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HEADQUARTERS 722ND BOMB. SQ. (H)
450TH BOMB. GP. (H)
U. S. ARMY APO 520
10 May 1944
SUBJECT: Historical Records.
TO: Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention,
Historian (through channels)
1. Unit
history of the 722nd Bombardment Squadron (H) for the period 1 April
to 1 May 1944.
a.
The present designation of the unit is the 722nd Bombardment
Squadron (H), 450th Bombardment Group (H), 47th
Bombardment Wing (H).
b.
Changes in Organization.
(1)
None.
(2)
None.
(3)
MAJOR WILLIAM A. MCWHORTER, 0397563 was aptd Squadron Commander of the 722nd
Bomb. Sq. (H), vice MAJOR WILLIAM L. ORRIS, 0399548, as of the 30 April 1944
(SO #68).
(4)
Captain Dawkins became S-3 vice Major McWhorters, 30 April 1944, Squadron Order
#6, par #2.
c.
Station. Army Air Base, Manduria, Italy.
d.
Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted
Enlisted
Men Officers
(1)
a. At beginning 385 79
b. Net Increase
0 0
c. Net decrease
0 2
d. At end 385 77
e.
Movements. None
f.
Campaigns. None
g.
Operations.
(1)
Number of Missions 17 Sorties
152
(2)
Principal targets were M/Y in the Balkans and A/C factories in Austria.
(3
&4) The early part of the month we were given targets that were an aid to
the Russians. We helped to destroy M/Y in the Balkans and in that way destroyed
important supply lines to the South end of the Russian front.
On
3 April 1944, Lt. Col Gideon led the group and the wing to attack the Budapest
M/Y. The smoke screen used by the enemy was to little advantage, since the
target was well hit. It proved to be one of the bet raids this Group was on.
Severe damage and destruction was done to the M/Y, and equipment and
installations adjacent to the M/Y. the refinery that was hit was still burning
when reconnaissance planes went over the following day.
On
4 April 1944 we bombed the Bucharest M/Y. The Bulk of the German supplies to
the eastern front runs through Bucharest. The Target was well hit and damage
was great.
h.
Commanding Officer in important operations. None.
i.
Losses in action.
Mission,
Ploesti M/Y and Oil Refineries, 5 April 1944
2nd
Lt. Beene, Rex A Sgt.
Domorack, John C.
2nd
Lt. Cheesman, Robert E. Sgt
Rabe, Willard A
2nd
Lt. Cowgill, Winfield Sgt
Schmitd, Miles F
2nd
Lt. Golemgeake, Harold E Sgt
Rosen, Sol
Sgt.
Keevert, LaVerne Sgt
Jensen Ronald T H
Mission,
Mestre M/Y Italy, 7 April 1944
2nd
Lt. Nutt, Robert W S/Sgt
Bliss, Eugene W
2nd
Lt. Fox, Roger M S/Sgt
Williams, George W
2nd
Lt. Paulagrove, James H S/Sgt
Rabello, Walter B
2nd
Lt. Fraitig, Robert B. S/Sgt
Rick, Robert
S/Sgt
Pfaffinger, Richard C. Cpl
Byrd, John P
Mission,
A/C Ftry at Wiener Neustadt, April 12, 1944
2nd
Lt. Sebastian, Walter J. S/Sgt
Neff, Merle A
2nd
Lt. Shebest, Joseph E Sgt
Schira, Raymond J
2nd
Lt. Archer, Robert K S/Sgt
Cassell, Elmo L
2nd
Lt. Marsden, Robert B. Cpl
Slingland, Charles R.
Sgt.
Park, William L S/Sgt
Nally, Raymond E.
Mission,
Toulon Harbor Installations, 29 April 1944
Maj.
Orris, William L Sgt
Houston, Harvey A
2nd
Lt. Phillips, Harold G. S/Sgt
Furer, Melvin
1st
Lt. Aubins, Albert E Cpl
Regier, August J
1st
Lt. Lehman, Charles P S/Sgt
Root, Lowell E
S/Sgt
Deal, Herman A S/Sgt Slinkard, Albert
S/Sgt
Kosak, Anthony J
Mission,
Toulon Harbor Installations, 29 April 1944
2nd
Lt. Maddox, Hubert R S/Sgt.
Ryan Thomas J
2nd
Lt. Poore, Robert W S/Sgt.
Vrla, Edwin F
2nd
Lt. Ryan, Frank M S/Sgt
Bosserman, Harold D
2nd
Lt. Tipton, Vernon J T/Sgt
Van Roden, Richard J
Sgt.
Shrum, Wymand D T/Sgt
Vlass, Harold C. Jr.
j.
Those who have distinguished themselves. None.
2. Enclosed
is the War Diary of this unit for the period 1 April 1944 to 1 May 1944.
JULES
J. L. HESSEN
2nd
Lt., Air Corps
Squadron
Historian
1 Incl –
War Diary
722ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
WAR DIARY MONTH OF
APRIL
April 1
Yesterday was payday and this morning a lot of sad faces
could be seen in the mess hall. Poker and black jack is a good game for the
winner, but I don't think the losers like it too much. Many of the boys have
sworn off playing but they don't mean it. What they do mean is that they are
now broke and they can't until next payday,
Today was April Fools day but he customary pranks were not
seen. No one complained about having itching powder put in their bed, perhaps
because there isn't any around here. Every one was on the lookout for
pranksters and all were a little disheartened that nothing happened. It's
really marvelous how everyone's morale is so high. All seem to be acting just
like they did back in the states. Today was one of those "mission planned and
briefed – bad weather - mission called off "days.
April 2
A lot of fellows ere burning the midnight oil last – night
either cards of letter writing – take your pick.
It's a great thing to see the faces of the combat crews
returning from a successful mission. They stand on the doughnut line full of
smiles. Can't blame them though they sure did a great job today – right on the
beam.
One would think there's an FHA Project starting on the Manduria
Air Base. Cottages are being built by the score. Some of them look as
fashionable as any in the states. The "Eye-ties" can do marvelous things with
this sandstone they dig out of the ground. A good many of the boys are living
in better quarters than they had in any army camp across the ocean.
Chaplain Stevens was on hand today for the services. Without
a doubt a larger crowd attends services here than did "back home".
April 3
Blue Monday – but no one seemed blue. Perhaps they did look
a little yellow from those Atabrine tablets that have become part of the
evening menu. But as Captain Brewer says, "it's better to be a little yellow
than to be a dead duck."
The weather sure is getting beautiful. Old man weather seems
to be on the beam, no one can complain when the weather is nice. We all have
our fingers crossed and sure hope it keeps up.
There was a show in town tonight. What a mad scramble there
is to get on the trucks leaving for town. Excitement galore but sometimes it
isn't worth it.
April 4
There was a mission today and we hit the Bucharest
marshalling yards in order to stop the German traffic that goes to the Eastern
Front.
Threw were G.I. Movies at the Oria Cinema. At times the G.I.
Movies have a good selection of news and short subjects. Our base theatre, the
outdoor one we are all anxiously awaiting the opening of, isn't finished as yet
but it won't be long. It sure will be great having the movie on the base. The
mad scramble to get to and from will be at an end. Special service is trying to
arrange it so that we will not have to go off the field for entertainment.
The baseball season is under way and practically every night
a game is played. This evening Ordinance played armament and by the results of
the game loading bombs must be a good trainer because ordinance walked away
with the game.
April 5
What a beautiful day it was today. Strange thing when the
day is nice it sure is hard to believe that there's a war going on.
The mess Sergeant was all smiles today when he stood at the
end of the show line pouring ice-cold coco-colas into the mess cups instead of
GI coffee. Too bad the seen ounces didn't do more than just cover the bottom of
our cups. Everyone is looking forward for those three bottles per week that the
Stars and Stripes mentioned. Those Coco-Cola bottles sure decorated the
Officers tables in the mess hall.
Another movie tonight and another mad scramble for
transportation. Everyone returns with "gray hair" caused by the dusty roads.
April 6
Today was the day of rest even though it was Thursday. The
reason a simple one - no mission.
Sometimes it cost quite a bit to indulge I a game of volley
ball – especially if your continually lose. Everyone works quite hard the days
the missions are scheduled and therefore relaxation is in abundance on those no
mission days. Although the mechanics are kept pretty busy taking care of the
planes to put them in readiness for the next mission. The boys are doing a fine
job as is made evident in the fact that our Squadron has the least number of early
returns.
April 7
"What a beautiful morning" – it seems as if that song was
written for this day. A number of the boys went to the beach to practice
shooting their "small arms". The group private beach is really something to
rave about. The water – Gulf of Taranto - is as clear as a crystal and as
refreshing as a beautiful damsel. It brings back fond memories to many,
especially those who had their basic training at Miami Beach and the Officers
who went through OOS at Miami. Although we all hope the war is over before
summer, but just in case it isn't we sure are going to have a good place to
cool off at.
"Cabin in the Sky" was shown tonight in the Oria Theatre.
It's funny to see "This new picture dedicated free to the Armed Forces" just
before an old picture is shown on the screen.
April 8
The mission took off in what seemed like a beautiful day but
the weather around the target wasn't any too good because the mission was
called back. The crews who are nearing their completion of their 50 missions
were a little peeved. Their anxious to get it over with and get back to God's
Country, the good old United States.
One of the boys found out last night that this Italian
cognac is just a wee bit stronger than home brewed corn liquor. He probably
will be an ardent prohibitionist from now on.
April 9
Easter Sunday! Fond recollections of Easter parades, walking
through the park with your best gal and what not were brought back to memory
today. The mission was cancelled therefore all were able to attend the Easter
Services. The weather must be bad up there - but it sure is beautiful in these
parts.
Chaplain Stevens held an excellent outdoor service. A B-24
provided the background and fin protectors from the bombs were used to provide
seats for all. A choir of EM and Officers in excellent voice and an organ to
accompany them provided the music. The services were heard over a loudspeaker.
Everyone agreed that the services ere excellent – take a bow, Chaplain Stevens.
April 10
Last night it rained and it sure brought back memories of
our first few months in thee parts when rain was in abundance and we couldn't
walk a step without stepping in mud. It was cloudy during the day and was a
real typical "Blue Monday".
There was another movie in town tonight. The "Eyeties" seem
to have nothing else to do but sit around and gape at the GI's rushing to and
from the show.
April 11
Today we wore out some shoe leather - in other words we has
an hour of drill. We did not drill for so long it was really a novelty and I
don't believe anyone minded it at least not too much. Perhaps the fact that if
they did mind it would not help the situation had something to do with it.
There's a lot of new faces in the Squadron now. All the old
timers give them inside tips about life overseas. They don't realize how lucky
they are to be here when everything is all set up. Most of them are a bit
bewildered since they have been indoctrinated with the fact of how rough it is
overseas.
The new crews were lectured by the Intelligence Officers and
in the afternoon went on practice missions. Formation flying is quite important
and the old crews know it.
There was a GI movie in town tonight but the crowd was not
as great as usual perhaps the drilling in the morning had something to do with
it.
April 12
Another beautiful day. It looks as if we are really in Sunny
Italy. The beach had quite a crowd. Even though there is so much paraphernalia
issued telling not to take in too much sun all at once, still may fellows look
like turnips and God only knows how they feel.
The Orderly room EM played the ground Officers volley ball
this evening. Although it sounds hard to believe the Officers won. The Orderly
room "Commandoes" are going to have to sit a little lower in their chairs.
When the 722nd Bomb Sq does anything you can rest
assured it is going to surpass any other outfit. The newly built orderly room
can stand on equal footing with a Wall Street office. The Squadron Dayroom has
been started on. A number of the fellows seem doubtful of its completion, but
Lt Thomas, our Adjutant, assures us that it will be done. At the present moment
there isn't any lumber or roofing, but where there's a will there's a way.
April 13
PX day today and from 0730 the line forms outside the PX
tent. One would think that the candy ad cigarettes aren't rationed. The strange
part about it is that whether you come early or late everyone gets the same.
Today we had beer of course it doesn't compare to that stuff we have back home
but it does bare a resemblance. Didn't hear anyone complain about getting drunk
on beer, but there sure is a lot of boys who wouldn't mind.
The doughnut line was full of smiles, yes, they did a good
job on the Budapest Airdrome. Looks like the huns will have to speed up their
aircraft production to keep up with eh amount we destroy.
April 14
The mission was called off before briefing this morning.
Orders came for the crews to clean their planes. The mud on the runway makes
them appear fairly dirty.
Taking advantage of the fact that there was no mission, the
Intelligence Section held classes in aircraft recognition and Escape procedure.
"Buffalo Bill" was featured at the Oria Cinema. Quite a bit
of hooting in the audience at the cowboys and Indians.
April 15
It was another beautiful morning. Those who had days off
sure had nice weather to go with it.
This evening a large number of the Squadron attended a War
News Presentation Lecture. Lt Hessen covered all theatres due to Captain
Johnstons absence. The Squadron seems to enjoy it since they are able to learn
what is happening in the world and how the war is progressing.
It was a quiet day and the usual routine was followed. Since
there was no movie all had a chance to catch up on their correspondence.
April 16
It was a bit difficult getting up this morning for a good
number of men. Briefing was at 0545 and a lot of dreary eyed men filed into the
War Room. The target for the day was Brasov, Roumania. The marshalling yard was
very well covered and the customary smiling faces were observed on the men
waiting on the doughnut line – another mission well done.
Today was the day of accidents. For one thing, on the
takeoff a 50 caliber machine gun was accidentally fired, and near misses were
reported by many. Later in the evening about 2100 a fire broke out in a B-24
ship of the 720th Squadron and caused a terrific explosion. So
terrific was it that a good number of men thought for sure the huns were over
and it took a lot of persuasion to get them out of their foxholes. The ship
blew up into a thousand and one pieces and it burned up costing the lives of
four men. S/Sgt Eberly from our squadron died as a result of this accident.
M/Sgt Merritt and S/Sgt Eberly were busy protecting the other aircraft in order
to avoid a possible catastrophe and did an excellent job of dispersing the
aircraft. The Squadron is proud of them both.
April 17
Here it is Monday again. The days are flying past so quickly
that it is getting impossible to keep track of them. When one thinks that each
day that passes is another day nearer peace one doesn't mind it too much.
Pancakes for breakfast covered with rich creamy butter and
delicious syrup. The cooks are really getting on the beam – no one complained
about this mornings breakfast. It wasn't like "Mom use to make it" but what
food could be.
The Opera has come to town! Yes, it looks as if a lot of
Officers and EM are going to turn cultural. Madame Butterfly is going to be
enacted and a good number of EM got their tickets from Special Service. Sorry
it will cost the Officers "one buck".
Those who didn't care about going to Lecce to see the opera
went to see "What a Woman" in the Oria Theatre.
April 18
Today the weather started out beautifully. It was so clear
in the morning it wasn't very evident why there wasn't any mission. But, per
usual, the weatherman was right again and the afternoon brought on clouds and
the sun was shut out for the day. It wasn't long after before it began to rain
and the day was a dismal one.
"Rigoletto" was on at the opera this evening. The attendance
tonight should have been doubled since those who went last night brought back
very favorable reports. Perhaps the reason why so many of the boys from the
Squadron expect to attend is made evident in the fact that there isn't any
movie tonight.
April 19
Spring Fever seems to be getting the best of many. Some can
be seen walking around in a daze, probably thinking of the times they would
stroll through the park with their best gal on beautiful days. Those who ere
off today together with the combat crews who didn't fly due to a cancellation
of the mission could be found loafing in the sun. Modesty seems to have been
forgotten since many of the boys had some heated games of volley ball in their
birthday suits.
The usual Wednesday evening movie was on tonight. The usual
"grey headed victims" could be seen on the return trip – those nice dusty roads
are to blame.
April 20
Lt. Thomas, the Squadron Adjutant, got a brainstorm the
other day. The ail room, which is by the way a small wooden shack, now has a
gigantic airmail stamped envelope painted on it. It's really very novel and
serves a dual purpose. Primary reason to show the new men how to address their
mail and secondly to decorate the mail shack. Of course the envelope is
addressed to some Texas Gal. The fact that Lt Thomas is a Texan of course had
nothing to do with it.
Today was PX day and there rations for the EM are definitely
improving. The Officers now have their own PX in town. Everyone seems to be
getting sufficient cigarettes and candy to satiate their appetites. Today was
once again another usual day.
April 21
The morning was started off with French toast for breakfast.
The GI bread sure had a different flavor today, especially covered with cherry
preserves.
Special Services arranged for a USO show this evening in
conjunction with the regular Friday night movie. The show was corny. It
consisted of Italian talent. Although it was quite amusing to see the fat
"eyeties" try to dance the American way. They just can't be compared to the
American dancers – in looks or in talent.
We were warned today about he coming "mosquitoe netting"
inspection. Since the day was cloudy and it rained a good part of the
afternoon, everyone had an excellent opportunity to get prepared.
April 22
Peace and quiet reigned supreme today – reason obvious – no
mission. The weather sure had been disappointing the last few days. It seems as
if the weather has a lot to do with the way we feel besides having to do with
whether or not we have a mission.
This evening the Squadron S-2 Officers gave a War News
Lecture. It seems as if the 722nd Squadron has the most number of
men interested in what's happening in the news or else it is the interesting
way the Intelligence Officers present it, because the attendance is gratifying.
Lt Thomas, the Squadron Adjutant, is always present to do some side line
heckling.
April 23
There was a late briefing and an important target today, the
Schwechat A/C Factory near Vienna. The target area was it but the pinpoint
seemed to have escaped damage. The Bombardiers are a little discouraged – blame
it on the drift. The weather was CAVU and the target stood out plainly – but.
There were church services today held by Chaplain Stevens.
Many of the men go to either Oria or Manduria and attend church services there.
The Holy Rosary church in Manduria always has a goodly number of GI's and
Nurses present. But it's for religious and not the Nurses that the bulk of the
men attend.
April 24
There was a bit of excitement on the field this morning.
Twenty two British Halifaxes landed on the field. They had Polish crews with a
few Englishmen. The boys in the tower had a little difficulty bringing them in
but they did it safely. Quite a crowd was out on the field to take a look at
the British bombers. This was the first time for many that they saw a British
Halifax. All agreed that they were nice planes but no comparison to our
Liberators.
Today was Monday and back home the family wash would be seen
hanging on the line. But here in Italy that scene doesn't appear. The Italians
probably do not consider Monday as "washday". Many of the boys think that they
don't consider any day wash day.
Another movie tonight with a full house attendance. It seems
as if no on wants to be absent from any entertainment.
April 25
Todays mission could cause some navigators to get ideas. The
target was way up in the Northernmost part of Italy near Switzerland. The
Macchi Aircraft Factory at Varese, Italy was to be hit. The weather was bad on
takeoff and continued that way. The mission was all mixed up since the
formation ran into very bad weather. The Group finally dropped their load on
Rimini.
Where ever you see one fellow resting his arm on the
shoulder of another in a fraternal gesture you can rest assured that he is on
the verge of making a touch. Payday isn't far off but he fact still remains
that they need money today.
GI Movies were shown in Oria this evening. It was a bit
funny seeing a "new" Pete Smith Specialty and then seeing another showing
glimpses of old Pete Smith specialties including the "new" one.
April 26
Today since there was no mission a lot of games could be
seen being played. Some had a few fierce games of volley ball, others put on
their baseball glove and played that familiar game of catch. Quite a number
went to see what the Italian towns had to offer. One thing they have is an
abundance of "seniorinas" but if they heed Captain Brewers advice they'll spend
there time gaping at the scenery.
Ice cold "cokes" were served in the mess hall this evening.
Some Rum Baccardi sure would go nice with it. All can remember the days back in
Alamogordo, New Mexico when a quart could be bought for a buck thirty five. A
few of the combat men save their shots that they get at the end of a days
mission and had nice highballs.
Once again Special Services was on hand to show a movie.
It's really going to be a novelty to see a picture shown in its entirety with
out a break in it to change reels.
April 27
Weather was still bad and another day without a mission. The
Red Cross in Lecce must have been quite busy. They do serve the most delicious
ice-cream in Italy It must seem strange to the eyeties serving to see the zeal
with which the American soldier goes for his ice-cream.
Quite a long line had to be sweated out in order to get into
the PX. The usual rations were issued. There were a few pipes for those who
have enough patience to smoke them.
April 28
Briefing time was set for 0900. todays target was the
Orbatello, Italy port area and railroad. Something happened and the majority of
the bombs went to the left of the target. The boys weren't too happy they never
are when the target is missed. You could hear some of them say on the doughnut
line "I feel guilty accepting the doughnuts today". It's all right fellows it
happened to the best.
There were quite a number of packages in the mail today. The
folks on the Home Front are really sending out the goods. A lot of gripes can
be heard due to the fact that it takes so long for packages to arrive.
Another movie this evening. Everyone is anxiously awaiting
he opening of the Group Theater. Riding those dusty roads are getting to be
nightmare. "Lady Takes a Chance" was the feature – we take a chance took,
bucking the dusty roads to see it.
April 29
Early briefing – 0615. todays target was the harbor installations
at Toulon, France. Major Orris, the Squadron Commander led the formation. Bombs
were dropped in the target area. Due to an effective smoke screen observation
was obscured. On the turn away from the target Major Orris' ship appeared to be
hit by flak. Smoke was seen coming from the waist. The crew started to bail out
in regular intervals and ten chutes were observed. We all hope that the entire
crew is safe. Photos indicated that bombs were effectively placed on pinpointed
areas. It was a costly day in combat crews for our Squadron, Major Orris and
crew and Lt Maddox and crew went down.
This evening there was another War News Lecture in the War
Room. These news lectures are now a scheduled affair and the Squadron was
advised to attend each week even though notices might not be posted. The War
News seems to be improving and it's getting so that many can't understand why
the Hun still fights on.
April 30
Everyone had the look of a millionaire, reason, very simple,
today was Payday. You could see a lot of fellows paying off their debts and
walking away with very little of the original sum left. There should be some
real good card games on tonight.
There were boxing bouts on tonight in the ring that was
constructed on the base. The boys put on a good show and a large crowd attends
this now weekly affair.
News came in that there was to be no mission on May 1st
– some didn't mind that a bit and so another month of operations came to a
close.
JULES J. L. HESSEN
1st Lt., Air Corps
Squadron Historian.
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