322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS MARCH, 1944
           Submitted by Paul V. Smith, Capt., A. C.

  Scanned by Don Freer    Transcribed by Frank Farr

    March 1, 1944 - (Ed. Note:  There are only four lines on this page, all of them completely illegible.  No mission was flown on this date.  Several pages following have some or many lines that are very hard or impossible, to read. – F Farr)

    March 2, 1944 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Frankfurt, Germany:
   A/C    027 - 1/Lt Paul D. Jessop
          367 - 1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
          353 - 1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
          982 - 1/Lt Albert W. Burton
          947 - 1/Lt John W. Smith
          083 - 1/Lt Wm S. Burtt
          736 - 1/Lt Eldridge V. Greer
          128 - 2/Lt Bryce M. Evertson
          634 - 1/Lt Ray R. Ward
          070 - 1/Lt Frank R. Jackson

Eight of our A/C dropped 80 x 500 G.P. bombs on P.F.F. through 10/10 undercast at 1213 hours from 24,500 ft.

Aircraft #128, due to malfunction of oxygen equipment turned back at 1100 hours, jettisoning 10 x 500 G.P. bombs in the channel at 1120 hours.  A/C #736 (324 ship), due to mechanical failures, turned back at 1114 hours and brought back 10 x 500 G.P. bombs.  Moderate and accurate A/A fire at the target inflicted major damage and (sic) three of our aircraft.  Minor damage to two others.

There were no direct attacks on our group by E/A. About ten to twenty E/A were sighted.  Fighter support was good all the way, with the exception of the target area where our division was without support for thirty minutes.

All of our aircraft returned to base, making no claims.

    March 3, 1944 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Wilhelmshaven , Germany .  (Ed. Note - two lines illegible. - FF)
   A/C# ???  1/Lt Frank R. Jackson
      ???    1/Lt Paul V. Smith
      ??7    1/Lt Everett V. Greer (I think - FF)
      634    1/Lt Ray R. Ward
      083    1/Lt Wm. S. Burtt
      ???    2/Lt. Bryce M. Evertson

All five of our A/C dropped 80 x 500 (I think - FF) G.P. bombs...?...from 26,500 ft.  Lt. Elmer Laedtke passed out due to lack of oxygen, was revived and finished the mission.

Complete undercast prevented identification of ...?...putting up A/A fire but all A/C ...?... ...however none of our A/C received battled damage. (I think - FF)

No E/A were sighted, and no claims were made.  Fighter support was very good, and none of our A/C are missing.

Major Donald E. Sheeler, Sq. C.O., promoted to Lt. Col.

    MARCH 4 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched in today’s raid on Germany:
   A/C    070 - 1/Lt Eldridge V. Greer
          485 - 2/Lt Bryce M. Evertson
          610 (324th Sq.) - 1/Lt Robert L. Gough
          014 ?-1/lt. Ray R. Ward
          567 - 1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
          078 (324th Sq.) - 1/Lt John W. Smith
          982 - 1/Lt Frank R. Jackson
          083 - 1/Lt Wm. S. Burtt
Adverse weather ..?..forced abandonment of attack on primary and secondary targets, which were in the Berlin area.

Seven of our A/C dropped 70 x ??? G.P. bombs on targets of opportunity believed to be Cologne at 1245 hours from altitudes of  23,000 to 27,000 feet.  A/C 610 (324th ship) was late in taking off and could not catch our formation.  The formation he joined turned back at 1045.

Undercast prevented identification of A/A fire ??..?? but crews reported that meager A/A fire was ??? from the vicinities of Calais , St. ???, ???, and ???.  At the target intense and rather accurate A/A fire damaged four of our A/C. Also Lt. West (navigator of A/C 083) was hit in the right side of his jaw by flak fragment.  The only other casualty was S/S Sarens (?)
(A/C 483 (Lt. Evertson’s crew) who suffered frost bite.  No E/A were seen.  No claims were made. Fighter support was very good on the way in and as long as the formation proceeded on the briefed route.

2/Lt Jesse L. Griffin was trfd to the 91st Bomb Group (Ed. Note - This line, along with the name, was impossible to read with confidence. - FF)

    MARCH 5 - The following officers were transferred to the 15th  Air Force:  1/Lt Robert L. Gough (P), 2/Lt Terry ??? (B), 2/Lt Wilbur L. Hoff (CP), 2/Lt Frederick Hall (N).

    MARCH 6 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Hespegarten (?) ( Berlin ) Germany :
   A/C    634 - 1/Lt Ray R. Ward
          567 - 1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
          083 - 1/Lt Wm. E. Burtt
          078 - 1/Lt Frank R. Jackson
          483 - 2/Lt Bryce M. Evertson
          383 - 1/Lt Lewis (NMI) LaHood
          ??? - Flown by 324th Squadron
          ??? - Flown by 324th Squadron

Six of our A/C dropped 60 x 500 G.P. bombs at 1315 hours from 21,000 ft. Results were unobserved due to enemy attacks.

Meager, accurate A/A fire damaged three of our aircraft.  E/A were reported to have made very savage attacks on a formation led by the 1st Division. Upwards of 100 E/A were seen, both T/E and S/E fighters.  Sgt. J. N. Hall received credit for a
damaged Me210, the only ?? claim for our squadron. 2nd/Lt Bryce M. Evertson, A/C 483, was hit by E/A fire before the target.

He stayed with the formation with his #1 engine smoking, and at 1318 hours dropped his bombs and headed down.  Five chutes were seen to come from this aircraft.

Our casualties were the ten men of Lt. Evertson’s crew as missing and S/S Roland B. ??? (A/C 367, Lt. Newquists’ crew) was injured in the forehead by glass when flak struck his tail gun position.

T/S Buford C. Swango (engineer) completed his 25 operational missions over enemy territory.

    MARCH 8 - The following A/C (B-17s) wee3 dispatched to assist in a raid on Erkner, Germany:
   A/C 000 (324 ship) - Capt. Leroy B. Everett
       367 - 1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
       070 - 1/Lt Lewis (NMI) LaHood
       673 - 1/Lt William R. Jackson
       5?6 - 2/Lt  Elmer Laedtke
       083 - 1/Lt Wm. E. Burtt
At 1440 hours our A/C dropped 218 x 100 lb bombs from 25,000 ft.  As the British say, “We pranged it.”

The formation experienced no A/A fire from the target area, and only meager and light after the target.  None of our A/C were damaged.

No E/A were encountered by our group.  Fighter support was perfect.  No claims - no casualties.

1/Lt Frank R. Jackson (pilot) finished twenty five operational missions today.

1/Lt Phillip O. Evanson (X) transferred to Cas. Pool, 12th W.C.B.

    MARCH 9 – 2nd/Lt Lester B. Schlaich transferred to 305th Bomb Gp. The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in
a raid on    (Ed. Note: This page has significant gaps its text, and I’ve had to make what I hope are educated guesses in several places. - FF)   
   A/C    128 1/Lt. Eldridge V. Greer
         ?    1/Lt John W. Smith
         ?    1/Lt Wm. E. Burtt
         ?    1/Lt Albert W. Burton
         ?    1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
         ?    1/Lt Lewis (NMI) LaHood

Our six A/C dropped 72 x 500 G.P. bombs  at 10??hours from 24,500 ft. on ??? of leader, up to 10/10 undercast, results were unobserved.

??? A/A fire was experienced, it was accurate. Five of our A/C received minor damage.  Lt. McElroy (?) was injured by flying glass.

No E/A were encountered.  Fighter escort was good.  No claims - no casualties.

1/Lt James E. ??? (Bombardier) and 1st/Lt Mackey (?) completed their twenty fifth operational mission over enemy territory today.

    MARCH 10 - 1/Lt Frank R. Jackson (P) transferred to ??? Pool, 12th W.C.B.

    MARCH 11 - The following officers were assigned to this squadron:  2/Lt Howard L. Robertson (P), (Ed. Note - the other names are illegible - FF)

    MARCH 12 - 1/Lt James C. McMurtry (?) and 1/Lt John Walker (N) transferred to 12th W.C.D.

    MARCH 15 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Lechfeld A/D, Germany :
   A/C    ?96 - 1/Lt. Albert W. Burton
          ?67 - 2/Lt Elmer Laedtke
          947 - 1/Lt. Robert E. Fancher
          634 - 1/Lt Ray R. Ward
          673 - 2/Lt  Arland F. Frazie (??)
          070 - 1/Lt John J. Boyce

Due to undercast covering our primary, Augsburg was hit by 100 x 100 G.P. bombs at 1216 from 19,000 feet. Aircraft 070 dropped 50 bundles of 6-?8 leaflets.

??? and moderate and inaccurate A/A fire was experienced at the target.  None of our A/C were damaged.

No attacks made on our formation by E/A.  No claims, no losses.

T/Sgt William G. McCrea (ball turret gunner) today completed 25 operational missions over enemy territory.  

    MARCH 16 - Organization:  Officers 73, F.O. 1, EM. 410 2/18. Lamore (?) J. Smiley promoted to 1st Lt.

    MARCH 17 - The following officers were assigned to this squadron:  2nd Lt. Chas. F. Hall (P) 2^nd Lt Hatcher R. Fast (CP), 2/Lt James P. Van Pelt (N), and F/O Alford L. Earhart. (ED. NOTE--All these officers names are illegible on the scanned sheet.  What I have written are approximations based on the number of letters in a name, middle initial, and general
configuration of the blurred type.  CORRECTIONS will be appreciated.

    March 18 - The following A/C (B17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Oberpfaffenhofen , Germany :
   A/C    834    1/Lt Paul M. Jessop
          070    2/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
          673    1/Lt Lewis (NMI) LaHood
          08?    1/Lt W. S. Burtt
          ???    2/Lt James F. Purdy Jr.
          ???    1/Lt Robert L. Fancher
          947    1/Lt Ray R. Ward

Three of our A/C accidentally dropped 15 x 100 G.P. bombs at 1352 hours from 23,500 ft. near IP.  Four of our A/C dropped 20 x 100 G.P. bombs at 1403 hours from 24,000 ft. and -----?------hangars.  Eleven A/C of this group bombed target with fair results.

At the target A.A. fire was meager to moderate and fairly accurate for our A/C with 5 receiving minor flak damage.

About 20/30 E/A were observed.  Only one attack was made by 5/10 E. A.  No claims - No losses.

T/Sgt J. D. McCrea (RWG) burnt his hand, being our only casualty.

Capt. James F. Guy today completed his twenty-fifth operational mission over enemy territory.

    MARCH 19 - 1/Lt Eldridge V. Greer (P) promoted to Capt.  2/Lt’s Robert K. Fox and M????? ????ing promoted to 1st Lts.

    MARCH 20 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Frankfurt, Germany:
   A/C    353    1/Lt Albert R. Barton
          ?82    2/Lt Howard L. Robertson
          673    1/Lt Lewis (NMI) LaHood
          567    1/Lt. Jerrold L. Newquist
          070    2/Lt James F. Purdy Jr.
          996    2/Lt Arland F. Frazie
          947    1/Lt Ray R. Ward


At 1215 hours from about 20,000 ft.  our A/C dropped ???-47 I. B.’s with unobserved results on what was believed to be Frankfurt .  No PFF was with our formation which bombed through complete overcast.

A/A fire at the target was moderate to intense and accurate with six of our A/C receiving minor flak damage.

No enemy aircraft were encountered - No claims.  No Losses.

Fighter support was as briefed until our formation made a change in route.

1/Lt Ray R. Ward (pilot) and T/Sgt William S. ??? (tail gunner) completed their 25th operational mission over enemy territory today

The following officers were assigned to the 30th Bomb Gp. :  1/Lt John V. Smith (P), 2/Lt William T. Jackson (?) (CP), 2/Lt John S. White (N) (?)and 2/Lt Pete F. Flournoy (?) (B).

2/Lt ---?--- Green (?) (Ed. - the rest of the line is illegible. - FF)

    MARCH 22 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the ---?--- ---?---assembly plant at Oranienburg, Germany: (The R.I. says Berlin - Ff)
   A/C  2027    1/Lt Paul D. Jessop
        2095    2/Lt. Howard L. Robertson
        1353    1/Lt. Robert E. Fancher
        6043    1/Lt. William Burtt
        1762 (?)2/Lt. James F. Purdy
        1090    1/Lt John J. Boyce
        1634    1/Lt Ray Ward
        1673    1/Lt Lewis LaHood

Our aircraft Nos. 1947 and 1353 were flown by 323rd Sq. and both returned to base.  Took off at 0600 and landed at 1700 hours.  The secondary target (industrial area of Berlin ) was attacked at 1314 hours from 26,500 ft. with good results.  Aircraft dropped incendiary. bombs.  Primary target was covered with clouds.  A/C 353 piloted by Lt. Fancher turned back at
1350 (?) hours at ---?--- while at 24,300 ft. due to runaway prop #2 engine could not feather and was unable to stay with formation.  Minor damage was sustained by 983, and A/C 634 suffered major damage.

Flak at the target was intense and accurate.  From Brunswick to the Zuider Zee also from Eg???.  There were no casualties.

    MARCH 23 - The following A/C (B-17s)were dispatched to assist in bombing the Yerl Airdrome, situated just north of Yerl, Germany:
   A/C    815    1/Lt Albert W. L Barton
          2095   2/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
          6080(?)1/Lt William S. Burtt
          1070   1/Lt John J. Boyce
          9996   2/Lt Arland J. Frazie
          1353   1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
          1982   1/Lt Howard L. Robertson
          1673   1/Lt Louis La Hood

Take off at 0650 and landed at 1305 hours.

The primary target was not attacked due to cloud cover.  All aircraft attacked industrial target --??--north of Hamm , Germany , with 12 x 500 G.P. and 42 x 100 I. B.’s.  A/C 996 and 353 sustained minor flak damage.  Flak met along their
route (several cities, illegible - FF) Munster , Hamm , Dordrecht and Rotterdam .     Flak meager to moderate with accurate flak striking after bombs were away. The fighters encountered did not attack our group but concentrated on the group behind us.  There were no casualties.   

    MARCH 24 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the ball bearing plant at Schweinfurt, Germany:
   A/C  9947   1/Lt Albert W. Barton
        1387   2/Lt Joseph Green
        1673   1/Lt Lewis LaHood
        1353   1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
        2095   2/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
        1996   2/Lt Arland J. Frazie

The following aircraft of this squadron were loaned: ??? to 401st, ??? to 324th, 3070 to 323rd.  All returned.  Took off at 0555 and landed at 1309 hours. Primary target was not attacked due to cloud cover. The industrial area of Frankfurt was attacked at 1020 hours from __ship.  Target was covered by 10/10 cloud. ( Frankfurt )  Major battle damage was sustained by A/C 387 and minor damage by 947 and 095. Meager and inaccurate flak was encountered from ???, ???, and ???.  At Schweinfurt it was inaccurate for us and accurate for the high group.  Moderate and accurate flak at __?__.  No enemy aircraft were seen.  AC 673 turned back at 08?4 hours at __?__ at 18,800 feet due to an engine spurting oil.  Bombs were jettisoned
at __?__(position) as engine caught fire just before reaching the English coast.  Lt. LaHood instructed the crew to bail out as soon as they made landfall. (Ed.: Crew members’ names, illegible, follow) bailed out and landed safely.  Immediately after the fourth man had left the ship, the fire was extinguished, and Lt. LaHood landed the ship and remaining crew members
safely at the base.  2/Lt George, Det. _?_ promoted to 1/Lt.

    MARCH 25 - The following 2/Lt’s promoted to 1/Lts: (Ed.: Names illegible; wild guesses follow:) ???
Dayton Jr. (CP),  ?? Jackson (or Johnson), Henry J. Kennedy, Bruce R. Kriger (CP).

    MARCH 26 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing military installations located at (illegible.  R/R says Bohlen and Marquis).
   A/C    (The numbers are not legible; estimations follow:)
    9027        1/Lt Paul D. Jessop
    1582        2/Lt Howard L. Robertson
    2099        2/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
    ---7        2/Lt Joseph Green
    ????        1/Lt John J. Boyce
    9947        1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
    --5-        1/Lt James F. Purdy

Took off at 1350 hrs.  Landed at ???hrs.  Target was attacked at 1503 from 21,000 ft.  __?_ 5 x 500 lb. G.P. The following suffered minor flak damage __?__. 
Moderate and accurate flak was encountered at the target.  There were no enemy aircraft ___?___.
2/Lts Elmer Laedtke and Joseph Green were promoted to 1/Lts.

    MARCH 27 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on St. Jean d’Angely, France :
   A/C    (Ed.: Most of these numbers are illegible.  I will make fairly reliable estimates of the pilots’ names - FF)
    __34        1/Lt Jerrold E. Newquist
    _3__        ??   
    ____        ??       
    ___7        1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
    __93        2/Lt Arland F. Frazie
    _070        1/Lt John J. Boyce

At 1?14 ???from 21,500 ft ___??____.
Dropped 71 ??? G.P. plus 1 ???__??? precision bombing ___?___.
Visibility was excellent.

All A/A fire was over ___???___A/C was out of range.
None of our A/C were damaged.

There were no encounters with enemy aircraft.  No claims.  No casualties.

Fighter support was excellent.

T/Sgt Benedict J. Linner and T/Sgt Clayton A. Lewis today finished their 25 operational missions over enemy territory.

The following 2/Lts were transferred from Hq. 1st ???? and assigned to our squadron:  Edward Waters (P), Dean G. Brown (CP), Samuel C. ___, James C. ___, Bernard? Bryan (P), Billy S. Baldwin (CP), Andrew? ___(N), William C. Howard (?).   

    MARCH 28 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Rheims/Champagne airfield, France :
   A/C    537        1/Lt Jerrold E. Newquist
          ?33        1/Lt Joseph (NMI) Green
          673        1/Lt Lewis (NMI) LaHood
          634        1/Lt Wm. S. Burtt
          3?3        1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
          ??5        1/Lt Elmer E. Laedtke
          ???        2/Lt James F. Purdy Jr.

In good weather our A/C attacked from 22,000 ft. at ???hours dropping ?? by 500 G.P. bombs.  The ??? concentration of hits were about 200 yards from of briefed P.I.

Meager but accurate A/A fire was experienced at the target by our A/C with five ships receiving minor damage and two major damage from A/A fire.

No E/A were encountered by our group.  The only E/A seen were observed on the ground at the target.

S/S Kenneth E. Gaeiss (?) was injured as a result of flak.

1/Lt Hunter (NMI) Hawkins (???) completed his 25th mission over enemy territory.

    MARCH 29 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on Brunswick , Germany :
   A/C    027        1/Lt Wm. S. Burtt
          ???        2/Lt James F. Purdy Jr.
          095 (?)    1/Lt. Elmer E. Laedtke
          ??3        1/Lt Robert E. Fancher
          ?30        1/Lt Joseph (NMI) Green
          ???        1/Lt. John J. Boyce
          ?75) 324 ship) 1/Lt Louis (NMI) LaHood

(Ed.: three lines illegible except for “P.F.F.” - FF) _____?_____ P.F.F. ___?___ with unobserved results.

Moderate accurate A/A fire was experienced.  One of our A/C received minor flak damage.

About fifty S/E E/A attacked our formation immediately after bombs away.  Our squadron, however, didn’t make any claims against enemy aircraft.

Fighter support was excellent, especially was it effective in breaking up a large concentrated attack by E/A in the target area.

The following E/A today finished their 25th operational mission over enemy territory.
    S/S John H. Coomes - waist gunner
    S/S Harvey Larkin (?) - ball turret
    T/S Kenneth F. MacLaren - radio gunner
    T/S Albert R. Webb - waist gunner

    MARCH 30 - F.O. Joseph N. Gayleans (?)  (N) promoted to 2/Lt.

    MARCH 31 - 2/Lt Carl W. ????? ( Hurst ?  Mundt?) promoted to 1st Lt.

322ND DAILY REPORTS, APRIL, 1944
    Prepared by Capt. Paul V. Smith
Scanned by Don Freer    Transcribed by Frank Farr

    (Ed. Note:  The group was scheduled to hit Oberpfaffenhofen April 6, 1944, and Oldenburg  April 7, 1944.  The first was scrubbed, the second cancelled.  I’m not sure what the difference is between “scrubbed” and “cancelled.”  This information comes from the “Ragged Irregulars.” .  The first  page of April reports I have is for April  8, 1944 - FF)

    APRIL 8, 1944 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Oldenburg Airfield, Germany:
A/C    ???        Col. Gross (?) & 1/Lt Paul S. Jessop
          333        1 Lt  Edward Robertson
          080        1/LT Elmer C. Laedtke
          387        1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
          996        1/Lt Arland F. Frazie
          353        2/Lt James F. Purdy
          982        2/Lt Chas. T. Bell
          043        1/Lt Louis LaHood

Took off at 1100 hours  Landed at 0615 hours.
The target was attacked at 1417 hours from 30,000 (?)
feet.  A/C carried __?__ load of
390 GPs of 100 lb. __?__ Results good.

Lt. ??? Segal (?) A/C 996 was hit in shoulder by flak.,
S/Sgt ???  A/C 387 was struck in left leg by flak.   Leg was broken.
F/O Alford Kramer (?), A/C 982, was hit in right hand - flak.
Lt. ??? A/C 982 was wounded - left hand and face.

Major battle damage: A/C 387, 982 and 353.
Minor battled damage:  A/C 996, 673, 027, 080 and 333.

The flak at target was moderate and accurate. Enroute, some meager, accurate flak was reported from vicinity of  __?__.

No enemy fighters were seen.

    APRIL 10 - The following A/C (B17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the __?__, __?__, and __?__ at Brussels, Belgium:    (Ed. Note:  Although I made a list of squadron A/C to refer to, this list of numbers involves some guesswork and probably some errors.  The numbers were almost indistinguishable., - FF)
A/C     634        1/Lt Albert Burton
           073        2/Lt Chas. Bell
           080        1/Lt Joseph Green
           353        1/Lt William Burtt
           387        1Lt Edward Robertson
           095        1/Lt James F. Purdy
           996        1/Lt Arland F. Frazie

Took off at ??? and landed at 1100 hours.
The target was attacked at 0915 hours from 20,300 ft. with good results.  Bomb load either 10 x 500 GPs or 42 x ???

A/C fire at target was meager and inaccurate.  All other flak was out of range.
There were no enemy fighters sighted.
There were no casualties and no battle damage to our A/C.

    APRIL 11 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the F/W A/C assembly plant at Gotthen, Germany:
A/C    634        1/Lt Paul D. Jessop
          090        1/Lt Joseph Green
          673 (?)    1/Lt Edward Robertson
          080        1/Lt William Burtt
          333        2/Lt Bernard W. Hayen
          027        1/Lt Albert Burton
          073        2/Lt Edward Waters (?)
          070        1/Lt John J. Boyce
          095        2/Lt James F. Purdy
          996        2/Lt Arland D. Frazie

    Took off at 0730 and landed at 1??? hours.  Formation was led by Lt. Col. ?????.
   
    Due to cloud cover at Gotthen, the port area of Stettin was attacked at 1030 hours from 15,000 feet. Bomb load 4 x 1000  ???.
    Intense and accurate flak was encountered in vicinity of Hanover, ???, and Stettin. 35 to 100 E/A followed formation from 1105 to 1201 hours.  Our formation was subjected to two (2) hard-pressed attacks, on the nose.  Tail attacks were weak.  The squadron ahead of us received most of the attacks.
    There were no casualties.
    Battle damage to A/C:  Major - 027, 070, 080, 353, ???, 090
                     Minor - 996, 095, 673 and 634.

    APRIL 13 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the Kogelflancher (?) Ball Bearing Works at Schweinfurt, Germany:
A/C    387 (?)    1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
          353        1/Lt Joseph Green
          095        1/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
          673        1/Lt Louis LaHood
          027        2/Lt Edward Waters
          982        2/Lt Chas T. Bell

    A/C 353 turned back at 1335 at (location illegible), dropping its bombs at the same time.  #2 engine blew up.  A/C 982 turned back at 1235 hours at (location illegible) due to #3 prop running away.

Took off at 1030, landed at 1730 hours.     Target was attacked at 1430 hours from 26,000 (?) ft. with good results.  Bomb load 5 x 1000 GPs.
    Accurate and intense flak was experienced at the target.  All other flak enroute was out of range for our A/C.
    From 50 to 300 E/A concentrated __?__ attacks on the wing flying on our right.  Only two FW190s made a weak pass at our formation.
    A/C 673, 095 and 027 suffered minor flak damage.
    There were no casualties.

    APRIL 16 - 2/Lt James F. Purdy promoted to 1st Lt.
    APRIL 18 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the __?__ plant located 3 miles SSW (?) of Oranienburg, Germany:
A/C    634          1/Lt Albert W. Burton
          947          1/Lt James F. Purdy
          982          2/Lt Chas. T. Bell
          095          1/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
          387          1/Lt Joseph Green
          083 (401st)  2/Lt Edward Waters
          591 (401st)  1/Lt William S. Burtt
          673          2/Lt Bernard W. Hayen
          292          1/Lt Edward L. Robertson

    Took off at 1000 and landed at 1840 hours.
    A/C 083 turned back at 1220 hours at (location illegible) due to failure of oxygen system.
    Target was attacked at 1443 hours from 26,000 ft. with good results.
    Bomb load was 36 x 100 GPs.
    Minor flak damage was suffered by A/C 095, 634, 519, 982, 947 and 387.
    Flak at target was moderate and accurate.
    Up to 40 E/A fighters attacked another formation, but no attacks were made on our group.
    There were no casualties.

    The following 2/Lt’s were promoted to 1st Lt:   Homer Glass Jr. (N), David R. ??? (B), Chas. T. Bell (P), William F. Kaymer (?) (N), Joseph G. ??? (CP), Robert M. McElroy (CP), William N. Marsh (B).
    1/Lt Robert Fancher (P), having completed his tour, was transferred to HQ, 91st BG

    APRIL 19 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the G.A.F. airdrome at Eschwege, situated just north of Kassel.
A/C    027    1/Lt Paul S. Jessop
          673    2/Lt Edward Waters
          947    1/Lt James F. Purdy
          083    1/Lt William S. Burtt
          596    2/Lt Bernard H. Hayen
          095    1/Lt John J. Boyce

    Took off at 0360 and landed at 1330 hours.
    Target was attacked at 1030 hours from 22,700 (?) ft. with good results.
    Bomb load:  10 x 500 GPs
    No flak, fighters or casualties.

    APRIL 20 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing an enemy military installation at Beauvoir, France:
A/C    070        1/Lt Paul D Jessop
          292        1/Lt Edward L. Robertson
          ???        1/Lt James L. Purdy
          095        1/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
          353        1/Lt John J. Boyce
          027        1/Lt Chas. T. Bell
          634        1/Lt Albert W. Burton
          734 (324)  2/Lt Bernard H. Hayen
          367        2/Lt  Edward Waters

    Took off at ??? hours.  Target was attacked at ??? hours from 21,000 feet with results unobserved due to clouds.  Bomb load 12 x 500 GP.  Minor flak damage was
suffered by A/C 027, 095.  A/C 634 had major damage.

    There were no casualties.  Meager flak was encountered in the vicinity of Crecy, France.  1/Lt Albert W. Burton (P) was promoted to captain.

    APRIL 22 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the railway marshalling yards at Hamm, Germany:
A/C    1634        Captain Albert W. Burton
          1292        1/Lt Howard L. Roberts
          2947        1/Lt James F. Purdy
          2567 (?)    1/Lt Joseph Green
          1982        1/Lt Frank B. Alford
          2596        2/Lt Arland D. Frazie   
          1673        1/Lt Louis LaHood

    Took off at 1535 landed at 2230 hours.  The target was attacked at 1920 hours from 22,800 feet with good results.  Both 500 GPs and incendiaries were used.  Major Charles D. Lee, Dist. B.G. operations officer, who was leading the wing, failed to return.  The A/C in which he was riding had been hit by flak at 1920 hours.  Ten chutes were observed  (?? passengers in A/C).  Moderate accurate flak was encountered at the target.  Fighter support was excellent.  There were no E/A seen.  Captain Burton completed his tour of combat
today.

    APRIL 23 - 1/Lt Houston Hawkins (N) transferred to Hq 91st Bomb Gp.

    APRIL 24 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the Erding Air Equipment Depot and Airfield, 20 miles NE of Munich, Germany:
A/C    083 (?)    1/Lt William S. Burtt
          353 (?)    1/Lt John J. Boyce
          982        1/Lt Frank B. Alford
          947        1/Lt Joseph Green
          ???        1/Lt James F. Purdy
          ?96 (?)    1/Lt Arland F. Frazie
          ???        1/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke

    Took off at ???, landed at 17?? hours.  A/C 353 turned back at ??? hours due to #2 engine oil pressure failure.  The target was attacked at 1343 from 21,000 feet with good results.  The above carried incendiary bombs while __?__ of the wing carried G.P. bombs. There was no flak at target.  Moderate and ??? enroute with all bursts out of range.  No E/A attacks were directed at the formation.  There were no casualties. The following officers joined the organization (Ed. Note - These officers were second lieutenants,
whose names were illegible. - FF)

    APRIL 25 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the Metz airfield, ???used as ???? ??? by the GAF:
A/C    ???       Lt. Col. Donald E. Sheeler
         1673       1/Lt. Paul D. Jessop
          387       1/Lt Louis LaHood
          353       1/Lt Wm. S. Burtt
         1982       1/Lt John J. Boyce
         1027       2/Lt Edward Waters
         1292       2/Lt Bernard H. Hayen
          ???       1/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke

Took off at 0509 and landed at 1315 hours.  Lt. Burtt landed at Th?r?ey Island on the way home with his #1 and #2 engines out. The target was attacked at 0952 hours from 20,500
feet with good results.  Some aircraft carrying 10 x 500 GP and others fragmentation bombs.  There was no opposition from E/A.  The only accurate flak came from the vicinity of 4950N 0140E.  A/C 083 suffered major battle damage ??? 034, 982, 292, 027 and 095 had minor flak damage.  Lt. Col. Donald E. Sheeler, Sq. C.O. transferred to Hq 91 B.G. as Group Operations Officer..  Capt. Leroy  Everett ?? appointed Sq. Commander.

    APRIL 26 - (Ed. - Unfortunately the first half of this page is totally illegible.  According to the “Ragged Irregular,” a mission to Brunswick was completed on this day.   I cannot read either the A/C numbers nor the pilots’ names.  Toward the end I can make out the few lines that follow:)
    Minor damage to A/C #353, 095, 333...
    There were no casualties.
    1/Lt. (name illegible) transferred to __?___.

    APRIL 27 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing (Ed. -next several words illegible.  RR says La Glacerie.)
A/C    ???        1/Lt Arland P. Frazie
         1353        2/Lt Edward Waters
         ????        1/Lt Louis LaHood
         1333        2/Lt Bernard H. Hayen
         1947 (?)    1/Lt James F. Purdy
         2070 (?)    1/Lt Elmer C. Laedtke
         7634 (?)    1/Lt Joseph Green

A/C took off at ???, landed at 1315 (?) hours. Intense and accurate A/A fire was encountered  in target area from __?__the fire was accurate __?__.  No E/A were seen.   2/All A/C dropped 16 x 500 ?? __?__ from 21,000 feet.   Results unobserved due to heavy haze.  A/C 095 and 947 suffered major battle damage. All others had minor damage.  S/Sgt Allen W. Walters (?) was hit by flying glass.  Capt. Burton having completed his combat tour transferred to O.G.K.G. (?) __?__ 112.

    APRIL 28 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the Avord A/D, France:
A/C    2537        1/Lt Paul  D. Jessop
          1353        2/Lt Edward Waters
          1982        1/Lt Frank B. Alford
          7292        1/Lt Elmer C Laedtke
          7030 (?)    1/Lt James F. Purdy
          1673 (?)    2/Lt Bernard H. Hayen
          9996        1/Lt Arland P. Frazie

A/C 353 turned back over English Channel  due to failure of bomb ?? _?_ mechanism.  All other A/C dropped bombs __?__ at 1159 hours from 16,500 (?) feet with good results.  25 to 40 E/A (Me109s and FW190s) made attack on the _?_ shortly after bombs away - did not press their attack.  Our fighter support were out with __?__ attack.  Meager to accurate A/A fire was encountered at the target.  A/C 673, 537 and 292 suffered minor flak damage.   There were no casualties.  A/C took off at 0830 and landed at __?__ hours.

    APRIL 29 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the industrial area of Berlin, Germany:
A/C    1387        1/Lt Jerrold L. Newquist
          7030        2/Lt Edward Waters
          1982        1/Lt. Chas. T. Bell
          1673        1/Lt Louis LaHood
          7292        1/Lt Frank B. Alford
          0353        1/Lt James F. Purdy

A/C 2027 and 9996 are flying with 324th squadron.

A/C 982 turned back early when intercom system went out.  A/C 673 turned back  just after crossing the enemy coast due to the #1 and #2 engine trouble.  Four of the A/C dropped 50 x 100 G.P. bombs with results unobserved due to ?/10 cloud.  __?__ the formation we were able to sight aiming point, and results are believed to be good.
    Bombs were away at 11?? from 21,500 (?) feet.  A/A fire was intense and accurate at the target.  After leaving target a continuous succession of bursts were encountered ranging from moderate to intense and __?__ from Wittenburg, (Ed.: three other cities named, illegible.)  There were no direct attacks on our formation.  15 to 20 Me109s and FW190s were stooping (?) around looking for stragglers in the Hanover and D??? _?_ area. A/C 353 was hit by flak at 1142 hours at the target.  Wing caught fire, broke off and A/C exploded shortly afterward.  Three (3) chutes were seen. 
    The following made up the crew of A/C 353:
        Pilot         1/Lt James F. Purdy
        Copilot       2/Lt  J??? P. Garfield (Caulfield?)
        Nav.          2/Lt ? P. Butcher (?)
        Bomb.         2/Lt John (?) E. W????
        Eng.          S/Sgt William G. Fischer (?)
        Ball T.G.     S/Sgt Louis S. Carruselo
        Radio         S/Sgt Neils (MI) ???????
        R.W.G.        S/Sgt George Johnson
        L.W.G.        S/Sgt Gerald (?) Issotoner (??)
        T.G.          S/Sgt Raymond A. ?yberski

Lt. Patrick W. Kennedy (?), bombardier, received slight face wounds, and T/Sgt Arthur M. Geppalt (?), radio, flak wound in face.  Both were flying in AC 292.  A/C 030 and 292 had major damage and A/C 387 minor battle damage.  A/C took off at 1645 and landed at 1800 hrs.

Added note: The recaps of the 322nd missions are great. I flew from 6 March 44 till 26 Aug 44. I can add a bit to the information on the mission of April 29 of that year when Lt. Purdy and his crew were shot down. The ball turret operator's name was Louis Carruselo, He was somewhat of an enigma to us. He was a private but to go on a mission he wore sergeant’s stripes. We never had any details of his situation and he never said much about it so we let it go at that.

  The crew was apparently well liked as someone wrote a bit of poetry about the loss. I can't remember much of it but it ended

They made their run

a job well done

by men who well knew

still the gods of fate and war reach out

always for their due 

        Does anyone have the complete piece?     Hank Hall

    APRIL 30 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in bombing the Lyons-Bron airfield 3 miles E.S.E. of Lyons, France:
A/C   7030        1/Lt Joseph (NMI) Green
         7027        1/Lt Lester K. (?) Duggan

Dropped bombs with good results at 1650 (?) hrs.  from 25,000 (?) feet.
No A/A fire was __?__ at our formation, and no enemy fighters were encountered..
No battle damage and no casualties.
Squadron officers 72 (?), E.M. 308.

322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS
May, 1944
Scanned by Don Freer    Transcribed by Frank Farr
                                                     
    
    VIII Air Force
    VIII Bomber Command
    1st Bomb Division
    91st Bombardment Group
    322nd Bombardment Squadron
    History of Operations for May, 1944
PREPARED BY -
    Samuel Y. Gibbon, Capt., Air Corps
    Sgt. J. H. Bass
    Sgt. H. W. Nail

        TABLE OF CONTENTS
    1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions
    2. Completed Mission Summaries
    3. Conformed Enemy Aircraft Claims
    4. Casualties
    5. Prisoners of War
    6. Personnel Changes
    7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours
    8. Mission Aircraft
    9. Crews Missing in Action
   
    LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETED MISSIONS

 
        MISSION SUMMARY
          Troyes, 1 May, ‘44

A/C #        PILOT         DAMAGE   
7027     Lt. Hayen         Minor
8027         Ritchie       None
634          Waters        None
673          Boyce         None
527          Leadtke       Major
610          Alford        Major
996          Mooney        Major
030          Green         Minor
       
        REMARKS:
    Crews report good bombing results on marshalling Yards at Troyes with smoke to 5000 ft.  Moderate A/A fire at coast on way out accounted for loss of A/C #392 from 401st Sq. with ten (10) MIA.  No squadron casualties.

        MISSION SUMMARY
        Sottevast (No Ball) 6 May, 1944

027      Lt. Bilotta       None
996          Mooney        None
128          Boyce         None
610          Coope         None
673          Alford        None
634          Jessop        None
367          Newquist      None
 
        REMARKS:
    Mission aborted due to 8-10/10ths undercast in target area.  Bombs brought back.  No damage or casualties.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Berlin, 7 May, ‘44
                    CASUALTIES
673      Lt. Alford        Minor        0
610          Coope         Minor        1
333          Masteller     Major        0
033          Laedtke       Minor        0
982          Bell          Minor        0
7027         Bilotta       Minor        0
527          Jessop        Minor        0
030          Burtt         Major        2

REMARKS:  Freiderichstrasse Station was target for PFF bombing, but results unobserved due to 10/10ths undercast.  Lts. Coope, McElroy and Gittes suffered flak wounds - none serious.

        MISSION SUMMARY
           Berlin, 8 May, ‘44

673      Lt. Mooney        None         None
982          Bell          None         None
033          Hayen         None         None
625     Maj. Everett       None         None
367      Lt. Newquist      None         None

REMARKS:  Results of bombing unobserved due to 10/10ths undercast.  No casualties or damage to group or squadron.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          St. Dizier, 9 May ‘44

030      Lt. Duggan        None         None
027          Bilotta       Minor        None
367          Robertson     None         None
128          Boyce         Minor        None
996          Gerber        None         None
673          Burtt         None         None
610          Masteller     Minor        None

REMARKS:  Airdrome at St. Dizier bombed with excellent results.  No casualties.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Konz Karthous, 11 May ‘44

292      Lt. Robertson     None         None
673          Alford        None         None
128          Ritchey       None         None
7027         Bilotta       None         None
610          Abbott        None         None
033          Hayen         None         None

REMARKS:  Marshalling yard and workshops at Konz Karthous bombed with good results.  No casualties or damage.  No E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Lutzkendorf, 12 May ‘44

527      Lt. Jessop        Minor        None
610          Masteller     Major        None
982          Bell          Minor        None
634          Laedtke       Minor        None
030          Gerber        Minor        None   
128          Ritchey       Minor        None
292          Robertson     Major        None
033          Hayen         Major        None
673          Abbott        Minor        None
027          Burtt         Minor        None

REMARKS: Due to heavy smoke over target which was the synthetic oil plant at Lutzkendorf, the marshalling yards two miles west were bombed with unobserved results.  No casualties or E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
        (Politz) Stralsund, 13 May, ‘44

030      Lt. Gerber        None        None
128          Mooney        Minor       None
367          Laedtke       Minor       None
982          Suther (?)    Minor       None
673          Coope         None        None

REMARKS:  Due to unfavorable conditions at Politz, the town of Stralsund was bombed by PFF methods with unobserved results believed to have been poor to fair. No casualties, no E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Berlin, 19 May, ‘44
083      Lt. Burtt         None        None
527          Waters        None        None
128          Hartman       None        None
610          Coope         None        None
033          Boyce         Minor       None
996          Masteller     None        None
292          Frey          None        None
027          Suther        Minor       None
673          LaHood        Minor       None
030          Gerber        None        None
982          Bell          Minor       None

REMARKS: Bombing done by PFF and results unobserved but bombs believed to be in city.  One A/C and nine men MIA from group.  No casualties or E/A claims in squadron.

        MISSION SUMMARY
        Villa Coublay, 20 May, ‘44
367      Lt. Newquist      Minor       None
292          Frey          Minor       None
333          Mooney        Minor       None
7027         Bilotta       Major       None

REMARKS: Aircraft works and airfield bombed with results reported to be good.  No casualties in squadron and one minor wound for group.  No E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Kiel, 22 May, ‘44
527    Capt. Jessop        None        None
673      Lt. LaHood        Minor       None
033          Hayen         None        None
982          Bell          None        None
610          Coope         None        None
128          Hartman       Minor       None
083          Masteller     None        None

REMARKS: PFF run was made, but bombing done visually with results believed to be good.  No casualties or E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
        Nancy/Easey, 25 May, ‘44
673      Lt. LaHood        None        None
982          Abbott        None        None
333          Mooney        None        None
7027         Bilotta       None        None
083          Masteller     None        None
8027         Hanst         None        None
292          Robertson     None        None
128          Hayen         None        None
095          Gerber        None        None

REMARKS:  Airdrome installations bombed with results believed to be good to excellent.  No casualties or E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
            Ludwigshaven, 27 May, ‘44 

982      Lt. Bell          None        None
367          Frey          Minor       None
095          Gerber        Minor       None
128          Hartman       Minor       None
083          Masteller     Minor       None
996          Robertson     None        None
610          Hanst         None        None
333          Abbott        None        None
027          Bilotta       None        None
033          Hayen         None        None

REMARKS: The marshalling yards at Ludwigshaven were bombed visually with strike photos indicating hits to the SE of assigned MPI.  No squadron losses.  Group casualties, 1 killed, 1 wounded and 9 MIA.  No casualties or E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Posen, 29 May, ‘44

610      Lt. Coope         Minor       None
033          Hayen         None        None
292          Mooney        Minor       None
030          Gerber        Minor       None
128          Hartman       Minor       None
367          Frey          Minor       None

REMARKS:  Main concentration of bombs fell over and to the right of assigned MPI in FW190 factory, with much fire and smoke in target area.  One A/C and 9 men MIA
from Gp.  No squadron losses.  No E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
          Dessau, 30 May, ‘44

527      Lt. Waters        Minor       None
673          LaHood        Minor       None
128          Hartman       Minor       None
982          Hayen         Minor       None
634          Bilotta       Minor       None
083          Mooney        None        None
095          Hanst         Minor       None
610          Robertson     Minor       None
030          Gerber        Minor       1 wounded
367          Frey          Minor       None
    A/C 083 aborted due to mech. failure.  A/C 367 aborted due to mech. difficulties.

REMARKS:  Strike photographs of bombing on Junkers Factory indicate very poor results.  Formation was attacked immediately after bombs away by fifty to sixty E/A with group ahead bearing the blunt of the attack.  This group lost one A/C and nine men MIA. The squadron had one man wounded.  No E/A claims.

        MISSION SUMMARY
        Mulhouse, 31 May, ‘44

367      Lt. Frey          None        None
982          Bell          None        None
292          Robertson     None        None
083          Coope         None        None
128          Hartman       None        None
095          Mooney        None        None
7027         Bilotta       None        None
996          Hanst         None        None
527 Maj. Everett, Capt. Jessop None    None

REMARKS:  Due to adverse weather wing was ordered to attack last resort targets when they had reached Trieres.  Two runs were made on Eames M/Yds (last resort) but visibility was insufficient to make visual bombing possible.  No casualties or damage in Gp.  No E/A claims.

    CONFIRMED ENEMY AIRCRAFT CLAIMS, MAY

29 May  - Berlin S/Sgt Armondo H. Battista, T/G #982, Me109 destroyed.
29 May - Berlin    Lt. John M. Rogan, Bomb. #610,  FW190 damaged
29 May - Berlin    S/Sgt Robert L. Scarborough, TT/G #030 Me109 damaged.
30 May - Dessau    Lt. Homer A. Glass, Nav. #673 Me109 damaged
30 May - Dessau    S/Sgt Joseph C. Traylor T/G #634 Me109 Probable
   
    CASUALTIES, MAY   

On 7 May, 1944, on the Berlin Mission, Lt. Robert E. Gerber suffered a minor flak wound in the left leg. On the Dessau mission of 30 May, S/Sgt Joseph Romagnoli, radio operator on Gerber’s crew, sustained wounds in leg, shoulder,  and arm believed to be from .50 cal. ammunition.

FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF 322ND SQ. WERE REPORTED P/W DURING MAY, 1944:                          DATE MIA

PERSONNEL CHANGES - MAY, ‘44

    1. 2/Lt Bernard N. Hayen promoted to 1st Lt.  2/Lt Waters, Edward, promoted to 1st Lt.  Following officers assigned and joined from 324th Bomb. Sq: 1/Lt George F. Coope (P); 2/Lt Leonard N. Hedlund (CP); 1st Lt. Joseph P. Bilotta (P); 2/Lt Paul W. McElroy, Jr. (N); 2/Lt Orville E. Hartman (CP); 2/Lt Patrick A. Obenhaus (B); 2/Lt. Joseph L. Ritchey (P); 2/Lt Wm. T. Kopando (N); 2/Lt James M. Mounts (B); F/O Frank (NMI) Haddick (CP); 2/Lt. Russell A. Masteller, Jr. (P); 2/Lt. Warren L. Mix (N); 2/Lt Eugene P. Emond
(CP); 2/Lt Robert E. Mammoser (B). Strength: Officers 84, F/O 2, E/M 417.

    2. 2/Lt William T. Koranda (N) joined and assigned from 324th Bomb Sq.

    3. 1/Lts Joseph Green (P) and August A. Ballay (B) trf’d to Casual Pool 12 RCD Sta. 591.

    4. No change.

    5. Capt. Leroy B. Everett, Jr., Squadron C.O. promoted to Major.

    6. Following officers joined. and assigned from AAF 112: 1/Lt George A. Abbott (P), 2/Lt Earnest T. Austin (N), 2/Lt David McCarthy, Jr. (CP), 2/Lt Thomas W. Schalich (B), 2/Lt Fred L. Suther Jr. (P); 2/Lt James N. Dye, Jr. (N), 2/Lt Charles Sherrill (B), F/O Walter R. Golubic (CP).

    7. No change.

    8. 1/Lt Paul D. Jessop (P) promoted to Capt.

    9. 2/Lts Robert E. Gerber and Willis H. Lebo promoted to 1st Lts.

   10. No change.

   11. Following officers joined. and assigned from Hq. AAF Sta. 112: 2/Lt David L. Hanst (P), 2/Lt Harry Rollinson, Jr. (CP), 2/Lt Edward E. Edwards (B), 2/Lt James B. Dailey (N).

   12. 1/Lt Lester W. Dugan, Jr., (P) and 1st Lt. Thomas E. Johnson (CP), 1/Lt Henry J. Kennedy (B) trf’d to 27 Air Transport Gp.

   13. No change.

   14. 1/Lt Frank B. Alford, Jr. (P) trf’d to 27th Air Transport Gp.  1/Lt Lamond J. Bailey (N) trf’d to 12RCD AAF, Sta. 591.

   15. No change.  Strength:  Officers - 89. F/O - 3. E/M - 433.

   16. 2/Lts Phillip J. Goldman (B) and Patrick N. Kennedy (B) promoted to 1/Lts.

   17. No change.

   18. Cap’t Paul V. Smith (Intelligence) trf’d to Det. “5” ASC, USSTAF Station 586.

   19. Capt. Samuel Y. Gibbons (Intelligence) jnd. and asgd. from Hq. 91st Bomb Gp.

   20. No change

   21. 1/Lt John J. Boyce (P) trf’d to 12th RCD, AAF Sta. 591.
   

   22. 2/Lt John M. Rogan (P) jnd. and asgd. from 324th Bomb Gp.

   23. No change.

   24. No change.

   25. 2/Lt Joseph L. Gagliano (B) trf’d to Casual Pool RCD.

   26. No change.

   27. 1/Lt Charles T. Walby (P) joined. asgd. from Hq. 1st B. D.  2/Lts Fred L. Suthers Jr. (P), James W. Depe Jr. (N), Charles Sherrill (B) trf’d to 324th Bomb. Sq. F/O Walter H. Golubac

   28. No change.

   29. S/Sgt Isidne Rubenstein marries English girl.

   30. Following 2/Lts promoted to 1/Lts: Edward L. Mooney (P), Leonard W. Hedlund (CP), Russell O. Masteller (P), Jack R. Payne (N),  Nello F. Ripanti (CP),  Joseph L. Ritchey (P).

   31. 2/Lt Wm. T. Koranda trf’d to 324th Bomb. Sq. Strength:  Officers - 89.  F/O - 3.   E/M - 424.


    PERSONNEL COMPLETING TOUR OF OPERATIONS
1. Capt. Burtt, William S.       12. Capt. Jessop, Paul D.
2. Lt. Bailey, Lamond J.         13. Lt. Kennedy, Henry J.
3. Lt. Boyce, John J. Jr.        14. T/Sgt Lovely, Robert L.
4. T/Sgt Bacon, Verdner E.       15. Lt. La Hood, Louis (NMI)
5. S/Sgt Breckenridge, John C.   16. S/Sgt McGraw, Marvin C.
6. T/Sgt. Cantrell, Stanley J.   17. Capt. McNeil, Joe L.
7. T/Sgt Callaway, John K.       18. T/Sgt Shriver, Chas. A. Jr.
8. S/Sgt Colman, Terrance R.     19. T/Sgt Thigpen, Rudolph A.
9. T/Sgt Fronko, Matthew (NMI)   20. T/SGT. Wheeler, John J.
10. Lt. Green, Joseph (NMI)      21. T/Sgt Weiss, Kenneth E.
11. Lt. Gagliano, Joseph J.      22. Lt. West, Robert L.

        MISSING AIRCRAFT

This squadron had no A/C losses during the month of May.

        CREWS MISSING IN ACTION

This squadron had no combat crews missing in action during the month of May, 1944.
  

 322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS FOR JUNE, 1944
Scanned by Don Freer          Transcribed by Frank Farr

    VIII AIR FORCE
    VIII BOMBER COMMAND
    1ST BOMB DIVISION
    91ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
    322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
    HISTORY OF OPERATIONS FOR JUNE, 1944

PREPARED BY:
    SAMUEL Y. GIBBON, CAPT., AIR CORPS
    SGT. A. F. GENTILE

        LIST OF CONTENTS
1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions.
2. Completed Mission Summaries
3. Confirmed Enemy Aircraft Claims
4. Casualties
5. Prisoners of war
6. Personnel Changes
7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours
8. Missing Aircraft
10. Loading List for Month of June, 1944
    (Ed. Note:  Capt. Gibbons or Sgt. Gentile jumped from 8 to 10 in the List of Contents.  I didn’t leave out number 9. - Frank F.)

    LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETE MISSIONS
Briefing #Mission #    Date    Target          Disposition
280      167   2 June 1944   Boulogne          AM  Completed 
281      168   2 June 1944   Maissy-Palaiseau  PM Comp
282      169   3 June 1944   Hardelot          Completed
283      170   4 June 1944   Hardelot          Completed
284      171   5 June 1944   Houlgate          Completed
285      172   6 June 1944   La Riviere        Completed
286      173   7 June 1944   Kerlin Bastard A/D  Comp
287      174   8 June 1944   Tours             Completed
288      175  10 June 1944   Boulogne          Completed
289      176  11 June 1944   Beaumont Le Roger A/D C.
290      177  12 June 1944   Cambrai-Niergnies Comp.
291      178  13 June 1944   Beaumont-Sur-Oise Comp.
292      179  15 June 1944   Bordeaux A/D      Completed
293           17 June 1944   Amiens            Scrubbed
294      180  18 June 1944   Hamburg           Completed
295      181  19 June 1944   Bordeaux AM       Completed
296           19 June 1944   Crepy         PM  Scrubbed
297      182  20 June 1944   Hamburg           Completed
298      183  21 June 1944   Berlin            Completed
299      184  22 June 1944   Mazingarbe-Pot    Comp.
300      185  23 June 1944   Fleury            Abortive Sortie
301      186  24 June 1944   Distre (Saumur)   Comp.
302      187  25 June 1944   Toulouse          Completed
303           26 June 1944   Munich            Scrubbed
304      188  28 June 1944   Anizy (Laon)      Completed
305           29 June 1944   Leipzig           Recalled

    MISSION SUMMARY
    Toulouse, 2 June 1944
A/C #    PILOT       
095     Laedtke
982     Bell
128     Stoiber
033     Mooney
083     Masteller
030     Gerber

REMARKS:  Target for this mission was 3 x 150 MM coastal gun emplacements about 2 1/2 miles S.E. of Boulogne.  Bombing was done on PFF A/C leading formation with unobserved results due to 10/10 undercast.  No casualties or damage were sustained by
this squadron.

    MISSION - Maisy/Palaiseau
        2 June 1944

527     Abbott
292     Robertson
367     Frey
7027    Hartman
610     Hayen

REMARKS:  Primary target for this mission was a fly-over of two railway tracks in the south suburbs of Paris. Due to haze and consequent poor visibility in target area, the airfield at Beaumont-Sur-Oise was attacked as a last resort target, with good results. The 322nd Squadron sustained no casualties or damage.

    MISSION - Hardelot
        3 June, 1944

610     Coope
033     Hayen
7027    Stoiber
083     Masteller
982     Bell
333     Mooney

REMARKS:  Target was 6 x 155 MM medium coastal gun emplacement.  Bombing was done on PFF leader with unobserved results.  No damage or casualties.

    MISSION - Hardelot
        4 June 1944

128     Hartman
095     Laedtke
601     Frey
030     Gerber

REMARKS:  A coastal defense position consisting of seven concrete fortifications was attacked about one mile south of Hardelot with poor results, bombs landing in water short and south of assigned MPI.  No damage or casualties.

    MISSION - Houlgate
        5 June 1944

673     Goodrich
030     Hanst
982     Mooney
7027    Bilotta
292     Robertson
8027    Masteller
095     Laedtke
367     Frey
610     Hartman
033     Hayen
527     Abbott

REMARKS:  A/C 673 attacked with 381st Bomb Group. Landed at Kimbolton due to radio compass failure...A/C 030 flew with 389th Bomb Group, 3rd Div. which did not attack.  Bombs brought back...A/C 982 flew with 381st Bomb Group but due to mechanical failure aborted, having jettisoned 8 x 500 GP bombs in channel and bringing 4 x 500 back...A/C 7027 started out with 381st but dropped out of formation due to failure of #4 supercharger. Salvoed 4 bombs in channel but continued alone in spite of loss of another engine to make an individual attack on an A/D south of Fecamp. Third engine feathered on way back, jettisoned all equipment and landed on one engine.  All engine failures due to mechanical difficulties...A/C 292 attacked coastal target E. of Cherbourg with 384th Bomb Group...A/C 8027 attacked beach installation S. of Boulogne with 100th Bomb Group, 3rd Division...A/C 095 attacked primary target with a miscellaneous group...A/C 367 attacked primary with lead group...A/C 610 attacked primary with miscellaneous group...A/C 033 attacked primary with miscellaneous group...A/C527 attacked with 398th Group....Due to late takeoff over half of the A/C from this group flew with other groups.  Results were unobserved to good.  No damage or casualties.

    MISSION - La Riviere

610     Hartman
095`    Laedtke
673     Bell
030     Gerber
333     Mooney
527     Abbott
947     Hanst
8027    Goodrich
033     Hayen
367     Frey
083     Masteller

REMARKS:  The target this memorable day was three strong points on the invasion coast west of the village of Riviere on the Normandy coast about 20 miles SE of the town of Caen.  Unfortunately 10/10 cloud cover prevented any observations of bombing
results or of the invasion armada which hit the beaches about 20 minutes later.  Bombing was done by PFF methods at 0708 hours.  No casualties or damage.

    MISSION - Kerlin Bastard
        7 June 1944

632     Robertson
033     Hayen
073     Hanst
8027    Goodrich
947     Walby
333     Mooney

REMARKS:  Lt. Robertson and Lt. Rodman, navigator, flew in 324th Squadron A/C #632.  The Kerlin-Bastard A/D on the south side of the Brest peninsula was attacked visually with good results.  No casualties or damage.

    MISSION - La Frilliere
        8 June 1944

128     Hartman
982     Bell
812     Follett
095     Laedtke
367     Frey
083     Masteller
333     Mooney
030     Gerber
033     Hayen
673     Hanst

REMARKS:  The target which was a railway bridge over the Loire River about 6 miles east of Tours was severely damaged.  Lt. Mooney’s A/C had minor flak damage.  Lt. Frey flew with the 381st Group attacking the same target.  Lt. Hayen brought his bombs back due to mechanical failure of bomb bay.

    MISSION - Boulogne
        10 June 1944

367     Frey
126     Hartman
027     Goodrich
030     Paskvan
095     Laedtke
687     Maj. Everett, Lt. Abbott

REMARKS:  Target was a group of four steel and concrete troop shelters on the coast about 4 miles south of Boulogne.  Major Everett, squadron commander, led the formation of 24 A/C bombing by PFF methods with unobserved results.  No casualties or damage.

    MISSION - Beaumont le Roger
        11 June 1944

083     Masteller
033     Hayen
673     Hanst
095     Bilotta
333     Mooney
292     Robertson

REMARKS:  Due to weather closing over this A/D after making one unsuccessful run, bombs were released by GEE fix with unobserved results.  No casualties or damage.

    MISSION - Cambrai/Niergnies
        12 June 1944

128     Hartman
996     Walby
634     Hayen
8027    Goodrich
333     Mooney
673     Suther
030     Paskvan
083     Masteller
527     Waters
367     Frey
982     Bell
095     Bilotta

REMARKS:  This airfield was apparently well covered by hits from this attack.  No damage or casualties.

    MISSION - Beaumont Sur-Oise
        13 June 1944

527     Waters
367     Frey
128     Hartman
610     Hanst
096     Laedtke
083     Masteller
033     Hayen
996     Suther
333     Mooney
292     Robertson
027     Goodrich
673     Walby
982     Bell
634     Bilotta
030     Gerber
947     Ripanti
626     Paskvan
467     Kirby
061     Major Everett

REMARKS:  Due to 10/10 clouds at A/D at Beaumont Sur-Oise which was the target, the lead and high groups bombed on GH equipment with unobserved results believed to have been poor.  The low group did not attack.  Maj. Everett lead the Bomb Wing in a GH A/C of the 379th Bomb. Gp.  No casualties.  3 A/C minor damage....A/C 467, 401st Sq. flew with low Gp which did not attack...Major Everett flew lead A/C belonging to 379th Bomb Gp...A/C 982 aborted due to failure of #3 engine.  Jettisoned bombs in channel.

        MISSION - Bordeaux
            15 June 1944

527     Waters
947     F/O Malone
634     Laedtke
610     Gerber
367     Frey
322     Paskvan
673     Walby
027     Goodrich
095     Pilotta
117     Suther
128     Hartman
030     Ripanti
515     Bell
033     Mooney
292     Robertson
996     Masteller

REMARKS:  The 91st Group flew three groups in the “A” CBW and low group in the 1st “B” CBW attacking Bordeaux Merignac Airfield, the home base of the bombardment groups operating against shipping with glider bombs.  The A/D was attacked with good to excellent results.  No casualties.  8 A/C minor damage.  2 major...A/C #634 aborted.  #1 engine caught fire before leaving England .  Due to late take-off #610 flew with 398th Bomb Group attacking same target.

    MISSION - Hamburg
    18 June 1944

626     Paskvan
093     Frey
982     Bell
083     Masteller
030     O’Bannon
367     Ripanti
151     Hartman
333     Mooney
117     Suther
947     F/O Malone
292     Hanst
095     Laedtke
8027    Goodrich
033     Hayen
527     Robertson

REMARKS:  Synthetic oil plants and refineries in the Hamburg area were the targets for this mission. 7/10/10 clouds obscured assigned aiming point and an alternate aiming point was bombed with results believed to be good.  No casualties.  5 A/C minor
damage.  1 major.

    MISSION - Bordeaux
        19 June 1944

033     Hayen
8027    Goodrich
626     Paskvan
610     Hartman
117     Suther
030     Smith
333     Mooney

REMARKS:  The Merignac A/D was attacked for the second time within a week, this time with 100 pound G.P. bombs to render the runways unserviceable. Photographs showed very good results.  No casualties, but Lt. Hayen and Lt Goodrich’s A/C sustained minor flak damage.

    MISSION - Hamburg
      20 June 1944

083     Masteller
982     Bell
610     Hartman
117     Thompson
8027    Goodrich
367     Walby
947     F/O Malone
030     Smith
7027    Hanst
625     Laedtke
996     O’Bannon

REMARKS:  Oil plants in the Hamburg area were attacked with excellent results.  Intense flak over the target resulted in major damage to 3 A/C and minor damage to 6 A/C this squadron.  No casualties....A/C  #7027 aborted shortly after take-off due to mechanical difficulties...A/C #996 aborted over England due to heavy gas fumes in A/C.

    MISSION - Berlin
      21 June 1944

292     Bell
8027    Goodrich
117     O’Bannon
527     Abbott and Waters
626     Paskvan
083     Masteller
947     F/O Malone
515     Hanst
610     Hartman
996     Thompson
982     Mooney
095     Walby

REMARKS:  This squadron flew with the low group “A” CBW attacking center of city between the air ministry and Friederichstrasse Railway Station with good results.  This group was attacked by 50-75 ME-410s at 0930 hours in the vicinity of Muritz Lake,  coming in level at 6 o’clock passing through the formation and breaking up into elements of two and three to attack again from all directions.  Claims for the group were 18-12-5 of which 17 were from A/C in this squadron. Flak at target was intense and accurate.  Between 0932 and 0938 A/C #117, 527 and 626 were observed damaged by enemy fighters and leaving the formation...A/C #947 aborted due to mechanical failure #4 engine...3 A/C minor damage. 2 major by flak and E/A.

    MISSION - Mazingarbe - Pont A Vendon
        22 June, 1944

367     Hanst
292     Hartman
8027    Goodrich
085     Masteller
947     F/O Malone
7027    Smith

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished the low squadron of the lead group which attacked a transformer station at Mazingarbe (near Lens).  Photographs showed main concentration of bombs fell 100 to 400 yards NE of assigned MPI.  No casualties and only A/C damaged was Lt. Smith’s flying with 401st Group.  Damage was minor.  (Bombed with 401st Group - 5105N - 0240E)

    MISSION - Fleury (Near St. Pol)
        23 June 1944

083     Masteller
367     Thompson
030     Ripanti
982     Mooney
292     Bell       

REMARKS:  The 91st Group led the 1st CBW to attack a Noball target at Fleury.  Failure of  GH equipment and 10/10 cloud cover made bombing impossible, resulting in an abortive mission.

    MISSION - Distre (Sanmur)
        24 June 1944

083     Masteller
996     Suther
673     Mooney
033     F/O Malone
982     Bell
292     Goodrich
030     Smith
027     Hanst
367     Thompson

REMARKS:  Railway bridge over the Loire River just east of Saumur was attacked successfully by the 1st “A” CBW for which the 91st furnished lead and low groups.  No casualties, but flak in the target area accounted for minor damage to 6 A/C and major damage to one A/C of this squadron.


    MISSION - Toulouse
      25 June 1944

030     Smith
673     Mooney
033     F/O Malone
027     Hanst
083     Masteller
367     Thompson
292     Goodrich

REMARKS;  The Toulouse - Balignac A/D was well covered by concentrations of hits in assigned MPI’s.  A/C #367, Lt. Thompson received minor flak damage and A/C #292 Lt. Goodrich is reported MIA.

    MISSION - Anizy (Laon)
        28 June 1944

027     Hanst
947     Strong
333     Walton
083     Masteller
634     Mooney
673     Walby
033     F/O Malone
030     Smith

REMARKS:  The railway bridge over the Oise canal at Anizy Le Chateau (8 miles SW of Loan) was attacked with poor to fair results.  The lead group failed to bomb primary and the main concentration of low and high groups’ bombs fell about 1000 ft. over.  No damage or casualties...A/C #333 turned back 30 miles inside enemy territory due to mechanical difficulties with two engines.

        CONFIRMED ENEMY A/C CLAIMS

S/Sgt A. T. Josefovicz, BTG, ME-210 damaged
S/Sgt O. P. Strauss, TTG, ME-210 damaged.
S/Sgt Kunst, TG, ME-410 damaged.
Sgt. Thomas M. Ingram, BTG, ME-410 probable
S/Sgt Byron J. Burgin, BTG, ME-410 destroyed
S/Sgt John F. Coyne, LWG, ME-410 damaged
S/Sgt Byron E. Burgin, BTG, ME-410 probable
S/Sgt W. M. Hanych, Bombardier, ME-410 damaged
Sgt. Warren D. Godsey, BTG, JU-88 destroyed

The above claims were allowed for 21 June, 1944 - Berlin, Germany.
(Ed. Note:  S/Sgt Burgin’s name is listed with two different middle initials.  I don’t know which is correct.. - FF)

        CASUALTIES

No casualties were suffered during the month other than crews reported under section 9 “Crews Missing in Action.”

    PRISONERS OF WAR

During the month of June 1944, notification has been received that the following personnel of the 322nd Bomb Squadron are prisoners of war:
    NAME               POSITION         LAST MISSION           
    T/Sgt Masters, William R. radio op Hoppegarten,  6 Mar 44
    Sgt. Toprvik, Ober L., TTG,        Oschersleben 20 Feb 44
    S/Sgt Smith, John J., WG,          St. Nazaire  28 Jun 43
    S/Sgt O’Toole, John B., BTG,       Schweinfurt  17 Aug 43
    T/Sgt Vender, George, Radio Op.,   Schweinfurt  17 Aug 43
    2/Lt Welsch, John R., Bombardier,  Berlin       29 Apr 44
    2/Lt Hovantz, Joseph P. Bombardier Hoppegarten   6 Mar 44
    2/Lt Kidd, Ernest H., Pilot,       Oschersleben 20 Feb 44
    T/Sgt Chase, Glen E., TTG,         Schweinfurt  17 Aug 43
    2/Lt Darling, Carlyle H. Navigator Schweinfurt  17 Aug 43
    2/Lt Bunchuk, Paul P., Navigator,  Berlin       29 Apr 44
    S/Sgt Moore, Curtis M., TG,        Hoppegarten   6 Mar 44
    2/Lt Lerner, Harry (NMI) Navigator Hoppegarten   6 Mar 44
    2/Lt Gatfield, John P., Co-Pilot,  Berlin       29 Apr 44
    T/Sgt Eberling, Everard V., TTG,   Hoppegarten   6 Mar 44

        PERSONNEL CHANGES
            JUNE 1944

    1. Strength -  Officers 89, F/O 3, E/M 424
    2. 1st Lt. James D. Gilbride 0-855082 Armament Officer trfd to AAF Station 121 RIFD AAF Station 5691.
    3. 1st Lt.’s William S. Burtt (P) and Jerold L. Newquist promoted to Captain.
4. 2nd Lt.’s Andrew E. Germer (N), Robert L. Rodman (N), Samuel C. Sugg (N) promoted to 1st Lt.
 5. 1st Lt. Glass (N) trfd to 12th RCD AAF Station 591.
  Following officers assigned to squadron:
    2/Lt Thomas P. Smith (P) -        0-759767
    2/Lt Louis G. Stark (CP) -        0-705156
    2/Lt Alexander W. Calder II (N) - 0-717592
    2/Lt Raymond F. Retschel (N) -    0-685024
    2/Lt Robert  M. Shea (N) -        0-708572
    2/Lt Oron E. Harper (CP) -        0-552166
    2/Lt Milton Pl. Freiday -         0-706728
    1/Lt Jack R. Thompson (P)-        0-552172
    2/Lt David J. Nelson (CP)-        0-552168
    2/Lt Charles B. Bacigalupa (N) -  0-716321
    2/Lt Frank S. Bolen (IB) -        0-706788
    2/Lt Robert E. O’Bannon (P) -     0-683763
    2/Lt Thomas J Fitzgerald (CP) -   0-706046
    2/Lt Nathan L. Hartman (N) -      0-716325
    2/Lt Arnold J. Ostwald (N) -      0-698596
    F/O  Louis W. Malone (P) -        0-T-18778
   
    6.  1st Lt.’s Gittes (B), Leonard W. Hedlund (CP), Joseph G. Stohler (CP),  trfd. to 12th  RCD AAF Station 591...1st Lt. Coope (CP) trfd to 324th Bomb Sq...1st Lt.’s John P. Smith (N), Wilbert T. Johnson (CP), assigned from 324th Bomb Sq.
    7. 1st Lt. Wuest (P) trfd. to 12th RCD.
    8. No change.
    9. No change.
   10. 1st Lt. Commons (Armament Officer) assigned from 401st Bomb Sq. 2nd Lt.’s Fred L Suther (P) 0-810069, Charles Sherrill
(B) 0-757927,  James W. Dye, Jr., 0-709316, and F/O Walter R. Golubic (CP) T-61910 assigned from 324th Bomb. Sq.
   11. 2nd Lts. Frey (P), Gramling (B), Howard (B), P. W. McElroy (N) promoted to 1st Lt.
   12. No change.
   13. 1st Lt. Keyser (N) trfd. to 12th RCD.
   14. No change.
   15. Capt. Kenneth C. Homuth (N) 0-801069 assigned to squadron. 2nd Lt. McCarty (CP) wounded on raid to Bordeaux ,
France , today.
   16. No change.
   17. 2nd Lt. Hartman (P) promoted to 1st Lt.
   18. No change.
   19. No change.
   20. F/O Kovner (B) promoted to 2nd Lt.
   21. Following officers assigned to squadron:  2nd Lt. Lucian S. Strong (P) 0-759523, 2nd Lt. Richard C. Lunt (CP) 0-764715,  2nd. Lt. Walter K. Boyd, Jr., (N) 0-717167, 2nd Lt. Louis M. Walton (P) 0-759535, 2nd Lt. Donald H. Sparkman (CP)
0-765419, 1st Lt. Oscar G. Hurst (B) 0-735956, 2nd Lt. Paul E. Cook (B) 0-769099, 2nd Lt. Donald W. Almon 0-719840l
   22. Following officers trfd to 12th RCD:  1st Lt.’s Flournoy, Gerber, Payne, Lebo, Goldman, Gramling, Hayen, Kennedy and 2nd Lt. Brown D. G.
   23. No change.
   24. No change.
   25. Following officers assigned to squadron:  2nd Lt. John D. Longaker (P) 0-759756, 2nd Lt. Berl C. Baker (CP) 0-821140, Harry E. Stevens, Jr., (N) 0-712936, 2nd Lt. James King (B) 0-704220, 2nd Lt. Edwin V. Kemp (B) 0-704212, 2nd Lt. John M.
Hamilton (P) 0-759597, 2nd Lt. Edward E. Fritz (P) 0-706164, 2nd Lt. Ralph K. Caldwell (N) 0-716343
   26. Following officers, 2nd Lt.’s, promoted to 1st Lt. - Hanst, Baldwin Weiss, Koeller, Emond.
   27. 1st Lt.’s. Robertson and Hartman trfd to 12th RCD.
   28. No change.
   29. No change.
   30. No change.

    PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS
1st Lt. Glass, Homer A. Jr.,   (N),         June 2.
T/Sgt   Eicke, Theodore,        Engr.Gun.,  June 2
T/Sgt   Mansfield, James N. Jr. Rad.Op.,    June 2
T/Sgt   Nuse, Charles L.,       Rad.Op.,    June 2
1st Lt. Coope, George P. Jr.   (P)          June 3
1st Lt. Gittes, David H.       (B)          June 3
1st Lt. Hedlund, Leonard W.    (P)          June 3
T/Sgt   Anding, John W.,        Engr.,      June 3
T/Sgt   Petruccelli, Fred J.,   Ass’t Engr. June 3
1st Lt. Joseph P. Billeta      (P)          June 5
T/Sgt   Megchelsen, Robert R.,  gunner,     June 5
1st Lt. Gerber, Robert E.      (P),         June 18
1st Lt. Goldman, Philip T.     (B)          June 20
1st Lt. Gremling, James C.     (B)          June 20
1st Lt. Hayen, Bernard N.      (P)          June 19
1st Lt. Kennedy, Patrick N.    (B)          June 18
1st Lt. Laedtke, Elmer C.      (P)          June 20
1st Lt. Lebo, Willis H.        (N)          June 20
1st Lt. Payne, Jack R.         (N)          June 18
1st Lt. Robertson, Howard L.   (P)          June 18
2nd Lt. Brown, Dean C.         (P)          June 20
T/Sgt   Ellington, Ernest F.,   gunner,     June 15
T/Sgt   Grubb, Charles W.       Radio Gun   June 15
T/Sgt   Jackson, Frank H.      (Rad. Op)    June 18
T/Sgt   Olszewski,  Anthony J., Engr.,      June 8
T/Sgt   Pries, Richard J.,      Rad.Op.,    June 20
T/Sgt   Ryan, Thomas P.,        Engr.       June 18
T/Sgt   Shope, Berchel L.,      Rad.Op.,    June 15
T/Sgt   Southworth, Walden P.,  Engr.,      June 15
T/Sgt   Taylor, Jack M.,        gunner,     June 20
T/Sgt   Zastenchik, Joseph F.,  Engr.,      June 15
S/Sgt   Ackerman, Charles O.,   gunner,     June 20
Sgt.    Anderson, Harvey J.,    gunner,     June 18
T/Sgt   Crist, Robert L.,       Rad.Op.,    June 21
2nd Lt. Baldwin, Billy H.      (P)          June 22
1st Lt. Hartman, Orville E.    (P)          June 22
S/Sgt   Beck, Theron F.,        gunner,     June 22
S/Sgt   Kunst, Lawrence C.,     gunner,     June 22
S/Sgt   Martin, Charles R.,     gunner,     June 22
1st Lt. Ripanti, Nello F.      (P),         June 23
S/Sgt   Leger, Aldrich L.,      gunner,     June 23
1st Lt. Bell, Charles T.       (P),         June 24
1st Lt. Howard, William C.     (B)          June 24
1st Lt. Masteller, Russell O., (P)          June 28
1st Lt. Rodman, Robert L.      (N)          June 28
T/Sgt   Fritch, Nevin E.,       Engr.,      June 28

        MISSING AIRCRAFT
          Berlin 21 June, 1944
“Lt. O’Bannon flying A/C #44-6117 was last seen just prior to the I.P. at which time this A/C was attacked from the rear by approximately 50 enemy fighters.  A/C 117 was hit by 20 mm. shell in the wing tip where fire started.  This Aircraft immediately salvoed its bombs and peeled off and down to the left of the formation. The enemy fighter was hit by fire from A/C 117 and peeled off to the right, his left engine was on fire. Lt. O’Bannon’s aircraft was observed for several minutes and a total of six (6) parachutes were seen to leave the plane.  When last seen A/C 117 was apparently under control at about 15,000 feet, but losing altitude.”

“Lt. Paskvan flying A/C #43-37626 was last sighted about 0932 hours at approximate location of 5330N - 1430E.  On the first sweep made by enemy fighters A/C626 was hit in the left wing between #1 and #2 engines by 20 mm. shell.  Fire immediately developed and aircraft peeled off to the left of the formation going down, apparently under control, and out of view.
No parachutes were observed coming from this aircraft.”

“Lt. Abbott and Lt. Waters were leading the low group of the “A” CBW in A/C #42-102527 (Sleepy Time Gal).  A/C appeared to have been hit in number 3 engine and in the trailing edge of left wing between #1 and #2 engines by fire (20 mm.) from enemy aircraft.  Fire was building up as AC 527 peeled off to the right and was lost from view.  This occurred at about 0930 hours
and position 5330N - 1340E.  No parachutes were seen to come from this A/C.”

        Toulouse A/C 25 June, 1944

Lt. Goodrich flying A/C#420-97292 (Bachelor’s Bride) lead position of high squadron was observed in difficulties by F/O Malone his deputy leader who reported as follows:  About one-half hour after crossing the English Channel into enemy territory A/C #42-97292 appeared to be unable to gain altitude.  Lt. Goodrich was flying as squadron leader, our A/C (F/O
Malone) was flying as deputy leader.  In answer to our inquiry if he was in trouble A/C292 replied in the affirmative and requested we take the lead.  It is probably that A/C 292 had been hit during the flak encountered near the coast.  A
puff of smoke was seen from his #3 engine at that time.  A/C 292 trailed the formation on up to and went around the target (north) at approximately 20,000 ft. At this point we were about 60 miles from the frontier of Spain, and an A/C possibly A/C 292 was last seen cutting under the formation, turning to the south, apparently headed for Spain.  No chutes were seen
during this observation.

1st Bomb Division advises entire crew landed at Bilbao , Spain , 29 June 1944.

    CREWS MISSING IN ACTION
        June 1944
2nd Lt. O’Bannon, Robert E. (P) Berlin 21 June 44
2nd Lt. Fitzgerald, Thomas J. (CP)    “
2nd Lt. Bartman, Nathan L. (N)       “
2nd Lt. Ostwald, Arnold J. (B)       “
S/Sgt   Lewis, Irvin H. (TTG)           “
S/Sgt   McCurchan, Herbert S. (BTG) “
Sgt.    Goldman, Benjamin (NMI) (RO) “
Sgt.    Fioretti, Joe, Jr., (WG)           “
Sgt.    Estrada, Amos F. (TG)

2nd Lt. Paskvan, Joseph P. (P) Berlin 21 June 44
F/O     Haddick, Frank (NMI) (CP)       “
1st Lt. Canter, Manuel (NMI) (N)       “
S/Sgt   Ratter, William B. (B)           “
S/Sgt   Moose, Harry L. (TTG)       “
S/Sgt   Quackenbush, Gerald G. (RO) “
S/Sgt   Bettis, James A. (BTG)       “
S/Sgt   Raymond, Perry R. (WG)        “
S/Sgt   Bradford, Joe W. (TG)       “

1st Lt. Abbott, George J. (P) Berlin 21 June 44
1st Lt. Waters, Edward (CP)       “
2nd Lt. Kovner, Alfred L. (N)       “
2nd Lt. Van Felt, James P. (B)       “
S/Sgt   Miller, Louis T. (TTG)             “
S/Sgt   Kolano, Chester A. (RG)       “
S/Sgt   Hopkins, Claude P. (LWG)       “
T/Sgt   Humm, Harold H. (BTG)       “
S/Sgt   Hettinger, Robert W. (RWG) “
Sgt.    Shirley, Edward A. (TG)       “

1st Lt. Goodrich, Ferrell K. (P) Toulouse 25 June 44
2nd Lt. Spencer, Stanley T. J. (CP)   “
1st Lt. Smith, John P. (N)           “
F/O     Kurrus, Harold R. (B)           “
Sgt.    Zura, William V. (TTG)       “
S/Sgt   Fann, William A. (BTG)       “
Sgt.    Craghead, Jesse J., (RO)       “
S/Sgt   Braun, Edwin G. (WG)       “
S/Sgt   Callaghan, John F. (TG)       “

Letter from 1st Bomb Division states that Lt. Goodrich and crew are interned in Spain - 29 June, 1944

    322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS JULY 1944

Scanned by Don Freer         Transcribed by Frank Farr

        8TH AIR FORCE
      1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION
1ST COMBAT BOMBARDMENT WING
    322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
PERIOD COVERED:  1 JULY 1944 TO 31 JULY 1944
PREPARED BY: SAMUEL Y. GIBBON, CAPT. .A.C.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions
2. Completed Mission Summaries
3. Loading Lists (one copy only to go with original)
4. Confirmed Enemy Aircraft Claims
5. Prisoners of War
6. Personnel Changes
7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours During July 1944
8. Crews Missing in Action

     LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETED MISSIONS

     

          MISSION SUMMARIES
         Tours, 4 July, 1944

A/C #    Pilot
033    F/O Malone
634    Lt. Mooney
982    Lt. Emond
367    Lt. Thompson
027    Lt. Strong
947    Lt. Walton

REMARKS:   The railroad bridge over the Loire River just west of Tours, which was the primary target, was totally obscured by 10/10 cloud cover.  The same condition prevailed over the Conches A/D, secondary target, prevented bombing, and the force returned without attacking.

      Aire, 6 July 44
    (France, Noball)

673   Lt. Hamilton
030   Lt. Smith
033   Lt. Walton
634   Lt. Mooney
095   Lt. Emond
367   Lt. Thompson
027   Lt. Strong
707   Lt. Suther

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron flew the low group in the first “A” CBW, making three 360 degree turns in the target area, finally bombing last resort target at 5036N 0220E with fair results.  1st Lt. Oscar A. Kunst, bombardier on Lt Strong’s crew, suffered superficial face wounds from flak.  5 A/C minor damage, 2 major.

    Mockau A/D Leipzig
             7 July 44

982   Lt. Strong
083   Lt. Emond
707   Lt. Suther
367   Lt. Mooney
030   Lt. Smith
996   Lt. Hamilton

REMARKS:  The 91st Group furnished the high group in the first “A” CBW.  The first “A” CBW was unable to bomb the Messerschmitt plant at Mockau, the assigned
primary target, due to smoke, but bombed marshalling yards at Kollenda with excellent results.  The first “B” CBW accidentally dropped between IP and assigned
target with poor results.

    Etaples
    8 July 44

7027  Lt. Hanst
030   Lt. Smith
996   Lt. Hamilton
333   Lt. Hammer
083   Lt. Strong
097   Lt. Longaker

REMARKS:  The A/C of the 322nd Squadron flew with “C” group in the first CBW.  As the assigned Noball target near Fleury, France, was obscured by 10/10 clouds, a
railroad bridge at Etaples was bombed as a target of opportunity with excellent results.

    Crepieul & Fleury

707   Lt. Suther
982   Lt. Longaker
083   Lt. Emond
996   Lt. Walton
333   Lt. Gordon
030   Lt. Mooney

REMARKS:  Assigned Noball targets were obscured by 10/10 clouds and bombs were brought back.

    Munich, 11, 12, 13, July, 1944

083   Lt. Emond
333   Lt. Hammer
996   Lt. Hamilton
610   Lt. Walton
634   Lt Mooney
 
       12th
033   F/O Malone
333   F/O Golubic
367   Lt. Thompson
610   Lt. Walton
8027  Lt. Hamilton
947   Lt. Gordon
7027  Lt. Hanst
083   Lt. Emmons

       13th

707   Lt. Suther
982   Lt. Hammer
673   Lt. Longaker
367   Lt. Hanst
610   Lt. Walton
9027  Lt. Hamilton
634   F/O Golubic
033   F/O Malone
879   Lt. Gordon
030   Lt. Smith

REMARKS:  Results of all three missions, July 11, 12, 13, 1944.  Due to 10/10 clouds at Munich bombing was accomplished with pathfinder equipment with unobserved results, on all three missions.  The primary visual target for each mission was the Junkers Engine Factory at Allech just north of the city.  No casualties were sustained and only minor damage from flak.    A/C from this group were not attacked by enemy fighters, although other combat wings were hit near the target area.

    Munich (Augsburg)
       16 July 44

126   Lt. Hanst
333   Lt. Hammer
8027  Lt. Strong
673   Lt. Walby
610   Lt. DeLisle
996   Lt. Russell
095   Lt. Longaker
634   F/O Golubic
030   Lt. Smith

REMARKS:  The assigned target for PFF bombing was the center of the city of Munich.  Due to difficulty with Pathfinder equipment in the lead ship just before the I.P. the deputy leader  took over, and it is believed that Augsburg was bombed although the observations were unknown due to 10/10 undercast.  Lt. Walby turned back over North Sea and landed at Grafton Underwood due to insufficient fuel to complete mission.  Lt. DeLisle’s waist gunner, Sgt. Horace W. Kingsley, was wounded in the knee by a flak burst which also damaged bomb bay mechanism.  Further difficulties which culminated in a successful ditching and rescue are described in the following news account:

NEWS ACCOUNT OF A/C 610 “LIBERTY BELLE”
        By Sgt. John H. Smelser
    AN EIGHTH AF BOMBER STATION, ENGLAND - With a third of her crew suffering from lack of oxygen, one seriously wounded man aboard, two engines out, leaking
gasoline tanks, damaged bomb bay doors, and a fuselage riddled by flak, the flying fortress “Liberty Belle” limped back from Munich, Germany, across the skies of Nazi Europe only to meet her end in the North Sea within sight of England.
    “A flak burst smacked us pretty hard as we were nearing the target,” says Sgt. John S. Smelser, tail gunner, son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Smelser, McLouth, Kansas, “ the force of the explosion knocked the waist gunner about 12 feet, slamming him into the top of the ball turret.  The radio gunner, Sgt. Roy M. Tanner, Ruston, La., went to help him.  He found the gunner with a badly torn kneecap.  Sgt. Tanner gave him a shot of morphine, sprinkled sulfa powder on the gaping wound, and then bandaged him up.  Then I noticed that
the left wing had been hit, too, and gasoline was streaming from the punctured tanks.”
    In addition the bomb bay doors and bomb release mechanisms had been damaged.  The bombardier, 2nd Lt. Robert S. Bell, Union City, Tenn., managed to get the doors and salvoed the bombs over the target, but he was not able to get the doors closed.  The open doors constituted a drag on the aircraft, and along with the loss of gasoline from the wing tanks, would result in the ship running short of fuel before it could get back..
    The pilot, 2nd Lt. Don DeLisle, Bucoda, Wash., ordered the engineer, Sgt. John D. Carlisle, Houston, Texas, to try and close the door manually.  A few
minutes later, Lt. DeLisle tried to contact Sgt. Carlisle on the intercom.  Receiving no reply, he told the co-pilot, 2nd Lt. Norman Kimmel, St. Louis, Mo., to see what the trouble was.
    “Lt. Kimmel,” continues Sgt. Smelser, “found Sgt. Carlisle hanging halfway out of the open bomb bay, unconscious.  Sgt. Carlisle’s oxygen mask had fallen off while he was working, and he’d been too busy to put it back on.  Lt. Kimmel dragged the engineer back in.  Then, ripping off his own mask, he put it on the sergeant.  Lt. Kimmel came to, and refusing further aid, he went back to work trying to get the doors closed.  Lt. Kimmel crawled back to his seat, but before he could make it, he, too, collapsed, sprawling
across the throttles and controls.  The “Belle” plunged from her spot in the formation and went careening through the sky, barely missing other planes. “ 
    With one hand Lt. DeLisle lifted the unconscious co-pilot off the controls, and with his other fought to gain control of the floundering Fortress.         
    “I don’t know how Lt. DeLisle did it,” explains Sgt. Smelser,  “A fort that’s out of control is tough enough to handle with two hands, let alone one hand. He shoved the throttles forward and we regained our air speed.  At the same time he pulled the ship back on an even keel.  I’m certain he saved our lives.”
    With the big ship under control again, Lt. DeLisle continued to fly the airplane with one hand.  Then he grabbed the oxygen tube and shoved it into the
co-pilot’s mouth.    Lt. Kimmel was getting blue from lack of oxygen, but the pilot’s quick work saved Kimmel’s life.
    In the meantime, Sgt. Gene A. Capuis, Chicago, Ill., the ball turret gunner, was losing consciousness when his oxygen supply gave out due to flak damage.  He managed to worm his way out of the ball turret before completely fainting away.  He collapsed on the floor of the fortress.  Sgt. Smelser, who had been helping the wounded waist gunner, rushed to the aid of the collapsed ball turret gunner.  Grabbing an extra oxygen bottle, he attached it to Sgt. Capuis’ mask, reviving the gunner.
    One engine was out now, and another was weakening.
The “Belle” began dropping back and down.
    “Our little friends, the fighter escort, wouldn’t leave us,” recalls Sgt. Smelser.  “They looked plenty good to us, too, for we were easy meat for Jerry fighters in our disabled condition.”
    As they neared the French coast, another engine quit. Lt. DeLisle, noting that the gas was almost gone, too, ordered the crew to prepare to ditch.  We began jettisoning all loose and heavy equipment.
    “The ship was losing air speed rapidly,” continues Sgt. Smelser., but the English coast was in sight, and we thought we might be able to make it.  Then the two remaining engines quit.  We were out of gas.  We went to our ditching positions.  I expected a heavy jar when we hit the water, but Lt. DeLisle set the ship down nice and easy.  A Fort doesn’t stay afloat very long, and with the bomb bay doors open, we expected her to sink immediately.  We got the wounded man out
and into a dinghy.  Then the rest of us clambered out. We sat in our dinghies for about half an hour, when we were picked up by a friendly vessel.  We were given brandy, hot food and dry clothing.  Just as we were pulling away in the rescue craft, the “Belle” put her nose into the water, lifted her tail proudly, and plunged straight down, out of sight.   I don’t
understand why she stayed afloat as long as she did . I like to think that she knew she was finished the moment she was hit, but fought her way along until she knew we would be able to get help.  Then she didn’t leave us until she was certain that we were all OK. Nobody will ever tell me an airplane doesn’t have a soul.

    Peenemunde
    July 18, 44

707        Lt. Suther
8027       Lt  Strong
095        Lt. Longaker
673        Lt. Walby
834        F/W Golubic
947        Lt. Hamilton
7027       Lt. Hanst
367        Lt. Walton
333        Lt. Hammer

REMARKS:  The hydrogen peroxide plant in the large establishment at Peenemunde was the primary target for this mission,.  Lt. Suther and Lt, Malone led the high group of this “A” CBW which bombed slightly short but with several direct hits on the MPI.

    Lechfeld
    19 July 44

982        Lt.  Deslau
083        Lt.  Browne, G. M.
095        Lt.  Longaker
634        Lt.  Strong
562        Maj. Everett, Lt. Malone
032        Lt.  Hanst
367        Lt.  Thompson
333        Lt.  Hamilton
126        Lt.  Smith

REMARKS:  Major Everett flying with Lt. Malone led the “B” CBW attacking the A/C at Lechfeld (17 mi. south of Augsburg) which is being used as a training field for jet pilots on Me262s and 163s.   Assigned MPIs were covered by good concentrations of bombs.

    Leipzig
    20 July 44

033        Lt. Hamilton
083        Lt. Walton
819        Lt. Walby - MIA
932        Lt. Deshaw  - MIA
030        Lt. Longaker
8027       Lt. Strong - MIA
634        F/O Golubic
673        Lt. Browne, G. M.

REMARKS:  The city of Leipzig was bombed by PFF methods due to poor visibility.  At 1100 hours, just before the I.P. the low group was attacked by two waves of E/Z totaling approximately 55 to 60  A/C, Me109s and FW190s.  The fighter cover had apparently been drawn to the front of the formation and the attack was continued by individual E/A for about 5-6 minutes.  Lt. Walby, Lt. Deshaw and Lt. Strong, forming the #4 element of the low group, received the brunt of the first attack which came from 6 o’clock and slightly high.  Lt. Walby’s ship was observed to be hit in the right wing root which caught on fire. It was last seen on fire and breaking up with no chutes observed,   Lt. Deshaw’s A/C was last seen diving with left wing on fire  and section of right wing broken off.    No chutes seen.  No  positive information could be obtained as to the fate of Lt. Strong’s ship though it was known to have been lost as the result of E/A fire during the same attack.  A total of 8 A/C were lost by the 91st Bomb Gp. on this mission.

Lt. Hamilton’s A/C was hit by flak which knocked out his #2 engine forcing him to turn back at  1055 hours at 5005N 1130E.  He returned with protection from one P-38.

    St. Lo
    24 July 44

707        Lt. Suther, Lt, Malone
000        Lt. Walton
634        F/O Golubic
7027       Lt. Hanst
095        Lt. Longaker
996        Lt. Hamilton
308        Lt. Browne, G. M.
367        Lt. Thompson
333        Lt. Hammer
947        Lt. Gordon
030        Lt. smith
298        Lt. Brown, R. H.

REMARKS:  Four 12 ship groups were dispatched by the 91st Bomb Group as “A” force of the 1st CBW on a ground support mission of the 9th AF in support of our forces in Normandy.  The target was German troops and installations south of the St. Lo - Perriers Road 2 to 5 miles W. of St. Lo.  The 322nd Squadron flew as “B”: group in this force, and bombed the assigned area. Subsequent wings were recalled before dropping their bombs.   

    St. Lo
    25 July 44

000        Lt. Walton
333        Lt. Hammer
673        Lt. Hamilton
298        Lt  Brown, R. H.
947        Lt. Gordon
634        F/O Golubic
7027       Lt. Hanst
095        Lt. Longaker
030        Lt. Smith
367        Lt. Thompson
308        Lt. Browne, G. M.
707        Lt. Suther

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron flew #4 group in the 48 A/C CBW put up by the 91st Bomb Group  The mission was again in support of our ground troops in Normandy and
the area to be attacked was the same as that of the previous day. The 8th AF was preceding by fighter bombers of the 9th AF and five minutes after the last 8th AF A/C finished bombing the assault troops of the 1st U.S. Army  began their attack.  During the bombing our artillery laid down shells along the northern boundary of the assigned area , and also shelled enemy AA positions.

    Merseburg (Taucha)
    28 July 44

7027       Lt. Hanst
333        Lt. Hammer
000        Lt. Walton
298        Lt. Brown, R. H.
673        Lt. Gordon
095        Lt. Longaker
030        Lt. Malone
308        Lt. Browne, G. M.
707        Lt. Suther

REMARKS:  The synthetic oil plant 3 miles south of Merseburg which was the assigned primary target was obscured by 10/10 undercast and due to the failure of PFF equipment a T.O. at Taucha 5 miles N.E. of Merseburg was bombed.  Flak in the target area was intense and accurate, 33 out of 36 A/C in this group being hit.  Lt. Suther and Lt. Gauthier led the low group which was composed of 3 A/C from the 401st Squadron and 9A/C from the 322nd Squadron.

    Merseburg
    29 July 44

033        Lt. Hammer
083        Lt. Walton
128        Lt. Longaker
634        Lt. McCarty
851        Lt. Hamilton
298        Lt. Brown, R. H.
308        Lt. Browne, G. M.
126        Lt. Smith
367        Lt. Thompson
879        Lt. Gordon
633        Lt. Suther - Lt. Col. Milton
771        Lt. Malone

REMARKS:  The synthetic oil plant was again the target for this mission, and it was bombed visually through 3 to 5/10 cloud cover which prevented observations of results or assessment of strike photographs.  Results were believed to have been good.  the CBW was led by Lt. Col. Milton flying with Lt. Suther.  Due to bad weather over home base, several A/C landed safely at other A/C’s in England.

    Munich
    31 July 44

(Ed.:  No report was filed--or, in any case, microfilmed--of this mission to Munich.  I remember it vividly, however.  It was my first mission.  Our A/C (Lt. Bruce Benton’s) hit severe prop wash shortly after the bomb run which almost flipped our B-17 over.  By the time Bruce had full control again we were five miles behind  the group and had to hurry to catch up, looking over our shoulders the whole time for bandits. - FF)

    CONFIRMED ENEMY A/C CLAIMS

Sgt. Boss,  Richard N., BTG, Me 109

    PRISONERS OF WAR
             JULY 44

2nd Lt. Carlyle H. Darling, Navigator
Sgt. Wayne F. Sabins, W/G
S/Sgt  Donald R. Itschmer, L.W.G.

The men listed above were reported Prisoners of War during the month of July, 1944

    PERSONNEL CHANGES

    1.  Strength - Officers 106; F/O’s 2; Enlisted Men 471
    2. Following officers joined squadron:  2nd Lt. Russell H. Brown (P), 2nd Lt. Donald H, Kitzman (CP), 2nd Lt. Gordon M. Browne (P), 2nd Lt. Robert H. Winterer (CP),  2nd Lt. James A. Hall,, (N),
    3.  Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lt. - Lt. Kinglo and Lt. Nix.
    4. Capt. Robert E. Fancher assigned to Squadron as Operations Officer.
    5. No change.
    6. 1st Lt. Fatgeld (Squadron Bombardier) promoted to captain.
    7. No change.
    8. No change.
    9. No change.
   10. No change
   11. No change
   12,. Following 2nd Lt.’s promoted to 1st Lt.:  Thompson, Suther, Smith, J.P.; Hollinson, Mounts (?), Bender.
   13. Following officers trfd to 12th RBO: 1st Lt. Bell, Masteller, Rodman Howard.
   14. 2nd Lts. Austin and Hailey promoted to 1st Lt,.   1st Lt., Ripanti trfd to casual pool 12 RCD.
   15. No change.
   16. 1st Lts. Garner, Kuryle and Mooney trfd to casual pool 12 RCD
   17. 1st Lts. Baldwin and Edmond trfd to casual pool 12 RCD.  Following officers assigned to Squadron:  2nd Lt. Milzia E. Ellis (P), 2nd Lt. Merle Web (CP), 2nd Lt. Robert G. Dion (N), 2nd Lt. Joseph Campolong, Jr., (B).
   18. F/O Malone promoted to 2nd lt.
   19. No change.
   20. Operational mission over Leipzig, Germany - 3 crews MIA.  Officers were 1st Lt. Bender, 2nd Lt. Boyd, 2nd Lt. Christopher, 2nd Lt. Deshaw, 2nd Lt. Dye, 2nd Lt. Hanke, 1st Lt. Hurst, 2nd Lt. Keck, 2nd Lt. Lunt, 1st Lt,. Mounts, 2nd Lt. Strong, 1st Lt. Walby.  Following officers assigned to squadron:  2nd Lts. Arthur L. Stevens, James Sways (?),
Thomas J. Scheurell, Bruce M. Benton, Frank C. Farr Jr., Joseph G. Daigle, Gordon W. Dixon.
   21. No change.
   22. No change.
   23. No change.
   24. Following officers asgd to Squadron - 1st Lt. Frederick D. Ellis (P), 2nd Lts. Thomas P. Burne (P), John W. Keckler (CP), Louis J. Renault (N), Francis S. Golubski (B),  Frederick C. Christopher (N), Ellis S. Alexander (CP), Thomas H. Ricker (B)
   25. No change.
   26. No change.
   27. 2nd Lt. Thompson promoted to 1st Lt. Strength:  Officers 109.  F/O 1; E/M 496.

    PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS
            JULY, 1944
               MISSIONS           DATE COMPLETED

1st Lt. David L. Hanst           32-3     July 28
T/Sgt   Edward W. Lauro (?)      30-5     July 13
S/Sgt   Robert L. Autry          30-5     July 16
T/Sgt   Robert E. McWilliams     31-4     July 18 
S/Sgt   Edward E. Mayka          31-4     July 20
S/Sgt   James B. M. Yewell       31-4     July 20
T/Sgt   Paul  M. Ryan            31-4     July 19
T/Sgt   Arthur M. Chappel        31-4     July 24
T/Sgt   Ammon H. Powell          32-3     July 25
S/Sgt   Gilmer M. Headrich       30-5     July 25
S/Sgt   Joseph J. Lancim         30-5     July 29

    CREW MISSING IN ACTION
                               LAST MISSION, DATE
1/LT  Charles T. Walby (P)       Leipzig, 20 July
1/Lt  Max E. Bender (CP)         Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  James W. Dye, Jr. (N)      Leipzig, 20 July
1/Lt  Mounts, James M. (B)       Leipzig, 20 July
T/Sgt Norman W. Ingram (TT)      Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Ernest C. Keene (RG)       Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Byron E. Burgin (BTG)      Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Karl P. Dziadula (WG)      Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Fred  A. Cascone (TG)      Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Albert G. Deshaw (P)       Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Wilbur H. Keck (P)         Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Raymond C. Hanke (N)       Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Robert W Christophersen (B) Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Arthur S. Wilborn (TT)     Leipzig, 20 July
T/Sgt Charles N. Harrist ( RG)   Leipzig, 20 July
Sgt.  Gene H. Walker (BTG)       Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Homer S. Norris (WG)       Leipzig, 20 July
Sgt.  John R. Peterson (TG)      Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Lucian S. Strong, Jr., (P) Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Richard C. Lunt (CP)       Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Walter K. Boyd (N)         Leipzig, 20 July
2/Lt  Oscar A. Hurst (B)         Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Jack R. Dallas (TT)        Leipzig, 20 July
Sgt.  Fay F. Robert (BTG)        Leipzig, 20 July
S/Sgt Steve W. Bachur (RG)       Leipzig, 20 July
Sgt.  Todd H. Patterson (WG)     Leipzig, 20 July
Sgt.  Raymond C. Wiedemer (TG)   Leipzig, 20 July

8TH AIR FORCE
    1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION
         1ST COMBAT BOMBARDMENT WING
    91ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP
    322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Period Covered:  1 August 1944 to 31 August 1944
    Prepared by Samuel Y. Gibbon, Capt., A.C.
        Sgt. A. F. Gentile

        TABLE OF CONTENTS
    1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions
    2. Completed Mission Summaries
    3. Loading Lists (one copy only to go with original.
    4. Confirmed Enemy Aircraft Claims
    5. Prisoners of War
    6. Personnel Changes
    7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours during August, 1944
    8. Crews Missing in Action

LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETED MISSIONS
BRIEF. #   MISSION #    DATE
327    206    1 Aug. 1944  Chartres              Completed
328           2 Aug. 1944  Lens                   Scrubbed
329    207    3 Aug. 1944  Mulhouse Toul/Croix  Completed
330    208    4 Aug. 1944  Peenemunde             Completed
331    209    5 Aug. 1944  Nienburg               Completed
332    210    6 Aug. 1944  Brandenburg            Completed
333    211    7 Aug. 1944  “B” Sens C Bourbons    Completed
334    212    8 Aug. 1944  Bretteville Sur Laise  Completed
335    213    9 Aug. 1944  Elsenborn              Completed
336    214   11 Aug. 1944  Brest                  Completed
337    215   12 Aug. 1944  Buc                    Completed
338    216   13 Aug. 1944  Le Manoir              Completed
339    217   14 Aug. 1944  Metz/Frescaty          Completed
340    218   15 Aug. 1944  Ostheim                Completed
341    219   16 Aug. 1944  Halle                  Completed
342          23 Aug. 1944  Russelheim             Cancelled
343    220   24 Aug. 1944  Ld. Kollenda
344    221   25 Aug. 1944  Neubrandenburg         Completed
345    222   26 Aug. 1944  Gelsenkirchen          Completed
346    223   27 Aug. 1944  Heligoland             Completed
347    224   30 Aug. 1944  Kiel                  Completed

        MISSION SUMMARIES
             Chartres A/F 1 Aug.

126        Lt. Malone
000        Lt. Longaker
673        Lt. Gordon
030        Lt. Smith
367        Lt. Rollinson
298        Lt. Brown
083        Lt. McCarty
033        Lt. Benton
879        Lt. Stevens
634        F/O Golubic
996        Lt. Hamilton
308        Lt. Browne

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished 12 crews which flew as the High Group of a 36 ship CBWE, attacking the A/F at Chartres.  It is believed that the GAF is preparing this field for the use of jet-propelled ME-262’s.  Hangar and dispersal areas were well
covered with hits and the landing field received numerous bursts  At the target the flak was meager to moderate but accurate for the high group.  Lt. Arthur L. Stevens’ A/C #879 was observed receiving a direct hit under the pilot’s compartment.  This A/C went down in a tight spin and was seen to crash.  Four chutes were seen to open.  Lt. Brown flying A/C 298 aborted over mid-channel due to failure of generators and vacuum system.  Lt. Hamilton in A/C #996 jettisoned his bombs just before the I.P. due to mechanical failure of #3 engine, leaving the formation at that time and returning home.
    (ED. Note:  Lt. Benton’s ship, which flew on the right wing of Stevens’ had about 60 holes in the middle of the fuselage when we landed in Bassingbourn, and his navigator, ME, had one in his boot and right foot, which put him out of action for about three weeks.)

    Mulhouse Toul/Croix de Metz
              3 Aug.

000         Lt. Walton
367         Lt. Benton
333         Lt. Ellis, F. D.
673         Lt. McCarty

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron put up four crews which in the High Group attacked the primary target in Mulhouse .  Due to cloud over target it is believed that the M/Yds. on the east of the town instead of those on the west were bombed.  None of these were damaged.

    Peenemunde
         4 Aug.

333        Lt. Benton
030        Lt. Hamilton
308        Lt. Browne
033        Lt. McCarty
673        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
083        Lt. Longaker
000        Lt. Walton
367        Lt. Gordon
298        Lt. Rollinson
632 PFF    Lt. Malone
562 PFF    Lt. Smith

REMARKS:  Lt. Malone with Capt. Thompson as CBW commander led the 1st “C” CBW, with the 322nd Squadron furnishing the entire lead group.  This CBW was loaded with incendiaries and attacked two MPI’s following other CBW’s loaded with 1000 lb. GPs.  Results were described as excellent.  This target is in the center for experimental work on rocket and jet-propulsion and
manufactures hydrogen-peroxide.

    Nienburg, Germany
    5 August, 1944

126        Lt. Malone
093        Lt. Longaker
000        Lt. Walton
367        Lt. Thompson
298        Lt. Rollinson
083        Lt. Gordon
033        F/O Golubic
308        Lt. Browne
996        Lt. Hamilton
333        Lt. Ellis, M. G.

REMARKS:  An underground oil storage depot with a capacity of 147,000 gallons at Nienburg 26 Miles N.W. of Hanover was very accurately bombed by the 1st “B” CBW of which the 322nd Squadron furnished 10 crews of the high group led by Lt. Malone.  The pattern of bomb strikes completely covered the assigned MPI.

    Brandenburg
    6 Aug. 1944

012        Lt. Malone
096        Lt. Longaker
000        Lt. Gordon
367        Lt. Thompson
030        Lt. Rollinson
308        Lt. Browne
033        Lt. Golubic
298        Lt. Brown
673        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
996        Lt. Hamilton
333        Lt. Ellis, W. G.
083        Lt. Burne

REMARKS:  The entire low group of 12 A/C led by Lt. Malone was furnished by the 322nd Squadron.  As part of the 1st “A” CBW the Adam Opel Vehicle Factory at Brandenburg was attacked with excellent results, bombs from the low group almost completely demolishing one of the main buildings.

    “B” Sens  “C” Bourron-Marlotte
        7 August 1944

333        Lt. Benton
296        Lt. Brown
083        Lt. DeLisle
000        Lt. Walton

REMARKS:  This Squadron put up 4 crews of the Lead Group of the 1st “C” CBW (24 A/C).  The low group of this CBW was furnished by 381st Bomb Group.  The primary target was an oil storage depot on the east bank of the Yonne River just north of the town of Sens.   Bombs from this group fell short of the target area.  Lt. DeLisle flying A/C #8083 as a spare filled
in the 1st “B” CBW.

    S.E. of Bretteville Sur-Laze
       8 August 1944

333 Lt. Benton
298 Lt. Brown
367 Lt. Thompson
126 Capt. Griffin
000 Lt. Burne
673 Lt. Ellis, F. D.
033 Lt. McCarty
027 Lt. Rollinson
083 Lt. DeLisle
308 F/O Golubic
093 Lt. Longaker
996 Lt. Ellis, M. C.

REMARKS:  The mission for this date was a ground support operation in preparation for a break-through by the Canadian 1st Army.  The assigned bombing area which lay 1000 yards. in front of the allied troops was marked with red target indicators and the forward line of friendly troops was indicated by yellow smoke shells laid down by artillery.  Major Everett flying with Capt. Griffin led the "C" CBW with the 322nd Squadron furnishing the lead group,.  The lead and high groups did an excellent  job of bombing and the low group brought its bombs back because of inability to positively  identify  target area.  Moderate to intense flak was encountered from enemy ground positions for about 15-20 minutes (bombing altitude - 14,000 feet).  Lt. Thompson's A/C #367 received a direct hit by flak  and fell to the ground in two pieces.  One chute seen.


    Elsenborn, Belgium
    9 August, 1944

126        Lt. Hammer
880        Lt. Walton
095        Lt. Longaker
030        Lt. Smith
333        Lt. Benton
515        Lt. Brown
308        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
996        Lt. Ellis, W. G.
028        Lt. Hamilton
035        Lt. McCarty
012        Lt. Burne

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron put up 11 A/C of the high group 1st  “B” CBW.  Due to the weather it was not possible to bomb either the visual or PFF primary targets, but on the return the military camp at Elsenborn , Belgium , was bombed with excellent results by the lead and low groups.  Seven A/C of the high group jettisoned their bombs and four brought their
bomb loads back..

    Brest
    11 Aug. 1944

562 PFF    Lt. Hammer
095        Lt. Walton
707        Lt. Gordon
030        Lt. Smith
298        Lt. Brown
673        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
333        Lt. Trent
027        Lt. Hamilton
308        Lt. Browne
083        Lt. Burne
634        Lt. McCarty
996        Lt. Ellis, M. C.

REMARKS:  This Squadron furnished the 12 A/C low group of the force put up by this group, attacking a heavy gun position on Pt. des Espagnoles opposite the city of Brest with excellent results.  Lt. McCarty flying A/C 634 aborted due to engine failure before reaching enemy coast, jettisoning his bombs in the sea.

Buc A/D
    12 August 1944

REMARKS:  The Buc A/D just south of Versailles was bombed with very good results by this group but the 322nd Bomb Squadron was stood down for the day.

    Le Manoir - 13 August 1944
   
126        Capt. Suther
298        Lt. Walton
707        Lt. Gordon
030        Lt. Smith
673        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
308        Lt. Browne
234        Lt. Burne
634        Lt. McCarty
027        Lt. Hamilton
636        Lt. Longaker
579        Lt. Towner
911        Lt. Shuck

REMARKS:  Extremely effective bombing of the bridge over the Seine River at Le Manoir was  accomplished by this group flying as the 1st “B” CBW.  322nd Squadron furnished the lead group of 12 A/C with Capt. Suther flying the lead ship.  Lt. Thomas P. Smith’s A/C #030 apparently suffered a direct hit by flak in the target area.  The A/C was seen to dive and then level off,
apparently under control when last sighted.  One and possibly three chutes were observed and from the apparent condition of the A/C when last seen it is possible that additional numbers of the crew could have bailed out.

    Metz/Frescaty
    14 Aug. 1944

126        Lt. Malone
673        Lt. Longaker
707        Lt. Gordon
634        Lt. McCarty
012        Lt. Ernst
128        Lt. Burne
205        Lt. Browne
027        Lt. Hamilton
880        Lt. Brown
000        Lt. Walton
088        Lt. Schuck
996        Lt. Towner

REMARKS:  The hangar line of the Metz-Frescaty A/D was successfully bombed by this group flying as 1st “B” CBW,.  This squadron furnished the high group with Lt. Malone leading.  No flak or enemy opposition of any kind was encountered.

    Ostheim
    15 August 1944

126        Lt. Hammer
707        Lt. Gordon
634        Lt. McCarty
234        Lt. Ernst
636        Lt. Browne
027        Lt. Hamilton
333        Lt. Brown
996        Lt. Towner
000        Lt. Walton
673        Lt. Ellis, F. D
083        Lt. Schuck
040        Lt. Burne

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron put up the low group of the 1st “A” CBW attacking the airfield at Ostheim just east of Cologne, Germany.  Moderate accurate flak at the target resulted in minor battle damage to seven A/C of this group and three casualties among the other crews.  Photographs indicated good bombing results.

    Halle
    16 Aug. 1944

REMARKS:  The Seibel A/C factory north of Halle was bombed successfully by this group flying as the last “C” CBW.  No crews of the 322nd Squadron were flying, but four A/C furnished by this Squadron for the high group were lost to enemy action east of  Eisenach . The high group had dropped slightly behind the formation when they were bounced by 20-30 FW-190s and
Me109s.  As a result of this attack six of our A/C are missing and one crash landed at Boreham , England . Another A/C had an encounter with a jet-propelled Me163 on the way home, which made one attack from six o’clock high before being chased off by escorting P-51s.

    Kollenda & Goslar
    24 August 1944

632 PFF    Capt. Suther
754 PFF    Lt. Hammer
298        Lt. Brown
308        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
088        Lt. Schuck
202        Lt. Towner
095        Lt. Longaker
083        Lt. Burne
504        Lt. Ernst
368        Lt. Walton
333        Lt. Starks

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron furnished eleven crews of the lead group with Lt. Col. Ensigna and Capt. Suther in the lead A/C.  The primary target was the air equipment depot  at Kollenda and the secondary was Goslar A/D on the way back.  The lead group bombed the primary with good results and the high and low groups attacked the secondary with fair to good results. 
Lt. Ernst flying A/C #504 attacked with the 381st Group, having been unable to assemble with this group,.  His A/C was the only one to receive any battle damage on this mission.  Lt. Schuck in A/C #088 aborted during assembly due to failure of oxygen system.

    Neubrandenburg
    25 Aug. 1944

012        Lt. Malone
083        Lt,. Burne
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
348        Lt. Golubic
027        Lt. Ernst
088        Lt. Schuck
234        Lt. Walton
298        Lt. Brown
202        Lt. Towner
095        Lt. Longaker
333        Lt. Starks

REMARKS;  The FW-190 assembly plant at Neubrandenburg was bombed visually with excellent results.  Eleven A/C of the high group were furnished by this squadron. Lt. Malone led the group.  Major Wm. K. Cummins of the 66th fighter wing flew with Lt. Golubic in A/C 8348.  None of our A/C suffered battle damage.

    Gelsenkirchen
    26 Aug. 1944

012        Lt. Hammer
707        Lt. Gordon
308        Lt. Ernst
348        Lt. Golubic
333        Lt. Starks
298        Lt. Brown
095        Lt. Longaker
083        Lt. Burne
234        Lt. Walton
308        Lt. Ellis., M. C.
027        Lt. Schuck

REMARKS:  The primary target was the synthetic oil plant at Gelsenkirchen about 6 miles N.E. of Essen . Lt. Hammer led the low group of which eleven A/C were furnished by this squadron.  Ground haze and smoke in the target prevented target identification resulting in poor bombing results.  Intense accurate flak in the target area resulted in minor battle damage to 5 A/C and major damage to 2 A/C of this squadron..

    Heligoland
    27 Aug. 1944

REMARKS:  Although this squadron furnished some A/C for this mission there were no crews participating. Adverse weather conditions prevented bombing of the primary target which was an A/C factory about 10 miles southeast of Berlin .  The lead group bombed installations at Heligoland by pathfinder methods with unobserved results.

    Kiel
    30 Aug. 1944

562 PFF    Capt. Suther
095        Lt. Longaker
333        Lt. Starks
632 PFF    Lt. Golubic
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
083        Lt. Burne
298        Lt. Brown
027        Lt. Hamilton
234        Lt. Walton
707        Lt. Gordon
088        Lt. Schuck

REMARKS:  The Krupp shipbuilding works at Kiel were bombed by instruments with unobserved results. Failure of pathfinder equipment at the I.P. in the lead ship of the group made it necessary for this wing to bomb on the smoke markers of the preceding Combat Wing.  Capt. Suther flying with Lt. DeLisle led the combat wing.  This squadron furnished 11 crews of the
lead group.  Three A/C of this Squadron received battle damage from flak at the target.  One major and two minor.


    CONFIRMED ENEMY A/C CLAIMS

The 322nd Squadron had no confirmed enemy aircraft for the month of August.


    PRISONERS OF WAR

During the month of August, 1944, notification has been received that the following personnel of the 322nd Bomb Squadron are prisoners of war:
                LAST MISSION
1/Lt George A. Abbott (P)          Berlin, 21 June
2/Lt Leslie E. Halcott (CP)        Hoppegarten, 6 March
Sgt. Joe Fiscetti (NMI) Jr.        Berlin , 21 June


    PERSONNEL CHANGES

    1. Strength:  Officers 104.  E/M 489.  Following officers are MIA:  2nd.Lt ,.Stevens, 2nd Lt. Dixon, 2nd Lt. Schewell, 2ndl Lt. Minnik
    2. 1st Lt. David Hanst trfd to 12 RCD
    3. 2nd Lt. Joe Vukovich (1091 pilot) asgd to squadron
    4. 1st Lt. Wilbur J. Johnson trfd to 12 RCD.  Following officers assigned to squadron:  2nd Lt. Francis W. Towner (P), 2nd Lt. Harold W. Lasch (N), 2nd Lt. James R. Fink (CP), 2nd Lt. Modesto Olivo, 2nd Lt. Robert L. Schuck (P), 2nd Lt. Joseph
M. Gallagher (CP), 2nd Lt. Howard F. Mahon (N), 2nd Lt. Robert N. Peterson (B).
    5. 2nd Lt. Alfred J. Lanfear (?) (Intel. Officer) promoted to 1st Lt.
    6. 1st Lt. Fred L. Suther Jr. promoted to captain.  Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lt.: John M. Hamilton, Louis M. Walton,  Edward E. Edwards, Roy A. Hammer, Robert M. Permenter.  Following officers assigned to squadron:  2nd Lt. Arthur Ernst, 2nd Lt. Donald R. Freer, 2nd Lt. Lewis Z. Strauss, Jr., F/O James H. Koranda.
    7. 2nd Lt. James Swaye trfd to 324th Bomb Squadron.  2nd Lt. Edwin V. Kemp (B) asgd from 91st Bomb Group.
    8.  No change,.
    9.  No change,
   10. No change
   11  F/O. Waller R. Golubic appointed 2nd Lt.
   12. 1st Lts., Harold Rollinson, Samuel Sugg trfd to 12 RCD
   13. 1st Lt. George Steidle (Engr. officer) trfd to 381st Bomb Group (N).  1st lt. Frederick Weiss trfd to 12 RCD.  Following officers - MIA:  1st Lt, Thomas P Smith, 2nd Lt. Joe Vukovich, 2nd Lt  Alexander Calder, 2nd Lt. Robert E. Bell.
   14. 2nd Lt. Louis Malone appointed 1st Lt. Following 2nd Lts. appointed 1st Lt:  Russell H. Brown, Gordon M. Browne,  Thomas R. Gordon, John D. Longaker.
   15.  No change
   16.  1st Lt. William H. Delchamps assigned to Squadron (Ass’t Engr. Officer).  Capt. Kenneth C. Homuth trfd to Hq. 91st Bomb Op.
   17,.  No change
   18.  Capt. Jack R Mangold transferred to 8th AFRD.
   19.  Following officers trfd to 324th Bomb Squadron:  1st Lt. Gordon M. Browne, 2nd Lt. Norman Kimmel, John F. Moeller, James A. Wall.  Following officers assigned to squadron: 2nd Lts. Roslyn W. Schroeder (P), John D. Hewlett (CP), David R. Lewis (N). Leroy B. Hare (P), Theodore P,. Herrick, Jr., (N), Edmond H., Davidson (CP:), Ray R. Cook (B), Ernest R. Kelly (P), Robert P., Casey (CP), Alton R. Karoli (N), George Lancaster Jr. (B)
   20. 2nd Lts. Almon, Brandsons, DeLisle, Shea, Starks promoted to 1st Lt.
   21. 2nd Lt. R. K. Caldwell promoted to 1st Lt.
   22. No change.
   23. No change
   24.  2nd Lts. Harold B. Reuhart (P), Neil M. Myron (CP) asgd to squadron.
   25. 2nd Lts. Freiday, Stevens, Cook, P.E. McCarty promoted to 1st Lts.  2nd Lt. James King Jr.. promoted to 1st Lt.
   26. Major Everett (C.O.) transferred to 12 RCD. Capt.. Fancher (Oper. Officer)  transferred to 12 RCD.  1st
Lt. Nix promoted to Capt.   Capt. Karl W. Thompson appointed Commanding Officer.
   27. Capt. Griffin trfd to 91st B.G.  2nd Lt. Fair transferred to 323rd Bomb Sq. (ED. NOTE: This should be “Farr”--that’s me. - FF). 1st. Lt. Elmer Laedtke transferred to 1st CW.

   28.. No change
   29.  No change
   30.  No change.
   31. 1st Lt. Fermenter transferred to 8th A.F.R.D. - 1st Lt. William T. Koranda (N) assigned to squadron.


  PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS DURING AUGUST 44

            DATE COMPLETED
S/Sgt John H. Wagner          4 Aug. 44
S/Sgt Albert W. Brandt        4 Aug. 44
S/Sgt Charley L. Neal         4 Aug. 44
T/Sgt Paul T. Fahey           7 Aug. 44
Major Leroy B. Everett, Jr.   8 Aug. 44
1/Lt  Harry Rollinson Jr.     8 Aug. 44
1/Lt  Samuel C. Sugg          8 Aug. 44
S/Sgt Armando N. Battista     8 Aug. 44
1/Lt. Frederick S. Weiss      9 Aug. 44
S/Sgt Wesley Filman           9 Aug. 44
Capt. Jack R. Mangold         9 Aug. 44
T/Sgt Carl W. Fuller          6 Aug. 44
1/Lt  Robert M. Permenter     6 Aug. 44
S/Sgt Larceny J. Sonnier      6 Aug. 44


    CREWS MISSING IN ACTION

A/C #030  (A/A fire)             LAST MISSION

1/LT  Thomas P. Smith (P)        Le Manoir 13 Aug. 44
2/Lt  Joe (NMI) Vukovich (CP)            “
2/Lt  Alexander W. Calder II (N)*        “
2/Lt  Robert E. Bell Jr. (B)             “
T/Sgt Charles F. Sturgeon (TT)           “
S/Sgt Jeff W. Britton (BTG)              “
T/Sgt Delmar C. Speare (RG)              “
S/Sgt Calvin K. Seiler (WG)              “
S/Sgt Leonard (NMI) Rogers (TG)          “

A/C #367  (A/A fire)

1/Lt. Jack R. Thompson (P)    Bretteville 8 Aug. 44
2/Lt  David J. Nelson (CP)             “
2/Lt  Charles F. Bacigalupa (N)        “
2/Lt  Charles (NMI)  Sherrill    (B)   “
T/Sgt Henry F. Kortebein    (TT)       “
T/Sgt Blake A. Treece, Jr.  (RG)       “
Sgt.  Warren D. Godsey (BTG)           “
Sgt.  Richard R. Collins (WG)          “
Sgt.  Gerald F. Gillies (TG)           “

A/C 879 (A/A fire)

2/Lt  Arthur L. Stevens (P)        Chartres 1 Aug. 44
2/Lt  Gordon W. Dixon (CP)           “
2/Lt  Thomas J. Scheurell (N)        “
T/Sgt Thomas J. Minnick (B)          “
T/Sgt Eldred W. Baskin (TT)          “
S/Sgt John (NMI) Laskowicz (BTG)     “
S/Sgt Gordon E. Carrell  (RG)        “
Sgt,. Paul  B. Taliafreo (WG)        “
Sgt.  Lawrence E. Doyle  (TG)        “

Lt. Alexander Calder W. II -A/C #030 missing in action 13 August, 1944, Le Manoir, France, returned to this station on August 30, having been sent back from France by the 9th Air Force on the 27th of August.  He made a delayed jump when his A/C was hit by A/A fire. Opening his chute at about 3000 feet he managed to stay in friendly hands and made his way back through
the lines to the American ground forces.  He was not aware of the fate of the other members of his crew.

THE AIR FORCE                         
1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION
1ST BOMBARDMENT WING (H)
91ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP
322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
PERIOD:  FROM 1 SEPT.1944, TO 30 SEPT. 1944
PREPARED BY:  Capt. S. Y. Gibbon 
              Sgt. A. F. Gentile

LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETED MISSIONS

        MISSION SUMMARIES
A/C# 7562        Lt. Golubic

REMARKS:  Targets:  Karlsruhe, Saarbrucken, Hamburg, Neunkirchen, Mainz, Speyer, Mannheim,  Luxembourg, Frankenthal, Trier.   This group furnished five A/C
loaded with Nickels to be dropped on ten different targets in the same general areas being bombed by the 1st Division.  2nd Lt. Golubic and crew flying A/C 7562 dropped nickels on Speyer, Mannheim and Frankenthal from 29,850 feet through solid undercast by PFF methods with Lt. Sheriff as Mickey Operator.

       Ludwigshaven
       5 Sept. 44

212        Capt. Newquist
088        Lt. Schuck
333        Lt. Starks
027        Lt. DeLisle
202        Lt. Hare
308        Lt. Ernst
095        Lt. Schroeder
298        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
234        Lt. Walton
707        Lt. Gordon
033        Lt. Kelley
348        Lt. Golubic

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished 13 A/C of the High Group for the 1st “A” CBW which attacked the Farbenindustrie chemical plant at Ludwigshaven with the aid of PFF with unobserved results.  Capt. Newquist, Squadron Operations Officer, led the high group in A/C 8212.  Lt. Ernest R. Kelley, flying A/C 7033 experienced difficulty in climbing above altitude 19,000 feet due to mechanical failure of one engine.. When trouble developed with two or more engines, Lt. Kelley took his ship out of formation down to 12,000 feet and gave the order to bail out.  All of his crew except S/Sgt Richard E. Doyle who was injured and crashed with the A/C  fell in France behind the German lines.  Lt. Kelly was back at this station on 23 Sept. 1944 and from information available at the end of the month it is believed that Sgt. Ira L. Kames, ASN 33624676 is a prisoner of war.  S/Sgt Doyle was
killed, and all the other members of the crew returned to England.

       Ludwigshaven
       8 Sept. 44

562        Lt. Malone
306        Lt. Ellis
202        Lt. Hare
348        Lt. McCarty
095        Lt. Schroeder
088        Lt. Schuck
333        Lt. Starks
308        Lt. Ernst
579        Lt. Reichert
234        Lt. DeLisle
298        Lt. Brown
083        Lt. Burne

REMARKS:  The I. G. Fabens plant at Ludwigshaven was again the target for this group flying as the 1st “B” CBW, with the 322nd Squadron furnishing the low group, led by Lt. Malone.  Intense accurate flak with 6-8/10 cloud cover made visual bombing impossible and obscured results.  Lt. McCarty flying A/C 348 was observed to have received a direct hit in the target area in his right wing.  The wing caught fire and then exploded.  The plane was last seen going down in a tight spin.  One chute seen.

       Ludwigshaven
       9 Sept. 44

202        Lt. Reichert

REMARKS:  Again the I. G. Fabens plant at Ludwigshaven was the target for the  1st “C” CBW  furnished by this group.  The 322nd Squadron furnished 9 A/C but only one crew, with Lt. Reichert as pilot.    Bombing was done by PFF methods with unobserved results.  Moderate to intense flak at the target resulted in the loss of 1 A/C from the formation.

       Gaggenau/ Sindelfingen, Germany
       10 Sept. 44

212        Lt. DeLisle
333        Lt. Burne
202        Lt. Brant
707        Lt. Starks
088        Lt. Schroeder
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.

REMARKS:  This group flew the high group of the 41st CBW whose target was a Daimler Benz motor vehicle factory at Sindelfingen  10 miles S.W. of Stuttgart and the high group of the 1st “A” CBW whose target was another Daimler Benz truck and diesel factory at Gaggenau about 12 miles south of Karlsruhe.  This squadron furnished eight A/C  and six crews for the latter formation, attacking their primary target with results described as very good . No damage was experienced.

       Lutzkendorf,  Germany
       11 Sept. 44

562        Capt. Newquist
083        Lt. Burne
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
630        Lt. Golubic
308        Lt. Reichert
360        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
234        Lt. Hamilton
088        Lt. Schuck
202        Capt. Thompson
707        Lt. Gordon
333        Lt. Brant
298        Lt. Brown

REMARKS:  The synthetic oil plant at Lutzkendorf 13 miles S.W. of Halle was bombed by this group flying as 1st “A” CBW with poor results due to 4-6/10 cloud cover and large cloud formation directly over MPI. The 322nd Squadron furnished the lead group with Capt. Newquist, Squadron operations officer, piloting the lead ship and Capt. Thompson, Squadron C.O., acting as CBW commander.

       Lutzkendorf, Germany
       13 Sept. 44

(Ed.: 1st five A/C numbers missing)
           Lt. Hammer
           Lt. Ellis, F. D.
           Lt. Brown
           Lt. DeLisle
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
308        Lt. Brant
707        Lt. Gordon
887        Lt. Starks
220        Lt. Longaker
012        Lt. Hamil
398        Lt. Hare
083        Lt. Burne

REMARKS:  This synthetic oil plant was again attacked by this group flying as 1st “A” CBW, the 322nd Squadron furnishing 13 A/C  for the high group.  A visual run was made by the lead group with good results.  The low group bombed on the lead with fair results, and high group, led by Lt. Hammer in a PFF A/C bombed with poor results due to the failure of Mickey equipment 20 miles before the I.P.  Lt. Longaker was forced to turn back early because of a leak in the oxygen system.

       Hamm, Germany
       19 September 44

202        Lt. Reichert
083        Lt. Hare
212        Lt. Malone
088        Lt. Schuck
012        Lt. Longaker
333        Lt. Trent
027        Lt. Golubic
298        Lt. Brown
308        Lt. Schroeder
707        Lt. Gordon
298        Lt. DeLisle
234        Lt. Walton

REMARKS:  Lt. Malone led the low group furnished by this Squadron in the 1st “B” CBW attacked the M/Yds at Hamm by PFF methods.  Both the lead and the low groups
made 360 degree turns for a second bombing run with fair results, bombs striking in the southern end of the yards.

       Mainz, Germany
       21 September 44

REMARKS:  The marshaling yards at Mainz were attacked with good results by this group flying as 1st “A” CBW. This Squadron did not fly on this mission.

       Frankfurt, Germany   
       25 September 44

135        Capt. Suther
308        Lt. Ernst
360        Lt  Brant
630        Lt. Longaker
027        Lt. Schroeder
234        Lt. Reichert
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
088        Lt. Schuck
398        Lt. DeLisle
202        Capt. Thompson
333        Lt. Trent
298        Lt. Brown

REMARKS:  Flying the 1st “A” CBW this group bombed the M/Yds at Frankfurt by PFF methods with unobserved results.  Capt. Suther flew as CBW commander and this
Squadron furnished the entire lead group.  S/Sgt Dennis J. Moore, tail gunner on Lt. Trent’s crew, received a minor wound from flak in his left eye necessitating three stitches but without impairing his sight.

       Cologne, Germany
       27 September 44

012        Lt. Hammer
083        Lt. Burne
360        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
202        Lt. Towner
095        Lt. Schuck
707        Lt. Starks
308        Lt. Reichert
333        Lt. Mitchell
027        Lt. Hamilton
298        Lt. Brant
398        Lt. DeLisle

REMARKS;  The PFF target, the M/Yds at Cologne, was attacked by the 1st “C” Group with unobserved results. Lt. Hammer led the low Squadron which was furnished
by the 322nd Squadron.  (Note:  Customary terminology for combat formations has been changed so that the following terms are now official:  12 A/C now called “Squadron” 36 or 24 A/C formation called “Group”  an two or more “Groups” called CBW.  Two or more CBW’s are an “Air Division” and any number of CBW’s assigned to the same garget are now designated a “Task Force,.”)   

       Magdeburg
       28 September 44

REMARKS:  While the 322nd Squadron was not flying, this group furnished by “B” group of the task force attacking a synthetic oil plant at Magdeburg with poor results due to failure of Mickey equipment and 6-10/10 cloud cover over target area.

       Munster, Germany
       30 September 44

562        Capt. Thompson, K. W.
298        Lt. Brown
202        Lt. Towner
754        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
027        Lt. Mitchell
083        Lt. Burne
360        Lt. Brant
095        Lt. Longaker
398        Lt. Hare
306        Lt. Schroeder
707        Lt. Starks
234        Lt. Sparkman

REMARKS:  The Marshalling Yard in the center of Munster was attacked by PFF methods through 10/10 cloud.  Capt. Thompson, flying with Capt. Newquist, acted as group commander.  322nd Squadron furnished the lead squadron.  No damage was received by any A/C in the group.

   
    322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON    P-A-1
    OFFICE OF THE OPERATIONS OFFICER
    APG 557   
                3 September 1944

SUBJECT:  Operational loading list

TO:  S-2

A/C #7562   B-17G
(P       2nd Lt. Golubic, Walter T.       0-095802
(CP)     1st Lt. Starks, Louis G.         0-817789
(N)      1st Lt. Edwards, Edward          0-762167
(B)      1st Lt. MacComber (?), Robert E. 0-737888
(TT)     S/Sgt Welnowitz, David (NMI)     12156776
RWG      Sgt. Trim, Frank F.              38436518
(RG)     S/Sgt  Hawes (?), George W.      14133878
LWG      Sgt. Page, Gordon C.             15136736
(TG)     S/Sgt Dillon, Floyd F.           18216339
Mickey Nav,.       Sheriff

        Jerrold L. Newquist
        Capt., Air Corps
        Operations Officer

    CONFIRMED ENEMY AIRCRAFT CLAIMS   
The 322nd Squadron had no E/A claims for the month of September, 1944

    PRISONERS OF WAR

    During the month of September, 1944, notification has been received that the following personnel of the 322nd Bomb Squadron are prisoners of war:

Sgt. Kames, Ira L.           TTG
S/Sgt Hoose, Harry L.        TTG
S/Sgt Johnson, George L.     RWG
2/Lt Keck, Wilbur H.         CP
S/Sgt Hettinger, Robert W.   RWG
S/Sgt Raymond, Perry R.      WG
2/Lt Betzel, Charles N.      B
2/Lt Fitzgerald, Thomas J.   CP
Sgt. Goldman, Benjamin       R.O.G.
F/O Haddick, Frank           CP
S/Sgt Lewis, Irvin H.        TTG
S/Sgt McCurchan, Herbert S.  BTG
S/Sgt Osowski, Henry F.      WG
2/Lt Ostwald, Arnold J.      B
S/Sgt Quackenbush, Gerald G. ROG
S/Sgt Ratter, William B.     B
2/Lt Van Pelt, James P.      B
S/Sgt Bianchi, Emi le        ROG
2/Lt Bell, Robert E., Jr.    B
S/Sgt Cascone, Fred A.       TG
2/Lt Bartman, Nathan L.      N
S/Sgt Bradford, Joe W.       TG
2/Lt O'Bannon, Robert E.      P
1/Lt Waters, Edward (NMI)    CP


    PERSONNEL CHANGES
    September 1944

      1. Strength:  Officers 114.  E/M 498.  F/O 1.  2nd. Lt. Schalich promoted to 1st Lt.
      2. No change.
      3. Following officers trfd to Cas. Pool 12th RCD AAF Station 591:  1st Lt. Ernest I. Austin; 1st Lt. James B. Bailey; 1st Lt. Clarence H. Pingel; 1st Lt. Robert W. McElroy; 2nd Lt. John M. Rogan; 1st Lt. Bruce M. Benton.
      4. 1st Lt. Alexander Lake (Communications Officer) promoted to captain.  Capt. Vincent Pl Richards (Executive Officer) promoted to major.
      5. Following officers reported back from MIA - 1st Lt. Alexander Calder, 1st Lt. Ferrell Goodrich, 2nd Lt. Stanley Spencer, 1st Lt. John P. Smith.
      6. No change
      7. No change
      8. 2nd Lt. Joe Vukovich assigned from MIA
      9. No change
     10. 2nd Lt. Chelas promoted to 1st Lt.
     11. 2nd Lts. Schuck and Golubic promoted to 1st Lt.
     12. 2nd Lt. Engel promoted to 1st Lt.  F/O Quinn, Francis X. (CP) assigned Squadron.
     13. Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lt. - Czepkiewicz, Ellis, Fritz, Kitzman, Maged, Sparkman, Daigle, Harper, Towner.
     14. Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lt. - Winterer, Ernst, Nocitra, Retschel, Swisher, Trent Baker, B. O.
     15. No change
     16. No change
     17. No change
     18. Capt. Burtt - KIA   2nd Lt. Joseph A. Young (Bomb.-Nav.) assigned to Squadron.
     19. 2nd Lt. Henry Rugge (Squadron Equip. Officer) promoted to 1st Lt.
     20. 1st Lt. Golubic trfd to 27th ATC.
     21. No change
     22. 2nd Lts. Ernest R. Kelly (P) - Andrew J. Anderson (CP) - Alton B. Karolis (B) - George Lancaster (Nav.) from MIA to assigned back to Squadron.
     23. No change.
     24. No change
     25. No change
     26. No change
     27. 2nd Lt. Hare promoted to 1st Lt.
     28. No change
     29. Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lt. - Spencer, Schroeder, Oien, Campolong.
     30. No change.       Strength:  Officers 106.  F/O 3. E/M 446.

    PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS
        During September, 1944

T/Sgt DeMidio, Paul         30 Sept. 44
T/Sgt Griswold, Henry A.    30 Sept. 44
1/Lt  Edwards, Edward E.    27 Sept. 44

    CREWS MISSING IN ACTION

Lost due to mechanical failure:
*2/Lt Ernest R. Kelley (P)    Ludwigshaven 5 Sept. 44
*2/Lt Anderson, Andrew W. Jr. (CP)     “
*2/Lt Karoli,  Alton R. (N)            “
*2/Lt Lancaster, George (NMI) Jr. (B)  “
#Sgt. Kames, Ira T. (TTG)              “
%Sgt. Duenmer, Edward F. (BTG)         “
*Sgt. Nordmen, Grover C., Jr. (RO)     “
*Sgt. Mitchell, Zalma M. (WG)          “
&Sgt. Doyle, Richard E. (TG)           “
    * Returned to England
    # In German hospital with broken leg
    & Believed to be headed back to England.
    & Reported by Pilot as Killed in Action.

Lost to A/A fire:
1/Lt  David (NMI) Jr. (P)     Ludwigshaven, 8 Sept. 44
2/Lt  Neil M. Mylin (CP)               “
1/Lt  Brandsons, Donald L. (N)         “
2/Lt  Bolen, Frank S. (B)              “
T/Sgt Cangemi, John (NMI) (TTG)        “
Sgt.  Trim, Frank  F. Jr. (BTG)        “
S/Sgt Beebe, Charles E. (WG)           “
S/Sgt Dillon, Floyd Z,. (TG)           “
T/Sgt Schulz, Henry R. (RO)            “

REMARKS:  At 4929N. 0828E. at approximately 25,000, aircraft #348 received a direct hit by flak, knocked off right wing.  Last seen going down in flames in flat spin.  One parachute observed.
    

     EIGHTH AIR FORCE
    1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION (H)
     1ST COMBAT BOMBARDMENT WING (H)
    91ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
         322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Period Covered:  1 October 1944 to 31 October 1944
    Prepared by Samuel T. Gibbon, Capt. A. F.
        Sgt. A. F. Gentile


    TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions
2. Completed Mission Summaries
3. Loading Lists (one copy only to go with original)
4. Confirmed Enemy Aircraft Claims
5. Prisoners of War
6. Personnel Changes
7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours During Oct. 44
8.. Crews Missing in Action


LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETED MISSIONS

        MISSION SUMMARIES

    Kassel and Fritzlar
    2 Oct. 1944
A/C No.
212        Lt. Hammer
398        Lt. DeLisle
083        Lt. Hare
707        Lt. Gordon
308        Lt. Schroeder
144        Lt. Reichert
035        Lt. Hamilton
360        Lt. Schuck
234        Lt. Sparkman
095        Lt. Longaker
306        Lt. Brant
333        Lt. Mitchell
298        Lt. Brown, R. H.

REMARKS:  A tank and vehicle factory at Kassel was the target for this mission, on which the 322nd Squadron furnished the High Squadron with Capt. Walter W. Thompson flying with Lt. Hammer in the lead A/C.   The lead and low squadrons bombed the primary target by PFF methods and the high squadron bombed Fritzlar A/C, a target of opportunity about 12 miles S.W. of Kassel, visually, with good results, incendiaries falling in the building area.

    Nienburg
    3 October 1944

630        Capt. Thompson
398        Lt. Sparkman
088        Lt. Schuck
306        Lt. Longaker
333        Lt. Mitchell
083        Lt. Hare
625        Lt. Sparks
202        Lt. Reichert
308        Lt. Schroeder
298        Lt. Hamilton
095        Lt. Burn e
360        Lt. Ellis, F. D.

REMARKS:  The tank and diesel engine factory at Nienburg was attacked by PFF methods with what are believed to be good results.  This Squadron furnished the low squadron, with Capt. Walter W. Thompson flying with Lt. DeLisle in the lead A/C.

    Frieburg
    7 October 1944

562        Capt. Newquist
333        Lt. Brant
088        Lt. Schroeder
027        Lt. Hamilton
360        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
234        Lt. Reichert
095        Lt. Longaker
306        Lt. Hare
202        Lt. Towner
707        Lt. Sparks
398        Lt. DeLisle
308        Lt. Ernst

REMARKS:  This Squadron led the 1st “C” group, Capt. Newquist,  Squadron Operations officer acted as air commander flying with Lt. Walton in the lead A/C.  The “Buckeye” scouting force reported that the primary target, the oil plant at Brux, would be open, but the division later advised that it was not, and the lead and low squadrons went on to bomb the town of Frieburg, target of opportunity, with very good results.

    Schweinfurt
    9 October 1944

630        Capt. Thompson, K. W.
083        Lt. Hare
234        Lt. Sparkman
333        Lt. Trent
088        Lt. Schuck
212        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
095        Lt. Schroeder
306        Lt. Starks
398        Lt. Reichert
202        Lt. Mitchell
360        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
308        Lt. Ernst

REMARKS:  Again the 322nd led the group which flew as first “B” attacking the primary target, ball bearing plant at Schweinfurt, with PFF equipment with results believed to be good.  Major Thompson, air commander, flew with Lt. Walton.

    Cologne
    Oct. 14, 1944

145        Capt. Malone
333        Lt. Mitchell
083        Lt. Hare
088        Lt. Ernst
212        Lt. Longaker
360        Lt. Brant
398        Lt. DeLisle
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
234        Lt. Sparkman
202        Lt. Towner
095        Lt. Starks
707        Lt. Burne
880        Lt. Reichert

REMARKS:  Capt. Malone in a 323rd aircraft with Lt. Harper led the high Squadron.  The railroad choke plant just east of the Rhine was attacked by PFF methods, with unobserved results, but believed to be good as the Mickey navigator in the lead ship was able to pinpoint himself  both before and after target.

208        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
360        Lt. Reichert
625        Lt. Schroeder
027        Lt. Gordon
398        Lt. DeLisle
083        Lt. Hare
333        Lt. Trent
095        Lt. Longaker
234        Lt. Sparkman
088        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
298        Lt. Brant
202        Lt. Burne

REMARKS:  Capt. Walter W. Thompson led the low Squadron furnished by the 322nd, to attack railroad targets in Cologne for the second day in succession. Although bombing was done by instruments, strike photographs show hits in the S.E. part of the city on the east side of the river.  Major Klette led the Group.

    Cologne
    17 October 1944

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished 7 A/C but no crews for this mission which was led by Major Taylor.  PFF bombing--unobserved results.

    Karlsruhe
    19 October 1944

632        Lt. Walton
308        Lt. Ernst
012        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
398        Lt. DeLisle
095        Lt. Baker
360        Lt. Brant
027        Lt. Hamilton
202        Lt. Mitchell
333        Lt. Schroeder
707        Lt. Gordon
088        Lt. Schuck
234        Lt. Sparkman

REMARKS:  Major Thompson, air commander, flying with Capt. Suther, led the group on this mission for which the 322nd put up the 12 aircraft of the lead squadron. The Mickey equipment in the lead ship went out during the bomb run on Ludwigshaven (oil storage depot), the bombardier electing not to drop his bombs and try for another run.  Following an accidental release by Lt. Ernst’s A/C flying the #2 position, the rest of the Squadron dropped their bombs on Karlsruhe, as did the low squadron.  Strike photographs show hits on the building area of the A/C at Karlsruhe.  High Squadron dropped on the town of Bad Krueznach with unobserved results.

    Brunswick
    22 October 1944

562        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
083        Lt. DeLisle
202        Lt. Towner
707        Lt. Hamilton
360        Lt. Reichert
234        Lt. Mitchell
088        Lt. Schuck
212        Lt. Gordon
308        Lt. Ernst
333        Lt. Trent
027        Lt. Burne
095        Lt. Baker
306        Lt. Schroeder

REMARKS:  Capt. Walter W. Thompson led the High Squadron furnished by the 322nd.  The group flew as 1st “A,” leading the “A” Task Force of 1st Division, which preceded the 2nd and 3rd Divisions.  Before the I.P. the Mickey equipment of the lead and low squadrons went out of order and the high group took over, bombing with unobserved results.

    Hamburg
    25 October 1944

212    Lt. Schroeder
145    Capt. Thompson
333    Lt. Trent
083    Lt. Hare
012    Lt. Gordon
308    Lt. Ernst
027    Lt. Hamilton
298    Lt. Brown, R. H.
095    Lt. Baker
202    Lt. Towner
088    Lt. Schuck
234    Lt. Brant

REMARKS:  The oil plant in the dock area was the target for this mission which was flown over solid undercast and bombing accomplished with pathfinder equipment, results unobserved.  Lt. Hammer led the low squadron furnished by the 322nd.  The group leader was Major Klette.

    Munster
    26 October 1944

REMARKS:  The M/Yds in the city of Munster were attacked with PFF methods, undercast preventing observation of results or photographic cover.  The 322nd was stood down for this mission.  Contrails from what are believed to be the “A-2”rocket bombs were reported by various crews over the Zuider Zee area from 20,000 feet to 50,000 ft.

Hamm
    30 October 1944

562        Maj. Thompson, Capt. Walton
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
095        Lt. Baker
202        Lt. Mitchell
308        Lt. Ernst
234        Lt. Brant
298        Lt. Brown, R. H.
212        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
360        Lt. Reichert
088        Lt. Sparkman
707        Lt. Gordon
333        Lt. Trent

REMARKS:  The M/Yds at Hamm were attacked by PFF methods with unobserved results.  Major Thompson was air commander, flying with Capt. Walton in the lead Squadron which was furnished by the 322nd.  High clouds and dense persistent contrails created considerable difficulty and necessitated bombing at 28,900 feet.

    MISSION SUMMARY
    24 October 1944

On the 24th of October on a routine night training flight over England 1st Lt. Don NMI DeLisle was killed and his A/C #398 was destroyed in a crash.  In conditions of poor visibility, with GEE box and radio compass not functioning, the radio operator obtained QDM's while DeLisle attempted to find the field. Letting town to 500 ft. the A/C struck a hill damaging the right wing.  The pilot and co-pilot were able to bring the A/C back to 2000 ft. and other four members of the crew bailed out on orders of Lt. DeLisle.  The A/C crashed a few minutes later and Lt. DeLisle’s body was found several hundred fee astern of the wreckage with his parachute unopened.  T/Sgt John D. Carlisle, engineer, suffered a fractured leg.

    MISSION SUMMARY
CORRECTION:  Mission summary for 13 September 1944, Lutzkendorf, under “Remarks” the second and third sentences should read:
“A visual run was made by the lead group with good results.  The low group bombed on the lead with fair results and the high group, led by Lt. Hammer in a PFF A/C, bombed with the lead group with good results.”

    CONFIRMED ENEMY AIRCRAFT CLAIMS

The 322nd Bomb Squadron had no E/A claims for the month of October, 1944.

    PRISONERS OF WAR

During the month of October, 1944, notification has been received that the following personnel of the 322nd Bomb Squadron are prisoners of war:
                Last Mission
                Place & Date
2/Lt Deshaw, Albert G. (P)       Leipzig 20 July 44
T/Sgt Harrist, Charles N. (RG)        “
S/Sgt Norris, Homer S. (WG)           “

    PERSONNEL CHANGES
        October 1944

      1. 2nd Lts. Brant (P) and Reichert (P) promoted to 1st Lts. Strength:  Officers 106.  F/O 3.  E/M 446.
      2. Capt. Nix (N) and 1st Lt. Edwards (B) trfd to Casual Pool 70th Replacement Depot.
      3. 2nd Lt. Lancaster (CP) and 2nd Lt. Anderson (CP) trfd to Casual Pool 70th Replacement Depot.
      4. No change
      5. 1st Lt. Robert E. Mammoser (B) trfd to Casual Pool 70th Replacement Depot.
      6. No change.
      7. 2nd Lt. Warren Hl. Allen (CP) joined and assigned Squadron
      8. No change
      9. 1st Robert N. Roberts (N) joined and assigned squadron.
     10. Capt. Karl W. Thompson (C.O.) promoted to Major.  2nd Lts. Francis F. Gobulski (B); John W. Keckler (CP); Louis C. Renoult (N); Merle Webb (CP) promoted to 1st Lts.
     11. F/O Harold R. Kurrus (B) appointed 2nd Lt.
     12. No change.
     13. 2nd Lt. Howard Mitchell (P) promoted to 1st Lt. 1st Lt. Roy Hammer promoted to Captain.
     14. No change
     15. No change
     16. 2nd Lts. Frederick L. Christopher (N); Edwin V. Kemp (B); John A. Wallace (N) promoted to 1st Lt.
     17. No change
     18. No change
     19. 1st Lt. Louis G. Starks (N) transferred to casual pool 70th Replacement Depot.  (Ed. Note--I believe there’s an error in this entry.  Lt. Starks was a pilot, one I flew
with at least once. -FF)
     20. No change.
     21. 1st Lt. Louis M. Walton (P) promoted to Capt. 1st Lt. John D. Longaker (P) trfd to 70th Replacement Depot.
     22. No change
     23. 1st Lt. Donald W. Almon (N) trfd to 70th Replacement Depot.
     24. Capt. Malone (P) and 1st Lt. Robert M. Shea (N) trfd to 70th Replacement Depot.
     25. 1st Lt. Don DeLisle (P) killed on practice flight.
     26. Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lts. - Thomas Rieker (B); Modesto Olivo (B); Donald R. Freer (CP); James LO. Find (CP); Elias R. Alexander (CP).
     27. F/O James H. Koranda (N) appointed 2nd Lt.
     28. Capt. Kenneth C. Homuth (N) assigned to Squadron. 1st Lt. Harry E. Stevens (N) trfd to 70th Replacement Depot.
     29. Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lts. - Joseph M. Gallagher (CP); John F. Gustafson (N); Harold W. Lasch (N); Howard F. Mahan (N); Robert W. Peterson (B).
     30. No change
     31. 1st Lt. Paul H. Cook (B) transferred to 70th Replacement Depot. Strength:  Officers 98.  F/O 5.  E/M 440.

    PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS
        DURING OCTOBER 1944
                           Date Completed
1/Lt Donald W. Almon       19 Oct. 44
T/Sgt George N. Cook          “
T/Sgt Emile R. Galinas        “
1/Lt Robert M. Shea           “
1/Lt John D. Longaker      14 Oct. 44
1/Lt William H. Marsh Jr.  15 Oct. 44
T/Sgt Roland R. Michel        “
Capt. Louis W. Malone      14 Oct. 44
1/Lt Louis G. Starks          “
T/Sgt George W. Hawes         “
T/Sgt Carl E. Eklund       22 Oct. 44
1/Lt Harry E. Stevens         “
1/Lt Paul E. Cook          19 Oct. 44
S/Sgt Ken F. McLaren          “
T/Sgt Donald B. Levine        “
1/Lt Robert E. Mammoser     2 Oct. 44

    CREWS MISSING IN ACTION

The 322nd Bomb Squadron had no losses of personnel or A/C during the month of October 1944.

        8TH AIR FORCE
    1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION (H)
     1ST COMBAT BOMBARDMENT WING (H)
    91ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
      322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
Period Covered:  1 Nov. 1944 to 30 Nov. 1944
    Prepared by Alfred J. Lanfear, 1st Lt. A.C.
            Sgt. Alfred F. Gentile

    TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions
2. Completed Mission Summaries
3. Loading Lists (one copy only to go with original)
4. Confirmed Enemy Aircraft Claims
5. Prisoners of War
6. Personnel Changes
7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours      252       2 Nov. 44    Merseburg   Completed
387                  3 Nov. 44    Hamburg     Scrubbed
388        253       5 Nov. 44    Offenbach   Completed
389        254       6 Nov. 44    Hamburg     Completed
390        255       9 Nov. 44    S. of Metz  Completed
391                 12 Nov. 44    Hamm        Scrubbed
392                 14 Nov. 44    Bielsfeld   Scrubbed
393        256      16 Nov. 44    Aachen area Completed
394        257      21 Nov. 44    Merseburg   Completed
395        258      25 Nov. 44    Merseburg   Completed
396        259      26 Nov. 44    Altenbeken  Completed
397        260      27 Nov. 44    Offenburg   Completed
398        261      29 Nov. 44    Misburg     Completed
399        262      30 Nov. 44    Zeitz       Completed

        MISSION SUMMARIES
      Merseburg
    2 November 1944
A/C #
208        Capt. Hammer
360        Lt. Reichert
212        Lt. Burne
707        Lt. Gordon
333        Lt. Trent
298        Lt. Brown, R. H.
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
088        Lt. Ernst
083        Lt. Hare
012        Lt. Hamilton
234        Lt. Sparkman
095        Lt. Schroeder
202        Lt. Brant

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron furnished the high squadron of the Group, with Capt. Hammer in the lead ship.  Lt. Col. Sheeler was air commander of the Group which attacked the oil refinery at Merseburg  by PFF with unobserved results.  This group flying as 1st “B” was the last of six groups of the 1st Division attacking this target.  After turning right off the
target and turning west just beyond Hamburg the group was bounced by 50-75 E/A, mostly FW 190s, which attacked in elements of from 3 to 5 in line abreast, coming from the tail and level, firing 20 mm or larger caliber shells into the formation from maximum range and closing in from point blank range.  The initial attacks were made on the high squadron with the E/A
breaking off and attacking the lead and low squadrons. After the first pass the attack was continued by individual A/C and formations up to 5 A/C from all directions.  The attacks covered a period of about 20-25 minutes.  Friendly fighters were engaged at the time by large formations of E/A including a few ME-163s and ME-262s  The group lost 13 A/C to flak and
fighter attacks, the worst loss suffered to date.  Of these the 322nd lost six ships.
    Capt. Hammer’s A/C #208 was last seen off to the left of formation apparently under control but with fire observed in the radio room and behind #3 engine due to enemy action.  Approx. position 5137 N 1121 E.   Lt. Burne in A/C #212 flying on Capt. Hammer’s left wing was observed peeling off from the formation at about 5120N 1150E, losing altitude but apparently under
control with no visible damage.  Lt. Brown, Russel H. in A/C #298 in the number three position of the high element was last seen lagging about 1000 ft. behind the formation under control and with no apparent damage at about 5110N, 1215E.   Lt. Hare flying #3 of the low element in A/C #083 was last seen at about 5110N, 1214E, under control but with his left wing on
fire and under persistent attack by 6-8 FW-190s.   Lt. Brant in the flying spare #202 was lost at the time of the E/A attack but no observations were made of the circumstances.  Lt. Hamilton, flying A/C #102 in the number four position of the low element, was last observed at about 5210E, 1120E, under control but losing altitude rapidly and burning fiercely in both
wings at the #2 and #4 engines.  The tail gunner, S/Sgt Wayne W. Ritchie, ball turret gunner, S/Sgt Thomas R. Giordano, and S/Sgt Joseph M. Wirtz, Jr., on Lt. Sparkman’s crew, distinguished themselves during the attack by continuing to fire their guns in spite of severe damage to their A/C and wounds sustained by them. 

    Offenbach
    5 Nov. 1944

027        Major Thompson, K. W.
333        Lt. Trent
095        Lt. Schroeder
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
360        Lt. Reichert
693        Lt. Mitchell
707        Lt. Gordon
308        Lt. Ernst
951        Lt. Schuck

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished nine crews of the low squadron led by Major Thompson.  Maj.  was group leader and the 91st furnished the first “B” group. The briefed target, both visual and PFF, was the railroad M/Yds at Frankfurt , located in the west suburbs.   Squadron bombing was done by PFF methods as the weather was 8-10/10 up to the target area.  Bomb strikes were photographed through broken cloud and strike photos show the bomb pattern for the low squadron in the western edge of the town of Offenbach , approx. 5 miles due east of the  briefed target.  Lt. Ernst in A/C #308 aborted at the English Channel due to mechanical failure in No. one engine.  Bomb load was 6 x 1000 AN-M59.

    Hamburg    
    6 Nov. 1944

REMARKS:   The 322nd furnished one A/C  to the 401st Squadron but no crews for this mission.  Briefed target was the Rhainia oil refinery at Hamburg . Bombing was done by PFF methods for lead and high squadrons and a partial visual run was made by the low squadron, whose bombs are believed to have fallen in the eastern edge of the target area. 

    Metz area
    9 Nov. 1944

562        Capt. Suther
016        Lt. Gordon
693        Lt. Mitchell
088        Lt. Schuck
360        Lt. Reichert
095        Lt. Sparkman
027        Lt. Towner
591        Lt. Winterer
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
333        Lt. Trent
596        Lt. Ernst

REMARKS:  The target for this mission was a fort approx.. 4 miles SE of Metz in support of ground action.  The 91st furnished the first “C” group, being the 12th group in the Division.   Capt. Suther led the group with Capt. Walton as co-pilot, and the 322nd furnished 12 A/C and 11 crews for the lead squadron. Bombing was done by GH methods with unobserved results
due to 9-10/10 cloud in the target area.  GH operator reported equipment to be working intermittently, making his bomb run too short.  Bomb bursts are shown on strike photos in a locality 6 1/2 miles on bearing 120 degrees from the assigned MPI.   The low squadron landed in France due to shortage of  gas after making 3 attempts to attack.  Flak was meager, 10 bursts
being observed 10 miles north of the formation in the target area.

    Aachen
    16 Nov. 1944

145        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
333        Lt. Trent
693        Lt. Mitchell
027        Lt. Towner
596        F/O Roach
088        Lt. Schuck
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
095        Lt. Schroeder
234        Lt. Sparkman
707        Lt. Gordon
308        Lt. Ernst
742        Lt. Winterer

REMARKS:  This mission was in direct support of ground troops fighting in the Aachen area.  An area by 1400 yards, 7 1/2 miles NE of Aachen and Duren was the briefed target.  The 91st furnished the first “A” group and the 322nd furnished 12 crews for the lead squadron.  Squadron leader was Capt. Thompson, W.W. Bombing was done by PFF methods on a heading from
Aachen through 7-9/10 cloud with poor results.  SCS-51 radio beacons to indicate the front lines were reported to be working properly and meager flak was observed.  Bomb load was 30 x M-81 fragmentation bombs.

    Merseburg
    21 Nov. 1944

173        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
742        Lt. Winterer
360        Lt. Reichert
707        Lt. Gordon
591        Lt. Ashlock
308        Lt. Ernst
095        Lt. Schroeder
306        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
693        Lt. Mitchell
596        F/O Roach
088        Lt. Schuck
333        Lt. Trent

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron furnished 12 crews of the low squadron of the first “A” group flown by the 91st Bomb Gp.  Lead and High Squadrons were briefed to attack the synthetic oil plant three miles south of Merseburg, with a boiler house as the MPI.  The low squadron objective, Primary or Secondary (PFF), was a master flak site located about 6 miles west of the
Merseburg Oil Target.  Eliminating this flak site would reduce the flak at the main target by 25-30 percent.  3 PFF A/C were flown with the group to allow a PFF run to be made by the low squadron, since undercast was expected to be 10/10.  Bomb load for the low squadron was 30 x 100 frags for nine of our A/C and 38 x 100 pound white phosphorus bombs for three A/C.  Bombing was done by PFF on bearing from Halle , and the deputy leader claims to have seen the quarry near the flak battery, though bomb sites were not seen.  The low squadron leader, Lt. Ellis, F. D., was forced to land at Brussels because of flak damage
received at the target.  This crew with A/C later returned to base, all safe.  A/C #333, Lt. Trent, pilot, aborted over this field due to mechanical failure.  On this mission cloud conditions forced the group to attack the target from a very low altitude, 19,500 feet, the briefed altitude being 24,500 ft.

    Merseburg
    25 Nov. 1944

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished 5 A/C but no crews for this mission.  The primary target was the Lutzkendorf Oil Plant, and the secondary PFF target was Merseburg Oil Refinery.  The secondary target was attacked PFF and results unobserved.  None
of the A/C of this squadron were damaged.

    Altenbeken
    26 Nov. 1944

221        Capt. Newquist
562        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
742        Lt. Sparkman
596        F/O Roach
901        Lt. Marsh
360        Lt. Reichet
693        Lt. Mitchell
088        Lt. Schuck
591        Lt. Ashlock
308        Lt. Ernst
027        Lt. Price
333        Lt. Trent

REMARKS:  The target attacked and briefed was a railway viaduct  at Altenbecken, located 8 miles NE of Paderborn.   The span is 560 yards long with 24 arches and was to be attacked either visually or by GH methods.  The 91st Bomb Group furnished the first “B” group of the First Force, and the 322nd flew the lead squadron of 12 A/C, Capt. Newquist, Jerald S., being
the group leader.  Before the target, at 1114 hours, 5240N, 0730E, 35-40 E/A, FW-190s and ME-109s attack the group from the rear, level and low level.  Two concentrated passes were made and attacks were, in general, broken off at approx. 600 yards.  Gunners claim that the use of the new headlight tracer ammunition accounts for the E/A breaking off at such range.  A few attacks were made by single E/A from the nose, which broke by diving below the formation. Although the group lost 4 A/C and 3 crews, this squadron suffered no casualties and only 4 A/C sustained minor damage.  Group bombing was performed by GH methods with unobserved results through 10/10 cloud.  Bomb load was 6 x 1000 GP bombs.

    Offenburg
    27 Nov. 1944

061        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
591        Lt. Ashlock
333        Lt. Trent
357        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
596        Lt. Blanton
742        Lt. Winterer
761        Lt. Price
308        Lt. Ernst
693        Lt. Mitchell
901        Lt. Marsh
088        Lt. Schuck
306        Lt. Smoley
360        Lt. Reichert

REMARKS:  This squadron furnished 13 crews, led by Capt. Thompson, W.W. , and 11 A/C of the high squadron 91st “A” group, which was the fourth group in the 1st Division on this mission.  The target briefed was a M/Y at Offenburg , an Army request target.   MPI was the railroad bridge across the middle of the yard. Lead and Low Squadrons bombed GH, electing not to
change to visual after committing themselves to an instrument run.  High Squadron took advantage of the opening in the cloud at the target, and dropped visually.  Strike photos show our squadron’s bomb bursts 2 1/2 miles away at 340 degrees from the
target.  Bomb load was 10 x 500 and 2 M-17 incendiaries.  One of our A/C carried leaflets.

    Merseburg
    29 Nov. 1944

761        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
333        Lt. Trent
027        Lt. Price
901        Lt. Marsh
036        Lt. Ernst
306        Lt. Smoley
596        Lt. Blanton
116        Lt. Reichert
742        Lt. Winterer
693        Lt. Mitchell
591        Lt. Schroeder
234        Lt. Freer

REMARKS:  Briefed visual target was Dollbergen Oil Refinery, with Merseburg Oil Refinery as the PFF secondary.  The 322nd furnished 12 crews and 10 A/C of the low squadron of the first “C” group, low squadron being led by Capt. Thompson, W.W.  Bombs were dropped on the group leader by PFF with unobserved results through 10/10 cloud.  One of our A/C received minor
damage, the only A/C of the group with battle damage on this mission.

    Zeitz
    30 Nov. 1944

Primary target was the synthetic oil plant at Zeitz. 5 A/C of the 322nd flew this mission with crews furnished by other squadrons.  A visual run was made despite smoke screen and haze, but bombing results were poor.  All  A/C furnished by this squadron received minor flak damage, and A/C #742 was lost over the target after receiving a direct hit.  This A/C was last seen in a steep fast dive, in the target area.

   
    CONFIRMED ENEMY AIRCRAFT CLAIMS
   Name        Position  A/C#  2 November 
Sgt. Harold C. Baker, TTG, #360    FW-190 destroyed
T/Sgt F. C. Benecki, TTG,  #095    FW-190 damaged
S/Sgt V. B. Hinerman, BTG, #095    FW-190 damaged
S/Sgt V. B. Hinerman, BTG, #095    FW-190 damaged
S/Sgt Russel L. Waggoner, TG, #306 FW-190 damaged
S/Sgt Ryan Stravinsky, BTG, #306   FW-190 damaged

                    26 November
S/Sgt J. R. Reed, TG, #596         FW-190 destroyed
T/Sgt A. O. Garner, TTG, #308      FW-190 destroyed
T/Sgt Edward M. Shaw, TTG,         FW-190 damaged
S/Sgt Russell L. Waggoner TG, #562 FW-190 damaged
S/Sgt Gilbert L. Elliott, TG, #693 FW-190 damaged
Sgt. Orville A. Riley, TTG, #591   ME-109 probable

PRISONERS OF WAR
                Last       Mission,   Date
1/Lt Max E. Bender, CP,    Leipzig    20 July
Sgt. Laurence E. Doyle, TG Chartres    1 Aug. 1944
2/Lt Oscar A. Hurst, Bomb. Leipzig     20 July
T/Sgt Norman W. Ingram, TTG    “
2/Lt. Richard C. Lunt, CP      “
Sgt. John E. Peterson, TG      “
2/Lt James W. Dye, Jr., Nav.   “

PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS
    DURING NOVEMBER 1944
                            Missions  Date   
1/Lt Arland F. Brazie (P)     27-3    27 Nov.
1/Lt Robert N. Winterer (P)   35      29 Nov.
T/Sgt Ivan H. Winters, ( Eng. ) 29-1     5 Nov.
Capt. Fred L. Suthers jr. (P) 28-2     9 Nov.
*T/Sgt William J. Carlson (G) 31-4    16 Nov.

* Retained for 2nd Tour

    CREWS MISSING IN ACTION
            Last Mission , Date
    Lost to E/A fire    Merseburg, Nov. 2
1/Lt John M. Hamilton (P)
1/Lt Elwood E. Fritz (CP)
1/Lt Ralph K. Caldwell (Nav.)
1/Lt James King, Jr. (Bomb.)
T/Sgt Claude S. Mason (TTg)
S/Sgt Robert S. Cunningham (BTG)
T/Sgt Joseph A. Cereszewski (RG)
S/Sgt Robert E. Memory (WG)
S/Sgt Mayo L. Granlund (TG)

1/Lt. Leroy B Hare (P)
2/Lt Robert P. Casey (CP)
2/Lt Theodore P. Herrick, Jr. (Nav.)
2/Lt Roy R. Cook (Bomb.)
T/Sgt Thomas F. Harris (TTG)
T/Sgt William K. Oxby (TTG)
T/Sgt Frank W. Holman (RO)
S/Sgt Floyd E. Cullen (WG)
S/Sgt George P. Hansen (TG)
    (Ed. Note: T/Sgt Oxby was probably BTG - FF)

1/Lt Dale N. Brant (P)
2/Lt Charles R. Hackstock (CP)
1/Lt John F. Gustafson (Nav.)
2/Lt John L. Bunch, Jr. (Bomb.)
T/Sgt John E. Ludwig, Jr. (TTG)
S/Sgt Charles R. Hitchcock (BTG)
T/Sgt John W. Paluse (RO)
S/Sgt James W. Willey, Jr. (WG)
S/Sgt Mike D. White (TG)

1/Lt Russell R. Brown (P)
1/Lt Donald H. Kitzman (CP)
1/Lt William B. Marsh, Jr. (Nav.)
1/Lt Raymond F. Retschel (Bomb.)
T/Sgt Fredrick G. Boettke, Jr. (TTG)
S/Sgt Ernest T. Alvarez (BTG)
T/Sgt John M. Lombardi (RG)
S/Sgt Norville J. Strong (WG)
S/Sgt Maxwell E. Newman (TG)
   
    A/C #212
1/Lt Burne, Thomas P. (P)
1/Lt Kockler, John W. (CP)
1/Lt Renoult, Louis C. (Nav.)
1/Lt Golubski, Francis F. (Bomb.)
T/Sgt Wellington, Harry D. (TTG)
S/Sgt Pierce, Willis S. (BTG)
T/Sgt Hanson, Harry C. (RO)
T/Sgt Spousal, Robert C., Jr. (WG)
S/Sgt Ross, Albert A. (TG)

    A/C #208

Capt. Hammer, Roy A. (P)
1/Lt Harper, Oren E. (CP)
1/Lt Czepkiewicz, Raphael H. (Nav.)
1/Lt Olivo, Modesto (Bomb.)
1/Lt Young, Joseph A. (Mickey Op.)
T/Sgt Nagy, William (TTG)
S/Sgt Duran, Mike (W. G.)
T/Sgt Freeman, Emile G. (RO)
S/Sgt Birch, Oliver K. (TG)


    PERSONNEL CHANGES
            November 1944

    1. Strength:  Officers 98.  F/O 5.  E/M 440
    2. 2nd Lt. Chollar, Glen A. (CP) trfd to 70th Repl Depot AAF Sta. 591
    3. No change.
    4. 1st Lt. Baker, Berl O. (P) trfd to 70th Repl Depot.
    5. No change
    6. 2nd Lt. Young, Robert F. (Mickey Oper.) assigned squadron.
        1st Lt. Keranda, William J., (Nav-Radar) promoted to Captain.
    7. 1st Lt. Dobrowitz, Alfred J., (Bombardier) assigned to squadron.
    8. No change   
    9. Following officers assigned squadron - 2nd Lt. Blanton, Ralph P. (P); 2nd Lt. Covington, Norval L. (CP); 2nd Lt. Burns, Roy W., (Nav.); 1st Lt. Marsh, Denver C (P); 1st Lt. Wrighter, Paul S. (CP);  Lt. Butler, Darrel O. (Nav.
   10. No change
   11. No change
   12. No change
   13. No change
   14. 1st Lt. Roberts, Robert N. (Sq. Nav.) promoted to Capt.
Following officers assigned to Squadron - 2nd Lt. Miller, Robert W. (P); 2nd Lt. Mayka, Daniel S. (CP); F/O Klebeck, Bernard S. (Nav.); 2nd Lt. Hudspeth, Robert E. (B); 1st Lt. Johnson, Harold D. (P); 2nd Lt. Kane, Jay J. (CP); 2nd Lt. Goldberg, Nathaniel E. (Nav.).
   15. Capt. Rheum, Michael C. (Nav-Radar) assigned Squadron.
   16. Capt. Suther, Paul P., (P) trfd to 70th Replacement Depot.
Capt. Hendrick, Daniel H. (Engr. Off) trfd to 1st Bomb Division.
   17. 1/Sgt Robinson, John P., married to Cambridge girl.
   18. No change
   19. Capt. Parson, John R. (Adj.) trfd to U.S.   Strategic Air Force, Europe
   20. No change
   21. Following 2nd Lts. promoted to 1st Lts.: Davidson, Edward H. (P); Hewlett, John D. (CP); Lewis, David R. (N); Strauss, Lewis Z. (B).
   22. No change
   23. No change
   24. No change
   25. No change
   26. No change
   27. No change
   28. No change
   29. No change
   30. No change

    322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS, DECEMBER 1944

    EIGHTH AIR FORCE
    FIRST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION (H)
    1ST COMBAT BOMBARDMENT WING (H)
    91ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
    322ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
Period Covered:  1 December 1944 to 31 December 1944

(Ed. Note:  The page telling us who prepared this
report is missing from the December pages. - FF)

    TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. List of Briefings and Completed Missions
2. Completed Mission Summaries
3. Loading Lists (one copy only to go with original)
4. Confirmed Enemy Aircraft Claims
5. Prisoners of War
6. Personnel Changes
7. Personnel Completing Operational Tours during Dec. 44.
8. Crews Missing in Action
9. Miscellaneous

    LIST OF BRIEFINGS AND COMPLETED MISSIONS
Brief.#   Mission #    Date        Target          Disposition
400      263      4 December 44    Kassel          Completed
401      264      5 December 44    Berlin          Completed
402               7 December 44    Munster         Scrubbed
403      265      9 December 44    Stuttgart       Completed
404      266     11 December 44    Frankfurt       Completed
405      267     12 December 44    Merseburg       Completed
406      268     15 December 44    Kassel          Completed
407      269     18 December 44    Luxembourg Area Completed
408              19 December 44    Schwarte        Scrubbed
409              20 December 44    Cologne         Scrubbed
410      270     24 December 44    Moushausen      Completed
                    Kirche Gons
411      271     28 December 44    Ludendorf       Completed
412      272     29 December 44    Wittlich        Completed
413              30 December 44    Boschotshelm    Scrubbed
414      273     31 December 44    Bitburg         Completed

    MISSION SUMMARIES

A/C#    Kassel
        4 December 1944

562        Maj. Thompson
537        Lt. Schuck
234        Lt. Sparkman
901        Lt. Freer
591        Lt. Ashlock
308        Lt. Miller
306        Lt. Smoley
095        Lt. Schroeder
596        F/O Roach
707        Lt. Price
693        Lt. Mitchell
360        Lt. Johnson
333        Lt. Trent

REMARKS: Major Thompson, K. W., with Capt. Walton, L. M., as co-pilot, led the 1st “C” group furnished by the 91st Bomb Group.  An attempt was made to bomb the primary target, Soest M/Y, but failure in the “GH” equipment caused a change in plan.  After the lead mickey ships’ mickey set went out, the Low Squadron leader took over, and bombs were dropped on his smoke markers with unobserved results.  8-10/10 clouds were encountered enroute, and a complete undercast at both targets, with winds much stronger than briefed.  A/A fire was described as meager and inaccurate.

        Berlin
        5 December, 1944

754        Capt. Thompson
693        Lt. Mitchell
306        Lt. Smoley
707        Capt. Gordon
596        F/O Roach
360        Lt. Blanton
901        Lt. Johnson
308        Lt. Ernst
234        Lt. Freer
591        Lt. Miller
095        Lt. Schroeder
027        Lt. Price
761        Lt. Alexander

REMARKS:  This operation is the first one since 21 June for our group with target - Berlin.  The  Borgis Steel Works in the NW suburbs was the primary and PFF target, a plant producing guns, shell casings, tank parts and mines.  The 322nd Squadron furnished 13 crews of the high squadron of the first “A” group which led the division.  Lead and Low Squadrons made
short visual runs, being able to see the target briefly through broken cloud.  High Squadron bombed PFF, and results for all squadrons were unobserved. A/A fire was accurate for the high squadron only and consisted of both barrage and tracking fire.

Our A/C #693, Lt.  Mitchell, pilot, was last observed at 1058 hours, 5236N-1315E, with #1 prop wind milling. 6 chutes reported.  A/C #360, Lt. Blanton, pilot, was last seen at 5237N-1300E, at 1055 hours with #1 prop feathered.  No chutes seen.

A/C #234, Lt. Freer, pilot, was observed to have received a direct A/A hit in #3 engine; last seen at 1104 hours in the target area.  4 A/C received major damage, 5 A/C received minor damage, all due to A/A fire.  Two crew members of A/C #306, Lt. Smoley, pilot, were injured by flak, Sgt. Higdon, D.A., and Sgt. Nowicki, H. M., ball turret and waist gunner
respectively.  This A/C landed away at Horton (?).

3 members of F/O Rosch’s crew, F/O Alexander, Geo. navigator, Sgt. Larson, togglier, and Sgt. Faulkner, R. H., engineer,  bailed out over the target, misunderstanding the pilot’s order to “stand by to bail out,” the A/C was hit by A/A fire just at bombs away, losing #1 and #2 engines and damaging the control surfaces.  This A/C landed safely at base upon return.

    Stuttgart
    9 December, 1944

224        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
591        Lt. Ashlock
707        Lt. Alexander
761        Lt. Ellisk, M. C.
540        Lt. Johnson
909        Lt. Miller
333        Lt. Schuck
095        Lt. Schroeder
901        Lt. Marsh
027        Lt. Ernst
939        F/O Roach
855        F/O Reichert (Ed. Note: Should be “Lt. Reichert”)

The 322nd Squadron furnished 12 crews of the low squadron of the 1st “C” group.  Briefed target was the railway M/Y at Stuttgart .  Bombing was done by squadrons, the low dropping visually with very good results; the high and lead squadrons dropping by PFF methods unobserved.  At the target A/A fire was meager and accurate, 4 of our A/C sustaining minor
damage.  High cloud in the target area necessitated bombing from 27,000 feet rather than the briefed altitude.  Lt. Miller flew and bombed with the 304th Group.

Bomb plot, supplement to immediate interpretation report #213, shows the concentration for the low squadron in the southern end of the Marshalling yard.

    Merseburg
    12 December 1944

562        Capt. Newquist
790        Lt. Smoley
027        Lt. Johnson
761        Lt. Ellis, M. C.
901        Lt. Marsh
095        Lt. Schroeder
843        Lt. Ernst
578        Lt. Reichert
591        Lt. Ashlock
088        Lt. Schuck
755        Lt. Price
707        Lt. Alexander

REMARKS:  On this mission, the 322nd Squadron furnished 11 A/C and 12 crews for the lead squadron with Capt. Newquist, J.L., as Group leader.  The 91st Bomb Group flew the 1st “C” Group being third in the division formation.  Briefed primary was Lutzkendorf Oil Plant with Merseburg Leuna as PFF secondary.  Due to 10/10 cloud the secondary target was b bombed with
unobserved results, although mickey operator believes the bombs fell on the MPI.  Moderate to intense, inaccurate, A/A fire was experienced at the target and none of our A/C were damaged.

Lt. Alexander, E.W., A/C #707, aborted in the vicinity of Ghent because of #2 engine failure.

    Kassel
    15 December 1944

562        Lt. Ellis, F. D.
027        Lt. Miller
755        Lt. Price
761        Lt. Ernst
591        Lt. Ashlock
901        Lt. Marsh
088        Lt. Schuck
790        Lt. Smoley
095        Lt. Schroeder
205        F/O Roach
308        Lt. Alexander
578        Lt. Trent

REMARKS:  10/10 cloud necessitated an attack on the secondary target by PFF methods.  The target was the Henschel Engineering Works located in the northern suburbs of the city, a plant producing heavy equipment for tanks for locomotives.  A/A fire was reported as meager and inaccurate in the target area.

Lt. Ellis, F. D., led the high squadron composed of 12 crews of the 322nd Squadron of the 1st “A” group, being seventh in the Division formation.

Lt. Ashlock landed away at an airstrip near Brussels with #3 engine out and #2 engine not pulling. Mechanical failure in the engines made it necessary to jettison bombs on a T/O at 5157N-0738E.

F/O Roach flew with the 381st Group, weather conditions preventing him from making contact with the formation.  At the Division break up point, Roach left this formation and proceeded to base alone.

    Mershausen
    Kirch Gons
    24 December, 1944

630        Capt. Thompson, W. W.
333        Lt. Trent
027        Lt. Ashlock
808        Lt. Ellis
308        Lt. Miller
901        Lt. Marsh
790        Lt. Smoley
095        Lt. Schroeder
000        Lt. Johnson
755        Lt. Price
578        (No name entered--Ed. - FF)

REMARKS:  The 322nd Squadron flew high squadron with the 91st “D” Group, the primary target being Mershausen A/F, a small landing ground 15 miles NNW of Frankfurt, being used by the GAF in support of their ground forces.   Visual sighting was done and good results obtained on the hangar line.  Fog made takeoff hazardous and one A/C of the 324th Squadron crashed 6
miles from base.  On return, persistent fog at base forced our A/C to land at Bury St. Edmonds .

Meager, accurate A/A fire was experienced enroute to the target at the troop line and 4 of our A/C were damaged, 3 minor and 1 major.

This mission was a maximum effort for the Group, 52 A/C being dispatched, 50 of which completed sorties.

    Remagen Bridge
    28 December 1944

174        Lt. Col. Sheeler - Capt. Thornton, W. W.
238        Capt. Ellis
000        Lt. Johnson
901        Lt. Marsh
755        Lt. Price
790        Lt. Marlow
578        Lt. Miller
308        Lt. Ernst
596        F/O Roach
333        Lt. Trent
761        Lt. Schroeder
707        Lt. Alexander

REMARKS;  Capt. Thompson, W. W., led the 1st “A” Group and 12 crews of the 322nd Squadron composed the lead elements.  The primary target, the rail bridge over the Rhine River at Remagen, south of Cologne , was bombed by “GH” with unobserved results.  Bomb load was 2 x 2000 lb. GP bombs.

Meager, inaccurate A/A fire was reported from the target area and none of our A/C were damaged.

Capt. Ellis, M. C., piloting the “GH” A/C, took over the bombing run at the IP, and the “GH” operator reports a very good run on the target.

    Wittlich
    29 December 1944

478        Capt. Ellis - Lt. Goodrich
596        F/O Roach
333        Lt. Trent
790        Lt. Smoley
761        Lt. Ernst
308        Lt. Mathers
578        Lt. Marlow
095        Lt. Schroeder
707        Lt. Ashlock
088        Lt. Schuck
000        Lt. Johnson
293        Lt. Alexander
901        Lt. Chase

REMARKS:  Assigned target was Wittlich, communication center in the tactical area.  Squadron bombing was done and three different targets were hit.  Cloud conditions made identification of the primary target difficult.  The Lead squadron dropped on Bergwiller; the Low Squadron made a 360 and dropped on Gross-Littgen(?), both in Germany; the High squadron, flown by the 322nd dropped on Wiltz, Luxemburg, after making a 360 and being crowded by another formation. Bomb load was 18 x 250 lb. GP.

A/A fire was accurate and moderate in the target area, 7 A/C receiving minor, and 6 major damage.  13 crews were furnished by the 322nd Squadron led by Capt. Ellis, F. D.

    Bitburg
    31 December 1944

475        Lt. Turner - Lt. Goodrich
755        Lt. Price
596        Lt. Smoley
333        Lt. Ashlock
761        Lt. Schuck
578        Lt. Van Slarcom
308        Lt. Ernst
618        Lt. Marsh
772        Lt. Chase
707        Lt. Schroeder
083        Lt. Mathers
116        Lt. Miller

REMARKS:  An Army request target was briefed, a communication center at Bitburg, Germany.  Bombing was done by “GH” methods with unobserved results due to cloud cover.

This Squadron furnished 12 crews of the low squadron on the 1st “A” Group.  Meager, inaccurate A/A fire was experienced in the target area, none of our A/C being hit.

From partially cloud covered strike photos, bombs are plotted to have fallen at 4942N - 0624E, very close to the tactical bomb line.  Pilots and bombardiers express the opinion that bombing near the troop lines should be carried out, if in instrument conditions, on a West to East heading to prevent dropping on friendly troops if bombs are dropped late.

    CONFIRMED ENEMY AIRCRAFT CLAIMS

The 322nd Squadron had no E/A claims for the month of December, 1944.

    PRISONERS OF WAR

During the month of December, 1944, notification has been received that the following personnel of the 322nd Bomb Squadron are Prisoners of War:

                        Last Mission, Date

2/Lt Frank S. Bolen       (B)      Ludwigshaven   8-9-44
1/Lt Donald L. Brandsons  (N)      Ludwigshaven   8-9-44
S/Sgt Byron F. Burgin     (BTG)    Leipzig       20-7-44
1/Lt Manuel Center        (N)      Berlin        21-6-44
S/Sgt Karl P. Dziadula    (WG)     Leipzig       20-7-44
1/Lt. Younts, James M.    (B)      Leipzig       20-7-44
T/Sgt Delmar C. Spears    (RO)     LeManoir, Fr. 13-8-44
T/Sgt Charles F. Sturgeon (TTG)    LeManoir, Fr. 13-8-44

    PERSONNEL CHANGES
    December 1944

    1. Strength:  Officers 88.  F/O 6.  E/Men 429.
    2. No change
    3. 1st Lt. Thomas W. Schlaich (Sq. Bomb.) promoted Capt.
    4. 1st Lt. Thomas R. Gordon (P) promoted Capt.
Following officers asgd. squadron:  2nd Lts. Robert Marlow (P) Seymour Rosenthal (CP), Melvin Dart (N), Walter J. Wypzynski (B),  Dudley S. Mathers Jr. (P), Robert M. Millwee Jr. (CP), Ray E. Forsbacks (N), Stephen Lada (B), John Martin (P), Morris D. Lund (CP), Edwin C. Eldred Jr. (N), F/O Robert Streuse (B).
    5. 1st Lt. Freiday, Milton P. (B), 1st Lt. Winterer, Robert N (P),  trfd to Cas Pool 70th Repl Depot.
    6. No change
    7 No change
    8. 1st Lt. Arland F. Brazie (CP) trfd to 70th Repl Depot.
    9. Capt. Louis M Walton (P), and 1st Lt. Donald W; Sparkman (P) trfd to 70th Repl Depot, 1st Lt. John E. Swisher (N) and 1st Lt. Mitchell Maged (B) trfd to 70th Repl Depot.  Capt Gerald L. Newquist (Operations Officer) appointed acting Squadron Commander during temporary absence of Major Karl W. Thompson who was injured in a plane crash.  Also Executive Officer
Major Vincent Pl. Richards was injured in same plane crash.
   10. 1st Lt. John A. O’Connor (N) asgd Squadron. Thomas R. Gordon, Captain (P), transferred to Cas Pool 70th Repl Depot.
   11. No change
   12. No change
   13. No change
   14. Following officers asgd squadron:  2nd Lts. Edward E. Chase (P), Dale S. Smith (CP), Willard M. Atman (B), Nelson D. Van Blarcom (P),  Joseph L. Buydos (CP),  James E. Connolly (N), Joseph J. Troccoli (P), Harvey B. Burkholder (CP), Vernon F.
Carrie (N), Robert E. Fuller (P), Gerland G. Kranch (CP), Elmer H. Frederickson (N), Glen A. McClure (B), F/O Allen K. Lillegard (N), F/O Donald L. Gratias (B), F/O Robert D. Burnside (B)
   15. 1st Lt. Robert B. West (N) trfd 70th Repl Depot.
   16. Capt. John R. Westwood (P) trfd 70th Repl Depot.  Pvt. Ray M. Smith (cook) killed in bicycle accident.
   17. No change
   18. No change
   19. Following 2nd Lts. prmtd 1st Lt.:  James L. Ashlock Jr. (P), Robert P. Reese, Albert W. Price Jr.
   20.  No change
   21.  No change
   22.  Following officers’ assigned squadron: 2nd Lt. Harold P. Reinhart (P), F/O Barlton J. Eagle Jr. (P), 2nd Lt. Joseph D. Brodell (N), 2nd Lt. Bennett M. Fisher (B).
   23. No change
   24. No change
   25. No change
   26. 1st Lt. Frederick D. Ellis (P) pmtd Capt. Following 2nd Lts. prmtd 1st Lts.  Charles H. Bonner (CP),  Robert H. Miller (P), Earl M. Smoley (P).
   27.  Following officers’ asgd squadron:  2nd Lt. Wayne F. Swegle (P), 2nd Lt. Thomas H. Moulton Jr. (CP), Ralph L. Power (B), F/O Stuart K. Gilbertson (N).
   28. No change
   29. No change
   30. 1st Lt. Milzia C. Ellis (P) prmt. Capt.
   31. F/O Robert W. Roach Jr. (P) commissioned 2nd Lt.   Strength:  Officers 98.  F/O 9. E/Men 438.
  

 
    PERSONNEL COMPLETING OPERATIONAL TOURS
        During December, 1944

                        Date Completed
Capt. Walton, Louis M.             4 Dec. 1944
1/Lt  Sparkman, Donald W.          4 Dec. 1944
S/Sgt Stronach, Leland             5 Dec. 1944
S/Sgt Hofferter, Edward            5 Dec. 1944
T/Sgt Malon, Howard F.             5 Dec. 1944
S/Sgt Schockley, Andie W.          5 Dec. 1944
T/Sgt Blakely, Samuel B .          5 Dec. 1944
S/Sgt King, Charles P.             5 Dec. 1944
S/Sgt Waller, Edgar N,.            5 Dec. 1944
Capt. Gordon, Thomas H.            5 Dec. 1944
1/Lt  Swisher, John E.             5 Dec. 1944
1/Lt  Maged, Mitchell              5 Dec. 1944
S/Sgt Kandior, John W.            24 Dec. 1944
T/Sgt Cairns , Lee M.              24 Dec. 1944
Capt. Schlaich, Thomas W.         12 Dec. 1944
1/Lt  Trent, William H.           29 Dec. 1944
1/Lt  Daigle, Joseph G.           29 Dec. 1944
T/Sgt Sherk, Maurice D.           29 Dec. 1944

    CREWS MISSING IN ACTION

    The “Crews Missing in Action” report for December, 1944, can be found in the history for the month of November, 1944, where they were listed incorrectly. The following crews were missing and are listed in the November history:

    Lt. Blanton, Ralph   (P)      A/C #360
    Lt. Freer, Donald R. ((P)     A/C #234
    Lt. Mitchell, Howard I.       A/C #693

       (Ed. Note - I caught the mistake while transcribing the November reports; and I have taken the liberty of placing them here, where they were meant to be. - FF)
   

        Lost to A/A fire 5 Dec.
            Berlin

    A/C #234
1/Lt  Freer, Donald R.
1/Lt  Gallagher, Joseph M.  (CP)
1/Lt  Lasch, Harold W.      (Nav.)
T/Sgt Sanchez, Joe          (Bomb.)
S/Sgt Tacinelli, Anthony R. (BTG)
T/Sgt Tanner, Roy M.        (RO)
S/Sgt Kellstrom, Borge O.   (WG)
S/Sgt Schank, Lawrence, Jr. (TG)

    A/C #693
1/Lt  Mitchell, Howard L.   (P)
2/Lt  Miller, Irving E.     (CP)
1/Lt  Rieker, Thomas H.     (Nav.)
S/Sgt Boutier, Eugene L.    (Bomb.)
T/Sgt Caudell, George W.    (TTG)
S/Sgt Lee, Trennie L.       (BTG)
T/Sgt Fugatt, Ralph J.      (RO)
S/Sgt Schnurstein, Frank E. (WG)
S/Sgt Elliott, Gilbert L.   (TG)

    A/C 596
F/O  Alexander, George, Jr. (Nav.)
Sgt. Larsen, Elden          (Bomb.)
Sgt. Faulkner, Robert H.    (TTG)

REMARKS:  Subject A/C received a direct burst of flak in #1 and #2 engines and fell 3000 ft.  Pilot gave order to “stand by to bail out,” but the plane came back under control.  He then asked the navigator for a heading, and receiving no answer, checked his crew to find that three (3) men had bailed out, the navigator, bombardier and engineer.  The location of the A/C at the time the men bailed out was 5247N 1318E.  A/C #596 with other crew members returned to base.
        Lost to A/A fire
              Berlin
2/Lt Blanton, Ralph P., Jr. (P)
2/Lt Covington , Norval L.   (CP)
2/Lt Burns, Roly W.         (Nav.)
Sgt. Stern, Allison M.      (Bomb.)
Sgt. Porter, Lauren N.      (TTG)
Sgt. Johnson, Arvid J.      (BTG)
Sgt. Minette, Kenneth L.    (RO)
Sgt. Salyards, Emery E.     (WG)
Sgt. Smith, Louis M.        (TG)

    MISCELLANEOUS

    On the 9th of December, 1944, Major Thompson, Squadron C.O. with Major Richards, Squadron Executive Officer as a passenger, suffered injuries in a takeoff crash in the A-35 assigned to the Squadron.  Failure or malfunction of flaps or aileron controls caused the A/C to fall off on left wing shortly after becoming airborne at an altitude of 40 to 50 feet.  The left wing hit the ground causing the A/C to cartwheel to an upright position immediately catching fire.  Both
officers managed to extricate themselves from the wreckage without assistance despite injuries.  Major Richards suffered an extensive scalp wound, and Major Thompson in addition to scalp wounds had a badly sprained left ankle, extensive burns about the face and hands and had several teeth knocked out of his upper jaw.  Quick thinking and action on their part in
getting out of the flaming wreck probably saved the lives of our two ranking officers.

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