12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: November 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)

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

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

Wednesday, 1 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, operations are
again curtailed by bad weather; however, fighters and fighter-bombers successfully attack
bridges, rail lines, roads, vehicles, and trains in the C Po Valley and hit scattered targets
elsewhere in N Italy; the 525th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from
Grosseto to Pisa with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission was cancelled while the crews were at
briefing. 1st Lt. J.C. Jeffrey was promoted to Captain today while Flight Officers Emler,
Rung, Young and Cravey shined up their 2nd Lt’s bars following their promotions. Capt.
Hargrave, Group ALO, gave a lecture today to the officers on “Current News and
General Situation of the War”. There were two transition flights and two cross-country
flights while four bombardiers received two hours training each on the bomb trainer.
Some rain fell today. The S-2 office installed a gas stove in their office and it afforded
welcome heat to the men on these cold days. Chicken was on the menu for supper and a
whole fowl was presented to every fourth man in the line. He was to share the chicken
with three others.

Cravey, Robert P., 2Lt, bombardier Emler, Richard S., 2Lt, pilot

Jeffery, James C., Capt, pilot Rung, 2Lt, (aircrew)

Hargrave, Frederick M., Capt, 321st BG, Allied Liaison Officer

Young, Paul L., 2Lt, pilot or Young, William G, 2Lt, pilot or Young, William J., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: regular squadron duties are carried out as no mission is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt James W. McDermott returned from D.S. to U.S. to duty
with this Squadron. Due to bad weather no mission was flown. Usual camp duties were
the Order of the day.

McDermott, James W., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: The Squadron got off to a big start by a change of Commanding
Officers. Captain Harold S. Farwell was appointed per par. 1, SO 193, Hq 321st Bomb
Group (M), dated 1 November 1944, to succeed Major D.I. McLain. Major McLain was
placed on TD with Hq. 321st Bombardment Group (M). The squadron strength when
Captain Farwell’s capable hands took over was 102 officers and 351 enlisted men. Prior
to taking command of the unit Captain Farwell was Assistant Operations Officer, which
position was filled by Captain Richard Burks on this Date. Under the sterling leadership
of Captain Farwell the unit took on a very progressive air, promising to maintain its
enviable record. Lieutenant Harry S. Tilton was transferred to the 47th Bomb. Group.
Second Lieutenant Thaddeus D. Garrett was promoted to First Lieutenant.

Wednesday, 1 November 1944 (continued)

Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot McLain, Damon I., Maj, pilot, Commander

Tilton, Harvey S., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 2 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, clouds over the
Po Valley prevent medium bomber operations; XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft are
also grounded due to unserviceable fields and bad weather over Italian battle areas.

445th BS War Diary: 15 crews were scheduled for a mission but it was cancelled. This
marks the 13th consecutive day of operational inactivity and the crews are very restless.
They would much rather fly a mission every day rather that lay around in their “sacks”
for such a prolonged period. The area is very muddy today but it didn’t stop T/Sgt. John
Gray who continues to cut hair in front of his tent. There was no flight training today.
Staff Sergeant Sauer, who was wounded on the September 18th mission, was promoted to
Technical sergeant and ordered to report before the Medical Disposition Board. There
was a lecture on “German Interrogation” held at the group briefing hall for all the combat
crews.

Gray, John H., T/Sgt, gunner Sauer, Carlton F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Ingram is promoted to 1st.

Ingram, William T., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted-men returned from Capri Rest
Camp: Lts Wendell E. Marchant, Robert W. Mulholland, Albert Condit, S/Sgt Jack
Yates and Robert Engels. The following Officers and EM departed for Capri Rest Camp:
Lt George J. Schweda, F/O Donald W. Gies, T/Sgt Edward G. Holm, Sgt Joseph A.
Jenutis. No mission due to inclement weather. Usual camp duties. The following EM,
were reld fr assgmt and asgd to 7th Repl Depot for transshipment to U.S. per 12th AFHQ,
SO, APO 650, dtd 26 Oct 1944: T/Sgt Leo J. Martin, S/Sgt Robert R. Plutchak, S/Sgt
George D. Merrill.

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

Gies, Donald W., F/O, pilot Holm, Edward G., T/Sgt, engineering

Jenutis, Joseph A., Jr., Sgt, engineering Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot

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

Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot Plutchak, Robert R., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Schweda, George J., 1Lt, pilot Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: Lieutenants Kruse and Reedy, T/Sgt. Hill and S/Sgt. Bell returned
from Capri rest camp with a definite refreshed appearance. Captain Kneisle, Lieutenant
Lesser, T/Sgt Hallman and Cpl. Littier beamingly departed for seven (7) days of luxury at
Capri.

Bell, Flavious J., /SSgt, gunner Hallman, Robert I., T/Sgt, gunner

Thursday, 2 November 1944 (continued)

Hill, William R., T/Sgt, engineering Kneisle, Herman M., Capt, communication

Lesser, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier Littier, Joseph L. J., Cpl, cook

Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt, pilot

Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt, pilot or Kruse, Norman L., Lt, bombardier

Friday, 3 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Heavy clouds over most
of N Italy begin to disperse; medium bombers are still grounded but fighter-bombers
manage to fly 8 sorties against gun positions in mountains S of Bologna, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Operational mission was again cancelled. Rain fell this morning
accompanied by high winds that floored a large tree in the engineering area. The tree fell
to earth with a crash directly on Cpl Ekelund’s tent. Luckily no one was present when
the incident occurred. The strong winds kept the aircraft on the ground and aircraft 195,
returning from Tripoli, was forced to land at Ghisonaccia due to the terrific cross-winds
at this base. The small tent next to operations-intelligence is being used as a rate machine
tent. A shower room is now under construction for the enlisted men with old reliable Sgt.
Stanford as head carpenter. A bulb has been placed on the outside bulletin board at
operations so that the combat crews may read the schedules at night. There was some
ground training for bombardiers and radio gunners.

Ekelund, Nils J., Cpl, armament Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Nov. 3 and 4: Squadron duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The following named EM were asgd to this Squadron as Combat
Men: Pvt William F. Hourahan Jr., Cpl Robert L. Gordon. The following EM were
promoted to Sgt: Edward S. Florio, Peter P. Michelau, John C. Jablonsky, Wayne A.
Rickey Jr. Frank H Dorrel, Richard N. Helwig, Dwight D. Isaacs and Julius Sabo were
promoted to Corporal. No mission was scheduled because of weather conditions. The
Group now has set a new record for non-operational days – 14, the old record was 11
days. The Officers of the 447th Bomb Sq displayed their superior athletic ability by
trouncing the 446th Officers to a score of 18 - 0.

Dorrel, Frank H., Cpl, intelligence Florio, Edward S., Sgt, armament

Gordon, Robert L., Cpl, gunner Helwig, Richard N., Cpl, engineering

Hourahan, William F., Jr., Pvt, gunner Issacs, Dwight D., Cpl, turret gunner

Jablonsky, John C., Sgt, engineering Michelau, Peter P., Sgt, communications

Rickey, Wayne A., Jr., Sgt, armament Sabo, Julius, Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Cpl. J.A. Holt and Pvt. B. M. Ferrell were assigned and joined.
Cpl. R.L. Gordon and Pvt. W.F. Hourahan were transferred to the 447th Bombardment
Sq.

Ferrel, Bruce M., Pvt, gunner Gordon, Robert L., Cpl, gunner

Holt, John A., Cpl, gunner Hourahan, William F., Jr., Pvt, gunner

Saturday, 4 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, 200o+ B-25s
and B-26s of the 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium) hit railway and road bridges in the
Brenner Pass; 130+ B-25s of the 57th Bombardment Wing strike communications in the
W Po Valley, cutting at least 4 bridges; fighters and fighter-bombers of XXII Tactical Air
Command concentrate on communications targets and trains in the Po Valley and
defenses in the battle area S of Bologna; some XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft hit
guns on the N Italian coast, some hit a rocket launching site and communications N of
battle area, and 4 P-47s bomb a Milan hotel where Adolf Hitler is rumored to be staying.

445th BS War Diary: For the first time since October 20, the squadron participated in a
mission. The crews welcomed the work after a 15 day layoff. Bombing accuracy for the
mission was 81.8 percent. Lts. Lyons and Gunder; Sgts. Pate, Kramer, O’Leary,
Bellendir, Malloy, Scott, Hawkins and D.W. Weaver left today enroute to the U.S.A. on
rotation. Sgt. Kintly, who is stranded in Rome will also leave when he returns to the
squadron. S/Sgt. R.J. Butler was taken off flying status and reduced to grade of private
for misconduct. Capt. Yepez stayed in the sulfur baths for about an hour and was just
about “pooped” when he staggered out. He made it back to camp okay.

Bellinder, John C., Sgt, gunner Butler, Russell J., Sgt, gunner

Gunder, William H., 1Lt, pilot Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Kintly, James E., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Kramer, Henry P., Sgt, gunner

Lyons, Lawrence L., 1Lt, pilot Malloy, Edward J., Sgt, gunner

O'Leary, John D., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Scott, Auralias M., Sgt, gunner Weaver, D. W., Cpl, gunner

Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 596 Squadron Mission # 385

Lt. Jeffrey led 12 ships from this squadron to bomb the Pontetidone railroad bridge but a
stratus layer at 2000 feet force the mission to bomb the alternate target, the Firenzuola
D’Arda railroad bridge, Italy. Weather was CAVU at the latter target. There was no
escort. No flak was experienced nor were any fighter attacks. The B-25s used 1000
pound bombs and dropped them from 11,000 feet. RESULTS: First box of 6 hit just
short, mouth of bridge; 2nd box of 6 had center of impact on center of bridge – several
direct hits seen.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Nov. 3 and 4: Squadron duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: Mission Number 418

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 4 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Led by Lt. Nagel. Fog in Po Valley. Mission weather O.K.

Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 4 November 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 13 ships of this Squadron participated in a Raid over Vercelli
Railroad Bridge, in Italy. All ships and crews returned in excellent fashion with another
100% bombing accuracy. The fol named EM were asgd and jd fr 57th Bomb Wg: Cpl
Bruce H. Huntley, Cpl Harvey Stacker, Cpl Marvin S. Goldman. The fol named EM
were rotated to the United States: S/Sgt Leonard T. Payne. 1st Lt Merlin Hueppchen, 1st
Lt John L. Denman, and 1st Lt William Wiley, who were listed as missing in action
escaped from behind enemy lines and were rotated to the Zone of Interior. Morning
Report for week ending 4 Nov 1944: Officers: 91, Enlisted Men 335.

Denman, John L., 2Lt, pilot Goldman, Marvin S., gunner

Hueppchen, Merlin O., 2Lt, pilot Huntley, Bruce H., Cpl, gunner

Payne, Leonard T., S/Sgt, gunner Stacker, Harvey, Cpl, gunner

Wiley, William D., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: Back in operation after a two weeks lay-off the squadron went 12
planes against the Vercelli railroad bridge in Northern Italy. Led by Captain Farwell the
448th spearheaded the attack upon this prize objective. Showing that the lay-off had not
made them rusty the boys scored a demolishing 100% bombing accuracy, resulting in two
spans of the bridge being knocked out. All personnel returned safely.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

Sunday, 5 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers, flying 300+ sorties, bomb bridges in the Brenner Pass and in the NE Po Valley
to interdict the Germans' 2 main supply routes from the N; fighters and fighter-bombers
hit defenses and forces in the battle areas in the N Apennines S of Bologna and attack
communications targets to the N as well as in battle zone.

445th BS War Diary: This squadron participated in a mission against the Piave
Susegana railroad bridge, Italy, smashing it with 100 percent bombing accuracy. A plane
finally got through to Rome for the first time in two weeks and the men over there
returned after a long vacation. Bob Testa was welcomed home. A “war situation” lecture
was given at the enlisted men’s club this evening. There was a meeting of all
bombardiers in the squadron. The bombardiers were given a general lecture and “chewed
out” for yesterday’s bombing. When bombardiers get a “chewing” for achieving better
than 81 percent bombing accuracy, they you realize you are in fast company. There was
plenty of drinking at the enlisted men’s club tonight and Doc Smith and the Mitchell-
Aires furnished the music.

