12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: October 1944

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

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

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

Assg: Assigned XC: Cross Country BC: Bomber Command

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

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

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

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

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

CO: Commanding Officer CP: Command Post RR: Railroad

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

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

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

Sqdn: Squadron QM: Quarter Master Trfd: Transferred

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

DS: Detached Service PX: Post Exchange S/E: Single Engine (plane)

T/E: Twin Engine (plane) MC: Maintenance Crew CA: Heavy Cruiser

OD: Officer of the day/Olive Drab CQ: Charge of Quarters

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

TAC: Theater Allied Command? 448 1-7 Sep u/i: 448th 26 Sep?

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

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep

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

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

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

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA

Sunday, 1 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s
attack bridges, fuel dumps, factory, and barracks in C and W Po Valley, including 3
attacks on Piacenza while XII Fighter Command's A-20s hit a fuel dump and bivouacs
and fighter-bombers blast guns and communications in the mountainous battle areas
between Florence and Bologna; the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing,
moves from Rosignano to Pisa with Mosquitos.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th participated in a mission sent out to bomb the stores
depot area at Piacenza, Italy. This squadron registered a 98.8 bombing accuracy. At this
time there are 18 combat crews available for combat. Training programs today included
two ships to the bombing range, four planes flying formation and three cross-country
flights. There was very little mail today.

446th BS War Diary: The group flew a mission with our squadron sending 18 ships.
Lieut. Meier, squadron communications officer, is promoted to First Lieutenant.

Meier, Donald J., 1Lt, communications

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 404

TARGET: Stores Depot Area Piacenza, Italy DATE: 1 Oct.1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 18

Major Cooper led the formation. Good concentrations. N position well hit and just S of
main highway. Majority of buildings believed damaged. Many fires, with columns of
smoke rising to 6000 feet. Flak was heavy, moderate, inaccurate, tracking briefly on
breakaway. Barrage type inaccurate over target. No fighters. Lt. Matthews was a spare
and returned early.

Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Fourteen of our ships participated in a raid on Piacenza Explosive
stores area (K-6231543). Lt Muzinich leading our squadron, Good coverage of target
area, several large explosions and columns of black smoke observed. Mission efficiency,
98.9%, bombing accuracy, 100%. The following officers and enlisted men returned from
rest camp, Cairo, Egypt: Capt Eugene E. Stocking, 1st Lt Gerald E. Fisher, 1st Lt Edward
Krafka, 1st Lt Ivan E. Dean, Capt Marvin L. Speer, S/Sgt Herbert Dimondstein, T/Sgt
Andrew Pelak, T/Sgt John F. McFarland, S/Sgt Everett H. Clyne, Sgt George F. Murray.
Training to-day consisted of local transition. Morning Report: Officers 93, Enlisted men
338.

Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, armament-gunner Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt, pilot

Dimondstein, Herbert, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Fisher, Gerald E., 1Lt, bombardier

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

Murray, George F., Sgt, engineering Muzinich, Anthony L., 1Lt, pilot

Pelak, Andrew, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Speer, Marvin L, Capt, pilot

Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 1 October 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 366 (576): At 0840 twenty-four (24) planes were
airborne to bomb Piacenza Explosives Stores Area in Italy. Ten (10) planes of the 448th
participated flying as lead Squadron. The formation dropped 184 x 500 # .1 & .025 GP
bombs from 10,200/11,500 feet. 1 x 500 GP jettisoned and 7 x 500 returned due to rack
malfunction. Escort: P-47 area anti-aircraft cover. Good coverage of bombs in the area
especially in the east center. One large billow of black smoke seen from east half and
three smaller columns of smoke from center of target. Two large explosions observed
after bombing. Heavy, intense, fairly accurate tracking flak on bomb run; 12 planes
holed, one man killed and one man wounded. Weather: CAVU with slight haze
throughout.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 367 (577): At 0856 thirty-six (36) planes off to bomb
Piacenza Stores Depot Area in Italy. Three (3) planes from the 448th participated, flying
as last element in the last box. The formation dropped 262 x 500 # .1 & .025 GP bombs
from 11,500/13,000 feet. 26 x 500 GP returned due to malfunction in the lead ship.
Escort: P-47 area anti-flak cover. Heavy concentration of hits in center of area, with hits
also on North portion and area just South of the main highway. Many fires and columns
of smoke observed, one reaching to 6,000 feet. Heavy, moderate inaccurate barrage type
flak starting before bomb run and tracking on breakaway; 1 plane holed. Weather:
Enroute – low scattered cumulus clouds over mountains; Target – clear with slight haze
and visibility of ten (10) miles. Observation: 100 RR cars stationary Piacenza M/Y.
One freighter and possible DD or Sub (photo taken).

Monday, 2 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
medium bombers and restricts fighters to reconnaissance and patrols; during the night of
1/2 Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; HQ 27th Fighter Group and
the 522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter Squadrons move from Loyettes, France to Tarquinia
with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission for today was cancelled due to bad
weather conditions. There were 16 crews scheduled for the mission. A plane was sent to
Rome today for rest camp personnel. There was the usual training and cross-country
flights. Major Bounds called a meeting this evening for all pilots. Among other things,
formation assembly and training were discussed. Afterwards Major Bounds spike to the
new pilots.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. The
following officers and enlisted men were assigned to this squadron from 57th Bomb Wg:
1st Lt Henry C. Satterwhite, 2nd Lt John L. Dickson, 2nd Lt Edmund R. Harvey, F/O John
B. Bokum, Sgt Carl Daniels, Cpl Phillip L. Barksdale, Cpl Edward C. Staub. The
following officers and enlisted men returned from Capri, Rest Camp: 1st Lt Marion E.
Walker, 1st Lt Richard J. Woods, S/Sgt George D. Schnaars, Sgt Andrew C. Dubbs, S/Sgt
Gaston C. Poulin, Sgt Harold M. Bauder. To-day’s training consisted of local transition.

Barksdale, Phillip L., Cpl, gunner Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Bokum, John B., F/O, bombardier Daniels, Carl, Sgt, gunner

Dickson, John L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Dubbs, Andrew C., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Harvey, Edmund R., 2Lt, bombardier Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Satterwhite, Henry C., 1Lt, pilot Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt, gunner

Staub, Edward C., Cpl, gunner Walker, Marion E., 1Lt, pilot

Woods, Richard J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 3 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: "A" Flight of
the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, moves from Lyons to Vittel, France with L-4s
and L-5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy). In Italy, medium bombers continue to
pound road and rail bridges and fuel dumps in the Po Valley; A-20s, fighter-bombers, and
fighters of the XII Fighter Command hit fuel dumps, rail lines, and transportation in the
Valley and support US Fifth Army forces in the battle areas in the N Apennines S and
SW of Bologna and N of the Arno River Valley; the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd
Troop Carrier Group, moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th squadron ran into plenty of trouble today when they
helped bomb the Galliate road bridge, Italy. This “hot” target is surrounded by a heavy
network of anti-aircraft defenses and the accurate flak cost the squadron two aircraft,
including Capt. Russell, the leader. “Ace” Russell was very popular with the men in the
squadron. In the ship with him were Capt. Casaburi, navigation officer, and Lt. Daniel
Galindo, an ace bombardier. The ship was seen to go down under control and the crew
all bailed out safely. Lt. Frank also went down with his crew. His ship went into flames
and its doubtful if any got out. Even with the intense and accurate flak, this squadron’s
bombardiers got their bombs well concentrated in the target area with 100 percent
bombing accuracy. There was the usual training in the squadron.

A/C No. 43-27740 shot down

A/C No. 42-27553 shot down

Russell, Lawrence L. “Scrap Iron”, Capt

Frank, Robert R., 1Lt

Martin, William H., Jr., 1Lt

Reed, Donald C., 1Lt

Casaburi, Robert R., Capt

None

Galindo, Daniel, 1Lt

Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt

Hickey, William R., S/Sgt

Miller, Emanuel (NMI), Cpl

Plott, John M., T/Sgt

Davis, Olin (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt

Tronolone, Joseph A., Cpl

Bricen, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt

None

446th BS War Diary: Sergeants Rousos, McCarty, McKearnin, Mygrant and Poorman
are promoted to Technical Sergeant; they are radio operator-gunners.

McCarty, Lyle, T/Sgt, radio-gunner McKearnin, William J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Mygrant, Robert F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Poorman, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Rousos, Milton P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 405

TARGET: Galliate Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 3 Oct.1944

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

Captain Russell led the formation. Largest concentration across W approach to bridge. E
approach hit and center of bridge believed hit. Smoke made observation difficult. Flak
was heavy, intense from the target. Two planes were lost. No chutes seen. 16 planes
holed. No fighters. Lt. Grove returned early with engine trouble. Lt. Hively filled in
with the 445th Sqdn.

Tuesday, 3 October 1944 (continued)

Grove, Russell V., 1Lt, pilot Hively, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot

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

447th BS War Diary: First Mission: Three of our planes participated in a raid on the
Galliate Road Bridge (J-930664) Lt Schweda led our squadron. Large concentration
across bridge approach center and east approach of bridge hit. Mission efficiency 100%,
Bombing accuracy 100%. Second Mission: Twelve of our planes participated in a raid
on the Giotto Fuel Dumps (F-38033). Capt Murray led our squadron. Area well covered
with explosions, fire and black smoke observed. Mission efficiency 94.5%, bombing
accuracy 94.5%. The following officers and enlisted men left for Rest Camp, Rome,
Italy: Capt Leroy Alger, 1st Lt Edward Gates, S/Sgt Ernest E. Byrn, S/Sgt Hughie L.
Curry, S/Sgt Frank J. Flowers, S/Sgt Robert P. Quintenz. The following enlisted men
returned from Rest Came, Rome, Italy: S/Sgt Edward S. Carpenter, Cpl Cyril Gralke,
Cpl Pasquale J. Rainone, Cpl Harold F. Siebert. To-day’s training consisted of local
transition.

Alger, LeRoy, Capt, pilot Byrn, Ernest E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Carpenter, Edward S., S/Sgt, armament Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt, gunner

Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot

Gralke, Cyril, Cpl, transportation Murray, Richard E., Capt, pilot

Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Rainone, Pasquale J., Cpl, supply

Schweda, George J., 1Lt, pilot Siebert, Harold F., Cpl, mess

448th BS War Diary: Mission 368 (578): At 1202 thirty-six (36) planes off to bomb
Galliate Road Bridge in Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th participated flying as lead in
the third flight. The formation dropped 136 x 1000 # .1 & .01 GP bombs. 4 x 1000 #
jettisoned due to enemy action hitting lead plane and 4 x 1000 # GP returned due to
bombardier’s error. No escort. Large concentration of bombs observed across west
approach to bridge. East approach hit and center of bridge believe hit although smoke
made observations of bombs hits of last flight difficult. Observation: Possible submarine
at P-4000 at 1440 hours; one large splash seen leaving an oil slick. 100/150 RR cars
observed at Voghera M/Y. Heavy, intense, accurate flak on bomb run, over target, and
on breakaway, with several red bursts reported. Heavy, moderate, out of range flak from
Vigevano area, North of Torreberretti, and Cameri area. Heavy, scant to moderate,
inaccurate out of range flak from Vercelli and from a small boat off South Margherita
Ligure. 16 A/C holed, 2 A/C lost, 1 A/C, formation leader, hit by flak over the target last
seen heading S.E. on single engine at 6000 feet under control at J-700301 at 1440 hours.
1 B-25 hit just after bombs away, exploding and losing left wing. No chutes seen. Plane
crashed and burned at J-920680 at 1420 hours. Weather: CAVU.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 369 (579): At 1349 twenty-four (24) B-25s took off to
bomb Giotto Fuel dump in Italy. Twelve (12) planes from the 448th participated, flying
as second flight. The formation dropped 451 x 100 GP mixed fusing (.1 & .025) and (.1
& instantaneous) from 11,000/11,500 feet. 29 x 100 GP jettisoned in water off Cape

Tuesday, 3 October 1944 (continued)

Corse due to rack malfunction. No escort. Area well covered with bombs causing
explosions, fires and black smoke. In fuel area one bright blue flame and one red/yellow
flame flashed quickly to over 100 feet. No flak or E/A. Weather: CAVU. Observation:
one sub crash diving at K-4820, one sub surfaced and heading North at Sestri Levante,
three (3) large ships and one medium vessel at La Spezia.

