12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: October 1943

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

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

NC: Nurse Corps.

A/F: Air Field

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

OD: Officer of the day/Olive Drab

abs: absent

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

OTU: 447th 27 Oct 43?

Assg: Assigned

PAX: Passengers

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

PBS: 447th 2 June 44?

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

BC: Bomber Command

POE: Point of Embarkation

BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep 44?

PX: Post Exchange

CA: Heavy Cruiser

QM: Quarter Master

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

R/B: Road Bridge

CO: Commanding Officer

R/J: Road Junction

CP: Command Post

R/Y: Railroad Yards

CQ: Charge of Quarters

Repl: Replacement

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

RON: Remain OverNight

D/H: Direct Hit

RR/B: Railroad Bridge

Demo: Demolition

RR/J: Railroad Junction

DS: Detached Service

RR: Railroad

E/A: Enemy Aircraft

S/E: Single Engine (plane)

E/F: Enemy Fighter

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

E/M: Enlisted Men

SD: Special Duty

EFM: 447th 16 Sep 44?

sk: sick

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

SO: Special Order

FO or F/O: Flying Officer

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?

Frag: Fragmentation

Sq: Squadron

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

Sqdn: Squadron

GO: General Order

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position

T/C: Troop Concentration

I & E: Information & Education

T/E: Twin Engine (plane)

IP: Initial Point

TAC: Theater Allied Command

L/G: Landing Ground

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

Lox: Liquid Oxygen

TD: Temporary Duty

L/S: Landing Strip

TLC: 447th 5 Oct 43?

L/V: Large Vehicle

TO: Technical Order

LOT: 447th 2 May 44?

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

LST: Landing Ship Tank

Trfd: Transferred

Ltr: Letter

u/i: 448th 26 Sep 44?

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer

MATS: Military Air Transport Service

XC: Cross Country

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

M/V: Military Vessel

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

MC: Maintenance Crew

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

For my dad,

Colonel John Fitzgerald, USA (retired)

“Lil Butch”

John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, USAF (retired)

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

Friday, 1 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (9th AF): In the first half of October, HQ
Ninth Air Force and HQ IX Bomber Command begin a movement to England from
Egypt and Libya.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command
B-26's hit communications targets in the Capua, Grazzanise, Arce, and Mignano areas. B-
24's, including heavy bombers on detached service from the Eighth Air Force, bomb
Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; B-17's, sent against an airplane factory at Augsburg, Germany,
fail to locate the target, and bomb several alternate targets and targets of opportunity in
Austria, Italy, and off Corsica and Elba Island, Italy. In Italy, Northwest African Tactical
Bomber Force (NATBF) and XII Air Support Command medium and light bombers, and
fighter-bombers hit the Benevento town area and marshalling yard, the bridge at Capua,
and motor transport, trains, and railroads mainly in the Isernia area and N to Avezzano.
The British King's Dragoon Guards (with the US Fifth Army) occupy Naples. British
Eighth Army troops occupy Foggia airfields. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 66th Fighter
Squadron transfer from Gioia Airfield to Foggia, Italy with P-40's. The 15th
Bombardment Squadron (Light), and 311th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Twelfth Air
Force, are disbanded at Nouvion, Algeria and Gela, Sicily respectively. A detachment of
the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at
Enfidaville, Tunisia with B-24's, begins operating from Bengasi, Libya. During October,
HQ 63rd Fighter Wing transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Bastia, Corsica; HQ 68th
Reconnaissance Group transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Massicault, Tunisia; the 37th
Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Egypt to El Aouina,
Tunisia with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for the move to Italy. The combat
crews and the necessary ground personnel are scheduled to fly up tomorrow. Most of the
men hate to leave their present post because of the nearby beach which they had come to
take for granted. The kitchen was dismantled by the Italian prisoners this evening after
chow.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Packing and preparing to move were the order of the day for the
flight echelon. A number of the tents were taken down and packed in the planes. Also
the necessary equipment for immediate operations was loaded on the planes. A large
number of DC transport planes came in late this evening. Ten of them will assist the
squadron in the movement. As usual when a move is contemplated it rained furiously
late in the night. There was a wild scamper by the men whose tents had been taken down
to get under shelter. The move is planned to begin early tomorrow morning but the rain

Friday, 1 October 1943 (continued)

has made the runway a muddy mess and things look doubtful. The 446th will send their
mess with the flight echelon and are messing with our squadron temporarily.

MORNING REPORT for the week ending on the 1st of October, 1943:
Assigned strength E.M.---292, Officers---88. Lt. Hasty and Lt. Daume were sent to the
States. Klein and Weiss were transferred to the 331st Signal Wing. There are 6 E.M. and
9 Officers in Cairo. There are 4 men in the Hospital: Lamoureau, Fish, Dobbs, Penson.

Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt, navigator Dobbs, William R., Cpl, mess

Fish, Harold E., Sgt, gunner Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt, pilot

Klein, Almer A., Sgt, communications or Klein, Irving, Sgt, communications

Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt, photographer Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner

Weiss, George G., Sgt, communications

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 2 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Brigadier General Gordon P Saville becomes
Commanding General, XII Fighter Command. Weather curtails operations. In Italy,
fighter-bombers of the XII Air Support Command attack motor transport, roads, and
bridges during armed reconnaissance missions from the Volturno Valley N to Isernia and
W to Benevento. The 64th and 65th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group, transfer from
Rocco Bernardo to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: Early this morning, a severe rainstorm struck the area
accompanied by sharp lightning and thunder. This heavy rain flooded the camp area,
roads and runway and caused a postponement of the flights. Col. Knapp, Group
Commander, managed to get off and was the first one to arrive in Italy. The order was to
“stand by” for the whole day. Our men were forced to eat at the 448th area since our
mess had already been moved.

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

446th BS War Diary: We were notified that we were to send an advance echelon to Italy
so the day was spent in making ready. Everyone was excited over the coming move glad
to soon be out of North Africa and hoping the next base would be better.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The ten transports loaded with squadron equipment took off today
for our new base in Italy. The flight echelon had a false alarm right after lunch and all
went out to the planes with bed rolls and personal belongings in preparation to take off.
The weather was deemed unsuitable however and they weren’t able to get away. All the
men returned to the area for another night. Capt. R.W. Richardson returned from Cairo
with the group of men from the squadron who flew there with him September 25.

Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 3 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's, B-25's,
and P-38's bomb railroad, highway, and pontoon bridges, an overpass, and road junction
at Capua, Castel Volturno, Piana, Arce, Mignano, and Isernia; P-38's also hit shipping
between Corsica and Italy. XII Bomber Command fighter-bombers hit motor transport in
the battle area as US Fifth Army troops take Benevento. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its
95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Grombalia, Tunisia to San Pancrazio,
Italy with P-38's. HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and its 29th Troop Carrier Squadron
transfer from Sciacca to Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily with C-47's. HQ 321st
Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 445th, 446th and 447th Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium) transfer from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with B-25's. HQ 324th
Fighter Group and its 314th, 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons transfer from El Haouaria
to Menzel Heurr, Tunisia with P-40's. These units have been regrouping since Jul 43.
Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Enfidaville, Tunisia begin operating from
Bengasi, Libya with B-24's.

445th BS War Diary: Impatiently “sweating out” the weather, the men rejoiced at the
blue skies this morning. However, it was in the midst of showers and dark clouds that a
large number of the ships took off and headed for Italy. Upon landing at the new base,
most of our men were visibly impressed by the wreckage of German, Italian and even
Allied planes; and the two large hangars that were severely hit by bombs. Supper at the
new base consisted of C-rations. Most of our men slept out in the open tonight in view of
the absence of our tents.

446th BS War Diary: The advanced Flight and Air echelons departed from Soliman
North for their destination which was Grottaglie, Italy.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Nineteen of our aircraft left the Soliman air port at 1230 hours this
date to go to the Grottaglie airport. Twelve of these ships were loaded with frag bombs
in order that a mission might be carried out at the earliest possible time. The other seven
ships carried men and equipment. We arrived at Grottaglie at 1530 hours, there was a
slight rain but the camp was arranged and set up before dark. Our squadron messed with
the 446th tonight at which place we witnessed one of the longest chow lines of my army
life. The flight over, which was led by Major Sampson, was uneventful and went off as
scheduled. We also had several transport planes at our disposal for the trip over. They
carried the heavy equipment, among which were jeeps, motorcycles, and material for the
engineering department. There were also eleven men who came with the transports to
see that all the equipment was unloaded and tents erected. Of the nineteen ships that took
off for Grottaglie airfield only eighteen made the trip. One ship piloted by Lt. Ashley
turned back because of engine trouble.

Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

REAR ECHELON: We received word about two O’clock in the afternoon that
the rest of the unit had 24 hours to prepare to leave. There was a mad scramble to make
it. All combat men who have completed their fifty missions are being transferred out and
are going to a rest camp near Oran to await orders. Capt. Gale returned to the squadron
from the hospital at Mateur.

Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

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

“Moved to Taranto, Italy. Twelve ships carried frags plus the crew and baggage. Rest
of airplanes in the squadron shuttled back & forth. Sixty odd C-47s moved all the
equipment of the group including the jeeps, airplane parts, tents, kitchens, etc.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 4 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's
bomb the Pisa marshalling yard and Bolzano bridges; B-25's and B-26's attack the airfield
at Argos, road defiles at Terracina and Isernia, a highway overpass at Mignano, and
shipping at Bastia; NATBF aircraft hit road and rail junctions on the main road N from
Capua; XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit trains, roads, railroads, and
vehicles near Isernia, Avezzano, Pescara, and Isolella. The Allies now have complete
control of Corsica. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at
La Marsa, Tunisia begins operating from Pontecagnano, Italy with F-5's. The 87th
Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, transfers from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-
40's. The 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia sends a
detachment to Gambut, Libya with P-38's. The 448th Bombardment Squadron (Medium),
321st Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy
with B-25's. "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3rd Photographic
Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia sends a detachment to
Grottaglie, Italy with B-17's and F-5's. "B" and "C" Flights are still in the US.

445th BS War Diary: Our kitchen personnel are faced with the monstrous task of
feeding all four squadrons plus Group Headquarters. They were forced to serve C-rations
for breakfast. The new Squadron area is located in the midst of an olive tree orchard. It
is quite muddy. The base is located just about two miles from the small town of
Grottaglie which can easily be seen from our area. We are about 5 miles from the large
seaport-town of Taranto. The men ate some delicious English stew for dinner in the
midst of light showers which lasted till early afternoon. Many tents are starting to spring
up in the area as the Squadron digs in once again.

446th BS War Diary: Today Lt. C.M. VanArtsdalen finished his fiftieth mission. He
was thinking of running more missions and later did go on another but was told this was
his last.

VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 105

TARGET: Argos A/D, Greece DATE: 4 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 13

Lt. Sinclair, 448th Sqdn, led the formation and the results of the attack were good. The
bomb pattern was good although the field was not completely covered. One string of
bombs fell West of the field and one fell short. Numerous direct hits were made on E/A
on the ground and ten fires were counted. Fires were seen among planes on W, SW, and
NE side of field. Three oil fires and a large explosion was seen. There were 30/40
aircraft on the ground. The flak was light, slight, and inaccurate. Lt Elliot flew as co-
pilot for the 445th squadron.

Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

Monday, 4 October 1943

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes took off to bomb Argos Landing Ground,
Greece. Bombing results good. Ten planes completed the mission and returned safely.
Lt. Stephenson turned back soon after take off because of engine trouble and landed
safely. The right engine on Lt. Brinkley’s ship cut out as he was taking off. He was
about thirty feet in the air when it happened. He was unable to gain altitude and crashed
a few miles north of the field. The plane was completely destroyed and all members of
the crew injured except the bombardier, S/Sgt Harter. The crew was as follows: Lt.
H.M. Brinkley, Lt. James Shaw, S/Sgt James Harter, S/Sgt Frank Johnson, S/Sgt Edward
Ennis, and Pfc. Robert J. Smith. Lt. Brinkley, S/Sgt. Johnson, and Pfc. Smith are in the
hospital in Taranto. S/Sgts. Harter and Ennis received first aid at the Group dispensary.
Lt. Shaw has been flown to the hospital in Catania, Sicily. He suffered more serious
injuries than the rest of the crew. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lts. Nixon, Bugbee,
and McDuff. Everyone spent a busy day in the squadron area erecting more tents and
whipping the area into shape.

Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot McDuff, Daniel R., 1Lt, pilot

Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot

A/C No. unknown crashed near base

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt

Shaw, James A., 2Lt

None

Harter, James, E., S/Sgt

Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt

Smith, Robert J., PFC

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 35)

“Forty eight ships hit the airdrome at Argos, Greece. This was the first time in the war
that a medium group had operated off the continent. The weather was very poor,
scattered rain and clouds all the way. Light, inaccurate, heavy flak at the target. Forty-
eight P-38s for escort. Brinkley crashed on the take off. He was flying off our wing.
Shaw killed.”

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

REAR ECHELON: We got up at five this morning and rushed around furiously
getting all the tents down and personal belongings packed. Transports were to arrive at
nine this morning to ferry the ground echelon to the new base in Italy. The tents were
hauled out to the line and left there to be loaded when the transports arrived. They never
came. Four squadron planes piloted by Capt. Richardson and Lts. Grantham, Hingel, and
Fabling returned to the base to ferry the second group over. The first group of men who
have completed fifty missions got their orders in the afternoon to return to the States.
Some of the fifty-mission men are still at our new base in Italy; others will assist in

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

ferrying the second group over tomorrow. The rest who still haven’t received orders to
return to the States will go to rest camp to await them.

Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt, pilot Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot

Hingel, Edward D., 1Lt, pilot Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 98 (133): At 09:25 48 planes off to bomb Athens,
Argos A/D. 1 crashed on take off, 47 dropped 3050 Frags at 11:55 from 8000 and
returned at 14:00. Bomb eastern yard, numerous direct hits on A/C on ground and 10
fires reported, small buildings and three oil fires seen. Flak slight, heavy, inaccurate.
Weather: CAVU over target. F/L: Sinclair. Sinclair, Irvin W., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS Special Account: On October 4 twelve of our planes were to participate in a
raid on Argos L/G, Greece. The plane piloted by Lt. H.M. Brinkley had an engine quit
immediately after take-off and crashed about five miles from the field. This account of
the accident is based on information obtained from survivors of the crash and from others
who say the plane in trouble.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot

As Lt. Brinkley’s plane raced down the runway for the take-off his right engine
was seen smoking. When he was about 30 feet in the air the engine was on fire. Lt.
Brinkley reported that he noticed unevenness in his right engine right after take off. Lt.
Shaw at about the same time reported that the engine was on fire and pulled the Lox
system switch. The plane was very hard to handle so Lt. Brinkley pushed the feathering
button and believes the prop feathered as the plane immediately became easier on the
controls. He had to cut down on the throttle of his left engine as he was afraid too much
throttle would cause the plane to flip over on its back. The highest speed attained by the
crippled plane was 135 MPH and it was not possible to gain any altitude – partially
because the take off was to the north where there is a gradual rise in the terrain. It was
necessary for Lt. Brinkley to bring the plane down and he ordered the crew to prepare for
a crash landing. He made a controlled crash landing in the foot opening he saw. One
wing hit a tree and the plane came to a stop as it crashed into a stone wall. The bad
engine was burning a little and there was a fire in the vicinity of the tail. No serious fire
developed and the bombs did not explode. The plane was completely demolished.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

The turret gunner, Pfc. Smith, was thrown clear of the plane at the first impact.
His left arm was broken. S/Sgts. Harter and Ennis came out of the wreckage under their
own power. S/Sgt. Harter had strapped himself in the navigator’s compartment and was
unhurt in the crash. These three, assisted by some Italians who had appeared on the
scene, removed Lt. Brinkley, Lt. Shaw, and S/Sgt. Johnson from the wreckage. Lt.
Brinkley suffered a severe fracture of his right arm, Lt. Shaw a deep head wound, and
S/Sgt. Johnson a broken arm and broken leg. S/Sgt. Ennis suffered slight injuries. When
the plane crashed Lt. Shaw’s seat broke loose from the tracks and he was thrown through
the top. If this had not occurred it is likely that his injuries would not have been so
serious. Shortly after the crash help from the Group arrived and the men with more

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

serious injuries were taken to the hospital. Lt. Brinkley and S/Sgt. Johnson were taken to
the hospital in Taranto, Lt. Shaw was injured more seriously than the rest and he was
flown to the hospital in Catania, Sicily. It was reported later by the Group surgeon, Maj.
Pinger, that he died before they reached the hospital. Pvt 1cl Smith was stunned by the
crash and wandered away from the scene before help from the Group arrived. He turned
up later in the hospital at Taranto.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, 321st BG Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

Of the entire crew S/Sgt. Harter was the only one who was able to continue
combat during the month of October.

Tuesday, 5 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Lieutenant General James H Doolittle assumes
command of the Twelfth Air Force during the absence of General Carl Spaatz. In Italy,
XII Bomber Command B-17's hit the Bologna marshalling yard; B-25's and B-26's bomb
the Formia road, a road loop N of Mignano, and Isernia chokepoint; NATBF, XII Air
Support Command, and RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) aircraft bomb numerous targets in
and N of the battle area, including heavy traffic in the Isernia area, gasoline dumps at
Alfedena, trains at Termoli, and towns of Venafro and Isolella. The 15th Troop Carrier
Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C-47's.
The 27th and 71st Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia send
detachments to Gambut, Libya with P-38's. The 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons, 79th
Fighter Group, transfer from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40's. The 111th
Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Sele to
Pomigliano, Italy with P-51's. A detachment of the squadron is operating from Capaccio,
Italy. The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Sele Airfield to Seretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: A bright sun in a cloudless sky this morning. Upon further
exploration just on the limits of the Squadron area, the men in the Squadron discovered
large supplies of German ordnance equipment including bombs, racks, hand grenades,
flares, ammunition and other equipment. The returning combat crews were mighty
pleased to see the comely Red Cross girl serving hot coffee. More men and equipment
are arriving daily via B-25’s and C-47’s. The weather here is cold and very damp.

446th BS War Diary: The Air echelon finally took off this afternoon for Grottaglie
although it looked for awhile as if they wouldn’t. It seemed that it took longer than usual
to get everyone aboard and ready to go.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 106

TARGET: Salonika Sedes A/D, Greece. DATE: 5 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: FRAGMENTATION 446th Planes: 12

Lt. Col. Cook, 445th Sqdn, led the formation and the field was well covered. Strings of
bombs fell through 10 parked planes on W side of field resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits
were made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions. Bombs fell across SE
dispersal area. Completed observation was impossible because of clouds. Flak was
heavy, slight, and generally inaccurate but was becoming more accurate at the rear of the
formation.

Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, 445th BS Commander

447th BS War Diary: There was a 9 ship mission to Salonika Landing Ground in Greece
this morning. The flight was led by Capt. Seel. Report received from the mission was
good, very little flak and no enemy aircraft. 4 more shuttle planes arrived from Soliman
carrying men and equipment. Among those arriving from Soliman were Capt. Manly,
Capt. Hermann, Lt. Whitten, and M/Sgt. Horne. Our kitchen equipment also arrived and
we hope to have our own mess before long. Major Sampson assigned one of our ships to

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

fly the men and officers to Oran in order that they may go back to the states. These
officers and men have completed their 50 missions and have received their papers for the
return trip. Sgt. Ennis was taken to the hospital in Taranto and sent word back for some
of his clothes. Sgt. Kelly took them to him. Lt. Joseph, Lt. Morganti, and S/Sgt. Jones
finished their 50 missions today. The usual routine was followed in and around camp.
More tents were pitched for the officers and men who arrived today. After the mission
was completed the restriction was lifted and the men were permitted to go into town, but
were warned to stay away from the local cat-houses by Major Sampson. Items can be
bought much cheaper here than in Africa and most of the fellows seem better satisfied.

Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Hermann, Eugene R., Capt, engineering

Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering Jones, Vaughn W., S/Sgt, bombardier

Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt, bombardier Kelly, Denver E., Sgt, personnel

Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt, pilot

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

Whitten, Walter H., Jr., 1Lt, armament

A/C No. 175

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt

None

McCone, Walter G. 2Lt

Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt

Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt

Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt

Asmus, Sgt., photographer

REAR ECHELON: A small breakfast in the mess hall. All further meals
amounted to what the fellows could find to cook for themselves – such as cocoa, coffee,
vegetable stew, bread, etc. – except for a few small meals that were scraped together out
on the line. The work around the line amounted to loading the various shuttle ships. A
convoy of Service Group trucks loaded with luggage and squadron supplies left today for
Bizerte. They will be transported to Italy by TLC. Four more plane loads of squadron
personnel and equipment left for the new base in Italy.

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 29)

TARGET: Salonika L/G Greece 3:35 Frags

Plane 175: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Fallone, Lt. McCone, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt, Jondro, S/Sgt
Armstrong, Sgt. Asmus

“This was my first mission as first pilot. Field was well covered with strings
falling through ten park planes on W side resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits made on
hangars and revetments, causing large explosions. Flak heavy, slight, and accurate.”

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 36)

“Thirty-six ships dropped frags on the Salonika airdrome; P-38’s for escort – Flak at the
coast on the way in and again at the target. Poor weather again today – rain and clouds
– landed singly because of the rain.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 99 (134): At 09:20 36 planes off to bomb Salonika,
Sedes A/D, dropped 2394 frags at 11:03 and returned 12:55. Field well covered with
stings through 10 parked planes resulting in 4 direct hits. Bombing through hole in
clouds made observation difficult. Flak heavy, inaccurate. Weather: 9/10th Cumulus.

Wednesday, 6 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb
the Mestre marshalling yard while B-26's hit a highway chokepoint at Isernia, the
highway at Mignano, and road junction at Formia; P-38's strafe Araxos Airfield in
Greece; NATBF planes on road-blocking missions hit targets at Teano, at Alfedena,
between Cassino and Capua, and near Sessa Aurunca; XII Air Support Command P-40's
and A-36's attack roads and vehicles N of the US Fifth Army battle zone and patrol the
Naples area. The US Fifth Army reaches the S bank of the Volturno River; Capua falls to
British units. HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and its 14th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer
from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: Our mess situation is somewhat relieved now that we are feeding
448th and Headquarters only. Men and equipment continued to pour in by plane. In the
afternoon, the men had a chance to sample the numerous stone air raid shelters in our
area. Photo Jerry came over very high taking pictures and several bursts of flak were
thrown up at him. No damage done. There is a shortage of water over here and many of
the men are having great difficulty getting drinking water let alone water for washing. It
did not rain today and in this climate at this time of the year, that is strictly news.

446th BS War Diary: We broke camp early in the morning for the previous afternoon
we received orders to move. The entire camp was torn down and everyone moved out to
the line where they awaited further orders. Lt Fox assembled his convoy and started out
about two o’clock was stopped and told there were no ships for him to load the convoy
onto. The few planes that had returned from Italy loaded up as much as possible and
started back to Italy. The men remaining at Soliman set up camp on the line and waited
for some air transportation. It was necessary for Lt. Fox to remain there with his convoy
until he received word to move to the harbor.

Fox, Richard F., 2Lt, supply

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 107

TARGET: Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece. DATE: 6 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12

MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and the coverage of the target was excellent.
Strings of bombs fell across the hangars, the field and runway, and the dispersal area.
Seven direct hits were claimed on E/A. Three fires were observed in the NW part of the
field. A flak battery at the NE corner of the field was reported hit.

Two B-25’s were lost, (not 446th) one exploding on hitting the water and one
making a controlled landing on the water. One P-38 crashed into a mountain and one
went into the water. One FW190 and two ME 109’s were destroyed. One unidentified
E/A possibly was destroyed. Two ME 109’s and on unidentified E/A were damaged.
30/40 E/A attacked very aggressively after the bomb run and made repeated passes. The
B25 which landed on the water was strafed and exploded. 50/60 E/A were on the field.
The flak was heavy, moderate to intense, and fairly accurate.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

Wednesday, 6 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Word was received today through Major Pinger that Lt. Shaw died
the afternoon of the crash as a result of the accident. The other crew members seem to be
getting along nicely. No mission today because of lack of gasoline. All combat crews
are straightening out their equipment or going to town, this is the first opportunity they
have had since arriving here and all are anxious to see the sights. Capt. Seel took some
men to Battipaglia to get one of our ships that has been there for some time, being forced
down on a mission. They brought back the ship and also two men who had been staying
with the ship since it had been there. A JU-88, flying at 38,000 feet, flew over today. It
is presumed they were after pictures of the field. All that we could see with our naked
eye was a trail of vapor. The AA fired a few bursts but was short. Our mess was set up
today and officers and men are enjoying chow in their own organization now.

Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, 321st BG Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

REAR ECHELON: Five more transport loads of squadron equipment left today
for our new base in Italy. One B-25 also left for the new base piloted by Capt. Morton.
Capt. J. Hamilton, Lt. Beal, and some enlisted men went with the transports and with
Capt. Morton. Rain came down today in a deluge which almost bogged down further
loading. All planes were forced to use the new runway for take-off and landing. There is
little food here and everything is a muddy mess. Still nothing definite about when and
how the rest of us will go to the new base.

Beal, Joseph L., 1Lt, Adjutant Hamilton, John M., Capt, Medical Officer

Morton, William H., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 7 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Bad weather cancels many operations. In Italy,
NATBF medium and light bombers strike roads, railway, junction, and town areas in the
Capua and Guglionesi regions. RAF DAF fighter-bombers hit trucks in the Termoli-
Vasto areas. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Lentini, Sicily to Naples, Italy.
HQ 64th Fighter Wing transfers from Milazzo, Sicily to Frattamaggiore, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: A heavy rain whipped by high winds struck the area all night and
through early morning. It turned our area into a mud hole and most of the men were
soaked eating breakfast. Men and equipment continue to pour in via B-25 and C-47, the
latter flying in almost any kind of weather to deliver the goods. The Italian soldiers and
civilians seem cooperative. The soldiers aided in putting many large tents up while some
civilians were helping the kitchen personnel in serving food.

446th BS War Diary: The camp was set up but nothing permanent was established as it
was decided to move it to a more suitable place. T/Sgt. Kreig, Thomas E., S/Sgt. Pyle,
Joseph W., and S/Sgt. StAntoine, James J., were transferred to the Port of Debarkation,
U.S.A.

Kreig, Thomas E., T/Sgt, gunner Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt, gunner

StAntoine, James J., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: There was a mission scheduled for 0800 today but was called off
because of bad weather. There was a continuous down-pour of rain all morning.
Another plane or two came in this afternoon bringing more men and supplies. Lt.
Neprash, Lt. Holloway, Lt. Kamensky, and Lt. Huchingson arrived on one of these
planes. The usual camp duties were continued with the pitching of tents for the incoming
men.

Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Huchingson, Lee F., 1Lt, Adjutant

Kamensky, George L., 1Lt, personal equipment Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence

REAR ECHELON: Word came through about noon that all except for the
motor convoy would leave today – but only three transports showed up. The Frenchmen
gave up today – decided that we weren’t going to leave. Capt. Gale managed to get a
hold of a sheep – mutton steaks were cooked out on the line – and were darn good after
what we had been eating. Incidentally, a few of the men have been getting breakfast at
the Engineers’ camp nearby.

Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 8 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Greece, XII Bomber Command B-24's
bomb Tatoi and Eleusis Airfields at Athens, airfields at Kastelli and Heraklion Airfields
on Crete, and Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes; B-25's also hit Eleusis airfield; P-38's fly
convoy cover, patrols, and sweeps over the Aegean Sea. Weather prevents the XII Air
Support Command from operating. In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF hit a bridge at
Minturno and a road junction and military concentration at Termoli.

445th BS War Diary: Our men are encountering more and more small Italian children
who stand by the garbage pails and be food. They are apparently ill fed. Back in Africa
there were the Arab children who pulled the same thing. Here, the plot is the same but
the characters different. Once again our men got a look at Photo Jerry this morning. He
is apparently interested in this base which is an aerial beehive. Our Squadron lost two
planes today in the raid on the Athens Eleusis Airdrome. Great damage was caused and
several enemy fighters were destroyed, however.

446th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Chappell, Jack F., and S/Sgt. Mencher, Fred S. finished
their fifty missions. There has been quite a bit of rain but the sun always comes out and
dries everything out for which we are thankful.

Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt, gunner Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: There was a mission this morning to Kalanaki Landing Ground,
Greece, just outside Athens. The bombing was reported as good. Sgt. Clausen, a gunner
in our squadron was wounded in the head by flying glass. The 445th lost two planes due
to E/A. One of the pilots was on his 49th mission and the other was on his 50th. There
was no serious injury to any of our ships. Twelve of our ships took part in the mission.
S/Sgt. Quilty finished his 50th mission today. We also have five combat claims in our
squadron from this mission. They are: S/Sgt. Zoll, S/Sgt. Jensen, Sgt. Funk, and S/Sgt.
Batteiger. These claims are being filled out and sent into Group. We have 14 ships being
serviced tonight in order that a mission may take off tomorrow morning. The gasoline
has to be poured from 5 gallon cans which make the job a long and hard one. Combat
crews are helping with this. Capt. Gale, Executive Officer, arrived at the new base today.
1st Sgt. Vishy arrived from Soliman today and relieved Sgt. Kelly of his duties as acting
1st Sgt. Usual camp duties were continued.

Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt., engineer-gunner or Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt, gunner

Clausen, Anagar E., S/Sgt, gunner Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner

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

Kelly, Denver E., Sgt, personnel Quilty, Bernard F., S/Sgt, bombardier

Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, gunner

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 175

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt

None

Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt

Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt

Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt

Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 30)

TARGET: Athens / Eleusis A/D Athens, Greece 4:00 Frags

Plane 175: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McLaughlin, Lt. Mayben, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt Jondro,
S/Sgt Armstrong

“Coverage of target was excellent with strings falling across hangars, crossing field and
runways and dispersal areas. 7 direct hits were claim on park E/A. Flak battery on NE
corner reported hit. Two B25’s were lost but neither of them from this squadron. Flak
heavy, moderate and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 37)

“Forty-eight ships with twenty four 38s for escort. Dropped frags on the Eleusis
airdrome at Athens, Greece. At the target we got intense light and heavy inaccurate flak.
Just after bombs away and we started our turn off the target, we were jumped by about
ten 109s and 190s. What a show! A couple flew along beside us and peeled off toward
us then came up underneath us. One made a pass at us from head on. We fired the
flexible and fixed at him and he peeled down away from us. Two 25s were shot down
(Jack McLeod was in one). The 38s seemed to be in a tangle behind us while the 109s &
190s were making passes at us. One enemy fighter hit the ground a few miles in back of
us. Three 38s lost. Don’t know total results yet.”

McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt, bombardier, 445th BS

REAR ECHELON: Everybody all excited again – beaucoup transports came in,
but the 447th received one. Lt. McDuff came in and told us that his ship was down in
Potts field with something wrong with the propeller. He took M/Sgt. Baldridge with him

to fix it and then returned to Italy. Capt. Gale and 1st Sgt. Vishy left early this morning
for Italy in a B-25 that had been left behind because it was stuck in the mud. Lt. McGill
and M/Sgt. Blue are now in charge of those of us that are left behind.

Blue, John W., M/Sgt, engineering Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

MORNING REPORT: for the week ending on the 8th of Oct., 1943. Assigned
strength: E.M. ---274, Officers---82. The 12 men of the 62nd Service Group were sent
back to their group. 18 E.M. and 5 Off. Were sent back to the States (50 Missions) on
Oct. 4th. They were as follows:

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

1st Lt. John M. Allison (bombardier) S/Sgt. Michael M. Galich (gunner)

2nd Lt. Andy K. Garrett (bombardier) S/Sgt. John F. Murphy (gunner)

2nd Lt. Stanley Lieberman (bombardier) S/Sgt. Daniel E. O’Connell (gunner)

2nd Lt. Roy W. Tate (bombardier) Sgt. Raymond A. Tornio (gunner)

2nd Lt. George Ghetia (bombardier) T/Sgt. Lee E. Byerly (gunner)

T/Sgt. Walter A. Cantrell (gunner) T/Sgt. John R. Fryer (gunner)

S/Sgt. Patrick H. Desjardins (gunner) S/Sgt. Jack G. Ferrier (gunner)

S/Sgt. Carl D. Hannemann (gunner) S/Sgt. Edward R. Joseph (gunner)

S/Sgt. Gilbert W. Kramer (gunner) S/Sgt. Russell E. Murphy (gunner)

S/Sgt. Hendrick Osowiecki (gunner) S/Sgt. Benjamin Skorupa (gunner)

S/Sgt. Joseph M. Vaccaro (gunner) S/Sgt. Arnold R. Sparby (gunner)

S/Sgt. Joseph S. Carrin (gunner)

Lt. Shaw was killed. There are 5 men in the hospital: Nieman, Ennis, Johnson, Smith,

R.J., Brinkley, N.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering

Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 100 (135): At 11:25 48 planes off to bomb Athens,
Eleusis A/D, dropped 3245 frags at 13:32 from 8500 feet. 2 planes and crews shot down
by E/A, 46 planes returned at 15:25. Coverage of target excellent with strings across
hangars, dispersal areas and runways, 7 direct hits on E/A also on flak battery. Formation
attacked by 30-35 FW-190’s and ME-109’s from 7 and 9 o’clock simultaneously and
from beneath. 2 B-25’s were lost, one exploding on hitting water and one making
controlled landing. One P-38 crashed into mountain and one into water, one FW-190 and
two ME-109’s destroyed and one probably destroyed. Two ME-109’s damaged. Flak
intense, heavy, accurate. Weather: 3/10th at 10,000 feet. F/L: Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 9 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb airfields at
Larissa, Athens and Salonika, Greece and Argos, Italy. B-24's hit Kastelli/Pediada
Airfield on Crete. P-38's fly a sweep between the island of Corfu, Greece and Dubrovnik,
Yugoslavia and escort shipping in the Karpathos Straits between Karpathos and Rhodes.
In Italy, the XII Air Support Command does not operate, but the NATBF and RAF DAF
hit traffic in the Termoli and Montenero areas, guns N of Capua, a HQ at Palata, and
roads and railroads N of Naples. HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Crotone to
Foggia, Italy. The 66th, 67th, 68th and 506th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), cease operating from Tunis, Tunisia and return to their
base at Shipdham, England with B-24's.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron carpenter together with his assistants constructed
the mess tables for both the Officers and enlisted men. Gradually the area is taking shape
and the boys are again “digging in”. Some of our men made their first visits to the
nearby towns of Grottaglie, Francavilla and Taranto and returned with various articles
which they purchased for reasonable prices. From their mess table the men can see the
barrage balloons over the port of Taranto – a constant reminder of this business of war.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. F.O. Carr and S/Sgt. Porter finished fifty missions.

Carr, Philip O., F/O, pilot Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 108

TARGET: Larissa A/D, Greece. DATE: 9 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 8

Lt. Fineman, 447th Sqdn, led the formation and good coverage of the field was reported.
Strings of bombs fell across parked planes in the center of the field. Hits were made on
two T/E on S perimeter of field, on 13 E/E in NW part of field, and on 5 E/A in NE
corner. Hangars in SW corner and small buildings N of hangars were hit. 4 fires were
seen while approaching target and 10 while leaving it. The flak was heavy, intense, and
varied from accurate to inaccurate. Capt Taylor and Lt. Wright were spares but filled in.

Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt, pilot

Taylor, Jason G., Capt, pilot or Taylor, Peter D., Capt, pilot

or Taylor, Richard E., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: We had a 12 ship mission to Larissa L/G, Greece. Lt. Fineman
led the flight. The report on the bombing was good. Flak was very heavy and accurate.
S/Sgt. Jensen was wounded slightly by the flak. No serious damage was done to hour
planes. Lt. Cohagen, S/Sgt. Jensen, and T/Sgt. Jondro finished their 50 missions. Two of
our G ships were sent on a sea sweep today also. The report was that no ships were
sighted. Their escort destroyed an enemy plane on the mission. Lt. Grantham and Capt.
Gale flew to Bizerte to see about the equipment which was supposed to be sent over by
boat. Several more men arrived from Soliman today; this jus about completes the shuttle
service. The remainder will comb by boat.

