MISSION DATE: JANUARY 19, 1944

MISSION NBR. 10

TARGET:  Perugia, Italy  -  Airdrome,                     Alternate: Iesi, Italy  -  Airdrome

I. CHRONOLOGY

Twenty-seven B-24's dropped 67 ˝ tons of 500 lb Demo. bombs at 1225 hours from 1225 hours from 21,000 feet on the alternate target, the Airdrome at Iesi, Italy. One plane jettisoned bombs inland while off course northeast of Florence. Another jettisoned in sea enroute to home base.

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

There were no early returns. The primary target was not bombed. The leading group apparently did not turn inland on course. In our maneuvers to follow, our Group became detached due to poor visibility. After going inland toward Florence area and being unable to find initial point, our Group turned toward coast and found alternate target at Iesi. All our aircraft returned to base. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82^nd Fighter Group.

III.  RESULTS

The alternate target at Iesi was claimed well hit with hangers possibly destroyed. Hits claimed on railroad track leading to airdrome.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters:  None observed or encountered.

     B.  Flak: Was seen coming from NW corner of Iesi Airdrom, unknown number of guns. Heavy type, moderate and inaccurate.              

V.  OBSERVATIONS

Were limited by poor visibility with the following reported: An 8 ship merchant vessel convoy seen 15 miles north of Barie, headed toward Barie, observed at 1013 hours from 20,000 feet. Much activity apparent in marshalling yard at Porto D' Portenza. Observed at 1120 hours from 20,000 feet. No shipping in harbor.

VI.  CASUALTIES

None 

VII. FLIGHT LEADERS:      

Snaith                                     Kaecker                     Orris                            Galvin

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

Mission No. 10

Narrative report for mission flown 19 January 1944.

1. Unit - 450 Bomb Group.

2.  Target  A/D Perugia, Italy.  Alternate A/D at Iesi, Italy.

3. 27 B24's dropped 67 ˝ tons of 500 lb demo bombs, fuzed .10 Nose; 025 Tail; at 1225 hours from 21,000 feet on the alternate target, the A/D at Iesi, Italy. One plane jettisoned bombs inland while off course north east of Florence.  Another jettisoned in sea en route to base.

4.  There were no early returns.

5.  No enemy encounters. None seen.

6.  No claims for E/A.

7.  All our A/C returned to base.

8. Flak was seen coming from N.W. corner of Iesi A/D, unknown number of guns.  Heavy type, moderate and inaccurate.

9.  The primary target was not bombed. The leading group apparently did not turn inland on course. In our maneuvers to follow, our group became detached due to poor visibility. After going inland toward Florence area and being unable to find initial point, our group turned toward coast and found alternate target at Iesi. This target was claimed well hit, with hangers possibly destroyed. Hits claimed on R. R. Track leading to A/D.

10.  3 A/C carried cameras. One plane photographed seacoast town south of Ancona, showing 8 bursts in water edge. Town not identified. No photographs obtained from other 2 A/C.

11.  Observations were limited by poor visibility, with the following reported:

(A)            An 8 ship M/V convoy seen 15 mi. N of Bari headed toward Bari – observed at 1013 hours from 20,000 ft.

(B)            Much activity apparent in M/Y at Porto D' Portenza 43023'N – 13042'E.  Observed at 1120 hours from 20,000 ft. No shipping in harbor.

12.  Good visibility, scattered clouds over Iesi.

Verne A. Weber

Captain, A. C.

Actg. S-2 Group