Airfield; they claim 9 fighters shot down. In Sicily,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's and A-36's hit shipping along the
NE coast and in the Straits of Messina, attack gun positions and vehicles at Capo Calava
and E of Randazzo, and hit a bridge at Taormina and roads in the Maletto-Fiumefreddo
areas; NATAF bombers attack Patti, Falcone, Barcellona, and Nunziata. On the ground
in Sicily, the US Seventh Army continues to pursue the enemy E along the N coast.
Further inland, US forces gain a favorable position from which to assault Randazzo, but
the enemy withdraws during the night of 12/13 Aug, precluding an attack. The British
Eighth Army seizes Maletto and Riposto. The 85th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfer from Malta to Torrente Comunelli,
Sicily with A-20's. The 340th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment
Group (Heavy), transfers from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia
withB-17's

445th BS War Diary: The mission today was to Crotone Rositello airdrome. We
furnished the spares but they were not able to fill in. Today the officer’s mess hall and
the Operations building were completed. There has been an addition to the chow line as
we have had to adopt Headquarters. Now instead of the chow line reaching half way
across the area, it reaches all the way across. Trucks are now available to take the
Squadron personnel to Tunis on their days off.

446th BS War Diary: Setting up camp. Group mission 104, Sqdn 80 composed of 9
planes led by Lt. Bradley. Frag bombs were dropped on Crotone/Rositello L/G, Italy.
Coverage was excellent with nine planes hit on the ground and several near misses. Fires
were started and two explosions seen.

Bradley, James L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen officers and fourteen men and four B-25Gs were
assigned to the squadron today. These planes with the cannon in the nose have been
operating a separate unit under the command of Capt. P. Seel. Higher headquarters has
decided to assign some of them to each squadron in the group. The officers had their first
meal in the new mess hall tonight.

Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 12 August 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 71 (104): At 1115 24 planes off to bomb Crotone
Rositello A/D. 21 dropped 1500 frags at 1325 from 75/8500 feet. 3 returned early and
21 returned at 1525. Bomb pattern covered field thoroughly from SW to NE. Hits
reported on four T/E and five S/E and several near misses. Two explosions seen. Five
columns of transports dispersed around field and four on beach. Slight, heavy and
inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Bates and Sinclair.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot

Friday, 13 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 61 B-24's hit an aircraft
factory at Wiener-Neustadt in the first Ninth Air Force raid on Austria. 80+ B-25's hit
Piedimonte, Italy, Falcone, Sicily, and shipping at Messina, Sicily. 200+ P-40's attack
shipping and bridges along the SW Italian coast, hit shipping in the Straits of Messina,
and fly armored reconnaissance and fighter-bomber operations in NE Sicily. The 67th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), ceases operating
from Benina, Libya with B-24's and returns to it's base at Shipdham, England.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb a marshalling yard at
Lorenzi, and B-25's and B-26's hit a marshalling yard at Littoria; other B-25's hit a vessel
off Pizzo. P-40's fly a sweep over S Sardinia, strafing small boats, a power station, and
railroad junction. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium
bombers bomb Piedimonte, Italy, Falcone, Sicily, and bridges N of Scaletta, Sicily. A-
36's and fighters hit targets in NE Sicily, the Straits of Messina and on the toe of Italy,
including Gioia Tauro, Italy and in Sicily, the Barcellona road junction E of Randazzo,
the marshalling yard and trucks at Spadafora, trucks between Taormina and Baracca, and
barges, ferries, and small vessels in the Strait of Messina. On the ground in Sicily, the
US Seventh Army enters Randazzo without opposition. Coastal forces continue E toward
Patti. The 86th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light),
transfers from Malta to Torrente Comunelli, Sicily with A-20's.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the northern half of
the Littorio marshalling yards near Rome. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped
by the 445th from 8500 ft. Strings of bombs fell through the yards causing explosions in
the center of the yards and sending smoke and flame 3000 ft. in the air. Some bombs fell
into the south part of the yard and some over into the buildings on the Littorio airdrome.
The flak was heavy, moderate and inaccurate from the target area. It was heavy,
moderate and accurate at Viterbo. This evening Bob Hope, Frances Langford and three
other U.S.O. entertainers ate chow with us this evening. Bob Hope walked into the area
and when he saw our locations here among the sand dunes, along the Mediterranean, he
remarked, “What is this, Santa Monica?” Then he asked the stock question, “What’s for
chow, spam?” Later in the evening they gave a show at the Service Group over at
Fondouk for the benefit of our Group. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The
chow this evening was exceptionally good. It consisted of creamed chicken and ice
cream. Even the vegetables were seasoned and the dehydrated potatoes had butter in
them.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 105, Sqdn 81 composed of 12 planes. Capt.
Griffith led the Group to the Littorio MY, Rome. The target was well covered by 500 lb
bombs causing explosions in the center with flames and smoke rising 3000 feet.
Observation of the results was difficult due to the smoke and dust from a previous attack.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

Friday, 13 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling
yards at Rome, Italy. Bombing results fair. All our planes returned safely. Lt. William
Gere, one of the new “G” officers of our squadron went down at sea today. He was
flying in a B-25G of one of the other squadrons. The enlisted men had their first meal in
their new mess hall at noon.

