12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 

321st Bombardment Group 

History: September 1944 

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). 

A/C: Aircraft sk: sick T/C: Troop Concentration 

A/D: Aerodrome abs: absent E/A: Enemy Aircraft 

Assg: Assigned XC: Cross Country BC: Bomber Command 

Demo: Demolition L/V: Large Vehicle IP: Initial Point 

E/M: Enlisted Men Frag: Fragmentation FO or F/O: Flying Officer 

LST: Landing Ship Tank Ltr: Letter L/S: Landing Strip 

POE: Point of Embarkation M/V: Military Vessel L/G: Landing Ground 

M/Y: Marshalling Yards A/F: Air Field Repl: Replacement 

CO: Commanding Officer CP: Command Post RR: Railroad 

RR/J: Railroad Junction R/J: Road Junction R/Y: Railroad Yards 

SD: Special Duty SO: Special Order GO: General Order 

Sq: Squadron R/B: Road Bridge RR/B: Railroad Bridge 

Sqdn: Squadron QM: Quarter Master Trfd: Transferred 

TD: Temporary Duty TO: Technical Order RON: Remain OverNight 

DS: Detached Service PX: Post Exchange S/E: Strategic fighter 

T/E: Tactical fighter MC: Maintenance Crew 

OD: Officer of the day CQ: Charge of Quarters 

 

GP: General Purpose or Gun Position 

TAC: Theater Allied Command? 448 1-7 Sep 

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer LOT: 447th 2 May? 

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action CA: 447th 8 May? 

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action PBS.: 447th 2 June? 

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions? D/H: 448th 25 Aug & 5 Sep? 

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited EFM: 447th 16 Sep? 

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader u/i: 448th 26 Sep? 

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep 

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck) 

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target 

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer 

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery) 

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb) 

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing 

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator 

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA 


Friday, 1 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: In France, the 
flight of the 72nd Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, operating from Caserta, Italy with L-5s 
returns to base at Brignoles; and the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, based at 
Pomigliano, Italy sends "A" Flight to operate from St Tropez with L-4s and L-5s. During 
Sep, the detachment of the 16th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, 
operating from Borgo, Corsica with B-17s, returns to base at Foggia, Italy (the squadron 
serves as a radar detection and ECM unit in the MTO until 26 Sep 44). In Italy during 
the night of 31 Aug/1 Sep A-20s hit gun positions and targets of opportunity in the W Po 
Valley; weather grounds B-26s during the day but B-25s score excellent results against 
road and railroad bridges N and NE of Venice; fighter-bomber and fighters bomb and 
strafe roads, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and German HQ in the battle area N of 
Florence, and fly armed reconnaissance from Ventimiglia along the coast to La Spezia; 
and the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, moves from Pomigliano to 
Rosignano with Mosquitos leaving a detachment at Pomigliano. In France, the 23rd 
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group 
[attached to 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] and based at Borgo, Corsica with 
F-5s begins operating from Le Luc; the 314th and 315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter 
Group, move from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s; and the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 
64th Fighter Wing, moves from Solonzara, Corsica to Le Vallon with Beaufighters. 

 

445th BS War Diary: No operational mission was scheduled for today. Nine new 
gunners arrived today as replacements. Seven officer-bombardiers were promoted to the 
grade of First Lieutenant today. The usual bomb training was in effect today including 
transition, formation and flights to the bombing range. The mail call was very slim 
today. 

 

446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown. Lts. Clausen and Matthews are made First 
Lieutenants. 

Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt, bombardier Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 375 

TARGET: Feltre, Italy Railroad Bridge DATE: 1 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 9 

Lt. Wiginton led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area with several direct 
hits on bridge one span of which was reported down before bombing. No flak, no 
fighters. 

Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 376 

TARGET: Feltre Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 1 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (Azon) 446th Planes: 6 

Major Cooper led the formation. Bombs to S and two near misses at center of bridge. 
No hits. No flak, no fighters. 

Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander 


Friday, 1 September 1944 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Feltre RR Bridge 
(B-442190), with Lt. Wiginton leading our squadron. Excellent concentration in target 
area with several direct hits on bridge. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 
%. Today’s training consisted of local transition. No change. Usual squadron duties. 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 

 


Saturday, 2 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72d 
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Brignoles to 
Grenoble, France with L-5s. In Italy, B-25s bomb 3 bridges in the Po Valley, following 
a raid during the night of 1/2 Sep by A-20s which hit a pontoon bridge and targets of 
opportunity in the Valley; and fighter-bombers blast roads, bridges and gun 
emplacements in Po Valley, docks at Savona, and shipping off shore. In France, fighter-
bombers, hampered by poor weather, hit barracks and rail lines in the Lyon area; and HQ 
324th Fighter Group moves from Le Luc to Istres. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were scheduled for a mission today but it was 
cancelled. 10 bombardiers received some good training on the rate machine while 6 
others spent some time on the bomb trainer. The squadron bombardiers are going 
through a rigorous training schedule. Hamburgers were enjoyed for supper tonight after 
the afternoon mail call had again proved disappointing to the men. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are performed. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled but cancelled due to weather conditions. 
1st Lt. William E. Kibler in on DS, 320th Service Group per SO-121 57th Bomb Wing. A 
meeting was held at 9:30 hours at the 447th Squadron Orderly Room with Staff Officers 
and enlisted men Section Heads present regarding the possibility of moving in the near 
future. Consequently rumors are thick. Today’s training consisted of local transition and 
bombing practice. 

Kibler, William E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 

 


Sunday, 3 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers 
pound railroad and road bridges in the W Po Valley while fighter-bombers blast motor 
transport and rolling stock in the Turin area; and on the night of 2/3 Sep A-20s on armed 
reconnaissance, start fires in Genoa harbor. In France, fighter-bombers blast German 
vehicles retreating up the Rhone Valley; the capture of Lyon is completed by French 
elements of the US Seventh Army; and the 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, 
moves from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent 9 ships to join the formation which attacked the 
Po-Torreberretti road and railroad bridge, Italy. The squadron bombardiers displayed 
fine form probably gained in the practice bombing by hanging up a perfect mission – 100 
per cent bombing accuracy. Two bombardiers went to the Capri rest camp which is still 
available for rest purposes. 2 ships went to the bombing range, 5 ships went on transition 
while 3 planes went on cross-country flight. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Two missions with 14 of our ships are flown. Promotions to 1st 
Lieut. Come to the following: Briles, Gittings, Grove, Higgins, Jaksic, Ligon, Lippy, 
Nagel, Peterson, Pietrowski, Rackley, Tresky, White, Wozniak. Lts. Vancil and Noel 
plus EM’s Mabe, Mowry, Slezak, Lamacchia go to Rome rest camp. 

Briles, Connolly O., 1Lt, pilot Gittings, Raymond W., 1Lt, pilot 

Grove, Russell V., 1Lt, pilot Higgins, Howard A., 1Lt, pilot 

Jaksic, Francis R., 1Lt, bombardier Lamacchia, Peter T., Sgt, Supply 

Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt, pilot Lippy, Harvey W., 1Lt, bombardier 

Mabe, John I., T/Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt 

Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot 

Noel, Paul R., 2Lt, bombardier Peterson, Frederick I., 1Lt, pilot 

Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot Rackley, Donald D., 1Lt, pilot 

Slezak, Alex E., S/Sgt, gunner Tresky, Chester J., 1Lt, pilot 

Vancil, Alfred E., 1Lt, pilot White, Frank B., 1Lt, pilot 

Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 377 

TARGET: Po/Torreberretti Road and Rail Bridge, Italy. DATE: 3 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 9 

Lt. Wagner led the formation. A number of direct hits reported with good coverage of 
middle and both ends of bridge. Some over to N and some short. Flak was heavy, 
moderate and accurate, six planes holed. No fighters. 

Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 378 

TARGET: Ronca Scrivia Railway Bridge, Italy DATE: 3 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 2 1000 lb. Azon, 2 1000 lb. GP per ship 446th Planes: 5 

Lt. Dickson led the formation. Because target was obscured by shadow of hill bombs 
were aimed at rail siding and a bridge approx. 200 yds. S of target. Hits on tracks and 


Sunday, 3 September 1944 (continued) 

group of buildings to S. Possible hits on first bridge S of intended target. Flak was light, 
scant and inaccurate. No fighters. 

Dickson, Gale M., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Torreberretti RR 
and Road Bridge (J-776207) with Lt. Stocking leading the squadron. All bombs short of 
the target area. Mission efficiency 100%; Bombing accuracy 0 %. The following 
officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Hubert P.J. Jensen; 
1st Lt Guy M. Washburn; T/Sgt. Edward S. Korzeniowski; T/Sgt. Walter J. Bilski; S/Sgt. 
Elmon P. Harriman; S/Sgt. Frederick J. Terra. The following officers and enlisted men 
departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. William F. Heitman; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Spruill; 
T/Sgt Frank J. Reynolds; T/Sgt. Aubrey W. Chatters; T/Sgt. Sidney Orloff; S/Sgt. Ralph 
Sinclair. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. 
Robert W. Mulholland; 1st Lt. Edwin E. Wallace; T/Sgt. Joseph J. Alpino; S/Sgt John 
Jaskowski. Morning report: Officers 91; Enlisted Men 335. Today’s training consisted 
of local transition. The following officers and enlisted men are on DS – Cairo: 1st Lt. 
Anthony L. Muzinich; 1st Lt. Richard F. Murray; 1st Lt. William C. Huffman; 1st Lt. 
Harold N. Lindell; S/Sgt. Robert W. Engels; S/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart; S/Sgt. George 
Mercea; S/Sgt. Grant W. Baldridge; Sgt. Roy C. Dawson; Sgt. Joseph Veid; M/Sgt. Fred 
Pate. The following officers were promoted to the rank of first lieutenant per SO 226, H1 
12th AF: 2nd Lt. Robert J. Burns; 2nd Lt. Earl W. Hall; 2nd Lt. Lester W. Robinson; 2nd Lt. 
Richard L. Willis. 

Alpino, Joseph P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, gunner 

Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Chatters Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner 

Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Dawson, Roy C., Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner Burns, Robert J., 1Lt, pilot 

Hall, Earl W., 1Lt, pilot Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt, 

Heitman, William F., 1Lt, pilot Huffman, William C., 1Lt, bombardier 

Jaskowski, John, S/Sgt, gunner Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt, pilot 

Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt, gunner Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt, navigator 

Mercea, George, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot 

Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot Muzinich, Anthony L., 1Lt, pilot 

Orloff, Sidney, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Pate, Fred, M/Sgt, engineering 

Reynolds, Frank J., T/Sgt, gunner Robinson, Lester W., 1Lt, pilot 

Sinclair, Ralph, S/Sgt, gunner Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt, bombardier 

Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot Tarra, Frederick J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Veid, Joseph, Sgt, aerial gunner Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt, pilot 

Washburn, Guy M., 1Lt, pilot Willis, Richard L., 1Lt, pilot 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 338 (529): At 15:55 36 planes off to bomb 
Po/Torreberretti Road and Railway Bridge, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th 
Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last element of the flight. Twenty-six 
(26) aircraft dropped 104 x 1000 G.P. from 10,500/12,000 feet. 36 x 1000 GP bombs 
returned due to rack malfunction and pilot’s error. A number of direct hits were reported 
with good coverage of middle and both ends of bridge. Heavy moderate, and accurate 
flak from battery ½ mile SW of bridge. 6 planes holed. Weather CAVU. 


Monday, 4 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s 
hit several road and railroad bridges and tunnel in the Po Valley while fighter-bombers 
strike pontoon bridges, roads, bridges, and motor transport in preparation for an Allied 
ground assault on the Gothic Line; during the night of 3/4 Sep A-20s on armed 
reconnaissance of the Po Valley bomb vehicles in the Turin-Milan areas; fighters fly 
armed reconnaissance and offensive patrols in the Po Valley and the Rhone Valley in 
France. In France, the 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group 
(Light), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; and the detachment of the 
416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, operating from Tarquinia returns to 
base at Rosignano with Mosquitos. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent out 9 aircraft with the formation that attacked 
the Pavia railroad bridge, Italy. This squadron came through with its second straight 100 
per cent bombing accuracy mission. Squadron personnel took turns traveling to the 
beaches behind the line area for the purpose of firing carbines at targets on the beach. 
This was accomplished in compliance of an order posted on the bulletin board. There 
was a satisfactory mail call this afternoon and the men’s faces reflected their jubilant 
feelings. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 4 and 5: Two missions are flown each of these days. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 379 

TARGET: Pavia E. Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP 446th Planes: 9 

Lt. Burandt led the formation. All bombs in target area. Several direct hits on center of 
bridge. One report of bridge collapsed at S end. No flak. Lt. Wozniak spare returned 
early. 

Burandt, Charles L., 1Lt, pilot Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 380 

TARGET: Pavia Railroad Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP 446th Planes: 6 

Lt. Wagner led the formation. 4-5 direct hits seen on bridge. Several reports of spans 
down from center to N end. All bombs in target area with excellent concentration on 
bridge itself. No flak. 

Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS 

 

447th BS War Diary: Ten of our ships participated in a raid on the Pavia RR Bridge K-
182332 with Lt. Alger leading our squadron. All bombs in target area with an excellent 
concentration on bridge scoring several direct hits. Mission efficiency 58.3 % Bombing 
accuracy 100%. Three of our ships participated in a raid on the Pavia East Road Bridge 
with the 446th squadron. All bombs in target area, scoring several direct hits. Lt. Krafka 
led our squadron. Mission efficiency 88.8 % Bombing accuracy 88.8 %. The following 
officers are relieved of assignment and transferred to Replacement Depot No. & for 


Monday, 4 September 1944 (continued) 

 

transshipment on rotation to the United States per orders from 12th Air Force: Captain 
John H. Windler; 1st Lt. Merton K. Matthewson; 1st Lt. Melville R. Bastin. Today’s 
training consisted of local transition. A formation took place at officers area of the 447th 
Squadron at 1830 hours for the presentation of awards and decorations to a large number 
of combat officers and enlisted men. Colonel R.H. Smith addressed the formation and 
presented 87 Air Medals, 9 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, 8 Purple 
Hearts and a Silver Star to 2nd Lt. Eric A. Johnson. 

