351st Bomb Group

Group Mission #280

Credited Mission #273

BRIEFING OUTLINE
BRIEFING OFFICER: (IMPORTANT): READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary and GH target for today is: Munich [Germany]
   3. PFF Primary: Munich [Germany]
   4. Visual Secondary: ____
   5. PFF Secondary: ____
   6. Last Resort: Memmingen
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 0830		Stations:	- 0605
   Start Engines:	- 0615		Taxi:	- 0635
   Take Off:	- 0650		Last Take Off:	- 0757
   Target Time:	- 1133		ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- 1443
   Depart English Coast at:	0829	at Felixstowe @ 8,000'

   
   

3. LOADINGS:
   Gasoline:	2,780 Gallons
   Bombs:	6 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] & 6 x M17 IB's [Incendiary Bomb]

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual – Salvo. H2X – 140 FT.
   
   
5. Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] Continue for 15 min.
     Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 360 units.
   
   
6. Disposition of Forces:
   
   3 Divisions will be dispatched. The 1st Air Division will depart England 1st followed by 3rd Division (10 minutes later) and followed by the 2nd Division (30 minutes later).
   1st Division will dispatch 4 CBW's of 10 Groups each.
   The order of attack in the 1st Division will be:
   

   Lead	41st A,B,C	Attacking	Friedrichschafen (GH or PFF)
   2nd	94th A,B,C	Attacking	Munich
   3rd	40th A,B	Attacking	Munich
   4th	1st A,B	Attacking	Munich

   2nd Division targets are	Aschaffenberg, Giebelstadt, Schwabisch-Hall
   3rd Division targets are	Neuberg, Munich

   
   
7. Fighter Cover:  7 Gps. of P-51's (1 Gp Close Cover)
   
   
8. Assembly:

   Lead at	6,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Green	Flares
   High at	7,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Green-Green	Flares
   Low at	5,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Red	Flares
   401st at	7,500'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares
   457th at	6,000'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares

   Combat Wing Assembly Line: Metfield to Felixstowe
   Division Assembly Line: Felixstowe to 51°50’N-02°40’E To 51°13’N-02°55’E
   1 minutes interval between Groups.
   Reference altitude: 22,000'
   
   
9. Call Signs:

   351st	Woodcraft C-Charlie
   401st	Woodcraft B-Baker
   457th	Woodcraft A-Able
   1st Div. Air Commander	Lt. Col. Watson
   94th CBW Air Commander	Lt. Col. Watson

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Communications - _____
    
    
14. Flying Control - _____
    
    
15. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
     c. Camera A/C:  Lead Q-565, High C-020, Low R-156
      return at  4° East
     d. Spares to turn back at 04° East.
     e. PFF A/C fly as Lead, Deputy, High & Low [Lead]
     f. GH A/C fly as None
     g. REMARKS: 
       8 P-51 - Buckeye Red [Call Sign] for weather
      3 Mosquitos - Maypole One for Chaff
    
      BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??
    
    

Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:

1. Date of Mission - 25 February, 1945.
   1. Target Attacked:  The Primary Target at Munich, Germany, was attacked visually.
   2. Force: 94th “C” Group. Thirty-nine aircraft, including four PFF ships and three flying spares were dispatched.
   3. Position: The 94th "C" Group flew in its briefed position in the 94th Combat Wing, but due to the fact that a group of the 40th Combat Wing was out of position in the Division Formation, it was seventh in the Division Column, rather than sixth, as briefed.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Captain Lewis J. Maginn
      	Pilot:	Captain Duane S. Anderson
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Milton L. Morrisette
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Gerald E. Traczewitz

      
      

      	High Squadron
      	Leader:	Captain Frederick R. Glazier
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Thomas G. Peterson
      	Navigator:	F/O William L. Bateman
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Robert L. Adams

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Leader:	Captain John R. Coulam
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Vincent R. Cramer
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Thomas C. Kyser
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Arnold Schiffman

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out without difficulty, other than darkness, over the Kings Cliffe buncher at the briefed altitude of 6,000 feet.
   2.  Route Over England: Departure from the assembly area was made one minute late (0753). The 94th “B” Group was seen to the north of the briefed course, while the 94th “A” was to the south of it. The 94th “C” soon got into position behind the 94th “B”. The Combat Wing Formation was completed in the vicinity of Metsfield. On the leg between Metsfield and Felixstowe, the departure point, the 94th “B” flew a divergency to the left of course, apparently in order to get into better position behind the 94th “A”. The 94th “C” followed in this maneuver, and swung back to cross the English coast at the briefed departure point. Felixstowe was crossed at an altitude of 7,000 feet, 1,000 feet below the briefed height, and two minutes late (0831). Just before the 94th “C” departed from the coast, a group from the 40th Combat Wing flew over it and took a position in the 94th Combat Wing Formation.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: The briefed route was followed in crossing the channel. Due to the presence of the aforementioned group from the 40th Combat Wing ahead of the 94th “C”, the briefed position could not be flown in the Division Formation. The Belgian coast was crossed slightly to the right of course at an altitude of 8,500 feet, 500 feet above the briefed altitude, and one minute early (0901).
   4.  Flight to Target: The Division Column was followed in the flight to the target. The group of the 40th Combat Wing was seen moving forward in the formation and is reported as having passed the 94th “B” and possibly the 94th “A”. In following the Division Column, the formation went to the south and right of course. The briefed course was not contacted between 50°30’N - 04°00’E and 48°00’N - 08°50’E. After contacting the briefed course, the 94th “C” flew inside of the turn in order to be in position to close up to the 94th “B”, which was a little too far ahead. This worked out well, and permitted the groups to pass over the target in quick succession. Due to some disagreement between the plotted IP’s for the navigator and bombardier, the briefed IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] (navigators) was not used. The point chosen was to the west of the point indicated on the Track Chart. This point was reached one minute later (1123) that the briefed time and at an altitude of 25,000 feet, the briefed height.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: The primary target was attacked visually. Each squadron performed its own sighting operation. Some difficulty was encountered from a smoke screen over part of the town and from the smoke of previous bombings. It was necessary for all three lead bombardiers to select the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] by triangulation. The Lead and High Squadrons reported that the C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used satisfactorily. The Low Squadron reported using it, and that it did not function satisfactorily. The briefed turn at the IP was not made.
   6.  Flight From Target: After bombing, the group rallied without difficulty and swung to the left and then back to the briefed route. The remainder of the Division Formation, however, overshot the turn after the target and went south of the withdrawal route. The 94th “C” followed the briefed route and could see the Division Formation to its left. As the fighter support was thickest in the area in which the Division Formation was flying, the 94th “C” moved over toward it and flew in echelon on the 94th “B” Group. Before reaching the Belgian coast, a report from the Weather Scouting Force indicated that departure from the continent could best be made at about 7,000 feet or lower, and that the English coast could be crossed at that altitude under the clouds. In accordance with this information, the Belgian coast was crossed at an altitude of 3,000 feet to the left of the briefed point. The English coast was crossed at the briefed point at the same altitude and the briefed route was followed to base. The High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas before landing. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
   7.  Fighter Support: Good. Appeared as briefed.
   8.  Comments: Aircraft 43-37854, pilot Lt Abplanalp, was hit by flak over the target and radioed that he had lost three engines and was heading for Switzerland. A later VHF report stated that this aircraft was being escorted to a Swiss airfield by neutral fighters. Aircraft 42-97843, pilot Lt Sandel, left the formation after bombs away with two engines feathered. This aircraft has since been reported as having landed on the continent. Three crew members are known to have been hospitalized. Aircraft 43-38691, pilot Lt Horns, landed on the continent because of battle damage.
      [Handwritten note in margin of page states:] Incomplete Report indicates Lt Abplanalp killed and 2 crew members wounded. Location unknown 27 Feb 1100 hrs.
      
      No enemy aircraft were encountered. Moderate to intense continuous following flak, accurate for both height and deflection, was encountered at the target.
      
      Clouds were encountered until seven degrees East, at which time clear weather was encountered along the route and over the target.
      
      The Weather Scouting Force was contacted and it furnished an adequate report of weather conditions existing in the target area. An aircraft of the 398th Bomb Group tacked on to the Lead Squadron and bombed with it.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Aircraft 42-102676 jettisoned its bombs before reaching the target due to battle damage. It landed on the continent. Aircraft 44-8410 jettisoned its bombs before reaching the target and returned to base with battle damage. Aircraft 43-38465 returned to base because of a mechanical failure.

  [Signed] Carl C. Hinkle, Jr, Major, Air Corps, Operations Officer

STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
DIVISION FIELD ORDER NUMBER 640

	351st Bombardment Group
	Lead Squadron	High Squadron	Low Squadron	TOTALS
Borrowed Aircraft	0	0	0	0
No. of Aircraft Failing to Take Off	0	0	0	0
No. of Aircraft Sorties	13	13	13	39
No. of Aircraft Airborne Less Unused Spares	12	12	12	36
No. of Aircraft Credit Sorties	12	12	12	36
No. of Effective Sorties	11	10	12	33
No. of Non-Effective Sorties	1	2	0	3
Name of Primary Target	MUNICH, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	11	10	12	33
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	63 x 500# GP  66 x 500# IB	59 x 500# GP  60 x 500# IB	71 x 500# GP  72 x 500# IB	193 x 500# GP  198 x 500# IB
Name of Secondary Target
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Last Resort Target (LRT)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking LRT
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
No. of A/C MIA - Total	0	0	1	1
No. of A/C MIA - Flak	0	0	1	1
No. of A/C MIA - Flak and E/A
No. of A/C MIA - Enemy Aircraft
No. of A/C MIA - Accident over Enemy Terr.
No. of A/C MIA - Other and Unknown
Time of Take Off	0651	0655	0657
Time of Attack	1132	1133½	1132½
Total Time for Mission	83:45	108:31	100:21	341:39
Altitude of Release (Indicated)	25,000’	25,600’	24,400’
Visual, H2X, Gee-H, M-H, Eagle, or Combination	Visual	Visual	Visual
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MODERATE TO INTENSE AND ACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Number of Passes made by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Degree of Success	GOOD RESULTS BY ALL SQDNS.
Non-Effective Sorties	1	2	0	3
(A) Weather
(B) Personnel	0	1	0	1
(C) Enemy Action	1	1	0	2
(D) Other Non-Mechanical	12	11	13	36
(E) Mechanical and Equipment	12	11	13	36
Incidents of Mechanical & Equipment Failure:	0	1	0	1
(A) Engine		1		1
(B) Oil System
(C) Fuel System
(D) Supercharger
(E) Propeller and Governor
(F) Communication System
(G) Guns and Turrets
(H) Bomb Release
(I) Bombay Doors
(J) Electric System
(K) Instruments
(L) Oxygen Equipment
(M) Bomb Sights
(N) A/C in General
Comments	The Aircraft reported as MIA was last seen heading towards Switzerland.

____ A/C borrowed as follows: None
____ A/C loaned as follows: None

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on MUNICH VISUAL, 25 FEB. 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0653 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0759 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 6,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0818 hours at MILFIELD.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, Pilotage, Radio and D.R. [Dead Reckoning]
   6. Division formation was joined at 0831 hours at Felixstowe.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. South of course at times staying in Division Formation.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. D.R., Gee, Mickey [Radar] and pilotage.
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. 4848N 1105E
      2. True heading over target. 160°.
      3. Actual Drift 1° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 25,000.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1132.
      6. Wind used for bombing 020°/60 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Pilotage
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. Visual
      10. Axis of withdrawal 150° M.H. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
   10. Group rally was accomplished at Munchen at 1146 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at Munchen at 1146 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at Munchen at 1146 hours.
   13. Flight home was was (not) as briefed. 
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee, D.R., Mickey, Pilotage, Radio
   15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were (not) as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
       2. Gee: Fair
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] M.J. Morrisette, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Box

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 25 Feb. 1945
Field Order # 640
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "C" Group
Target - M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard] at Munich, Germany

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  Visual
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron performed own sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? No (58°48'N., 11°05'E)
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. Cloud coverage was nil.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? MPI [Mean Point of Impact] was located by estimation; smoke from previous bombing obscured the MPI.
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? Intense smoke from previous bombing affected the bombing.

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

I certify that this 12E Form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] Warren C. Steitz, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier.

Lead Squadron, 94th CBW "C" Group Bombardier - 1st Lt. Traczewitz, Gerald E.
Pilot - Capt. Anderson, D.S. & Capt. Maginn, L. J.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Morrisette, Milton L.

Aircraft B-17G   J-468  Take-off - 0653 Landed - 1600
Objective - M/Y at Munich, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - 58°48'N., 11°05'E.
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 6 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose], 6 x M-17 I.B's [Incendiary Bomb] & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  Target obscured by previous bombing

Altitude of Target - 1,750'		Magnetic Heading Ordered 170° Actual 164°
True Altitude Above Target - 23,350		True Heading 160°
Indicated Altitude - 25,000		Drift, Estimated 2° Right - Actual 0°
Pressure Altitude of Target +1269		True Track 160°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 14,647.125'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - Mercury
True Air Speed - 224K		Time of Release 1132
Ground Speed Est. 270 Actual 197		Length of Bombing Run - 44 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 340° Actual - 200°		Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 40 Actual 60		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 132.  Trail - 57   ATF - 40.25		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .62 Actual .71		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 340°  Actual 200°  Velocity - Metro 40K  Actual 60 M.P.H.
Temp C. - Metro -36° C. Actual -30° C.

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

1. The three squadrons of this group attacked as a primary target the east marshalling yards at Munchen, Germany. Smoke of previous bombing partially obscured the target area and covered the MPI. Photo cover is complete for all squadrons; however, smoke prevents accurate plotting of patterns.
2. The pattern of the lead squadron fell short of the MPI with a possibility of some bursts on the M/Y. G.P. [General Purpose] bombs and incendiary bursts are seen in an area just short (north) of the M/Y with the center of the concentration 2310 feet short of the MPI. The pattern is partially obscured by smoke.
3. The smoke markers of the low squadron can be seen falling into the smoke around the target area but no bursts can be identified on the ground.
4. The pattern of the lead squadron is partially obscured by smoke. The bombs that can be identified fell slightly over the target area with a possibility of some bursts on the M/Y. The center of the concentration is 1284 feet over the MPI.

  [Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]

Narrative Teletype Report:

1. No leaflets were carried by this Group.
2. The three squadrons of this group made up the 94th "C" CBW [Combat Bomb Wing] and bombed by squadrons, the primary target, the M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard], at Munich, Germany. Photos show the bombs of all three squadrons falling on or near the target. Smoke from previous bombing obscures the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact] and accurate plotting of pattern is impossible. The bombs of the lead squadron fell slightly short with some possible hits on the M/Y. The high squadron fell slightly over with some possible damage to the M/Y. The bombs of the low squadron fell into smoke and no bursts are seen.
3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Moderate to intense continuous following flak, accurate for both height and deflection, was encountered at the target. Meager to moderate accurate continuous following was encountered at the Front Lines on the way in the vicinity of Freiburg. Approximately ten inaccurate bursts were encountered over Rottweil. Meager flak was observed at Ulm.
5. Clouds were encountered until 7 degrees East, at which time clear weather was encountered along the route and over the target area.
6. A group of buildings located in the vicinity of 4843 N - 0935 E appeared to be some form of military establishment. Fifteen A/C [Aircraft] were seen near the runways of Memmingen A/F [Airfield]. A submarine suddenly submerged after refueling from a tanker at approximately 5147 N - 0138 E.
7. PFF was utilized as a navigational aid on today's mission. All sets were reported to have worked efficiently. Fighter support was good and appeared as briefed. The Scouting Force was contacted and it furnished an adequate report of weather conditions existing in the target area. An aircraft from the 398th Bomb Group tacked on to our lead squadron and bombed with this group. Our A/C B-592 landed at Wittering because of mechanical difficulties. Our A/C B-691 landed at airstrip A-74 [Cambrai/Niergnies, France], on the continent; A/C 676-D landed on A/F A-83 [Denain/Prouvy, France], on the continent. Our A/C P-843 left the formation after bombs away with No. 3 and 4 engines feathered; this A/C was last seen in the vicinity of 4737 N - 1040 E, going down under control. Our A/C V-854 was hit by flak at the target and radioed that he had lost the use of three engines and was heading for Switzerland. A later report via V.H.F. states that this A/C was being escorted to a Swiss A/F by neutral fighters.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 108-Y High squadron lead flew a perfect mission. - Lt. Kale.
A/C 956-L I had to pull too much power on the climb just before the Front Lines. - Lt. Murray.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 428-A The leader went 8 to 10 miles south of the briefed course, necessarily resulting in light but accurate flak.

  [Signed:] Sidney B. Steiner, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass't. S-2 [Intelligence] Officer.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. A-38465 Squadron - 510 - High Date - 25 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Front section studs broke allowing prop to run away.
   2. Place and altitude 4817N 0744E 19,500'
   3. Time 1030
   4. Position in formation ____
   5. Disposition of bombs Jettison @ "A" - 5-500 G.P. @ "A", 4-500 IB @ "A" - 1-500 IB in Ship.
   6. Remarks ____
   7. Time & Date dispatched ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Vance A. Hansen, 2nd Lt.
2. GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Cause (if mechanical) Bolt failure on stationery reduction gears
   2. Responsibility 
   3. Type of abortive 
     (Eng. Officer's Signature)

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. Z-37696 Squadron - 509 - Low  Date - 25 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
   2. Place and altitude 3°56'E 50°37'N
   3. Time 0921
   4. Position in formation Flying Spare
   5. Disposition of bombs Brought them Back
   6. Remarks There were 39 ships in formation. The formation looked good.
   7. Time & Date dispatched ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Walther J. Wefel Jr.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. K-38130 Squadron - 508 - High  Date - 25 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
   2. Place and altitude 50°35'N 04°05'E
   3. Time 0927
   4. Position in formation Spare High Sq.
   5. Disposition of bombs Returned
   6. Remarks Full & good except for Low which flew too far back.
   7. Time & Date dispatched 25 Feb 45
     (Pilot's Signature) Glen D. Russell

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. U-97216 Squadron - 510 - Lead Date - 25 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive F/S [Flying Spare]
   2. Place and altitude 50°30'N 04°E 8,000'
   3. Time 0926
   4. Position in formation F/S
   5. Disposition of bombs BB [Brought Back]
   6. Remarks Formation full and good
   7. Time & Date dispatched ____
     (Pilot's Signature) R.W. Mahnke 2nd Lt.

“J” Form:

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: U–8813, X–6579
   Sqdn 509th A/C: A–8428, B–8592, D–2676, P–7843
   Sqdn 510th A/C: D–8694, U–7216 Spare
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (J–8468 PFF), (Y–7651 PFF), B–8691, U–8872, Q–6565

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, F–6566, L–2955, M–7964, N–7169, O–8920, Q–8116, R–6156, T–8666, V–7854, Z–7696 Spare
   Sqdn 510th A/C: O–8435
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF)

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, C–8753, G–8954, L–7956, M–7900, Q–8799, Y–6108, K–8130 Spare
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, C–9020, G–7862
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (G–8374 PFF)

2. Target: GH-643
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T LSX R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T POM R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T TBL R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T NFG R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 0635; Take-Off – 0650; E.T.D. Field – 0650
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0829	8,000 ft	Felixstowe

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0902	8,000 ft	51°13'N-02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1440	7,000 ft	51°10'N-02°50'E [5 mi. SW of Ostend, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1526	5,000 ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1614 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "N"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40 & 6 M-17 I.B.'s
    Low Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40 & 6 M-17 I.B.'s
    High Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40 & 6 M-17 I.B.'s
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Maginn A/C No & Sqdn. J-8468 PFF (511)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Coulam A/C No & Sqdn. L-8045 PFF (511)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Glaizer A/C No & Sqdn. G-8374 PFF (511)
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By I.C. Muesing, S/Sgt.

Formation Chart:

94th CBW "C" Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				511th Squadron
				Capt. Maginn–Anderson, D.S. A/C 44-8468 J (510th Old X) PFF
			Gattens–Hart A/C 43-38592 B (Old N)		Maish A/C 42-97651 Y (510th Old Y) PFF
	Taylor A/C 43-38428 A (Old A)						Horns A/C 43-38691 B
Drought A/C 43-38694 D (Old C)		Sandel A/C 42-97843 P (Old C)				Brennan A/C 43-38813 U (Old M)		Rice A/C 42-102676 D (Old P)
	Fox–Hampton A/C 44-6579 X (Old J)						Mahnke A/C 42-97216 U Spare
Oen A/C 44-6565 Q		Bone A/C 43-38872 U (Old G)

94th CBW "C" Group - Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				511th Squadron
				Capt. Maginn–Anderson, D.S. A/C 44-8468 J (510th Old X) PFF
			Gattens–Hart A/C 43-38592 B (Old N)		Maish A/C 42-97651 Y (510th Old Y) PFF
	Taylor A/C 43-38428 A (Old A)						Horns A/C 43-38691 B
Drought A/C 43-38694 D (Old C)		Sandel A/C 42-97843 P (Old C)				Brennan A/C 43-38813 U (Old M)		Rice A/C 42-102676 D (Old P)
	Fox–Hampton A/C 44-6579 X (Old J)
Oen A/C 44-6565 Q		Bone A/C 43-38872 U (Old G)

[Lt Rice aborted before the target and landed on continent.]
[Lts Horns & Sandel landed on continent.] [Lt Mahnke, the flying Spare, returned as planned.]

94th CBW "C" Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Glazier–Peterson A/C 44-8374 U PFF (508th Old U)
			Kale A/C 44-6108 Y		Olson A/C 42-97349 B
	Murray A/C 43-37956 L						Beringer A/C 44-8410 A
Wisdom A/C 43-38799 Q		Buttell A/C 43-38954 G				Ryan A/C 43-38753 C		Harkins A/C 43-37900 M
	Hansen A/C 43-38465 A						Russell A/C 43-38130 K Spare
James A/C 43-39020 C		Dunn A/C 43-37862 G

94th CBW "C" Group - High Squadron Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Glazier–Peterson A/C 44-8374 G PFF (508th Old U)
			Kale A/C 44-6108 Y		Olson A/C 42-97349 B
	Murray A/C 43-37956 L
Wisdom A/C 43-38799 Q		Buttell A/C 43-38954 G
	Dunn A/C 43-37862 G
James A/C 43-39020 C		Ryan A/C 43-38753 G
			Harkins A/C 43-37900 M

[Lt Beringer aborted before the target.]
[Lt Hansen aborted. His position was filled by Lt Dunn.]
[Lts Ryan & Harkins tacked on to the low low squadron.]
[Lt Russell, the flying Spare, returned as planned.]

94th CBW "C" Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Coulam–Cramer A/C 44-8045 L PFF
			Johnson A/C 43-38920 O		Crews A/C 43-38116 Q
	Parker A/C 43-38666 T						Quinn A/C 43-38435 O (510 Old H)
Smith A/C 43-37964 M		Mueller A/C 44-6566 F				Hammett A/C 42-97169 N		Maddux A/C 42-102955 L
	Whittaker A/C 43-38640 C						Wefel A/C 43-37696 Z Spare
Thomson A/C 44-6156 R		Abplanalp A/C 43-37854 V

94th CBW "C" Group - Low Squadron Formation Over–Target
				509th Squadron
				Coulam–Cramer A/C 44-8045 L PFF
			Johnson A/C 43-38920 O		Crews A/C 43-38116 Q
	Parker A/C 43-38666 T						Quinn A/C 43-38435 O (510 Old H)
Smith A/C 43-37964 M		Mueller A/C 44-6566 F				Hammett A/C 42-97169 N		Maddux A/C 42-102955 L
	Whittaker A/C 43-38640 C
Thomson A/C 44-6156 R		Abplanalp A/C 43-37854 V

[Lt Abplanalp was hit by flak at target and flew to Switzerland.]
[Lt Wefel, the flying Spare, returned as planned.]


Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0845 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0330; Officers 0400 Stations: 0615 Start Engines: 0625 Taxi: 0635 Take-Off: 0650  Leave Base: 0650 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0230; Officers 0300]

[Wounded On Mission: 5]
[Killed in Action: 1]

Description of the Mission printed in the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII" written by Ken Harbour & Peter Harris. Used with permission.

Mission No. 280 – February 25, 1945
 The Group attacked the Munich [Railroad] marshalling yards, flying as “C” Group of the 94th “B” Combat Wing. No enemy fighters were seen, but 19 planes were damaged by accurate flak at the target. One plane, 43-37854, was badly hit and made for Switzerland. During the subsequent crash landing, the pilot, Lt. Abplanalp, was killed by a branch of a tree that smashed into the cockpit.

 Just before bombs away 42-97843, piloted by Lt. Sandel, had the radio and two engines on the right side knocked out. Lt. Sandel managed to stay in formation and Lt. Rosenblatt dropped his bombs with the rest. Then the plane started losing height at about 800 feet a minute. The decision had to be made to head to Switzerland or back to friendly territory, the latter four times as far. Lt. Sandel chose France. By this time he was down to 4,000 feet, minus the ball turret and all guns and ammunition. He was making good progress and was within seven minutes of crossing the front lines when a FW 190 saw him and closed in for the kill. With no guns to defend themselves, the crew huddled in the waist while the FW 190 poured 20mm shells into the plane. Sgt. Dahlmand, the waist gunner, was hit in the arm and leg on the FW’s first run. On its second run it turned the B-17s stabilizer and waist section into a sieve, but then the fighter appeared to run out of ammunition, because it flew away. One minute later, crossing the front lines north of Strasburg, a barrage of flak hit the ship, wounding Lt. Rosenblatt and Lt. Sandel, and puncturing the fuel tanks of numbers one and four engines. Lt. Clarac, the co-pilot, took over and found that only one engine was working properly. He spotted the Fighter Airfield at Lunneville and started to let down. With the hydraulic system out they would have no brakes, but the bombardier was so badly wounded that a crash landing was out of the question. However, the landing was successful and the plane stopped by using the hand pump.

Aircraft Interned in Switzerland

• A/C# 43-37844   RQ-V  "Torchy Tess"  Pilot: Lt. Abplanalp  A/C's 53rd Mission  MACR 12728

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Nineteen planes were damaged by accurate flak at the target. One plane, 43-37854, was badly hit and made for Switzerland. During the subsequent crash landing, the pilot, Lt. Abplanalp, was killed by a branch of a tree that smashed into the cockpit.
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Ablanalp, Charles R., Killed In Action
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Gividen, Harold V., Interned in Switzerland
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Brown, George F., Interned in Switzerland
  • Bombardier - Sgt Ogden, Ernest C., Interned in Switzerland
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Norby, Clinton O., Interned in Switzerland
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Levinson, Paul, Interned in Switzerland
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Berlin, Herbert, Interned in Switzerland
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Genetti, John D., Interned in Switzerland
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Bullock, Gene C., Interned in Switzerland
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • 2nd Lt Charles R. Abplanalp, Died on 25 February 1945
    Buried: Acacia Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois