MISSION DATE: JANUARY 18, 1944

MISSION NBR. 9

TARGET:  Pisa, Italy  -  Marshalling Yard

I. CHRONOLOGY

Thirty-one B-24's dropped 79 tons of 500 lb Demo. bombs from 20,000 – 21,500 feet. The 32^nd plane over the target suffered malfunctioning bomb bay doors and jettisoned bombs later enroute to home base, in Adriatic Sea.

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

There were three early returns that jettisoned bombs over sea enroute to home base. There were no enemy aircraft encountered, although unknown types were believed seen, trailing at a distance, returning from target to about bomb lines. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82^nd Fighter Group.

III.  RESULTS

A heavy concentration of hits were seen on target.  Intense smoke and flames followed from marshalling yard and immediate area. One bridge crossing river east of target claimed hit and destroyed.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters: None encountered.

     B.  Flak:  None near formation. Moderate, inaccurate, heavy type seen coming from Marcianna, Island of Elba, and Prombion, Italy. Four batteries believed seen at latter point.             

V.  OBSERVATIONS

Town of Pontedira seen smoking. Eight miscellaneous freighters plus two possible CL's seen in Leghorn Harbor. A large convoy with P-38's cover seen proceeding toward Naples at 1129 hours. Thirty-seven freighters countered.

VI.  CASUALTIES

One B-24 failed to return to base. It was seen leaving formation approximately nine miles from target. One prop feathered by aircraft not out of control.                            

VII. FLIGHT LEADERS:      

Gideon                       Carr                Wicks             Amster                        Word               Glover

Davis                          Kingsman       Colley             McGinnity                   Miller               Kaulfuss                    

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

Mission No. 9

Narrative report for mission flown 18 January 1944.

1. Unit 450 Bomb Group

2.  Target M/Y Pisa, Italy

3.  31 B-24s dropped 79 tons of 500 lb demolition bombs fused .10 Nose, .025 Tail at 1335-40 hrs from 20,000 to 21,500 feet. The 32^nd plane over the target suffered malfunctioning bomb bay doors and jettisoned bombs later en route home over the sea.

4.  There were three early returns that jettisoned bombs over sea en route to base.

5.  There were no E/A encountered, although unknown types were believed seen trailing at distance returning from target to about bombline.

6.  No Preliminary claims for E/A.

7.  One B-24 failed to return to base, it was last seen leaving formation approximately nine miles from target. One prop feathered but A/c not out of control.

8.  No flak near formation. Moderate, inaccurate, heavy type seen coming from Marcianna, Island of Elba, and Prombino, Italy. 4 batteries believed seen at latter point.

9.  A heavy concentration of hits were seen on target. Intense smoke and flames followed from M/Y and immediate area. One bridge crossing river east of target claimed hit and destroyed.

10.  6 planes carried cameras. 4 K 17's photographed bomb hits. Negatives from 2 K 15's were destroyed by fire in our photo laboratory before developing.

11.  Observations :

            A- Town of Pontedira, Italy seen smoking

            B- 8 miscellaneous freighters plus 2 possible CL's seen in Leghorn Harbor.

            C- A large convoy with P38 cover seen proceeding toward Naples at 46⁰ 30'N, 14⁰ 40'E, 1129 hours. 37 freighters counted.

12. Weather over target was CAVU.

Verne A. Weber

Capt, A. C.

Actg. S-2 Group