Gene, William E., 2Lt, navigator

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 19)

“Marshalling yards on N.W. side of Rome. Heavy flak for about ten minutes after we
crossed the coast until bombs away. One P-38 came back on single engine beneath us.
Saw big hospital ship off Italian coast. It must have been a big luxury liner before the
war. Just after coming off the target, we passed over three big transport planes. Some of
the gunners got a few shots but we were going too fast to do much damage.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 14 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 61 B-24's, on loan from
the Eighth Air Force, bomb the Bf 109 factory at Wiener-Neustadt, Austria. B-25's attack
road junctions and vehicle concentrations along the NE coast of Sicily and bomb a
crossroads N of Palmi, Italy. P-40's hit shipping in the Milazzo and Messina, Sicily areas
and along the Italian coast in the Palmi area.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): North-
west African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's sweep the toe of Italy but find little
enemy movement. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and medium
and light bombers hit a refueling depot at Nicola and near Gesso, Sicily, a road junction
N of Palmi, Italy, shipping in the straits and along the W coast of Italy N to Gioia, and
numerous targets of opportunity in NE Sicily and S Italy as the enemy continues an
orderly evacuation from Sicily to mainland Italy across the Straits of Messina. On the
ground in Sicily, US troops speed E along the coast to the Barcellona area and also
continue pursuit of the enemy E of Randazzo. The 340t, 341st and 342nd Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer from Pont-du-Fahs to
Depienne, Tunisia with B-17's.

445th BS War Diary: No Entry

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 15 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, B-25's hit
shipping along the beaches of Sant' Agata di Militello; 180+ P-40's attack shipping at
Messina and in the Straits of Messina. Enemy forces withdrawing to mainland Italy are
pounded severely by constant air attacks.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's and B-26's bomb Sibari railroad
junction and marshalling yard, and P-38's hit trains, troops, radar, and Staletti railroad
tracks and tunnel. P-40's attack a bivouac area near Monserrato, Sardinia. On the ground
in Sicily, US Seventh Army troops land on the Sicilian N coast NW of Barcellona during
the night of 15/16 Aug to block the enemy withdrawal. The US 3rd Infantry Division
heads along the N coast to Spadafora. British Eighth Army troops complete a drive
around Mount Etna as the Randazzo-Linguaglossa road is closed. Linguaglossa and
Taormina are taken. HQ 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Pont-du-Fahs
to Depienne, Tunisia. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from
Warnier, Algeria to Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia with P-39's.

445th BS War Diary: 48 ships (12 of the 445) took off to bomb Sibari junction and
marshalling yards in Italy. 66 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th
from 7500 ft. The escort was 36 P-38’s of the 82nd Fighter Group. The marshalling
yards and junction were well covered. A large explosion accompanied by pyrotechnics
was seen at the north end of the yards, the probable result of a direct hit on an
ammunition dump. Two locomotives and a number of railroad cars were hit. No flak
was encountered. The combat crews spend much of their time down at the adjacent
beach swimming in the cool waters of the Gulf of Tunis. It is to be added that if any
women happened to approach the beach, there would be slight embarrassment as the boys
seldom wear trunks when they go swimming.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 106, Sqdn 82 composed of 12 planes led by Capt.
Griffith. 500 lb bombs were dropped on the MY at Sibari, Italy. The MY and RR
junction were well covered, large explosions were seen, rolling stock was hit, and the RR
line north of the town was cut.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction
near Sibari, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.

Sunday, 15 August 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

McCone, Walter G. 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

Temple, S/Sgt

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 14)

TARGET: Sibari Junction and M/Y 4:35 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, Anderson,
S/Sgt Draper, S/Sgt Temple

“M/Y and Junction well covered. Large explosives accompanied by pyrotechnics at N
end of yards, probably from hit on ammunition train. Two locomotives and number of
cars hit. No flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission20)

“Marshalling yards at Sibari, Italy. No flak – no fighters. Communications all over Italy
were hit in a coordinated attack today. We got a beautiful bombing run and very good
coverage. There were some ammunition cars in the yards that exploded sending
fireworks all over the place. This was our first flight as an element leader. P38s cover.”

448th BS War Diary: 72 (106): At 1050 48 planes off to bomb Sibari Junction and
M/Y. Dropped 274 x 500 at 1300 from 7/800 feet. All planes returned at 1500. M/Y
and Junction well covered, large explosions accompanied by pyrotechnics at N end of
yard, probably from hit on ammunition train. The locomotives and number of cars
destroyed, track cut N of target. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Monday, 16 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 86 B-24's bomb the city
area and airfields at Foggia, Italy. In Sicily, 50+ B-25's hit landing craft concentrations
near Ganzirri and Messina, and 100+ P-40's hit shipping at Messina and in the Straits of
Messina, as the enemy continues the withdrawal of rear guard troop to mainland Italy.
Before midnight, US patrols enter Messina, which is under fire from the Italian coast.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) medium bombers hit Staletti and a
temporary bridge at Angitola. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
light and medium bombers hit shipping in the Straits of Messina and from N of Messina
to Capo Pelaro. A-36's and P-40's concentrate on communications targets on the toe of
Italy, hitting trains, trucks, railroad yards, and sidings at Nicastro, Lamezia, Amantea,
and Sambiase. Also bombed are barges, ferries, and small vessels off Messina, Sicily and
in the Golfo di Sant' Eufemia, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. A few training formations were flown and also
some dry runs. The living conditions up here are a hundred percent better than they were
at Souk el Arba but to date the chow is just as lousy as it every was. But we figure with
the conditions such as they are back in Oran, Algiers and Casablanca they need the fresh
meat worse than we do. That goes for the luxury rations too.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Capt. Seel flew to Bizerte today to take some parts for the
modifications being made on our new G planes there.

Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 17 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 200+ P-40's hit shipping
at Messina, Sicily, at Palmi and in the Gulf of Gioia, Italy.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): The
Sicilian campaign ends with the official entry of the US Seventh Army's 3d Infantry
Division into Messina at 1000 hours. The British force from Ali arrives shortly thereafter.
The fall of Sicily paves the way for the stepped-up air offensive against Italy. In
France, about 180 Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's attack Istres-
Le-Tube Airfield and Salon-de-Provence Airfield. Around 100 medium bombers attack
communications targets on the N part of the Italian toe, hitting Battipaglia and
Castrovillari with damaging effect; escorting P-38's strafe vehicles in the area. Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light bombers pound shipping in the
Straits of Messina and Gulf of Gioia, Italy, hit the rail center at Lamezia, Italy, and harass
enemy movement on the Italian toe. The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air
Force, transfers from Algiers to Bone, Algeria with Beaufighters. The squadron will fly
it's first combat mission on 4 Sep.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb road and railroad
communication systems in Castrovillari, Italy. The formation was led by Lt. Bonus. 72 x
500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8500 ft. The escort was 24 P-
38’s of the 82nd Fighter Group. Direct hits were made on the railroad from town east and
west. The road junction on the west side was well hit and all the four roads leading into
the town were hit. Two large explosions were seen. No flak or enemy fighters were
seen. This evening just after dark we had an alert. There must have been quite a number
of enemy aircraft attacking Bizerte for the raid lasted for over an hour. We could see the
enemy aircraft drop flares and then the flash of the bomb, then the roar of the explosion
itself. The ships in the harbor threw up a barrage of both heavy and light flak. At times
the whole Bizerte area looked like a red wall of tracers. Two enemy aircraft were seen
when they were hit by heavy flak and explode to come floating down like a large ball of
fire.

Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 107, Sqdn 83 composed of 12 planes led by Lt.
Garmon. 500 lb bombs were dropped on the road and RR junction at Castrovillari, Italy.
Direct hits were made on the RR and town. All four roads into the town were cut.
Target coverage was excellent. Today the first men of our Squadron finished fifty
missions. Lts. Beyer and Manning are due for a rest.

Beyer, William J., 2Lt, navigator Garmon, James M., 2Lt, pilot

Manning, Rodney A., 2Lt, bombardier

Tuesday, 17 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: One of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction near
Castrovillari, Italy. Bombing results good. The plane returned safely. Tonight we
witnessed the bombing of Bizerte. We couldn’t see the planes but we did see the terrific
barrage of flak which was sent up to greet them. Explosions of the bombs could be felt
slightly. This is the first time for the squadron that an enemy attack has been close
enough to see---even from a distance. Sicily surrendered.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 73 (107): At 1155 36 planes off to bomb roads and RR
system at Castrovillari. Dropped 211 x 500 bombs at 1400 from 8/900 feet. All planes
returned at 1540. Direct hits made on RR and town. Line also out on E and W.
Highway junction on W side well covered and 4 roads in town cut. Two explosions and
much smoke seen. Nine E/A attacked escort but driven off. No flak. Weather: CAVU.
F/L: Sinclair.

Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 18 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, P-40's attack
motor transport between Scilla and Bagnara, and bomb shipping off Scilla.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fighters and medium bombers hit
barracks and railroad at Gonnesa, sink a small vessel in the Golfo di Sant' Eufemia and
bomb and strafe a railway station, bridge, and tracks at Soverato, bridges and a road
junction at Angitola, and highway and road junction at Staletti. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) airplanes hit gun positions and road and rail transport in S
Italy.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. There was another alert on this evening and
the Germans made another attempt to sink Allied shipping in the port of Bizerte. The
attack tonight didn’t last as long as the one last night. There were not nearly as many
flares dropped and a heavy barrage was thrown up only for about three times.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 108, Sqdn 84 composed of 12 planes led by Lt.
Garmon. 500 lb bombs were dropped on the RR at Angitola, Italy. Target coverage was
good with strings of bombs across both ends of the RR. Lt. Williams landed with a flat
tire.

Garmon, James M., 2Lt, pilot Williams, Wallace, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on railroad and
highway bridges near Angitola, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned
safely. One of our G planes took part in a sea sweep but nothing was sighted. The plane
returned safely.

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

Orr, Douglas C., 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

Wednesday, 18 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 15)

TARGET: Angitola RR and temporary highway bridge 4:05 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Orr, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, Anderson, S/Sgt
Draper

“Strings of bombs reported falling across N and S ends of RR bridge. Highway and
bridge not hit. Flak heavy, moderate and accurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 74 (108): At 0955 36 planes off to bomb Angitola RR
and highway bridges. Dropped 216 x 500 bombs at 1200 from 75/8500 feet. All
returned at 1400. Bombs reported falling across N and S ends of RR bridge also several
near misses. Hits on RR line, highway bridge not hit. One ME-109 seen but did not
attack. Moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Stultz.

Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 19 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): About 70 B-24's bomb
the marshalling yard at Foggia, Italy. P-40's fly coastal reconnaissance over the toe of
Italy and bomb roads and buildings.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
150+ Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the Foggia
marshalling yard, while almost 100 medium bombers hit marshalling yards at Sapri and
Salerno; the bombers, and escorting P-38's claim 34 enemy planes shot down, against 8
losses; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-36's attack the Cantanzaro
marshalling yard; P-40's on sweeps over the Italian toe attack a train near Melito di Porto
Salvo and strafe a small number of trucks. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd
Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, ceases operating from Gela/Ponte
Olivo, Sicily with F-4's and returns to it's base at Ariana, Tunisia. The 86th and 97th
Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) transfer from
Torrente Coumunelli to Gerbini, Sicily with A-20's.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. The crews and ground personnel took
advantage of this time off by laying around on the beach and taking passes to Tunis.
Today, half of the Nissen hut which was shared by Operations, Intelligence and Tek
Supply was loaded on a big trailer borrowed from the Service Group and transported to
the Squadron area intact. The reason for moving Operations and Intelligence up into the
area was to make it more convenient for the combat crews to visit these two departments.

446th BS War Diary: Major Schwane was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

446th BS Special Account: On August 19, 1943 Major Henry H. Schwane,
Commanding Officer of the 446th Bombardment Squadron was awarded the Silver Star
for gallantry in Action. At this date this honor has been bestowed on only one other
officer in the 321st Bombardment Group.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

Although the Major has led numerous Group formations which were highly
successful, two were specifically mentioned in the recommendation for the award. These
occurred on April 5, 1943 and May 6, 1943.

On the former date, despite heavy enemy fire, he skillfully led his formation in an
attack on twelve heavily escorted enemy vessels, resulting in the destruction of seven of
them while the balance were left damaged and scattered after being strafed.

The latter raid was made on four escorted Siebel Ferries when the Major again
ignored heavy anti-aircraft fire and led his formation to the attack. The tactics he

Thursday, 19 August 1943 (continued)

employed were costly to the enemy for one Siebel Ferry was completely destroyed while
two were severely damaged.

Major Schwane, whose home is in Indianola, Iowa, took over the command of the
446th on September 8, 1942.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 20 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): P-40's strafe and bomb
shipping off the Italian toe and communications targets on land. Hits are scored on
bridges, railway yards, and railway cars.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's hit the Capua and Aversa
marshalling yards, while B-25's bomb the Benevento marshalling yard, and P-40's attack
the airfield at Monserrato, Sardinia; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighters hit road and railway at Gioia and trucks near Locri during missions along the E
and W coasts of the Italian toe. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 84th and
85th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-20's from Torrente Comunelli to
Gerbini, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (10 of the 445th) took off to bomb railroad
communications and installations at Benevento in Italy. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs
were dropped by the 445th from 8000 ft. The target area was well covered. Strings of
bombs fell through the center and both ends of the marshalling yards. Several explosions
threw flame and black smoke high into the air. The repair shop, tank cars and other
rolling stock were hit. 15 to 20 enemy aircraft attacked just after the formation crossed
the coast. Four of them were shot down by the escort and two of the escort were shot
down. The enemy aircraft stayed below the formation during the bomb run. Four or five
enemy aircraft were over the formation at the target. Two enemy aircraft followed the
formation for 10 minutes after leaving the target but were driven off by the escort after
they had lobbed a couple rocket bombs into the formation. The flak was slight, heavy,
and inaccurate. The Operations building was completed today.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 109, Sqdn 85 composed of 12 planes. Lt. Garmon
led the Group to installations at Benevento, Italy where 500 lb bombs were dropped.
Coverage was exceptionally good with repair shops, rolling shops, and tank cars were hit.
Two road and RR junctions were hit.

Garmon, James M., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Eleven of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling
yards at Benevento, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

Manly, Robert W. “Horse”, Capt

Lingrel, Paul W. “Big Moose”, 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

Friday, 20 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 16)

TARGET: RR Communications and installations at Benevento, Italy 4:20 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Lingrel, Capt Manly, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt,
Anderson, S/Sgt Draper

“All except a few bombs fell in area giving extremely good coverage. Strings fell
through center and both ends of M/Y. Repair shops and rolling stock including tank cars
were hit. 4 E/A destroyed by escort. Flak heavy, moderate, inaccurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 75 (109): At 1115 36 planes off to bomb RR
communications and installations at Benevento. Dropped 216 x 500 bombs at 1333 from
75/9000 feet. All returned at 1535. All except few bombs fell in target area. Strings
through center and ends of M/Y resulting in sheet of flame and several explosions.
Several repair shops and rolling stock including tank cars hit. Two RR junctions and RJ
well covered. Four E/A destroyed by escort. E/A seen to be shooting rockets. Intense,
heavy, prolonged accurate flak. Weather: CAVU. 3 spares only for 448th.

Saturday, 21 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's attack a railroad
station, marshalling yard, and air depot at Cancello Arnone, Italy.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's and B-17's bomb marshalling
yards at Villa Literno and Aversa; the P-38 escort also attacks Aversa; NASAF aircraft
claim 20+ enemy fighters shot down; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighter-bombers hit traffic on the Bovalino-Bagnara road. HQ 42nd Bombardment Wing
(Medium) transfers to Ariana, Tunisia where groups are assigned.

445th BS War Diary: There is no mission today. Lt. Fisher was grounded indefinitely
today for buzzing the 448th Squadron area and he will be on Airdrome duty until further
notified. This, however, doesn’t seem to excite him much.

Fisher, James B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Lts. Chinnock, Bugbee, Nixon, Spikes, Cohagen, McDuff,
McGowan, Morganti and Allison received promotions from 2nd Lts. to 1st Lt.

Allison, John M., 1Lt, bombardier Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot

Chinnock, Donald R., 1Lt, communication Cohagen, McKinley B., 1Lt, pilot

McDuff, Daniel R., 1Lt, pilot McGowan, Francis E., 1Lt, pilot

Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt, pilot Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot, operations

Spikes, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 22 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): All fighter and medium
bomber groups of the Ninth Air Force are transferred to the Twelfth Air Force, i.e.: 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 434th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) at Gerbini, Sicily with B-25's, 57th Fighter Group and it's 64th, 65th
and 66th Fighter Squadrons on Sicily with P-40's, 79th Fighter Group and it's 85th, 86th and
87th Fighter Squadrons on Sicily with P-40's, 324th Fighter Group and it's 314th, 315th and
316th Fighter Squadrons at El Haouaria, Tunisia with P-40's, and 340th Bombardment
Group (Medium) and it's 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium)
at Comiso, Sicily with B-25's.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): North-
west African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's, with an escort of Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-36's, bomb the marshalling yard at Salerno, Italy; they
claim 26 enemy fighters destroyed. NATAF fighters on armored reconnaissance hit
motor transport S of the Locri-Gioia Tauro, Italy area and NE of Bagnara, Italy. HQ 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 434th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Ponte Olivo to Gerbini, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. Some of the boys went to church this morning
and the rest of the day was spent on the beach and in Tunis. Lt. Humphrey is building a
motor boat in his spare time. The motor is one coming out of a German jeep. The
weather here is very pleasant as there is always a good, cool breeze off the Gulf of Tunis.

Humphrey, Malcom R., 1Lt, supply

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 23 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's hit a marshalling
yard at Bari, Italy.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): North-
west African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's bomb the Battipaglia, Italy
marshalling yard. Fighter-bombers hit factory and barracks near Cagliari, Sardinia.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's and A-36's escort NASAF B-26's,
and Spitfires fly uneventful tactical reconnaissance over NE Sicily and the toe of Italy.
HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Kairouan, Tunisia to Sciacca, Sicily. The
93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Monastir to Sidi Ahmed,
Tunisia with P-39's.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the marshalling yards
at Battipaglia in Italy. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from
8500 ft. The east and west choke points were hit. Some strings went through the center
of the yards. A large explosion was seen on the east side of the yards. Warehouses were
hit and railroad tracks were cut west of the target. Some of the bombs fell into the town.
The flak at the target was heavy, moderate and accurate. Heavy flak was encountered all
along the route out. Today an interrogation tent was put up down by the Group
Intelligence building so that the crews when they return from the missions can sit down
and have their coffee and doughnuts and be interrogated all at once.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling
yards at Battipaglia, Italy. Bombing results good. Lt. Fineman’s plane developed engine
trouble just before reaching the target but he was able to bring it back safely. The rest of
the planes returned safely also.

Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. 210 “Buckeye Cannonball”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

Neveloff, Maj

Tate, Roy W., 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

Monday, 23 August 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 17)

TARGET: Battipaglia RR yards 4:10 500 lbs

Plane 210: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Tate, Major Neveloff, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt,
Anderson, S/Sgt Draper

“E and W points of M/Y hit. Some strings through center of yard. Large explosions seen
on E side of yard. Flak heavy, moderate and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 21)

“Marshalling yards at Battipaglia. Today the flak was really heavy and accurate. We
got a few hits just as we started on our bombing run. Before we reached our bombing
altitude, Fineman lost an engine so we were floating around alone doing our own evasive
action for awhile. Finally we tagged onto Grantham and bombed off of him. For escort
we had twenty-four A-36s.”

Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 76 (110): At 1040, 36 planes to bomb Battipaglia RR
yards. 34 planes dropped 204 x 500 bombs at 1251 from 8/9500 feet. One returned
early, 35 returned at 1450. N and W choke points of M/Y hit. Some strings to center of
yard caused large explosion in yard. Warehouse hit and RR track cut W of target. Some
bombs in town. Moderate, heavy, accurate flak. 7 planes of center flight hit, no
casualties. Weather: CAVU: F/L: Issacson.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Tuesday, 24 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers hit a railroad tunnel and
cruiser offshore at Sibari, tracks and buildings at Castrovillari, and the town area at
Sibari; and Royal Air Force (RAF) Desert Air Force airplanes strafe motor transport N of
Reggio di Calabria and provide withdrawal cover for the NATAF fighter-bombers. HQ
314th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Kairouan, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today. A little informal gathering of the combat crews
over by the officer’s mess this afternoon. Major Cook presented some of the crews with
their Air Medals. After the awards were made, a little program was put on with Lt.
Miller at the piano, Lt. McEnroe at the guitar, Captain Smith with the accordion and Cpl.
Katz played the violin. Lt. Kent who used to be a night club entertainer rendered a few
vocals for the boys. Lt. Kent has a very fine voice.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Katz, Paul F., Cpl, photographer

Kent, William S., 2Lt, pilot McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt, bombardier

Miller, Edward A., 2Lt, bombardier/Navigator Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 25 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's bomb the
marshalling yard at Foggia, Italy. The 566th and 567th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from Bengasi, Libya
with B-24's since Jul 43, return to their base at Hethel, England.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Around
135 B-17's and 140 P-38's attack satellite airfields at Foggia, Italy. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers hit trucks S of Sinopoli, Italy. The 414th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers form Pont-
du-Fahs to Depienne, Tunisia with B-17's.

445th BS War Diary: This evening the boys enjoyed themselves at the new service
men’s club on the field at an old French farmhouse. There was plenty of beer for
everyone and afterwards they saw “Honky Tonk” at a movie. This is the beginning of a
regular schedule of shows which will be given for the benefit of the men two nights a
week. There was no mission again today. Most all of the men are wearing a healthy tan
acquired while they are at the beach. This coat of tan is all they wear at the beach.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Lts. Bradley, Garmon, Chappell,
and Taylor, having been checked out as element and formation leaders, were promoted to
Captain.

Bradley, James L., Jr., Capt, pilot Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot

Garmon, James M., Capt, pilot

Taylor, Jason G., pilot or Taylor, Peter D., pilot or Taylor, Richard E., pilot

447th BS War Diary: Capt. Richardson received notice of his promotion from 1st Lt.
Capt. J. Hamilton was assigned to the squadron today. He has been sent to replace our
squadron surgeon, Capt. J. Canning who has filed his application for flight surgeon
training. Capt. Canning is awaiting orders to report to the flight surgeon’s school at
Randolph Field, Texas.

Canning, John A., Capt, Medical Officer Hamilton, John M., Capt, Medical Officer

Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 26 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 316th Troop Carrier
Group and it's 36th, 37th, 44th and 45th Troop Carrier Squadrons with C-47's are
transferred to the Twelfth Air Force. The 328th, 329th, 330th, and 409th Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy), 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from
Bengasi, Libya since Jun 43 with B-24's, return to their base at Hardwick, England.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): The
Royal Air Force (RAF) Desert Air Force (DAF) is assigned to the Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF), along with US units of the Ninth Air Force which have
been an operational part of DAF and Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force
(NATBF). In Italy, 80+ Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's, with P-
38 escort bomb Capua Airfield; 100+ fighter-escorted medium bombers hit Grazzanise
Airfield and satellite field; P-40's bomb Carloforte on San Pietro Island and strafe the S
part of Sardinia; and NATAF medium and light bombers bomb targets on the toe of Italy,
including the railroad junction at Locri and gun positions at Reggio di Calabria and Villa
San Giovanni.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) led by Major Cook took off to bomb
the Grazzanise airdrome in Italy. The bombers and the fighters failed to rendezvous so
the bombers were forced to return.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: One of our planes started on a mission but the formation turned
back because of failure to rendezvous with the escort.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 27 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 564th and 565th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been
operating from Bengasi, Libya since Jul with B-24's, returns to their base at Hethel,
England.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the Sulmona marshalling
yard, and medium bombers hit the Benevento and Caserta marshalling yards; nearly 150
P-38's escort the bombers. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) medium and
light bombers and fighters attack targets in S Italy, including Cantanzaro rail and road
junction, guns near Reggio di Calabria, Sibari rail junctions, Cetraro marshalling yard,
barracks at Tarsia, train and repair shops at Paola, and a barge at Diamante. HQ 340th
Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th, 487th, 488th and 498th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Comiso to Catania, Sicily with B-25's. The 527th
Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Gela to Barcelona,
Sicily with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: 36 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) led by Major Cook took off to bomb
the Benevento marshalling yards in Italy. 66 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped
by the 445th from 8000 ft. 36 P-38’s of the 82nd were the escort. Both the northwest and
southeast choke points of the yards were hit with very good coverage on the southeast.
The tracks were cut north and south of the east junction. A string of bombs fell through
the center of the yards. A large explosion was seen at the east end. One ME-109 was
shot down by the bombers and one enemy aircraft was shot down in flames by the escort.
Twelve enemy aircraft were seen over the target. Two were seen below the formation at
the target and were attacked by the escort. One pink P-38 attacked a green P-38. Then
the pink P-38 attacked one of our bombers but was driven off by the tail gunner. The flak
at the target was heavy, moderate and accurate. A few bursts were seen on the way out
over the coast.

Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 111, Sqdn 86 composed of 10 planes led by Lt.
Axson. The target was the MY and RR junction at Benevento, Italy where 500 lb bombs
were dropped. The coverage was especially good, bombs going through the center of the
yard. A peculiar incident occurred when a pink P-38 attacked a green P-38 which was
one of our escorting formation. The pink one was driven off. Lt. Bettinger’s engine cut
out on the approach to the target and he was forced to land at Palermo, Sicily. S/Sgt.
Thomas P. Miles destroyed one ME-109 verified by the fighter escort. T/Sgt. Nicholson
finished his 50th mission, the first enlisted man to finish.

Axson, Ralph L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot

Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt, gunner Nicholson, John E., T/Sgt, gunner

Friday, 27 August 1943 (continued)

446th BS Special Account: On today’s mission to Benevento, Italy to bomb the railroad
marshalling yards Lt. Bettinger’s plane developed mechanical difficulties and forced him
to land the plane at Palermo, Sicily. This trouble developed before the target was reached
and Lt. Bettinger took a big chance in continuing to the target. His own story of this
mission follows.

Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot

“On August 27, 1943 our Group bombed the railroad marshalling yards at
Benevento, Italy. I was flying plane #42-12963. The right engine of my plane started
leaking oil soon after we had started our climb. About two minutes after I had dropped
my bombs the whole right nacelle was covered with oil which caught fire. The engine
became very rough and started losing power, but as soon as I feathered the prop the fire
went out.

Lt. Hileman and Lt. Morris saw that I was in trouble and got on my wings to
protect me in case of attack by enemy fighters until we were safe out over the water at
3000 feet. Then Lt. Hileman took the lead.

Hileman, Donald T., 2Lt, pilot Morris, Richard P., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Before reaching Palermo I could see the city was surrounded by mountains so I
climbed to 3500 feet since I did not know the exact location of the field or the
obstructions on the approach for a landing. I made a circle out over the water into my
good engine, and found that an approach could be made between two mountains on the
coast. I made my approach high reducing power and trimming the plane as much as
possible for power off flight, then I cut the power and landed.

We landed at Palermo, Sicily after one hour and thirty minutes and, on
examination it was found that the master rod had come loose from the piston and had
broken through the cylinder wall. The heat from the fire had been so intense that the
whole outer portion of the nacelle was buckled.”

Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot HOWARD P. BETTINGER

2nd Lt., Air Corps.

447th BS War Diary: Two of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling yards
at Benevento, Italy. Bombing results good. Both planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 77 (111): At 1030, 36 planes off to bomb Benevento
M/Y and RR installations. 34 dropped 191 x 500 at 1245 from 8/9000 feet. One B-25
caught fire and landed at Palermo with accompanying ship. Other planes returned 1445.
Both NW and SE choke points hit especially good coverage at SE. Tracks out to E and S
of E junction. Strings of bombs through center of yards explosion at E end. 12 E/A over
target and one ME-109 destroyed by bomber, observed by escort to crash. One E/A shot
down in flames by escort. Moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU: F/L:
Culp. Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 28 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the marshalling yard at
Terni; B-26's hit the Aversa marshalling yard and Sparanise; and B-25's hit the Cancello
Arnone marshalling yard. P-40's fly intruder missions over Sardinia, bombing and
strafing industry and town area. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
and medium bombers attack railroad facilities at Lamezia and Catanzaro, Italy; fighter-
bombers hit road and rail junctions, and marshalling yards at Castrovillari, Cosenza, and
Catanzaro, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: 46 B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb Cancello marshalling
yards and stores depot in Italy. 36 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th
from 11,000 ft. Hits were made on the north center of the marshalling yard and on the
rolling stock resulting in an explosion and a large fire. Hits were also reported on the
factory and stores depot. A large explosion was seen near the marshalling yards. Bad
visibility hampered good bombing. 15 enemy fighters were engaged by our escort near
Naples. One single-engine aircraft over the target mad no attempt to attack. The flak
over the target was heavy, trailing but accurate as to altitude. Some flak encountered to
and from the target.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 112, Sqdn 87 composed of 12 planes led by Lt.
Bradley. 500 lb bombs were dropped on the Cancello MY, Italy. Results were poor due
to poor visibility. However, hits were made on the north center of the MY, on rolling
stock, and some on the factory and stores depot. 15 enemy aircraft were engaged by the
escort near Naples.

Bradley, James L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our regular planes and two of the Gs participated in
raids today. The regular planes hit the railroad yards at Cancello, Italy with good
bombing results. The two Gs attacked a radar station on the way out from the target after
having dropped six bombs each on the railroad yards with the other planes. They
dropped the remaining two bombs each on the radar station from low altitude and fired a
total of fifteen 75 mm shells into the station. The squadron received fifteen Italian
prisoners to perform duties in the area. They are classified as follows: 6 cooks, 3
laborers, 4 mechanics, 1 barber and 1 sergeant in charge. KP is the big job which these
prisoners will relieve the enlisted men of.

Saturday, 28 August 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

Orr, Douglas C., 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 18)

TARGET: Cancello M/Y, Stores, Depot and Factories 4:05 500 lbs and 300 lbs.

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Orr, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, Anderson, S/Sgt
Draper

“Target very well covered. 15 E/A near Naples engaged by escort. Flak heavy, slight,
and inaccurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 78 (112): At 1245, 46 planes and 2 G’s to bomb Cancello
M/Y, stores, depots, and factory. 48 dropped 260 x 500 and 8 x 500 bombs at 1500 from
10/13000 feet. All returned at 1650. 2 B-25’s skipped bombed 4 x 300 bombs and fired
15 x 75mm shells at THRUSBURG on Ventolone, Island at 1515. Hits made on N end
and center of M/Y and on rolling stock, resulting in an explosion and large fire. Hits also
reported on factory and storage depot. Large explosion seen near M/Y. 8/10th covered
up to 11000 feet made target difficult to see and many bombs were short and over. One
plane dropped bombs on road San Felice. 15 E/A near Naples engaged by escort.
Convoys on ground. Slight, heavy, accurate flak. Weather: 8/10 CUMULUS. F/L:
Bates and Culp.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 29 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's hit the Orte marshalling yard,
and B-26's bomb Torre Annunziata; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighters escort the NASAF bombers, hit a rail junction at Bagnara, bridge and town of
Angitola, gun positions in the Villa San Giovanni-Reggio di Calabria areas, and a
marshalling yard at Lamezia. HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Goubrine,
Tunisia to Gela, Sicily. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Egypt to Tunisia.
HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group transfers from El Djem, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: No combat mission scheduled for this date. Lt. Sam Gregory was
assigned for duty with the Squadron. He became Squadron Adjutant with Lt. Gaffney
being the Executive Officer.

Gaffney, Charles, H., 1Lt, Executive Officer Gregory, Samuel J., 1Lt, Adjutant

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: One of our bomb service trucks was in an accident tonight. Two
men were killed but none from our squadron. The truck overturned when it ran off the
road onto a soft shoulder.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 30 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
B-17's of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) bomb Viterbo Airfield; B-
25's hit the Civitavecchia marshalling yard; B-26's bomb the Aversa marshalling yard. P-
40's strafe a radar station at Pula, Sardinia. Also in Italy, Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) medium and light bombers attack marshalling yards at Marina di
Cantanzaro and Paola, and gun emplacements and bivouac S of Reggio di Calabria; and
A-36's bomb marshalling yards at Sapri and Lamezia. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group
transfers from El Djem, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission again today. Lt. R.S. Lowman, James O.
Jackson, Norman Bsharah, James H. Evans, Stanton W. Johnson and John E. Kelly were
promoted to 1st Lts. As of August 21, 1943. The Italian prisoners of war assigned to this
unit have been doing an excellent job and seem eager to keep busy at all times.

Bsharah, Norman, 1Lt, bombardier Evans, James H., 1Lt, bombardier

Jackson, James O., 1Lt, intelligence Johnson, Stanton W., 1Lt, Armament Officer

Kelly, John E., 1Lt, Communication Officer Lowman, Robert S., 1Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 31 August 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's bomb the
marshalling yard at Pescara, Italy; they claim 9 enemy fighters destroyed. The 66th and
68th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), that have
been operating from Benina, Libya with B-24's since Jun, return to their base at
Shipdham, England.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In Italy,
about 150 Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's blast the Pisa
marshalling yard, doing a large amount of damage; Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) medium and light bombers bomb the Cosenza marshalling yard and road-
railway junction in Cantanzaro during the morning, and in the afternoon bomb the area
around Cosenza when clouds prevent hitting specific targets; fighter-bombers hit Sapri
railroad and seaplane base; and during the night light bombers hit the bivouac areas SE of
Reggio di Calabria.

445th BS War Diary: Today there was some local gunnery training and practice
bombing runs using Norden sights.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Lts. Beyer and Manning received
their orders to return to the United States. The first in the Squadron to go back after
finishing 50 missions.

Beyer, William J., 2Lt, navigator Manning, Rodney A., 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

August 1943

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

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

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

448th BS War Diary: Additional Information for August 1943:

August 1 – 7 – 43: On August 1, 1943, the squadron observed its first anniversary. As
part of the program commemorating the first anniversary the squadron combat crew
members were awarded Military Decorations for action against the enemy, Colonel
Knapp, 321st Bomb Group (M), Commanding, awarded the decorations. Special services
were held at Group Headquarters for the event. A bountiful dinner was served by the
squadron Mess. (Note) see Mission Journal for complete names of all Combat Men who
received decorations. 1st/Sgt. Holguin relieved of his duties as 1st/Sgt. Sgt. Iseldyke
assumed duties of 1st/Sgt.

Holguin, Renato (NMI), Sgt, gunner Iseldyke, LeRoy J., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

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

August 8 – 14 – 43: At 08:00 hours August 8, 1943, the squadron departed Souk-el-Arba
via military aircraft and motor convoy for Soliman, Tunisia. Weather: Extremely hot.
Morale: Excellent. Squadron arrived Soliman, 12:00 hours, August 8, 1943, distance
traveled 125 miles. Tent area assigned in olive grove 3 miles from beach. Three Nissen
huts secured for area. Area established is the best in history of squadron. Trucks
provided for beach 3 miles away and regular truck transportation provided for trips to
Tunis on “Day Off”.

The following Officers were assigned and joined: 2nd Lieutenants: Block, Eaton,
Heller, Joyce, Nicholas, Prior, Schwindle, Wilbois, Winegar, Flight Officers: Corbin,
Keith, and Peplinsky. The following Enlisted Men were assigned and joined. S/Sgts:
Clement, Harry, Cobb, Colby, Keller, McNulty, Williams, Wright and Haberman. T/Sgt.
Rogers transferred to 21st General Hospital. The squadron received four B-25g aircraft
and complete crews for same. Routine schedule carried on in camp. Missions
concentrated on transportation facilities in ITALY. Selected Crews sent to rest camps.

Block, Harry C., 2Lt, pilot Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner

Cobb, Bert A., S/Sgt, gunner or Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt, gunner

Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt, gunner or Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, gunner

Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O, pilot Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, pilot

Haberman, Marvin A., S/Sgt, gunner Harry, Elmer A., S/Sgt, gunner

Heller, Leonard C., 2Lt, pilot Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, navigator

Keith, Charles F., F/O, pilot Keller, Richard S., S/Sgt, gunner

McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt, gunner Nicholas, Jack (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Peplinsky, James L., F/O, pilot Prior, Gordon M., 2Lt, pilot

Rogers, Herbert E., T/Sgt, gunner Schwindle, Adam C., 2Lt, pilot

Wilbois, John A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Williams, Griffith E., S/Sgt, gunner

Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt, pilot Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, gunner

August 1943

August 15 – 21 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Missions continued on ITALY. Usual camp duties performed while in camp.

August 22 – 31- 43: No Officers assigned or joined this period. The following Enlisted
Men were assigned and joined. Sgts: Smith and Senec, Private 1cl Feagans. 1st
Lieutenant Bellah transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters, 12th Bomber Command.
Corporal Farmer transferred to 26th Station Hospital. 2nd Lieutenants: Marrich, Stannard
appointed 1st Lieutenants. Sgt. Reiser transferred Headquarters and Headquarters, 12th
Bomber Command. Missions continued over ITALT. Invasion of ITALY apparent in
near future. Usual squadron duties performed while in camp.

Bellah, Jesse S., 2Lt, ordnance Farmer, Daniel J., Cpl, intelligence

Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC, gunner, photographer

Marrich, Martin K., 1Lt, adjutant Reiser, Albert (NMI), Sgt, engineering

Senec, Joseph F., Jr., Sgt, gunner Stannard, Lewis J., Jr., 1Lt, B.S.M., Adjutant

Smith, Harold W., gunner or Smith, Norman L., gunner or Smith, Virgil D., ordnance