Cohagen, McKinley B., 1Lt, pilot Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot

Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

A/C No. 487

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr., 1Lt

None

Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt

Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt

Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt

McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt

Leon, Robert D., Cpl

REAR ECHELON: The rest of the men who are flying to the new base in Italy
took off today. Only the men in the motor convoy who are to go to Italy by boat remain
at Soliman. Lt. McGill is in command of this detachment.

McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 31)

TARGET: Larissa A/D 3:05 Frags

Plane 487: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt Lalum, S/Sgt Gregory, S/Sgt
McCown, Cpl Leon

“Coverage of field very good. Strings fell across planes on west side resulting in four
direct hit. Hits made on Hangars and on revetments. Bombs fell on two T Engine on S
perimeter and on 13 Twin Engine around buildings.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 38)

“Larissa Airdrome in Greece – thirty-six ships dropped frags. Forty-eight P-38s for
escort – intense, accurate, heavy flak – as we left the target I could see at least eight
airplanes burning on the ground.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 101 (135): At 11:15 36 planes off to bomb Larisa A/D,
35 dropped 2258 x 20 frags at 12:51 from 8000 feet and returned at 14:20. Good
coverage of field resulted with hits on two 2E planes at S end and 13 2E planes at NW
end and on 5 2E planes in NE corner, 4 fires seen,. Field obscured by smoke ball. Flak
intense, heavy intense and accurate. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Veum

Veum, Ole E., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 10 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-17's bomb 2 airfields at Athens, Greece
while B-24's hit Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes and Calato and Heraklion Airfields on Crete.
P-38's escort shipping off Rhodes hit Antimachia Airfield in the Dodecanese Islands, and
attack vessels in the harbors of Corfu, Greece and Kotor, Yugoslavia, and off Tivat,
Yugoslavia and hit targets of opportunity in the Aegean Sea and along its E coastline. In
Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on gun positions on both the US Fifth and
British Eighth Army battlefronts; vehicles, railroads, and town areas also are hit; the
attacks take place NE of Capua, at Guglionesi, at Cassino and Mondragone, between
Rome and Terracina, and around the Termoli-Isernia-Pescara areas. HQ 82nd Fighter
Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadron transfer from San Pancrazio to Lecce,
Italy with P-38's. A detachment of the 380th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th
Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's begins
operating from Oudna, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men this afternoon. They
were paid for in American, Italian, British and French money and kept the cashier pretty
busy. Two red alerts were sounded today, one in the afternoon and one in the evening
but there was no bombing. The mosquitos are very abundant in this sector and many of
the men have bumps on various parts of their anatomy. Medical Officers have warned
the men that this is “malaria country” and that atabrine should be taken “religiously”.

446th BS War Diary: Today 2nd Lt. Donald J. Meier was assigned and joined our
squadron as Communications officer. He had formerly been with the 97th Bomb Group
which was heavy bombers. Also Lt. Stanley D. Robinson was transferred from DS to the
448th squadron.

Meier, Donald J., 2Lt, communications Robinson, Stanley B., 2Lt, communications

446th BS Mission Summary: No Mission

447th BS War Diary: Business as usual – of setting up the various squadron sections.
There was a red alert in the afternoon – about 4:30, and another about 8:00 o’clock in the
evening. No raiders appeared.

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 102 (137): At 08:25 35 planes off to bomb Salonika,
Sedes A/D, dropped 2514 frags at 10:35 from 10,000 feet and returned at 11:25.
Original target obscured by 10/10 coverage, formation turned back 10 minutes short of
target and bombed alternate which was trucks and supplies at Corfu Garitso A/D. This
target obscured by 5/10th cover and haze, hits seen on S side and center of field. 2E/A
seen and chased by escort, slight, light flak. Weather: Rain and 5/10th coverage. F/L:
Bates.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander

Monday, 11 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb Garitsa
Airfield, Greece and P-38's hit a vessel in the Corfu harbor on Corfu Island. In Italy, XII
Air Support Command and NATBF operations are cancelled or aborted due to weather,
but RAF DAF fighters hit trains, trucks, and gun positions near Montesilvano and Vasto.
The 381st and 428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group
(Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's begin operating from Oudna,
Tunisia. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from Bengasi, Libya
with B-24's, return to their base at Enfidaville, Tunisia. The 527th and 528th Fighter-
Bomber Squadrons, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfer from Sele Airfield to Serretella
Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: The weather is very damp and cold here especially at night and
during the early morning hours. A new mascot appeared in camp this morning – a fox. It
was the object of great attention for some time. There were occasional rains during the
day.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Gilbert D. Orranchia, Lt. Howard E. Carlisle, S/Sgt. Jack
Fieldon and S/Sgt. Zook finished fifty missions. Lt. John Bleech was transferred to Hq,
12th Air Force.

Bleech, John, 2Lt, pilot Carlisle, Howard E., 1Lt, pilot

Fieldon, Gordon S. "Jack", S/Sgt, gunner Orranchia, Gilbert D., 1Lt, pilot

Zook, Urie P., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 109

TARGET: Corfu Garitso A/D, Greece. DATE: 11 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12

Major Bates, 448th Sqdn, led the formation to within 10 minutes of the original target
which was Salonika-Sedes A/D, Greece but turned back as it was covered by 10/10
clouds which restricted observations of the bombing. However hits were seen across S
side and center of field. Two were seen across S side and center of field. Two S/E
aircraft were seen pursued by P38’s. Flak was slight to moderate at 4000 feet which was
below the formation. There were a few scattered bursts of heavy.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 3 of our planes filled in as spares with the 445th on a raid of Sedes
L/G in Greece. However the target was covered with clouds – so the alternate target,
Corfu A/D, was bombed. No AA or E/A was encountered. Bombing results good. All
our planes returned safely.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 12 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command operations are canceled
by weather. In Italy, the XII Air Support Command and other Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) elements (NATBF and RAF DAF) operate on a reduced
scale, hitting road junctions at Vasto and Fossacesia, Aquino Airfield, motor transport on
the Itri-Pico road and on a road N of Rome in the Bolsena and Capranica areas, roads
near Tarquinia, rail facilities at Cisterna di Latina, trains between Pescara and Benedello,
and guns and troops near Cercemaggiore. HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st Fighter
Squadron transfer from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's. HQ
86th Fighter-Bomber Group and its 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, transfer from Sele
Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's. The 86th Bombardment Squadron
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield,
Italy with A-20's. The detachment of the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, that
has been operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38's since 4 Oct, returns to its base at
Mateur, Tunisia. The detachment of the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), at Bengasi, Libya with B-24's since 1 Oct, returns to it's
base at Enfidaville, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: The men’s morale took a decided turn for the better this afternoon
coincidental with the arrival of a large number of packages and letters. The sunset was
beautiful this evening and there was a full moon tonight. The air was cold and crisp –
typical fall weather. It gets dark very early these days and that together with the cold
weather sends the men to bed very early.

446th BS War Diary: We moved to our new area which was much better. There was a
building there and we moved our offices into it. There were also some rooms which the
officers selected by Major Schwane, moved into. The enlisted men and those officers
living in tents immediately started construction work on their tents using the lumber that
was available. Two officers even started building a house which they later finished and
moved into.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but was cancelled because of
bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 13 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Italy declares war on Germany. In Italy, XII
Bomber Command B-25's and B-26's bomb the town of Alife, a road junction at Sessa
Aurunca, and airfield at Tirana; XII Air Support Command, supplemented by RAF DAF
fighters, supports the US Fifth Army, which begins an assault crossing of the Volturno
River on a 40-mile (64 km) front during the night of 12/13 Oct. Fighters and fighter-
bombers hit troop and tank concentrations, trains, trucks, and communications the lines in
the forward areas, especially around Ortona, Giulianova, and Campobasso. NATBF light
bombers join in the attacks, hitting road junctions in the Vairano, Carinola, Dragoni,
Vasto, Terracina, and Minturno areas. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd
Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, transfers from Ariana to La Marsa,
Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's. The detachment of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter
Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38's since 5 Oct, returns to its base at
Mateur, Tunisia. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi
Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's. The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st
Fighter Group, transfers from Montecorvino to Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 379th
Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at
Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's, begins operating from Oudna, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: Squadron supply issued stoves to the men today. These are very
welcome in this cold weather. Another large number of letters arrived this afternoon and
the men don’t mind it a bit. Captain Bonus led today’s raid on the Tirana airdrome in
Albania and subsequent reports indicated that at least half the aircraft on the ground were
destroyed by this attack.

Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. E.V. Mitchell departed for the Port of Debarkation U.S.A.
Lt. Jack Porter was transferred to Hq. 12th Air Force.

Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt, gunner Porter, Jack G., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 110

TARGET: Tirana A/D, Albania. DATE: 13 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 12

Captain Bonus, 445th Sqdn, the formation and the field was well covered. Strings of
bombs started in the barracks area NW of the field and going through dispersed planes
and hangars N of runway. Some crossed the field and runway into SE hangars. Two
fires were started on E end of runway and one fire N of North hanger. 4 explosions were
seen in front of SE hangars. The flak was heavy, moderate to slight, inaccurate.
Approximately 30 planes, mostly T/E, were seen on target.

Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our planes and crews participated in a raid on Tirana A/D
Albania. Flak was Heavy moderate to light inaccurate. No E/A. Results good – field
well covered, planes in dispersal areas hit, several large fires. All our planes returned
safely. Squadron luggage and supplies which came over by boat in 62nd Service Group

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

trucks arrived today. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lts. Weaver and McCone, and
S/Sgt. Lalum. Statistically we sent our 6000th man on a combat mission today.

Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier

Weaver, Charles, 1Lt, navigator

A/C No. 487

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr., 1Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

None

Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt

Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt

Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt

McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 32)

TARGET: Tirana A/D 2:00 Frags

Plane 487: Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt Lalum, S/Sgt Gregory, S/Sgt
McCown

“Strings of bombs observed starting in Barracks Areas on field and going through
dispersal of planes and N hangar. Two fires in N dispersal Area. Three or four fires in
Hangar. Flak heavy moderate, inaccurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 39)

“Tirana, the capitol of Albania has a big airport just outside the city limits. The
Germans have about thirty bombers dispersed on and around the field. Thirty-six ships
with twenty-four P-38s for escort. Dropped frags on this target today. The flak was
slight, inaccurate and heavy. There were four or five fighters fields in the vicinity but
none came up to intercept us. This target is only a little over ninety miles away from our
base. It was the shortest mission I have ever been on.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 103 (138): At 11:50 36 planes off to bomb Tirana A/D,
dropped 2414 frags at 13:10 from 10,00 feet and returned at 13:55. Strings of bombs
scattered in dispersal area NW of field, across runway and went through hangars on N
and E side of fields. 2 fires started N dispersal area and 4 in hangars, 4 explosions in SE
hangar. Flak moderate, heavy and inaccurate. Weather: 5/10th at 7000 feet at target.

Thursday, 14 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's hit
Argos Airfield and B-17's bomb the Terni marshalling yard. Other B-17's and B-24's
attack a bridge at Giulianova, the town area of Piano-Vomano and railroad and highway
bridges N of Pescara and along the E coast of Italy. Weather hinders tactical aircraft
operations, but the XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF hit trains and vehicles and
fly patrols from N of the Volturno River to Formia and N of Pescara. HQ 31st Fighter
Group and its 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Montecorvino to
Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air
Force, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-5's transfers operations from Pontecagnano to
Pomigliano, Italy. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance
Group, ceases operating from Capaccio and returns to its base at Pomigliano, Italy with
P-51's. The 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: Many pairs of cold feet took the men to breakfast this morning.
There is a cold spell prevailing at present, a raw, penetrating cold that goes right to the
bone. A roof was built to the enlisted men’s mess and the men welcomed the protection
from the elements. The Officer’s mess is now completed also. A number of the men
attended the movie shown tonight which was “Air Force”. It was enjoyed by all.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Wallace Williams finished fifty missions. The 62nd Service
Group started showing movies over at Group Hqs. And many of our boys went. It was a
big help to the squadron’s morale. Moving over to Italy was also good for the morale for
it seemed we were actually getting somewhere at last.