Alger, LeRoy, 2Lt, pilot Bastin, Melville R., 1Lt, pilot 

Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt, pilot Krafka, Edward, 1Lt, pilot 

Matthewson, Merton K., 1Lt, navigator Windler, John H., Capt, bombardier 

Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 339 (532): At 0902 19 planes off to bomb W. Pavia Road 
Bridge, Italy. Eight (8) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as 
the lead element of the flight. The formation dropped 68 x 1000 GP from 11,200/11,600 
feet. 4 x 1000 GP bombs returned due to rack malfunction. All bombs in target area and 
3/4 direct hits were observed. No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 340 (533): At 09:02 18 planes off to bomb Pavia 
Railroad Bridge, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
flying as last element of the first flight. The flight dropped 63 x 1000 GP bombs from 
10,500/10.000. 9x1000 GP bombs returned due to a malfunction of the bomb rack. 4/4 
direct hits were observed on the bridge. Several reports of spans down from center to 
north end. No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU. 

 

 

 


Tuesday, 5 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers 
again strike, with excellent results, road and rail bridges in the Po Valley while fighter-
bombers blast rail lines and rolling stock S of the river; A-20s hit the Milan and Genoa 
areas during the night of 4/5 Sep and attack ammunition stores during the day; fighters 
support the limited ground force advance in preparation for a major assault on the Gothic 
Line. In France, fighters fly sweeps through the Rhone Valley; the 23rd Photographic 
Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd 
Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] moves from Borgo, Corsica to Valence with F-5s 
(the squadron is operating from Le Luc); the 84th and 86th Bombardment Squadrons 
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Poretta Airfield, Corsica to Salon 
with A-20s; the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, 
moves from St Raphael to Valence with F-6s; and the 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th 
Fighter Group, moves from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s. The 414th Night Fighter 
Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing, moves from Alghero, Sardinia to Borgo, Corsica with 
Beaufighters. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Seven aircraft of the squadron joined another squadron for the 
group to attack the Pavia east road bridge, Italy. This squadron just missed another 
perfect mission, destroying the bridge with a 97.2 per cent bombing accuracy. The 
weather was cloudy most of the day with showers in the morning. There was a rumor 
circulating in the squadron to the effect that Germany had capitulated. The source of the 
rumor, it was reported, was the Belgian radio. This gorgeous rumor was really never 
taken seriously and at the end of the day it was appropriately buried. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 4 and 5: Two missions are flown each of these days. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 381 

TARGET: Pavia W. Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 5 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP 446th Planes: 6 

Lt. Wiginton led the formation. Excellent concentration on bridge from center to the S 
approach. Several direct hits seen. No flak. Lt. Ivankovig was a spare and returned 
early. 

Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 382 

TARGET: Polesella Railroad Bridge, Italy DATE: 5 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP 446th Planes: 9 

Lt. Russell led the formation. Lead six planes did not drop due to malfunction in lead 
ship. Nine aircraft dropped on first run and then remained with formation leader who 
made another run in an attempt to release bombs. Good concentration on center and N 
end of bridge. Several direct hits seen. Flak was heavy, moderate and fairly accurate. 
Four ME-109’s attacked the formation. Several aggressive passes made. One ME-109 
damaged, seen going down smoking. 

Russell, Burton E., 2Lt, pilot 


Tuesday, 5 September 1944 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participated in a raid on the Pavia Road Bridge 
West, K-192328, with Lt. Wiginton leading our squadron. Excellent concentration from 
center to south approach with several direct hits. Mission efficiency 66.6%; Bombing 
accuracy 100 %. Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Legnago RR Bridge F-
893257, with Lt. Stocking leading the squadron for the second mission of the day. 
Excellent concentration from center to south approach with several direct hits. Mission 
efficiency 86.1 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. Today’s training consisted of local 
transition and practice bombing. 

Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", 2Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 341 (534): At 08:53 12 planes off to bomb Pavia E. Road 
Bridge, Italy. Five (5) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as 
the lead element of the flight. The formation dropped 48 x 1000 GP from 9,800/10,000 
feet. Excellent concentration on bridge from center to W approach. Several D/H seen. 
No flak encountered. Weather: 7/10 cirrus at 20,000 enroute, visibility unlimited. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 342 (537): At 19:48 18 planes off to bomb Legnago RR 
Bridge, Italy. Nine (9) of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated. 68 x 1000 GP 
from 10,500/11,000 feet. 4 x 1000 GP returned due to malfunction of bomb rack. Good 
concentration on center of bridge with center span believed out. One plane holed by E/S. 
No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU. 

 

 


Wednesday, 6 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night 
of 5/6 Sep A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the Savona and Milan areas. In France, 
during the day, weather grounds XII Tactical Air Command aircraft except for a few 
fighters based in France which fly armed reconnaissance over the Belfort, Dijon, and 
Colmar areas, destroying or damaging numerous motor transport and railroad cars and 
several locomotives, field guns, trailers, and a tank; HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 315th 
and 316th Fighter Squadrons move from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s; and the 35th 
Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy, begins 
operating from Istres with C-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Inconsistent weather conditions forced a postponement of the 
mission. Capt. McLain, a flight leader in the squadron, was transferred to the 448th 
Squadron where he assumed command of the squadron. The S-2 office was crowded all 
day today as personnel in the squadron took a sudden interest in the fast-moving war in 
Europe. Fresh frankfurters were on the menu for supper and were enjoyed by all. “Doc” 
Smith and his “Mitchell-Aires” played for the men in the evening. 

McLain, Damon I., Capt, pilot, Commander Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon 

 

446th BS War Diary: Promotions came to the following: to Technical Sergeant, 
Brugioni, Holder; to staff, Leeper, Leary. 

Brugioni, Dino A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer 

Holder, Paul T., T/Sgt, gunner Leary, Gwynn M., S/Sgt, gunner 

Leeper, Kenneth E., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today, but cancelled due to weather 
conditions. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp Rome, 
Italy. 1st Lt. William F. Heitman; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Spruill; T/Sgt. Frank J. Reynolds; 
T/Sgt. Aubrey W. Chatters; T/Sgt. Sidney Orloff; S/Sgt. Ralph Sinclair. Today’s training 
consisted of local transition. Captain Robert W. Manley departed for Rome Italy. 

Chatters Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner Heitman, William F., 1Lt, pilot 

Manly, Robert W., Capt, intelligence Orloff, Sidney, T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Reynolds, Frank J., T/Sgt, gunner Sinclair, Ralph, S/Sgt, gunner 

Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt, bombardier 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 


Thursday, 7 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather cancels all flying 
in France and Italy except for weather reconnaissance by a few P-47s. In France, HQ 
47th Bombardment Group (Light) and the 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light) move 
from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 16th and 18th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 
64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy begin operating from Istres with C-
47s; and the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic 
Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] ceases 
operating from Le Luc and returns to base at Valence; at the same time, a detachment 
begins operating from Satolas-et-Bonce with F-5s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were scheduled for the mission today but it was 
finally cancelled. Lt. Santone, pilot who was on detached service to the 3rd Air Base area, 
returned to the squadron today. He was happy to return, he said, and ready to pile up 
some missions. There was a fair mail call today. Pork chops were served at the evening 
meal. 

Santone, Michael A., 2Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 7 and 8: Regular duties in the area. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but cancelled due to weather 
conditions. Sergeant Boyd T. Oltesvig was reduced to the grade of private for 
misconduct. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Rome, 
Italy: 1st Lt. Hyman Niedleman; 1st Lt. Grover C. Brown Jr.; T/Sgt. Carl M. Carlson; 
S/Sgt. Arthur Schwartz; S/Sgt. Leonard W. Ford; S/Sgt. Leonard T. Payne. Today’s 
training consisted of local transition. A congratulatory message was received from Brig. 
General R.K. Knapp for the excellent bombing of the last two days. 

Brown, Grover C., 1Lt, pilot Carlson Carl M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Ford, Leonard W., Sgt, engineer-gunner 

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

Oltesvig, Boyd T., Pvt, mess Niedleman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier 

Payne, Leonard T., Sgt, gunner Schwartz, Arthur, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 


Friday, 8 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72nd 
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Grenoble to 
Lons-le-Saunier with L-5s. In France, A-20s fly supply missions to an airfield near 
Lyon; fighters strafe the Belfort area, hitting 10 trains with good results, and blast a 
horse-drawn vehicle convoy near Strasbourg; the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th 
Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy begins operating from Istres. In Italy, bad 
weather grounds B-25s and B-26s; P-47s on armed reconnaissance in the Po Valley area 
attack 2 pontoon bridges and several barges, cut a road, and hit several vehicles and other 
targets of opportunity; HQ 350th Fighter Group moves from Corsica to Tarquinia; the 
detachment of the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic 
Reconnaissance Group [attached to the 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] ceases 
operating from Le Luc with F-5s and returns to base at Valence. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were standing by for the combat mission and 3 
other crews were alerted for a nickeling mission. Tricky weather conditions in Italy 
grounded both missions for the day. It’s now Captain J. O. Jackson, Intelligence Officer, 
who received notification today of his promotion. Lt. Shynshka also received word of the 
promotion to Captain. Four combat crew members left the squadron to start the rotation 
trip back home today. Included was Lt. Alfred B. Smith who completed 70 combat 
missions. 

Jackson, James O., Capt, intelligence Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt, pilot 

Shynshka, Lubomier P. "Cross Country", Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 7 and 8: Regular duties in the area. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today, but cancelled due to weather 
conditions. In addition to his other duties 1st Lt. George G. VanJohn is appointed 
Squadron Alternate Voting Officer. 1st Lt. Lester W. Robinson was relieved of 
assignment and transferred to Headquarters 12th Air Force. Today’s training consisted of 
local transition. 

Robinson, Lester W., 1Lt, pilot VanJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 

 


Saturday, 9 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26s achieve 
excellent results against rail bridges in the E Po Valley while B-25s bomb troop 
concentrations and supply points S of Bologna; fighter-bombers and fighters attack 
railways and roads in the Po Valley and from Genoa to Turin; motor transport and rolling 
stock are bombed and strafed in N Italy and E France, with particular success in the 
Belfort-Mulhouse-Freiburg, France areas; and the detachment of the 416th Night Fighter 
Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, operating from Pomigliano with Mosquitos, returns to base 
at Rosignano. In France, the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air 
Command, moves from Valence to Satolas-et-Bonce with F-6s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Three of the squadron’s aircraft went out on a nickeling mission to 
drop leaflets in the Borgo, San Marcello areas in Italy. There was no combat mission 
today. There was quite a bit of interest shown by the “old boys” in the squadron when 14 
new enlisted ground crew replacements arrived today. An officer and 6 enlisted combat 
crew members all left the squadron today headed for the good old U.S.A. A few crew 
members left for the rest camp at Rome. 

 

446th BS War Diary: A twelve plane mission is flown with success. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 383 

TARGET: Defense Positions near Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy DATE: 9 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. 446th Planes: 12 

Captain Annear led the formation. Two separate concentrations—one had good coverage 
on target area, the other was short. Target difficult to identify. Four ME-109s sighted 
but did not attack. No flak. Lt. Gibbons was a spare and returned early. 

Annear, Warren R., Capt, pilot, 448th BS 

 

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on supplies and barracks 
area (Q-907984), with Lt. Alger leading the squadron. Good pattern in target area. 
Mission efficiency 12.6 &; Bombing accuracy 90 %. The following officers and enlisted 
men departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Leeland A. Mesna; 1st Lt. Gordon A. 
Ramey; T/Sgt. Leo G. Hubert; T/Sgt. William H. Pierce; T/Sgt. Myles O. Williamson; 
Sgt. Paul B. Connolly. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp, 
Rome, Italy. 1st Lt. Hyman Niedleman; 1st Lt. Grover C. Brown Jr.; S/Sgt. Leonard T. 
Payne; T/Sgt. Carl M. Carlson; S/Sgt. Leonard W. Ford; S/Sgt. Arthur Schwartz. The 
following officers were promoted to the rank of captain: 1st Lt. LeRoy Alger; 1st Lt. 
Eugene E. Stocking; 1st Lt. Maurice Wiginton. Today’s training consisted of local 
transition. 

Alger, LeRoy, Capt, pilot Brown, Grover C., 1Lt, pilot 

Carlson Carl M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Connolly, Paul B., Sgt, aerial gunner 

Ford, Leonard W., Sgt, engineer-gunner Hubert Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Mesna, Leeland A., 1Lt, bombardier Niedleman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier 

Payne, Leonard T., Sgt, gunner Pierce, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot Schwartz, Arthur, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 




Saturday, 9 September 1944 (continued) 

 

Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot 

Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 343 (538): At 16:48 24 planes off to bomb Defense 
Position in Northern Italy. Twelve (12) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron 
participated. 224 x 100 Inst. Nose .025 tail. Bombs dropped plus 132 x 20# frags from 
10,500/11,000 feet. Two separate concentrations had good coverage on target area. The 
other was short. Target identification difficult. No flak. Four ME-109’s, unaggressive, 
closed to 700 yards without a pass. Weather: CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 344 (540): At 17:30 6 planes off to bomb Spezia and 
Carrara, 3 A/C; 3 on Borgo and San Marcello, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th 
Bombardment Squadron participated. The formation dropped 101 nickel bombs on the 
respective targets. No flak encountered and no E/A. Weather: CAVU. 

 

 


Sunday, 10 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers 
continue the campaign against railroad bridges in the Po Valley and execute 4 attacks 
against supply and ammunition dumps; fighter-bombers hit dumps and communications 
as the ground assault on the Gothic Line commences during the early morning. In 
France, XII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers blast communications 
in the Belfort and Dijon areas, cutting railroads and hitting several trains. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron dispatched 12 aircraft to help bomb the Nazzaro 
command post and ammunition storage dump, Italy. The 445th bombardiers hit the bulls- 
eye with a perfect 100 per cent bombing accuracy for the mission. The usual training 
schedule was in effect again today. It is paying off as the squadron now leads the group 
in bombing accuracy. A few letters and packages arrived today making life a bit easier 
for Mail orderly Sgt. Sergeant. 

