MISSION DATE: JANUARY 13, 1944       

MISSION NBR.  4

TARGET:  Perugia, Italy  -  Airdrome

I. CHRONOLOGY

Eleven B-24's dropped 1124 fragmentation bombs in the target area at 1203-1210 hours from 19,500 – 21,500 feet. Twenty-nine B-24's jettisoned 3576 bombs in the Adriatic Sea enroute to home base.

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

Five early returns, two of these at home base, the other three at nearby fields, coming home when runway obstruction was cleared. All early returns due to mechanical failure. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82^nd Fighter Group.

III.  RESULTS

Bombing results not observed due to haze and clouds over target area. Visibility over target was very poor. Only two crews claim to have seen target. An overall haze covered area, while scattered clouds of thick density were around and over target.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters: Seven encounters with enemy aircraft. From two to five ME-109's attacking at one time. One ship reported FW-190's. Attacks were from 5 to 7 o'clock from high to medium level. Attacks were pressed to within 5 yards. Minor damage to five of our aircraft.

     B.  Flak:  Heavy type flak reported over Assissi, Foligno and Valfabbrica, of moderate intensity, and accurate.  Heavy type, slight and inaccurate over target. Seven of our aircraft hit by flak with minor damage.             

V.  OBSERVATIONS

No observations of importance relating to fixed targets. One ship reports two P-38's attacking an enemy aircraft which was probably damaged.

VI.  CASUALTIES

None:

VII.  FLIGHT LEADERS:

Mills                            Kingsman                               Gideon                                   Lehman

HEADQUARTERS 450^TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) A.P.O. 520

Mission No. 4.

Narrative report for mission flown 13 January 1944.

1. Unit 450 Bomb Group

2.  Target. A/D – Perugio, Italy.

3.  11 B24 H dropped 1124 Fragmentation Bombs A. N. – M41 fuzed M – 110 – A1, or 12.7 tons, in the Target Area at 1203-1210 hours from 19,500 to 21500 feet. 29 B24 H jettisoned 3576 bombs in Adriatic en route to Base.

4.  5 early returns. 2 of these at home base, the other tree at nearby fields, coming home when runway obstruction was cleared. All early returns due to mechanical failure.

5.  7 enemy encounters. From 2 to 5 ME 109's attacking at one time, one ship reported FW 190's. Attacks from 5 to 7 o'clock from High, Medium and Level. Attacks were pressed to within 35 yards. Minor damage to 5 of our A/C.

6.  One preliminary claim.

7.  No losses, all our A/C returned.

8.         A.  Heavy type flak reported over Assissi, Foligno and Valfabbrica, of moderate intensity, accurate.

            B. Heavy type, slight and inaccurate over target.

            C. Seven of our A/C hit by flak with minor damage.

9.  Bombing results not observed due to haze and clouds over target area. Pictures developed to date do not confirm strikes.

10.  6 aircraft attempted pictures. Four cameras functioned – two froze. Pictures obtained of terrain in area where target was expected to appear. Photographs showed no military installations of importance or bomb bursts thereon.

11.  No observations of importance relating to fixed targets. One ship reports 2 P38's attacking E/A which was probably damaged.

12.  Visibility over target was very poor.  Only two crews claim to have seen target.  An overall haze covered area, while scattered clouds of thick density were around and over target.

Verne A. Webber

Capt. , A. C

Actg. S-2, Group