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HEADQUARTERS, 722ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
APO 520 U. S. ARMY
10 June 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 May
to 31 May 1944.
a. The present designation of the
unit is 722nd Bombardment Squadron (H), 450th Bombardment
Group (H), 47th Bombardment Wing (H), 15th Air Force,
United States Army.
b. Changes in Organization
(1) None
(2) None
(3) None
(4) None
c. Strength, commissioned and
enlisted.
(1) Month of May 1944
(a) At beginning: 481
(b)
Increase: 29
(c)
Decrease: -
(d)
At end: 510
d. Manduria, Italy #25, Army Air
Base.
e. No movement of Organization in
May
f. Campaigns
(1) Italian
(2) Duration: from 2 January 1944,
still in progress
g. Operations
(1) Fourteen Missions were flown for
a total of 188 sorties.
(2) We attacked marshalling yards at
Brasov, Roumania; Piacenza, Vicenza and La Spezia, Italy and Nice and Marseille
France. We twice attacked the oil refineries at Ploesti, Roumania. A mission
was attempted against a railroad bridge near Latisana, Italy and since that
target couldn't be reached the railroad bridge near Montesilvano, Italy was
bombed. One mission was flown against enemy troop concentration near the Anzio
Beachhead. Two against an airdrome near Wiener Neustadt, Austria; and one
against the aircraft component factory in the same area. Two missions against
Port Installations at Porto San Stefano, Italy.
(3) On 29 May 1944 an important
mission was flown, our objective was to destroy the airdrome installations and
aircraft assembly plant and also to relieve the aerial pressure the Germans had
against the Partisans, in Yugoslavia. The target was the Wollensdorf Airdrome,
near Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The target was well hit and the pattern was
good.
On 30 May 1944, our formation was jumped by 15-20 Me 109's when they
returned on this date to the Wiener Neustadt area. The attacks were from 6
o'clock level and high. All the attacks were aggressive and most of them single
and closing into 50 yards. The target was well hit. Lt Bruner and crew went
down to enemy fighters on this mission. The P 51's put in a belated appearance
and ended the battle in short order.
h. Losses in Action
On 12 May 1944 on the raid against
the harbor installations at San Stefano, Install, Italy, the following men were
missing in action. Lts Smith, Carl L; Craven, Albert D; Cornelius, Willard M;
Farrar, Edwin R.; S/Sgts Nally, John M,; Payne, Langeton; Janzen Herbert; Sgts
DeBlois, Joseph N; Courlay, Bernard W.; Wells Jr. James E.; Lts Word, J.C.;
Bertling, Norbert T; Garret, Edward F; Werner, John M; T/Sgts Spector, Morris;
Beightol, Harry M; S/Sgts Shirley, James G.; Whitley, Loyd: Boaz, Paul D.
On 24 May 1944 to bomb the
Wollensdorf Airdrome at Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The following men were
missing in action: Lts Chrestia, August A.; Hendricks, James W; Cook, Harold E
Jr; Isaak Andrew; S/Sgts Ferguson, Wm C. Jr; Jones, Arthur W. Jr; Cpl
Mikolajczk Albin S; Pfc Bilik, Paul F; S/Sgt Morris, Robert P; Cpl Galvao,
Manuel J.
On 29 May 1944, on mission to bomb
the railroad installations at La Spezia, Italy, the following crew was missing
in action. Lts Shain, Layman E; Hayward, Richard E; Lehrer, George; Cupo, Frank
J; S/Sgts McMorrow, James R; Medinger, Robert L; Sgts Bell, Arthur A. Jr;
Russo, Giovanni; Whipple, Earl F; Shaffer, John.
On 30 May 1944 on a mission to bomb
the Wollensdorf Aircraft Factory in Austria, the following crew was missing in
action: Lts Brunner, Tommy F; Morrissey, Francis J; Parr, Harry E Jr. Gross
Edwin; T/Sgt Jones, Dee R. Jr; S/Sgt Cain, Richard J; Engle, Chas. D; Pine,
Arthur W; Sgts Josephson, Harland F; Mielke, Wallace J.
On 31 May 1944 on a mission to bomb
the oil refineries at Ploesti, Roumania the following crews wer missing in
action. Lts Schaeffer, Gerald L; Marker, Herbert J; Friedber, Alan; F/O Looney,
Temple O; S/Sgts Vasquez, Martin; Larson, Orville H. Sgts LaCome, Alex F; Paul,
Thomas F; Jarvis, Marvin W.; Werner, Norman C.; Lts Barrett, John F; Smith,
Arthur L; Dunn, Jackson F; Scherer, John P.; S/Sgts Poffinberger, Ralph L.;
Hankins, Irwin M; Madera, Aurelio; Major, Robert R; Smith, Clair C.
2. Enclosed
is the War Diary of this unit for the period 1 May 1944 to 1 June 1944.
For the Commanding Officer:
JULES J. L. HESSEN
1st Lt., Air Corps
Squadron Historian
1 Incl. War Diary
DIARY of the 722nd BOMB Sq. (H)
MONTH of MAY
May 1
The weather was bright and cool but hter was no mission
today. There were two practice missions flown to acquaint the new crews with
the tactics employed here and to give them practice in formation flying. Today
was "Defense Day" and all personnel were walking around as if they just
returned from the front and were ready to leave I in a few hours. A target
identification lecture was given by Lt. Chronister to the bombardiers. The
movies today were "Battle for Britain" and "Swing Out the Blues". The Group
celebrated its first anniversary today.
May 2
There was no combat mission flown today. The crews were
briefed at 0700 for a practice mission. There were six boxing bouts on in the
evening at the 450th ring.
May 3
Another practice mission was flown today. Col. Mills
emphasized the fact that formation flying was of the utmost importance. There
was a Group formation in front t of Group Headquarters. Coll. Mills was awarded
the Silver Star, Col. Gideon and Lt. Courtwright were awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross and Captain McQueen was awarded the Air Medal. Many of the crews
received the Purple Heart award. The theatre in Oria featured "The Black Hills
Express."
May 4
The mission planned for today was that "Old Favorite"
Ploesti, Roumania but the mission was scrubbed shortly after takeoff and the
planes returned to the base. The weather in this area is beautiful today, a
good many of the boys can be seen wearing suntans already. In the afternoon all
personnel exercised in a close order drill, What Fun!
May 5
Ten of our planes took off at 0800 to bomb the Oil Refinery
at Ploesti, Roumania. The target was completely obscured by smoke making it
difficult for the bombardiers to make their sightings. About thirty minutes
past the target a huge smoke column rose to 12,000 feet indicating that an oil
storage tank was hit. The formation encountered intense, accurate flak and also
numerous fighters. There was a show in town "The Falcon Meets Danger". A few of
the gunners completed 50 missions today and were put on rotation, without a
doubt the morale of the crews was bolstered by that.
May 6
The crews met for briefing very early this morning and took
off at 0800 to bomb the marshalling yards at Brasov, Roumania. The results were
good and there was a large concentration of bombs in the target area. The flak
today was medium, inaccurate and heavy and there were no encounters with enemy
aircraft. All planes and crews returned safely to base at 1700. Informal bell
games are a daily occurrence now that the weather is so befitting.
May 7
A mission was planned today and the planes took off but
returned early due to bad weather. The Soldiers Medal was awarded to M/Sgt
Merritt today for having saved a burning aircraft on the line at the risk of
his own life. There were Church Services held this morning and the attendance
was quite large. The boxing matches scheduled for this evening were cancelled
until tomorrow due to adverse weather.
May 8
There was no briefing or mission today due to bad weather.
Practice bombing and gunnery missions were flown by the new replacement crews.
The Intelligence section gave lectures today to the entire group on Russian
Aircraft and their capabilities. A lecture on Escape Proceedings was also
given. The movie that was on today was "Reveille with Beverly" and was very
good.
May 9
Briefing was scheduled for 1100 for Wiener Neustadt today
but was cancelled due to weather. Beer was part of this weeks rations, one
quart of Italian beer, even that taste good. There was a U.S.O. Show presented
at the theatre in Oria. It was well attended and found to be very good. Helen
Young, formerly with Johnny Long's band stole the show by far.
May 10
Eleven of our planes took off in what appeared like nice
weather to bomb Wiener Neustadt but turned back after several hours due to bad
weather. All the bombs were "fed to the fish". There was no movie tonight due
to the Italians having a fiesta in Oria.
May 11
There was no mission today. Maximum maintenance was ordered.
Engineering was told that every available plane would fly tomorrow. Briefing
was held at an unusual hour, 2000 for tomorrows mission. Wild speculations are
going on throughout the Squadron. The PX rations are improving, there was a fine
array of candy and an abundance of cigarettes for all.
May 12
The crews had their briefing last night for the mission
today. The target being the harbor installations at San Stefano, Italy. The
target was covered with an excellent concentration. This morning the formation
was routed to fly up to and just behind the front lines to help bolster the
morale of the front line soldiers. Today was our first "Double Header"! At 1200
the crews were briefed and the planes took off at 1300 but the mission was called
off before the planes were entirely off the field. The movie in town today was
"Beautiful but Broke". On arrival back to the base all looked like they took a
flour bath due to the abundance of dust.
May 13
The "White Tails" were again airborne this morning to bomb
the marshalling yards at Piacenza, Italy. A good concentration of hits were
scored in the target area with many hits at the choke point and large fires
were started. The boys sure were happy when they landed and little wonder – no
flak, no enemy fighters and a perfect bomb pattern to go with it. The
formations again flew over the front line to show the boys about there that the
Air Force is feeding the "Jerries" plenty.
May 14
The target for today was the marshalling yards at Vicenza,
Italy. The Mission wasn't too successful. Navigation was poor the mission was
poorly run and it is doubtful if any of the bombs hit the target. There were
church services held this morning and a large crowd was present to observe
Mother's Day. Colonel Mills addressed a formation of the ground echelon and
congratulated and thanked all for the excellent job they are doing. He also
read messages of commendations that the Group received. The 47th
Wing established a beach and the entire personnel are taking advantage of if
and are might pleased with it.
May 15
There was no mission today. Practice formations were flown.
The day was beautiful and a good deal of the personnel took advantage of it by
going down to the beach for a swim. The movie today was "His Butlers Sister"
starring Deanna Durbin. The men seemed to like Deanna Durbin.
May 16
No mission today. The weather was beautiful. The blue
Italian skies sure provide an excellent ceiling for bathing. Lectures on Escape
Procedure were given to the combat personnel by an Air Force Representative.
May 17
The target for today was the harbor installations at port
San Stefano. Colonel Mills led a fine mission today. The pattern was good and
the target was well hit. The flak was not effective and a good many attribute it
to the fact that Col Mills did a good job of evading it. Another excellent
mission for the White Tails. The movie today was "Action in the Arabia". The
usual large crowd was present but all are awaiting anxiously the opening of he
open air theater here on the base. A solution to eliminating the trip to Oria
and being covered with dust.
May 18
The briefed target for today was the Oil Refineries at
Ploesti, Roumania. Very bad weather was encountered about an hour before the
target. During the afternoon most of the men could be found down at the 47th
Wings' private beach, swimming, playing baseball or football or just taking
things easy and getting a good suntan.
May 19
The weather today was not too ideal for flying but the group
was ably led by Lt. Col. Gideon. The target was Spezia in Northern Italy and
briefing was at 0430. It was another red letter day for the 450th.
The bombing results were excellent with a large concentration on bombs on the
marshalling yard and choke point with hits also on the gas works, oil storage
area and building adjacent to the marshalling yard. Many fires were observed as
the planes left the target. "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" was shown at the
theatre in Oria.
May 20
Today was an off day all around. A standdown was scheduled
and the weather was anything but nice. Intermittent rain showers during the
entire morning and afternoon. Things ran along in the squadron in the same
usual manner.
May 21
Another missionless day. Thee stand downs are permitting a
good number of men to catch up on their sack time. There were five good bouts
put on at the Manduria Arena and at least a thousand people attended. The
colored boys from the M.P. detachment took an active part and each and every
bout was a fine one.
May 22
The mission for today was an important railroad bridge at
Latisana, Italy. The target was completely obscured by clouds and the planes
circled the target may times hoping to find an opening but being unsuccessful
they went on to bomb an alternate. All of our ships returned safely to base. At
last the outdoor theatre was opened tonight. There was a large crowd present
but there was still plenty of room. The picture was "Sweet Rosie O'Grady"
starring Betty Grable. Special Services is to be commended on doing such a fine
job on the theatre.
May 23
Our ships took off at 0730 to bomb troop concentrations in
the Grattaferrara area. This was in support of the Anzio Beachhead. Due to
cloud coverage the extent of damage could not be estimated. The "G.I. Movies"
scheduled for tonight were called off due to rain. Special Service was sorry
that they did not have rain checks.
May 24
The target for today was the Wollensdorf Airdrome at Wiener
Neustadt, Austria. The results were not too successful, they did not meet up
with any escort and they were jumped by enemy fighters before the target. The
Group lost quite a few planes today. In the evening a thriller was held at our
theatre entitled "The Uninvited". It was a mystery show and proved to be very
entertaining. The evening was cool and damp. Everyone is in favor with the
outdoor theater and the crowd attention is quite large.
May 25
Porto Marghera Oil Storage Installations in Northern Italy
provided the target for today. There were two aiming points today and both were
well hit. The "Cotton Tails" did it again. Everyone remarked that the barbecue
was very well prepared. Take a bow Dave Hettleman of the Red Cross.
May 26
The crews were briefed this morning at 0400 and took off at
0630 to bomb the marshalling yards at Nice, France. The target was very well
hit with an excellent pattern. Many of the boys went to the beach this afternoon.
We wonder if the rumor that many were caught with their pants down when some
nurses came on the beach is true. The movie tonight was "Mr Big". Due to the
fact that the sound track wasn't very good the picture wasn't enjoyed very
much.
May 27
The mission for today was the marshalling yards at
Marseille, France. The target was obscured by smoke of other Groups bombs but
we hit the aiming point anyway. Flak was encountered from the I.P. to the
target and many a ship was holed. When the fact that there was going to be a
standdown the following day was announced, it seemed like a mild holiday spirit
got into the blood of all.
May 28
The program for today was maximum training and maintenance –
no mission. It was a beautiful day and church was well attended. The beach was
well attended also during the morning and afternoon as well as the evening.
The usual Sunday evening boxing bouts were held and the card
and many a good bout on it. At 2300, the air raid siren sounded. Everyone
immediately proceeded to their shelters. Flashes could be seen in the distance.
It was later confirmed that it was only one German plane.
May 29
The ships took off at 0600 to bomb the Wollensdorf Airdrome
at Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Due to the bombing of other groups the aiming
point was obscured by smoke. The lead bombardier caught a glimpse of the hanger
in the target area and as a result the bombs were dropped in the target area causing
considerable damage. In the evening while the move going crowd was enjoying
"Lost Angel" with Margaret O'Brien, the "krauts" put in an appearance again.
The jerry was very obliging and came over during the change of reels. The
audience sought shelter to sweat him out and after the all clear returned to
the theater.
May 30
The Memorial Day Mission was to Ebreichzdorf, Austria to
destroy the aircraft component factory. The formation was attacked by about 20
German fighters that were scared away when the P 51's put in an appearance. The
target was not hit and all seemed a little disappointed. In the evening there were
movie shorts shown that were interrupted by an air raid alert.
May 31
There was an early briefing this morning – 0430. The target
was Ploesti, Roumania. Lt Col Gideon led the formation. The target was very
effectively screened off by smoke, but huge fires were started and black smoke
was observed making it evident that the target was hit. Interception was
attempted but all returned safely to base except Lt Schaeffer and Lt Barretts
crews. In the evening "Courageous Women" was shown. The picture was a little
too false to make it good, at least in the eyes of an overseas Group. There
were a lot of pretty women in it though so that helped to make up a bit for it.
JULES
J. L. HESSEN
1st
Lt., Air Corps,
Squadron
Historian
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