12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing

321st Bombardment Group

History: December 1944

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

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

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

Assg: Assigned XC: Cross Country BC: Bomber Command

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

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

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

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

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

CO: Commanding Officer CP: Command Post RR: Railroad

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

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

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

Sqdn: Squadron QM: Quarter Master Trfd: Transferred

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

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

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

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

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

PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing

M/T: Motor Transport (Truck) GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)

ALO: Allied Liaison Officer OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster

I. & E.: Information & Education? 448th 10 Dec? CWS: Chemical Warfare Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

F/L: Formation Leader - Flight Leader

B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory

TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target

VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer

AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)

Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)

NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA

Friday, 1 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s attack 4
railroad bridges in the W Po Valley, damaging the bridges at Voghera and Torre Beretti;
the XXII Tactical Air Command hits motor transport and train cars at several points in N
Italy and hits rail lines over a widespread area N of the Apennines Mountains, including
the Brenner Pass where lines are cut at 3 points; the 524th Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter
Group, moves from Tarquinia to Pontedera with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 12 shops to bomb the Po-Torreberretti
bridge, Italy with 62.5 percent bombing accuracy achieved. There was the usual training
program in effect. Two ships went to the bombing range; there was instrument and
transition flying while one test hop was flown. Capt. Farrell – pilot in the first
replacement crew to reach this squadron in Africa – held court in the operations-
intelligence hut this evening where he spun some interesting tales about his experiences
in Cairo and rails to delight his listeners who are content to listen to him by the hour.
“Bono”, Capt. Jeffrey’s usually-meek dog, became disgusted at the “ribbing” given him
by two other dogs and proceeded to whip them in a short but spirited battle in the officers
area.

Farrell, Robert A., Capt, pilot Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Sergeant Nagy rejoins the squadron after coming through enemy
lines in northern Italy. Lieutenant Clausen gets orders to return to the states, as does
Lieut. Nagel and Lieut. Reilly and Sergeant Henry.

Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt, bombardier Henry, Scott G., S/Sgt, gunner

Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot Nagy, Julius L., T/Sgt, gunner

Reilly, John A., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Twelve of our planes participated in an attack on the Torreberretti
Bridge in the Po Valley. All bombs dropped and all were in target area thereby starting
the squadron off this month with 100% accuracy. All planes returned safely. The
following men were assigned to this squadron: S/Sgt. Robert G. Jones, Sgt. Bernard A.
Flanigan, Sgt. John A. Harvey, Robert A. Jones, Sgt. Robert E. Loux, Sgt. Ernest R.
Lussier, Sgt. Silas A. Barrett, Sgt. Neil F. Gary, Sgt. Dewy D. Jones, Sgt. Ernest J.
Langenecker, Sgt. Norman B. Lubinsky, Sgt. Paul C. Mullis, Cpl. Joseph H. Cruse, Cpl.
Emigdio Ruiz, Cpl. Edgar M. West, Cpl. Camille J. Merlino, Cpl, Robert A. Stroupe, Pvt.
Robert P. Rulard.

Barrett, Silas A., Sgt, gunner Cruse, Joseph H., Cpl, gunner

Flanigan, Bernard A., Sgt, gunner Gary, Neil F., Sgt, personnel

Harvey, John A., Sgt, gunner Jones, Dewey D., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Jones, Robert A., Sgt, gunner Jones, Robert G., S/Sgt, gunner

Langenecker, Ernest J., Sgt, gunner Loux, Robert E., Sgt, gunner

Lubinsky, Norman B., Sgt, gunner Lussier, Ernest R., Sgt, gunner

Merlino, Camille J., Cpl, gunner Mullis, Paul C., Sgt, gunner

Friday, 1 December 1944 (continued)

Ruiz, Emigdio, Cpl, gunner Rulard, Robert P., Pvt, gunner

Stroupe, Robert A., Cpl, gunner West, Edgar M., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: The 448th Squadron’s one aircraft for today’s mission, the target
being the Torreberretti railroad and road bridge, Italy, played tag with flak for slightly
over three hours before returning safely to base. Flying as chaff plane with the formation
that attacked the bridge, and equipped with phosphorous bombs, the airplane dropped its
load on gun positions near the target to prepare the way for the remainder of the
formation. Bomb strike photos reveal many of the gun positions silenced, this facilitating
the safe return of all the bombers.

Saturday, 2 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
hit several bridges in N and NE Italy, scoring effective hits on 2 bridges across the Piave
and Brenta Rivers and 4 on the Brenner line; fighters and fighter-bombers attack
communications in the Po Valley and support US Fifth Army forces in the battle area S
of Bologna; on the night of 1/2 Dec, A-20s hit Ghedi Airfield and targets of opportunity
in the NC Po Valley and trains on the Brenner line; HQ 350th Fighter Group and the 347th
Fighter Squadron move from Tarquinia to Pisa with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: Ten crews went along o the mission to bomb the Praduro road
bridge, Italy. Led by Capt. Wagner, this squadron scored 100 percent bombing accuracy.
Lt. Col. Cameron flew with Lt. Cox in the anti-flak ship. Capt. “Doc” Smith and his
Mitchell-Aires went to the new Wing rest camp at El Rousse to entertain there. They
were transported in two ships.

Cameron, William D., Jr., Lt Col, operations, HQ 321st BG

Cox, Harold L., 2Lt, pilot Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon

Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: Promotions are posted for the following luck enlisted men as
regular duties are performed in the area. To Technical Sergeant, Amspacker, to Staff
Cornelius, and to Sergeant J.F. Maguire.

Amspacker, Arthur A., T/Sgt, armament Cornelius, Wilbur G., S/Sgt, gunner

Maguire, Joseph F., Sgt, communications

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 436

TARGET: Enego Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 2 Dec.1944

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

Lt Pietrowski led the formation. Two passes made but some planes dropped on first pass.
Hits claimed on S half of bridge as well as middle. Direct hits observed both on over-
water and dry positions of bridge on second pass. No flak, no fighters. Major Ziglar the
spare, returned early.

Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot Ziglar, Frank C., Maj, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Eleven of our planes flew on a mission over Praduro Rail Bridge
in the Po Valley. The target area was well covered and squadron received 100%
bombing accuracy. The following officers and enlisted men assigned and joined
organization: 2nd Lt. Henry D. Randel, 2nd Lt. Edward R. Carlin, F/O Emil R. Nyman,
Cpl. Sam M. Cohen, Cpl. John E. McCredy, Cpl. Vincent E. Theiss.

Carlin, Edward R., 2Lt, pilot Cohen, Sam M., Cpl, gunner

McCredy, John E., Jr., Cpl, gunner Nyman, Emil R., F/O, pilot

Randel, Henry D., 2Lt, bombardier Theiss, Vincent E., Cpl, gunner

Saturday, 2 December 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: The Squadron flew two missions today, one a weather recce flight
over Italy, and the other against the Enego railroad bridge, Italy. For the Enego mission
nine planes of the 448th Squadron participated, flying in good weather to lay some more
eggs on another vital Kraut bridge. Despite difficulty in finding the target due to
overcast, the 1000 lb. GP bombs were dropped, scoring hits on the center span and
southern approaches. All planes returned safely at 1530. Lieutenants Shear, Ovard, and
Martin, and Sergeants Sampson, Haack, Doughty, Carrick, and Wald left for the Flight
Control School at Cairo, Egypt, today. The following three officers and eighteen enlisted
men were assigned to the Squadron this afternoon: Second Lieutenants Pruitt, Styers,
and Wuest, Sergeants Head, Ederer, Foote, Harageones, Lasskow, Martin, McTaggart,
Mientkiewicz, Mitchem, and Powell, Corporals Biersdorff, DiSalvo, Oliver, Fletcher,
Parham, and Vanderberg, Privates Gill, and Petix. The 448th Squadron football team
played the 447th Squadron team this afternoon, and lost by the heart-breaking score of 20-
19. This put the 448th team in a tie with Ordnance for the league lead.

Biersdorff, Charles J., Cpl, gunner Carrick, Kenneth M., Sgt, gunner

DiSalvo, Alfred J., Cpl, gunner Doughty, Paul V., Sgt, gunner

Ederer, Robert J., Sgt, gunner Fletcher, William H., Cpl, gunner

Foote, Lancel H., Jr., Sgt, gunner Gill, Thomas T., Pvt, ordnance

Haack, Cecil J., Sgt, gunner Harageones, George J., Sgt, gunner

Head, Guthrie H., Sgt, gunner Lasskow, Maxwell A., Sgt, gunner

Martin, James M., Jr., Lt, bombardier Martin, Lewis E., Sgt, gunner

McTaggart, Leonard A., Sgt, gunner Mientkiewicz, Casinier (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Mitchem, Dewey A., Sgt, gunner Oliver, Walter A., Cpl, gunner

Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt, pilot Parham, Ralph E., Sgt, gunner

Petix, Ignatius D., Pvt, gunner Powell, Neil J., Sgt, gunner

Pruitt, Henry L., 2Lt, pilot Sampson, Donald A., Sgt, engineering

Shear, Meyer (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Styers, Charles W., 2Lt, pilot

Vanderberg, Edward V., Cpl, gunner Wald, Douglas A., Sgt, gunner

Wuest, Robert F., 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 3 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather hampers
operations; many missions are aborted; medium bombers score effective hits only on a
bridge E of Mantua; the 57th and 350th fighter Groups fly 60 sorties against targets in the
US Fifth Army battle area S of Bologna and against communications in N Italy; during
the night of 2/3 Dec, A-20s bomb lights throughout the Po Valley; the 345th Fighter
Squadron, 350th Fighter Group moves from Tarquinia to Pisa with P-47s; the 522nd and
523rd Fighter Squadrons, 27th Fighter Group, moves from Tarquinia to Pontedera, Italy
with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron was shocked when tragedy was enacted on the
flight line today. While aiding in the bore-sighting of turret guns of aircraft 680, Sgt.
Richard W. Dexter was fatally wounded when a live round was discharged from one of
the guns after he had requested another armorer to test the firing solenoids of the turret
guns. He died almost instantly. A quiet and conscientious worker, Sgt. Dexter was
respected and well-liked by all the men. Capt. Jeffrey and crew left for Cairo while Lts.
Bowling and Silnutzer were sent to the rest camp at Capri. Lt. Lowery gave a gun
maintenance lecture to 5 new gunners; Lt. Finkhouse gave a lecture on bombing to 2
bombardiers; and Sgt Wendell J. Bell lectured 11 engineer-gunners on the B-25 aircraft.

Bell, Wendell J., Sgt, engineering Bowling, Dan P., 1Lt, pilot

Dexter, Richard W., Sgt, armament Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 1Lt, bombardier

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

Silnutzer, Joseph A., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Poor weather over the target prevents dropping of bombs on the
mission.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 437

TARGET: Bologna Barracks, Italy DATE: 3 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Weld led the formation. Did not bomb due to 10/10 cloud cover. No flak, no
fighters.

Weld, Willis R., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

447th BS War Diary: A mission of 6 planes went over northern Italy but due to bad
weather no bombs were dropped. S/Sgt. M.H. Beckhart trfd. To United States on combat
rotation. Sgt. Beckhart had completed 70 combat missions. 1st Lt. William E. Kibler
returned to squadron from TD with 320th Service Group. 1st Lt. Robert T. Cunningham
TD to 320th Service Group. A discussion hour was held at 1900 today in the enlisted men
mess. The discussion leader was Sgt. Jarrold S. Oransky and the subject was the GI Bill
of Rights. There was a total of 73 men present. These discussions programs are under
the direction of 1st Lt. George G. VenJohn. From all reports it was a very profitable
evening and solved many problems for the men as to the Bill. Morning report for week
ending December 3rd, Officers: 82, enlisted men 364.

Sunday, 3 December 1944 (continued)

Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Cunningham, Robert T., 1Lt, pilot

Kibler, William E., 1Lt, pilot Oransky, Jarrold S., Sgt, communications

VenJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: Two missions were again scheduled for today. The targets were
the Faenza Defense Area “A”, and barracks at Bologna, Italy. The planes departed on
schedule, but returned early because of bad weather over the target area. No bombs were
dropped. Lieutenant Holcombe and Sergeants Bixler and Weyeneth left for the good old
United States on combat crew rotation. The following three enlisted men were assigned
to the Squadron this afternoon: Corporals Wolfe, Shields, and Atherton. Captain
Dossey and Lieutenant McKinley who had recently returned from MIA in Italy,
conducted a lecture for the Enlisted Combat Crews in the Enlisted Men’s Club this
afternoon on “Escape and Evasion” from their experiences with the Partisans in Northern
Italy.

Atherton, Robert C., Cpl, gunner Bixler, Frederick F., Sgt, gunner

Dossey, Vernon C., Capt, pilot Holcombe, Dewey R., 1Lt, pilot

McKinley, Robert H., 1Lt, bombardier Shields, Robert L, Cpl, gunner

Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt, engineer Wolfe, Bernard M., Cpl, gunner

Monday, 4 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s hit
defenses in the Bagnaeavallo and Faenza areas and an ammunition dump at Tortona;
XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft hit targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of
Bologna in the Apennines Mountains and communications to the N of the battle zone.
During the night of 3/4 Dec, A-20s again bomb targets of opportunity in the Po River
Valley; the 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, moves from Tarquinia
to Brindisi with C-47s.

445th BS War Diary: The entire armament department attended the military funeral
given to Sgt. Richard W. Dexter near Bastia today. He was buried in an Allied cemetery
with full military honors. Sgt Haynes, armorer-gunner, failed to clear his guns upon
return from today’s mission and he was recommended for disciplinary action. The
squadron is clamping down on carelessness in this respect following the unfortunate
accident that cost Sgt. Dexter his life. Capt Daniel P. Collins was appointed investigation
officer to report on the fatal gun accident. Pvt. Robert D Knapp, Jr., son of the
Commanding General of the 57th Wing, was assigned to this squadron today. Cpl.
Naughton went on flying status today. Sgt. Bell again lectured new engineer-gunners;
three new enlisted bombardiers were given lectures on B-25 bombing equipment; two
radio-gunners were lectured on B-25 radio equipment; while the 17 newly-assigned
gunners reported to Lt. Lowery for gunnery instruction. There was a good mail call
today.

Bell, Wendell J., Sgt, engineering Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot

Dexter, Richard W., Sgt, armament Haynes, Irving L., Sgt, armorer-gunner

Knapp, Robert D., Jr., Pvt, gunner Lowery, Bruce, 2Lt, armament

Naughton, John J., Jr., Cpl, gunner

446th BS War Diary: Captain Goff, Lieutenants Johnson, Hively and Ivankovig plus
EM McCarty, DeAngelo, Kaufman, Leeper and Nagy head for the good old U.S.A.

DeAngelo, Ralph J., S/Sgt, gunner Goff, Leroy R., Jr., Capt, pilot

Hively, Harold H., 1Lt, pilot Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt, pilot

Johnson, Henry W., 1Lt, bombardier Kaufman, Sanders S., S/Sgt, gunner

Leeper, Kenneth E., S/Sgt, gunner McCarty, Lyle, T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Nagy, Julius L., T/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 438

TARGET: Faenza, Italy DATE: 4 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Muzinich led the formation. Due to bad weather both the primary and alternate
targets could not be picked up. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate. No fighters.

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot, 447th BS

Monday, 4 December 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 439

TARGET: Tortona Ammo. Storage, Italy DATE: 4 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Weld led the formation. Due to cloud cover at primary target, alternate was
attacked. First flight made one pass at alternate but did not bomb due to haze. Second
flight dropped on second pass and reported hits on N and S ends of building in target
area. Two reports of building N of target being hit. No flak, no fighters.

Weld, Willis R., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Fifteen planes were over northern Italy but did not drop bombs
due to heavy overcast. The following officers and enlisted men were relieved from
rotation to 7th Replacement Depot for transshipment to U.S.; 1st Lt. Robert J. Burns; 1st
Lt. Guy M. Washburn; 1st Lt. Stanley J. Wiechert; T/Sgt. Joseph W. MacNeil; T/Sgt.
Andrew Pelak; T/Sgt. Alvin L. Simberg; F/O Erwin E.W. Heist; 2nd Lt Robert C. King Jr.

Corporal Walter F. Meiborg; Cpl. James R. Newton; Cpl. Paul W. Cunningham; Cpl.
Charles J. Price; S/Sgt. Albert Dolzal; Cpl. Stanley E. Teutsch; Cpl Charles W. Hardage.

Burns, Robert J., 1Lt, pilot Cunningham, Robert T., 1Lt, pilot

Dolzal, Albert, S/Sgt, gunner ` Hardage, Charles W., Cpl, gunner

Heist, Erwin E. W., F/O, bombardier King, Robert C., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

MacNeil, Joseph W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Meiborg, Walter F., Cpl, gunner

Newton, James R., Cpl, gunner Pelak, Andrew, T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Price, Charles J., S/Sgt, gunner Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Teutsch, Stanley E., Cpl, gunner Washburn, Guy M., 1Lt, pilot

Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: The same two missions were scheduled once again today. Once
again the planes failed to drop their bombs on the Faenza defense area, because of bad
weather over the target. They were unable to reach the alternate target because of bad
weather also. The second mission met with somewhat better success. The 448th
Squadron had four planes for this mission, loaded with incendiary bombs, and although
they were unable to bomb the Bologna barracks, the alternate target of Tortona Storage
dump was attacked. Fires and explosions were observed on the breakaway by the crew
members. All planes returned safely at 1620. Technical Sergeant Stienberg was assigned
to the unit this afternoon. Notification of a change in the Table of Organization of the
Squadron received this afternoon. The Squadron is now authorized ninety (90) officers
and three hundred and thirty-five (335) enlisted men.