Williams, Wallace, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 111

TARGET: ARGOS A/D, Greece. DATE: 14 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12

MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and the field was well covered with best pattern
in center of east side. Strings of bombs fell through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of
runway. Aircraft were hit on the S side and in the NW dispersal area. Fires were seen in
the buildings on the SW side, one fire in the middle of the field, and three fires on N
edge. One flak battery was hit. 4 S/E fighters took off from target but did not attack.
There was considerably more flak than the formation encountered on Oct. 4th over the
same target.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: 12 planes and crews participated in a raid on the Argos A/D in
Greece. The AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate. Only one plane was slightly
damaged by flak. S/Sgt. Alton received minor wounds by flak. No E/A attempted to
intercept. All our planes returned safely. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Orr and
S/Sgt. McCown. At about 1300 all the “G” combat crew members were put on the alert
with instruction that they were not to leave the field until further notice. At about 1600, it

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

was learned 3 of the crews were to leave for parts unknown on the morning of the 15th
October.

Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt, gunner

Orr, Douglas C., 2Lt, bombardier

A/C No. 557

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

Sholund, John D., 2Lt

None

Brown, Charles O., Jr, S/Sgt

McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt

Reilly, James M., Cpl

Christianson, Lars, Sr., Sgt

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 33)

TARGET: Argos A/D Greece 4:05 Frags

Plane 557: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Sholund, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl
Reilly, Sgt Christianson

“Field was well covered. Strings seen through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of
runway. Fire seen in buildings on SW side. Four S/E took off from target but did not
attack. Flak heavy moderate and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 40)

“Thirty-six ships with forty-eight P-38s hit the Argos Airdrome in Greece. Uneventful
raid. Lots of transports on the field. Flak was moderately intense, heavy and fairly
accurate.”

The “G” crews are to be:

A/C No. B-25G unknown

Edwards, John E, 2Lt

Gilluly, John W., 2Lt

Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt

Adams, Benjamin H., Jr, 2Lt

Lang, Robert B., 2Lt

Kresge, James G., Jr, 2Lt

None

Hughes, John P., S/Sgt

Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt

Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt

Kovalchick, Alexander, S/Sgt

Fox, Robert J.

Fish, Harold E., Sgt

None

A/C No. B-25G unknown

McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt

None

Leist, Jacob F, S/Sgt

Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt

Farrell, John J., Pvt, gunner

None

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

Lt. Neprash, S/Sgt. J. Yates, Sgt. M. Andryscak, Cpl. Haley, S/Sgt. Eckenrode left
in transport to form the ground echelon for this mission. Statistically our 1000th plane
went on today’s mission.

Andryscak, Michael A., Sgt, gunner Eckenrode, Garnet M., S/Sgt, armament

Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence

Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 104 (139): At 07:40 36 planes off to bomb Athens,
Argos A/D, dropped 2594 frags at 09:57 from 8500 feet and returned at 11:50. Field well
covered with best pattern in center, one string through 4 E/A on edge of runway and on
S and NW dispersal areas, fires seen in buildings on SW side, one flak battery hit. Flak
intense, heavy and accurate, flak more than on mission of October 4. Weather: 4/10th at
5000 feet. F/L: Sinclair.

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

Friday, 15 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-25's of the XII Bomber Command hit
airfields at Salonika and Megalo Mikra, Greece. In Italy, XII Air Support Command and
other elements of NATAF hit roads, railroads, bridges, junctions, railway facilities, town
areas, and motor transport at or near Piedimonte, Vairano, Termoli, Petacciato, Sparanise,
and Civitanova, and hit gun positions and communications in the general battle area N of
the Volturno River. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and its 84th and 85th
Bombardment Squadron (Light) transfer from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with
A-20's. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 489th Bombardment Squadron
(Medium) transfer from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's. The
detachment of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut,
Libya with P-38's returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia.

445th BS War Diary: More mail arrived this afternoon although on a reduced scale. Our
Squadron continued the incessant pounding of airdromes in Greece today. The Balkans
are receiving many of our bombs these days. There was some rain tonight but it is not
nearly as cold.

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Frank Griffith, S/Sgt. Dewitt, T/Sgt. Haley, S/Sgt. L.M.
Mitchell, Lt. Richard P. Morris, and S/Sgt. Billy Dykes finished fifty missions.

DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt, gunner Dykes, Billy, S/Sgt, gunner

Griffith, Frank J., Capt, pilot Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt, gunner

Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt, gunner Morris, Richard P., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 112

TARGET: Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece. DATE: 15 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Bugbee, 447th Sqdn, led the formation and the coverage was excellent. On Megalo
Mikra strings started on W side and crossed the field to the buildings on the NE side.
Bursts were observed among 18 aircraft on the S side. Three fires were started and one
terrific explosion S of the center of the runway. Flames shot up to 1000 feet and grey
smoke up to 3000 feet. It was visible for 40 miles. On Sedes bombs started on the W
dispersal area hitting 7 planes, went on across the field and made direct hits on the
hangars. The flak was heavy, very intense, and fairly accurate. Eleven A/C were
destroyed on ground. Lt. Axson and Lt. Knapp were spares and returned early.

Axson, Ralph L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 11 of our ships were scheduled to participate in a raid on the A/D
at Salonika/Megas, Greece. However Lt. Fraser was forced to return early because of an
oil leak in his right engine. The rest of the planes completed the mission. There were no
E/A sighted. The AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate. Lt. Bugbee, Capt. Gale flew to
Palermo, Sicily to pick up a “jeep” engine and parts for the squadron. All our planes
returned safely from the mission. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Bodine and S/Sgt.
Nittle.

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

Bodine, Arnold F. "Beeny the Bum", 2Lt, navigator Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot

Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

Nittle, Samuel, S/Sgt, gunner

A/C No. 997 “Southern Belle”

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr, 2Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

None

Brown, Charles O., Jr, S/Sgt

Fiorello, Thomas R., S/Sgt

Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt

Manning, Hillard J., Sgt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 34)

TARGET: Salonika/Megala Mikra A/D 3:00 Frags

Plane 997: Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Sgt
Manning

“Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Three fires and one terrific explosion on
side of runway. Coverage excellent. 30 E/A observed on Mikra. No flak.”

MORNING REPORT for the Week ending on the 15th of Oct., 1943: Assigned
strength: E.M.---274, Officers---81. Capt. Burns transferred to the States. There are 8
E.M. and 13 Off. On D.S. with the G’s. (see Oct. 14th.)

Burns, John P., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 105 (140): At 08:55 36 planes off to bomb Salonika,
Sedes and Salonika, Mikra A/D’s, 35 dropped 3448 frags at 10:35 from 9500 fee and
returned at 11:55. At Mikra A/D strings started on W side across field to buildings on
NE side and across 18 planes on S side, 3 fires and 1 large explosion S of center of
runway. At Sedes A/D bombs in dispersal area and hits seen on hangar, 3 fires observed.
30 E/A on ground at Mikra. Intense, heavy, accurate flak from both targets. Weather:
2/10th at 7000 feet at the target. F/L: Culp and Ford.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Ford, Charles L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 16 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): P-38's bomb a vessel in Leukas Channel off the
W coast of Greece. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the marshalling yard
and rail lines, railroad tunnel, highway underpass, warehouses, industrial buildings, and
gas works in or near Bologna; XII Air Support Command and other NATAF elements
provide close support to the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies; fighters and light and
medium bombers hit communications centers of Venafro, Vairano, Sparanise, Latina,
Alife, and the town of Pietravairano; roads, railroads, and junctions in the areas SE of
Rome to the bomb line, between Vasto and Pescara, and at Mondragone; gun positions,
trucks, and military concentrations near Vinchiaturo, Boiano, and Termoli; landing
ground of Cisterna di Latina; and several other targets in the area between Rome and
Ancona.

445th BS War Diary: This afternoon the men listened with great interest to the story of a
former B-24 gunner who was shot down near Naples almost a year ago and spent 10
months in an Italian prisoner of war camp. After he listed the food he had eaten for the
past ten months, the men certainly must have enjoyed their spam more than ever. Some
lucky members of the Squadron, who were tuning in their radios, happened to hit upon
the play by play broadcast of the Penn State-Navy football game direct from the States.
Thus the magic of radio brought them right to the 50 yard line today.

446th BS War Diary: Free rations were issued and came in very handy as quite a few of
the men were getting low on cigarettes. The fact that it was free was also appreciated.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 113

TARGET: Ancona M/Y, Italy DATE: 16 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition. 446th Planes: 12

Lt. Ford, 448th Sqdn, led the formation and the M/Y were completely covered except for
a small portion of the center. North and south choke points were hit, gas works blown up
and left burning. Fuel tanks were set afire. Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in
the M/Y, locomotive sheds, repair shops, roundhouse and factory south of the M/Y. Two
explosions and several fires were observed. Columns of smoke were coming up from the
target as formation left. No flak or fighters.

Ford, Charles L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our planes took part in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at
Ancona, Italy. Bombing results excellent. All our planes returned safely. Capt. Seel’s
plane blew a tire when landing. The squadron moved today to a new bivouac area. The
site is an olive grove directly behind our line and parking area from the runway. There is
one white stone building which will serve as an officers’ mess and club.

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

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 487

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr, 2Lt

None

Lanza, Joseph P., 1Lt

Fiorello, Thomas R., S/Sgt

Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt

Zacharya, Andrew, Pvt

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 35)

TARGET: Ancona M/Y Italy 3:20 250 lb. Bombs.

Plane 487: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, Lt., Lanza, S/Sgt Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Pvt
Zacharya

“M/Y completely covered. N and S choke points hit. Gas works blown up and left
burning. Fuel tanks set afire. No flak.”

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

“On mission to Salonika Greece to hit the two airdromes bounding the city, we had to
turn back because our left engine started throwing oil. We were at about 11,000 ft into
Albania when we first noticed it. So we made the good ole 180° and returned to the
base.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 106 (141): At 09:40 36 planes off to bomb M/Y at
Ancona, Italy, dropped 268 x 250 bombs at 11:08 from 7500 feet and returned at 13:00.
M/Y completely covered except for small portion in center, and 3 choke points well hit,
gas works blown up, and one fuel tank set afire, many buildings around yards hit and
several fires observed. Weather: 4/10th Cumulus at target. F/L: Ford.

Ford, Charles L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 17 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents operations by the XII
Bomber Command. US and RAF units of NATAF operate at a reduced pace. In Italy,
light and medium bombers hit the towns of Teano and Alife and motor transport at
Benedello, Penna, and Pedesso; fighter-bombers bomb and strafe troops, trucks, guns,
train stations, and a bridge near Vinchiaturo, Benedello, Teramo, and Sparanise; other
fighters strafe locomotives S of Ancona. The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with
A-20's. The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, transfers from
Barcellona, Sicily to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: A number of the men are complaining of colds due no doubt to the
extreme dampness of the climate. The Officers celebrated the grand opening of their club
this evening in a most turbulent manner. Plans are now being laid for the construction of
an enlisted men’s club.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Everyone worked today getting settled in the new area. A wooden
building is being constructed by the enlisted men for their kitchen. Most of the men have
obtained lumber and made floors for their tents. Because of the shallow rock formations
some difficulty is being experience in digging to latrine and in sinking tent stakes to a
holding depth. Capt. P. Seel flew to Soliman today for medical supplies.

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

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 41)

“Thirty-six ships hit Ancona Marshalling yard by the harbor. This is the second most
important port left in Italy that is still in German hands. We went right across the harbor
over two cruisers but they must have been dismantled Italian vessels because they didn’t
put up any flak. Our bombing was pretty good. Forty-eight P-38s for escort.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 18 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the
marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; P-38's follow with a strafing mission, damaging
or destroying several locomotives and vehicles. In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-
36's hit the Venafro railroad yards, and other fighter-bombers hit gun positions, troops,
and railway stations in or near Boiano, Petacciato, and Vairano. Fighters strafe airfields
around Rome and also hit Viterbo, Grosseto, and the seaplane base at Bracciano, and
attack trains on the Rome-Orte and Rome-Naples, Italy lines. NATBF light bombers
bomb the road and railway near Cassino, the town of Carpinone, the road junction at
Castiglione della Valle, and roads, bridges, and motor transport near Minturno and Chieti.
HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Mazzara to Borizzo, Sicily. The 4th Troop
Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Catania, Sicily with
C-47's. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and
Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's, sends a detachment to
operate from Ajaccio/Camp del Oro, Corsica.

445th BS War Diary: Captain Tipton, Squadron Operations Officer, today flew his 51st
mission. The weather was fair until the evening when the rain started and looks like it
might continue all night.

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

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Sawyer and S/Sgt. Brei finished fifty missions.

Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt, gunner Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 114

TARGET: Skoplje, Yugoslavia. DATE: 18 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition. 446th Planes: 12

Lt. Col. Cook, 445th Sqdn, led the formation and both East and West ends of the yards
were hit, with some bombs down center and over. Hits and fires observed in buildings,
on NE end, and two direct hits on shed on west end, with some bombs to north of sheds.
Possible hits on locomotive sheds reported, and explosion north of sheds and two fires on
south side of tracks. No flak or fighters encountered.

Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our ships participated in a raid on the M/Y’s at Skoplje,
Yugoslavia. Due to the shortage of pilots in our squadron, the group furnished us with 3
co-pilots. Results good – No AA or E/A was seen. All our planes returned safely. Capt.
Seel came in on one engine because the left engine blew a cylinder on the return trip. He
made a perfect landing and the ship was not damaged. Today’s mission was the 50th for
Lt. Colby, T/Sgt. Anderson, and T/Sgt. Balsom.

Anderson, Andrew F., T/Sgt, gunner or Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt, gunner

Balsom, James P., T/Sgt, gunner Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator

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

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 487

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr, 2Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

None

Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt

McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt

Reilly, James M., Cpl

Christianson, Lars, Sr., Sgt

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 36)

TARGET: M/Y at Skoplje Yugoslavia 3:00 250 lb Bombs

Plane 487: Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Davis, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl
Reilly, Sgt. Christianson

“Both east and west of yard hit, with direct hits on sheds on W side. Possible hits on
Engine, sheds and explosions to N of shed and two fires on south side of tracks. No
flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 42)

“Thirty-six ships with twenty-four P-38s for escort went to Skoplje Yugoslavia to hit the
marshalling yard. There were about two hundred pieces of rolling stock in the yard.
Going into the city was a truck convoy that extended about fifteen miles south. Slight,
inaccurate heavy flak. Eight P-38s came along with us to dive bomb a bridge near the
city.”

447th BS Special Account: While returning from a raid on the Skoplje, Yugoslavia
Marshalling Yards on October 18, the plane piloted by Captain P. Seel developed engine
trouble. The left engine blew a cylinder and caught on fire. The Lox system took care of
the fire and the prop was feathered. Capt. Seel flew the rest of the way home on one
engine and made a perfect landing. The Navigator, Lt. Colby, was on his 50th mission
and it was his first one-engine landing. He was really sweating it out.

Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 107 (142): At 10:25 36 planes off to bomb W M/Y’s at
Skoplje, Yugoslavia, dropped 231 x 250 bombs at 12:15 from 10,000 feet and returned
13:25. Both E and W ends of yards hit with a few bombs in center, locomotive sheds hit
with 2 fires on S side of tracks. Bombs also in buildings to N of sheds with one large
explosion. Slight, light flak. Weather: CAVU.

Tuesday, 19 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, during a low-level raid, XII Bomber
Command B-24's bomb bridges at Porto Civitanova, S of Porto Sant' Elpidio, N of
Pedaso, and N of Cupra Marittima; fighters, fighter-bombers, and light bombers of the
XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack the town of Boiano, gun
positions and troop concentrations on the outskirts of town, and an ammunition dump and
railroad tunnel nearby, Viterbo and Tarquinia landing fields, the towns of Cassino and
Anzio, the railroad N of Pesaro and near Pineto, trains near Barisciano, troops near
Mintumo, and vehicles at several points.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today and the men just took it easy in their
tents while others visited the nearby towns for food, wine and “senioritis”. The weather
is very damp again tonight but the men are beginning to get used to it.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Marion P. Holliman, while returning from Taranto, was
standing next the curb hitch-hiking with Sgt. Argyle H. Smith when an English truck hit
Holliman and knocked him down – and out. At that time Sgt. Smith called on all the
Italians around for aid, but water didn’t seem to do any good. When Holliman came to,
he was in an Italian car setting in front of our own dispensary. It seems that the English
truck didn’t stop. Holliman wound up with a few scratches, a sore jaw – and a knot on
his head. Lt. Bugbee took one of our planes to Catania, Sicily. The trip was made to take
a Red Cross girl to the hospital there.

Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt, bombardier

Smith, Argyle H., Sgt, turret gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 20 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's, B-26's,
B-25's and P-38's bomb the Rome-Casale landing ground, Marcigliana and Cerveteri
Airfields, railroad bridges at Montalto di Castro, Grosseto, and 13 miles (21 km) SE of
Orvieto, and the marshalling yard at Nish, Yugoslavia obstructing the Belgrade-Sofia
line; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and other aircraft of the NATAF devote
most of their efforts to bombing gun positions, trucks, and rail and road communications
S of Vasto, at Mignano, N of Cassino, in Cassino and Chieti, at Castropignano,
Carpinone, Arce, Tratella, and at various other points along highways and railroads.
Fighter-bombers also hit shipping along Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, claiming 2
vessels sunk. HQ 62nd Fighter Wing transfers from Palermo, Sicily to Naples, Italy. The
527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Serretella
Airfield to Pomigliano, Italy with A-36's.

445th BS War Diary: Two combat crews arrived today as replacements to bolster our
rapidly diminishing combat crew ranks. The Squadron received word today of the death
of “Slug” Coburne, an armorer in the Squadron. He was well-liked by all and will be
missed greatly by his buddies.

Coburne, "Slug", Sgt, armorer

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Ralph Axson, S/Sgt Foley, S/Sgt. Miles, and S/Sgt. Ludwig
finished fifty missions.

Axson, Ralph L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt, gunner

Ludwig, Michael E., S/Sgt, gunner Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 115

TARGET: South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia. DATE: 20 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition. 446th Planes: 12

MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and very good coverage was obtained on both
locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires were observed, one with smoke rising in
the air to 5,000 feet. Six explosions were seen, including one from the locomotive shed
described as terrific. Fires and explosions were observed among rolling stock. The north
marshalling yards were reported well hit by P-38’s dive bombing, who also hit two
enemy aircraft and set them on fire at Skoplje. No flak or fighters. Group reported that
this was the most perfect bombing the Group has yet done.

Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: 9 of our planes and crews participated in a raid on Nis M/Y in
Yugoslavia. The target was well covered. No E/A or AA was sighted. All our planes
returned safely. S/Sgt. James E. Harter had a close call while on the mission. He
received a slight wound from a bullet which went “thru” the nose of the ship. Today’s
mission was the 50th for Capt. Seel. It was the 40th for S/Sgt. Perpich and concludes his
tour of duty. He is being relieved after a tour of 40 missions because of the exceptional
number of harrowing experiences he has had in combat. On three different occasions his
plane made one-engine landings.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt, gunner

A/C No. 512

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr, 2Lt

None

Brown, Charles O., Jr., S/Sgt

Fiorello, Thomas R., S/Sgt

Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt

Reilly, James M., Cpl

Leon, Robert D., Cpl

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 37)

TARGET: Nis Yugoslavia 3:35 250 lb. Bombs.

Plane 512: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Cpl
Reilly, Cpl Leon

“Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires were
observed with smoke up to 5000 ft. Six explosions were seen, one from locomotive shed
described as terrific. No flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 43)

“Marshalling yards at Nish, Yugoslavia was today’s target. The 38s put up twenty-four
ships to dive bomb a RR yd on the North side of town that had three hundred freight cars
in it. Our RR yd on the West side of town had six hundred cars in it. Sixteen additional
P-38s for escort. As we passed over Skoplje we flew right over a JU88 and two fighters.
Some of the gunners got shots at them but no claims were put in. No flak at the target
and good bombing. Thirty-six ships made the trip.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 108 (143): At 10:55 36 planes off to bomb M/Y’s at
Nis, Yugoslavia, dropped 283 x 250 bombs at 13:02 from 11,000 feet and returned at
14:35. Very good coverage on locomotive sheds and track, many fires seen, 1 large
explosion and 6 small ones, fires among rolling stock. Escort of P-38’s with bombs hit
the field N of the yards and caused fires and destroyed 2 E/A on the ground. Many truck
convoys on the roads also train movements. No flak. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L:
Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 21 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Colonel Arthur Thomas takes command of the
XII Air Force Service Command. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's hit a railroad
viaduct at Terni and rail and road bridges in Albania. B-24's hit Orvieto railroad bridge;
B-26's and B-25's bomb bridges at Montalto di Castro and NW of Acquapendente and the
railroad at Orbetello; P-38's bomb a radar station at Pellegrino and the marshalling yard
at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; RAF and US NATAF light and medium bombers concentrate on
Cassino, hitting the town, a bivouac area nearby, and railroad to the S; vessels along
Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia are also attacked; XII Air Support Command fighters and
fighter-bombers patrol the Naples area and attack numerous roads, railroads, bridges,
junctions, trucks, gun emplacements, and other targets in the battle area. The 93rd Fighter
Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano,
Sicily with P-39's.

445th BS War Diary: Another replacement crew arrived today. The men find it rather
odd to see these new faces around camp after having been together so long. In the
evening, the generator balked and finally stopped. Many of the men who had been
reading or writing letters came out to see what was being done to fix the generator. It
was a large gallery that watched the vain two-hour attempt to start the generator. Finally,
all left in disgust to hit the hay.

446th BS War Diary: Squadron received its’ weekly rations. Morale was improved.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Capt. Seel flew to Palermo, Sicily to obtain a new
rear end for our gas truck and to pick up jeep parts.

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

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 21 October 1943 (continued)

Friday, 22 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) approve
the plan, submitted by General Henry H "Hap" Arnold and the US Joint Chiefs of Staff
(JCS), to create a new Air Force (the Fifteenth) in Italy from part of the Twelfth Air
Force to be used in strategic bombing against Germany as well as in support of ground
operations. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb railroad bridges N and SE of
Omvieto; B-25's hit a railroad bridge S of Grosseto and Eleusis Airfield, Greece; The XII
Air Support Command, along with other elements of the NATAF, hit town areas,
highways, vehicles, gun positions, railroad communications, strongpoints, and targets of
opportunity at or near San Salvo Teano, Venafro, Cantalupo el Sannio, Isernia, Cassino,
Montenero, and Boiano. Aquino Airfield is also bombed. The 12th Troop Carrier
Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, based at Gela, Sicily, begins operating from
Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: The shower which was used at the last two bases is now being
built in the area. The men welcome this latest innovation but don’t particularly relish a
cold shower in this weather. The generator again went bad in early evening and for the
second night in a row the area was in darkness, presaging an early trip to bed without
writing “that letter to the girlfriend”.

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Mercuri finished fifty missions. Six officers and three E.M.
reported for duty. The following are the names: Lt. Robert L. Holt, Lt. Dale F. Walker,
Lt. Phillip Bsharah, Lt. Gale M. Dickson, Lt. George E. Nicklaus, and Lt. Rudolph H.
Pestalozzi. These officers were all 2nd Lts. The E.M. were S/Sgt. George Cohen, S/Sgt.
John A. Franc, and Sgt. John C. Samsel.

Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt, pilot Cohen, George, S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Franc, John A., T/Sgt, gunner

Holt, Robert L., 2Lt, pilot Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt, gunner

Nicklaus, George E., 2Lt, bombardier Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt, bombardier

Samsel, John C., Sgt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 116

TARGET: Athens/Eleusis A/D, Greece DATE: 22 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 7

Lt. Spikes, 447th Sqdn, led the formation and coverage was good. In the NE dispersal
area there were three direct hits and others bursts among the dispersed planes and three
fires were started. In the SE dispersal area strings of bombs which started on the runway
crossed into the dispersal area. One direct hit was claimed on a twin-engined aircraft.
One enemy aircraft was destroyed by the escort. 15 to 20 enemy aircraft were observed,
eight of them over the target and the others after leaving. Attacks were made on the
formation but were not aggressive. They were held off by concentrated fire from a tight
bomber formation. The escort was seen engaged in a dog-fight in the distance. Flak was
from the target and was moderate heavy and inaccurate. One P-38 was shot down shortly
after leaving the target.

