322nd Dailies from 1943 - 91st Bomb Group (H)

Ed. Note: Occasionally a word or words or a line or lines are illegible as taken off the microfilm. Where I am able to interpolate intelligently, I try to fill
in that material. Where I am in doubt, you may see a question mark (?). If entire passages are missing, I will simply say “___lines unintelligible.” Mostly I
think the sense of the material will come through in good shape.

JANUARY REPORTS

2 January 1943 - Capt. Clyde G. Gillespie of 322nd Squadron was appointed Squadron Commander of 401st Squadron and reported for duty.

3 January 1943 - Target for today was St. Nazaire, France. Aiming point was torpedo shed near sub pens, bomb load was 5 x 1000 G. P. bombs. Take off was at 0912 hours and ETR was St. Eval at 1410 hours. Groups 303, 305 91st and 206 were to furnish maximum number of planes. 91st Group sent 14 A/C over target of which 5 were from 322nd Squadron. #481, Capt. Fishburne and Capt. Campbell; #482, Lt. Don C. Bader (?); #483, Lt. Ralph Felton; #453, Lt. John T. Hardin; #497, Lt. W. Genheimer.

E/A fighters hit us at target in large numbers. Heavy flack, at 21,000 feet was intense and accurate, many hits being scored. Bombing was good, pictures from
Lt. Hardin’s ship showing many hits on the target by 322nd. Coming off target Lt. Bader’s A/C was hit by flack, one engine and wing catching fire. He was
forced to lose speed and fell behind. He called the group leader over command set but Maj. Putnam did not hear. Capt. Campbell leading B Flight heard him and made a 360 degree circle to pick him up. As Campbell arrived on Bader’s wing, Bader was being attacked by 5 E/A. Two were shot down and rest fled. E/A followed our A/C 80 miles to sea, shooting down our A/C piloted by Lt. Anderson of 401st Squadron. First Division (M) got 38 E/A of which 24 were bagged by 91st and of these the 322nd got 17 as follows:
    #453, Lt. John T. Hardin; Sgt. Louis M. (?) Greenlee, T.G., destroyed FW 190. S/Sgt. Robert L. Rupp R. W., destroyed 2 FW 190s. T/Sgt. Henry J. Wallach, B.T.G. destroyed FW 190. 2nd Lt. John W. Beauchamp, Bomb., destroyed FW 190.
    #497, Lt. Wm. Genheimer; S/Sgt. Arthur L. Berkowitz, L.W.G., destroyed FW 190. Sgt. Rowland E. Hale, T.T.G., damaged FW 190.
    #481, Capt. Robert Campbell; Lt. Leonard V. Santoro, Comb., destroyed FW 190. S/Sgt. N. R. Pidgeon, R.W.G., destroyed FW 190.S/Sgt. Leonard A. Panaro, T.T.G., destroyed FW 190. S/Sgt. J. A. Arbison (?), T.G., destroyed FW 190.
    #482, Lt. Don C. Bader; Lt. J. W. Hensley, Nav., destroyed FW 190. S/Sgt. T. J. Hansbury, T.G. destroyed 2 FW 190’s. S/SSgt. J. E. Hall, T.T.G., destroyed 2 FW 190’s. S/Sgt. W. C. Budzisz, B.T.G., destroyed 1 FW 190.
    #483, Lt. Ralph Felton; 2nd Lt. Wm. H. Hylton, Nav., destroyed FW 190. T/Sgt. Elio Traverso, T.T.G., possible FW 190. Lt. Bader and Lt. Hensley were slightly wounded.

13 January 1943 - Target was the locomotive and carriage works at Lille, France. Bombs were 10 x 500, 91st Group sent 13 A/C of which 2 were from 322nd
Squadron. Take off was 1233 hours. #453, Lt. Wm. Beasley, #483, Lt. Ralph Felton, went over target. Bombing was excellent. E/A were few and one FW 190
was claimed by the group. All safely returned.

23 January 1943 - Lorient, France was target. Take off was 1055 hours with bomb load of 10 x 500. Group sent 13 A/C of which one was of 322nd, Lt. Wm. Beasely in #453. Bombing was good. All ships returned safely. Flack was heavy, intense and accurate. Only one E/A was claimed by our group.

27 January 1943 - First raid on Germany by Americans. First Wing dispatched 25 A/C with bomb load of 5 x 1000 G. P. Group sent 17, of which 4 were 322nd. Capt. Campbell, #481; Lt. Felton, #511; Lt. Hardin, #453; Lt. Wm. Beasely, #362. Takeoff was 0830 led by Col. S.T. Wray. “____” (?) had 10/10 cloud so naval yards at Wilhelmshaven, “___” (?) was bombed with moderate success. Flack was intense over the whole peninsula but not accurate. The 91st had encounters with some 25 E/A which were ME-109’s and claimed 20 destroyed. 322nd got six (6). A/C #511, Lt. Felton (3). S/Sgt. Robert M Paul 1 destroyed -ME-109. S/Sgt. Draden (?) C. Griffin destroyed - ME-109. S/Sgt. Andrew H. Burnett destroyed - ME-109. A/C #453 Lt. John T. Harding (2). S/Sgt. Arthur R. Cressman destroyed - ME-109. All ships returned safely.

February 4, 1943 - group dispatched 17 A/C to attack yards at Hamm, Germany with 10/500 bombs. Take off was at 08:30 hours. 10/10 cloud was found at target and Emden was attacked through 8/10. Results could not be observed. Lt. William Beasely, with ball turret out turned back at Dutch coast and attacked enemy convoy at 532on (?), G45CE. At 1103 hours A/C #515, other ships from 322nd were, Lt. Ralph Felton #511, Capt’s Fishburne, Barton A/C #139, Lt. W. Genheimer #497, Lt. James D. Baird #481, B-17’s were attacked by 75-80 E/A for one hour and fifteen minutes, flak was moderately heavy and accurate. Group lost two A/C of 323rd Squadron, Lt. Ellis #589 Lt. Bogrow #544 both over

Germany. Group

credited with 5 E/A destroyed 2 probable. Of these S/Sgt E. Hale T.T.G. of Lt. Genheimer ship #497 was credited with destroying ME-109. Lt. Felton flying #3 position with Ellis and Bogrow had his control cables almost severed but his crew held them together until they were spliced. All 322nd returned safely.

February 16, 1943 - Fifty-nine A/C of 1st Wing, 13 from 91st 3 from 322nd Squadron took off at 0830 hours with 5 x 1000 bomb load and attacked the U-boat base at St. Nazaire, France. The bombing was excellent, the flak accurate and E/A 50 or 60 in number. The group ships all returned safely but wing lost 6
fortresses. Radio operator 324th was killed for group’s only casualty. Group was credited with the destruction of six E/A. The 322nd ships on the raid were #139-V, Capt. Bruce Barton, #990-R (?) Capt. R. Campbell, #543, Lt. William C. Beasley.

February 26, 1943 - Seventeen A/C of 91st Group under Lt. Col. Baskin L. Lawrence attacked the secondary target Wilhelmshaven, taking off at 0821.
The lead of the group was assigned to the 322nd, leader of “A” Flight Captain Robert Campbell in #990. Five other squadron ships attacked: Capt. Bruce C.
Barton #139, Lt. William D. Beasely #545, Lt. John T. Harding #453, Capt. Kenneth K. Wallick #481 (?), Lt. William Genheimer and their crews. Bombing results were fair, group lost 2 A/C. Capt. John S?ais #447 and Lt. Smith, both of 401st Squadron. Flak was heavy and intense. 20 E/A made cautious attacks. Group destroyed two.

February 27, 1943 - 16 A/C of 91st Group attacked Port Militaire, Brest, France at 1456 bombs with 5 x 10 G.P. bombs. Take off was at 1215 hours. Five of
322nd Squadron attacked - Capt. R. Campbell #990, Capt. Kenneth K. Wallick, #512 (?), Lt. William Genheimer #497, Lt. William D. Beasley #545, 2nd Lt.
John J. Harding #453, bombing was poor, from 23,000. Flak was moderate heavy but inaccurate. Only two E/A were sighted but none attacked.

MARCH REPORTS
Capt. Wm. R. Thompson

March 4, 1943 - The 1st Bomb Wing was ordered to attack the Marshalling Yards at Hamm, Germany. The 91st sent 17 A/C led by Maj. Paul L. Fishburne and 322nd Squadron with Capt. Bruce D. Barton #139, Lt. Ralph Felton #512, Lt. James Douglas Baird #481, Lt. William D. Beasley #990. 303rd, 305th and 306th groups aborted and 91st attacked ED as ordered. 75 E. A. made numerous skilled and vigorous attacks. Takeoff was at 0810 hours, and the target was
accurately bombed at 1045 with 5 x 1060 of G.P. bombs. Group lost 4 A/C - Lt. Brill #549, Lt. Henderson #684, of the 324th Squadron, and Lt. Ralph Felton #512 of 322nd. Capt. Martin McCarty #549 of the 323rd Squadron.

Following are ones missing in action from 322nd.
    Lt. Ralph Felton - Pilot
    Lt. Harold Kious - Co-pilot
    Lt. William Toole - Navigator
    Lt. William Hylton - Bombardier
    S/Sgt. Robert Paul - Radio
    T/Sgt Eliot Traverson - Top Turret
    S/Sgt Robert Larson - Ball Turret
    S/Sgt Braden Griffin - R. W.. gunner
    S/Sgt Walter Bliven - L. W.. gunner
    T/Sgt. Walter Burnett - Tail gunner

Group got 18-3-2 E/A. 322nd claims were as follows:
        #481, Lt. James D. Baird
    Lt. Morgan (?) Boyary (?), bomb. dest. ME 109
    S/Sgt Henry Mika (?), T. T. prob. FW 190
    S/Sgt Martin Bucholz damaged ME 109
        #990 Lt. William D. Geasley
    S/Sgt Robert Lammera (?), radio dest. FW 190
    S/Sgt. Clark (?) Ehrhardt dest. ME 110
    S/Sgt Robert Gonzalez, R.W.G., dest. ME 110
    S/Sgt Arthur Cressman, B. T. dest. ME 110
    Lt. Olan Hubbard, Bomb. dest. FW 190
    S/Sgt Clark Ehrhardt, T.G dest. ME 109
    T/Sgt John Barrett (?), T.T.G. dest FW 190
Seven of Lt. Brill’s ship were rescued at sea by Naval Air Sea Rescue. The pilot, co-pilot and ball turret gunner (?) were drowned.

    March 6 1943 - Target was “___?___” at Lorient, France and was attacked by 16 (?) A/C of 91st. - with 5 from 322nd Squadron. Lt. Robert Campbell #549
(?), Capt. Kenneth K. Wallick #453, Lt. Wm. D. Beasley #545, Lt. James D. Baird #511 (?), Capt. Bruce D. Barton #1?9. Take off was at 1010 and target was
hit successfully at 1??1 hours and ships all landed safely without casualty at Davidstone Mod (?) at 1709. 19 E/A sighted and one shot down. Flak was moderate but inaccurate.

    March 8, 1943 - Thirteen A/C of 91st crossed French coast with 10 x 500 bombs to attack marshalling yards at Rennes, France at 1431 hours. Five of these were from the 322nd. Capt. Bruce D. Barton #139, Capt. Kenneth K. Wallick #545, Lt. James D. Baird #481, Lt. John T. Hardin # 453 (?), Lt. William C. (?) Genheimer #712. The flak was intense and heavy and other groups lost 6 A/C to it and shattered (scattered?) E/A. Lt. Genheimer turned back in France “_?__ies” and was attacked by 2 FW’s, one of which was destroyed by T/Sgt Roland Walleto (?) and the other left. Lt. Genheimer had lost #1 and #2 (?) engines and crossed channel at 50 feet and landed at Exeter. All our aircraft returned safely. No casualties.

    March 12, 1943 - Target for today was marshalling yards at Rouen, France. 18 A/C of 91st Group took off at 1017 and all attacked target at 1242 with 5 x
1000 bombs with excellent results. Flack was slight and only 5 E/A were seen, 2 attacks on group. Spitfires covered perfectly. All our ships returned safely. 322nd sent 4 ships: Capt. Robert Campbell #545, Lt. James D. Baird #481, Capt. Kenneth K. Wallick #178, Lt. John Tyson Harden #453 (?). Major
Paul L. Fishburne led group.

    March 13, 1943 - Amiens (?) France railroad yards was target at 1450 (?) hours with 6 x 1000 G.P. bombs. 91st sent 19 A/C of which 5 were from 322nd. Capt. Robert B. Campbell #497, Capt. Bruce D. Barton #139, Capt. Kenneth K. Wallick #178, Lt. James D. Baird #481, Lt. Wm. D. Beasley #545. No flack except over Dieppe where we should not have been. Navigation of Wing was poor as was bombing. No losses of ships or
of personnel. No E/A encountered.

    March 18, 1943 - Group dispatched 16 A/C to attack the sub pens at Vegesack (?), Germany at 1530 hours with 5 x 1000 bombs. Three of these were from 322nd. Lt. W. D. Beasley #545, Lt. Don C. Bader #178, Lt. Wm. Genheimer #497. The attack was quite successful, the bombing excellent. 60 E/A attacked and 14 destroyed. We lost no A/C and suffered no casualties.
Following 322nd E/A destroyed:
    Lt. Don C. Bader #178;
    S/Sgt. W. C. Budcisz R.W.G. dest. FW 190
    T/Sgt. R.F. Dale (?) T.T.G. dest. FW 190
     Sgt. A. E. Berkowitz L.W.G. dest. FW 190
    Last two were __?__ #497 Lt. Wm. Genheimer

    March 22, 1943 - 18 A/C of 91st Group bombed the dock area at Wilhelmshaven, Germany at 1?02 hours with 5 x 1000 bombs. Capt. Bruce D. Barton #159 (?) was only A/C of 322nd Squadron. Group lost one ship, Capt. Haskill McClellan of 324th Squadron but no other casualties. E/A were some 30 in number and group claims 3-1-?. Capt. K. K. Wallick had shaft on #3 engine to break when 40 miles from enemy coast. He could not feather prop. He salvoed bombs through bomb bay door and dove from 25,000 to at rate of 5000 feet per minute and crossed North Sea __?__ at 50 feet. He dropped off propeller just after making England and he landed safely at base.

    March 23, 1943 - (???There are three lines entered here which are totally illegible. Action for this date is in the next entry. - F. Farr)

    March 23, 1943 - 15 A/C of 91st Group attacked marshalling yards at Rouen (?), France with 6 x 1000 bombs at 1249 hours. E/A attacked ___?___. 322nd
Squadron sent 5 A/C. Lt. __?__ #453, Lt. Don C. Bader #712, Capt. Bruce D. Barton #712, Lt. Wm. Genheimer #497, Capt. __?__#17?. Group was led by
Major Paul Fishburne of 322nd. Group lost one A/C #537, Lt. Coen of 324th lost on the way home. E/A attacked in force. Flak was slight. Group was
credited with 2 destroyed, 1 probable. Bombing was excellent.

    March 31, 1943 - Target today was ?ilton shipyards at Rotterdam, Holland. 20 A/C of group took off of which 3 were of 322nd. Capt. Bruce D. Barton #497, Lt. Edwin D. Baxley (first as pilot) #453, Lt. Don C. Bader #712. Large numbers of E/A were sighted on both diversion and main legs of but no attacks. Flack in distance was intense. 10/10 clouds were encountered. 101st Combat Wing did not attack and returned with bomb load. 102nd Wing bombed with great degree of accuracy. Group had no losses.

  APRIL 1943

April 4, 1943 - Target attacked today at 1417 hours was the Renault Motor Works at Paris, France, with 6 x 1000 bombs. 91st sent 20 A/C of which 5 A/C were from 322nd: Lt. W. D. Beasley #724, Lt. Don C. Bader #712, Capt. Bruce D. Barton #139, Capt. Robert W. Campbell #481, Lt. Edwin L. Baxley #483. Slight flak was encountered. After leaving the target, a large number of E/A attacked. 11 destroyed, 5 probables. Those from 322nd were as follows:
Capt. Bruce D. Barton crew:
S/Sgt. E. E. Stanczyk (TG) destroyed FW190.
S/Sgt. Byron C. Srsen (UTG) destroyed FW190.

Capt. Robert S. Campbell crew:
S/Sgt Bliven J. Hackwith (TG) destroyed FW190.

Bombing was excellent. All our A/C and crews returned safely.

April 5, 1943 - Sixteen A/C of 91st Group bombed the Eria Aero Engines Company at Antwerp, Belgium, with 6. 1000 bombs at 1415 hours. Three of these were 322nd - Lt. Edwin L. Baxley #739, Capt. K. K. Wallick #178, Lt. John T. Hardin #139. Heavily engaged with 75 E/A of which group got 6-3-1. Only one of these was by 322nd. S/Sgt. B. C. Stanczyk damaged a FW190. Flak was moderate and inaccurate. All our A/C returned safely.

April 16, 1943 - Thirteen of group A/C bombed the Naval Poer Station at Lorient, France, with 5 x 1000 bombs at 1412 hours. Of 15 E/A seen none offered to attack our group. The flak was moderate and inaccurate. Three A/C of 322nd went - #139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton, #481 Lt. James D. Baird, #497 Lt. Wm.
F. Genheimer. Bombing was fair. All our A/C returned safely. No casualties.

April 17, 1943 - Twenty-nine A/C of 91sst Group attacked Focke Wulf factory at Bremen, Germany, at 1259 hours, each A/C carrying 5 x 1000 bombs. Flak
was heavy and accurate. Of 102 Forts attacking 16 are missing, 6 from 91st BG and 10 from the 305th BG. Those missing from this group are #070 Capt. Oscar O’Neill, #172 Lt. Harold Beasley, #391 Lt. R. Walker, #574, Lt. Stoffel, #459 Lt. Wilson, #337 Lt. Lindsey, all of 401st Squadron. About 150 E/A made heaviest attacks to date. Our Group destroyed 24 E/A of which this squadron got 13:
AC 178 - S/Sgt. H. H. Thompson (TG) destroyed
A/C 178 - T/Sgt. J. E. Hall (TTG) destroyed
A/C 712 - S/Sgt. W. C. Bray (TTG) probable
A/C 712 - T/Sgt. E. L. Peipho (LWG) probable
A/C 789 - T/Sgt. L.A. Dawson (TTG) damaged
A/C 789 -        K. T. Donovan (TG) damaged
A/C 483 - T/Sgt. A. L. Ware (TTG) destroyed
A/C 481 - S/Sgt K. Pidgeon (RWG) damaged
A/C 712 - T/Sgt. E. L. Peipho (LWG) destroyed
A/C 483 - S/Sgt. M. C. Srsen (BTG) destroyed
A/C 990 - S/Sgt. Alvin Hackwith (BTG) destroyed
A/C 481 - S/Sgt. J. A. Harrison (TG) destroyed
A/C 483 - Lt.    M,. Walli (N) destroyed
A/C 712 - T/Sgt. E. L. Peipho (LWG) destroyed
A/C 712 - S/Sgt. D.C. Budzisz (BTG) destroyed
A/C 712 - S/Sgt. A. L. Burton (RWG) destroyed
A/C 712 - S/Sgt. Thos,. Hansbury (TG) destroyed
A/C 789 - T/Sgt. E. K. Clyne (RG) destroyed
(Peipho is listed three times.)

322nd Squadron sent 6 ships:
#990 Capt. Robert B. Campbell
#178 Capt. K. K. Wallick
#483 Capt. Bruce B. Barton
#712 Lt. Don C. Bader
#481 Lt. James D. Baird
#789 Lt. W. H. Broley
Squadron returned safely. Bombing was excellent.

(Ed. Note - Mike, in response to an earlier question of yours, nothing else for April is recorded after April 17. - FF)

322nd DAILY REPORTS - PREPARED BY CAPT. WM. R. THOMPSON

May 1, 1943 - Fifteen A/C of this group took off at 0848 to attack the eastern locks of the basin at St. Nazaire, France. Bomb load was 2 x 2000 G.P. bombs.
Four A/C were of 322nd: #990 Capt. Robert E. Campbell, #057 Lt. Wm. H. Broley, #178 Lt. James D. Baird, #139 Lt. John T. Hardin. Raid was led by Major
Paul L. Fishburne. Impossible to attack target because of 10/10 cloud. Bombs were jettisoned. Planes of group were scattered, and Lt. Baird, while alone, was attacked by 7 FW's. He shook two in clouds, shot down 3 and outran last two at zero altitude.
Only E/A destroyed were by Lt. Baird’s crew:
S/Sgt. H. E. Privett (LWG) destroyed
S/Sgt. M. M. Eulokolz (BTG) destroyed
S/Sgt. J. A. Harrison (TG) destroyed
No flak.

May 4, 1943 - Nineteen A/C of the group bombed the Ford Motor Works at Antwerp, Belgium, at 1842 from 24,500 with 6 x 1000 bombs. Four were from 322nd: Capt. Robert Campbell #990, Lt. Wm. D. Beasley #724, Lt. Edwin L. Baxley #497, Lt. John T. Hardin #453.
Flak was moderate and inaccurate. E/A were 15-20 but did not press attacks. Fighter support was excellent. Bombing was good. No casualties, no losses. Group credited with 2 E/A destroyed.

(Transcriber’s note: Capt. Thompson did not make the rest of this report. It is by 1/Lt. Ed G. Allen.)

May 13, 1943 - The following A/C B-17s were dispatched to assist in raid on Meaulte:
#139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton, #724 1/Lt. James D. Baird, #483 1/Lt. Don C. Bader, #990 Capt. Robert E. Campbell, #789 2/Lt. Paul D. Kahl, #497 1/Lt. Edwin L. Baxley, #511 1/Lt. William H. Broley. Major John J. Surley, flying ship #727 with the 94th B.G.
Time: Takeoff 1329 - Target 1629 - Arrived Base 1808
Bomb Load: 10 x 500
Bombing altitude: 22,000
Results: Area well covered with bursts, results believed to be good. A/A Fire: Slight Enemy Opposition: Two waves of 15/20 E/A, mostly FW190s and
a few ME109s.
Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: Minor damage to three A/C.
Claims: Capt. L. Sanders (B) 1 FW190; S/Sgt. E. Trimble (BTG) 1 FW190 probable.

(Transcriber’s note - The author of these reports as been changed again to 1/Lt. Paul V. Smith.)

May 14, 1943 - The following A/C B-17’s of the squadron were dispatched in a raid on the U-Boat Yards, Kiel, Germany:
#990 Capt. Robert B. Campbell
#057 2/Lt. Paul D. Kahl
#453 1/Lt. Edwin L. Baxley
#139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton
#724 1/Lt. Wm. D. Beasley
#712 1/Lt. Don C. Bader
#481 1/Lt,. Wm. H. Broley
Time: Leave Base 0901 - Arrive at target 1203 - Arrive at base 1506.
Bomb Load 5 x 1000 Bomb - alt. 26,000’ - Bomb results - Excellent
A/A Fire: Moderate and inaccurate. Enemy Opposition: 50 FW190s and Me109s attacked at 1146 and continued until 1234 hours.

Claims: S/Sgt. Clyde B. Burdick (TG), A/C 724, one Me109 destroyed.

Casualties:
Crew members of #481 as follows:
1/Lt. William H. Broley
2/Lt. Albert H. Davies
2/Lt. Joseph M. Darmiento
T/Sgt. Lowell A. Dawson
S/Sgt. Edward H. Jones
T/Sgt. Edward K. Clyne
S/Sgt. Kenneth S. Greer
S/Sgt. Kenneth T. Donovan
Sgt. Edward S. Caspariello
All of the above are members of A/C #481, which failed to return.

May 15, 1943 - The following A/C B-17’s on this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on submarine construction yards at Wilhelmshaven, Germany:
#139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton, Col. Wm Reid, co-pilot, #483 1/Lt. Edwin L. Baxley, #712 1’Lt. Don C., Bader, #724 1/Lt. Wm. D. Beasley, #453 1Lt. Paul D. Kahl.
Bomb Load 10 x 500 Bomb. Alt.: 2400 (Ed.: 24000? - FF)
Time: Leave Base: 0749 - Target: 1054 - Arrive Base - 1330
Enemy Opposition: Approximately 100 ME109s, Me110s, FW190s and JU88s attacked formation viciously at 1030 hours and continued to do so until 1050 hours.
AA Fire: Meager and inaccurate.
Claims: S/Sgt. A. L. Butler (BT) A/C #712 one ME109 damaged. T/Sgt. A. Paston (B) A/C E483 one ME109 destroyed. S/Sgt. Clark A. Ehrhardt (TG) A/C #724 one FW190 destroyed, T/Sgt. J. E. Hall (TTG) A/C 483, one ME109 destroyed.

Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: #483, #724, #990 slightly damaged by AA fire and 50 calibers.

Remarks: Target was obscured by 10/10 clouds; formation dropped bombs on naval base and airdrome on Heligoland.

The following officers assigned to this squadron:
1/Lt. James E. Breeden (P), John C. Kaufman (CP),
2/Lt’s Herbert F;. Egender (B) Morris L. Floyd (N).

May 16, 1943 -No Change.

May 17, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on U-boat installation at Lorient (Keroman), France. #990
Capt. R. B. Campbell, #511 2/Lt. Paul D. Kahl, #483 1/Lt. Edwin L. Baxley, #139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton, #057 1/Lt. W. D. Beasley, #453 1/Lt. J. T. Hardin,
#712 1/Lt. Don C. Bader.

Bomb Load: 5 x 1000 - Bombing Altitude: 22000 -
Bombing Results: Good

Claims: S/S John M. Mitchell (RWG) A/C #139, one FW190 destroyed. S/Sgt. Clement M. Fuller (RWG) A/C #511, one FW190 destroyed.

A/A Fire: Moderate inaccurate. Enemy Opposition: 25 FW190 and ME109 from 1200 to 1239 hours. Time: Leave Base 0914 - Arrive target 1213 - Arrive Base 1430.
Remarks: A/C #453, #712 and #483 aborted.

May 18, 1943 - No change.

May 19, 1943 - The following A/C B-17s were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Deutsche Werke Kiel, A.G., Kiel, Germany:
#139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton, #511 1/Lt. John T. Hardin, #712 1/Lt. Don C. Bader, #724 1/Lt. Wm. D. Beasley, #483 1/Lt. Edwin L. Baxley.

Bomb load: 10 x 500 - Bombing altitude 25,500 - AA Fire Moderate & accurate
Enemy Opposition: Encountered from 1311 to 1415 hours.
Claims: None; Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: A/C #139, #724 and #511 damaged by flak.
Time: Leave Base 1005 - Arrive target 132 - Arrive base 1632
Remarks: Formation led by Col. Wm. M. Gross in A/C 139. A/C712 aborted.

A/C 483 crashed into Kiel fiord at 1334 hours, with 3 parachutes out.
Following, crew: 1/Lt. E. L. Baxley (P), 1/Lt. J. E. Breeden (CP), Lt. J. H. Fulmer (N), T/Sgt. A. L. Poston (B), T/Sgt. Peeler, W.W. (Radio) T/Sgt. Hall,
J. E. (TT), S/Sgt. E. C. Trimble (BT), Sgt. A. E. Berkovitz (RW), Sgt. W. A. Rathgeber (LW), S/Sgt. H. H. Thompson (TG).

May 20, 1943 - Major Paul L. Fishburne relieved from duty as CO and Capt. Robert B. Campbell assigned as Squadron Commanding Officer.

May 21, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on slips 1,2,3,4 at Wilhelmshaven, Germany:
#139 Capt. Bruce D. Barton
#724 1/Lt. William D. Beasley
Bomb load: 10 x 500. Bombing results: Unobserved, target obscured by haze.
Bombing altitude: 23,500 ft.
Time: Leave base 1010 hrs - Target 1243 - Arrive Base 1522

Casualties: Lt. Hubbard received injury to left hand by flak.
Damage to A/C: Both A/C were damaged by flak. Enemy Opposition: Vicious from 1235 to 1310 hrs by FW190s and JU88s. AA fire moderate to intense.
Claims: T/Sgt. J. L. Barrett, (TTG), one ME109 destroyed.
T/Sgt. R. W. Lammers, Radio Gunner, one FW190 destroyed.
Lt. F. H. Bowcock (N), one FW190 damaged.
S/Sgt. C. R. Burdick (LWG), three E/A damaged.
S/Sgt. R. Gonzalez (RWG), one FW190 destroyed.
Lt. O. L. Hubbard (B), one ME109 probable.
NOTE: All claimants were members of Lt. Beasley’s crew A/C #724.

Remarks: 2nd Lt. Morris L. Floyd (N) flying with 323rd SQD. on mission over Wilhelmshaven, MIA.
Claim: Lt. Butler, E/A destroyed.

May 22, 1943 - 2/Lt’s. Wilfred A. Boshard and William O. Deal (B) assigned to this squadron. (Ed. Note - The first-named officer is probably Bouchard
misspelled - FF)

May 23, 1943 - Capt. Donald R. Corley (Operations Officer) transferred to Headquarters, 92nd BG.

May 24, 25, 1943 - No Change

May 26, 1943 - Capt. John W. Eanes assigned to squadron as Operations Officer. 1/Lt. D. L. Hubbard (B) transferred to Headquarters 91st BG. 1/Lt. Stephen Lindley transferred to Headquarters, 91st BG.

May 27, 28, 1943 - No Change.

May 29, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the submarine base at St. Nazaire, France: #139 Capt.
Bruce D. Barton, #511 1/Lt. William D. Beasley, #787 1/Lt. Don C. Bader, #453 1/Lt. John T. Hardin, #789 2/Lt. Paul D. Kahl, #225 1/Lt. Hilton A. Green, #497 1/Lt. James D. Baird.
Bomb load: 2 x 20 - Bombing altitude - 24,000 ft. -
Bombing results - Good
Time Leave base 1355 - Target 1707 - Arrive Base 1916
AA Fire: Moderate and accurate
Enemy opposition: FW190s and Me109s were encountered from 1706 hrs. to 1740 hrs. E/A did not press home their attacks.
Damage to A/C: Slight damage to A/Cs #787 and #453.
Casualties: 1/Lt. Norman Bryant (B) of A/C #453 suffered eye injury and face cuts from shattered nose glass.

May 30, 1943 - No change.

May 31, 1943 - Strength: Officers, 54; E. M., 333.

(Ed. Note - Bomb load for May 29 is suspect. - FF)

322ND DAILY REPORTS JUNE 1943 - PREPARED BY 1/LT. PAUL V. SMITH

June 1, 1943 - Strength: Officers 54, E.M. 331
June 2, 1943 - 1/Lt. William D. Beasley (P) promoted to Captain
June 3,4, 1943 - No Change
June 5, 1943 - 1/Lt. Lawrence A. Wechsler (N) transferred to Dept. of Patients
June 6, 1943 - Capt. Bruce D. Barton (P), Capt. Harold Beasley, 1Lt. Henry L. Adkins (N) transferred to 91st BG.

June 7, 1943 - No change.

June 8, 1943 -1/Lt. Robert W. Schwartzer (P), 2/Lt. Ely J. Cohen (N), 2/Lt. William R. Cox (CP), 2/Lt. James E. Harlow (B) assigned to this squadron,

June 9, 10, 1943 - No change.

June 11, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched by this squadron to assist in raid on slip #3 at Bremen , Germany (U-boat construction yards).
#139 Col. W. A. Gross, Capt. John W. Eanes, #789 2nd Lt. Paul D. Kahl, #712 1st Lt. Don C. Bader, #057 1/Lt. John T. Hardin, #724 1st Lt. Hilton A. Green,
#176 1/Lt. James D. Baird.

Bomb load: 10 x 500
Bombing altitude: 27,000 ft.
Bombing results: Bombs dropped on targets of opportunity due to poor visibility.

Time: Leave base 1500 - Target 1800 - Arrive Base - 2010

AA Fire: Meager and inaccurate. Enemy opposition: 50 E/A attacked from 1745 hours until 1845 hours. E/A consisted of FW190s, ME109s and JU88s. Attacks were not pressed. Claims: Lt. Hubert F. Egender (B), A/C 724, one ME109 destroyed. S/Sgt. L. C. Sheehan, LWG, A/C 057, is credited with destroying a FW190.

Casualties: Lt. Hubert F. Egender received an eye injury from flying glass.
Damage to A/C: Slight flak damage to A/Cs 057 and 724.
Remarks: Major C. G. Gillespie, group leader, A/C 178, aborted due to engine trouble. Major E.T.R. Holmes, 1st Wing, flew in A/C057.

June 12, 1943 - No change.

June 13, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched by this squadron to assist in a raid on the naval shipbuilding yard at Bremen:
#139 Capt. Robert B. Campbell
#119 1/Lt. Hilton A. Green
#712 1/Lt. Don C. Bader
#178 1/Lt. John T. Hardin
#497 1/Lt. James D. Baird
#789 2/Lt. Paul D. Kahl

Bomb load: 10 x 500

Bombing altitude: 27,000
Bombing results - Good
A. A. Fire: Meager, inaccurate A/A fire experienced enroute to target and from target to base. At the target moderate and intense fire was encountered,
which appeared to be directed at other groups in our formation.
Enemy opposition: Ten E/A made one attack without causing any damage.
Damage to A/C: None
Claims: None
Time: Leave base 0710 - Target: 0952 - Arrive base 1256.
Remarks: Major D. G. Lord led the group. A/C 497 aborted due to engine trouble. 1st Lt. John M. Pearce (P), 2/Lt. Joe L. McNeil (N), 2/Lt. Cloe S. Struble
(CP), 2/Lt. William A. Lakeyh (B) assigned to squadron.

June 14, 1943 - No change.

June 15, 1943 - The following A/C and personnel were dispatched to assist on a raid on the aero engine factory at Lemans, France:

#453 - 1/Lt. Hardin, John T.    (P)
     1/Lt. Reynolds, Arthur J. (CP)
     2nd Lt. Bru, Robert L.     (N)
     1/Lt. Beauchamp, John W.    (B)
     S/Sgt. Greenlee, Louis R. (E)
     S/Sgt. Mikkelson, John M. (WG)
     T/Sgt. Thompson, John     (RO)
     S/Sgt. Wallock, Henry J.   (BT)
     S/Sgt. Wright, James F.    (TG)
     S/Sgt. Sheehan, Leroy C.   (WG)

#119 - 1/Lt. Priebe, Bernard F. (P)
     1/Lt. Brodnax, Edward T.   (CP)
     2/Lt. Cohen, Ely E.        (N)
     2/Lt. Deal, William O.    (B)
     T/Sgt. Lund , Gustav J.     (E)
     S/Sgt. Parfitt, Thomas A. (AE)
     T/Sgt. Dunbar, Kenneth C. (RG)
     S/Sgt. Butler , Daniel J.   (AR)
     S/Sgt. Benecki, Wm. A.     (G)
     T/Sgt. Hackwith, Oliver J. (G)

#057 - 1/Lt. Baird, James D.   (P)
     1/Lt. Schweitzer, Robert M. J. (CP)
     1/Lt. Lalli, Michael (NMI) (N)
     1/Lt. Bryant, Norman (NMI) (B)
     T/Sgt. Mika, Henry E.     (E)
     S/Sgt. Hill, Ben F.        (AE)
     T/Sgt. Kiss, Ernest J.     (RO)
     S/Sgt. Bucholz, Martin A. (AR)
     S/Sgt. Harrison, James A. (G)
     S/Sgt. Privett, Harry E.   (G)

#724 - 1/Lt. Green, Milton A. (P)
     2/Lt. Kaufman, John C.     (CP)
     1/Lt. Bowcock, Robert H.   (N)
     2/Lt. Egender, Herbert E. (B)
     S/Sgt. Gonzalez, Roberto   (E)
     T/Sgt. Burdick, Clyde R.   (A)
     T/Sgt. Smallidge, Kerzio   (RO)
     S/Sgt. Smith, John J.     (AR)
     S/Sgt. Ehrhardt, Clark A. (G)
     S/Sgt. Morgan, Delmar C.   (G)

#712 - 1/Lt. Don C. Bader      (P)
     2/Lt. Cox, William        (CP)
     2/Lt. McNeil, Joe          (N)
     2/Lt. Bouchard, Wilfred A. (B)
     T/Sgt. Gray, William C.    (E)
     S/Sgt. Stellhorn, Bernard A.(AE)
     T/Sgt. Kessler, Glen L.    (R)
     T/Sgt. Burton , Arnold L.   (AR)
     T/Sgt. Budzisz, Walter C. (G)
     T/Sgt. Peipho, Ernest L.   (G)

#789 - 2/Lt. Kahl, Paul D.     (P)
     2/Lt. Hanthan, Sidney     (CP)
     2/Lt. Ward, George P,.     (N)
     2/Lt. Corson, William L.   (B)
     T/Sgt. Barnett, George V. (E)
     S/Sgt. Fuller, Clement L. (AE)
     T/Sgt. Wiedbusch, Earl E. (R)
     Sgt. Line, Harold S.       (AR)
     S/Sgt. Ryan, Thomas P.     (G)
     S/Sgt. Burkey, Boyd C.     (G)

S/Sgt. Olague flew in A/C #524 of the 323rd Sq. (H) which participated in this mission. This mission was cancelled due to low temperature and 10/10 cloud in the target area. A/C No. 453, 72 (Ed. Note: 724? 712? - FF), 789 were credited with sorties due to A. A. fire and attacks by E/A over enemy occupied territory.

Bomb load: 10 x 500. Results of bombing: X A. A. Fire: Meager to moderate, continuous following.
Casualties: X
Weather 10/10
Group Leader Major John Bishop (323rd) C.O.
Remarks: Abortive sortie.
Time: T.O. - 0524-0533. - Return - 0955-1030
Remarks: Capt. John W. Eaves (Operations Officer) transferred to Headquarters, 91st BG, Capt. Donald E. Sheeler assigned to squadron as CO.

June 16, 1943 - Capt. James R. Bullock (N), 1/Lt. Robert H. Bowcock (N), John S. Hawkins (B) transferred to Headquarters, 91st BG.

June 17, 1943 - 1/Lt. Robert H. Bennett (N) transferred to Headquarters, 91st B.G.; 1/Lt. Paul V. Smith assigned as intelligence officer.

June 18, 1943 - No change.

June 19, 1943 - 1/Lt. John T. Hardin (P) promoted to captain. 2/Lt. Paul D. Kahl (P) promoted to 1/Lt.

June 20, 1943 - 1/Lt. Horatio S. Walker, Intel and A/C Rec. Off., transferred to 1st SW.

June 21, 1943 - 1/Lt. Paul C. Burnett transferred to Dept. of Patients, 2nd General Hospital. APO 847

June 22, 1943 - The following A/C and personnel were assigned to assist on the raid to the Chemical Plant - Huls, Germany.

A/C #453
Capt. Hardin, John T.
Capt. Campbell, Robert B.
1/Lt. Lalli, Michael
1/Lt. Beauchamp, John W.
T/Sgt. Rupp, Robert L.
T/Sgt. Thompson, John
T/Sgt. Wallock, Henry J.
S/Sgt. Sheehan
1/Lt. Priebe, Bernard F.

A/C #712
1/Lt. Bader, Don C.
1/Lt. Schweitzer, Robert
2/Lt. Deal, William O.
2/Lt. Bouchard, Wilfred A.
T/Sgt. Peipho, Ernest L.
S/Sgt. Stellhorn, Bernard A.
T/Sgt. Kessler, Glen L.
S/Sgt. Burton, Arnold L.
S/Sgt. Rausch, Burdette H.

A/C 789
1/Lt. Kahl, Paul D.
1/Lt. Pearce, John M.
2/Lt. Cohen, Ely E.
2/Lt. Corson, William L.
T/Sgt. Barnett, George V.
S/Sgt. Fuller, Clement L.
T/Sgt. Goldstein, Daniel
Sgt. Kline, Harold S.
S/Sgt. Ryan, Thomas P.
Sgt. Burkey, Boyd C.

A/C 724
1/Lt. Green, Milton
2/Lt. Kaufman, John
2/Lt., Rickley, John
2/Lt. Egender, Herbert P.
T/Sgt. Lund, Gustav
T/Sgt. Gonzalez, Roberto
T/Sgt. Smallidge, Kerzio A.
S/Sgt. Smith, John J.
S/Sgt. Morgan, Delmer C.
S/Sgt. Ehrhardt, Clark A.

A/C 057
1/Lt. Baird, James D.
Capt. Sheeler, Donald E.
2/Lt. Ward, George P.
1/Lt. Bryant, Norman
T/Sgt. Mika, Henry E.
S/Sgt. Hill, Ben F.
T/Sgt. Kiss, Ernest J.
S/Sgt. Bucholz, Martin A.
S/Sgt. Harrison, James A.
S/Sgt. Privett, Harry E.

A/C 119
1/Lt. Brodnax, Edward T.
1/Lt. Chima, Cornelius P.
2/Lt. Bru, Robert L.
2/Lt. Harlow, James E.
T/Sgt. Panaro, Leonard A.
T/Sgt. Deupser, Charles W.
S/Sgt. Butler, Daniel J.
T/Sgt. Hackwith, Oliver J.
S/Sgt. Parfitt, Thomas A.
S/Sgt. Benecki, William A.

For positions of crew members see sheet 15 June, 1943.
Bomb load: 10 x 500
Bombing altitude: 24,000
Results of Bombing: Very good.
Anti Aircraft Fire: Intense in target area
Fighter Opposition: Between 1018 and 1026 hours our A/C encountered strong enemy attacks, crews estimated between 125 and 175 E/A participating.

Claims:
T/Sgt. Hackwith    A/C #119 D 1 FW190
Lt. Bouchard       A/C #712 DA 1 FW190
S/Sgt. Parfitt     A/C #119 D 1 FW190
S/Sgt. Rausch     A/C #712 D 1 FW190
T/Sgt. Mika        A/C #057 D 1 FW190
S/Sgt. Stellhorn   A/C #712 DA 1 FW190
T/Sgt. Greenlee    A/C #453 DA 1 FW190
T/Sgt. A. L. Burton A/C #712 D 1 FW190

Casualties: A/C #789 piloted by Lt. Kahl failed to return. Was last seen at 945 hours about 5 minutes after target by A/C#119. #3 and #4 engines were out,
plane was losing speed and altitude but under control. Lt. G.P. Ward suffered injuries from explosion of 20mm.

Damage to A/C: The following A/C were damaged by A/A and E/A fire: #119, #057, #724, #712 and #453.
Weather 7/10 to 8/10
Group Leader: Capt. John T. Hardin
Remarks: Completed mission
Time: T.O. 0625 to 0627 - Rt. 1135 to 1145.

Capt. John T. Hardin (P), 1st Lt. Milton A. Green, 1/Lt. Michael Lalli (N), 1/Lt. Norman Bryant (B) transferred to Hq. 91st B.G.

June 23, 1943 - 2/Lt. Edward J. Ray (Photo Officer) promoted to 1/Lt. 1/Lt. Robert S. Gerald (P), 1/Lt. Robert E. Wine (P), 2/Lt. Henry J. Rudge (N), 2/Lt.
James L. Holmes (CP), 2/Lt. Thomas J. Gonnaco (B), 2/Lt. Leonard S. Sallery (B), 2/Lt. Charles Degen (CP), 2/Lt. William S. Ryan (N) assigned to squadron.

June 24, 1943 - No change.

June 25, 1943 - The following A/C and personnel were dispatched to assist in a raid on Klockner Flugmotorenbau., Hamburg (Moorleth),

Germany

.

#453
1/Lt. Baird, James D.
Capt. Sheeler, Donald E.
2/Lt. Ward, George P.
2/Lt. Lahey, William A.
T/Sgt. Mika, Henry E.
S/Sgt. Hill, Ben E.
T/Sgt. Kiss, Ernest J.
S/Sgt. Bucholz, Martin A.
S/Sgt. Harrison, James A.
S/Sgt. Privett, Harry E.

#497
1/Lt. Bader, Don C.
1/Lt. Reynolds, Arthur J.
2/Lt. Deal, Wm. O.
2/Lt. Bouchard, Wilfred A.
T/Sgt. Peipho, Ernest L.
S/Sgt. Stellhorn, Bernard A.
T/Sgt. Kessler, Glen L.
T/Sgt. Budzisz, Walter C.
S/Sgt. Sheehan, Leroy C.
S/Sgt. Ehrhardt, Clark A.

#271
1/Lt. Brodnax, Edward T.
2/Lt. Kaufman, John C.
2/Lt. Bru, Robert L.
2/Lt. Egender, Herbert F.
T/Sgt. Lund, Gustav M.
S/Sgt. Mikkelson, John M.
T/Sgt. Smallidge, Kerrane A.
S/Sgt. Smith, John J.
S/Sgt. Morgan, Delmar C.
S/Sgt. Bright, James F.

T/Sgt. Walloch flying in A/C916 of the 323rd. Sgt. Olague flying in A/C #916.
Bomb Load: 10 x 500 - Bombing Alt.: 27,000 - Bombing Results: None observed with the exception of convoy of 18 ships bombed by #453 and #497, one vessel smoking. Anti Aircraft Fire: Inaccurate, meager to moderate and continuous, following Fighter Opposition. 50 to 60 E/A seen - #271 reports attacks.
Claims: None
Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: None
Weather: 9/10 to 10/10
Group Leader: Riley
Remarks: Sortie
Time: 0635 (App.) to 1035 - A/C #271 landed at Bungay, refueled, returned to base 1500.

Positions of crew members in ships given on page for 15 June.

June 26, 1943: The following A/C and personnel were furnished to assist in a raid on the aircraft works at Villa Coublay, Paris:

#497
Capt. Sheeler, Donald
1/Lt. Priebe, Bernard F.
2/Lt. Ward George P.
2/Lt. Bouchard, Wilfred A.
T/Sgt. Panaro, Leonard A.
S/Sgt. Stevens, Francis A.
S/Sgt. Butler, Daniel J.
T/Sgt. Hackwith, Oliver J.
S/Sgt. Rausch, Burdette H.
S/Sgt. Benecki, William A.

#511
1/Lt. Bader, Don C.
1/Lt. Reynolds, Arthur J.
2/Lt. Mason, Albert L.
2/Lt. Lahey, William A.
T/Sgt. Piepho, Earnest L.
T/Sgt. Gonzalez, Roberto
T/Sgt. Kessler, Glen L.
S/Sgt. Alford, Ralph H.
S/Sgt. Ehrhardt, Clark A.
S/Sgt. De Santo, Peter D.

#453
1/Lt. Chima, Cornelius P.
1/Lt. Baird, James D.
2/Lt. Deal, Warren O.
2/Lt. Harlow, James E.
T/Sgt. Schlaich, Lester R.
T/Sgt. Greenlee, Louis R.
T/Sgt. Thompson, John W.
T/Sgt. Walloch, Henry J.
S/Sgt. Koger, Ernest J. Jr.
S/Sgt. Salby, Glendon E.

Bomb Load: 10 x 500
2 Bombing Altitude: NA
3. Results of Bombing: NA. One A/C jettisoned bombs in channel
4. A. A. Fire: A/C #497 met meager fire.
5. Fighter Opposition: A/C 497 was attacked once by 15-25 without causing damage.
6. T/S Gonzalez, BTG, A/C#511, one FW190 destroyed or damaged, unconfirmed by Wing at this writing. (No claim)
7. Casualties: NA
8. Damage to A/C: NA
9. Weather: 9/10 to 10/10
10. Group Leader: Lt. Smith
11. Remarks: Abortive sortie.
12. Time: T.O. 1510 app.  Return 1830 to 3030.

2/Lt. Jack A. Hargis (P), 2/lt. Richard S. Martin (N),
2/Lt. Carl N. Smith (CP), 2/Lt. Edward P. Winslow (B),
2/lt. Jesse D. Rogers (P), 2/Lt. Albert L. Mason (N),
2/Lt. Robert E. Bravender (CP), 2nd Lt. Daniel Shakel
(B) - All were assigned to squadron.

June 27, 1943 - No change.

June 28, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on dock installations and submarine base at St. Nazaire, France.

#057
1/Lt. James D. Baird    (P)
2/Lt. Robert S. Gerald (CP)
2/Lt. Richard G. Martin (N)
2/Lt. Edward P. Winslow (B)
T/Sgt. Henry E. Mika    (E)
S/Sgt. Harry E. Privett (AE)
T/Sgt. Ernest J. Kiss   (R)
S/Sgt. Martin A. Bucholz
T/Sgt. James A. Harrison (G)
S/Sgt. Ralph H. Alford (G)

#724
1/Lt. Edward T. Brodnax (P)
2/Lt. John C. Kaufman   (CP)
2/Lt. William O. Deal   (N)
2/Lt. William A. Lahey (B)
T/Sgt. Gustav J. Lund   (E)
S/Sgt. John M. Mikkelson (AE)
T/Sgt. Kenneth C. Dunbar (R)
S/Sgt. John J, Smith   (AR)
S/Sgt. James F. Wright (G)
S/Sgt. Virgil R. Anderson (G)

#130
Capt. Donald E. Sheeler (P)
1/Lt. Bernard F. Priebe (CP)
2/Lt. George P. Ward    (N)
2/Lt. Herbert F. Egender (B)
T/Sgt. Leonard A. Panaro (E)
S/Sgt. William A. Benecki (AE)
S/Sgt. Daniel J. Butler (R)
T/Sgt. Henry J. Walloch (AR)
S/Sgt. Burdette H. Rausch (G)
S/Sgt. Walter S. French (G)

#497
1st Lt. Don C. Bader     (P)
1st Lt. Robert E. Wine   (CP)
2/Lt. Albert L. Mason    (N)
2/Lt. Wilfred A. Bouchard (B)
T/Sgt. Earnest L. Piepho (E)
S/Sgt. Bernard A. Stellhorn (AE)
T/Sgt. Glen L. Kessler   (R)
T/Sgt. Carl E. Wiedebusch (AR)
T/Sgt. Clark A. Ehrhardt (G)
T/Sgt. Charles W. Deupser (G)

#453
1/Lt. Cornelius P. Chima    (P)
1/Lt. Robert M. Schweitzer (CP)
2/Lt. James V. McAvoy      (N)
2/Lt. Louis R. Greenlee    (E)
T/Sgt. L. R. Schlaich       (AE)
T/Sgt. J. W. Thompson        (R)
S/Sgt. E. J. Koger Jr.     (AR)
S/Sgt. G. E. Salby           (G)
S/Sgt. L. C. Sheehan

Bomb Load: 2 x 2000 - Bombing Altitude: 24,000 ft. -
Bombing Results: Good
Time: Take Off - Target - AR Base - N.A. - - Fire: Moderate - Enemy Opposition: NA
Claims: NA - Casualties: NA - Damage to A/C: NA

JULY, 1943

    July 1 - Strength: Officers 54, EM 343 Capt. Robert E. Campbell (CO) promoted to major. Major Campbell and 1st Lt. John W. Beauchamp (B) transferred to 12 SGD.
    July 2 - 2nd Lt. Everett L. Kenner (P), 2nd Lt. Carlyle H. Darling (B), 2nd Lt. George M. Bryan (CP), 2nd Lt. David C. Lee (B) asgd to squadron
    July 3 - No change.

    July 4 - The following A/C of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the aero engine factory and marshalling yards at Le Mans, France:
#093 Capt. D. E. Sheeler, #178 1/Lt. James D. Baird, #057 F/O Winston M. Cavaneau, #271 1/Lt Arthur J. Reynolds.
Bomb load: 10 x 500
Bombing altitude: 22,000 ft.
Bombing results: Good
Fighter opposition: 20 FW190s and Me109s engaged this formation from 1233 to 138 hours, without causing damage to our A/C.
Claims: None
Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: None
Time: Leave base 955 hrs. Arrived tar. 1241 hours.
Arrive base 1432 hrs.

Remarks: Lt. Col. Clements K. Wursback and Major Clyde G. Gillespie led the formation. A/C 322 aborted because of supercharger trouble. A/C 176 aborted
because of supercharger trouble.

    July 5 - 1st Lt. Arthur J. Reynolds (CP) transferred to 92nd Bomb Group.
    July 6 , 7, 8 - No change.
    July 9 - 1st Lt. Jules L. Moreau (ADJ) and 1st Lt. Raymond Y. Kurtz (N) assigned to squadron.
    July 10 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in raid over Villacoublay (aircraft works), Paris, France: #990 1st Lt. James D. Baird, #057 F/A Winston M. Caveneau, #153 1st Lt. Cornelius F. Chima, #119 1st Lt. Arthur J. Reynolds, #497 2nd Lt. Jess D. Rogers.
Bomb load: 16 x 300
Time: Takeoff 0537-0600. Arrive Base 0945-1035.
A/A Fire: Meager to moderate.
Enemy opposition: From 50 to 75 E/A were seen between 0805 and 0940 hrs, sustained attack on the tail from high, low and level.
Battle Damage: Minor
Casualties: None
Claims: T/Sgt. K. J. Kiss - one FW190 destroyed.
A/C #990, 1st Lt. James D. Baird, and A/C #453, 1st Lt. Cornelius F. Chima were credited with abortive sortie. Bombs were brought back by all 5 A/C this squadron.

    July 11 - 2nd Lt. Henry J. Rudge dropped from flying status as navigator and carried on ground echelon as supply off.

    July 12, 13 - No change.

    July 14 - The following A/C of this squadron were assigned to assist in raid on Amiens/Glisy Airfield, France: #947 1/Lt A. J. Reynolds, #973 1/Lt R. S.
Gerald.
Bomb load: 24 x 100
Bombing altitude: 24,000 ft.
Bombing results: Good
A. A. Fire: Moderate and fairly accurate fire from vicinity of Poix, Target and Abbeville.
Fighters: 20-25 FW190s and ME) were encountered by our A/C.

Claims: None
Casualties: None
Time: Leave base 0815, Target 0742, Arrive Base 0850
Remarks: 91st Group was led by Major J.C. Bishop.

2nd Lt. James D. Judge (P), 2nd Lt. Edward J. De Coster (N), 2nd Lt. Roger M. Lay (CP), 2nd Lt. Lewis W. Allen (B) were assigned to squadron.

    July 15 - Capt. Donald E. Sheeler appointed acting CO

    July 16 - Capt. Donald E. Sheeler (P) appointed squadron CO

    July 17 - The following A/C, B-17s, were dispatched to assist in raid on the synthetic rubber plants of the Continental Guemiwerke A.G., Hanover, Germany:
A/C #453 Capt. Sheeler, Donald E.; #057 2nd Lt. Hargis, Jack A.; #712 F/O Cavaneau, Winston M.; #990 1/Lt Chima, C. P.; #119 1/Lt Wine, R. E.; #973 2/Lt
Gerald, R. S.; #947 1/Lt Reynolds, A. J.

Bomb load: 16 x 250
Bombing altitude: 27,000 ft.
Bombing results: Unknown
A. A. Fire: Meager to moderate inaccurate

Fighter opposition: Thirty to forty ME109s, FW190s, a few JU88s and ME110s attacked formation at 1020 hours and left at 1105 hours.

Claims: None
Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: #057 by several 20 mm. shots

Remarks: Group was led by Major D. G. Alford of this Gp. A/C 119, 973 and 947 aborted.

Formation was recalled before reaching target. Impossible to locate target of opportunity. Bombs dropped in vicinity of Rhine.

Time: Leave base 0856; Target:....; Arrived base 1215

Remarks: 1st Lt. James D. Baird (P) promoted to Capt..

    July 18 - The following officers, 2nd Lts. were assigned to Sqd: Joel W. Gatewood (P), Donald A. Downey (N), George E. Riegel (CP), Harold H. Hammond
(B).

    July 19 - 2nd Lt. George P. Ward (N) appointed to 1st Lt.

    July 20 - No change

    July 21 - 1st Lt. Leroy S. Everett (P), 2nd Lt. William H. Turcotte (N), 2nd Lt. Alexander E. Stewart (CP), 2nd Lt. Capen R. Simons (B) were asgd to
squadron.

    July 22 - No change
    July 23 - No change

    July 24 - Capt. Stewart McClendon (Executive Officer) trfd to Hq. Eighth Air Force, APO 033. The following A/C B.17 (this Sqd) wee dispatched to
assist in raid on the aluminum plant located in Heroya, Norway: A/C #178 Capt. James D. Baird, #973 2nd Lt. Jess D. Rogers, #457 1/Lt Robert E. Wine, #453
1/Lt Cornelius P. Chima, #119 2/Lt Jack A. Hargis, #511 2/Lt Robert S. Gerald.
    Remarks: Entire squadron could not make contact with GP formation and returned to base. All other elements of group bombed target from 15-16000 ft with 10 x 500 LB bombs with good results. Major Gillespie was Gp. leader.

    July 25 - The following A/C B.17s this sq. were assigned to assist in raid on the aero engine works, Moorleth (Hamburg), Germany: #178 Capt. James D.
Baird, #511 2/Lt Robert S. Gerald, #453 1/Lt C. P. Chima, #047 1/Lt A. J. Reynolds, #497 1/Lt R. E. Wine,
#119 2/Lt J. A. Hargis.
    Bomb load: 10 x 500
    Bombing altitude: 27,500 ft.
    B. results: Good
    A. A. Fire: Meager to moderate fairly accurate. A. A. fire was experienced from Cuxhaven to target. At the target the fire was intense and accurate. On the
return inaccurate fire was observed at Meldorf and Helgoland.
    Fighter opposition: About 20 E/A engaged our gunners from 1644 hrs to 1650 hrs and again at 1053 to 1740 hrs. Attacks were not pressed home.
    Remarks: A/C 047 aborted due to illness of pilot.
    Claims: None
    Casualties: None
    Damage to A/C: The following A/C were damaged by A/A fire: Nos. 453, 497, 119, 511.
    Time: Leave base 1325. Arrive target: 1648. Arrive base: 2007.x

    July 26 - The following A/C (B.17) this squadron were assigned to assist in raid on submarine construction base at Hamburg, Germany: #712 F/O Winston M. Cavaneau, #973 2/Lt Jess D. Rogers, #119 (spare) 2nd Lt. Jack A. Hargis, #947 1/Lt Arthur J. Reynolds.
    Bomb load: 10 x 500
    Bombing altitude: 17,000
    Bombing results:
    A. A. Fire: Meager and inaccurate.
    Enemy opposition: Mediocre
    Claims: S/Sgt Bronski is credited with damaging one FW190. Bronski is TG A/C 973.
    Casualties: None
    Damage to our A/C: One B.17 (119) lost at sea. Crew ditched and picked up Air-Sea rescue.
    Weather: Good
    Remarks: A/C 947 (spare) returned to base as there was no room in formation. A/C 973 did not drop bombs due to malfunction of bomb release mechanism. A/C 712 aborted because tail guns and top turret gun did not function properly at 26,000 ft. A/C 119, piloted by Lt. Jack A. Hargis, ran out of gas while over North Sea 40 miles off coast, Yarmouth, England. Picked up by Air Sea Rescue (British) shortly after ditching.

    July 27 - No change.

    July 28 - The following A/C B.17s this squadron were assigned to assist in raid on Henschel Flugmotorensan, G.M.B.H., Altenbauna (near Kassel) Germany: #453 Capt. Donald E. Sheeler, #947 2/Lt Robert S. Gerald, #712 F/O Winston M. Cavaneau, #178 Capt. James D. Baird, #497 2/Lt Everett L. Kenner, #973 2/Lt Jess D. Rogers, #057 1/Lt Robert E. Wine.
    Bomb load: 15 x 250 incendiary. Bombing altitude 27,000. Bombing results
    A. A. Fire: Meager, inaccurate fire from Ameland and Tersheiling islands.
    Enemy opposition: No enemy fighter engagements. Sea craft in North Sea fired at our formation. No damage results.
    Claims: None
    Time: Leave base 0741, return base 1219
    Gp leader: Capt. Donald E. Sheeler
    Remarks: Formation did not go to target; turned back while over enemy territory because of poor visibility. Gps. of the 1st Bomb Wing furnished 172 A/C for this mission. 128 returned early, 32 dropped bombs on Rotterhausen, 9 on the target of opportunity, and 8 unknown. Eight A/C are missing.

    July 29 - The following A/C, B.17s of this squadron were assigned to assist in a raid on the IKriegemarine-Werft, Kiel, Germany: #453 Capt. James
D. Baird, #973, 2/Lt Jess D. Rogers, #178 2/Lt Everett D. Kenner, #712 1/Lt Arthur J. Reynolds, #497 1/Lt Robert E. Wine, #947 1/Lt Robert S. Gerald.
    Bomb load: 10 x 500
    Bombing alt.: 27,000 ft.
    Bombing results: Good
    A. A. fire: intense, accurate fire at target, meager but accurate from Flensburg; meager ad inaccurate fire from South Sylt Island and Amrum Island.
    Fighter opposition: 30-40 ME109s, 4 FW190s, 3 JU88s met our formation at 0910 hours and left at 0955. Fighters did not press home their attacks.
    Claims: S/Sgt Edward Bronski, A/C 973, was. credited with damaging one ME109. S/Sgt William Wolf A/C 973 was credited with destroying one FW190.
    Casualties: Lt. Mason, Albert L., navigator A/C #973 was seriously injured by explosion of enemy shell fire. After receiving wounds, Lt. Mason continued to man nose guns until all danger of further enemy attack had passed. Lt. Rogers landed at Oulton in order that Lt. Mason could receive medical attention.
    Damage: A/C 947, 497 were damaged by enemy fighters and A/A fire.
    Remarks: Major Gillespie led the 91st Gp. A/C 453 aborted due to illness of Capt. Baird, also 712 because Lt. Reynolds became ill.
    Time: Leave base 0645 hrs. Target 0901. Arrived base 1211

    2nd Lt. Gerald W. Brookman (Gunnery Officer) assigned to this squadron.

    July 30 - The following A/C B.17s were dispatched to assist in raid on Fieseler Flugzeugbau, G.B.B.H., Kassel, Germany: #453 F/O Winston M. Cavaneau, #090 2/Lt Everett L. Kenner, #947 2/Lt Robert S. Gerald, #178 Capt. James D. Baird, #111 (324th Sq.) 2/Lt Wm. R. Cox, #497 1/Lt Robert E. Wine.
    Bomb load: 10 x 500 G.P. 1/10 - 1/40
    Bombing altitude: 24,000 to 25,000 ft.
    Results: Good
    A/A Fire: Sporadic inaccurate to accurate and meager to moderate enroute to and returning from target. At the target A/A fire was accurate and intense. All A/C of our sq. going over target were damaged to some extent by shell frags.
    Enemy attacks: 125 -150 FW190s, Me109s, and 1 JU88 at 0810 to 0825 and from 0944 to 1050 hours.
    Claims: 1 FW190 destroyed by S/S W. J. McCrea, BTG A/C947, 1 FW190 damaged by T/S B.A. Stellhorn, TTG, A/C453.
    Casualties: S/S G. E. Salby, TG A/C 111 slight wound l. leg.
    Damage to A/C: A/C 453, bullet hole through window nr pilot. A/C 111, #3 engine shot out, right wheel flat, hole in all parts of ship. A/C 947 seriously damaged. A/C 990 minor flak holes.
    Weather: Visibility good - only slight haze.
    Gp. leader: Capt. Richard W. Weitzenfeld (324)
    Time: Leave base 0640. Target 0912. Return 1126
    Remarks: The following message (teletype) was read to all crews at briefing: “Bombs dead on the target in this mission, will knock out approximately 500 ME which is much easier than shooting them out of the air one at time. We realize that you have done a lot of fighting in the last week, and deserve a rest.
However, with the prospects of excellent bombing weather we cannot afford to pass up this ripe target. When you land from this mission you can look forward to well-earned rest.” - - Brig. Gen. Williams. Com. Bomb Wing One.
    A/C 947 aborted due to illness of tail gunner, S/S Chas M. Steel - brought bombs back. A/C 178 returned early with bomb load because of vibration in control column during climb.

    July 31 - No change.

322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS. AUGUST 1943
Submitted by Paul V. Smith, 1/Lt, A.C.
   Scanned by Don Freer      Transcribed by Frank Farr

    August 1 - Strength:: Officers 61, Enlisted Men 359

    August 2, 3 - No Change

    August 4 - Capt. James D. Baird (P) trfd to 92nd B.G.

    August 5 - 1st Lt. Arthur J. Reynolds (CP) trfd to 92nd B.G.

    August 6, 7, 8 - No Change

    August 9 - 1st Lt. Jules L. Moreau (Adj.) and 1st Lt. Raymond Y. Kurtz (N) asgd to Squadron
    August 10, 11 - No Change

    August 12 - The following A/C (B17) were assigned to assist in raid on synthetic oil plant located in Gelsenkirchen, Germany:
        #511 2nd Lt. Robert S. Gerald
        #990 (spare) 1st Lt. Everett L. Kemmer
        #973 (spare) 1/Lt. Jess D. Rogers
        #497 (spare) 1/Lt. Jack A. Hargis
        #178 1/Lt Joel W. Gatewood
Bomb Load: 10 x 500
Bombing Altitude: 30,000
Results of Bombing: Fair
A. A. Fire: Intense at target but altitude of our A/C prevented serious damage.
Enemy Attacks: E/A met group at 0829 hours and continued their intermittent attacks until 0940 hours when we enjoyed friendly fighter support.

Claims: None
Damage to A/C: None
Weather - 41 below, 5/10 cloud
Gp. leader - Major John C. Bishop
Time: Leave base 0651. Target 0857. Return 1117.
Remarks: Lt. R. S. Gerald, pilot of A/C 511 became ill enroute to target - returned to base 0635 hours. A/C 990 aborted due to faulty supercharger; brought bombs back. A/C 973 aborted over Holland because of oxygen system failure and interphone trouble, dropped bombs on airfield eight (8) miles north of the Hague. Returned to base at 1015 hours. A/C 497 aborted at Weerden directly after S/Sgt R. A. Thegpen (ball turret) had been seriously injured as result of part of supercharger breaking loose and striking him in the head. #4 and #2 superchargers failed to function properly so this A/C brought bombs back. Low temperatures at altitude (-44 degrees) resulted in freezing of oxygen masks - guns - turrets. Two men of group died due to lack of oxygen, one of which was
S/Sgt. F. F. Bryant of A/C178. Four other crew members of A/C178 suffered from freezing. They were S/Sgt Komimar, T/Sgt Schaffer, S/Sgt Pierce and Lt. Downey (N).

    August 15, 1943 - The following A/C (B.17s) this squadron were assigned to assist on raid on Brussels, Evre Airfield (Belgium):
        #639 - Capt. Donald E. Sheeler
        #139 2/Lt Wm. R. Cox
        #947 2/Lt Cleo Struble
        #990 2/Lt Everett L. Kenner
        #511 2/Lt Jack A. Hargis
        #712 2/Lt James C. Judy
        #973 1/Lt Jess D. Rogers

Bomb Load: 16 x 300
Bombing Altitude: 19,800
Bombing Results: Fair
A. A. Fire: Moderate accurate fire was experienced over target area.
Fighter Opposition: None; our fighter escort kept the E/A well engaged.
Claims: None
Casualties: S/Sgt Peter DeSanto, RWG, wounded right hand. S/Sgt Francis E. Stevens, LWG, wounded right arm. T/Sgt Carl E. Wiedebusch, wound near right eye.

Damage to A/C: The following were damaged by A/A fire: A/C Nos. 639, 947, 990, 511, 712

Remarks: Col. Gross, C.O. of 1st Bomb Wing, was Wing Leader and was accompanied by Lt. Col. Wursback, C.O. of 91st Bomb Gp., flying with Capt. Sheeler, C.O. of this squadron in A/C 639.

Time: Leave Base 1720. Arrive Target 1930. Arrive Base 2055

Major Nathan L. Roberts, ASN 0-204195, went on this mission as an observer, flying with A/C 139 piloted by 2/Lt W.R. Cox, as did Major Jackson (Med Corps) of Bomber Command who flew with 2/Lt J. A. Hargis.

The Primary target was not attacked due to weather, formation attacked the secondary target - Flushing (Vlissingau) Airfield, Holland, with fair results.

A/C 947 did not drop bombs due to malfunction of bomb release mechanism. By the time the trouble was corrected they were past target area and brought bombs back in preference to dropping them in town adjoining the secondary target.

F/O Winston Cavaneau (P) promoted to 2nd Lt.

    August 15,(16) 1943 - (Ed. Note: This is the date as it appears in Lt. Smith’s submission. However, the raid on Le Bourget airfield took place on Aug. 16,
according to the “Ragged Irregular.” - Frank F.) - - - The following A/C (B.17) of this Sq. were assigned to assist in a raid on the airfield and hangars at Le
Bourget, France:
    #639 2/Lt Everett L. Kenner
    #139 2/Lt. Joel W. Gatewood
    #973 1/Lt Jess D. Rogers
    #990 2/Lt Jack A. Hargis
    #511 2/Lt Robert S. Gerald
    #057 1/Lt Robert E. Wine
Bomb Load: 16 x 300 G.P. 1/10 - 1/100
Bombing Altitude: 19,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Good
A. A. Fire - Meager to moderate but accurate - A/C 639, 973, 990
Enemy Opposition: Excellent fighter support kept such E/A as there were busy, with result that few attacks were made.
Claims: None
Casualties: None
Damage to A/C - Slight damage to A/C 639, 973, 990, 511 and 057 from flak.
Weather: Excellent
G. Leader: Major Gillespie, C. G.
Time: Leave base 0630, Over Target 0935, Return 1140

    August 17, 1943 - The following A/C (B.17s) this Sq. wee dispatched to assist in raid on one of Germany’s most important manufacturers of ball bearings located in Schweinfurt, Germany:
    #453 2/Lt Everett L. Kenner
    #511 1/Lt Leroy B. Everett
    #497 2/Lt Cleo C. Struble
    #139 2/Lt Joel W. Gatewood
    #973 1/Lt Jess D. Rogers
    #712 2/Lt James D. Judy
    #111 1/Lt Robert E. Wine
    #178 2/Lt Wm. R. Cox
    #990 2/Lt Jack A. Hargis

Bomb Load: 5 x 1000
Bombing Altitude: 21,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Good
A. A. Fire: Meager inaccurate fire from vicinity of Antwerp and Aachen and Bonn; at the target moderate but accurate.

Fighter Opposition: Approximately 25-350 FW190s and Me109s attacked about 1349 hours until 1425 hours and again from 1445 hours until 1750 hours.

Claims: (Ed. Note - No claims were typed in, although Lt. Graves left several spaces for them. - Frank F.)

Casualties: S/Sgt Leonard A. Waldron, LWG A/C 511, leg wound. S/Sgt. Edward J,. Bronski, TG A/C 973, leg wound. S/Sgt. Wm. J. Wolf, LWG A/C 973, shoulder injury. The following crew members A/C 712 are missing having parachuted over enemy territory: 2/Lt Edward J. De Coster - Navigator, 2/Lt Lewis M., Allen, Bombardier, T/Sgt. Virgil G. Faust, RG, S/Sgt Charles A. Baiano, BTG, S/Sgt Ray C. Tarbell, WG, S/Sgt. Vincent Pl Lala, WG, S/Sgt. Paul F. Burton, Tail gunner.

The following A/C and crews are missing: A/C 453, Lt. Everett L. Kenner, pilot: Lt. George M,. Bryan, copilot; 2nd Lt. Richard G. Martin, Navigator; Lt.
Herbert F. Egender, Bombardier; T/Sgt. Chase, Engineer; T/Sgt. Vender, Radio Operator; S/Sgt O’Toole, Ball Turret Operator; S/Sgt. Gardner M. Moore, WG; S/Sgt. Wm. D. Nagin, WG; S/Sgt. James A. B......, Tail Gunner.
    A/C 139 Missing:
        Lt. Gatewood, Pilot
        Lt. Riegel, Co-pilot
        Lt. Downey, Navigator
        Lt. Hammond, Bombardier
        T/Sgt. Canada, Top Turret
        T/Sgt Butler, Radio Op.
        S/Sgt Adams, Ball Turret
        Sgt. Hite, WG
        S/Sgt Parfitt, WG
        S/Sgt Pearce, TG
    A/C 990 missing:
        Lt. Hargis, Pilot
        Lt. Smith, Co-pilot
        Lt. Darling, Navigator
        Lt. Winslow, Bombardier
        T/Sgt. Allen, Engineer
        T/Sgt Giganek, Radio Op.
        S/Sgt. Tecker, Ball Turret
        S/Sgt Di Hinne, WG.
        S/Sgt. S. Tecker, WG
        S/Sgt. Judy, TG

Damage to A/C: All of the following were very seriously damaged: A/C 973, 712, 511, 497.
Remarks: This raid might very well be considered the most important date, not only because of the objective, but the fact that its location was deep
into enemy territory.
    The combat wing was led by A/C 921 of the 324th Squadron, piloted by Lt. Col. Clemens Barsbach, C.O. of the 91st Gp.; Co-pilot Col. Wm. H. Gross, C.O. 101st Combat Wing; Navigators Le. David M. Williams and Lt. Peter P. Adams; Bombardier Lt. Sam M. Slayton and Lt. Fred F. Peterman in the tail.
    General Robert B. Williams, Commanding General 1st Bomb Wing also went on this mission in the capacity of observer, but before leaving enemy territory he proved to the satisfaction of all crew members of A/C 3837 of the 324th Sq., piloted by Lt. Vernon A. Parker and Capt. Richard W. Weitzenfeld, in whose ship he flew, that he was a fearless, ......, and tough gunshooting general.
    A/C #712, piloted by Lt. James D. Judy and Lt. Roger W. Layn, barely escaped a forced landing in enemy territory when a 20 mm. shell which entered the nose of this ship exploded and caused a fire to break out in the pilots’ compartment. The smoke temporarily blinded the pilots. The navigator and bombardier, apparently fearful that the gas tanks would blow the ship up, opened their escape hatch and jumped. By doing so the sudden rush of fresh air cleared the ship of smoke, and at the same time gave a good draft to the fires. The pilots’ compartment, now clear of smoke, found the ship going down in a wide spin. Lt. Judy managed to level off at 6000 ft. As all expected the ship to blow up, Lt. Layn went aft to check the chutes on his crew members before they jumped, while T/Sgt Cherry, TTG, who was already wounded in leg and chest, fought the fire in pilots’ compartment. Although coolness prevailed among the crew members, there was a good chance of several crew members jumping without their harness being properly adjusted. Lt. Layn returned to the pilots’ compartment and found Cherry in his gun position firing on attacking enemy fighters, his parachute badly burned. Learning this, Judy quickly decided to try to make for home and chance that all fires would be brought under control and that they would successfully fight their way thru fighters and evade A. A. fire. Judy brought his ship down to 100 ft. so that enemy fighters could not attack from below and headed for England, taking a
zigzag course. This A/C crash landed at Manston, England, badly damaged--over 500 shell holes.
    A/C 111 aborted because of illness of Sgt,. William Harvey, left waist gunner.
    A/C 178 aborted at 51 degrees 30 min. N., 03 degrees 50 min. E. because of illness of S/Sgt. Harry E. Privett, LWG.
    A total of 230 A/C from nine groups participated in this raid. Eleven (11) A/C returned early; 189 A/C attacked target and 36 A/C are missing. Total: 3
killed, 15 wounded, 371 missing.
    A/C 712 reached a point 15-20 miles SE of Frankfurt. Three 20 mm. hits exploded in left wing directly under the pilots’ compartment, setting fire to the A/C. Immediately the navigator and bombardier bailed out. Due to smoke and fire the pilot temporarily lost control of the A/C but was able to bring it out of
slow spin at about 6000 feet. Bombs were released safe by the pilot pulling emergency release. The top turret gunner, who was already wounded in leg and
chest, fought the fires in pilots’ compartment while the co-pilot was aft directing the .....ing of the waist gunner, radio operator and tail gunner. Co-pilot saw to it that all harness adjustments were made before these men jumped. It was necessary to use force in some cases as the men would have jumped with their chutes improperly adjusted. Layn stated that all chutes opened properly. All during this time there were persistent enemy attacks. After learning that Cherry was wounded and burned and that Cherry’s parachute had burned up, Lt. Judy decided to try to make home. Fires broke out intermittently but were brought under control by Cherry and Layn who in their spare time continued to fire at the enemy fighters. Layn burned out both waist guns. Judy immediately lost altitude until he was at 100 ft. and then came across enemy and enemy-occupied territory in a zigzag course. Landing was made at Manston, England. T/Sgt Cherry was hospitalized at Manston.

TIME OUT FOR EDITORIAL COMMENT: One page of this report was exceedingly difficult to read--blurry, indistinct type--and as a result a couple of names may be misspelled. Wherever possible, I checked the“Ragged Irregular” and “Plane Names...” in an effort to get it all correct, but a couple of names I couldn’t find. These were enlisted men’s names. As Lt. Smith added new personnel to the squadron in his reports, he listed only the officers’ names, so I had no backlog to refer to. One or two words were totally illegible, but they did not affect the impact of this tremendous story...It is curious that Lt. Smith told Lt. Judy’s story twice. It seemed to me, as I tried to imagine this day, that Lt. Smith might have written his report the evening of the same day as the mission and may well have still been shocked and excited by the events of the day...The report raised a question in my mind: Was it standard practice for the officers to check enlisted men’s chutes and harnesses as Lt. Layn did? This never occurred with any crew I was flying with a year later--of course, we only had to bail out once, and there wasn’t time to check anything. - Frank F.)

    August 24 - The following A/C (B.17) this Sq. were assigned to assist in a raid on hangars at Villa Coublay Airdrome, France. (ED. NOTE: For whatever,
reason, Lt. Smith did not list the crews on this mission. - Frank F.)
Time: Leave Base 1505. Target:....Arrive base 1951
Bomb Load:  Bombing altitude 21,000 ft.
Results: See remarks.
A. A. Fire: Moderate and inaccurate.
Enemy Opposition: 10-15 FW 190s and ME109s E/A attacked at 1803 and continued until 1840 hours, none were aggressive. Fighter support entertained them
very well.
Casualties: None
Damage to A/C: A/C 497, 511 damaged by A. A. fire and shell fire.
REMARKS: All of our A/C were in low group and thru error did not sight target, all bombs were brought back. Other Group in formation did bomb target.
Fighter support was excellent.

    August 18, 19, 20 - No change.
    August 21 - Capt. Frank B. Kamykowski (Engineering Officer) trfd to 364th Service Group.
    August 22 - 2nd lt. Donald S. Knief (N) and 2nd Lt. Earl H. Clinton (N) were asgd to this Squadron.
    August 23 - No Change
    August 24 - The following A/C (B-17s) this squadron were assigned to assist in a raid on Airdrome at Villacoublay, France:
        #591 Capt. Donald E. Sheeler
        #057 1/Lt Jesse D. Rogers
        #497 2/Lt,. William R. Cox
        #947 1/Lt Le Roy S. Everett
        #511 2/Lt Robert S. Gerald.

Time: Leave base 1505. Target:         Arrive Basde 1951
Bomb Load:
Bombing Altitude: 21,000 ft,.
A. A. Fire: Moderate and accurate
Enemy Opposition: 10 to 15 FW190s and Me109s attacked at 1830 hours and continued until 1840 hrs. Attacks were not aggressive and fighter support was good.
Damage to A/C: #497 and #511 were damaged flak.
Remarks: All our A/C were in low group and thru error did not sight target. All bombs were brought back.

    August 25, 26 - No Change,.

    August 27 - The following A/C (B.17s) this Squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on a new construction project located on the south side of
Eperleoques Forest, one and one-half miles south of Natton, six and a half miles NNW of St. Caer and eleven miles south of Gravelines:
        #947 1/Lt Leroy B. Everett
        #511 1/Lt Robert E. Wine
        #178 2/Lt Wm. R. Cox

Time: Left Base 1758. Arrive Target 1913. Arrive at Base 2031.

Bomb Load: 2 x 2000
Bombing Altitude 16,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Poor

A. A. Fire: Moderate and accurate from vicinities of St. Caer and target.

Enemy opposition: 20 to 30 FW190s and Me109s, one Heinkel, and one ME210 attacked at 1850 hours and intermittently until 1916 hours, causing some damage to A/C from this group.

Casualties: None

A/C Damage: A/C 178 damaged by A. A. fire, 20 mm. and 30 cal. fire.

Remarks: A/C 947 piloted by Lt. Everett aborted due to mechanical failure.

    August 28, 29, 30 - No Change.

    August 31 - The following A/C (B-17s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in raid on airfields in France:
        #947 1st Lt. Leroy S. Everett
        #778 2nd Lt. Cleo C. Struble
        #679 (401st Sq.) 2nd Lt. William R. Cox
        #973 1st Lt. Jess D. Rogers

Time: Take off 1510. Target 1824. Arrive Base 1955.
Bomb Load 12 x 500
Bombing Altitude: 23,000
Bombing Results: Amien A/D hit with good pattern of bursts
A. A. Fire: Moderate and accurate
Casualties: See remarks
Damage to A/C: A/C #973 hit at target causing ship to crash later.
Remarks: A/C #778 and #679 returned early due to mechanical failures. A/C 511 was forced out of formation by explosion from collision of A/C’s #523
and #816.
    A/C #973, 1st Lt. Rogers (P) was hit just after bombing by A. A. fire; navigator was injured and one motor knocked out. About 15 minutes before reaching
the English coast Lt. Rogers gave crew opportunity to bale out. Sgt’s Sparks, Malone and Wolf baled out. The ship crashed on Wooten Farm, Polegate, killing pilot, co-pilot, navigator and bombardier. The status of the crew is as follows: Injured and in hospital - Sgt’s Bronski and McGovern. Killed: Lts. Rogers (P), Bravender (CP), Clinton (N) and Shakel (B). MIA: Sgt’s Sparks, Malone, Wolf. T/Sgt. Paul M. Kelly succumbed to injuries sustained in crash.

322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS, OCTOBER 1943
Submitted by Paul V. Smith, 1st Lt.

Scanned by Don Freer
Transcribed by Frank Farr

    October 1, 1943 - (ED. NOTE - This entry and part of that for Oct. 2 are missing. FF)

    Oct. 2 (Last part of the report for Oct. 2. The mission was flown to Emden)
Bomb Load: 12 x 300 lb. I. B's, 2 x 1000 lb. G.P.
Bombing Altitude: 22,500 ft.
Bombing Results: 10/10 cloud; unobserved.
A. A. Fire: Fire in the target area was moderate and inaccurate. En route to and home from the target, meager inaccurate fire was encountered in vicinity of
(illegible) and Nordernay Islands.

Fighter Opposition: Up to 30 E/A engaged our Wing from 1608 hrs. to 1617 hrs. P-47s picked us up as briefed at 1602 hours. They provided
excellent cover, leaving us at 1650, midway in North Sea.

Claims: A/C 794, Sgt. R. B. Wither, tail gunner, one ME109 damaged.
       A/C 511, S/Sgt. E H.. Ramsey, LWG, one ME109 damaged.

Casualties: None

Damage to A/C: A/C794 damaged by 20 mm. in tail assembly and by .30 cal. in top turret. A/C 511, tail assembly damaged by 20 mm.

Remarks: Group Leader was Major Clyde O. Gillespie of 401st Sq. A/C 738, piloted by Lt. Cavaneau, turned back at 1435 hours in vicinity of St. Ives. This A/C is a B-17G and was on its first mission. Lt. Cavaneau complained that it was overloaded and that it was hard to handle on turns.

Time: Take Off: 1301. Over Target: 1610. Time Return: 1850.

-------------------------------------------------------------
1st Lt. Bill H. Martin transferred to Hq. 91st B.G.

    October 3, 1943 - The following officers and six (6) enlisted men were transferred to 482nd Bomb Group: 2nd Lt. Salleng, L. S. (B), 2nd Lt. Ryan, W. S. (N), 1st Lt. Wine, R. E. (P), 2nd Lt. Degen, C. E. (P)

The following officers were promoted to 1st Lt.: 2nd Lt. Griffin, J. L. (P), 2nd Lt. Mason, A. L. (N) 2nd Lt. Pinning, C. B.

2nd Lt. (illegible) suspended from flying.

    October 4, 1943: The following A/C of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on Frankfurt, Germany:
A/C 511
    1st Lt. Gerald, Robert S.
    2nd Lt. James, William R.
    2nd Lt. Cannon, Thomas J.
    2nd Lt. Rolnick, Albert L.
    T/Sgt Swango, Buford G.
    T/Sgt O’Neill, Lawrence E.
    S/Sgt McCrea, William B.
    S/Sgt Milan, Carrol K.
    S/Sgt Ramsey, Ervin H.
    S/Sgt Stone, David A.