Testa, Robert W., , intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 598 Squadron Mission # 386

Capt. Wagner led 12 ships of this squadron in an 18 plane formation sent out to bomb the
Nervesa railroad bridge without escort although 2 chaff ships were used. No fighters
were seen but the flak was heavy, moderate to intense, and fairly accurate. 7 aircraft
were holed by the flak, 1 man being wounded by flying plexiglass. The planes dropped
1000 pound GP bombs from 10/10,500 feet. RESULTS: Major concentration on center
with several direct hits. Cluster west of center and on both end of bridge.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: The squadron sends up 12 planes in the mission flown today.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 419

TARGET: Sacile R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 5 Nov.1944

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

Lt. Grady led the formation. Bridge missed. Bombs concentrated N and E of target, may
have cut E approach. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Ligon was a spare and returned early.

Grady, John R., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: T/Sgt Myron R. Small was promoted to Master Sergeant, per SO
194, Hq 321st Bomb Gp. Two of our planes participated in a window mission heading
the other Squadrons. Both planes returned safely. Usual Squadron Duties prevailed
throughout the day.

Small, Myron R., M/Sgt, communication

Sunday, 5 November 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Captain VanRaam, Lieutenant Lyons and Lieutenant McRee
returned from a pleasant Sojourn in the good ole United States. Lieutenant J.T. Hicks
returned from DS at 57th Bomb Wing. The unit continued the assault against the enemy
by pulling two missions today. One, consisting of six planes from the 448th, was directed
against the Nervesa rail bridge on the Italian mainland. With our promising fledgling
bombardier, Lt. Brink, over the bombsight the formation dealt another 100% accurate
blow against the enemy. The heavy, moderate to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire
desperately thrown up by the ground batteries failed to discourage the determined
bombers. The other mission for the day consisted of six 448th ships leading the group
attack against the Sacile railroad bridge, Italy. Both approaches of the tiny bridge were
cut. All personnel returned safely from both missions.

Brink, Richard E., 2Lt, bombardier Hicks, John T., 2Lt, pilot

McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), Capt, pilot

Lyons, John B., 1Lt, pilot or Lyons, John W., 1Lt, bombardier

Monday, 6 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers strike electric transformers and converters, railway bridges and railway fills on
the rail line through the Brenner Pass; fighter-bombers and fighters again hit troops and
gun positions in the battlelines S of Bologna and communications targets N of the battle
area.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Wagner led the 445th in a perfect mission against the Ala
Transformer Station, Italy. It was the group’s 600th attack. Lt. Denman, escaped prisoner
of war from another squadron, gave a lecture this afternoon to the combat crews on
escape procedure. Gen. Knapp presented some DFCs and Air Medals this afternoon at
the officers club. Spaghetti and meat balls was served for supper. A good amount of
packages arrived after supper.

Denman, John L., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 600 Squadron Mission # 387

Again Capt. Wagner led the formation which included 9 ships of the 445th. The
formation had area cover without experiencing any flak or fighters. The target was the
Ala transformer station, Italy. Going up to 12/12,500 feet, the bombers dropped 500
pound bombs on the target. RESULTS: Good concentration with all bombs in the target
area. Several direct hits reported on buildings. Concentration of bombs on east half of
target area.

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Hipson and Finney, Heery and Mowry get those long-
awaited orders to return to the states. A good mission to Ala transformer station, Italy.

Heery, Philip M., S/Sgt, gunner Hipson, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot

Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Finney, Preston N., Cpl, gunner or Finney, William T., Jr., Cpl, engineering

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 420

TARGET: Ala Transformer Station, Italy DATE: 6 Nov.1944

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

Lt. Colonel Cooper led the formation. Good concentration, with all bombs in target area.
A number of direct hits observed with large flashes coming from N building. No flak, no
fighters. Lt. Trosky, a spare, returned early.

Cooper, Paul T., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Trosky, Chester J., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our planes participated in a mission attacking the Power
House at Ala, in Italy. The Squadron scored another 100% bombing accuracy mission.
Looks as though this Squadron again will have an excellent month of bombing. 1st Lt
William F. Heitman, S/Sgt Robert W. Koecher, and 1st Lt Calvin B. Christian were reld fr

Monday, 6 November 1944 (continued)

asgmt and asgd to 7th Repl Depot for transshipment to the United States.

Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt, pilot Heitman, William F., 1Lt, pilot

Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

448th BS War Diary: The unit reached the pinnacle of precision bombing today against
the Ala transformer station in Northern Italy. Nine planes were airborne for this flight led
by Captain Farwell, with Captain Joyce, the Squadron Bombardier, on the sight. The
boys were not fooled by this different type of target and attacked it with the utmost skill.
Such an excellent concentration was scored that it was termed “pickle barrel bombing”.
And pickle barrel bombing it was for not a single bomb landed outside the uncommonly
small target area. This 100% mission literally “wiped the target off the map”.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier

Tuesday, 7 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The Adjutant General
officially orders the de facto action of 19 Oct redesignating HQ XII Fighter Command to
HQ XXII Tactical Air Command. In Italy, medium bombers of the 42nd Bombardment
Wing (Medium) aid the Royal Air Force's (RAF's) Desert Air Force (DAF) in supporting
the British Eighth Army's attack on Forli; the 57th Bombardment Wing continues an
interdiction campaign against railway supply lines in NE Italy; fighter-bombers closely
support US Fifth Army forces astride the Idice River in the mountains S of Bologna and
bomb communications N of the Apennines, scoring many hits on bridges between
Piacenza and Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: The 445th went out to hit the Sacile railroad bridge, Italy and Lt.
Robson, the lead bombardier, put his bombs in the dead center. Navigation classes for 6
enlisted bombardiers were held at the 446th squadron. Navigation instruments and their
uses were discussed. Lt. Lowery held a class on aerial gunnery for 12 gunners in the
squadron. There were 9 promotions for enlisted combat crew members.

Lowery, Bruce, 2Lt, armament Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 600 W Squadron Mission # 388

Lt. Place flew a weather reconnaissance mission without experiencing flak or fighters.
He reported the weather good for a mission.

Place, Winston R., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 601 Squadron Mission # 389

Lt. Weld led 9 bombers in the second flight of a formation sent out to bomb the Sacile
railroad bridge, Italy. Area cover was furnished but no fighters were seen and no flak
was reported. The planes dropped 1000 lb bombs from 10/10,500 feet. RESULTS: All
bombs in target area. Concentration on center and east end of bridge.

Weld, Willis R., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 603 Squadron Mission # 390

Three ships from this squadron joined 3 from the other squadrons to carry out a nickeling
mission, dropping leaflets in the Firenzuola, Mantua and Bologna areas. No escort was
furnished, no flak or fighters were reported. RESULTS: Dropped according to plan.

446th BS War Diary: Another mission is flown today as the weather lets up.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 421

TARGET: Motta di Livenza, R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 7 Nov.1944

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

Captain Dossey led the formation. Lead box of six ships had concentration on center of
bridge, to NW bank. Remaining three ship element hit on E end. Several bombs over to
SW of target. Second flight of nine did not drop due to cloud cover. No flak, no fighters.
Lt. Ivankovig returned early, spare.

Dossey, Vernon C., Capt, pilot, 448th BS Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 7 November 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 422

TARGET: Firenzuola, D’Arda, Mantua, and Bologna, Italy DATE: 7 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: “Front Post” Leaflets. 446th Planes: 3

Lt. Ramey led the formation. Dropped according to plan. No flak, no fighters.

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our ships participated in a mission over Sacile Railroad
Bridge, in Northern Italy. The Bridge was rendered impassable and the Squadron scored
100% bombing accuracy. The Bar in the EM club was reopened last night. The Bar-
room is heated by a new stone built fire-place, the room now has a homelike appearance.
The following EM were asgd and jd fr 57th Bomb Wg: Sgt Luke Roberts Jr., Cpl Stephen
Sarnoski, Pfc Francis L. Olsen, Pfc John B. Wise, Pvt Andrew Mayo Jr., Pvt William R.
Mulford, Pvt Charles T. Morrison, Pvt Preston Pendarins.

Mayo, Andrew, Jr., Pvt, transportation Morrison, Charles T., Pvt, transportation

Mulford, William R., Pvt, mess Olsen, Francis L., Pfc, engineering

Pendarins, Preston, Pvt, mess Roberts, Luke, Jr., Sgt, transportation

Sarnoski, Stephen, Cpl, transportation Wise, John B., PFC, transportation

448th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Jacobson and S/Sgt. White returned to the United States.
Today the squadron again participated in two missions against the enemy. Nine (9) ships
from the 448th led the eighteen (18) plane group attack agains the Motta di Livenza
railroad bridge, Italy. Despite 5/10 cloud coverage and poor visibility that prevented the
other squadrons from dropping, the 448th scored a good concentration. Three other ships
from this unit participated in a nickeling mission over North Italy. All personnel returned
safely from both flights.

Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

White, Frank H., Sgt, gunner or White, George E., Sgt, gunner

or White, Joseph J., Sgt, engineer

Wednesday, 8 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers strike the rail line in the Brenner Pass and other lines running into Italy from the

NE and bomb bridges in the C and W Po Valley, damaging several and destroying the
bridge at Mantua; fighters and fighter-bombers hit communications in the Bologna area,
but concentrate most of their operations against bridges and rail lines in the Parma area in
an effort to disrupt battle area supply lines.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission for this date was cancelled. There were
13 crews standing by for 2 missions. High winds whipped the area today but it was
comparatively warm. The winds died down at night. 8 bombardiers in the squadron
logged an aggregate time of 4 hours on the bombsight rate machine.

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Major Cooper, Squadron CO is given a battlefield promotion to
Lieut. Col., by Gen. Cannon. F/O Everhart is made a Second Lieut.

Cannon, John K., General, 12th AF Commander

Cooper, Paul T., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Everhart, Herman E., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No Mission To-day due to a very high wind, the ships were unable
to take off. Several tents were blown down during the day. Usual camp duties prevailed
throughout the day.

448th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Zane R. Hinton transferred to 1010th AAF Base Unit. Pfc.
Robert E. Geyer and Pvt. David B. Aguilear were assigned and joined the unit. Weather
interfered with flying operations.

Aguilear, David B., Pvt, transportation Geyer, Robert E., PFC, transportation

Hinton, Zane R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Thursday, 9 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
hampers medium bombers operations in the Po Valley as 7 of 9 missions abort; in the 2
others, bridges in the Valley are hit; fighters and fighter-bombers fly less than 100 sorties,
but successfully strike road and railroad bridges in the Bologna-Modena areas.

445th BS War Diary: Strong winds prevailed today but didn’t prevent the mission from
taking off. However, the mission became abortive because of weather and when the
ships returned, they were unable to land at this base due to extremely violent wind
conditions including a mean cross-wind. They landed at Ghisonaccia. The plane arriving
from Catania was also compelled to land at the 310th base. A navigational lecture was
held for 6 enlisted bombardiers this afternoon. 9 bombardiers spent a total of 4 hours, 45
minutes on the rate machine. A large amount of packages arrive today.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 604 Squadron Mission # 391

Capt. Jeffrey led 12 ships from this squadron in a 27 ship formation sent out despite bad
weather. They tried their best to penetrate the front but reported 10/10 coverage over the
target and were force to return without dropping their bombs.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Mygrant gets orders to return to the states as more
promotions are announced. Bundy, Cohen, McFarland and Nagy are made Techs,
Huntoon goes to Staff, Murch and Orio to Sergeant. Lt. Col. Cooper goes to Cairo.

Bundy, Garland A., T/Sgt, gunner Cohen, Irwin, T/Sgt, gunner

Cooper, Paul T., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Huntoon, Stuart L., S/Sgt, turret gunner

McFarland, Charles W., T/Sgt, gunner Murch, George M., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Mygrant, Robert F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Nagy, Julius L., T/Sgt, gunner

Orio, Salvatore A., Jr., Sgt, personnel

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 423

TARGET: Forli Troop Concentrations, Italy DATE: 9 Nov.1944

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

Captain Jeffrey led the formation. Did not drop. Weather was 10/10 overcast over target.
Two planes returned early due to bombs being shaken loose in bomb bay by turbulent air.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: No Mission to-day. Cpl George O. Weatherby was asgd to this Sq
fr 57th Bomb Wg. The following Officers and Enlisted Men left for Rest Camp at Capri:
Lt Louis C. Breckenridge, Lt Paul I. Buckley, Lt Lyle N. Brown, S/Sgt Jack Bowman,
S/Sgt Frederick J. May. Pvt William F. Hourahan was promoted to Corporal.

