HEADQUARTER, 720^TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

8 JULY 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Records

TO: Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention: Historian (through channels)

            1. Unit history of the 720^th Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1 June to 30 June 1944.

            A. The present designation of the unit is 720^th Squadron, 450^th Bombardment Group (H), 47^th Wing, 15^th Air Force, United States Army.

            B. Changes in Organization

                        1). 1^st Lt Morris A. Erickson appointed Squadron Operations Officer, per Squadron Order No. 20, Paragraph 1, dated 25 June 1944 vice Capt Floyd I. Robinson.

                        2). Capt Letser L Ostrove appointed Squadron Flight Surgeon, per Special Order 162, Headquarters 15^th Air Force, Paragraph 9, dated 10 June 1944 vice Capt Alfred W Wagner.

            C. Strength, commissioned and enlisted.

                        1). Month of June 1944

                                    a). At Beginning:                   509

                                    b). Increase:                            41

                                    c). Decrease:                           75

                                    d). At End:                              475

            D. Manduria, Italy, #25, Army Air Base.

            E. No movement of organization in June.

            F. Campaigns

                        1). Italian

                        2). Duration: from 2 January 1944; still in progress.

            G. Operations

                        1). Fourteen (14) missions were flown for one hundred and forty-one (141) sorties.

                        2). Five (5) of our missions were of a tactical nature against marshalling yards: these were located at Genoa, Ferrara, Castel-Maggiore, in Italy; at Simeria, Roumania, and at Brod, Yugoslavia. Six (6) missions were flown against oil refineries and oil storage facilities: two (2) such missions were frolow to Ploesti, Roumania; one (1) to Trieste, Italy; one (1) to Constanta, Roumania; (1) to Osijek, Yugoslavia; one (1) to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. One (1) mission was flown to Allach, Austria, aircraft engine works. One (1) mission attacked the airdrome and aircraft assembly facilities at Schwechat, Austria. One (1) mission attacked the center of Munich as an alternate target. This mission bombed by pathfinder methods.

                        3). An important mission was flown on 26 June. The mission was to bomb the Schwechat, Austria, airdrome and Heinkel Aircraft Assembly Plant. The bomb load was 10 X 500 general purpose bombs. Lt Colonel William Snaith, Group Operations Officer, was flying Wing lead with our Squadron. The first bursts were observed directly on the aiming point, and subsequent bursts were in a heavy concentration over the entire target area. Target area was completely destroyed. Ten (10) of our planes participated in this very successful mission, as the lead Squadron.

                        4a). The Squadron was subjected to enemy fighter reaction during the mission to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, on 16 June. Twelve (12) to fifteen (15) single engine aircraft opposed our formation in attacks which were not aggressive. These attacks were made from low, from five (5) to seven (7) o'clock and lacked coordination. One (1) of our gunners was credited with an ME-210 destroyed. All our planes returned safely.

                         b). Enemy fighter reaction was extremely severe during our mission to Ploesti, Roumania on 24 June. The attacks started about ten (10) minutes before the target and the air battle lasted for about twenty (20) minutes. The enemy force consisted of 30/35 ME-190's, 10/15 FW-190's, 2 JU-88's, and 3 ME-110's. The attacks were coordinated and for the most part were made by units of three or four from twelve o'clock level. After going through the formation the enemy would reform to attack again on the same pattern. Sporadic passes were also made from other angles. The fire consisted of 20 mm cannon and rockets. None of our Squadron aircraft were lost to these attacks. Five (5) enemy aircraft were credited, to Squadron gunners as destroyed: four (4) ME-109's, and one (1) JU-88.

                        c). Flak is encountered on all missions, with rare exceptions. For this reason, anti-aircraft fire is not listed in detail. During the month we drew heavy, intense, and accurate flak over Munich, Austria, and Ploesti, Roumania. One (1) of our aircraft was lost at each of these targets, presumably to flak.

                        5). Lt Colonel William G. Snaith, Group Operations Officer, led an excellent mission to Schwechat, Austria. The objective was achieved and the airdrome and Heinkel Aircraft Assembly Plants were demolished. Our Squadron was leading the group and Wing. Capt Robert Brown and Capt Rolland Carr, Squadron Navigator and Bombardier again did excellent jobs. 1^st Lt James Wright, Squadron Flight Commander, was co-pilot in the lead plane. This mission was flown on 26 June.

                        H). Losses in Action

                                    1). 2^nd Lt Homer V Smith became missing in action during the mission to Munich, Germany on 13 June 1944. Following is a list of his crew who are also missing in action: 2^nd Lt Garvin M McCain, 2^nd Lt Owen M Akers, 2^nd Lt Mitchel E Farris, S/Sgt Paul H Gritten, T/Sgt Edgar Cooper, S/Sgt Thomas B Hepburn, S/Sgt Charles B Brashier, S/Sgt Theodore Hallet, and S/Sgt Joseph R Falconetti.

                                    2). 2^nd Lt Lloyd O Osborne became missing in action during the mission to Munich, Germany on 6 June 1944. Following is a list of his crew who are also missing in action: 1^st Lt Barney H McClure, 2^nd Lt Irving B McNulty, 2^nd Lt John F Flannery, S/Sgt Eugene L Watkins, S/Sgt Lawrence H Cugine, S/Sgt Sidney D Benjamin, S/Sgt Philip A Smith, S/Sgt Lloyd T Smith and S/Sgt Chester Wojcik.

                                    3). Capt Floyd I Robinson became missing in action during the mission to Ploesti, Roumania on 24 June 1944. Following is a list of his crew who are also missing in action: 2^nd Lt Vincent H Olney, 2^nd Lt Marshall N Samms, 2^nd Lt Louis Amster, T/Sgt Armand J L'Heureux, T/Sgt Richard S Hackney, S/Sgt George F Dodds and Sgt Vernon P Tanem.

                        I). Awards

                                    1). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross: 2^nd Lt Jorgen M Augustenborg, 2^nd Lt John A Boerema, 2^nd Lt Marshall N Samms, 2^nd Lt Lewis F Shackelford, T/Sgt Armand J L'Heureux, S/Sgt James P Cox, S/Sgt Richard S Hackney, Sgt George F Dobbs, Sgt Carl R Faierberg, and Sgt Clinton G Pons.

                                    2). The following officers and enlisted men have been awarded the Air Medal and Clusters for the Air Medal: 2^nd Lt James J Akins, 2^nd Lt Donald G Guldberg, 2^nd Lt Francis D Layton, 2^nd Lt Paul E Lee, 2^nd Lt Stanley Lewandowski, 2^nd Lt Harry F Reed Jr, 2^nd Lt Owen McAkers, 2^nd Lt David A Beatty, 2^nd Lt Kenneth E Booth, 2^nd Lt George F Burroughs, 2^nd Lt James Cohen, 2^nd Lt Roscoe G Edwards, 2^nd Lt John F Flannery, 2^nd Lt David G Gault, 2^nd Lt Edward C Gerner, 2^nd Lt Julius Goldstein, 2^nd Lt Daniel J Healey, 2^nd Lt Jack S Holler, 2^nd Lt Melvin S Krasnow, 2^nd Lt William C Lanza, 2^nd Lt Garvin McCain, 2^nd Lt Daniel W McClain, 2^nd Lt Irving B McNulty, 2^nd Lt Carl E Mulhollan Jr, 2^nd Lt Lloyd O Osborne, 2^nd Lt Harry R Rearick, 2^nd Lt Jesse O Reese, 2^nd Lt Howard L Selleck, 2^nd Lt Robert H Shamblin, 2^nd Lt Homer W Smith, 2^nd Lt Harry B Mayo, 2^nd Lt Peter P Zaleski, 2^nd Lt Jack H Browne, 2^nd Lt Fred W Barlow, 2^nd Lt Bennet H Collins, 2^nd Lt Gordon P Yohann, 2^nd Lt Elmer Adrian, 2^nd Lt Richard D Anderson, 2^nd Lt Louis W Lessard, 2^nd Lt Herbert J Littlefield, 2^nd Lt Vincent H Olney, 2^nd Lt William H Skau, 2^nd Lt Robert B Stricklin, 1^st Lt James G Wright, 2^nd Lt Dave Counts, 2^nd Lt Thomas F Hart, 1^st Lt Gerald M French, 2^nd Lt Donald R Bechtel, 2^nd Lt Lewis D Hannah, 2^nd Lt Arthur D Park, 2^nd Lt Stanley A White, F/O James D Cumming, 2^nd Lt John E Malariey Jr, 2^nd Lt Harry T Stebbing Jr, 2^nd Lt Albert W Teed Jr, T/Sgt Armand J L'Heureux, S/Sgt Robert L Bauer, S/Sgt Rodney L Booker, S/Sgt Hary V Enston, S/Sgt Jack M Suverkrup, S/Sgt William Teunis Jr, Sgt James Fife, Sgt Walter S Florczak, Sgt Franklin E Pletcher, Sgt Charles M Trinnier, Sgt George E Wittbrodt, Cpl John Bendick, Cpl Frank Van Limburg, S/Sgt John Ciborski, S/Sgt Tony B Coleman, S/Sgt Edgar Cooper, S/Sgt Lawrence H Cuglini, S/Sgt Frederick J Drake, S/Sgt John L Kosderk, S/Sgt Ted O Snyder, S/Sgt Robert O Ulmer Jr, S/Sgt Eugene L Wlakins, S/Sgt Robert W Watson, S/Sgt Donald F Welch, Sgt Danel J Allan, Sgt Rosario A Anzone, Sgt John Balma, Sgt Sidney D Benjamin, Sgt Charles B Brashier Jr, Sgt John A Crofoot, Sgt Wythe A Davis, Sgt Joseph R Falconetti, Sgt John Gural, Sgt Theodore Hallet, Sgt Vernon A Helms, Sgt Richard C Hogan Jr, Sgt Joseph T Iovino, Sgt James A Jasper, Sgt Joseph P Magna Jr, Sgt John A Martin, Sgt William R Palmer, Sgt Walter Prysesmi, Sgt Lamond C Shaw, Sgt Paul J Siler, Sgt Phillip A Smith, Sgt Chester Wojcik, S/Sgt Theodore S Modrowski, Sgt Melvin H Schoenberger, Cpl Carl R Faierberg, S/Sgt Vincent C Truex, S/Sgt James E Strickland, Sgt James C Davis, T/Sgt Carl A Moen, S/Sgt Morris L Hopkins, Sgt Leo M Larivee, T/Sgt Stanley AL Kristal, T/Sgt John L Ward, T/Sgt James A Wood, T/Sgt Arlie L Griffin, T/Sgt Elwin D Roberts, S/Sgt Victor J Monkus, and S/Sgt Howard R Barkley.

                        3). The following enlisted man received the Order of the Purple Heart for wounds received in action: S/Sgt Melvin H Shownberger.

                        4). The following enlisted men have been awarded the Soldiers Medal: S/Sgt Frank W Henn and Sgt James W Berg.

            2.  Enclosed is the War Diary of this unit from the period from 1 June to 30 June 1944.

Walter T. Macolm

1^st Lt, Air Corps

Asst Squadron S-2 

720^TH Bombardment Squadron Diary for June 1944

1 June

The program for the day was maximum maintenance and training. New crews were indoctrinated at Group S-2 and practice gunnery and bombing missions were flown, morning and afternoon. Many men were, by this brief respite from operations, enabled to take a swim at the beach for several hours. The boxing ring the squadron built in our squadron area is providing fine exercise and recreation. From watching these boys sweat and punch each other around, it seems all the pleasure should be in the spectators. But some rugged healthy lads seem to enjoy this fine sport. Many of our men are learning, fast and well, under the tutelage of some experienced boys.

2 June

Ten of our planes took off fro the mission to Simeria, Rumania, marshalling yard. We had one early return. The bomb load was our 10 X 500 "package". The mission was a shameful failure, due to poor bombing. The navigation was perfect, the target was clear, formation was good, and there was no disturbance from flak or fighters. That we missed spoiled a "beautiful" mission. No fighters and no flak made it a perfect day for six squadron men who were put on rotation after landing. It has become the policy to send an officer to the beach each day to supervise our men. A near drowning occasioned this precaution. "Bob Hope" was fine, as ever, in "Let's Face It". That little gal, Betty Hutton, "ain't bad" either. She makes a man a bit nostalgic and "that ain't all".

3 June

The mission for a marshalling yard in Rumania was "scrubbed" just after an early morning briefing. It was weekly inspection day and this has become so routine that things shape up well now. All our inspections are good now since we have the best squadron area. The enlisted men have built some fine homes in their spare time. They have classified the homes now as "hovels, huts and hotels". The latter are elaborate homes. An opening usually calls for a lukewarm to hot house-warming. The nature of the inhabitant, not the pretentiousness of the home, seems to determine the degree of warmth in the opening. The efforts of these men are now paying dividends because the stone houses are cooler and cleaner. At a formation this afternoon Air Medals were presented to newer men. The ''720^th Ramblers" beat 722^nd Communications 5 to 2. While awaiting this team a pickup game featured Major North, Executive Officer and Lt Wells, Adjutant. These men are always there as spectators. 

4 June

The marshalling yard at Genoa, Italy, was our target for today. Ten of our planes took off and nine bombed the target. We had one early return. The bomb load was 36 X 100. The moderate flak was not effective and there was not fighter opposition. The aiming point of our target was well covered with a good pattern. We had a surprising boxing show this evening. "Cowboy" Cumming, matchmaker and impresario, had an excellent card lined up. Cumming was very disappointed when he had to announce that his card could not show because several contributing units had been placed on an alert. With some coaxing a good pickup card was lined up. Men for five bouts stepped up into the "unknown" and put on an excellent show. 

5 June

The mission was for Castel Maggiore Marshalling Yards, near Bologna, Italy. Lt Col Gideon, acting Group Commander was leading the group with a squadron crew. 1^st Lts. Carr and Brown, Squadron Navigator and Bombardier were in the lead ship. The run-up onto the target was good but a good pattern went too far over, with only the lead bombardier hitting. Bombardiers claimed the target was one for medium bombers. Nine of our planes bombed the target and we had one early return. There was no fighter opposition and flak was moderate and accurate. All planes returned safely. Just after the mission returned a formation was held to present awards. In our squadron, the following were received: 1^st Lt Robert Brown, Silver Star; 1^st Lt Rolland Carr, Silver Star; 1^st Lt John Malarkey, DFC; M/Sgt Julian C Clarke, Soldiers Medal; S/Sgt Howard R Barkley, Order of the Purple Heart, and S/Sgt Harold Felchner, Order of the Purple Heart. Matters then went from the sublime to the very ridiculous when Red Skelton came to town in a movie entitled "Whistling in Brooklyn". The silly connotation joined with this named "borough of New York" was not nearly so silly as this story and Red. Even in our very pleasant and well-ventilated outdoor theater this one "stunk up the joint". Many persons seemingly liked it, so "all the world remains a stage". Today, personnel were busily engaged in preparing for the welcome visit of General Twining, which is anticipated for tomorrow.

6 June

The squadron today put up eleven planes for Ploesti, to bomb the Romano/Americana Oil Refinery. Again we had more planes than any other squadron. One of our planes returned early after being damaged by flak over Belgrade. The navigator was too far north an seemingly some navigators use this flak as check-points. Combat men get a little peevish about that. Our group was leading the wing, and carrying 10 X 500. The target was again very effectively screened and results were not observed. It is believed, however, that the run was good on the target and some fire and smoke was observed. In the evening, "G.I." movies drew a good attendance. It was a very fine evening and the beautiful moon made a night for remembrances, if not romances.

7 June

No mission was scheduled today. The nice day "took" many men to the beach. Lectures were held at S-2 on air-sea rescue. In the evening "Olivia DeHaviland" drew the biggest crowd yet to our theater. Probably fifteen hundred men enjoyed "Olivia", but the picture "Government Girl" was a cruel disappointment. Even the loveliness of the leading lady could not drown the stench of some sequences in that picture. Those home front heroics and inconveniences had most men a laugh. Many men thought "Sonny Tufts" would look pretty good in a uniform and not as a "Hollywood commando". The beach was very popular today as this was the hottest day yet.

8 June

There was no mission today. Our men were surprised by this inactivity so close in the wake of "the invasion". Men criticize so freely when they are not in position to see the whole picture or can't think that far. The men were especially bitter about our new "secret weapon", "close order drill". Four hundred men from each squadron drilled at 0900 hours. High altitude formation flying was also held in a quest for unit and box leaders. Aircraft recognition was taught at S-2. In the evening Special Services provided an excellent stage show at our theater. This was the finest stage show we have had. The vaudeville included a good band, a very pretty singer, a good juggler, some comedy skits, and just to make us homesick a couple of big blondes of the peroxide variety. The latter were not the most accomplished part of the show but a "hippy" blonde (or brunette or redhead) has a way with an American soldier. This show kept the crowd of about two thousand very enthused for about one hour and forty minutes. The "720^th Ramblers" beat the "721^st Officers", in a league game, 8 to 2.

9 June

Our group was leading the 47^th Wing on the mission to Oberpfaffenhoffen Airdrome, 15 miles southwest of Munich. Captain Caywood, Squadron Commander, was leading the second attack unit of our group. The bomb load was 10 X 500. Our ten planes did not do so well. We had three early returns and one plane went down before the target was reached. In that plane, Lt Osborne and his crew are missing in action. This plane was last observed going into cloud cover, in relatively good condition, after one or two crew members had bailed out. The target was obscured by 9/10 cloud cover and the center of Munich was bombed on Pathfinder, as a secondary target. Our group was pleasantly surprised by the absence of fighter reaction and ineffective flak. In the evening, a large crowd enjoyed the movie entitled "The Adventures of Tartu".

10 June

Eleven of our planes participated in the mission to Trieste, Italy. The objective was to destroy oil storage and loading facilities in the harbor. The bomb load was 10 X 500 and ten of our planes dropped a good pattern on the briefed aiming point. A large ship, probably a warship was hit by a stick of bombs. One of our planes returned early. Flak was ineffective and escort arrived just in time to divert a threatened interception. It was a quiet evening with no scheduled entertainment but the beach is always popular. In our thriving "twilight league", the 720^th Ramblers (squadron team) beat 721^st Combat by a score of 8 to 3. It was a good game and a fine crowd came out to cheer on the "Ramblers". There is a real rivalry with the 721^st always and there will probably be some "action" before this season ends. The Ramblers are now running in second place having won seven and lost one. The leader is 721 Ordnance whose "boom-boom boys" "hung" that one on the wrong side for the "Ramblers".

11 June

Our mission for the day was to fly wing lead with Lt Col William G Snaith, Group Operations Officer, leading our group. The mission was well led with a good run being made on the oil storage tanks, at the Black Sea port of Constanta, Rumania. The bombing was poor with our group's bombs falling short and to the right. It is believed that one element his well with the bomb load of 20 X 250. There was no enemy fighter reaction to this long mission and flak was ineffective. It was a quiet evening on the base. The regular weekly boxing matches were not held. "Cowboy" Cumming, bombardier, was too busy flying to act as matchmaker and our "Special Services" did not, or could not, line up a card. This is especially surprising because our athletic officer has had himself publicized as a former college pugilist. For such a youngster he has lost interest in such activity in a hurry. With a stand down for the next day the evening was profitably spent in more elevating entertainment such as reading books, drinking win, playing poker, and just "batting the breeze". Special Services has probably come into the realm of thought which contends that there has been too much entertainment. Though such a thought could conceivably come to some officers, Special Services should never become a party to any such "doings" and so do nothing. Our personnel have been very thankful for the apparent fine results of malarial control measures. The dire threats of malaria has not materialized and mosquitoes have not been so plentiful as had been expected. If some measures could only be taken to keep down venereal disease, then health would be excellent. It seems that personnel are not educable to total abstinence and moderation is not the complete answer to "venereal disease".

12 June

There was no mission for today. However, in the morning, a practice mission called for nine planes form each squadron. Flight were also held for practice gunnery and bombing. It was a warm day and the beach was popular. The 47^th Wing beach has been well conducted since M.P.'s took over. The latter are to make certain that trunks are worn and order maintained. In the evening the movie feature was "Bombers Moon". This picture seemed to have a false note and our men were not greatly impressed. Our transportation brought in a load of very nice furniture for our dayroom. However, the dayroom is not too popular. There is too much outdoor competition now.

13 June

The mission was for the Allach Aircraft Engine Works near Munich, Austria. The bomb load was 5 X1000. Eleven of our planes took off and Captain Grant Caywood, Squadron commander, was leading the second attack unit. Eight of our planes were over the primary target. We had two planes return early, and 2^nd Lt Smith and his crew are missing in action. Flak was intense and accurate and probably accounted for the plane. The enemy planes in the vicinity did not make attacks, because we had a good escort. The target was not hit. For some reason the first attack unit bombed Munich, the secondary target, even though the primary target was clear. In the evening G.I. movies were shown at the base theater. There were likes and dislikes expressed and smoldering, but a large crowd saw the good with the bad.

14 June

The mission was for Osijek Oil Refinery in Yugoslavia. The bomb load was 20 X 250. Ten of our planes were over the target and dropped in the area. The target was not hit with any pattern, but, unfortunately, the group preceding us hit it well. In the evening the movie "The Iron Major" was shown at our theater. Some more combat men left for home today on rotation. All men hope that their good luck will go on with them. Our Squadron Ramblers won again tonight, beating 722^nd Engineering in softball, 4 to 1. Major North, our executive officer, long a good fan got a closer view as umpire. A fine one too.

15 June

There was no mission. It was a beautiful day and practice formation, gunnery and bombing flights were held. On this off-day the beach served well as some relaxation for men who were not busy. In the evening about fifteen hundred men enjoyed the best stage show we have had. The good acts, singing and several "prettier than usual" Italian girls gave us an excellent show. During the show it was announced that the Japanese mainland had been bombed by land-based aircraft, presumably B-29.  This announcement occasioned more applause than the show, and the latter was well appreciated. Before the show started one of the men with the show told the audience that the 450^th Group Theater was one of the best he had seen in Italy. This remark was duly appreciated but there was quite a bit of feeling that he, perhaps, "tells that to all the boys"; or, perhaps, he hasn't been around much. However, we do have good shows in a fine outdoor theater. We do not lack good entertainment.

16 June

Eleven of our planes took off for the mission to bomb an oil refinery at Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. The bomb load was 20/250. We had one early return. The target was destroyed by a good pattern. Flak was ineffective. Twelve or fifteen enemy aircraft opposed our squadron, and were not aggressive or persistent. Attacks were generally made form low, five to seven o'clock. One of our gunners claimed and ME-110 destroyed. This man was flying his fiftieth combat mission and this was his first victory in the air. All our planes returned safely. In the evening a large crowd enjoyed Bing Crosby's "Going My Way".

17 June

No mission today. Briefing was held early in the morning but the mission was called off just after briefing. The day was spent in staff meetings, area inspection, exercise, and swimming at the beach. It seems our squadron has an objective; to improve our area so that it will equal the high standards of other squadrons in the group. The facilities we have are, however, ample and though not so elaborate we have had the use of these facilities for two months while other squadrons were building. The value of a thing diminishes if the expenditure outweighs the utility.

18 June

A mission was again 'scrubbed" just after briefing. It is being rumored about that a "new deal" is coming up in our mess. Our much maligned Mess Sergeant is to be replaced, so the intentions go, by a man more seasoned in "seasoning". There is a need for a shifting about of mess personnel because good ideas become stagnated. Because a man, as Mess Sergeant, lacks imagination meals can become very "humdrum". What is needed is a dissemination of information on how these stock materials can be prepared. It has been said that "C" rations and corned-beef can be made delectable. Such an accomplishment would take more imagination than this writer boasts. Many men feel that our mess is good enough but there will always be men who "live to eat" and others who "eat to live". Our squadron "Ramblers" beat 721 Communications in our Twilight League. The score we 9 to 7 and the victory put our team in sole possession of second place with 9 won and 1 lost.

19 June

There was no mission today. Since we were ordered to stand down and this notification came last evening combat men were able to sleep in. the weather was very pleasant here and the beach came in for good use. Any girl is welcome on a beach, and especially on our beach; but when the girls are Red Cross ladies with doughnuts and lemonade, then everybody welcomes them. Our mess seems to have improved. Perhaps the threat of new personnel was help. In the evening, our theater showed the movie "Bombardier". It was a comedy! Not by design or intention, rather because of the audience. When a bombardier aims into an ordinary smoke stack, form 20,000 feet, and hits a poorly-lighted target that makes a comedy. Good for home consumption, though! Our non-operational aircraft crashed and burned near the base and Sergeants Louvier and Meixner perished. The plane was piloted by an officer from the 721^st Squadron. Our new Flight Surgeon took over officially today and conducted a physical inspection at one. He is a hard worker and the combat men say his is a "tough baby". He seems very capable.

20 June

There was no mission today. The plan was scrubbed before briefing. It was a very fine day and was spent quietly. Our mess continues to improve with the cracking down process. The Red Cross helped out a good noon meal with all the doughnuts a man could eat. All sections are busy preparing for an inspection coming up. Section heads have been warned to be vigilant in keeping matters in good shape. Squadron personnel are busy making improvements. We had a good stage show in the evening. "Patsy Moran" was the M.C. and carried along a good show. A pretty singer and two versatile "clowns" made up the vaudeville cast. G.I. movies were shown after the stage show and these short subjects were good. An especially interesting reel was one on the conditions and efforts in China.

21 June

The mission for today was "scrubbed" just after briefing. The weather was excellent at this base. This gave us some time to work on the area. The movie in the evening was supposed to be a thriller. The sound was defective and if that was supposed to be a mystery it could fool any man. The pictures were on the screen when the sound was off, and then just to add to the confusion, the opposite situation imposed itself upon a patient audience. The great mystery which evolved out of the evening entertainment is just what this Special Services does all the time. All we have are movies and stage shows and all we need is to be good apparatus. That this is defective seems to indicate that a group of our capable mechanics might do better as a Special Services outfit.

22 June

The target for the bomb load of 20 X 250 was Udine, Italy, marshalling yards. The weather closed in at the upper reaches of the Adriatic and our bombers turned in to Ferrara, Italy. The marshalling yards there, and surrounding industrial planets, were well hit. Ten of our planes took off, were over the target, and returned safely. Flak was ineffective and no fighter opposition was met. The big inspection for tomorrow has been postponed. "Shades of the States": when they had threats of inspections to get needed work done. It worked here and many improvements were made around the area. Everybody felt a small disappointment but were happy that the work had been done. In the evening an old movie was shown entitled "You can't Escape from ME". This movie replaced a stage show which couldn't get here. The boys were disappointed because they didn't get to see the "French Bell Ringer" (the dancing gal who rings a belt of bells by swaying her hips). The latter may be just a rumor. We had one of our finest meals with sauerkraut and frankfurts and real potatoes. Our mess seems "okay" to the writer but there are still complaints.

23 June

Our planes took off but retuned after about two hours when they ran into bad weather. It was a quiet day here and the hot sun tanned more of our men at the beach. The enlisted men's volleyball courts and the basketball court were also used, as usual. Our boxing ring is used almost every evening. This provides fine sport and recreation for fighters and almost inevitable spectators. In the evening, "Nine Girls" was the mystery movie shown at our theater. One mysterious thing about this presentation was how our Special Services finally got one run off smoothly. Officers in charge of sections have the pleasant task of selecting personnel for Rest Camps. Enlisted men go to Lecce or Santa Cesarea; and an officer goes to Villagio Mancuso each week.

24 June

Ten of our planes took off to bomb the Americanl/ Romano oil refinery near Ploesti, Rumania. The bomb load was 10 X 500 general purpose bombs. Capt. Floyd I. Robinson, Squadron Operations Officer and leader of the low left box of the first attack unit was shot down by flak at the target. His very gradual descent confused the low left box and it was broken up. The remainder of this element fought individual battles on return home with approximately fifteen single engine enemy aircraft. Only by a combination of good flying and gunnery were these planes enabled to reach base. Our gunners had corroborated claims for five enemy aircraft destroyed. The target was not hit. The target was clear enough for good bombing but bombing was poor. Eight of our planes bombed target and two returned early.

25 June

The planes took off on a mission to Toulon, France, this morning. The bomb load was 500# G.P.'s. The mission was not completed. Distinguished visitors at this base today were Gen Salinas, a Mexican officer, Maj. Gen. Henry, and entourage. Gen Henry is Liaison officer to the Mexican officer. It is understood that some Mexican pilots will be flying with this Group soon. These people visited the S-2 War Room among other prominent spots on the base. There was no movie. Lt. Carr, Squadron Bombardier, and Lt Brown, Squadron Navigator, received their promotions to Captaincy.

26 June

The mission was to Schwechat A/D and A/C Assembly Plant. Again they carried 500# G.P.'s. The mission was a "smashing" success with approximately 300 bombs landing on the aiming point. Our squadron led the Wing on this mission. Ten of our planes took off and eight bombed the target. We had two early returns. The movie this evening was "Never A Dull Moment" with the Ritz Brothers. Some feel that the title was erroneous as "slapstick" is not too heartily laughed at anymore. The Group received a "shot in the arm", as it were, from the wonderful bombing on todays mission. Once again, this evening fresh, real potatoes were served for supper. This welcome addition to the menu was supplemented with fried chicken. Everyone is laboring long and arduously, "knocking themselves out", in preparation for the impending inspection on Wednesday, 28 June. Captains Carr and Brown, Squadron Bombardier and Navigator, respectively, were in the lead plane of our Group which led the Wing today.

27 June

The mission was for Budapest Vecses Airdrome but Brod marshalling yard was bombed because of the not unusual adverse weather. The mission was successful. 250# bombs were used. Nine of our planes took off and all bombed the alternate target with fair results. This afternoon a 15^th Air Force inspector was around to inspect the light rescue squad and the combat forces that are charged with the defense of certain sectors. After the inspector was shown the meager supple of four stretchers and a couple of shovels the helmeted, gun-totin', knife-carrying, heterogeneous crew was dismissed. This affair was just a preliminary to the overall, encompassing inspection to be "pulled-off" tomorrow. The theater this evening offers "Andy Hardy's Double Life" with Mickey Rooney. G.I. movies had been billed so this came as a surprise. There are many little pleasantries the mess offers such as fresh cherries, fresh lemons, and sometimes "fresh cookies" in the form of Red Cross girls, at the table at meal time. The fresh lemons aid immeasurably in improving the dehydrated "lemonata" and the iced tea. Occasionally fresh onions and cucumbers appear. All this, of course, is "molto buono" with the EM's and sometimes, I think, they are properly grateful. Especially for the onions served with the "C" ration stew which can stand considerable improving.

28 June

There is a stand-down today which means maximum maintenance and for those more fortunate, maximum swimming. The siesta, no doubt, will hold its proper place and be well-practiced. The inspection came off as scheduled with a great conglomeration of rank in attendance. Our squadron area was said to be the best in the group, and one of the best in this wing. The shower room for Enlisted Men which is a joint-4 squadron affair, never was too good, but of late has been "running down" more than somewhat. There are numerous showers without shower heads, various pipes leak, the water has a habit of stopping when a man is "well-soaped". Also, some days, the water is off for long periods. With the time, and unquestionably, money, lavished on other edifices it is surprising that the shower room is neglected and not properly cared for. The most disreputable tents in the squadron area are slowly being transformed into decent living quarters. The majority of tents, however, are fixed up rather nicely. Thought for the day: A man does not necessarily "sweat" out the chow line because he's hungry, but from force of habit! There was a sign on the bulletin board which noted that "E.M. will be sold 4 cans of beer per man this evening. Bring small change". There is hardly any comment necessary about this. The cinema, this evening, offered "Gildersleeve's Ghost". Some thought this a "stinkeroo".

29 June

Stand down again today. Around the area peace and quiet prevails. The squadron authorities were seemingly well pleased with the appearance the squadron put up for the inspection, yesterday. We have received information that S/Sgt Frank Henn, Supply Sergeant, had been awarded the Soldiers Medal for Heroism. He saved a fellow soldier from drowning at the beach. The actual presentation of the medal will be made within a few days. Officers from this Group are now visiting Rome. It is presumed that Enlisted Men will soon be given the same privilege. There was no show.

30 June

The mission was to Zagreb A/D. Due to bad weather no target was bombed. Bombs were jettisoned and some brought back. Pay call is at  two o'clock. At about two-thirty, "craps call". The squadron has a new system of paying off the men and the whole operation for all Enlisted personnel takes about thirty minutes. This eliminates one of the worst lines of all to "sweat out". The movie is "Hi Diddle Diddle" with Adolph Menjou, Dennis O'Keefe and Martha Scott.

Walter T Malcolm

1^st Lt, Air Corps

Squadron Historian