MISSION DATE:  JANUARY 17, 1944

MISSION NBR.  8

TARGET:  Arezzo, Italy  -  Marshalling Yard

I. CHRONOLOGY

Thirty-one B-24's jettisoned 310 bombs in the Adriatic Sea enroute to home base. Two B-24's returned to base with 20 bombs.

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

Five early returns. No enemy fighter encounters, no flak. No losses, all our aircraft returned.

III.  RESULTS

No bombs dropped on target. An abrupt turn by the formation leader caused disruption of the following group. The loss of vision due to this maneuver made it advisable for this Group to return.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters:   None observed or encountered.    

     B.  Flak:  None observed or encountered.           

V.  OBSERVATIONS

None

VI.  CASUALTIES

None                                  

VII. FLIGHT LEADERS:      

Mills                            Carr                            Davis                          Kingsman

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

Mission No. 8

Narrative report for mission flown 17 January 1944.

1. Unit 450 Bomb Group

2. Target  m/y Arezzo, Italy

3.  No bombs dropped on target. 31 B-24H jettisoned 310 bombs in Adriatic enroute to Base. 2 B-24H returned to base with 20 bombs.

4.  5 early returns.  (3 jettisoned and 2 retuned with bombs)

5.  No enemy encounters.

6.  No claims.

7.  No losses, all our A/C returned.

8.  No flak.

9.  An abrupt turn by the formation leader caused disruption of the following group. The loss of vision due to this maneuver made it advisable for this group to return.

10. No pictures taken.

11.  No observations.

12.  Did not go over target.

Verne A. Weber

Capt, A. C.

Actg, S-2, Group