Bowman, Jack, S/Sgt, aerial gunner Breckenridge, Louis C., 2Lt, pilot

Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Buckley, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot

Hourahan, William F., Jr., Cpl, gunner May, Frederick J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Weatherby, George O., Cpl, armament

Thursday, 9 November 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Taking advantage of a break in the weather today, nine (9) ships
were airborne to attack the Mestre fuel dump, Italy. However, 10/10 cloud coverage over
both the primary and alternate targets prevented bombing. All planes returned with
bombs.

Friday, 10 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): HQ and HQ Squadron,
XII Tactical Air Command; HQ and HQ Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing; 324th Fighter
Group; 415th Night Fighter Squadron; 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron; and
several signal, fighter control, and service units are relieved from duty with the Twelfth
AF and assigned to the European Theater of Operations, US Army (ETOUSA) and the
First Tactical Air Force (Provisional). In Italy, medium bombers continue the
interdiction campaign against railways in NE Italy, principally the Brenner Pass, Brenta
River and Po River bridges, rail ferry at Ostiglia, and several dumps; fighter-bombers hit
rail targets and guns at several points in Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Jeffrey led the formation today out to bomb the Ostiglia
ferry terminal. Bombing accuracy – despite a terrific flak barrage – was 98.7 percent.
The snow-capped mountains in the distance this morning looked mighty picturesque but
there was an unpleasant flavor to that cold breeze that came off those pretty mountains.
The planes took off from Ghisonaccia on the mission today and landed back at their
home base afterward. Jackie the Red Cross girl was around this morning with coffee and
doughnuts. Two popular combat crew men, Sgts. Yoa and Smith, left the squadron for
the U.S.A. today. Both men had an excellent sense of humor coupled with a great gift of
gab. Smith will be remembered for his comic Air Corps interpretations in the
“Cornzapoppin” show while Yoa will be remembered as the only man who battered
Angelo Kangas in a verbal duel.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot Kangas, Angelo J., Cpl, operations

Yoa, Harry, Sgt, gunner

Smith, Francis L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner or Smith, P. F., S/Sgt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 607 Squadron Mission # 392

Capt. Jeffrey led 12 ships from this squadron together with 12 from another squadron to
bomb the Ostiglia ferry terminal, Italy. No escort was furnished. 3 unidentified aircraft
were reported in the target area but did not attack. The flak was terrific, heavy, intense
and accurate with 13 or 14 ships Holed and 3 men wounded. None aircraft from the 446th
was lost. The bombers went to 12/12,500 feet to drop 500 pound bombs on the target
area. RESULTS: Report good concentration in target area but accurate pinpointing of
hits impossible because of smoke of first mission’s bombing.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: The squadron loses a ship over Ostiglia. Captain Dickson was the
pilot with other crewmen being Lts Chapman, Clausen and Ligon and Ems Nagy, V.
Bender, Glendening. Captain Smedley assumes command of the squadron.

Bender, Vernon I., S/Sgt, gunner Chapman, John E., 1Lt, navigator

Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt, bombardier Dickson, Gale M., Capt, pilot

Glendening, George F. J., S/Sgt, gunner Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt, pilot

Nagy, Julius L., T/Sgt, gunner Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

Friday, 10 November 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 424

TARGET: Ostiglia Ferry Terminal, Italy DATE: 10 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 12

Captain Jeffrey led the formation. Report good concentration in target area but accurate
pin-pointing impossible because of smoke of first mission’s bombing. Flak was heavy,
moderate and accurate, becoming intense at bomb release point. Eleven planes holed,
one lost.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 43-27732 shot down

Dickson, Gale M., Capt

Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt

Chapman, John E., 1Lt

Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt

Nagy, Julius L., T/Sgt

Bender, Vernon I., S/Sgt

Glendening, George F. J., S/Sgt

None

447th BS War Diary: Mission to-day was over the Ostiglia Railroad Bridge. 11 of our
ships took part in the raid. The formation was met by intense and very accurate anti-
aircraft fire. Lt Gordon Ramey’s plane was severely damaged and made a crash landing
near Pisa, Italy. Lt Ramey, Lt Albert K. Condit, Lt Edmond E. Bardy Jr., and Cpl Robert
Kipp were killed. S/Sgt Harold W. Scarberry jumped behind the enemy lines and has not
been heard from. It is reported that his chute opened. B/O Lester Volkmann was taken
from the crashed plane and rushed to the hospital in a serious condition. T/Sgt Alvin L.
Simberg jumped from the plane just before the crash, his chute opened jus in time and he
escaped with minor injuries. He is now in a hospital in Italy recovering from shock.
S/Sgt Vincent A. Mango received a slight flak wound in the foot and is now recovering in
the 15th Fld Hosp. He was flying with Captain Wiginton. T/Sgt Robert J. Balling
received a very serious flak wound in his side. He was taken to the 40th Sta Hosp after
his plane landed with a flat tire at the 34th Field. The mission was led by Captain
Wiginton and recorded 100% bombing accuracy. The following Officers and Enlisted
Men returned for duty from Capri Rest Camp: Lt George J. Schweda, F/O Donald W.
Gies, T/Sgt Edward G. Holm, Sgt Joseph A. Jenutis Jr.

Balling, Robert J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Gies, Donald W., F/O, pilot

Holm, Edward G., T/Sgt, engineering Jenutis, Joseph A., Jr., Sgt, engineering

Mango, Vincent A., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Schweda, George J., 1Lt, pilot

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

Friday, 10 November 1944 (continued)

A/C No. unknown shot down

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt

Condit, Albert K., 2Lt

Bardy, Edmund E., Jr., 1Lt

Volkmann, Lester W., F/O

Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt

Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt

Kipp, Robert T., Cpl

None

448th BS War Diary: Captain William O. Hickey, 1st Lts. Edward N. Bond, Stephen C.
Farris, Joseph A. Malec, Emile D. Verkruysse, T/Sgts Sam Hassenbein, Clarence C.
Edwards, Henry J. Kielich, James E. Parham, Robert M. Wilkinson, S/Sgts Emory J.
Blassingame, Herman DeGeorge, Nat Rippel, and Robert F. Sommer departed for the
United States, their tour of duty done. The mission for the day was the heavily defended
Ostiglia railroad bridge over the Po River. Eleven planes led by Lt. Douglas R. Anderson
flew as Group lead flight. The desperate and intense opposition over the target downed
four (4) planes, holed twenty-six (26) other aircraft, killed four men at their posts and
wounded twelve (12) other crew members in the formation of forty-four (44) aircraft but
could not discourage the gallant crews. Despite the fact that his left engine was shot out
at the beginning of the bomb run, Lt. Anderson courageously bore on to the bomb release
point. Other 105 M.M. bursts knocked out his hydraulic system, lowering both the
wheels and flaps. Still other shells destroyed the compass, shattered the crew with
plexiglass, and cut one of the ruder control cables. Even though everything was against
his remaining airborne he maintained the crippled ship in flight for over twenty minutes.
Tall mountains in his path home necessitated the abandoning of the plane. Through Lt.
Anderson’s great skill and leadership the crew parachuted to safety in the hills below
Bologna. Lt. Kruse’s ship also received many hits which wounded one of the gunners
and shot out the hydraulic system, half way lowering the wheels. A precision belly
landing was affected at a field and all members of the crew were safely returned to the
unit. Lt. Carrington also displayed his superior flying ability on this mission by bring his
damaged ship back on single engine despite the painful injuries to his face. The intensity
and accuracy of the enemy defenses made this one of the costliest missions flown by the
squadron. Lt. Douglas R. Anderson, Captain Vernon C. Dossey, Lt. Robert W.
Luckhaupt, Lt. Robert H. McKinley, Cpl. John A. Holt, Sgt. Griffith E. Williams and
S/Sgt Harry E. Hammerschmidt are MIA near Bologna. 1st Lt. Charles C. Carrington, 2nd
Lt. Duane Churchill, S/Sgt. Irving J. Schaffer, Sgt. Woodward D. Pealer and S/Sgt. Nico
M. Pineda were wounded in the attack.

Blassingame, Emory J., S/Sgt, gunner Bond, Edward N., 1Lt, bombardier

Carrington, Charles C., 1Lt, pilot Churchill, Duane W., 2Lt, pilot

DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Edwards, Clarence C., T/Sgt, gunner

Farris, Stephen C., 1Lt, bombardier Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner

Hickey, William O., Capt, navigator Kielich, Henry J., T/Sgt, gunner

Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt, pilot Malec, Joseph A., 1Lt, bombardier

Friday, 10 November 1944 (continued)

Parham, James E., T/Sgt, gunner Pealer, Woodward D., Sgt, gunner

Pineda, Nico M., S/Sgt, gunner Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner

Schaffer, Irving J., S/Sgt, gunner Sommer, Robert F., Sgt, gunner

Verkruysse, Emile D., 1Lt, pilot Wilkenson, Robert M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

A/C No. unknown shot down

Anderson, Douglas R., 1Lt

Dossey, Vernon C., Capt

McKinley, Robert H., 1Lt

Luckhaupt, Robert W., 1Lt

Holt, John A., Cpl

Williams, Griffith E., Sgt

Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt

None

Saturday, 11 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers strike at railroad bridges in NC and NE Italy, damaging a bridge at Piazzola sul
Brenta and knocking out 2 spans of a bridge at Latisana; fighter-bombers continue
support of ground forces S of Bologna, attack vehicles, trains, and communications in the
Genoa-Alessandria area, bomb Villafranca di Verona Airfield and set most of the area
aflame; during the night of 10/11 Nov A-20s bomb Ghedi Airfield and targets of
opportunity in the Po Valley. The 17th and 18th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop
Carrier Group, cease operating from Istres, France and return to base at Ciampino, Italy
with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Dyer led the 445th to hit the Mestre fuel dump, Italy but due to
a direct hit from flak, the squadron’s flight returned without dropping. Navigation class
for the enlisted bombardiers was held at the 448th today. Capt. Dickerson, Lts Hardman
and Klein; Sgts. Plunk, Stephens, Kintly, Knight and Hall all left the squadron to go to
Naples, enroute to the States on rotation. Lt. K.E. Ireland, Assistant Armament Officer,
left the squadron for the 86th Fighter Group today. Capt. Stanton W. Johnson returned to
the squadron today. He was on DS in the States attending a gunnery school. Lt. John W.
Martin, co-pilot who went down behind enemy lines with Capt. Russell and crew,
returned to the squadron today and informed the men that the remainder of the crew had
bailed out safely and were prisoners of war. The weather was very cold today. Luxury
rations were distributed with plenty of candy and beer on hand.

Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt, pilot Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

Hall, Warren F., Sgt, radio-gunner Hardman, Albert F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Ireland, Kenneth E., 2Lt, armament Johnson, Stanton W., Capt, Armament Officer

Kintly, James E., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Klein, Robert J., 1Lt, bombardier

Knight, Arnold K., Sgt, radio-gunner Martin, John W., 2Lt, pilot

Plunk, Charles B., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot

Stephens, Robert T., Sgt, gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 608 Squadron Mission # 393

Lt. Dyer led 9 ships as another squadron supplied 9 ships to lead the formation sent out to
bomb the Mestre fuel dump, Italy. No escort was furnished. 10 unidentified aircraft
were reported in the area but did not attack. The flak was heavy, moderate and accurate
with 10 ships being holed, on of which made a successful emergency landing in Italy.
The bombers went to 10,500/11,000 feet to drop 500 pound bombs on the target.
RESULTS: Box of 6 ships had good pattern, probably walking through east side of area,
resulting in a column of smoke (black) up to 2000 feet. No explosions observed. 9 ships
failed to drop because of flak damage to lead ship on bomb run. 3 ships failed to drop
through failure to identify target.

Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 11 November 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: More men get those orders to report to the good old U.S. Lts.
Fitzgerald, Hughes, Jaksic, Werner and White, Ems Felmer, Harrison, Holder, Maddox,
Miles, Bender, T., Helgert, McArdle, Smetana, Smith and Wlodyka leave.

Bender, Thomas J., Jr, S/Sgt, gunner Felmer, Carl M., T/Sgt, gunner

Fitzgerald, John (NMI) "Jack", 1Lt, pilot Harrison, Hoyt V., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Helgert, Claude G., S/Sgt, gunner Holder, Paul T., T/Sgt, gunner

Hughes, John J., 1Lt, bombardier Jaksic, Francis R., 1Lt, bombardier

Maddox, Everett R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner McArdle, John R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Miles, Walter J., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Smetana, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Werner, Samuel, 2Lt, bombardier

White, Frank B., 1Lt, pilot Wlodyka, Andrew J., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 425

TARGET: Porto Negara Oil Storage, Italy DATE: 11 Nov.1944

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

Captain Jordan led the formation. All bombs in target area. Concentration in center, S
and E sections of target. Lead six ships made second run. One large fire seen on break-
away. No flak, no fighters.

Jordan, Henry L., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 9 planes participated in a raid over Porto Negara Oil Storage, in
Italy. All Planes returned safely. The Squadron again scored 100% bombing accuracy.

448th BS War Diary: Undaunted by yesterday’s casualties, nine ships took to the air
today as lead flight of eighteen (18) planes against the Mestre fuel dump, Italy. Led by
Captain Farwell the first box of six scored a good pattern despite to heavy, moderate and
accurate anti-aircraft fire and excellent target concealment. Flak damage to lead plane
prevented other squadrons from dropping. All personnel returned safely.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

Sunday, 12 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers support ground forces in the N Apennines
and hit railway targets in the Po Valley, cut rail lines in 18 places and destroy or seriously
damage 8 bridges; during the night of 11/12 Nov A-20s hit motor transport, Bergamo
Airfield, and the Po River crossing at San Benedetto Po.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Eatherly flew a weather recon today and reported bad weather.
Combat mission was cancelled. The day was cloudy and cold with some rain falling. Lt.
Lowery gave an hour lecture today to 12 gunners. Lts. Groose and Wolfe and Sgt.
Swingholm left for the States today. 12 bombardiers chalked up a total of 7 hours on the
rate machine. One ship went to the bombing range to test racks, one plane was out on
transition, one plane was test hopped and another went up to wing the compass.

Eatherly, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot Groose, William R., 2Lt, pilot

Lowery, Bruce, 2Lt, armament Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt, engineer-gunner

Wolfe, Robert A., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 609 W (A) Squadron Mission # 394

Lt. Eatherly flew a weather reconnaissance mission. He received some light tracer fire
over Italy but no serious flak opposition. He advised against flying a mission. Weather
poor.

Eatherly, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: More returnees to the states: Capt. Phillips, Lts Gibbons, Mickel,
Wallace, and Ems Jupin and Mittman.

Gibbons, George H., 1Lt, pilot Jupin, John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Mickel Alan T., 1Lt, pilot Mittman, Milton M., S/Sgt, gunner

Phillips, Lowell G., Capt, navigator Wallace, Robert D., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The fol named EM, asgd and jd: Cpl Frank P. Bauer, Cpl Merle
L. Bunch. The following named O and EM, (COMBAT) were rotated to the zone of
Interior: Capt Wayne R. Martin, Capt Marvin L. Speer, Capt Eugene E. Stocking, Capt
Robert E. Thomas, Lt Ward E. Manley, Lt LeRoy C. Runyon, Lt Edwin E. Wallace,
S/Sgt Carl S. Escher, S/Sgt Robert H. Gillis, S/Sgt Edmund Rogowski, and Lt Myer G.
Melamed. No mission to-day. Usual camp duties.

Bunch, Merle L., Cpl, armament Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt, gunner

Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt, gunner Manley, Ward E., 1Lt, pilot

Martin, Wayne R., Capt, bombardier Melamed, Meyer G., 1Lt, bombardier

Rogowski, Edmund W., S/Sgt, gunner Runyon, Leroy C., 1Lt, pilot

Speer, Marvin L, Capt, pilot Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot

Thomas, Robert E., Capt, navigator Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 12 November 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Captain Herman K. Kneisle, 2nd Lt. Robert Lesser, T/Sgt. Robert
L. Hallman, Cpl. Joseph L. Littier beamingly returned from Capri rest camp. Mission
stand-down today.

Hallman, Robert I., T/Sgt, gunner Kneisle, Herman M., Capt, communication

Lesser, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier Littier, Joseph L. J., Cpl, cook

Monday, 13 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 12/13 Nov A-20s bomb ammunition dumps, pontoon bridge, and targets of opportunity
in the Po Valley; a thick overcast covering N Italy the following morning vastly curtails
medium bombers which attack only a railway bridge at Padua; fighter-bombers continue
to hit communications N of the battle area and also the oil pipeline across the Po River at
Ostiglia.

445th BS War Diary: Poor weather prevented completion of the combat mission. The
planes got off but could not reach their target. Capt. “Doc” Smith and the Mitchell-Aires
together with Lt. Jeffrey Lynn and his radio cast left by plane for Rome today to
broadcast their half-hour musical variety show tomorrow night over the American
Expeditionary Station in the Italian capital. Capt. Farrell and Lt. Rigler left for a bit of
DS to a ferrying squadron for approximately 15 days. Lt. Martin left for the States today.

Farrell, Robert A., 1Lt, pilot Lynn, Jeffrey, 2Lt, communications

Martin, John W., 2Lt, pilot Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 610 Squadron Mission # 395

Lt. Weld led 9 ships from this squadron following another squadron of 9 ships. Bad
weather prevented the completion of the mission.

Weld, Willis R., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Squadron duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 426

TARGET: Tomba S R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 13 Nov.1944

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

Lt. Matthews led the formation. Did not drop due to weather. Lt. Matthews was forced
to feather an engine, salvo his bombs and return on single engine because of mechanical
failure.

Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: A mission of 9 planes took off but were unable to reach the target
because of bad weather. S/Sgt Robert J. Balling who was wounded on the mission of the
10th passed away last night in the 40th Sta Hosp. His loss is deeply regretted by his many
friends in the Squadron.

Balling, Robert J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

448th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Donald P. Bergstrom transferred to 40th Station Hospital.
Nine planes took off as lead flight of eighteen (18) planes to bomb Sacile railroad bridge,
Italy but turned back at I.P. due to 10/10 cloud coverage of target.

Bergstrom, Daniel P., Sgt, gunner

Tuesday, 14 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
restricts operations to fighter-bomber attacks by 17 P-47s on rail lines and road N of the
battleline.

445th BS War Diary: Operational mission for this date was cancelled due to bad
weather. 10 crews were scheduled. There were no training flights today due to the
weather but a ground training program was scheduled. In the evening, the men hung
around the radios to tune in on the “Doc” Smith, Lt. Lynn radio show at 9:00. The radio
cast included Sgt. McNevin and Sgt. Lestz with Sgt. Schall filling in to aid Lt. Lynn who
was master of ceremonies. Doc’s Mitchell-Aires sounded good over the air waves.

Lestz, Sidney, Sgt, engineering Lynn, Jeffrey, 2Lt, communications

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt

Schall, Stewart I., Sgt, communications Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lts. Derringer and Hogman are promoted to First Lieutenant.

Derringer, Albert J., 1Lt, bombardier Hogman, Francis H., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Word was received to-day that S/Sgt Harold W. Scarberry, who
was believed to be missing in action jumped to safety from Lt Ramey’s plane on the 10th
of November, he is now in a hospital in Italy suffering from minor injuries and shock.
He is the third man to be found alive from a crew of seven. No mission due to bad
weather. Usual camp duties.

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: All missions cancelled due weather. S-2 officially opened their
elaborate War Room to the Squadron. Occupying one tent, it prevents to the personnel a
large overall picture of the various theatres of war and affords then a place to read the
instructive information available.

Wednesday, 15 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Twelfth AF loses HQ 63d
Fighter Wing; HQ 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium); HQ 17th and 320th Bombardment
Groups (Medium), and 310th Service Group to European Theater of Operations, USA
Army (ETOUSA). Bad weather cancels all operations except for reconnaissance by 4 P-
47s and attack by 2 on railroad bridge and rolling stock in the Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: With 10 crews again scheduled for a mission, bad weather
intervened and there was no combat flying. However, two ships went to the bombing
range while two other went on transition. The strong winds and heavy rain last night
failed to uproot any tents although a few were shaken loose. The men battened down the
“hatches” today. Pvts. H.J. Jones and Ott were promoted to corporal today and placed on
flying status.

Jones, Harvey J., Cpl, gunner Ott, James B., Cpl, gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties in the area and on the line as the mission is called
off because of the weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled. Usual camp duties, except for the
hammering and nailing around the tents, to keep them from being blown into the sea.

448th BS War Diary: Second Lts. James W. Bottom, John L. Cannon, Harold H.
Russell, John D. Russell, Theodore Schwartz, Thomas S. Sculley, John W. Sheppard, and
Charles S. Stout were assigned and joined the squadron, replacing many of the “old
timers” who were leaving for the States. S/Sgts. Samuel Berman, James C. Morefield,
Stewart R. Rockwell, Robert P. Brusa, Charles R. Randall, Jr. and Richard R. Seward
were promoted to T/Sgts. Sgts. Camiel A. Goethals and Woodward D. Pealer were
elevated to the grade of S/Sgt. Cpls. Jesse R. Edwards, James E. Herod, Edmund P.
Langley, Jr., Melvin J. Enderle, Conway J. Justice, Jr., Louis E. Reeves and Melvin M.
Wright were presented with an extra stripe to become Sgts. Pvts. Bruce M. Ferrell and
James H. Turner received promotions to Corporals.

Berman, Samuel (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner Bottom, James W., 2Lt, bombardier

Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner Cannon, John L, 2Lt, bombardier

Edwards, Jesse R., Sgt, photographer Enderle, Melvin J., Sgt, gunner

Ferrel, Bruce M., Cpl, gunner Goethals, Camiel A., S/Sgt, gunner

Herod, James E., Sgt, gunner Justice, Conway J., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Langley, Edmund P., Jr., Sgt, gunner Morefield, James C., T/Sgt, gunner

Pealer, Woodward D., S/Sgt, gunner Randall, Charles R., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 15 November 1944 (continued)

Reeves, Louis E., Sgt, gunner Rockwell, Stewart R., T/Sgt, gunner

Russell, Harold H., 2Lt, pilot Russell, John D., 2Lt, pilot

Schwartz, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Sculley, Thomas S., 2Lt, pilot

Seward, Richard F., T/Sgt, gunner Sheppard, John W., 2Lt, bombardier

Stout, Charles S., 2Lt, bombardier Turner, James H., Cpl, gunner

Wright, Melvin M., Sgt, gunner

Thursday, 16 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium
bombers fly 250+ sorties against rail lines in the Brenner Pass and other parts of NE Italy

destroying the railroad bridge at Sacile; fighter-bombers in support of the British Eighth
Army advance to the NW of Forli, hit guns, ammunition supplies, and other military
targets, attack pipeline crossings of the Po River at Ostiglia and Ferrara, and pontoon
stores near Ficarola, as well as hitting communications targets N of the battle area; the
346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, moves from Tarquinia to Pisa with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Dyer led the mission today but results were not up to par.
Lectures on escape and security were given for all combat officers at group after supper
by Capt. Manley and Capt. Levine. Lt. Daggett and Sgts. Sauer and Malmberg left the
squadron today enroute to the U.S.A. on rotation. There was plenty of training today
including ships to the bombing range, transition, instrument practice and a few test hops.

Daggett, Allen L., 2Lt, pilot Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

Levine, William E., Capt, intelligence, 447th BS

Malmberg Russell H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Manly, Robert W., Capt, intelligence, 447th BS

Sauer, Carlton F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 612 Squadron Mission # 396

Lt. Dyer led 10 ships of the squadron in a formation of 18 ships sent out unescorted to
bomb the Padua north railroad bridge, Italy. No flak or fighters were reported. The
bombers dropped 1000 pound bombs from 10/10,500 feet. RESULTS: Due to
navigational error, Piave railroad bridge bombed and missed. North approach cut a
primary, bridge not hit. Good concentration.

Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Captain Hawkes, LeClair and Burandt, Lts. Forsberg, Mexal,
Swanson and Briles plus Ems Sweedler and Lorentson hear that their orders to go home
have come in.

Briles, Connolly O., 1Lt, pilot Burandt, Charles L., Capt, pilot

Forsberg, Robert A., 1Lt, bombardier Hawkes, Leon R., Capt, pilot

LeClair, Edward R., Capt, pilot Lorentson, Edward H., S/Sgt, gunner

Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt, bombardier Swanson, Harry A., 2Lt, pilot

Sweedler, Max, T/Sgt, radio-gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 427

TARGET: Padua N. R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 16 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 8

Lt. Matthews led the formation. Due to navigational error, Piave R.R. Bridge was
bombed. N approaches cut, bridge not hit. No flak, no fighters.

Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 16 November 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Nine planes participated in a raid over Sacile Railroad Bridge in
Northern Italy. Again the Squadron scored a 100% bombing accuracy. The Following
Officers were asgd and jd to this Squadron: F/O Frederick W. Haage, 2nd Lts Burton E.
Stroupe, Jackson R. Dodson, Leslie T. Speer, Robert A. Balboni, John R. Highsmith.

Balboni, Robert A., 2Lt, bombardier Dodson, Jackson R., 2Lt, pilot

Haage, Frederick W., F/O, pilot Highsmith, John R., 2Lt, pilot

Speer, Leslie T., 2Lt, pilot Stroupe, Burton E., 2Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: Pvt. Michael C. Lellis returned from TD 341st Service Squadron.
Pfc. George E. Tiger promoted to Cpl. Today our boys again proved their great
operational efficiency when nine ships from the 448th led the Group against the Sacile
railroad bridge in Northern Italy. The bridge was only 125 x 60 ft. But vital to the
enemy as four railroad lines traversed the single span. Without squadron Bombardier,
Captain Joyce, in the lead, the formation completely destroyed the target, cutting it clean
at both ends. Every bomb landed in the tiny target area, proving again that the 448th
Bomb Sq. is worthy of its precision bombing record.

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Lellis, Michael C., Pvt, duty soldier

Tiger, George E., Cpl, cook

Friday, 17 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): For the first time in several

months the Twelfth's medium bombers attack targets in Yugoslavia, hitting bridges along
the Brod-Zagreb-Maribor railroad; in Italy, medium bombers also hit rail bridges and
viaducts in the NE, concentrating on the Brenner Pass where ground haze and smoke
screen at the Avisio viaduct hamper the attacks; fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air
Command cut rail lines, hit larger concentrations of railroad cars, and blast several
ammunition and fuel dumps N of the battleline below Bologna; fighter-bombers closely
supporting ground forces also hit guns and other military targets in battle area.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Collins led the mission today and while there was no photo
coverage, it was believed to have resulted in 100 percent bombing. Sgts. Carney and
Bertling returned from Cairo today. Capt. Smith and his band together with the radio cast
are all stranded in Rome due to bad field conditions at Littorio. The band is needed
tomorrow night at the officers club and Capt. Hatcher flew to Naples and attempted to
contact Capt. Smith by phone.

Bertling, Gerald M., Sgt, gunner Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt, pilot

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon

Carney, Daniel, Sgt, gunner or Carney, Robert J., Sgt, gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 615 Squadron Mission # 397

Lt. Collins led 9 ships from the squadron ahead of 9 ships from another squadron to
bomb the Padua railroad bridge (north). Area cover was furnished. No flak or fighters.
The bombers went to 11/11,500 feet to drop 1000 pound bombs. RESULTS: 1st flight
made 3 passes before all bombs away and reported bombs on south end and approach.
2nd flight bombed on first pass and had excellent concentration on center of bridge.
Bridge badly damaged before bombing.

Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: More promotions: Lampasona is made a Staff while Basilicato,
Bennett, Duffy, Halko, Kelley, N., Seidlemann, Sharp and Taylor, G. make Sergeants.
New corporals include Allan, Eckles, Everitt, Gorby, Guest and Ilnicki.

Allan, John, Cpl, engineering Basilicato, Salvatore A., Sgt, cook

Bennett, Henry T., Sgt, engineering Duffy, John L., Sgt, engineering

Eckles, Wallace, Cpl, engineering Everitt, Ernie G., Cpl, cook

Gorby, Harry V., Cpl, engineering Guest, Morris F., Jr., Cpl, engineering

Halko, John J., Sgt, cook Ilnicki, William N., Cpl, engineering

Kelley, Norman S., Sgt, cook Lampasona, John N., S/Sgt, armament

Seidlemann, Charles, Jr., Sgt, engineering Taylor, George A., Sgt, engineering

Sharp, Gloyd E., Sgt, engineering or Sharp, Walter S., Sgt, armament

Friday, 17 November 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 428

TARGET: Zapresic R.R. Bridge Yugoslavia DATE: 17 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: Weather Reconnaissance 446th Planes: 1

Captain Smedley was the flight leader. Target area reached, weather O.K. No flak, no
fighters.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 429

TARGET: Zapresic R.R. Bridge, Yugoslavia DATE: 17 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb 446th Planes: 9

Captain Jordan led the formation. Two runs were made on target due to malfunction of
lead plane’s PDI, and first flights bombs hit to NE of target. Due to this malfunction
second flight had good concentration on middle of bridge. One span observed down after
attack. Flak was scant, heavy and accurate as to altitude. No fighters.

Jordan, Henry L., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Nine Planes participated in a raid over Yugoslavia, but no bombs
were dropped due to malfunction of lead Plane. Target: Zapresic Railroad Bridge. Sgts
Theodore A. Fiocca, Bernard R. Guild, Isidore Ifshin, promoted to S/Sgt. Lts Louis C.
Breckenridge, Paul I. Buckley and Lyle N. Brown, returned from Rest Camp Capri.

Breckenridge, Louis C., 2Lt, pilot Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Buckley, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot Fiocca, Theodore A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Guild, Bernard R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Ifshin, Isidore, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

448th BS War Diary: Captain Ermine L. Hales, Rudolph VanRaam, 1st Lts. Leo Amo,
Robert C. Blackwell, Edward P. Comfort, Donald C. Conover, John T. Hicks, Philip R.
Judy, Frank L. Londsdorf left for the return trip to the United States. Not content with
resting on the laurels of yesterday’s bombing, the Squadron today sent nine planes out to
score another 100% bombing accuracy against the Padua N. railroad bridge, Italy.
Bridges being their specialty, the bombers placed an excellent concentration of hits
smack on the center of target.

Amo, Leo W., 1Lt, pilot Blackwell, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot

Comfort, Edward P., 1Lt, bombardier Conover, Donald C., 1Lt, bombardier

Hales, Ermine L., Capt, pilot Hicks, John T., 1Lt, pilot

Judy, Philip R., 1Lt, bombardier VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), Capt, pilot

Saturday, 18 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Medium bombers bomb
bridges at Pizzighettone, Romano di Lombardia, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Migazzone,

Casarsa della Delizia, and Casale Monferrato, Italy; and at Zidani Most, Yugoslavia and
also pound the Brod-Ljubljana, Yugoslavia railway, the principal German escape route in
the Balkans; fighter-bombers continue successful attacks on rail lines, dumps, guns, and
pipelines in the N Apennines and the Po Valley, XXII Tactical Air Command claiming
100+ train cars, 8 locomotives, and nearly 75 vehicles destroyed.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was abortive today due to bad weather. Capt.
Hatcher returned today with Capt. Smith and a “skeleton crew” from the band. They
entertained at the party held at the officers club tonight. Gen. Knapp was the guest and
he awarded Capt. Smith the Legion of Merit. Lt. Robson was injured when the jeep in
which he and Lt. Eatherly were driving overturned. Capt. Farrell, Lt. Rigler and Sgt.
Cummings returned from their DS with a ferrying squadron. There was the usual training
programs in the air.

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 616 Squadron Mission # 398

Lt. Dyer led 12 ships from the 445th in the second flight of a formation sent out to bomb
the Po/Torreberretti road and railroad bridge, Italy. Weather was poor and mission was
abortive.

Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: An 8 plane mission is flown.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 430

TARGET: Faenza N & S Road Bridge, Italy DATE: 18 Nov.1944

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

Captain Goff led the formation. Primary target closed in. Alternate (Motta di Livenza
R.R. Bridge, Italy) bombed with excellent results. All bombs in target area with several
direct hits seen. No flak, no fighters.

Goff, Leroy R., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Ten of our planes participated in a raid over Motta di Livenza
R.R. Bridge in Northern Italy. The target area was well covered, all planes returned
safely. T/Sgt Alvin Simberg returned to the Squadron after being in the hospital in Italy.
He was one of crew members from Lt Ramey’s plane which crashed up near Pisa, Italy.
Major Myron Gale departed for the Zone of Interior on Temporary Duty. He served as
Executive Officer of this Sq.

Gale, Myron, Maj, Executive Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot

Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

448th BS War Diary: Thirteen planes took off to bomb Po Torreberretti Road and
Railroad bridge in Northern Italy but mission was abortive due to 10/10 cloud coverage
over the target.

Sunday, 19 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, fog and low
clouds force cancellation of missions against W Po Valley targets and limit fighter-
bombers to a midday attack on rail lines, guns, troop concentrations, motor transport, and
other military targets in and near the battle area S of Bologna. During the night of 18/19
Nov A-20s on armed reconnaissance bomb Ghedi Airfield and targets in the Bologna,
Ferrara, Mantua, Cremona, and Parma areas.

445th BS War Diary: The combat crews were already down at briefing before the
mission was cancelled. 12 crews were scheduled for the mission. Lt. Lowery gave a
lecture to 16 gunners today on the subject of “air-borne maintenance”. A ship was
scheduled to take off for Rome today to pick up the remaining members of Doc Smith’s
radio show. However, the bad weather continued and Sgts. McNevin and crew got an
extra day in Rome. Capts. Jeffrey and Wagner made some test hops today while several
other ships went up for transition and slow-timing.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot Lowery, Bruce, 2Lt, armament

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt

Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Laub, one of the original members of the 446th, is rotated to
the states.

Laub, Mark G., Sgt, communications

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 431

TARGET: Zapresic R.R. Bridge, Yugoslavia, DATE: 19 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 10

Captain Murray led the formation. First bombs hit in river just S of bridge. Succeeding
elements covered bridge with compact pattern of bombs. Flak was scant, inaccurate and
out of range. No fighters.

Murray, Richard E., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: Eight of our planes took part in the raid on Zapresic Railroad
Bridge in Yugoslavia. The target was well covered with bombs and all planes returned
safely. The following Officers and Enlisted Men returned from Cairo: Lts Grover C.
Brown, Gordon J. Brule, John R. Gillis, Erick A. Johnson, Henry A. Magne, T/Sgt Albert
V. Hanley, S/Sgt Dale G. Miller, S/Sgt Robert P. Quintenz, Sgt Charles A. Munstein, and
Sgt Cornelius J. Sexton.

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

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

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

Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner Munstein, Charles A., Sgt, engineering

Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Sexton, Cornelius J., Sgt, operations

448th BS War Diary: No change. Squadron began planning for glorious Thanksgiving
Day.

Monday, 20 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 19/20 Nov 44 A-20s attack Po River crossings, airfields and lights in the Po Valley.
During the day bad weather prevents medium bombers from successfully attacking
targets; fighter-bombers able to operate during the late morning destroy 2 factories E of
Modena, and supply dumps near Parma, and cause large explosions in a dump near San
Felice del Benaeo.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Weld led 12 ships from this squadron out on the mission but
they returned shortly after take-off due to bad weather. Lts. Baker, Sprankle, Hagerman
and Sgt. Hendricks left today for approximately 4 days of DS to 42nd Wing for ferrying
equipment but returned this evening because destination could not be reached due to
weather. The trip may now be cancelled. Sgt. Stanford, the squadron’s worthy carpenter,
left for the States on a 30 day rotation plan. Lt. Lowman gave an escape lecture
(Balkans) to combat crew members this afternoon in front of the operations hut. Capt.
Hatcher discussed procedure and use of high blower after Lt. Lowman’s talk. There was
formation flying and some test flights were flown. Sgt. McNevin and his crew are still
stranded in Rome.

Baker, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot Hagerman, Millard W., 1Lt, bombardier

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot Hendricks, Albert D., Sgt, engineering

Lowman, Robert S., 2Lt, intelligence

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt

Sprankle, Floyd H., 2Lt, pilot Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter

Weld, Willis R., 2Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # Squadron Mission #

Lt. Weld led 12 ships from this squadron on a mission headed for Italy but when the
formation reached a point 10 miles west of Monte Cristo, they received orders from Wing
to return. No mission.

Weld, Willis R., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Capt. W.E. Levine held a meeting of all enlisted combat personnel
to-day, in the EM mess hall. He lectured about security and escape. He stressed mostly
on safe areas in both Italy and Yugoslavia. The following Officers were promoted to
rank of Capt: Lt Harold K. Lindell, Lt William C. Huffman. 2nd Lts Ralph E. Hennessy,
Ernest G. Hutson, and William C. Morton were promoted to 1st Lts.

Hennessey, Ralph E., 1Lt, pilot Huffman, William C., Capt, bombardier

Hutson, Ernest G., 1Lt, pilot Levine, William E., Capt, intelligence

Lindell, Harold N., Capt, navigator Morton, William C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Monday, 20 November 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Pvt. Walter E. Roguski transferred to 40th Station Hospital.
Thirteen (13) planes took off to bomb Piave-Susegana railroad bridge but turned back
east of Corsica on orders from 57th Wing.

Roguski, Walter E., Pvt., armament

Tuesday, 21 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s blast
defenses and troop concentrations in the Faenza area as the British Eighth Army's 5
Corps opens a general offensive N towards that town; fighter-bombers hit targets in the
US Fifth Army battle area S of Bolonga, in the Po Valley, and in NE Italy; particularly
good results are achieved against supply dumps and a rail line in the Brenner Pass is cut
in 3 places.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Jeffrey led the mission today and results were satisfactory.
Lt. Lloyd L. Finkhouse is Acting Bombing Officer now that Lt. Robson is hospitalized
and Capt. Yepez is scheduled to go home shortly. There were some promotions for
combat crew members today while Cpl. Naughton was placed on flying status. The lead
pilots, navigators and bombardiers attended a meeting called by Major Bounds and Capt.
Hatcher. They discussed flying in general and bombing procedure. There were a few
training flights.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 1Lt, bombardier

Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

Naughton, John J., Jr., Cpl, gunner Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt, bombardier

Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 619 Squadron Mission # 399

Capt. Jeffrey led 9 ships from this squadron to form the second flight of a formation sent
out to bomb the Faenza defense area #1. Area escort was provided. Flak was heavy,
scant and inaccurate while no fighters were sighted. Bombing was from 10/10,500 feet
using frag bombs. RESULTS: 1st flight hit on both sides of north-south road in target
area, starting about on-third of way north and extending to about last one-quarter of area
with good coverage of west half of target area. 2nd flight hit southwest corner of target
area. Some bombs were short of main highway, possibly carrying to target area. 10-12
small fires in target area.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. McGreevy is assigned as assistant S-2 officer. Promotion
to Cpl. Is announced for Broderick, Nichols and Taylor, T.

Broderick, Emmett P., Cpl, gunner McGreevy, William M., 2Lt, intelligence

Nichols, Henry J., III, Cpl, gunner Taylor, Tullis, Cpl, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 432

TARGET: Faenza Defense Area, Italy DATE: 21 Nov.1944

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

Lt. Matthews was flight leader. First flight only dropped and reported good
concentration in center of target area. Several small fires started. Second flight made
two passes but did not bomb due to bad weather. Flak was heavy, scant and inaccurate.
The spare, Lt. Pietrowski returned early. Due to a very strong cross wind all planes
landed at Ghisonaccia A/D.

Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 21 November 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: The following named Officers and Enlisted Men were rotated to
the U.S. 1st Lt Gordon J. Brule, 1st Lt Eric A. Johnson, T/Sgt John F. Toole, T/Sgt Myles
O. Williamson, S/Sgts Harry B. Burns, Everett H. Clyne, and Ray C. Dawson. No
mission scheduled for to-day. Usual camp duties throughout the day.

Brule, Gordon J., 1Lt, bombardier Burns, Harry B., S/Sgt, photographer

Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, armament-gunner Dawson, Roy C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Johnson, Erick A., 1Lt, pilot Toole, John F., T/Sgt, gunner

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

448th BS War Diary: Nine planes from 448th led eighteen (18) plane Group formation to
shower frags on German defenses positions at Faenza in support of the Eight Army
advancing a long the Bologna highway. The mission was highly successful with the area
well peppered with 2040 frags, several fires were observed in the target area.

Wednesday, 22 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s again
pound defenses in the Faenza area as British Eighth Army forces push into that area from
the SE; fighter-bombers and fighters fly nearly 350 sorties against rail lines in the Po
Valley and very successfully hit guns, vehicles, troops and other targets in the US Fifth
Army battle area S of Bologna, and supply dumps and pipelines N of the battle area.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Jeffrey led the mission against Faenza today and good
results were achieved once again, 100 percent bombing accuracy in the books. Capt.
Yepez, Lts. Thompson, McLaughlin, Fisher, Hadsell and Place; and Sgts. Giorgio,
Decker, Tarr and Walter left today for rotation to the States. Sgts. Lens and Barnes gave
a lecture today on personal equipment for the benefit of all combat crews at the Officers
club. Capt. Collins, in addition to his flying duties was appointed Air-Sea Rescue
Officer. Some ships went to the bombing range while others went on transition. Capt.
Wagner went over to Tarquinia to pick up Sgt. McNevin and his entertainers at that field.
They had proceeded there by truck after another vain attempt to take off from Littorio.
They were mighty glad to be back after the long stay in Rome with small funds.

Barnes, Warren H., Sgt, engineering Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

Decker, Robert J., Sgt, armament Fisher, James B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Giorgio, John B., Sgt, gunner Hadsell, Donald M., 1Lt, pilot

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot Lens, Edward, Sgt, engineering

McLaughlin, Elwood F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

McNevin, John L., Jr., S/Sgt, intelligence/1st Sgt

Place, Winston R., 1Lt, pilot Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

Walter, Henry W., Sgt, gunner Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 621 Squadron Mission # 400

Capt. Jeffrey led 9 ships in the second flight of a formation sent out to bomb the southern
half of the Faenza defense area #1. Area escort was provided. No fighters were reported
while flak was heavy, scant and inaccurate, holing 2 planes. The ships dropped frags
from 10/11000 feet. RESULTS: Good coverage of west half of area, starting at main
road and south and walking up through area along and west of the north-south secondary
road and carrying on 100 to 150 yards beyond railroad. No fires or explosions reported.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: a 7 plane mission is flown with excellent results.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 433

TARGET: Southern half, Faenza Defense Area, Italy DATE: 22 Nov.1944

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

Captain Wiginton led the formation. Good coverage of W half of area. No fires or
explosions. Flak was scant, inaccurate and out of range. Heavy flak from NW of target
on break-away. One burst of red flak seen. Two planes holed. Captain Smedley the
spare, returned early.

Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wig", Capt, pilot, 447 BS Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 22 November 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our planes took part in a raid on Faenza Defense Area in
Northern Italy. All Planes returned safely. Major Masculine, a member of the British
“A” Force lectured to our combat crews to-day. Everybody that attended the meeting
enjoyed the talk, they all came out of the meeting knowing that they all received some
valuable information.

448th BS War Diary: Major D.I. McLain, former Commanding Officer, was transferred
to 321st Bomb. Group (M). Captain Raymond W. Moss, 1st Lts. Thomas E. McDonough,
Charles W. Shaw, Raymond Smith and Ray B. Stevens; T/Sgts James R. Blackard, James
R. Campbell; S/Sgts. William Bishop, Harry W. Congdon, Benjamin Hospod and Charles
A. Roberts left for the Zone of the Interior with an enviable combat record. Pfc. Joseph
Shulansky promoted to Cpl. Captain Richard Burks was selected as the new Operations
Officer and Captain Frank M. Furey filled the position of Assistant Operations Officer.

Bishop, William (NMI), Sgt, gunner Blackard, James R., Sgt, gunner

Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot Campbell, James R., Sgt, gunner

Congdon, Harry W., Sgt, gunner Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), Sgt, gunner McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

McLain, Damon I., Maj, pilot, Commander Moss, Raymond W., Capt, pilot

Roberts, Charles A., Sgt, gunner Shaw, Charles W., 1Lt, bombardier

Shulansky, Joseph (NMI), Cpl, personnel Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt, navigator

Stevens, Ray B., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 23 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
restricts operations; medium bombers over the Faenza area abort due to overcast, P-47s
hampered by low clouds over the Apennines Mountains, fly only 16 sorties, against rail
lines S of Bologna, but succeed in cutting the lines in 6 places.

445th BS War Diary: Activity was called to a halt today except for work that was
absolutely necessary. For today was Thanksgiving Day and there was no war today.
Football was in the air in the morning. The 445th enlisted men met the league-leading
448th six at the latter’s field to play the home club and dropped their game to the leaders
of the officers league, 40-0. A big turkey dinner wiped out the memory of bad football.
The meal was served at 3 P.M. Turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, onions,
bread and butter, pie, cheese, eggnog, fruit, nuts, candy and coffee was enough to fill the
men to the belt-loosening point. Free drinks were in order in both clubs. The weather for
the day was cool but not cold and a beautiful sunset rounded out a most enjoyable day.

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Thanksgiving and a dozen lucky men get orders to go home: Lts.
Dunn, Pettit, Gilligan, Rackley and Wojcik and Ems Poorman, Aderholt, Kreider,
Leonard, Thornton, Stapleton, Wiacek as the squadron takes a day off for feasting.

Aderholt, William J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Dunn, Thomas B., 1Lt, navigator

Gilligan, John W., 2Lt, bombardier Kreider, John L., S/Sgt, gunner

Leonard, Malcolm B., S/Sgt, gunner Pettit, Robert H., 2Lt, bombardier

Poorman, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Rackley, Donald D., 1Lt, pilot

Stapleton, Carl B., S/Sgt, gunner Thornton, Edward P., S/Sgt, gunner

Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt, gunner Wojcik, Walter, 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No Mission to-day. 1st Lt Edward Krafka was promoted to
Captain. The Squadron celebrated Thanksgiving to-day with one of the best dinners in
it’s history. Both Clubs were decorated for the event and everybody had a good time.
Our officers drubbed the 445th Officers in a foot-ball game by a mere score of 40 – 0.

Krafka, Edward, Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Thanksgiving day and an enjoyable one for all. The mission was
cancelled due to weather at the target and everyone was able to participate in the holiday
spirit. A football game between the 448th and 446th highlighted the day. Interest and
betting ran high for the winner would be eligible for the final play-off game. Playing on
Rayan field in the Squadron area the game was a very exciting one. The 448th trounced
the visiting team by 32 to 6. After this decisive victory the boys sat down to a festive
Thanksgiving meal. There was plenty of turkey and dressing for all and the bars in the
Officers’ and Enlisted Men’s clubs were well stocked with many varieties of spirits.

Friday, 24 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s, in
support of the British Eighth Army, bomb defenses in the Faenza area; bad weather
restricts fighter-bombers to 2 missions which damage a road bridge and cut rail line S of
Modena.

445th BS War Diary: Bad weather once again cancelled the mission. There was but one
spare scheduled from this squadron. Quite a few hangovers today with some cases of the
“G.I.’s” and perhaps it is well that no mission was scheduled. Gunners attended aircraft
flash recognition movie at group briefing hall this afternoon. There was plenty of
training today including instrument flying, transition, formation, trucking practice for
gunners and some ships went to the bombing range.