Sergeant, William A. "Buck", Sgt, mail clerk 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Levine is transferred to 447th S-2; he was a valued 
member of our Intelligence section for a number of months. 

Levine, William E., Lt, intelligence 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on the Nazzaro 
Command Post and Ammo Dump (P-840049) with Captain Stocking leading our 
squadron. Excellent concentration in target area causing large explosion in the north part 
of area and direct hits on the large building. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing 
accuracy 100 %. Captain R.W. Manly Squadron Intelligence Officer, was relieved of his 
duties and transferred to Group Headquarters, where he has taken over Major Haven’s 
duties as Group Intelligence Officer. 1st Lt. William E. Levine has been assigned to our 
squadron and has taken over Captain Robert W. Manly’s duties as Squadron Intelligence 
Officer. Lt. Levine was formerly Intelligence Officer of the 446th Squadron. Today’s 
training consisted of local transition. Morning report: Officers 95; Enlisted Men 334. 

Levine, William E., Lt, intelligence Manly, Robert W., Capt, intelligence 

Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 345 (541): At 12:42 36 planes off to bomb Nazzaro C.P. 
& Ammo Storage, Italy. Twelve planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
leading the second flight. The formation dropped 480 x 100# Inst. Nose .025 tail and 
1440 x 20# frags from 10,400/12,500 feet. Good coverage of target area of both 100 
pounders and frag bombs. Large column of smoke and large fire observed. Heavy 
moderate inaccurate flak. Two planes holed. Weather: CAVU. 

 

 


Monday, 11 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26s hit 
defensive positions as US Fifth Army elements push through N Italian mountain passes 
toward Gothic Line defenses; B-25s bomb railroad bridges at Vigevano and Canneto 
sull'Oglio and supply areas; fighter-bombers and fighters attack roads, railroads, guns, 
supply areas, bridges, and other targets at Vernio, and in the Alessandria, Turin, 
Piacenza, and Milan areas; and the 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group, 
move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone, Italy with P-47s. The 522nd Fighter Squadron, 27th 
Fighter Group, moves from Salon to Loyettes, France with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in two missions. In the first one, 6 
ships joined the group to bomb gun positions near Borgo close to the front lines in Italy. 
This squadron achieved 87.5 bombing accuracy. In the second mission, the squadron 
sent out 9 aircraft to help bomb the Canneto railroad bridge, Italy. It resulted in another 
100 per cent mission for this squadron. A large number of packages and plenty of mail 
arrived today. The men are starting to gripe about the food situation. The food contains 
poor quality and is entirely inadequate, they complain. The Mitchell-Aires serenaded the 
enlisted men tonight and after the musical session, doughnuts were served. 

 

446th BS War Diary: More lucky personnel head for home: Lts. McRae, Taylor, 
Sacker, Captain Robertson and Technical Sergeant Mitchell. F/O Derringer is made a 
Second Lieut. 

Derringer, Albert J., 2Lt, bombardier McRae, James A., 1Lt, bombardier 

Mitchell, John J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Robertson, Charles W., Capt, bombardier 

Sacker, John R., 1Lt, pilot 

Taylor, Jason G., 1Lt, pilot or Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt, pilot 

 or Taylor, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 384 

TARGET: Gun Positions, Q-897977 DATE: 11 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. 446th Planes: 6 

Lt. Wagner led the formation. All bombs in target area. Several reports of large fires and 
smoke. Twelve burst of flak. 

Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 385 

TARGET: Canneto Rail Bridge, Italy (Alt) DATE: 11 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 9 

Major Cooper led the formation. Primary target obscured, alternate bombed. 
Concentrations on S and N approaches and N half of bridge. Several direct hits Owing to 
scattered clouds, first flight dropped on second run and second flight on third run. Flak 
was heavy, moderate and inaccurate. 

Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander 

 

 


Monday, 11 September 1944 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on barracks and supply 
area Q-907984, with Capt. Wiginton leading our squadron. Target area well covered. 
Mission efficiency 99.9; Bombing accuracy 100 %. Three of our ships participated in a 
raid on the Canneto Rail Bridge flying with the 446th Squadron, with Lt. Speer leading 
our squadron. Target area well covered. Weather at the primary target, Palazzolo RR 
Bridge, prevented bombing the target, necessitation the bombing of the alternate Mission 
efficiency 100% Bombing accuracy 100 %. The following officers and enlisted men were 
relieved of assignment and transferred to the Replacement Center No.7, on rotation, for 
transshipment to the United States: Capt. Herbert J. Banks; Capt. George B. Nelson; 
Capt. Glannin A. Cloward; 1st Lt. Forrest T. Nettles; 1st Lt. Nathan Mims; 1st Lt Robert 
H. Swanson; T/Sgt. Walter J. Bilski; T/Sgt. Sidney Orloff; T/Sgt. Frank J. Reynolds; 
S/Sgt. Cleo W. Simms; S/Sgt. Joe T. Blalock; S/Sgt. John Corkill; S/Sgt. Theodore M. 
Fisher; S/Sgt. Robert E. Morrissey; S/Sgt. Charles M. Richards; S/Sgt. Ralph Sinclair; 
S/Sgt. Walter F.K. Tollefson. The following enlisted men are assigned to this squadron 
per orders from 57th Wing: Sgt. Leonard P. Burlowski; Sgt. John F. Lenahan; Cpl. Floyd 
B. Bennett; Cpl. Ferrer Piazza; Cpl Lewis O. Stone; Cpl. Robert L. Miller; Cpl. Warren J. 
DeRuyter; Cpl. Eugene J. Siedlecki; Cpl. John T. Williams; Pvt. Curtis A. Freeman; Pvt. 
James E. Sommers; Pvt. John M. McMinn; Pvt. Louis S. Ciranny. Today’s training 
consisted of local transition. 

Banks, Herbert J., Capt, pilot Bennett, Floyd B., Cpl, armament 

Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Blalock, Joe T., S/Sgt, gunner 

Burlowski, Leonard P., Sgt, armament Ciranny, Louis S., Pvt, engineering 

Cloward, Glannin A., Capt, pilot Corkill, John, S/Sgt, gunner 

DeRuyter, Warren J., Cpl, engineering Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt, gunner 

Freeman, Curtis A., Pvt., engineering Lenahan, John F., Sgt, engineering 

McMinn, John M., Pvt, engineering Miller, Robert L., Cpl, ordnance 

Mims, Nathan, 1Lt, pilot 

Morrissey, Raphael E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Nelson, George B., 1Lt, bombardier Nettles, Forrest T., 1Lt, pilot 

Orloff, Sidney, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Piazza, Ferrer, Cpl, mess 

Reynolds, Frank J., T/Sgt, gunner Richards, Charles M., S/Sgt, turret-gunner 

Siedlecki, Eugene J., Cpl, transportation Simms, Cleo W., Sgt, gunner 

Sommers, James E., Pvt, engineering Sinclair, Ralph, S/Sgt, gunner 

Stone, Lewis O., Cpl, engineering Swanson, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot 

Tollefson, Walter F. K., S/Sgt, gunner Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot 

Williams, John T., Cpl, transportation 

Speer, Leslie T., 2Lt, pilot or Speer, Marvin L, 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 346 (542): At 17:57 18 planes off to bomb Barracks and 
Supply area (Target #1-area “B”), Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment 
Squadron participated as lead position of the flight. The formation dropped 72 x 500 # 
Inst. & .025, 1079 x 20# frags and 1x20# frag. jet over water. Target area well covered 

 

 


Monday, 11 September 1944 (continued) 

 

both by GP8s and Frags. Scant to moderate flak heavy bursting north of target during 
breakaway. No planes holed. Weather: CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 347 (543): 18 planes off to bomb Gun Position area in 
northern Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated as the 
last element of the flight. The formation dropped 72 x 500- Inst. & .o25 and 960 x 20 lb. 
Frags. 120 x 20 lb frags were salvoed due to a malfunction. All bombs in target area. 
Several reports of large fires and heavy smoke. 12 bursts of flak on breakaway. 
Weather: CAVU. 

 

 


Tuesday, 12 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General 
Benjamin W Chidlaw assumes command of the XII Fighter Command. In Italy, B-26s 
blast defended positions in the C battle sector of the Gothic Line; B-25s pound Po River 
railroad bridges and attack guns and strongpoints in the battle zone as the enemy falls 
back to prepared Gothic Line defenses and the rapid Allied advance halts; fighter-
bombers strike at guns, troop concentrations, strongpoints, and flak positions in the 
Genoa and Milan areas; and HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th Fighter Squadron move 
from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone Airfield with P-47s. In France, French-based fighter-
bombers cut tracks in the Belfort, Basel, and Freiburg areas; and the 417th Night Fighter 
Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing, arrives at La Valon from Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; 
and the 523rd and 524th Fighter Squadrons, 27th Fighter Group, move from Salon to 
Loyettes with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron bombed troop concentrations and gun positions at 
Firenzuola, Italy with 100 per cent bombing accuracy again. Squadron personnel signed 
the payroll today and had but 18 days to “sweat out” the good old pay day. The cast of 
“Off the Cob” put on another show lasting exactly one hour and a half at a nearby camp. 

 

446th BS War Diary: More men get those “going home” orders: Captain Kerr, Lt. 
Church, Hollingsworth, Lewis, Mottley, and EM DeBari, Howe, Bellamy, Boatright, 
Britton, Casper and Zeman. 

Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., S/Sgt, gunner 

Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt, gunner 

Church, Edwin A., 1Lt, pilot DeBari, Dominick R., T/Sgt, gunner 

Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Howe, Frank M., Jr, Sgt, gunner 

Kerr, John C., Capt, pilot Lewis, Vernon, 1Lt, pilot 

Mottley, John F., 1Lt, bombardier Zeman, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 386 

TARGET: Gun Positions at Firenzuola, Italy DATE: 12 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. Demo. And Frags. 446th Planes: 12 

Lt. Hawkes led the formation. Good concentration. Frags caused immediate explosion 
and column of black smoke. Flak was heavy, moderate and inaccurate. Lt. Ivankovig 
was a spare and returned early. 

Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of ours ships participated in a raid on Gun area L-894062 
with Captain Alger leading the squadron. Good concentration on western half of target 
area with G.P.’s and eastern half with frags. Nearly all bombs hit in target area. Mission 
efficiency 83.3 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. Cpl. Curtis A. Hague was wounded in 
action. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. 
Robert T. Cunningham; 1st Lt. Ernest O. Rice; S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry; Sgt. Jack 
Bowman; Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn. The following officers and enlisted men were assigned to 
this squadron per orders from 57th Wing: 2nd Lt. Robert K. Murchland; 2nd Lt Franklin L. 


Tuesday, 12 September 1944 (continued) 

 

Darrell; 2nd Lt. Edmund E. Baray Jr.; F/O Donald W. Gies; Sgt. James E. Citarelli; Sgt. 
Michael M. Moslyar; Sgt. James H. Williams. The following officers and enlisted men 
returned from rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. Robert W. Mulholland; 1st Lt. Edwin E. Wallace; 
T/Sgt. Joseph D. Alpino; S/Sgt. John Jaskowski. The following officers and enlisted men 
departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Orval L. Schnoebelen; 1st Lt Harold Spilko; 
T/Sgt. Robert R. Vineski; S/Sgt. Russell K. See; Sgt. Millard C. Freeman; Sgt. Theodore 
Fiocca. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy: 
1st Lt Leeland A. Mesna; 1st Lt. Gordon A. Ramey; T/Sgt. Leo G. Hubert; T/Sgt. William 
H. Pierce; T/Sgt. Myles O. Williamson; Sgt. Paul B. Connolly. Today’s training 
consisted of local transition and practice bombing. 

Alger, LeRoy, Capt, pilot Alpino, Joseph P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Baray, Edmund E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Bowman, Jack, Sgt, aerial gunner 

Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt, engineer-gunner Citarelli, James E., Sgt, gunner 

Connolly, Paul B., Sgt, aerial gunner Cunningham, Robert T., 1Lt, pilot 

Darrell, Franklin L., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Fiocca, Theodore A., Sgt, radio-gunner 

Freeman, Millard C., Sgt, engineer-gunner Gies, Donald W., F/O, pilot 

Hague, Curtis A., Cpl, gunner Hubert Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Jaskowski, John, S/Sgt, gunner Mesna, Leeland A., 1Lt, bombardier 

Moslyar, Michael M., Sgt, gunner Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot 

Murchland, Robert K., 2Lt, pilot Pierce, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot 

Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt, pilot 

See, Russell K., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Spilko, Harold, 1Lt, bombardier 

Vineski, Robert R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt, pilot 

Williams, James H., Sgt, gunner Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 


Wednesday, 13 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s destroy a 
bridge at Peschiera del Garda, cutting the Milan-Verona line; B-25s and B-26s bomb 
guns and defensive positions N of Florence; fighter-bombers attack railroads, rolling 
stock, and bridges in N Italy, although a heavy overcast hampers operations in the NW. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent out 12 ships in a formation from the group 
which attacked gun emplacements 4 miles northwest of Firenzuola, Italy. This squadron 
achieved a 95.8 per cent bombing accuracy to help maintain its high average for the 
month. The day was generally cloudy and cool. There seems to be a minor epidemic of 
colds running through the squadron. Squadron Doctor Captain Smith lays the outbreak of 
colds to lack of resistance by men due to inadequate vitamin diet. A small amount of 
mail arrived today. 

Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon 

 

446th BS War Diary: Cairo vacationers include Lt. Fontaine, Gittings, Lippy and 
Derringer and EMs Mills, Bruner, Cohen, McKearnin, Petrella and Wiacek. Two 
missions are flown and Dusty Rhodes is made a Master Sergeant. 

