351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   C.O.’s Comment:
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   Lead Box
   Stations –	0735  0740
   Start Engines –	0745  0750
   Taxi -	0755  0800
   Take Off -	0810  0815
   Last Take Off -

   
   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Heinkel Factory N. of Berlin
   Secondary: Berlin center
   Last Resort: Any Mil. tar. in Ger. pos. ident. not dis. Fr. Fght’s, [Any military target in Germany, positively identified, that will not disrupt friendly fighters.]
   
   
4. Loading:
   High Box: M47 A-1’s
   Lead Box:
   Low Box:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading:
   Tokyos [Planes with extra wing fuel tanks]: 2700 gals.
   Non-Tokyos:
   Remarks:
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	Comp. Group	Comp. CBW
   Lead	351st
   Low	457th
   High	401st

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	40th	“He”[Heinkel] Factory
   2nd Guide Rt.	Composite Gp	"
   3rd	94th	"
   4th Guide Rt.	1st	"
   5th	41st	"
   6th
   7th
   8th
   2nd Division	3 CBW's	A/C works N of “B”[Berlin]	0500E @ 1120
   3rd Division	3 CBW's	Same	0500E @ 1112
   Marauders [B-26]
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   Remarks:
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Longitude]	[Time]
     1 Grp [Group] P-47’s	@ 0800E	@ 1151 46
     1 Grp P-51’s	@ 0940E	@ 1212 07
     1 Grp P-51’s	@ 1200E	@ 1243 38
     1 Grp P-38’s	@ 1220E	@ 1322 18
     1 Grp P-47’s	@ 0920E	@ 1351
     1 Grp P-47’s	@ 0800E	@ 1412 07
     2 Grp P-47’s	@ 0620E	@ 1431
     1 Grp P-47’s	@ 0720E	@ 1415
     8 Grps. P-47’s +
     2 Grps. P-51’s +
     2 Grps. P-38’s	on 2nd & 3rd Div.

     
     
     
9. Group Assembly is:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   351	6,000'	Deenethorpe
   401	7,500’	Deenethorpe
   457	4,500’	Deenethorpe

   
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions to Navigators, Bombardiers:
    Give out Chaff at 1320E, 1 unit each 3 secs. for 11 mins.
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Black Hole
    Visual Bombing -	Rip Saw
    Authenticator –	Drum Head
    Recall -	See Spec. Inst.
    Division Lead	_____

    
    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Tail Letters
    351st A	Woodcraft Red	RY [Red Yellow]	J
    351st B
    401st A	Woodcraft White	G	S
    401st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Blue	R	U
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.	Swordfish	RR [Red Red]	A L
    40th C.B.W.	Foxhole	YY [Yellow Yellow]	B G H
    41st C.B.W.	Cowboy	GG [Green Green]	C K P
    Composite C.B.W.	Smokestack

    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Denver	(1-1 to 1-8)
    R.A.F. Fighters	Garlic One
    Bombers	Goldsmith One-Three
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Tackline
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    Remarks:
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0700 – 1300	R-G	B	Q
    1300 – 1900	G-Y	C	D

    
    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except Carraway, PFF, Sengstock
    2. - Carraway, PFF, Sengstock @ 0915 until end.
    3. - (Blaisdell – Roper from 1145 AM on.
    4. - Air/Sea Rescue
       
       
16. Let-Down on Deenethorpe, if overcast.
    351st A 20° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    401st A 360°
    457th A 40° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields.
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    1. Land at Bungay.
    2. Remain on course to avoid flak. Deputy call if off 10 miles.
    3. [Control Points] 1. Louth 2. 0500E 3. 0800E 4. 1200E 5. 0920E
    4. Pt. “X” – Deenethorpe, “A” – Cottesmore, “B” – Spalding, “Z” – Louth
    5. Recalls will be given using phonetic Alphabet & Bomber code 2 letter Grp. (only authentic.)
    6. Seagreen, Copping, Ranger, Unclasp – New R/T calls.
    7. 1 B.D. will have relay ship in channel on Chan B.
    8. Rad. Ops. can decode weather messages for stupid pilots. Code word = TIBAV, Cupping Dog = Weather ship.
    9. Disregard times for FRV’s on Radio Flimsy – check Navigator’s.
    *Carraway & Deputies read F.O. [Field Order] carefully in regard to control pts. & strike message, etc.
    

1. General Narrative. Group assembly was accomplished nicely on Deenethorpe buncher as per flight plan. Wing assembly was poor due to the low group not taking advantage of clear space to circle buncher, but radio contact was good and the wing was assembled shortly leaving point “Z”. Division assembly was also somewhat disorganized because too many groups and wings were not in proper positions when leaving the coast at “Z”. However, we made landfall at the enemy coast in good order and made all control points very nearly on time.
    Our mickey [Radar] went out before the I.P.[Initial Point of Bomb Run], and I was unable to make radio contact with the deputy mickey, flying on our right wing. We gave the pre-arranged signal for the deputy to take over at the I.P., but received the signal that his equipment was also out, so we followed the wing ahead very closely in order to be able to use their markers. However, the bombardier took advantage of the broken cloud cover over the secondary target and synchronized on a marshalling yards surrounded by what appeared to be large warehouses. The run was short, but the bombardier thought it was very good. Results were not visible.
    After bombing, even though we went over the target as third wing, we were second wing, and withdrew in this position. Making control points very nearly on time.
    Weather was very good and though we had contrails in places, they were not persistent.
    Fighter cover was good, but no enemy aircraft were encountered. We encountered no flak until over Berlin, where it was very intense but largely inaccurate. Flak was encountered in two or three places during withdrawal, but this was not intense, and evasive action made it ineffective.
    Near the English Coast, there were four holes in the clouds and the high and low group asked permission to break up order to be able to take advantage of these holes for let-downs. The wing was dispersed there and we returned to base without incident.
   
2. A/C 42-38146, not dispatched, returned early when spent shell cases from other ships in the formation hit the front of the ship, breaking a large hole in the plexiglass nose section and cracking the pilot’s windshield.
    A/C 42-31721, dispatched, returned early because of fluctuating manifold pressure, low oil and low fuel pressure on the #1 Engine, according to the pilot’s report.
    A/C 42-30857, dispatched, returned early due to failure of the oxygen system at altitude. Investigation revealed a leak in the warning signal.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. One (1) aircraft, 42-39849, is missing. The cause of this loss is unknown.
   
4. Group Leader. Major John B. Carraway.
   
   

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0815 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0845 hours at 6,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 0900 hours at 6,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 0936 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1150 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 2/10ths. Tops 4,000 feet.
      2. Visibility U [Unlimited] miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 23 degrees. 29 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. Pilotage, DR [Dead Reckoning] and GEE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. Pilotage
   9. Joined task force at 0936 hours at Louth
   10. Departed English Coast at 0941 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1105 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous: All the Way.
       1. Going in: ___ hours.
       2. Coming back: ___ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 23 degrees.
       2. 29 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: Air plot.
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1255 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 211 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 25,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1308 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: VISUAL
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: NONE
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 53°36'N - 01°58.5'E [approx. 72 miles NNE of Norwich, England]
       2. Time 1010 hours.
   17. Comments: None

Group: 351st Gp. (Lead)
Target: Berlin, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 25,000’
Wind Direction: 010°
Wind Velocity: 97 MPH
Direction of Attack: 211° Mag. Heading
Bombardier’s Narrative: We bombed the city of Berlin on a magnetic heading of 210°. After turning on the I.P. we took advantage of a hole in the clouds and bombed a marshalling yard. The bombing run was twenty-five seconds and bombs were away at 1308. Due to 9/10 clouds, results were not observed. Indicated altitude was 25,000’. True altitude was 23,600’.

[Signed:] Charles F. Henry, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Charles F. Henry  Pilot - Lt. Green (482) [482nd Bomb Sq., 305th Bomb Gp.] Navigator - Capt. Schwartz
Aircraft B-17G 511  Take-off - 0815 Landed - 1630
Objective - Berlin, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] -Marshalling Yard
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 17   Composite Group -
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: P.F.F. Composite Group -
Range Sighting only, Group - 351    Composite Group -
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 4 x 500 lb. AN M-43, 2 Smoke Bombs
Number of Bombs Loaded - 6   Released - 6
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - No
Mean Temp. -18 Metro -47 Actual -41
Winds - Altitude - 25,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 10°  Actual 10°  Velocity - Metro 85K  Actual 85K
Temp C. - Metro -47° C. Actual -42° C.

1. The target was the secondary target in the city of Berlin. Photo coverage was very poor and clouds prevented definite identification of the target area.
2. Bombs away can be seen and there is a small break in the clouds at one point. This print cannot be identified, but it is a built up area and is mainly residential.

1. Leaflets were not carried, because no boxes were available.
2. Photo evidence is not available at this time.
3. No enemy fighters were encountered.
4. No flak was encountered or observed on the way in to the target. Flak at the target was intense and fairly accurate for height, but poor for deflection; it was possibly a predicted concentration. Meager, inaccurate flak was encountered on the way out at Stendal, Nienburg, and Vechta. There were also intense barrages observed at Hannover, four miles to the north of our formation, at Bremen, also some distance to the north, and at Amsterdam several miles to the south.
5. 9/10ths cloud conditions in the target area prevented visual bombing, but a break was reported at the center of the city.
6. No enemy installations, land or sea movements were observed.
7. Due to heavy clouds at the target, bombing was effected by aid of Pathfinders. Fighter support was reported to be excellent throughout, with some crews reporting it to be the best yet experienced. One of our A/C, V-849, has never been heard from. As far as we can ascertain it was never in our formation as no other of our A/C remember seeing it, and the tail gunner in the lead ship did not include it in his count. Ship 975-O reported hearing over the radio that a plane, presumably a B-17, was ditching at a position of 52° 38’ North, 04° 25’East. No further particulars were given about this ship. One B-17 from a group ahead on the right was seen to peel off about ten minutes before the IP, and appeared to be headed for Sweden. Three or four B-17’s were reported to be alone on the route back, but with fighter escort.

1. No enemy aircraft was encountered on today’s mission by this group; therefore no enemy tactics report is available.
[Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corp, Group S-2

1. Target: Assigned - Oranienburg, Germany Bombed - Berlin, Germany
2. Route as Flown. - Meldorf – Itzehoe – Putlitz – 4 miles east of Templin – center of Berlin – 2 miles NE of Stendal – Egmond [aan Zee].
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 9/10ths cloud  B. En route - 9/10ths cloud, breaking to 7/10 west of 09° east.
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - unseen (b) Enroute - unseen
 Any Condensation Trails? - Light, non-persistent above 24,500 ft.
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Intense, height fairly good, though many bursts were below our altitude; deflection poor, most of the bursts being behind our formation. Possibly a predicted concentration – several crews reported bursts appeared in a well-concentrated box.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Stendal – 1328, 18,000’ – meager, inaccurate.
 Hannover – 1400, 18,000’ – intense barrage observed 4 mi. S. of our formation.
 Nienburg – 1410, 18,000’ – meager, height good, deflection poor (behind our formation for the most part, though one ship rec. [received] slight flak damage here).
 Bremen – 1415, 18,000’ – moderate barrage observed north of our formation.
 Vechta – 1423, 18,000’ – three inaccurate bursts.
 Amsterdam – 17,000’ – barrage observed to the south.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? As briefed
8. Position of Group - Lead
9. Group – 351 A/C over enemy terr. – 16 A/C damaged – 2 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – ___ Time of bombs away – 1307½ Height – 25,100’ Axis of attack – 216° Mag. Bomb run – 25 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None

508th Squadron
A/C 955-K: Bombardier – Navigator alone in nose with enlisted gunner not adequate; nose gunner not checked out on guns. Navigator not familiar with bomb release and Pilot had to salvo. Also doors not able to be closed. – Lt. Roper.

509th Squadron
A/C 725-L: P-51’s were pretty reckless about heading in toward our formation. – All Gunners.
A/C 542-V: Too steep and too long turn at IP. – Lt. Keese.
A/C 848-C: Cookies more often. – Entire crew.
A/C 845-F: Glatton flew too high causing their high squadron to shuffle our low squadron. - Lt. Bartzocas.

510th Squadron
A/C 987-D: All 511th Guns dirty; second time this has happened. – All Crew Members.
A/C 975-O: Ship needs chute for chaff. – T/Sgt. Davis.
Ships in other Squadrons filling in before spares fill in. – Lt. Hopkins.
A/C 853-P: American chaff is alright; much better to handle than other. – Sgt. Taylor.
A/C 492-B: Tell 457 to stop arguing over VHF. – Lt. Knapp.
P-51’s still barreling into formation like E/A. – All Gunners.

[Signed] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Following is a summary of the Hot News as reported by crews at the Interrogation of today’s mission:
   Ship 975-O, 510th Squadron, reported hearing over the radio that a plane – presumably a B-17 – was said to be ditching at a position of 52° 38’ North, 04° 25’ East. This was heard over the radio and no further particulars were given.

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-38146, 508th Squadron returned early because of a large hole in the Plexiglass nose section and the Pilot’s windshield was cracked. This damage was due to spent shell casings from other ships in the formation, hitting the nose section and windshield and breaking them. [Handwritten in: Not Disp.]
   2. Airplane No. 42-31721, 510th Squadron returned early. The Pilot stated that fluctuating manifold pressure, low oil and fuel pressure on #1 Engine was the cause for his return. This aircraft was thoroughly checked on the ground and in the air at altitude but no defects could be found whatsoever. [Handwritten in: Disp.]
   3. Airplane No. 42-30857, 510th Squadron returned because the oxygen system went out at altitude. Investigation revealed a leak in the warning signal. Previous to this mission the Aircraft held 375 pounds of oxygen in the system for three days. [Hand- written in: Disp.]
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-37827, 508th Squadron. One small flak hole on top of right wing inner panel near trailing edge. Skin, corrugation and one stiffener damaged.
   2. Airplane No. 42-31955, 508th Squadron. Two very small flak holes in leading edge of right horizontal stabilizer. Skin damage only.
   3. Airplane No. 42-38146, 508th Squadron. Large hole in plexiglass nose section and Pilot’s windshield cracked by spent shell casings.

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FRIEND
   3		3		2		1

1. The following armament malfunctions and failures were reported upon completion of the Mission of 22 March, 1944:
   1. A/C 42-37845 – Azimuth amplidyne in the chin turret burned out.
   2. A/C 42-97492 – Bomb Bay doors froze open. Checked out OK on the ground.
   3. A/C 42-31955 – Bombardier did not attempt to use electrical release, and could not salvo. Pilot released bombs with emergency release. Doors would not close electrically. The Bombardier was a Navigator performing his first mission in the dual capacity. He used the wrong method in re-engaging the controls, breaking two drive shafts and all four splines. The racks, themselves, are alright.
   4. A/C 42-31975 – The four top stations had to be salvoed. However the ship checked out perfectly on the ground.
   5. A/C 42-39848 – Three bombs in the right bay had to be salvoed. The arming wires had become tangled with the A-2 release.
   6. A/C 42-3542 - It is reported that the doors would not open electrically, that the emergency release was used, and that doors would not close. Probably an improper method was used in re-engaging controls. Two safety pins broke off.
   7. A/C 42-31725 – Station 22 failed to release. The A-2 release was not fully engaged in the rack.
   8. A/C 42-37827 – Three bombs failed to release electrically, but were salvoed on the third attempt. A-2 release was not fully engaged.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has submitted a report of the expenditure of 3,530 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition on the Mission of 22 March, 1944. This figure does not include the 9,000 rounds on A/C 42-39849 which is reported missing.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 22 March, 1944.

1. Following interrogation the following deficiencies and disabilities were determined:
509th Bombardment Sq.
A/C 760 Shoe burned out. – Lt. Watson.

[Signed:] Ernest J. Cater, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Group Equipment Officer

Aircraft No. 0857 Squadron - 510th   Pilot - Borchert
Time of Abortive - 1150  Location when Aborted - German Coast
Reason - Oxygen System went out at 25,000’.
Disposition of Bombs: None
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 25,000’  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: [Handwritten in:] OK
[Signed] M.J. Borchert



Aircraft No. 1721 Squadron - 510th   Pilot - McClelland
Time of Abortive - 1145  Location when Aborted - 54°45’N-08°00’E [approx. 56 miles west of Flensburg, Germany]
Reason - #4 Eng. M.P.[Manifold Pressure] oscillated approx. 10-15 in. RPM oscillated approx.. 2-300 RPM on either side of 2300. Fuel pressure oscillated 3-4 lb. Oil temp. abnormally high. Oil press. dropped steadily below 60 lb. Ship fish-tailed. Engine was not feathered and worked OK below 15,000 ft.
Disposition of Bombs: Channel
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 22,500’  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Few flak bursts.
Remarks: [Handwritten in:] OK
[Signed] Clyde W. McClelland, 1st Lt., AC



Aircraft No. 8146 Squadron - 508th   Pilot - [Blaisdell]
Time of Abortive - 1040  Location when Aborted - 53°54’N-03°09’E [approx. 72 miles NE of Norwich, England]
Reason - Plexiglass nose broken out by spent shells from lead ship.
Disposition of Bombs: North Sea
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000’  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: [Handwritten in:] OK
[Signed] L.H. Blaisdell

1. Call Letter and Last Four numbers of A/C in each Squadron:

   a. 94th Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 7827–J, 1879–Q, 1711–F, 8146–D, 9849–V*
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 9760–M, 0499–Q, 3542–V, 9914–S, 1725–L, 7845–F*
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1721–S, 9853–P, 0857–J, 1560–A, 1975–O*
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 9848–C, 9987–D, 7492–B
   PFF 482nd BG, 305th Sqdn A/C: 3511–K, 0018–U

   
   
2. Target: GY-4799
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MLK R/T Seagreen		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T RXT R/T Ranger
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T NKF R/T Cupping		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T WSS R/T Unclasp
   Squadron	482 [Call Sign]	W/T WMM R/T Chopstick		Squadron	305 [Call Sign]	W/T RLZ R/T Mothball

4. "A" Lead Box: Taxi–0800; Take-Off –0815; E.T.D. Field–0815
   
5. >

   Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   0939	8,000 Ft	Splasher #4

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   1450	18,000 Ft	52°38'N-04°38'E [approx. 4 miles W of Alkmaar, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   1528	5,000 Ft	Lowestoft

8. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1602 Hours
9. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
10. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: 42 M-47A1 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    509 Squadron: 42 M-47A1 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    510 Squadron: 42 M-47A1 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    511 Squadron: 42 M-47A1 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    
    
11. Fuel Load of each A/C:
    A/C with TOKIO TANKS: 2500 Gallons A/C without TOKIO TANKS: 2110 Gallons
12. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: J.B. Carraway Rank: Major A/C: 3511-K  Sqdn. 482nd
    b. Low Box: Name: ___ Rank: ___ A/C: ___ Sqdn. ___
13. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
14. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
15. Lead Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	7827–J	0816	1641	509	9760–M	0817	1633
    	1879–Q	0816½	1630		0499–Q	0817½	1634
    	1711–F	FTO			3542–V	0818	1635
    	8146–D		1210		9914–S	0818½	1635½
    	9849–V	0818	MIA		1725–L	0819	1636½
    					7845–F	0820½	1615
    510	1721–S	0824	1409	511	9848–C	0824	1637
    	9853–P	0825	1632		9987–D	0826½	1639
    	0857–J	0826	1411		7492–B	0827	1631
    	1560–A	0827½	1629
    	1975–O	0823½	1640	PFF	3511–K	0815
    				PFF	0018–U	0815½

    Report Compiled By Leo A. Curley, T/Sgt.
    
    

 Orianenburg, Germany was briefed as a visual target, but because of heavy cloud cover Berlin was bombed instead. Sixteen planes. Led by Major Carraway with Captain Schwartz as navigator and Lt. Henry as bombardier in a Pathfinder ship, bombed through cloud on smoke markers. No enemy fighters were seen throughout the mission. The Berlin flak defenses threw up an intense barrage at the right altitude, but most of it was off for deflection.
 Lt. Slosson flying spare in 42-39849 was not seen to join the formation and did not return from the mission.

• A/C# 42-39849   YB-V  Pilot: Lt. Slosson     A/C's 23rd Mission   MACR # 3314

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

   The Missing Air Crew Report (MACR) #3314 has several documemts filed by crew members who stated that the plane was hit in the tail by a 100 lb. incendiary bomb at the target, which killed the tail gunner, Sgt. Warren M. Beahr, who was on his second mission. Another document completed by a crew member describes what he knew about the pilot, Lt. Wyman C. Slosson, "The pilot gave orders to bail out. The Bombardier could not get his excape hatch open. So he started out the bomb bay and his chute came open while still in plane. He told the pilot so Lt. Slosson said he would try and land the plane. #3 engine was on fire and the tail on fire also. In the meantime the bombardier got a spare chute that we had with us and told the Navigator to tell the pilot that he had a chute and was going to bail out. The Navigator didn't remember saying anything to the pilot before he bailed out. That is the story told me by the Bombardier and other crew members."
   Other documents show that the plane crashed 2 km. southeast Altlandsburg. Altlandsburg lies approx. 10 miles east of the center of Berlin.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - Lt. WYMAN C. SLOSSON, Missing in Action
  • Co-pilot - Lt. DAVID A. SMITHLINE, From New York, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Navigator - Lt. JOSEPH W. DAUGHERTY, From Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Bombardier - Lt. JAMES P. HIGGINS, From Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11), Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt JAMES R. GREEN, From Oklahoma, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt EDWARD T. DE MATTOS, From California, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt VERLYN G. BROWN, From Iowa, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt EMETTE HIGHLAND, From Kentucky, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt RONALD W. POWER, From California, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt WARREN M. BEAHR, Killed in Action
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Lt. WYMAN C. SLOSSON, From Minnesota, Date of Death March 22, 1944, Status - Missing in Action, Memorialized, Tablets of the Missing, Netherlands American Cemetery, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
  • Sgt WARREN M. BEAHR, From Virginia, Date of Death March 22, 1944, Buried - Plot B Row 28 Grave 7, Ardennes American Cemetery, Awards: Purple Heart

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge
  
  
   [Killed in Action - 1]
   [Missing in Action - 1]
   [Prisoner of War - 8