Wednesday, 4 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather restricts
medium bombers to attacks on 2 bridges at Bistagno and Villafranca d'Asti; fighter-
bombers closely support ground forces fighting in the Loiano-Quinzanod'Oglio -
Sassoleone areas, and hit communications N of the battle areas; HQ 47th Bombardment
Group (Light) and the 84th, 85th and 86th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) move from
Follonica to Rosignano Airfield with A-20s; HQ 79th Fighter Group and the 86th and 87th
Fighter Squadrons move from Southern France to Iesi with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Five crews scheduled for the mission failed to take off due to
weather. The bad conditions in the air and on the ground kept 10 other crews inactive.
Approximately 12 radio gunners were taken to the line and given instructions on
bombing procedure, bomb racks and malfunctions among other points of bombing. In
the future radio gunners may be used as wing bombardiers, cutting the crew down to 5.
Stoves were issued to squadron personnel today on a raffle basis due to the fact that there
weren’t enough stoves for everyone. Those unlucky personnel who failed to draw a stove
are constructing their own from 50 gallon oil drums and 90 mm shell casing, the later
being used stove pipe. American ingenuity forges to the front.

446th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Matzinger, serving as Base Operations Officer, is made
a Captain. Just returned from gunnery school at Laredo, Texas is Lieut. Ritger.

Matzinger, Keith R., Capt, pilot Ritger, Frederick C., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 406

TARGET: Pontetidone R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 4 Oct.1944

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

Lt. Goff led the formation. Target not reached due to weather. No flak, no fighters. Lt.
Rackley was a spare and returned early.

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

447th BS War Diary: Seven of our ships participated in a raid on the Pontetidone rail
bridge, (K-483175). No bombs were dropped because of weather conditions at the
primary and alternate targets. Pvt Roy H. Bartram was promoted to grade of Cpl and
reclassified from 754 to 757.

Bartram, Roy H., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Mission 370 (581): At 1111 twelve (12) planes airborne to bomb
Pontetidone RR Bridge in Italy. Six (6) planes from the 448th participated, flying as the
second box of six. The formation dropped no bombs due to could coverage and returned
all bombs to base. No flak. Weather: Enroute to and over target – clouds beginning at
Italian coast 10/10 stratocumulus with tops at 13,000 feet.

Thursday, 5 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy during the night
of 4/5 Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the battle area in the mountains S of
Bologna and N of the Arno River Valley; during the day weather grounds medium
bomber wings and the XII Fighter Command; the 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop
Carrier Group, moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield with C-47s; the 85th
Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, moves from Southern France to Iesi with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Once again, rain and mud stopped combat operations. Continued
rain has soaked the runway quite a bit and training was cancelled because of the mud.
The area is also in slippery condition. The personnel of the variety show “Cornzapoppin”
have completed their abbreviated tour in the Naples area and are overdue here at the base
but inclement weather prevents their transportation back to home. Seven pilots went
down to the link trainer at group to get some time on the link trainer.

446th BS War Diary: October 5 and 6: Regular duties in the area and on the line as no
missions are flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. To-
day’s training consisted of local transition.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 5 October 1944 (continued)

Friday, 6 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 121st
Liaison Squadron, AAF MTO, moves from Pomigliano to Florence, Italy with L-4s and
L-5s ("A" Flight is at Vittel, France). In Italy, weather cancels all operations of the
medium bomber wing and the XII Fighter Command. In France, the 34th Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command (attached to Provisional
Reconnaissance Group), moves from Dijon to Azelot with F-5s.

445th BS War Diary: “Dat ole debbil” weather just won’t let up and once again the
combat mission was scheduled with 16 crews standing by. Non-operational flights were
also stopped due to inclement weather and muddy terrain. The same seven pilots who
received some instruction on the link trainer yesterday, returned for a bit of the same
today. Eight enlisted men from the 319th Bomb Group (a B-26 outfit) were assigned to
the squadron on temporary duty to study the B-25 aircraft. It is reported that the B-26
outfits will use the B-25 in the future.

446th BS War Diary: October 5 and 6: Regular duties in the area and on the line as no
missions are flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. To-
day’s training consisted of local transition.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 6 October 1944 (continued)

Saturday, 7 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: "D" Flight of
the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, moves from Florence, Italy to Vittel, France
with L-4 and L-5s and joins "A" Flight. In Italy, weather again grounds the medium
bombers; fighter-bombers hit guns and troop concentrations in the battle area, which
extends over a wide front S of Bologna in the region of Monte Stanco, Monte Cauala,
Monte Castellaro, and Monte Ceei, and communications to the N; the 12th Troop Carrier
Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: It was the same old story today with weather again cancelling the
operational mission. Four aircraft tried to buck the elements to go to the bombing range
but no bombs were dropped due to limited visibility. Lt. Baker was sent to the Capri rest
camp. The personnel of the show “Cornzapoppin” finally made it back after an 8-day
stay in the Naples area. Several aircraft were sent over around noon to bring them back
and although the weather was temperamental, no great difficulty was encountered. The
current World Series classic is in full swing and judging from the large assembly around
the radio in the S-2 office in the evening would indicate more than passive interest.
Possibly this might be due to the various pools which bled quite a bit of cash from 445th
pocketbooks.

Baker, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: More promotions are posted, with Lieuts. Goff and Phillips
becoming Captains. Radio gunner Bufkin head for the good old U.S.A.

Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Goff, Leroy R., Jr., Capt, pilot

Phillips, Lowell G., Capt, navigator

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. The
following enlisted men were assigned to this Squadron from 57th Bomb Wg: Sgt Boyd L.
Ramsay, Pvt William D. Porter Jr., Pfc Benjamin H. Wood. Lt Anthony L. Muzinich was
promoted to rank of Capt, per SO 254, Hq 12th AF 4 Oct 1944. To-day’s training
consisted of local transition.

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot Porter, William D., Jr., Pvt, armament

Ramsay, Boyd L., Sgt, personnel Wood, Benjamin H., PFC, ordnance

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 8 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
forces medium bombers to cancel missions; XII Fighter Command fighters are airborne
to support ground forces over the battle area and abort all missions; HQ 60th Troop
Carrier Group and the 28th Troop Carrier Squadron move from Brindisi to Pomigliano
with C-47s. In France, the detachment of the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance
Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance)] operating from Dijon with F-5s returns to base at Valence.

445th BS War Diary: With 16 combat crews standing by, the mission was again
cancelled due to cloudy weather and bad weather over the target area in Italy. This marks
the 5th straight day of enforced inactivity due to weather. Rain in the afternoon and
evening failed to dim the spirits of many of the men this evening due to a very productive
mail call and a delicious supper highlighted by baked chicken.

446th BS War Diary: October 8 and 9: Duties as usual

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. Pfc
Salvatore Stagnitta was promoted to the grade of Cpl per SO 177, Hq 321st Bomb Gp
(M). Usual camp duties were the orders of the day. Morning report: Officers 96,
Enlisted-Men: 344.

Stagnitta, Salvatore, Cpl, medical

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 9 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers, and fighters hit roads, rail crossing,
transport and other targets in the Bologna and Sabbioso areas; the 97th Bombardment
Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves form Follonica to Rosignano
Airfield with A-20s.

445th BS War Diary: The weather here was cloudy but over in Italy it was bad and once
again there was no combat mission. All the squadron gunners reported to the armament
shack on the line for a lecture on cleaning guns. After the lecture they went out and
cleaned their guns. Four aircraft went to the bombing range, there were three transition
flights and one ship went up to swing the compass. A number of public relations pictures
were taken out on the line this afternoon, including a shot of the armament personnel.
There was another good mail call this afternoon followed by a sumptuous beef supper.
Many of the men collect some slices of beef to take to the tent to cook later in the
evening. This, of course, is in line with the good old American practice of “midnight
snacks”.

446th BS War Diary: October 8 and 9: Duties as usual

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s mission cancelled due to weather conditions. To-day’s
training consisted of a local instrument flight and practice bombing. Bombing average of
September for the 321st Bomb Gp was 90.4% as shown by bomb-strike photos.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 10 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
are again grounded due to weather; fighter-bombers, though also hampered by weather,
manage to closely support ground forces, particularly at Monte delle Formiche where US
85th Infantry Division elements are stopped short of the crest, and attack communications
N of the battle area in the N Apennines; the 11th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop
Carrier Group, moves from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The persistently inclement weather in the vicinity of the target in
Italy once again stopped combat operations. The squadron has not flown a combat
mission since the disastrous Galliate raid on the 3rd of the month. Eleven radio gunners
were given instructions on bombing procedures in line with the eventual policy of using
radio gunners as wing bombardiers. Eight engineer-gunners received instructions on
operation of the front turret. Instead of their customary position in the tail, all engineer-
gunners will soon operate these front turret posts. Ice cream was served to the enlisted
men after chow. Although the weather is chilly, America’s favorite desert was none the
less enjoyed.

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Higgins gets his orders to return to the states. Flight
Officer Perlman is made a Second Lieut.

Higgins, Howard A., 1Lt, pilot Perlman, Jacob L., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today, but cancelled due to weather
conditions. Pvt Ellsworth M. Karrenbouer is re-classified from 901 to 59. Seven
Enlisted Men from the 319th Bombardment Group are attached to our squadron for
rations and quarters while familiarizing themselves to a B-25 type aircraft. To-day’s
training consisted of local transition and PDI runs.

Karrenbouer, Ellsworth M., Pvt, duty soldier

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 11 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, despite bad
weather medium bombers attack bridges and supply dumps in the Po Valley; fighter-
bombers and fighters closely support ground forces in the Apennine Mountains between
Florence and Bologna where fierce fighting rages on Monte delle Formiche, Livergnano
escarpment, Monte delle Tombe, Gesso ridge, and Monte Battaglia; also hit are
communications behind the battle area and as far W and N as Genoa, Turin, and Savona;
the detachments of the 16th and 35th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop Carrier Group,
operating from Istres, France returns to base at Ciampino with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The weather finally broke long enough to allow the combat crews
to get away on a mission. 15 crews participated in an attack on the Crema railroad
bridge, Italy. The squadron bombardiers received a 94.6 percent bombing accuracy for
their excellent work. The plane for the Rome rest camp also got off today after being
grounded for 7 straight days. The men enjoyed a fine musical comedy at the outdoor
theater tonight. It was “Chip Off the Old Block” with Donald O’Connor and Peggy
Ryan, a versatile team.