Bruner, Edward, Sgt, gunner Cohen, George, T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Derringer, Albert J., 2Lt, bombardier Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot 

Gittings, Raymond W., 1Lt, pilot Lippy, Harvey W., 1Lt, bombardier 

McKearnin, William J., Sgt, gunner Mills, Robert E., Sgt, engineering 

Petrella, Luigi C., S/Sgt, gunner Rhodes, Noah F. "Dusty", M/Sgt, engineering 

Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt, gunner 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 387 

TARGET: #1, Mt. Oggioli, Italy DATE: 13 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. Demo. and Frags. 446th Planes: 12 

Lt. Vivas led the formation. Clouds obscured accurate results of first flight. Bombs 
believed to have hit among buildings. Second flight was uncertain about target. No flak. 
Lt. White returned early because of loose cowling. 

Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt, pilot White, Frank B., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 388 

TARGET: # 5 Mt. Oggioli, Italy DATE: 13 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 3 

Capt Dickerson led the formation. Good concentration in immediate target area. Second 
box of six with Frags. Did not bomb because of weather at target. No flak. 

Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, bombardier 

 

447th BS War Diary: Three of our ships participated in a raid on Mt. Oggioli Target No. 
5, with Lt. Manz leading the squadron. No bombs were dropped, couldn’t pick up target. 
The following officers and enlisted men returned from, Cairo, Egypt: 1st Lt A.L. 
Muzinich; 1st Lt. R.F. Murray; 1st Lt. W.O. Huffman; 1st Lt. H.N. Lindell; M/Sgt. Fred 
Pate; S/Sgt. G.W. Baldridge; S/Sgt. George Mercea; S/Sgt. E.C. Cowart; S/Sgt. R.W. 


Wednesday, 13 September 1944 (continued) 

 

Engels; Sgt. R.C. Dawson; Sgt. J. Veid. Today’s training consisted of local transition and 
practice bombing. 

Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, gunner Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Dawson, Roy C., Sgt, engineer-gunner Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner 

Huffman, William C., 1Lt, bombardier Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt, navigator 

Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt, pilot Mercea, George, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot Muzinich, Anthony L., 1Lt, pilot 

Pate, Fred, M/Sgt, engineering Veid, Joseph, Sgt, aerial gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 348 (549): At 19:30 12 planes off to bomb target #2-Mt. 
Oggioli, Italy. Squadron 448 was the only participant in this attack dropping 56 x 500 – 
Inst. & .025 and 600 x 20 lb frags. Good concentration on center and north half of target 
area. Identification difficult. 3 planes holed from premature explosion of frag bomb 
beneath formation. Heavy, scant and accurate flak SE of target. Weather Enroute haze 
and visibility 12 miles. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 349 (551): At 09:49 12 planes off to bomb target #5-Mt. 
Oggioli, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying 
as the last element of the flight. The formation dropped 48 x 500 lb – Inst. & .025 and 
720 x 20 frags returned because weather interfered. Good concentration of 500 lb bombs 
in immediate target area. No flak encountered. Weather: Haze and high overcast at 
18,000 feet, 3/10 stratocumulus visibility 12 miles. 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, 14 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers 
attack defensive positions in the E and C parts of the Gothic Line as the enemy fiercely 
resists, especially at Il Giogo Pass and on Monte Altuzzo; fighter-bombers continue 
strikes against communications and movement in the Po Valley. In France, bad weather 
limits fighters to a few sweeps in the S; and HQ 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) 
moves from Sardinia to Corsica. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent out 12 ships to join the group in bombing gun 
positions and defenses southwest of Rimini. Braving an intense and accurate flak 
barrage, the squadron bombardiers did it again with 100 per cent bombing accuracy. The 
cigars were really being passed out today as some of the squadron “wheels” put on the 
“railroad tracks”. Lts. Wagner, Hatcher, Russell, Yepez and Casaburi all were notified of 
their promotion to Captain. There was a meeting held for all officer and enlisted combat 
crew members this evening where insurance was discussed. 

Casaburi, Robert R., Capt, navigator Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot 

Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt, pilot 

Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. LeClair, squadron operations officer, is made a Captain. 

LeClair, Edward R., Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 389 

TARGET: Crumpet #2, Area A, Italy DATE: 14 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: Frags and 500 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 12 

Captain Wiginton led the formation. Target area well hit with Frags. Numerous fires 
started. Good concentration of 500 lb. also. Fires and explosions seen. Flak was heavy, 
intense and accurate. 27 planes holed, 7 crew members wounded. One plane crash-
landed at base, two of the crew bailed out over field rather than ride the ship in. 

Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot, 447th BS 

 

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on “Crumpet No.2 area 
“a” Troops and Defenses, with Capt. Wiginton leading our squadron. Excellent 
concentration of bombs in target area resulting in a 100 % Mission efficiency and 100 % 
bombing accuracy. Seven of our planes were holed by flak and Lt. Fisher, Lt. Gates, 
Capt. Alger, S/Sgt. Baldridge were slightly wounded. Lt. Walker flying plane #701 made 
a crash landing when the hydraulic system was hit by flak. Lt. Vieser and Sgt. Byrn 
bailed out over our base field. 1st Lt. Bruce Lowery returned to the squadron after a short 
leave to the United States. A pre-fabricated hut is being erected to accommodate S-1; S-
2; S-3. 

Alger, LeRoy, Capt, pilot Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, gunner 

Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt, engineer-gunner Gates, Edward, 2Lt, pilot 

Lowery, Bruce, 1Lt, armament Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt, bombardier 

Walker, Marion S., 1Lt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot 

 




Thursday, 14 September 1944 (continued) 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 350 (552): At 08:21 48 planes off to bomb Crumpet #2-
Area “A”-Troops and defenses, Italy. 12 planes (12) of the 448th Bombardment 
Squadron participated flying as the lead squadron. The flight dropped 3587 x 20 lb. 
frags., 48 x 500 – Inst. - .025. Returned 600 x 20 due to obscured target. Target area 
well hit and numerous fires started. Heavy intense and accurate from know positions. 
Planes holed 27 and 7 men wounded and 1 plane crashed on base with the crew safe. 
Weather: Haze, clouds 8/10 altocumulus, visibility 15 miles. 

 

 

 


Friday, 15 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAFMTO: "A" Flight of 
the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO, moves from St Tropez to Lyons, France with L-
5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy). HQ 87th Fighter Wing, 47th Bombardment 
Group (Light), 57th and 86th Fighter Groups, and several other units are transferred from 
HQ XII Tactical Air Command to HQ XII Fighter Command; HQ XII Tactical Air 
Command, based in S France, remains assigned to the Twelfth AF but is put under 
operational control of the Ninth AF. In Italy, all medium bomber missions are cancelled 
or aborted due to weather; fighter-bombers, though restricted by weather, carry out armed 
reconnaissance against enemy communications and defensive positions in the Milan-
Genoa- Modena-Pistoia areas, as Allied forces (joined on this date by elements of the 
Brazilian Expeditionary Force) attempt to penetrate enemy strongholds in the N 
Apennines; HQ XII Fighter Command moves from Caserta to Florence; HQ 62nd Fighter 
Wing moves from Naples to Antignano; and the 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter 
Group, moves from Sardinia to Tarquinia with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: There was no combat mission today. The Red Cross came 
through this morning by distributing doughnuts and coffee to area personnel. Eight 
combat crew gunners were promoted to staff sergeant. Lt. Bruce Lowery returned from 
the States and was assigned to this squadron as Armament Officer. Lt. Smith, navigator, 
was transferred to the 448th. A big celebration was held at the enlisted club tonight in 
honor of M/Sgt Patrick B. Lockwood, venerable line chief, who leaves for the U.S.A. 
tomorrow. Speeches were made by old 445th “alumni”, including Major Gaffney, Lt. 
Gregory, Major Larson, Capt. Anderson and others. All hailed the great work done by 
Sgt. Lockwood and his engineering personnel. 

Anderson, Charles, Capt, Bombardier or Anderson, Melvin A., Capt, bombardier 

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

Lockwood, Patrick B., M/Sgt, engineering Larson, Harold W., Maj, navigator 

Lowery, Bruce, 2Lt, armament Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt, navigator 

 

446th BS War Diary: Newest promotions are to Technical Sergeant Felmer, Corporal 
Welch. 

Felmer, Carl M., T/Sgt, gunner Welch, Edwin S., Cpl, communications 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but cancelled due to weather 
conditions. 2nd Lt. Harlan N. Tulley (N) and 2nd Lt. Donald J. Colgan (B) were assigned 
to this squadron per 57the Wing. The following officers and enlisted men were relieved 
of assignment and transferred on rotation to Replacement Depot No. 7 for transshipment 
to the United States: 1st Lt. William E. Neiman; 1st Lt. Robert M. James; 1st Lt. Salvatore 
P. Casarella; 1st Lt. Hyman Niedleman; M/Sgt. James B. Henderson; T/Sgt. John P. 
Gaydos; S/Sgt Arthur T. Shand; Sgt. Ora E. Holmes. The following officers and enlisted 
men departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. C.B. Christian; 1st Lt. G.E. Fisher; 1st Lt. 
M.L. Speer; M/Sgt. W.H. Perry; T/Sgt. R.E. Bruns; T/Sgt. H.C. Nieman; Sgt. J.A. Wade; 


Friday, 15 September 1944 (continued) 

 

Sgt. J.J. Harris; Cpl R.D. Lahman; Pfc. Frank H. Dorrel; Pfc. G.H. Sarberg. The 
following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. 
O.L. Schnoebelen; 1st Lt. H. Spilko; T/Sgt. R.R. Vineski; S/Sgt. R.K. See; Sgt. M.C. 
Freeman; Sgt. T. Fiocca. Today’s training consisted of local transition. 

Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering Casarella, Salvatore P., Jr., 1Lt, intelligence 

Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt, pilot Colgan, Donald J., 2Lt, bombardier 

Dorrel, Frank H., PFC, intelligence Fiocca, Theodore A., Sgt, radio-gunner 

Fisher, Gerald E., Lt, bombardier Freeman, Millard C., Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt, armament-gunner Harris, Jack J., Sgt, armament 

Henderson, James B., M/Sgt, communications 

Holmes, Ora E., Jr., Sgt, photographer James, Robert M, Lt, bombardier 

Lahman, Robert D., Cpl, ordnance Neiman, William E., 1Lt, pilot 

Niedleman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering 

Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament Sarberg, George J., PFC, medical 

Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt, pilot See, Russell K., S/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Shand, Arthur T., S/Sgt, photographer Speer, Marvin L, 1Lt, pilot 

Spilko, Harold, 1Lt, bombardier Tulley, Harlan N., 2Lt, navigator 

Vineski, Robert R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Wade, Jarrel A., Sgt, engineering 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 


Saturday, 16 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers 
attack fuel and supply dumps and defensive positions in the Bologna and Rimini areas 
while fighter-bombers and fighters bomb and strafe rail and road targets N of the battle 
areas in the N Apennine Mountains as US Fifth Army forces struggle to break through 
strong enemy defenses in the hills N of Prato, along the main Monte Altuzzo ridge, on 
Monte Veruca, Monte Monticelli, and other mountain positions; the 85th Bombardment 
Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Salon, France to 
Follonica with A-20s; and the 526th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from 
Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Nine aircraft from the 445th joined the group formation attacking 
the Casalecchio fuel dump near Bologna, Italy. Once again, this squadron received 100 
per cent bombing accuracy in the bomb-fall plot. The mail situation has slowed down 
again and the men are registering plenty of discontent not only with that but the 
continued poor food served in the squadron. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Two missions are flown. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 390 

TARGET: Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy DATE: 16 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. and Incendiaries 446th Planes: 9 

Captain Wagner led the formation. Good concentration, all bombs in target area. Several 
fires, one especially large, seen. Flak was scant moderate, inaccurate, and heavy, 
accurate. Four aircraft holed. Lt. Hively was forced to make a single-engine landing at 
base. Lt. Pietrowski, pare, returned early. 

Hively, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot 

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 391 

TARGET: Ronco, Scrivia Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 16 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP and Comp “B” Azon 446th Planes: 3 

Lt. Goff led the formation. Two bombs hit along RR 400 feet S of target. One bomb hit 
just to N and S end of bridge. One bomb hit 400 feet E of target along road and on E 
bank of river. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate. Two aircraft were holed. 

Goff, Leroy R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Casalecchio Fuel 
Dump, with Lt. Muzinich leading our squadron. All bombs in target area with the 
heaviest concentration in the central and south third of target area. Mission efficiency 
100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. 1st Lt. Bruce Lowery is relieved of his assignment to 
this squadron and transferred to the 445th Squadron. All clocks, watches and sundials 
will be retarded one hour at 3:00 A.M. Sunday Sept. 17, 1944. S-1; S-2; S-3; have 
moved into the newly erected pre-fabricated hut. In addition to his other duties 1st Lt. 

 


Saturday, 16 September 1944 (continued) 

 

William E. Levine has been appointed Squadron EFM Officer and Squadron Summary 
Court Officer. 

Levine, William E., 2Lt, intelligence Lowery, Bruce, 1Lt, armament 

Muzinich, Anthony L., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 351 (553): At 07:47 36 planes off to bomb Casalecchio 
Fuel Dump, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
flying as the last box of 9 in the flight. The formation dropped 2039 x 20# frags and 
144x500# M-77 Incend. 121x20# frags returned due to malfunction. All bombs in target 
area. Several fires, one especially large with billows of black smoke up to 1500 feet 
observed. Light and heavy flak on breakaway. Weather: Clear, haze, visibility 8/10 
miles into sun. 