Spikes, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 9 of our planes participated in a raid on Athens/Eleusis A/D in
Greece. About 15 to 20 E/A attacked the formation over the target – but were driven off
by the escort and by the bomber machine gun fire. No claims were made. One of our
own planes was damaged when the radio-gunner shot through the tail. The AA was
heavy, moderated, and inaccurate. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 487

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr, 2Lt

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

None

Brown, Charles O., Jr., S/Sgt

McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt

Reilly, James M., Cpl

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 38)

TARGET: Athens Eleusis A/D Greece 3:50 Frags

Plane 487: Lt. Miller, Lt Stephenson, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl
Reilly

“Three direct hits and other bursts among park planes. Also three fires seen in SE
dispersal. One direct hit claim on T/E, one E/A destroyed by escort and one P-38 shot
down. Flak heavy, medium, intense.”

MORNING REPORT: for the week ending on the 22nd of Oct., 1943: Assigned
Strength: E.M.---275, Officers---86. James H. Jeffery was assigned as a radio-gunner to
this squadron on the 16th. 6 Off. And 6 E.M., combat crew men, were assigned to the
squadron on the 22nd:

2nd Lt. Harwood Beebe, Pilot 2nd Lt. Donald P. McCormick, Bombardier

2nd Lt. Joseph J. Nowakowski, Bombardier. 2nd Lt. Robert G. Davies, Pilot

2nd Lt. Theodore G. Jordan, Pilot 2nd Lt. John H. Haeberle, Pilot

S/Sgt. William R. Milam, Engineer S/Sgt. Charles D. Godwin, Engineer.

S/Sgt. Elmer V. Boza, Radio Sgt. Harold F. Schrader, Turret gunner.

Sgt. William F. Kazar, Turret gunner S/Sgt. Adolph Kaufold, Radio

6 E.M. were transferred to headquarters: Bolton, Cook, D.C., Sobel, Budowsky,
Woodward, Noble. Lt. Dunn was sent to the hospital on the 19th. Sgt. Dobbs came back
from the hospital on the 21st. 5 E.M. are on D.S. to Group on the 21st. Lt. C.D. Lungren
was transferred to the M.A.T.S. on the 22nd.

Bolton, Harry A., Pvt, mess Budowsky, David, Pvt, communications

Dobbs, William R., Sgt, mess Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot

Jeffrey, James H., PFC, radio-gunner Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt, pilot

Noble, Francis L., Pvt, armament Sobel, Frederick W., Pvt, duty soldier

Woodward, Theodore B., Pvt, armament

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 109 (144): At 10:25 36 planes off to bomb NE and SE
dispersal areas at Athens Eleusis A/D, dropped 2430 frags at 12:22 from 10,000 feet and
returned at 14:30. NE dispersal area had good pattern with 5 direct hits among parked
E/A, 3 fires seen and strings in SE dispersal area with direct hit on 2E airplane. 15-20
E/A seen made passes at formation but not very aggressive and held off by fire. Flak
heavy, moderate and inaccurate. Weather: 2/10th scattered over target. F/L: Bates.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander

Saturday, 23 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb
railroad and road bridges at Marsciano and Montalto di Castro; P-38's hit the airfield at
Tirana; B-25's hit a bridge in Albania; the XII Air Support Command, RAF Desert Air
Force (DAF), and NATBF attack troop concentrations in the Spinete area, and town
areas, vehicles, trains, railroads, highways, bridges, and gun positions at or near Gaeta,
Pescara, Vasto, Isolella, Sulmona, Isernia, Vairano, and Ancona.

445th BS War Diary: With this crisp weather prevailing, football is in the air. This was
typified by a lively game of “touch football” held in front of the S-2, Operations
headquarters by some of the men. When they were through, most of them realized – as
they soothed aching muscles – that they “weren’t as young as they used to be”. In the
evening, the men watched a large number of B-17’s land at the base. They apparently
have some important target to hit. Some of the men were able to get the classic
Minnesota-Michigan football on the radio. The broadcast of these games bring the men
much closer to home, especially the sports enthusiasts in the Squadron of which there are
many.

446th BS War Diary: 26 E.M. arrived from Soliman. Approximately 80 B-17’s landed
at our field and stayed all night. They left on an early mission the next day and returned
here again. One overshot the field and cracked up slightly. Orders came through
transferring the following officers and men to the Port of Debarkation. Lt. C.M.
VanArtsdalen, Lt. Leroy O. Brooks, Lt. C.H. Conner, Lt. H.L. Carlisle, Lt. G.D.
Orranchia, Lt. P.O. Carr, T/Sgt. S.C. Swenson, S/Sgt. C. Elk, S/Sgt. G.S. Fieldon, S/Sgt.
F.S. Mencher.

Brooks, Leroy O., 2Lt, pilot Carlisle, Howard E., 1Lt, pilot

Carr, Philip O., 2Lt, pilot Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt, pilot

Elk, Charles, S/Sgt, gunner Fieldon, Gordon S. "Jack", S/Sgt, gunner

Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, gunner Orranchia, Gilbert D., 1Lt, pilot

Swensen, Stanley C., S/Sgt, gunner VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission today. Twelve replacements were assigned to the
squadron, six officers and six enlisted men, all combat crew members. The replacements
(listed below) are the first to come into the squadron since June. The men did not bring
planes with them. The replacements are as follows: Lt. Davies, Lt. Beebe, Lt. Haeberle,
Lt. McCormick, Lt. Jordan, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt. Milam, S/Sgt. Kaufold, S/Sgt.
Godwin, S/Sgt. Boza, Sgt. Kazar, Sgt. Schrader.

Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Jordan, Theodore D., 2Lt, pilot

Kaufold, Adolph, T/Sgt, gunner Kazar, William F., Sgt, turret gunner

McCormick, Donald P., 1Lt, bombardier Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering

Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, bombardier Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 24 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-24's of the 98th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; the 376th Bombardment
Group (Heavy) fails to complete the mission because of clouds. In Italy, medium
bombers hit Tirana Airfield, a railroad bridge N of Orvieto, and a viaduct at Terni; the
XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack communications and shipping
targets, hitting vessels, vehicles, trains, roads, bridges, and the town areas in and around
Formia, Sora, Chieti, Minturno, Sessa Aurunca, Popoli, Terracina, between Ancona-
Pedaso, Frosolone (just before it is taken by allied ground forces), and along the
Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia.

445th BS War Diary: The general health of the Squadron at present is low. A number
of the men have colds with even a few cases of flu reported. A larger number have
yellow jaundice caused by the lack of a nutritious, balanced diet. The weather and food
seem to be more formidable foes than the Germans. Another large mail call this evening.
It is very damp tonight.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. R.H. Kirk, Lt. A.W. Brown, Lt. J.K. Martin, and Lt. K.E. Boyd
were transferred on paper from this squadron. They were already gone but the officers
were on DS. We received some more new men into the squadron. They were Lt. Harold
R. Brellenthin, Lt. Joseph R. Farrell, Lt. Sawyer W. Rice, Sgt. I.E. Epperly, S/Sgt. E.M.
Leary, and Sgt. D.R. DeBari. S/Sgt. Haresign was slightly injured by flak on today’s
mission. Again received rations.

Bradley, James L., Jr., Capt, pilot Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot

Brown, Aud W., 1Lt, pilot DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt, gunner

Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner

Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Martin, John K., 2Lt, pilot Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 117

TARGET: Tirana, A/D, Albania. DATE: 24 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Culp, 448th Sqdn, led the formation, but clouds obscured the original target,
Larissa, Greece, and the formation bombed Tirana with very good coverage. Strings fell
in front of hangar paralleling the runway on both sides. Hangars on north and SE side,
and warehouses on the NW side were hit. Hits made on enemy aircraft at end of runway
and in dispersal area. Fires observed in hangars, in warehouses, and buildings on SE.
Clouds of smoke were observed on leaving the target. We had no escort and no enemy
planes were seen in the air. Flak was heavy but trailing through clouds near Larissa and
accurate heavy at Tirana. S/Sgt. Haresign was slightly wounded by flak coming through
the turret.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448 BS Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our planes participated in a raid which was to be on Larissa
A/D, Greece, but because of the poor visibility, the alternate target, Tirana A/D was
bombed. Lt. Jahrhaus had to return early because of a defective turret. The target was
well covered. No E/A was seen. The AA was heavy, moderate, moderate, and
inaccurate. All our planes returned safely. Orders came in today for several of our 50
missions men relieving them from combat duty and ordering them back to the States.

Jahrhaus, Alfred B., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 44)

“Thirty-six ships started out for Larissa Airdrome in Greece. We, Hank & I, went as
spares. One ship dropped out on the climb so we filled in. My first mission as first pilot.
No escort today. The 17s using our base also used our escort. When we got to Larissa at
14,000 ft the clouds prevented our seeing the target. We knew we were over it by the flak
that they put up through the blanket of snowy clouds. We went to the alternate target, the
airdrome at the capitol of Albania, Tirana. Moderate heavy, fairly accurate flak. Also a
few shots from Durazzo harbor and airdrome. We landed just a few minutes before the
17s.”

Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 110 (145): At 11:25 36 planes off to bomb Tirana A/D,
dropped 2586 frags at 13:46 from 10,000 feet and returned 14:36. 9/10th cloud cover
beginning 30 miles W of Larissa caused formation to bomb secondary target of Tirana
with good coverage. Hits and fires among buildings and hangars and among parked
planes, clouds of smoke observed on leaving target. Moderate, heavy, accurate flak, 7
planes hit. Weather: 7/10th at target.

Monday, 25 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command P-39's strafe
and bomb the landing ground at Podgorica; XII Air Support Command, NATBF and
RAF DAF concentrate on blocking roads and destroying bridges; town areas, vehicles,
radio stations, trains, and vessels are also attacked; targets attacked are in or near
Frosinone, Formia, Gaeta, Cetraro, along the Sangro River, Kuna, along the Dalmatian
coast of Yugoslavia, W of Lagosta Island and S of Rome; Tarquinia Airfield is also
bombed. HQ 324th Fighter Group and its 314th Fighter Squadron transfer from Menzel
Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola, Italy with P-40's. The squadron, which has been out of combat
since 21 Jul, will fly its first mission on 30 Oct. The 36th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th
Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Mazara to Castelvetrano, Sicily with C-47's. The
64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, transfers from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with
P-40's. The 486th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group
(Medium), transfers from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: Despite measures taken against them, the Italian kids seem to be
continually coming back to beg for food from the men. Occasionally they are chased off
but apparently their hunger gets the better of them and they come back. There is quite a
number of Italian women circulating through the camp usually in the morning. They
collect laundry for the men and thus render a helpful service. Weather still remains
damp.

446th BS War Diary: B-17’s went back to their own base. S/Sgt Haresign finished his
fifty missions.

Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 118

TARGET: Podgorica L/G, Albania. DATE: 25 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Bonus, 445th Sqdn, led the formation with generally good coverage, concentrations
on E and W sides of field. One enemy aircraft landing and on taking off observed at
bomb release point. Heavy, intense, accurate flak tracking first and last flights.

Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our planes participated in a raid on Podgorica L/G. No E/A
were seen. The AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate. Bombing results good. All our
planes returned safely. Three more replacement crews were assigned to the squadron
today as follows:

Lt. Trevor S/Sgt. Monroe Lt. Vincent

Lt. Langston S/Sgt. Moomaw Lt. Deane

Lt. Ryherd S/Sgt. Tudor Lt. Johnston

Lt. Drury S/Sgt. Wadlow Lt. Briskey

Lt. Muirhead Sgt. Roberts Sgt. Crowell

Sgt. Harmer Cpl. Boyd

Boyd, Robert J., Cpl, gunner Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt, gunner Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier

Drury, Alfred C., 2Lt, pilot Harmer, Harry B., Sgt, armor-gunner

Johnston, William M., 2Lt, bombardier Langston, Everette D., 2Lt, pilot

Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt, gunner

Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt, bombardier Roberts, Herman, S/Sgt, gunner

Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt, pilot

Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Vincent, Frederick W., 2Lt, pilot

Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt, communications

A/C No. 598

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr, 2Lt

None

Brown, Charles O., Jr., S/Sgt

McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt

Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt

Reilly, James M., Cpl

None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 39)

TARGET: Podgorica L/G 2:35 Frags

Plane 598: Lt Stephenson, Lt. Miller, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl
Reilly

“Generally good coverage, with concentrations on E and W side of field. Some bombs
fell short and some over into town. Flak heavy, moderate, and accurate.”

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 111 (146): At 10:55 36 planes off to bomb Podgorica
L/G, dropped 2560 frags at 14:13 from 10,000 feet and returned at 13:30. Generally
good coverage with concentration on E and W side of field. Flak intense, heavy,
accurate, trailing first and last flights. Weather: 7/10th cover at target.

Tuesday, 26 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Greece, B-25's and P-38's of the XII
Bomber Command attack the airfields of Salonika/Sedhes and Megalo Mikra. In Italy,
XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF fighters and fighter-bombers attack gun
emplacements and road junctions in the battle area along the E coast and in the center of
Italy, also destroying many vehicles and parked aircraft in the Ancona area, where
railroad facilities are also hit; a schooner at Porto Civitanova is left smoking; medium
bombers of the NATBF bomb Terracina and an ammunition dump.

445th BS War Diary: The enlisted men’s club was opened tonight with a wild
celebration. Speeches were made by C.O. Col. Cook, Captain Nickerson and Lt. Jackson.
Col. Cook described the club as “not only the best club in any Theatre of Operations but
the best I’ve ever seen coming from the best Squadron I have ever seen”. It was a very
successful opening of a very successful club. As expected, the bar was very busy and the
men had their fill of the drinks.

Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander Jackson, James O., Capt, intelligence

Nickerson, James E. "Nick", Capt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Shepard and T/Sgt. Beach were slightly injured by flak on
today’s mission. A plane in another squadron failed to return.

Beach, Louis A., Sgt, gunner Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 119

TARGET: Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece. DATE: 26 Oct 1943

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 9

MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and very good coverage was obtained. On Sedes
A/D there were direct hits on four aircraft near hangars and among ten single- and twin-
engine aircraft in the NE corner. Three fires were observed, one very large. Dispersal
area between the two A/Ds was hit. At Megalo Mikra a very good bomb pattern crosses
the field and dispersal areas. Hits scored on runway and buildings in S dispersal area.
Strings of bombs hit among parked aircraft, three of which received direct hits. One
large fire was seen as the formation left the target. Flak was intense heavy and six planes
were hit. One plane, not 446th, was lost seen on deck with a prop feathered. T/Sgt.
Beach was hit in the let and Lt. Shepard was sprayed by glass when flak hit the planes.

Beach, Louis A., Sgt, gunner Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: 9 of our planes participated in a raid on Salonika, Sedes A/D in
Greece. Results – pretty good. The AA was heavy, very intense and accurate. One
plane (450) was severely damaged by flak – one (557) was slightly damaged. S/Sgt.
Milam was severely injured by flak. Lt. E.F. Becker, Lt. Johnston, and S/Sgt Kaufold
were slightly injured by flak. Lt. H.K. Paiton had a piece of flak enter thru his leather
jacket and hit the seam of his Mae West – result, a slight bruise just below the collar
bone. Plane # 487 with Lt. Baxter, Lt. Jordan, Lt. Muirhead, Sgt. Newhouse, S/Sgt.
Gregory, Sgt. Wagner, and Cpl. Leon had one engine shot out over the target and was last

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

seen loosing altitude. Capt. Seel flew to Cairo to take some crews, mail, etc. to the G’s.
Lt. Spikes and Lt. Bugbee took crews that had finished their tour of duty to Oran. Lt.
Neprash returned from Tobruk in a “G” to pick up needed equipment, etc.

Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", 1Lt, bombardier Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot

Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier Kaufold, Adolph, S/Sgt, gunner

Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence

Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

Spikes, Robert F., 1Lt, pilot

A/C No. 42-53487 shot down

Baxter, 2Lt

Jordan, Theodore D., 2Lt

None

Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt

Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt

Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt

Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt

Leon, Robert D., Cpl

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot (mission 45)

“Thirty-six ships hit the twin airdromes at Salonika Greece. This was the first mission
for my radio gunner, engineer and turret gunner. Eighteen ships hit one airdrome and
eighteen hit the second one (Sedes) the flak was intense, accurate and heavy
(unbearable??) Baxter was shot down at the target with a co-pilot on his second mission,
a bombardier on his first and a cameraman on his fiftieth. Broyles was shot up pretty
badly, his engineer had a big hole in his leg. The plane had about a hundred holes in it.
Springler’s gunner was sick. Becker & Paiton were hit in the face. Thirty-two P-38s for
escort. Good coverage. About thirty JU 88s on the field with fifteen or more gliders and
few JU 52s.”

Baxter, 2Lt, pilot Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", 1Lt, bombardier

Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator

Springler, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 112 (147): At 11:55 36 planes off to bomb Salonika,
Mikra and Sedes A/D’s, dropped 2588 frags at 13:38 from 10,000 feet and returned at
15:00 with one plane missing (447), it made a controlled one engine landing in enemy
territory. Good bomb pattern at Mikra with strings across field, parked planes in
dispersal areas 3 of which received direct hits. 1 large fire started. At Sedes good
coverage with hits on 4 E/A near hangars and among 10 E/A in NE area. 3 fires
observed. Flak intense, heavy and accurate. 6 planes hit. Weather: CAVU. F/L:
Sinclair

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

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS Special Account: On 26 October 1943, B-25C plane No. 42-53487 was
missing after a raid on Salonika-Sedes Airdrome, Greece.

As the plane completed its bomb run on the target it apparently was hit by flak, at
about 1340 hours, in the right engine. The crews of several other planes in the same
flight saw its right engine emitting a trail of black smoke shortly after it dropped its
bombs. The plane followed the rest of the formation for about 120 degrees of the 180
degree right turn that the formation made off the target, during which turn it was
observed to be losing altitude fairly rapidly. It failed to complete the full turn with the
formation possibly because the turn was into its damaged engine. It straightened out and
flew a straight course of about 200 degrees while the formation continued on a heading of
about 270 degrees. At this time it was at about 7500 feet altitude some 2000 feet below
the formation. By this time its right motor had ceased smoking. Some observers state
that the propeller was feathered. When last seen it was continuing to lose altitude rapidly
although several observers state that it was holding its altitude. All agree that it was
under control. Since its engines had well over 300 hours and had lost a great deal of their
power it is the opinion of the pilot who usually flew the plane that it could not hold such
an altitude on one engine and that it was doubtful whether it could maintain flying speed
at any altitude. One observer states that he saw the plane turn south and then east to a
point near the coast south of Epanomi Point where it was only about 500 feet off the
water.

At the time that it first left the formation the flight leader was advised of its
condition and unsuccessfully attempted to contact it by radio. Its element leader also
observed its plight and throttled back to give it a chance to rejoin the formation.
However it was soon apparent that it could not or would not rejoin the formation when it
continued on its 200 degree heading and the formation was compelled to leave it behind.

At the time that the plane left the formation P-38s were seen to peel off from the
main body of the escort, dive down, and go back to the crippled plane. Observers
disagree on the number of P-38s which went back; some say one, some three, but most
agree on two. They say that the P-38s circled the crippled plane and that they were
following it when they were last seen. One observer states that one of the P-38s dropped
its belly tank when it peeled off and went back.

The P-38 Group which provided the escort advises that none of their pilots report
seeing any B-25 in distress on this mission or observed the incident above described. On
this same mission the plane piloted by Lt. Broyles was severely damaged by flak. There
were about 100 holes in the plane when it landed. The horizontal stabilizer was shot up
so badly it had to be replaced; both rudder and cables were cut; the elevators and rudders
were full of holes; the fuselage from the radio compartment to the tail was full of holes;
there were several large holes in the bombardiers compartment, one hole in the crawlway,
and all four fuel tanks were punctured.

Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

The following is an account of what took place during (and immediately after) the
time of damage to the aircraft as told by Lt. Broyles, the pilot.

Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot

“We had just dropped our bombs when the flak began to burst very near the plane.
I first knew we had been hit when I felt the plane lurch and heard the “claps” of
fragments hitting us. Lt. DeMay, co-pilot, reported that we had been hit in several places.
S/Sgt. W.R. Milam, tail gunner, reported over the interphone that he had been hit in the
leg and the radio operator, S/Sgt. A. Kaufold, reported that he had been hit in the face.
The bombardier, Lt. W.A. Johnston, reported two holes in the bombardier’s compartment
and said that he had several small cuts from the shattered plexiglass. After a few
moments the turret gunner, Sgt. H.F. Schrader reported that gas and oil were leaking out
of the right engine. Lt. Johnston crawled back to the Navigator’s compartment and
turned on the cross feed to increase the gas supply to the right engine. The injured men
in the back were given first aid by the turret gunner. The plane was a little hard to handle
because of the damage but we were able to keep up with the formation and land at our
home base without mishap.”

DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt, pilot Johnston, William M., 2Lt, bombardier

Kaufold, Adolph, S/Sgt, gunner Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering

Schrader, Harold F., Sgt, turret gunner

Wednesday, 27 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Austria, 150+ B-17's and B-24's bomb
Wiener-Neustadt and railroad tracks and installations and bridges at Friedberg and
Ebenfurth. Weather severely curtails NATBF missions and XII Air Support Command
operations in support of ground forces. Fighter-bombers attack Gaeta, Italy and bomb
small vessels on the Dalmatian coast at Opuzen, Yugoslavia. HQ 57th Fighter Group and
its 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40's.
The 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, transfer from Menzel Heurr,
Tunisia to Cercola, Italy with P-40's.

445th BS War Diary: A 6-man touch football game was played in the morning between
the Officers and enlisted men. The Officers won the hard fought game on the last play of
the game when Lt. Malek caught a pass in the end zone to make the final read, 26-19.
Every man on the field played a hard game and there many tired, sore muscles in camp
today. The enlisted men vowed revenge for the defeat.

Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Caldwell was promoted to Captain effective October 16, 1943.

Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt, navigator

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission. A little O.T.U. schooling for some of the new
replacements.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 28 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents most Twelfth Air Force
operations planned for the day. No missions are flown by the XII Bomber Command. In
Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's hit several highways and bridges in advance of
the battleline and attack gun positions in the Vairano area and transportation targets in the
Rome area. The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from
Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group,
transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Sardinia with P-39's.

445th BS War Diary: Another football game was played this morning and the enlisted
men quickly gained revenge for their defeat yesterday. They ran, passed and kicked the
Officers dizzy, grinding them to an humiliating 33-0 defeat. It is now the Officers turn to
pledge revenge. Luxury rations were distributed to the men today. Rumors spread
around camp that Col. Knapp, present Group Commander, would be transferred and that
Lt. Col Olmsted would succeed him. The same rumor also had it that Lt. Col. Cook, our
Squadron Commander, would become Group Operations Officer and that Capt. Tipton,
our Squadron Operations Officer, would be the new Squadron Commander. None of
these were confirmed. A hard rain in the evening accompanied by lightning and thunder
left the camp in a very soggy condition. It is also very cold and damp tonight.

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

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

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

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

446th BS War Diary: A lot of Christmas packages arrived in the mail today as well as a
lot of letters. The squadron’s morale was really lifted.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled by cancelled because of rain. Lt. B. Miller
took a plane to Tunis to pick up Lt. Kamensky and some supplies. Lt. Bodine went along
to check up on orders for our 50-mission men.

Bodine, Arnold F. "Beeny the Bum", 2Lt, navigator

Kamensky, George L., 2Lt, personal equipment

Miller, Benjamin B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 29 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's,
escorted by P-38's, bomb the Genoa marshalling yard and also hit the Sampierdarena
marshalling yard, San Giorgio instrument factory, and ordnance, electric, and fitting
plants and bridges at Genoa-Ansaldo; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF
DAF are forced by bad weather to abandon several missions in support of ground forces.
Troops and gun positions are attacked on 2 occasions and several bridges are hit;
Giulianova harbor and shipping are successfully attacked. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing
transfers from Naples to Foggia, Italy. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and its 11th Troop
Carrier Squadron transfer from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 487th and 488th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from
Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: The rain that s