351st Bomb Group

1. Target
   1. Name – Locks at St. Nazaire [France]
   2. Location –
   3. Name of Secondary – None
   4. Location of Secondary –
   5. Name of Last Resort – None
   6. Location of Last Resort –
2. S-2 Enemy Pursuit Expected
   1. Number and Type –
   2. Pictures and Short description of any new types –
3. Flak Officer – Flak Expected
   1. On Route In
   2. At Target
   3. On Route Back
4. General information of formation
   1. Wing formation – 102 C.W. [Combat Wing] then 101 C.W. - 4th Wing 15 minutes ahead of us on St. Nazaire.
   2. Order of Groups in formation and altitude of each – 381st Lead - 24,000; 351st Low - 23,000; 91 High - 25,000.
   3. Our formation for bombing – Defensive
   4. Pursuit coverage 8 Squadron of P-47 from St. Brieuc to Ploermel or just short of here and ____Squadron of ____from ____to ____and Squadron ____from ____to ____.
   5. Bomb Loading 2 - 2,000 lb. bombs with ____delay nose fuse and ____delay tail fuse per airplane.
   6. IAS [Indicated Air Speed] for bombing will be 155 MPH.
5. Navigator
   1. Time Tick _______
   2. This Group Assembles with the 381st & 91st Groups on a line from Ely to Cambridge at an altitude of 7,000.
   3. Route out and times at check points.
   4. Climb will start at #7 and altitude will be reached at Swindon.
   5. Axis of attack is 97° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
   6. Distance from IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] to Target is 14 [miles] and time at IP is ____and time at Target is ___.
   7. Direction of turn and course after attack is to the Right to a course of 153. The rally point is Bourgeneuf Fromentine
   8. Route back and times at check points.
   9. Point where descent will start is Fromentine. Descent will be to 5,000 feet.
   10. Point to leave Wing formation is Lutton.
   11. Total time for mission is 6:00.
   12. Length of time over 10,000 feet is 2:10.
   13. Deadline for last take off is 1515 and the point to intercept the group is Swindon at 23,000 feet.
6. Station – 1305
   Start engines – 1405
   Taxi – 1415
   Take off – 1430
   
7. Don't leave gun stations until Over England.
8. Point to airplane assignments and explain.
   [Y]B-40 #3 Low Squadron
9. Weather Officer
   1. General Weather and visibility along entire Route is
   2. Weather and Visibility at IP and Target is
   3. Winds at cruising altitude are
   4. Temperature at cruising altitude is
   5. Pressure altitude at target is
10. A Red flare, Aldis Lamp, VHF and Command will be fired at the IP.
11. S-2 [Intelligence] – Show Pictures and maps of the target. Have direction of attack laid out on maps and pictures. Any other comments that are desired. (Comments must be cleared with C.O. [Commanding Officer] first).
12. Any special instructions to all personnel.
    Only Capt. Ball's airplane will obtain an MF [Medium Frequency] Fix when 80 from Lizard Point.
    Navigators study Brest peninsula and landfalls; no landfalls on an axis of more than 45°
    
    Gunners, Radio operators, Navigators and Bombardiers leave the briefing room.
    Opening of bomb bay doors keep quiet. Leaders report to S-2 - Major Scott.
    
13. Comments to improve the formation and improve evasive action.
    High Squadron stack left entire mission
    101 C.W. stack right with 102 C.W.
14. Climb at 150 IAS. [Indicated Air Speed] 400 ft. per minute [Rate of Climb]
    Cruise at 160 IAS
    Reform after attack at 155 IAS
    Descend at 170 IAS and 500 feet per minute [Rate of Descent].
15. Any questions on who takes over the lead at anytime? Between IP and target?
16. Special instructions in case of bad weather.
17. Call signs bomber to bomber:
    91 Group Windfall 1
    351 Group Windfall 2
    381 Group Windfall 3
    
18. Identification colors:
    101 C.W YY [Yellow Yellow]
    102 C.W RR [Red Red]
    103 C.W GG [Green Green]
    
19. Bomber to bomber freq. 5165 kc [kilocycles].
20. Bomber to fighter channel "B"
21. Bomber to fighter call signs:
    1. Bombers - Windfall
    2. Fighters - Paleface
    3. Ground - Basto
       Collective Call Sign - Nature  VHF Recall - Sad Sack
22. Turn on VHF [Very High Frequency Radio] all the time.
23. Colors of the day:

    Time	Color	Ident.	Challenge
    1400 - 2000	GY	I	M
    2000 - 0200	GG	V	P

24. Taxi plan for take off and landing, and spare airplanes.
25. Any questions.
    1. Get clearance before returning to base if landing is made [at another base], also call in if emergency landing is made.
    [The following listed Airdromes will be available to 1st Wing for refueling or emergency landing upon return to English coast. The number of A/C each Airdrome can accept is listed after the name of the airdrome. The previous sentence was taken from the Field Order No. 157A]
    381st - Portreath - 30, 351st - Davidstow - Moor - 30, 91st - Predannock - 20
    Last Resort Airdrome - Talbenny - 15
    Pick up just enough gas for return plus reserve to make a round trip.
    2. 9 plane low squadron
    3. Spares fly to side of formation - Copeland
    4. IP will come on command & VHF.
    5. Who takes over after Deputy?
    6. Form on top of clouds.
    

THREE HUNDRED FIFTY FIRST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
Office of the Operations Officer APO 634 28, June, 1943
SUBJECT: S-3 NARRATIVE REPORT ATTACK ON ST. NAZAIRE LOCKS
TO : Commanding General, 1st Bombardment Wing APO 634.

1. The field order was received at 00:35 on June 28, 1943 briefing was held at 10:30, June 28, 1943.
2. The take-off was as scheduled (1430). Twenty-one airplanes took off, including one YB-40 [A modified B-17 equipped with additional guns (16)] from the 92nd Group. The assembly was hindered by poor weather conditions at Polebrook. The Group formed on top of the overcast going through a hole by squadrons.
3. Since the Group was slightly late in assembly, the leader decided to cut the route short. Rendezvous with the l0lst Combat Wing was made at 18000' after passing Splasher 7.
4. The Group left the English Coast in good formation, though slightly behind, the lead Group. The formation was closed and in good order after reaching enemy territory. The P-47 escort was excellent and provided complete coverage to its point of return.
5. After leaving the P-47 escort, the 101st Combat wing began to attract enemy fighters. The 351st Group was the low Group in the Combat wing. Some fifty fighters kept up continual attack, mostly from the tail between 4 and 7 o'clock, from here on into the target.
6. Airplane 42-29847, pilot Lt. Adams, went down under control before reaching the target. Airplane 42-29843, pilot Lt. Moss, went down under control after leaving the target. Airplane 42-29887, pilot Lt. Copeland went down under control after leaving the target.
7. The Bomb run was made manually. The results judging from the pictures are good. The rally was made without difficulty.
8. After leaving the target, the 351st Group was attacked again by FW-190's. Airplane 42-29817, pilot Lt. King, was shot down on this attack. Eight parachutes were seen. The airplane hit the water and exploded. A sailboat, presumably a rescue boat was within a mile of the parachutists.
9. The remainder of the trip home was uneventful, except for a flight of JU-88's sighted low on the water.
10. The fighter attacks on this group were mainly by yellow nosed FW-190's. They were pressed home closely. Flak was moderate and not particularly accurate.
11. Four of our airplanes are missing.

THREE HUNDRED FIFTY FIRST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
Office of the Operations Officer APO 634, June 28, 1943
SUBJECT: Navigator's Summary Report.
TO : Commanding Officer, 35lst Bombardment Group (H), APO 634, US ARMY

1. The Group took-off at 1430 hours and departed over the field at 1452. The low squadron was behind, and delayed the departure five (5) minutes. In order to make rendezvous with the 381st Bomb Group and the 91st Bomb Group, it was necessary to intercept them on a line between Splasher #7 and Swindon. This was done without difficulty.
2. We reached altitude at Swindon and left the English coast at Start Point at 1622. We crossed the French coast on course and according to schedule.
3. The target was bombed at 1712, and rendezvous was carried out as scheduled.
4. The group re-entered England at Lizard Point at 1925, twenty (20) minutes behind schedule, and left the Wing Formation at this point and returned to Base at 2112 hours.

[Signed] JACK K Danby, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator.

HEADQUARTERS THREE HUNDRED FIFTY FIRST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
Office of the Operations Officer APO 634, June 28, 1943
SUBJECT: Bombardier's Narrative Report - Mission No. 14.
TO : Commanding Officer, Three Fifty First Bombardment Group (H), APO 634, U.S. Army.

1. The 351st Bomb Group reached the I.P. at 1708 at a true altitude of 23,400', in the low group position of the 101st Combat Wing formation. The wing formation was broken at this point.
2. The 351st Bomb Group proceeded to the target in trail of Groups from the I.P. on a heading of 86°. The lead Bombardier had a drift of 5° right, on this heading. The wind computed was from 20° at a velocity of 25 MPH.
3. The group had a very good pattern of bombs in the vicinity of the target, by releasing on the Lead Bombardier. The mean point of impact was the Eastern Lock Entrances.
4. The general results of the Bombing were exceptionally good in that the pattern lay over the entire target area.
5. The approach was flown manually. The evasive action was taken by the following the P.D.I. [Pilot's Direction Indicator] to the point of release which was very satisfactory.
6. The Group Leader of the trailing groups seem to hold a much better wing formation manually than by auto-pilot. There is also the advantage of regaining the defense wing formation at the rally point.
7. A total of thirty-six (36) bombs was dropped in the target area.

[Signed:] HARVEY H. WALLACE, 1st Lt, Air Corps, Group Bombardier.

Bombardier - Wallace, H.H. 1st Lt. Air Corps   Pilot - Ball C.F. Capt. A.C.   Navigator - Danby J.E. 1st Lt.
Airplane B-17 F #863   Take-off - 1430   Landed - 2118
Objective - Eastern entrance to locks at St. Nazaire, France
Aiming Point - Lock Gates   Initial Point - Le Craisic, [France]
Method of Attack - Group   Number of Planes in Unit - 18   Number of Planes in Each Unit Performing Sighting Operations - 1
Time of Attack - 1712    Approx. Length of Straight Approach - 45 seconds   Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:
Altitude, True Above Target - 23,400   Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 155 M.P.H.
True Air Speed - 228 M.P.H.   Wind Direction - 350°   Wind Velocity - 25 M.P.H.
True Heading - 86° Magnetic   Drift - 5° Right   True Track - ____
D.S. - 133.2   Trail - 43  ATF - 39.75  Tan. D.A. -53   Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - ____
Winds - Altitude - 23,000' Direction - 20° Velocity - 25 M.P.H. Temp C. -25°C.

Narrative of Mission June 28, 1943.

1. The target for the mission on June 28, 1943 was eastern entrance to the submarine pens, St. Nazaire, France. Although photographs have not been developed at this time, from all crew observations bombing results appear to be good. Such comments as "Hit square on the nose" and "Blasted the hell out of it," were commonly heard.
2. Twenty (20) of our A/C were dispatched and all took off. One (1) A/C, #948, returned early because supercharger on #4 engine went out.
3. Fifty (50) to one hundred E/AC [Enemy Aircraft] were reported, mostly FW 190s with some Me 109s and JU 88s. Attacks were generally from the tail at all levels, with a few reported from 1 o'clock and one from 9 o'clock. The Hun used different tactics then those he has employed more recently because on this mission he attacked singly. There were a few reports of attacks in formation, however. Crew members commented that the "Abbeville Boys" must have been out. Incomplete returns put our claims at 8 destroyed, 4 probables and 4 damaged. (Claims for two crews not returning to the base tonight have not been obtained.) Our casualties: one killed, one seriously wounded and one slightly wounded.
4. Flak was moderate, but very accurate for range and deflection over target, bursting at the height of our formation. On the run in, it was meager and a little below our formation at St. Brieux, Ploermel and Croisic Point.
5. The weather was good over the target.
6. Crew observations of interest: Good smoke screen at Lorient; much activity on A/D [Airdrome] in vicinity of Malestroit, where approximately 30 fighters took off; and sloops with red or orange jibs in channel going toward our crashed aircraft # 817 at 47°35'N - 05°35'W.

[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2

• A/C # 150;   Time 1712;    Height 23,700 ft.;    Place where attacked – at target.
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 came in low at 8 o'clock. I started firing at 1000 yards. He banked and made a turn and I gave him a total of 125 rounds. Saw flame and fire from engine and he nosed over and went straight down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Sgt H.D. Burton - Ball Turret Gunner
  Corroborated by – Sgt. R.G. Robeson - Right Waist Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____.
• A/C # 150;   Time 1712;    Height 23,700 ft.;    Place where attacked – at target.
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 [yellow nose] came in level at 10 o'clock. I started firing at 800 yards. I gave him about 100 rounds. He came to within 500 yards. Nosed up, slid off on wing, and I saw either cowling or canopy fly off plane and spiraled on down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. O.E. Master - Navigator
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt D.D. Happold - Left Waist Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – None.
  Comments of the interrogator – _____.
• A/C # 150;   Time 1725;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – after target.
  Story of the attack –At 1725 an FW 190 came in at 9 o'clock. I gave him a few bursts and he went down in smoke.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. O.E. Master - Navigator
  Corroborated by – B.E. Squires - Bombardier
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____.
• A/C # 835;   Time 1710;    Height 24,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – over target.
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 came in at 5 o'clock [2 words unreadable] I let him come in to about 100 yards and then shot at him. At 60 yards he [3 words unreadable] into a spin. The ball turret saw him hit land.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. Nicholas Sidorick - Tail Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. Alfred Terlizzi - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____
• A/C # 835;   Time 1713;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – over target.
  Story of the attack – FW190 attacked at 5:30 oclock [unreadable] (attack was from rear) shot at him. He fell off and [4 words unreadable]. Definitely damaged him.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt. L.G. Winchester - Radio Operator
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt N. Sidorick - Left Waist Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____
• A/C # 835;   Time 1723[?];   Height 23,900 ft.;    Place where attacked – [unreadable].
  Story of the attack – FW 190 came in about 7 o'clock and came from above. As he [unreadable] our formation went over on his side with the top of his plane facing out. I [six words unreadable]. I followed him clear down and he hit land on the [unreadable] of river at [unreadable].
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt Mills M. Kelly - Right Waist Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt Laurel Larson - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____
• A/C # 849;   Time 1700;    Height 13,500 ft.;    Place where attacked – Just before reaching IP.
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 came in from 6 o'clock. I started firing when he was about 800 – 900 yards away. He kept coming in to about 600 yards. He flopped over on his back. I saw his undercarriage come off and he peeled off and went down trailing a thick cloud of smoke. He was one of a formation of four; the others peeled off and left.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Sgt T. Marcial - Tail Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt J.W. Vanderlaan - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – Good Claim.
• A/C # 851;   Time 1710;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – over target.
  Story of the attack – An FW came in at 2 o'clock. I started firing when he was 1200 yards away. The FW caught fire at 1000 yards and blew up at 100 yards. Parts of the ship flew under and past our plane.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt K.L. Huls - Ball Turret Gunner
  Corroborated by – T/Sgt. J.S. Cebulak - Right Waist Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – None.
  Comments of the interrogator – Very Certain.
• A/C # 851;   Time 1711;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – Over target.
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 with a light grayish nose dove at 4:30. I fired at 1000yards. He blew up at 300 yards.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt, J.S. Cebulak - Right Waist Gunner
  Corroborated by – T/Sgt K.L. Huls - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – No.
  Comments of the interrogator – Seems very definite.
• A/C # 858;   Time 1715;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – at IP.
  Story of the attack –An FW [190] came in low from 5 o'clock. I started firing at 600 yards and [3 words unreadable] until E/A [enemy aircraft] came to 150 yards. He pulled over and slid off on his wing, flame and smoke coming from engine. His stabilizer came off. He started spinning and kept going down. I saw him hit the ground with a large puff of smoke.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Sgt C. Dixon - Ball Turret Gunner
  Corroborated by – Sgt E.E. Reese - Left Waist Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – Verified by Lt. R.J. Roessler - Navigator
• A/C # 858;   Time 1745;    Height 12,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – 50 mi out from coast.
  Story of the attack – The FW 190 came in low at 7 o'clock. I started firing at 1000 yards and gave him about 175 rounds. He came in to 400 yards, then his tail dropped in a stall and the engine burst into flame with black smoke and plenty of fire. It started a flat spin and went straight over on its nose and hit the water.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Sgt. E.E. Reese - Left Waist Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. C. Dixon - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – None.
  Comments of the interrogator – Verified by Lt Roessler -Navigator.
• A/C # 858;   Time 1750;    Height 12,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – 50 mi. out from coast on course.
  Story of the attack – Six FW 190s came in high at 6 o'clock and peeled off in trail. Our pilot skidded our tail and I started firing at 1500 yards. I fired continuously until the plane passed within 90 yards. He then burst in flame, peeled to the left and went into a spin. I followed it to 1000 feet over water and had other business.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt E.S. Killpack - Radio Operator
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt C. Dixon - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – None.
  Comments of the interrogator – _____
• A/C # 861;   Time 1715;    Height 23,900 ft.;    Place where attacked – Over target.
  Story of the attack – The FW 190 came in at 6 o'clock making a straight and level attack. I opened fire at approximately 500 yards, but the FW continued coming. I kept firing. At about 100 yards the plane started smoking profusely. He dropped down suddenly in flames. I lost sight of him. Then Ball Turret Gunner saw him bail out. He had a yellow parachute.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt Tim Touchin - Tail Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt Paul Hennesey - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – None.
  Comments of the interrogator – Claim exceptionally good. Ball Turret gunner very positive that pilot of this FW 190 bailed out – sincere plane was on fire.
• A/C # 872;   Time [unreadable];    Height [unreadable];    Place where attacked – Near [unreadable] Bay
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 with yellow nose and tail came in between 5 and 6 aiming for another ship. [sentence unreadable]. …and he fell and went straight down smoking badly. The Ball Turret Gunner saw him go [unreadable].
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. A.C. Chacon - Tail Gunner
  Corroborated by – [unreadable] - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – [unreadable]
  Comments of the interrogator – [unreadable]
• A/C # 872;   Time 1702;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – Near [unreadable].
  Story of the attack – He came in on us [ME 109] and I opened up at about 600 yards. He kept on coming but at 100 yards suddenly fell off and went down with smoke coming heavily from the engine. Our radio man and Left Waist Gunner saw him go down almost to the ground.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt. E. Atwood - Top Turret Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. R.F. Martin - Left Waist Gunner & S/Sgt. L.N. Shenk - Radio Operator
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – Good Claim.
• A/C # 872;   Time 17??;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – Near [unreadable] Bay.
  Story of the attack – Several E/A were coming in…. an ME 109 put his belly facing [unreadable] ship…. A perfect shot for me. He peeled off, his motor and whole wing on fire. He went out of sight.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt T.B. Dye - Right Waist Gunner
  Corroborated by – [unreadable]
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____.
• A/C # 882;   Time 1705;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – At the IP.
  Story of the attack – The attack came straight at our tail and at 100 yards burst into flame and went straight down. The whole plane was on fire.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. L.E. Adams - Tail Gunner
  Corroborated by – C.D. Cavanaugh - Radio Operator
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____
• A/C # 5812;   Time 1756;    Height 10,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – NW of Belle Island on return.
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 came in at 5 o'clock to about 600 yards. The Ball Turret gunner and I both fired. I saw him get hit in the engine and he immediately fell away smoking badly. The ball turret gunner followed him nearly down, and the way he was spinning he would not have pulled out.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt A. Fullin - Top Turret Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt K.W. Goresuch - Ball Turret Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – _____
  Comments of the interrogator – _____
  
• A/C # 9812;   Time 1715;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – Just after leaving target and out over water.
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 came in under tail at about 200 yards and I sent about 100 rounds into him. He burst into smoke and went down into water. He was seen to hit the water by Right Waist and Tail Gunner. Tail Gunner was out of ammunition.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. R.R. Nelson - Ball Turret Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. P.J. Posti - Right Waist Gunner & Sgt. J.J. Yarush - Tail Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – No.
  Comments of the interrogator – _____.
• A/C # 9812;   Time 1712;    Height 23,000 ft.;    Place where attacked – Just after leaving target and out over water.
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 came in at tail and dove under A/C [Aircraft] and up under the left side at about 150 yards. I shot about 100 rounds and he burst into smoke. Ball turret gunner and tail gunner followed him down and saw him crash on a small island. The tail gunner was out of ammunition.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. E.J. Smith - Left Waist Gunner
  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. R.R. Nelson - Ball Turret Gunner & Sgt. J.J. Yarush - Tail Gunner
  Other A/C firing at the same time – No.
  Comments of the interrogator – _____.

Target - Entrance to Sub. [Submarine] pens, St. Nasaire
1. Route followed. - 20 mi NW St. Briene - Ploermal - 47°30'N-02°42'W - 47°17'N-02°33'W - Target - Bourganeuf - Fromentine
2. Visibility at Target. - Perfect - No condensation trail reported.
3. No. of A/C over Target: 19
4. General Axis of attack. - 86° Magnetic
5. How long did formation fly straight and level before bombing? - 45 seconds
6. Turn after bombing. - 45° right turn
7. Position of Group in relation to other Groups: Middle Low Group, behind 381Gp. 381 & 91 Gp. actually preceded 351 at Target. 91 Gp. high, 351 low.
8. What evasive action was taken? S'ing turns 30°, and some up and down.
9. A short description of Flak en route. - At St. Briene, at 1650 hours, meager accurate anti aircraft fire at about 23,000 ft. At Ploermal, about 1700 hours, meager flak, accurate at about 23,000 ft. In the target area, at about 1715 hours, moderate but very accurate flak at about 23,000 ft. Two crews reported flak near Cresisic Point on the run out; one crew believed this fire came from a flak ship: it was meager but accurate at 23,500 ft. at about 1720 hours.
10. Any other comments, phenomena, etc. - None

1. following are the malfunctions as determined by interrogation after Mission of June 28, 1943.
 A/C 849 - Bombardier's gun has trigger bar malfunction. 2nd Lt. W.A. Winter.
 A/C 858 - Tail gun froze, fired hard. Reported by another crew member - unknown.
 A/C 861 - Right gun in upper turret had cracked link, failed to fire - S/Sgt R. Gelsleichter
 A/C 5812 - Both waist guns need feed adjustments. Right tail gun went out. - T/Sgt. R. Tyler, S/Sgt. A. Sowell, and S/Sgt. T. Touchin. [these 3 crewmen were on A/C 42-29861]
[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2. [Intelligence]

1. The following are the deficiencies and disabilities as determined by interrogation following the mission of June 26, 1943.
 A/C 863 - Transmitter on radio went out.
 A/C 272 - Leak in Top Turret makes hearing difficult.
 A/C 858 - Oxygen hit. Interphone went out (hit).
 A/C 5812 - Need better gloves.
 A/C 835 - Left Waist Gunner's gloves and shoes would not work in electric suit.
[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2. [Intelligence]

On the mission of 28 June 1943, the following items of hot news were reported:
1. Crew members of our A/C 861 flying at 7,000', on way back reported seeing A/C 817 with 2 engines on fire. 8 parachutes seen. A B-17 was also noted at 47°35'N-05°35'W at 1815 in a long sloping approach with no fighters attacking.

2. Crew members of our A/C 5812 while flying at 5000', reported seeing one B-17 on return course just off French coast with #3 engine burning, hit water and explode. Several boats were nearby. Likewise, another B-17 approximately 30 minutes away from coast on course, was seen to go into sea. 7 or 8 parachutes were seen, and boats were nearby.

3. Our A/C 872, while flying at 10,000', sighted one B-17 go down at 47°20'N-04°20'E at 1755 on return course. Two boats went out to meet it.

4. Crew members of our A/C 272, while flying at 3000', reported seeing one B-17 SW of Ouessant Island near Brest Peninsula, circling to make landing in water. No boats visible. One B-17 observed 25 minutes out of French coast on return course with #3 engine smoking, and 5 fighters attacking, hit water and explode. Many vessels about in the vicinity.

5. Our A/C 863, flying at 10,000', reported seeing one B-17 near mouth of Loire River, position 47°30'N-05°00'W at 1755 explode upon hitting river. 8 parachutes seen, and a sail boat was within reach. A/C 863 also observed A/C 847 near city of Guingamp, France, going down under control with #3 engine on fire, being attacked by E/AC [Enemy Aircraft].

[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2

1. Following are the casualties of Mission No.14 of 28 June 1943.
   1. Killed:
      S/Sgt. Saino J. McKeen, 31116512, Tail Gunner
   2. Wounded:
      
      T/Sgt. Edward S. Killpack, 32310520, Radio Operator
      S/Sgt. Robert J. Wall, 14063488, Waist Gunner
      S/Sgt. Robert Conley, 15116673, Top Turret Gunner
      S/Sgt. William J. Doubledee, 15315863, Top Turret Gunner
   3. Missing in Action:
      2nd Lt. William C. King, O-519842, Pilot
      2nd Lt. Lloyd J Gullickson, O-519838, Co-pilot
      2nd Lt. Sidney M. Lang, O-735441, Navigator
      2nd Lt. Russel E. Mcdonald, O-734368, Bombardier
      T/Sgt. Leroy E. Birkley, 35263388, Top Turret Gunner
      T/Sgt. Charles F. Armstrong, 31106661, Radio Operator
      S/Sgt. Jack F. Sanderson, 39453222, Waist Gunner
      S/Sgt. Ernest S. Taylor, 14082343, Tail Gunner
      Sgt. Bradley E. Learned, 17047210, Ball Turret Gunner
      Sgt. Reid Q. Merry, 17037697, Waist Gunner
      
      
      1st Lt. Robert W. Adams, O-659624, Pilot
      F/O George H. Gloudeman, T-174, Co-Pilot
      2nd Lt. Joseph P. Normile, O-794158, Navigator
      2nd Lt. Roy L. Sage, O-734509, Bombardier
      T/Sgt. Ermyle E. Young, 35353020, Radio Operator
      T/Sgt. Everett L. Brannen, 1039340, Waist Gunner
      S/Sgt. William W. Claggett, 37373064, Top Turret Gunner
      S/Sgt. Dragie J. Yareff, 35397379, Ball Turret Gunner
      S/Sgt. Donald F. Capper, 37211158, Tail Gunner
      S/Sgt. Joseph S. Wolfe, 18064440, Waist Gunner
      
      
      2nd Lt. Derward R. Copeland, O-663861, Pilot
      2nd Lt. Donald L. Parker, O-736236, Co-Pilot
      2nd Lt. Ralph S. Reback, O-794164, Navigator
      2nd Lt. Charles W. Shanley, O-732984, Bombardier
      T/Sgt. Vincent P. Klanka, 32492000, Radio Operator
      Sgt. Robert L. Wood, 35285916, Top Turret Gunner
      Sgt. Merwyn A. Ranum, 19003547, Ball Turret Gunner
      S/Sgt. Edward T. Tuminski, 11094532, Tail Gunner
      S/Sgt. John J. Costello, 13022182, Waist Gunner
      S/Sgt. Frank W. Hanan, 19006003, Waist Gunner
      
      
      1st Lt. John M. Moss, O-665325, Pilot
      2nd Lt. Leonard Bigelow, O-735512, Co-pilot
      2nd Lt. Aaron Lazerson, O-795272, Navigator
      2nd Lt. Jack R. Mason, O-732633, Bombardier
      T/Sgt. Joseph J. Beal, 35256930, Top Turret Gunner
      T/Sgt. Burt L. Almy, 35309610, Radio Operator
      S/Sgt. John A. Kennedy, 3243442, Ball Turret Gunner
      S/Sgt. Theodore E. Malish, 18031342, Waist Gunner
      S/Sgt. Emery K. Criswell, 38135305, Waist Gunner
      S/Sgt. Lonnie Owens, 35435210, Tail Gunner

1. There were no aircraft malfunctions.
2. No Aircraft failed to take-off as scheduled.
3. Abortives.
   1.   Airplane No. 42-29948, 510th Squadron, returned early due to supercharger failure on #4 engine. Investigation revealed that the supercharger regulator was malfunctioning.
4. Battle Damage.
   1. Airplane 42-29851, 508th Squadron, .30 caliber hole between #3 and #4 engine nacelle in wing of skin and gas tank. .30 caliber hole in right horizontal stabilizer, two .30 caliber holes in left horizontal stabilizer. Flak hole and two .30 caliber holes in left side near life raft door.
   2. Airplane No. 42-29882, 508th Squadron, .30 caliber hole in vertical stabilizer, dent in left horizontal stabilizer tip caused by Ammo cans being jettisoned, .30 caliber hole in fuselage near tail gunners escape hatch door, exploding shells from burning tail compartment made holes above the main door. .30 caliber hole in right horizontal stabilizer, .30 caliber hole in left and right wing, left and right main gas tank.
   3. Four large holes in tail gunners compartment caused by exploding shells, right elevator torn, .30 caliber hole in right horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer has .30 caliber hole near leading edge of vertical fin. Numbers one, two, and four propellers damaged by .30 caliber fire. Number four propeller damaged my .20 mm fire. .30 caliber hole in bottom of ship under right waist gunner's stand. Three .30 caliber holes below left waist gunners window.
   4. Airplane No. 42-29841, 509th Squadron, .20 mm hole in left flap damaging flap and flap actuating mechanism.
   5. Airplane No. 42-29863, 508th Squadron, Flak tear in leading edge of wing left side inboard panel, Flak holes in cylinders of #4 Engine. Leading Edge of left horizontal stabilizer dented by Ammo cans.
   6. Airplane No. 42-29863, 509th Squadron, Tear in leading of right wing between #3 and #4 Engine nacelle, hole in leading edge of wing two feet beyond the #4 Engine nacelle, hole in leading edge of left horizontal stabilizer all damage to this aircraft caused by exploded shell casings.
   7. Airplane No. 42-5812, 511th Squadron, .30 caliber hole in left horizontal stabilizer underside. .30 caliber hole damaging intercooler near #2 Engine. Hole in leading edge of right wing outboard panel. Dent in flap of right wing caused by .30 caliber bullet. Cowling on #2 Engine battered by flak. .30 caliber bullet went in glass receptacle damaging wing light on left wing.
   8. Airplane No. 42-29872, 511th Squadron, Flak hole in leading edge of left wing on the inboard panel. Numbers two and four propellers damaged by .30 caliber bullets. Flak hole in trailing edge of right wing. Right horizontal stabilizer damaged by two .30 caliber bullets through tip of stabilizer.
   9. Airplane No. 42-29849, 511th Squadron, Flak hole through stabilizer – right. Flak hole in left horizontal stabilizer elevator and one through stabilizer at the leading edge. .30 caliber hole in upper turret. Flak hole in leading edge of right wing two feet beyond the #4 Engine nacelle. Flak hole in #2 oil cooler. Flak hole in left wing tip three inches in size. Two .30 caliber hole in #1 Engine nacelle battering the baffle plate.

Additional battle damage information and description will be submitted when the remainder of aircraft return to this station.
[Signed:] John Finigan, Capt., Air Corps, Group Eng. Officer

Aircraft No.42-29948, Squadron - 510th , Pilot - Johnson, R.H., 1st Lt.
Time of Abortive - 1642, Location when Aborted - Ten miles north of Minard Point.
Reason - Supercharger out on #4 engine and unable to maintain 165 indicated with other three engines
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] R.H. Johnson, 1st Lt.

1. Total No. A/C in each Squadron and Letters of each:

   YB-40 [Heavily modified B-17 with more guns] from 101st Combat Wing A/C # 741 H

   Sqdn 508th A/C: 851 – J, 141 – A, 882 – L, 817 – D, 858 –G	(5)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 863 – Y, 841 – V, 756 – R, 861 – V, 9812 – U	(5)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 948 – B, 272 – M, 887 – K, 843 – D	(4)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 849 – U, 835 – N, 150 – Q, 5812 – O, 847 – T, 872 – W	(6)

2. Target: Primary - Z-540 (St. Nazaire, France) Secondary - None
   
3. Station call sign and Operational call sign respectively of each Squadron

   Squadron	508 Ops:	9GK		Squadron	510 Ops:	DO8
   	Sta:	Wild Cheer			Sta:	Worm Track
   Squadron	509 Ops	9GK		Squadron	511 Ops:	DO8
   	Sta:	Knitwell			Sta:	Shudder

4. Taxi Time – 1st A/C 1415;     Take-Off Time 1st A/C 1430;     E.T.D. Over Field 1452

5. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   1621	23,000 Ft	Start Point

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   1722	23,000 Ft	Fromentine

7. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   1905	5,000 Ft	Lizard Point

8. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return): 2037 Hours
9. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: E
10. Bomb load of Each A/C:
    Squadron: 508 2–2000 pound, Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
    Squadron: 509 2–2000 pound, Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
    Squadron: 510 2–2000 pound, Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
    Squadron: 511 2–2000 pound, Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
11. Fuel Load of each A/C: 1700 Gals
12. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:

    Squadron	A/C Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	851–J	1438	2127	509	863–Y	1430	2118
    	141–A	1439	*		841–V	1430½	2119
    	882–L	1442	2122		756–R	1431	**
    	817–D	1439½	Lost		9812–U	1433	***
    	858 G	1440	2114		861–X	1432½	2121
    YB-40	741–H	1444	2129
    510	948–B	1431½	1837	511	849–U	1434	2123
    	272–M	1441½	2125		835–N	1434½	2314
    	887–K	1441	Lost		150–Q	1435	****
    	843–D	1440½	Lost		5812–O	1435½	2124
    					847–T	1436	Lost
    					872 W	1437	2115

    *A/C 141-A Landed at Filton, **756-R Landed at Filton,
    ***A/C 9812-U Landed at another base in England.
    ****A/C 150-Q Landed at another base in England.
    A/C 741-H, YB-40, landed at its home base - Alconbury.
    Abortives - Johnson 948-B
    A/C Lost - King 817-D, Adams 847-T, Copeland 887-K, Moss 843-D
    Report Compiled By C.A. Blanchard, S/Sgt.

• A/C# 42-29843  –  TU-D  – Pilot - Lt. Moss  –  A/C's 7th Mission  –  MACR #15511

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

    Aircraft was last sighted as it fell out of formation just after leaving the target. The ship had been hit by flak and one engine was on fire. Eight parachutes were sighted from a friendly ship but it could not be determined wheather or not they were from this ship.

• Pilot - Lt. MOSS, JOHN M, S/N O-665325, from New Mexico, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Co-Pilot - Lt. BIGELOW, LEONARD, S/N O-735512, from New York, POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11). He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Radio Operator - T/Sgt. ALMY, BURT L, S/N 35309610, from Ohio, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Waist Gunner - S/Sgt. CRISWELL, EMERY K, S/N 38135305, from Texas, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. KENNEDY, JOHN A, S/N 32434442, National Archives records indicate he was held prisoner by GERMANY. National Archives records do not list him as Killed in Action. No other information available.

• Navigator - Aaron Lazerson, First Lieutenant, From: New York, Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Bombardier - Jack R. Mason, Second Lieutenant, From: Ohio, Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Top Turret Gunner - Joseph J. Beal, Technical Sergeant, From: Indiana, Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Waist Gunner - Theodore E. Malish, Staff Sergeant, Entered the Service From: Texas, Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Tail Gunner - Lonnie Owens, Staff Sergeant, Entered the Service From: Kentucky, Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal

A/C# 42-29817 –  YB-D  – Pilot – Lt. King  – A/C's 7th Mission  – MACR #15130

Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Aircraft No. 42-29817 of the 351st Bomb Group (H) [was] on a mission to St. Nazaire, France on 28 June, 1943. After leaving the target, the Group was attacked by enemy aircraft. Aircraft No. 42-29817 was hit , two (2) engines were set afire, and plane was seen going in a long sloping approach towards water at 47 degrees 35'N, 05 degrees 35'W. Eight (8) parachutes were seen. Airplane hit water and exploded. A sailboat, presumably a rescue boat, was seen within a mile of the parachutes. This is all that is known concerning missing aircraft.
Originally, all members of crew were reported as Missing In Action. Subsequently, howerer, official information was received that 2nd Lt. McDonald, T/Sgt Birkley, S/Sgt Sanderson, and S/Sgt Taylor were Prisoners of War. All other crew members are still reported as Missing In Action.

  The following information was obtained from The National Archives. http.//archives.gov

• B - MC DONALD RUSSEL E, O-734368 from Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• TT - BIRKLEY LEROY E, 35265388 from Kentucky, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• WG - SANDERSON JACK F, 39453222 from Washington, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• TG - TAYLOR EARNEST S, 14082343 From Florida, POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11). He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.

  The records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov

• Pilot - William C. King, Second Lieutenant, From: Utah Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing - Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Co-pilot - Lloyd J. Gullickson, Second Lieutenant, From: Wisconsin  Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing - Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Navigator - Sidney H. Lang, Second Lieutenant, From: Illinois Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Radio Operator - Charles F. Armstrong, Technical Sergeant, From: Connecticut Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Waist Gunner - Reid Q. Merry, Sergeant, From: Minnesota Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Ball Turret Gunner - Bradley E. Learned, Sergeant, From: Minnesota Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal

A/C# 42-29847  – YB-H  – "High Ball" – Pilot – Lt. Adams  – A/C's 4th Mission  – No MACR issued

Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  According to the 351st BG Operations Narrative Report the aircraft went down under control after leaving the target.
The 8th Air Force Historical Society web site reports that Enemy Aircraft knocked out #3 engine and the plane crashed a mile from Muzillac, France.

  Pilot: Bob Adams, Bombardier: Roy Sage, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner: Bill Claggett and Tail Gunner: Don Capper were captured and sent to POW camps.

Ball Turret Gunner: Dragie Yareff, Radio Operator: Ermyle Young, Waist Gunner: Everett Brannon and Waist Gunner: Joe Wolfe were Killed in Action.

Co-Pilot: George Gloudeman and Navigator: Joe Normile evaded capture and returned to England.

• Pilot - ADAMS, ROBERT W - From Alabama, POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11). He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Bombardier - SAGE, ROY L - From Washington, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Top Turret Gunner - CLAGGETT, WILLIAM W, From Missouri, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
• Tail Gunner - CAPPER, DONALD F, From Kansas, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15. He was Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov , Find A Grave http://www.findagrave.com and http://www.newspapers.com

• Joseph S. Wolfe, Staff Sergeant, From: Texas, Buried: Plot H Row 12 Grave 14 - Brittany American Cemetery, St. James, France
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Everett L. Brannen, Technical Sergeant, From: New York, Buried: Plot J Row 11 Grave 20 - Brittany American Cemetery, St. James, France
  Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal
• Dragie J. Yareff, Sergeant, From: Ohio, Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron, Summit County, Ohio
  
• Ermile E. Young, Technical Sergeant, From: Indiana, Buried: Roselawn Memorial Park, Terre Haute, Indiana
  

• S/Sgt McKeen, Waino J. Died on 28 Jun. 1943
  Buried: Finnish Cemetery, West Paris, Oxford County, Maine

 The Group flew another raid on the St. Nazaire submarine slips. Twenty planes took off, led by Major Milton and Captain Ball with Lt. Danby as navigator and Lt. Wallace as bombardier. The bombing was excellent. Several direct hits were scored on the Eastern lock gate which was the aiming point. The Group arrived in the target area at 1800 hours with the bomb run scheduled from north to south. At the start of the bomb run, the P-47 escorts turned back and were immediately replaced by about 100 ME 109s and FW 190s.

 At this time the leader of the second element of the high squadron decided to move his flight from the normal position of above and behind the lead element to below and behind. In doing so 42-29847, piloted by Lt. Adams, hit the prop wash of the lead squadron. The plane, completely out of control, was flipped out of the formation. By the time Lt. Adams had recovered control, the plane was about 1,000 feet below and behind the rest of the Group. Taking advantage of this, 10 fighters immediately attacked. Coming in from six o’clock low, they attacked in single file. The first burst hit the number three engine setting it on fire, with the flames extending beyond the tail. Just as Sgt. Yareff, the ball turret gunner, was describing the damage to the plane, the second fighter attacked. Its bursts hit squarely in the waist, killing Sgt. Yareff, Sgt. Young, the radio operator, and both waist gunners, Sgts. Brannen and Wolfe. The pilot, Lt. Adams, attempted to extinguish the fire, but was unable to do so and eventually rang the bail-out bell. The crew, with the exception of the dead gunners, jumped and watched ‘847 go into a flat spin and crash not too far from where they then landed. Lt. Adams and Lt. Sage, the bombardier, together with the top turret and tail gunners, Sgt. Claggett and Sgt. Capper, were quickly captured. However, the copilot, Lt. Gloudeman, and the navigator, Lt. Normile, were picked up by the French underground. They eventually arrived back in England via Spain about one month later.

 Extremely accurate flak at the target accounted for three more ships. 42-29817, piloted by Lt. King, went down over the target with all four engines on fire. Lt. Copeland in 42-29887 and Lt. Moss in 42-29843 fell out of the formation after the target.

 In addition 42-29858, piloted by Lt. Kern, took a direct hit on the ball turret, blowing it and the gunner, S/Sgt. McKeen, away.