446th BS War Diary: Two missions are flown and on the first mission one of our planes
is hit seriously over the target. Sergeant D.H. Brown bailed out over the target and the
ship had to be ditched before returning to home base. All the crew was rescued though
Sergeant Clickner and Corporal Murch were hospitalized for injuries.

Brown, Dennis H., Sgt, gunner Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Murch, George M., Jr., Cpl, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 407

TARGET: Po Torreberretti Road and R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 11 Oct.1944

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

Lt. Jordan led the formation. Both ends of the bridge received good concentration of
bombs. Report of spans being down. Flak was intense, heavy and accurate from target
area. Lt. Peterson’s plane was badly damaged over the target, and was ditched 10 miles
NE of Cape Corse. Sgt D.H. Brown bailed out of the ship over the target and is MIA.
The others remained with the plane and were picked up by Air-Sea Rescue craft.
Fourteen other planes were holed. Lt. Epstein and S/Sgt Clickner were hospitalized as a
result of flak wounds.

Brown, Dennis H., Sgt, gunner Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Epstein, Joseph H., 2Lt, bombardier Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt, pilot

Peterson, Frederick I., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 408

TARGET: Crema R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 11 Oct.1944

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

Lt. Collins led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area. Several direct hits
seen. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Grove returned early with oil leaks.

Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS Grove, Russell V., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 11 October 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participated in a raid on Torreberretti railroad
bridge (J-776207) with Lt Schweda leading our squadron. Excellent concentration on
target with both east and west spans knocked down resulting in a 100% mission
efficiency and 100% bombing accuracy. On the second mission for the day nine of our
ships participated in a raid on Romano Railroad Bridge, with Capt Stocking leading our
squadron. Several direct hits on the west end and center of bridge. All bombs in target
area and east approach was cut. Mission efficiency 100%, bombing accuracy 100%.
Usual Squadron Duties.

Schweda, George J., 1Lt, pilot Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 371 (582): At 1223 twenty-four (24) planes took off to
bomb Po-Torreberretti RR and RR Bridge in Italy. Six (6) planes from the 448th
participated, flying as lead second flight. No escort. The formation dropped 80 x 1000 #
GP (.1 & .01) bombs from 10,500/11,200 feet. 16 x 1000 # were salvoed when plane in
lead element hit by flak and had an emergency salvo. Excellent concentrations were
scored with both east and west spans knocked down. Observations: thirty (30) RR cars
in M/Y at Torreberretti. Heavy, intense, accurate flak experienced on bomb run and
initial stage of breakaway. 14 A/C holed, 1 B-25 ditched 10 miles N.E. of Cape Corse
with five members picked up by A.S.R., one crew member bailed out over target, chute
seen. Two crew members wounded. Weather: over target – CAVU; Enroute -5/10
cumulus with tops at 8,000 feet, visibility fifteen miles.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 372 (583): At 1330 eighteen (18) planes airborne to
bomb Romano RR Bridge in Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th participated, flying as the
second flight. No escort. The formation dropped 72 x 1000 # .1 & .01 GP bombs from
10,000/10,500 feet. A number of direct hits were seen on the west end and in the center
of the bridge over water and the east approach was knocked out. All bombs were in the
target area. Observations: 25 round top huts five (5) miles SW of Piacenza; Crema RR
bridge observed to have two spans cut after bombing by another mission. No flak or E/A.
Weather: Enroute – 5/10 cumulus tops at 8,000 feet in mountains, visibility unlimited;
target – CAVU.

Thursday, 12 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers, supporting the US Fifth Army, attack communications, supply dumps, and
bivouac and barracks areas S of Bologna; fighter-bombers and XII Fighter Command
fighters, mainly in support of the US Fifth Army, blast supply dumps, gun positions,
troop concentrations, and communications in the high country S of Bologna while the
Desert Air Force (DAF) gives similar support to the British Eighth Army in the Rimini
area.

445th BS War Diary: Both attempts at flying a mission were abortive today due to
weather. Lt. Poteet, a spare in the second mission, returned early and on the way back he
became lost. After a roundabout trip, he finally reached the base here, logging more time
than did the ships that went on the regular mission. Squadron personnel signed the
payroll today. A large number of packages arrived today. Apple pie for desert tonight.

Poteet, Max W., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Three more First Lieutenants in the 446th: Lieuts. Doyle, Leith
and Schmid. A combat mission is flown.

Doyle, John D., 1Lt, pilot Leith, William V., 1Lt, bombardier

Schmid, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 409

TARGET: Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy DATE: 12 Oct.1944

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

Captain Wiginton led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area, which was
covered by a large amount of black smoke. Fires reported. Flak was scant, inaccurate.
An MW-109 seen attacking a recon. A/C.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 410

TARGET: Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy DATE: 12 Oct.1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 9

Lt. Dossey led the formation. Turned back because of bad weather. The same formation
had also been turned back by bad weather in the morning.

Dossey, Vernon C., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: Fifteen of our ships participated in a raid on Casalecchio Fuel
dumps, with Capt Wiginton leading our Squadron. Center of target area well covered
Mission efficiency 93.3%, bombing accuracy 100%. 2nd Lt Vincent J. Gargiulo promoted
to rank of 1st Lt per SO 258, 12th AF. Usual Squadron Duties.

Gargiulo, Vincent J., 1Lt, bombardier Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot

Thursday, 12 October 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission 373 (586): At 1310 thirty-six (36) planes took off to
bomb Casalecchio Fuel dump in Italy. Eighteen (18) planes of the 448th participated.
The formation turned back at 1455 due to 10/10 could coverage. All bombs returned to
base.

Friday, 13 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather cancels
all medium bomber operations except for attacks on 4 targets (bridges and supply dumps)
in the battle area S of Bologna; fighter-bombers support US Fifth Army operations more
successfully in the area, hitting gun emplacements, troop concentrations, supply dumps,
bridges, and vehicles; the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic
Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] moves
from Valence, France to Malignano with F-5s.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent 13 aircraft out in an attack on the Casalecchio
fuel dump, Italy. Due to bad weather, the entire first flight was unable to drop its bombs.
The four planes that filled in the second flight put their bombs in the target area. The
weather was cool and cloudy today with occasional rain falling in the afternoon and at
night. Major Bounds called a meeting for all bombardiers in front of the Operations tent
today emphasizing the need for accurate bombing. This squadron led the group last
month in bombing accuracy and the Major is out for that spot again this month. There is
a rumor circulating to the effect that the outfit will move off the island before Dec 13th.
Of course there is no foundation for such a report. Plenty of packages arrived today.
There was a hamburger supper tonight, the evening of Friday the 13th.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 411

TARGET: Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy DATE: 13 Oct.1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 8

Lt. Collins led the formation. Clouds over the target prevented all but three elements in
the second flight and one element of the third flight from dropping. Eleven planes
dropped through an opening in the clouds. No results observed. Flak was meager,
accurate, heavy, Radar directed from target area. Two planes holed. No fighters.

Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 412

TARGET: Ronca Scrivia R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 13 Oct.1944

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

Major Ziglar led the formation. Did not drop due to bad weather. No flak.

Ziglar, Frank C., Maj, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships participate on a successful nickeling mission
dropping 100 leaflet bombs on Bologna, Molinelle, Imola, Forli and Ravenna, with Lt
Magne leading the formation. The following officers and enlisted men returned from
Rest Camp, Rome, Italy: Capt Leroy Alger, 1st Lt Edward Gates, S/Sgt Ernest E. Byrn,
S/Sgt Hughie L. Curry, S/Sgt Frank J. Flowers, S/Sgt Robert P. Quintenz. The following
officers and enlisted men departed for Rest Camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt George G.

Friday, 13 October 1944 (continued)

VanJohn, 1st Lt Richard L. Willis, 1st Lt Earl H. Remmel, T/Sgt Leo G. Hubert, T/Sgt
Myles O. Williamson, S/Sgt Anthony J. Abbondanza.

Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt, gunner Alger, LeRoy, Capt, pilot

Byrn, Ernest E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt, gunner

Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot

Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Magne, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot

Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot

VanJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Willis, Richard L., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 374 (587): At 1012 thirty-six planes took off to bomb
Casalecchio Fuel dump in Italy. Fifteen (15) planes from the 448th participated. The
formation dropped 88 x 500 # .1 & .025 GP bombs from 10,500/11,000 feet. 20 x 500#
GP bombs returned to base due to weather over target. Clouds over target prevented all
but three elements in second flight and one of the third flight from bombing. 11 planes
dropped through a hole. No results observed due to cloud coverage. No E/A. Heavy,
moderate fairly accurate flak from Sassuola and from Bologne holed two A/C. Weather:
7-8/10 stratocumulus at 6,000/12,000 feet over target. Overcast at 15,000 feet, visibility
2-3 miles. Enroute – 3-5/10 could cover at 3000/6000 feet over water, visibility
unlimited.

Saturday, 14 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
cancels all medium bomber operations; 100+ fighters and fighter-bombers pound troop
concentrations, gun positions, supplies, bridges, roads, and rail lines S, of Bologna where
hard fighting is taking place in the Monterumici, Livergnano, and Gesso ridge areas.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission was cancelled as 14 crews were standing
by. Just before orders came through to cancel the mission, the bomb load was changed to
1000 pound bombs. Luxury rations were distributed to the squadron personnel today.
Some aspirants for the squadron football team were out booting the pigskin around this
afternoon. Roast beef was enjoyed by all at the evening meal.

446th BS War Diary: Duties around the area today as no flying is carried out.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
it was cancelled. T/Sgt Joseph (NMI) Obrazik and Sgt Robert (NMI) O’Neil were
assigned to this Squadron. Sgt Robert C. Stokes is reclassified from 750 to 748. To-
day’s training consisted of local transition.

Obrazik, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt, engineering O'Neil, Robert (NMI), Sgt, communications

Stokes, Robert C., Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 15 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb
bridges in the W Po Valley; B-26s hit bridges in the E part of the Valley, and have
excellent success bombing a railway fill at Ossenigo, trapping 300+ railway cars N of the
target; fighters and fighter-bombers concentrate their efforts toward support of ground
forces along a wide front in the mountains S of Bologna; HQ 63rd Fighter Wing moves
from Bastia, Corsica to San Pietro.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent 12 ships out to help bomb the Pontetidone
railroad bridge, Italy. Bombing accuracy was below par at 63.8 percent. Capt. Hatcher
gave a weather lecture to all pilots, informing them of icing conditions and the kind of
weather they might expect this winter. Ships were sent to the rest camps at Rome and
Capri. Reports from the Air Liaison Officer at group indicated that the entire crew in
Capt. Russell’s ship bailed out and were safe in the hands of Italian partisans. Many of
the men expect them back soon. There was plenty of mail tonight.

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Sergeant R.M. Brown gets his orders for home.

Brown, Ronald M., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 413

TARGET: Monten Fuel Storage Dump, Italy DATE: 15 Oct.1944

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

Captain Farwell led the formation. Did not drop due to bad weather. No flak.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 414

TARGET: Romano Di Lombardia R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 15 Oct.1944

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

Captain Murray led the formation. Fair concentration. Majority of bombs in area of W
approach, possibly cut. The 446th elements mistakenly bombed a road bridge
approximately 2 miles S of target with good concentration. No flak, no fighters. Lt.
Nagel was a spare and returned early.

Murray, Richard E., Capt, pilot, 448th BS Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 415

TARGET: Pontetidone R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 15 Oct.1944

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

Lt. Ligon led the formation. First element of 6 A/C made a second run and dropped an
excellent concentration squarely across middle of bridge. Direct hits reported. Bombs of
other elements hit NW of bridge, some crossing the RR near the W approach. No flak,
no fighters.

Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 15 October 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Fifteen of our ships participated in a raid on the Romano Railroad
Bridge, with Captain Murray leading our Squadron. Fair concentration on center of
bridge with majority of bombs in area or west approach. Bridge reported intact after
bombing. Mission efficiency 46.6%. Bombing accuracy 46.6%. T/Sgt Patterson,
Gordon N., is assigned to this Squadron. The following officers and enlisted men
departed to Rest Camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt Irving L. Altman, 1st Lt Harold Spilko, T/Sgt
Michael P. Freisen, S/Sgt Jerome Goldman, Sgt John E. Wall, Cpl Francis R. Haley Jr.
The following Officers and enlisted-men returned from Rest Camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt
George G. VanJohn, 1st Lt Richard L. Willis, 1st Lt Earl E. Remmel, T/Sgt Leo C. Hubert,
T/Sgt Myles O. Williamson, S/Sgt Anthony J. Abbondanza. Usual Camp Duties.

Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Altman, Irving L., 1Lt, bombardier

Freisen, Michael P., T/Sgt, supply Goldman, Jerome, S/Sgt, Supply

Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Murray, Richard E., Capt, pilot Patterson, Gordon N., T/Sgt, engineering

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot Spilko, Harold, 1Lt, bombardier

VanJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence Wall, John E., Sgt, engineering

Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Willis, Richard L., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 375 (590): At 0840 eighteen (18) planes off to bomb the
Monten Fuel Storage Dump and Alt Novi Ligure Fuel Dump in Italy. Fifteen (15) planes
from the 448th participated. Mission abortive due to weather and all bombs were returned
to base. No escort. No E/A or flak. Observations: four (4) small merchant vessels and
possible cruiser at Savona Harbor. Weather: 8/10 stratocumulus with tops at 4000 feet
over target.

Monday, 16 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bomber
operations are cancelled by bad weather; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit troop
concentrations, bridges, gun positions, road, rail lines, and vehicles in the battle area,
particularly in the Monte Belmonte vicinity.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission was cancelled today with 14 crews
standing by. The entire squadron was shocked today when they learned of an accident on
the beach near the line area when Capt. Yepez, Lt. Baldwin and Lt. Cronk drove their
weapons carrier over a land mine. Lt. Baldwin was the most seriously injured, sustaining
a broken arm and badly bruised back. Capt. Yepez suffered two broken ribs while all 3
are in the hospital. Another productive mail call pepped up the personnel this afternoon
while pork chops was on the menu for supper. A meeting for all enlisted men was held
this evening at the enlisted men’s club for the purpose of drawing a name from the hat to
determine the person to be sent home on rotation. In a stirring scene, the name of Pvt.
Jess Borck was drawn. The lucky Borck is an armorer in the squadron.

Baldwin, Harold O., 1Lt, bombardier Borck, Jess S., Pvt, armament

Cronk, Ronald W., 2Lt, pilot Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator

446th BS War Diary: October 16 and 17: Squadron duties as weather does not permit
any flying. Lieut. Jordan makes Captain and Major Cooper returns from a visit to Paris.

Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander Jordan, Henry L., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day, but was cancelled due to
weather conditions. 1st Lt Edward Krafka returned from 15th Field Hospital to this
Squadron. Usual Squadron Duties. Local training flights.

Krafka, Edward, 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 17 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather cancels
all medium bomber operations and limits fighter-bombers to limited sorties in the battle
area S of Bologna, hitting roads, rail lines and bridges; A-20s during the night of 16/17
Oct on armed reconnaissance over the Po Valley bomb targets of opportunity and cause
explosions on N edge of Ravenna.

445th BS War Diary: Fourteen crews again were standing by but the mission was
cancelled. The weather this month has been very poor and so far only 5 missions have
been flown. This is a new low for the squadron which is accustomed to flying regularly.
A Sergeant who escaped from the Po valley area gave an escape lecture to the combat
crews this evening. Some material to construct a Nissen but arrived today. The show
“Cornzapoppin” was dragged out of the moth balls and put on at the 340th group tonight.

446th BS War Diary: October 16 and 17: Squadron duties as weather does not permit
any flying. Lieut. Jordan makes Captain and Major Cooper returns from a visit to Paris.

Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander Jordan, Henry L., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
it was cancelled. 1st Lt Charles G. Wakeley returned to the Squadron from the 15th Field
Hospital. T/Sgt Joseph J. Parisi transferred to Detachment of Patients, 40th Station
Hospital. Training for to-day consisted of local transition and training flights.

Parisi, Joseph J., T/Sgt, photographer Wakeley, Charles G., III, 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 18 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, most medium
bomber missions are aborted because of weather, but B-26s effectively hit Castel San
Pietro dell'Emilia warehouses and a railroad bridge at Padua; fighters and fighter-
bombers, operating on restricted schedule due to weather, offer effective close support to
ground forces in the mountains S of Bologna and hit communications targets in the
Bologna and Modena areas; during the night of 17/18 Oct A-20s on armed
reconnaissance bomb lights and vehicles E of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: Twelve ships from the squadron joined the group to hit the feared
Galliate road bridge, Italy. Due to weather conditions, no bombs were dropped.
Construction was initiated on the Nissen hut for operations-intelligence. Work is being
done by the grounded gunners with that reliable work-house Sgt. Stanford and his
assistant Cpl. Pinson leading the way. Fresh frankfurters for supper. They were too
tough.

Pinson, John B., Cpl, carpenter Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter

446th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Gambino is made a First Lieutenant. A mission is
flown after several days of inactivity.

Gambino, Samuel F., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 416

TARGET: Galliate RR Bridge, Italy DATE: 18 Oct.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 13

Captain Farwell led the formation. Turned back just short of I.P. because of bad weather.
Flak was heavy, meager, inaccurate observed near Asti. Lt. Matthews was a spare and
returned early.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, 448th BS Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Thirteen of our planes participated in a raid on Galliate Road
Bridge, in Italy, with Capt Speer leading our Squadron. Due to weather conditions, cloud
coverage, all bombs were returned to the base. The following Officers and enlisted men
have returned to the Squadron from Rome Rest Camp: 1st Lt Irving L. Altman, 1st Lt
Harold Spilko, T/Sgt Michael P. Freisen, S/Sgt Jerome Goldman, Sgt John E. Wall, Cpl
Francis R. Haley Jr. Sgt Richard H. Pearl reclassified from 747 to 748.

Altman, Irving L., 1Lt, bombardier Freisen, Michael P., T/Sgt, supply

Goldman, Jerome, S/Sgt, Supply Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament

Pearl, Richard H., Sgt, gunner Spilko, Harold, 1Lt, bombardier

Wall, John E., Sgt, engineering

448th BS War Diary: Mission 376 (593) (50) planes took off to bomb the Galliate Road
Bridge in Italy. Twelve planes from the 448th participated. The formation did not drop
any bombs due to adverse weather and all bombs were returned to the base. No escort,

Wednesday, 18 October 1944 (continued)

no opposition. Observations: 1 B-25 left formation and followed a B-25 in distress about
15 miles North of Calvi. B-25 was followed around Cape Corse and at 1700 hours 7
chutes were seen about 10 miles north of Bastia. Air Sea Rescue Walrus was seen in
area. Weather: 9/10 stratocumulus at 8000 feet, visibility 15 miles.

Thursday, 19 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Twelfth AF redesignates
HQ XII Fighter Command as HQ XXII Tactical Air Command following a
reorganization period during which the XXII Tactical Air Command was temporarily
referred to as "X" Tactical Air Command and "X-Ray" Tactical Air Command, to
distinguish it from HQ XII Fighter Command around which it was formed. In Italy, B-
26s attack the Mantua causeway, a railway fill at Ossenigo, and bridges at Calcinato and
Peschiera del Garda; a Luftwaffe fighter attack NW of Mantua accounts for 2 B-26s lost
and 1 missing; at least 2 of the attacking fighters are destroyed; B-25s attack bridges in
the Milan area at Lonate Pozzolo, Cameri, and Magenta; fighter-bombers of the XXII
Tactical Air Command hit targets in support of ground forces, concentrating on the
Monte Grande area, and attack rail lines and bridges N of the battle zone. On the night of
18/19 Oct A-20s hit targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance in the Genoa and
Bologna areas.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled for today as 13 crews stood by in vain.
A plane was sent to Catania for liquor and foodstuffs. News was received which had a
sobering effect on the men concerning Capt. Russell and crew. It was learned that only
Lt. Martin was safe in the hands of partisans. Capt. Russell and the others are now
prisoners of war. There was no training today as strong cross-winds prevented aircraft
from taking off. The Mitchell-Aires serenaded the 447th squadron tonight.

Martin, William H., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: October 19 and 20: More idle days as no missions are able to get
away due to weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
it was cancelled. 1st Lt Hubert P.T. Jensen, T/Sgt Robert R. Vineski, relieved from
assignment and transferred to 7th Replacement Depot for transshipment to U.S. Officers
celebrated a party in the Officer’s Club with Colonel R.H. Smith, Commanding Officer,
321st Bomb Gp (M) in attendance.

Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt, pilot Vineski, Robert R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

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

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 20 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, the weather
clears, permitting for the first time in several days a maximum effort by medium bombers
which attack 12 bridges and railroad fills in the Po Valley; fighter-bombers of the XXII
Tactical Air Command, operating on full scale, blast gun positions, troop concentrations,
supply dumps, and communications targets in close support of the US Fifth Army's drive
on Bologna from the S; the fighter-bombers concentrate on approaches to the Monte
Grande area to prevent counterattacks.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th squadron helped gain sweet revenge on the Galliate area
today as they went out to weather an intense and accurate flak barrage to smash the road
bridge here with many direct hits, knocking out two spans with 100 percent bombing
accuracy. There were 3 single-engine landings, including Lt. Eatherly from this
squadron, but no planes were lost nor was anyone injured seriously. Major Bounds
presented some Air Medals and several awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross in the
squadron area this afternoon. Sgt. H.C. Zimmer, who went to the Medical Disposition
Board at Florence, is now on his way to the USA. In another drawing held at the enlisted
men’s club, the name of S/Sgt. Hiram P. Stanford was drawn and the squadron’s hard-
working carpenter will go home soon on the 30-day rotation plan.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander Eatherly, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot

Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter Zimmer, H. C., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: October 19 and 20: More idle days as no missions are able to get
away due to weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 417

TARGET: Galliate Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 20 Oct.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (12 ships) Window (1 ship) 446th Planes: 13

Lt. Dorsey led the formation. Several elements scored direct hits on center and W end of
bridge. One span on W and Two spans in center observed down. Both approaches well
hit. Flak was meager, inaccurate, moderate and out of range, on the way out. Moderate
to intense on bomb run. One plane missing, last seen in target area. Lt. Pietrowski was a
spare and returned early.

Dossey, Vernon C., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Eleven of our ships participated in a raid on the Galliate Road
Bridge, in Northern Italy, with Lt Rice leading our Squadron. Excellent concentration of
bombs on target, scoring direct hits on the center and west end knocking two spans down
in the center and one span at the west end. Strings also hit both approaches. Bombing
accuracy, 100%. Mission efficiency, 62%. 1 plane failed to return. 1st Lt Richard L.
Willis (MIA), 2nd Lt Edmund R. Harvey (MIA), F/O James I. Wentz (MIA), S/Sgt
Anthony J. Abbondanza (MIA), S/Sgt William T. Mabbutt (MIA). Pfc Richard N.
Helwig returned to the Squadron from the 15th Field Hospital.

Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot Helwig, Richard N., PFC, engineering

Friday, 20 October 1944 (continued)

A/C No. unknown shot down

Willis, Richard L., 1Lt

Wentz, James I., F/O

None

Harvey, Edmund R., 2Lt

Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt

Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt

None

448th BS War Diary: Mission 377 (594): At 1011 fifty planes took off to bomb Galliate
Road Bridge in Italy. Twelve planes from the 448th participated, flying as the lead
squadron. The formation dropped 152x1000# .1 & .01 GP bombs. Two planes dropped
chaff. 20x1000# GP returned due to malfunction of racks. 16 were salvoed by planes hit
by flak and in difficulty. No escort. Excellent concentration of bombs observed on target
with direct hits on the center and west end of the bridge. Two spans were knocked down
in the center and one span at the west end. Strings also hit both approaches.
Observation: Much smoke and any fires in Milan, 50/75 RR cars in M/Y at Voghera.
Opposition: Heavy, scant, inaccurate flak from San Margherita. Heavy, moderate, out of
range flak from Alessandria. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from Vigevano. Heavy
moderate, fairly accurate from Vercelli & Torreberretti. At the target the flak was
moderate to intense at the beginning of the bomb run and became more intense through
the run. Heavy, intense flak on the breakaway. One plane missing, last seen in target
area. Twenty-nine (29) planes holed and three (3) crew members wounded. Weather:
CAVU.

Saturday, 21 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-26s, in the day's only
medium bomber mission in Italy, attack Nervesa della Battaglia railroad bridge and
causeway; fighters and fighter-bombers operate in close support of US Fifth Army forces
S of Bologna and fighter-bombers also hit communications in N Italy as far N as Verona
and as far W as Turin; during the night of 20/21 Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity
during intruder missions N of battle area.

445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were standing by for the mission but it was finally
cancelled. Weather also grounded all training. Lt. Wolfe, on the latest Cairo trip,
returned on a 448th plane to report that Lt. Dyer would weather-in on his trop from Cairo.
The entire crew was delayed at their departure due to the fact that Lt. Place was
hospitalized with many cuts on his face due to a scrape with British sailors. All
contestants in the bout were under the influence of alcohol and thus it is believed that all
that British-American relations are still amicable. Another rumor cropped up today to the
effect that all Allied troops must be off the island of Corsica by December 10. The
rumor-mongers are really trying to get the outfit off the island. The combat crew gunners
and Sgt. Stanford are putting the finishing touches on the Nissen hut. The Mitchell-Airs
entertained this evening at the Officers club.

Dyer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot Place, Winston R., 1Lt, pilot

Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter Wolfe, Robert A., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Private Webber is made a Private First Class.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions,
it was cancelled. Sgt Realus W. Shattler placed on TD with Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M). Cpl
Geno C. Franzi and Cpl Price F. Harris relieved from assignment and transferred to 7th
Replacement Depot for transshipment to U.S., per SO Hq 12th AF, dated 15 Oct 1944
(rotation). The following enlisted men were promoted to grade of T/Sgt: S/Sgt Robert J.
Balling, S/Sgt John A. Keefe. The following enlisted men were promoted to grade of
S/Sgt: Sgt Smith B. Applegarth, Sgt Harold R. Bauder, and Sgt Harry B. Burns. The
following enlisted men were promoted to grad of Sgt: Cpl Carl F. Netzel, and Cpl Robert
E young. 1st Lt Svend P. Olson returned to the Squadron from Laredo Gunnery School,
Laredo, Texas.

Applegarth, Smith B., S/Sgt, gunner Balling, Robert J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Burns, Harry B., S/Sgt, photographer

Franzi, Geno C., Cpl, intelligence Harris, Price F., Cpl, armament

Keefe, John A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Netzel, Carl F., Sgt, gunner

Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot Shattler, Realus W., Sgt, communications

Young, Robert E., Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 22 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
grounds all medium bombers and A-20s; fighters and fighter-bombers, flying less than 20
sorties, hit rail lines and trains in N Italy; the 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop
Carrier Group, moves from Galera Airfield to Brindisi with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled today due to bad weather which was
rainy, cloudy and cold. The plane from Cairo returned today and Lt. Place’s face was
swathed in bandages. Capt. James O. Jackson, Intelligence Officer, left for the United
States today on the 30-day rotation plan, having been the lucky winner of the draw held
for the ground officers in the squadron. Lt. Lowman will act as S-2 Officer until Capt.
Jackson returns. Fresh frankfurters were enjoyed for supper. There was quite a bit of
drinking at the club tonight after the Cairo special returned this afternoon. A large
number of squadron personnel are complaining about the overabundance of mice in many
of the tents. A number of rat traps have been procured and a big haul already is reported.
Corporal Chris “Galom” Beccarelli especially is fearful of the pesky rodents and has
taken elaborate pains at preventing their interference with his sleep. His defense includes
a mosquito net which is drawn taut around his bed at night.

Jackson, James O., Capt, intelligence Lowman, Robert S., 2Lt, intelligence

Place, Winston R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: October 22 and 23: More days with no combat flying because of
inclement weather over the mainland.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-cay but due to weather conditions
was cancelled. The following named Officers and Enlisted-Men were transferred to 7th
Replacement Depot, on rotation, to U.S.: 1st Lt Wayne A. Manz, 1st Lt Orval L.
Schnoebelen, S/Sgt Elmon P. Harriman, S/Sgt Clifford A. Rose, Cpl Aloysius E.
Coggins. Usual camp duties.

Coggins, Aloysius E., Cpl, engineering Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt,

Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt, pilot Rose, Clifford A., S/Sgt, gunner

Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 23 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
grounds medium bombers; fighters and fighter-bombers, although cancelling many
operations, cause much damage to transportation, destroying or damaging numerous
locomotives, railroad cars, and motor transport, and damaging vessels in the Savona,
Turin, Padua, and Genoa areas; HQ 86th Fighter Group and the 526th Fighter Squadron
move from Grosseto to Pisa with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The weather this morning was clear but it was bad in Italy. Then
this afternoon the weather got into the proper spirit and went bad again as rain fell. The
operations-intelligence section moved to the new Nissen hut and a heating unit was set up
to warm the structure. The unit, used to heat airplane engines, throws hot air through the
hut. O.D. clothing was distributed by the supply department today.

446th BS War Diary: October 22 and 23: More days with no combat flying because of
inclement weather over the mainland.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: One of our planes participated n a weather reconnaissance
mission. The following named Officer and EM, MIA over Galliate were dropped from
rolls: 1st Lt Richard L. Willis, 2nd Lt Edmund R. Harvey, F/O James I. Wentz, S/Sgt
Anthony J. Abbondanza, S/Sgt William T. Mabbutt. Usual Squadron duties. Morning
Report: Officers, 90, EM, 340.

Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Harvey, Edmund R., 2Lt, bombardier

Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Wentz, James I., F/O, pilot

Willis, Richard L., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 24 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
the medium bombers; 300+ XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers
attack targets in support of the US Fifth Army S of Bologna and hit communications and
shipping in the Turin-Genoa and E Po Valley areas, destroying 14 locomotives and 100+
railroad cars; during the night of 23/24 Oct A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the Po
Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Weather stepped in again to stop operational plans and thirteen
crews who were standing by returned to their tents for the day. However, there was some
training and some bombardiers spent some time on the bomb trainer. Lt. Col. Cassidy
conducted an inspection of the squadron area today. Material for a pre-fabricated hut
arrived today. New plans now have operations-intelligence moving the pre-fab with the
Medics while supply is to take over the Nissen hut now occupied by operations. The 6-
man touch footfall team representing the enlisted men and officers of this squadron
tangled this afternoon in a practice scrimmage. Capt. Yepez, who was injured in the
accident recently when his weapons carrier ran over a land mine, returned to the squadron
today nursing some broken ribs – still an extremely lucky man.

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

Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator

446th BS War Diary: Lucky men heading for home include Lts. Meier and Vancil plus
EM Burrow, Jacob, Kane, Larson, Ricke and Zelnick.

Burrow, Isom F., S/Sgt, gunner Kane, Ronald J., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Larson, Ralph L., S/Sgt, gunner Meier, Donald J., 1Lt, communications

Ricke, Richard O., S/Sgt, gunner Vancil, Alfred E., 1Lt, pilot

Zelnick, John J., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
was cancelled. The following named Officers and EM were placed on TD, with Capri
Rest Camp: 1st Lt Wendell E. Marchant, 1st Lt Robert W. Mulholland, 2nd Lt Albert K.
Condit, S/Sgt Robert W. Engels, S/Sgt Jack Yates, Cpl Lawrence I. Kearney, Pfc Arnold
W. Vollbrecht. To-day’s training consisted of local transition and practice bombing.

Condit, Albert K., 2Lt, pilot Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner

Kearney, Lawrence I., Cpl, engineering Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot

Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot Vollbrecht, Arnold W., PFC, engineering

Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 25 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers blast guns, vehicles, and communications in
the battle area S of Bologna while fighters destroy 20+ locomotives in the Piacenza area;
the 10th Troop Carrier Squadron moves from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Combat missions and training flights were off definitely today due
to a torrential downpour of rain which continued all day really flooding the area. Plans
are being laid for a football league in the group. Teams from each squadron – both
officer and enlisted men – together with headquarters and ordnance will participate. Six-
man football is the brand to be played. Hamburgers were served for supper tonight. At
night, the Mitchell-Aires serenaded at the enlisted men’s club.

446th BS War Diary: October 25 and 26: A pair of no-flying days once more and all
departments catch up on a bit of maintenance work.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
it was cancelled. The following named Officers and EM were assigned and joined from
57th Bomb Wing, per Par 1, SO 187, Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M): 2nd Lt Paul R. Pede (P), 2nd
Lt John W. Yerger (P), 2nd Lt Vernon L. Schmoke (B), Pvt Harold Phares Jr., (RC), Sgt
Daniel P. McMenamin Jr., (EG), Cpl Samuel E. Fromm (AG). Usual Squadron Duties.
1st Lt Merlin Hueppchen, shot down behind enemy lines 28 May 1944, returned to
Squadron 25 Oct 1944 vial 12th AFHQ.

