12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: December 1943

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

A/C: Aircraft

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA

A/D: Aerodrome

NC: Nurse Corps.

A/F: Air Field

NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

OD: Officer of the day/Olive Drab

abs: absent

OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer

PAX: Passengers

Assg: Assigned

PBS: 447th 2 June?

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

POE: Point of Embarkation

BC: Bomber Command

PX: Post Exchange

BSM: 448th 8-15 Sep

QM: Quarter Master

CA: Heavy Cruiser

R/B: Road Bridge

CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

R/J: Road Junction

CO: Commanding Officer

R/Y: Railroad Yards

CP: Command Post

Repl: Replacement

CQ: Charge of Quarters

RON: Remain OverNight

CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

RR/B: Railroad Bridge

D/H: Direct Hit

RR/J: Railroad Junction

Demo: Demolition

RR: Railroad

DS: Detached Service

S/E: Single Engine (plane)

E/A: Enemy Aircraft

SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

E/F: Enemy Fighter

SD: Special Duty

E/M: Enlisted Men

sk: sick

EFM: 447th 16 Sep?

SO: Special Order

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?

FO or F/O: Flying Officer

Sq: Squadron

Frag: Fragmentation

Sqdn: Squadron

GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action

GO: General Order

T/C: Troop Concentration

GP: General Purpose/Gun Position

T/E: Twin Engine (plane)

I & E: Information & Education

TAC: Theater Allied Command

IP: Initial Point

TBF: Tactical Bomber Force

L/G: Landing Ground

TD: Temporary Duty

L/S: Landing Strip

TO: Technical Order

L/V: Large Vehicle

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

LOT: 447th 2 May?

Trfd: Transferred

LST: Landing Ship Tank

u/i: 448th 26 Sep?

Ltr: Letter

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer

LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action

XC: Cross Country

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)

M/V: Military Vessel

M/Y: Marshalling Yards

MC: Maintenance Crew

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

For my dad,

Colonel John Fitzgerald, USA retired

“Lil Butch”

John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, USAF (ret)

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

Wednesday, 1 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's bomb gun positions
in the Sant' Ambrogio area; fighter-bombers, including some Royal Air Force (RAF),
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft, hit
trucks, gun positions, and other military targets E of Casoli, at Lanciano, near
Guardiagrele, W of Mignano, W of Minturno, and near Chieti. Several of these missions
are in support of the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies. During the month of Dec 43,
HQ XII Bomber Command transfers from Tunis, Tunisia to Bari, Italy. HQ 52nd Fighter
Group and its 5th Fighter Squadron transfer from Boccadifalco and Bo Rizzo, Sicily
respectively to Corsica with Spitfires.

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today. The Squadron personnel were paid
this morning in the Officers’ mess building. It got very cold in the afternoon and many of
the men stayed in their tents to hug the stoves. Most of the men have a good supply of
coal in their tents and this affords them the comfortable heat on these raw days. It was
cold, windy and rainy tonight. The wind at times threatened to blow down some of the
tents.

446th BS War Diary: Planes arrived here today from Grottaglie bringing the balance of
our men and equipment. Troops were paid which brought up morale and brought on the
poker games. Weather is bad.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Usual squadron duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 2 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's, A-20's, and RAF
light bombers support ground forces in the Monte Trocchio area, and other B-25's, A-
20's, and RAF and SAAF airplanes support ground forces near Sant' Ambrogio; more B-
25's hit bridge and approaches near Chieti; fighters strafe trucks and trains while fighter-
bombers blast gun positions along the US Fifth and British Eighth Army fronts, and hit
harbors and shipping along the Yugoslav coast at or near Omis, Drvenicki, Trogir,
Vrbnik, and Ston.

445th BS War Diary: It was very cold this morning and the sight of snow covered
mountains in the distance made it seem all the colder. The rainstorm which we had last
night apparently turned out to be a snowstorm in the mountains. There were several red
alerts sounded this evening which sent some of the men scurrying for their slit trenches.
There was no bombing but some of the men reported seeing glows of fires toward the
south.

446th BS War Diary: Weather cleared up and we had a mission with fairly good results.
There is snow on the hills to the Northwest.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 129

TARGET: Road Bridge N of Chieti DATE: 2 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 9

Col. Knapp, Group CO led the formation. 1 crew, Lt. Tapper, reported direct hits on
center of bridge. Good concentration on E approach, and hits on road to west. Numerous
near misses on bridge. Flak was heavy, accurate, and 4 a/c were hit.

Knapp, Robert D., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Tapper, George C., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our planes took off to bomb a road bridge near CHIETI,
Italy. The flak was so terrific that casualties resulted. One of our planes, piloted by 1st
Lt. W.T. Williams who was on his 52nd mission, was shot down. Other members of the
crew were: 2nd Lt. A.C. Drury, S/Sgt. C.O. Brown, S/Sgt. C.D. Goodwin, S/Sgt. E.V.
Boza, and S/Sgt. W.F. Kazar. S/Sgt. James M. Batteiger, engineer of the plane directly in
front of Lt. Williams saw a direct hit on the right engine. He watched it fall to about
3000 ft, still going down and out of control. 448th Sq. also lost a plane, which exploded
in mid-air. This ship was flown by no other than the Squadron C.O., Major Bates. Two
other planes, piloted by Lt. Fallone and Lt. Jahrhaus, each landed with only one engine
operating. Both planes had the oil lines of one of their engines shot out and Lt. Jahrhaus’
plane also had a flat tire. Lt. Broyles had the tail assembly of his plane shot up. Lt.
Beeson had the rudder of his plane hit. The following men were injured on this mission
and will receive Purple Hearts: 2nd Lt. D.W. Thomas, pilot; 2nd Lt. G.J. Trevor, co-pilot;
S/Sgt. E.F. Bartkus, radio-gunner’ S/Sgt. J.M Batteiger, engineer-gunner’ and S/Sgt. R.A.
Lotitio, radio-gunner. Cpl. Pat Holland was sent to hospital with an old leg injury.
Surrounding mountains are covered with snow this morning.

Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt, radio- gunner Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt., engineer-gunner

Beeson, Ellwood H., 2Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering

Jahrhaus, Alfred B., 2Lt, pilot Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Thomas, David W., 2Lt, pilot Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. unknown shot down

Williams, William T., 1Lt

Drury, Alfred C., 2Lt

None

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

Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt

Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt

Kazar, William F. ,Sgt

None

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 126 (163): At 08:40 twenty three B-25’s off to bomb
road bridge NW CHIETI, Italy. One returned early. 20 dropped 113 x 500 bombs at
09:40 from 5,500 – 9,500 feet. Twenty returned at 10:30. Two planes lost due to flak.
Lead ship hit by flak and exploded on bomb run, forcing formation to scatter. No hits on
bridge but some on E approach. Flak: Heavy, intense and very accurate. 8 A/C hit.
Weather: 4/10th cumulus at 4,000 feet enroute. CAVU at target. No E fighters. F/L:
Major Bates and Lt. Clark (lost)

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. unknown shot down

Bates, James P., Maj

Clark, Paul I., 2Lt

Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt,

Brown, Robert H., Capt

Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt

Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt

Paschel, John W., S/Sgt

None

447th BS Special Accounts: On December 2, 1943 twelve of the squadron planes were
scheduled to participate in a raid on a road bridge near Chieti, Italy. One of the planes
returned early—eleven took part in the raid.

The plane piloted by Lt. William T. Williams failed to return. The planes piloted
by Lt. Beeson and Lt. Broyles were severely damaged. Several other planes of the
squadron were damaged slightly. Very intense and accurate antiaircraft fire was
responsible for the damage and loss.

Beeson, Ellwood H., 2Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

The crew lost when Lt. Williams’ ship went down were as follows:

P 1st Lt. William T. Williams

CP 2nd Lt. Alfred C. Drury

B S/Sgt. Charles O. Brown

E S/Sgt. Charles D. Godwin

R S/Sgt. Elmer V. Boza

G Sgt. William F. Kazar

Crew members suffering slight injuries during the mission were as follows:

P 2nd Lt. David W. Thomas

CP 2nd Lt. Graham J. Trevor

R S/Sgt. Ernest F. Bartkus

E S/Sgt. James M. Batteiger

R S/Sgt. Rocco A. Lotito

The formation, led by Major Bates of the 448th, took a course roughly up the East
coast of Italy to a point opposite the target and then flew due west to the target. The
course proved to be an unwise one as the planes were within range of the German front-
line guns, were subjected to intense antiaircraft fire 30 seconds after their turn to the west
and continued to be under this fire until they broke away after the bombing run. A direct
hit in the gas tank of the lead plane piloted by Major Bates sent it down in flames and left
the formation without a leader. The planes were pretty much scattered and still quite a
distance from the target.

Bates, James P., Maj, pilot

Lt. Williams’ plane was hit at about the same time as the lead ship. S/Sgt. James
M. Batteiger at the tail gun in the plane in front of Lt. Williams saw a direct hit on the
right engine. Smoke and flames poured from the engine and the plane seemed to be out
of control as it went down rapidly. S/Sgt. Batteiger watched the plane as long as he could
and reported that he last saw it at about 3000 ft, still out of control and going down 2nd Lt.
Ryherd reported seeing the plane also at about 3000 ft and it appeared to him that it was
upside down. He was flying co-pilot in one of the planes in Lt. Williams’ flight. No one
in the formation reported seeing the plane hit the ground but a friendly Field Artillery
observation pilot reported later in the day that two planes had been seen to crash and burn
in the locality over which the formation was flying. One man reported seeing a parachute
but his report could not be confirmed by any other members of the formation and was not
confirmed by the observation pilot.

Batteiger, James M., S/Sgt., engineer-gunner Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot

Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot

Flak fragments cut the oil lines in one engine of Lt. Fallone’s plane and he had to
fly home and land on one engine. The oil lines in one engine of Lt. Jahrhaus’ plane were
cut by flak also and one of his tires shot through. He landed his plane on one engine with
one tire flat. Lt. Broyles’ plane received several hits in the tail section and one of his

Thursday, 2 December 1943 (continued)

engines cut out. He flew for awhile on one engine but got the other one started before he
got back to the base. The damage to the tail of his ship was quite severe. Lt. Beeson’s
plane was hit in the tail section also and damaged severely. Most of the six other
squadron planes in the formation were damaged slightly by flak.

Beeson, Ellwood H., 2Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt, pilot

Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Jahrhaus, Alfred B., 2Lt, pilot

Because of the intensity of the flak and the fact that the leader of the formation
had been shot down the bombing results of this mission were poor. It was a very costly
undertaking for the squadron. Lt. Williams’ crew was the second such loss for the
squadron since the beginning of its participation in combat missions. The mission was
the 52nd for Lt. Williams.

Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 3 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The Twelfth Air Force
transfers its entire II Air Service Area Command with all of its subordinate units to the
Fifteenth Air Force, where it shortly becomes the XV Air Force Service Command. This
is a major step toward making the Fifteenth a separate, self-sufficient air force. B-25's
bomb harbor and marshalling yard at Sibenik, Yugoslavia. In Italy, fighter-bombers,
along with RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) airplanes, hit tanks and trucks in the
Guardiagrele-Lanciano areas. Other fighter-bombers attack a vessel at Sibenik,
Yugoslavia and vehicles and trains N of Rome. Anzio and Nettuno, Italy are also
bombed. The 2nd Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, transfers from Boccadifalco,
Sicily to Corsica with Spitfires.

445th BS War Diary: Some of the men are getting the football fever again as evidenced
by a group of the men throwing and kicking a football around in the area. One of our
men who visited Bari yesterday told of the bombing of that port last night by German
raiders. He tells that he was but 8 miles away from the port at the time when the Jerries
dropped their eggs. He reported the terrific confusion caused the explosion of an
ammunition ship and told of the huge, glowing fires started by the bombs. A number of
the men are visiting Foggia each evening for the purpose of attending the nightly shows
in the theatre. The Squadron is not as yet running any trucks in due to the shortage in that
department. Some of the men “bum” rides with another Squadron’s trucks while others
hitchhike their way in.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. No mission because of weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Bari docks were bombed last night. The
interest in foxholes has picked up considerably today.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 4 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The Second Cairo
conference, Operation SEXTANT, opens and lasts until 6 Dec. President Franklin D
Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston S Churchill, and President is met Inonu of Turkey
attend. Churchill discusses the possibility of Turkey entering the war; the plan for the
amphibious assault in the Bay of Bengal is cancelled; a tentative timetable is set up for
Pacific offensive; and a unified Command is established in the Mediterranean effective
10 Dec. Weather grounds Twelfth Air Force elements of Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF). The 4th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, transfers from
Boccadifalco, Sicily to Corsica with Spitfires.

445th BS War Diary: The men enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes this morning.
There was more football practice in the afternoon. For supper, the men were treated to a
steak dinner with mashed potatoes and very good gravy. A light rain fell in the evening
and it was rather damp.

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather continues keeping planes grounded. Rations today
lifted morale.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. The following men left for rest camp at Capri.
They will be gone seven days, exclusive of travel: Lt. J.J. Fallone, Lt. R.H. Springler, Lt.
L.K. McFadden, Lt. R.C. Olson, T/Sgt. Myers, S/Sgt. Harter, S/Sgt. Penson, S/Sgt.
Szcpanski, and Sgt. Dunlop. Lt. H.M. Brinkley transferred to 57th Station Hospital.
S/Sgt. Frank L. Johnson transferred to 46th General Hospital. Morning Report for week
ending Dec. 4th: Officers—59: Enlisted Men: 255.

Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Dunlap, Woodrow, Sgt, gunner

Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier

Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, gunner McFadden, Kenneth L., 2Lt, pilot

Myers, William W., T/Sgt, gunner Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot

Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner Springler, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot

Szcpanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 5 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): At the Cairo Conference,
President Roosevelt decides on General Dwight D Eisenhower as the Supreme Allied
Commander for Operation OVERLORD, the invasion of W Europe. The CCS issue a
directive for the organization of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF)
consolidating British and US forces of the Mediterranean Air Command (MAC) and
Northwest African Air Force (NAAF). Weather hampers medium bomber operations,
but B-25's manage to bomb a bridge at Pescara, Italy and marshalling yard and shipyards
at Split, Yugoslavia. In Italy, US fighter-bombers and fighters (and a number of other
Allied airplanes) hit gun positions S of Chieti, Italy, a vessel in Poljud, Yugoslavia harbor
(near Split), trains and trucks W of Aquino, bridges near Mignano and Ladispoli, the
town of Arezzo, airfields at Piombino and Aviano, and building S of Garda Lake. HQ
Twelfth Air Force transfers from Tunisia to Italy.

445th BS War Diary: It was a beautiful day with a bright sun shining in a clear sky with
mild weather prevailing. In the afternoon the men watched the antics of the buzzing P-
47’s with great interest. But their hearts still belong to the B-25’s which they patiently
sweat out today after a “rough” mission. The men enjoyed a delicious fresh port supper
with boiled potatoes, beans, tea and cake. The meals have been decidedly better lately
and the men feel that they are getting their money’s worth – they contribute two dollars
out of their pay each month for these “fresh meat” suppers.

446th BS War Diary: Weather lifted and we went on a mission. Rumored that we are to
move again to a field about twenty miles from this base. No one likes the idea.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 130

TARGET: Slit, Yugoslavia. DATE: 5 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 12

MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation. Bombs hit neck of harbor, and W of ship yards
in the marshalling yards. Also in town where fires and explosions were seen. 1 element
bombed a small V/V, but missed. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Klang dropped out and
returned because of low oil pressure.

Klang, Irving E., 2Lt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 9 planes took off—1, Lt. Hanlon pilot, returned early due to
mechanical malfunction. 8 of our planes participated in a sea sweep over the northern
part of the Adriatic. The objective being a German cruiser near Trojia. After failing to
find their primary target they went on and bombed the docks and shipping at Split and
Solin in Yugoslavia. N e/a observed. Results of mission: good. 2nd Lt. Becker and
S/Sgt. Fiorello completed their fiftieth mission. An abandoned German barracks building
near Foggia fell under the hammers and wrecking bars of the officers today. Section by
section it was trucked to the area and will be reassembled and used for officers mess and
club. A letter of commendation from Maj. Gen. Doolittle to 321st Bomb. Gp. Thru 47th
Wing appeared on bulletin board today. It reads: “Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, 18

Sunday, 5 December 1943 (continued)

Nov. Subject—Commendation. TO: Commanding Officer 321st Bombardment Group
thru 47 Wing. 1. The 321 Bombardment Group has been in this command since 15
March 1943. Within that time the Group has flown 233 missions totaling 4230 sorties
and has successfully dropped 4513 tons of bombs on a wide variety of land and naval
targets. 26 of the Group’s Aircraft were lost in combat against 78 of the enemy aircraft
either destroyed, probably destroyed or damaged. This group has held the lowest record
for early returns of any unit in this command. 2. Every man within this unit should be
exceptionally proud of this record and great credit is reflected upon the Group’s
Commanding Officer, especially since operations were carried out against insuperable
difficulties. 3. With the transfer of the 321st Bombardment Group from this command I
express my appreciation to all for the great work done and wish much success for you in
your new organization. Signed—J.H. Doolittle, Maj. Gen.” “Hdqts. 47 Wing 24 Nov.
1943. TO: C.O. 321 Bomb Gp. 1. It is with great pleasure that I forward this letter. 2.
Every man should take great pride in the accomplishments of the Group. 3. I regret that
the situation necessitated a transfer. C.H. Ridenour, Brig. Gen.”

Becker, Edward B., 2Lt, bombardier Fiorello, Thomas R., S/Sgt, gunner

Hanlon, James A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Doolittle, James Harold “Jimmy”, Maj Gen, 15th AF, Commander

Ridenour, C. H., Brig Gen, 47th Wing, Commander

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 127 (165): At 13:45 thirty-six B-25’s off on shipping
sweep to bomb cruiser near TROIA. None returned early. 36 dropped 216 x 500 bombs
at 15:05 from 9,500 – 10,000 feet on alternate target of SPLIT, SOLIN and shipping at
GROHAFE. All returned at 15:55. Hits, two fires and explosion seen on shore of
SOLIN. Near misses on M/Y. One M/V burned in VLAKA harbor W of VLAR.
Cruiser not seen. Flak: No flak or E fighters. Weather: CAVU enroute and 5/10th at
9,500 at target. F/L: Lt. Ryan.

Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 6 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-40 and A-36
fighter-bombers bomb bridges at Ceprano and W of Mignano; weather cancels other
operations. The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Castelvetrano,
Sicily to Montecorvino Airfield, Italy with P-39's. The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th
Fighter Group, transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Corsica with P-39's. A detachment of
the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, based at Cantania, Sicily, begins
operating from Gaudo Airfield, Italy with Beaufighters.

445th BS War Diary: The morning was cloudy and misty. Luxury rations were
distributed to the men from 11 to 3. A delicious supper of fresh hamburgers and
sauerkraut was served to the men this evening. The men have been receiving quite a bit
of fresh meat lately and of course there is no complaining about that.

446th BS War Diary: Eight Army starts push which helps morale. Usual garrison
duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. T/Sgt Roy Dobbs appointed mess Sgt. 1st Lt.
W.W. Whitton received word of his promotion to Capt. on Nov. 14, 1943.

Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, Mess Sergeant Whitten, Walter H., Jr., Capt, armament

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 7 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's and A-
36's bomb the harbor and town of Civitavecchia; B-25's also attack Pescara, hitting the
railroad, road, and town area; A-36's, P-40's, and RAF DAF fighters hit a gun position W
of Orsogna, the towns of Viticuso and San Vittoria, and a bridge at Civitella Roveto.

445th BS War Diary: The second anniversary of America’s entry into the world conflict
was observed quietly here in the Squadron. The enlisted men’s club committee today
raffled off their stock of liquor. The club will not be rebuilt at this base and the
committee gave one and all an equal chance to share in the “spoils”. At night, a siren was
sounded for a test air raid but most of the men failed to hear it. None of the “50-mission
men” have been scheduled as yet.

446th BS War Diary: Another good mission today. 2nd Pearl Harbor Anniversary today
and no one has forgotten.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 131

TARGET: Civitavecchia DATE: 7 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 9

Lt. Bugbee, 447th Sqdn led the formation. Bombs fell across outer mole and into ferry
terminal where fires and explosions were seen in grain silos and the warehouse area.
Some fell on the dock side of town, others near the gas works and through the barracks
area. There were near misses and possible hits on two ships, one very large, at the harbor
entrance. No flak, no fighters. Lt Brady returned early because his turret guns would not
fire.

Bugbee, James M., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 10 of our planes participated in a raid over CIVITAVECCHIA
Harbor, Italy. No flak, no enemy fighters. Results: very good. Lts. Saiers, Sattenspiel,
Stephenson, and S/Sgt. D.D. Alton completed their fiftieth mission. At 1800 hours today
the enlisted men held a meeting in order to discuss plans for their club. A Pres-Treas.
And a council of six men were elected as governing body. S/Sgt. Jack Yates was re-
elected as president and treasurer of the club. Those chosen for the council were: T/Sgt.
Myron Small, T/Sgt. Boyd Tracy, S/Sgt. D.D. Alton, S/Sgt. Hoskins, Cpl. Gino Franzi,
and Cpl. Jerry Oranski. Major Sampson will act as officer-adviser for the club. Cpl.
Storm will have chare of collecting the dues, auditing the books, etc.

Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier Franzi, Gino C., Cpl, intelligence

Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt, communication Oransky, Jarrold S., Cpl, communications

Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt, navigator Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot

Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 1Lt, bombardier Small, Myron R., T/Sgt, communication

Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot Storm, Carson W., Cpl, engineering

Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence

Tuesday, 7 December 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 128 (166): At 12:25 thirty six B-25’s off to Bomb
CIRITAVECCHIA shipping and docks. Four planes returned early. 32 dropped 176 x
500 bombs at 14:35 from 10,000 – 11,000 feet. 32 returned at 15:35. Strings observed
across outer mole and across end of ferry terminal, explosion and fire in grain silo and
warehouse area. Strings through gas works and barracks area. Possible hits on two ships
near misses on three. Flak: No flak and no E/fighters. Weather: 5/10th Cumulus
enroute. CAVU at target. F/L: Lt. Boatwright.

Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 8 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb
bridges, industrial targets, marshalling yard, and town areas of Pescara, Ancona, and
Aquila; A-20's hit gun emplacements and bivouac area near Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; other
A-20's, operating with RAF and SAAF aircraft attack troop concentration and gun
positions near Miplinnico; fighter-bombers of the AAF, RAF, RAAF, and SAAF bomb
targets in support of ground troops near Orsogna; A-36's and P-40's hit communications
targets (roads, railroads, bridges) at Avezzano, Frosinone, Viticuso, Gaeta, and Sant' Elia
Fiumerapido. HQ 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and its 12th Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron transfer from La Marsa, Tunisia to San Severo, Italy with F-4's
and F-5's. HQ 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group transfers from La Marsa, Tunisia
to San Severo, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: The turkeys, which were constantly taunted by the men and who
gained revenge for it by “roosting” on the enlisted men’s mess hall, were finally killed
today. There was a very ugly rumor circulating to the effect that 30,000 bags of mail and
packages were sunk in Bari where the Germans raided last week. This didn’t help the
men’s morale a bit. Another rumor has it that this Squadron and the Group will move
shortly to a new base near Naples. Both of these rumors are as yet unconfirmed. Lt.
Triplett, Lt. Lorton and several enlisted men were placed on DS and will tour some
airfields in Italy and Sicily taking pictures of enemy planes. A double feature movie was
shown in camp tonight. “Charley’s Aunt” and “Sweater Girl” were both enjoyed greatly
by the men who welcomed the idea of not having to ride all the way to Foggia to see a
movie.

Lorton, Harold E., 2Lt, pilot Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Good weather continues so another mission. Major Schwane
promoted to Lt. Col. Boys who were left in North Africa began arriving on this date.

Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 132

TARGET: Pescara Bridges DATE: 8 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 10

Lt. Boatwright, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs were widely placed and some
probable hits on warehouse. Strings went through the industrial plant, into the town, and
across both ends of bridges with a few direct hits. Some bombs started in the middle of
the bridges and went across the M/Y. A building was seen to explode and a large fire
was observed. No fighters, flak was heavy and intense and eight of our a/c were hit.

Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 9 of our planes participated in a raid over Pescara, the target being
a bridge. Flak: heavy, intense and accurate. Results: good. S/Sgt. J.J. Kordzi and
S/Sgt. L.B. Iverson received injuries from flak. They will be awarded the Purple Heart.
S/Sgt. Jack Yates and T/Sgt. Myron Small and Cpl Jerry Oransky made a trip to Bari to
purchase whiskey and electrical fixtures for the enlisted men’s club. By Special Order

Wednesday, 8 December 1943 (continued)

#206 dated 6 Dec. From 321 Bomb Gp., the following men of this organization were
promoted: to be Corporals: P.F.Cs A.F. Statham, D.W. Allender, T.P. Doyle, C.J.
Sexton, J.P. Biel, F.J. Corbo, A. Zacharya, B.A. Yager, F.R. Haley, Jr, E.S. Florio, to be
Sergeants: Cpls J.M. Reilly and L.P. Hassett. To be Staff Sergeants: Sgts P.S. Baringer,
J.H. Kellner, J.M. Crowell, H.B. Harmer, H.F. Schrader, G.P. Werner. To be Tech.
Sergeants: S/Sgts Boyd Tracy and Frank M. Kastelic. By Special Order #33 dated 7
Dec. and signed by Maj. R.D. Sampson, Pvt D.O. Ericson is promoted to P.F.C. D.O.
Erickson. For the first time at this base, movies were shown at Group last night. The
show-house was a granary and the picture (double-feature) “Sweater Girl” and
“Charley’s Aunt.”

Allender, Darrel W., Cpl, engineering Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Biel, John P., Cpl, armament Corbo, Fred J., Cpl, transportation

Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Doyle, Thomas P., Cpl, engineering

Erickson, David O., PFC, engineering Florio, Edward S., Cpl, armament

Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, armor-gunner

Hassett, Leo P., Sgt, photographer Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt, gunner

Kastelic, Frank M., T/Sgt, gunner Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt, gunner

Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt, communication Oransky, Jarrold S., Cpl, communications

Reilly, James M., Sgt, turret gunner Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner

Sexton, Cornelius J., Cpl, operations Small, Myron R., T/Sgt, communication

Statham, Alvin F., Cpl, photographer Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner

Werner, George P., S/Sgt, gunner Yager, Basil A., Cpl, engineering

Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence Zacharya, Andrew, Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 129 (167): At 11:00 thirty five B-25’s off to bomb
shipping and harbor facilities at Zara. None returned early. 35 dropped 209 x 500 bombs
at 13:00 from 10,000 – 11,000 feet on alternate target of Pescara bridges. 35 returned
13:35. Bombs widely placed thru warehouses, industrial plant N of river and across both
ends of bridges, direct hits on both. Other bombs across M/Y and buildings; explosion
seen. No E/A. Flak: Heavy, intense to moderate, accurate. 8 planes holed. Weather:
6/10th altostratus at 15,000 enroute and layers stratocumulus 7,000 – 12,000 feet at target.
F/L: Lt. Boatwright.

Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot

Thursday, 9 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb
railway and road bridges at Giulianova, tracks at Pescara and Teramo, and a marshalling
yard and ironworks at Terni; A-20's hit gun positions and bivouac area at Sant' Elia
Fiumerapido; A-36's and P-40's attack Orsogna and coastal targets in support of the
British Eighth Army, Avezzano marshalling yard and villages along the US Fifth Army
front, troops at San Pietro Infine and Viticuso and nearby gun positions, viaduct and
railway bridge E of Guidonia airfield, crossing at Furbara, and trains and trucks in the
Rome area. Brigadier General George H Beverley takes over as the new Commanding
General, XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional).

445th BS War Diary: The men “spruced up” today for the first time in quite a while.
The order read “Class A’s” and it sent many of the men to the bottom of their barracks
bags to pull out wrinkled blouses and pants. In the afternoon, the Squadron together with
the entire Group stood inspection and were honor guard for the presentation of several
awards. General “Hap” Arnold, chief of the Army Air Forces, was there in person to pin
the medals on and to exchange some banter with some of the men. Lt. Gen. Spaatz was
also on hand. Afterward, the men enjoyed a fine beef dinner.

446th BS War Diary: Group formation reviewed by Generals Arnold, Spaatz, and
Cannon. Capt. Bradley received D.F.C. presented to him by General Arnold. Lt. Fox
arrived here from Africa. Another mission.

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

Fox, David F., 2Lt, bombardier or Fox, Richard F., 2Lt, supply

Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", General, Chief of the Army Air Forces

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

Spaatz, Carl Andrew “Tooey”, Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 133

TARGET: Giulianova Bridges, Italy DATE: 9 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 11

Capt. Tipton, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs hit across both bridges, on the road
and RR junctions, and across the mole in the harbor. Some bombs walked down RR
tracks and possible hits were made on flak positions south of the target. No fighters
attacked, but 20 were seen in the distance. Flak was heavy and accurate.

Tipton, William L. "Tip", Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 9 of our planes participated in a raid on some bridges at
Giulianova, Italy. Results: very good. S/Sgt. Paul Lutchesky and P.F.C. Lewis Weiher
had an accident while taking Italian K.P’s home to S. Giovanni last night. Outside limits
of S. Giovanni Sgt. Lutchesky lost control of the weapons carrier, which he was driving,
and it crashed into a low stone wall and turned completely over, landing on its wheels.
One of the Italians was killed and another seriously wounded. Lt. M.T. Holloway has
been appointed investigating officer. Cpl Gino Franzi will act as interpreter. About noon
today a notice appeared on the bulletin board which read that all men, except area

Thursday, 9 December 1943 (continued)

guards would fall out in front of the orderly room at 1330 dressed in Class A. At 1330 a
fine bunch of men, all shyly displaying the famous “barracks bag press” left the area and
marched to Group. There we lined up with the other Squadrons into a Group formation.
Even now the purpose of the occasion was a mystery to most everyone. Finally, after a
wait that any enlisted man would gladly have traded for a shift of guard, the “stars”
arrived. None other than General Arnold, Lt. Gen Spaatz and Maj. Gen. Cannon. They
were met by Col. Knapp. Gen. Arnold presented several medals, one—The Legion of
Merit—was presented to M/Sgt. W.C. Horne. Gen. Arnold then made a hasty review of
the squadrons and departed.

Franzi, Gino C., Cpl, intelligence Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence

Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering Lutchesky, Paul, S/Sgt, mess

Weiher, Lewis E., PFC, transportation

Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", General, Chief of the Army Air Forces

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

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

Spaatz, Carl Andrew “Tooey”, Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 130 (168): At 09:10 thirty-six B-25’s off to bomb
shipping and harbor facilities at ANCONA, Italy. None returned early. 36 dropped 212
x 500 bombs at 10:50 from 10,000 – 11,000 feet on alternate target of Giulianova
bridges. Some bombs down RR tracks south of bridges. Flak: Heavy, intense and
accurate at target. Flight of 20 E/A did not attack. Weather: 9/10th – 10/10th
stratocumulus with hazy visibility at target.

Friday, 10 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-40's and A-36's
attack oil tanks, warehouses, railroads, and vessel at Civitavecchia, the town of
Acquafondata, and with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF airplanes, hit tactical targets along the
British Eighth Army front, and later strafe road traffic in the Canosa Sannita-Chieti area.
Fighters also bomb a vessel in the harbor at Split, Yugoslavia. HQ 310th Bombardment
Group (Medium) transfers from Philippeville, Algeria to Corsica. The 23rd Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, transfers from
Foggia to San Severo, Italy with P-38's and F-5's.

445th BS War Diary: A large number of packages and a great deal of mail arrived this
morning and there were the usual happy faces to go with it. A “short arm” inspection
was held just after chow in the Medical tent. Several of the men erected a goal post in the
area yesterday and this afternoon, a number of the men were kicking a football through
and around those goal posts. The men enjoyed the movie “Coney Island” starring the
glamorous Betty Grable in enriching Technicolor. The movie was held at the farmhouse
across the road where Group Headquarters is located. It was announced that there would
be a movie every other night besides occasional stage shows. The men are very happy
over this schedule. The night was very cold and rainy.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. Enlisted Men are building a mess hall out
of salvaged lumber. Large mail call resulted in many Christmas packages. Morale
unusually high. Group Officer’s club opened with great success.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Late last night the balance of our men left in
Africa caught up with us. These late arrivals are: Lt. James F. McGill, T/Sgt. A.R.
Kammerlohr, Pvts Erickson, Hatcher, Scarchilli, Kracher, Stagnitta, and Johnson. A
Group of B-17’s landed on our field this afternoon. Weather or not they will operate
from here has not been announced as yet. The B-17’s are using the hardstands which we
had our ships on and our ships were more or less bunched and moved to other spaces.
Everyone seems to be planning to attend the movies at Group tonight which will feature
non other than Betty “Pin-up” Grable in “Cooney Island.” A goodly supply of Christmas
packages arrived today. More promotions: Sgt. W.W. Dunlop to S/Sgt., Cpl. A.
Zacharya to Sgt., P.F.C. J.H. Erickson to Cpl., and P.F.C. J.J. Smith to Cpl.

Dunlap, Woodrow, S/Sgt, gunner Erickson, David O., Pvt, engineering

Erickson, John H., Cpl, decontamination Hatcher, James H., Pvt, armament

Johnson, Eldon F., Pvt, medical Kammerlohr, Arthur R., T/Sgt, personnel

Kracher, Robert E., Pvt, engineering McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant

Scarchilli, William A., Pvt, mess Smith, John J., Jr., Cpl, armament

Stagnitta, Salvatore, Pvt, medical Zacharya, Andrew, Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 11 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-40's and A-36's
attack Anzio, Nettuno, Viticuso, San Vittore del Lazio, Pontecorvo, Acquafondata, the
railway siding at Arce, tracks and junction N of Ostia, and railway between Ostia and
Lido di Roma. Weather causes abandonment of B-25 operations.

445th BS War Diary: A large number of letters and packages arrived this morning. The
combat crews voiced unanimous approval of the notice on the board today to the effect
that each combat crew member would receive two ounces of whisky after he returned
from each mission. The whisky is supposed to settle the nerves and as the boys say, they
are mighty “nervous” after missions. Lt. Larson, formerly the Squadron Navigation
Officer, and now the Group Navigation Officer, was promoted to Captain today.
Practically all the Squadron transportation was sent out to the line at night to shine
headlights on the runway to guide several B-17’s in to a safe landing.

Larson, Harold W., Capt, navigator

446th BS War Diary: Enlisted men’s mess hall opened today. Fair weather and no
mission. Two mail calls.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Ten bags of squadron mail were brought in
today. The E.M’s meals and mess hall in general have shown marked improvement
under the leadership to T/Sgt. Roy Dodds, the former griping about the food has not only
been erased but compliments have sprung up instead. Morning report for week ending
Dec. 11: Officers---58: Enlisted Men---254.

Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, Mess Sergeant

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 12 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather curtails
operations. In Italy, B-25's bomb the road, railroad, and landing ground at Terracina; P-
40 and A-36 fighter-bombers hit trucks along roads in the Chieti-Francavilla area and
bomb the town of Itri; fighters fly patrols and reconnaissance over the battle area. The
10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gerbini, Sicily to
Pomigliano, Italy with C-47's.

445th BS War Diary: A beautiful sunshiny, war day today. A number of the men were
sent to rest camp today to the historic Isle of Capri. The Squadron today expressed its
deep sympathy to Sgt. William R. Hayes, a mechanic, whose father died recently. Our
returning combat crews welcomed the Red Cross girl serving doughnuts and coffee today
for the first time in over a month. A delicious steak supper was enjoyed by all the men.
Several alerts were sounded at night, announced by the weird moan of the siren. Many of
the men hit the slit trenches but no bombing resulted.

Hayes, William R., Jr., Sgt, engineering

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Large mail call and rations raised morale.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 134

TARGET: RR and L/G, Terracina DATE: 12 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 9

Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Extensive cloud cover made accurate
observation impossible. A few hits were seen on road near L/G. There were no fighters
and only a few bursts of flak. Lt. Rigling returned early because the radio was not
working.

Rigling, Samuel, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Mission today was to bomb the railroad at Terracina, Italy. The
target was partially closed and no bombs were dropped by this squadron. This was an
alternate target, the primary one having been Roccasecca, Italy. 6 of our ships
participated. The following left today for rest camp at Capri: Lts. H.A. Fraser, W.M.
Johnston, P.W. Gill, B.B. Miller, T/Sgts. Boyd Tracy, F.M. Kastelic, S/Sgts. F.X. Early,
F.F. McGrail, and R.D. Hoskins. S/Sgt. W.R. Mercer completed his fiftieth mission
today. Message of Congratulations to the 321st B.G. from 12th Air Support Command
dated Dec. 7th, appeared on bulletin board today: “Congratulations: Saw photos of
bombing of Civitavecchia. They show beautiful work.”

Early, Frank X., S/Sgt, gunner Fraser, Harry A., Jr, 1Lt, pilot

Gill, Paul W., 2Lt, pilot Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt, communication

Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt, gunner

McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Mercer, William R., S/Sgt, gunner

Miller, Benjamin B., 1Lt, pilot Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 12 December 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 131 (169): At 10:50 twenty-four B-25’s off to bomb
bridges at Roccasecca. 14 dropped 84 x 500 bombs at 12:00 from 11,500 – 13,500 feet
on road and RR and landing Ground at TERRACINA. All planes returned at 12:55.
Heavy cloud over primary and alternate targets; 10 did not drop bombs. Few hits
observed on road near TERRACINA L/G where RR is nearest to road, clouds obscured
observations. Flak: No flak or E/A. Weather: 6/10th towering cumulus 4,000 – 15,000
feet enroute, 4,000 – 18,000 feet at target.

Monday, 13 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Yugoslavia, B-25's
bomb an oil depot, harbor, warehouses, and railway yard at Sibenik and Split. In Italy, P-
40 and A-36 fighter-bombers attack defended points in the Miglionico area; quays, roads,
railway yard, and gun emplacements at Terracina; and bridges at Pontecorvo and W of
Isolella; town areas and bridges at and near Atina and Acquafondata are also hit. The 91st
Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, based at Montecorvino Airfield, Italy with P-38's
and P-39's, begins operating from Capodichino, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: The food situation continues to be very good thanks to the two
heifers which were purchased by Lt. Malek out of the Squadron mess fund. The men
enjoyed fresh beef stew for dinner and supper. The men witnessed one of the
headquarters tents burned to the ground. Some of the men who had suffered the same
fate shook knowing heads with that “we know how somebody feels” attitude. Our
combat crews attended a meeting in the granary together with the combat crews from the
other three Squadrons. They heard Lt. Col. Olmsted tell them that they would have to
“stick it out” over here until replacements arrived. He stated that he didn’t look for
replacements until next Spring. Col. Knapp gave a “farewell speech”. He is leaving the
Group. After the meeting the men enjoyed “They Got Me Covered” a movie with Bob
Hope and Dorothy Lamour.

Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence

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

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

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Two large mail calls today. Lt. Col. Olmstead
took command of Group today.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 135

TARGET: Split, Yugoslavia. DATE: 13 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Beeson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Target was well covered and explosions and
black smoke were observed. Hits were made on mole and fire was seen on the shore.
Observation was impaired by cloud. No flak and no fighters. Lt. Wright was forced to
return because of low oil pressure.

Beeson, Ellwood H., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: The target bombed today was Split, Italy—a third alternate. 6 of
our ships participated. Results: fair. Our ships led the formation, Lt. Beeson leading.
Last night, around twelve o’clock we had two short alerts. The sound of the siren and the
shots by the area guards brought the boys out of their bed into the foxholes. Last night
Lt. Haeberle had an accident while driving a jeep from here to Manfredonia. A piece of
toilet-paper blew up against his face from the floor of the jeep thereby shutting off his
vision just as he was approaching a G.I. truck. He lost control of the jeep and ran into the
truck, knocking off the right front wheel of the jeep. Lt. Haeberle was taken to the

Monday, 13 December 1943 (continued)

hospital but injuries sustained were not serious. Three femmes of the Army N.C. graced
the officers mess for a roast-beef feed at supper. The gals were guests of Lt. Becker.

Beeson, Ellwood H., 1Lt, pilot Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission 132 (170): At 10:30 twenty four B-25’s off to bomb
target “O” & “F” in SPLIT, Yugoslavia, none returned early. 24 dropped 130 x 500
bombs at 12:40 from 11,000 – 12,000 feet. All returned 13:40. Target “F” covered by
string resulting in explosions and several fires. “C” target not hit. Flak: No flak or E/F.
Weather: 7/10th stratocumulus at 5,000 -8,000 preventing bombing of primary target and
1st alternate. Visibility unlimited with 5/10 stratocumulus.

Tuesday, 14 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
hit Orte, concentrating on the marshalling yard; light bombers attack road bridge SW of
Pontecorvo in front of US Fifth Army lines; P-40 fighter-bombers hit bridges S of
Roccasecca and E of Atina; A-36's destroy a bridge at Ceprano and bomb railroad yards,
the town area, and highway at Sora, and docks and town area of Civitavecchia.

445th BS War Diary: The roar of many B-17’s taking off woke the men this morning.
Mail that had come in late last night, was available for distribution right after breakfast
this morning. Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 11 to 3 today. They were
free of charge. More mail arrived in the afternoon. At long last it appears that the
Christmas mail is starting to come in and the men look forward to each day in the hope of
“cashing in” on their Xmas packages. It rained on and off in early afternoon. The night
was very dark and cold.

446th BS War Diary: Good weather here but mission cancelled. Shows almost every
night at group helps morale greatly.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. At 1700 yesterday Col. Knapp called together
all combat men in the Group. They met in the granary-movie house. Col. Knap bid
farewell to the 321st Bomb Group as he was about to leave for another position.

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

447th BS Special Accounts: The eve of December 14 marked the opening of our
squadron N.C.O. club. This club is an independent and self-supporting organization.

The club room is truly one of which every member is proud. The interior has an
appearance of a present-day U.S. bar which might easily have been sprinkled with a dash
of a sixteenth century drawing room. The oil paintings, upholstered furniture, full-length
mirrors etc, all tend to give the impression that this is not just another Sloppy Joe affair.

A wide variety of wines, rum, brandy and whiskey in on sale. No money is
handled across the bar but each customer presents a ticket, good for five dollars in trade,
which is punched in accordance with the price of the drink. Bartenders are chosen from
an alphabetical roster. Two men work per night.

Everything has gotten off to a grand start and everyone feels certain man a long
winter evening will pass quickly and pleasantly for those who patronize the club.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 15 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Yugoslavia, B-25's
bomb the airfield at Mostar and A-36 and P-40 fighter-bombers attack vessels, vehicles,
and parked aircraft N and E of the Peljesac Peninsula, near Mostar, and at the Zemonico
landing ground. In Italy, B-25's and A-20's bomb roads at Pontecorvo and N of
Frosinone; fighter-bombers blast gun positions along the US Fifth Army front.

445th BS War Diary: The men enjoyed delicious French toast for breakfast this
morning. There was a yellow alert this morning but it only lasted for three minutes.
There were no enemy planes seen. The various “Do What’s Right” signs in the area are
being noted with some curiosity by the men in the Squadron. A truck loaded down with
plenty of bags of mail backed up to the mail room this morning and unloaded its precious
burden. The packages were distributed in the afternoon from 4 to 5. There were rigid
inspections of all aircraft machine guns on the line today. Due to a faulty energizer, there
were no lights in the area tonight.

446th BS War Diary: Another mission today. Twenty bags of mail today satisfied
almost everyone.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 136

TARGET: Pontecorvo, Italy DATE: 15 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 1000# 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Brosnan, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Most bombs hit south of target area, with
possible hit on bridge and several near misses. Some fell across roads outside of town,
and northeastern part of town. Flak was heavy, intense, and 8 a/c were hit. 2 enemy
fighters were engaged by escort.

Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on a railroad bridge at
Pontecorvo, Italy. Results: Fair. Last night at 1800 began the official opening of the
N.C.O. club. The furnishings of the club—chippendale furniture, oil paintings by Italian
masters, full-length mirrors etc. would be the envy of every night-club owner to say
nothing of the goodly variety of drinks. S/Sgt. J.H. Kellner returned form hospital. Cpl.
J.F. Siebert was taken to the hospital to be treated for and infection on leg resulting from
a burn.

Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt, gunner Siebert, Harold F., Cpl, mess

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 133 (171): At 10:55 twenty-four B-25’s off to bomb
road bridge at Pontecorvo. One returned early. 23 planes dropped 62 x 1000 bombs
from 10,500 – 11,500 feet at 12:10. All returned at 12:45. Most hits S of target area with
1 possible hit on bridge and several near misses. Strings fell across roads running SE and
SW from town. 2 S/E E/A seen near target and engaged by escort. Flak: Heavy, intense
to moderate at target area and moderate elsewhere, fairly accurate. 8 ships hit. Weather:
6/10th coverage at 5,000 feet with visibility unlimited enroute. Hazy at target. F/L: Lt.
Brosnan. Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS Special Accounts: The following is a “plane-performance” report sent in to
North American by their representative here. The record of “The Sophisticated Lady” is
outstanding but a similar record is being chalked up by most of the other planes and
crews in the squadron.

“The Sophisticated Lady”, bearing the official Air Corps Identification Number
AC 41-13181, is a B-25 airplane, which, when combined with her combat crew members
and ground personnel, provides an illustrious example of the superior types of machines
and men the United States can produce. During her nine months in combat, she has
achieved the distinction of having participated in ninety bombing missions during three
hundred and twenty hours of combat flying time, and dropped more than one hundred
eighty-eight thousand pounds of destruction on enemy objectives. She has created this
combat record, not by spectacular stabs at the enemy, but many deliberate and successful
bombing runs over enemy targets while under the skilful control of the pilot, First
Lieutenant Jack M. DeMoss, and the present pilot, Second Lieutenant Robert Olson.
Lieutenant Olson and his crew were assigned to “The Sophisticated Lady” on October
4th, 1943, after Lieutenant DeMoss’s crew had completed its combat tour and returned to
the United States. The “lady” has retained an almost perfect maintenance record, failing
to qualify for a mission only once due to a double engine-change, which was made after
her original engines had incurred 460 hours flying time. This maintenance was not due to
critical malfunctioning of the engines but to insure the peak performance which is
essential in a combat airplane. She has had no occasion to utilize her many emergency
operating systems, since she has never experienced a hydraulic failure. She still retains
one of her original main landing gear tires after 570 hours operation. The “Lady’s” pink
skin has been marred only seven times by enemy gunfire and the resultant holes were
nothing that could not be covered by tin from a tobacco can. On only three occasions did
damages approach a serious nature. The first occurred when a small caliber bullet
pierced the outer wing trailing edge and narrowly missed severing the aileron control
cables, the second when a bullet from an enemy fighter entered the upper turret dome and
amputated the lower section of the turret operator’s left ear. All other damages inflicted
by enemy gunfire were of no consequences, with the exception of a small piece of
shrapnel which entered the nose gun ammunition box and exploded a few rounds of
ammunition at the bombardier’s side. Although the “Lady” has accrued ninety combat
missions with rather an uneventful career, it is a mistake to assume that she has shirked
her duty as a topnotch worker, because she has definitely played a superb part in the
drama to gain air superiority over the Axis in this theater.

DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C., 2Lt, pilot

The “Sophisticated Lady” was assigned her original crew in February, 1943, prior
to the flight overseas. The crew consisted of: Pilot, First Lieutenant Jack M. DeMoss,
Kansas City, Missouri; Co-Pilot, Second Lieutenant Chas Hoffman, Newport, Kentucky;
Bombardier, Second Lieutenant Andy K. Garrett, Abilene, Texas; Engineer-Gunner, Staff
Sergeant Edward Joseph, Hammonton, New Jersey; Turret Gunner, Private First Class,
Robert Smith, Macon, Georgia; and Radio-Gunner, Technical Sergeant John Hofstedt,

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew escorted the “Sophisticated
Lady” on an uneventful flight overseas to her first combat Base in North Africa via the
southern ferry route along the east coast of South America and across the South Atlantic,
landing at an airbase near Oran, Algeria.

DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot Garrett, Andy K., 2Lt, bombardier

Hammonton, Edward Joseph, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt, pilot Hofstedt, John H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

The Bombardment Group to which the “Sophisticated Lady” was assigned was
then consolidated and moved to a Base nearer the North African combat area. From this
Base, the “Lady” initiated her combat career by participating in bombing missions over
various enemy airfields in North Africa. These missions were succeeded by raids on
Sardinian harbors at Carloforte, Olbia and Cagliari, Missions within the next few weeks
included seven low sea sweeps over the Mediterranean Sea in search of enemy shipping.
These missions proved extremely dangerous, since they were executed at deck level
against boats which invariably carried an abundance of armament manned by
experienced gunners. After two raids on the marshalling yards at Mateur, in North
Africa, and attacks on airports at Villacidro, Sardinia, the “Sophisticated Lady” then flew
seven missions over the island of Pantelleria to share in the annihilation of the island by
air power. Succeeding missions were aimed at the Sicilian targets of Licata, Bo Rizzo,
Sciacca, Gerbini, Biscari, San Pietro, Caltanissetta, Palazzolo, Messina and Milo
Airdrome.

During the foregoing raids, the “Lady’s” home Base was advanced periodically,
so to permit closer co-ordination with Allied Forces and shorten the striking distance to
enemy objectives. The mass bombing of Rome on July 19th marked the beginning of
large-scale raids on Italy by the ‘Sophisticated Lady” and her associates. During the
following weeks, Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew flew through flak and fighters to
bomb the Italian targets of Naples, Monte Corvino, Crotone, the marshalling yards at
Catanzaro Marine, Marina di Paolo, Benevento, Cancello, Lauria, and road junctions at
Potenza, Ariano Irpino, Baronissi and Isernia, Airdromes at Minturno and Practica di
Mare were also hit by the “Lady”. The Practica di Mare raid completed fifty combat
missions for Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew and they were replaced by: Pilot, Second
Lieutenant Robert Olson, Waterloo, Iowa; Co-Pilot, Second Lieutenant Alfred Drury,
Marquette, Michigan; Bombardier, Second Lieutenant George Deane, Lincoln Illinois;
Navigator, Second Lieutenant Arthur Holloway, Joliet, Illinois; Radio-Gunner, Staff
Sergeant George Roever, Longview, Texas; and Turret Gunner, Sergeant Argyle Smith,
Fulton, Massachusetts. Lieutenant Olson and his crew continued operations by bombing
Grecian airdromes at Argos, Salonika, Athens-Eleusis and Athens-Kalamaki Airdromes.
On the Kalamaki raid, Sergeant Smith was credited with dropping an enemy ME-109 by
fire from the “Lady’s” upper gun turret. The “Sophisticated Lady”, under the guidance of
her new crew, also executed missions over Tirana Airdrome, in Albania. Targets at
Skoplje, Nis, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Sibenik were also hit by the unrelenting and yet
sophisticated “Lady”.

Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 15 December 1943 (continued)

Drury, Alfred C., 2Lt, pilot Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt, navigator

Olson, Robert C., 2Lt, pilot Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

Smith, Argyle H., Cpl, turret gunner

And so, “The Sophisticated Lady” continues to fulfill here required assignments
of combat routine from the Home Base, which is now located in Italy. Technical
Sergeant Arthur Hasler, known as “Sitting Bull” by is buddies, has served as the
“Lady’s” crew chief since she entered combat. He is very proud of the “Sophisticated
Lady’s” maintenance record and states that she is as good as the day she was born and
just as eager.

Hasler, Arthur R. "Sitting Bull", T/Sgt, engineering

Thursday, 16 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Yugoslavia, B-25's
bomb shipping at Zara and the harbor and marshalling yard at Sibenik; P-40's and P-47's
hit a vessel S of Zara and strafe targets of opportunity on the Peljesac Peninsula. In Italy,
A-20's attack gun positions near Mignano; P-40's and A-36's hit gun batteries and
strongpoints along the British Eighth Army front S and E of Chieti, gun emplacements
and troop concentrations all along the US Fifth Army front, especially NE and S of
Cassino, and also bomb Roccasecca and docks at Civitavecchia.

445th BS War Diary: There was a technical inspector looking over the engineering
section today and more inspections were held concerning the aircraft machine guns. A
plane was sent to Grottaglie today to bring back old 434, a Squadron plane whose right
landing gear had crumpled after one of the Athens Eleusis missions. The American Red
Cross distributed doughnuts and coffee this afternoon. More mail and packages arrived
in late afternoon. The men enjoyed a delicious supper of boiled ham. A number of the
combat crews are receiving three day passes lately. The night was cold and very clear
with a bright moon illuminating the area.

446th BS War Diary: And still more mail. Mission again today. Very good results.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 137

TARGET: Sibenik, Yugoslavia. DATE: 16 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500 # 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Haegele, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Target was well covered. Several direct hits
on E quay and also on W quay. Probable hits on M/Y, and S edge of town. Waterfront
highway was also hit. Flak was heavy and intense, no fighters.

Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid over Sibenik Harbor,
Yugoslavia. Results: Fair. First Lieutenants R.F. Spikes, J.M. Bugbee, E.H. Beeson
received word of their being promoted to Captain. Today the ship flown by Capt. Beeson
had one engine to cut out on it about ten minutes off shore on the trip home. However,
this did not cause injury to any member of the crew as Capt. Beeson had no trouble in
bringing the ship back and landing it with only one engine functioning. Spec. Order #13
dated Dec. 6 appeared on bulletin board today reading: “The undersigned hereby
assumes command.” Charles T. Olmstead, Lt. Col., A.C.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot Bugbee, James M., Capt, pilot

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

Spikes, Robert F., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 134 (172): At 11:30 twenty four planes off to bomb
troop concentration in town of Bihac. None returned early and all dropped 132 x 500
bombs and 3 x 1000 bombs at 13:50 from 11,500 feet on alternate target of SIBENIK.
All returned at 14:00. Target well covered, several direct hits on E quay probable hits on
M/Y, one large fire reported. Highway along water front and W quay hit. Flak: Heavy,
intense accurate. Weather: 7/10th Cumulus prevented bombing of primary target, hazy at
alternate.

Friday, 17 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, A-20's strike an
artillery concentration near Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; All B-25 missions are abortive; A-
36's and P-40 fighter-bombers bomb positions at Monte Trocchio, Cervaro, and Cardito,
and the marshalling yard, barracks, warehouses, and docks at Nettuno and Anzio. In
Yugoslavia, P-40's and P-51's, with SAAF escort, strafe a vessel near Trpanj.

445th BS War Diary: Captain Tipton returned to camp with six stitches in his nose
received yesterday when the jeep in which he and Lt. Craig were riding in collided with a
medium tank that had gone out of control. Lt. Craig jumped clear of the collision and
was unhurt. There was a flight to Cairo today which took 5 men from the 47th Fighter
Group to rest camp. Five of our men also went along. Another flight went to Algiers
taking Lt. McGee and Sgt. Garner on their way home. The air raid siren sounded at
12:30 but it was just a “dry run”. Christmas packages continue to flow in and more were
given out between 4 and 5. The men enjoyed a delicious beef supper tonight. It was an
exceptionally dark night tonight and very chilly.

Craig, Harry W., 2Lt, armament Garner, Argyle R., Sgt,

McGee, William N., 2Lt, Tipton, William L. "Tip", Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Chas. McGuire left for Isle of Capri to assume another
position. He was formerly asst. operations officer. Lt. Owen Dwyer took over his
duties. More mail. Planes failed to reach target because of weather.

Dwyer, Owen V., 1Lt, armament McGuire, Charles W., 2Lt, operations

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 138

TARGET: Roccasecca, Italy DATE: 17 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 12

Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Due to weather over the coast of Italy all
planes returned without reaching the target or dropping their bombs. No fighters or flak
and Lt. Topham returned because of a rough engine.

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot Topham, Arthur H., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 2 of our planes were scheduled as spares today. One returned
early as it was not needed. The other completed the mission which was over road bridge
near Roccasecca. Results: very poor. Cpl. Fred Corbo promoted to Sgt.

Corbo, Fred J., Sgt, transportation

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 135 (173): At 11:50 twenty four planes off to bomb
road bridge at ROCCASECCA. All dropped 57 x 1000 bombs and 12 x 500 bombs at
12:00 from 11,000 feet. All returned at 12:40. Bombs widely scattered with two hits on
road bridge and several on RR bridge, bombs fell on road of both sides of bridge. Flak:
Intense, heavy and accurate. Weather: 5/10th at 3,000 feet, visibility hazy. F/L: Capt.
Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Saturday, 18 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather limits operations.
In Italy, P-40 fighter-bombers attack positions in Tollo, Canosa Sannita, and Orsogna,
and strafe a schooner off Trogir; A-36's hit defended areas near Cassino and at Viticuso,
a supply dump and gun emplacement near Tenacina, and positions at Monte Trocchio.

445th BS War Diary: The Christmas mail is at last coming in very regularly. Practically
every day, the mail Sergeant is flooded with a large number of Christmas packages. Due
to the large influx of these packages, a great deal of candy, cookies and fruit cake is
going the rounds. Appetites are varying inversely with the packages. The more
packages, the less appetite. The corned beef and cabbage for dinner, however, was
enjoyed by one and all. Very dull day with nothing of interest happening.

446th BS War Diary: No mission but lots more mail.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Decoration of the officers club for the dance
tomorrow night is reaching completion. A Xmas tree with trimmings ranging from
cotton balls to beer bottles holds the lime light. Artist A.M. Holloway contributed a
masterpiece for the wall. Morning report for week ending Dec. 18: Officers—68;
Enlisted Men—254.

Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 19 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the
Terni marshalling yard and the Orte marshalling yard and airfield; A-20's attack road,
bridge, and the town of Orte and hit Cassino; P-40's bomb Orsogna, Sant' Elia
Fiumerapido, and dump near Arce, and hit shipping at Split, Trogir, and Solin,
Yugoslavia. A-36's hit railroad and harbor area at Civitavecchia, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron motor pool supplied a truck which took the
Catholic men to Mass at the 57th Fighter Group. The Protestant members were able to
attend services at the Group chapel. The day was clear and bright with a warm sun
making it very pleasant all day. Lt. Thornburn returned from Algiers where he took Lt.
McGee and Sgt. Garner en route to the United States. More Christmas packages arrived
in the afternoon. A delicious spaghetti supper was enjoyed by all the men. The night
was damp and very cold.

Garner, Argyle R., Sgt, McGee, William N., 2Lt,

Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Three mail calls took care of almost everyone.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 139

TARGET: Roccasecca DATE: 19 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 1000# 446th Planes: 10

Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs were widely scattered with two hits on
road bridge and several on RR bridge. Bombs fell on road at both ends of bridge and
along southern approach to RR bridge. Flak was heavy, intense, but no fighters.

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 3 of our ships participated in a raid over Roccasecca road bridge,
Italy. Two of these planes flew with the 446th Squadron, the other went as a spare.
Fourteen nurses from the 55th and 61st hospital attended the dinner and dance given by the
officers tonight. Music was provided by a six piece band from an ordnance company.
The affair was held in the squadron officer’s mess hall and a good time was had by all.
S/Sgt. A.H. Smith completed his 50th combat mission today. 2nd Lt. J.D. Sholund
transferred to Hq. MATS per SO 116 Hq. XII AF 30 Oct. 1943. Another change in the
guard set-up. The way it stands now a man scheduled for guard will stand 2 hour shifts
per night, being off 4 hours between shifts. Combat men are also pulling guard now. As
it stands now guard comes around about once every five nights. Sgt. Verlin Rowley has
been chosen the new treasurer for the Enlisted Men’s mess fund and N.C.O. club. He
replaces Cpl. Storm

Rowley, Verlin B., Sgt, intelligence Sholund, John D., 2Lt, pilot

Smith, Argyle H., Cpl, turret gunner Storm, Carson W., Cpl, engineering

Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 136 (174): At 10:50 twenty four planes off to bomb
road bridge at ROCCASECCA. All dropped 57 x 1000 bombs and 12 x 500 bombs at
12:00 from 11,000 feet. All returned at 12:40. Bombs widely scattered with two hits on
road bridge and several on RR bridge, bombs fell on road of both sides of bridge. Flak:
Intense, heavy and accurate. Weather: 5/10th at 3,000 feet, visibility hazy. F/L: Capt.
Culp.

Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

447th BS Special Accounts: On December 19 the squadron officers gave a dinner and
dance to which girls of the Nurses Corps were invited. This was the second such social
event to break the monotony of routine operations since our arrival overseas. The dance
was held in the officers mess in the area and in this respect it was different from our only
other squadron dance which was held at the Red Cross Officers Club in Ain M’Lila,
Tunisia, early in the Spring of this year.

The party was a bit success. The cold buffet dinner was laid out in such a manner
as to be the envy of any hostess in the “know”, a six piece half-colored-half white band
gave out with that inimitable American jive, fourteen comely members of the gentler sex
were present, the bar did a rushing business, and the work of the self-appointed interior
decorators won sighs and “ahs” from all the guests.

Orchids for the fine dinner which consisted of cold cuts of roast beef, potato
salad, cheese, fruit salad, cake and all the accessories go to Capt. Myron Gale who again
demonstrated his virtues in the arts culinary. The good captain also arranged for the
band, six enlisted men of an Ordnance Company, and the service.

Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

Lt. E. (Jalone) Becker with his winning ways played a major role in luring the fair
damsels to our den. The gals, done up in their natty navy blues, were from the 55th and
61st hospitals.

Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", Capt, bombardier

Our C.O., Maj. R.D. Sampson conceived the idea for stocking up a bit of the
amber fluid—namely, Rye—for the party. Each night after a mission all participating
officers signed a roster as having received two shots of combat liquor. The drinks were
not consumed, however, and by the time the night for the party rolled around—seven
quarts of Rye were available for the block. This, supplemented by our goodly stock of
brandies, cognac and other varieties of thirst-quenchers left no one wanting for a drink.
Dispensers of the poison for the night were Capt. R.W. (Horse) Manly, Lt. Don Chinnock
and your reporter.

Manly, Robert W. "Horse”, Capt, intelligence

Chinnock, Donald R., 1Lt, communication

Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence “your reporter”

Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, pilot, Commander

Sunday, 19 December 1943 (continued)

The artful brush of Lt. A.M. Holloway did some master work to help put the party
over. His classy invitation cards which were planted in the two hospitals no doubt did
much to convince the gals that this party was something they couldn’t afford to miss.
Also the choicy Christmas greeting placard displaying a scantily-clad beauty which he
made for the west wall of our shack adds infinitely to the atmosphere.

Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator

A goodly number of the officers had a hand in putting up the Xmas tree, and
tacking bits of foliage about the rafters and ceiling. The tree was trimmed with cotton,
bits of red paper, beer bottles and given a red-lighted effect by covering a light shade
with red paper and focusing it on the tree. A baseball hat, a football and a pile of empty
boxes wrapped with the Xmas wrappers from home under the tree make it look
amazingly like what we might see if we could be home this year.

One of the nurses turned out to be a warbler and she did two or three favorites for
us near the end of the party. The affair broke up about midnight after quite a few of the
gals had raided the kitchen and stocked up on roast beef sandwiches to take home with
them. Our gallant men saw that none of them went home unescorted.

Monday, 20 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The MAAF is established,
retroactive to 10 Dec 43. Commanded by Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder (RAF),
MAAF is comprised of all Allied air elements (RAF, USAAF, French, and other) which
are operating in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). These elements
previously were part of the Mediterranean Air Command (MAC) and Northwest African
Air Force (NAAF), which are disbanded. US Army Air Forces, North African Theater of
Operations (USAAFNATO) is established with General Carl Spaatz as commander, to
facilitate administration of AAF units of the Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Forces. In Italy,
P-40's and RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighter-bombers blast vehicles and heavily defended
areas near Chieti and Orsogna, and hit a fuel dump near Manoppello. A-36's bomb
Terracina and hit water towers, a train, and a railway station S of Rome.

445th BS War Diary: There was an inspection of all small arms in the Squadron today
conducted by armament personnel. Once again more Christmas packages arrived in the
afternoon. This marks the seventh straight day that packages have arrived. A plane took
off for Naples today taking combat crews to rest camp. A truck left for Naples taking
ground crews to rest camp. Supper consisted delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes
and luscious chicken gravy. Needless to say, it was enjoyed by all. “G.I. Patter”, a new
column on the S-2 bulletin board written by Sgt. McIntosh, is making a big hit with the
men. The column consists of humorous poems, jokes, small skits and the like all very
cleverly written by the former radio gunner who is definitely talented along those lines.

McIntosh, Sgt, radio-gunner, S-2

446th BS War Diary: Enlisted men are receiving three day passes to visit Naples. More
mail.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. One of our Italian K.P’s was hit by an English
truck while crossing the highway directly behind the motor pool. He was rushed to the
hospital by an ambulance from 448 sq. which due to the proximity of the 448th
dispensary, arrived at the scene of the accident ahead of our medics. 1st Sgt. Vishy,
M/Sgt. Horne and Cpl. Franzi left to-day for Naples in order to purchase fruits,
vegetables etc for our Christmas Dinner. The following left for rest camp today: Lt.
D.W. Thomas, Lt. J.G. Boyle, Lt. DeMay, Lt. J.P. Lanza, Lt. S.I. Sattenspiel, S/Sgts.
G.W. Roever, G.P. Werner, W.R. Henry, R.A. Lotito, and D.D. Alton.

Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt, pilot Franzi, Gino C., Cpl, intelligence

Henry, William R., S/Sgt, gunner Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering

Lanza, Joseph P., 1Lt, bombardier Lotito, Rocco A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 1Lt, bombardier

Thomas, David W., 1Lt, pilot Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

Werner, George P., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 21 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Lieutenant General John
K Cannon takes command. In Italy, B-25's bomb Terracina; P-40's hit the same target and
also bomb positions and munitions factory S of Sant' Elia Fiumerapido; A-36's bomb
positions, a fuel dump, and munitions factory in the Cervaro area, and hit trains, a
seaplane base, a radar station, trucks, and other targets in the Rome-Civitavecchia area.

445th BS War Diary: A plane was sent to Naples today to pick up combat crews at rest
camp there. This ship returned today as did the plane which was sent to Naples yesterday
for the same purpose. Training classes in various phases of aerial gunnery were held
behind the S-2 tent today for the benefit of the newer combat crews. At an impressive
ceremony, which included a color guard of Squadron combat crews, Col. Knapp
presented Capt. Tipton and Lt. Kailer with the Purple Heart this afternoon for wounds
received in action. For the 8th straight day, Christmas packages arrived in the Squadron.
This time there was some mail to go along with them. This was the first mail received in
quite some time as lately practically all that came in were packages. A good number of
armament men and crew chiefs were limping around the area today. The game of two
hand touch in football was always known as a grueling game. The supper tonight
consisted of delicious beef with fresh potatoes. The meals continue to be of high caliber
lately and the men seem more than satisfied. There was a slight drizzle that lasted most
of the evening.

Kailer, William F., 2Lt, pilot Knapp, Robert D., Col, 321st BG Commander

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

446th BS War Diary: Mission today with plenty of flak. Lt Brady’s ship so badly shot
up he had to crash land at home base. No one injured in landing but Lt. Mastrionni got
slight cut from flak. Sgt. Cleveland bailed out of Lt. Fetterly’s plane over target.
Because of steep dive he evidently thought the plane out of control.

Brady, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot Cleveland, William C., Sgt, gunner

Fetterly, Orville D., 1Lt, pilot Mastrionni, Henry L., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 140

TARGET: Terracina DATE: 21 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 1000# 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Tapper, 446th Sqdn, led the formation. Road believed hit just E of town and across
town to the south. Bombs fell on cliffs above road and between road and the sea. Sgt.
Cleveland of plane 293 (Lt. Fetterly pilot) baled out at the target and believed to have
landed NE of town. Flak was heavy, intense, and accurate. Lt. Brady crash landed at his
home base because his hydraulic system was shot out, Lt. Mastrionni, his bombardier was
slightly injured by flak. All others were OK. (See story in Special Events Section)

Brady, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot Mastrionni, Henry L., 2Lt, bombardier

Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 21 December 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 9 of our ships participated in a raid on a road bridge near
Terracina, Italy. At 1345 today a small formation from each squadron marched to Group
where Col. Knapp made presentations of the Purple Heart. The men from this squadron
to receive the award were: Lts. Broyles, Becker, and Paiton; S/Sgts. Harter, Kordzi, and
Sheets. In a letter of Dec. 21 the following men were promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. as
of Dec 10th: A.M. Holloway, A.B. Jahrhaus, W.M. Johnston, F.F. Becker, R.F. Halloran,
G.J. Deane, J.H. Haeberle, H.J. Fallone, R.G. Davies, H.K. Paiton, J.F. Briskey, Jr., P.A.
Broyles, E.P. Mayben, Jr., H.W. Joiner, R.C. Olson, J.J. Nowakowski, B.B. Miller, Jr.,
R.H. Springler, E.L. Saiers, F.W. Vincent, K.C. McFadden, K.C. DeMay, J.P. Lanza,
D.P. McCormick, H.W. Stephenson, G.J. Trevor, F.E Ryherd, S.I. Sattenspiel, J.G.
Boyle, Jr., and D.W. Thomas.

Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", 1Lt, bombardier Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot

Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot Deane, George J., 1Lt, bombardier

Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot

Halloran, Robert F., 1Lt, navigator Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier

Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Jahrhaus, Alfred B., 1Lt, pilot

Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt, pilot

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

Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt, communication Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

McCormick, Donald P., 1Lt, bombardier Miller, Benjamin B., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot

Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator

Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt, pilot Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt, navigator

Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 1Lt, bombardier Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt, gunner

Springler, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot

Thomas, David W., 1Lt, pilot Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot

Vincent, Frederick W., 1Lt, pilot McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot

DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt, pilot Lanza, Joseph P., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: Mission # 137 (175): At 13:00 twenty four planes off to bomb
ROCCASECCA road bridge. All dropped 64 x 1000 bombs and 1 x 500 bomb at 14:15
from 10,000 feet on alternate target of road E of Terracina. All planes returned at 15:50.
Road hit on bend just E of town and also across town to S, some bombs on cliff and into
sea. Just at target bombardier Sgt. Cleveland (ship # 293-446th Sq) bailed out and
believed to have landed NE of town. Four or five E/A seen 12 miles from NAPLES but
did not attack. Much ground traffic seen. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate. Incendiary
and tracer type. Weather: Low cumulus kept formation from bombing primary target, at
alternate 5/10th cover at 8,000 feet. L/L: Capt. Culp.

Cleveland, William C., Sgt, gunner, 446th BS Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 22 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Major General Paul L
Williams reassumes command of the XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional). In
Italy, P-40's and Spitfires of the Twelfth Air Force, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF hit strong
points in the Tollo-Miglianico-Chieti areas; P-40's blast bridge, locomotives, trucks, and
railroad tracks at and near Tortoreto and Benedello; P-47's strafe targets of opportunity in
the area around Zara, Yugoslavia.

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 12 to 2 today. It
was a slim ration this week, consisting of 3 packs of cigarettes. Weather conditions
forced a cancellation of the mission. Some packages arrived but the men were more
interested in the large number of letters which came in with the packages. Delicious
fresh ham and potatoes were greatly enjoyed by the men. There was a large attendance at
the Christmas show at the granary. An Italian magician entertained with the assistance of
a small but corny Italian band and a buxom Italian lass who graced the stage with her
presence. The movie shown after the stage show was “The Sky’s the Limit”, a new one
in the States, staring Fred Astaire and twinke-toes Joan Leslie.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties and heavy mail call.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual squadron duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 22 December 1943 (continued)

Thursday, 23 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): P-40's and P-47's attempt
to support Yugoslav partisans resisting the German invasion of Korcula Island off the
Peljesac Peninsula, but bad weather prevents location of targets.

445th BS War Diary: Today is the 321st Bomb Group’s “Christmas”. By arrangement
with the other Groups, our boys celebrated the holiday today and will hang out the
“business as usual” sing on the regular Xmas on the 25th. There were no flights today
and nearly everyone took off for the neighboring towns and villages for a good time.
Some mail and packages arrived today. The delicacy of the day was huckleberry pie for
supper.

446th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled. Squadron operations ceased today in order
to take advantage of a holiday while the opportunity presents itself.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 23 December 1943 (continued)

Friday, 24 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather severely hampers
operations. P-40's fail to locate the target, a vessel at Ugljan Island, Yugoslavia, but shoot
down 1 airplane in the Adriatic Sea.

445th BS War Diary: Christmas Eve. An order for a two-day “stand-down” mad it three
days off in a row for the boys and permitted many of them to take off for the Christmas
“holidays”. Some of the men, full of the traditional “Christmas spirit”, have decorated
their tents with Christmas trimmings obtained in packages from home. One tent even
went so far as procuring a Christmas tree and trimming it in the tent. A delicious supper
of fresh pork chops was enjoyed by all the men. Ella Logan appeared in person tonight to
entertain the men on Christmas Eve. She was very good. Some of the men managed to
attend the midnight Mass at the 57th Fighter Group.

446th BS War Diary: Ella Logan and cast entertained at Group. Officers had party at
their club. Not much sign of Christmas here but morale not too low.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

A/C No. unknown crashed near La
Senia Air Base, in Africa

Klang, Irving E., 2Lt

Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt

None

PAX

Graham, Robert W., 2Lt

PAX

Carnes, James B., Sgt

PAX

Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt

None

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Nothing unusual happened today except that
the EM’s bar did a rushing business. The fact that the Christmas tree wasn’t lit up didn’t
prevent a lot of the boys from doing so. Ella (Loch Lomond) Logan put in a personal
appearance at the Group Movie House tonight. After her performance she was the quest
of our officers who in turn entertained her at our squadron officers club.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 25 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): A-36's bomb road, trucks,
and the town area at Pontecorvo, Italy. P-40's, with a few SAAF Spitfires, hit a motor
launch in Peljesac Channel of Yugoslavia.

445th BS War Diary: “Merry Christmas”. This gala phrase was on the lips of all the
“G.Is” today as the big holiday was observed quietly. There was no aerial activity
whatsoever. Some packages and letters arrived this morning. The big meal was held at
2:30. Feature attraction was roast turkey with a supporting cast of giblet dressing and
gravy, mashed potatoes, beans, bread with fresh butter, apple pie, fruit salad and coffee.
Needless to say the men were in hearty approval of such a sumptuous repast. A liquor
raffle was held immediately after the big meal and some of the men saw fit for some
“celebrating”. It rained this evening.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Porter, Sgts Didiwick and Shields received their orders to go
home. Nice turkey dinner helps out a lot as far as morale was concerned.

Didiwick, Claudius T., Sgt, gunner Shields, James A., Sgt, gunner

Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt, pilot or Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled. Squadron operations shut down for the
day. Once more turkey was the main attraction at the dinner. The meal was very
excellent. In addition to the servings at the chow line, each table was well stocked with
cigarettes, assorted nuts, oranges, candy etc. With the meal also went a rather potent
punch, containing a goodly amount of gin. Uncle Sam did a splendid job of “timing” this
year in regards to our Christmas packages. For about ten days prior to Christmas,
packages have been flowing in steadily. Naturally many others will arrive late but all in
all everyone seem well satisfied with the Christmas mail situation. Morning Report for
week ending Dec. 25: Officers---68: Enlisted Men—254.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 26 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather limits operations
to uneventful reconnaissance flights. The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter
Wing, transfers from Cantania, Sicily to Montecorvino, Italy with Beaufighters. A
detachment is operating from Gaudo Airfield, Italy.

445th BS War Diary: Heavy clouds and almost a continual rain curtailed plans for the
mission and kept most of the men hugging their stoves in their tents. Some first-class
mail arrived in the afternoon. A delicious turkey noodle soup was enjoyed by all the men
in the evening. The feature movie in the evening was “Tarzan Triumphs”. A rumor went
the rounds that this outfit would move to a spot 7 miles from Naples within a few weeks.

446th BS War Diary: Mail call and rations help brighten an otherwise gloomy day.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled due to much rain.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Monday, 27 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's attack a vessel near
Zara, Yugoslavia. A-36's attack targets in Italy, hitting a factory and railroad at Anagni,
harbor and railroad facilities at Civitavecchia, a bridge at Pontecorvo, and several gun
positions and vehicles. A detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air
Force, based at Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters begins operating at Rerhaia, Algeria.

445th BS War Diary: Cold weather with high winds prevailed today and rain, snow and
hail fell at various times of the day. This inclement weather forced the mission back
before the target was reached. Most of the men hugged their stoves today as it was very
chilly. Enlisted men from the ground crew were sent to the rest camp at Naples. 2nd Lts.
Young, Thornburn and Kaschenback became 1st Lts. today.

Kaschenback, Carl E., 1Lt, pilot Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt, pilot

Young, Paul L., 1Lt, pilot or Young, William G, 1Lt, pilot or Young, William J., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather and no mission.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual squadron duties.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 28 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's, A-20's, and A-36's,
in coordination with Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) heavy and
medium bombers operating against targets in the Rome area, bomb landing grounds at
Ciampino, a bridge at Roccasecca and a road and railway to the E of town, ships and
harbor at Civitavecchia, and railway sidings W of Frosinone; and P-40's hit the harbor at
Anzio and communications in the Pontecorvo and Atina areas. The 486th and 487th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from
Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

445th BS War Diary: Very cold and windy today. The high winds ripped many tents
but the only real casualty was the enlisted men’s mess tent which blew down. Some first-
class mail arrived today. Lt. Carmine, co-pilot who went down with Lt. Fisher on Oct. 8,
was reported in German hands. Trucks took combat crews to rest camp today. The
Ciampino airdrome was bombed today with good results. The returning planes had quite
a time landing what with violent cross winds and hordes of B-17’s landing around the
field. Old 373 was obtained from Grottaglie. Its landing gear had buckled after one of
the missions at that base and a service unit was taking care of it. The men enjoyed a fine
USO stage show in the evening.

Carmine, John W., 2Lt, pilot Fisher, James B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Mission to Rome as weather clears. No fighters and no flak.
Very successful.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 141

TARGET: Rome, Ciampino A/D DATE: 28 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: Frags 446th Planes: 9

Capt. Beeson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Excellent coverage with concentrations in S
and E dispersal areas. Three hangars in W perimeter believed hit. Also buildings hit N
of A/D between hangars and housing area. S portion of housing area hit. 3 or 4 fires
seen in dispersal area as well as 2 or 3 fires in hanger area. Explosions seen near road W
of A/D. Five a/c were destroyed on the ground. Enemy aircraft sighted but did not
attack. Flak was heavy, but slight. Lt. Brady returned early because Sgt. Spoerl, his
radio-gunner became sick.

Beeson, Ellwood H., Capt, pilot, 447th BS Brady, Joseph J. 2Lt, pilot

Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt, radio-gunner

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our planes were scheduled to participate in a raid over the
Rome/Ciampino Airdrome. 4 of the ships completed the mission which turned out to be
somewhat of a milk-run. The other 3 ships were forced to return early due to mechanical
malfunction. About 8:30 this morning one of the tents in the area literally went down in
flames. The fire was started by the wind blowing sparks from a near-by trash pile against
the tent. The tent itself was a complete loss as well as the greater part of the personal
equipment within. The members of the tent, none of whom were at home when the fire
broke out, were: T/Sgt. Bruns, T/Sgt. Courson, T/Sgt. Nieman, S/Sgt. Brandt, and Cpl.

Tuesday, 28 December 1943 (continued)

Holland. All the personal possessions of Cpl. Holland, who was in the hospital at the
time, were totally burned. The following left for rest camp at Capri: 1st Lts. E.P.
Mayben, R.P. Dunn, H.W. Stephenson, S/Sgts. W.P. Franklin, N.J. Batteiger, R.R.
Fiorello, E.C. Ennis, and Sgt. A. Zacharya.

Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt, gunner Brandt, George F., S/Sgt, engineering

Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering Courson, William C., T/Sgt, engineering

Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Fiorello, Thomas R., S/Sgt, gunner Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt, bombardier, gunner

Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot

Zacharya, Andrew, S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Mission 138 (176): At 10:54 33 planes off to bomb Rome
Ciampino A/D S. 5 returned early and 28 dropped 1896 frags at 12:37 from 10,500 feet
and returned at 13:55. Excellent coverage with concentration of bombs in S and E
dispersal area, 3 to 5 fires in dispersal area and 2 in hangar area, explosion near road W
of A/D. Flak: Slight, heavy and inaccurate. Weather: Target CAVU. F/L: Lt. Cassels.

Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 29 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): P-40's hit a vessel on the
N side of the Peljesac Peninsula in Yugoslavia and a railway station at Anagni, Italy. In
Italy, A-36's attack the railway station at Ferentino, harbor and railroad yard at
Civitavecchia, and truck park near Aquino.

445th BS War Diary: Some packages arrived this morning. Cloudy weather forced a
cancellation of the mission. There was a combat crew meeting in the granary at 1 P.M.
and a gunnery class was held in the evening behind the Operations-S-2 tent. One of the
men in the Squadron procured a large load of coal which proved to be a valuable
acquisition. The men were badly in need of coal as it is needed in the cold, blustery
weather. The meal of the day was a delicious beef stew for supper. The men enjoyed the
fresh meat immensely. In the evening, some of the men had a chance to see themselves
in a movie. It was in “Bombers over North Africa” a film depicting the activities of the
321st Bomb Group as it operated in North Africa. Needless to say, the men were
delighted in the show.

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Malone promoted to Captain. No mission because of weather.

Malone, Robert C., Capt, personnel, Adjutant

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual squadron duties. 2nd Lt. P.I.
Blumenfeld promoted to 1st Lt. as of Nov. 24, 1943.

Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 30 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's bomb Zara,
Yugoslavia, hitting a junction, railway station, repair shops, warehouse, and harbor. In
Italy, A-20's hit Atina; P-40's and A-36's support ground forces, hitting targets in the
Chieti-Miglianico area; vessels are hit at Crkvice, Yugoslavia, railway sidings near
Frosinone, gun positions near Arce and W of Minturno, and the town areas of Sant' Elia
Fiumerapido, Ferentino, and Atina are bombed.

445th BS War Diary: Lts. Ward, Shaw, Triplett; F/O Jones; Sgts. Baird, Boyette and
Pierce all received their orders to return to the United States. Lts. Ward and Shaw were
promoted to 1st Lt. which gave them added cause for rejoicing. Lt. Kailer flew Lt.
Armbruster to the hospital at Naples where the latter will undergo a physical checkup. A
new enlisted men’s mess is now erected. Two heifers were cut up this afternoon and will
be eaten tomorrow. Large number of packages arrived in the evening. It is very cold
tonight.

Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt, pilot Baird, Marvin G., Sgt, engineering

Boyette, Roy E., Sgt, gunner Jones, Guilford, Jr., F/O, pilot

Kailer, William F., 2Lt, pilot Pierce, Richard H., Sgt, engineering

Shaw, William H., 1Lt, pilot Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt, pilot

Ward, James M., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Another successful mission. And still more mail. Usual garrison
duties.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 142

TARGET: Falconara M/Y DATE: 30 Dec.1943

Type of Bombs: 500# 446th Planes: 6

Lt. Wilt, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Target coverage was excellent. Many direct hits
on junction, one warehouse left on fire, and three large explosions were seen in the yards.
The repair shed, RR stations, roads, and buildings on both sides of the junction were hit.
Two enemy a/c were seen but did not attack. Flak was heavy, Inaccurate.

Wilt, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships participated in a raid on Falconara, Italy
Marshalling Yards. Bombing results good.

448th BS War Diary: Mission 139 (177): At 12:05 24 planes off to bomb Falconara
M/Y and 24 dropped 136 x 500 bombs at 14:00 from 10,000 feet, all returned at 15:00.
Target coverage excellent, many direct hits on junction, 1 warehouse left on fire, 3 large
explosions in yards, repair shed, RR shed and buildings on both side of junction hit. 2
S/E fighters seen 2 miles S of target but did not attack. Flak: Moderate, heavy,
inaccurate. Weather: Hazy at target. F/L: Lt. Wilt.

Wilt, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 31 December 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, P-40's and
Spitfires of the AAF, RAF, RAAF, and SAAF, strike infantry and heavy artillery around
Tollo, Orsogna, Miglianico, Ripa, and Teatina in support of the British Eighth Army. A-
36's bomb the town of Formia and hit gun positions.

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron personnel were paid today. Three training flights
were flown. There was not too much work accomplished today as the men were warming
up for the big New Year’s Eve celebration. Roast beef was thoroughly enjoyed for
supper. A festive, “wet” time was had during the evening, culminated by a “fireworks”
display at 12 o’clock when all or a large number of the men fired their firearms to “ring
out the old, ring in the new”. Happy New Year to all.

446th BS War Diary: News reached here today that Lts. Klang, Henson, Graham, and
Sgts. Carnes and Bonacich were killed in a plane crash near La Senia air base in Africa.
This is not official yet. What a terrible way to end the month. The accident occurred on
December 24, 1943.

Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt, gunner Carnes, James B., Sgt, engineering

Graham, Robert W., 2Lt, engineering Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt, pilot

Klang, Irving E., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Usual work program.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

December 1943

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

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for December 1943

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF

APO 650

1 January 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARRATIVE HISTORY FOR DECEMBER
1943

A. Original unit

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

2. Organized 1 August 1942

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

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

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

B. Strength, commissioned and enlisted

1. 1 December 1943 64 Officers, 275 Enlisted Men

2. Net Increase None

3. Net Decrease 2 Officers, 8 Enlisted Men

4. 31 December 1943 62 Officers, 267 Enlisted Men

C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof:

There were six enlisted men and one officer on DS in North Africa who arrived at this

Base on 8 December 1943

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements:

1. Engagement; Split, Yugoslavia.

2. LT. COL. HENRY H. SCHWANE (pilot).

E. Losses in action:

1. Sgt. William C. Cleveland (gunner) missing in action over Italy.

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

Captain James L. Bradley (pilot) was awarded the D.F.C. by General Arnold on Dec.
9, 1943.

G. Campaigns

1. Complete data in attached mission summaries.

November 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for December 1943

Tragedy struck early in the month when Lt. William Williams and crew were shot
down Dec. 2---Squadron Weapons Carrier driven by S/Sgt. Luchetsky flipped over a
stone wall near San Giovanni killing on Italian passenger Dec. 8---The officers mess and
club was ready for occupation Dec. 9---Lt. Haeberle soloing in a jeep Dec 12 tangled
with a two-and-a-half-ton truck (missing one jeep)---Enlisted men’s club opened Dec. 13
with gala festivities---Col. Knapp relinquished the group to Lt. Col. Olmstead at a
meeting of combat crews Dec. 13---Officers gave a dinner and dance Dec. 19 in the
squadron club. Fourteen gals-in-blue (61st and 55th hospital talent) attended---Mass
promotion of officers Dec. 21---Ella Logan and troupe were Christmas eve guests at the
squadron officers club---The Yule feast featured turkeys from the states, GI and fat---
Deluge of Christmas packages from home poured in all month---The old year passed out
rather quietly with both the officers and the enlisted men’s bars doing a landslide
business New Years Eve. Details appear in the War Diary and Special Accounts
Sections.

Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Knapp, Robert D., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

Luchetsky, Paul, S/Sgt, mess Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

Williams, William T., 1Lt, pilot

Despite the large number of missions which had to be cancelled during the month
because of bad weather—the squadron chalked up a goodly number totaling fourteen for
the month. The raids were about equally divided between the Balkans and northern Italy.
The raids over northern Italy just above the battle line were the toughest ones and it was
on one of those that heavy flak accounted for one of our planes.

The biggest morale booster of the month came Dec. 21 promotion orders came
through for thirty 2nd Lts. in the squadron. Some of the promoted officers joined the
squadron last June, others last October.

By the end of the month rumors were being circulated that we would soon move
again. Our field is being shared now with B-17s of the 2nd Bomb. Group and is quite
crowded.

Missions Flown: 14 Sorties Flown: 94

Bombs dropped (weight): 246,760 Planes lost: 1

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

Squadron’s 150th mission flown during the month.

December 1943 (continued)

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

On December 2, 1943, while on a mission over CHIETI Road Bridge, Major
Bates and his crew were shot down in flames. This accident overshadowed by far any
other event during the month. The airplane received a direct flak hit in one gas tank and
was immediately enveloped in flames. There is a possibility that one of the crew bailed
out as photographs taken during the raid show what is believed to be a parachute in the
air. Members of the crew were; Major Bates, Pilot, Lt. Clark, Co-Pilot, Captain Brown,
Bombardier, Lt. Abbe, Navigator, S/SGTS: Henry, Engineer, Terho, Radio Gunner, and
Paschel, Turret Gunner. The loss of these men was felt keenly by all members of the
Squadron.

Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt, navigator Bates, James P., Maj, pilot

Brown, Robert H., Capt, bombardier Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot

Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Paschel, John W., S/Sgt, turret gunner

Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

On the afternoon of December 3, 1943, Captain Bell assumed command and made
a brief address to the Officers and men in which he stated that he would do his utmost to
carry on the best traditions of the 448 and expected the cooperation of all personnel
Captain Culp was appointed Operations Officer and Lt. Eddy was appointed Assistant
Operations Officer. In the absence of Captain Culp who was in Cairo, Lt. Eddy
performed the necessary duties pertaining to that office. The remainder of the week
passed with little excitement, targets continue to be in Northern Italy and Yugoslavia.

Bell, Albert R., Capt, pilot, Commander Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot

Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

On December 10 following a mysterious order to appear in class A uniforms the
squadron marched to Group Headquarters and there witnessed the award of several
medals to personnel of the Group by General Arnold who was accompanied by Lt.
General Spaatz and Major General Cannon. T/Sgts: Karabinos and Braun received the
Legion of Merit for their work in modifying the B-25’s.

Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt, gunner Karabinos, Joseph M., T/Sgt, engineering

Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", Gen, Chief of the Army Air Forces

Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander

Spaatz, Carl Andrew "Tooey", Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

By December 9 the Enlisted Mens Mess Hall and Club with bar attached was
completed and good use was made of this facility. The Officer’s Mess was also
completed and operating with great success. Due to some unknown cause the Bill of Fare
did not improve during the early part of the month.

December 1943 (continued)

As cold weather and rain became the order of the day the huge coal pile soon
dwindled and the camp area began to resemble to resemble Pittsburgh with black coal
smoke pouring from many chimneys. Of course many strange gadgets and inventions
were used to burn gasoline and oil. As was the case of last winter a steady flow of
chickens, eggs and etc came in to supplement the GI chow. Although strict instructions
from home ordered that Xmas packages were not to be opened until December 25, many
men found the urge irresistible or the pile of packages growing so great that they had to
investigate the contents.

Shortly after the move to Amendola it was discovered that shows were a nightly
affair in Foggia and by December 2 a truck was sent nightly carrying all personnel who
desired to attend. It was discovered that sunny Italy was extremely cold after the sun
went down. On December 9 through the efforts of the Group Special Service Officer
movies were shown nightly at Group Headquarters, which were enjoyed by all. Early in
the month Lt. Jantz started building a show room but as it was soon discovered that hot
showers were available in Foggia work was discontinued in the squadron.

Jantz, Lawrence E., 2Lt, supply

The weather continued to be inclement and hampered operations on the Line and
in the squadron area. Few missions were flown and these had three or four alternate
targets which were to be bombed if the primary target was covered. On December 23 the
Group was given a day off in which to celebrate Xmas as a mission was scheduled on
Xmas day, full advantage was taken of this holiday and everyone reported a Good Time.

As December 25 approached the holiday spirit permeated the squadron, home-
sickness was prevalent but no cases proved fatal. On December 24 the cooks announced
that turkey would again be in order for the Xmas dinner. All Personnel mentally licked
their chops as they recalled the bountiful feast of Thanksgiving Day. The dinner left
nothing to be desired. The men ate their fill of the copious servings which ranged from
turkey to nuts. Both the officers and men enjoyed a Xmas Eve party in Foggia and at
Group Headquarters. Christmas Cheer was obtainable at the bars of both clubs.

During the month Lts: Hayes and Wonnacott received their promotions to the
rank of Captain and several Enlisted Men were promoted in grade.

Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., Capt, armament Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering

Late in the month the system of three day passes for all enlisted personnel was
inaugurated and several men spent three enjoyable days in Naples. However an epidemic
of typhus in that city effectually put a stop to the passes. Combat crews continued to go
to the Isle of Capri for a seven day rest throughout the month and they reported that the
island was beautiful, service was excellent and the rest very beneficial.

December 1943 (continued)

As the month wore on all personnel became more acquired with their
surroundings and frequent trips to Manfredonia and Foggia as well as to small towns in
the nearby mountains proved that Italy was not as desolate and war stricken as first
impressions made it seem.

All personnel who had completed fifty missions were still sweating out their
orders that would send them back to good old U.S.A. Letters from former members of
the squadron who had returned home did not help the situation.

On December 15 Colonel Knapp bid a fond adieu to his Group and left for higher
headquarters. Lt. Colonel Olmsted assumed command. At about the same time the 2nd
Bomb Group (H), moved on the same field and crowded B-25’s off the hard stands into
the mud temporarily. Rumors were abound that this condition would not long endure
shortly the Group would again be on the move. Perhaps to Naples but no one knew
definitely.

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

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

As the year drew to a close thoughts of home became very evident in the
squadron, the censors found more and more evidence of that longing to return home.

Peddlers became frequent visitors and cried their wares of chickens, almonds,
oranges and Italian vino and needless to say the squadron personnel made many
purchases of the wares they offered for sale. Prices ranged from ten cents for a hair cut to
twenty cents for an egg. Food was at a premium, but the rich American soldier paid the
price and the Italian Co-Belligerents reaped the harvest just as the French Allies had in
North Africa.

December 1 – 7 – 43: Squadron strength December 1, 1943, 70 Officers and 278
Enlisted Men. Major Bates, 2nd Lts: Abbe, Clark, S/Sgts: Henry, Paschal, and Terho,
Missing in action as of December 2, 1943, while on raid over CHIETI road bridge.
Captain Bell assigned and joined and assumed command as of December 2, 1943. 1st Lt.
Hayes promoted to Captain. S/Sgt. Moore transferred to 37th General Hospital. The loss
of Major Bates and crew was a severe shock to the squadron. Despite unfavorable
weather three missions were flown during the week. Cold rains and mud hampered
operations in the area and on the line. Morale was low but everyone determined to give
Captain Bell their fullest cooperation.

Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt, navigator Bates, James P., Maj, pilot

Bell, Albert R., Capt, pilot, Commander Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot

Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., Capt, armament Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Moore, Gordon E., S/Sgt, gunner Paschel, John W., S/Sgt, turret gunner

Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner

December 1943 (continued)

December 8 – 14 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this
period. Lt. Wallnau transferred to the 322nd Service Group. Lt. Tolton transferred to the
U.S.A. All remaining men in North Africa returned to the squadron with the remainder
of vehicles this week. Several Officers and Enlisted Men, combat crews members
departed for a weeks rest on the Island of Capri. Four missions were flown during the
week against Italian tactical targets. Weather continued cold and the usual camp duties
were performed. On December 10, Generals Arnold, Spaatz, Cannon reviewed the
Group and awarded the Legion of Merit T/Sgts: Braun and Karabinos. The Enlisted
Mens Club and Bar opened. The Officers Club continued with noteworthy success.

Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt, gunner Karabinos, Joseph M., T/Sgt, engineering

Tolton, Justin C., 2Lt, pilot Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering

Arnold, Henry H. "Hap", Gen, Chief of the Army Air Forces

Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander

Spaatz, Carl Andrew "Tooey", Lt Gen, Commander, Strategic Air Forces

December 15 – 21 – 43: The following Enlisted Men were assigned and joined S/Sgts:
Lord, Sgt. Everhart; Corporal Bird and Carr. Many Officers and Enlisted Men departed
for a weeks rest on the Isle of Capri. The weather continued cold and rainy but despite
this handicap five missions were flown over Yugoslavia and northern Italian targets. The
Mess succeeded in purchasing fresh vegetables which added much to the Bill of Fare.
Packages poured in to all personnel in the squadron. The usual camp duties were
performed during this period.

Carr, Randal C., Cpl, gunner Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt, gunner

Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt, gunner

December 22 – 31 - 43: S/Sgt. Doss assigned and joined. Lt. Evans promoted to 1st
Lieutenant. Lt. Wonnacott promoted to Captain. Due to holiday only two missions were
flown. Christmas dinner was very successful with turkey for all with all the trimmings.
Usual camp duties performed while celebrating the holidays. More Officers and Enlisted
men departed for the Isle of Capri.

Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt, bombardier

Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering