351st Bomb Group

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

   Lead Box
   Stations   –	0635
   Start Engines –	0645
   Taxi     –	0655
   Take Off   –	0710
   Last Take Off –	0813

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Ruhland [Germany] – Synthetic Oil Refinery (North of Dresden)
   Secondary: Chemnitz [Germany] – Trans. Works Plant
   Last Resort: Chemnitz [Germany] – Marshalling Yards
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: 10 x 500 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: All A/C commence release of chaff at 4 minutes before I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and continue for 15 minutes. Each A/C will carry 360 units.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 gallons - maximum.
   Remarks: ____
   
   
6. Wing Formation:

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

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	41st "A"	Brux - Synthetic Oil	0830 - Cromer
   2nd	41st "B"	Brux - Synthetic Oil	0832 - Cromer
   3rd	1st "A"	Brux - Synthetic Oil	0834 - Cromer
   4th	1st "B"	Brux - Synthetic Oil	0836 - Cromer
   5th	94th "A"	Ruhland - Synthetic Oil	0838 - Cromer
   6th	94th "B"	Ruhland - Synthetic Oil	0840 - Cromer
   7th	40th "A"	Ruhland - Synthetic Oil	0842 - Cromer
   8th	40th "B"	Ruhland - Synthetic Oil	0844 - Cromer
   2nd Division	12 CBW's	Osnabruck Marshalling Yard	Orfordness – 0930 hrs.
   3rd Division	10 CBW's	Magdeburg Synthetic Oil	Great Yarmouth – 0830 hrs.
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks:
    A. Interval between CBW’s – 2 minutes.
    B. Base Reference Altitude – 23,000 feet.
    C. Division Assembly Line: Cromer to 05°00’E.
    D. Zero hour – 0830 hrs.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]	[Support]
     P-51's	5356-1000	Balance 1-1	Close
     P-51's	5342-1030	Balance 1-2	Close
     P-51's	_______	Balance 1-3	Close
     P-51's	5248-1342	Balance 1-4	Close
     P-51's	_______	Balance 1-5	Close
     P-47's	5028-1100	Balance 1-6	Close

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   351st Lead	5,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   351st Low	4,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   351st High	6,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   457th Lead	5,000'	Glatton Buncher
   457th Low	4,000'	Glatton Buncher
   457th High	6,000'	Glatton Buncher

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation -
    B. Intervalometer settings – Visual-Salvo; PFF-75 feet.
    C. Oxygen discipline will be stressed!)
    D. Nav. & Radio Operators be sure to see that cameras are turned on – too many not functioning. Theys & Redman failed yesterday.
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	____
    Visual Bombing –	____
    Authenticator –	Dick Tracy
    Recall –	Jock and Mack
    Weather Code –	VIATB
    Release "CHAFF" –	____

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A Lead	Woodcraft Baker Lead	GY [Green Yellow]
    351st B	Woodcraft Baker Low	GG
    351st B	Woodcraft Baker High	RR
    401st A
    401st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Able Lead	RY
    457th B	Woodcraft Able Low	G
    457th B	Woodcraft Able High	R
    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 One - Six
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Cromer		O - Hamburg
    C.P. 2 - 5356-1000		W - Pritzwalk
    C.P. 3 - 5248-1342		N - Berlin
    C.P. 4 - 5028-1100		E - Dresden
    _____		R - Leipzig
    _____		S - Magdeburg
    _____		H - Hanover
    _____		I - Giesen
    _____		P - Meininger

    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	RR	I	S
    0800 – 1400	Y-YR	L	Z
    1400 – 2000	GG	J	Q

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except the following:
    2. - M-900; A-465; A-428
    3. - L-676; R-038; P-089
    4. - Available on all A/C
       
    
    
16. Let-Down on ____, if overcast.
    351st A   030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B   ___° Mag.
    401st A   ___° Mag.
    457th A   050° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - Langham - 52°56’N - 00°58’E
    3. Landing Aids.
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
      A. Camera A/C to Return - O-595, N-665, H-986
     B. Spares turn back at 3° East.
     D. Read attached teletype to all pilots. [Below]
      The following SAF TWX D69518 is quoted for your information and necessary action:
       Advise all pilots and crews of 21 Army Gp. Regulation that yellow and orange smoke flares, pers. indicators, and colored fluorescent panels will be used to indicate friendly troops in any area not, repeat, not only in forward areas as previously. These signals will not, repeat, not be used for any other purpose than to indicate friendly troops.

1. Date of Mission - 12 Sept., 1944.
   1. Targets Attacked: Lauta, Germany (Target of Opportunity) by the Lead Box. Plauen, Germany (Target of Opportunity) by the High Box. Accidental release by the Low Box.
   2. Force – 94th "B" Combat Wing. Thirty-eight aircraft, including two flying spares and two PFF ships, took off.
   3. Position – Briefed and flew as sixth combat wing in the First Division formation and second in the 94th Combat Wing.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Lead Group
      	CBW Air Commander:	Major Paul L. Fishburne
      	Pilot:	Captain Eli S. Fowler
      	Navigator:	Captain Carleton A. Cleveland
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. John W. Heck

      
      

      	High Group
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. James M. Gibbons
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. John I. Belmeyer
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. David H. Rucker
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Edward W. Craig

      
      

      	Low Group
      	Group Leader:	Captain Clifford T. Pryor
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Duane S. Anderson
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt. John P. Curley
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. John J. Schadegg

2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly was carried out without difficulty at the Kings Cliffe buncher at 5,000 feet, the briefed altitude.
   2.  Route Over England – The assembly area was departed 1½ minutes early. The remainder of the route over England was flown on course and on time.
   3.  Division Assembly – The Division Assembly Line was flown as briefed. Departure from the coast was made in the proper Division position (sixth) from the briefed point, at the briefed altitude (5,000 feet) and one (1) minute late (0841).
   4.  Flight to Target – Some difficulty was encountered in flying the briefed course to the enemy coast as the preceding wing had a very low air speed. It was thus necessary to diverge somewhat from the briefed route in order to stay behind this formation (94th “A” CBW). Before reaching the enemy coast a large divergency [sic] to the left of course had to be made in order to keep from over-running the preceding combat wing. The briefed point on the enemy coast was reached, however, the 94th “B” CBW being two (2) minutes late and at the proper altitude. The briefed point was followed until, at a point northwest of Berlin, the 94th “B” CBW was forced to fly to the right of course, once again to stay behind the 94th “A” CBW. In doing this, however, the briefed route was not being followed and the 94th “B” CBW was heading for the flak defenses of Berlin. At that time the 40th “A” CBW passed both the 94th CBW’s and the 94th “B” CBW passed the 94th “A”CBW. The positions after that are believed to have been 40th “A” CBW, 94th “A” CBW, 94th “B” CBW, and 40th “B” CBW. In order to get behind the 94th “A” CBW and also to change the heading away from Berlin, a dog leg to the left was started. While this maneuver was being carried out, another combat wing, believed to be the 40th “A” CBW turned to its left and passed through the Low Group of the 94th “B” CBW, evidently to keep away from the Berlin flak. During the ensuing mix-up between the two formations, the enemy aircraft attacks started on the scattered formations. The 94th “B” CBW lost one aircraft from the High Box and five from the Low Box at this point (Northeast of Berlin). The 94th “B” CBW followed the briefed route to the right in flying the remainder of the route to the target. It was then leading as far as is known, the four (4) CBW’s previously mentioned. As the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached, the 94th “A” CBW appeared on the right, cutting out the 94th “B” CBW on the route to the target, and made no indication that it would permit the 94th “B” CBW to attack first as long as it (the 94th “A” CBW) was scheduled to attack first. At this point (slightly southeast of the briefed IP) the 94th “B” CBW made a 360° turn to the left in order to permit the 94th “A” CBW to go ahead and bomb first. By the time the 360° turn was completed, only the Lead Box of the 94th “A” CBW had bombed, and the High and Low Boxes were approaching the target area. The Lead Box of the 94th “B” CBW then attacked the target. It was followed by the Low Box of the 94th “B” CBW which was forced to the left by the Low Box of the 94th “A” CBW. In the turn to the left, the deputy of the Low Box, seeing what he thought was the signal to bomb (sun flashing on the aldis lamp) dropped his bombs. The rest of the formation dropped on him and the lead ship of the Low Box also dropped its bombs when it found out what had happened.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – LEAD BOX – The primary target could not be identified, and so the Lauta Aluminum works of the Vereinigte Aluminum Werke A.G. was bombed as a Target of Opportunity. No trouble was encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with no malfunctions. No difficulty was encountered in picking up an Aiming Point.
       LOW BOX – Fighters had hit the Low Box and left it with only six aircraft. The Lead Bombardier of the Low Box was making a 360° turn to make another run on the target when the Deputy Leader dropped his bombs and the remaining ships dropped on him. The leader, after being told that the Group had dropped all its bombs on the deputy, released his bombs. The deputy had dropped his bombs when he saw a reflection from the Aldis Lamp in the lead ship.
       HIGH BOX – The High Box attempted to follow the Low Box on the bomb run but encountered the same difficulty that the Low Box had found and so made a second 360° turn. Another group then cut ahead of it on the run and the High Box essed in order to get behind it. Because of this difficulty the target could not be attacked. The Low Box informed the High Box over VHF that it had bombed. VHF conversation between the CBW Air Commander and the High Box Leader resulted in the High Box attacking a Target of Opportunity. It had little time to make a good selection due to the fact that the gasoline was getting low. The C-1 Pilot was used with no malfunctions. An Aiming Point at the Target of Opportunity was picked up three hundred seconds before bombs away. The target was the town of Plauen, Germany.
   6.  Flight From Target – The withdrawal was not made in combat wing formation. Due to the disorder in the target area, the three groups of the 94th “B” CBW withdrew with the groups of the 94th “A” CBW. However, the groups could not make visual contact with each other in spite of their attempts. The briefed route was closely followed on the withdrawal, and departure was made from the Belgian coast at the briefed point one minute early (Lead Group). The altitude at the departure point was 3,000 feet below the briefed altitude. A normal let-down procedure was followed and the return to base was made without further incident. The English coast was crossed to the right of course at 5,000 feet and on time (Lead Group). The High Group made its withdrawal between two other combat wings and later joined another group in the rest of the flight to England.
   7.  Fighter Support – Good.
   8.  Comments – Flak at the target was meager to moderate, and inaccurate for both height and deflection. Weather in the target area was 4 to 5/10ths clouds, with visibility air to ground restricted by haze. Seven aircraft were lost, six due to fighter attacks and one to unknown causes. Aircraft 43-38123, pilot Lt. Hennegan (High Box) was last seen in a flat spin with the #3 engine on fire. It exploded at 1126 hours 20 miles NE of Berlin and no chutes were observed. Aircraft 43-38089, pilot Lt. Adams, 42-97318, pilot Lt. Lopert, and 43-37986, pilot Lt. Schoenian, were all attacked by enemy aircraft about 10 minutes ENE of Berlin and exploded. No chutes were seen to emerge from any of these aircraft. Aircraft 44-8100, pilot Lt. Schmollinger, was attacked by enemy aircraft about ten minutes ENE of Berlin and exploded. No chutes were seen. Aircraft 43-37850, pilot Lt. Brown, went down spinning and on fire about 20 miles NE of Berlin. One chute was seen. Aircraft 44-6139, pilot Lt. Hadley, had one engine out and another partially out. The pilot reported at 1355 hours that he was going to try to land in France. At the time this aircraft left the formation it was 70 mile west of Koblenz. The six aircraft were in the Low Box. The attack was made by 35-50 enemy aircraft in one pass. The Scouting Force was of no assistance because it was heard to call that it abandoning the mission. This call was received while the formation was still some distance from the target area.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – Aircraft 42-39914, pilot Lt. Tebbel, returned early because of a gas leak in the right wing panel. Aircraft 43-38070, pilot Lt. Fultz, returned from the vicinity of Kiel with the report that there was a leak in the right waist oxygen charging line. The aircraft flying in the High Box as a flying spare returned as planned. Six of the seven aircraft lost did not attack the target.

1. The Primary Target could not be identified so the Lauta Aluminum Works of the Vereinigte Aluminum Werke A.G. was bombed as a Target of Opportunity.
2. No trouble was encountered on the bombing run.
3. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
4. No trouble was had in picking an Aiming Point.
5. Bombing results were good.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Heck, John W.  Pilot - Captain Fowler, E.S. & Major Fishburne, P.L. Navigator - Captain Cleveland, Carleton A.
Aircraft B-17G   L-065  Take-off - 0705 Landed - 1605
Objective - Target of Opportunity – Lauta Aluminum Works of the Vereinigte Aluminum Werke A.G. about ten miles East of Ruhland, Germany.
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Power House
Initial Point - 51°15’N-14°26’E [4.5 miles North of Bautzen, Germany.]
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 A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 LB., AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  Good Synchronization

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -13 Actual -13
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 325°  Actual 335°  Velocity - Metro 27  Actual 18
Temp C. - Metro -40° C. Actual -35° C.
* "SALVO" Intervalometer setting for Group.

1. The High Box tried to make three (3) runs on the Primary, but each time was cut off by a friendly formation. After being forced off the Primary, the High Box bombed the town of Plauen, Germany as a Target of Opportunity.
2. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
3. An Aiming Point at the Target of Opportunity was picked up three hundred seconds before “Bombs Away”.
4. Impacts were seen in the outskirts of the town.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Craig, Edward W.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Gibbons, James M. Navigator - 1st Lt. Rucker, David H.
Aircraft B-17G   Q-116  Take-off - 0707 Landed - 1540
Objective - Plauen, Germany (Target of Opportunity)
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - South West part of town.
Initial Point - None
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 9   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 LB., AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Outskirts of the town.
Mean Temp. Metro -13 Actual -13
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 325°  Actual 320°  Velocity - Metro 27  Actual 20
Temp C. - Metro -40° C. Actual -38° C.
* "SALVO" Intervalometer setting for Group.

1. Fighters hit the Low Box and left them with only six A/C. The Lead Bombardier of the Low Box was making a 360°turn to make another bomb run on the target when the Deputy Leader dropped his bombs and the remaining ships dropped on him. The Leader, after being told that the Group had dropped all their bombs on the Deputy, released his on the way home.
2. The Deputy dropped his bombs when he saw a reflection from the Aldis lamp in the Lead ship.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Schadegg, John J.  Pilot - Captain Pryor, Clifford T. Navigator - 2nd Lt. Curley, John P.
Aircraft B-17G   Q-080  Take-off - 0707 Landed - 1550
Objective - Accidental Release (See Bombardier’s Narrative).
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - None
Initial Point - As briefed.
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 7   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: None
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: None   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 LB., AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - None

Information at Release Point:  Group dropped on accidental release of Deputy

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -13 Actual -11
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 325°  Actual 290°  Velocity - Metro 27  Actual 22
Temp C. - Metro -__° C. Actual -__° C.
* "SALVO" Intervalometer setting for Group.

1. The Lead Box bombed as a Target of Opportunity the Lauta Aluminum Works of the Vereinigte Aluminum Werke A.G. This is the largest aluminum producing plant in Germany with an estimated production of 75,000 tons of aluminum per year. This is located approximately ten miles East of the Primary Target at Ruhland. The pattern of the Lead Box is obscured by clouds and smoke of previous bombing but evidence of fall into the target area can be seen.
2. The bombs of the Low Box were dropped on an accidental release and fell approximately three miles NW of the Lead Box.
3. The High Box bombed as a Target of Opportunity the city of Plauen, Germany. The bombs fell into the outskirts of the town and damage will be slight.

1. No leaflets were carried by this Group.
2. The Lead and Low Box bombed an unidentified target near Ruhland, Germany. The High Box bombed as a Target of Opportunity the outskirts of the city of Plauen; damage is slight.
3. Fighter tactics report submitted previously.
4. Flak at the target was meager to moderate, and inaccurate for both height and deflection. Some white flak was observed in this area. Scattered meager inaccurate flak was encountered along the route and especially East of Berlin.
5. Weather at the target was 4 to 5/10 clouds, with visibility air to ground restricted by haze.
6. Much shipping activity was seen on the Kaiser-Wilhelm canal and some shipping in Neustadt Bay. South of Koblenz seventy barges were seen. The M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Meiningen and Fulda were crowded with trains. At 50°28’N-09°10’E [3 miles SE of Schotten, Germany] a truck convoy loaded with tanks was observed moving south.
7. Two PFF A/C were employed by this Group as navigational aids only. Fighter support was good. Seven of our A/C are missing, six due to attacks by enemy A/C and one to unknown causes. A/C 123-V was last seen in a flat spin with No. 3 engine on fire. It exploded at 1126 hours 20 miles NE of Berlin and no chutes were observed. A/C 100-B was attacked by E/A about 10 minutes E.N.E. of Berlin and exploded. No chutes seen. A/C 089-P, 318-S, and 986-H were all attacked by E/A about 10 minutes E.N.E. of Berlin and exploded. No chutes were seen to emerge from any of these aircraft. A/C 850-G went down spinning and on fire about 20 miles NE of Berlin. One chute was seen. A/C 139-K had one engine out and another partially out. The pilot called our A/C F-674 at 1355 hours and said he was going to land in France. At the time this A/C left the formation it was 70 miles west of Koblenz. The Scouting Force was of no assistance because the Group Leader heard them calling to say they were abandoning the mission. This call was received while our formation was still some distance from the target area.

1. The target for the Lead and Low Box has been identified from photographs as being possible oil storage at 51°27’N-14°06’E [Lauta, Germany], approximately ten miles east of the briefed target.

    508th Squadron:
A/C 432-P Good formation en route and at target for Lead Box. – Lt. Van Sandt.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 674-F This was the second consecutive day that someone announced our altitude in the clear just before bombing. – F/O Ramsey.
A/C 964-M Navigation was perfect. According to my log we were never off course more than five miles. – Lt. McCarthy.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 862-G Lead very ragged. – Lt. Redman.
A/C 879-Q When we use a spare ship we would like to be able to preflight it before we take it off or not take off at all. We did not have any time to preflight the spare ship which we flew today. – Lt. Purcell.
A/C 665-N We waited an hour and five minutes for a truck, and we were first to land. – Lt. Lovett.
A/C 978-J Put more ammunition in spare ships; ours didn’t have enough. – S/Sgt. Wilmoth.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 571-X We were in good formation until the wing ahead flew a collision course into us after taking evasive action from flak. Our formation was broken up and we were duck soup for the fighters who attacked immediately. – F/O Zimmerman.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   2. Airplane No. 42-39914, 509th Squadron returned early because of a gas leak in the right wing panel. Investigation revealed, leakage was caused by the fact that the tubing connecting #4 and #5 Tokyo tank became loose. The tubing had slipped out of the #5 Tokyo tank completely. (Reason: Mechanical Abortive)
   3. Airplane No. 43-38070, 511th Squadron returned early. The Pilot stated that there was a leak in the right waist oxygen charging line. Oxygen system was serviced to 400 PSI and no leak whatsoever could be found. D-2 bottle was filled from charging line and operational was normal. (Reason: Personnel Abortive).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31879, 508th Squadron. Flak hole in top of right inboard wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and #3 main fuel tank. (MAJOR).
   2. Airplane No. 43-37978, 508th Squadron. Two flak holes through right outer wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and internal damage undetermined. Flak hole entering right tail section damaging skin, corrugation, cover for tail wheel and splintering waist gunner’s belt for machine gun. Flak skin hole in left side of fuselage aft of LH stabilizer. (MAJOR).
   3. Airplane No. 43-37571, 511th Squadron. 20 mm. hole went in top of left inner wing panel at wing junction, into bomb-bay and then forward to pilot’s compartment damaging three diagonal compression spars, electrical wiring, skin, corrugation and fuel line. Also, in wing electrical conduit, fuel tank drain and possible other damage. 20 mm. hole through LH stabilizer and elevator damaging skin, corrugation, formers and spars. Numerous pin point holes in both sides of tail section resulting from explosion of 20 mm. shell through LH stabilizer and elevator causing skin damage. (MAJOR).
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FIGHTER
   3		3		2		1

Aircraft No. 42-97258 Squadron - 508  Pilot - Lt Lenze
Time of Abortive - 0908  Location when Aborted - 53°28’N-03°E [Mid-Channel]
Reason For Abortive - Flying Spare
Disposition of Bombs: BB [Brought Back]
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 10,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Scheduled as Flying Spare
[Signed] Thomas B. Lenze


Aircraft No. 070 Squadron -   Pilot - Lt Fultz
Time of Abortive - 1045  Location when Aborted - 54°05’N-09°40’E [At Hohenwestedt, Germany]
Reason For Abortive - Oxygen leak in right waist charging line 1.
Disposition of Bombs: Return
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 22,500’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Too far from target to have enough O2 to go on. Would have had to come back on deck.
[Signed] Irvin R. Fultz


Aircraft No. 42-39914 Squadron - 509  Pilot - Lt Tebbel
Time of Abortive - 0855  Location when Aborted - 53°03’N-01°38’E [Off English Coast at Cromer]
Reason For Abortive - Loss of large quantity of gas from right inboard Tokyo’s or #4 outboard tank.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought them back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 6,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: #4 tank indicator showed way short, transferred gas from other tanks to #4.
[Signed] James E. Tebbel

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

   a. 94th "B" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: M–7900, (K–8130 Flying Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: X–7926, M–7964, F–7674, N–7169, L–7676, S–9914, P–8432, 0–7595, T–1384
   Sqdn 510th A/C: Y–7651 (PFF)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: L–8045 (PFF)
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: _____

   
   

   b. 94th "B" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: F–1711, (P–7258 Flying Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: Q–8116
   Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, B–6082, Y–8123, M–7196, C–2576, R–8038, G–7862, N–7665, H–8280
   Sqdn 511th A/C: G–8070

   
   

   c. 94th "B" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: G–7850
   Sqdn 509th A/C:
   Sqdn 510th A/C:
   Sqdn 511th A/C: Q–8080, U–7381, A–8428, D–7524, K–6139, X–7571, R–1714, P–8089, B–8100, H–7986, S–7318

2. Target: GQ-1519
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T RKR R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T JXA R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T NOX R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T WGC R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0655; Take-Off – 0710; E.T.D. Field – At T/O [Take Off]
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0840	5,000 Ft	Cromer

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1022	20,000 Ft	54°24'N-08°43'E [Augustenkoog, Germany]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1446	15,000 Ft	Ostende, Belgium

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1514	5,000 Ft	Orfordness

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1546 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: All Squadrons: 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: Paul L. Fishbourne Rank: Major A/C: L-8045  Sqdn. 511
    b. High Box: Name: James M. Gibbons Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: Q-8116 Sqdn. 509
    c. Low Box: Name: Clifford T. Pryor Rank: Capt. A/C: Q-8080 Sqdn. 511
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By C.A. Blanchard, M/Sgt.

• A/C# 43-37986   DS-H  Pilot: Lt. Schoenian  A/C's 10th Mission   MACR # 8895

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Robert B. Danielson, 37484032, was flying as tail gunner on Aircraft No. 43-38428, which was in No. 3 position, high squadron, on a mission to Ruhland, Germany, 12 September 1944. Aircraft 43-37986 was flying on our left. About ten miles NE of Berlin we were attacked heavily from behind by enemy fighters and I saw the No. 3 engine of the ship on our left burst into flame. The plane nosed up and then fell into a spin. I saw no parachutes. I saw no more because fighters continued to attack the squadron and kept me busy."
  [Signed] Robert B. Danielson, Sergeant, Air Corps.
  
  Crew member questionnaires in the MACR state that Sgt. Lohneis and Sgt Anderson, "was dead or wounded, before or during second fighter attack. Aft of bulkhead #6 plane was completely raked by enemy fire."
  Another questionnaire probably written by one of the surviving crewmen pertaining to Sgt Cappadona, Sgt Lohneis, Sgt Anderson and Sgt Austin states, "I presume that he was still at his post and because of conflict of orders he was not ordered to bail out."
  A Crew member stated that he "Called Sgt Anderson on Intercom after second Fighter pass. No reply." This Crew member also stated he "Called Sgt Lohneis on Intercom after second fighter pass. No reply."
  The plane crashed near Protzel, 8 Km. NE of Strausberg, Germany

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Schoenian, Charles C., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Miller, Lovick C., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Munn, Robert D., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Watson, John M., 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 - Sgt Beavers, Robert F., 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 - Sgt Austin, Jesse J. Jr., Killed in Action
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Lohneis, Joseph C., Killed in Action
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Cappadona, Anthony R., Killed in Action
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Anderson, William W., Killed in Action
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Sgt Austin, Jesse J. Jr., Burial: Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina Plot: Section: 8 Lot: 370 Grave: 1
  • Sgt Lohneis, Joseph C., Burial: Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, Plot: SECTION O SITE 1017
  • Sgt Cappadona, Anthony R., Burial: Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, Plot: O, 1209
  • Sgt Anderson, William W., Buried: Plot D Row 3 Grave 48, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Purple Heart

• A/C# 43-38123   TU-V  "Baby Butch"  Pilot: Lt. Hennegan  A/C's 9th Mission   MACR # 8897

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  I, John H. Kensey, 0-765691, was flying as bombardier of Aircraft No. 42-102576 which was in No. 1 position of the low squadron, high box, on a mission to Ruhland Germany on 12 September 1944. Aircraft No. 43-38123 was flying high on our right in No. 2 position, high squadron, high box. We were attacked heavily by enemy aircraft ENE of Berlin before we reached the target. I noticed that the aircraft piloted by Lt. Hennegan had been hit, and what appeared to be the No. 3 engine was in flame. The aircraft slid to the right of the formation and went into a flat spin with the right wing burning. It gradually went out of sight, and I saw nothing more.
  [Signed] John H. Kensey, 2nd Lt., Air Corps.
  
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Hennegan, Edward J., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Avaritt, George H., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Culbert, Walter M., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Saur, Eugene C., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Waters, James C., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Strick, John H., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Bennett, Emmett F., 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.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Buschenfeldt, Karl W. Jr., Died of wounds in German Air Force Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Germany on 28 September 1944. Initially buried at Frankfurt/Main, Main Cemetery, location of grave: Section XXX, Row 35, No 15.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Carl, Clair I., Killed in Action
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Sgt Buschenfeldt, Karl W. Jr., Burial: Maplewood Cemetery, Stoughton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts
  • Sgt Carl, Clair I., Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Tower City, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

• A/C# 43-38089   DS-P  Pilot: Lt. Adams  A/C's 13th Mission   MACR # 8896

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Ercolle A. Maffey, 32555197, was flying as waist gunner of Aircraft No. 43-38080, in No. 1 position leading the low squadron, low box, during a mission to Ruhland, Germany, on 12 September 1944. The aircraft piloted by Lt. Adams was in No. 3 position, first element, low squadron, low box. I saw one FW attack and shoot across the wings of Lt. Adams plane. Both wings burst into flame, right up to the fuselage. The aircraft veered to the left and started down. Another FW attacked and the two fired until the plane exploded completely. About a minute after the explosion I saw a parachute open."
  [Signed] Ercole A. Maffey, Sgt, Air Corps, Gunner.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  I, Albert C. Ferguson, 35234460, was flying as waist gunner of Aircraft No. 42-31714, in the No. 2 position, low squadron, low box, during a mission to Ruhland, Germany, on 12 September 1944. The airplane piloted by Lt. Adams was in No. 3 position, low squadron, low box. Northeast of Berlin the squadron was attacked heavily by enemy fighters. I saw a large hole in the left wing of Lt. Adams' plane. I wobbled out of formation and went into a spin, flaming as it fell. It disappeared, and I had seen no parachutes.
  [Signed] Albert C. Ferguson, Sgt, Air Corps, Gunner.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  I, Myron C. Anderson, 37678540, was flying as tail gunner of Aircraft 43-37571, in No. 1 position of the low squadron, low box, during a mission to Ruhland, Germany, on 12 September 1944. The plane piloted by Lt. Adams was flying in No. 3 position of the same squadron. Before we reached the target I saw a dog fight between FW 190s and P51s. Then about twelve FWs came through the formation, beginning to fire at about 800 yards. It looked as if the No. 3 engine of Lt. Adams' plane was on fire. The plane went into a couple of tight spins, out of control. I lost sight of it then, without observing any parachutes. Myron C. Anderson, Sgt, Air Corps, Gunner.
  
  In a questionnaire in the MACR a crew member states that Waist Gunner, Anthony P. Salerno, was "Wounded and refused help from other crew members." He was "wounded during the fighter attack." And there was "No answer from him at time of "bail out" call - had case of the bends previously."
  
  The Top Turret Gunner, S/Sgt Hayes, reported that "Sgt. Anthony P. Salerno complained of the bends about five minutes before we were attacked by fighters (FW 190s). Thepilot asked him if he wanted to turn back, but Sgt. Anthony P. Salerno told the pilot (Lt. Claude P. Adams) to continue on the mission until Sgt. Anthony P. Salerno felt that he just couldn't make it - but then it was too late to turn back - but if we would have turned back to begin with, we probably would have ran head on into the on coming fighters - perhaps causing us to lose more lives. The reason I mention this is that I believe Sgt. Anthony P. Salerno deserves some possible medal on the fact that he stuck to his duty."
  
  The tail gunner reported, "I went from tail position to waist after receiving orders to bail out. Saw Salerno and ball turret operator sitting near open waist door. Yelled at them to bail out while hooking on my parachute. Salerno yelled back for me to go first. He appeared to be all right to me at the time. Later saw radio operator and ball turret operator who told me he was shot up pretty bad and was dead when they bailed out."
  
  Another member of the crew reported that he last Sgt. Salerno "lying on the catwalk in the waist of the plane. He was hit by the first wave of enemy fighters and fell to the floor of the waist. When the bail out order was given he was observed by three men, who escaped through the waist door, lying on the floor with wounds in his leg, chest, and head. He had no parachute on. He was still conscious and when offered assistance he said there wasn't time, and to go on and leave him there. Because the plane was seen to explode soon after bail out, and because Sgt. Salerno was in no condition to put on his parachute, I believe he perished in the plane."

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Adams, Claude P., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Holden, George R., POW at Stalag 2B Hammerstein (99 work camps in vicinity of Koslin & Stolp) West Prussia 53-17, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Nardone, Anthony J., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Kennedy, Carl M., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Hayes, Robert M., 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 Goldstein, Herbert O., 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.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Salerno, Anthony P., Killed in Action
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Belmonte, Charles P., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Siciliano, Gus Jr., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Sgt Salerno, Anthony P., Buried: Plot A Row 34 Grave 47, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium.
    Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart.

• A/C# 43-37850   YB-G  "Umbrigo"  Pilot: Lt. Brown  A/C's 25th Mission   MACR # 8894

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Robert A. Nelson, 0-555628, was flying as co-pilot of Aircraft No. 42-31714, in No. 2 position of the low squadron, low box, during a mission to Ruhland, Germany, on 12 September 1944. The plane piloted by Lt. Brown was in the No. 3 position, high squadron, low box. I noticed it first when it began to slide toward our plane. Flame was streaming from the cockpit back to the radio room. It rolled over on its back and then went into a spin, dropping out of my sight. I saw no explosion and no parachutes."
  [Signed] Robert A. Nelson, 2nd Lt., Air Corps.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  I, Dewey A. Paxon, 33268588, was flying as tail gunner of Aircraft No. 43-38080, in No. 1 position leading element of the low box, during a mission to Ruhland, Germany, on 12 September 1944. The aircraft piloted by Lt. Brown was in No. 3 position, high squadron, low box. I saw one FW come in firing to within about fifteen feet of the plane. About half the fuselage from the tail to the waist burst into flame. The plane went into a dive and I lost sight of it. I saw no explosion and no parachutes.
  [Signed] Dewey A. Paxon, Sgt, Air Corps, Gunner.
  
  A crew member wrote in a questionnaire filed in the MACR about Ball Turret Gunner, Sgt. Ralph J. De Domenico, "He was wounded. We had no way to reach him since the bomb bays were on fire. He called over interphone saying he had been hit."
  
  Another questionnaire completed by a crew member about Radio Operator Sgt Louis Katko reported that he did not bail out because he was "Wounded and no way to warn those in rear to bail out. He called over interphone just before it was shot out and said he was hit."
  
  A questionnaire about the Co-pilot, 2nd Lt Andrew C. Hess, reported that he, "bailed out just ahead of me. German interrogator told me he had been killed but refused to say how."

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Brown, James R., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Hess, Andrew C., Killed in Action
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Ornett, Ernest G., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Rasko, John, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Wester, Lawrence R., 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 - Sgt Katko, Louis, Killed in Action
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Cinq-Mars, Leon H., Killed in Action
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt De Domenico, Ralph J., Killed in Action
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Wilmut, William H., Killed in Action
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • 2nd Lt Hess, Andrew C., Buried: Plot A Row 42 Grave 16, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium.
    Awards: Purple Heart
  • Sgt Katko, Louis, Buried: Plot B Row 27 Grave 10, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium.
    Awards: Purple Heart
  • Sgt Cinq-Mars, Leon H., Buried: Plot B Row 21 Grave 7, Ardennes American Cemetery,Neupré, Belgium.
    Awards: Purple Heart
  • Sgt De Domenico, Ralph J., Buried: Plot A Row 19 Grave 8, Ardennes American Cemetery,Neupré, Belgium.
    Awards: Purple Heart
  • S/Sgt Wilmut, William H., Buried: Plot A Row 41 Grave 3, Ardennes American Cemetery,Neupré, Belgium.
    Awards: Purple Heart

• A/C# 42-97318   DS-S  "Dina Mite"  Pilot: Lt. Lopert  A/C's 47th Mission   MACR # 8898

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Robert B. Danielson, 37484032, was flying as tail gunner on Aircraft No. 43-38428, which was in No. 3 position, high squadron, low lead, on a mission to Ruhland, Germany, 12 September 1944. The plane piloted by Lt. Lopert was flying in the last element, low box. I saw his plane attacked heavily by fighters. It slid off to the left, losing altitude. Two parachutes opened. Right after that the plane exploded."
  [Signed] Robert B. Danielson, Sgt, Air Corps, Gunner
  
  A crew member reported on a casualty questionnaire that the navigator, 2nd Lt. Fred Dahl hit him on the back to tell me to get out due to no interphone. "Co-pilot and Engineer said he pulled chute while still in ship. Due to fact that he was thrown out with chute under his arm and that the ship was in a terrific dive plus the fact the bomb bays were open and also the ship was on fire I think his chute was fouled out. On this day I did and some others did see two chutes going down just streaming holding no air what so ever. Also a couple chutes were on fire. The approximate place of our landing was a mile from an airport I think east of southeast of Berlin. It took about an hour to motor in a truck from said airfield to Herman Goering's Luftwaffe Hospital somewhere in Berlin."
  
  A crew member reported on a casualty questionnaire that the Co-pilot, 2nd Lt Darwin Nichols, was seen by him on the ground. The pilot told this crew member, "The last I ever heard he [Darwin Nichols] jumped off a slow moving train climbing a hill near Frankfurt on the Maine [Main] enroute to Dulag Luft [The POW interrogation center]."

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Lopert, Robert C., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Nichols, Darwin R., According to his great niece, Sue McCracken, he was captured and then escaped from a transport train, recaptured, and sent to a Gestapo prison at Giessen [about 30 miles north of Frankfurt] for about 7 months. He was killed when he was shot and dumped in the Lahn River on 27 March 1945, just one day before the American Army rolled into Giessen and freed the prisoners.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Dahl, Fred R. Jr., Killed In Action
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Surges, Charles L., POW In Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Goodman, Lawrence F., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Dreyer, Alton 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.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Sandlin, Albert M., 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.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Coe, Jesse, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Pomeranz, Paul, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • 2nd Lt Darwin R. Nichols, Date of Death - March 27, 1945, Buried: Plot B Row 31 Grave 14, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Purple Heart
  • 2nd Lt Fred R. Dahl Jr., Burial: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

• A/C# 44-8100   DS-B  Pilot: Lt. Schmollinger  A/C's 12th Mission   MACR # 8893

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  The plane crashed at Tempelfelde 12 km NE of Bernau

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Schmollinger, William F., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Myers, Alan N., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Mason, Charles I., POW at POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Steffes, Melvin W., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Preston, Albert R. Jr., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Ohde, William M. Jr., 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.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Dingler, Fred H., 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.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Flores, Ermilo P., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Ketcherside, Marvin F., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated

• A/C# 44-6139   DS-K  "Katy Will"  Pilot: Lt. Hadley  A/C's 30th Mission

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Account written in the Operations Narrative for this mission. "Aircraft 44-6139 was attacked by enemy fighters. With one engine out and another partially out the pilot reported at 1355 hours that he was going to try to land in France. At the time the aircraft left the formation it was 70 miles west of Koblenz, Germany." They must have meant east of Koblenz because Koblenz is only 54 miles east of the Belgium border. The plane crash landed at Ham-Sur-Sambre, near Charleroi, Belgium. The crew returned to Polebrook.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Hadley, Donald E., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Maki, Tauno E., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Hites, Zebulon W., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Hotchkin, George W., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Rhodes, Earl C., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Wasinger, Edward E., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Griffin, Milton L., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Lantrip, Roy G., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Grantham , Albert L., Returned to duty at Polebrook.
  

  Click on photo to enlarge.