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HEADQUARTERS 723RD BOMB (H) SQ
450TH BOMB GP (H)
APO 520 US
ARMY
10 June 1944
SUBJECT: Historical
Records.
TO: Commanding
General, Fifteenth Air Force, Attention: Historian. (Through Channels)
1. Unit
history of the 723rd Bomb (H) Squadron, for the period 1 May 1944 to
1 June 1944.
a. The present designation of the
unit is 723rd Bomb (H) Squadron, 450th Bomb (H) Group, 47th
Wing, 15th Air Force.
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: 466
(b)
Net increase:
27
(c)
Net decrease:
(d)
At end: 493
d. Station – A/B Manduria, Itlay
e. Movements – None.
f. Campaigns
(1) Italian
(2) Duration: From 2 January 1944,
still in progress.
g. Operations
(1) Number of missions, 17: Sorties, 171
(2) Principal targets were Oil
Refineries in the Balkans, A/D's and Aircraft Factories in Austria; and M/Y and
Harbors in Italy and France.
(3) & (4) The targets for this
month were widely dispersed with no major part
of the month being devoted to any particular area. Destruction of M/Y
and Oil Refineries in the Balkans cut enemy fuel source, and supply lines to
the Russian Front; bombed A/C Factories in Austria, and the enemy suffered a
reduction in production of fighters for all fronts; and the bombing of M/Y's
and harbors in France and Italy have cut enemy supply routes for the current
Italian Campaign.
On May 5th & 31st,
1944, our targets were oil refineries at Ploesti, Roumania. In spite of the
smoke screen covering the targets, huge fires were started and great damage
inflicted on the enemy's vital oil supply as well as refinery installations.
Flak was intense, accurate, and heavy. In both cases, fires were still burning
the following day as per photo reconnaissance.
On May 12th, 1944, the
Allies began their destruction of enemy supply routes in preparation for the
current drive in Italy. Our target on this day was the harbor at San Stephano.
Col. Mills, our Group CO, lead the group and an excellent bombing job was
accomplished. Gen. Twining commended the group for their splendid work which
resulted in severe damage to the harbor installations. Flak was moderate but
extremely accurate.
On May 24th, 1944, our
target was an A/C Factory in Weiner-Neustadt, Austria. Our squadron was flying
the low left box of the second attack unit. In the vicinity of Graz, enroute to
the target, 30/40 ME 109's and 10 FW 190's intercepted the formation. A
shattering head-on assault with fighters through the first attack unit occurred
and they then concentrated on the second unit which was following in close
formation. Our squadron lost three aircraft to the fighters which after their
first diving head-on assault made aggressive attacks from all angles, high, low
and level. Explosive 20 mm cannon projectiles were effectively used by the
fighters and most of our aircraft were crippled. Accurate, intense flak was
experienced over the target and our ships suffered further damage; however,
none were lost to it. Bombing results were generally poor on this raid. Lts.
Smick, Morris, and John Thomas, landed their damaged aircraft on the home base
sans flaps and brakes. Ordering their respective crews to the rear of the ship
as their wheels touched the ground, made the aircraft tail-heavy and caused its
tail to drag and set as a braking device.
h.
Commanding Officer in important operations. None
i. Losses
in action - Officers and Men
24 May 1944 Mission:
Wiener-Neustadt, Austria
Killed in action:
S/Sgt. Harold E. Brown AEG
Missing in action:
1 Bert O. Baker P 6 James W. Rodgers Jr. ROG
2 Guy V. Munsey Jr.
CP 7 Orval A.
Smith AAEG
3 Park G. Chetwood
N 8 Henry A.
Mayer AROG
4 James C. Graham
B 9 John L. Lindsay
AG
5 Charles L. Roberts
AEG 10 Stanley E. Tysco AAG
1 Thomas P. Griffin
P 6 Carmel R. Clune
ROG
2 Herbert K. Morrison
CP 7 Francis J. Lyons AAEG
3 John D. Lawson
N 8Edgar F. Howard
AROG
4 John G. Scocos
B 9 Ralph C. Scudder
AG
5 Alexander Banner
AEG 10 Harry Stewart AAG
1 John F. Wells P
6 William L. Balentine Jr. ROG
2 John H. Lane Jr.
CP 7 Nick
Lepovich AAEG
3 David Waterman
N 8 John M.
Florip AROG
4 Ronald J. Kaulfuss
B
9 Frank A. Frantz AG
5 Silvio P. Farina Jr.
AEG 10 Harry D. Cobbledick AAG
24 May 1944
Mission: Wiener-Neustadt
Wounded in action:
Lt. H. King
S/Sgt. J. Rapoza
S/Sgt. J. Russel
30 May 1944
Mission: Ebreichadorf, Austria
Missing
in action:
1 Jack C. Morris
P 6 Frank E. Riley Jr.
ROG
2 William R. Cubbins
CP 7 Christian Dittman AAEG
3 Benoni S. Green
N 8 John D. Matthews
AROG
4 James W. Donnel
B 9 Joseph J. Ukish
AG
5 Frank W. Lynch AEG 10 Jimmie T. Vandergriff AAG
Note: This crew,
with the exception of Sgt. Christian Dittman, AAEG, has been returned to group
from the Island of Vis.
31 May 1944
Mission: Ploesti, Roumania
Missing in action:
1 James C.
Lombardi P 6 Drexel W. Clatterbruck ROG
2 James G.
Althouse CP 7 John F. Diviney
AAEG
3 Lex H.
Blankenship N 8 Edward L. Sanderson AROG
4 Kenneth D. Barney B 9 Raymond R. Sinclair AG
5 Floyd W.
Cline AEG 10 Clarence D.
Witherow AAG
j. Members who have distinguished themselves:
Award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross:
John F.
Wells, 1st Lt. (MIA)
5 April
1944, Mission to M/Y Ploesti, Roumania
Thomas B.
Miller, 1st Lt.
13
April 1944, Mission to Vecses A/D, Budapest, Hungary
David
Wateman, 1st Lt. (MIA)
13
April 1944, Mission to Vecses A/D, Budapest, Hungary
2. Enclosed is the War Diary of this unit for the period of
1 May 1944 to 1 June 1944.
For the
Commanding Officer:
C.
J. ANTONIE,
2nd
Lt., Air Corps,
Squadron
Historian.
WAR DIARY
OF THE 723RD BOMB SQUADRON (H)
1 MAY 1944 TO 1 JUNE 1944
1 May 1944
No mission
today – just practice missions. It's plenty chilly and we were supposed to be
in summer uniforms today, but the majority are not. Many went to the cinema at
Oria in the afternoon and evening.
2 May 1944
No mission
scheduled. Just a practice bombing mission. They are trying to perfect the bomb
pattern. The bombardiers are unhappy because they are releasing on the box
leaders – they have plenty of cameras to get the results. And to climax the
practice mission, clouds appeared in the target area and the results were
obscured which made everybody unhappy. Classes were held in the evening for new
crews, given by Lt. Hartz and Capt. "Doc" Smith.
3 May 1944
The mission
was set for a 0615 briefing, then changed to 0915 briefing. Just at the end,
the mission was called off at which time all cheered – you could observe the
look of relief come over the boys's faces. They were to have gone to Ploesti
again – we were heavely attacked by fighters one time when we were there and on
Apirl 15, they put up terrific flak for 18 minutes, as we flew through the
target area.
We got
another Replacement crew:
1. 2nd
Lt Guy V. Munsey, Jr. P 6. S/Sgt James W. Rogers ROG
2. 2nd
Lt Mart L. Cope, Jr CP 7.
Sgt Orval A. Smith AAEG
3. 2nd
Lt Park C. Chetwood N 8.
Sgt John L. Lindsay AROG
4. 2nd
Lt James C. Graham B 9.
Sgt Henry A. Mayer AG
5. Sgt.
Charles L. Roberts AEG 10.
Sgt Stanley E. Tyaco AAG
"The Black
Hills Express" was on at the Cinema in Oria. The boys cheered when it started
and held their noses at the end – o, well! They passed away a couple of hours.
4 May 1944
Mission
briefed at 0545. The target is the North M/Y and Concordia Vega Refinery at
Ploesti, Roumania. The following took off: Lt. Courtright lead the 2nd
attack unit; Lt. Henderson and Baker. Lt. Miller lead the left box with Lts.
Morris, Griffin, Barbati, John Thomas, Wilder and Smick.
After they
were all in the air the mission was called off but told to stay in the air and
use up some of their gas so they could better land with the bomb load. They
stayed up about four hours and all landed safely.
5 May 1944
The
weatherman finally called off his clouds, and the boys roared over Ploesti to
give it the hammering which had been promised it the past two days. The morning
was bright and sunny as Courtright took off to lead the second attack unit with
Henerson, Baker, Conklin, Morris, Smick, Barbati, J. Thomas, Griffin and Wilder
doing a swell job to make it a neat and formidable formation., Morris blew two
cylinders and had to return early with nine flak holes in his ship as a
souvenir of his jaunt. The other boys went over the smoke-covered target, thru
accurate intense flak and eager enemy fighters, to drop their potent eggs where
they'd do the most good – for our side, of course. All ships return safely and
the boys are proud of a job well done.
Lt. Gillen
was transferred to 47th Wing Hq; Lt. Antonie replaces him and will
try to fill his shoes. (What size are they Gil?)
6 May 1944
The clouds
hung low over the field but the boys took off to smash the M/Y at Brasov,
Roumania. Kellman led the second attack unit. Baker, Zink, Barbati, Morris, J.
Thomas, Hefner, Henderson, and Smick were close at his heels. Early photos show
a good pattern of bombs on the target. Flak was light and inaccurate for a
change and the boys felt as though it was more or less of a milk run.
Intercepting fighters took a look at the formidable formation and proceeded to
go the other way while the going was good. The weather over the target was good
except for a slight haze. The final score for the day:
We – one successful mission
The Jerries – no marshalling yard at
Brasov
7 May 1944
Briefing
was at 0615. The boys took off and formed over the low broken clouds over the
field. Capt. Beth was leading the group today with Wells, Zink, Wilder, Hefner,
Jeff Thomas, Morris, Baker, John Thomas, and Zeitler making up a major portion
of the first attack unit. Somewhere between Nis and Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the
weather closed in and the formation returned without dropping its bombs. The
days accomplishment was a few hours of flying time for all concerned.
We traded
Lt. Cope, CP, to the 720th Sq for Lt. D. Jeanson, a bombardier. We
also sent a crew to England. The transferred are:
P Lt. Vogel ROG
Opitz
CP Lt.
Tatum AAEG
Munsterman
N Lt.
Pitken AROG
Connors
E Lt. Senio AG
Spitz
AEG Klatz AAG
Evanoff
Some of the
boys responded to church call and rode the dusty way to Manduria for services.
8 May 1944
Briefing
was scheduled for 0630. The crews looked at the solid grey of the clouded sky
with a dubious eye. Their doubts about a mission today were not unfounded and
before briefing got underway the whole thing was called off. Oddly enough the
clouds broke up shortly after the announcement that the mission was cancelled
and the sun shone all day.
A few
groans were heard from the boys when they learned that their day off was to be
partially occupied with Russian aircraft identification and an "Escape"
lecture.
9 May 1944
Briefing
was set for 1100 and there was much speculation as to what the target might be.
Well, the boys didn't find out a thong today as the mission was called off
several hours before briefing time. Ole man weather opened up his umbrella of
clouds and the sun didn't show its face all day.
The line of
Italian workers who eat at our mess hall is getting so ling that one of our
cooks remarked at breakfast this morning, "We ought to move the mess onto the
Piazza in Manduria and feed the entire populace."
The USO
show was thoroughly enjoyed; the magician had one GI plenty worried about his
necktie which he had cut into tiny pieces. Needless to say, it came out of the
bag whole again.
10 May 1944
Crews were
briefed to blast Wiener-Neustadt off the map. Captain Beth took off to lead the
group wit Wells, Zink, Wilder, J. Thomas, Morris, Conklin, John Thomas, Baker
and Griffin filling in. The weather here was beautiful, but the boys ran into
messy weather near the Island of Vis and had to turn around. Bomb were dropped
into the sea and there should be a multitude of fishes that are no more.
11 May 1944
No mission
scheduled today so the boys took advantage of a day off by getting a little
extra "sack time". During the afternoon, the warm sunny weather induced many to
make use of the available athletic equipment and probably wished that they were
tossing the horsehide around an American ball diamond.
Briefing
for tomorrow's all-out-bombing of the enemy's shipping and rail communications
was held at 2000 hours. News of the briefing time started a flow of rumors like
we've never heard before. In fact the latest had the invasion army half-way
through France.
12 May 1944
Courtright,
Morris, Wilder, Barbati, Henderson, Smick, Griffin, Jeff Thomas, J. Thomas, and
Beth, took off to plaster harbor installations at San Stephano. Early morning
weather was clear and cool The boys reported good coverage of the target and
photos confirmed their observations. The second mission of the big aerial offensive
scheduled this afternoon got no farther than a few ships off the ground when
weather stuck its nose into our business again and the mission was scratched.
Rumors about he invasion are still buzzing.
13 May 1944
It was a
cool clear morning and the boys appreciated the briefing time which was 0815.
Kellman lead the second attack unit with his buddies Conklin, Jeff Thomas,
Loomis, Wilder, Smick, Henderson, Griffin, Morris, Baker and Miller taking off
at 1010 to join him, The target, Piacenza M/Y was listed as being strongly
defended by flak and possible strong fighter formations. Well, the boys got the
surprise of their lives when they smashed the target without the sign of an
enemy fighter or the predicated black flower garden at 20,000 feet. Though it
was a long trip, none of the boys showed the slightest sign of weariness behind
their smiles.
14 May 1944
It was
Mother's Day today but the boys didn't drop roses to the enemy at Vicenza,
Italy. Briefing was at 0630. The weather was clear and warm all day. At 0820,
with dense clouds of dusty trails following them down the runway, Beth,
Conklin, Baker, Miller, Wilder, Tautfest, John Thomas, Smick, Barbati and
Hefner took off. Early reports seem to indicate that the repair sheds and
wagons at Vicenza escaped without too much damage as most of the bombs fell
over and beyond the target area. As the formation returned to the base, flares
came from some of the ships indicating that someone had completed their fifty
missions, T/Sgt LeRoy F. Adams and T/Sgt John B. Tierney. Congratulations to
them!
15 May 1944
No mission
today. The weather here was clear and hot. From the quiet around the squadron,
one would gather that the boys were getting a little sack time or were down to
the beach for a swim. The housing program in the area is making steady progress
and from the looks of things the fellows are going to be reluctant to leave the
comforts of their improvised homes when the war is over.
16 May 1944
It's been a
warm sunny day. With no mission being scheduled the boys welcomed the
announcement, "A truck will leave the squadron area for the beach this
afternoon." From early reports the water was a little on the cool side but
it was alright after a fellow got slightly numb. While the boys were having fun
a new crew from England joined the squadron. Their names are:
1st Lt. Thomas C. Sullivan P T/Sgt Myron D. Parsons
1st Lt. Arthur R. Love Jr. CP
T/Sgt Paul J. Marlino
2nd Lt. Robert J. Schmidt N S/Sgt Willard S. Bales
2nd Lt. Melvin F, States
B
S/Sgt Arthur L. Longfellow
T/Sgt John J. Kramer S/Sgt Jimmy T. R.
Bertson
17 May 1944
It was
another warm clear day. After a two-day "stand down" a mission was
scheduled. Briefing was at nine o'clock, (much to the liking of the flyers).
And Wells, Henderson, Smick, Kellman, Morris, Baker, Wilder, Jeff Thomas,
Griffin, and Hefner took off at 1030 hours to bomb San Stephano, Italy. The
target was well hit as per crew reports. Coffee and doughnuts were on hand for
all crew members on their return.
18 May 1944
Briefing
was at 0600 hours and Courtright Henderson, Griffin, Barbati, Lombardi, Jeff
Thomas, Hefner, Miller, Zink, and Conklin took off to bomb Ploesti. The weather
over this field was beautiful, but the boys ran in to a mess of clouds near
Begrade, Yugoslavia and had to turn back. The free hours of the afternoon were
utilized by the fellows and the truck for the beach was packed. Many of the
fellows are returning with their packets filled with seashells.
19 May 1944
The boys
were sleepy-eyed when they reported for the 0430 Briefing. The early hour
seemed to indicate a long trip, but to the surprise of everyone concerned, the
mission called for a raid on La Spezia M/Y. The weather here at the field was
clear but enroute the fellows ran into rain, lightning and clouds. At the
target there was a break in the clouds so the boys utilized this break to lay
their eggs squarely on the M/Y. The predicted flak failed to materialize much
to the happiness of everyone.
20 May 1944
No mission
today and the early morning inactivity was indicative of the men partaking
their favorite pastime "Bunk Fatigue". Well, they can't be blamed as
yesterday's rising was certainly at an ungodly hour. This would have been a
swell day for the beach; if it hadn't rained, if the boys had had the ambition,
and if it hadn't been so nice to stay in bed.
21 May 1944
No mission
today. Curhch services were well attended on the base as well as in Manduria.
The warm clear weather brought most of the fellows down to the beach. Since
there are now water wings available, a mattress cover wetted and filled with
air makes a pair of water wings deluxe.
At four
o'clock this afternoon the group was assembled for awards and decorations.
S/Sgt Leon E. Layton received the Silver Star, Purple Heart and the Air Medal,
while 1st LT. Thomas B. Miller and 2nd Lt. Ronald J.
Kaulfuss each were awarded the D.F.C.
We are now
at the stage where quite a few of the fellows are completing their 50 missions
so we received 10 Enlisted Men today to fill in the vacant places. Their names
are as follows:
Sgt. Clair
V Troup
Sgt. Geo.
W. Chapman
Sgt. Caniel
Valencia
Sgt. Jack
S. Georgas Sgt. Francesco R. Maloney
Sgt. Jim T.
Vandergiff Sgt Earnest L. Thompson
Sgt. Joe
Penyak Sgt George A. Farr
Sgt. John
O. Tate
The fights
staged in the gourp area were enthusiastically attended. Hit 'em again, Jim!
22 May 1944
Briefing
was at 0800 and the target was supposed to have been Latisana R/R in N. Italy.
Capt. Beth, Hefner, Morris, Courtright, Sullivan, Zink, Baker, Jeff Thomas, and
Wilder took part in today's raid which finally wounded up at Giulianova
Montesilvano. From the expression on everyone's face, it wasn't a mission that
came up to the standards set by the last few missions.
Betty
Grable in "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" made everyone's heart beat a little faster.
Well, she is "purty".
23 May 1944
Briefing
was at 0600 and the target enemy troops concentratied at Grottoerrata. Smick
returned early but Conklin, Tautfest, Lombadi, Miller, Jeff Thomas, Barbati,
Henderson, John Thomas and Sullivan went on to tdrop their bombs. Clouds made
it difficult to get an estimate of dameage done, but it is very likely that
somebody down below got a sudden jolt.
Most of the
morning was sunny and warm, but clouds rolled in and it rained for about two
hours.
We received
two new men today, Lts. James Dennel and Sgt. John T. Divenly. In the meantime,
S/Sgts, John P., Luna, and Wilbur D. Mangrum completed their fiftieth mission.
The movie,
"Meet John Doe", was well attended although it was cold. The Walt Disney cartoon
"Pluto" in "Army Mascot" brought many a laugh – so let's have many more of
them.
24 May 1944
This was a
rather disastrous day for us. We lost three ships and crews to fighters shortly
before I.P. of our target, Wiener-Neustadt. Those missing in action, and those
wounded are listed below.
MIA P Thomas P. Griffin Francis
J. Lyon
CP Herbert E. Morrison Edgar F. Howard
N John D. Lawson Ralph
C. Scudder
B John G. Scocos Harry
Stewart
Alexander Donner Carmel R. Clune
P John F. Wells ROG
William Balentine
CP John H. Lane ARG
Nick Lepovich
N Dave Waterman AG
Harry D. Cobbledick
B Ronald Kaulfuss AG
John M. Florip
E Silvino P. Farina AG
Frank A. Frantz
P Berto Baker ROG James W.
Rodgers
CP Guy V. Munsey AAAG
Orbal J. Smith
N Park G. Chetwood AAAG Charles Roberts
B James D. Graham AG John L. Lindsay
E Henry A. Mayer AAG
Stanley E. Tysco
KIA Harold E. Brown
Wounded Lt. King
Sgt Rapoza
Sgt Russel
The movie
"The Uninvited", a creeps producer was shown and everyone enjoyed it, and I'm
sure the entertainment helped to erase memories of the days' mission. Then too,
bottles of beer graced our mess tables at dinner time tonite. It was REALLY a
rare treat. Now that we've tasted the stuff let's have it more often.
25 May 1944
After
yesterday's mission the boys "sweated out" todays' raid. Much to the happiness
of all concerned it wasn't the "Wiener Schnitzel Works" again. Porto Marghera,
Italy, was slated for a pasting and got it – but good. Reports say that smoke
from burning oil storage tanks rose to 10,000 feet.
A lot of
the boys are accumulating their 2 ounces of medicinal whiskey (received after
each raid), and the old timers have a quart and then some saved for
"D" day. What a headache someone's going to have the morning after
completing fifty missions. By the way, T/Sgts. Tierney and Adams, and S/Sgts.
Keleshian and Duda left today for Naples and home. Tierney who never stood
short on anything of course had more supplies in his footlocker than the PX did.
As he packed he decided the time had come to dispose of his accumulations.
Cigarettes, matches, soap, candy, razor blades and shoe laces went flying in
all directions. (I guess Tierney had no kitchen sink in his locker) and his
buddies had a swell time and a few laughs scrambling for everything that came
their way.
Hey! What
is this? Ice cream on Tuesday, beer on Wednesday and today coca cola; but are
we complaining? You're doggone right, we didn't get an egg in our beer!
The stage
show following the barbecue for forty-missioners started out very well, but
fizzled out toward the end. The conclusion was definitely "Nieto
Buono".
Lt. J. P.
Orely was all smiles today - - reason: 50 missions for him.
26 May 1944
We had
another 0430 briefing this morning for the long hike up to this city of Nice,
France. Inaccurate flak was all the enemy could toss up in return for the
damage our bombs inflicted on their M/Y.
The movie
at our open air amphitheatre was well attended. "Mr. Big" with Donald
O'Connor and Gloria Jean was the big attraction. Unfortunately tho, the
excellent singing and musical tunes were spoiled by malfunction in the P. A.
system. To be frank about it, the whole thing sounded like a very slowly
turning record on a phonograph. The Special Service officer apologized for the
difficulty and said, "Bear with us and we'll have the equipment fixed by
Monday nite". Of course, from somewhere in the darkness a voice squeaked
out, "I can't stay here that long."
A new crew
was added to our squadron roster. Their names are:
2nd Lt. J. A. Althouse
S/Sgt. D. W. Clatterbuck
2nd Lt. J. W. Alley
Sgt. R. R. Sinclair
2nd Lt. L. H. Blankenship
Sgt. E. L. Sanderson
2nd Lt. K. D. Barney
Sgt. C. D. Witherow
S/Sgt. F. W. Cline
Sgt. Wm. F. Smiley
27 May 1944
Today's
mission took the fellows up to Marseilles, France. The reported flak wasn't as
good as it was supposed to have been – much to the liking of everyone
concerned. G.A.Franz, J. T. Robertson, V. D. Halsey, W. L. Buksa, E. J.
Macafee, and L. L. McClain were especially happy to see the black puffs far
away, because today marked up number 50 and their last mission. By the way, Lt.
Hefner and crew landed in Corsica again. I guess the chicken dinner they had
there the last time they were there was quite an invitation to set down again.
The boys
are kidding Lt. Frye because he had discovered that Italian cognac is more
potent than his Georgia's sour mash whiskey – do they call it "white
lightning". Is it peddled in fruit jars, Frye?
28 May 1944
A day of
rest – just as the day was intended. The weather was warm, so the beach truck
left the squadron area early this afternoon. From the looks of the beach and
the crowd one would think it was Coney Island – but the New Yorkers don't
believe it. By the way, mattress covers filled with air are becoming more and
more apparent and they're about as easy to ride on the surf as a bucking bronco.
The boxing
matches provided some very good entertainment, and several hard punches packed
enough wallop to make them felt in the fifteenth row.
Along about
1100 o'clock the air raid siren started to wail and there was a mad scramble
for the shelters. One lad must have dived thru his mosquito netting, forgot to
put on trousers over his long handles, (but he had his shoes – in his hand.)
Setting a record-breaking pace he hung himself up on a tent rope and found
himself sitting down, but what's a little set back. He came up with a bound and
started tracking across the stone bestrewn area. His language was indicative of
the fact that a toe or two was stubbed.
29 May 1944
Wiener-Neustadt,
(Wallersdorf A/D), was plastered today and the boys were proud of a job
well-done. There were no losses in the group so there was nothing to mar the
success of the mission. Lt. Conklin was so happy to get back, was his fiftieth,
that he gave the field a good buzz job. Others who finished were:
S/Sgt Berth
Ashton Lt.
Ew. F. Pickard
T/Sgt Ralph
L. Wiley
S/Sgt John
Lombardo
S/Sgt Henry
A. Stenvik
Everybody
in the squadron beat a path to the latrine. The ole "G.I.s" were the cause and
not the raid on Wiener-Neustadt. Lt. Ralph Bentz marked his laundry – but good.
The movie
"Lost Angel" was shown, but it was interrupted somewhere in the middle of it by
the announcement, "There are hostile aircraft in the vicinity so proceed to the
air raid shelter." Did he say proceed? Run would have been a much better
word, because track records for all distances were shattered. However, there
was no further excitement and on the "All-clear" the boys came from shelters,
fox holes and fields to see the remainder of the movie.
30 May 1944
Briefing
was a 0500 hours and the target was a factory at EB Reichsdorf, Austria. The
bombing run saw flak from Vienna and Wiener-Neustadt with a few little towns in
between tossing up their two "marks" worth. From all reports the mission was
"SNAFU" because there were too many groups trying to get over the little target
at the same time. Wasn't there anyone who bowed politely and said, "After you?"
Regardless of the results of the mission, Lts. Dickerman, Zink, Bailen, and
Buksa, and Sgts. Hutchinson and Goodyke, were happy. Who wouldn't be, after
completing their fiftieth mission. As is usually the case boys who have
completed their missions are quite verbose, and the public relations officer
was having his hands full trying tot take down all the stories.
Over the
muddled sound of a dozen fellows talking at once came the remark, "Lt. Bailen,
don't forget to tell about your hidden in an ammunition can while the flak was
"a poppin' over Wiener-Neustadt." Lt. Bailen is a minute individual and is the
subject of ribbing on many an occasion.
Now then,
some fellows who complete fifty missions are given a bottle of beer, others are
received with open arms and handshakes, but Lt. Conklin, who, in his happiness,
gave the field a buzz job that made all other buzzings look like high altitude
flying was welcomed all right – but with the news that he was under arrest.
"That's life, I guess," says Conklin, "but doggone, can't a fellow have a little
fun over here just once."
We had our
third successive air raid alert this week. Everybody scattered from the movie,
(it wasn't good anyway), and made for air raid shelters, fox holes, and some
took to the fields. After it was all over with, flashlights gave away the
various places of refuge. Judging from the distance of some lights, the bearer
must have done nothing but run during the entire alert.
We lost a
crew today and I'm sure all the boys will be missed by their friends in the
squadron. The lost are: Lts. Morris, Cubbins, Donnel, and Green, and Sgts.
Lynch, Riley, Dittman, Matthews, Ukish and Vandergriff.
31 May 1944
Briefing at
0430 and the boys were again on their way to the important oil refinery target
of Ploesti, Roumania. The weather was excellent for a change, but the Hun hid
Ploesti under a very effective smoke screen so bombing results were impossible
to ascertain. Fighters and flak cost the squadron on ship and the following
named personnel:
Lt. Lomardi Sgt. Cline
Lt.
Althouse Sgt.
Sanderson
Lt. Barney Sgt. Sinclair
Lt.
Blankenship Sgt. Diviney
Sgt.
Clatterbuck Sgt. Witherow
1st
Lt. Henderson and Sgts. Bratton and Larbig flew the mission they have so long
sweated out. Today made number fifty and along with this being payday who
wouldn't be all smiles.
Monday nite
was supposed to have brought a few German parachutists in our area so everyone
on guard is armed and dressed like a commando. Lt. Quinn and Lt. Antonie roamed
the country-side in search of the reported Nazies. Lt. Antonie was loaded down
with pistol, Tommy-gun, flashlight, ammunition (enough to slay an army), and
steel helmet, and after he retuned everyone ribbed him about being a "Junior
Ranger" who couldn't scale a two foot wall.
We had no alert
tonite, but everyone was prepared and had one foot in the aisle as they watched
the movie, "Ladies Courageous", which from numerous reports was Niento Buono.
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