Fromm, Samuel E., Cpl, aerial gunner Hueppchen, Merlin O., 2Lt, pilot

McMenamin, Daniel P., Jr., Sgt, engineer-gunner Pede, Paul R., 2Lt, pilot

Phares, Harold, Jr., Pvt, radio-gunner Schmoke, Vernon L., 2Lt, bombardier

Yerger, John W., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 26 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather suspends all
operations. The 527th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from Grosseto to Pisa,
Italy with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The rainy weather which has plagued the group all month set in
again today and again there was no mission. Rain fell hard in the morning, then let up for
a while in the afternoon to permit a practice scrimmage between the officers and enlisted
men. However, it began late in the afternoon and continued the remainder of the day.
The runway and taxi-strips together with many hard-stands are in a semi-flooded
condition. Construction was begun on the pre-fabricated hut to be shared by operations-
intelligence and the Medics. Sgt. Stanford once again is head man on the job. There is a
great deal of interest shown in the squadron concerning the big naval battle taking place
off the Philippines at present.

446th BS War Diary: October 25 and 26: A pair of no-flying days once more and all
departments catch up on a bit of maintenance work.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
was cancelled. To-day’s training consisted of local transition, instrument flights and
practice bombing. Usual Squadron Duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 26 October 1944 (continued)

Friday, 27 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather curtails
operations; fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance in the Genoa-Novi Ligure-Turin
area hit communications and transportation targets.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was again postponed due to wet grounds, as baseball
critics put it. The squadron’s combat crews attended a lecture held at group and heard the
importance of propaganda leaflets discussed. There was a great deal of discussion
throughout the squadron today concerning the plane lost by the 446th on a routine trop to
Rome today. More than passive interest was shown due to the fact that the ship was
formerly in this squadron and that a number of the passengers were buddies of men in
this squadron. Two men were lost at sea and one died later in the hospital. There was a
gun inspection held today. Plenty of mail arrived today to bolster rain-soaked moral.

446th BS War Diary: Tragedy struck at the squadron today as the plane to Rome rest
camp was forced to ditch under extreme emergency. First Lieutenant Paul R. Noel and
Master Sergeant Homer Holm were killed during the ditching and all personnel were sent
to the hospital after Air/Sea Rescue was sent out. Promotions are posted for Sergeants
Cifuni, Davis and Shettleworth to Staff and new Sergeants are Huntoon and Wilking.

Cifuni, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Holm, Homer E., M/Sgt, engineering

Huntoon, Stuart L., Sgt, turret gunner Noel, Paul R., 2Lt, bombardier

Shettleworth, William E., S/Sgt, gunner Wilking, Robert L., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
it was cancelled. The following name Officers and EM are placed on TD to Cairo,
Egypt: 1st Lt Grover C. Brown Jr., 1st Lt Gordon J. Brule, 1st Lt John R. Gillis, 1st Lt Eric
A. Johnson, 1st Lt Henry J. Magne, S/Sgt Dale G. Miller, S/Sgt Robert P. Quintenz, T/Sgt
Albert V. Hanley, Sgt Cornelius J. Sexton. T/Sgt Joseph J. Parisi is placed on TD with
Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M). Sgt Robert O’Neil transferred to 313th Signal Corp, Per SO 160,
Hq 57th Bomb Wg. The following EM were promoted to grades indicated per Par 2, SO
190, Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M), dtd 26 Oct 1944: Leo J. Martin, T/Sgt, Robert R. Plutchak,
S/Sgt, George D. Merrill, S/Sgt. Usual Squadron Duties.

Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Brule, Gordon J., 1Lt, bombardier

Gillis, John R., 1Lt, pilot Hanley, Albert V., T/Sgt, transportation

Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt, pilot Magne, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot

Martin, Leo J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Merrill, George D., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner O'Neil, Robert (NMI), Sgt, communications

Parisi, Joseph J., T/Sgt, photographer Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Sexton, Cornelius J., Sgt, operations

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 28 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
again grounds the medium bombers, and restricts the XXII Tactical Air Command;
fighter-bombers and fighters, flying 65 sorties, attack vehicles and trains in the Turin-
Milan-Genoa area.

445th BS War Diary: For a delightful change, the weather was beautiful today but not
so for the weather in Italy and the mission was again cancelled. Lts. Coale and Wren,
who left the squadron several months ago on 30-day rotation, returned today and were
warmly greeted by their buddies. They answered quite a few questions concerning latest
conditions in the good old USA. Luxury rations were distributed to the men late this
afternoon. “Beaucoup” mail arrived today. The 445th officers and enlisted men opened
up activities in their respective leagues with a bang today and there was good and bad
news to be revealed after the day’s play had been completed. On the good part of the
ledger, Lt. Robson’s fleet 445th officers edged out the officers of the 448th, 6-0 while the
squadron’s enlisted men dropped a heart-breaker to the headquarters enlisted men, 12-7.

Coale, Julian R., 2Lt, pilot Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt, bombardier

Wren, Frank J., 2Lt, pilot/bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Corporal Udell I Adams dies of injuries suffered in the ditching of
the 27th.

Adams, Udell I., Cpl, communications

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
it was cancelled. A formation was held by our Squadron at 0500 hours and General
Robert D. Knapp presented the awards to the men who had won them in combat. DFC’s,
Air Medals, Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Hearts, and Bronze Stars were awarded. T/Sgt
Edmond Schwegmann placed on DS with 42nd Bomb Wing, per SO 159, Hq 57th Bomb
Wing. The following EM shot down 28 May 1944 returned to Squadron 26 Oct 1944 via
AFHQ: S/Sgt Leo J. Martin, Sgt Robert R. Plutchak, Sgt Geo D. Merrill, upon return
were promoted. Usual Squadron Duties.

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

Martin, Leo J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Merrill, George D., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Plutchak, Robert R., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Schwegmann, Edmund D., T/Sgt, communications

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 29 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
restricts operations; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers fly 15 sorties against
railroad targets in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: There was nothing unusual about the cancellation of today’s
combat mission due to weather. The men are becoming quite accustomed to it. Some of
the line personnel, notably the armorers and bomb-loaders, welcome the weather as it
gives them a well-earned rest from their wearying and monotonous task of hoisting heavy
bombs into B-25 bomb bays day after day and night. Once again, operations and
intelligence moved their quarters, taking up their present spot in the pre-fabricated hut
which they are sharing with the medics. Squadron supply wasted no time in taking over
the Nissen hut. There was plenty of training flown today. Meat loaf was enjoyed for
supper.

446th BS War Diary: Duties about the area and on the line.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: To-day’s training consisted of transition and practice bombing.
The following name Officers and EM were relieved from assignment and assigned to 7th
Replacement Depot (on rotation) for transshipment to U.S.: Capt Leroy Alger, 1st Lt
Irving L. Altman, 1st Lt Ivan E. Dean, 1st Lt Gerald E. Fisher, 1st Lt James M. Rosenbledt,
1st Lt Harold Spilko, 1st Lt Marvin L. Spruill, 1st Lt Walter N. Vieser, 1st Lt James A.
Webb, T/Sgt Joseph D. Alpino, T/Sgt Aubrey W. Chatters, T/Sgt Paul R. Free, T/Sgt Leo
C. Hubert, T/Sgt Edward S. Korzeniowski, T/Sgt William E. Mathews, T/Sgt William H.
Pierce, S/Sgt Leonard W. Ford, S/Sgt John Jaskowski, S/Sgt Watson L. Porter, S/Sgt
Arthur Schwartz, S/Sgt L.E. Sheppard, S/Sgt Frederick J. Tarra. Usual Squadron Duties.

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

Altman, Irving L., 1Lt, bombardier Chatters Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner

Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt, pilot Fisher, Gerald E., 1Lt, bombardier

Ford, Leonard W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Free, Paul L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Jaskowski, John, S/Sgt, gunner

Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt, gunner Mathews, William E., T/Sgt, gunner

Pierce, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Porter, Watson L., S/Sgt,

Rosenbledt, James M., 1Lt, bombardier Schwartz, Arthur, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Sheppard, L. E., S/Sgt, gunner Spilko, Harold, 1Lt, bombardier

Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt, bombardier Tarra, Frederick J., S/Sgt, gunner

Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt, bombardier Webb, James A., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 30 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 16th
Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, begins a movement from
Foggia, Italy to the US; the squadron flew combat in the MTO and ETO with B-17s as a
radar detection and countermeasures unit from Sep 43 to Sep 44. In Italy, weather again
grounds the medium bombers and limits XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers
and fighters to 51 sorties against scattered targets in the Po Valley. In France, the 111th
Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command (attached to Provisional
Reconnaissance Group), moves from Dijon to Azelot with F-6s.

445th BS War Diary: No mission once again due to inclement weather but there was
quite a bit of training. Plenty of mail arrived today. Tonight was mischief night and
appropriately enough Cpl. Angelo Kangas came through with some well-planned and
executed mischief. It seems that three new combat crews arrived today – 10 officers and
11 enlisted men – and one of the obviously new and uninformed men inquired as to the
prospects of procuring lumber immediately and also as to the possibilities of a detail to
erect same into a tent. The O.D. passed the event on to Kangas who immediately hatched
the plot that sent one of the new officers down to group and various other squadrons in
the search of some promised lumber which never appeared. Sgt. Yoa was his chauffeur
and was eventually the one to slip and allow the prank to be exposed. No hard feelings
were harbored by anyone. After all, the men are new and it was mischief night.

Kangas, Angelo J., Cpl, operations Yoa, Harry, Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Flight Officer Gallagher is made a Second Lieutenant.

Gallagher, Andrew R., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The first foot-ball game of the season was played on our field
between the Officers of our Squadron and the Officers of Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M), final
score: Hq 321st: 0, 447th Bomb: 18. Pvt Harold Phares Jr. was promoted to the grade of
Corporal. Morning Report: Officers: 83, EM: 320. Usual Squadron Duties. The
following named Officers and EM were assigned and joined from 57th Bomb Wing Per
SO 192, Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M): 2nd Lt Frederick Smith, 2nd Lt Richard C. Briggs, 1st Lt
Joseph G. Boyle Jr., 2nd Lt Norman I. Rose, F/O Lester W. Volkmann, F/O Shelby D.
Wallis, 2nd Lt George S. Fairchild, Cpl Halt, John A. Cpl Carroll G. Appleman, Pvt Bruce
M. Ferrell, Pvt Harry A. Keenan, Cpl Paul W. Finnegan, Cpl Frank W. Hunsaker. 1st Lt
William E. Levine was promoted to rank of Captain, per SO 277, Hq 12th AF. 2nd Lt Joe
W. Gould was promoted to rank of 1st Lt per SO 280, Hq 12th AF. 2nd Lt Frederick E.
Loewus was assigned and joined from 57th Bomb Wing.

Appleman, Carroll G., Cpl, gunner Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

Briggs, Richard C., 2Lt, pilot Fairchild, George S., 2Lt, pilot

Finnegan, Paul W., Cpl, gunner Gould, Joe W., 1Lt, bombardier, navigator

Halt, John A., Cpl, gunner Hunsaker, Frank W., Jr., Cpl, gunner

Keenan, Harry A., Pvt, gunner Levine, William E., Capt, intelligence

Monday, 30 October 1944 (continued)

Loewus, Frederick E., 2Lt, pilot Phares, Harold, Jr., Cpl, radio-gunner

Rose, Norman I., 2Lt, pilot Smith, Frederick H., 2Lt, pilot

Volkmann, Lester W., F/O, bombardier Wallis, Shelby D., F/O, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 31 October 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-26s hit a
bridge and causeway at Nervesa della Battaglia and bridges at Montebello and Piazzola
sul Brenta; fighter-bombers attack guns and positions in the battle area S of Bologna in
the Apennines, and communications and shipping targets in the Po Valley and on the Po
River.

445th BS War Diary: Ten combat crews were standing by for the mission today but bad
weather in Italy stopped operations again. The squadron hasn’t flown a mission since the
20th of this month and today marks the 11th consecutive idle day as far as combat flying is
concerned. The crews are very restless and “eager” to resume flying but the weather just
won’t break. This lull in combat activity represents one of the longest prolonged spells of
inactivity yet experienced by the squadron since it came into combat. Today was payday
for all the men. Lt. Rigler and Sgts. Chambers, Johnson and Andrews returned from the
States today following their 30-day prolonged sojourn in “God’s Country”. They were
enthusiastically greeted by the men. Football practice was held again today. Pork chops
was the highlight at supper tonight.

Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt, gunner Chambers, Jimmie, Sgt, engineer-gunner

Johnson, John E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lieutenant Hurley and Sergeant E.M. Leary return from the states
on combat leave after flying their missions. Report reaches the squadron that Staff
Sergeant A.P. Valenti, who was MIA since January 13, 1944, is a prisoner of Germany.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

October 1944

445th BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1944

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Gp. (M)

APO 650

15 November 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

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

1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period October1st to October 31st.

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

b. Changes in organization.

1. 1st Lt. Thomas W. Ashton, assistant S-2 Officer to 321st group with 1st Lt.

Ragnar G. Lind coming from group to this squadron.

2. 2nd Lt. Kenneth E. Ireland, assistant Armament Officer to 321st group with 1st

Lt Wendell C. Horne coming from group to this squadron.

c. Strength commissioned and enlisted.

1. Month of October, 1944.

(a) 446 at beginning.

(b) 16 net increase.

d. Stations.

1. Solenzara Air Field.

e. Movements.

1. None

f. Operations:

1. During the Month of October, the squadron participated in 116 Sorties and 10
Missions.

g. Command Officers in important missions.

On October 11 Operations Officer Capt. Leon F. Hatcher was in the lead plane of a
large formation of B-25s sent out to attack the Crema railroad bridge, pin-point span in
northern Italy. The results of this mission were very successful. A number of direct hits
were reported with bombing accuracy set at 94.6 percent.

h. Losses in action.

1. Two squadron aircraft and 13 personnel were listed as “missing in action”
following an attack on the Galliate road bridge, Italy.

October 1944 (continued)

a. Aircraft No. 43-27740, leading the squadron’s flight, was hit and gradually
lost altitude and crew members all bailed out. They include: Capt. Lawrence L. Russell,
pilot; 1st Lt. John W. Martin, co-pilot; Capt. Robert R. Casaburi, navigator; 1st Lt. Daniel
(NMI) Galindo, bombardier; S/Sgt. William R. Hickey, engineer-gunner; T/Sgt. John M.
Plott, radio-gunner; and Cpl. Joseph A. Tronolone, turret gunner.

b. Aircraft No. 42-27553 was hit and seen to go down in flames and later was
reported to have exploded. The crew was 1st Lt. Robert R. Frank, pilot; 1st Lt. Donald C.
Reed, copilot; 1st Lt. Joseph M. Voelker, bombardier; Cpl Emanuel (NMI) Miller,
engineer-gunner; T/Sgt. Olin (NMI) Davis, Jr., radio-gunner; S/Sgt Thomas J. Bricen, Jr.,
turret gunner.

i. During the month of October, the following men received the Distinguished Flying
Cross: 1st Lt. Allen L. Daggett (pilot), 1st Lt. Robert H. Dyer (pilot), 1st Lt. Lloyd L.
Finkhouse (bombardier) who also received an oak leaf cluster to his DFC, 1st Lt.
Sigmund M. Fischer (navigator), 1st Lt. Donald M. Hadsell (pilot), 1st Lt. Robert J. Klein
(bombardier), 1st Lt. Lawrence L. Lyons (pilot), 1st Lt. Samuel A. Monger, Jr. (pilot), 1st
Lt. Henry D. Moore (pilot), 1st Lt. Richard W. Palmer (bombardier), 1st Lt. Earl E.
Rehrig (pilot), 1st Lt. Harry F. Sides (bombardier), 1st Lt. Raymond (NMI) Smith
(navigator). Capt. Lawrence L. Russell (pilot) was awarded the 1st oak leaf cluster to his
DFC. Major Robert H. Neumann (pilot) was awarded the Silver Star. Award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross also went to S/Sgt. William W. Henry (gunner). In addition,
there were 33 Air Medals and 655 oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal awarded during the
month.

For the Commanding Officer:

1 Incl.

Incl (1) – War Diary ROBERT G. LOWMAN,
1st Lt., Air Corps,

Asst. S-2 Officer.

October 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF

1 November 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 1944

A. Original Unit

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

2. Organized August 1, 1942

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

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

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

centers.

B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted:

1. 1 October 1944 104 Officers, 349 Enlisted Men

2. Net Increase None None

3. Net Decrease 4 Officers 9 Enlisted Men

4. 31 October 1944 100 Officers, 340 Enlisted Men

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements

1. Engagements:

Piacenza, Italy

2. Major Paul T. Cooper (pilot)

E. Losses in action:
1. Sgt D.H. Brown bailed out over Po Torreberretti, Italy and is (MIA)

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

John E. Chapman (1Lt, navigator) Raymond W. Gittings (1Lt, pilot)

John Fitzgerald (1Lt, pilot) Paul J. Ivankovig (1Lt, pilot)

Robert G. Hipson (1Lt, pilot) Walton M. Ligon (1Lt, pilot)

John W. Matthews Jr. (1Lt, pilot) Gus J. Mexal (2Lt, bombardier)

Harry A. Swanson (2Lt, pilot) Frederick I. Peterson (1Lt, pilot)

Connally O. Briles (1Lt, pilot) Charles E. Nagel (1Lt, pilot)

Donald D. Rackley (1Lt, pilot) Robert D. Wallace (1Lt, pilot)

Paul R. Noel (2Lt, bombardier) Stanley E. Wozniak (1Lt, pilot)

Walter Wojcik (1Lt, pilot)

October 1944 (continued)

2. The Bronze Star Medal was awarded to:

Sgt Anthony J. Antonelli (radio-gunner) S/Sgt John A. Dechert (engineering)

Sgt Arvid R. Byman (engineering) T/Sgt Anthony J. Mancuso (engineering)

Sgt Ralph J. DuCharme (engineering) T/Sgt Wallace Mioduszewski (engineering)

M/Sgt Gerald T. Tucker (engineering) M/Sgt Council T. Walker (engineering)

T/Sgt Ralph E. Western (engineering)

3. Awards of Air Medal on following page:

1st Lt. William V. Leith (bombardier) 1st Lt. John D. Doyle (pilot)

F/O Harold P. Vannah Jr. (bombardier) 2nd Lt. William T. Ingram (pilot)

2nd Lt. Jacob L. Perlman (pilot) 2nd Lt. Edward V. Crinnion (pilot)

2nd Lt. Lowell A. Carlson (pilot 2nd Lt. Joseph S. DiNorma (pilot)

2nd Lt. Arnold P. Kimble (pilot) 2nd Lt. Glenn S. Crisp Jr. (pilot)

2nd Lt. Carl D. Fisher (pilot) S/Sgt Virgil F. Davis (gunner)

Sgt William H. Haxby Jr. (gunner) Sgt Wilbur G. Cornelius (gunner)

Sgt Robert L. Wilking (gunner)

G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries.

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1944

447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)

APO 65

SUBJECT: Historical Records. 31 October 1944

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing.

Attention: Historian.

1. Outline History of the 447th Bombardment Squadron for the period October 1 to
October 31, 1944.

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

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

Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.

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

b. Changes in Organization.

(1) No Change

(2) Echelons or units.

October 1944 (continued)

(a) Transferred

1 Officer trfd to 40th Sta Hosp, Det of Patients.

3 EM trfd to 40th Sta Hops, Det of Patients.

13 Officers trfd to 7th Replacement Depot.

20 EM trfd to 7th Replacement Depot.

1 EM trfd to 313th Sig Co.

(b) 10 Officers placed on TD to Cairo, Egypt.

11 EM placed on TD to Cairo, Egypt.

7 Officers placed on TD to Rome, Italy.

11 E/M placed on TD to Rome, Italy.

3 Officers placed on TD to Capri.

4 EM placed on TD to Capri

3 EM on TD with Hq 321st Bomb Gp (M)

1 EM on DS with 42nd Bomb Wing.

1 EM on DS to USA.

3 Officers MIA

2 EM MIA

(3) No change in commanding officers during the month

(4) No Change in staff officers during the month

(5) No Change

c. Strength, Commission and enlisted.

(1) Month of October 1944.

(a) At Beginning. 93 officers; 338 enlisted men

(b) Net increase.

(d) At end: 91 officers; 336 enlisted men

d. Stations of units or echelons.

(1) Name of station

(a) Solenzara Air Field, Corsica.

May 3, 1944

(b) Still at the same station.

e. Movement of units or echelons.

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

f. Campaigns.

(1) Italian

(2) From October 1 to present date.

October 1944 (continued)

g. Operations.

(1) Italian campaign.

(2) Objective Bombing

(3) 11 missions, 111 sorties

(4) Results of the most important missions.

(a) Galliate Road Bridge.

1. The target was important because it was the enemy’s medium of

communication and transportation between two industrial cities of Turin

and Milan

2. The bridge was destroyed

3. The success of the mission disrupted communications and transportation

between the two cities.

4. Aerial photographs showed direct hits on the target.

5. The enemy lost the use of the bridge.

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

entire month.

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

i. Losses in action

(1) Mission.

(a) Killed. None.

(b) Wounded. None

(bombardier), F/O James I. Wentz (pilot), S/Sgt Anthony J. Abbondanza

(gunner), S/Sgt William T. Mabbutt (engineer-gunner), over Galliate Road

Bridge

(d) Taken prisoner. None

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

k. No photographs are being submitted.

2. Enclosed are War Diary, 447th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 October 1944
to 31 October 1944. No Special Accounts for the month; Squadron Statistics for the
month of October1944.

For the Commanding Officer:

3 Incl: WILLIAM E. LEVINE,

Incl – 1 War Diary. Captain, A.C.,

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

Incl – 3 Squadron Statistics

October 1944 (continued)

Missions Flown: 11 Sorties Flown: 111

Bombs dropped (weight): 308,000 lbs. Nickels: 1 mission

Planes lost: 1 Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: 0

Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): 0

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

October 1 – 7 – 44: Squadron strength as of 1 October 1944, was 99 Officers and 342
Enlisted Men. Adverse weather greatly hampered aerial operations during the month,
permitting the squadron to fly only twelve (12) missions, four (4) of which were
abortives due to the complete coverage of the targets by clouds. However, the missions
completed were very effective, with five (5) 100% bombing accuracy flights scored,
greatly contributing to the steady choking for the enemy’s supply and transportation
lines. During the first period of the month Second Lieutenant Bennett, Technical
Sergeant Kicklighter, Corporals Miller and Riley were assigned and joined the Squadron.
Captain Armstrong, Lieutenant Schlenk and Staff Sergeant Crow happily returned to the
United States. One fatal casualty was added to our past list of fatalities when Staff
Sergeant Jimmie L. Davis was killed in action over Piacenza, Italy on 1 October 1944.
Sergeant Bass returned to duty from temporary duty in Naples and Private Woodward
returned from DS at the 341st Service Squadron. Lieutenants Shear, Shaw, Cooper, and
Sergeants Ratcliffe, Hulse and Moleski were returned to the base after crash landing their
plane at a friendly landing strip in Italy while on the Nickeling mission of 30 September
1944. Lieutenant Furey was promoted to Captain and Sergeant Rappaport promoted to
Staff Sergeant. Football was the predominating sport during this period and many hotly
contested games were played. Officers and Enlisted Men alike continued to enjoy the
rest camps at Capri and Rome.

Armstrong, Donald R., Capt, pilot Bass, Bernard G., Sgt, gunner

Bennett, Samuel J., 2Lt, engineering Crow, Roscoe J., S/Sgt, gunner

Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt, gunner Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Hulse, Donald W., Sgt, gunner Kicklighter, Myrl W., T/Sgt, personnel

Miller, Herbert (NMI), Cpl, communications Moleski, Benny M., Sgt, gunner

Rappaport, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt, photographer Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Riley, Andrew J., Cpl, communications Schlenk, Henry O., 1Lt, bombardier

Shaw, Charles W., 1Lt, bombardier Shear, Meyer (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Woodward, Theodore B., Pvt, duty soldier

Cooper, James W., 2Lt, pilot or Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt, pilot

October 8 – 15 – 44: Rainy weather descended upon the Island and everyone was busily
engaged in waterproofing their tents. Many new frames sprung up and some very
durable tents were built despite a few cuts, bruises and an occasional smash in the head
caused by the furious hammering. During this period Second Lieutenant Garrett and
Sergeant Wimberly were assigned and joined the Squadron. Lieutenant Garrett is one of

October 1944 (continued)

the veterans of the outfit, having completed one tour of duty with the Squadron early in
1943 in Africa. Lieutenant Page left for the United States. Lieutenant Bearden was
assigned to the 57th Fighter Group and Staff Sergeant Reno left on temporary duty to the
6660th Signal School Company. Captains Furey and Joyce, Lieutenants Blackwell and
Bongiovanni, Sergeants Bardell, Bixler, Clark, R.S., Hersh, and Weyeneth departed for
temporary duty at Cairo. Second Lieutenant Bennett was promoted to First Lieutenant.
Beer and liquor, always great morale builders, were available during this period and each
man was eager to quench his thirst. Many parties were given for both Officers and
Enlisted Men with excellent attendances, both local and otherwise, including a large
number of the feminine sex.

Bardell, Kenneth E., Sgt, engineering Bearden, James E., 2Lt, bombardier

Bennett, Samuel J., 1Lt, engineering Bixler, Frederick F., Sgt, gunner

Blackwell, Robert G., 2Lt, pilot Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 1Lt, navigator

Clark, Raymond S., Sgt, gunner Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt, pilot Hersh, Bertram (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Page, Joseph A., 2Lt, intelligence

Reno, William F., Sgt, communications Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt, engineer

Wimberly, Charles G., Sgt, intelligence

October 16 – 23 – 44: The middle of the month ushered in cold weather and each
morning the sounds of chattering teeth were clearly audible. However, stoves were
quickly set up, fires built and winterizing completed. At night one would find most of the
men hovered around the roaring fires reading the many good books found in the clubs.
Despite the cold weather, the many movies shown each week attracted large attendances.
Lieutenant Moose was assigned and joined the outfit and Lieutenant Meyers returned
from the United States with great tales of luxury and ease. Corporal Levin was assigned
from the 57th Wing and placed on TD to the 321st Bombardment Group (M). Lieutenant
Greiff was assigned to the 12th Air Force. Captain Marrich, Lieutenants Duncan, Feeley,

and Greene and Sergeant Lofton beamingly departed for the luxuries of the United States.
Sergeant Bergstrom was severely wounded in action during the distinctive Galliate raid
of 20 October 1944. Captains Furey and Joyce, Lieutenants Blackwell and Bongiovanni,
Sergeants Bardell, Bixler, R.S. Clark, Hersh, and Weyeneth returned from TD at Cairo,
eagerly recounting their interesting experiences in the Egyptian wonderland.

Bardell, Kenneth E., Sgt, engineering Bergstrom, Daniel P., Sgt, gunner

Bixler, Frederick F., Sgt, gunner Blackwell, Robert G., 2Lt, pilot

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 1Lt, navigator Clark, Raymond S., Sgt, gunner

Duncan, George F., 1Lt, navigator Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot Greene, Louis P., 1Lt, bombardier

Greiff, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt, intelligence Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier

Levin, Jerome K., Cpl, photographer Lotton, Arville A., Sgt, operations

Marrich, Martin K., Capt, adjutant Meyers, Kenneth F., 2Lt, pilot

Moose, Roy C., 2Lt, intelligence Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt, engineer

October 1944 (continued)

October 24 – 31 – 44: The last period of the month was noted for its many new faces
and deserving promotions. Captain D.I. McLain, Squadron Commanding Officer, was
promoted to the rank of Major. Other promotions were: lieutenant Dossey to Captain
and Flight Officers Duggan and Lesser to Second Lieutenants. The many new men
assigned to the Squadron and joined during this period were: Second Lieutenants
Wilson, Zakopacan, Steely, Bartlett, West, Fleming, Sutton, Allendorph, and Gardner;
Sergeants Biernachi, Sullivan, Hammerschmidt, and Magers; Corporals Gordon, and
Weese; and Privates Hourahan and turner. Sergeant Kicklighter was transferred to the
310th Bombardment Group (M) and Technical Sergeant Goldstein was assigned to the
40th Station Hospital. Food continued to be good and PX rations adequate. At the close
of the month the Squadron was fully prepared to meet the coming cold weather and was
enjoying the very highest morale and Esprit-de-Corps.

Allendorph, John B., 2Lt, bombardier Bartlett, Thomas M., 2Lt, pilot

Biernachi, Stanley (NMI), Sgt, operation Dossey, Vernon C., Capt, pilot

Duggan, Raymond E., 2Lt, pilot Fleming, George B., 2Lt, pilot

Gardner, Philip K., 2Lt, bombardier Goldstein, George (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Gordon, Cpl Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt, gunner

Hourahan, William F., Jr., Pvt, gunner Kicklighter, Myrl W., T/Sgt, personnel

Lesser, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier Magers, Marshall P., Sgt, gunner

McLain, Damon I., Maj, pilot, Commander Steely, Ralph K., 2Lt, bombardier

Sutton, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier Weese, Charles F., Cpl, gunner

West, Alden A., 2Lt, pilot Wilson, James M., 2Lt, pilot

Zakopacan, John S., 2Lt, pilot

Sullivan, James G., Sgt, gunner or Sullivan, Timothy V., Sgt, gunner

Turner, Goldburn H., Pvt, gunner or Turner, James H., Pvt, gunner

or Turner, William D., Pvt, gunner

The month of October ushered in cold and rainy weather, greatly hampering aerial
operations against the enemy. The adverse weather limited the Squadron to only twelve
(12) missions, four (4) of which were abortives due to complete cloud coverage of the
targets. However, the missions completed were highly effective, with five (5) 100%
bombing accuracy flights scored.

One of the outstanding feats of the Squadron in the steady choking of the enemy’s
supply and transportation lines was the raid against the Galliate Road Bridge in Northern
Italy on 20 October 1944. The 448th Bomb. Squadron led the Group of fifty (50) B-25’s
against this heavily defended target. Through the hail of heavy, intense, and accurate
anti-aircraft fire encountered, the 448th Bombardment Squadron spearheaded the attack
upon their chosen objective. Although twenty-nine (29) planes were riddled, one
knocked out of the sky, and three crew members wounded, the Squadron was unmoved in
its determination to destroy this vital bridge. An excellent piece of precision bombing
was accomplished, with 100% bombing accuracy attained against the pin-point target.
Photographs revealed that two spans were knocked down in the center and one span
demolished at the west end of the bridge.

October 1944 (continued)

However, the excellent results obtained on the October missions were not without
casualties, due to the increased volume of anti-aircraft fire thrown up by the enemy. Staff
Sergeant Jimmie L. Davis was killed and First Lieutenants Tilton, McDonough, and
Malec, and Staff Sergeants Bergstrom and Bowman sustained injuries. A number of the
planes were repeatedly holed by the desperate opposition.

Bergstrom, Daniel P., Sgt, gunner Bowman, Willmer E., S/Sgt, gunner

Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt, gunner Malec, Joseph A., 1Lt, bombardier

McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Tilton, Harvey S., 1Lt, pilot

With the cold weather came the sounds of chattering teeth in the mornings.
Spurred on by the chilly nights everyone hurried to complete the winterizing of their
tents. Many new frames sprung up and some very durable tents were built despite the
few cuts, bruisers and occasional smashes in the head caused by the furious hammering.
Stoves were quickly set up and fires built. At night one would find most of the men
hovered around the roaring fires reading the many good books available in the clubs.

Football hit its peak during the chilly autumn weather, and many hotly contested
games were played. Interest mounted over the exciting college games played in the
United States and each man volubly praised his favorite team.

The Capri and Rome rest camps continued to be enjoyed by both Officers and
Enlisted Men. A lucky few were sent to Cairo and returned, eager to relate their many
interesting experiences in that Egyptian wonderland. A number of the very fortunate
happily departed for the luxuries of the United States and the companionship of their
loved ones. Beamingly they left, bidded “Bon Voyage” by the envious ones left in the
Squadron.

Offsetting the loss of the men who returned to the Zone of Interior were the many
new faces that joined the Squadron. One of the men that came in during the month was
Lieutenant Garrett, an old timer with the 448th back in Africa. Having completed one
tour of duty he returned to the United States in 1943. After a year of instructing he
requested another tour of duty and was assigned to the 448th Bombardment Squadron, his
Alma Mater.

Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt, pilot

Many deserving promotions were received by the personnel, including our
Commanding Officer, Captain D.I. McLain, who was promoted to the rank of Major.
Lieutenant Stannard assumed the duties of Squadron Adjutant, replacing Captain Marrich
who returned to the United States for a well-earned leave of absence.

Marrich, Martin K., Capt, adjutant McLain, Damon I., Maj, pilot, Commander

Stannard, Lewis J., Jr., 2Lt, B.S.M., Adjutant

October 1944 (continued)

Entertainment was abundant during the month with the many parties given at the
Officers’ and Enlisted Mens’ clubs. There were excellent attendances, both local and
otherwise, including a large number of the feminine sex. Beer and liquor, always great
morale boosters, were available and the men were eager to quench their thirst. The many
movies shown each week attracted large audiences despite the cold weather. One day
jaunts to Bastia and Ajaccio and trips into the mountains were enjoyed by men on their
days off.

War flashes from the various fronts were followed with much interest. The
campaign in the Philippines and the Pacific situation highlighted the news. The break-
through at Aschen and the penetration of the vaunted Siegfried line in Germany was
received with much speculation. On the Italian front the situation steadily improved
despite the soggy and muddy terrain that made the going difficult. Feeling very close to
this campaign, the men carefully followed the Allies gradually converging on Bologne.

At the close of the month the Squadron was readily prepared for the cold and wet
weather ahead and enjoyed the highest morale and Esprit-de-Corps.