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Regular duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: A nine ship mission was scheduled for the day but bad weather
prevented the take off. S/Sgt Harold W. Scarberry returned to the Squadron to-day after
spending a week or more in Italy; he bailed out of Lt Ramey’s plane that crashed near
Pisa, on 10 November 1944.

Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Weather prevented the squadron from carrying the attack to the
enemy today. The outfit was back to normal after yesterday’s celebration and the daily
duties were carried on as usual. Sgt. James E. Herod was transferred to the 40th Station
Hospital.

Herod, James E., Sgt, gunner

Saturday, 25 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
again hampers operations; 3 fighter groups fly only 53 sorties against railway targets and
targets of opportunity N of the US Fifth Army battle area, cutting lines at 14 places and
destroying several vehicles. The 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, moves
from Pisa to Pontedera, Italy with Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. McKay flew a weather recce this morning and reported bad
weather. The combat mission was cancelled. Capt. Farrell, Lts Rigler, Coale and Wren
were placed on combat status to round out combat tour (probably 65 to 75 missions).
The gunners attended a flash recognition movie at group again today. Once again, plenty
of training was in order. Squadron supply was scheduled to put out its first issue of
luxury rations today but for some reason, they didn’t come through. They said tomorrow
would be the day the men listened to football games in the evening, today being
Saturday.

Coale, Julian R., 2Lt, pilot Farrell, Robert A., Capt, pilot

McKay, Donald I., 2Lt, pilot Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot

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

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 621 Squadron Mission # 401

Lt. McKay flew a weather recce and reported bad weather.

McKay, Donald I., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Promotion of C.O. Freeman to Technical Sergeant is announced
as Cassidy, Haxby and Wilking get their first rocker. Smythe, Cubbage, Flasher and
Luitjens make Sergeant.

Cassidy, Warren J., S/Sgt, gunner Cubbage, Robert, Sgt, gunner

Flasher, Henry F., Sgt, gunner Freeman, Cecil O., T/Sgt, gunner

Haxby, William H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Luitjens, Harvey J., Sgt, gunner

Smythe, Edward A., Sgt, medical Wilking, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission was scheduled for to-day but due to weather conditions
did not take off. Usual camp duties prevailed. The Following Officer and EM returned
from Capri: 2nd Lt Richard D. Applenzeller, Lyle N. Brown, T/Sgt Russell E. See.

Applenzeller, Richard D., 2Lt, pilot Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

See, Russell K., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

448th BS War Diary: Lts. John A. Bard, John R. Grady, George P. Kiska, T/Sgt. Jack L.
Walker, S/Sgt. Louis E. Trigler left for seven days at the beautiful Capri rest camp.

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot Grady, John R., 1Lt, pilot

Kiska, George P., 2Lt, bombardier Trigler, Louis E., S/Sgt, gunner

Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 26 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, a slight
improvement in the weather permits fighter-bombers to increase operations; P-47s
closely support ground forces in the US Fifth Army battle area in the Apennines S of
Bologna and cut rail lines in over 30 places N of the immediate battle zone.

445th BS War Diary: No mission today due to weather. Hard rain which fell most of the
day cancelled flight training. For the third straight day, gunners attended aircraft flash
recognition class at group. Capt. Weld and Capt. Collins gave newly assigned pilots
some instructions on the B-25. These new pilots formerly flew B-26s. Pvt. Ravesi, who
asked to be grounded back in February, was promoted to corporal and placed on flying
status again. The line personnel played the area personnel at the 447th field this afternoon
in a touch football game. The game was curtailed by hard rain at the end of the first half
with the area “pencil-pushers” leading, 13-7. The game was very rough with such giants
as Martinez and Griffies giving the area men quite a jolting. The supply personnel
produced their first distribution of the luxury rations today. Roast beef for supper. It
rained at night.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot Griffies, Thomas R., Sgt, engineering

Martinez, Elmo J., Sgt, engineering Ravesi, Thomas G., Cpl, communications

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Nov. 26 and 27: Regular duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but didn’t take off because of bad weather.
Usual camp duties. Morning Report for week of November 25, 1944: Officers: 80,
Enlisted-Men: 345.

448th BS War Diary: Squadron carried on normal duties with particular emphasis on
cleaning up the area.

Monday, 27 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
all missions except 5 weather reconnaissance sorties.

445th BS War Diary: No mission again due to weather. This month has been bad for
missions with weather being generally poor. The newly-assigned B-26 pilots were given
a pilot’s proficiency test by Capts. Weld and Collins and afterward, questions were
discussed. The gunners attended another flash aircraft recognition class at group today.
There was a small arms inspection in the area today. There was a good mail call today.
Spaghetti and meat balls for supper tonight.

Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Nov. 26 and 27: Regular duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Again bad weather prevented the Mission take off. 2nd Lt Leonard
P. Caflissch Jr. and Pvt LeRoy Jones were asgd and jd from 57th Bomb Wg.

Caflissch, Leonard P., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Jones, LeRoy, Pvt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Captain Herman M. Kneisle departed for TD at 319th Bomb
Group. 1st Lts. Royden Brown and Howard M. Lee; 2nd Lts. Sherman T. Armstrong, Sam
Barile, and Charles A. Bruhn; Cpls. Ralph Gutierres and Paul D. Ward were assigned and
joined the organization.

Armstrong, Sherman T., Jr. 2Lt, bombardier Barile, Sam (NMI), pilot

Brown, Royden (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Bruhn, Charles A., 2Lt, pilot

Gutierres, Ralph (NMI), Cpl, gunner Kneisle, Herman M., Capt, communication

Lee, Howard M., 1Lt, pilot Ward, Paul D., Cpl, gunner

Tuesday, 28 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit
railroad bridges at Magenta, Torre Beretti, and Casale Monferrato, and an abandoned
ship in La Spezia harbor; fighters and fighter-bombers support ground forces in the battle
area in the Apennines S of Bologna, hit communications targets N of the battle zone, and
cut railroad lines in 40+ places in the Brenner Pass and NC Po areas.

445th BS War Diary: Weather again cancelled the mission today. There were no non-
operational flights today. The gunners attended another flash recognition aircraft class at
the group briefing hall today. Lts. Dyer, Barton and Santone went to the new 57th Bomb
Wing rest camp at Ile Rousse, Corsica. Due to the fact that a number of parachutes are
reported missing, a rigid guard system is in order now. Each guard is assigned a certain
number of aircraft and he must check the parachutes in these aircraft at the beginning and
end of his tour of guard. The crew chiefs must be out at their planes at 8 o’clock each
morning and someone must be at the ship all day until 5 when the first shift of guard
takes over. Sgts. Graf, Logan, Martinez and Bell are formulating a plan to eliminate this
system. Lt. Shenk paid the squadron a visit in his P-47. He buzzed the area several times
before he left for his outfit which is stations near Pisa.

Barton, Samuel V., 2Lt, bombardier Bell, Wendell J., Sgt, engineering

Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot Graf, Edward E. "Gene", M/Sgt, communications

Logan, Robert R., Sgt, intelligence Martinez, Elmo J., Sgt, engineering

Santone, Michael A., 2Lt, pilot Shenk, Stanley R., Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: Lieut. Clausen returns from northern Italy, having escaped
through the lines.

Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Bad Weather again kept planes to the Ground. Record Events:
Usual Camp Duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Change.

Wednesday, 29 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy during the night
of 28/29 Nov A-20s fly armed reconnaissance over the Po Valley, dropping incendiaries
at several points including bridges at Piacenza and Castel Maggiore and the airfields at
Ghedi and Villafranca di Verona; during the day weather grounds the medium bombers
however, fighters and fighter-bombers can operate, and blast enemy communications on
the Brenner line and in the NC Po Valley, cutting rail lines in numerous places and
destroying a large number of vehicles and railroad cars.

445th BS War Diary: No mission due to bad weather again. There was some training
today with three ships going to the bombing range and another was test-hopped. A 12th
Air Force portable recording unit paid the field a visit and a number of line personnel
from this squadron made records out on the line. Some replacement crews arrived today.

445th BS Mission Summary: Squadron did not participate in mission.

446th BS War Diary: A small mission is flown on the 30th as the squadron gets caught
up on maintenance and repair.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 434

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance. DATE: 29 Nov.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Base to Rimini, to mouth of Piave, return to base. No flak, no fighters.

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled “A” and “B” Planes. Both missions were
ready to take off but finally called off because of inclement weather. Usual camp duties.

448th BS War Diary: Capt. Warren R. Annear, 1st Lt. Robert P. Mitchell, Emerson C.
Moyer, William F. Riener, S/Sgt Willmer E. Bowman returned to the Zone of the
Interior.

Annear, Warren R., Capt, pilot Bowman, Willmer E., S/Sgt, gunner

Mitchell, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot Moyer, Emerson C., 1Lt, pilot

Riener, William F., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 30 November 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb
bridges at Romano di Lombardia and Crema; fighters and fighter-bombers attack
communications in the Po Valley, cutting rail lines and destroying a large number of
railroad cars and motor transport; targets also include bridges, guns, and buildings.

445th BS War Diary: Lt. Weld led 9 ships from the squadron to bomb the Crema
railroad bridge and 100 percent bombing accuracy was the result. The squadron finished
off in a blaze of bombing glory to lead the group again for this month. The squadron has
led the group for the past three months in bombing accuracy. Today was payday. 17
new gunners were assigned today, most of whom came from England where they flew in
combat in B-17s and B-24s. There was some training today.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: Group Mission # 623 Squadron Mission # 402

Lt. Weld led 9 ships in front of 9 other ships from the 447th squadron to bomb the Crema
railroad bridge. No escort was furnished. No flak or fighters reported. 1000 pound GP
bombs were dropped from 11/11,500 feet. RESULTS: All bombs in target area. Pattern
started short walking across center with 3 or 4 direct hits. Some bombs on west end of
bridge. Damage unobserved.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: A small mission is flown on the 30th as the squadron gets caught
up on maintenance and repair.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 435

TARGET: Romano di Lombardo R.R. Bridge, Italy DATE: 30 Nov.1944

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

Captain Furey led the formation. Good concentration on bridge. Several direct hits
reported on W end. Some bombs short of target, in river bed. No flak from target area.
Some meager, heavy, out of range flak on break-away. No planes holed, no fighters.

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: Nine of our planes took part in the mission over Crema Railroad
Bridge in Northern Italy, the results were excellent and we achieved another 100%
bombing accuracy. The following Officers and Enlisted men left on rotation to the
United States: Lt Earl W. Hall and Richard J. Woods, T/Sgt Ned F. LaFountain, S/Sgt
Grant W. Baldridge.

Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, gunner Hall, Earl W., 1Lt, pilot

LaFountain, Ned F., T/Sgt, gunner Woods, Richard J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: The squadron ended the month with a successful attack against the
Romano railroad bridge in Northern Italy. Nine planes from the 448th were airborne as
lead flight of the Group of eighteen (18) planes, scoring an excellent concentration of hits
on the bridge. All planes returned safely. Morale had reached a new high at the close of

Thursday, 30 November 1944 (continued)

November and everyone looked forward to carrying on their superior work in the coming
month. During the month 15 missions were flown consisting of 132 sorties dropping
365,600 pounds of bombs on various types of targets. With 86 officers and 329 enlisted
men in the organization on 30 November, 1944, the squadron seemed well prepared to
continue their relentless attacks agains the enemy.

November 1944

445th BS War Diary: Additional Information for November 1944

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Gp. (M)

APO 650

15 December 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

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

1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period November1st to November 30th.

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

b. Changes in organization.

1. None.

c. Strength commissioned and enlisted.

1. Month of November, 1944.

(a) 463 at beginning.

(b) 30 net increase.

d. Stations.

1. Solenzara Air Field.

e. Movements.

1. None

f. Operations:

1. During the Month of November, the squadron participated in 150 Sorties and 18
Missions.

g. Command Officers in important missions.

On 5 November, Capt. Gerald W. Wagner (pilot), Assistant Operations Officer, led
a formation of B-25s which bombed the Nervesa railroad bridge. Despite an intense,
accurate flak barrage, a good concentration was achieved on the center of the bridge with
a number of direct hits seen.