A/C 656
    2nd Lt. Griffin, James L.
    2nd Lt. McElroy, Robert W.
    2nd Lt,. Swanson, Philip O.
    2nd Lt. McMurty, James E.
    T/Sgt Callaway, John K.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.
    S/Sgt Davis, John V.
    S/Sgt Martin, Charles R.
    S/Sgt Hicks, Mack B.
    S/Sgt Furtado, Alfred

A/C 714
    2nd Lt. Stewart, Alexander
    2nd Lt. Strunk, Donald L.
    2nd Lt. Turcotte, William R.
    S/Sgt Carlson, William J.
    T/Sgt Severson, Leo W.
    T/Sgt Smith, Robert J.
    S/Sgt Keefer, William J.
    S/Sgt Clayton, Durell
    S/Sgt Waldron, Leonard
    S/Sgt Chase, Carl I.

A/C 711
    1st Lt. Judy, James D.
    1st Lt. Hantman, Sidney
    2nd Lt. Simons, Capen R.
    S/Sgt O’Dea, George R.
    T/Sgt Cherry, Earl
    T/Sgt Johnson, Lloyd A.
    Sgt. Yatsko, John E.
    Sgt. Williams, William V.
    Sgt. (illegible.)
    Sgt. (illegible)

Bomb Load: 42 x 100 IBs
Bombing Results: Good
Bombing Altitude: 26,000
Time: Takeoff 0730. Over target 1110. Landed 1620.
A. A. Fire - Moderate accurate fire at target, meager inaccurate fire enroute and home from the target.

Enemy Opposition: Up to 150 S/E and 75 T/E A/C were encountered. Enemy employed rockets which were fired at our A/C at a distance beyond the range of our guns. Rockets might prove very effective unless we can increase the range of our fire or have long range escorts who are capable of keeping these rocket firing E/A entertained. Long range P-47 escort was very effective as was the Spit escort which covered stragglers from the Dutch coast.

Claims: A/C 714, T/Sgt Leo E. Severson, TTG, one ME110 damaged.
       A/C 714 Lt. W.R. Turcotte, Navigator, one ME110 damaged.
       A/C 714, S/Sgt. L. Waldron, LWG, one ME110 destroyed.

Casualties: S/Sgt C. I. Chase passed out from lack of oxygen, revived with aid furnished by Sgt. Waldron, who also suffered from frostbitten feet. S/Sgt. J. M. Yatso passed out from lack of oxygen.

Damage to A/C: A/C 714, 20 mm. and .303 hole in wings, flak holes in nose, right waist and wings.

Remarks: A/C 511 turned back over base at 0745 when #3 engine ran away. A/C 656 turned back after reaching enemy coast at 0952 hours due to low manifold pressure in #2 engine. No. 1 engine heated up. Left waist gun and ball turret guns out. Gives credit for a sortie. A/C 711 turned back at 0954 hours due to
oxygen failure in ball turret. Major R. W. Weitzenfeld of 324th Sq. was group leader flying with Capt. Fred F. Peterson of same squadron.
        ---------------------------------------

The following officers and six (6) E/M were assigned to squadron:
    2nd Lt. J. E. Carter (P)
    2nd Lt. R. E. Albright (N)
    2nd Lt. G. L. Harly (CP)
    2nd J. R. (illegible) (B)

    October 5, 1943 - Training: Target identification. Gunnery. Combat Aircraft Recognition. Bomb training. Spotlight Training. Link Trainer.

    October 7, 1943, - Training: Target identification; Aircraft Recognition; Camera Bombing; Spotlight Trainer; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer.

    October 8, 1943 - The following aircraft of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Deutsche Schiff U. Michinsboau, A. G., Bremen, Germany:
A/C #738
    2nd Lt. Alexander W. Stewart
    2nd Lt. Donald L. Strunk
    2nd Lt. William H. Turcotte
    2nd Lt. James R. Brown
    T/Sgt Leo E. Severson
    T/Sgt Robert J. Smith
    S/Sgt William J. Keefer
    S/Sgt Durell (NMI) Clayton
    S/Sgt Marvin C. McGraw

A/C #656
    1st Lt. James L. Griffin
    2nd Lt. Robert W. McElroy
    2nd Lt. James E. McMurty
    2nd Lt. Philip O. Swanson
    T/Sgt John K. Callaway
    T/Sgt James L. Caldwell
    S/Sgt John V. Davis
    S/Sgt Charles R. Martin
    S/Sgt Alfred (NMI) Furtado
    S/Sgt Hicks, Mack B.

A/C #711
    1st Lt. Charles B. Pinning
    2nd Lt. Edward H. Tomer
    2nd Lt. Walter V. Cavanaugh
    2nd Lt. Albert L. Rolnick
    T/Sgt John F. Robinson
    S/Sgt Rudy L. Olague
    S/Sgt Joseph Bielecki
    Sgt. Vincent A. White
    Sgt. Joseph J. Arasimowicz
    S/Sgt Joseph E. Carrasquillo

A/C #778
    1st Lt. Robert S. Gerald
    1st Lt. Winston M. Caveneau
    2nd Lt. Thomas J. Cannon
    2nd Lt. Roscoe R. Albright
    T/Sgt Buford C. Swango
    T/Sgt Lawrence E. O’Neill
    S/Sgt Ervin H. Ramsey
    S/Sgt William G. McCrea
    S/Sgt Carrol K. Milan
    S/Sgt David A. Stone

Bomb Load: 12 x 500 G.P.
Bombing Altitude: 24,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Unobserved

Time: Takeoff 1200. Over Target 1535. Return 1730.
A. A. Fire: Accurate and intense at the target. Meager, inaccurate fire at .....(illegible) going in and coming out.

Fighter opposition: Between 100 and 200 E/A engaged our formation, mostly FW190s, Me109s, Ju88s, Me110s and ME210s. Our fighter support P-47s were unable to accompany us all the way to the target. Consequently, the enemy attack took place when we were unaccompanied. While P47s were about no attacks were pressed home. Bomb boys can’t wait for long range escorts. P-47s to date have done a remarkably good job - but their range is insufficient for long hops.

Claims: A/C711 2nd Lt. Walter V. Cavanaugh, navigator, one FW190 damaged. A/C#656 S/Sgt John V. Davis, BT, one FW190 damaged; A/C711 Sgt. Vincent A. White, W. G., one FW190 destroyed.

Casualties: S/Sgt Mack B. Hicks, RW gunner, flak in left ankle. T/Sgt J. L. Caldwell, Radio Gunner, flak or 20 mm. in right arm. 2nd Lt. Philip O. Swanson, 30 cal. in right cheek.

Damage to A/C: A/C 656 returned in bad shape, tail wheel shot off, No. 1 engine hit, interphone shot out. Oxygen shot out - ship full of holes. A/C 738
returned full of holes from flak and bullets as did A/C 711.

Remarks: Wing lead by Lt. Col. Clemens E. Wursback in A/C piloted by Capt. T. Gladstone of the 323rd Sq. T/Sgt Caldwell, S/Sgt. Martin, and S/Sgt Hicks,
wounded in today’s raid, were taken to 49th Station hospital.

    October 9, 1943 - The following aircraft of he squadron were dispatched to assist on a raid to the Arado Fleugenwerke (aircraft components) Anklam,
Germany:
A/C 604
    1st Lt. LeRoy E. Everett, Jr.
    Major Donald E. Sheeler
    1st Lt. George P. Ward
    1st Lt. Samuel F. Slaton (91st Hq)
    S/Sgt Ellsworth (NMI) Fair
    T/Sgt Lawrence R. O'Neill
    S/Sgt Henry A. Griswold
    S/Sgt Walter S. French
    S/Sgt Paul (NMI) DeMidio
    1st Lt. Sidney (NMI) Hantman

A/C #794
    1st Lt. William P. Cox
    2nd Lt. William S. James
    S/Sgt Jack J. Landry
    1st Lt. James E. Harlow
    T/Sgt John K. Callaway
    T/Sgt Edward W. Keprovsko (324th Sq)
    S/Sgt John V. Davis
    Sgt. T. W. ........
    Sgt Joseph E. Linden
    S/Sgt Alfred (NMI) Furtado

A/C #778
    2nd Lt. Alexander W. Stewart
    2nd Lt. Donald L. Strunk
    2nd Lt. William H. Turcotte
    2nd Lt. James M. Brown
    T/Sgt Leo R. Severson
    T/Sgt Robert J. Smith
    S/Sgt William J. Keefer
    S/Sgt Durell (NMI) Clayton
    S/Sgt Carl I. Chase
    S/Sgt Leonard E. Waldron

A/C #511
    1st Lt. Robert S. Gerald
    2nd Lt. Charles L. Early
    2nd Lt. Thomas J. Cannon
    2nd Lt. Eugene E. Albright
    T/Sgt Buford C. Swango
    S/Sgt Paul E. Baker
    S/Sgt. William C. McCrea
    S/Sgt Carrol K. Milan
    S/Sgt Ervin H. Ramsey
    S/Sgt David A. Stone

A/C #711
    1st Lt. Charles B. Pinning
    2nd Lt. Edward H. Tomer
    2nd Lt. Walter V. Cavanaugh
    2nd Lt. Dale C. Rogell (324th Sq.)
    T/Sgt John F. Robinson
    S/Sgt Rudy L. Olague
    S/Sgt Joseph (NMI) Bielecki
    S/Sgt Joseph J. Arasimowicz
    Sgt. Vincent A. White
    S/Sgt Joseph E. Carrasquillo

A/C #178
    1st Lt. James D. Judy
    2nd Lt. John K. Carter
    2nd Lt. Capen R. Simons
    S/Sgt George R. O’Dea
    T/Sgt Earl W. Cherry
    T/Sgt Lloyd A. Johnson
    Sgt. John R. Yatso
    Sgt. William V. Williams
    S/Sgt Linwood W. White
    Sgt. Miles B. Withers

Bomb Load: 3 x 1000 G.P., 5 x 100 lb. I. B.’s
Bombing Altitude: 13,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Good

A/A Fire: No fire at target, meager to moderate fire from Madergale, Rostock, Warnestrude, Fehasian Island and Bad Sulms. All inaccurate. We were out of their range. (ED. NOTE: These place names were largely illegible and are certain, therefore, to be misspelled here.- FF)

Enemy Opposition: Up to 300 E/ A were encountered, mostly twin engine craft, some single engines - FW190, ME109, ME110, He111, Do217, JU87, JU88, FW189. First met E/A at 1032 hours and not until our remaining planes of the formation were well offshore at 1035 did the E/A cease their attacks.
Enemy employed rockets which were fired by the Me110, Ju88 and FW190. Although fighter support was to have met us at point in the North Sea, our formation did not see them.

Claims: A/C 511, T/Sgt B . C. Swango, one (1) Me110 destroyed.

Casualties: The following A/C failed to return from this mission: 778, 711 and 178. 1st Lt. Sidney Hantman (Ass't operations officer of this sq.) while riding in the tail position of A/C 804 piloted by Lt. Everett and Major Donald Sheeler, was struck by a 20 mm. It cut his right arm off close to the shoulder, penetrated his thigh and went on through his leg. Hantman was hit just before the formation reached the target at about (blank here - FF) hours. Tourniquet could not be applied as arm was sheared off too close to body. S/Sgt . W. S. French, right waist gunner on A/C 804, was struck by flak or bullet in hand. Injury not serious although French was hospitalized. S/Sgt A. K. Baker, radio operator on A/C 511, struck in forehead by flak.

Damage to A/C - A/C 511, hit by 20 mm and flak, holes in the rudder, wings and stabilizer. A/C 804, holes all over - flaps would not work.

Time: Takeoff 0735. Target 1145. Return 1525. Extra gas tanks were carried in bomb bay. While we were attacking Anklam, the second A.T.F. were enroute
to Marienburg, 3rd A.T.F. to Danzig, and the 4th A.T.F. to Gdynia. (ED. Note: This is a wild guess. The name was illegible. - FF) At Gdynia the largest
concentration of the German fleet are at anchor and include the Emden, I____, Leipzig, D____, Hamburg, Schleswig, Echl___, Holstein, Prince Eugen, 5 large depot ships, plus C-Boats (?) and possibly the Admiral Speer. (ED. Note - Most of these names were illegible, at least in part.
- FF)

1st Lt. Hantman and S/Sgt French wounded in today’s raid were taken to the 49th Station Hospital.

2nd Lt. B.G. Ponder (CP) assigned to Squadron.

    October 10 - The following aircraft (B-17s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on Munster, Germany:
A/C 743
    1st Lt. Winston L. Cavaneau
    2nd Lt. Charles E. Early
    2nd Lt. Roscoe K. Albright
    2nd Lt. Albert L. Rolnick
    Sgt. Lawrence J. Moertle
    S/Sgt Paul E. Baker
    S/Sgt Henry A. Griswold
    Sgt. T. W. Best
    Sgt. Marvin B. Britt
    Sgt. Robert Holton

A/C 705
    1st Lt. William R. Cox
    2nd Lt. William B. James
    S/Sgt. Jack J. Landry
    1st Lt,. Harlow, James E.
    T/Sgt Lester B.. Schlaich
    T/Sgt Kerrane A. Smallidge
    S/Sgt Ernest J. Koger
    S/Sgt James H. Witter
    Sgt. Joseph N. Linnon
    S/Sgt William H. McCrea

Time: Takeoff 1130. Target 1508.
Bomb Load: 2 x 1000 GP and 42 N47 I. B.’s
Bombing Altitude: 25,000 ft.
Results: Good
Claims: S/Sgt. J. B. Linnon, A/C 815, one FW190 destroyed.

Remarks: A/C 815 dropped bombs on a village north of Doreter as they were running low on gas. Encountered intense A. A. fire and received some hits. Landed at a field near Butlery at 1643 hours. A/C 741 returned shortly after taking off due to improper functioning of #2 and #3 superchargers. Pilot, co-pilot and radio operator intercom out. Due to losses of previous day the Gp. (91st) were unable to send out only 11 planes, of which two aborted. One plane of the Sq. piloted by Lt. Merle R. Turrill, 401st, failed to return.

    October 11, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Gunnery, ___Trainer, ___Trainer, Spotlight Trainer, Shadowgraph, Link Trainer.

2nd Lt. Louis H. Dobbs assigned to Squadron.

    October 12, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Film, Radio, Aircraft Recognition, Skeet Range, Link Trainer.

    October 13, 1943 - The following A/C took off at 1120 hours for purpose of attacking Emden, Germany:
    A/C #057 - 1st Lt. W. R. Cox
    A/C #794 - 1sst Lt. J. L. Griffin
    A/C #511 - 1st Lt. R. S. Gerald
Mission was recalled due to weather and all returned to base at about 1300 hours.

    October 14, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17’s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the ball-bearing manufacturing center located at
Schweinfurt, Germany:
A/C #057
    1st Lt. William R. Cox
    2nd Lt. William James
    S/Sgt Jack J. Landry
    1st Lt. James E. Harlow
    T/Sgt Lester B. Schlaich
    T/Sgt Kerrane A. Smallidge
    S/Sgt Ernest J. Koger
    S/Sgt Paul (NMI) DeMidio
    Sgt. William S. Evans
    S/Sgt William McCrea

A/C #794
    Lt., James L. Griffin
    2nd Lt. Robert McElroy
    2nd Lt. Philip O. Swanson
    2nd Lt. Louis H. Dobbs
    T/Sgt John K. Callaway
    S/Sgt Paul E. Baker
    Sgt. Marvin H Britt
    S/Sgt John Davis
    Sgt. Tabor W. Best
    S/Sgt Alfred (NMI) Furtado

A/C #511
    1st Lt. Robert S. Gerald
    2nd Lt. Eldridge V. Greer
    2nd Lt. Marvin D. Anderson
    1st Lt. Thomas J. Cannon
    T/Sgt Buford C. Swango
    T/Sgt Lawrence E. O’Neill
    S/Sgt Carrol N. Milan
    S/Sgt. William O. McCrea
    S/Sgt Ervin H. Ramsey
    S/Sgt David A. Stone

Time: Takeoff 1045. Target 1440. Return 1813.
Bomb Load: 6 x 500 G.P.
Bombing Altitude: 23,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Good
A/A Fire: At the target moderate and inaccurate. Meager and inaccurate at Turnout, Costmalle and Germerschein.

Fighter Support: Good on way to target - not seen on way home.

Fighter Opposition: Intermittent attacks took place from 1327 hours to 1606 hours. Up to 200 E/A were encountered, ME109s, FW190s, Me110s, Me210s, and
JU88s. Rockets were fired from twin-engine E/A.

Claims: A/C 057 - Lt. J. Harlow, bombardier, one Me109 destroyed. A/C 057 - T/Sgt L. H. Schlaich, TTG, one FW190 destroyed.

Remarks: All aircraft carried one bomb-bay tank of gas. A/C 794 turned back at 1205 hours when fuel transfer from bomb-bay tank would not function
properly. A/C 511 turned back at 1238 hours when both inboard superchargers lagged and their guns froze up. One A/C of this group failed to return. Group
suffered one killed and four wounded.

Casualties: Sgt. W. N. Evans, A/C 057, seriously wounded in left leg by 20 mm and was removed to 49th Station Hospital.

    October 15, 1943 - Training: Target identification, Navigation for Bombardiers, Gunnery, Spotlight Trainer, Shadowgraph, Link Trainer.

2nd Lt. Ponder (B) transferred to 401st Bomb Squadron.

    October 16, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Navigation for Bombardiers, A/C Recognition, Gunnery, Radio, Skeet Range, Link Trainer, Bomb Trainer. 1st Lt. Sidney Hantman transferred to Dept. of Patients, 49th Station Hospital.

    October 17, 1943 - Nothing to report.

    October 18, 1943 - A/C 794 piloted by 1st Lt. James L. Griffin took off at 1706 hours and proceeded to Chelveston to join a formation which were to attack the marshalling yards at Duren, Germany. After taking off from Chelveston at 1114 Lt. Griffin tailed to find the formation and returned to base at 1600. Due to poor weather the mission failed in its objective.

    October 19, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Navigation for Bombardiers, Aircraft Recognition, Radio, Gunnery, Spotlight Trainer, Shadowgraph, Link Trainer.

    October 20, 1943 - A/C 947 piloted by 1st Lt. J. L. Griffin was dispatched to assist in a raid on Duren, Germany. Mission was recalled while over enemy
territory. All returned safely.
    Training; P/S Lecture, Target Identification, Navigation for Bombardiers, Aircraft Recognition, Gunnery, Harwell Trainer, Skeet Trainer, Link Trainer.

    October 21: Target Identification, Navigation for Bombardiers, Gunnery Spotlight Trainer, Link Trainer.

    October 22, 1943 - 1st Lt. W.F. Genheimer and 2nd Lt. W. J. __?__ were transferred to 2_03 replacement and training center.
    Training: Navigation for Bombardiers, Radio, Skeet Range, Link Trainer.

    October 23, 1943 - The following officers and 18 enlisted men joined the organization today:
2nd Lt. (illegible); 2nd Lt. R. E. Emmick - N; 2nd Lt. John T. Wennerberg- P; 2nd Lt. E. S. (illegible); 2nd Lt. J. W. Temple - CP; 2nd Lt. J. R. Weyerts - B;
2nd Lt. W. F. Myers - CP; 2nd Lt. C. V. Copeland - B; 2nd Lt. E. C. Conalan - N; 2nd Lt. L. M. Duggan - CP; 2nd Lt. E. M. Steel - P; 2nd Lt. L. F. Anderson - P; 2nd Lt. S. Domladovic - N
(ED. Note - None of the above were entirely legible. I pieced in the names by looking ahead to later loading lists. I found nothing that looked like the two
blanks above. - FF)

Training: Intelligence lecture, Flying Control for all pilots and co-pilots, Navigation for bombardiers, Radio, Spotlight Trainer, Shadowgraph, Link Trainer.

    October 24, 1943 - Training: For new crews only, security lecture, aircraft recognition, oxygen lecture, first aid lecture, P/S instruction, tactics.

    October 25, 1943 - Training: For new crews, intelligence lecture, aircraft recognition, bomb fuses for all bombardiers, gunnery, flying control, navigation, briefing procedure, First Aid, radio procedure.
    Training (old crews): Intelligence lecture, gunnery, target identification, Gee trainer, navigation for bombardiers, spotlight trainer, link trainer, bomb (?)
trainer.

    October 26, 1943 - Training: Target identification, aircraft recognition, navigation for bombardiers, Harwell (?) trainer, skeet range, Link trainer. New
crews received instruction as follows: Air-sea rescue, navigation, bomb fuses, gunnery, First Aid, flying control, bombing procedure and camera bombing,
bomb racks and shackles, spotlight trainer.

    October 27, 1943 - New crews received the following instruction: Navigation for bombardiers, aircraft recognition, radio, spotlight trainer, shadowgraph,
Link trainer, bomb trainer. Old crews: Gee trainer, target identification, navigation for bombardiers, aircraft recognition, radio, spotlight trainer, shadowgraph, Link trainer, bomb trainer.

    October 28, 1943 - Training: New crews received the following instruction: Gunnery, combat engine (?) operation, VIII Bomber Command examination, flying control, skeet range, radio procedure.
    Training (old crews): Target identification, aircraft recognition, Harwell trainer, skeet range, Link trainer, bomb trainer.

    October 29, 1943 - Training: P/R lecture, group bombardiers’ meeting, GE trainer, spotlight trainer, shadowgraph.
    1st Lt. L. G. Carnes, armament officer, was transferred to the 92nd Bomb Group.

    October 30 - 1st Lt’s G.P. Ward (N) and L. B. Everett (P) were promoted to captain. 2nd Lt. A .L. Rolnick (B) was transferred to 482nd Bomb Gp. Squadron strength, 54 officers and 348 E.M.
    The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the marshalling yards, Gelsenkirchen, Germany:
    A/C #815 2nd lt. W. R. James
    A/C947 1st Lt. W. R. Cox
    A/C 976 2nd Lt. E. V. Greer
    A/C794 1st Lt. J. L. Griffin
The mission was recalled due to weather.

   322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS - NOVEMBER, 1943
Submitted by 1st Lt. Paul V. Smith
Scanned by Don Freer    Transcribed by Frank Farr

(Special thanks to Don Freer for going back to the reports for the first four days of November to try to fill in areas that were either blank or illegible on
the scanned sheets. There are still blank areas but not as many as before. - Frank F.)

    November 1, 1943 - Briefing: Prisoner of War Lecture; Target Identification; Link Trainer. Squadron Strength - 54 Officers, 368 Enlisted Men.

    November 2, 1943 - Briefing: Target identification. Gunnery for all Radio Operators; __?__ work for Radio Operators; Gee Trainer; Gunnery for Navigators and Bombardiers; Spotlight Trainer. Skeet Range allotted to squadron ___?___. The Link Trainer for the day.

    November 3, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) this Sq. were dispatched to assist in a raid on the port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

A/C#941
    1st Lt. William Cox
    2nd Lt. Edward N. Steel
    TSgt Jack J. Landry
    1st Lt. Wilford A. Bouchard
    T/Sgt Lester B. Schlaich
    S/Sgt George R. Harris
    S/Sgt Ernest J. Koger
    S/Sgt James Witter
    Sgt. Benedict J. Linnen
    S/Sgt William B. McCrea

A/C#015
    2nd Lt. James, William R.
    2nd Lt. Wennenberg, John T.
    1st Lt. Cannon, Thomas J.
    T/Sgt Butler, William
    T/Sgt Swango, Buford
    T/Sgt O’Neill, Lawrence T.
    S/Sgt Milan, Carroll E.
    S/Sgt McCrea, William
    S/Sgt Ramsey, Ervin
    S/Sgt Stone, David

A/C#476
    2nd Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.
    2nd Lt. Wood, William
    2nd Lt. Anderson Marvin K.
    2nd Lt. Dobbs, Louis B..
    T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer
    T/Sgt Walters, Gardner
    S/Sgt Mouton, Oscar J.
    S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow
    S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.
    S/Sgt Burton, James

A/C#738
    1st Lt. Griffin, James
    2nd Lt. McElroy, Robert W.
    2nd Lt. Swanson, Philip O.
    2nd Lt. McMurtry, James
    S/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence O.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James
    S/Sgt Davis, John V.
    S/Sgt Webb, Albert
    S/Sgt Hefner, Buford
    S/Sgt Furtado, Alfred
Sgt. Davis flew on aircraft #741 of 323rd Q.
Takeoff 1?63. Target 1311. Return 1533.
Bomb load 10 x 500 plus 14 x 100 I.P.S.
Altitude: 20,800 ft.
Results: Unobserved. Dropped on PFF.
Battle Damage: A/C #947 small caliber hole, right wing. A/C015 Right stabilizer and elevator damaged.
A/C #476 10 mm right wing, flak holes in elevator.
A/C #738 20mm in radio room, tire flat.

Fighter Support: 4 groups of P-47s and 1 group of P-38s for cover.
A/A fire: ___?___inaccurate at the target, meager and inaccurate at __?___ and from ___? ___Joist Island ??.

Fighter Opposition: Up to 70 were reported, mostly FW190s and Me109s, Me110s and JU87s. Most of the attacks were made at 9 o’ clock with a few at 6 o’clock.

Casualties: T/Sgt J. T. Caldwell of A/C987 struck in right thigh with 20 mm fragment.

Claims:
    S/Sgt W. J. Koger, Jr., A/C#941 credited with FW190 destroyed.
    S/Sgt J. Garrison A/C #738 with one Me109 confirmed ?
    S/Sgt J. B. Davis A/C #738 with one FW190 damaged.
    S/Sgt __?__A/C#947 with one JU 87 destroyed. (This would have been either S/Sgt George R. Harris or S/Sgt Ernest J. Koger--impossible to read. - FF)
    S/Sgt J. Witter A/C #947 with one FW190 destroyed.
    S/Sgt. W. C. McCrea A/C #015 with FW 190 destroyed.
    S/Sgt J. Caldwell A/C 738 with one FW190 destroyed.
    S/Sgt W. Bouchard A/C #947 with one FW190 destroyed.
    S/Sgt W. B. McCrea A/C 947 with one FW190 confirmed.

Remarks: We flew high box with 381st in lead and 351st low. A/C 815 turned back at 1147 hours when heated suits of S/Sgt. J. H. Milan and Tail Gunner and S/Sgt David Stone failed to warm up. A/C ___ turned back at 1212 hours when Sgt. B. J. Linnen became ill. A/C 057 turned back at 1201 when 1st Lt. Wilfred A. Bouchard became ill.

This effort __?__which was largest to date, some 1000A/C were dispatched including 430 B-17s and 117 B-24s. Three A/C from the group failed to return;
four more of this group were________.

The following men were assigned to this organization:
2nd Lt. ___?___ and 2/Lt ___?___, Robert L.

S/Sgt Goodell was taken to the Station Hospital .

    November 4, 1943 - Field order called for attack on R.R. and industrial marshalling yards of Gelsenkirchen,

Germany. Mission

canceled prior to briefing crews.

Briefing: Target Identification for Navigators and Bombardiers; Spotlight Trainers, Harwell Trainer and Link Trainer.

    November 5, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the marshalling yards of Gelsenkirchen, Germany:
A/C #015
    2nd Lt. William James
    2nd Lt. Edward Steel
    1st Lt. Thomas G. Cannon
    T/Sgt William Butler
    T/Sgt Buford Swango
    T/Sgt Lawrence O’Neill
    S/Sgt Carroll Milan
    S/Sgt William C. McCrea
    S/Sgt Ervin Ramsey
    S/Sgt David A. Stone

A/C #???
    1st Lt. William R. Cox
    2nd Lt. Lester Duggan Jr.
    S/Sgt Jack J. Landry
    1st Lt. James E. Harlow
    TSgt Ellsworth Fair
    S/Sgt Robert Pendergast
    S/Sgt Ernest J. Koger
    S/Sgt James Witter
    S/Sgt Benedict J. Linnen
    S/Sgt William McCrea

A/C #?57 ?
    2nd Lt. Charles L. Early
    2nd Lt. Leonard F. Anderson
    2nd Lt. Roscoe Albright
    1st Lt. William Bouchard
    T/Sgt Carl N. McVey
    TSgt Paul E. Baker
    T/Sgt Robert E. Buns
    Sgt Tabor W. Best
    Sgt. Marvin Britt
    Sgt. Robert R. Holton

A/C #076
    2nd Lt. Eldridge V. Greer
    2nd Lt. Woodrow Wood
    2nd Lt. Marvin D. Anderson
    2nd Lt. Louie R. Dobbs
    T/Sgt Cassmer Lekowski
    T/Sgt Gardner Walters
    S/Sgt Oscar Wooten
    S/Sgt Woodrow Wade
    S/Sgt Robert Mueller
    S/Sgt James Burton

A/C #676
    1st Lt. James L. Griffin
    2nd Lt. John T. Wennenberg
    2nd Lt. Philip Swanson
    2nd Lt. James McMurtry
    S/Sgt Lawrence J. Moertle
    S/Sgt George Harris
    S/Sgt John V. Davis
    Sgt. Albert Webb
    S/Sgt Norman Harper
    S/Sgt Alfred Furtado

Group Leader; Major Sheeler (C.O. 322nd Sqd.) led Group 1 in A/C #803 piloted by Capt. Fred F. Peterman of 324th Squadron.
Takeoff: 1001 hours. Target 1343 hrs. Return 1529 hrs.
Bomb Load 42 x 100 lbs.
Bombing altitude: 29,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Unknown due to haze.
Casualties: None in our Sqd. Lt. Marion Blake? Of 323rd Sqd. struck by flak in thigh.
Battle Damage: A/C #656 Flak #4 engine, minor.
Fighter Support: 3 groups of P-47s and 2 Sqd. of Spits gave excellent cover.
Enemy Opposition: 10-20 E/A including FW190s, Me109, Do217 and Me110s were seen. No direct attacks were made.

A/A fire: Intense but inaccurate for our group at the target. __?__inaccurate fire from the vicinities of Kaldenkirk and Tellenberg.

Claims: None

    November 6, 1943 - F.O. called for attack on rail center at Emden, Germany. Mission scrubbed before crews were briefed.

Training: All Navigators and Bombardiers attended Target Identification. Gunnery lecture to all gunners; Aircraft Recognition; Gee Trainer; Ring Net
Work instruction; Shadowgraph; one Link Trainer assigned to Squadron.

Six (6) E/M and the following officers were assigned to this squadron for combat duty:
    2nd Lt. A. J. Buchanans
    2nd Lt. J.D. Mullens
    2nd Lt. A. A. Bailey

    November 7, 1943 - The following A/C (B17s) this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the R.R. Marshalling Yard at Wesel, Germany:
A/C 656
    1st Lt. James L. Griffin
    2nd Lt. Lester W. Duggan, Jr.
    2nd Lt. Philip O. Swanson
    2nd Lt. James E. McMurtry
    S/Sgt Lawrence J. Moertle
    S/Sgt Charles W. Grubb
    S/Sgt John V. Davis
    Sgt. Albert W. Webb
    S/Sgt Norman L. Harper
    Sgt. John J. Wheeler

A/C804
    Capt. LeRoy B. Everett
    2nd Lt. Bryce S. Everston
    1st Lt. Joe L. McNeill
    1st Lt. James F. Goy
    T/Sgt Ellsworth (NMI) Fair
    T/Sgt Eugene H. Evans
    S/Sgt Henry A. Griswold
    S/Sgt Walter S. French
    S/Sgt Paul DeMidio
    Sgt. Marvin G. McCrea

A/C 794
    2nd Lt. Leonard F. Anderson
    2nd Lt. Edward M. Steel
    2nd Lt. Clinton V. Copeland
    2nd Lt. Steve (NMI) Domladovic
    S/Sgt Everett S. Ross
    S/Sgt Robert L. Pendergast
    Sgt. Albert V. Rose
    Sgt. Charles F. Shelley
    Sgt. Wayne M. Houser
    Cantrell, Sgt. Joseph F.

A/C076
    2nd Lt. Eldridge V. Greer
    2nd Lt. William D. Wood
    2nd Lt. Marvin D. Anderson
    S/Sgt William J. Carlson
    T/Sgt Cassmer W. Kekowski
    Sgt. Nelson A. Hillock
    S/Sgt Oscar J. Mouton
    S/Sgt Woodrow (NMI) Wade
    S/Sgt James E. Furton
    S/Sgt Robert A. Mueller

A/C 815
    1st Lt. William R. Cox
    2nd Lt. John W. Wennerberg
    T/Sgt Jock J. Landry
    1st Lt. James E. Harlow
    T/Sgt Lester R. Schlaich
    S/Sgt George D. Harris
    S/Sgt Ernest J. Koger
    S/Sgt James H. Witter
    Sgt. Benedict J. Linnen
    S/Sgt William B. McCrae

Time: Takeoff 0807. Target 1124. Return 1400.
Bomb Load: 10 x 500
Bombing Altitude: 27,000
Bombing Results: Unknown - 10/10 cloud.
Battle Damage: None
Fighter Support: P-47s gave excellent cover.
Enemy Opposition: No E/A encountered.
A/A Fire: Meager and inaccurate.
Claims: None
Remarks: A/C 794 turned back at 1043 hours when #2 prop ran away.

    November 8, 1943 - Field order called for attack on Neuss,

France

. (The rest illegible, but mission was cancelled. - FF)

Training: Target identification; Spotlight Trainer; Skeet Range ; ___?___; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer.

    November 9, 1943 - Training: Target Identification; Aircraft Recognition; Gee Trainer; ___Trainer; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer.

    November 10, 1943 - Training: Target Identification; Spotlight Trainer; Skeet Range ; Link Trainer.

    November 11, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the city of Wesel, Germany:
A/C#650
    1st Lt. James L. Griffin
    2nd Lt. Robert W. McElroy
    T/Sgt Jack J. Landry
    2nd Lt. James E. McMurtry
    S/ Sgt. Lawrence J. Moertle
    T/Sgt Lawrence O’Neill
    S/Sgt John B. Davis
    Sgt. Albert W. Webb
    S/Sgt Norman L. Harper
    Sgt John J. Wheeler

A/C #076
    2nd Lt. Edward M. Steel
    2nd Lt. Bryce S. Everston
    2nd Lt. Robert E. Emmick
    2nd Lt. Frederick D. Weyerts
    S/Sgt Henry G. Holderbach
    S/Sgt George D. Harris
    Sgt. Howard R. Thornley
    Sgt. James G. Lane
    Sgt. Gerald D. Glaze
    Sgt. Elmer E. Tobias

A/C #714
    2nd Lt. Leonard F. Anderson
    2nd Lt. Lester N. Duggan
    2nd Lt. Steve (NMI) Domladovic
    2nd Lt. Clinton V. Copeland
    S/Sgt Everett M. Ross
    S/Sgt Robert L. Pendergast
    Sgt. Albert V. Rose
    Sgt. Charles F. Shelley
    Sgt. Wayne M. Houser
    Sgt. Joseph F. Campbell

A/C #511
    2nd Lt. John T. Wennerberg
    2nd Lt. William F. Myers
    2nd Lt. Eugene C. Cohalah
    2nd Lt. John W. Temple
    S/Sgt Squire Baker
    Sgt. Nelson A. Hillock
    Sgt. William E. Heller
    Sgt. Stanley T. Knoprzyk
    Sgt. Morris (NMI) Schendelman
    Sgt. William C. Cole

A/C #076
    2nd Lt. Charles L. Early
    2nd Lt. Billy G. Ponder
    2nd Lt. Roscoe (NMI) Albright
    2nd Lt. Wilfred A. Bouchard
    S/Sgt Carl N. McVey
    T/Sgt Paul R. Baker
    S/Sgt Robert Bums
    Sgt. Tabor W. Best
    Sgt. Marvin B. Britt
    Sgt. Robert R. Holton

Capt. Ward - flying with the 401st Sq. in ship #484

Time: Takeoff 1115 hours. Return 1525 hours.
Bomb Load: 4,200 lbs. IB’s

All A/C were recalled due to weather. Turned back before reaching enemy coast.

1st Lt. R. W. Gerald was transferred to 306th Bomb Group.
1st Lt. W. N. Cavaneau was transferred to 303rd Bomb Group

    November 12, 1943 - Training: Gee Trainer; Target Identification; Aircraft Recognition; Shadowgraph; Harwell Trainer; Link Trainer.

2nd Lt. C.R. Reno (GP) transferred to 96th Bomb Gp. 40 officers and 74 E/M of the 401st Bomb Gp. were attached for temporary duty.

    November 13, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the city of Bremen, Germany:
A/C #511
    2nd Lt. John T. Wennerberg
    2nd Lt. William F. Myers
    2nd Lt. Eugene C. Cohalah
    2nd Lt. John W. Temple
    Sgt. Squire (NMI) Baker
    S/Sgt Stanley J. Cantrell
    Sgt. Morris Schendelman
    Sgt. Stanley T. Knoprzyk
    Sgt. William C. Cole
    Sgt. William E. Heller

A/C 076
    2nd Lt. Eldridge V. Greer
    2nd Lt. William D. Wood
    2nd Lt. Marvin D. Anderson
    2nd Lt. Louis R. Dobbs
    T/Sgt Cassmer W. Kekowski
    T/Sgt Gardner Walters
    S/Sgt Oscar J. Mouton
    S/Sgt Woodrow Wade
    S/Sgt James Purton
    S/Sgt Marvin C. McGraw

A/C #656
    2nd Lt. Edward M. Steel
    2nd Lt Bryce S Everston
    2nd Lt. Robert E. Emmick
    2nd Lt. Frederick Weyerts
    T/Sgt Ellsworth (NMI) Fair
    S/Sgt George D. Harris
    Sgt. Gerald D. Glaze
    Sgt. Howard R. Thornley
    Sgt. John S. Weiddle (?)
    Sgt. James O. Lane

A/C #794
    2nd Lt. Leonard F. Anderson
    2nd Lt. Lester N. Duggan
    2nd Lt. Steve (NMI) Domladovic
    2nd Lt. Clinton V. Copeland
    S/Sgt Everett N. Ross
    S/Sgt. Robert L. Pendergast
    Sgt. Albert V. Rose
    Sgt. Wayne M. Hooser
    Sgt. Joseph F. Campbell
    Sgt. Charles F. Shelly

A/C #815

    2nd Lt. Charles L. Early
    2nd Lt. Billy G. Ponder
    2nd Lt. Roscoe Aldridge
    2nd Lt. Wilfred A. Bouchard
    S/Sgt Carl H. McVey
    T/Sgt Paul E. Baker
    T/Sgt Robert E. Bums
    Sgt. Taylor W. Best
    Sgt. Marvin C. Britt
    Sgt. Robert R. Holton

Time: Takeoff 0730 hours. Return 0915 to 0930 hours.

Remarks: Group and Wing could not assemble. Mission recalled.

    November 14, 1943 - No remarks.

   November 15, 1943- Training: Gee Trainer; Target Identification; Prisoner of War Lecture; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer.

2nd Lt. Ray R. Ward, CP, transferred to this Squadron from 413 Bomb Sq., 96th Bomb Gp. Ray is a brother of Capt. Geo. Ward.

    November 16, 1943 - The following A/C (B.17’s) in this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the molybdenum mine located at Knaben, Norway.
A/C #656
    1/Lt Griffin, James L (P)
    2/Lt McElroy, Robert W. (CP)
    2/Lt Swanson, Philip O. (Nav)
    2/Lt McMurtry, James E. (Bomb.)
    S/S Moertle, Lawrence J. (TT)
    Sgt. Hillock, Nelson A. (RB)
    S/S Davis, John B. (BT)
    Sgt Webb, Albert W. (RWG)
    Sgt. Wheeler, John J. (TG)
    S/S Harper, Norman L. (LWG)
    1/Lt Peek, J.C. (416 Sq. 401 Gp) was an observer.

A/C #047
    2/Lt Early, Charles L. (P)
    2/Lt Gough, Robert L. (CP)
    2/Lt Albright, Roscoe (NMI)
    2/Lt Bouchard, Wilfred A.
    S/S McVey, Carl H. (TT)
    T/S Baker, Paul E. (RG)
    S/S Bums, Robert E. (BT)
    Sgt. Best, Tabor W. (RWG)
    Sgt. Britt, Marvin
    Sgt. Holton, Robert R. (TG)

A/C #076
    2/Lt Greer, Eldridge V. (P)
    2/Lt Wood, Wm. D. (CP)
    2/Lt Anderson, Marvin D. (N)
    2/Lt Dobbs, Louie R. (Bomb.)
    T/S Kekowski, Cassmer W. (TT)
    T/S Walters, Garner (NMI) (RG)
    S/S Mouton, Oscar J. (BT)
    S/S Wade, Woodrow (NMI) (RWG)
    S/S Purton, James E. (LWG)
    S/S McGraw, Marvin G.

A/C #515
    2/Lt Wennenberg, John T. (P)
    2/Lt Myers, Wm. P. (CP)
    2/Lt Conalan, Eugene C. (N)
    2/Lt Temple, John W. (B)
    Sgt. Baker, Squire (NMI) (TT)
    S/S Cantrell, Stanley J. (RG)
    Sgt. Roller, Wm. E. (TG)
    Sgt. Kacprzyk, Stanley T. (RWG)
    Sgt. Schendelman, Morris (NMI) (BT)
    Sgt. Cole, William (LWG)

A/C794
    2/Lt Anderson, Leonard F. (P)
    2/Lt Duggan, Lester W. Jr. (CP)
    2/Lt Domladovic, Steve (NMI) (N)
    2/Lt Copeland, Clinton V. (B)
    S/S Ross, Everett N. ((TT)
    S/S Pendergast, Robert L. (RG)
    Sgt. Rose, Albert J. (BT)
    Sgt. Shelley, Charles F. (RWG)
    Sgt. Houser, Wayne M. (LWG)
    Sgt. Campbell, Joseph F. (TG)

Time: Takeoff 0720. Return 1500.

Bomb Load: 12 x 500 lb. G.P.
Fighter Opposition: Up to 15 Me109s, Me110s and FW190s were encountered and attacked with persistence between 1128 and 1155 hours.

A.A. Fire - Meager and inaccurate A.A. fire was observed from vicinities of Eigeroen, Epersund, Stapner and Beresford.

Remarks: Could not locate target, after making several ruins in what was supposed to be the area. Major Clyde G. Gillespie of the 401st squadron led the
group. A/C #515 turned back at 1100 at 5723N - 0527E, because he could not find formation.

S/Sgt C. H. McVey A/C#047 credited with one E/A damaged. S/Sgt Marvin C. McGraw, A/C #076 credited with one E/A destroyed.

    November 17, 1943 - Training: Aircraft Recognition; Spotlight Trainer; Harwell Trainer; Skeet Range; Link Trainer.

    November 18, 1943 - Training: Gee Trainer; Gunner fire for all gunners; Target Identification; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer.

    November 19, 1943 - Training: Gunners Critique; Target Identification; Wing Net Work; Aircraft Recognition; Spotlight Trainer; Skeet Range ; Link Trainer.

S/Sgt Albert T. DeMidio and S/Sgt Leland B. Judy returned to base after successfully evading capture after bailing out of their disabled A/C while over
enemy territory.

1/Lt Elmer E.M. Warner was assigned to Sq. and appointed Ass’t Engineering Officer. 2/Lt George Steidle was assigned to squadron and appointed Supply
and Transportation Officer. Major Ray E. Swain assigned to squadron and carried as overage.

    November 20, 1943 - Training: Gee Trainer; Target Identification; Aircraft Recognition; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer.

    November 22, 1943 - Training: Target Identification; Skeet Range ; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer; processed four new crews.

    November 21, 1943 - All offices and enlisted men of the 401st Bomb Gp. who were attached to us for temporary duty left for their own field.

    November 23, 1943 - Training: Navigation; Gee Trainer; Prisoner of War Lecture; Target Identification; Wing Net Work; Aircraft Recognition; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer; Practice Mission which had been scheduled was cancelled because of weather.

    November 24, 1943 - Training: Prisoner of War Lecture; Target Identification; Harwell Trainer; Skeet Range; Link Trainer; Finished processing new crews; seven (7) crews participated in a practice mission.

    November 25, 1943 - Training: Prisoner of War Lecture; Target Identification; Gee Trainer; Shadowgraph; Link Trainer; Bomb Trainer; six (6) crews participated in a practice mission.

    November 26, 1943 - The following A/C (B.17’s) and crews were dispatched to assist in a raid on the city of Bremen, Germany:
A/C #636
    Lt. Griffin, James L.
    Lt. McElroy, Robert W.
    Lt. Swanson, Philip O.
    Lt. McMurtry, James E.
    T/S Moertle, Lawrence J.
    T/S Caldwell, James L.
    S/S Davis, John B.
    Sgt. Webb, Albert W.
    S/S Harper, Norman L.
    Sgt. Wheeler, John J.
       Ob: Col Moore (8th AF)

A/C 076
    Lt. Early, Charles L.
    Lt. Ponder, Billy B.
    Lt. Albright, Roscoe (NMI)
    Lt. Dobbs, Lewis R.
    S/S McVey, Carl N.
    T/S Baker, Paul R.
    S/S Bums, Robert
    Sgt. Best, Tabor W.
    Sgt. Britt, Marvin B.
    Sgt. Holton, Robert W.

A/C #794
    Lt. Anderson, Leonard F.
    Lt. Mullens, John E.
    Lt. Domladovic, Steve (NMI)
    Lt. Fox, Robert W.
    S/S Ross, Everett
    Sgt. Hillock, Nelson A.
    Sgt. Rose, Albert J.
    Sgt. Houser, Wayne M.
    Sgt. Shelly, Charles F.
    Sgt. Campbell, Joseph F.

A/C #738
    Lt. Steel, Edward M.
    Lt. Jackson, Frank R.
    Lt. Emmick, Robert E.
    Lt. Weyerts, Frederick
    S/S Holdenbach, Henry G.
    S/S Harris, George D.
    Sgt. Glaze, Gerald D.
    Sgt. Thornley, Howard R.
    S/S French, Walter S.
    S/S McGraw, William B.

A/C #815
    Lt. James, William R.
    Lt. Boyce, John J. Jr.
    Lt. Cannon, Thomas J.
    S/S Butler, Wm.
    T/S Swango, Buford C.
    T/S O’Neill, Lawrence E.
    S/S McCrea, Wm. G.
    S/S Ramsey, Ervin H.
    S/S Milam, Carroll E.
    S/S Stone, David A.

A/C #511
    Lt. Wennerberg, John T.
    Lt. Myers, Wm. P.
    Lt. Cahalan, Eugene C.
    Lt. Temple, John W.
    Sgt. Baker, Squire (NMI)
    S/S Grubb (?), Charles W. Jr.
    Sgt. Schendelman, Morris (NMI)
    Sgt. Kacprzyk, Stanley T.
    Sgt. Cole, Wm. C.
    Sgt. Roller, Wm. E.

A/C #947
    Lt. Roberts, Robert S. (401)
    Lt. Burton, Albert W.
    Lt. Walker, John (NMI)
    Sgt. Wright, Roy A.
    S/S Fr___, Matthew (NMI)
    S/S Cantrell, Stanley J.
    SSgt. Cyr, Walter B.
    Sgt. Hicks, Theodore (NMI)
    Sgt. Linnen, Benedict J.
    S/S McGraw, Marvin C.

Time: Take Off 0822. Target 1020. Return 1520.
Bomb Load: 8 x 500 lb. G.P. & 20 x 100 lb. IB’s.
Bombing Altitude: 27,000 ft.
Results : Unobserved due to haze and smoke.

Fighter Opposition: No direct attacks wee made on our formation. E/A concentrated on other wings.

A/A Fire: From Heligoland, Duxhaven - meager to moderate and inaccurate. At the target, intense but inaccurate. Also meager and inaccurate fire was
reported from Oldenburg and Leer.

Fighter Support: P-38’s and P-47’s gave excellent support.
Claims: None
Casualties: None

Remarks: A/C 656 turned back at 1158 hours at 5347N - 0730E after R.W. gunner Sgt. Albert W. Webb passed out due to malfunction of oxygen system. A/C #076 turned back at 1107 hours at 5405N - 0525E when #2 prop ran away. S/Sgt H. G. Holderback A/C #730 suffered from frost bitten fingers on left hand. A/C #815 P turned back at 1127 hours at 5410N - 0720E when S/Sgt W. C. McCrea in ball turret passed out due to puncture in oxygen line. A/C #511 turned back at 1130 hours at 5408N - 0543E after learning Sgt. Schendelman had passed out due to failure of oxygen system, as did Sgt. W. C. Cole. 2/Lt J. W. Temple suffered from frostbitten hands. Sgt. Eicke, Theodore A/C #947 suffered frostbitten face. T/Sgt Garner (NMI) Walters of this squadron rode in 401st A/C #785 piloted by Lt. Tibbets. It was necessary for them to ditch about 20 miles off English coast. - were picked up a half hour later by a friendly minesweeper.

Battle Damage: A/C #794 - flak hole in right wing. A/C #738 collided with A/C #079 of the 401st squadron just after leaving the target. Both A/C returned.
A/C #738 had its #4 engine damaged, also had flak hole in fuselage.

    November 27, 1943 - The weather was really socked in this morning. We cancelled the meeting to let the boys sleep. The new crews had Dimony Drill and Le C___.

    November 28, 1943 - Bad weather again today and because it is Sunday morning meeting was cancelled.

    November 29, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17) was dispatched to assist in a raid on the city of Bremen, Germany:
A/C #076
    Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.
    Lt. Wood, William D.
    Lt. Buchanan, Wm. J.
    Lt. Dobbs, Louie R.
    T/S Lekowski, Cassmer W.
    Sgt Williams, Nelson A.
    S/S Mouton, Oscar J.
    S/S Furton, James E.
    S/S Wade, Woodrow (NMI)
    S/S Mueller, Robert A.

Took Off 1043 hours. Returned 1525 hours. Mission was abandoned due to weather. Lt. Griffin flew Lt. Steel over to Carrington (?) Station (RAF) to get his A/C. Capt. Everett made some bomb runs over ___est sands in A/C #794

    November 30, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17’s) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Rudolph _antenbach Aero-engine casting works, Soligen,
Germany:
            A/C        CREWS
    804    1/Lt Cox
    636    2/Lt C. L. Early
    947    2/Lt E. M. Steel
    746    1/Lt J. L. Griffin
    794    2/Lt L. F. Anderson
    511    2/Lt J. T. Wennenberg
    615    2/Lt W. R. James
    076    2/Lt E. V. Green

Took off at 0740 hours. Mission was abandoned at 1045 hours at 5205N - 0300E by combat wing commander due to weather.

                  322ND SQUADRON DAILY REPORTS, DECEMBER, 1943
                              Submitted by Paul V. Smith, 1st Lt.
Scanned by Don Freer          Transcribed by Frank Farr

    DECEMBER 1, 1943 - S/Sgt. Paul (NMI) DeMidio received the following commendation for his good work in helping Lt. Hantman who was injured
on 9 Oct., '43.
    From Lt. Gen'l Ira C. Eaker, C.O. VIII A. F.
    1. I desire to commend you for the high devotion to duty displayed by you on 9 October, 1943.
    2. Reports received in this Headquarters indicate that, while on a bombing mission, you showed great ability to think and act clearly and quickly in attending to a wounded officer, and that you further displayed this ability by the manner in which you adjusted the jammed tail guns and brought them to bear on the attacking enemy.
    3. Your coolness and bravery on this occasion are deserving of high praise. I am pleased to notify you officially of my gratification at such outstanding conduct, which brings credit not only to you but to the Eighth Air Force and the Service as a whole.
                    /a/Ira C. Eaker
                    Lieutenant General, U.S. Army,
                        Commanding

    From Major Gen'l F. L. Anderson, C. G. VIII B.C.
        I am pleased to note this expression of commendation from the Commanding General, Eighth Air Force, and desire to add my appreciation for such outstanding conduct and high devotion to duty as displayed by you on the bombing mission of 9 October, 1943.
                    /a/ F. L. Anderson
                    Major General , U.S.A. ,
                        Commanding

    From Brigadier General Robert B. Williams. C. G. 1st Bomb Division

        I note with pleasure the commendation from the Commanding General Eighth Air Force and the further expression of appreciation by the
Commanding General, VIII Bomber Command. I am deploy gratified by your conduct on this occasion.
                    /a/Robert B. Williams
                    Brigadier General, U.S.A.,
                        Commanding

    From Col. Clemons K. Wurzbach, C.O. 91st Bomb Group (H)
        The attached letter of commendation and endorsements thereto are self explanatory. I desire to add my congratulations for a job well done.
                    /a/Clemens K. Wurzbach,
                    Colonel, Air Corps,
                    Commanding

    The following A/C (B-17's) and crews were dispatched to assist in a raid of the chemical works of I. G. FarbenIndustrie A/C., Leverkusen, Germany:

A/C #804
    Lt. Cox, William R.
    Lt. Gough, Robert L.
    Lt. Cannon, Thomas J.
    Lt. Harlow, James E.
    T/Sgt Schlaich, Lester B.
    T/Sgt O'Neill, Lawrence E.
    T/Sgt Koger, Ernest J.
    S/Sgt Witter, James H.
    Sgt. Linnen, Benedict J.
    S/Sgt Macrae, William B.

A/C #815
    Lt. Burton, Albert W.
    Lt. Mullens, John D.
    Lt. Buchanan, William J.
    Lt. Ballay, August A,.
    S/Sgt Franko, Matthew
    S/Sgt Cantrell, Stanley J.
    Sgt. Cyr, Walter R.
    S/Sgt Pridgen, Selby B.
    Sgt. Schoefield, William J.

A/C #656
    Lt. Griffin, James L.
    Lt. Boyce, John J.
    Lt. Swanson, Philip O.
    Lt. McMurtry, James E.
    T/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence J.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.
    S/Sgt Martin, Charles R.
    S/Sgt Davis, John B.
    Sgt. Webb, Albert W.
    Sgt. Wheeler, John J.

A/C #947
    Lt. Steel, Edward M.
    Lt. Jackson, Frank H.
    Lt. Emmick, Robert E.
    Lt. Weyerts, Frederick D.
    T/Sgt Fair, Ellsworth (NMI)
    S/Sgt Harris, George D.
    S/Sgt Thigpen, Rudolph A.
    S/Sgt Ramsey, Ervin M.
    Sgt. Wright, Roy A.
    S/Sgt McGraw, Marvin C.

A/C #794
    Lt. Anderson, Leonard F.
    Lt. Hollinger, Harry L.
    Lt. Domladovic, Steve (NMI)
    Lt. Copeland, Clinton V.
    S/Sgt Ross, Everett N.
    S/Sgt Pendergast, Robert L.
    Sgt. Rose, Albert V.
    Sgt. Houser, Wayne M.
    Sgt. Campbell, Joseph F.
    Sgt. Shelley, Charles F.

A/C #836
    Lt. Early, Charles L.
    Lt. Ponder, Billy G.
    Lt. Albright, Roscoe (NMI)
    Lt. Bouchard, Wilfred A.
    S/Sgt McVey, Carl H.
    T/Sgt Baker,, Paul E.
    S/Sgt Bums, Robert E.
    Sgt. Best, Tabor W.
    Sgt. Britt, Marvin C.
    Sgt. Holton, Robert R.

A/C #076
    Lt. Greer, Aldridge V.
    Lt. Wood, William D.
    Lt. Burkett, Wheeler M. (324)
    Lt. Dobbs, Louie R.
    T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer W.
    Sgt. Hillock, Nelson
    S/Sgt Houton, Oscar J.
    S/Sgt Purton, James E.
    S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow (NMI)
    S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.

A/C #511
    Lt. Wennenberg, John T.
    Lt. Dickson, Robert A.
    Lt. Cahalan, Eugene C.
    Lt. Temple, John W.
    Sgt. Baker, Squire (NMI)
    S/Sgt Nicoletti, Rick J.
    Sgt. Schendleman, Morris (NMI)
    Sgt. Kacprzyk, Stanley T.
    Sgt. Cole, William C.
    Sgt. Roller, William E.

Time: Take Off 0755. Target 1202. Return 1434.
Bomb Load 8 x 500 G.P, 20 x 100 I.lB.'s
Bombing Altitude 26,000
Results: Unobserved 9/10 cloud

Fighter Opposition: 40-50 E/A mostly FW190's and Me-109's with a few Me-100's and FW-189's. FW-190's were painted to look like out P-47's.
Rocket firing E/A were in evidence. Between 1140 and 1200 hours our fighter support did not cover our formation. It was during this
period of time that our group suffered its losses (5 A/C M.I.A.) also 4 A/C landing elsewhere in England .

A/A Fire: Meager inaccurate fire from vicinity of Antwerp Turn Hout, Eindhove, Aachen, Brussels, Ostender and Tilburg .

Fighter Support: Good except for a period of one half hour when they did not furnish support as briefed.

Claims: None

Remarks: The following A/C failed to return: A/C 794 piloted by Lt. L. J. Anderson, A/C 511 piloted by Lt. J. T. Wennenberg, A/C 836 piloted by Lt. Charles L. Early. Major H. W. Weitzenfeld, C.O. of the 401st, was group leader.

Squadron strength: 84 officers, 403 E.M. S/Sgts B.G. Judy and Albert T. Diminio who evaded capture and returned to base after being forced to b ale out of their A/C over enemy territory on August 31, 1943, were transferred to Mitchell Field, Long Island .

Training: Target Identification, Spotlight Trainer, Link Trainer.
Organization Strength: 45 officers, 338 E.M.

Five new crews were assigned to Squadron; officers are as follows:
    Lt. E. Fandher (P)        Lt. J. W. Smith (P)
    Lt. C. W. Wuest (CP)      Lt. W. T. Johnson (CP)
    Lt. H. Hawkins (N)        Lt. P. W. Flournoy (N)
    Lt. J. R. Mangold (B)     Lt. J. P. Smith
    Lt. P. D. Jessop (P)      Lt. W. E. Murdoch (P)
    Lt. J. A. Moeller (CP)    .L. Manson (CP)
    Lt. H. Lerner (N)         Lt. J. E. Martin (N)
    F/O J. S. Gaghans (B)     Lt. R. R. Case (B)
    Lt. J. C. Page (P)        Lt. T. C. Butler Jr. (CP)
    Lt. L. J. Lynch Jr. (N)   Lt. W. Stevenson (B)

    December 2, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Shadowgraph, Link Trainer, New Crews received S-2 lecture, Air Sea Rescue and Dinghy Instruction. Also First Aid Lecture. Weather closed in.

    December 3, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Gunnery, Skeet Range, Link Trainer, Spotlight Trainer. New crews received S-2 lecture, Air Sea Rescue lecture, and lecture on First Aid............Very foggy.

    December 4, 1943 - Lt. Roger W. Layn, Assistant Operations Officer, promoted to 1st Lt.
Training: Gee Trainer, Target Identification, Gunnery, Shadowgraph, Link Trainer, Bomb Trainer. New crews instructed in VHF, Flying Control, Combat Tactics, and Gun Sighting.

    December 5, 1943 - Crews of this squadron were briefed on the ball bearing works of C.W.M. Paris, France. However, before they were able to take off, the weather closed in tight, making it impossible to take off. Ten A/C of the 91st Group were able to take off and proceeded with the wing as briefed, but were forced to turn back due to weather while over France. All the A/C landed at Ridgewell as our field was closed because of weather.

    December 6, 1943 - Training: Target Identification, Skeet Range, Spotlight Trainer. New crews received Link Trainer, fuses for bombardiers, Target Identification, Gunnery, Navigation.

    December 7, 1943 - V. Greer (P) and P.O. Swanson (N) promoted to 1st Lt.
Training: Target Identification, Link Trainer, Bomb Trainer, Gunnery, Gee Trainer for N. PW lecture, Shadowgraph

    December 8, 1943 - Training: Target Identification for N and B, Aircraft Recognition.

    December 9, 1943 - Training: Gunnery for all navigators and bombardiers. Target Identification, Aircraft Recognition.......Weather bad.

    December 10, 1943 L. Newquist (P), Lt. L. J. Bailey (BN), Lt. H. W. West (BN), Lt. G. Green (CP), Lt. W. J. Burtt (P)

Training: Gunnery for navigators and bombardiers, aircraft recognition.
Weather cleared in afternoon.

A/C 815 piloted by Lt. Griffin flew practice mission with Major Berry's boys.
A/C 076 piloted by Lt. Boyce went to high altitude.
A/C 738 piloted by Lt. Sterle made a practice flight. (ED. NOTE: Steale? Steel?)

    December 11, 1943 - Lt. Thomas Gannon (B) and Lt. William James (P) transferred to 323rd Bomb Squadron.
Training: Lecture by DE Hewitt on Gunnery.

The following A/C (B-17's) and crews of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Port Area of Emden, Germany:

A/C #804
    Capt. Everett, Leroy B.
    Major Sheeler, Donald E.
    Lt. McNeill, Joe L.
    Lt. Guy, James F.
    T/Sgt Fair, Ellsworth (NMI)
    T/Sgt Evans, Eugene H.
    S/Sgt. Griswold, Henry A.
    S/Sgt French, Walter S.
    Sgt. Webb, Albert W.
    Lt. Layn, Roger W.

A/C #057
    Lt. Boyce, John J.
    Lt. Johnson, Thomas E.
    Lt. Keyser, William R.
    Lt. Kennedy, Henry J.
    S/Sgt Lovely, Robert L.
    S/Sgt Weston, Morris (NMI)
    Sgt. Landis, Harvey G.
    Sgt. Coomes, John M.
    Sgt. White, Mickel D.
    Sgt. Penner, Melvin (NMI)

A/C #656
    Lt. Jackson, Frank R.
    Lt. Gieger, Bruce H.
    Lt. Walker, John (NMI)
    Lt. Hovantz, Joseph P.
    S/Sgt Mitchell, Martin J.
    S/Sgt Bacon, Verdner E.
    Sgt. White, William E.
    Sgt. Sparks, Clarence A.
    Sgt. Olszewski, Anthony J.
    Sgt. Karl, Robert J.

A/C #815
    Lt. Burton , Albert W.
    Lt. Smith, John W.
    Lt. Buchanan, William J,.
    Lt. Ballay, August A.
    S/Sgt Fronko, Matthew (NMI)
    S/Sgt Cantrell, Stanley J.
    Sgt. Cyr, Walter R.
    Sgt. Tinsley, Scott E.
    S/Sgt Pridgen, Selby B.
    Sgt. Schofield, William J.

Time: Take Off 0846. Target 1241. Return 141`5.
Bomb Load: 42 x 100 I.B.'s
Bombing Altitude: 22,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Unobserved - effective smoke screen at target

Fighter Opposition: Only 4 E/A were observed. Our fighter support furnished excellent cover.

A/A Fire: Meager inaccurate fire from vicinities of Baltrum and Langedoc Islands, moderate and accurate from Ems Basin and Groningan, also meager and inaccurate fire from Texel Island.

    December 12, 1943 - Nothing to report.


    December 13, 1943 1943 - Lt. John R. Parsons, Jr., Squadron Adjutant, promoted to captain. Lt. James El. McMurtry (B) promoted to 1st Lt.
Training Schedule: Target Identification, Aircraft Recognition.

    December 14, 1943 - At 0330 hours the crews of this squadron were briefed for a raid on Berlin. Their briefing on this target was the first. All were
told that the command had waited for the proper method to attack this target for over a year, and that in the event the weather turned unfavorable we would cancel same, officers of crews would return to be briefed on the alternation target, Bremen. At 0450 hours while crews were in their ships the code word canceling Berlin was radioed and officers returned for the briefing of Bremen. Bremen was also cancelled before takeoff.

    December 15, 1943 - No entry

    December 16, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17's) were assigned to assist in a raid on the city of Bremen.

A/C #804
    Capt. Everett, Leroy B.
    Major Sheeler, Donald E.
    Lt. McNeill, Joe L.
    Lt. Guy, James F.
    T/Sgt O'Neill, Lawrence E.
    T/Sgt Fair, Ellsworth (NMI)
    S/Sgt Griswold, Henry A.
    S/Sgt French, Walter S.
    Sgt. Brooke, Charles F.
    Lt. Brooks, George N. (323)

A/C #658
    Lt. Griffin, James L.
    Lt. Gough, Robert L.
    Lt. Swanson, Phillip O.
    Lt. McMurtry, James E.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.
    T/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence J.
    S/Sgt Davis, John B.
    S/Sgt Harper, Norman L.
    S/Sgt Elberling, Everard V.
    S/Sgt Furtado, Alfred (NMI)

A/C #076
    Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.
    Lt. Wood, William D.
    Lt. Anderson, Marvin B.
    Lt. Dobbs, Lewis R.
    T/Sgt Walters, Gardner (NMI)
    T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer W.
    S/Sgt Mouton, Oscar J.
    S/Sgt Purton, James E.
    S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow
    S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.

A/C #818
    Lt. Burton, Albert W.
    Lt. Ward, Ray R.
    Lt. Buchanan, William J.
    Lt. Ballay, August A.
    S/Sgt Cantrell, Stanley J.
    S/Sgt Fronko, Mathew (NMI)
    Sgt. Cyr, Walter E.
    S/Sgt Heller, Thomas W.
    Sgt. Schofield, William J.

A/C #738
    Lt. Steel, Edward M.
    Lt. Everston, Bryce S.
    Lt. Emmick, Robert E.
    Lt. Weyerts, Frederick B.
    S/Sgt Harris, George D.
    S/Sgt Holderback, Henry G.
    Sgt. Ray, Victor (NMI)
    Sgt. Thornley, Howard R.
    Sgt. Tobias, Elmer E.
    Sgt. Lane, James G.

Bomb Load: 8 x 500
Bombing Altitude: 25,000
Results Unobserved 10/10 clouds
Time: Take Off 0853. Land 1512. Target 1312.

A/A Fire: Meager from Heligoland, Wesermunde, Texel Island, Intense and accurate at the target.

Enemy fighters: Up to 30 E/A none encountered.
Casualties: None
Battle Damage: A/C 804, 815-P minor.

A/C 738 failed to take off.
Major Donald E. Sheeler.
Our A/C 847 was flown by Lt. Reid of 323 Squadron.

    December 20, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17's) were assigned to assist in attack on the city of Bremen, the 2nd target, seaport in Germany.

A/C #804
    Capt. William B. Cox
    Lt. Ray R. Ward
    Lt. Robert E. Emmick
    Lt. James E. Harlow
    T/Sgt George D. Harris
    T/Sgt Lester B. Schlaich
    T/Sgt Ernest J. Koger
    S/Sgt James M. Witter
    S/Sgt Colburn, Herbert R.
    S/Sgt Macrae, William B.

A/C #815 -P
    Lt. Burton, Albert W.
    Lt. Everston, Bryce S.
    Lt. Buchanan, William J.
    Lt. Ballay, August A.
    S/Sgt Cantrell, Stanley J.
    S/Sgt Fronko, Mathew
    Sgt. Cyr, Walter E.
    S/Sgt Hutto, (?)Tillman F.
    S/Sgt Bridgen, Salby B.
    Sgt. Schofield, William J.

A/C #738
    Lt. Griffin, James I.
    Lt. Gough, Robert L.
    Lt. Swanson, Philip O.
    Lt. McMurtry, James E.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.
    T/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence J.
    S/Sgt Davis, John B.
    Sgt. Kirk, Robert P.
    S/Sgt Harper, Norman L.
    S/Sgt Furtado, Alfred (NMI)

A/C #947
    Lt. Boyce, John J.
    Lt. Johnson, Thomas S.
    Lt. Keyser, William R.
    Lt. Kennedy, Henry J.
    S/Sgt Weston, Morris (NMI)
    S/Sgt Lovely, Robert L.
    S/Sgt Landis, Harvey C.
    Sgt. White, Michel D.
    Sgt Coomes, John N.
    Sgt. Penner, Melvin (NMI)

A/C #078
    Lt. Greer, Eldridge, V.
    Lt. Jessup, Paul D.
    Lt. Anderson, Marvin D.
    Lt. Dobbs, Louie R.
    T/Sgt Walters, Gardner (NMI)
    T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer W.
    S/Sgt Mouton, Oscar J.
    S/Sgt Purton, James E.
    S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow (NMI)
    S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.

Bomb Load:
Altitude: 27,000
Results: Unobserved at time of attack. Bombed on PFF.

A/A Fire: Meager, inaccurate A/A fire from southern tip of Texel Island to Aldeneues and Delmenhorst where it became rather accurate.
A/A fire was intense and accurate at target. Barrage fire with continuous as A/C left target.

Enemy Fighter Opposition: Upwards of 15 E/A mostly S/E with few T/E seen, no combat by this squadron.

Casualties: S/Sgt Albert (NMI) Furtado, ASN31165091, tail gunner of A/C 738 froze to death.

Battle Damage: Minor to A/C's #076 and #815.

Remarks: (None)

    December 22, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17's) were dispatched to assist in a raid on the marshalling yards at Osnabruck, Germany:

A/C #940
    Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.
    Lt. Wood, William D.
    Lt. Anderson, Marvin D.
    Lt. Dobbs, Louie R.
    T/Sgt Gardner, Walter
    T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer
    S/Sgt Mouton, Oscar J.
    S/Sgt Purton, James E.
    S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow (NMI)
    S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.

A/C #076
    Lt. Jackson, Frank R.
    Lt. Murdock, Wayne E.
    Lt. Walker, John (NMI)
    Lt. Fox, Robert K.
    S/Sgt Bacon, Verdner C.
    S/Sgt Mitchell, Martin J.
    S/Sgt White, William E.
    Sgt. Sparks, Clarence A.
    Sgt. Olszewski, Anthony J.
    Sgt. Karl, Robert J.

A/C #947
    Capt. Cox, William R.
    Lt. Ward, Ray R.
    Lt. Hawkins, Herston
    Lt. Harlow, James E.
    S/Sgt Hillock, Nelson A.
    T/Sgt Schlaich, Lester B.
    T/Sgt Koger, Ernest J.
    S/Sgt Clark, Robert H.
    S/Sgt Witter, James H.
    S/Sgt McCrea, William B.

A/C #656
    Lt. Griffin, James L.
    Lt. McElroy, Robert W.
    Lt. Swanson, Philip O.
    Lt. McMurtry, James E.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.
    T/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence E.
    S/Sgt Davis, John J.
    Sgt. Lewis, Clayton A.
    S/Sgt Harper, Norman L.
    S/Sgt McGraw, Marvin C.

A/C #070
    Lt. Boyce, John J.
    Lt. Smith, John W.
    Lt. Keyser, William R.
    Lt. Kennedy, Henry J.
    S/Sgt Weston, Morris (NMI)
    S/Sgt Hutton, Tillman F.
    Sgt. Landis, Harvey G.
    Sgt. White, Michael D.
    Sgt. Coomes, John N.
    Sgt. Penner, Melvin (NMI)

A/C #815
    Lt. Burton, Albert W.
    Lt. Fransher, Robert E.
    Lt. Buchanan, William H.
    Lt. Ballay, August A.
    S/Sgt Cantrell, Stanley L.
    S/Sgt Fronko, Mathew
    Sgt. Cyr, Walter R.
    Sgt. Moody, Thomas E.
    S/Sgt. Pridgen, Selby B.
    Sgt. Schofield, William

Bomb Load: 16 x 250 INC
Bombing Altitude: 25,400
Bombing Results: Unobserved 10/10 cloud at target.
Enemy Opposition: Up to 35 E/A, FW190's and Me109's), none encountered.
A/A Fire: Meager and inaccurate from Rheine, Lingen, Swolle, Esmond and at target.
Battle Damage: A/C 656 suffered major damage.
Casualties: A/C 738 and crew failed to return.
Claims: T/Sgt Laverne J. Moertle, T. T. Gunner #656 credited with destroying 1 FW-190.
    S/Sgt Marion C. McGraw, T.G. of A/C #656 credited with one FW190 destroyed.
Remarks: Lt. Col. Gillespie, C.O. of 401st Squadron was group leader.
A/C #738 piloted by Lt. Steel, failed to return to base after leaving the enemy coast.
    (ED. NOTE:. On this mission, according to Lt. Smith's report, A/C 738 did not fly. Lt. Griffin flew #738 on the previous mission. Lt.
Steel's last flight was Dec. 16, to Bremen. I'll check the "Ragged Irregular" and "Plane Names...." to see if I can straighten this out. - FF) (I tried. I didn't find Lt. Steel in the index of either book. - FF)

    December 24, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17's) were assigned to assist in attack on enemy installations under construction just south of the village of Andres in France:

A/C 947
    Lt. Griffin, James L.
    Lt. Murdock, Wayne E.
    Lt. Swanson, Philip O.
    Lt. McMurtry, James E.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.
    T/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence J.
    S/Sgt Davis, John D.
    Sgt. Elroy, Robert G.
    S/Sgt Harper, Norman L.
    S/Sgt McGraw, Marvin C.

A/C #940
    Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.
    Lt. Jessop, Paul D.
    Lt. Lerner, Harry (NMI)
    Capt. Fisher, Jack A. (324)
    T/Sgt Walters, Gardner (NMI)
    T/S Lekowski, Cassmer W.
    S/S Mouton, Oscar Jr.
    S/S Wade, Woodrow (NMI)
    S/S Purton, James E.
    S/S Mueller, Robert S.

A/C #353
    Lt. Smith John W.
    Lt. Johnson, Wilbert T.
    Lt. Smith, John P.
    Lt. Flournoy, Paul W.
    Sgt. Jackson, Frank H.
    Sgt Pritch, Nevin E.
    Sgt. Strickland, John T.
    Sgt Smith, Harold D.
    Sgt Headrick, Colmer R.
    Sgt Clark, Walter

A/C #076
    Lt. Jackson, Frank R.
    Lt. Geiger, Bruce M.
    Lt. Walker, John (NMI)
    Lt. Fox, Robert
    S/Sgt Bacon, Verdner E.
    S/S Mitchell, Martin J.
    Sgt. White, William
    Sgt Sparks, Clarence A.
    Sgt Olszevski, Anthony J.
    Sgt. Karl, Robert J.

A/C #333
    Lt. Gough, Robert L.
    Lt. Hoff, Wilmer F.
    Lt. Young, George F.
    Lt. Hall, Frederick E.
    S/S Leavitt, Raymond F.
    S/S Hutton, Tillman F.
    Sgt. Ray, Victor (NMI)
    Sgt. Kelly, Morle H.
    Sgt. Colburn, Herbert P.
    Sgt. Kirk, Robert P.

A/C#615-P
    Lt. Burton, Albert
    Lt. Fancher, Robert E.
    Lt. Buchanan, William J.
    Lt. Ballay, August A.
    S/S Cantrell, Stanley
    S/S Fronco, Matthew (NMI)
    Sgt. Cyr, Walter R.
    Sgt. Martin, Sidney D.
    S/S Pridgen, Salby E.
    Sgt. Schofield, William J.

A/C #070
    Lt. Ward, Ray R.
    Lt. Duggan, Lester W.
    Lt. West, Robert L.
    Sgt. Wright, Roy A.
    Sgt. Shope, Serchel L.
    T/S Schlaich, Lester R.
    T/S Koger, Ernest J.
    Sgt. Southworth, Walden P.
    S/S Webb, Albert W.
    S/S Wheeler, John J.

A/C #804
    Capt. Everett, Leroy B.
    Maj. Sheeler, Donald E.
    Lt. McNeill, Joe L.
    Lt. Anderson, Marvin D.
    Lt. Guy, James F.
    S/S Hillock, Nelson A.
    T/S Fair, Ellsworth (NMI)
    S/S Griswold, Henry A.
    S/S DeMidio, Paul (NMI)
    S/S French, Walter S.
    Lt. Layn, Roger W.

Bomb Load: 16 x 300 G.P.
Altitude: 21,000 ft.
Results A.T.O.T.: Area well covered by bursts; results unknown determined due to poor visibility.
Time: Take Off 1112. Target 1341. R.T. Base 1436.
A/A Fire: Meager from coast developing to moderate and intense at target.
Enemy Fighter Opposition: No E/F observed.
Fighter support: As briefed.
Casualties: None
Battle Damage: Minor damage to A/C #847.
Remarks: Capt. Cox (pilot), 1st Lt. Harlow, James (Bomb.) transferred to Cab. Pool 12th R.C.D. AAF Sta. 591 (finished 25 missions)

    December 30, 1943 - THE FOLLOWING A/C (B-17's) were assigned to assist in the attack on the chemical works of I.G. Farbenindustrie at
Ludwigshaven, Germany:

A/C                        A/C #070
    1st Lt. Griffin, James L.        2nd Lt. Boyce, John
    2nd Lt. Page, J.C. (IO)          2nd Lt. Johnson, Thomas E.
    2nd Lt. Young, George F.         2nd Lt. Keyser, William R.
    2nd Lt. Hovantz, Joseph P.       2nd Lt. Kennedy, Henry J.
    T/Sgt Moertle, Lawrence J.       S/Sgt Lovely, Robert L.
    S/Sgt Davis, John D.             Sgt. Landis, Harvey G.
    T/Sgt Caldwell, James L.         S/Sgt Weston, Morris (NMI)
    S/Sgt Martin, Charles R.         Sgt. Coomes, John M.
    S/Sgt Harper, Norman L.          Sgt. White, Mickel D.
    S/Sgt McGraw, Marvin C.          Sgt. Moore, Curtis M.

A/C #076                A/C #947
    2nd Lt. Jackson, Frank R.        1st Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.
    2nd Lt. Geiger, Bruce H.         2nd Lt. Wood, William D.
    2nd Lt. Wolker, John (NMI)       2nd Lt. Anderson, Marvin D.
    2nd Lt. Fox, Robert E.           2nd Lt. Dobbs, Louie R.
    S/Sgt Mitchell, Martin J.        T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer W.
    Sgt. White, William E.           T/Sgt Mouton, Oscar J.
    S/Sgt Bacon, Verdner E.          T/Sgt Walters, Gardner (NMI)
    Sgt. Sparks, Clarence A.         S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow (NMI)
    Sgt. Olszewski, Anthony J.       S/Sgt. Purton, James E.
    Sgt. Karl, Robert J.             S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.

A/C #353                A/C #815
    Lt. Fancher, Robert E.           2nd Lt. Jessop, Paul D.
    2nd Lt. Wuest, Carl W.           2nd Lt. Moeller, John K.
    2nd Lt. Hawkins, Herston         2nd Lt. Lerner, Harry
    2nd Lt. Mangold, Jack R.         F/O Caglaino, Joseph S.
    Sgt. Lewis, Clayton A.           Sgt. Southworth, Walden P.
    Sgt. Taylor, Jack M.             Sgt. Martin, Sidney D.
    Sgt. McLaren, Ken F.             Sgt. Shope, Berchel L.
    Sgt. Moody, Thomas E.            Sgt. Kelly, Morele H.
    Sgt. Clark, Robert H.            Sgt. Elroy, Robert G.
    Sgt. Halter, Roman L.            Sgt. Zastenchik, Joseph F.

Bomb Load: 42 x M 47's
Altitude: 21,500 ft.
Results A.T.O.T.: Dropped on PFF 10/10 clouds. No Obs.
Time: Take Off 0815. Target 1158. R. T. Base 1535.
A/A Fire: Meager and moderate.

Enemy Fighter Opposition: 25/30 Me109's and FW190's - making attacks in formation of 5/C A/C from 12 to 2 o'clock, nose down instead of rolling over after attack. Me109's with wing guns.

Fighter Support: P-47's gave good support, Spits IX's were late, P-38's too far away.

Casualties: B/T Gunner Sgt Sidney D. Martin of A/C 815 received slight wound in face from exploding bullet. T/T Gunner Sgt. Clayton A. Lewis of A/C 353 received slight face wound from fragments from 20 mm in turret.

Battle Damage: A/C 656 received 20 mm in left wing and #2 gas tank, left stabilizer hit by 50 cal. A/C 353 major damage #3 engine shot out, electric cable in bomb bay, top turret damaged by 20 mm.

Claims: 1 Me109 destroyed by B/T gunner Sgt. Harvey G. Landis, ASN 33111912.

Remarks: No change in squadron personnel.

    December 31, 1943 - The following A/C (B-17's) of this squadron were dispatched to assist in a raid on the Bordeaux-Merignac Airdrome located 5 miles west of Bordeaux, France.
A/C #076                A/C #947
    1st Lt. Greer, Eldridge V.        2nd Lt. Jackson, Frank F.
    2nd Lt. Newquist, Gerald L.       2nd Lt. Gieger, Bruce H,.
    2nd Lt. Anderson, Marvin D.       2nd Lt. Walker, John (NMI)
    2nd Lt. Dobbs, Louis R.           2nd Lt. Fox, Robert E.
    S/Sgt Mouton, Oscar J.            S/Sgt Mitchell, Martin J.
    S/Sgt Wade, Woodrow (NMI)         Sgt. White, William E.
    T/Sgt Lekowski, Cassmer (NMI)     S/Sgt Bacon, Verdner E.
    T/Sgt Walters, Gardner (NMI)      Sgt. Olszewski, Anthony J.
    S/Sgt Purton, James E.            Sgt. Sparks, Clarence A.
    S/Sgt Mueller, Robert A.          Sgt. Karl, Robert J.

A/C #070                A/C #815
    2nd Lt. Boyce, John J.            2nd Lt. Burton, Albert W.
    2nd Lt. Johnson, Thomas E.        2nd Lt. Page, J. C.
    2nd Lt. Keyser, William R.        2nd Lt. Buchanan, William J.
    2nd Lt. Kennedy, Henry J.         2nd Lt. Ballay, August A.
    S/Sgt Lovely, Robert L.           S/Sgt Fronko, Matthew (NMI)
    Sgt. Landis, Harvey G.            Sgt. Cyr, Walter R.
    S/Sgt Weston, Morris (NMI)        Sgt. Pridgen, Selby B.
    Sgt. Coomes, John H.              S/Sgt Cantrell, Stanley J.
    Sgt. White, Mickel D.             Sgt. Tinsley, Scott E.
    Sgt. Kirk, Robert P.              Sgt. Schofield, William J.

A/C #428                A/C #333
    2nd Lt. Murdoch, Wayne E.         2nd Lt. Jessop, Paul D.
    2nd Lt. Manson, Kenneth L.        2nd Lt. Moeller, John A.
    2nd Lt. Lynch, Lawrence J.        2nd Lt. Lerner, Harry (NMI)
    2nd Lt. Case, Robert R.           F/O Gagaine, Joseph S.
    Sgt. Roswell, Arle L.             Sgt. Southworth, Walden P.
    Sgt. Rogers, Thomas H.            Sgt. Wotring, Arlie O.
    Sgt. Morris, Teddy J.             Sgt. Shope, Berchel L.
    Sgt. Ramofiski, Walter T.         Sgt. Kelly, Morele N.
    Sgt. Hoover                       Sgt. Elroy, Robert C.
    Sgt. Sosiewki, Julius R.          Sgt. Zastenchik, Joseph F.

A/C #898
    2nd Lt. Ward, Ray R.
    2nd Lt. Duggan, Lester W.
    2nd Lt. Young, George F.
    2nd Lt. Hovantz, Joseph G.
    S/Sgt Everling, Everard V.
    Sgt. Heller, Thomas W.
    S/Sgt Masters, William H.
    Sgt. Sabins, Wayne F.
    Sgt. Osowski, Henry F.
    Sgt. Moore, Curtis M.

Due to cloud cover at the primary target the formation attacked Cognac-Chateau-Bernard A/D located one mile south of Chateau-Bernard.

Bomb Load: 21 x M 47's
Bombing Altitude: 18,000 ft.
Bombing Results: Good
Time: Take Off 1758. Target 1303. Return 1704.

A/A Fire: Meager and inaccurate from Brest; moderate and accurate at target, Royan and Pt de la Coubre.

Enemy Opposition: 15 to 25 E/A were encountered including JU 88's, FW190's, Me109's.

Claims: Sgt. R. G Elroy credited with destroying one FW190.
A/C Damaged: 333, 078, 428, 815, 947, 898.

Casualties: Lt. A. A. Ballay, cuts about face due to flying glass after flak struck nose of A/C.

Remarks: A/C 070 turned back at 1029 hours at 4830N - 0340E due to illness of Lt. John J. Boyce. A/C 428 failed to bomb due to malfunction of bomb release mechanism. Lt. Col. David G. Alford, Operations Officer, 91st Bomb Group, led the 1st Combat Wing.
The organization as of this date totaled 88 officers and 437 enlisted men.