 

 


Sunday, 17 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In France, the US 
Seventh Army's French II Corps makes contact with the US Third Army's French 2nd 
Armored Division near Bains-les-Bains; and the 314th and 315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th 
Fighter Group, move from Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s. In Italy, B-25s hit troop 
concentrations in the British Eighth Army battle area in the vicinity of Rimini; B-25s 
pound rail bridges in the W Po Valley, while fighter-bombers operating in the Po Valley 
attack rails, roads, rolling stock, road bridges, motor transport and other targets; in the 
mountains S of the Po Valley US Fifth Army forces break through the Gothic Line at Il 
Giogo Pass, take Monte Altuzzo and Pratone, finish clearing Monte Veruca, and gain the 
crest of Monte Monticelli; and HQ 86th Fighter Group and the 527th Fighter Squadron 
move from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: In two separate missions, the 445th squadron sent out a total of 12 
ships to strike hard at troop concentrations northwest of Rimini. The squadron 
bombardiers continued their brilliant streak of masterful precision bombing by achieving 
100 per cent bombing accuracy in both attacks. One of the squadron’s best flight leaders 
– Capt. Shynshka – left today for his trip to the States on rotation. Pvts. Abrams and 
Morisi were promoted to Corporal today and were automatically put on flying status, 
something they both had been pulling for a long time. Two new Officer and enlisted men 
were assigned today as combat replacements. A party was held tonight at the 
headquarters Officer’s club in honor of Major Larson, former 445th navigator, who leaves 
for the States tomorrow. 

Abrams, Samuel, Cpl, gunner (photographer) Larson, Harold W., Maj, navigator 

Morisi, David D., Cpl, engineer-gunner 

Shynshka, Lubomier P. "Cross Country", Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: Nick Bianculli gets long awaited orders to go home. 

Bianculli, Nicholas, Sgt, cook 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 392 

TARGET: Troop and Gun Concent, Rimini Area, Italy DATE: 17 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb Frags. and 500 lb. 446th Planes: 9 

Major Cooper led the formation. All bombs in target area, good coverage. No flak. Lt. 
Wozniak, spare, returned early. 

Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 393 

TARGET: Troop and Gun Concentr, Rimini Area, Italy DATE: 17 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. and 500 lb. 446th Planes: 3 

Captain Stocking led the formation. All bombs in target area. Concentrations in E end. 
Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, inaccurate. 

Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot, 447th BS 

 

 


Sunday, 17 September 1944 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on Troop and Gun 
Concentration area, R-835988, R-784986, R-784994, M-820000, with Lt. Murray leading 
our squadron. All bombs in target area. Western section of target area well hit with 
concentration in center. Mission efficiency 55.5 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. Six of 
our ships participated on a second mission for the day, with Capt. Stocking leading our 
squadron. Excellent concentration in target area. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing 
accuracy 100 %. Private Verlin L. Wadlow is promoted to the grade of corporal. 
Morning report: Officers 91; E/M 335. 

Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot 

Wadlow, Verlin L., Cpl, communications 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 352 (556): At 07:38 18 planes off to bomb Troop and 
Gun concentration Area, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron 
participated flying as the lead squadron. The formation dropped 1080x20# frags and 
40x500# Inst. And .025. 24x500# Returned as element did not pick up target and 8x500 
Ret. Due to pilot error. All bombs in target area. Target identification difficult. Heavy 
scant, inaccurate flak holed one plane. Weather: 3/10 stratocumulus at 5000, visibility 
unlimited. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 353 (557): At 08:03 18 planes off to bomb Troop and 
Gun Concentration Area, Italy. Six (6) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron 
participated as lead for the second flight. The formation dropped 1080 x 20# frags and 
72 x 500# inst. And .025. All bombs in target area. Heavy moderate, to intense, 
inaccurate on breakaway. No planes holed. Weather: 3/10 stratocumulus at 5000 feet 
visibility unlimited. 

 

 

 


Monday, 18 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAFMTO: The 72d 
Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Lons-le-Saunier 
to Vesoul, France with L-5s. In Italy, B-25s continue to hit troop concentrations and gun 
positions, in support of the British Eighth Army forces which open an assault on defenses 
in the Rimini area; despite bad weather B-26s and P-47s maintain attacks on bridges, rail 
lines, and transportation in the Po Valley; HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) moves 
from Salon, France to Follonica; HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from 
Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s; and the 525th Fighter Squadron, 86th 
Fighter Group, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent 15 aircraft out to help bomb troop 
concentrations northwest of Rimini, Italy. They ran into a terrific flak barrage and one 
aircraft piloted by Lt. Richardson was lost over the target. Another piloted by Lt. Payne 
landed at Grosseto, Italy with one engine shot out. A third piloted by Lt. Moore landed at 
Ghisonaccia field with a punctured tire. Sgt. Sauer, radio gunner in Lt. Dyer’s plane was 
wounded in the side by flak. Despite the many difficulties, the squadron’s deadeye 
bombardiers achieved a 99.8 bombing accuracy for the mission. 

Dyer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot 

Moore, Henry D., Lt, pilot or Moore, William H., Jr., pilot 

Payne, Lawrence J., Lt, pilot Sauer, Carlton F., Sgt, radio-gunner 

 

 

A/C No. 43-27792 shot down 

 

P 

Richardson, John S., 1Lt 

 

CP 

Corey, Robert (NMI), 2Lt 

 

N 

None 

 

B 

DiFulvio, Rudolph A., 2Lt 

 

E 

Marinucci, Andrew J., S/Sgt 

 

R 

Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt 

 

G 

Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt, 

 

F 

Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl 

 



 

446th BS War Diary: Two combat missions are flown and successful results are 
reported. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 394 

TARGET: Rimini Gun and Troop/C area, Italy DATE: 18 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. and 500 lb. 446th Planes: 9 

Captain Russell led the formation. All bombs in target area, aiming point well covered. 
Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, accurate. One B-25 shot down and crashed in water. 
Three chutes seen. Three planes holed, on landed at Grossetto, with wounded crew 
member. 

Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot, 445th BS 

 

 


Monday, 18 September 1944 (continued) 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 395 

TARGET: Rimini Gun and T/C area, Italy DATE: 18 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. and 500 lb. 446th Planes: 5 

Lt. Burandt led the formation. Bombs started between road and river and continued 
through target area with good coverage of W central portion. No flak. Lt. Hively 
returned early because nose wheel would not lock. Landed on tail skid. 

Burandt, Charles L., 1Lt, pilot Hively, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Rimini Gun Position 
and troop area bounded by R-820002, R-835988, and R-784986, with Lt. Wiginton 
leading our squadron. Good coverage in west central position of target area with strings 
starting south of road and walking thru area. Mission efficiency 99.4 %; Bombing 
accuracy 100 %. Four of our ships participated in a raid on Rimini Gun Position and 
Troop area bounded by R-82-0002, R-835988, R-784986 with Lt. Ramey leading our 
squadron. Good coverage of target area with bombs starting just north of the river and 
walking thru target area. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. 2nd Lt. 
Frederick J. Hiller, bombardier, and Corporal Zigmond Klimkowicz have been assigned 
to this squadron per order from 57th Wing. 

Hiller, Frederick J., 2Lt, bombardier Klimkowicz, Zigmond, Cpl, gunner 

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 354 (559): At 08:06 18 planes off to bomb Rimini Gun 
and T/C Area, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
flying as the last box of nine. The formation dropped 1073x20# frags. and .025. 7x20# 
frags salvoed into sea due to malfunction. Good coverage. Bombs started between river 
and railroad and walked through target area. Slight to moderate flak holing one A/C. 
Weather: 5/10 stratocumulus over land tops at 6,000 with visibility 10 miles. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 355 (560): At 08:36 18 planes off to bomb Rimini Gun 
T/C area, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying 
as the last element of the second flight. The formation dropped 1080x20 # frags and 72 x 
500 # Inst. and .025 from 12/13,000 feet. Fires started over target area, black smoke 
observed. Observations: 3 medium vessels heading north. No flak encountered. 
Weather: 5/10 stratocumulus over land, tops at 6000 feet. 

 

 

 


Tuesday, 19 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather 
grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit guns and defensive positions along the 
Gothic Line and attack roads and bridges in the Bologna area; the 86th and 97th 
Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Salon, 
France to Follonica with A-20s; the 95th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 17th 
Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta, Corsica with 
B-26s; and the 441st and 444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th Bombardment 
Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s. In 
France, HQ 64th Fighter Wing moves from St Tropez to Dole. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Bad weather forced a cancellation of both the combat mission and 
flight training. 13 crews were standing by for the mission. Occasional rains today turned 
the area into a sloppy mudhole. A fair amount of mail arrived this afternoon. Late in the 
afternoon a torrential downpour almost flooded the area, filling foxholes and slit trenches 
up to the top. Cool weather followed the rains. The men couldn’t complain about 
tonight’s supper. It consisted of fresh beef with especially delicious gravy. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 19 and 20: Regular duties are performed about the 
bivouac area. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but cancelled due to weather 
conditions. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp, Rome, 
Italy: Capt. LeRoy Alger; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Speer; M/Sgt. Woodrow H. Perry; T/Sgt. 
Robert E. Bruns; T/Sgt. Harry C. Nieman; Sgt. Jarrel A. Wade; Sgt. Jack J. Harris; Cpl. 
Robert D. Lahman; Pfc. Frank H. Dorrel; Pfc. George H. Sarberg. Captain Marshall C. 
Strenger is promoted to the rank of Major per SO 240, 12th AF, dated 17 Sept. 1944. 

Alger, LeRoy, Capt, pilot Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering 

Dorrel, Frank H., PFC, intelligence Harris, Jack J., Sgt, armament 

Lahman, Robert D., Cpl, ordnance Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering 

Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament Sarberg, George J., PFC, medical 

Speer, Marvin L, 1Lt, pilot Strenger, Marshall C., Maj, pilot, Commander 

Wade, Jarrel A., Sgt, engineering 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 

 


Wednesday, 20 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, the 27th and 79th 
Fighter Groups are added to HQ XII Fighter Command which on this day begins 
operations in support of the US Fifth Army; weather again grounds medium bombers and 
severely restricts fighters which fly uneventful reconnaissance missions; the 427th Night 
Fighter Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to 62nd Fighter Wing), departs Pomigliano for 
India with P-61s. In France, HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 316th Fighter Squadron 
move from Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s; the 437th Bombardment Squadron 
(Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to 
Serragia, Corsica with B-26s; and the 442nd and 443rd Bombardment Squadrons 
(Medium), 320th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to 
Alto, Corsica with B-26s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Sixteen crews were scheduled for today’s mission but once again 
poor weather conditions caused a postponement and all flight training was cancelled as 
the bad weather continued all day. Another fair amount of mail arrived this afternoon. 
Another heavy downpour of rain occurred shortly before supper and the area resembles a 
quagmire. Another delicious beef supper was enjoyed for chow this evening. The 
writers of “Off the Cob” have rewritten their show and no call it “Cornzapoppin”. 
Together with the “Mitchell-Aires” they plan to make a short tour of the Naples area in a 
week or so. The entire cast staged a rehearsal tonight in the Officers club. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 19 and 20: Regular duties are performed about the 
bivouac area. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today, but cancelled due to weather 
conditions. T/Sgt. Edmund D. Schwegmann is assigned to this squadron per orders from 
57th Wing. Sgt. Alois Betmarik Jr. is reduced to the grade of private for misconduct. 

Betmarik, Alois, Jr., Pvt, communications 

Schwegmann, Edmund D., T/Sgt, communications 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 

 


Thursday, 21 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather and 
unserviceable landing grounds cancel all operations; and the 12th Photographic 
Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from 
Follonica to Florence/Peretola with F-5s (a detachment is operating from Malignano). In 
Corsica, HQ 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Elmas, Sardinia to Borgo; 
HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 439th and 440th Bombardment 
Squadrons move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia with B-26s; and the 34th, 37th 
and 432nd Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), 
move from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta with B-26s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The weather here in Corsica was clear but atmospheric conditions 
over in Italy were unfavorable and another stand-down order was posted to the chagrin of 
16 crews which were standing by anxious to get this oft-postponed mission completed. 
Some mail arrived this afternoon but it was confined strictly to the power men in the 
squadron. Most of the men in the area have procured a large supply of lumber and are 
“winter-izing” their tents in anticipation of a winter in Corsica. Cement is available in 
the area for the purpose of improving the two clubs and is also ready for use by any 
personnel desiring to cement their tent floors. There were no lights in the area tonight 
due to a faulty energizer. Another rehearsal of the show “Cornzapoppin” was held at the 
Officers club tonight. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Private Huntoon, turret gunner, is promoted to Corporal. 

Huntoon, Stuart L., Cpl, turret gunner 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but was cancelled due to 
weather conditions. Today’s training consisted of local transition. Major Marshall C. 
Strenger departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy. The following enlisted men have been 
promoted to the grade of technical sergeant: S/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart; S/Sgt. Andrew 
Pelak; S/Sgt. Alvin L. Smibert; S/Sgt. Joseph W. MacNeil; S/Sgt. Russell K. See; S/Sgt. 
Francis S. Torrey. The following enlisted men have been promoted to the grade of staff 
sergeant; Sgt. Anthony Abbondanza; Sgt. Ernest L. Currey; Sgt. Hughie L. Curry; Sgt. 
Herbert Dimondstein; Sgt. Millard C. Freeman; Sgt. James R. O’Neil; Sgt. William L.L. 
Smith; Sgt. Glenn L. Thomason; Sgt. Frederick J. May; Sgt. Jack Bowman; Sgt. Paul B. 
Connolly; Sgt. Roy C. Dawson; Sgt Frank J. Flowers; Sgt. Vincent A. Mango; Sgt. Dale 
G. Miller; Sgt. Robert P. Quintenz; Sgt. Joseph Veid. The following enlisted men have 
been promoted to the grade of corporal: Pfc. Norman C. Bulfinch; Pfc. Herbert B. Held. 

Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Bowman, Jack, S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Bulfinch, Norman C., Cpl, intelligence Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Cowart, Eugene C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Currey, George W., S/Sgt, communications 

Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt, gunner Dawson, Roy C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Dimondstein, Herbert, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Freeman, Millard C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Held, Herbert, B., Cpl, gunner 


Thursday, 21 September 1944 (continued) 

 

MacNeil, Joseph W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Mango, Vincent A., S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

May, Frederick J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner 

O'Neil, James R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Pelak, Andrew, T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner See, Russell K., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Smith, William L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Strenger, Marshall C., Maj, pilot, Commander 

Thomason, Glenn S., S/Sgt, engineering Torrey, Francis S., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Veid, Joseph, S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 


Friday, 22 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy operating N of the 

Italian battle area, medium bombers bomb road and rail bridges, while fighter-bombers 
continue hitting roads, railroads, and transportation, and support ground forces as US 
Fifth Army elements prepare to pursue the enemy withdrawing from N of Pistoia and to 
drive N to Raticosa Pass and NE to Imola; British Eighth Army forces battle the enemy 
along the Marecchia River; HQ 87th Fighter Wing moves from Furiani, Corsica to 
Caserta; the 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), 
moves from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 438th Bombardment Squadron 
(Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to 
Serragio, Corsica with B-26s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in two missions today. The first went 
out to attack the Cittadella road and railroad bridge, Italy. 12 ships from the squadron 
scored 6 direct hits on the bridge knocking out 300 feet of the span with 100 per cent 
bombing accuracy and drew a commendation from Colonel Smith for “probably the most 
effective attack ever carried out by the group against a bridge”. The second mission saw 
three 445th ships help bombing the Legnago railroad bridge, Italy once again with a 100 
per cent bombing accuracy. The work of the squadron bombardiers recently is nothing 
less than sensational. 

Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander 

 

446th BS War Diary: Homeward bound are the following men of the 446: Captain 
Sampson, Lieut. Smith, Lieut. Wotkowicz and Sergeant Mike Ferance of ordnance. 

Ferance, Mike, Sgt, ordnance Sampson, Allan T., Capt, pilot 

Smith, Randell L., 1Lt, pilot Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 396 

TARGET: Piazzola Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 22 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000lb. 446th Planes: 12 

Lt. Goff led the formation. Good concentration with all bombs in target area especially 
on W half of bridge and W approach. W approach cut. Reports of direct hits on center of 
bridge. No flak. Lts. Hawkes, Swanson and Nagel returned early. 

Goff, Leroy R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot 

Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot Swanson, Harry A., 2Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen of our ships participated in a raid on the Legnano RR 
Bridge, F-893257, with Lt. Muzinich leading our squadron. A good concentration, 
centered on the northeast end approach. Another pattern straddled the center with direct 
his. The bridge was cut in the NE section. Mission efficiency 83.3 %; Bombing 
accuracy 100 %. The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp, 
Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Gordon J. Brule; 1st Lt. George J. Schweda; 2nd Lt. Robert J. Burns; 
2nd Lt. Ralph E. Hennessey; S/Sgt. William T. Mabbutt; S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski; S/Sgt. 
Frank J. Flowers; S/Sgt. Dale G. Miller; S/Sgt. Glenn S. Thomason. The following 
officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp, Capri. 1st Lt. Robert T. 


Friday, 22 September 1944 (continued) 

 

Cunningham; 1st Lt. Ernest C. Rice; S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry; Sgt. Jack Bowman; Sgt. 
Ernest E. Byrn. The following enlisted men have returned from rest camp Rome, Italy: 
Sgt. James E. Dowell; Sgt. Carlo E. Huhtala; Sgt. John L. Smith Jr. The following 
officers and enlisted men have departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. Richard J. Woods, 
1st Lt. Marion E. Walker; S/Sgt. George D. Schnaars; S/Sgt. Gaston G. Poulin; S/Sgt. 
Harold R. Bauder; Sgt. Andrew C. Dubbs. The following enlisted men are assigned to 
this squadron per orders from 57th Wing: S/Sgt. Clyde D. Hilliard; Sgt. Dale L. Strange; 
Cpl. Norman L. Waterman; Cpl. John B. Wrede Jr; Pfc. Herman C. Wikle; Pvt. Charles 
D. Carzoli; Pvt Richard E. Spradlin. Sergeant Dale L. Strange was added to the S-2 staff. 
Today’s training consisted of practice bombing and local transition. 

Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Bowman, Jack, S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Brule, Gordon J., 1Lt, bombardier Burns, Robert J., 1Lt, pilot 

Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt, engineer-gunner Carzoli, Charles D., Pvt, mess 

Cunningham, Robert T., 1Lt, pilot Dowell, James E., Sgt, mess 

Dubbs, Andrew C., Sgt, engineer-gunner Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Hennessey, Ralph E., 2Lt, pilot Hilliard, Clyde D., S/Sgt, photographer 

Huhtala, Carlo E., Sgt, engineering Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner Muzinich, Anthony L., 1Lt, pilot 

Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot 

Rogowski, Edmund W., S/Sgt, gunner Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner 

Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt, gunner Schweda, George J., 1Lt, pilot 

Smith, John J., Jr., Sgt, armament Spradlin, Richard E., Pvt, armament 

Strange, Dale L., Sgt, personnel Thomason, Glenn S., S/Sgt, engineering 

Walker, Marion E., 1Lt, pilot Waterman, Norman L., Cpl, engineering 

Wikle, Herman C., PFC, mess Woods, Richard J., 1Lt, pilot 

Wrede, John B., Jr., Cpl, engineering 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 356 (561): At 09:08 15 planes off to bomb Piazzola Rail 
Bridge, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated as the 
last element of the first flight. The formation dropped 60 x 1000 # .1 and .025 bombs 
from 10/11,500 feet. Good concentration with several D/H on center of bridge and that 
span down. Observations: 15/20 RR cars in yards at Vincenzo. No flak. Weather: 
CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 357 (562): At 08:45 24 planes off to bomb Cittadella 
Road and Rail Bridge in Italy. Twelve (12) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron 
participated flying as the lead of the flight. The formation dropped 90x1000# .1 & .025, 
from 11,000/11,500 feet. 6x1000# salvoed-Malfunction. All bombs in target area. 
Entire east end of bridge down. Observations: 550 RR cars in yards, tanks and armored 
cars parked. No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU. 

 

 

 


Saturday, 23 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Although several missions 
are aborted because of bad weather in Italy, medium bombers attack several railroad 
bridges in the Po River Valley; fighter-bombers hit guns and rail and road targets in the 
battle area as the US Fifth Army pushes on through the Gothic Line defenses. In France, 
the detachment of the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic 
Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)], moves 
from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-5s (squadron is based at Valence); the 111th 
Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Satolas-et-
Bonce to Dijon with F-6s. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 12 ships led by Capt. Russell today to help 
attack the Legnago railroad bridge, Italy. The red hot squadron bombardiers continued 
on their brilliant bombing streak by coming through with another 100 per cent bombing 
accuracy. The Italian K.P.’s who had served the squadron faithfully ever since the early 
days at Gaudo, Italy left the outfit for their native land following an order by higher 
headquarters. They were hard and efficient workers and will be sorely missed not only 
by the cooks but also by the men themselves who are now going to be forced to pull K.P. 
themselves. The squadron area has taken on a metropolitan touch with the advent of 
“telegraph poles” erected in the area to raise the power lines off the ground. Presidential 
citation ribbons were distributed today. 

Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: A very successful mission is flown to northern Italy. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 397 

TARGET: Legnago Rail Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 23 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. GP 446th Planes: 15 

Lt. Russell led the formation. Excellent concentration on target with several direct hits. 
No flak. Lt. Wozniak, spare returned early. 

Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot, 445th BS 

Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on the Padua North RR 
Bridge (G-350530) with Lt. Murray leading our squadron. All bombs fell within the 
target area. The heaviest concentration covered the center and north ends of the bridge 
and scored several direct hits. Mission efficiency 91.6 %; Bombing accuracy 95.6 %. 
The following officers and enlisted men have departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. 
Earl W. Hall; 1st Lt Walter N. Vieser; 1st Lt. Stanley J. Wiechert; S/Sgt. John A. Keefe; 
S/Sgt. L.E. Sheppard; T/Sgt. Francis S. Torrey; Sgt. Robert F. Buzby; Sgt. Paul D. 
Connolly; Sgt. Edward J. Dwila; Sgt. Andrew R. Richards; Cpl. Norman C. Bulfinch. 
The following officers and enlisted men are on DS, Cairo, Egypt: Capt. Eugene E. 
Stocking; 1st Lt. Gerald E. Fisher; 1st Lt. Edward Krafka; 1st Lt. Ivan E. Dean; 1st Lt. 
Marvin L. Speer; S/Sgt. Herbert Dimondstein; T/Sgt. Andrew Pelak; T/Sgt. John F. 

 


Saturday, 23 September 1944 (continued) 

 

McFarland; S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne; Sgt. George F.M. Murray. Today’s training 
consisted of local transition and practice bombing. 

Bulfinch, Norman C., Cpl, intelligence Buzby, Robert F., Sgt, armament 

Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, armament-gunner Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt, pilot 

Dimondstein, Herbert, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner 

Dwila, Edward J., Sgt, engineering Fisher, Gerald E., 1Lt, bombardier 

Hall, Earl W., 1Lt, pilot Keefe, John A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Krafka, Edward, 1Lt, pilot McFarland, John F., T/Sgt, gunner 

Murray, George F., Sgt, engineering Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot 

Pelak, Andrew, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Richards, Andrew R., Sgt, engineering 

Sheppard, L. E., S/Sgt, gunner Speer, Marvin L, 1Lt, pilot 

Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot Torrey, Francis S., T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt, bombardier Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 358 (565): At 0749 12 planes off to bomb Padua East RR 
Bridge, Italy. 448th Bombardment Squadron was the only participant in this attack 
dropping 47x1000 bombs; 1x1000 returned because of malfunction, from 10,600/11,000 
feet. Bridge believed cut by a number of direct hits. Moderate, fairly accurate, heavy 
from Rovigo area. 5 planes holed. Weather: 7/10 altocumulus, visibility unlimited. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 359 (566): At 08:08 30 planes off to bomb Legnago RR 
Bridge, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as 
the last element of the second flight. The formation dropped 120x1000# GP .1 & .01 
from 10,500/11,000 feet. Excellent concentration on target with several direct hits. No 
flak. Weather: 7/10 altocumulus with visibility unlimited. 

 


Sunday, 24 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather cancels 
medium bomber and A-20 operations; fighter-bombers support ground forces, bombing 
and strafing strongpoints, troop concentrations, and frontline communications targets as 
the US Fifth Army pushes through N Apennines; HQ 3rd Photographic Group 
(Reconnaissance) and the 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Borgo, 
Corsica to Rosia and Malignano respectively with F-5s; HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 
64th and 65th Fighter Squadrons move from Ombrone Airfield to Grosseto with P-47s; the 
detachment of the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group 
(Reconnaissance), operating from Malignano with F-5s returns to base at 
Florence/Peretola. 

 

445th BS War Diary: There was no combat mission today. The mail situation has 
reached a new low and the men are just about as low in morale. Very good 
improvements have been made on the mess hall of the enlisted men. New tables have 
been installed while the porches are being cemented and a fireplace being erected inside 
through the work of a French mason hired for the job. Since there was no activity this 
afternoon, the Mitchell-Aires practiced all afternoon in the Officers club. Chicken was 
enjoyed by all at the supper meal. 

 

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 398 

TARGET: Ponte di Piave RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 24 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 9 

Lt. Burandt led the formation. Did not bomb due to cloud cover. No flak. Lts. 
Pietrowski and Wallace returned early. Spares. 

Burandt, Charles L., 1Lt, pilot Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot 

Wallace, Robert D., 1Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our ships participated in a raid on Campolongo Railway 
Bridge, with Captain Wiginton leading our squadron, but due to cloud coverage no 
bombs were dropped. S/Sgt. William H. Burke Jr.; S/Sgt. Jordan L. Bushnell were 
relieved of assignment and transferred on rotation to Replacement Depot N. 9, for 
transshipment to the United States, per orders Hq. 12AF Sept. 20. Training today 
consisted of local transition. Morning report, Officers 92; Enlisted Men 342. 

Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt, gunner 

Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 360 (568): At 08:48 18 planes off to bomb Campolongo 
Railway Bridge, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
in the position as lead squadron for the flight. The formation dropped no bombs due to 
clouds and overcast. Abortive due to weather. No flak. Visibility 5/10 miles in haze. 

 

 


Monday, 25 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers 
and A-20s cancel operations due to bad weather; fighter-bombers hit barracks areas, 
railroads, roads, and transportation in or near Bologna, Bozzolo, Parma, Castelfranco 
Veneto, and Canneto sull'Oglio, and in the immediate battle areas as the US Fifth Army 
meets strong opposition, especially in the vicinity of Monte Bastione, and near Torre 
Poggioli, Monte Gamberaldi, and Monte Castelnuovo; the 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th 
Fighter Group, moves from Ombrone to Grosseto with P-47s. In France, the 415th Night 
Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, moves from Le Vallon to Longvic with 
Beaufighters. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Fifteen crews were scheduled for the mission today but it was 
cancelled. Poor weather conditions forced Operations Officer Capt. Hatcher from 
carrying out his training flights. High winds whipped dust throughout the area this 
afternoon making it mighty unpleasant for the men. The men in the area continue to 
winterize their tents while the cementing of the mess hall continues. No mail today and 
still the men are moaning. Meat loaf was served for supper. The evening was very cool. 

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: Four flying men are made Captains: Burandt, Dickson, Hawkes 
and Mayo. Second Lieutenant Goodrich is promoted to First Lieut. 

Burandt, Charles L., Capt, pilot Dickson, Gale M., Capt, pilot 

Goodrich, John W., 1Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., Capt, pilot 

Mayo, Jack D., Capt, bombardier 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. The 
following officers were promoted to the grade of captain: 1st Lt. Joe L. Beal, SO 240 Hq. 
12AF 17 Sept. 1st lt. Wayne R. Martin; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Speer; 1st Lt. Robert E. Thomas, 
per SO. 245 Hq. 22 Sept. Lt. William E. Levine has departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy. 
Today’s training consisted of local transition. 

Beal, Joseph L., Capt, Adjutant Levine, William E., 2Lt, intelligence 

Martin, Wayne R., Capt, bombardier Speer, Marvin L, Capt, pilot 

Thomas, Robert E., Capt, navigator 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 

 


Tuesday, 26 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy during the night 
of 25/26 Sep A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; throughout the day B-
25s and B-26s pound rail and road bridges in the E and NW parts of the Po Valley while 
fighter-bombers and fighters of the XII Fighter Command attack road nets, rails, motor 
transport, and supply points at many locations in the valley. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in two missions today. Nine aircraft 
joined the group in the first mission to attack the Ponte di Piave railroad bridge, Italy and 
the red hot 445th bombardiers made it another 100 per cent mission. The second mission 
went out to attack the Sesto Calende railroad bridge, Italy. Six ships from the squadron 
participated and just to keep the string going, the bombardiers achieved another 100 per 
cent bombing accuracy. It was the squadron’s 5th straight perfect mission. Red Cross 
girls distributed doughnuts and coffee to the area personnel this morning. Pork was 
served for supper as the mail situation remains poor. “Cornzapoppin” made its bow to 
the public tonight playing to the Quartermaster outfit with good success. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 26, 27, 28: “Winterizing” of our tents begins and 
winter weather brings memories of last year, rain and cold, stoves and midnight snacks 
by a warm fire. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 399 

TARGET: Sesto/Calende Rd & RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 26 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3 

Lt. Collins led the formation. Concentrations of bombs on both N and S approaches with 
a few strings across center of bridge. Several reports of bridge heavily damaged but all 
spans left standing. Turbulent air made bombing accurate difficult. Flak was scant, 
heavy, inaccurate and out of range. Lt. Ivankovig did not take off because of radio 
trouble. 

Collins, Daniel P., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 400 

TARGET: Ponte di Piave Railroad Bridge, Italy DATE: 26 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 9 

Lt. Hawkes led the formation. Both approaches and E end of bridge were well hit. 
Several strings across middle of bridge. First box of six forced to make second run. No 
flak. 

Hawkes, Leon R., Capt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 401 

TARGET: Fusignano, Conselice, S Nicolo Ferry, Italy DATE: 26 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: Propaganda Leaflets. 446th Planes: 1 

Lt. Jeffery led the formation. Targets #1, #2, #3 successfully “Bombed”. Targets #4 and 
#5 not “Bombed.” Flak was moderate to intense, accurate, heavy. 

Jeffery, James C., 2Lt, pilot 




 

Tuesday, 26 September 1944 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Five of our ships participated in a raid on the Sesto-Calende RR 
Bridge J-824954 with Lt. Muzinich leading the squadron. Excellent concentration with 
several direct hits on center and both approaches. Several holes were observed after 
bombing. Mission efficiency, 100 %; Bombing accuracy, 100 %. On the second mission 
of the day, nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Campolongo RR Bridge (G-
486393) with Lt. Murray leading our squadron. Good concentration on center, north 
section and both approaches. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. On 
the third mission of the day, two of our ships participated in a successful Nickeling 
Mission. One of our planes was holed by flak. The following officers and enlisted men 
have returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Earl W. Hall; 1st Lt. Walter N. Vieser; 
1st Lt. Stanley J. Wiechert; S/Sgt. John A. Keefe; S/Sgt. L.E. Sheppard; S/Sgt. Francis S. 
Torrey; Sgt. Robert F. Buzby; Sgt. Paul D. Connolly; Sgt. Edward J. Dwila; Sgt. Andrew 
R. Richards; Cpl. Norman C. Bulfinch. The following named enlisted men have been 
reclassified to 612: Sgt. Earl W. Dulaney; Sgt. Jack J. Harris; Sgt. Charles J. Hopp; Cpl. 
James W. Sims. Today’s training consisted of local transition. 

Bulfinch, Norman C., Cpl, intelligence Buzby, Robert F., Sgt, armament 

Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Dulaney, Earl W., Sgt, gunner 

Dwila, Edward J., Sgt, engineering Hall, Earl W., 1Lt, pilot 

Harris, Jack J., Sgt, armament Hopp, Charles J., Sgt, gunner 

Keefe, John A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Muzinich, Anthony L., 1Lt, pilot 

Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot Richards, Andrew R., Sgt, engineering 

Sheppard, L. E., S/Sgt, gunner Sims, James W., Cpl, gunner 

Torrey, Francis S., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt, bombardier 

Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 361 (569): At 07:28 18 planes off to bomb Sesto-
Calendo combination Rd. and RR Bridge, Italy. Four (4) planes of the 448th 
Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last element of the flight. The 
formation dropped 72x1000# .1 & .01 from 10,500/11,000 feet. Good concentration with 
a few strings across center of bridge. Turbulent air made bombing difficult. Scant, 
inaccurate, heavy, out of range flak. Weather: CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 362 (571): At 12:13 18 planes off to bomb Campolongo 
Railroad Bridge, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
flying as the lead squadron of the flight. The formation dropped 36x1000# bombs on 
briefed target. 28x1000 on u/i Bridge One-third of a mile NW of target. Observations: 4 
barges near mouth of Brenta River. Heavy, scant to moderate flak. No planes holed. 
Weather: CAVU. 

 

 

 


Wednesday, 27 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night 
of 26/27 Sep A-20s bomb motor transport in the Po Valley; during the day bad weather 
cancels medium bomber operations and restricts the XII Fighter Command; yet fighter-
bombers effectively support the US Fifth Army, especially on Monte Oggioli, blasting 
defensive positions, troop concentrations, roads, and motor transport, and cutting rail 
lines between Parma and Piacenza. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Fifteen crews were scheduled for the mission which was cancelled 
due to bad weather. Following a successful opening night last night, the cast of the 
variety show “Cornzapoppin” and the “Mitchell-Aires” are making preparations to leave 
for Naples tomorrow where they will put their show on for the benefit of audiences in 
that area for five days. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 26, 27, 28: “Winterizing” of our tents begins and 
winter weather brings memories of last year, rain and cold, stoves and midnight snacks 
by a warm fire. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled due to weather conditions. The following 
officers were promoted to the grade of 1st Lt. per SO 245, Hq. 12th AF 22 Sept. 2nd Lt. 
Edward Gates; 2nd Lt. Wendell E. Marchant. Private Dan Ochs was promoted to the 
grade of Corporal 25 Sept. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest 
camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. John R. Gillis; 2nd Lt. Joe W. Gould; T/Sgt. Aubrey W. 
Chatters; T/Sgt. William H. Pierce; S/Sgt. Robert W. Engels; S/Sgt. Vincent A. Mango. 
Major Marshall S. Strenger returned form rest camp, Rome Italy. Corporal Charles H. 
Rankin is relieved of assignment and transferred on rotation to Replacement Depot No. 7 
for transshipment to the United States, on orders 12th AF Hq. 24 Sept. Training today 
consisted of local transition. 

Chatters Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner 

Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot Gillis, John R., 1Lt, pilot 

Gould, Joe W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator Mango, Vincent A., S/Sgt, aerial gunner 

Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot Ochs, Dan N., Cpl, gunner 

Pierce, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Rankin, Charles H., Cpl, medical 

Strenger, Marshall C., Maj, pilot, Commander 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 


Thursday, 28 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds 
A-20s and medium bombers; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale bomb 
Bologna and hit roads and rail lines at 4 locations. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Fifteen crews were standing by for the combat mission but poor 
weather cancelled all aerial activities. The entire personnel of the variety show 
“Cornzapoppin” were scheduled to leave by aircraft today but they too had to wait 
another day due to weather. Publicity pictures were taken of the cast and the orchestra 
members out on the line. There were some transition flights made today and one ship 
went to the bombing range. Again there was no mail and the men are gradually settling 
into a bitter, resigned shell of disgust. 

 

446th BS War Diary: September 26, 27, 28: “Winterizing” of our tents begins and 
winter weather brings memories of last year, rain and cold, stoves and midnight snacks 
by a warm fire. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. Cpl. 
Dan Ochs was reclassified from 911 to 612. Lt. William E. Levine has returned from rest 
camp, Rome, Italy. Today’s training consisted of local transition. 

Levine, William E., 2Lt, intelligence Ochs, Dan N., Cpl, gunner 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 


Friday, 29 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20s and 
medium bombers are again grounded by weather; fighter-bombers, hampered by weather, 
fly 52 sorties in the afternoon, cutting rail lines leading S from Milan. 

 

445th BS War Diary: Mission was again cancelled due to weather but the cast of 
“Cornzapoppin” and the “Mitchell-Aires” managed to slip through the bad weather to 
Naples today and the start of their entertainment tour. Capt. Griffing, Group Weather 
Officer, gave a weather lecture to all pilots in the squadron at the Officers club. There 
was a meeting for all bombardiers this afternoon at which time map reading and target 
identification were discussed. An Officer and three enlisted combat men arrived today as 
replacements. 2nd Lts Glasford, Hagerman, WH Moore, Payne and Spencer all put on the 
silver bar of a 1st Lieutenant today. 

Hagerman, Millard W., 1Lt, bombardier Glasford, Loren G., 1Lt, pilot 

Griffing, George W., Capt, Weather Officer Moore, William H., Jr., 1Lt, pilot 

Payne, Lawrence J., 1Lt, pilot Spencer, Charles F., 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS War Diary: The Cairo trippers are back after a swell trip in spite of an engine 
change. 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions 

 

447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. Usual 
squadron duties were the order of the day. 

 

448th BS War Diary: No Entry 

 


Saturday, 30 September 1944 

 

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72nd 
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Vesoul to 
Epinal, France with L-5s. In Italy, B-25s bomb road and railroad bridges in the Po 
Valley at Piacenza, Voghera, Sesto Calende, Lonate Pozzolo, Galliate, Cittadella, 
Borgoforte, and Tortona; B-26s hit fuel dumps at Cremona, and bridges at Padua, 
Turbigo, and San Nazzaro; XII Fighter Command fighters hit motor transport, rail lines, 
roads, bridges, and rolling stock in the Po Valley; HQ 62nd Troop Carrier Group moves 
from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield. 

 

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent out 13 ships today in separate flights to help 
bomb the Piacenza railroad bridge, Italy. The first 10 ships achieved 96.2 per cent 
bombing accuracy and the last 3 shops carried the colors of the 445th out with a blaze of 
glory and another 100 per cent bombing accuracy. By latest wing figures, the group 
broke a 12th Air Force bombing record when they achieved 90.4 per cent bombing 
accuracy for the month of September. The 445th paced the group to its record-breaking 
exhibition of precision bombing by hanging up a brilliant average bombing accuracy of 
92.4 per cent for the month. Credit goes first to the bombardiers themselves who actually 
went out and achieved this remarkable mark. But credit must certainly go to Capt. 
Yepez, the Bombing Officer and Major Bounds, the Commanding Officer, both of whom 
labored tirelessly to keep the bombing performance of the squadron right up on top. Two 
Officer and 2 enlisted combat crew men arrived in the squadron today. 

Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator 

 

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Chudars and Ems Bove, Brugioni, Nemet get orders to leave 
for the states. Also receiving his orders is Lieut. Vivas. Promotions are posted for Staff 
Sergeant Crozer, Sergeants Beets, Bryan and Glendening, Corporals D. Brown and 
Haxby. Each moved up one grade. 

Beets, Frank T., S/Sgt, gunner Bove, Anthony P, T/Sgt, radio-gunner 

Brown, Dennis H., Sgt, gunner 

Brugioni, Dino A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer 

Bryan, Dwight L., S/Sgt, gunner Chudars, James E., 1Lt, pilot 

Crozer, Robert L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Glendening, George F. J., S/Sgt, gunner 

Haxby, William H., Jr., Sgt, gunner Nemet, Michael, S/Sgt, gunner 

Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt, pilot 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 402 

TARGET: Piacenza N. Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 30 Sep 1944 

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 15 

Lt. Collins led the formation. Excellent concentration on bridge. S approach covered. 
Red flashes observed, believed to have been ammunition or fuel fires. Flak was heavy, 
scant to moderate, inaccurate. One plane holed. 

Collins, Daniel P., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS 

 

 


Saturday, 30 September 1944 (continued) 

 

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 403 

TARGET: Ravenna, Faenza, Lugo, Argenta, Budrio, DATE: 30 Sep 1944 

 Castel S. Pietro, Italy. 

Type of Bombs: Propaganda Leaflets. 446th Planes: 1 

Lt. Dyer led the formation. Mission accomplished. 

Dyer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot 

 

447th BS War Diary: The squadron flew three missions today. The first mission had 
Nine planes which attacked the Piocenza North Railroad Bridge. The second, with three 
planes, attacked the Voghera Railroad Bridge. The third mission consisting of two planes 
flew a successful Nickeling Mission. All planes returned safely from all three of the 
missions. Thus is concluded another month in the eventful history of the squadron. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 363 (573): At 12:36 18 planes off to bomb Voghera Rail 
Bridge in Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying 
as the last box of 9 in the first flight. The formation dropped 140x500 .1 & .01 GP 
bombs from 11,500/12,000 feet. Returned 4 x 500 due to malfunction. Bridge covered 
by good concentration with several direct hits reported. Observations: 4 medium 
freighters beached near Chiavari. No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 364 (574): At 12:40 36 planes off to bomb Piacenza N. 
Rail Bridge in Italy. Six (6) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated 
flying as the last box of 9 in the last flight. The formation dropped 127x1000 GP .1 & 
.01 from 11/12,000 feet. 12x1000 returned due to a malfunction and 5 x 1000 salvoed 
over water due to a malfunction. Escort: P-47’s in coordinated strafing of gun positions 
at target. Excellent concentration on Bridge from island to south bank. A series of red 
flashes were seen-believed to have been ammo. or oil fires. Heavy, scant to moderate, 
and heavy moderate, inaccurate on breakaway; one plane holed. Weather: CAVU. 

 

448th BS War Diary: Mission 365 (575) (Nickeling): At 14:31 six (6) planes off to 
bomb Ravenna, Faenza, Lugo, Argenta, Budrio, Castel S. Pietro in Italy. The formation 
dropped 107 Leaflets Bombs containing “Front Post”. One plane from the 448th 
Bombardment Squadron participated. The leaflets were dropped from 14,000 feet. 
Mission accomplished in the face of heavy moderate to intense flak. One plane failed to 
return. Presumed to have landed in Italy. Weather: Clear at target; return route haze. 

 

 

 

 

 


September 1944 

 

445th BS War Diary: Additional Information for September 1944 

 

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Gp. (M) 

APO 650 

 

15 October 1944 

SUBJECT: Historical Records 

TO : Command General, 57th Wing, APO 650. 

 

1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period Septermber1st to September 30th. 

 a. Present Designation: 445th Sq., 321st Group, 57th Wing, 12th Command. 

 

 b. Changes in organization. 

1. None 

 

 c. Strength commissioned and enlisted. 

 1. Month of September1944. 

 (a) 442 at beginning. 

 (b) 4 net increase. 

 (c) 446 at end. 

 

 d. Stations. 

 1. Solenzara Air Field. 

 

 e. Movements. 

 1. None 

 

f. Operations: 

 1. During the Month of September the Squadron participated in 220 Sorties and 26 
Missions. 

 

 g. Command Officers in important missions. 

 1. Capt. Leon F. Hatcher, Jr., Operations Officer, in the lead ship of the formation 
which attacked the Pavia east road bridge, Italy. This important bridge was destroyed 
with 97.2 per cent bombing accuracy 

 

 h. Losses in action.

 1. On September 18, the squadron participated in an attack on troop concentrations 
northwest of Rimini, Italy. One B-25 was lost. It was B-25 Number 43-27792 piloted by 
1st Lieutenant John S. Richardson. The remainder of the crew was 2nd Lt. Robert (NMI) 
Corey, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Rudolph A. DiFulvio, bombardier; S/Sgt. Andrew J. Marinucci, 
engineer-gunner; T/Sgt. Sam J. Rossi, radio operator-gunner; Sgt. Leslie J. Lemke, 
armorer-gunner; Cpl. William J. Riley, Jr., photographer. The ship was reported to have 
crashed into the sea with several parachutes reported 


September 1944 (continued) 

 

 i. During the month of September, the following men received the Distinguished 
Flying Cross: 1st Lt. Harold O. Baldwin (bombardier), 1st Lt. Daniel P. Collins (pilot), 1st 
Lt. James R. Elliott, Jr. (pilot), 1st Lt. William H. Gunder (pilot), 1st Lt. Robert L. 
Hammar (pilot), 1st Lt. Albert F. Hardman (pilot), Jr., 1st Lt. James C. Jeffrey (pilot), 1st 
Lt. Elwood F. McLaughlin, Jr. (pilot), 1st Lt. Winston R. Place (pilot), Maj. Percy D. 
Register, Jr. (pilot), 1st Lt. Alfred B. Smith (pilot), Capt. Gerald W. Wagner (pilot), 1st Lt. 
Robert A. Wolfe (pilot). Capt. Robert R. Casaburi (navigator) was awarded the 
Distinguished Flying Cross with an oak leaf cluster. Awarded oak leaf clusters to their 
Distinguished Flying Cross were 1st Lt. Emery O. Cormier (pilot) and Capt. Lubomier P. 
Shynshka (pilot). The award of the Bronze Star was made to Technical Sergeant Melvin 
H. Mathewson (engineering). The award of the Legion of Merit was presented to 
Technical Sergeant William H. Whittaker (engineering). In addition, there were 170 
awards of the oak leaf cluster to the Air Medal and 10 awards of the Air Medal itself. 

 

For the Commanding Officer: 

 

1 Incl. 

 Incl (1) – War Diary JAMES O. JACKSON, 

 Capt., Air Corps, 

 Squadron Historian. 

 

 

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for September 1944 

 

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF 

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF 

1 October 1944 

 

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR September 1944 

 

A. Original Unit 

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

 2. Organized August 1, 1942 

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

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

 5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement 

 centers. 

 

B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted: 

 1. 1 September 1944 105 Officers, 325 Enlisted Men 

 2. Net Increase None 21 Enlisted Men 

 3. Net Decrease 4 Officers None 

 4. 30 September 1944 101 Officers, 346 Enlisted Men 

 


September 1944 (continued) 

 

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements 

 1. Engagements: 

Feltre, Italy 

Canneto, Italy 

Rimini, Italy 

 2. Major Paul T. Cooper (pilot) 

 

E. Losses in action: 
1. None 

 


F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in 
action: 
1. The D.F.C. was awarded to: 

 Major Paul T. Cooper (pilot), Captain John C. Kerr (pilot) and the following Lts. 

 Charles L. Burandt (pilot) Keith R. Matzinger (pilot) 

 Arthur E. Franklin (bombardier/navigator) James A. McRae (bombardier) 

 George K. Hollingsworth (pilot) Randall L. Smith (pilot) 

 Vernon Lewis (pilot) Jason G. Taylor (pilot) 

 Alfred E. Vancil (pilot) John R. Sacker (pilot) 

 Lawrence A. Clausen (bombardier) Eugene A. Fontaine (pilot) 

 Robert A. Forsberg (bombardier) Harvey W. Lippy (bombardier) 

 Frank J. Wotkowicz (pilot) 

 

 

2. The Bronze Star Medal was awarded to: 

 Charles F. Reeves, M/Sgt (armament) Charles E. Schlott, S/Sgt (intelligence) 

Ervin G. Dickey, T/Sgt (armament) James McMeeking, Sgt (transportation) 

 


3. Awards of Air Medal on following page: 
2nd Lt. Kenneth L. Schmid (pilot) 

S/Sgt Edward Bruner (gunner) S/Sgt Garland A. Bundy (gunner) 

S/Sgt Irwin Cohen (gunner) S/Sgt Vernon I. Bender (gunner) 

Sgt Warren J. Cassidy (gunner) Sgt Jean H. Foertsch (armament) 

S/Sgt George F. Glendening (gunner) S/Sgt Luigi C. Petrella (gunner) 

Sgt William E. Shettleworth (gunner) 

 




G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries. 


 

 

 

 

 

 





September 1944 (continued) 

 

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for September 1944 

 

447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) 

APO 65 

SUBJECT: Historical Records. 

 

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing. 

 Attention: Historian. 

 

1. Outline History of the 447th Bombardment Squadron for the period September 1 to 
September 30, 1944. 

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

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

 Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force. 

(2) Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, South Carolina. 
(3) 23 June 1942 
(4) G.O. 143, Hq. 111 AF, 23 June 1942 
(5) Transform from other units and Selective Service. 





 b. Changes in Organization. 

 (1) No Change 

 (2) Echelons or units. 

 (a) Transferred 

 13 officers; 17 E/M to Replacement Depot No.7 

 1 E/M trfd 35th Sta. Hosp. 

1 officer trfd. To Hq. 12th AF. 

 1 officer; 1 EM, 40th Sta Hosp. Det of Patient. 

 1 officer trfd. To 321st Bombardment Group 

 1 officer trfd. To 445th Bombardment Squadron 

 2 M/M trfd to Replacement Depot No. 9. 

 (b) on DS or TD. 

 1 officer, 1 E/M on DS 320th Service Group. 

 7 officers 15 E/M on DS Cairo, Egypt. 

 1 E/M on DS Hq. 321st Bombardment Group 

 6 officers, 9 E/M on DS, rest camp Capri. 

 20 officers, 40 E/M on TD rest camp Rome, Italy. 

 (c) No Change. 

 

 (3) No change in commanding officers during the month 

 (4) No Change in staff officers during the month 

 (5) No Change 

 

 


September 1944 (continued) 

 

c. Strength, Commission and enlisted. 

 (1) Month of September 1944. 

 (a) At Beginning. 101 officers; 335 enlisted men 

 (b) Net increase. 6 enlisted men 

 (c) No decrease. 4 officers 

 (d) At end: 97 officers; 341 enlisted men 

 

 d. Stations of units or echelons. 

 (1) Name of station 

 (a) Solenzara Air Field, Corsica. 

 May 3, 1944 

 (b) Still at the same station. 

 

 e. Movement of units or echelons. 

 (1) No movements during the month of September 1944. 

 

f. Campaigns. 

 (1) Italian and Southern France 

 (2) From September 1 to present date. 

 

 g. Operations. 

 (1) Italian campaign. 

 (2) Objective Bombing 

 (3) 27 missions, 211 sorties 

 (4) Results of the most important missions. 

 (a) Rimini Gun and T/C Area. 

 1. The target was important because it was defending the barracks area and 

also was one of the gun positions that was used to hinder the allies from 
entering the town of Rimini. 

 2. The gun position was silenced 

 3. The success of the mission made the forward advance of the British 8th

 Army possible 

 4. Aerial photographs showed direct hits on the target. 

 5. The Germans suffered the loss of an important strong point with the 

 success of this mission 

 (5) The unit was subjected to heavy, accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire during the 

 entire month. 

 

h. During the month the commanding officers did not fly with our squadron. 

 

i. Losses in action 

 (1) Mission. 

 (a) Killed. None. 

 


September 1944 (continued) 

 

 (b) Wounded. 

 Lt. Fisher (Gerald, E., 1Lt, bombardier), Lt. Gates (Edward, 1Lt, pilot) or 
(Ralph, 2Lt, pilot), Capt. Alger (LeRoy, pilot), S/Sgt. Engels (Robert W., gunner), S/Sgt. 
Baldridge (Grant W., gunner) all (LWA). 

 Crumpet troop concentration. Corporal Hague (Curtis A., gunner) (SWA) on 
Gun area L-890462 

 (c) Missing. None 

 (d) Taken prisoner. None 

 

j. During the month of September many awards have been earned and presented to the 
combat personnel. 

 

k. No pictures submitted. 

 

2. Enclosed are War Diary, 447th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 September 
1944 to 30 September 1944. No Special Accounts for the month; Squadron Statistics for 
the month of September1944. 

 

For the Commanding Officer: 

 

3 Incl: SALVATORE P. CASARELLA, Jr., 

 Incl – 1 War Diary. 1st. Lt., Air Corps, 

 Incl – 2 Special Account (none in September) Historian. 

 Incl – 3 Squadron Statistics 

 

Missions Flown: 27 Sorties Flown: 211 

Bombs dropped (weight): 590,160 lbs. Nickels: 22 packages 

Planes lost: None Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None 

Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None 

 

 

448th BS War Diary: Additional Information for September 1944: 

 

September 1 – 7 – 44: Squadron strength as of 1 September 1944, 105 Officers and 328 
Enlisted Men. No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. 
Twenty-eight successful missions were flown during the month over northern Italy 
severing enemy Communication and Supply Lines. Per Special Order #150, 
Headquarters, 321st Bombardment Group (M) dated 4 September 1944, Captain Damon I. 
McLain, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M), is relieved from assignment and assigned to 
the 448th Bombardment Squadron (M), and appointed Squadron Commanding Officer 
replacing Major Albert Bell. Lieutenants: Annear, Greene, VanRaam, and Freeland 
were promoted to Captain. Second Lieutenants Farris, McKinley, Riley, and Sowder 
were promoted to First Lieutenants. Lieutenants McCabe on DS to the 12th TAC. Major 
Asbury transferred to the United States. Officers and Enlisted Men continued to go to 


September 1944 (continued) 

 

Rest Camps on the Isle of Capri, Rome, Naples and Catania. Several of the ground 
personnel went to Rest Camp on the Island of Corsica. Food continues to be good, 
football made an early appearance, movies are enjoyed and beer is available on the P.X. 
rations. 

Annear, Warren R., Capt, pilot Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), Maj, pilot 

Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander Farris, Stephen C., 1Lt, bombardier 

Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, Capt, pilot McCabe, Norman M., 1Lt, pilot 

McKinley, Robert H., 1Lt, bombardier McLain, Damon I., Capt, pilot, Commander 
Riley, Robert L., 1Lt, pilot Sowder, Tony K., 1Lt, pilot 
VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), Capt, pilot 

Greene, Louis P., Capt, bombardier or Greene, William A., Capt, pilot 

 

September 8 – 15 – 44: Second Lieutenants: Autrey, Smith, Bechtle, and Schweitzer 
and Sergeants: Reeves, Sharnm, Herod, Goethals, Gage and Cpls: Langley, Woller, 
Goodman, Ferguson, Cordo, Julio, and Pfc’s Weiss, Escobar, Sweeney, and Privates: 
Petty, Dillon, Jungquist assigned and joined during this period. Enderle, Edwards and 
Justice promoted to the rank of Corporal. Lieutenant Kuykendall DS to duty from Cairo, 
Egypt. T/Sgt McEntee DS to duty from the United States and Lieutenant Dalby DS to 
duty from Headquarters, 57th Bomb Wing. Lieutenants: Winstead and Grim transferred 
to 57th Fighter Group. Captain Greene, and Lieutenants Howard, McCue, Simpkins and 
Sergeants: Burr, Clark, Dilts, Ernest, Holt, Johnson, Kershaw, Slafkes, Wilkerson, 
Brisco, and Penhale transferred to the United States. Continuing their assaults on bridges 
in northern Italy, the Squadron flew eight missions during this period and scored 
excellent results. Officers and Enlisted Men continued to depart and return from the 
numerous Rest Camps. Several members of the Squadron left for ten (10) days in Cairo 
and vicinity. The period was rather quiet as the routine work continued to occupy the 
Squadron’s time and winterizing the tents engulfed the boys during their off-time. 
Excellent weather prevailed and everyone took full advantage of the excellent shower 
facilities and hikes into the near-by mountains were numerous. 

Autrey, W. F. (i o), 2Lt, pilot Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot 

Brisco, Albert S., Sgt, engineering Burr, Harry C., Sgt, gunner 

Clark, Gwyn E., Sgt, gunner Cordo, Dominic J., Cpl, engineering 

Dalby, Roy R., 2Lt, pilot Dillon, Harry L., Pvt, engineering 

Dilts, Robert E., Sgt, gunner Edwards, Jesse R., Cpl, photographer 

Enderle, Melvin J., Cpl, gunner Ernest, David L., Sgt, gunner 

Escobar, Catarino H., Pvt, cook Ferguson, George A., Cpl, engineering 

Gage, Robert L., Sgt, gunner Goethals, Camiel A., Sgt, gunner 

Goodman, John T., Cpl, gunner Grim, 2Lt, pilot 

Herod, James E., Sgt, gunner Howard, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot