351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   High Box			Lead Box			Low Box
   Stations   –	0455		Stations   –	0500		Stations   –	0505
   Start Engines –	0505		Start Engines –	0510		Start Engines –	0515
   Taxi     –	0515		Taxi     –	0520		Taxi     –	0525
   Take Off   –	0530		Take Off   –	0535		Take Off   –	0540
   Last Take Off –	____		Last Take Off –	____		Last Take Off –	___

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Augsburg [Germany] Airfactory Me.
   Secondary: Visual - Stuttgart PFF - Augsburg
   Last Resort: Any [Military objective in Germany.]
   
   
4. Loading:
   94th “C”: 500 GP 1/10 1/100  Low & High – M47 I.B.
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: 288 units - 1 min. before I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] for 12 min.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2600 gallons
   Remarks: ____
   
   

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

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	41 "A"	Hollriegelskreuth
   2nd	41 "B"	Hollriegelskreuth
   3rd	41 "C"	Hollriegelskreuth
   4th	40th	Augsburg
   5th	1st "A"	Lechfeld
   6th	94th "A"	Augsburg
   7th	1st "B"	Augsburg
   8th	94th "B"	Augsburg
   9th	1st "C"	Leipheim
   10th	94th "C"	Leipheim
   2nd Division	12 CBW’s	Leipheim
   3rd Division	7 CBW’s	Ebelsbach-Schweinfurt
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: Base Ref. Alt. – 18,000’, Div. Assy. – Spl. 7 to Felixstowe, 2 min. interval between CBW’s.
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     P-47	5124-0500E	Balance 1-1 Close
     P-51	5003-0702E	Balance 1-2 Front
     P-51	5003-0702E	Balance 1-3 Rear
     P-51	4738-1041E	Balance 1-5 Close
     P-51	4728-1100E	Balance 1-4 Close
     P-47	5003-0702E	Balance 1-6 Front
     P-47	5003-0702E	Balance 1-7 Rear

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead	13,000'	Kings Cliffe
   Low	12,000'	Kings Cliffe
   High	14,000	Kings Cliffe

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation - 4 – 3 ship elements.
    B. A/C # ____ Take picture of formation and also Bombing.
    C. A/C # ____ Return early (Camera Ships).
    Lead – F-711 X-926  Come back as soon as depart enemy coast.
    High – V-509 F-124  Pour the coals on.
    Low - A-702 C-843
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Flag Staff
    Visual Bombing -	____
    Authenticator –	Jitter Bug
    Recall -	Sweet Sally Smith
    Weather Code -	ITBVA (Golf club L.)
    Release "CHAFF" -	Tin Hat

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A	Woodcraft Charlie	RY [Red Yellow]
    351st B
    401st A	Woodcraft Able	Normal
    401st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Baker	RG
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance One
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1-10
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    Q - Splasher No. 7		S - Aachen
    1 - Felixstowe		L - Strasbourg
    2 - 5148-0351E		O - Frankfurt
    3 - 5003-0702E		W - Schweinfurt
    4 - 4850-0802E		I - Munchen
    _____		N - Saarbrucken
    _____		G - Stuttgart

    
    Remarks: Scouting Force #1 - Buckeye Red
      Scouting Force #2 - Buckeye Blue – weather at target 20 mins. early.
      Wing leader acknowledges on “B”.
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	YY	S	Y
    0800 – 1400	RY	L	N
    1400 – 2000	Y-YR	D	C

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All available.
    2. - Lead Y-108; High K-252; Low Z-046
    3. - Lead Z-696; High F-124; Low A-238
    4. - VHF monitor – K-139 Uttley.
    
    
16. Let-Down on ____, if overcast.
    351st A   Glatton Buncher 90° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B   High - 105° Low - 75° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    401st A   Cottesmore 360° Mag.
    401st B   High - 15° Low - 345° Mag.
    457th A   Kings Cliffe 45° Mag.
    457th B   High - 60° Low - 30° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields. WOODBRIDGE
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions: Spares turn back at Mid-Channel.
    VHF SILENCE.
    Camera ships come home in extra good time.
    Lead teams come to Bombardier’s room immediately after landing (Officers).
    Formation on landing:
    Lead & Low squadrons for landing.
    Lead, High, Low – land.
    

1. General Narrative. This group was scheduled to supply the thirty-nine (39) aircraft for the 94th “C” CBW formation on 19 July, 1944. Take-off was made at 0527-0602 hours, and three (3) aircraft were scheduled as flying spares.
    Assembly of the three thirteen (13) ship formations and of the CBW [Combat Wing] was made over Kings Cliffe without difficulty. The assembly altitude was 13,000’. The cloud tops were at 5,000 feet and the visibility was quite good. The route over England was flown as briefed and the Division Assembly line was reached on time.
    The formation proceeded to the target on course and with little variation as to time, flying ninth in the column instead of tenth because of the 40th CBW being behind schedule and thus behind its allotted position.
    No enemy action was encountered until approximately ten (10) minutes before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached. At that time, four (4) FW 190’s made attacks at the rear of the formation and two planes were lost. The other wings in the area were under attack at the same time and several aircraft were seen going down. Enemy fighters were in the area for about ten (10) minutes, but were driven away when the friendly escort arrived. Flak at the target was moderate to intense, but inaccurate.
    The position in the division formation was maintained until the IP was reached. The interval behind the 1st “C” CBW was about right until that time. At the IP, the wing ahead did not make the plotted turn. It could be seen that it was still under fighter attacks and was making an effort to turn or to take group interval for bombing. The decision was made to bomb ahead of this formation and the turn was made at the IP and interval for bombing taken.
    After bombing, the wing rally was accomplished without difficulty and the route out was uneventful until the enemy coast was reached. At that point, very accurate flak was encountered and battle damage and severe casualties resulted. It is significant to note that not a burst was seen on the route in, but accurate flak was awaiting the withdrawal. The return to base was made without incident. Landings were made at 1310-1352 hours.
    In general, the weather was quite good, and fighter support adequate, except for approximately ten (10) minutes prior to the IP. Target weather information was received prior to the IP and visual bombing was elected in plenty of time to take proper interval.
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Aircraft 42-31509, pilot Lt. Longa, returned from 51°56’N-01°31’E [Just off English coast at Felixstowe.], with a blown exhaust stack on the #2 engine (High Box).
    Two flying spares scheduled to fly with the Lead and Low boxes returned to base as planned. There were no other failures to attack.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. Aircraft 42-102949, pilot Lt. Konecheck, was lost to enemy fighter attacks near the IP when friendly fighter support was not present. Aircraft 42-107077, pilot Lt. Chapman, was attacked at the same time. It is reported that this aircraft was able to attack the target before going down . [Handwritten in] [A/C] 949 exploded. [A/C] 077 jett [jettisoned] bombs – both in IP area.
   
4. Combat Wing Air Commander: Major Paul L. Fishburne, flying in PFF aircraft 42-97651, led the 94th “C” CBW.
   
   Group Leaders. The High Group was led by Captain Sterling L. McCluskey, in aircraft 42-102955, and Lt. A.J. Zotollo, flying in aircraft 42-97381, led the Low Group.
   
5. PFF Aircraft: One (1) PFF aircraft flew with the 94th “C” CBW. It attacked the target. PFF aircraft 42-97649 and 42-97601 were dispatched to the 457th Group and 42-97687 and 42-97636, were employed by the 401st Group. Aircraft 42-97601 was lost to enemy fighters.
   

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0601 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0640hours at 13,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW at 0645 hours at 13,000 feet
   4. Began climb at 0718 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 0930 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 10/10ths. Tops 8,000 feet.
      2. Visibility UNL. [Unlimited] miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 180 degrees. 25 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. Radio and GEE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. Radio and GEE
   9. Joined task force at 0707 hours at SPLASHER #7.
   10. Departed English Coast at 0718 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 0749 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ____ hours.
       2. Coming back: ____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 300 degrees.
       2. 27 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: Pilotage and PFF
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP at 0950 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 345 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 24,500 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 0959½ hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: Pilotage – 2/10ths cumulus clouds, tops 10,000’.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: None
   16. Gee:
       1. (1) Coordinates of furtherest fix 51°39'N-04°19'E [Dinteloord, Netherlands]
       2. (2) Time 0754 hours.
   17. Comments: ____

Group: 351st
Target: A/D [Aerodrome] at Augsburg, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 24,000’
Direction of Attack: 345° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 310°
Wind Velocity: 23 K
Bombardier’s Narrative: Encountered violent prop wash on the bombing run. Bubbles could not be leveled and a false level had to be made. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used. The briefed Aiming Point was identified at the beginning of the run. A normal turn was made at the IP. Pattern was over the briefed A.P. [Aiming Point].

[Signed:] George M. Decker, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Group: 351st
Target: Augsburg, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 24,600’
Direction of Attack: 345° Magnetic Heading
Wind Direction: 310°
Wind Velocity: 23 K
Bombardier’s Narrative: Fighter attack at the I.P. Encountered interference by a friendly formation on the bombing run. C-1 Pilot used with good results. Aiming Point was picked up at the beginning of the run. Results were not observed. A normal turn was made at the I.P.

[Signed:] Allan D. Behrendt, Captain, Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Group: 351st
Target: A/D [Aerodrome] at Augsburg, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 23,200’
Direction of Attack: 330° Magnetic Heading
Wind Direction: 340°
Wind Velocity: 28 K
Bombardier’s Narrative: Dropped 1,000’ in altitude on bomb run and aimed at upper part of hangar instead of bottom. Gyro swayed from violent prop wash. A manual run was made. Briefed Aiming Point was used. Results were observed.

[Signed:] John J. Dunnigan, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Decker, George M.  Pilot - Major Fishburne, Paul L. Navigator - Captain Cleveland, Carleton A.
Aircraft B-17G   Y-651  Take-off - 0601 Landed - 1315
Objective - Augsburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed.
Initial Point - As briefed.
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ONE
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead Ship   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 10 x 500 LB. AN M43 G.P.’s & 1 Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 11   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:    Violent Prop Wash

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Pattern was Over
Mean Temp. Metro -4 Actual -3
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310°  Actual 310°  Velocity - Metro 23K  Actual 23K
Temp C. - Metro -29° C. Actual -27° C.

Bombardier - Captain Behrendt, Allan D.   Pilot - Captain McClusky, Sterling L. Navigator - 1st Lt. Gwyn, Billy V.
Aircraft # P-955  Take-off - 0526  Landed - 1322
Objective - Augsburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed.
Initial Point - As briefed.
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Attacking A/C in Group - 12    Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation - ONE
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - Lead Ship   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 100 LB. M47A1 I.B.’s [Incendiary Bombs]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 42    Released - 41
Fusing, Nose - Inst. [Instantaneous]    Tail - ___
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - No
Mean Temp. Metro -4 Actual -4
Winds - Altitude - 24,600 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310° Actual 310° Velocity - Metro 23K Actual 23K
Temp C. - Metro -__° C. Actual -__° C.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Dunnigan, John J.   Pilot - 1st Lt. Zotollo, Anthony J. Navigator - 1st Lt. Gootee, Norman L.
Aircraft # U-381  Take-off - 0528  Landed - 1346
Objective - A/D [Airdrome] at Augsburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed.
Initial Point - As briefed.
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Attacking A/C in Group - 12    Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation - ONE
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - Lead Ship   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 100 LB. M47A1 I.B.’s [Incendiary Bombs]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 42    Released - 42
Fusing, Nose - Inst. [Instantaneous]    Tail - ___
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:    Gyro swayed from violent prop wash

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Not Observed.
Mean Temp. Metro -4 Actual -4
Winds - Altitude - 23,200 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310° Actual 340° Velocity - Metro 23K Actual 28K
Temp C. - Metro -29° C. Actual -__° C.

1. The target for the three boxes of this group was the Fighter Aircraft Assembly factory of Messerschmitt at Augsburg, Germany. Photo cover was complete for all boxes although smoke obscured the bursts of the high box.
2. The pattern of the lead box fell to the left of the target area. There are two possible hits at the North end of the Flight hangar and white smoke indicates fire. The pattern is 2,112 feet by 1,584 feet with the center of the pattern 968 feet left of the MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
3. The pattern of the low box fell into the smoke of the lead box and some bursts are obscured. No damage can be seen. The bombs cover an approximate area that is 3,720 feet by 2,200 feet.
4. The bombs of the high box fell into smoke from the burning assembly building, and no bursts can be plotted. Several flashes seen through the smoke indicate that the bombs fell in the target area.

1. No leaflets were carried.
2. Bombing results for this Group were fair. The Lead Box, which carried GP [General Purpose] bombs, had a pattern which was compact but which was 1,000 feet to the left of the MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. There is one hit on the MPI with a fire resulting. Both the Low and High Boxes, which carried IB [Incendiary Bomb], are difficult to plot because of smoke from previous bombing.
3. About six FW-190’s made one pass at the High Box of this CBW in the vicinity of Memmingen A/F [Air Field] just before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] at 0940 hours. Two of our A/C were knocked out of formation by this attack; then the E/A [Enemy Aircraft] proceeded down past the Lead and Low Boxes. E/A were either silver or gray with orange wing tips. The six E/A circled above the High Box in the manner of friendly escort, then attacked from high out of the sun at 6 o’clock. Claims are 2-1-2 [Downed-Probable-Damaged].
4. Flak at the target was moderate to intense and accurate for both height and deflection. Continuous following fire control was used, and many six-burst salvoes were reported. There was moderate inaccurate flak at Gilze, Duren, and Aachen on the way in, and an intense barrage was observed out of range over Munich at the time of our bomb run. On the way back, flak was observed over Ulm and Stuttgart. At Kaiserslautern there was moderate flak which was good for altitude and fair for deflection. In the area of Turnhout and Brecht to the northwest of Antwerp there was moderate and very accurate tracking flak. Our formation flew to the right, but the bursts continued to track them for some distance.
5. Up to six degrees east there was 8/10ths cloud cover; from this point to the target there was small cumulus amounting to 2-3/10ths. Weather was clear but hazy at the target.
6. A body of water at 48°40’N-08°20’E [1.5 miles SW of Forbach, Germany] was protected by approximately 20 barrage balloons. Thirty to 35 balloons were observed at a bend in the river at 50°37’N-06°30’E [1.5 miles SE of Heimbach, Germany]. At 0906 hours, 15-30 barges were observed moving down the Rhine River at 48°50’N-08°02’E [Neuhaeusel, Germany]. At 1020 hours friendly fighters were seen strafing an A/F [Airfield] at 48°36’N-08°35’E [1 mile NW of Altensteig, Germany], and at least 8 E/A were left burning. There is a built-up area which appears to be on the order of an A/C [Aircraft] factory to the east of Kaiserslautern, at 50°28’N-07°48’E [Wirges, Germany]. At 50°35’N-06°25’E [1.5 miles east of Einruhr, Germany] a group of buildings resembling a NoBall site was observed.
7. A/C 651-Y, a PFF A/C, flew with the Lead Box of the three boxes put up by this Group to form the 94th CBW “C”. Since bombing was visual, PFF equipment was used only for navigation. Fighter support was good on the way in and out, but few friendly fighters were seen at the IP where this CBW was attacked by E/A. Two A/C of this Group, 077-D and 949-G, were hit by fighters at the IP and were seen to go down in flames. Two parachutes were observed from 077-D and none from 949-G.

1. Target: Assigned - Augsburg, Germany Bombed - Augsburg, Germany
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - Clear  B. En route - Clear
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - Seen (b) Enroute - Seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - None at our altitude
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Moderate to intense, accurate for both height and deflection - especially accurate for the Low Box. Continuous following fire control was used, starting shortly after the I.P. and continuing until after bombs away.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Gilze, 0815, 19,800’ - moderate, inaccurate.
 Duren, 0822, 20,000’ - meager, inaccurate.
 Aachen, 0824, 18,600’ - meager, height good, deflection poor.
 Munich, 0959, 24,000’ - Intense, observed out of range.
 Ulm, 1020, 20,000’ - meager, observed.
 Stuttgart, 1024, 20,000’ - Moderate, observed.
 Kaiserslautern, 1058, 20,000’ - Moderate, height good, deflection fair.
 Turnhout, - Brecht Area, 1158, 20,000’ - Moderate, very accurate continuous following. Our formation turned to the right to avoid this flak, but bursts followed them for a considerable distance.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? In target area.
8. Position of Group - Lead, Low and High – 94th “C” CBW
9. Group – Lead A/C over enemy terr. – 12, A/C damaged – 5, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0959½, 
  Time of bombs away – 0959½, Height – 25,000’, Axis of attack – 345° Mag. Bomb run – 6 min.
 Group – Low A/C over enemy terr. – 12, A/C damaged – 4, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0959½, 
  Time of bombs away – 0959½, Height – 23,400’, Axis of attack – 325° Mag. Bomb run – 6 min.
 Group – High A/C over enemy terr. – 10, A/C damaged – 3, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 1000, 
  Time of bombs away – 1000, Height – 25,600’, Axis of attack – 345° Mag. Bomb run – 6 min.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None

    508th Squadron
A/C 702-A: Navigator’s briefings are given in too fast a sequence. – F/O Gerhardt.

    509th Squadron
A/C 004-H: If we have to go through a good flak area, we should go through it down-wind. – Captain Downing.
A/C 711-F: Poor leading today; picked up a great deal of prop wash. – Lt. Whitaker.
A/C 696-Z: 12 ship formation is no protection on such a trip. – Lt. Johnston.
A/C 676-L: No more 12 ship formations to Germany. – Lt. Sutton.
  Two waist gunners needed on staggered waist; oxygen line will not reach from one side to other. – Sgt. Glendenning.

    510th Squadron
A/C 196-M: Route seemed unnecessarily long today. – Lt. Fischer.
A/C 252-K: Send 18 ship formations on trip like this. – Lt. Walker.
A/C 705-T: Formation hard to fly, gives too much prop wash, and is poor against fighters. – Lt. Ford.

    511th Squadron
A/C 238-A: On a mission like this, we should have two waist gunners. – Sgt. Nappe
  When we have a post-mission squadron meeting, we’d like to have it before we get to bed. – Sgt. Milanowski.
  For the last two missions, when we went out to armament to clean our guns, there were no rags to do it with. – Sgt Milanowski.
A/C 216-Y: Formation Leader led us directly over Stuttgart and Antwerp, and we flew right through a lot of flak; there was no excuse for this. – Lt. Bjoring.
A/C 524-D: 12 ship formations are too weak for such a trip to Germany. – Lt. Dingle.

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

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37557, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   2. Airplane No. 43-37727, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   3. Airplane No. 42-31509, 510th Squadron returned early because of a blown exhaust stack on #1 Cylinder of #2 Engine. (Reason: Mechanical).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-98004, 508th Squadron. Flak hole through right wing inner panel between #3 and #4 Engines. Skin, corrugation and feeder tank and control cable also damaged.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97687, 509th Squadron. Small flak hole in leading edge of left wing outer panel, skin, corrugation, and Tokyo tank vent line damaged. Small flak hole in leading edge of right wing between #3 and #4 Engine. Skin damage only. PFF aircraft, flew with 401st Bomb Group.
   3. Airplane No. 42-97926, 509th Squadron. Small flak hole through right elevator, fabric and former damaged. Small flak hole in right bomb bay door, skin damage only.
   4. Airplane No. 44-6077, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through left horizontal stabilizer. Skin and channel damaged. Flak hole in leading edge of left stabilizer, skin damage only. Small flak hole on left side of vertical fin, skin and stringer damaged. Two flak holes through right inner wing panel behind #3 Engine. Skin, corrugation and fuel tank damaged. Two small flak holes through left wing outer panel just beyond Tokyo tanks, skin and corrugation damaged. Flak hole in left wing just outside #1 Engine. Skin and stringer damaged.
   5. Airplane No. 43-37595, 509th Squadron. Eight inch flak tear in right side of vertical fin. Skin and channel damaged. Small flak hole in leading edge of left wing outer panel underside, skin, corrugation and Tokyo tank vent line damaged. Flak hole underside of right wing near #3 Engine, skin, corrugation and main spar, and induction pipe damaged.
   6. Airplane No. 42-97193, 509th Squadron. One flak hole through right wing, outboard panel. Two flak holes through left wing outboard panel. Flak hole through left elevator. Flak hole left side of #2 nacelle.
   7. Airplane No. 42-102955, 510th Squadron. Flak hole left stabilizer, near aileron connection, damaging channel and bulkhead. Flak tear underside of right stabilizer, skin damage only.
   8. Airplane No. 42-37705, 510th Squadron. 20 mm. hole underside of right wing, damaging #3 tank, skin and channel, also aileron and controls, trim tab and controls, pulley and cable and also Tokyo tank. 20mm. hole through vertical stabilizer, skin and stiffener damaged.
   9. Airplane No. 43-37515, 510th Squadron. Three 20 mm. holes underside of right wing, damaging inboard turbo duct, #2 supercharger lubricating tank, electrical and turbo wiring, spars, #3 and #4 tanks, vent lines, stiffeners and suppression members. Also Tokyo tanks. Flak skin hole right aileron. Flak hole through left inboard wing panel, skin and corrugation damaged. Flak skin damage to underside of left wing. Flak hole left bomb bay door, damaged skin, stiffener, and catwalk bulkhead. Flak skin hole underside of fuselage just rear of nose section. Flak hole through rudder. Flak burst damaged tail guns.
   10. Airplane No. 42-97651, 510th Squadron. Flak skin damage to right stabilizer and elevator. Flak hit #4 ring cowl. Flak damage to ball turret. Flak hole underside fuselage right of ball turret, damaging radar equipment. Flak hole through rudder. Numerous flak skin holes left side of fuselage waist window back to tail section. Two flak holes right side of tail section. Flak damaged chin turret. Flak hit #2 nacelle, damaging firewall and generator blast tube. Flak hit #2 propeller. Five flak holes underside left wing, damaging skin, corrugation, and bulkhead. Numerous flak holes underside right wing, damaging skin, corrugation and Tokyo tank. Flak hole through dorsal fin PFF.
   11. Airplane No. 42-97318, 511th Squadron. One 2” flak hole underside of right inboard wing panel, damaging skin, corrugation, and tank support brace.
   12. Airplane No. 42-107005, 511th Squadron. One flak hole underside left inboard wing panel, damaging skin and corrugation.
   13. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole through left stabilizer, skin damage only.
   14. Airplane No. 44-6139, 511th Squadron. Three inch flak hole underside right inboard wing panel, skin damage only.
   15. Airplane No. 42-97636, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole through right inboard wing panel, damaging skin, corrugation and Tokyo tank. Flak hit #3 nacelle and broke supercharger nozzle box housing. Small flak skin patch underside left inboard wing panel. PFF flew with 401st Bomb Group (H).
   16. Airplane No. 42-97649, 511th Bomb Squadron. Three inch flak tear in leading edge of left wing tip. Small flak skin hole in #2 nacelle. Small flak skin hole in #3 nacelle.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FIGHTER		BY FLAK & FIGHTER
   16		16		14		1		1

1. The following armament malfunctions were reported at the interrogation after the mission of this date:
   1. A/C 42-102955 – One bomb failed to release and was returned to base. The shackle trigger was found to be not fully in release. (Armament Personnel Failure)
   2. A/C 42-97216 – The elevation vickers unit in the ball turret failed in terminal. Replaced.

Aircraft No. N-727 Squadron - 508   Pilot - Van Sandt, J.L.
Time of Abortive - 0742  Location when Aborted - 51°52’N-03°03’E [Mid-Channel]
Reason For Abortive - Spare
Disposition of Bombs: B.B. [Brought back]
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 17,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: ____
[Signed] James L. Van Sandt



Aircraft No. 509 Squadron - 510th   Pilot - Longa, William
Time of Abortive - 0721  Location when Aborted - 51°56’N-01°31’E [Just off English Coast near Felixstowe.]
Reason For Abortive - Exhaust cowling blew out on #2 Engine. Burning out rear of cylinder and Engine.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought bombs back.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 17,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: None
[Signed] William Longa

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

   a. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Lead Box
   Sqdn 508th A/C: H–8004, D–8146, F–1711, (K–7557 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: W–6077, P–7193, O–7595, Y–6108, U–7216, Z–7696, X–7926, L–7676
   Sqdn 510th A/C: Y–7651
   Sqdn 511th A/C: [None]
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ___

   
   

   b. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Low Box
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–1702, C–7843, (N–7727 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 511th A/C: U–7381, H–2952, Q–7005, K–6139, Z–7046, D–7524, S–7318, B–7492, A–1238, Y–7216,

   
   

   C. 94th "C" Combat Wing   High Box
   Sqdn 508th A/C: G–2949, (B–7349 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: P–2955, C–2576, K–7252, B–6082, F–7124, M–7196, T–7705, L–7515, S–7512, D–7077, V–1509
   Sqdn 511th A/C: [None]

2. Target: GY-4752
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T UZX R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T MSP R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T LHO R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T SOF R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. High Box: Taxi – 0515; Take-Off – 0530; E.T.D. Field – 0530
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0718	16,000 Ft	Felixstowe

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0825	20,000 Ft	51°48'N-03°51'E [Ouddorp, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1217	20,000 Ft	51°48'N-03°51'E [Ouddorp, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1247	10,000 Ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1314 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: H
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500# GP 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500# GP 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail
    511 Squadron: [None]
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47 I.B's [Incendiary Bombs]
    509 Squadron: [None]
    510 Squadron: [None]
    511 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47 I.B's [Incendiary Bombs]
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47 I.B's [Incendiary Bombs]
    509 Squadron: [None]
    510 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47 I.B's [Incendiary Bombs]
    511 Squadron: [None]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2600 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: Fishburne, P.L. Rank: Major A/C: Y-7651  Sqdn. 510
    b. Low Box: Name: Zotollo, A.J. Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: U-7381 Sqdn. 511
    c. High Box: Name: McClusky, S.L. Rank: Capt. A/C: P-2955 Sqdn. 510
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. PFF A/C: J-7649 - 511 Sqdn., Z-7601 - 508 Sqdn., Dispatched to Glatton [457th Bomb Group]
      A-7687 - 509 Sqdn., L-7636 - 511 Sqdn., Dispatched to Deenethorpe [401st Bomb Group]

Report Compiled By Batinchok, Cpl.

• A/C# 42-107077   TU-D  "Shoo Shoo Baby"  Pilot: Lt. Chapman     A/C's 31st Mission   MACR # 7556

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Lee M. Miller, O-757395, was flying as Pilot of Aircraft 42-97349 which was in No. 6 Position, Low Squadron, High Box, on a mission to Augsburg, Germany on 19 July 1944. Lt Chapman was flying on my right in No. 5 Position and he was severely attacked by enemy fighters. Just before the IP, [Initial Point of Bomb Run] he lagged back and his plane exploded a few minutes later. Two parachutes were seen to come from his plane before it exploded.
  [Signed:] Lee M. Miller, 2nd Lt., Air Corps."
  
  The pilot, Lt. Chapman, wrote in a casualty questionnaire included in the MACR, "The last I saw of Co-Pilot was after we had been attacked and I had jumped down into the cat-walk to look after the Engineer who had been blown from the upper turret. Immediately after that I was blown out of the ship."
  
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Chapman, Richard G - Captured near Oberguenzburg, about 42 miles SW of Augsburg. POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Arther, William C. Jr. - KIA
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Page, Lewis A. Jr. - Captured near Unterthingau near Oberguenzburg, about 45 miles SW of Augsburg. POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Nose Gunner - S/Sgt Graham, Kenneth L. - Captured - POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Russell, Earl H. - Captured near Oberguenzburg, about 42 miles SW of Augsburg. POW at Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Binsfield, Albert E. - Captured near Unterthingau near Oberguenzburg, about 45 miles SW of Augsburg. POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt Hoff, Harry C. - KIA - Hit by enemy aircraft gunfire.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Laverty, James T. Jr. - KIA
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Kemp, Oscar D. - KIA
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Arther, William C. Jr. - Buried Plot G Row 11 Grave 23, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
  • Sgt Hoff, Harry C., Buried Plot E Row 5 Grave 16, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
  • Sgt Laverty, James T. Jr., Buried Plot K Row 18 Grave 25, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
  • Sgt Kemp, Oscar D., Buried Plot E Row 4 Grave 32, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-102949  YB-G  Pilot: Lt. Konecheck  A/C's 22nd Mission   MACR # 7557

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Lee M. Miller, O-757395, was flying as Pilot of Aircraft 42-97349 which was in No. 6 Position, Low Squadron, High Box, on a mission to Augsburg, Germany on 19 July 1944. Just before the IP, Lt Konecheck, flying in No. 4 Position, was attacked severely by enemy aircraft which set his wing afire immediately. He left the formation, peeling off to the left, and went straight down. His plane exploded at it descended. There were no parachutes seen.
  [Signed] Lee M. Miller 2nd Lt., Air Corps.
  
  In a Casualty Questionnaire filled out by the Nose Gunner, Kenneth W. Landstrom, he wrote: [I] "was blown out of ship - came to and pulled chute at about 18,000 ft. S/Sgt Wiles - Engineer was blown out at the same time - No knowledge as to the condition of rest of crew except my Navigator - Lt Di Franks whom I saw killed from machine gun and 20mm fire. When the ship was hit I climbed from my nose position past my Navigator whom was dead. S/Sgt Wiles - my engineer was lying beside the nose escape hatch when I climbed up to him. The next time I saw him was on the ground after we had been captured near the town of Gunzberg, Germany. I have no recollection of bailing out. We still had bomb on board (Incendiary) [when we were] attacked by FW 190's, scored hit on #2 fuel tanks, larger holes in left wing, fire streaming to tail of plane."
  [On rear of questionnaire the top turret gunner, S/Sgt Charles L. Wiles wrote] "Around 11:30 we were flying towards Augsburg, Germany - About 6 FW 190's attacked. FW 190's came in from 10 o'clock level. I called fighters and we opened fire. They were around 600 - 700 yards on our left, they came around to 7 o'clock low, we fired. Top turret and tail gunner were on interphone, were sure of one fighter destroyed, one damaged. They used their lazy slipping back and forth attack. #2 fuel tank had a large hole, [top] turret and interphone shot out. Seeing plane couldn't stay up and fires were starting in cabin I came out of turret, put on chute and as I was heading for escape hatch, pilot and copilot headed for bomb bay. Plane went into a dive, nose gunner leaped in hatch, we were tossed around, everything hitting us fires from oxygen tanks, the plane exploded and I was tossed out. I landed near Ginsburg. Road sign said 89 Kilometers from Munchen. I was captured by a German Soldier. Met Sgt Landstrom in town."

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Konecheck, Herbert C., KIA
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Levinsky, Barrett A., KIA
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt DiFranks, Joseph C., KIA
  • Nose Gunner - Sgt Landstrom, Kenneth W., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Wiles, Charles L., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Lostocco, Guerino P., KIA
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt Hersey, Philip W., KIA
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Ocamb, James C., KIA
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Hainert, Max S., KIA
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • 1st Lt Konecheck, Herbert C., Burial Belle Vernon Cemetery, North Belle Vernon, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Plot: Section 05 Lot 249 Grave 8
  • 2nd Lt Levinsky, Barrett A., Burial Plot C Row 13 Grave 56, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré Belgium, Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart
  • 2nd Lt DiFranks, Joseph C., No Burial records found
  • S/Sgt Lostocco, Guerino P., Burial Plot F Row 14 Grave 39, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
  • Sgt Hersey, Philip W., Burial Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth, Cumberland County, Maine, USA
  • S/Sgt Ocamb, James C., Burial Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas, Plot: Section I, site 88-H
  • S/Sgt Hainert, Max S., Burial Plot C Row 27 Grave 66 Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart.

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-97601  Z (PFF) "Gypsy Gal" Pilot: Lt. Cunefare   MACR # 7548

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  1. The following is a summary of facts and statements on Missing A/C 42-97601 on the mission 19th July 1944:
  
   a. A/C [Aircraft] was hit by enemy fighters just before the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] at approximately 0950 hours. No. 3 engine was smoking badly and A/C peeled off from the formation at approximately 47-50N and 10-20E. No parachutes were sighted.
  [Signed] Gerald H. Galligan, 1st Lt., A.C., Group Statistical Officer
  
  
  [The plane was a PFF aircraft and was loaned to the 457th Bomb Group to lead their group on the mission of 19th July 1944. The crew were members of the 457th Bomb Group. The Top Turret Gunner/Engineer, Navigator, Bombardier, Waist Gunner & Ball Turret Gunner all parachuted from the plane before it exploded.]