12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: September 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)

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

Wednesday, 1 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): All ADMINISTRATIVE
functions of the Army Air Forces elements of the Northwest African Air Force are
transferred to the appropriate Twelfth Air Force organizations:

- HQ Northwest African Air Force (NAAF) to HQ Twelfth Air Force,

- Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) to XII Bomber Command,

- Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) to XII Air Support Command

- Northwest African Coastal Air Force to XII Fighter Command,

- Northwest African Air Service Command (NAASC) to XII Air Force Services

Command,

- Northwest African Air Force Troop Carrier Command to XII Troop Carrier

Command (Provisional),

- NW African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing to Photo Reconnaissance

Wing (Provisional), and

- Northwest African Training Command (NATC) to XII Training Command

(Provisional).

OPERATIONAL control remains with the Northwest African Air Force. In
Italy, P-40's bomb a zinc plant at Iglesias and strafe a factory N of Gonnesa; medium and
light bombers hit Bova Marina, areas near Salina and Sant' Eufemia d'Aspromonte town
area and bridge at Oliveto. HQ 52nd Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Kairouan,
Tunisia to Agrigento, Sicily. HQ 64th Fighter Wing transfers from Gela to Milazzo,
Sicily. HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group transfers from Kairouan, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily.
The 32nd and 61st Troop Carrier Squadrons, 314th Troop Carrier Group, transfer from
Kairouan, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with C-47's. The 111th Reconnaissance
Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Termini to San Antonio,
Sicily with F-6's. The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group,
transfers from Gela to Barcelona, Sicily with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: The mission took off for the Cerveteri landing ground near Rome
but returned at 10:15 on instructions from higher headquarters. Captain Bonus left for
Tripoli on a leave during which he hoped to get to Persia and visit his mother who was an
Army nurse in that locality.

Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Twenty of our planes took off to participate in a raid on Cancello
railroad yards but the mission was recalled by radio. No explanation given.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 2 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (First Air Force): The 1st Antisubmarine
Squadron (Heavy), 480th Antisubmarine Group, based at Port Lyautey, French Morocco
begins operating from Protville, Tunisia with B-24's.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, almost 200
B-17's and B-25's of the XII Bomber Command bomb marshalling yards at Bologna,
Trento, Bolzano, and Cancello Arnone; bombers and fighters escorting the B-25's claim
28 enemy airplanes shot down; and tactical aircraft, including Royal Air Force (RAF) and
Ninth Air Force airplanes, hit gun positions and other targets on the Italian toe, bomb rail
communications at Bova Marina, Locri, Marina di Monasterace, Siderno Marina,
Lamezia, and Catanzaro, and attack barges in the Golfo di Sant' Eufemia and an
ammunition dump at Saptri. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 308th Fighter Squadron
transfer from Termini to Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires. The 15th Troop Carrier
Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Kairouan, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily
with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: Today the Squadron participated in a raid on the Cancello
marshalling yards and air depot. Our Squadron was given the air depot as a target. It was
demolished with not a bomb being wasted. General Doolittle commended the Group for
the excellence of the mission. S/Sgt. Reid F. Kilmer shot down a MA-202. On the bomb
run, Lt. Haegele’s ship turned over probably due to the propwash. However it righted
itself and succeeded in dropping the bombs. There were aerial bombs dropped. About
10 miles after leaving the coast, the formation was attacked by enemy fighters firing
rockets. Lt. Larson left Tripoli for Fort Lamy as navigator for Col. Knapp.

Doolittle, James Harold "Jimmy", Maj Gen, 12th AF, Commander

Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt, pilot Kilmer, Reid F., S/Sgt, gunner

Knapp, Robert D., Col, 321st BG Commander Larson, Harold W., Maj, navigator

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 113, Sqdn 88 composed of 14 planes. Capt.
Griffith led the Group to the Cancello MY and factories. 500 lb bombs were dropped and
coverage was excellent, only a few bombs fell outside the target area. Rolling stock,
stations, sheds, stores depots, and the factory were all hit and numerous fires and
explosions resulted, One Italian aircraft destroyed.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Special Account: On September 2, 1943 Captain Frank J. Griffith
led a formation of seventy one bombers to the Cancello Marshalling Yards in Italy. Great
damage was done and the mission was a great success. In recognition of the fine work of
Capt. Griffith a recommendation for the D.F.C. has been turned in for him. The
following is an account of the raid written by his Navigator.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 2 September 1943 (continued)

On September 2, 1943 Captain Frank Griffith of the 321st Bombardment Group
led 71 B-25’s on the target of Cancello, Italy. The marshalling yards, the factory, and the
supply depot were our objectives. After studying the target we were all impressed with
the importance of the mission.

Being the navigator on Capt. Griffith’s airplane, I felt my responsibility to hit the
Italian mainland between Salerno and Castellammare di Stabia, two areas strongly
defended by flak. The distance between those two places is approximately fifteen miles.
In the briefing the weather officer reported probable haze and stratus clouds for the flight
which was over the water. All this would have presented a real problem to me if I had
not known from previous experience Capt. Griffith’s ability to fly without varying any
course I gave him.

Upon entering the Italian mainland we ran into flak, but thanks to Capt. Griffith’s
experience in leading flights where flak was encountered, the complete flight turned on
the bombing run without damage. Due to a rhythmic evasive action we held the
formation closely intact and still avoided the flak. We weaved in toward the target and
leveled off in time for a smooth bomb run. We were particularly anxious to hit our
target, the factory at the northern end of the yards, because we knew if we did the other
flights would have a better chance of hitting theirs. Our first bomb hit squarely in the
center of the factory, and soon other bombs were hitting all through the yards and sheds.
It was the best bombing I have ever seen.

After dropping our bombs I located gun batteries firing on us straight ahead. I
asked Capt. Griffith to turn left to avoid this flak. He was thinking of the success of the
mission and not his own safety when he said, “I’ll turn as soon as you tell me that all the
planes have dropped their bombs”. This proved to be very good judgment for if he had
turned to avoid the danger of flak he would have turned into the other planes on the target
and their bomb run would have been ruined. After all the bombs were dropped, the
Captain went back to his smooth evasive action while the gunners of the formation kept
the fighters out of range. On the mission not one plane was damaged.

The result was seventy-one B-25’s returned to their base. There was no loss of
planes or personnel, and the target was completely demolished. To me this was the most
difficult of my forty missions, and yet due to Capt. Griffith’s great skill as a pilot, and
cool judgment under fire, it was the most successful. It was without doubt the best
demonstration in combat leadership that I have seen.

HERMAN B. CALDWELL, Jr.

1st Lt., Air Corps.

Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt, navigator Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 2 September 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Twenty of our planes took part in a raid on the railroad yards at
Cancello, Italy. Bombing results good. The formation was attacked by fighters which
stood off at a long distance and fired rocket shells in them. This was the first time the
squadron has encountered this type of attack. None of our planes were hit and all
returned safely.

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

O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 19)

TARGET: Cancello M/Y, Stores, Depot and factories 4:25 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, O’Mara,
S/Sgt Draper

“Coverage was excellent. M/Y completely covered from N and S choke points. Rolling
stock, station and shed hit resulting in numerous fires, explosions and electrical display.
One E/A 202 destroyed, exploded and crashed into water. Flak heavy, moderate
accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 22)

“Seventy-two Mitchells & Seventy-two P-38s hit Cancello Marshalling yards about
twelve miles northeast of Naples. We flew around Mt. Vesuvius between Salerno &
Naples. About twenty-five minutes over Italy with intermittent light inaccurate heavy
flak. Off shore on route home, some enemy planes came up behind us and started firing
shells into the formation. The P38s didn’t even see them till they broke away. The
intelligence reports say there were over seventy 109s, 190s, and 202s. The fighters shot
down twenty-three and lost ten.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 79 (113): 68 B-25’s and 4 B-25g’s off at 1045 to bomb
Cancello M/Y and factory, stores depot. Dropped 391x500 and 24x500 at 1314 from
85/9500 feet. All returned 1510. Coverage, excellent, only few bombs out of area.
Direct hits on factory, and stores depot and on rolling stock, large fires and explosions
seen. 10 bursts of aerial bombs bursts above and left of formation. One green P-38 fired
on bombers and was driven off. One fire and four columns of smoke seen on water at
1345 about 50 miles off coast. Five E/A slid in behind on deck and fired shells which
burst 50-60 yards short of formation. One E/A shot down by bombers. Moderate, heavy,
inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L. Stultz.

Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

On this mission the B-25 did slow roll over target due to prop wash. Recognition
from General Doolittle given for splendid performance.

Doolittle, James Harold "Jimmy", Maj Gen, 12th AF, Commander

Friday, 3 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's bomb the
marshalling yard at Sulmona, Italy; they claim 11 Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed; 6 B-24's
are lost.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): P-40's on a sweep
over Sardinia hit Pula and Capo Carbonara radar installations. In Italy, A-20's, A-36's,
fighters and RAF light bombers hit gun positions throughout the toe of Italy, attack
airfields at Crotone and Camigliatello and hit railway yards at Marina di Catanzaro and
Punta di Staletti, troop concentration near Santo Stefano d'Aspromonte and road
junctions and bridges at Cosenza. On the ground in Italy, the British Eighth Army lands
on the toe of Italy between Reggio di Calabria and Villa San Giovanni (Operation
BAYTOWN). The Italian government signs surrender terms. HQ 316th Troop Carrier
Group and its 36th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Enfidaville, Tunisia to Mazzara,
Sicily with C-47's. The 17th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, transfers
from El Djem, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily with C-47's. The 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron,
314th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Kairouan, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with
C-47's. The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from Termini to
Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires. The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, XII Fighter Command,
transfers from La Sebala, Tunisia to Cantania, Sicily with Beaufighters. The 522nd and
524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 27th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfer from Gela to
Barcelona, Sicily and San Antonio, Sicily respectively with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today only local gunnery training.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 4 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, bad weather
prevents XII Bomber Command B-17's from locating their targets (airfields); P-38's sent
to hit landing grounds at Grazzanise also fail to find targets, but attack targets of
opportunity in the general area; US fighter-bombers and RAF light bombers hit motor
transport scattered along the Italian toe, and bomb gun positions NE of Reggio di
Calabria and roads and railroad junction in the Cosenza-Catanzaro-Nicastro area and at
Colosimi. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Tunisia to Lentini, Sicily. The
16th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, transfers El Djem, Tunisia to
Comiso, Sicily with C-47's. The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group,
transfers from El Djem, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily with C-47's. The 99th Fighter Squadron,
XII Air Support Command, transfers from Licata to Termini, Sicily with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today. There was a movie shown tonight
near the enlisted men’s club. It was “Larceny, Inc.” with Edward G. Robinson.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 5 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): Brigadier General
Victor H Strahm, Chief of Staff, assumes temporary command during the absence of
Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton. Colonel John C Kilborn assumes command of the
IX Bomber Command upon the departure of Major General Uzal G Ent from the theater.
(Ent AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado was named for General Ent. The base was active
from Jan 51 to Jul 76.)

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, 130+ XII
Bomber Command B-17's bomb the airfield at Viterbo and the town of Civitavecchia;
200+ B-25's and B-26's hit landing grounds at Grazzanise. In Sardinia, other medium
bombers and fighters hit the Pula radar station and town of Pabillonis. Weather hampers
operations of the fighters and medium and light bombers of the NATAF, i.e., Twelfth Air
Force and RAF aircraft, and only a few targets (guns, roads, railroads, and troops) are
attacked during missions over the toe of Italy. HQ 68th Reconnaissance Group and its
122nd Liaison Squadron transfer from Berrechid Airfield, French Morocco to Berteaux,
Algeria. The 122nd is operating a fighter training school with P-38's, P-39's and P-40's.
The 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia, begins operating
from Gerbini, Sicily with P-38's. The 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group,
transfers from Termini to Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires. The 523rd Fighter-Bomber
Squadron, 27th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Gela to Barcelona, Sicily with A-
36's.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in a mission on the Grazzanise landing
ground Italy. Lts. Kent, Kelley, Farrell, Greenblatt and Sgt. R.J. Hanna took a ride to
Algiers today and came back with cigars and candy. Every time the men get these rations
in Algiers it occasions a good deal of complaining around the base. The men are anxious
to know why the people back in Algiers can get cigars and candy while they up at the
front cannot. Some of the boys attended church services at the chapel just over the hill.
The Squadron is ideally situated for this purpose. Bizerte was bombed again this
evening. The flashes, explosions and gunfire could be seen from our area (This entry was
made in error; the bombing took place on the evening of the 6th)

Farrell, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt, pilot

Hanna, R. J., Sgt, Kelley, Edward T., 2Lt, pilot

Kent, William S., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 114, Sqdn 89 composed of 12 planes led by Lt.
Schmidt. 500 lb bombs were dropped on Minturno, Italy, RR bridge and tracks. Hits
were scored on the bridge, tracks and highway. 25/30 enemy aircraft came up but did not
attack.

Schmidt, Frederick C., 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 5 September 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Sixteen of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad bridge in
southern Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely. Three of our G
planes participated in a raid on a radar station in Southern Sardinia. Bombing and
gunning results fair. The flak was very intense and Lt. Edward’s plane was hit in the
vertical stabilizer. Lt. McLaughlin’s plane was hit in the right engine. All three planes
returned safely but Lt. McLaughlin’s plane will require a new engine.

Edwards, John E., 2Lt, pilot McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

Manly, Robert W. “Horse”, Capt

McCone, Walter G. 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 20)

TARGET: RR bridge—Minturno Italy 4:00 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, Capt. Manly, S/Sgt Kramer,
T/Sgt, O’Mara, S/Sgt Draper

“Hits made on bridge and tracks and highway. One E/A damaged. Flak heavy, slight,
and inaccurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 23)

“Fifty-four of us started out to hit Grazzanise Airdrome, North of Naples. For cover we
had thirty-six P-38s. When we got to our I.P. at about 9500 ft the leader decided we
couldn’t hit the airdrome because the clouds covered the sky over the target from about
5000 to 14000 ft., so we bombed a railroad intersection and bridge. As we approached
the coast about ten fighters came toward us at 11 o’clock high. Tracy got a few shots at
these. They didn’t make a pass at us, I guess it was because the 310th and a group of 26s
had hit nearby about fifteen minutes before and they didn’t have any ammunition or gas
left. I believe the 38s got a few of them.”

Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Mission 80 (114): At 1105, 54 planes off to bomb Grazzanise
A/D. Dropped 318 x 500 bombs on alternate target (heavy storm clouds prevented
visibility of A/D) at 1515 from 8/13000 feet. All returned 155. Primary target covered
by CUMULUS clouds. Hit RR tracks 7 miles W of Minturno. Hits reported on RR
bridge, tracks and highway. 25 to 30 E/A came up from 5000 feet two minutes below
target, 6 to 8 E/A at 18000 feet as neared target, one plane seen afire on water. E/A held
off by long range fire. Aerial bombs dropped by E/A between first and second element.
Slight, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: 2/10th at 7000 feet over alternate target. F/L:
Issacson.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Monday, 6 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's hit Capodichino Airfield, Villa Literno marshalling yard, Gaeta harbor,
and Minturno railroad facilities; weather prevents a B-17 attack on Pomigliano airfield.
B-25's and B-26's hit Capua airfield and landing grounds at Grazzanise. P-40's hit the
landing ground at Pabillonis, Sardinia. US and RAF planes of NATAF operate on
reduced scale, flying patrols and hitting railroads and targets of opportunity on the Italian
toe. HQ 62nd Troop Carrier Group and its 7th Troop Carrier Squadron transfers from
Goubrine, Tunisia to Ponte Olivo, Sicily with C-47's. The 10th, 11th and 12th Troop
Carrier Squadrons, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfer from El Djem, Tunisia to Gela,
Sicily with C-47's. The 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers
from Kairouan, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily with C-47's. The 16th Reconnaissance Squadron
(Bomber), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Berrechid, French Morocco to
Berteaux, Algeria. The squadron is operating a school for fighter pilots until 23 Sep with
P-38's, P-39's, P-40's and Spitfires. The 27th and 94th Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter
Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia begin operating from Dittaino, Sicily with P-38's.

445th BS War Diary: Major Cook led a mission today. The Capua airdrome was
bombed. The bombing that took place this evening was a very pretty sight. The red glow
of tracers greatly resembled a Fourth of July demonstration. Later it was learned that
only 2 bombs were dropped and the enemy lost 7 ships.

Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 115, Sqdn 90, 15 planes led by Capt. Chappell.
The target was Capua A/D, Italy where 500 lb bombs were dropped. Hits were made on
hangars and planes parked in front of the hangars. 1 very large fire was started and
several small ones, believed to be burning planes. 6/7 enemy fighters approached the
formation but instead of attacking our formation they went for the B-26’s who followed
us.

Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Fifteen of our planes participated in a raid on the Capua airdrome
in Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely. Our squadron witnessed
another air attack on Bizerte tonight. Flashes from the exploding bombs could be seen
and the sky was streaked with tracers thrown up by the anti-aircraft batteries.

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

O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

Monday, 6 September 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 21)

TARGET: Capua A/D Italy 4:10 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, O’Mara,
S/Sgt Draper

“Airdrome was well covered by this and preceding Group. Hits were made on hangars
and planes parked in front of hangars. Hit made on buildings and small fires were
observed on field believed to be burning planes. Flak heavy moderate and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 24)

“Capua Airdrome, twelve miles NE of Naples was today’s target. We put up sixty ships
with thirty-six P38s for cover. The 310th also had sixty ships and hit a town abut twenty
miles from our target. As we left our target and started back, two groups of B26s went
overhead on their way in. Later two groups of B17s hit targets in the same vicinity.
Beaucoup flak – few fighters.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 81 (113): At 1025, 60 planes off to bomb Capua A/D.
Two returned early. Dropped 347 x 500 bombs at 1258 from 85/10500 feet. Planes
returned 1345. A/D well covered, hits on hangars and planes in front of hangars, one
large fire seen in buildings and smaller fires on field believed to be burning planes. Hits
also made among planes N and S dispersal area. 6 to 7 E/A seen but did not attack. Dog
fights seen in distance. 1 E/A down in flames and 1 crashed on A/D. Moderate, heavy,
accurate flak. Weather: 2/10th at target.

Tuesday, 7 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): HQ Army Air Forces
decides to transfer Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton, Commanding General, and his

HQ staff from Africa to the United Kingdom to reform the Ninth Air Force in the
European Theater of Operations by absorbing the VIII Air Support Command.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's bomb 2 satellite airfields at Foggia; B-25's and B-26's hit road and rail
bridges at Saptri and Trebisacce and roads at Lauria. In Sardinia, P-40's hit the landing
ground at Pabillonis and barges off Portoscuso. US A-20's of the Northwest African
Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) support British landing on 7/8 Sep near Pizzo, Italy in
an unsuccessful attempt to cut off enemy retreat up W coast of the Italian toe. Medium
and light bombers, in an afternoon raids, bomb Crotone airfield and roadblock and gun
batteries N of Catanzaro, Italy. The 4th and 8th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 62nd Troop
Carrier Group, transfer from Goubrine, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily with C-47's. The 35th
Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, El Djem, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily
with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: Captain Tipton received the DFC for leading the formation of
bombers that sank the Italian destroyer off the coast of Cape Bon. This was on April 30.
Ice cream was enjoyed by all at the noon day meal. This ice cream is some of the finest
tasting delicacy that the boys have tasted in a long while.

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

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 116, Sqdn 91, 12 planes led by Capt. Griffith. 500
lb bombs were dropped on roads near Lauria, Italy. 1 flight scored direct hits on the
primary target, while the rest of the formation dropped their bombs on a secondary road
in the vicinity due to cloud cover over the primary target.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

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

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

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

None

Tuesday, 7 September 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 22)

TARGET: Road near Lauria, Italy 4:00 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, S/Sgt Kramer, S/Sgt. Ennis, S/Sgt
Draper

“Target was covered by cloud layer. One flight made direct hits on road between
Lauria and Lagonegro. Explosions seen SE of Lauria. Flak heavy, moderate, accurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 82 (116): No escort. At 0845, 32 B-25’s and 4 B-25g’s
off to bomb road near Lauria. Dropped 180 x 500 bombs at 1100 from 8/9500 feet.
Target was covered by cloud layer. Direct hits on road made between Lauria and
Lagonegro and hits on secondary road NE of Lauria. Flak battery hit one mile NE of
Lauria. Explosions seen SE of Lauria. Few bombs fell in town. Moderate, heavy,
inaccurate flak. Weather: 5/10th CUMULUS at 6000 feet. F/L: Veum

Veum, Ole E., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 8 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's bomb
the landing ground at Foggia, as convoys approach Salerno to begin the US invasion of
Italy (Operation AVALANCHE).

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, about 130
XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb Frascati; 16O+ medium bombers hit a highway at
Lauria and bridges at Trebisacce and Saptri; fighters hit Pabillonis, Sardinia, cover Allied
forces near Pizzo, and bomb and strafe roads and vehicles in the Lamezia-Vibo Valentia-
Pizzo-Catanzaro areas; and bombers hit roads and junctions in the Naples area during the
night of 8/9 Sep. HQ 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and the ground echelon of
the 23rd Photographic Squadron (Light) arrive at La Marsa, Tunisia from the US. The air
echelon of the 23rd has been operating from La Marsa since 13 Jul 43 with F-5's. The 18th
Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from El Djem, Tunisia to
Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th flew “Tail end Charley” on a mission to bomb the road
junction at Lauria. This Squadron was the only one to bomb the target according to plan.
A good spaghetti dinner was enjoyed by all. A little later, the Squadron was rejoicing
over the news that Italy had unconditionally surrendered. That night, many of the
Squadron personnel was out on the line to “await the arrival of the Italian air force”
which was reported on its way to this base. It never arrived. Lts. Ward, Jackson,
Carmine, Larson, Kailer and Whitaker went to rest camp.

Carmine, John W., 2Lt, pilot

Jackson, John I., 2Lt, pilot or Jackson, Larry A., 2Lt, pilot

Kailer, William F., 2Lt, pilot Larson, Harold W., 2Lt, navigator

Ward, James M., 1Lt, pilot Whitaker, Robert N., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 117, Sqdn 92 composed of 12 planes. Capt.
Griffith led the Group with Lt. Col. Olmstead as co-pilot. 500 lb bombs were dropped on
a road junction north of Lauria, Italy. A heavy concentration of bombs in the target
resulted in two large explosions. Capt. Griffith was forced to land his plane at Catania,
Sicily because of damage to control surfaces of the plane due to flak. Lt. Cosner, who
was on his 50th mission, was forced to belly land at the home base since his hydraulic
system had been shot out by flak. Lt. Braswell was hit in the leg by flak, and S/Sgt.
Miles was hit in the nose when flak tore the turret canopy off.

Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot Cosner, Oliver J., 2Lt, pilot

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt, gunner

Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our regular planes and two Gs participated in a raid on
the railroad junction near Lauria. Bombing results good. All planes returned safely.
News was received tonight by radio that Italy had surrendered unconditionally. This

Wednesday, 8 September 1943 (continued)

news was received with great jubilation by everyone except those men who have only
one or two missions to go before completing their fiftieth. It was believed that Italy’s
surrender would mean no more missions from this base, and these men were afraid they
would have a long wait before they could finish up. This proved untrue however.

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 25)

“The Canadian & British invaded the toe of Italy several days ago and today we hit a
road & railroad near Sapri. Plenty of flak on the way and knocked out the leader and a
wingman. Couple other ships landed at Sicily and Pantelleria. One boy landed here
with just his nose wheel extended. He and the co-pilot were hit by flak. The 310th hit
nearby and lost a few ships. Today’s mission was the second we had without escort.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 83 (117): 34 B-25’s and 2 B-25g’s off at 0835 to bomb
RR junction N of Lauria. 1 returned early. Dropped 178 x 500 bombs at 1105 from
85/9500 feet. Heavy concentration of bombs reported by one flight across target,
resulting in two large explosions and clouds of black smoke. Other flights N of target
reported hits on road and RR between target and Lagonegro. Motor convoy reported
between Torrie Orsia and Soato and RR concentration reported N of Soato. Intense
heavy, accurate flak. Weather: 4/10th CUMULUS at 6000 feet.

Thursday, 9 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's hit the satellite
airfield at Foggia, Italy.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): Major General Paul
L Williams assumes command of the XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional). In
Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb bridges at Capua and Cancello Arnone,
and 240+ B-25's and B-26's hit railroad-bridges at Potenza and landing ground at
Scanzano; P-40's fly an uneventful sweep over Sardinia. XII Air Support Command
fighters maintain patrols over Salerno, and other NATAF planes bomb and strafe motor
transport, roads, and other targets in the Catanzaro-Auletta-Rogliano area and NNW of
Salerno, as Lieutenant General Mark W Clark’s Fifth Army invades Italy, landing near
Salerno (Operation AVALANCHE) and British forces make an airborne landing on heel
of Italy, taking Taranto (Operation SLAPSTICK). HQ XII Air Support Command
transfers from Sicily to Salerno, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th participated in another tactical mission, this time
bombing the railroad and highway communications near Potenza. Lt. Raymond L.
Rudolph, the hard luck pilot of the 445th today received orders to return to the United
States.

Rudolph, Raymond L., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 118, Sqdn 93 composed of 15 planes led by Lt.
Axson. 500 lb bombs were dropped on RR and highway communications North of
Potenza, Italy. The target was well covered with hits on both ends of both tunnels, and
sheds and sidings hit. Bombs which fell in town caused large fires and much smoke.

Axson, Ralph L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen of our regular planes and two Gs participated in a raid on
a road junction near Potenza, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned
safely. Lt. O. Daume and S/Sgt. H. Osowiecki completed their fiftieth with this mission
today. They are the first men in the squadron to finish their tour of duty.

Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt, navigator Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 26)

“Yesterday after we returned from the mission we learned that Italy had surrendered.
Today we bombed an intersection of three roads and a railroad and railroad bridge.
Potenza was the name of the nearby town. It lies about twenty miles S.E. Naples. The
reason for cutting off this choke point was to prevent the German divisions from leaving
Southern Italy. No escort. Little heavy flak.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 84 (118): No escort. At 0735, 54 B-25’s and 6 B-25g’s
off to bomb RR and highway communications on E side of Potenza. 1 returned early.
Dropped 318 x 500 and 38 x 500 bombs at 1017 from 85/10,000 feet. Target well
covered and entrances to both long and short tunnel hit, with three direct hits, also on
tracks between tunnel. Sidings and shed hit and two direct hits on road W of town.
Some bombs fell into town. Moderate, heavy, accurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L:
Issacson

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Friday, 10 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's bomb a satellite
airfield at Foggia, Italy,

ESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command medium bombers hit railroad and road junctions and road net in the
Castelnuovo-Pescopagano-Cassino-Capua-Formia areas; heavy bombers attack the
Ariano intersection and highway bridge (and bridges and roads in the area), bridges near
Botena and over the Tiber River SW of Rome, and roads, buildings, and railroad facilities
at Isernia; XII Air Support Command and RAF airplanes of the NATAF blast heavy road
movement N from Lauria and cover beachheads in the Salerno area as the British Eighth
Army increases pressure on its front in an effort to prevent the Germans from
concentrating against the US Fifth Army's Salerno beachhead. German troops occupy
Rome. During the night of 10/11 Sep, B-25's of the 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
hit communications centers at Corleto, Perticara, Auletta and Saptri.

445th BS War Diary: Captain Whiteford led today’s mission to bomb the road net at
Cassino. The Italian prisoners working in the kitchen came up with one of their
specialties – raviolis – and the men were high in their praise of the delicious dish. The
men were also swamped with a huge mail call and there were many smiling faces in the
camp tonight.

Whiteford, Floyd, Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 119, Sqdn 94 composed of 11 planes led by Lt.
Martin. 500 lb bombs were dropped on roads at Cassino, Italy. The target was well
covered, the road and RR both hit and numerous explosions in the town.

Martin, John K., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: One of our planes participated in a raid on a road junction near
Cassino, Italy. Bombing results good. The plane returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 85 (119): No escort. At 0840, 36 planes off to bomb
road net at Cassino Dropped 216 x 500 bombs at 1057 from 8/9000 feet, all returned
1245. Main junction E and S of town hit and well covered. RR and RC on N side of
town hit. Road on NE edge of town and two secondary roads cut but hospital was not hit.
E/A seen but did not attack. Motor convoys observed and reported. Slight, heavy,
inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Stultz.

Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 11 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's bomb the Benevento marshalling yard and bridge and highway junction
nearby; B-25's and B-26's hit highways and junctions at Castelnuovo, Ariano, Mignano,
and Isernia; P-40's fly an uneventful sweep over S Sardinia; and US and RAF airplanes of
the NATAF continue to provide beachhead cover in the Salerno area, hit road
communications throughout the day, and attack road and rail bridges, junctions, airfield,
and town areas at Saptri, Corleto, Perticara, Auletta, and Gioia del Colle, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: This Squadron supplied 3 spares, two of which filled in to bomb
the road bend at Ariana Irpino. The men continue to enjoy the fine bathing facilities at
this base. The waters of the Gulf of Tunis are sparkling blue-green and are made to order
for the swimmers who range far out from shore.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 120, Sqdn 95, 12 planes led by Capt. Griffith. The
target was roads at Ariano Irpino, Italy. Hits were scored on the town and RR junction
with 500 lb bombs.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our regular planes and two Gs participated in a raid on a
road junction near Ariano, Italy. Bombing results good. All planes returned safely.
Capt. R. Richardson and S/Sgt. R. Tornio completed their fiftieth with this mission.

Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot Tornio, Raymond A., Sgt, gunner

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 27)

“Today we hit a road, that was being used to bring up reinforcements to the German
troops that are resisting the Allied landing below Naples. We hit the highway at two
different places where the road curved sharply. The town at that point was Ariano, Italy.
About fifty miles southeast of Naples. What a show this invasion is. Hundreds of boats of
all sizes landing men and equipment on the shores of Italy. We crossed the battlelines at
about 9000 ft. The 38s that we usually have for escort were out protecting the landing
troops, so we had no escort. Barrage balloons protect the landing troops from strafing
enemy fighters.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 86 (120): No escort. At 1140, 32 B-25’s plus 4 B-25g’s
off to bomb junction at Ariana. Dropped 187 x 500 bombs at 1357 from 10/11000 feet.
All returned at 1535. Direct hits made on road bends N and S of town and roads cut in
both places, much traffic on road. No flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Issacson.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 12 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's hit Kalathos and
Maritsa airfields on Rhodes.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's bomb the Mignano road defiles, the Benevento road bridge, and the
Frosinone airfield; medium bombers hit Ariano (and trucks and road nearby), Isernia, and
Castelnuovo and Formia road junctions; US and RAF aircraft of the NATAF attack
motor transport movement, roads, and bridges in the Potenza-Auletta areas, maintain
cover over the US Fifth Army in the Salerno invasion area (where the enemy launches a
fierce effort to reduce the beachhead), and during the night of 12/13 Sep fly intruder
missions over 6 airfields between Rome and Pizzo, finding little activity. British Eighth
Army forces on the toe of Italy capture Crotone and push N, and on the Taranto front
occupy territory up to N of Castelaneta. The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group,
transfers from Sicily to Rocco Bernardo, Italy with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th participated in a mission to bomb the road bends at
Ariano Irpino. Lt.s Robert B. Kayser, Ralph K. Liebel; Sgts. Ernest L. Whitmore and
Richard L. Lambert today completed their 50th combat missions. They were
congratulated by Major Cook and photographs were taken of the crew, the first of the
445th Squadron to complete their present tour of combat duty. In the evening, a dance
was held at the enlisted men’s club. Girls were obtained from surrounding towns and
record music was provided. Beer was also served and a good time was had by all
including the families of the girls who insisted on coming as chaperons.

Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Lambert, Richard L., Sgt, gunner Liebel, Ralph K., 2Lt, bombardier

Whitmore, Ernest L., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 121, Sqdn 96 composed of 12 planes. Lt. Axson
led the Group and 500 lb bombs were dropped on the road junction at Ariano Irpino. The
first elements to drop their bombs on the target, but the third element could not
distinguish the target and did not drop their bombs.

Axson, Ralph L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Ten of our regular planes and two Gs participated in a raid on a
road junction near Irpino, Italy. The planes reached the target but returned without
dropping their bombs. All returned safely. This was the fiftieth mission for Lt. S.H.
Batchelder, Lt. C.B. Hasty, Lt. G. Ghetia, S/Sgt. J.M. Vaccaro.

Batchelder, Stephen H., 2Lt, pilot Ghetia, George, 2Lt, bombardier

Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt, pilot Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 12 September 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 87 (121): No escort. At 1110, 32 planes and 4 B-25g’s
off to bomb road bends at Ariana, Irpino. 12 dropped 72 x 500 bombs, 9 dropped 54 x
500 bombs and 4 B-25g’s 18 x 500. One flight did not locate the target. All planes back
1525. S bend well covered. RJ and road W of Grottaminarda hit by first and second
flights. No flak. Weather: CAVU. 448 spares.

Monday, 13 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): RAF heavy bombers,
under the operational control of the IX Bomber Command, hit Potenza, Italy. Colonel
Frederick M Byerly replaces Colonel Charles D McAllister as commander of the IX
Fighter Command.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, B-17's of
the XII Bomber Command bomb roads in the Torre del Greco area, a highway at Sala
Consilina, and a road junction, railway and bridge at Atena Lucana; B-25's attack a
viaduct, rail and road junctions, and rail lines in the Pompeii-Castellammare di Stabia-
Torre Annuziata areas; XII Air Support Command A-36's destroy 25 to 30 vehicles near
Potenza, and fighters maintain convoy patrol; US and RAF light and medium bombers of
the NATBF hit town areas, road junctions, and vehicles in the Auletta-Pompeii-Sala
Consilina-San Severino Rota areas. 80+ C-47's drop contingents of the US 82d Airborne
Division S of the Sele River to strengthen the bridgehead in the face of enemy
counterattacks which threaten the US Fifth Army beachhead in the Salerno area. HQ 33rd
Fighter Group transfers from Licata, Sicily to Paestum, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission on this date, only a few practice bombing
runs. The Officer’s Club along the beach is no open. With the exception for work on the
interior the building is just about completed.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 14 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's hit a
marshalling yard at Pescara; RAF heavy bombers, under operational control of the IX
Bomber Command, hit Potenza.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, elements of
the British Eighth Army enter Bari; at Salerno, the US Fifth Army, throwing reserves and
service troops into the line, and receiving much naval and air support, holds off enemy
onslaughts against the beachhead; XII Bomber Command B-17's, B-25's, and B-26's
attack highways, road junctions and defiles, bridges, town areas, railroads, marshalling
yard, barracks, and numerous targets of opportunity, including several gun positions, in
or near Avellino, Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Auletta, Baronissi, San Severino Rota,
Battipaglia, and Eboli; US and RAF fighter-bombers and light and medium bombers of
the NATAF fly well over 500 sorties, mainly against bridges, and towns in the battle area
or around Battipaglia, Eboli, Potenza Torre Annunziata, Benevento, Auletta, and
Avellino. C-47's drop more contingents of the US 82nd Airborne Division S of the Sele
River to strengthen the beachhead, and also behind lines near Avellino to disrupt
communications.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th participated in a tactical bombing mission to aid the
harassed 5th Army troops south of Salerno. The target was the railroad underpass
southwest of Eboli. Lt.s Norman H.B. Heflin, William N. McGee; Sgts. Willis W.
Littleton, Edward Nebesnak and Saul Zuckerbrod today completed their 50th combat
mission. Captain Cratin led the second mission of the day to bomb the road between
Baronissi and S. Severino.

Cratin, William S., Capt, pilot Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt, pilot

Littleton, Willis W., Sgt, gunner McGee, William N., 2Lt, pilot

Nebesnak, Edward, Sgt, gunner Zuckerbrod, Saul, Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 123, Sqdn 97 composed of 12 planes led by Capt.
Griffith. 300 and 500 lb bombs were dropped on the RR and underpass near Eboli, Italy.
The underpass was well covered and the RR hit. Explosions and clouds of black smoke
were observed. The town was well covered with hits.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 124, Sqdn 98 composed of 2 planes led by Lt.
Elliott. 300 lb bombs were dropped on a road between Baronissi and San Severino, Italy.
The target was well covered with several direct hits on the road junction and RR
paralleling the road. 10/12 JU-88’s were pursued by the escort near the target.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 14 September 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen of our regular planes and four Gs participated in a raid
on a railroad tunnel near Battipaglia, Italy. Bombing results excellent. All our planes
returned safely except that of Lt. DeMoss. Because of a shortage of fuel he landed at an
airdrome in Sicily and remained there overnight. A second mission was scheduled for
today but had to be cancelled because of a gasoline shortage on the base. Today’s
mission was the fiftieth for: Lt. J. Ackley, Lt. D. Andrews, Lt. E. Hengel, Lt. S.
Lieberman, S/Sgt. J.G. Ferrier, S/Sgt. M. Galich, S/Sgt. E. Joseph, S/Sgt. D. O’Connell,
T/Sgt. W. Cantrell, S/Sgt. B. Skorupa.

Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Andrews, Austin D., 2Lt, pilot

Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt, gunner DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot

Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt, gunner Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt, gunner

Hengel, Edward D., Sr., 2Lt, pilot Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt, gunner

Lieberman, Stanley, 2Lt, bombardier O'Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt, gunner

Skorupa, Benjamin, S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 28)

“During the past two days, the American landing force at and around Salerno has been
driven back quite a distance. Today we were off at 7:30 to knock out a road and railroad
at a point where the road goes under a railroad bridge. Another target we hit was about
a mile to the right (east), the town of Eboli. Here was a concentration of German
personnel in barracks and a supply depot. Thirty-six ships did a beautiful job of
knocking out the road and bridge, while twenty-four ships hit the town. We had no
escort. Coming off the target we passed over the marshalling yard at Battipaglia. This is
the first really good look I ever got at one of our targets. The place is really in shambles.
Along the coast fresh allied troops and supplies are being landed. Out in the water about
three or four hundred yards is a big white hospital ship. As we approached Italy, we
were challenged by a patrol of about ten or fifteen P38s. Later, leaving Italy we were
again “looked over” by a patrol of P40s. Another mission in the afternoon. I didn’t go.”

447th BS Special Account: On this date the squadron flew its 100th mission leading the
Group on a successful raid against the railroad underpass and barracks at Eboli. By
demolishing the underpass this raid aided materially the cause of the 5th Army who, at the
time, was having it tough in the Salerno-Battipaglia area. Capt. Morton, with Col.
Knapp, Group C.O. were in the lead ship. Lt. Douglas C. Orr was the bombardier; Lt.
Donald Black, navigator.

Black, Donald, 1Lt, navigator

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

Morton, William H., Capt, pilot

Orr, Douglas C., 2Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: Mission 88 (122): No escort. At 0730, 31 B-25’s and 5 B-25g’s
off to bomb RR underpass S of Eboli. Dropped 202 x 500 bombs at 10,000 feet at 1000.
Returned at 1150. One B-25 caught fire but made a controlled landing in Sicily.

Tuesday, 14 September 1943 (continued)

Underpass hit very well, also highway and RR E of underpass. No flak. Weather:
CAVU. F/L: Issacson.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 89 (124): No escort. At 1555, 36 planes off to bomb
road between Baronissi and San Severino. Dropped 280 x 500 bombs at 1745 from
8/9000 feet. All returned 1930. Many direct hits made along length of road, RJ and RR
junction paralleling road. No flak. 6 friendly P-40’s attacked formation by mistake but
driven off. Much smoke from battle going on at Salerno bridge head, seen by formation.
Weather: Hazy. 8/10th covered. F/L: Issacson.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 15 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's hit a
marshalling yard at Potenza and attack railroads and warehouses in the areas around
Potenza, Altamura, Gravina di Puglia, and Matera.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, B-17's of
the XII Bomber Command bomb highways and a railroad at Torre del Greco while B-
25's and B-26's hit highways and road junctions at or near Torre Annunziata, Battipaglia,
Eboli, Serre, Auletta, and Polla. The XII Air Support Command and other NATAF
elements attack buildings, railroads, highways and motor transport in support of US Fifth
Army as German counterattacks astride Sele River subside. British Eighth Army forces
reach Saptri, threatening the enemy with entrapment between US and British forces. HQ
57th Fighter Group transfers from Sicily to Rocco Bernardo, Italy. HQ 79th Fighter Group
and its 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Sicily to Crotone, Italy with P-
40's. The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Bone, Algeria
to Bizerte, Tunisia with Beaufighters. The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-
Bomber Group, transfers from Barcelona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: No mission on this date. Lt. Walter N. Olson yesterday completed
his 50th combat mission on the second mission of the day. A number of the men who
were at rest camps near Algiers and Fez returned today. It’s now 1st Lt. Samuel P.
Wilson.

Olson, Walter N., 2Lt, pilot Wilson, Samuel P., 1Lt, navigator

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Two of our Gs went to Protville and remained there on “alert” for
a sea sweep. They did not receive a mission and returned to the base about dark. The
ordnance section which has been assigned to the squadron since activation was
transferred out today. A separate ordnance service company is being formed to service
the group with ordnance supplies. Lt. E. Perry who was the ordnance officer in the
squadron was made commanding officer of the new company. Lt. J. Ackley ferried a
group of 82nd men to rest camp at Fez in one of our planes.

Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Perry, Edward, 2Lt, ordnance

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 29)

“To prevent the Germans from bringing up any troops or supplies to the Naples –
Salerno area, we knocked out a road and a railroad at both ends of the town of Isernia.
Sixty ships made the run without escort. Our boys over on the coast of Italy, near Naples,
are still having a tough time of it.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 16 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's hit road junctions
and a supply dump at Potenza, Italy, following a RAF raid of the previous night.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, B-17's of
the XII Bomber Command hit bridges, rail line, marshalling yard, trains, and a railroad-
highway intersection in the Benevento area, and roads and railway facilities in the
Caserta area; medium bombers hit roads, railroads, junctions, and bridges at Isernia,
Formia, Mignano, and Capua; XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers maintain
continuous sweeps over the Salerno beachhead and surrounding battle zone while other
US and RAF elements of the NATAF (fighters, light and medium bombers) blast enemy
aircraft, motor transport, troop concentrations and communications targets in the Contursi
and Eboli areas. On the ground in Italy, US and British make patrol contact near Vallo
della Lucania. The US Fifth Army ties in with Taranto invasion force to form an Allied
line across S Italy. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance
Group, transfers from San Antonio, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with P-51's. A
detachment remains at San Antonio until 30 Sep. The 527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron,
86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Barcelona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with
A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th participated in a mission today to bomb the highway at
the south end and the road and railroad curve at the north end of Isernia. Captain Robert
B. Grau and Lts. Edward T. Kelley and Francis D. McKeever today completed their 50th
combat missions.

Grau, Robert B., Capt, pilot Kelley, Edward T., 2Lt, pilot

McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 125, Sqdn 99 composed of 12 planes led by Capt.
Griffith. The target was the road junction near Isernia, Italy. 300 lb bombs were
dropped. Target was well covered with hits on the north section of the town, RR viaduct,
MY, and road junction. Two fires were started.

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen of our regular planes and three Gs participated in a raid
on a road junction near Isernia, Italy. Bombing results fair. All our planes returned
safely. Two of our Gs went to Protville and were on the “Alert” for shipping sweeps.
They were sent out to attack a convoy off the Southern coast of France. Our planes fired
a total of five rounds into a merchant vessel and a barge. The merchant vessel was left
burning. The barge was hit. Both planes returned safely.

Thursday, 16 September 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt

or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt

Christianson, Lars, Sr., Sgt

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 23)

TARGET: Isernia Italy 4:10 300 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Beeson, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Boyle, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt. Anderson, S/Sgt
Draper, Sgt Christianson

“Hits made on RR and choke points on N section of town. Hits also made on RR
viaduct. Two fires seen near RJ north of town. Flak slight and inaccurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 90 (125): No escort. At 0800, 56 B-25’s plus 4 B-25g’s
off to bomb highway at S end of road RR curve at N end of Isernia. One returned early
and 55 dropped 426 x 400 and 4 dropped 32 x 300 bombs at 1030 from 85/11000 feet.
All returned at 1210. Highway entrance at S end and RR and road at N end of town hit.
RR viaduct on secondary road crossing RR viaduct on M/Y and RJ also hit. Slight
heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: 3/10th coverage, 15 miles visibility. F/L: Stultz and
Sinclair.

Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

Friday, 17 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Italy, B-24's, attack
a marshalling yard, road junction, and rail junction at Pescara on the E coast; RAF heavy
bombers again hit Potenza.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's and B-26's bomb airfields at Ciampino and Pratica di Mare; B-25's
attack small craft and barges off the mouth of the Tiber River; P-38's fly 27 dive-
bombing missions against roads, junctions, railways, bridges, and targets of opportunity
in the battle area and towns of Vallo della Lucania, Acerno, Nocera, Avellino, Gragnano
Serre, Lioni, Fisciano, Monteforte Irpino, Cava de' Tirreni and Auletta; XII Air Support
Command, NATBF, and other elements of NATAF escort naval vessels, and bomb rail
and road junctions, motor transport, a marshalling yard, town areas, and various targets of
opportunity in the Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Salerno, Campagna, Sarno, Solofra,
Montella, and Acerno areas. On the ground in Italy, US Fifth Army forces advancing on
Altavila are pinned down however; the enemy retires to the N, completing a withdrawal
from the battleline during the night. The British Eighth Army begins a general advance N
toward Potenza and Auletta. The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command,
transfers from Termini to Barcellona, Sicily with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th participated in the bombing of the Practica di Mare
airdrome near Rome today. Lts. William S. Kent, Rudolph W. Kazich; Sgts. Joseph R.
Toy, Francis J. Klocke and Michael Boris today completed their 50th combat missions.

Boris, Michael, Sgt, gunner Kazich, Rudolph W., 2Lt, bombardier

Kent, William S., 2Lt, pilot Klocke, Francis J., Sgt, gunner

Toy, Joseph R., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 126, Sqdn 100 composed of 12 planes. Major
Schwane led the Group. 300 lb bombs were dropped on Practica di Mare A/D. The field
was well covered throughout the 70/80 aircraft on the ground. There were at least nine
fires started and 13 a/c were hit.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Fifteen of our planes participated in a raid on the airdrome at
Pratica Di Mare, Italy. Bombing results good. The flak was quite intense and Lt.
Bugbee’s ship was slightly damaged and his gunner S/Sgt. Sheets received a slight flak
wound. All our planes returned safely. The following men completed their fiftieth
mission yesterday Sept. 16: Lt. R. Blanton, Lt. C. Fabling, C. Lungren, Lt. F. McGowan,
S/Sgt. G. Kramer, S/Sgt. J.F. Murphy. Today’s mission was the fiftieth for: Lt. E.
Fineman, Lt. C. Hoffman, Lt. J. Allison, Lt. A. Garrett, S/Sgt. Sparby, S/Sgt. C.
Hannemann, Lt. Tate.

Allison, John M., 1Lt, bombardier Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt, pilot

Bugbee, James M., 2Lt, pilot Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 17 September 1943 (continued)

Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot Garrett, Andy K., 2Lt, bombardier

Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt, gunner Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt, pilot

Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt, gunner Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt, pilot

McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt, pilot Murphy, John F., S/Sgt, gunner

Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt, gunner Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt, gunner

Tate, Roy W., 2Lt, bombardier

A/C No. 546

Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt

Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt

Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt

Smith, Argyle H., Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 24)

TARGET: Practica di Mare A/D 4:00 300 lbs

Plane 546: Lt. Hoffman, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Saiers, S/Sgt Roever, S/Sgt. Kastelic, Sgt
Smith

“Extremely good coverage. 70 to 90 E/A were on field. Flak heavy, medium, accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 30)

“Practica de Mare Airdrome which is about eleven miles SW of Rome was today’s target.
Sixty of us made the trip unescorted. Another group of 25s hit a satellite one hour before
us and when we got there the sky was still covered with dust. (Wellington dropped one
minute to eight hour delay bombs last night on this drome). There were over fifty
airplanes on the ground at our target and we had a pretty nice coverage. The flak was
heavy, intense and accurate. Coming off the target we saw a JU** flying along the coast
just off the water. Most of the nose and waist gunners got shots at him but he didn’t go
down.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 91 (126): No escort. At 1050, sixty planes off to bomb
Practica du Mare A/D. 32 dropped 254 x 300 and 28 dropped 216 x 250 bombs at 1300
from 7500/9500 feet. All returned at 1450. Extremely good coverage, few bombs
outside of area. Starting strips, dispersal area and hangars well covered. Bombs seen
among parked A/C, six fires started, one very large. Moderate, heavy flak. Weather:
CAVU at target. F/L: Lt. Ford.

Ford, Charles L., Jr., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 18 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (First Air Force): The 1st Antisubmarine
Squadron (Heavy), 480th Antisubmarine Group, ceases operating from Protville, Tunisia
and returns to it's base at Port Lyautey, French Morocco with B-24's.

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

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, B-17's of
the XII Bomber Command hit Viterbo airfield and Salerno-Avellino road, while B-25's
and B-26's bomb the airfields at Ciampino and Pratica di Mare; B-25's fire 75mm shells
at small vessels and a lighthouse near Capraia and between Pianosa and Corsica; P-38's
on detached service with the NATAF strafe 4 satellite airfields at Foggia and bomb roads,
railroads, bridges, and towns in the battle area. On the ground in Italy, US Seventh Army
forces take Altavilla, Persano, and Battipaglia without opposition. HQ 27th Fighter-
Bomber Group transfers from Sicily to Capaccio, Italy. The detachments of the 27th, 71st
and 94th Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Dittaino, Gerbini, and
Dittaino, Sicily respectively with P-38's return to their base at Mateur, Tunisia. The 65th
Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, transfers from Sicily to Rocco Bernardo, Italy with
P-40's. The 522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 27th Fighter-Bomber
Group, transfer from Barcelona, Sicily to Capaccio, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today. Lt. Robert B. Kayser and T/Sgt.
Joseph R. Toy today were notified that they would fly home in the famed “Poopsie”.
“Poopsie” is credited with 70 combat missions. Just before the movie this evening, the
boys saw a spectacular episode. A B-25G from another squadron was coming in to land.
It was already dark. As the wheels struck the ground, a bright flash enveloped one side
of the ship and the left engine caught on fire. Then tracers, cannon shells and the like
began exploding as the fire raged on. Suddenly the whole ship was caught in a huge
pinkish ball of flames as the flames apparently touched off some bombs in the ship. It
exploded with an astounding display of pyrotechnics. Miraculously enough, all crew
members escaped with their lives.

Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Toy, Joseph R., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Hixson, Engineering Officer, promoted to Captain.

Hixon, Sherman, Capt, engineering

447th BS War Diary: Two of our Gs went to Protville to be on the “alert” for shipping
sweeps. They were sent on a sweep but found no suitable target to attack. Both planes
returned to Protville. About dark as the two planes were coming back to the base here the
visibility was very poor. The first plane made a safe landing. Dust was stirred up on the
runway which made it even tougher for the second plane to land. This plane piloted by
Lt. Gilluly came in on one approach, gunned the engines, went around again and tried a

Saturday, 18 September 1943 (continued)

second time. The plane came in hot and hit the ground with such force that one of the
wheels was sheared off. The plane appeared to burst into flames immediately and was
burning rapidly by the time it came to a stop. To those who watched the plane come in it
seemed that the crew could not possibly have survived. However, they all escaped and
only slight injuries were suffered by two members of the crew.

Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Special Account: On the night of September 18 when returning from Protville
Lt. Gilluly had trouble seeing the runway because of dust and darkness. He came in hot
when he hit and the plane immediately burst into flame. One wheel had folded up upon
impact with the ground. All the crew got out safely but the plane was burned completely.

Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 19 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 66th, 67th, 68th and
506th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at
Shipdham, England begin operating from Tunis, Tunisia with B-24's. The 564th, 566th and
567th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at
Hethel, England begin operating from Massicault, Tunisia with B-24's.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, fighter-
bombers of the XII Air Support Command and planes of other NATAF elements [US and
RAF] concentrate on attacking roads and vehicles in the Benevento-Montesarchio-
Contursi-Potenza-Avellino areas, and a railway station at Castelnuovo. On the ground in
Italy, the US Fifth Army gains firm control of the Salerno plain, while the British Eighth
Army troops take Potenza and Auletta.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today, only local bombing practice.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. The first contingent of enlisted
men left the Squadron to return to the States. These men were: T/Sgt. Nicholson, S/Sgt.
Kovis, S/Sgt. Hermanson, S/Sgt. Pillman, S/Sgt. Lytle, and S/Sgt. Misik.

Hermanson, Ingwal J., Sgt, gunner Kovis, Joseph C., S/Sgt, gunner

Lytle, Logan L., S/Sgt, gunner Misik, John, S/Sgt, gunner

Nicholson, John E., T/Sgt, gunner Pillman, Frank W., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS War Diary: A Major Masters from the Adjutant General’s Office conducted an
inspection of the squadron records, etc. today. Everything seems to be shipshape.

Masters, Maj, adjutant General's Office

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 20 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 98th and 376th
Bombardment Groups (Heavy), based in Libya, along with the 43rd Service Group and
several military police and engineer units, are to be transferred to the Twelfth Air Force,
effective on the date they transfer to Tunisia. The IX Bomber Command makes its last
raid on Italy. B-24's of 98th and 376th Bombardment Groups (Heavy) are dispatched to the
Castelfranco Veneto marshalling yard. Clouds obscure the target, but the 98th Group
drops bombs on the estimated time of arrival. The 376th bombs a marshalling yard and
airfield at Pescara during the return trip. The 565th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Hethel, England begins operating from
Massicault, Tunisia with B-24's.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's and B-26's bomb the Castelnuovo road junction, the town of Formia,
the Torre Annunziata area roads, and roads and railroad SW of Sarno; XII Air Support
Command A-36's attack and disperse enemy tank and troop concentrations forming near
Nocera for a counterattack. Other AAF and RAF aircraft of the NATAF hit enemy
movement in Avellino-Naples-Potenza-Benevento-Calabritto-Pomigliano- Pescopagano
areas. On the ground in Italy, the US Seventh Army starts into the mountains N of
Salerno. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 308th Fighter Squadron transfer from Milazzo,
Sicily to Montecorvino, Italy with Spitfires.

445th BS War Diary: Captain Whiteford led today’s formation to bomb the Castelnuovo
road junction. Captains Richard P. Tipton, Floyd R. Whiteford; Lts. Norman Bsharah,
James H. Evans, Claude L. Eiland, George A. Mamerow; and Sgts. Ted Cirals and Paul
E. Ewald today completed their 50th combat missions.

Bsharah, Norman, 2Lt, bombardier Cirals, Ted, Sgt, gunner

Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt, bombardier Evans, James H., 2Lt, bombardier

Ewald, Paul E., Sgt, gunner Mamerow, George A., 2Lt, pilot

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

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction
near Castelnuovo, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely. The
enlisted men threw a party tonight. Beer and sandwiches were served and a dance band
from the 301st provided music and entertainment. The party was held in the mess hall.
Fiftieth mission today for: Lt. W. Ashley, Lt. J. DeMoss, S/Sgt. DesJardins.

Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt, pilot DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot

DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt, gunner

Monday, 20 September 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

Jones, Vaughn W., S/Sgt

Newhouse, Ralph W., 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 25)

TARGET: Castelnuovo RJ 4:05 300 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Jones, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt. Anderson,
S/Sgt Draper

“Hits made on Road intersection but the target was not very well covered. Flak heavy,
moderate, accurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 92 (127): At 1015, 36 planes off to bomb Castelnuovo,
RJ. 35 dropped 240 x 300 bombs at 1227 from 95/10500 feet. All returned at 1415. One
plane returned early. Some hits in road SE and E. Many fell short or long. No E/A.
Flak moderate, heavy, accurate along entire route in and out. Weather: CAVU at target.
F/L: Stultz.

Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

Tuesday, 21 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): HQ IX Fighter
Command at Tripoli, Libya closes.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-17's hit a bridge and the town area at Benevento; B-25's and B-26's hit
landing craft and a ferry near Elba Island and bridges at Cancello Arnone and Capua; B-
24's on detached service from the Eighth Air Force bomb Leghorn and Bastia; medium
bombers and fighter-bombers of the NATBF and XII Air Support Command hit town
areas, troop concentrations, trucks and tanks, and targets of opportunity in the Solofra-
Avellino-Benevento areas. HQ 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Benina,
Libya to Hergla, Tunisia. The 307th and 309th Fighter Squadrons, 31st Fighter Group,
transfer from Milazzo, Sicily to Montecorvino, Italy with Spitfires. The 416th Night
Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Bizerte, Tunisia to Catania, Sicily
with Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: No mission for today. The heat was terrific today and the
afternoon found a large number of the Squadron personnel enjoying the waters of the
Gulf. The Officers staged an impromptu football game on the beach late tonight
following a hearty session with John Barleycorn.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Two of our Gs on “alert” at Protville were given a sea sweep.
They attacked three Siebel Ferries and hit two of them. One of our planes was severely
damaged by flak but both returned to the base safely. No one was hurt.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 22 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The Ninth Air Force
flies its final mission from Africa. B-24's bomb Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes and Eleusis
Airfield in Greece. The bomb groups of IX Bomber Command subsequently are
transferred to the Twelfth Air Force. HQ IX Fighter Command begins a movement from
Tripoli, Libya to Middle Wallop, England.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-25's and B-26's bomb roads, railroad, and bridges at or near San Martino
Sannita, Grottaminarda, Amorosi, and Mignano; B-25's on detached service to the
NATAF attack small vessels near Elba Island with 75mm cannon; NATBF and XII Air
Support Command airplanes hit troop concentrations and gun positions near Serino and
Santa Lucia di Serino, road block at Nocera, town and roads at Fisciano, the town of
Pagani, tanks and trucks between Acerno and Montella and in the Foggia area, vessels
and docks at Manfredonia, the town of Camarella, and the landing ground at Capua. HQ
86th Fighter-Bomber Group transfers from Barcellona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th supplied three spares, two of which filled in the
formation which bombed the bridge and road near Castelnuovo.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 127, Sqdn 101 composed of 11 planes led by Capt.

Griffith. 500 lb bombs were dropped on a bridge and road north of Salerno Italy. Very
poor coverage of the target. Enemy fighters were seen but they did not attack. The flak
was heavy intense and accurate. Four men and twelve planes were hit. Lt. Boyd, on his
50th mission, was forced to land at Termini, Sicily. Lt. Kirk’s plane received a punctured
tire and also landed at Termini. Capt. Griffith’s plane received several hits and Lt.
Anzalone, his bombardier, received a slight wound on his left foot. This was definitely a
rough mission.

Anzalone, Benjamin W., 1Lt, bombardier Boyd, Kenneth E. 2Lt, pilot

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a road junction near
Benevento, Italy. Target not reached and bombs dropped with fair results on another
road near a bridge. The flak was very intense and all but two of our planes were
damaged. Capt. Burns and Lt. Nixon’s planes were damaged so badly they had to land at
Monte Corvino, Italy. Lt. Lingrel received a severe flak wound in the upper part of his
right leg and was taken to an evacuation hospital near Monte Corvino. Lt. Brinkley, Lt.
Miller, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt. Quilty, Sgt. Newhouse and Sgt. Lalum all suffered slight
injuries from flak. One piece of flak came in through the top of the bombardier’s
compartment, entered S/Sgt. Quilty’s helmet, cutting a jagged hole in the top of it and
imbedded in a woolen glove he had in the top of the helmet for padding. He was not
scratched by the piece of flak but did get a few scratches on the arm from the plexiglass

Wednesday, 22 September 1943 (continued)

which was shattered when the piece of shrapnel came through the tip. Today’s mission
was the fiftieth for S/Sgt. R.E. Murphy.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot or Brinkley, Wilton R., 1Lt, pilot

Burns, John P., Capt, pilot Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt, bombardier Miller, Benjamin B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Murphy, Russell E., S/Sgt, gunner Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator

Quilty, Bernard F., S/Sgt, bombardier

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

McCarter, Elmer H., Maj, HQ 321st BG

Joseph, Merwin J., 2Lt

Newhouse, Ralph W., 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 26)

TARGET: Bridge and Road at 79528 4:15 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt Joseph, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt. Anderson,
S/Sgt Draper, Major McCarter

“Four ships hit by flak. Capt Burns and Lt. Nixon forced down in Italy with Engines
shot out of both ships. Lt. Brinkley, Lt. Lingrel, S/Sgt Lalum and S/Sgt. Quilty were all
hit by flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 31)

“Road junction and bridge about ten miles SE of Benevento, Italy. We were in flak for
about twenty-minutes. Bevens (Burns) & Nixon in the flight in front of us each lost an
engine and went into Monte Corvino. Couple of the boys got hit with flak. Nearly all the
airplanes were hit. We got five holes, one blowing a tire. We landed back at the base
with one flat tire. One airplane was going down and several boys bailed out. Spikes
gunner had a big hole in his helmet. The flak didn’t get to his head. That valley behind
Salerno is really hot.”

Burns, John P., Capt, pilot Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot

Spikes, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Special Account: On September 22 the squadron participated in a raid on a
road junction near Benevento, Italy. The flak was very intense and two of our ships were
damaged so badly they were forced to land at the friendly base at Monte Corvino. These
ships were flown by Capt. J.P. Burns and Lt. Donald Nixon. Capt. Burns came down on
one engine, the third such landing he has had to make since he began flying in combat.
The bombardier with Capt. Burns, Lt. Paul Lingrel was hit in the upper leg and injured

Wednesday, 22 September 1943 (continued)

pretty seriously. Others receiving slight injuries on this mission were: Lt. H.M.
Brinkley, Lt. Miller, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt. Lalum, Sgt. Newhouse, and S/Sgt. Quilty. S/Sgt.
Quilty received a few slight cuts on his arm from fragments of plexiglass which were
scattered by a piece of shrapnel when it came through the top of the bombardier’s
compartment. He considers himself lucky though as the shrapnel hit right in the top of
his helmet, came through the steel and lodged in a woolen glove which he had in the top
of the helmet. Capt. Burns and Lt. Nixon and crews returned to the squadron the
following day. They remained overnight in Italy.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot or Brinkley, Wilton R., 1Lt, pilot

Burns, John P., Capt, pilot Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt, bombardier Miller, Benjamin B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt, engineer-gunner Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot

Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator Quilty, Bernard F., S/Sgt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 23 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-26's bomb bridges at Cancello Arnone and 3 miles (4.8 km) NE of Capua;
planes of the NATBF and XII Air Support Command attack motor transport, roads,
railroads, town areas, gun positions, and targets of opportunity in the areas of San
Severino Rota, Avellino, Sarno, Torre Annunziata, Aversa, Nocera, Resina, Serino,
Pompeii, and Camarella. The 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber
Group, transfers from Barcelona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: Major Cook received his orders today promoting him to Lt. Col.,
and Lt. Lord received his promoting him to Captain. The Italians prepared a ravioli
dinner which met with great approval. Rations of cigars, cigarettes and candy were
distributed this afternoon.

Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

Lord, Robert O. Jr., Capt, Executive Officer

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Lt. C. Grantham ferried a general to Italy today and also brought
Capt. Burns and Lt. Nixon and crews back to this base. Lt. Lingrel is still in the hospital
near Monte Corvino. The squadron surgeon has grounded Capt. Burns and crew
indefinitely. Capt. J. Canning left the squadron today to return to the states for flight
surgeon training. Lt. Fineman ferried him to Oran and from there he will catch a boat for
the states.

Burns, John P., Capt, pilot Canning, John A., Capt, medical

Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt, bombardier Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 93 (128): No escort. At 0945, 36 planes off to bomb
bridge and road at 795728 (sheet 173) (near Lepia, Italy) dropped 204 x 500 bombs at
1158 from 75/9000 feet. Thirty two planes back at 1400, two at Monte Corvino, two at
Terrini Inerse. Few direct hits on bridge, most bombs straddled it. Road E of bridge and
RJ to W and road N of junction hit. Bridge and road at Lepia 40° 59’ N and 14° 57’
bombed. No E/A. Intense, heavy, accurate flak along entire route in and out. Four men
and 12 planes hit but no serious casualties. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Veum.

Veum, Ole E., Capt, pilot

Friday, 24 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, B-25's and
B-26's of the XII Bomber Command hit roads, railways, bridges, and junctions at
Grottaminarda, Maddaloni, Benevento, Avellino, Capua, Cancello Arnone, Amorosi,
Ponte, and Mignano, and attack a destroyer between Corsica and Elba Island; B-24's on
detached service from the Eighth Air Force bomb the marshalling yard at Pisa; US and
RAF planes of the NATBF, XII Air Support Command, and other elements of the
NATAF attack vehicles, roads, troop concentrations, and gun positions around Santa
Lucia di Serino, Serino, Caserta, Benevento, Camarella, Baronissi, Nocera,
Montemarano, and San Severo. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and its 84th and
85th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer from Gerbini, Sicily to Grottaglie, Italy
with A-20's. The 344th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group
(Heavy), transfers from Lete, Libya to Hergla, Tunisia with B-24's.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in a raid on the road bridge at
Benevento. Brigadier General Ridenour, Wing Commander, flew with our Squadron.
Lts. Clinton, Armstrong, Garrison, McEnroe, Murzyn, Hoekam, Hughes and Sgts. Curtis
and Arvo completed their 50th mission.

Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt, pilot Arvo, Richard N., Sgt, gunner

Clinton, Wayne C., 2Lt, pilot Curtis, Alton D., Sgt, gunner

Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt, navigator Hoekam, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot

Hughes, Clark E., 2Lt, pilot or Hughes, Richard C., 2Lt, pilot

McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt, bombardier Murzyn, Edward, 2Lt, bombardier

Ridenour, C. H., Brig Gen, 4th Wing, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 129, Sqdn 102 composed of 12 planes led by Capt.
Bradley with Lt. Col. Olmstead as co-pilot. 1000 lb bombs were dropped on a road
bridge at Benevento, Italy. The first flight reports direct hits on the bridge after which the
target was obscured by clouds of dust. However, all bombs fell in the immediate vicinity
and the target was well covered. B-17’s had missed this same target on several previous
occasions. The flak was heavy intense and accurate. This Group received a special letter
of commendation from General Ridenour on this raid.

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

Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG

Ridenour, C. H., Brig Gen, 4th Wing, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Two of our Gs on “alert” at Protville. They went on a sea sweep,
scored one hit on a destroyer and two hits on a merchant vessel. Both returned safely.
Capt. Gale who has been in bed two weeks with malaria was sent to the hospital today.
Sgt. A. Lamoureau and S/Sgt. R. Penson were sent to the hospital also. They have
yellow jaundice.

Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt, photographer

Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner

Friday, 24 September 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 94 (129): At 150, 36 planes off to bomb road bridge at
Benevento. 34 dropped 98 x 1000 bombs at 1358 from 8500/9500 feet. Returning at
1610. First flight reports direct hits on bridge, later observation impossible due to smoke
and dust. 3 E/A seen but did not attack. Saw several convoys NE of Capua and general
movement to N. Flak started at Olivignana to Solopaca, intense, heavy, accurate.
Weather: 5/10th at 12000 over target. F/L: Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 25 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, about 90 B-
17's of the XII Bomber Command hit the Bologna marshalling yard; 14 others hit the
Bolzano railroad bridge; B-25's and B-26's bomb airfields at Pisa, Lucca, and
Bastia/Borgo, a highway at Mignano, a road junction at Maddaloni, and railroad and road
bridges at Cancello Amone, Caiazzo, and Ponte; US and RAF aircraft of the NATBF, XII
Air Support Command, and RAF DAF hit Serino (causing a roadblock), troop
concentrations at Sarno, gun positions, troops, and vehicles near Nocera, Aquino airfield,
a storage dump N of Foggia and a dredger at Termoli. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its
64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Rocco Bernardo to Gioia Airfield,
Italy with P-40's. The 343rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group
(Heavy), transfers from Lete, Libya to Hergla, Tunisia with B-24's.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in a raid on the Bastia Borge airdrome
in Corsica. It was again terrifically hot in the afternoon and many of the boys were in
swimming. In the evening a movie was shown again at the enlisted men’s club. It was
“The Life of Louis Pasteur” with Paul Muni. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

446th BS War Diary: Group mission 130, Sqdn 103 composed of 12 planes. Major
Schwane led the Group and 500 lb bombs were dropped on Bastia Borgo A/D, Corsica.
The target was fairly well covered and the flak was heavy moderate and inaccurate.
S/Sgt. Plaine, bombardier, was hit on the thigh by flak.

Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Eleven of our planes participated in a raid on the airdrome at
Corsica, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely. Maj. Sampson
ferried a group of engineering personnel to Monte Corvino so that they could make the
necessary repairs on Capt. Burns’ plane. The plane was brought back to this base. Lt.
Nixon’s plane had been repaired and brought back on Sept. 23. While at Monte Corvino
Maj. Sampson arranged with the evacuation hospital there for them to take Lt. Lingrel off
their evacuation list so that he could be brought back to the squadron later. Today’s
mission was the fiftieth for: Lt. D. Black, T/Sgt. E. Jackson, T/Sgt. J. Stanton, S/Sgt. H.
Gouvin.

Black, Donald, 1Lt, navigator Burns, John P., Capt, pilot

Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt, gunner Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt, gunner

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt, bombardier Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander Stanton, Jafes E., T/Sgt, gunner

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 32)

“Borgo Bastia Airdrome in NE Corsica. The French are driving the Germans out of

Saturday, 25 September 1943

Corsica so we gave them a little help today. The weather enroute was poor. We ran
through several rain showers and for a while it looked like we’d have to turn back.
Thirty-six ships no escort. Intense inaccurate heavy flak from the airdrome, city and a
few boats in the harbor. One boy got an 88 clear through his Bombay between the
bombs.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 95 (130): At 12:40 36 planes off to bomb Bastia Borgo
A/D and dropped 214x500 bombs at 15:02 from 8500 feet, returned at 17:20. Strings fell
along E and W side of A/D buildings and some planes hit in front of hangar in SW
corner, no air attacks although many E/A seen on A/D. Flak came from approximately
25 guns evenly spaced around A/D. Weather: Smoke all over target.

Sunday, 26 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, fighters,
and light and medium bombers of the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF
DAF patrol the battle zone, escort convoys, carry out bombing and strafing sweeps
against motor transport in the Benevento-Melfi area and N of Foggia, bomb the
Pomigliano landing ground, and hit the town of Sarno and military concentrations to the
N. Bad weather prevents XII Bomber Command heavy bomber missions. HQ 376th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 512th, 513th, 514th and 515th Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy) transfer from Bengasi, Libya to Enfidaville, Tunisia with B-24's. The
16th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bomber), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from
Berteaux, Algeria to Foch Field, Tunisia. This squadron transitions for fighters to B-17's
and serves as a radar detection and countermeasures unit until Sep 44. The 345th and
415th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer
from Benina, Libya to Hergla, Tunisia with B-24's.

445th BS War Diary: No mission was flown on this date. Lt. Kayser took off with
“Poopsie” and two other B-25’s of other Groups to join three B-27’s at El Aouina and
then proceed to the United States via the southern route. There were sighs of home
sickness as the men watched Lt. Kayser head out toward the west. It was cloudy all
afternoon and a light drizzle fell in early evening. Clocks were turned back one hour this
morning and it now gets dark before 7 o’clock.

Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: One of our Gs on “alert” at Protville participated in a sea sweep.
Nothing sighted. The plane returned safely. A mission was scheduled for the rest of the
squadron but was cancelled. Lt. O. Daume and Lt. C. Hasty left for the states today
where they will go on a bond selling tour. Lt. Fineman returned from Oran and reports
that Capt. J. Canning is scheduled to board the ship for the states today. A P-38 crashed
and burned near here today. The pilot was killed. Capt. R. Richardson took a plane to
Cairo with several members of the squadron on a pleasure trip.

Canning, John A., Capt, medical Daume, Oscar R., 1Lt, navigator

Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot Hasty, Curtis B., 1Lt, pilot

Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 27 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, weather
almost halts Twelfth Air Force operations; XII Air Support Command fighters strafe
Viterbo Airfield and Bracciano seaplane base, bomb a road junction at San

Servero, and strafe a locomotive and the train station; other NATAF airplanes hit trucks
in the Benevento area. The 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light), transfer from Gerbini, Sicily to Grottaglie, Italy with A-
20's. The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Catania, Sicily
to Lecce, Italy with Beaufighters. The squadron is attached to the RAF's No. 286 Wing
until Jan 44.

445th BS War Diary: No missions flown this day. A plane went to Lampedusa to get
some fish for the mess. Lt. Gaffney was promoted to Captain. Some of the enlisted men
held a touch football game on the beach this afternoon. There was no football available
but the men resorted to good old American ingenuity and Sgt. Ernest C. VanHall’s sock
filled with sand – to use in place of the pigskin.

Gaffney, Charles, H., Capt, Executive Officer VanHall, Ernest C., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: Capt. P. Seel and Capt. J. Hamilton flew to Monte Corvino today
to bring Lt. Lingrel back to the squadron. They came in about dark and although Lt.
Lingrel looks a little pale and has a bad limp, he is in good spirits. Plans are being made
to take him to the hospital at Mateur where he can remain until fully recovered. Lt. C.
Lungren took a plane to Fez today to pick up Lt. Colby who became ill while at rest camp
there.

Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator Hamilton, John M., Capt, Medical Officer

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

Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt, pilot Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission

Tuesday, 28 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, weather
prevents completion of XII Bomber Command B-17 missions against the Bologna
marshalling yard and the Bolzano railroad bridge, except for 1 heavy bomber which
bombs Bolzano; tactical aircraft operations are also severely curtailed by weather;
fighter-bombers bomb and strafe motor transport in the Benevento-Caserta area. On the
ground in Italy, the US Fifth Army is ready for an assault on Naples and Avellino.
Caistellamare di Stabia, Nocera, and Sala Consilina are taken.

445th BS War Diary: The mission for this date was cancelled. It rained hard this
afternoon and looks like the beginning of the rainy season. A number B-27’s homeward
bound after bombing a target in Italy landed at our base until the weather cleared. It was
very cold in the evening and the boys found all their blankets quite comfortable.

446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.

447th BS War Diary: The group received a commendation from General Doolittle today
for the excellent bombing done Sept. 24. The target was the Benevento bridge and it was
totally destroyed. No 447th planes participated in this mission. A mission was scheduled
for today but had to be cancelled because of bad weather. It rained a little this morning—
the first we have had in more than two months. Capt. Seel took off today to take Lt.
Lingrel to the hospital but had to return as the field there was too wet for landing. A jeep
driven by Lt. G. Kamensky was overturned today when it skidded on the wet highway.
Lt. Kamensky was not injured and the vehicle no badly damaged.

Doolittle, James Harold "Jimmy", Maj Gen, 12th AF, Commander

Kamensky, George L., 1Lt, personal equipment

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

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

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 29 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command B-25's and B-26's bomb bridges at or near Piana, Castelvenere, Amorosi, and
Cancello Amone; P-38's bomb Ausonia defile and a bridge near San Apollinare; US and
RAF tactical aircraft hit the town of San Giorgio del Sannio and roads in the area S of
Benevento. On the ground in Italy, the US Fifth Army opens an attack on Avellino
during the night of 29/30 Sep. General Dwight D Eisenhower and Marshal Pietro
Badoglio sign the Italian surrender document on the battleship HMS Nelson off Malta.
HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Gela to Catania, Sicily.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated on a raid on the bridge south of Piano,
Italy. Captain Cratin, Lt. Walker and Sgts. Kilmer, Melhorn and Garner completed their
50th missions. The Squadron personnel enjoyed ice cream for supper tonight. Lts.
Armstrong and Humphrey, while on a fishing trip in the Gulf in Lt. Humphrey’s
homemade motorboat, found themselves stranded when the motor died. Lt. Armstrong
left Lt. Humphrey and attempted to swim to the shore some 5 miles away. He was
picked up about a mile off shore by Lt. Lower who had been on the outlook fearing that
something had happened. In the meantime, Lt. Humphrey decided to abandon the boat
and swim to shore. The Air-Sea rescue patrol was notified by Lt. Humphrey made the
shore by himself. The movie, “Somewhere I’ll find You” starring Clark Gable and Lana
Turner gave the boys in the Squadron an idea of how good old American love making
was accomplished. They had almost forgotten how.

Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt, pilot Cratin, William S., Capt, pilot

Garner, Argyle R., Sgt, radio-gunner Humphrey, Malcom R., 1Lt, supply

Kilmer, Reid F., S/Sgt, gunner Lower, William C., 2Lt, personal equipment

Melhorn, Raymond W., Sgt, gunner

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

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Wray and S/Sgt. Sidlik left for the United States on a War
Bond Tour. They went in “Poopsie”, the plane with the most mission in the Group, 70
total.

Sidlik, Theophil S., S/Sgt, gunner Wray, Charles E., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a road bridge near
Piana, Italy. There was one hit on the bridge and our squadron is credited with scoring it.
The flak was very intense. All our planes were damaged except one but none seriously.
S/Sgt. David Alton and Pvt. 1st Cl. R.J. Smith, both turret gunners received slight injuries
from the flak. All our planes returned safely. The group medical officer has given
permission for Lt. Lingrel to remain in the squadron while recovering from the wound in
his leg. He will not go to the hospital as previously planned. Lt. C. Lungren returned
from Fez today and brought Lt. Colby with him. The Gable-Turner flicker “Somewhere
I’ll Find You” ran at the local sand dune open-air cinema tonight. Fiftieth Mission: Lts.
W. Brinkley, Spikes, S/Sgts. Hofstedt, Popowski.

Wednesday, 29 September 1943 (continued)

Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier Brinkley, Wilton R., 1Lt, pilot

Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator Hofstedt, John H., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Lingrel, Paul W. "Big Moose", 2Lt, bombardier Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt, pilot

Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt, gunner Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

Spikes, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321 BG

McCone, Walter G., 2Lt

Newhouse, Ralph W., 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 27)

TARGET: Bridge South Piano Italy 4:20 500 lbs

Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt McCone, Major Pemberton, Sgt. Newhouse,
T/Sgt. Anderson, S/Sgt Draper

“All but one ship was hit by flak. S/Sgt. Alton and Pfc. Smith, R.J., were hit by flak.
General opinion that the bridge was not hit. Flak very heavy, intense and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 33)

“Highway bridge over the Volturno River, N.E. of Naples. The Germans are being
pushed back slowly by the 5th Army and the Air Force is concentrating on
communications. The Germans have to cross the Volturno River and there are only two
bridges left standing across it. They are short of pontoon bridges, so says S-2 and our
job today was to knock out the bridge. No escort. Thirty-six ships – beaucoup flak – six
holes in our ship. The first flight of twelve missed the target entirely, second & third
flights missed the bridge with their bombs. One or two bombs hit on or nearby on the
bridge but it is still serviceable.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission 96 (131): At 11:13 36 PLANES OFF TO BOMB
BRIDGES OF Piano, 29 dropped 172x500 bombs at 13:35 from 8500 feet and 7 dropped
42x500 on RR bridge and road S of Vinchiaturo. All returned at 15:35. Bridge S of
Piano not hit although approaches were, other bridges at Vinchiaturo hit by 7 ships. Flak
heavy, intense and accurate at target and from Capua. 14 planes hit by flak. Weather:
2/10 coverage at target. F/L: Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 30 September 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Bomber
Command P-38's, B-25's, and B-26's bomb road and rail and road bridges at Ausonia,
Piana, Castelvenere, Amorosi, and Capua, and carry out sweeps from Bastia to Elba
Island; 7 B-25's hit Benevento and surrounding rail and road communications; XII Air
Support Command fighter-bombers carry out strafing and bombing missions N and NE of
Naples as Avellino falls to the US 3rd Division. The 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd
Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Ponte Olivo, Sicily with C-47's. The
detachment of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group,
operating from San Antonio, Sicily with P-51's transfers to Capaccio, Italy. The 416th
Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Lecce to Grottaglie, Italy with
Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in a raid on the bridge south of Piano,
Italy. It rained very hard today. The Operations-Intelligence and a number of tents were
flooded. The Squadron was paid today in gold seal American dollars and no time was
lost in organizing a lively crap game in the mess hall.

446th BS War Diary: Received orders to move to Italy.

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on the road bridge
south of Piana, Italy. Bombing results excellent. Our squadron is credited with the hits
which were scored on the bridge. Flak was very intense and Lt. D. Althouse’s plane was
hit in one engine. The oil line was cut and he had to make a one-engine landing at a
landing ground near Battipaglia. Lt. J. Bugbee and Lt. D. McDuff landed with him. Lt.
Althouse’s plane was left in Italy with two enlisted members of the crew. The other two
planes returned bring Lt. Althouse back with them. The rest of our planes returned
safely. We received orders tonight to prepare for another move. Our next base is to be
somewhere in Italy. The flight echelon along with essential personnel to carry on combat
operations will go by air first. The rest of the squadron will follow later. On the mission
S/Sgt. R. Lankford and Pvt. A. Zacharya received slight flak wounds. Today’s mission
was the fiftieth for: Capt. W. Morton, Lt. D. Althouse, Lt. C. Grantham, S/Sgt. R.
Draper, S/Sgt. R. Lankford.

Althouse, Donald I., 1Lt, pilot Bugbee, James M., 1L, pilot

Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt, gunner Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot

Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt, gunner McDuff, Daniel R., 1Lt, pilot

Morton, William H., Capt, pilot Zacharya, Andrew, Pvt, gunner

Thursday, 30 September 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 925 “Huckelberry Duck”

Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2Lt

None

McCone, Walter G., 2Lt

Newhouse, Ralph W., 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 28)

TARGET: Road bridge South of Piano 4:300 500 lbs

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

“First flight reports several streams of bombs directly across bridge demolishing it.
Other flights had to drop in dust obscure area. Flak heavy, intense, and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 34)

“Today we went back to get that bridge that we missed yesterday. Thirty-six ships, no
escort. We did a beautiful job this time. Same intense, accurate, heavy flak, but our
flight go through alright. Bugbee, Althouse & McDuff went into Monte Corvino
airdrome. Just after we came off the target we saw the 38’s dive bombing a bridge.
There were seven other attacks in this area today. Coming back we ran into a few rain
showers.”

Althouse, Donald I., 1Lt, pilot Bugbee, James M., 1L, pilot

McDuff, Daniel R., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 97 (132): At 10:20 36 planes off to bomb bridges of
Piano, dropped 185x500 bombs at 12:40 from 8500 feet. 31 returned at 14:50, 2 at
Bizerte and 3 at friendly fields. Several strings of bombs directly across bridge, others
observations obscured by dust. Several planes observed on field also tracks and trains.
Flak heavy, intense and accurate. Weather: 3/10th cover at target. F/L: Capt Stultz.

Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot

September 1943

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

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

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

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

“19-20-21 Sept 1943 – Took off on ferrying mission at 8:00. Landed at El Aquina –
picked up two Generals and a Lt. – Landed at Palermo, Sicily. Picked up rations for a
few days. Took off and landed at Catania, Sicily. Had a picnic lunch in the shade of the
wing of our airplane. Flew next to Taranto, The famous Italian Naval Base. This field,
like all the others we had been to today, was thoroughly bombed by the allies. German
and Italian aircraft were piled high in a junk heap. The Hangars, which were immense
things were only skeletons. Buildings were blasted and burnt. From here we went to
another Italian Naval Base, Brindisi. We landed here on a field that had about 35 MA
202s and 20 tri-motored transports scattered about. The only people in sight as we
taxied into the hangars were Italian soldiers. Just about ten days after Italy had
surrendered. About a hundred soldiers and sailors gathered around the ship staring at
its guns, etc. After messing around awhile, we went into town we walked out of the
airdrome area (walled in) and after a few blocks we came to the harbor. We crossed this
in a row-boat. Some old men about 70, I guess, rowed us across. Nearly everyone stared
at us as we moved through the streets. I could hear them saying to each other
“Americano!” In the harbor were destroyers and light cruisers of the Italian and British
Fleets also many large freighters. At the field, I met an Italian Officer that spoke
English. He had spent 17 years in New York. I met him again later on in town. He took
me for a ride in this Fiat and bought me ice cream. That night we slept in barracks that
had quartered German pilots only two weeks before. We were fed supper by the Italian
soldiers. Spaghetti sharp cheese fish potatoes, bread, wine and grapes. Next day, we
brought another General back to La Marsa and the following day we took him back to
Brindisi. This time we had a little bit of Italian money with us so we bought some trinkets
in the only store that was open between the hours of 1 & 5. We took a lot of pictures
today as we walked through the streets. Also had ice cream.”

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

September 1 – 7 – 43: Squadron strength 91 Officers and 328 Enlisted Men. No
Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. Captain James P. Bates
promoted to Major. Sergeant Iseldyke promoted to 1st Sergeant. Lt. Rodzinski relieved
of duties and transferred to 310th Bomb Group (M), AAF. Lt. Jantz appointed Squadron
Signs / Property Officer. Lt. Nicholas in hospital, wounded in action. Usual squadron
duties performed during this period.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander Iseldyke, LeRoy J., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

Jantz, Lawrence E., 2Lt, supply Nicholas, Jack (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Rodzinski, Witold (NMI), 2Lt, communications

September 1943 (continued)

September 8 – 14 – 43: 2nd Lt. Jamison (Ordnance) assigned and joined. Corporal
Hoeltzlein assigned and joined. On September 13 Lt. Jamison and 19 Enlisted Men of
the Ordnance Section transferred out of the squadron to form the 6637 Ordnance
Aviation Service Co. Usual squadron duties performed during this period.

Hoeltzlein, Louis P., Cpl, gunner Jamison, George S., 2Lt, ordnance

September 15 – 21 – 43: Corporal Russell assigned and joined. Sergeant Taddei and
Corporal Tucker transferred from C.W.S. to Air Corps. Several Officer and Enlisted
Men to Rest Camps. The weather has turned slightly cooler. Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall
screened. Usual squadron duties performed during this period.

Russell, Pearl W., Cpl, armament

Taddei, Vladimiro J., Sgt, chemical warfare service

Tucker, George M., Cpl, chemical warfare service

September 22 – 30- 43: Lt. Piasecki transferred to U.S.A. Corporal Kubasiewicz
assigned and joined. Captain Issacson assigned and placed on D.S. 47th Wing. All
personnel paid in American currency. Usual squadron duties performed during this
period. Squadron strength on September 30, 1943, 89 Officers and 303 Enlisted Men.

Issacson, Clayton M., Capt, pilot Kubasiewicz, Stanley F., Cpl, engineering

Piasecki, Walter C., 2Lt, bombardier