On 6 November, Capt. Wagner (pilot) again led a formation out on the group’s
600th bombing mission. The target attacked was the Ala Transformer station, Italy. This
pin-point target was well-covered with many direct hits resulting and 100% bombing
accuracy was achieved.

On 21 November, Capt. Leon F. Hatcher (pilot), Operations Officer, flew as
command pilot in the lead ship of the second flight of a formation sent out to attack troop
concentrations west of Faenza, Italy. Bombs from this flight fell in the southeast corner
of the target area and when the bombers left, 10-12 small fires were burning.

November 1944 (continued)

h. Losses in action.

1. None

i. Awards

1. General Order #223, 12th Air Force, dated 4 November 1944, authorized the
award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the following personnel: 1st Lt. Walter E.
Born (pilot), 1st Lt. Dan P. Bowling (pilot), 1st Lt. Ben D. Emery (bombardier), Capt.
Robert A. Farrell (pilot), 1st Lt Loren G. Glasford (pilot), 1st Lt. Donald I. McKay (pilot),
1st Lt. William H. Moore (pilot) and 1st Lt. Herbert E. Robson (bombardier). The same
authorized the award of the oak leaf cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross to Capt.
Daniel P. Collins (pilot) and 1st Lt. Harold O. Baldwin (bombardier).

2. General Order #224, 12th Air Force, dated 5 November 1944, authorized the
award of the Soldier’s Medal to the following personnel: Sgt. Arthur M. Hanna
(engineering) and Sgt. Bernard H. Seegmiller (armament).

3. General Order #226, 12th Air Force, dated 6 November 1944, authorized the
award of 1 Air Medal and 35 oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal.

4. General Order #232, 12th Air Force, dated 11 November 1944, authorized the
award of 2 Air Medals and 62 oak leaf clusters.

5. General Order #234, 12th Air Force, dated 12 November 1944, authorized the
award of the Bronze Star to the following personnel: T/Sgt. Reno F. Cavallini
(engineering) and T/Sgt. Frank P. Killeen (operations). The same authorized the award
of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the following personnel: Capt. Melvin A. Anderson
(bombardier), 1st Lt. Wayne E. Kendall (pilot), 1st Lt. Robert F. Mitchell (navigator), 1st
Lt. Michael A. Santone (pilot), 1st Lt. Robert J. Skebay (bombardier) and 1st Lt. Allen W.
Webb (pilot).

6. General Order #239, 12th Air Force, dated 18 November 1944, authorized the
award of 1 Air Medal and 26 oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal.

7. General Order #241, 12th Air Force, dated 19 November 1944, authorized the
award of 29 oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal.

8. General Order #242, 12th Air Force, dated 20 November 1944, authorized the
award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to 1st Lt. Lawrence J. Payne (pilot).

9. General Order #246, 12th Air Force, dated 23 November 1944, authorized the
award of the oak leaf cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Thomas C.
Bounds (pilot).

November 1944 (continued)

10. General Order #247, 12th Air Force, dated 24 November 1944, authorized the
award of 1 Air Medal and 26 oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal. This makes a total of 10
Air Medals and 220 oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal awarded during the month of
November. A total of 18 awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross was made during the
month together with 2 awards of the Bronze Star and 2 awards of the Soldier’s Medal.

For the Commanding Officer:

1 Incl.

Incl (1) – War Diary THOMAS W. ASHTON,
1st Lt., Air Corps,

Squadron Historian.

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for November 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF

1 December 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR NOVEMBER
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 November 1944 107 Officers, 347 Enlisted Men

2. Net Increase None None

3. Net Decrease 22 Officers 24 Enlisted Men

4. 31 November 1944 85 Officers, 323 Enlisted Men

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements

1. Engagements:

Ala, Italy

2. Lt. Col Paul T. Cooper (pilot)

November 1944 (continued)

E. Losses in action:
Capt. Gale M. Dickson 1st Lt. Walton M. Ligon

1st Lt. John E. Chapman S/Sgt Vernon I. Bender

S/Sgt George F. Glendening

F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in
action:

1. The Silver Star was awarded to Capt. Jack D. Mayo (pilot)

2. The D.F.C. was awarded to: 1st Lt. Albert J. Derringer (bombardier)

1st Lt. Chester J. Trosky (pilot) 2nd Lt. William T. Ingram (pilot)

S/Sgt Walter E. Knapp (gunner) S/Sgt William R. South (gunner)

3. The Soldiers Medal was awarded to: 1st Lt. Eugene A. Fontaine (pilot)

1st Lt George H. Gibbons (ordnance) 1st Lt. Lonnie C. Sitts (bombardier)

S/Sgt Stuart L. Huntoon (gunner) S/Sgt Willard V. Sommer (communications)

4. The Air Medal was awarded to the following:

Capt. Robert R. Smedley (pilot) 2nd Lt. Warren W. Chandler (pilot)

2nd Lt. Thomas A. Capalety (pilot) 2nd Lt. Jack E. Cressman (pilot)

2nd Lt. Herman E. Everhart (pilot) 2nd Lt. Edom K. McGann (bombardier)

2nd Lt. Ronald J. Manolis (pilot) 2nd Lt. Robert F. Panning (pilot)

2nd Lt. David M. Sherline (pilot) Sgt Camillo A. Alberico (gunner)

Sgt Robert Cubbage (gunner) Cpl Henry H. Demmitt (gunner)

Sgt Henry F. Flasher (gunner) S/Sgt Walter V. Koos (gunner)

Sgt Harvey J. Luitjens (gunner) Sgt George M. Murch (gunner)

S/Sgt Thomas A. Murray (gunner) Sgt Chris Popovich (gunner)

M/Sgt Charles F. Reeves (armament)Cpl William M. Wagner (gunner)

G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries.

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for November 1944

447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)

APO 65

SUBJECT: Historical Records. 7 December 1944

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing.

Attention: Historian.

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

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

November 1944 (continued)

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

Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.

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

b. Changes in Organization.

(1) No Change

(2) Echelons or units.

(a) Transferred

16 Officers Trfd to 7th Repl Depot.

1 Officer trfd to 37th Gen Hosp.

15 Enlisted-Men trfd to 7th Repl Depot.

2 Enlisted-Men trfd to 448th Bomb Sq (M).

1 Enlisted-Man trfd to 40th Sta Hosp.

(b) 5 Officers placed on TD to Capri.

1 Officer placed on TD to USA.

2 EM placed on TD to Hq 321st Bomb Gp, (Hq)

1 EM placed on TD to 341st Serv Sq.

1 EM Confined to 310th Stockade.

3 Officers KIA.

1 EM MIS.

1 EM POW.

1 EM KIA.

(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 November 1944.

(a) At Beginning. 91 Officers; 336 enlisted-men

(b) Net increase. None 8 enlisted-men

(d) At end: 79 Officers; 344 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.

November 1944 (continued)

e. Movement of units or echelons.

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

f. Campaigns.

(1) Italian Campaign.

(2) November 1 to present date.

g. Operations.

(1) Italian campaign.

(2) Objective Bombing

(3) 18 missions, 135 sorties

(4) Results of the most important missions.

(a) Ostiglia Railroad Bridge.

(1) The bridge was important because it was the enemy’s means of

transporting supplies and reinforcements to the front line

(2) Bridge rendered impassible.

(3) Disrupted transportation of supplies and reinforcements

(4) Squadron scored 100% bombing accuracy.

(5) Enemy lost 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: 3 Officers, 2 Enlisted-Men.

(b) Wounded: 2 Enlisted-Men

(d) Taken prisoner: None

j. During the month of November 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 November
1944 to 30 November 1944. No Special Accounts for the month; Squadron Statistics for
the month of November 1944.

November 1944 (continued)

For the Commanding Officer:

3 Incl: WILLIAM E. LEVINE,

Incl – 1 War Diary. Captain, A.C.,

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

Incl – 3 Squadron Statistics

Missions Flown: 18 Sorties Flown: 135

Bombs dropped (weight): 332,680 Nickels: 1 mission

Planes lost: None Chaff: 2 missions

Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None

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

The month of November started with a change of Commanding Officers right off
the bat. Captain Harold S. Farwell succeeded Major D.I. McLain on November 1, 1944,
as per SO 193, Par. 1, Hq 321st Bomb Group (M), dated 1 November 1944. When
Captain Farwell’s capable hands took over the Squadron strength stood at 102 Officers
and 361 Enlisted Men. The new Commanding Officer showed great promise and
immediately the squadron took on a very progressive air. The outfit also acquired a new
Operations Officer when Captain Richard Burks succeeded Captain Raymond Moss who
returned to the United States.

Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

McLain, Damon I., Maj, pilot, Commander Moss, Raymond W., Capt, pilot

During the month the unit continued its excellent bombing record for which it is
so widely noted. Taking to the blue after two weeks of in-operation due to inclement
weather, the boys showed their stuff in the assault against Vercelli, Italy on 4 November.
On this mission a 100% bombing accuracy was attained, the photo recce later showing
the true devastating results. On 6 November the Squadron reached the pinnacle of
precision bombing. Sending nine (9) planes against the Ala transformer station in
Northern Italy, the 448th was not fooled by this different type of target. Such an excellent
concentration was scored against this tiny target that the Group tagged the title “pickle
barrel bombing” to the mission. Indeed it was pickle barrel bombing for not a single
bomb landed outside the uncommonly small target area. The transformer station was
literally “wiped off the map”. These were not all of the accomplishments during the
month for on three other occasions the Squadron dealt a 100% blow to the enemy. Not
only were the boys able to dish it out but they were also able to take it. On 10 November
1944 the 448th led the Group composed of forty-four (44) planes against the desperately
defended Ostiglia railroad bridge over the Po River. Despite the heavy intense and
extremely accurate anti-aircraft fire that down four (4) of the bombers, holed twenty-six
(26) other aircraft, killed four (4) men at their posts, and wounded 12 other crew

November 1944 (continued)

members in carrying out the attack the formation was undaunted in its determination to
knock out this vital link. The 448th lost one plane and its crew when Lieutenant
Anderson, who was leading the formation was mortally hit over the target, the 105 M.M.
fire knocking out his engine, the hydraulic system, and damaging the rudders. For over
twenty minutes he maintained the aircraft in flight even though the wheels and flaps were
down and he was getting power from only one engine. To the last he kept the plane
under control, permitting his crew to bail out to the safety of the foothills in the enemy
territory.

The holiday season was ushered in on the 23rd in the form of Thanksgiving. A
very festive day was had by all as the mission was cancelled due to weather. There was
plenty of turkey and dressing for everyone. The bars were also well stocked for those
who whished to quench their thirst and celebrate.

Football, both college and local, reached a high peak and there were many hotly
contested games played in Ryan field located in the area. In particular importance was
the Thanksgiving day game between the 448th and the 446th Squadrons. Interest and
betting ran high as this was the game to decide who would be in the final play-off. The
448th “High Blowers” gallantly trounced the visiting team by 32 to 6, putting them in a
position to win the tournament.

Other interests also contributed to the high level of morale in the unit. The
weekly movies continued to attract large audiences eager to get a glance at their “pin-up”
girl. Also the bars at both the Officers’ & Enlisted Men’s clubs were patronized
frequently by the boys who wished to drown their every day problems. The men still left
for Capri and Rome rest Camps weekly and always returned refreshed, adding a
noticeable zest to their daily work. Forty-seven (47) of the “old timers” departed for the
luxuries of the good ole United States and it seemed as if most of the old squadron had
gone by now. However, there were soon replaced by the many new men who were
anxious and ready to grapple with the enemy. There were so many new faces that names
presented a problem until everyone started asking “Who’re you?”.

From 1 November to 30 November fifteen missions were flown consisting of 132
sorties, dropping 365,600 pounds of bombs on various types of enemy targets. At the
close of the month the squadron was still progressive and looked forward to carrying on
their excellent work in December. With 86 Officers and 329 enlisted men in the
squadron on 30 November and with Captain Farwell at the helm the outfit seemed well
prepared to continue their relentless demolishing attacks directed against the enemy.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

ROY C. MOOSE,

1ST Lt., Air Corps,

Squadron Historian.