Stienberg, Reuben H., T/Sgt, personnel

Tuesday, 5 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
severely restricts operations; medium bomber missions are cancelled except for a weather
reconnaissance flight; fighters and fighter-bombers hit a few rail lines and other
communications targets in the E Po River Valley but devote a major effort to closely
support the US Fifth Army in the battle area S of Bologna; HQ 79th Fighter Group and
the 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons move from Iesi to Fano with P-47s.

445th BS War Diary: A total of 16 crews were scheduled for two missions but they
were cancelled. The Red Cross girl served doughnuts and coffee this morning. During
the noon meal, a drawing was conducted to determine the lucky man to receive orders
authorizing a 30-day leave in the USA. Tetla, communications man on DS to group, was
the fortunate individual. Lt. Lower checked out 3 crews on dry ditching, 7 enlisted
bombardiers were lectured on the use of the navigational computer by Capt Franklin at
group while the 17 new gunners again were given a gunnery lecture by Lt. Lowery.

Franklin, Arthur E., Capt, navigator, HQ 321st BG

Lower, William C., 2Lt, personal equipment Lowery, Bruce, 2Lt, armament

Tetla, Stephen S., Sgt, communications

446th BS War Diary: December 5 and 6: Regular duties as there is no flying because of
bad weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The following enlisted men trfd on rotation to 7th replacement
depot for shipment to U.S.: S/Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn; S/Sgt. Paul B. Connelly; S/Sgt.
Hughie L. Curry; S/Sgt. George Mercea; S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry; S/Sgt. Joseph Veid,
T/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart. Pfc. Robert E. Kracher is back from TD with 57th
Bombardment Wing. Sgt. George T. Lejman assigned and joined squadron from 7th
Repl. Depot.

Byrn, Ernest E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Cowart, Eugene C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt, gunner

Kracher, Robert E., PFC, engineering Lejman, George T., Sgt, armorer-gunner

Mercea, George, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner

Veid, Joseph, S/Sgt, aerial gunner

448th BS War Diary: Weather conditions prevented the mission scheduled for today
from leaving the ground. Lieutenants Kirk, Cherry, and Freund, and Sergeants Ratcliffe
and Veeck left this morning for a pleasant stay at the AAF Rest Camp at Capri.

Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot Freund, John F., 2Lt, bombardier

Kirk, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Veeck, Richard W., Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 6 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, heavy cloud
cover, increasing in density throughout the day, severely restricts operations; medium
bombers are grounded except for 1 reconnaissance sortie; XXII Tactical Air Command
fighters and fighter-bombers fly less than 100 sorties, attacking communications in the
Brescia, Verona, and Mantua areas; the 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, moves
from Iesi to Fano with P-47s; the 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Rosignano Airfield to Grossetto with A-20s.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission for today was cancelled. Lt. LA Miller
returned from the USA today. He left the squadron in June. Sgt. Irving L. Haynes was
reduced to the grade of Private for inefficiency and taken off flying status for his
carelessness in leaving a live round in his gun following repeated warning about this evil
that had cost a life in the squadron. Lt. Starczewski was transferred to the 446th
Squadron. He completed 10 missions for this squadron. Seven officers and 5 enlisted
men combat crews were assigned today. There was a large number of packages arriving
today. A dance was held at the enlisted men’s club tonight with Doc Smith and the
Mitchell-Aires supplying the music. Only a few French girls made an appearance.

Haynes, Irving L., Pvt, armorer-gunner Miller, Edward A., 2Lt, bombardier/Navigator

Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon Starczewski, Phillip R., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: December 5 and 6: Regular duties as there is no flying because of
bad weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but din not take off because of bad weather.
Usual camp duties with the new combat men being checked out on the different things so
they will be prepared for combat missions. They received instructions on ditching,
aircraft recognition, guns, navigation, bombing. They were also briefed on escape and
security by Capt. Levine of the Intelligence Section.

Levine, William E., Capt, intelligence

448th BS War Diary: The same mission was scheduled once again today, but it too was
stand down, due to weather conditions. No change in the status of the unit was effected
during the day, nor nothing happened other than the usual camp duties.

Thursday, 7 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
medium bombers; fighters and fighter-bombers, despite the weather, attack railroads,
roads, bridges, rolling stock, and other targets over widespread areas of N Italy, from La
Spezia to N of the Po River Valley; bad weather obscures most primary targets but
alternate targets are fairly successfully hit.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission for this date was cancelled. Pvt. Manuel
Garza was promoted to corporal today and placed on flying status. He was grounded
several months ago due to the fact that he was a private and therefore ineligible to fly.
He has about the longest overseas service in the squadron – about 3 years of it. The
weather was moderate today, very pleasant indeed. There were two separate package
calls al Christmas bundles began arriving. This was the 3rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, a
fact which many of the men overlooked – indicating that the men had become
accustomed to war and the tendency is now not so much looking at the past as it is hoping
for the future. There was quite a bit of flight training today.

Garza, Manuel, Cpl, gunner

446th BS War Diary: The war is three years old today and the groundmen of the group
left home for foreign duty 22 months ago today. Lieutenant Peterson gets orders to go
home and Technical Sergeant McClain is made a Master Sergeant.

McClain, Richard E., M/Sgt, engineering Peterson, Frederick I., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: There has been no break in adverse weather conditions therefore
no flying and no missions. Record of events. Usual camp duties.

448th BS War Diary: The mission was stand down once again today. The crew
members did reach the group briefing hut, however, before the sad news reached them.
The following five officers and seven enlisted men were assigned to the Squadron today:
First Lieutenant Williams, Second Lieutenants Akers, Arnold, and Beckman, Flight
Officer Rutz, Sergeants Hunter, and Brentar, Corporals Hovorka, Sevier, Tangren, and
Varga, and Private Morian.

Akers, Harold B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Arnold, Harold L., 2Lt, bombardier

Beckman, Harold C., 2Lt, pilot Brentar, Joseph E., Sgt, gunner

Hovorka, Leo F., Cpl, gunner Hunter, Dewey G., Sgt, gunner

Morian, Charles R., Pvt, gunner Rutz, Victor H., F/O, bombardier

Sevier, Fred L., Cpl, gunner Tangren, Donald E., Cpl, gunner

Varga, Frank K., Cpl, gunner Williams, Peter G., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 8 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
greatly curtails operations; 4 P-47s on weather reconnaissance of the W Po River Valley
attack trains, claiming the destruction of 4 locomotives and damage of almost 100 train
cars. During the night of 7/8 Dec 3 A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in Po River
Valley.

445th BS War Diary: It was a stand-down order for both missions today. Only a few
non-operational flights were made as the weather was a bit inclement – windy, cloudy
with a few raindrops falling. Hamburgers highlighted the supper meal today and were
very much enjoyed. Some Christmas packages arrived in the squadron after supper.

446th BS War Diary: Staff Sergeant Walter Knapp, veteran of 100 combat missions and
one of the original members of the group, is promoted to Technical Sergeant. Usual
routine as there is no flying.

Knapp, Walter E., T/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. Pvt. Robert P. Rulard
promoted to grad of corporal. The following officers and enlisted men assigned from 57th
Bomb Wing: 1st Lt. George R. Morrison, F/O William F. Atkins, 2nd Lt. James J.
Stephens, 2nd Lt. Albert C. Tarquinio, F/O Ervin E. W. Heist, 2nd Lt. Robert C. King Jr.,
Cpl. Walter F. Meiborg, Cpl. James R. Newton, Cpl. Paul W. Cunningham, Cpl. Charles
J. Price, S/Sgt. Albert Dolzal, Cpl. Stanley E. Teutsch, Cpl Charles W. Hardage.

Atkins, William F., F/O, bombardier Cunningham, Paul W., Cpl, gunner

Dolzal, Albert, S/Sgt, gunner Hardage, Charles W., Cpl, gunner

Heist, Erwin E. W., F/O, bombardier King, Robert C., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Meiborg, Walter F., Cpl, gunner Morrison, George R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Newton, James R., Cpl, gunner Price, Charles J., S/Sgt, gunner

Rulard, Robert P., Cpl, gunner Stephens, James J., 2Lt, pilot

Tarquinio, Albert C., 2Lt, pilot Teutsch, Stanley E., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Yesterday’s mission was cancelled and three missions were
scheduled for today. The crews reached the briefing hut once again only to have the
stand down news reach them. Lieutenants Bard, Grady, Kiska, and Sergeants Walker,
and Trigler returned today from the AAF Capri Rest Camp after somewhat of an
extenuated stay, feeling none the worse from the effects. Lieutenant Gladwell reported
for DS to the 57th Bomb Wing Headquarters, and Lieutenant Sculley left for TD to
Headquarters of the 57th Bomb Wing. Lieutenant Valenti and Private First Class Rogers
were assigned to the unit today. Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot

Gladwell, James G., 1Lt, pilot Grady, John R., 1Lt, pilot

Kiska, George P., 2Lt, bombardier Rogers, John J., Pvt, communications

Sculley, Thomas S., 2Lt, pilot Trigler, Louis E., S/Sgt, gunner

Valenti, Jack J., 2Lt, pilot Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt, gunner

Saturday, 9 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
grounds medium bombers; fighters and fighter-bombers attack communications in the C
and NE Po River Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Both operational missions were cancelled as weather conditions
continued to be unfavorable. The older men in the squadron listened with no small
amusement to the various stories related by the new gunners who arrived here from
England where they participated in some missions over Europe flying in Forts and
Liberators. Some of the stories, the men insist, could gain considerable favor in the Tall
Story Club. Sgts. Gray, Leach, McDonald, Hafner, Miller, Valley and Cummings left the
squadron today on rotation orders sending them to the States. They are all aerial gunners.
Lts. Rung, Young and Weiner went to Capri’s rest camp for a week. Luxury rations were
distributed this afternoon. Roast pork was served at supper. Later in the evening, there
were brilliant flashes of lightning and loud claps of thunder but there was no rain.

Gray, John H., T/Sgt, gunner Hafner, Duane H., Sgt, gunner

Leach, Earl B., Sgt, gunner McDonald, Thomas E., Sgt, gunner

Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt, bombardier Rung, 2Lt, (aircrew)

Valley, Arnold, Sgt, gunner Weiner, Irving B., 2Lt, bombardier

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

446th BS War Diary: New corporals are J. Andrews and T.J. Martin. Lieutenants
Fontaine and Schmid leave for home.

Andrews, James R., Cpl, gunner Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Martin, Thomas J., Jr., Cpl, gunner Schmid, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. Usual camp duties.
Morning report for week ending December 9th. Officers- 85, Enlisted Men – 362.

448th BS War Diary: The same three missions were scheduled once again today. The
Incendiary and GP missions were stand down for the day, but the Nickeling mission took
off on schedule. The 448th Squadron furnished four planes for this mission, which
reached 19,000 feet in the Florence area before being forced to return due to bad weather
over the target area. This afternoon the 448th Squadron football team played the
Ordnance section’s team for the league championship. It was a thrill-packed game from
start to finish with the Ordnance lads finally winning 19-14, but only after a fourth period
touchdown, that lead which the 448th boys threatened to overcome in the fading seconds
of the game. It was a fitting climax to a season jammed with football thrills.

Sunday, 10 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
bomb bridges, fills, and a tunnel in the Brenner Pass area, hit the Fidenza bridge and
barracks at Bologna, and support the British Eighth Army in the Faenza area, bombing
defensive positions; XXII Tactical Air Command targets are again predominantly
communications N of the US Fifth Army battle zone; the 85th Bombardment Squadron
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Rosignano Airfield to Grosseto
with A-20s.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron finally took off and participated in two missions,
one of which attacked Faenza troop concentrations while the other hit the Bologna
barracks in two tactical raids. The latter attack, led by Lt. Dyer, resulted in 100 percent
bombing accuracy. In a 6-man touch football game, the 445th enlisted men and the 447th
enlisted men played to a hard-fought 13-13 tie at the latter’s field. Staff Sergeant John
Arcuri, gunner, was ordered to appear before the Medical Disposition Board. Trips to
Catania were cancelled until further notice, the chief complaint being the purchases of
foodstuffs. This purchase of rations which ordinarily would be sold to civilians has
aggravated the black market conditions. There is no complaint about the purchase of
liquor.

Arcuri, John, S/Sgt, gunner Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: The squadron loses a ship over Bologna, Italy, piloted by Lieut.
Kaenzig. Other crewmen were Lieut. Ritger, Lieut. Rondel, Staff Sergeants Hermanson
and Huntoon, and Corporal E. M. Allen. Sergeant Hermanson, an original member of the
squadron, had flown 50 combat missions with us in Africa, returned to the states for over
a year, then rejoined the squadron. This was his first mission upon his return overseas.
T/Sergeant McKearin received a serious wound in the face on the mission and is
hospitalized.

Allen, Emmitt M., Cpl, gunner Hermanson, Ingwal J., Sgt, gunner

Huntoon, Stuart L., S/Sgt, turret gunner Kaenzig, Charles L., 2Lt, bombardier

McKearin, William J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Ritger, Frederick C., 1Lt, pilot

Rondel, Albert O., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 440

TARGET: Castel Bolognese Defense Area, Italy DATE: 10 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: Fragmentations 446th Planes: 6

Capt. Murray led the formation. Target area N of main highway well covered. Several
explosions in target area. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate becoming intense,
accurate. Ten planes holed. No fighters.

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

Sunday, 10 December 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 441

TARGET: Bologna Barracks, Italy DATE: 10 Dec.1944

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

Lt. Dyer led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area. All but SW corner of
target covered. One report of large fire and explosion. Incendiary planes report good
coverage of three gun positions in target area. Flak was heavy, intense and accurate.
Eight planes holed. Airplane piloted by Lt. Ritger was hit badly and was last seen in the
Modena area heading S. Capt. Jordan, Lt. Kiernan, Lt. Williams and T/Sgt McKearin
were wounded. No fighters.

Dyer, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS Jordan, Henry L., Capt, pilot

Kiernan, Noble J. 1Lt, bombardier McKearin, William J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Williams, Warren R., 2Lt, bombardier

A/C No. 43-27895 “Haulin’ Ass” shot
down

Ritger, Frederick C., 1Lt

Rondel, Albert O., 2Lt

None

Kaenzig, Charles L., 2Lt

Hermanson, Ingwal J., Sgt

Allen, Emmitt M., Cpl

Huntoon, Stuart L., S/Sgt

None

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 442

TARGET: Canto, San Giovanni in Persiceto, DATE: 10 Dec.1944
San Georgio di Piano, Modena, Italy

Type of Bombs: Pamphlets (Front Post) 446th Planes: 2

Capt. Wiginton led the formation. Mission accomplished. Flak was heavy, scant and out
of range. No fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: Mission of 15 planes few in group formation to bomb Castel
Bolognese troop concentration and gun positions in northern Italy. All crew members
report excellent bombing, the pictures prove their statement and indicate that all the
squadron bombs were in the target area thereby giving the squadron 100% bombing
accuracy. Flak was heavy intense and accurate but our planes returned safely. However
the 446 squadron was hit and one plane is missing. 1st Lt. Marion E. Walker and Henry J.
Magne TD to Hq. 12th Air Force. A discussion was held in the enlisted men’s club at
1900 hours. Discussion leader was Sgt. Verlin B. Rowley and subject was educational
opportunity in the armed forces. Attendance average.

Magne, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot Rowley, Verlin B., Sgt, intelligence

Walker, Marion E., 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 10 December 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: The three missions scheduled for today took off this morning on
time, but once again bad weather over the target halted the flight and they were forced to
return early. The weekly I & E discussion was held in the Enlisted Men’s Club this
evening at 1930. It was the second in this series of discussions, and the subject for the
evening was the “E.I. Bill of Rights.” From indications, the organization of these
discussions is beginning to take effect, and increasing interest is being shown. It is not
only the topic of discussion at the weekly meetings, but sources of discussions and
arguments in the tents and places of work, which is one of the primary desires of the plan
originally. Lieutenant Wiman is the I & E Officer, but Lieutenant Moose did the pinch-
hitting for him this evening while he is away on a much needed rest at the 57th Bomb
Wing rest camp at Ille Rousse, Corsica.

Moose, Roy C., 2Lt, intelligence Wiman, 2Lt,

Monday, 11 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
hit the Motta di Livenza bridge; fighters and fighter-bombers hit occupied areas, houses,
guns, and defensive positions S of Bologna and attack railroad targets in the C Po River
Valley; during the night of 10/11 Dec, A-20s attack vehicles, lights, railway lines, roads,
river ferries, and pontoon bridges in the Po River Valley; HQ 47th Bombardment Group
(Light) moves from Rosignano Airfield to Grosseto.

445th BS War Diary: The crews were already at briefing today when the “stand-down”
order came in on the mission. The crew which went to Cairo on the 3rd returned today.
Lts. Eatherly, Hagerman and Baker left the squadron today on their way home on
rotation. More packages arrived today around noon. The day was very cold and a brisk
rain made conditions very damp at night. After a delicious roast beef supper, the men
were treated to a mail call which made the evening more or less successful.

Baker, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot Eatherly, Joseph A., 2Lt, pilot

Hagerman, Millard W., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: Squadron duties as there is no flying due to inclement weather.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission of 15 planes scheduled for today. The crews were briefed
at 0720 hours and went out to the line. However due to heavy overcast they did not take-
off. The following 2nd Lt. were promoted to the rank of 1st Lt.: Donald J. Colgan,
Franklin L. Darrell, Frederick J. Hiller, Robert K. Murchland, Harlan N. Tulley.

Colgan, Donald J., 1Lt, bombardier Darrell, Franklin L., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

Hiller, Frederick J., 1Lt, bombardier Murchland, Robert K., 1Lt, pilot

Tulley, Harlan N., 1Lt, navigator

448th BS War Diary: The mission for today was stand down, as the crew members
found out upon arrival at the briefing hut. Lieutenants Cook, Cooper, and Smith, and
Sergeants Holloway and Hulse left for the Capri rest camp, and Lieutenants Kirk, Cherry,
and Freund, and Sergeants Ratcliffe and Veeck returned from the Capri rest camp today.
Today was one of the “black” days of the Squadron as far as non-combat injuries are
concerned. First, Lieutenant Bongiovanni breaks his nose playing football, then Captain
Burks injures his wrist attempting to hurdle a fence, and this afternoon Lieutenant Lesser
came limping in with a sprained ankle. At a formation in the Enlisted Men’s mess hall
this after this afternoon Major Kneivel instructed the men as to what to expect on the
coming administrative inspection by a Wing Inspector. At 1800 this evening Lieutenant
Moose read the Articles of War to the Enlisted Men in their mess hall.

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 1Lt, navigator Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot

Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot Cook, Don W., 2Lt, pilot

Freund, John F., 2Lt, bombardier Holloway, Garland (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Hulse, Donald W., Sgt, gunner Kirk, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

Kneivel, Arthur W., Maj, executive Lesser, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier

Monday, 11 December 1944 (continued)

Moose, Roy C., 2Lt, intelligence Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Smith, Milford A., 2Lt, pilot Veeck, Richard W., Sgt, gunner

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

Tuesday, 12 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
cancels all except 11 weather reconnaissance sorties.

445th BS War Diary: The operational mission for this date was cancelled. Lt. Dyer was
enroute to Naples today on a cross-country but was forced to return to this base due to
unfavorable weather conditions. Lt. Dyer received his captaincy today along with Lt.
Napple, Squadron Navigation Officer. 2nd Lt. Beck, a bombardier, was promoted to 1st
Lieutenant. Brig. Gen Knapp made a trip to the group today to award a number of
squadron personnel both air and ground at special ceremonies at the 446th area. The day
was unusually warm and some packages and mail arrived. Roast beef again for supper.
The drinks were on Captains Napple and Dyer at the officers club tonight/

Beck, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier Dyer, Robert E., Capt, pilot

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

Napple, Francis L., Capt, navigator

446th BS War Diary: Promotions to First Lieutenant come for: Capalety, Crisp,
Carlson, Chandler, Cressman, Crinnion, DiNorma Fisher and Kimble.

Capalety, Thomas A., 1Lt, pilot Carlson, Lowell A., 1Lt, pilot

Chandler, Warren W., 1Lt, pilot Cressman, Jack E., 1Lt, pilot

Crinnion, Edward V., 1Lt, pilot Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

DiNorma, Joseph S., 1Lt, pilot Fisher, Carl D., 1Lt, pilot

Kimble, Arnold P., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 443

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 12 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Mission of 15 planes scheduled but did not take off due to bad
weather. A formation was held in the 448th area at 1400 hours where a large number of
medals were presented to men in both the 447th and 448th squadrons by Brig. Gen. Robert
Knapp. Outstanding awards were the Legion of Merit presented to M/Sgt. Lloyd L.
Blount, 447 line chief and Silver Star presented to 1st Lt. Gates of 447th pilot.

Blount, Lloyd L., M/Sgt, engineering Gates, Ralph, 1Lt, pilot

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

448th BS War Diary: The mission was stand down once again today due to weather
conditions. Lieutenant Moose left this morning for the Ile Rousse rest camp for a much
needed rest. Lieutenants Bongiovanni, Grady, Swanson, Rogers, and Shear received their
orders for promotion to Captain. Lieutenant Bongiovanni is the Squadron Navigator. In
an impressive ceremony this afternoon General Knapp presented the following awards to
personnel of the Squadron: DFC: Captains Joyce and Grady, Lieutenants Bard,
Carrington, Kirk, Kiska, Leonard, Mallin, Martin, McRee, Norris, Riley, Rosenau,
Tetlow, Young, and Zinkand, Sergeants Poteet, Bowman, Pealer, and Schaffer.
SOLDIER’S MEDAL: Lieutenants Duggan and Sergeant Wilson. BRONZE STAR
MEDAL: Sergeants Lund, Ruggere, Lange, Petruzelli, Rauch, Reiser, and Armock.
AIR MEDAL: Captains Burks, Farwell, Lieutenants Garrett, Lyons, Myers, Norris,
Tetlow, Autrey, Bechtle, Birkhead, Brink, Cherry, Churchill, Cook, Cooper, Copes,
Freund, Ivory, Lesser, Schweitzer, Sheffield, Smith and Stromberg. Sergeants Berman,
Brusa, Morefield, Randall, Abiecunas, Baird, Bass, Bell, Goethals, Haack, Hawthorne,
Hulse, Knauss, LaBella, Marduese, Moleski, Pealer, Qualls, Ratcliffe, Schaffer, Sharp,
Edwards, Enderle, Gage, Justice, Langley, Reeves, Wright. PURPLE HEART:
Lieutenants Young, Churchill, Sergeants Pealer, and Schaffer.

Abiecunas, Joseph P., Sgt, gunner Armock, James R., Sgt, engineering

Autrey, W. F. (i o), 2Lt, pilot Baird, James (NMI), Jr., Sgt, gunner

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot Bass, Bernard G., Sgt, gunner

Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot Bell, Flavious J., S/Sgt, gunner

Berman, Samuel (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), Capt, navigator Bowman, Willmer E., S/Sgt, gunner

Brink, Richard E., 2Lt, bombardier Brusa, Robert P., T/Sgt, gunner

Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot Carrington, Charles C., 1Lt, pilot

Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot Churchill, Duane W., 2Lt, pilot

Cook, Don W., 2Lt, pilot

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

Copes, Wilson R., 2Lt, pilot Duggan, Raymond E., 2Lt, pilot

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

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander Freund, John F., 2Lt, bombardier

Gage, Robert L., Sgt, gunner Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot

Goethals, Camiel A., S/Sgt, gunner Grady, John R., Capt, pilot

Haack, Cecil J., Sgt, gunner Hawthorne, Ralph C., Sgt, gunner

Hulse, Donald W., Sgt, gunner Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Justice, Conway J., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Kirk, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Kiska, George P., 2Lt, bombardier

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

Knauss, Charles F., Sgt, gunner LaBella, Dante (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Lange, Clayton V., Sgt, armament Langley, Edmund P., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot Lesser, Robert (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier

Lord, Wilson E., Sgt, gunner Lund, John L, Sgt, engineering

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

Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier Marduese, Alfred K., Sgt, gunner

Martin, James M., Jr., Lt, bombardier McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier

Moleski, Benny M., Sgt, gunner Moose, Roy C., 2Lt, intelligence

Tuesday, 12 December 1944 (continued)

Morefield, James C., T/Sgt, gunner Myers, Harold C., 1Lt, pilot

Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt, pilot Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt, pilot

Pealer, Woodward D., S/Sgt, gunner Petruzelli, Biagio (NMI), Sgt, engineering

Poteet, Edward J., Sgt, gunner Qualls, Thomas B., Sgt, gunner

Randall, Charles R., Jr., T/Sgt, gunner Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Rauch, Charles M., Sgt, engineering Reeves, Louis E., Sgt, gunner

Reiser, Albert (NMI), Sgt, engineering Riley, Robert L., 1Lt, pilot

Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., Capt, pilot Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt, pilot

Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), gunner Schaffer, Irving J., S/Sgt, gunner

Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot Sharp, Russell L., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Shear, Meyer (NMI), Capt, pilot Sheffield, Woodrow W., 2Lt, pilot

Smith, Milford A., 2Lt, pilot or Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt, navigator

Stromberg, Carl K., 2Lt, pilot Swanson, Earl G., Jr., Capt, pilot

Tetlow, John S., 2Lt, pilot Tetlow, John S., 2Lt, pilot

Wright, Melvin M., Sgt, gunner Young, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier

Young, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier Zinkand, Willard T., 1Lt, bombardier

Wednesday, 13 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
hampers operations; the only B-25 bombing mission of the day aborts; fighters and
fighter-bombers attack mainly occupied areas and buildings in the battle area S of
Bologna, communications throughout the C Po River Valley, and coastal defense and AA
guns S of La Spezia.

445th BS War Diary: The combat crews had already been briefed, had proceeded to
their ships and were taxiing out to the runway when the belated order to “stand down”
was forwarded. Six ships flew some practice formation today. Sgt. Lavine helped roll up
the gas barrel to its perch this morning and received a great ovation from his audience in
the intelligence-operations hut. The day was cloudier and the weather was a bit cool.
Capt. Hatcher was stranded out on the line today when the trucks passed him up after the
mission was cancelled. Lean, tall Texans have their own particular way of registering
discontent. Latest innovation at the enlisted men’s club is a library of various books
which the men may take out, read and then return.

Hatcher, James T., Capt, pilot Lavine, Leonard, Sgt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: The usual life about the area and on the line as there is no flying
due to more poor flying weather. Some Christmas mail comes in and our thoughts turn
homeward as the Big Day approaches.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 444

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance. DATE: 13 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: No mission because of weather conditions. Usual camp duties
throughout the day.

448th BS War Diary: Two missions were scheduled this morning. One was cancelled
before it left the ground, the other was airborne twenty minutes when it was called back
because weather conditions over the target area were too bad. Lieutenant Wiman
returned from the Ille Rousse rest camp looking refreshed and eager to take up where he
left off. First Lieutenant Thomas L. Blake, now DS to the United States attending
flexible gunnery school, was assigned to the Squadron from the 445th Squadron today.
Lieutenant Duggan left for TD with Headquarters 57th Bomb Wing. Staff Sergeants Bell
Carter, Donaud, Haack, Perillo, Pineda, and Veeck were promoted to Technical Sergeants
today, and Corporal Ferrell was promoted to Sergeant today.

Bell, Flavious J., T/Sgt, gunner Blake, Thomas L., 1Lt, bombardier

Carter, Eugene F., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner or Carter, Hugh A., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Donaud, Earl J., T/Sgt, gunner Duggan, Raymond E., 2Lt, pilot

Ferrel, Bruce M., Sgt, gunner Haack, Cecil J., T/Sgt, gunner

Perillo, Anthony L., T/Sgt, gunner Pineda, Nico M., T/Sgt, gunner

Veeck, Richard W., T/Sgt, gunner Wiman, 2Lt,

Thursday, 14 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
score effective hits on railroad bridges at Parma and Chivasso; fighters and fighter-
bombers attack rail lines N of the immediate battle area and in the Po River Valley and
hit guns and occupied areas on the US Fifth Army front S of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: Operational mission for today was abortive due to weather
although the crews received credit for a mission since they were in the vicinity of their
target. The men took time out in the afternoon to attend a USO show at the group’s
theater. Khaki clothing was turned in today at supply. Chicken was main course at
supper tonight. There was limited training today.

446th BS War Diary: Bad bombing weather as the mission does not drop because of
overcast at the target.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 445

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance, Northern Italy DATE: 14 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished, no flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 446

TARGET: Lavis Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 14 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb., 3 diversionary ships with 500 lb. 446th Planes: 15

Lt. Leonard led the formation. Abortive mission due to bad weather. No flak, no
fighters. Lt. DiNorma the spare returned early.

DiNorma, Joseph S., 1Lt, pilot Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled and crews briefed but failed to take off due to
unfavorable weather. The following officers and enlisted men departed for Cairo, Egypt:
1st Lt. Joe W. Gould; 1st Lt. Ralph E. Hennessey; 1st Lt. Ernest C. Rice; 1st Lt. Earl A.
Remmel; M/Sgt. John Ostrowski; S/Sgt. Smith B. Applegarth; S/Sgt. Harold R. Bauder;
S/Sgt. Lucian J. Repczynski; S/Sgt. George D. Schnaars; S/Sgt. Francis X. Burke.

Applegarth, Smith B., S/Sgt, gunner Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Burke, Francis X., S/Sgt, supply Gould, Joe W., 1Lt, bombardier, navigator

Hennessey, Ralph E., 1Lt, pilot Ostrowski, John, M/Sgt, engineering

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot Repczynski, Lucien J., S/Sgt, personnel

Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: The 448th Squadron had 13 planes on the mission today which
took-off on schedule. They arrived in the target area, but heavy cloud formations
prevented them from identifying the target, and the bombs were not dropped. All planes
returned safely. However, credit was given for the mission because the flight was over
enemy territory. The USO Camp Show No. 14 visited the Group theater this afternoon
for a performance. With Billie Burks and others, the performance was generally liked by

Thursday, 14 December 1944 (continued)

everyone, as the theater was packed without even standing room. Lieutenant Carrington
left this morning on combat rotation to the good old United States. Captain Shear,
Lieutenants Ovard and Martin, and Sergeants Sampson, Haack, Carter, Doughty, Carrick,
and Wald returned from the Flight Control School at Cairo, Egypt this afternoon.

Carrick, Kenneth M., Sgt, gunner Carrington, Charles C., 1Lt, pilot

Carter, Eugene F., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner or Carter, Hugh A., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Doughty, Paul V., Sgt, gunner Haack, Cecil J., T/Sgt, gunner

Martin, James M., Jr., Lt, bombardier Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt, pilot

Sampson, Donald A., Sgt, engineering Shear, Meyer (NMI), Capt, pilot

Wald, Douglas A., Sgt, gunner

Friday, 15 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25s, attack
ammunition dumps at Cremona, Bologna, and Pavia, a fuel dump at Castellar Guidobono,
and severely damage railway bridges S of Asti and at Voghera; fighters and fighter-
bombers again hit targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of Bologna and
communications in the C Po River Valley and make numerous rail cuts throughout the
area (especially on the vital Brenner Line) destroying many vehicles and train cars;
several bridges are hit, 3 being left impassable.

445th BS War Diary: Crews took off on another mission which was abortive due to
weather. There were a few non-operational flights made. T/Sgt. Sidney Lestz may well
be proud over the maintenance he has achieved. The two ships that he has crewed have
flown an aggregate number of 150 straight missions without an early return due to a
mechanical failure. A new type field jacket was issued to the men today to replace the
older ones. This new type doesn’t appear to be any warmer but does have a better
appearance. The news that closed-order drill would soon be in effect in the squadron was
received with a notable lack of enthusiasm. The movie “Hail the Conquering Hero” with
Eddie Bracken and Ella Rains was especially enjoyed tonight.

Lestz, Sidney, T/Sgt, engineering

446th BS War Diary: December 15 and 16: More inclement weather permits the ground
crew to catch up on maintenance on all equipment.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 447

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance. DATE: 15 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 448

TARGET: Torreberretti Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 15 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 and 500 lb. 446th Planes: 12

Lt. Wozniak led the formation. Did not bomb due to cloud cover. No flak, no fighters.

Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Mission of 13 aircraft bombed Asti Road and Railroad Bridge in
northern Italy. Results were good as the target area was blasted with 100% accuracy. 1st
Lt. Marion E. Walker returned from TD at Hq 12th Air Force. F/O Donald W. Gies has
been appointed to grade of 2nd Lt., SO 314, Hq. 12th AF.

Gies, Donald W., 2Lt, pilot Walker, Marion E., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: The mission took off on schedule this morning with the target as
the Lavis railroad bridge in Italy. The 448th Squadron had 12 planes loaded with 1000 lb.
GP bombs and two planes with incendiary clusters for the mission. They were unable to
reach the target once again, but this time the bombs were dropped on a target of

Friday, 15 December 1944 (continued)

opportunity, the road and railroad bridge at Asti, Italy. Explosions were observed at the
north end of the bridge and direct hits were scored in the center causing large gaps.
Another of Kraut’s vital communications links was made useless. All the planes returned
safely at 1530. Lieutenant Leonard was leader of the First Flight in the mission. The
Wing administrative inspector visited the Squadron this afternoon. From all indications
everything was in readiness for this inspection, and no discrepancies were found.

Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 16 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
grounds medium bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers hit occupied
buildings and guns in the battle zone S of Bologna, continue attacks on the Brenner rail
line effecting 16 rail cuts, hit and set aflame 3 vessels in La Spezia drydock, and blast
several railroad bridges N of the battle area

445th BS War Diary: Due to bad weather, the mission was cancelled. However, eight
aircraft flew a mock mission, three other ships went to the bombing range, two ships
were test hopped and there was one cross-country flight. In a thrilling, see-saw struggle,
the 445th enlisted men’s 6-man touch football team edged out the enlisted men of
headquarters, 35-31 at the 447th football field. Followers of this squadron’s team
continue to marvel at the success Sgt. Hunsberger has with his “sleeper” play. It worked
several times in today’s game. Capt. Jeffrey did a swell job of refereeing. Capt. Smith
posted a notice on the operations bulletin board warning all combat crew members to
report to the dispensary whenever they experience trouble with their ears. He listed a
number of complications that could arise from faulty ears.

Hunsberger, William R., Sgt, gunner Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot

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

446th BS War Diary: December 15 and 16: More inclement weather permits the ground
crew to catch up on maintenance on all equipment.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Stand down on the mission due to weather. Squadron flew a 11
plane mock mission over Sardinia. Morning report for week ending 16th. Officers- 85;
Enlisted Men – 362. Usual squadron duties.

448th BS War Diary: The mission was stand down today before it took off, due to
weather conditions over the target area. The Wing Inspector was in the Squadron area
once again this morning. So far as is known, nothing to his dislike has been found within
the Squadron. Other than this nothing other than the usual camp duties was done during
the day.

Sunday, 17 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, bad weather
again cancels medium bomber operations; the XXII Tactical Air Command hits
communications in the Po River Valley and attacks the Trento marshalling yard on the
rail line running N to the Brenner Pass.

445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were standing by for the mission but it was
cancelled. The non-operational flights covered many phases of training. The men were
informed that the close-order drill sessions would begin tomorrow. A notice on the
bulletin board today disclosed the fact that gas stoves were now authorized providing the
men used the semi-combustion stove. The men who were eagerly awaiting such an order
initiated preparations to obtain the necessary materials to erect these stoves in the tents.
Chicken was enjoyed for supper and coincidentally enough, Sgt. Lorton Wellnitz was on
K.P. It is hardly necessary to add that the squadron’s leading chowhound got his share of
the spoils.

Wellnitz, Lorton A., Sgt, statistical

446th BS War Diary: More lucky air crewmen get orders to go home, this time Lieut.
Dickerson, Lieut. Sitts, Lieut. Trosky and Sergeant Gwynn Leary.

Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, bombardier Leary, Gwynn M., S/Sgt, gunner

Sitts, Lonnie C., 1Lt, bombardier Trosky, Chester J., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men are relieved from
assignment and assigned on combat rotation to 7th Replacement Depot for transshipment
to United States: 1st Lt. Grover G. Brown Jr.; 1st Lt. John R. Gillis; 1st Lt. Marion E.
Walker; T/Sgt. Francis S. Torrey; S/Sgt. Robert W. Engels; S/Sgt. Frank J. Flowers;
S/Sgt. Frederick J. May; S/Sgt. James R. O’Neil; S/Sgt. William L. Smith. T/Sgt.
William A. Koen; duty to TD to U.S., for 30 days furlough. The following enlisted men
promoted to grade of sergeant: Cpl. Zigmond Klimkowicz; Cpl. John A. McKnight; Cpl.
Dem Ochs; Cpl. James W. Sims. No mission due to weather conditions.

Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner

Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner Gillis, John R., 1Lt, pilot

Klimkowicz, Zigmond, Sgt, gunner Koen, William A., T/Sgt, engineering

May, Frederick J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner McKnight, John A., Sgt, gunner

Ochs, Dan N., Sgt, gunner O'Neil, James R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Simms, James W., Sgt, gunner Smith, William L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner

Torrey, Francis S., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Walker, Marion E., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Once again weather conditions hampered operations from this
base as the mission scheduled for today was stand down. Lieutenant Young left for the
Zone of Interior. Sergeants Sink and Taylor and Corporal Wiles were assigned to
Headquarters 321st Bomb Group today, both were attached to the Squadron temporarily.
This evening the third in the series of I & E discussions was held in the Enlisted Men’s

Sunday, 17 December 1944 (continued)

mess. Captain Hargrave, the Group GLO, discussed war trends on the various war fronts
for the Enlisted Men. His talk was extremely interesting, and enlightened many on
various topics about the war in general.

Hargrave, Frederick M., Capt, Allied Liaison Officer

Sink, Dennis L., Sgt, medical Taylor, Allan J., Sgt, gunner

Wiles, Marvin R., Cpl, medical Young, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier

Monday, 18 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
curtails operations; the XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers hit
communications in the E Po River Valley, scoring particular success against lines in the
N part of the Valley in the Padua region, and support US Fifth Army operations in the
battle area S of Bologna.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled due to bad weather. Rain fell most of
the day, turning the area into a veritable sea of mud. About the only good point in the
rain was the fact that it postponed drill for at least another day. Extra luxury rations were
distributed today. The men in the squadron are displaying quite a bit of consternation
concerning the big Nazi counter-offensive on the western front.

446th BS War Diary: December 18, 19 and 20: More bad weather brightened only by a
fairly large mail call of Xmas packages.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Rain again today and mission cancelled. The following enlisted
men are transferred in grade to Hq. 321st Bomb. Gp. And placed on DS with this
organization: All are medics: Cpl Salvatore Stagnitta; Pfc. Lloyd B. Altherr; Pfc. Eldon
F. Johnson. The latest poop has it that starting immediately each enlisted man in the
squadron will receive two hours of drill per week. This probably will bring back happy
or unhappy memories of when we were back in the States taking Basic Training.

Altherr, Lloyd B., PFC, medical Johnson, Eldon F., PFC, medical

Stagnitta, Salvatore, Cpl, medical

448th BS War Diary: Rain on Corsica today made the mission scheduled to be stand
down once again. It’s weather like this that makes everyone want to be enjoying sleep in
a horizontal position in his tent, which is just what most of the men did, while the rain
pattered on the tents. It was a stand down on all Squadron activities, other than the
essentials, and of course the movie for tonight.

Tuesday, 19 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather grounds
the medium bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers, unable
to reach the primary targets further N, hit communications N of the battle area but
concentrate mainly on gun positions in the La Spezia area.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was again cancelled due to weather. Thirteen crews
were standing by for the mission. The bad weather and muddy condition of the area
again postponed drilling. New sleeping bags were issued to the first 90 men on the roster
today. Opinion was divided as their effectiveness. There was a meeting at group special
service today for all members of the athletic councils in the group. Schedules for
basketball among other subjects were discussed while the councils procured some sports
supplies. Chicken was the main course for supper tonight. Some mail arrived today.

446th BS War Diary: December 18, 19 and 20: More bad weather brightened only by a
fairly large mail call of Xmas packages.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: You don’t have to be in the weather section to know that the rainy
season in on us at present. More rain and no mission flown. Usual camp duties as many
as could be attended to were the order of the day.

448th BS War Diary: The rains continued, and of course the mission scheduled for
today was stand down. The following three officers and three enlisted men were
assigned and joined the Squadron today: Second Lieutenant Sanders, Flight Officers
Lang and Nolkemper, Corporals Smith, White, and Chase. Needless to say, Squadron
activities were at a standstill again with more “sack time” for the men.

Chase, Harry M., Jr., Cpl, gunner Lang, Robert H., F/O, bombardier

Nolkemper, Harold J., F/O, pilot Sanders, William A., 2Lt, pilot

Smith, Harry V., Cpl, gunner or Smith, Harold W., Cpl, gunner

or Smith, Norman L., Cpl, gunner or Smith, Virgil D., Cpl, ordnance

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

or White, Joseph J., Cpl, engineer

Wednesday, 20 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, continued bad
weather limits operations; medium bombers are grounded and overcast prevents fighters
and fighter-bombers to reach many targets in the C and E Po Valley however, the
Brenner rail line is cut S of Trento and trains are successfully attacked near Padua and
Treviso; armed reconnaissance in the W Po Valley accounts for several locomotives,
vehicles, and other targets of opportunity, and railroads, bridges, and targets of
opportunity are hit in the La Spezia and Genoa areas; during the night of 19/20 Dec, A-
20s attack lights at 5 locations in the E Po Valley.

445th BS War Diary: Rained hard most of the day and the mission was cancelled. The
area in which the 445th has settled is poorly drained. This fact is greatly in evidence after
only a few hours of rain which is sure to turn the area into a huge quagmire. Out on the
line, the weather also stops operations with the various taxi strips and hardstands turned
into slippery fields of mud. During this rainy weather, many of the men manage to get
out to the line in search of materials necessary to construct gas stoves.

446th BS War Diary: December 18, 19 and 20: More bad weather brightened only by a
fairly large mail call of Xmas packages.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission – that night rain. 1st Lt. Jesse J. Craddock assigned
and joined this organization. We had an unusual accident happen in the squadron during
the night. T/Sgt. Harry Nieman the squadron CQ while on an errand fell in a water filled
fox hole and broke his arm. He was taken to the 40th Station Hospital.

Craddock, Jesse J., 1Lt, pilot Nieman, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering

448th BS War Diary: It is the same story today, that is more rain with no further change
in the Squadron status. It looks like the rain has set in for several days more at least.
Needless to say the mission was stand down once again, as was all other Squadron
activities. More sack time and good letter-writing weather also.

Thursday, 21 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 20/21 Dec, A-20s attack highways, secondary roads, and targets of opportunity in the
N and C Po Valley. During the day, bad weather grounds the medium bombers and
reduces fighter and fighter-bomber operations of the XXII Tactical Air Command
however, aircraft are effective against railroad targets in the Treviso area and damage
Ghedi Airfield; trains, vehicles, guns, and buildings are attacked in or near Mantua,
Milan, Turin, La Spezia, Padua, and Mestre.

445th BS War Diary: More rain cancelled the mission again today but the rain didn’t
last long enough to postpone the drill session. These sessions opened up today at 11:15
A.M. Lt. Lowman drilled the area personnel while Capt. Jeffrey drilled the combat
crews. The line personnel will drill out on the line. The men were a bit rusty at first – for
most of them it was the first drill in about 2 years – but soon came around and showed
some fancy steps in time. During these days of rain and mud, there is plenty of “sack
time” to be had.

Jeffrey, James C., Capt, pilot Lowman, Robert S., 2Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: December 21 and 22: Regular duties. An abundance of mail
reaches the squadron and more is rumored on the way.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Stand down on mission. There has been a continuous down pour
of rain all day. The movie “The Hairy Ape” was shown in the officers club at 1300 hours
and in the enlisted mens club at 1500 hours. This was the one bright spot in a very dark
and dreary day.

448th BS War Diary: The rain continued with unabated fury today and the mission was
stand down again. At a meeting of all the enlisted personnel in the Mess hall this
evening, Captain Farwell, the CO informed the men once again of the drastic measures
that will be taken if anyone is caught stealing. Promotions for ground men were received
today. Sergeants Ingraham, Lanningham, Manning, Smith, P.M., Wist, King, Law,
Schaeffer, and Wilcox were promoted to Staff Sergeant. Corporals Emerson, Kubel,
Myall, Posnansky, Whaley, Fuocco, Lashock, Opitz, and StLaurent were promoted to
Sergeant. Private First Class Sebek was promoted to Corporal. Sergeant Hill was
transferred to Hq & Hq Sq, 57th Bomb Wing and left this afternoon. The movie for
tonight was shown for the Enlisted men in their mess hall, and for the officers in their
club at 2130.

Emerson, John W., Sgt, BSM Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander

Fuocco, Frank (NMI), Sgt, gunner Hill, William R., T/Sgt, engineering

Ingraham, Herman R., S/Sgt, engineering King, Martin A., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

Kubel, Francis W., Sgt, engineering

Lanningham, Theodore R., S/Sgt, engineering Lashock, Ray A., Sgt, engineering

Law, Richard L., S/Sgt, engineering Manning, James F., S/Sgt, communication

Thursday, 21 December 1944 (continued)

Myall, William D., Sgt, armament Opitz, Fred E., Sgt, communications

Posnansky, Frederick H., Sgt, communications

Schaeffer, John H., S/Sgt, armament Sebek, Raymond C., Cpl, transportation

Smith, Paul M., S/Sgt, engineering StLaurent, Raymond M., Sgt, gunner

Whaley, Peter W., Sgt, Wilcox, John F., III, S/Sgt, armament

Wist, Charles G., S/Sgt, intelligence

Friday, 22 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 21/22 Dec, A-20s hit scattered targets in the Po Valley; clearing weather during the
day enables medium bombers to hit bridges at Torre Beretti, Pontetidone, and at Chiari;
fighter-bombers concentrate on railway targets, destroying 5 bridges in N Italy and
making numerous cuts in rail lines, several on the important Brenner Pass line; motor
transport and guns N of the battle area are also successfully attacked.

445th BS War Diary: More rain. If you think yesterday was rainy and muddy, you
should see today.

446th BS War Diary: December 21 and 22: Regular duties. An abundance of mail
reaches the squadron and more is rumored on the way.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: Mission stood down again because of rain. A plane was
scheduled to go to Tripoli today for food and drink but was unable to get off the field.
Cpl. George D. Hardy assigned and joined Sq. Cpl. Hardy is a C.W.S. man sent to
replace Cpl. McGinty who was rotated last July and reported back to Sq. in October.
Something seems to be amiss in the rotation setup.

Hardy, George D., Cpl, Chemical Warfare Service

McGinty, James T., Jr., Cpl, Chemical Warfare Service

448th BS War Diary: Although clear weather dawned bright this morning over Corsica,
weather conditions over the target area for today’s mission would not permit the flight
taking off here. So the news was stand down once again. After the rain siege of the last
few days, the clear weather was welcome today. Nothing of any particular importance
happened other than the usual camp routine.

Saturday, 23 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 22/23 Dec, A-20s on intruder patrols hit Po River crossings and targets of opportunity;
bad weather during the day grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers operate in the
W Po Valley, mainly against railway communications; an airfield near Milan is attacked,
and several enemy airplanes destroyed.

445th BS War Diary: The mission was again cancelled but the first plane in 5 days
managed to take off for Tripoli for foodstuffs. Chris “Galom” Beccarelli mad the trip.
With the Christmas session almost in full bloom, the area is taking on an appropriate
appearance. Both the officers and enlisted mens clubs are decorated with Christmas
trees, spruce and holly. Chaff has been used for tinsel to decorate the trees while some of
the men managed to procure lights to add to the gal appearance at night. Several trees in
the area have sprung up and have been decorated. The men may be far from home but
that “Christmas spirit” is still there.

Beccarelli, Christopher "Galom", Cpl, engineering

446th BS War Diary: Three new Technical Sergeants are: Clickner, Lundtoft and
Petrella as Alberico and Popovich make Staff. Beavers, Demmitt, Karuzas, Kelly,
Lamm, Law and Nigrelli are made Sergeants.

Alberico, Camillo A., S/Sgt, gunner Beavers, Marque F., Sgt, gunner

Clickner, Albert H., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Demmitt, Henry H., Sgt, gunner

Karuzas, Alexander W., Sgt, gunner Kelly, Thomas J., Sgt, gunner

Lamm, Earl D., Sgt, gunner Law, John B., Sgt, gunner

Lundtoft, Hans G., T/Sgt, gunner Nigrelli, Ernest J., Sgt, gunner

Petrella, Luigi C., T/Sgt, gunner Popovich, Chris, S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: 18 plane formation scheduled for mission but after being briefed
at 0805 the crews were sent back to Squadrons and mission cancelled due to rain. The
following officers and enlisted men returned from T.D., Cairo, Egypt” 1st Lts. Joe W.
Gould, Ralph E. Hennessey, Ernest C. Rice, Earl H. Remmel, M/Sgt. John Ostrowski,
S/Sgts. Smith B. Applegarth, Harold R. Bauder, Lucian J. Repczynski, George D.
Schnaars and Francis X. Burke. Lt. Grimes who also mad the trip is confined to a
hospital in Cairo with an internal disorder.

Applegarth, Smith B., S/Sgt, gunner Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Burke, Francis X., S/Sgt, supply Gould, Joe W., 1Lt, bombardier, navigator

Grimes, Ralph T., 1Lt, pilot Hennessey, Ralph E., 1Lt, pilot

Ostrowski, John, M/Sgt, engineering Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot

Repczynski, Lucien J., S/Sgt, personnel Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot

Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt, gunner

Saturday, 23 December 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: The weather took a turn for the worse again today after
yesterday’s change, and with rain this morning, the mission was stand down. Lieutenants
Cook, Cooper, and Smith and Sergeants Holloway and Hulse returned this afternoon
from a pleasant rest at the AAF Capri rest camp. Evidence is conspicuous everywhere of
plans for the forthcoming Yule celebrations, as both the Officer’s and Enlisted Men’s
Clubs as well as some tents are being gaily decorated with holly wreaths, Christmas trees,
and various other trimmings in anticipation of parties and guests.

Cook, Don W., 2Lt, pilot Holloway, Garland (NMI), Sgt, gunner

Hulse, Donald W., Sgt, gunner Smith, Milford A., 2Lt, pilot

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

Sunday, 24 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather again
holds operations to a minimum however, P-47s carry out very successful raid on Thiene
Airfield, causing considerable damage and destroying several enemy airplanes; other
missions find little activity and result in the destruction of only a few trucks and trains.

445th BS War Diary: Christmas Eve brought promotions to five officers, four of them
combat crew members. 2nd Lieutenants Vaughan, Weiner, Dentoni and Lewis all
polished the silver bar while 1st Lieutenant Bruce Lowery scrapped his silver bar for the
“railroad tracks” of captaincy. Capt. Lowery, a former enlisted man who flew as turret
gunner with Gen. Knapp in North Africa, is affectionately called “Field Marshall” by the
armorers out on the line. Free drinks were served at the enlisted mens club today, drinks
being “on Major Bounds”. The cooks worked most of the night preparing the big
Christmas dinner. The Eve was very gloomy with a hard rain falling most of the night.
Worth Wagers and his carolers were reported to have serenaded a number of personnel at
2 A.M. Thus far, there have been no favorable reports on the singing.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander Dentoni, Louis M., 1Lt, pilot

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

Lewis, Max E., 1Lt, pilot Lowery, Bruce, Capt, armament

Vaughan, Fred W., 1Lt, bombardier Weiner, Irving B., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: A very large mail call is held and most everyone gets a big Xmas
package or two or three from home. Much fruitcake is in evidence along with many
prized items from the states.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission because of bad weather. Everyone preparing for
Christmas, hoping they will have time for a little celebrating. Usual Squadron Duties.

448th BS War Diary: Cloudy and rainy weather once again cause the mission scheduled
for today to be stand down. This afternoon in the Enlisted Men’s club, about 50 of the
local Corsican kiddies were assembled there for a party given by the Enlisted Men of the
Squadron for them. Candy and cookies that the fellows got in packages from home were
donated to the committee for making packages for the kids. Good old American candy is
a rare treat for the kids here, and they really enjoyed the gesture of friendship on the
Squadron’s part. Proud mama and papa who accompanied some of the kids really
enjoyed seeing their kids having such a good time. Some of the fellows had special kids
in the neighborhood here, and they went out after them for the party. It made some of the
men feel like a Christmas at home almost, with the wife and kiddies, when they came in
with a couple of the little ones in their arms. All in all, it was really something to write
home about.

Monday, 25 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, clearing weather
in the Po Valley permits fighter-bombers to successfully cut numerous rail lines running
N to the Brenner Pass, and lines in the E Po Valley, destroying or damaging several
locomotives; HQ 87th Fighter Wing moves from Caserta to Florence.

445th BS War Diary: Christmas Day and there was very little activity in the squadron
with a stand down order issued in respect of the mission. There were no flights made
today. Major Bounds paid for all drinks consumed today. There were but two meals
served today with the big Christmas dinner starting at 2:30 P.M. Roast turkey and all the
trimmings were enjoyed by one and all. Colonel Smith dropped in on the men for a few
minutes. In the evening, the men enjoyed some fine Christmas shows on the radio. It
was a quiet but enjoyable Christmas, 1944.

Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander

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

446th BS War Diary: Christmas Day. One of the best holiday meals served in a long,
long time is put out by a very busy group of cooks and volunteer helpers. Turkey and all
the trimmin’s assures everyone of that satisfied “stuffed” feeling. We have a movie in
the EM Club after dark and the bar gives the men a chance to get that added holiday
spirit.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. After celebrating at the club
on Christmas Eve, everyone was a little slow in getting up for breakfast. Church services
at 9:00 and 11:00 had exceptionally large attendance in spite of the rainy weather. The
chapel was decorated for the occasion and the Christmas Spirit was extended to all. The
Christmas dinner was a meal long to be remembered. The Mess Staff deserve much
credit for their extra work and effort. There were “seconds” for everyone but the first
time through the line was enough for the majority. The dinner was served at 1300 for
those in tents #32 to 59 and at 1400 for those in tents 1 to 31 inclusive. Due to the
magnificent dinner the evening meal was a cafeteria affair with turkey and cheese
sandwiches, salad and coffee being served. Morning Report: 83 Officers and 357.

448th BS War Diary: Christmas day on Corsica, the first for the Squadron here. Most of
the men were still feeling the effects of parties of the night before, but despite this the
dinner of turkey with all the trimmings was enjoyed by almost everyone. It was a rather
quiet day, with of course some of the fellows feeling happy from their Christmas cheer.
Lieutenant Wiman received a nice Christmas gift today, his promotion to First
Lieutenant. And the new silver bars hurriedly replace the old gold ones when he received
the news.

Wiman, 1Lt,

Tuesday, 26 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, good weather
permits operations in force for the first time in several days; during the night of 25/26
Dec, A-20s bomb the area between the battleline and Bologna, attack lights, motor
transport, and railroads in the Po Valley, and hit Vicenza Airfield; during the day medium
bombers concentrate on the Brenner Pass and hit Padua, San Ambrogio di Valpolicella,
Ponte di Piave, Dolce, the Pordenone railroad bridge, and 2 dumps in the Bologna area;
fighter-bombers bomb railways, especially the Brenner line, bridges in the Po Valley, and
NE Italy, support US Fifth Army forces S of Bologna and in the Serchio River Valley
where the Germans begin a series of counterattacks, and hit shipping at La Spezia and
Genoa.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron finally participated in a mission, its first since
December 10. Two separate targets were attacked. In one attack, the Ponte di Piave
diversionary bridge, Italy was hit with 100 percent bombing accuracy resulting. In the
other mission, the squadron scored 50 percent bombing when they attacked the Padua
north railroad bridge, Italy. Bomb release equipment is being placed in the cockpits of
aircraft 714 and 545 as a measure against the expected bombardier shortage in the near
future. 1st Lt. Donald I. McKay, veteran of 65 missions, was transferred to the 57th Bomb
Wing. Lt. Coale was sent to the Ille Rousse rest camp. Several representatives of special
service in the squadron were sent to a soldier show conference being held at Caserta for
three days starting tomorrow.

Coale, Julian R., 2Lt, pilot McKay, Donald I., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: We fly an 18 plane mission to northern Italy. Mail comes in
again.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 449

TARGET: Ponte di Piave Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 26 Dec.1944

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

Capt. Farwell led the formation. Bridge was reported well hit with bombs walking
through the center. Flak was scant, inaccurate. No fighters.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander, 447th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 450

TARGET: Padua N Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 26 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 100 lb. 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Jeffrey led the formation. First flight N and W of bridge. Second flight
concentrated bombs on S end and approach. Flak was light, moderate, inaccurate. No
fighters.

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

Tuesday, 26 December 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our planes participated in a mission to destroy the Ponte Di
Piave Diversion Bridge in northern Italy, with Capt. Krafka leading our squadron.
Compact pattern on center of bridge and direct hits were observed. Bombing accuracy
25%. On the second mission of the day 3 of our planes were on a mission to the Padua N
Railroad Bridge in northern Italy but due to cloud coverage no bombs were dropped.

Krafka, Edward, Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: After yesterday’s temporary armistice in bad weather, for
Christmas day, the rains began again today. The two missions scheduled for today were
postponed for a few hours and despite the threatening weather got off late for an
afternoon mission. For the first mission, the 448th, led by Captain Farwell, had six planes
in the formation that bombed the Ponte di Piave bridge in Italy. Only light flak was
encountered, and all the planes returned safely at 1635. For the second mission the 448th
had 12 planes with Captain Grady as the flight leader. The target was the San Michele
railroad bridge in Italy, but the 1000 lb GP bombs were not dropped. On making the
bomb run glare from the snow below prevented the formation from identifying the target.
Heavy and accurate flak greeted the formation at the target causing some damage to a
number of the aircraft, but no casualties were suffered and the formation returned to base
at 1720. Captain Wonnacott, the Squadron Engineering Officer, and Sergeants Greene
and Lawther left, transferred to the 7th Replacement Depot, for the United States this
morning. Private First Class Gillespie was assigned to the Squadron this morning from
the 19th Replacement Battalion. The 310th Bomb Group band played for a dance in the
Enlisted Men’s Club this evening. Several of the local Corsican belles were present in
their best party dresses for the affair, and generally everyone had a good time before it
broke up about midnight.

Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot, Commander Gillespie, Delmar B., PFC, duty soldier

Grady, John R., Capt, pilot Lawther, Robert G., Sgt, engineering

Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering

Wednesday, 27 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, on the night of
26/27 Dec, A-20s bomb pontoon bridges at Ficarolo, road bridges at Ostiglia and Castel
Maggiore, San Benedetto Po crossing, Turin Airfield, and several Po Valley roads;
medium bombers blast 3 Brenner area routes leading into Austria and Yugoslavia, and
bomb 2 supply dumps in the Bologna area; fighter-bombers devote their main effort to
support the US Fifth Army in the Serchio Valley area where counterattacks are being
successfully halted; other fighter-bombers hit communications in the Po Valley and
escort medium bombers and C-47s dropping supplies to Italian partisans.

445th BS War Diary: This squadron participated in two missions, the first of which
attacked the Canale d’Isonzo railroad bridge with 63 percent bombing accuracy and the
second of which attacked the South Ambroglio tunnel, Italy with a bombing accuracy of
91.6 percent. Four officers and four enlisted men went to the Rome rest camp. Lt. Sides
was ordered to appear before the Medical Disposition Board at Florence. A plane left for
Tripoli to obtain foodstuffs and beer.

Sides, Harry F., 1Lt, bombardier

446th BS War Diary: A 16-plane mission attacks a tunnel at Brenner Pass with good
results.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 451

TARGET: N entrance Tunnel, S. Ambroglio, Italy DATE: 27 Dec.1944

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

Capt. Wagner led the formation. Good concentration in target area. Shadow from
mountain prevented exact observation. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, inaccurate.
Two planes holed. No fighters.

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

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 452

TARGET: S. entrance Tunnel, S. Ambroglio, Italy DATE: 27 Dec.1944

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

Lt. Matthews led the formation. Bombs concentrated on over-hang just above S tunnel
mouth. Some bombs on W bank of river. Incendiary planes report good coverage on flak
batteries S of tunnel. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, fairly accurate. No fighters.

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

447th BS War Diary: 8 of our ships participated in a mission to destroy the S.
Ambroglio Tunnel in northern Italy. Direct hits were observed and many bombs in target
area. Bombing accuracy 100%. Capt. Muzinich was leading our squadron. On the
second mission of the day three of our planes participated in an attack on the S.
Ambroglio Tunnel with Lt. Marchant leading our squadron. Good concentration in target
area with direct hits on target. Cpl. Patrick Holland transferred to 57th Bomb Wing, SO
205, Hq. 57th Bomb Wing. Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering

Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot

Wednesday, 27 December 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Three missions scheduled for today were off on time this morning.
The target for the first mission was the Canale D’Isonzo railroad bridge in Italy, for
which the 448th had 13 planes airborne. Captain Furey led the mission, but due to gusty
winds the bridge was missed, except for a few hits on the west approach. No anti-aircraft
fire was encountered, and the formation returned safely to base at 1300. The target for
the second mission was the south entrance to the S. Ambroglio tunnel in Italy, for which
the 448th had four planes loaded with 1000 lb GP bombs. Lieutenant Matthews led the
flight, and the bomb concentration was on an overhang just above the tunnel mouth,
which is believed to have effectively blocked the tunnel. Four ME-109’s were seen on
the breakaway, the first enemy aircraft encountered in several months, but they were
chased away before they made any passes at the formation by the P-47 escort. Heavy
flak was also encountered, but all the planes returned safely to base at 1330. The target
for the third mission was the North entrance to the S. Ambroglio tunnel. The 448th had
one plane on this mission loaded with 1000 lb GP bombs. A good bomb concentration
was scored on the assigned areas, but shadow over entrance prevented observation of
results. The 448th’s lone plane returned safely without damage or casualties, despite the
heavy flak encountered, at 1335. First Lieutenants Brink, Fleming and Freund were
promoted to First Lieutenants today.

Brink, Richard E., 1Lt, bombardier Fleming, George B., 1Lt, pilot

Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 28 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers
attack troop concentration at Aulla, a dump at Mirabello Monferrato, 3 rail lines from
Austria and Yugoslavia into NE Italy by hitting bridges at Chiusaforte and Bodrez,
Yugoslavia, and the viaduct at Borovnica; XXII Tactical Air Command planes support
the US Fifth Army in the Serchio Valley, where counterattacks are repulsed, hit roads and
bridges, and destroy a number of vehicles, many at a motor transport depot near Aulla
which the fighters bomb and strafe; during the night of 27/28 Dec, A-20s bomb lights and
motor transport at almost 50 places throughout the Po Valley and Brenner area.

445th BS War Diary: This squadron scored a slim 55.5 percent bombing accuracy in
today’s attack on the Canale d’Isonzo railroad bridge, Italy. The planes that landed at
Fano airdrome near Rimini yesterday following the long mission, returned to base today.
A plane left for Catania in order to obtain New Year cheer, liquid form. Christmas mail
and packages, principally the latter, arrived in full force today as mail orderly “Buck”
Sergeant was snowed under by a postal landslide.

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

446th BS War Diary: Fifteen planes go as part of the mission flown today.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 453

TARGET: Canale d’Isonzo Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 28
Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb 446th Planes: 12

Capt. Furey led the formation. W approach and W end of bridge covered by good
concentration. Some strings fell across center of bridge with a number of direct hits
observed. First box of six in the third flight made second run. No flak, no fighters. Lt.
Matthews the spare, returned early.

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot. 448th BS Matthews, John W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 454

TARGET: Canale d’Isonzo Rail Bridge DATE: 28 Dec.1944

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

Lt. Kendall led the formation. Bombs on both approaches, with possible hits on SW end
of bridge. No flak, no fighters.

Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 455

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 28 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 28 December 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our planes participated in a mission to destroy the Canale
d’Isonzo Rail Bridge with Lt. Edward Gates leading our squadron. Crews report west
approach and west end of bridge receiving good concentration. On the second mission of
the day 3 of our ships participating in a mission to destroy the Canale Rail Bridge in
northern Italy with Lt. Marchant leading the squadron. Bombs across both approaches,
possible hits on southwest end of bridge. 1st Lt. Harvey C. Satterwhite, TD Capri Rest
Camp to duty.

Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot

Satterwhite, Henry C., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Captain Furey led his formation back to the Canale d’Isonzo
railroad bridge today on the first mission today. The 448th had twelve planes in the
formation of thirty-six loaded with 1000 lb GP bombs, which met no opposition as it
came over the target. Bombs ere well concentrated on the west end of the bridge, and
some bombs fell in the center causing heavy damage and the possible collapse of one
span. All planes returned safely at 1320. For the second mission the 448th had three
planes in the formation led by Colonel Smith, the Group Commander. It also attacked
the Canale d’Isonzo rail bridge with is known now as the “Yugoslavian bomb range”.
They also scored hits on both approaches and also some bombs fell on the west end of the
bridge. Damage to the bridge was believed heavy. No enemy opposition was
encountered, and Colonel Smith brought the formation back safely at 1350. This
morning Corporals Nash and Julio were transferred to Hq Sq of the 57th Bomb Wing.
This afternoon Lieutenants Cameron, Spaur and Meyers, Flight Officers Carr and Mann,
Sergeant Codd and Corporals Sadofsky, Sidoti, Murray, Petruzzi, and Hudson were
assigned to the Squadron. Sergeant Manning left for TD with the 6660 Signal Company.
The Officers had their Christmas dance in the Officer’s Club this evening with “Doc”
Smith’s band furnishing the musical entertainment as Squadron rug-cutters danced with
the local hospital nurses. Everyone enjoyed the evening and the excellent musical
arrangements of Doc Smith.

Cameron, Alexander G., 2Lt, bombardier Carr, Robert E., F/O, pilot

Codd, James P., Sgt, gunner Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot

Hudson, Willie H., Jr., Cpl, gunner Julio, Frank J., Cpl, engineering

Mann, James R., F/O, pilot Manning, James F., S/Sgt, communication

Meyers, Kenneth F., 2Lt, pilot Murray, Francis J., Cpl, gunner

Nash, Sidney E., Cpl, engineering Petruzzi, Evo J., Cpl, gunner

Sadofsky, John (NMI), Cpl, gunner Sidoti, Nick S., Cpl, gunner

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

Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon Spaur, Melvin J., 2Lt, pilot

Friday, 29 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 28/29 Dec, A-20s pound motor transports, ferry crossings, road bridges, rail line, and
targets of opportunity throughout NW and NC Po Valley; medium bombers during the
day blast the Rovereto bridge and Lavis viaduct, attack several bridges in NE Italy
destroying the center span of the bridge at Pordenone, and severely damage the bridge at
Motta di Livenza; fighter-bombers concentrate on communications targets in the extreme
W end of the battle area, with excellent results on bridges in the Massa Lombarda area
and destroy numerous vehicles and several locomotives.

445th BS War Diary: The squadron attacked the Rovereto railroad bridge, Italy with 94
percent bombing accuracy resulting. A ship – 714 – which was equipped in such a
manner as to allow the pilot to drop bombs from the cockpit went along on the mission
today and results were reported to be “very satisfactory”. Nine gunners received some
training on the new “Jam Handy” gunnery trainer at group today. 1st Lieutenant William
H. Moore left the squadron today on his way to the USA on rotation orders. There were a
few training flights made today. Tripoli plane arrived home today.

Moore, William H., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: December 29 and 30: A mission is flown each day.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 456

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 29 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 457

TARGET: Canale d’Isonzo Rail Bridge, Italy. DATE: 29 Dec.1944

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

Lt. Gates led the formation. W approach hit at road overpass. Second flight made two
runs before bombing. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Berge, spare, returned early.

Berge, Gale B., 2Lt, pilot Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BS War Diary: 12 of our planes participated in an attack on the Canale Rail
Bridge in Northern Italy with Lt. Gates Leading our squadron. West approach hit. Lt.
Hennessey in plane #636 landed in Italy to refuel. Bombing accuracy 100%. 2nd Lt.
Hugh H. Lankester was promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. S/Sgt. Bernard R. Guild
reclassified from 612 to 757.

Gates, Edward, 1Lt, pilot Guild, Bernard R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner

Hennessey, Ralph E., 1Lt, pilot Lankester, Hugh H., 1Lt, bombardier

Friday, 29 December 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: The target for today’s mission was the Rovereto rail bridge in
Italy. The 448th had nine planes loaded with 1000 lb GP bombs and one with 500 lb
incendiary bombs. Captain Shear led the flight over the target. Enemy anti-aircraft
batteries put up determined opposition but despite the heavy flak encountered the
formation dropped their bombs on the target with good concentrations observed on the
north end and approach. Three of the Squadron’s planes received holes from bursting
anti-aircraft shells, but no one was injured and the formation returned safely to base at
1340. Sergeant Donaud left this morning, transferred to the 7th Replacement Depot, for
the good old United States after having flown 61 combat missions for the Squadron.
Sergeant Emerson was transferred to the detachment of patients at the 40th Station
Hospital this morning. The 41st Engineers (Negro) band played for another dance in the
Enlisted Men’s club this evening. A few of the local belles were there for the dance, but
most of the music was of the concert type. The music was really enjoyable for everyone.

Donaud, Earl J., T/Sgt, gunner Emerson, John W., Sgt, BSM

Shear, Meyer (NMI), Capt, pilot

Saturday, 30 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, medium bombers

concentrate a major effort on rail line running N to the Brenner Pass, hitting a fill at
Dolce and bridges at Calliano, Ala, and Santa Margherita d'Adige, and ammunition dump
at Bologna; fighter-bombers blast road bridges, support the US Fifth Army SE of La
Spezia, and hit bridges in the Mantua and Modena areas; during the night of 29/30 Dec,
A-20s hit targets of opportunity at numerous N Italian locations, including Ghedi
Airfield, and a train S of Mantua.

445th BS War Diary: Capt. Lord called a meeting for all enlisted men tonight and
warned them that “no fireworks would be tolerated on New Year’s Eve”. The men well
recall last New Years when many guns were discharged in celebration of the new year.
The plane which went to Catania returned today with plenty of liquor. Three crew
members of this ship were left behind when their parachutes were stolen. Lts Webb,
Beck; Sgts. Watts, Moorehead and Kavan went to the Rome rest camp.

Beck, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier Kavan, Lester D., Sgt, gunner

Lord, Robert O. Jr., Capt, Engineering Officer, Executive Officer

Moorehead, Lewis E., Sgt, gunner Watt, Joseph T., Jr., Sgt, gunner

Webb, Allen W., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: December 29 and 30: A mission is flown each day.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 458

TARGET: Weather reconnaissance DATE: 30 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 459

TARGET: Crema Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 30 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 11

Lt. Wozniak led the formation. Eighteen aircraft dropped on first pass and reported
excellent concentration, with several direct hits. Six aircraft dropped on second pass.
Flak was heavy, slight, inaccurate. No fighters. Capt. Smedley returned early because of
nose wheel malfunction.

Smedley, Robert R., Capt, pilot Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 460

TARGET: Rovereto Rail Bridge, Italy DATE: 30 Dec.1944

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

Lt. Leonard led the formation. First flight hit S approach. Second flight walked its
bombs across S end of bridge. Ineffective smoke pots in Target area. Gun area hit by
incendiary aircraft. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate. Lt. Perlman, spare,
returned early.

Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot Perlman, Jacob L., 2Lt, pilot

Saturday, 30 December 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 6 of our planes participated in a mission to destroy the Rovereto
Railroad Bridge in Northern Italy with Lt. Rice leading the squadron. Good
concentration of bombs on target with some bombs to east and northeast of target.
Bombing accuracy 100%. On the second mission of the day 6 of our planes participated
in a mission to destroy the Crema Rail Bridge in N. Italy with Lt. Remmel leading our
squadron. Direct hits on target with bombs to North and south of bridge. Bombing
accuracy 100%. The following officers and enlisted men were assigned to our squadron
from 57th Bomb Wing per SO 224: 1st Lt. John V. Davies, 2nd Lts. Thomas P. Elliott,
Vernon E. Jansen, Jack B. Antry, F/O Frank J. Blankemeyer, F/O Homer L. Greene, Jr.,
Cpls. Clarence C. MacMullen, Hazen A Thomas, Charles E. Hawthorne, Karl N.
Mindlin, Raymond S. Cassidy, Joe F. Householder, Edward H. Hemple.

Antry, Jack B., 2Lt, pilot Blankemeyer, Frank J., F/O, bombardier

Cassidy, Raymond S., Jr., Cpl, gunner Davies, John V., 1Lt, bombardier

Elliott, Thomas P., 2Lt, pilot Greene, Homer L., Jr., F/O, pilot

Hawthorne, Charles E., Cpl, gunner Hemple, Edward H., Cpl, gunner

Householder, Joe F., Cpl, gunner Jansen, Vernon E., pilot

MacMullen, Clarence C., Cpl, gunner Mindlin, Karl N., Cpl, gunner

Remmel, Earl H., 1Lt, pilot Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot

Thomas, Hazen A., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: Cloudy weather prevented the missions scheduled for today from
taking off on time this morning. However, at 1155 the first mission took off to attack the
Rovereto railroad bridge in Italy. The 448th had nine planes for this mission with
Lieutenant Leonard as flight leader. The Krauts threw up heavy and accurate anti-aircraft
fire and attempted to hide the target with smoke pots. Despite this, Lieutenant Leonard
brought the flight over the target area, and the bombs were dropped with an excellent
pattern on the South end and approach to the bridge. The anti-aircraft fire holed several
of the aircraft, but no casualties were sustained and all the planes returned safely at 1510.
On the second mission the 448th had seven planes loaded with 1000 lb GP bombs that
attacked the Crema railway bridge in Italy. Lieutenant Bard led the second flight. No
enemy opposition was met by the formation and the bombs were dropped in an excellent
pattern across the bridge. Several direct hits were scored. All the planes returned safely
at 1400. Another of the I & E meetings was held in the Enlisted Men’s Club this
evening. The topic of discussion was Japan and what would be done about it after we
finish the Germans. Increasing interest is being created among the men for these
meetings.

Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 31 December 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, during the night
of 30/31 Dec, A-20s again fly intruder missions, bombing a variety of targets, including
motor transport, bridges, and railroads in the Po Valley; during the day medium bombers
hit the bridge at Bodrez, railroads at Piazzola Sul Brenta and near Padua, and a dump; the
XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers destroy 5 and damage 2 railway bridges in
the Po Valley, cut rail lines at numerous places, destroy several locomotives, and destroy
or damage 200+ railway cars.

445th BS War Diary: It was a comparatively quiet New Year’s Eve. Once again free
drinks were served, including Tripoli beer. There were no fireworks and only the usual
drunks plus a few more celebrants. Lts. Monger and Spencer and Sgt. Hope went home
on rotation. Three officers went to the rest camp at Capri. Plenty of men spent their first
sober New Year’s Eve in a long time.

Hope, Amos, Sgt, gunner Monger, Samuel A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot

Spencer, Charles F., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS War Diary: New Year’s Eve and there is no flying. Regular duties are
performed as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of 1945. The bar attracts a number of
men after supper and everyone enjoys himself with much fun. The new year comes in
with most of the squadron tucked soundly in bed and there is little disturbance to denote
January 1 has arrived.

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 461

TARGET: Weather Reconnaissance DATE: 31 Dec.1944

Type of Bombs: None 446th Planes: 1

Lt. Hurley was the pilot. Mission accomplished. No flak, no fighters.

Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 462

TARGET: Canale d’Isonzo, Italy Rail Bridge. DATE: 31 Dec.1944

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

Lt. Kendall led the formation. Returned without bombing due to weather. No flak, no
fighters. Lt. Carlson returned early as spare.

Carlson, Lowell A., 1Lt, pilot Kendall, Wayne E., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

446th BS Mission Summary: Squadron Mission 463

TARGET: Padua N. Railroad Diversion, Italy DATE: 31 Dec.1944

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

Capt. Muzinich led the formation. First flight hit on N river bank, some bombs carrying
into a group of factory buildings, starting a large fire. Second flight hit N approach with
possible hits on the bridge. Flak was meager, fairly accurate, heavy. No fighters.

Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot

Sunday, 31 December 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: 10 of our planes participated in a mission to destroy the Padua N.
Rail Diversion Bridge in Northern Italy with Capt. Muzinich leading our squadron.
Results not observed. Lt. Grimes returned form hospital in Cairo. F/O Volkmann
relieved of assignment and transferred to Det. of Pat. 33rd Gen Hospital. 1st Lt. S.P.
Olson promoted to rand of Capt. The following officers were promoted to the rank of 1st
Lt. SO 339: 2nd Lts. Roland G. Bullion, John W. Yerger. 1st Lt. Charles G. Wakeley
rotated to U.S. The following enlisted men on T.D. Rest Camp Capri: Pfc Robert P.
Biscailuz, Cpls. Frank P. Bauer, Ernest E. Fischinger, James B. Shields.

Bauer, Frank P., Cpl, intelligence Biscailus, Robert P., PFC, armament

Bullion, Roland G., 1Lt, pilot Fischinger, Ernest E., Cpl, engineering

Grimes, Ralph T., 1Lt, pilot Muzinich, Anthony L., Capt, pilot

Olson, Svend P., Capt, navigator Shields, James B., Pvt, radio-gunner

Volkmann, Lester W., F/O, bombardier Wakeley, Charles G., III, 1Lt, pilot

Yerger, John W., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: Two missions were scheduled once again today. Captain Furey
led twelve more of his Squadron’s B-26s back to the “Yugoslavian bomb range” once
again. However, they were unable to reach the target because of weather enroute to and
over the area. No bombs were dropped and all planes returned safely. The target for the
second mission was the Padua railroad bridge in Italy, for which the 448th furnished four
planes. Captain Grady led the second flight on this mission which encountered no enemy
opposition. Hits were scored on the target, and photographs reveal that the bridge is once
again impassable. All planes returned safely. New Year’s Eve celebrations were
generally in order for the night, and plans have been made individually for welcoming in
the New Year at midnight. Although no plans for any Squadron parties have been made,
cheer will be in evidence a plenty as the evening wears on to a fitting climax. But the
year 1944 has seen numerous records rise and fall in both the Group and Squadron. It has
seen many changes in personnel of the organization. Combat men have come, flown
their required missions and returned to the United States. But on thing is certain, no one
knows just exactly what is in store for the Squadron in the coming new year. Maybe
many more months of hard work blasting the Krauts from their stubbornly defended fox
holes in northern Italy – maybe not.

Furey, Frank M., Capt, pilot Grady, John R., Capt, pilot

December 1944

445th BS War Diary: Additional Information for December 1944

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M)

APO 650

1 January 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing

Attentions: Historian

1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period December 1 to December 31,
1944.

a Original unit

(1) 445th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th

Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.

(2) Columbia Army Air Base, S.C. was place of activation

(3) June 23, 1942 was date of activation

(4) GO #145, Hq. 3rd Air Force, 23 June 1942 was authority for activation

(5) National guard, selective service and regular army were sources of

personnel

b Changes in organization

(1) No changes in designation, no transfer, unit was not placed on DS or TS

nor was it attached to other headquarters for operational control

(2) There was no change of commanding officers.
(3) There were no changes of staff officers
(4) On December 3, T/O 1-127 dated 18 August 1944 superseded the former 1-
127 dated 26 March 1944.

c Strength, commissioned and enlisted

(1) Month of December 1944

(a) At beginning – 433

(b) Net increase - 33

(d) At end - 466

d Stations of units or echelons

(1) Name of station – Solenzara Airfield, Corsica

(a) Date of arrival – April 24, 1944

(b) Still present at this base

e Movements of unit

(1) There was no movement during the month

December 1944 (continued)

f Campaigns

(1) Italy

(2) From December 1, 1944 to December 31, 1944 (still in progress)

g Operations

(1) Campaign – Italian

(2) Nature of operations – objective bombing

(3) 19 missions and 151 sorties flown during the month

(4) Results of an important mission

(a) Mission: December 29th attack on Rovereto railroad bridge, Italy

1. Target was important because it was vital bridge along the main

Brenner Pass railroad extending from the famed Pass to the

battlefront – the shortest and best route to the front. Rovereto is

located about 30 miles north of Verona and spans line entering the

big city, a key diffusion point for supplies.

2. Despite known flak positions – which were numerous – there was a

good probability of a successful mission.

3. The successful completion of this mission would indirectly aid the

ground forces since it would deny temporarily and important flow of

supplies to the enemy opposing Allied troops.

4. Aerial photographs disclosed the damage done to this target.

5. The 445th Squadron achieved 94 percent bombing accuracy on this

mission despite a furious anti-aircraft barrage that holed 12 ships and

seriously wounded one gunner. Heavy damage was caused to the

target area and the attack must certainly have resulted in a let-down

in the flow of supplies to enemy troops on the front.

h Command Officers in important missions

1. On December 2, Capt. Wagner (Gerald W., pilot) – Assistant Operations

Officer – led a mission against the Praduro road bridge, Italy and scored 100

percent bombing accuracy.

2. On December 27, Capt. Wagner (Gerald W., pilot) led a mission sent out to

bomb the South Ambroglio tunnel. Despite an accurate flak barrage, the

formation achieved 91.6 percent bombing accuracy.

3. Capt. Wagner (Gerald W., pilot) also led the December 29th attack on the

Rovereto railroad bridge as described above.

i Losses in action

(1) December 29, Rovereto railroad bridge, Italy

(a) None killed

(b) Wounded

1. S/Sgt. Henry M. Slodden (gunner)

(d) None taken prisoner

December 1944 (continued)

j Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action:

GO #258, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 4 December 1944 listed the following awards:

Oak leaf cluster to Distinguished Flying Cross

“For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight”

Capt. James O. Jeffrey (pilot) – Galliate road bridge, Italy, Oct 20

GO #261, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 7 December 1944 listed the following awards:

Air Medal (meritorious achievement in aerial flight)

2nd Lt. Cecil A. Brown (pilot), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

Cpl. Glenn E. Bierly (gunner), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

1st Oak Leaf Cluster

2nd Lt. John K. Buckham (pilot), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

2nd Lt. Jay DeBoer (pilot), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

2nd Lt. James Kourafas (pilot), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

S/Sgt. Jimmie Chambers (engineer-gunner), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

Cpl. Max E. Baker (gunner), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

Cpl. Raymond A. Krober (gunner), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

Cpl, Richard A. Larson (gunner), Ostiglia, Italy, November 10

2nd Oak Leaf Cluster (Ostiglia, Italy, November 10)

Sgt. Edward A. Krauk (gunner)

Cpl. Dean R. Matter (gunner)

3rd Oak Leaf Cluster (Ostiglia, Italy, November 10)

2nd Lt. Lane L. Miron (pilot)

T/Sgt. Harold B. Cubley (gunner)

S/Sgt. Samuel Abrams (gunner, photographer)

Air Medal (Ostiglia, Italy, November 10)

2nd Lt. Phillip R. Starczewski (bombardier)

1st Oak Leaf Cluster (Ostiglia, Italy, November 10)

2nd Lt. Paul E. Shutters (pilot)

2nd Lt. Paul L. Young (pilot)

Cpl. John H. Nuttal (gunner)

Cpl. Charles T. Reagin (gunner)

December 1944 (continued)

GO #268, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 14 December 1944 listed the following awards:

Distinguished Flying Cross (Extraordinary achievement in aerial flight)

Capt. Joseph A. Paduana (Navigator), Littorio M/Y, Italy, March 10

1st Lt. Frank Gifford (pilot), Abbey di Monte Cassino, Italy, Feb 15

1st Lt. Warren G. Schutte (bombardier), Viterbo, Italy, April 14

1st Lt. Walter E. Souders (bombardier), Littorio, M/Y, Italy, March 10

1st Oak Leaf Cluster to Distinguished Flying Cross

Capt. Samuel M. Dickerson (Pilot), Mira, Italy, August 31

Capt. Leon F. Hatcher, Jr. (pilot), Viterbo, Italy, June 6

Soldiers Medal (Heroism)

1st Lt. Lloyd L. Finkhouse (bombardier), Faenza, Italy, November 22

GO #272, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 19 December 1944 listed the following awards:

6th Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal (Meritorious achievement, etc)

Cpl. William R. Hunsberger (gunner), Nervesa, Italy, November 5

9th Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal

2nd Lt. Michael A. Santone (pilot), Ala, Italy, November 6

10th Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal

2nd Lt. Harold L. Cox (pilot), Ala, Italy, November 6

GO #275, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 21 December 1944 listed the following awards:

Bronze Star (Meritorious achievement in direct support of combat operations)

S/Sgt. Howard N. Beeler (medical), Feb. 1, 1943 to November 8, 1944

GO #278, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 23 December 1944 listed the following awards:

Air Medal (Meritorious achievement in aerial flight)

T/Sgt. James C. Heinbaugh (radio-gunner), Littorio, Italy, March 10

Cpl. Manuel Garza (gunner), Orte, Italy, March 14

GO #279, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 24 December 1944 listed the following awards:

Bronze Star (Meritorious service in direct support of combat operations)

S/Sgt. Russell W. Lawton (engineering), September 15, 1944 to Nov. 10, ‘44

T/Sgt. Robert R. Logan (intelligence), April 23, 1943 to May 3, 1943

December 1944 (continued)

GO #280, Headquarters 12th Air Force, 26 December 1944 listed the following awards

Bronze Star (Meritorious service in direct support of combat operations)

T/Sgt. James A. Jacobi (communications), June 1, 1943 to July 15, 1943

k No photographs submitted

2. Enclosed is War Diary, 445th Bombardment Squadron for the period December 1,
1944 to December 31, 1944

For the Commanding Officer:

Incl: THOMAS W. ASHTON,

War Diary. 1st Lt., Air Corps,

Squadron Historian.

446th BS War Diary: Additional Information for December 1944

HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Group (M)

APO 650

January 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bomb Wing, APO 650 U.S. Army

1. Outline History of the 446th Squadron for the period 1 December 1944 to 31
December 1944:

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 Changes in organization

(1) No change

c Strength, commissioned and enlisted

(1) 1 December 1944 82 Officers, 323 Enlisted Men

(2) Net Increase 13 Officers, 37 Enlisted Men

(3) Net Decrease None None

(4) 31 December 1944 95 Officers, 360 Enlisted Men

d Stations of units or echelons

(1) None

e Movements of unit

(1) None

f Campaigns

(1) Rome-Arno

(2) From 21 January 1944 to: Still in progress.

g Operations

(1) Rome-Arno Campaign

(2) Bombing missions in support of the Allied Armies in Northern Italy.

Attacks against enemy communications predominated.

(3) Missions- 28, Sorties- 169

(4) Results of the important missions.

(a) Canale d’Isonzo Rail Bridge, Italy, 28 December.

(b) Cismon Rail Bridge, Italy, 2 December.

December 1944 (continued)

(d) Rovereto Rail Bridge, Italy, 30 December.

1. These bridges were on vital enemy lines of communication, and their

destruction would be a hard blow to the enemy’s supply lines.

2. To Knock out or damage these bridges would deprive the enemy of

much needed supplies and thus be of great aid to the Allied Ground

Forces.

3. 100% bombing accuracy was registered on these four targets.

h Command Officers in important missions

1. Lt. Colonel Paul T. Cooper (pilot)

i Losses in action

(1) The following men are missing, having been shot down while attacking the

Bologna Barracks Area, Italy, 10 December 194.

(a) 1st Lt. Albert O. Rondel (pilot)

(b) 1st Lt. Charles L. Kaenzig (bombardier)

(d) S/Sgt Stuart L. Huntoon (turret gunner)

(e) Cpl. Emmitt M. Allen (gunner)

j Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action:

(1) Silver Star was awarded to:

(a) Lt. Colonel Paul T. Cooper (pilot), GO #271, XII Air Force.

(b) 2nd Lt. Robert L. Davis (pilot), GO #268, XII Air Force.

(2) Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded to:

(a) Captain Robert R. Smedley (pilot), GO #268, XII AF.

(b) 1st Lt. Samuel F. Gambino (bombardier), GO #255, XII Air Force.

(d) S/Sgt Virgil F. Davis (gunner), GO #268, XII Air Force.

(3) Bronze Star Medal was awarded to:

(a) Captain Frederick W. Northrup (armament), GO #271, XII Air Force.

(b) 1st Sergeant John I. Mabe (T/Sgt, personnel), GO #271, XII Air Force.

(d) T/Sgt John D. Taylor (communications), GO #271, XII Air Force.

(e) Sgt David L. Williams (engineering), GO #271, XII Air Force.

(f) Cpl. Lisker B. Franklin (transportation), GO #271, XII Air Force.

December 1944 (continued)

(4) Air Medal was awarded to:

(a) 2nd Lt. Lamar E. Ramsay (pilot), GO #247, XII Air Force.

(b) 2nd Lt. Phillip R. Starczewski (bombardier), GO #261, XII Air Force.

(d) Sgt. Everett F. Beecher (gunner), GO #247, XII Air Force.

(e) Sgt Harry C. Spoerl (communications), GO #278, XII Air Force.

(f) Sgt Edward J. Miller (gunner), GO #278, XII Air Force.

(g) Sgt John B. Law (gunner), GO #252, XII Air Force.

2. War Diary enclosed.

PAUL T. COOPER,

Lt. Colonel, Air Corps,

Commanding.

November 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Additional Information for December 1944

447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)

321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)

APO 65

2 January 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records.

TO : Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing.

Attention: Historian.

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

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

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

Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.

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

b. Changes in Organization.

(1) No Change

(2) Echelons or units.

(a) Transferred. Or DS, TD.

4 Officers; 6 enlisted men, TD Cairo, Egypt.

2 Officers TD Hq, 12th Air Force

1 Officer TD 320th Service Group

2 Officers and 4 enlisted men TD rest camp Capri

(b)

1 enlisted man trfd. To 57th Bomb Wing.

3 enlisted men trfd. To 321st Bomb. Gp. Hq.

(3) No change in commanding officers during the month

(4) No Change in staff officers during the month

(5) No Change in T/O during the month.

c. Strength, Commission and enlisted.

(1) Month of December 1944.

(a) At Beginning. 79 Officers; 362 enlisted-men

(b) Net increase. 9 Officers; 1 enlisted-man

(d) At end: 88 Officers; 363 enlisted-men

December 1944 (continued)

d. Stations of units or echelons.

(1) Name of station

(a) Solenzara Air Field, Corsica.

May 3, 1944

(b) Still at the same station.

e. Movement of units or echelons.

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

f. Campaigns.

(1) Italian Campaign.

(2) Duration: From 1 December to present date.

g. Operations.

(1) Italian campaign.

(2) Objective Bombing

(3) 19 missions, 160 sorties

(4) Results of the most important missions.

(a) Mission: Po Torreberretti Bridge.

1. The Torreberretti Bridge was important because it was a vital link in the

supply and communication system of the German Army.

2. The bridge was rendered impassable to all kinds of traffic

3. This bridge was on the rail line between Novara and Alessandria across the

Sesia River, and in its destruction kept the Germans from reinforcing their

troops opposing the 5th Army.

4. Aerial photographs showed direct hits on the target.

5. In the destruction of this bridge the enemy suffered the loss of an important

rail line and therefore much needed supplies could not be brought down to

the front line troops. On this mission the 447th Bomb. Sq. cored 100%

bombing accuracy and 100% mission efficiency.

h. Col. Richard H. Smith (pilot, 321st BG Commander) flew on the Canale d’Isonzo

mission, December 28, 1944

i. Losses in action

The 447th Bombardment Squadron suffered no casualties during the month of

December 1944, killed or wounded.

j. Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action. Listed according to name,

order number, headquarters and award with the date: (1) (a) (b) (c). On General

Order No. 254 from 12th Air Force Headquarters, dated 1 December 1944:

Sergeant Daniel P. McMenamin Jr. (engineer-gunner) received the Air Medal.

F/O Shelby D. Wallis (pilot), First Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal.

Sgt. Richard H. Perl (gunner), 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal.

2nd Lt. David B. Brice (pilot), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

December 1944 (continued)

2nd Lt. Hugh Lankester (bombardier), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

Sgt. Earl W. Dulaney (gunner), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

Sgt. Charles J. Hopp (gunner), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

Cpl. Richard E. Hagan (gunner), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Dan Ochs (gunner), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Harlan N. Tulley (navigator), 3rd OLC to the Air Medal

Sgt. James E. Citarelli (gunner), 3rd OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Frederick J. Hiller (bombardier), 4th OLC to the Air Medal

Sgt. Carl F. Netzel (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

Cpl. Roy H. Bartram (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal

S/Sgt. Joseph A. Fiocca (radio-gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

On General Order No. 258, from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 4 December 1944

1st Lt. John L. Denman (pilot) received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

2nd Lt. William C. Morton (pilot) received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

On General Order No. 261 from 12th Air Force Headquarters Dated 7 December 1944 the
following wards were given:

S/Sgt. Carl S. Escher (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert H. Gillies (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Leonard T. Payne (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal

S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal

S/Sgt. Harry B. Burns (photographer), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. McFarland (gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert W. Koecher (engineer-gunner), 3rd OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Roland A. Paulson (bombardier), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. McFarland (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. Toole (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal

T/Sgt. Myles O. Williamson (radio-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harry B. Burns (photographer), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne (armament-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal

S/Sgt. Carl S. Escher (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert H. Gillies (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt Rennie Mitchell (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Leonard T. Payne (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. McFarland (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. Toole (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harry B. Burns (photographer), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne (armament-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert H. Gillies (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert W. Koecher (engineer-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Rennie Mitchell (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Leonard T. Payne (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

December 1944 (continued)

S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. McFarland (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. Toole (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harry B. Burns (photographer), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne (armament-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Carl S. Escher (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Rennie Mitchell (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. McFarland (gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. Toole (gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne (armament-gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Carl S. Escher (gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert H. Gillies (gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski (gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. John F. Toole (gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harry B. Burns (photographer), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne (armament-gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Carl S. Escher (gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Robert H. Gillies (gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski (gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Edmund Rogowski (gunner), 9th OLC to the Air Medal.

On General Order No. 268, 12th Air Force Headquarters, dated 14 December 1944, the
following awards were given:

1st Lt. Ralph T. Grimes (pilot), rec. Distinguished Flying Cross

S/Sgt. Smith B. Applegarth (gunner), rec, Soldier’s Medal.

Cpl. James W. Simms (gunner), rec, the Soldier’s Medal.

On General Order No. 269 from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 15 December 1944.

2nd Lt. Robert A. Balboni (bombardier), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Leonard P. Caflissch (bombardier), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Jackson R. Dodson (pilot), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. George S. Fairchild (pilot), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. John R. Highsmith (pilot), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Leslie T. Speer (pilot), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Burton E. Stroupe (bombardier), Air Medal.

Cpl. Bruce H. Huntley (gunner), Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Paul R. Peck (pilot), 1st OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Frederick H. Smith (pilot), 1st OLC to the Air Medal.

Sgt. Paul W. Finnegan (gunner), 1st OLC to the Air Medal.

Sgt. Robert C. Stokes (gunner), 1st OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Vernon L. Schmoke (bombardier), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

Sgt. Richard H. Perl (gunner), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

Cpl. Edward C. Staub (gunner), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Hugh Lankester (bombardier), 3rd OLC to the Air Medal.

December 1944 (continued)

Cpl. Richard E. Hagan (gunner), 3rd OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Ralph T. Grimes (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Louis C. Breckenridge (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

F/O Donald W. Gies (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. William C. Morton (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

2nd Lt. Frederick J. Hiller (bombardier), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Sgt. Robert E. Young (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Ralph E. Hennessey (pilot), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. James W. McDermott (bombardier), 2nd OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Wayne R. Martin (bombardier), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Marvin L. Speer (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Eugene E. Stocking (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Robert E. Thomas (navigator), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Gordon L. Brule (bombardier), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Ward E. Manley (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. James W. McDermott (bombardier), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Leroy C. Runyon (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Roy C. Dawson (engineer-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Wayne R. Martin (bombardier), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Marvin L. Speer (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Eugene E. Stocking (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Robert E. Thomas (navigator), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Gordon J. Brule (bombardier), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Calvin B. Christian (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Ward E. Manley (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. LeRoy C. Runyon (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Edwin E. Wallace (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Roy C. Dawson (engineer-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Wayne R. Martin (bombardier), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Marvin L. Speer (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Eugene E. Stocking (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Robert E. Thomas (navigator), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Gordon J. Brule (bombardier), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Calvin B. Christian (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Eric A. Johnson (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Ward E. Manley (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. LeRoy C. Runyon (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Edwin E. Wallace (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Roy C. Dawson (engineer-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Robert E. Thomas (navigator), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Gordon J. Brule (bombardier), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Calvin B. Christian (pilot), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Eric A. Johnson (pilot), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Wade E. Manley (pilot), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

December 1944 (continued)

1st Lt. LeRoy Runyon (pilot), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Edwin E. Wallace (pilot), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Roy C. Dawson (engineer-gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Robert E. Thomas (navigator), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Calvin E. Christian (pilot), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Ward E. Manley (pilot), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

1st Lt. Edwin E. Wallace (pilot), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Roy C. Dawson (engineer-gunner), 8th OLC to the Air Medal.

On General Order No. 270, 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 16 December 1941, the
following awards were given:

Capt. Richard E. Murray (pilot), 3rd OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Richard E. Murray (pilot), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Richard E. Murray (pilot), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. Richard E. Murray (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

On General Order No. 278 from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 23 December 1944
the following awards were presented:

S/Sgt. Grant W. Baldridge (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn (engineer-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Paul B. Connolly (aerial-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Grant W. Baldridge (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn (engineer-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Paul B. Connolly (aerial-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Grant W. Baldridge (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn (engineer-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Paul B. Connolly (aerial-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Grant W. Baldridge (gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn (engineer-gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Paul B. Connolly (aerial-gunner), 7th OLC to the Air Medal.

On General Order No 279 from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 24 December 1944 the
following awards were given:

Capt. Richard E. Murray (pilot), 1st OLC to the DFC.

T/Sgt. Michael P. Freisen (supply), rec. Bronze Star Medal.

Sgt. Charles A. Munstein (engineering), rec. Bronze Star Medal.

On General Order No 280 from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 26 December 1944

T/Sgt Harry Nalesnik (engineering) received the Bronze Star Medal.

On General Order No 282 from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 28 December 1944 the
following awards were given:

T/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart (radio-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

December 1944 (continued)

T/Sgt. Ned F. LaFountain (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry (gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Joseph Veid (aerial-gunner), 4th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart (radio-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. Ned F. LaFountain (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. Andrew Pelak (radio-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Hughie Curry (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. George Mercea (engineer-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry (gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Joseph Veid (aerial-gunner), 5th OLC to the Air Medal.

Capt. J. Maurice Wiginton (pilot), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart (radio-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. Ned F. LaFountain (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

T/Sgt. Joseph W. MacNeil (radio-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Hughie Curry (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. George Mercea (engineer-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry (gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

S/Sgt. Joseph Veid (aerial-gunner), 6th OLC to the Air Medal.

On General Order No 283 from 12th Air Force Headquarters dated 29 December 1944
Master Sergeant Walter M. Baldridge (engineering) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

k. No photographs were submitted.

2. Enclosed is War Diary, 447th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 December
1944 to 31 December 1944. No special accounts for the month. Squadron Statistics for
the month of December 1944.

For the Commanding Officer:

2 Incl: GEORGE G. VEN JOHN

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

Incl – 2 Squadron Statistics Historian.

Incl –

Missions Flown: 19 Sorties Flown: 160

Bombs dropped (weight): 371,600 Nickels: 48 packages

Planes lost: None Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None

Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None

December 1944 (continued)

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

HEADQUARTERS 448th Bombardment Squadron (M)

APO 650, US ARMY

4 January 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

TO : Commanding General, 12th Air Force,

A-2 Section, Attention: Historian

1. Outline History of the 448th Bombardment Squadron for the period 1 December to
31 December 1944.

a Original unit

(1) 448th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th

Bombardment Wing (M).

(2) Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C.

(3) August 1, 1942

(4) General Order #143, Headquarters 3rd Air Force, Tampa, Florida, 23 June

1942.

(5) Personnel received transfer from other units, voluntary enlistment,
selective service, National Guard.

b Changes in organization

(1) No changes.

(2) No changes.
(3) No changes.
(4) Captain Wonnacott (Robert C.), Engineering Officer, departed on 30 day
TD to United States. Lieutenant Bennett (Samuel J.) appointed acting
Engineering Off.
(5) Change in TO – old TO, 1-127, dated 26 March 1943. New TO, 1-127,
dated 18 August, 1944

c Strength, commissioned and enlisted

(1) Month of December 1944

(a) 86 Officers, 329 Enlisted Men at beginning of period

(b) 9 Officers, 33 Enlisted Men increase.

(d) 95 Officers, 359 Enlisted Men assigned, 3 Enlisted Men attached at end

of period.

d Stations of units or echelons

(1) Solenzara Air Field, Solenzara, Corsica

(a) April 21, 1944

(b) None

December 1944 (continued)

e Movements of unit or echelons.

(1) No change.

f Campaigns

(1) Rome – Arno Campaign.

(2) Duration: from January 22, 1944 - still in progress.

g Operations

(See enclosure #2)

h Command Officers in important missions

(1) Lieutenant Leonard (Lee V.) as first pilot, Lieutenant Freund (John F.) as

Navigator and Captain Joyce (Robert W.) as Bombardier led group mission

against target of opportunity, storage dumps at Asti, Italy. Captain Joyce is

Sqdn. Bombardier.

(2) Lieutenant Leonard, Lieutenant Freund (John F.) and Captain Joyce
(Robert W.) led group on mission against railroad bridge at Rovereto, Italy.

i Losses in action

(1) None.

j Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action:

(See enclosure #3)

k Number of photographs being submitted.

(1) None.

2. Enclosed are War Diary, 448th Bombardment Squadron for the period 1 December
to 31 December 1944; Account of important missions for month of December 1944;
Account of personnel who have distinguished themselves for month of December 1944.

For the Commanding Officer:

ROY C. MOOSE,
1st Lt., Air Corps,

Squadron Historian.

Incl.

1. War Diary (4cps)
2. Account of important missions (4 cps)
3. Account of pers disting themselves (4cps).

December 1944 (continued)

ACCOUNT OF IMPORTANT MISSIONS FOR DECEMBER 1944

One of the two outstanding missions for December 1944, that the 448th Squadron
participated in was the attack on the railroad bridge and storage dumps at Asti, Italy, 15
December 1944, when twelve (12) of the Squadron’s aircraft left the Kraut target in a
mass of ruin and devastation.

To the crew members this was perhaps, another routine mission in the systematic
destruction of enemy tactical targets in Northern Italy, but to ground men who had
occasion to observe otherwise came to realize that the Squadron had once again displayed
its versatility and ability to think and act quickly. This target was not the assigned target
but one of opportunity.

Lieutenant Leonard, who led the Group formation of twenty-four (24) Mitchell
bombers, came over the briefed target but his bombardier, Captain Joyce, was unable,
due to heavy cloud formations, to pick it up in his bombsight. Realizing that releasing
the bombs here would be useless and perhaps cause unnecessary death and destruction to
Italian civilian population below, Lieutenant Leonard turned the formation about and
started for home base.

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot

Previously having been briefed that a possible enemy storage dump existed at a
pin-point location near a railroad bridge at Asti, Italy, Lieutenant Leonard quickly
decided and turned his formation toward Asti. Playing tag with the fleecy cloud
formations for about twenty minutes, Lieutenant Freund, displaying his navigational
ability, brought the lead ship through a hole in the clouds and over the target area.

Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot

In a matter of seconds Captain Joyce had the bridge in his bombsights, and before
the Krauts knew what was in store for them, another fine piece of Italian bridge work was
no longer in existence for their use. But the bridge was not the only thing hit. Other
bombs dropped in some buildings near the northern end of the bridge that the Krauts
were using for storage purposes. Destruction once again greeted the enemy.

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier

Breaking away from the target, the Krauts began their belated attempt to stop the
formation with anti-aircraft fire. But this was entirely ineffective, with none of the planes
being holed or any casualties being suffered.

Smoke and fires from the storage dump were still burning furiously and
apparently out of control as the Mitchell formation crossed the Italian shore and headed
for the home base on Corsica. Photographs the next day revealed that the center span of
the bridge was down, and the entire area around the north end gutted by the raging fires
from the razed buildings.

December 1944 (continued)

Thus another chapter to the “finis” of the Krauts in Italy was added to the already
long list. Insignificant as it may seem to some, it is just one more example of what can
be done with Allied air supremacy, and one less Kraut bridge that can be used.

December 30, saw the same team of Leonard, Joyce, and Freund leading another
formation toward Kraut-infested Northern Italy. It was the same play of Leonard to
Joyce once again as the bombs were “passed” to the bridge below.

Freund, John F., 1Lt, bombardier Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot

Joyce, Robert W., Capt, bombardier

Flying as pilot of the lead plane in the twenty-one (21) plane formation,
Lieutenant Leonard took the Mitchell bombers across Italy, then into the Po Valley
toward the railroad bridge at Rovereto, Italy. The Krauts quickly picked up the formation
and began tracking it with anti-aircraft fire, but Lieutenant Leonard maneuvered his
planes through the bursting flak with only a few holes in several of his planes.

Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt, pilot

Pulling away after the bomb run, they left another Kraut bridge down and useless
to the enemy. After the smoke had cleared away, photographs revealed direct hits on the
south approach and end, with another 100% bombing accuracy mission scored for the
record books.

The Krauts were using the bridge to bring much of their sorely needed supplies
into Northern Italy, but now another route will have to be used which, of course will
doubtless be useless to them soon when the Mitchell bombers team up to blast one of the
bridges off the route.

Missions flown by the Squadron during the month of December were in tactical
support of Allied ground troops now fighting their way north in the Rome-Arno
campaign. From a medium altitude the Mitchell bombers were engaged in bombing
enemy installations behind the lines. On twenty-four (24) missions and one hundred
fifty-seven (157) sorties 368,800 lbs of bombs were dropped on German targets.

PERSONNEL WHO HAVE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN ACTION

GO #252, 29 Nov. ’44 12th Air Force

For Meritorious Achievement

Sgt. Robert Brusa, gunner Nervesa, Italy 5 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Capt. Bongiovanni, Michael, navigator Ala, Italy 6 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Ferrell, Bruce, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Cpl. Turner, James, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Freund, John, bombardier Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Brink, Richard, bombardier Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 2nd OLC to AM

S/Sgt. Ratcliffe, James Jr., gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

S/Sgt Markiewicz, Edward, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

S/Sgt Qualls, Thomas, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Capt. Joyce, Robert, bombardier Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Capt. Bongiovanni, Michael, navigator Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Capt. Grady, John, pilot Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Reedy, Walter, pilot Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Tetlow, John, pilot Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Pvt. Hochron, Manuel, communications Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Kirk, Theodore, pilot Bois Dieu, France 28 Aug ’44 4th OLC to AM

Capt Farwell, Harold, pilot Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 5th OLC to AM

Lt. Kirk, Theodore, pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 5th OLC to AM

Capt Rogers, Harry Jr., pilot Sassaferrato, Italy13 June ’44 5th OLC to AM

Sgt Jacobson, Fred, gunner Ostiglia, Italy 13 July ’44 5th OLC to AM

Sgt Bowman, Wilmer, gunner Torreberretti, Italy 11 Oct ’44 5th OLC to AM

Sgt White, Frank/George/Joseph, gunner Marseilles, France 25 Aug ’44 5th OLC to AM

Capt Annear, Warren, pilot Longeavous, France 20 Aug ’44 6thOLC to AM

Capt Farwell, Harold, pilot Rimini, Italy 18 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Bard, John, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Gladwell, James, pilot Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Kirk, Theodore, pilot Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Leonard, Lee, pilot Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Martin, James Jr., bombardier Rimini, Italy 14 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Matthews, Thomas, pilot Sermide, Italy 15 July ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Norris, Grafton, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Riley, Robert, pilot Pont D’Ain, France 25 Aug ’44 6th OLC to AM

Capt Rogers, Harry Jr., pilot Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Young, Robert, bombardier Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Duggan, Raymond, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Jacobson, Fred, gunner Montfaucon, France25 Aug ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Bowman, Wilmer, gunner Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Gage, Robert, gunner Rimini, Italy 14 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt White, Frank/George/Joseph, gunner Longeavous, France 20 Aug ’44 6thOLC to AM

Capt. Farwell, Harold, pilot Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Bard, John, pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Grady, John, pilot Pavia, Italy 5 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Holcombe, Dewey, pilot Rimini, Italy 14 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Kiska, George, bombardier Rimini, Italy 14 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Kruse, Milford, pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Matthews, Thomas, pilot Cogoleto, Italy 22 July ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Moyer, Emerson, pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Ovard, Glen, pilot Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Reedy, Walter, pilot Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Riley, Robert, pilot Pavia, Italy 4 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Rosenau, Gustave, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

Lt. Smith, R., Raymond, navigator Rimini, Italy 18 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Tetlow, John, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Warren, William, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Young, Robert, bombardier Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Zinkand, Willard, bombardier Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Duggan, Raymond, pilot Legnago, Italy 13 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Jacobson, Fred, gunner Marseilles, France 25 Aug ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Gage, Robert, gunner Torreberretti, Italy 11 Oct ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt White, Frank/George/Joseph, gunner Pont D’Ain, France 25 Aug ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Grady, John pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 8th OLC to AM

Lt. Holcombe, Dewey, pilot Piacenza, Italy 30 Sep ’44 8th OLC to AM

Lt. Matthews, Thomas, pilot Verona, Italy 26 July ’44 8th OLC to AM

Lt. Ovard, Glen, pilot Bois Dieu, France 28 Aug ’44 8th OLC to AM

Lt. Zinkand, Willard, bombardier Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 8th OLC to AM

Sgt White, Frank/George/Joseph, gunner Legnago, Italy 5 Sep ’44 8th OLC to AM

Lt. Holcombe, Dewey, pilot Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 9th OLC to AM

Lt. Matthews, Thomas, pilot Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 9th OLC to AM

Lt. Ovard, Glen, pilot Pavia, Italy 4 Sep ’44 9th OLC to AM

GO # 253, 30 Nov ’44, 12th Air Force

For extraordinary achievement

Capt. Furey, Frank, pilot Rimini, Italy 14 Sep ’44 DFC

Lt. Reedy, Walter, pilot Verona, Italy 26 July ’44 DFC

GO # 254, 1 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For meritorious achievement

Lt. Carrington, Charles, pilot Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

GO # 255, 2 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For extraordinary achievement

Captain Farwell, Harold, pilot Mestre, Italy 11 Nov ’44 DFC

GO # 256, 3 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

None

GO # 258, 4 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For extraordinary achievement

Lt. Kruse, Milford, pilot Montfaucon, France 17 Aug ’44 DFC

Lt. Duggan, Raymond, pilot Ostiglia, Italy 10 Nov ’44 DFC

GO # 261, 7 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For meritorious achievement

Lt. Luckhaupt, Robert, bombardier Rimini, Italy 14 Sept ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. Kirk, Theodore, pilot Rimini, Italy 14 Sept ’44 7th OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

Lt. Mallin, Theodore, bombardier Rimini, Italy 14 Sept ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Shear, Meyer, pilot Rimini, Italy 14 Sept ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Joyce, Robert, bombardier Ala, Italy 6 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Allendorph , John, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Bottom, James, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Cannon, John, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Sheppard, John, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Steely, Ralph, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Stout, Charles, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. West, Alden, pilot Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Zakopacan, John, pilot Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Sgt. Magers, Marshall, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Sgt. Weese, Charles, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Sgt. Ferrel, Bruce, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Freund, John, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Marduese, Alfred, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Justice, Conway, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Wright, Melvin, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Smith, M.A., Milford, pilot Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Goethals, Camiel, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Enderle, Melvin, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Gage, Robert, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Morefield, James, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Seward, Richard, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Hawthorne, Ralph, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 5th OLC to AM

Sgt. Haack, Cecil, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Trigler, Louis, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Veeck, Richard, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Bixler, Frederick, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Weyeneth, Carl, engineer Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Dossey, Vernon, pilot Cogoleto, Italy 22 July ’44 5th OLC to AM

Capt. Dossey, Vernon, pilot Anzio, Italy 19 Feb. ’44 6th OLC to AM

Lt. McKinley, Robert, bombardier Montfaucon, France 17 Aug ’44 6th OLC to AM

Capt. Annear, Warren, pilot Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Dossey, Vernon, pilot Castrocielo, Italy 24 Mar ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Gladwell, James, pilot Pavia, Italy 4 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Leonard, Lee, pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Luckhaupt, Robert, bombardier Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Martin, James, bombardier Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. McKinley, Robert, bombardier Mira, Italy 31 Aug ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Norris, Grafton, pilot Rimini, Italy 18 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Capt. Rogers, Harry Jr., pilot Viterbo, Italy 14 Apr ’44 7th OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

GO # 268, 14 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For extraordinary achievement

Capt. Hoffman, Albert, pilot Montfaucon, France 17 Aug ’44 DFC

GO # 269, 15 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For meritorious achievement

(Posthumous)

Lt. Olszewski, Henry, navigator Orvieto, Italy 12 Apr ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Petit, Rene, bombardier Perugia, Italy 14 Feb ’44 Air Medal

Pfc Feagans, Kenneth, gunner, photo Castrocielo, Italy 24 Mar ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Olszewski, Henry, navigator Orvieto, Italy 30 Apr ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Petit, Rene, bombardier Castrocielo, Italy 17 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Kukorowski, Albert, bombardier Viterbo, Italy 14 Apr ’44 1st OLC to AM

Pfc Feagans, Kenneth, gunner, photo Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Olszewski, Henry, navigator Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Petit, Rene, bombardier Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Kukorowski, Albert, bombardier Subiaco, Italy 1 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Davis, Jimmie, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Kukorowski, Albert, bombardier Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Davis, Jimmie, gunner Montfaucon, France 17 Aug ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Kukorowski, Albert, bombardier Ostiglia, Italy 13 July ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Davis, Jimmie, gunner Pont D’Ain, France 25 Aug ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Davis, Jimmie, gunner Bois Dieu, France 28 Aug ’44 5th OLC to AM

(MIA)

Lt. Elliott, Floyd, pilot Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Kreutz, Alfred, bombardier Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Doss, Charles, engineer-gunner Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Johnson, Joseph, gunner Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Capt. Crowell, Weymouth, pilot Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Goff, Melvin, bombardier Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Mitchell, William, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Brown, Wyndham III, pilot Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Frazier, Leland, pilot Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Quartuccio, Anthony, bombardier Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Montoro, John, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Tracy, William, engineer-gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Sullivan, James/Timothy, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Olsen, Orin, pilot Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Benton, Thomas, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Mitchell, William, gunner Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Brown, Wyndham III, pilot Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Quartuccio, Anthony, bombardier Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

Lt. Fraser, Leland, pilot Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Holtzendorf, Henry, gunner Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Sullivan, James/Timothy, gunner Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Olsen, Orin, pilot Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Doss, Charles, engineer-gunner Anzio, Italy 19 Feb ’44 Air Medal

Sgt. Johnson, Joseph, gunner Anzio, Italy 19 Feb ’44 Air Medal

Capt. Crowell, Weymouth, pilot Genzano, Italy 30 Jan ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Quartuccio, Anthony, bombardier Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Elliott, Floyd, pilot Viterbo, Italy 14 Apr ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Doss, Charles, engineer-gunner Subiaco, Italy 1 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Montoro, John, gunner Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Sullivan, James/Timothy, gunner Subiaco, Italy 1 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Kreutz, Alfred, bombardier Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Goff, Melvin, bombardier Mantua, Italy 16 July ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Olsen, Orin, pilot Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Holtzendorf, Henry, gunner Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Johnson, Joseph, gunner Castrocielo, Italy 24 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Capt. Crowell, Weymouth, pilot Castrocielo, Italy 24 Mar ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Capt. Crowell, Weymouth, pilot Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 4th OLC to AM

Lt. Quartuccio, Anthony, bombardier Cogoleto, Italy 22 July ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Holtzendorf, Henry, gunner Cogoleto, Italy 22 July ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Benton, Thomas, gunner Montepescali, Italy 8 June ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Sullivan, James/Timothy, gunner Ostiglia, Italy 13 July ’44 4th OLC to AM

End (MIA)

Lt. Hough, William, navigator Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Gilbert, Stewart, pilot Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 Air Medal

Sgt. Anglin, Paul, radio-gunner Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Bell, Robert, bombardier Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Jones, Truman, pilot Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Gately, Joseph, turret-gunner Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Currie, James, engineer-gunner Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Robert, Maurice, gunner Spoleto, Italy 13 Mar ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Hough, William, navigator Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Anglin, Paul, radio-gunner Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Bell, Robert, bombardier Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Jones, Truman, pilot Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Gately, Joseph, turret-gunner Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Currie, James, engineer-gunner Perugia, Italy 28 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Gardner, Philip, bombardier Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Sgt Williams, Griffith, gunner Ala, Italy 6 Nov ’44 Air Medal

Sgt. Corrigan, James, radio-gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 1st OLC to AM

Sgt. Robert, Maurice, gunner Genzano, Italy 30 Jan ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Tudor, Goldburn, gunner Anzio, Italy 19 Feb ’44 1st OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

Sgt. Carr, Randal, gunner Castrocielo, Italy 24 Mar ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Corrigan, James, radio-gunner Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Robert, Maurice, gunner Anzio, Italy 19 Feb ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Lt. Autrey, W.F., pilot Nervesa, Italy 5 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Brink, Richard, bombardier Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Churchill, Duane, pilot Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Cook, Don, pilot Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Schweitzer, Robert, pilot Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Sheffield, Woodrow, pilot Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Carr, Randal, gunner Viterbo, Italy 14 Apr’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. France, Charles, gunner Genzano, Italy 30 Jan ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Lt. Ivory, Daniel, pilot Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Carr, Randal, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. France, Charles, gunner Sassaferrato, Italy 13 June ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Robert, Maurice, gunner Leghorn, Italy 21 June ’44 4th OLC to AM

Lt. Mitchell, Robert, pilot Rimini, Italy 14 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Clark, R.S., Raymond, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

GO # 270, 16 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For meritorious achievement

Sgt. Reeves, Louis, gunner Nervesa, Italy 5 Nov ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Baird, James, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Bass, Bernard, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Marduese, Alfred, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Pealer, Woodward, gunner Nervesa, Italy 5 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Sharp, Russell, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Edwards, Clarence, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Justice, Conway, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Langley, Edmund, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Berman, Samuel, gunner Nervesa, Italy 5 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Randall, Charles, gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 4th OLC to AM

Sgt. Carter, Eugene, engineer-gunner Sacile, Italy 16 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Knauss, Charles, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Doughty, Paul, gunner Vercelli, Italy 4 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Wald, Douglas, gunner Padua, Italy 17 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

GO # 270, 16 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For Gallantry in Action

Lt. Anderson, Douglas, pilot Ostiglia, Italy 10 Nov ’44 Silver Star (MIA)

For extraordinary achievement

Lt. McKinley, Robert, bombardier Ostiglia, Italy 10 Nov ’44 1st OLC to DFC

December 1944 (continued)

GO # 272, 19 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For Meritorious Achievement

Lt. Malec, Joseph, bombardier Piacenza, Italy 1 Oct ’44 7th OLC to AM

GO # 278, 23 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For Meritorious Achievement

Lt. Sutton, Norman, bombardier Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Steely, Ralph, bombardier Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 1st OLC to AM

St. Stromberg, Carl, pilot Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Capt. Swanson, Earl, pilot Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Hulse, Donald, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Moleski, Benny, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Wright, Melvin, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Walker, Jack, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Bell, Flavious, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Perillo, Anthony, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Pineda, Nico, gunner Castel Bolognese, Italy 10 Dec ’44 7th OLC to AM

Lt. Russell, H.H., Harold, pilot Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 Air Medal

Lt. Allendorph, John, bombardier Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Gardner, Philip, bombardier Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 1st OLC to AM

Cpl. Turner, James, gunner Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 1st OLC to AM

Cpl. Weese, Charles, gunner Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 1st OLC to AM

Lt. Birkhead, Charles Jr., pilot Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 2nd OLC to AM

Sgt. Schaffer, Irving, gunner Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Holloway, Garland, gunner Bologna, Italy 10 Dec ’44 4th OLC to AM

Lt. Cooper, James/Richard, pilot Ala, Italy 6 Nov ’44 3rd OLC to AM

Sgt. Abiecunas, Joseph, gunner Bois Dieu, France 28 Aug’44 3rd OLC to AM

Capt. Swanson, Earl, pilot Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 4th OLC to AM

Capt. Swanson, Earl, pilot Rimini, Italy 17 Sep ’44 5th OLC to AM

Sgt. Poteet, Edward, gunner Pavia, Italy 5 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Hassenbein, Sam, gunner Mt. Oggioli, Italy 13 Sep ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. DeGeorge , Herman, gunner Longeavous, France 20 Aug ’44 6th OLC to AM

Sgt. Campbell, James, gunner Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Hassenbein, Sam, gunner Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Blassingame, Emery, gunner Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Carrick, Kenneth, gunner Legnago, Italy 5 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. DeGeorge , Herman, gunner Pont D’Ain, France 25 Aug ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Dembrowski, Henry, gunner Pavia, Italy 4 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Donaud, Earl, gunner Ala, Italy 6 Nov ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Haack, Cecil, gunner Casalecchio, Italy 16 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Knauss, Charles, gunner Piacenza, Italy 30 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

Sgt. Roberts, C.J., Charles, gunner Padua, Italy 23 Sep ’44 7th OLC to AM

December 1944 (continued)

GO # 279, 24 Dec ’44, 12th Air Force

For Performance of Meritorious Service

Maj. Kneivel, Arthur, executive 8 Feb ’43 to 1 Dec ’44 Bronze Star Medal

Sgt. Courtney, Howard, armament 15 Jan ’44 to 1 Aug ’44 Bronze Star Medal

Sgt. Libero, Victor, armament 10 Jun ’44 to 25 Jun’44 Bronze Star Medal

Sgt. Schaffer, J.H., John, armament 15 Jul ’43 to 1 Sep ’43 Bronze Star Medal

Sgt. Wilcox, John, armament 1 Jun ’43 to 31 Dec ’43 Bronze Star Medal