The Ragged Irregulars of Bassingbourn The 91st Bombardment Group in WWII

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The 91sT BomtiardmentGroup · in World War II Marion HI Havelaar W[TH William NHess I

Foreword by Roger A, Freeman Schiffer Military/Aviation History Atglen, PA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS he Authors would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of those who so generously assisted in this history. We would like to particularly recognize Hilary "Bud" Evers, 9Ist Bombardment Group Historian, for all his input and advice, to Joseph Harlick for his labor and cooperation in making so many wonderful photos available, and to Paul Andrews for his excellent listings of the 91st Group aircraft. Many thanks are also due our many contributors; Bill Adams, Roger W. Armstrong, Larry Baird, Thomas E. Bass, Boeing Historical Library-Audio Visual Archives, Wilfred Bouchard, John Bunch, Paul Burnett, Herbert Carpenter, Robert Casey, Bill Conlon, Leonard Cook, Dale Darling, John D. Davis, Hubert Donahue, Eighth Air Force Memorial Museum Foundation, Jeffrey Ethell, Paul Fishbourne, Vincent Fonke, Roger Freeman, "Tex" Frye, Jack Gaffney, Leonard

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Gamblin, Charles George, Charles R. Giauque, Richard Hamilton, O. Harper, w.w. Hill, Charles Hudson, Robert E. Kuhnert, Bob Lammers, Alfred J. Lanfear, Roger Layer, Bill Leisure, Paul Limm, Cecil G. McConnell, Gerald McDowell, Allen Morey, Marvin Nichols, Jack Padgett, Earl Pate Jr., G. William Potter, William Pulliam, Mike Rheam, Armando Sinibaldo, Jackie Starcer, Russell Strong, Robert Strane, Charles V. Welbes, and David W. Williams. If there are others that we have missed, please accept our gratitude. For all that gave so much encouragement to this project, our appreciation. Marion H. Havelaar William N. Hess

This book is dedicated to all the men of the 91st Bomb Group and especially to those who gave the supreme sacrifice so that the rest of the world might be free of tyranny.

Dust jacket artwork by Steve Ferguson, Colorado Springs, CO. SOME DON'T GO DOWN EASY On February 21, 1944, the second day of the "Big Week" raids on the Wehrmacht aviation industry, the Ragged Irregulars lost Miss Ouachita, and she didn't go down easily. Before reaching the target at Munster, she became separated from the 323rd Bomb Squadron elements high over Hanover where she was ravaged in at least four firing passes by enemy interceptors, possibly the Focke-Wulf 190s of JG 11. Gunners Morningstar and Klem were seriously wounded, and engineer Brostrom was killed. The enemy fighters having spent their 20mm ammo, drew alongside for one fateful moment, flew a curious escort to the shattered bomber before she

reached the relative safety of the clouds far below. Pilot 2Lt. Osterberg's only hope was a low level run for the Dutch coast. Ninety minutes later, touch Miss Ouachita would suffer a final encounter with the Fw 190s of JG 1, ten miles short of the Dutch border. In the head-on attack flown by ace Gruppenkommandeur Heinz Bar, co-pilot Beran was killed and Osterberg was wounded. She bellied in near Lingen, still onehundred miles from the English Channel. Two days later, Allied fighters strafed the B-1? and set her ablaze, but Luftwaffe personnel had long since stripped all the salvageable equipment from the hulk.

Book Design by Robert Biondi. Copyright © 1995 by Marion H. Havelaar. Library of Congress Catalog Number: 95-67618. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any forms or by any means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems - without written permission from the copyright holder. Printed in the United States of America. ISBN: 0-88740-810-9 We are interested in hearing from authors with book ideas on related topics.

Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. 77 Lower Valley Road Atglen, PA 19310 Please write for a free catalog. This book may be purchased from the publisher. Please include $2.95 postage. Try your bookstore first.

Contents

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19

Dedication Acknowledgments Foreword

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In the Beginning The Fledglings Into Germany Battling the Odds Summer Doldrums Schweinfurt Recovery and the Battle of Anklam Dark October and Year's End A New Year Big Week Big "B" Spring 1944 D-Day and Beyond A Turbulent Summer A Cloudy Autumn Massacre at Merseburg To Year's End Winter of 1944-1945 The Final Chapter Epilogue

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107 117 127 135 153 161 171 177 183 190

Appendixes Appendix 1: Combat Missions Appendix 2: Aircraft Assigned Appendix 3: Aircraft Lost Appendix 4: Roll of Honor Appendix 5: The Rigid Digit

203 208 230 234 263

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13 21 33 41 55 63 77

91 99

FOREWORD

n the summer of 1969 I attended a ceremony at Royston, journalists and photographers. For the 91st never lacked pubEngland where veterans from the 91st Bomb Group pre- licity and its Triangle A symbol was so often seen in wartime sented a Rose Bowl to the town. The American party was publications or on cinema screens that this was the image led by Major General Stanley Wray (USAF Retired) who, taken up by movie makers in post-war years for Twelve when asked by a local newspaper reporter if there was some- O'Clock High, The War Lover, and other Hollywood epics. thing special about the 91st, replied with the authoritative But then the first group of the first wing of the first division confidence that was his hallmark: "Of course; we were the was bound to be considered the role model. best!" The men of every other Eighth Air Force bombardThe Group produced many distinguished fliers and it has ment group may rigorously contest this statement, for they been my honour to meet such men as Henry Terry, Manny have no doubts that their outfit was the best and will advance Klette, and many other legends of the daylight bombing camthe reasons why. Yet, none can deny the 91st stands promi- paign. With due respect to these and the rest of the Ragged nent and proud in Eighth Air Force history. One of the four Irregulars ofBassingbourn, I cherish most the memories of "pioneer" B-17 groups, its trials in battle were probably with- the colourful Stanley Wray, who for me has always personiout equal for, while having the highest total of bombers miss- fied those tough yet caring bomb group commanders of the ing in action for a single group, it also had - in my reckon- Eighth Air Force. I still have, and wear with pride, the miniaing - more Distinguished Service Crosses and Silver Stars, ture Rigid Digit he presented to me: the outrageous but proud symbol of a great band of aerial warriors. a measure of the high valour of its combat crews. Perhaps it was Bassingbourn's proximity to London or the comparative comfort of this regular RAP base compared Roger A. Freeman with all the other U.S. bomber bases in England that drew England

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Col. Stanley T. Wray, commander of the 91 st at Bassingbourn from November 1942 through May 1943. (Harlick)

Chapter 1

IN THE BEGINNING

he 91st Bombardment Group was born during a time of urgency in the United States. War had come suddenly and there were many more units being formed on paper than could be physically originated at the time. However, at military bases over the United States small cadres of men gathered to become the nucleus of what would become large military units. Such was the case of the 91st. On April 14,1942, the original cadre was put together at Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana with Lt. Edward R. Akert, Commanding. This small number of men set the paper work in progress and began making the requests for the myriad of men and equipment that it would take to make up a heavy bomb group. On May 13, 1942, the 91st became a real unit in being with the arrival of men at MacDill Field, Florida, to begin to make up the Headquarters, the 322nd, 323rd, 324th and 401st Bombardment Squadrons. The group was then under the command of Lt. Col. Stanley T. Wray who would lead the unit through its training and into combat. B-17 Flying Fortresses began to arrive on the base and the new combat crews were pressed into their initial training phases immediately. The men were rushed to practice on the bombing ranges, to get navigation practice and consolidate into what it would take to become a combat unit. The men of the 91st began to depart MacDill Field for the Army Air Field at Walla Walla, Washington, on June 22, 1942. By the Fourth of July all had reported in to get their next phase of combat training underway. During this period the combat crews were given only a minimum of time to get in so many flying hours and attempt to begin to operate as teams. Time passed all too swiftly and by August 24, 1942, the men of the 91st began to move out. The ground echelon departed for the east coast by train and the B-17s of the air echelon flew out of Walla Walla for Gowen Field, Idaho.

The ground echelon arrived at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on August 26th where they would remain until they loaded on board the S.S. Queen Mary in New York Harbor on the 1st day of September. They sailed the next day. After an uneventful passage the ground echelon arrived at Gouroch, Scotland, on September 11th. The air echelon's next stop enroute to the east coast was Selfridge Field, Michigan where they arrived on August 30th. The following day they flew out for their aerial port of embarkation, Dow Field, Maine. At Dow Field the 91st received brand new B-17s for the journey on to England. Meanwhile the ground echelon had been loaded on trains following their debarkation and dispatched to Kimbolton, which was a tiny village some miles from Bedford. The air echelon began departing Dow Field for Gander Lake, Newfoundland, on September 30th. From Gander their next leg was the long leap to Prestwick, Scotland. This leap was often plagued with bad weather and could be a real nightmare. A bit of the recollections of Col. George Birdsong spell this out:

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" ... By this time we were on solid instruments. That snowstorm, which had been there to take us on, had embraced us with typical north Atlantic fervor. All of the de-icing and anti-icing equipment had been activated and J.J. [co-pilot Lt. J.J. Sanders] read the procedures to me from the Dash One just to double check our steps. Gene Remmel, our flight engineer, found it difficult to give me information on the fuel status, because our passenger was physically blocking him out. By peering at me, under the staff officer's arms, which were riveted to the armor plate behind the pilot's seats, Gene was able to communicate. "The situation was approaching the zippy stage. The "Reb" [Delta Rebel II, his aircraft] was loading up with ice, 9

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

12539, a B-17E. The 91 st was initially equipped with B-17Fs, however the first missions of the 8th Air Force units were flown by B-17Es. (Havelaar)

rest were killed including a flight surgeon who was aboard as a passenger. By the first week of October all of the air echelon had arrived at Kimbolton. The base there was typical wartime construction consisting of widely scattered, unheated halfround Nissen huts which housed about a dozen men each. Knee-deep mud prevailed. The base had been constructed for light bombers and the weight of the B-17s played havoc with the runways. Operationally, it was so unsatisfactory that only three practice missions were flown from the base. On October 13th Brigadier General Longfellow told Colonel Wray that they were considering moving the 91st to Bassingbourn, but wanted him to go down and take a look at it. Col. Wray took one look at the permanent structure and was overwhelmed. He contacted his squadron commanders and called for an immediate meeting. At this meeting Colonel Wray told his leaders to get everything packed immediately and that the first trucks would pull out in time to drive through the gates at Bassingbourn at sun-up. This was accomplished and it took the delighted men only a minimum of time to get moved in. Shortly thereafter, General Longfellow called Colonel Unfortunately, the 91st did lose one B-17 enroute to England. The aircraft flown by Capt. Dale Lasselle of the 401st Wray and asked him where he was. Wray told him that the Bomb Squadron crashed around noon on October 3, 1942, 91st was in its new residence at Bassingbourn. This did not while flying through fog near Cushendall, North Ireland. Two set well with the General and no doubt Col. Wray was raked crewmembers survived but Capt. Dale Lasselle and all the over the coals in more ways than one. But the good news was

and when I turned on the wing lights to check the de-icer boot operation, I was amazed at the way it was snowing. Like flying into a white wall. The chunks of ice peeling off the props and banging into the fuselage made real bumps in the night. Added to this, the eerie red glow of the cockpit lights, the turbulence and noise of the storm, and the cocoon-like effect of the iced-over windows, made one weird scene, and some positive action was in demand. "At 7,000 feet, our fight plan altitude, the outside temperature read minus 5 degrees Centigrade, just perfect for structural icing. We had proof. To get out of the temperature conducive for icing, you have to either go up or down. I elected to climb. At 10,000 feet we donned oxygen masks. "We leveled off now and then to check conditions, but finding little difference continued our labored climb. At around 20,000 feet we nudged through the overcast. Dawn was breaking, and the sun literally popped out of the eastern sky like a warm friend. Our plane had changed color from green to white, but the sun soon melted that uncomfortable coat of ice. We had it knocked!"

CHAPTER 1: IN THE BEGINNING

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Bassingbourn, August 2, 1940. Note runways painted as fields, and the lack ofaircraft revetments. (Harlick)

Aerial photo ofBassingbourn in the fall of 1943. Note the area between runways were sprayed to look like crops. Also note the new hardstands in the upper left: 401st BS lower center, 324th BS top center, 322nd BS top right. Steeple chase course was for the 323rd BS. The distance from the control tower to all parking areas was seven miles. (Harlick)

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Col. Stanley Wray accepting Bassingbourn from RAF Squadron Leader Ellard. (Harlick)

"Yankee Doodle" being serviced after its second mission. This B-17E led the first mission of the 97th Bomb Group - General Ira Eaker flew right seat. This aircraft was first assigned to the 97th Bomb Group, then the 92nd, and finally the 91st on March 31,1943. (Harlick)

that in view of the fact that the 91st had already moved into the installation they were allowed to stay. From their new home at Bassingbourn the men of the 91st took on their new duties with enthusiasm. There was much to learn. Pilots had to learn formation flying, while navigators and radio operators had to learn British procedures.

Bombardiers poured over target photos, and gunners were versed in deflection shooting and aircraft recognition. The combat crews knew that the groups already in operation were having a rough time over the Continent and while they were eager to get started they faced the future with apprehension.

Chapter 2

THE FLEDGLINGS

he waiting and suspense ended on the morning of November 7, 1942. Combat crews boarded fourteen B17Fs and engines were started in preparation for the first combat mission of the 91st Bombardment Group. Although a light rain was falling the Fortresses began their trek down the taxiways toward the runway. The aircraft were laden with ten 500 pound bombs, each destined for the submarine installations at Brest, France.

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The seven aircraft of the 324th Bomb Squadron were leading the procession. First airborne was the Fortress piloted by Lt. Duane L. Jones with the Group Commander, Col. Stanley T. Wray, in the right seat. As the Wright engines roared and lifted the heavily loaded craft into the air at 1023 hours it was then followed by the other six Fortresses from the 324th Squadron. Taking off at two minute intervals were Lt. Robert K. Morgan in aircraft 41-24485 which would become known

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B-I7Fs climbing outbound to their target. Surviving early model B-17Fs were withdrawn from combat when deeper penetration of enemy territory became a reality. (Havelaar)

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as Memphis Belle, Lt. William C. Crumm in Jack the Ripper, Lt. Edward D.Gaitley, Jr. in The Sad Sack, Lt. Charies E. Cliburn in Quitchurbitchin, Lt. Phillip S. Fischer in 41-24515, and Lt. Frank W. Flanagan in 41-24503. As these seven B-17s began their climb to altitude they were followed by seven Fortresses from the 322nd Bomb Squadron. Major Victor Zienowicz led the way in Fury, followed by Lt. James Baird in Hells Angels, Lt. Don Bader in HeavyweightAnnihilators, Lt. Frank McCormick in Sad Sack, Lt. Bruce Barton in Spirit ofAlcohol, Lt. John T. Hardin in Mizpah, and Lt. Harold Beasley in Motsie. The 91st was part of a mission to be composed of fiftyfour B-17s made up of twenty-four Fortresses from the 306th Bomb Group which would lead, and sixteen B-17s from the 301st Bomb Group, which would follow the 91st to the target. The first leg of their course was to Falmouth during which time the bombers would climb to 18,000 feet. On reaching Falmouth the bombers turned and headed for the French coast. Shortly after noon the Fortress of the 91st began to have troubles. Lt. Hardin, who was flying Mizpah, had his crew report that their guns were frozen so without further adieu he had his bombardier drop their bombs and they headed for home. Immediately thereafter Lt. Barton's crew in Spirit of Alcohol reported the same problem so they, too, salvoed their bombs into the sea and turned back. A few minutes later Lt. Baird in Hells Angels became the third to abort with frozen guns. Another three Fortresses from the 91st would abort the mission for the same reason as they winged their way towards France. The other groups were having their troubles, too. The 306th Group had three B-17s abort due to mechanical troubles and six others did -not bomb when they found the target almost cloud covered. All of the aircraft in the 301st Group salvoed their bombs due to cloud coverage over the target. The 91st was reduced to two flights of four but these aircraft continued on course. The 324th Squadron dropped their bombs over the target in the midst of heavy flak. Lt. Morgan's

12440 DF-C, 324th BS "Jack the Ripper" undergoing field maintenance at Bassingbourn. (Gaffney)

tail gunner reported he fired on a Fw 190 but it was quite a distance away. Major Zienowicz led his four ship formation in over the right behind the 324th. They, too, dropped their bombs in the midst of heavy flak but were unable to see the results due to cloud cover. In the target area a Focke Wulf 190 attacked and it was fired at by the tail and ball gunners on Lt. Beasley's crew. As it passed through the formation it was fired on by gunners from several crews and the enemy aircraft was claimed as destroyed and was credited to gunners from Lt. Don Bader's crew. Two more Fw 190s dropped down out of the clouds but these were intercepted by Spitfires from the escort which finally made rendezvous with the B-17s. As the Fortresses crossed the French coast a Bf 109 attacked but no damage was done on either side. At 1437 hours the Fortresses that had completed the mission began to come in and land. There was much jubilation amongst the men of the 91st as their birds came home to roost from their first combat mission! They had dropped 40,000

A very early photo of 401st Bomb Squadron B-17Fs lining up for takeoff The lead aircraft is 12449, "Invasion II," the second is 25763, "Bomb Boogie," and the third is 124484, "Bad Egg." (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 2: THE FLEDGLINGS

B-17F climbing out. (Harlick)

B·17Es in formation. B-17Es were the type used by the 9lst in training, prior to getting F models ready for overseas. (Har/ick)

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25893 OR-M, a 323rd BS B -17F flying over the English countryside. This plane was transferred to the 95th BG on June 16, 1943. (Harlick)

Low over the channel, an unidentified B-17F heads home with one engine feathered, one smoking and obviously throwing oil. (Havelaar)

pounds of bombs on the enemy and while damage was probably minimal, they had met the enemy and returned. The following day the 91st was called upon to fly a diversionary mission to strike the airfield at Abbeville in France. The takeoff was accomplished in good order and the B-17s headed for their target laden with 1,000 pound bombs. Five aircraft aborted the mission but eleven Fortresses bombed the target in good weather. Results were much improved from those of the previous day. Enemy fighters were up in number and made several attacks on the units' bombers. Most of the Fortresses sustained damage from either flak over the target or from the fighter attacks. On return and interrogation it was emphasized that a tight formation must be flown to take advantage of collective fire from the gunners and that to straggle was fatal. At this time the Fortresses were still flying the early formations which did not provide a real protective shield for the bombers. Mission number three on November 9th was an experiment which worked in a way but in another way it did not. The target was the submarine pens at St. Nazaire. Five groups were to take part in the attack with the initial three going in

over the target at medium altitude of between 7,500 to 10,000 feet. These groups would be followed by two groups which would bomb from altitudes of 20,000 to 21,000 feet. It was hoped that enemy radar would only pick up the Fortresses coming in at high altitude and the groups coming in at medium altitude would come as a surprise and that the enemy defenses would not be ready for them. Fourteen B-17s from the 91st Group were off at 0945 in clear weather. They proceeded south at minimum altitude and when they set course for France they were still under 500 feet altitude. Only one aircraft was forced to abort the mission due to mechanical difficulties. At a given point on their course the first three groups which were flying low over the water began to gain bombing altitude. The tactic did, in fact, surprise the Germans. The Fortresses of the 91st did not encounter flak until they were right over the target at 9,000 feet. They dropped 65 1,000 pound bombs with excellent results. While the bombing tactics had worked to a degree the intense flak encountered by the B-17s over the target was severe. At such low altitude, practically all of the aircraft from

A common scene at Bassingbourn. a wounded crewman is placed into a waiting ambulance. (Havelaar)

One of the 91st's B-17Fs coming on final over the public highway and barbed wire. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 2: THE FLEDGLINGS

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229947 LG-U, a 322nd BS B-17, "Wabash Cannonball," shown here with tail wheel failure. Assigned July 1943 to July 1944 and having some sixty missions to her credit, LO-U was declared was weary and pulled from combat duty. (Harlick)

the 9lst suffered flak damage and a number of crewmen were hit. One man died of his wounds, two more were seriously wounded and seven were slightly wounded. Luckily, the enemy fighters were surprised and none were encountered by the 91st in the course of the mission. The 91st did not fly another mission until November 14th when they set out to attack submarine installations at La Pallice. On arrival at the target area it was found to be cloud covered so the Fortresses dropped 2,000 pound bombs on the submarine pens at St. Nazaire with good effect. Ten B-17s flew through moderate flak but only nine bombed, with one's bombs refusing to release, so they were brought home.

Twenty aircraft were airborne on November 17th for a trip back to St. Nazaire. Six bombers returned early with mechanical troubles so fourteen dropped 500 pound bombs on the target from 18,000 feet. Enemy aircraft put in an appearance but they did not attack the formation of the 91st. Six B-17s suffered damage over the target and two men were wounded. November 18th saw seventeen Fortresses take off in miserable weather enroute to La Pallice. What with the weather and mechanical troubles only nine aircraft made it to the target area. Of these, only six dropped their bombs through scattered clouds with unobserved results. Three aircraft jettisoned

124485 DF-A, 324th BS "Memphis Belle" - the most famous B-17 of them all- completed twenty-five combat missions on May 25,1943. The "Belle" returned to the U.S. for a bond drive tour across America. After many years of neglect, this grand B -17F is now on display, and partially restored at Mud Island near Memphis, Tennessee. (Havelaar)

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

their bombs in the English Channel on the way home. The weather was so bad on their return over England that six of them were forced to land in Exeter. The weather continued to be bad and the mission of November 22nd turned out to be a real fiasco. Eighteen B-17s were delayed a hour and a half in taking off and when they did arrive in the Lorient area it was completely covered in clouds. The bombs were brought back to England with them but even on their return few were able to get back to Bassingbourn. Most aircraft had to land at alternate bases. The following day the men of the 91st entered on a mission which would long be remembered as one of their worst days. The primary target was St. Nazaire with Lorient or Brest as alternates. Due to the fact that a number of Fortresses were still at other bases because of foul weather encountered the day before, the 91st was able to get only ten aircraft airborne. Even before the formation was headed out, half of their number aborted the mission. When the rendezvous point was reached where the B17s of the 91st were to have joined the bomber stream with other units, there were no other aircraft to be seen. Resolutely, the five aircraft turned on course for their target. Shortly after crossing the French coast Major Victor Zienowicz, Commanding Officer of the 323rd Squadron, was seen to feather the propeller on a failed engine. He then proceeded to turn back for England but neither he nor his crew were ever heard from again. The four surviving Fortresses journeyed onwards. When they arrived in the target area the entire Brest peninsula was covered in clouds. They searched for a time in an effort to locate a break in the clouds that would permit bombing but there was none there. At this time they were attacked by a formation of Focke Wulf 190s. Flying in Pandora s Box, which was piloted by Lt. Duane Jones, was Major Harold Smelser, Commanding Officer of the 324th Bomb Squadron. His aircraft was attacked repeatedly by fighters and lost two engines. As the little formation struck out for England, Smelser's aircraft began to lag and the Fortresses slowed to cover him. However, Smelser waved the other three B-17s on as his Fortress continued to lose altitude. Unfortunately, he was unable to make it to England and apparently none of the crew survived. Of the three Fortresses that had successfully fought off the attacks from the Fw 190s, only one returned to Bassingbourn. Lt. Charles E. Cliburn, although wounded, brought his badly damaged B-17s back to base for a dirt landing. His tail wheel wouldn't go down. Yet, he had returned his aircraft and three other wounded crewmen home. Capt. Kenneth Wallick managed to put his severely damaged Fortress down at an RAP airdrome at Chivenor but Lt. Nathan N. Corman, Jr. wasn't so lucky. He attempted a crash

124504 DF-D, 324th BS "The Sad Sack," was one of the original B-17s of the 91 st, and completed forty-two missions before being withdrawn from combat in mid-March 1944. It was later used on bond drive tours after returning to the U.S. (Havelaar)

landing outside the town of Watford. All was going well until he was about fifteen feet off the ground. Then he snagged a high-tension tower. Three men were killed instantly in the crash and two others died later of their injuries. One of the outstanding performing crewmembers of the day had been S/Sgt. John J. Hudjera. As the tail gunner of Capt. Wallick's crew he had downed a Focke Wulf 190 during the first attack on the little formation. Then on the second attack he took a 20mm hit in his compartment. When he was taken off his aircraft on its return it was found that he had twenty separate wounds plus a broken arm and a broken leg. The 91st had suffered heavily on a mission without results. Two squadron commanders had been lost, plus the group navigator and the group bombardier. It was a miracle that any of the B-17s returned in view of the fact that the five Fortresses from the 91st were the only aircraft to challenge the Luftwaffe that day. There was no further mission until December 6th when the target was the locomotive factory and steel works at Lille. Eighteen B-17s bombed the target in the midst of intense and accurate flak. Some enemy fighters put in an appearance and their were some claims made. However, bombing was poor. Most of the bombs dropped short of the target. Two crewmembers were seriously wounded by flak on the mission. Nineteen aircraft set out for the Romilly air park on December 12th. Four B-17s returned early and fifteen aircraft arrived in the target area only to find it covered with clouds. They did a 180 degree turn and headed back for the marshalling yards at Rouen. A short while after they had reversed the course, a formation of thirty enemy fighters appeared but they directed most of their attacks on other groups in the bomber

CHAPTER 2: THE FLEDGLINGS stream. Only six of the B-17s of the 91st dropped bombs in the Rouen area while the balance brought their bombs back to England. Several days elapsed before the 91st flew another mission. In the interim several practice missions were flown. This enabled the pilots to get more formation time in and served as a time to add more cohesive action between crews. On the evening of December 19th a field order came in and crews were alerted to fly the following day. The target was again the airdrome and aircraft park at Romilly-sur-Seine. Seventeen B-17s were airborne the next morning and encountered no trouble in joining the bomber stream with three other bomb groups. The weather was good and other than a few bursts of flak, no problems were present until the bombers were east of Paris. At that time they came under attack from enemy fighters. The target was bombed by thirteen Fortresses from the 91st with good results. As soon as the B-17s came off the target they were once more subjected to attack by the enemy fighters. In the running air battle, which proved to be the longest that the group had encountered to date, two Fortresses, those of Lts. Dan W. Carson and Robert S. English, were shot down. Carson's aircraft was last seen spinning down and apparently no one got out. The majority of English's crew bailed out to became prisoners of war. The lead bomber of the group flown by Capt. Ken Wallick had been hit hard and some of the resulting damage caused the landing gear to drop. Encountering the excessive amount of drag caused Wallich to have to drop out of formation. Lt. Bruce Barton saw his plight and dropped back to cover the stricken Fortress. This delighted the enemy fighters who proceeded to do their utmost to bring the two B-17s down. Lt. Barton's aircraft began to take the brunt of punishment. Two

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of the engines were shot out and one of the ailerons on "Chief Sly" was disabled and the navigator, Lt. Paul Burnett, was seriously wounded in the thigh. Fortunately, the enemy finally gave up and the two crippled Fortresses proceeded to England. Capt. Wallick managed to get his B-17 back to Bassingbourn but Lt. Barton had to put his down in a pasture. The weather over England was nasty with about a 500 foot ceiling. Barton broke out over farmland and made a belly landing in the middle of a plowed field. The only casualties were a rabbit and one sheep. There was another long delay before the 91st returned to action. On December 30th the group attacked the submarine base at Lorient. Once more, enemy fighters were up in force and pressed their attacks on the bomber formation up until they started on the bomb run and were present once more as soon as the B-17s rallied off the target. One 91st Group Fortress was downed; Short Snorter, piloted by Lt. William R. Bloodgood, crashed off the coast of France with the loss of the entire crew. Additionally the group lost one man mortally wounded and seven other slightly wounded on the mission. This attack not only brought 1942 to a close for the 91st Bomb Group, but it also marked the end of its first twelve missions. With the beginning of daylight bombing against German targets in August of 1942, the whole offensive had been an experiment by 8th Air Force to see if the plan would work. Many problems had arisen and many more remained to be worked out but the men of the B-17s had shown that they could fight their way to targets on the Continent in daylight, bomb them and fight their way out. These "guinea pigs" of the air had proven their ability, proficiency, and above all their "pure guts," to carry the war to the enemy.

Bombs away! (Havelaar)

Chapter 3

INTO GERMANY

he 91st did not fly a mission in the New Year until January 3rd. The target was torpedo storage buildings and the submarine pens at St. Nazaire. Sixteen B-17s were airborne and thirteen bombed the target. There wen; some clouds over St. Nazaire but the majority of the 1,000 pound bombs hit the target area. Flak was moderate but accurate. Some twenty-five to thirty enemy fighters put in an appearance, so casualties were high. Two gunners were killed and ten crewmembers wounded. Panhandle Dogey, which was being flown by Lt. William M. Anderson of the 323rd Squadron, took a direct hit from flak over the target and exploded. Lt. John R. Roten, the navigator, was the only survi-

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vor.

Winter weather continued to plague combat operations. If it was clear over England it was "socked in" over the Continent and vice versa. The tension on the combat crews was constant and caused for a number of morale problems. It was most difficult to rise at 0400 hours in the morning, go to briefing, go out to the aircraft and wait, or worse, begin to taxi out to the runway and then have the mission canceled. This routine would occur more times during the winter of 1943 than missions were flown. On January 13th the bombers headed for the locomotive works at Lille. This mission was a morale booster. The aircraft didn't get off until 1235 hours and the weather was good. Only ten B-17s from the 91st bombed but most fell in the target area. Flak was moderate but no damage was suffered. Some twenty-five or so enemy fighters appeared but they did not press any attacks on the 91st. Fighter escort arrived for the trip home and the coverage was very good. Another ten days passed before the 91st flew another mission. This time it was to Lorient to attack the submarine base. The weather was bad over England and three of the group's B-17s returned when they were unable to find the

group formation. Three more Fortresses aborted due to mechanical troubles, so only eight aircraft were left to bomb the target. Due to weather conditions in the target area, two of them became separated from the group formation and tacked onto another group to bomb. There were a number of enemy fighters in the area but none ofthem were encountered by the 91st. Lt. Philip Fischer was wounded, along with three other members of his crew and one of his gunners was killed. Fischer managed to limp back to England and make a crash landing at an RAP airdrome at Little Horwood. January 27th marked the first mission against Germany for the men of the 9lst Bomb Group. The briefed target was Bremen and nineteen B-17s rose to attack the Third Reich. Three were forced to abort the mission due to mechanical troubles. The weather over England was not too good but the bombers formed up and got on their way.

25379 LL-D, 401st BS, "Yankee Eagle, " flew many missions with the 91st prior to being transferred to the 379th BG. (Harlick)

21

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

124639 OR-W 323rdBS B-17F, "The Careful Virgin," is shown here in early camouflage and simple squadron markings. After completing its tour, "The Careful Virgin" was transferred toAF Service Command and converted into a flying bomb. On August 4, 1944, packed with 20,000 pounds of torpex explosive, she was dispatched on a V weapon target in France. (Harlick)

As they arrived in the target area the cloud cover beneath them was 5/10 to 7/10 coverage. All groups abandoned plans to bomb Bremen and directed their attacks against Wilhelmshaven. In addition to clouds, there was a smoke screen going in the target area when bombs were dropped. A fair amount of the bombs from the 91st fell in the dock area but many went into the water. The lead bombardier in the lead group did not drop his bombs on Wilhelmshaen so he led the entire bomber stream over Emden where he dropped his bombs. This carried the men of the 91st through an additional flak area much to their

chagrin and there was much vocal comment on this in debriefing. Fighter opposition in the area was apparent but there were few attacks on the 91st. These pilots did not seem to be as experienced as those that the group had encountered over the French targets. No aircraft were lost on the mission but two men were wounded. In December the combat crewmen had been introduced to the flak vest. This vest of quilted steel construction was designed to limit casualties which were being inflicted by shell fragments. The thirty pound weight of the vest discouraged many of the men from wanting to wear it but when they

"The Careful Virgin" with forty missions to her credit, being towed from a hangar. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 3: INTO GERMANY

229921 DF-2 324th BS B-17, "Oklahoma Okie." This olive drab painted F model flew its first mission on May 29, 1943. Later its crew was to become a test crew for new flak jackets. "Oklahoma Okie" was lost on December 31, 1943 with 2nd Lt. Baynard Dudley as pilot. (Havelaar)

23

began to see men return from missions on which their lives had been saved by the vest or serious wounds prevented, the men began to utilize the protection. By the middle of January 1943 most of the men were demanding flak vests for mission wear. On February 2nd the men of the 91st were airborne for Hamm, Germany, but were quickly involved in terrible weather which forced all aircraft to return to base. Two days later they were aloft once more, briefed for Hamm as a primary or Osnabruck as an alternate. As they approached the Dutch coast three layers of clouds were observed with the top layer extending up to 25,000 to 30,000 feet. When the target ar~a was reached it became obvious that they could attack neither Hamm nor Osnabruck. After circling for over an hour and a half the formation finally attempted to bomb Emden. The bombs were largely dropped through clouds and despite a smoke screen some hits were made in the target area. Before Emden was targeted by the bomber formations the Luftwaffe had put in its appearance. These fighters were very persistent and some pressed their attacks through their own heavy flak. Two 323rd Squadron Fortresses were lost to the German fighters. Lt. Alan L. Bobrow in Pennsylvania Polka was shot out of formation before the target. As his B17 lagged behind the formation with the No.2 engine smoking, it was hit by two Focke Wulf 190s which succeeded in knocking out the No.3 and No.4 engines. At that time the tail section began to tear away from the rest of the aircraft. None of the crew survived. Lt. Eugene B. Ellis in Texas Bronco was shot out of formation shortly after arriving over the target area. Damage was such that his landing gear dropped down and he was lagging behind the formation. A Messerschmitt Bf 110 continued its attack on the B-17 but in its efforts to finish it off, the German aircraft also went down. Lt. Ellis and seven of his crewmembers managed to bailout and became prisoners of war. All total, over half of the Fortresses in the 91st received severe damage on the mission. Five crewmembers returning were wounded and numerous 0thers suffered from frostbite. This target-seeking trip would become known as the "Cook's tour" mission by 91st crewmembers. This mission marked the eleventh completion for Capt. W. J. Crumm's men who flew aboard Jack The Ripper. Following this mission they were selected to be returned to the United States where they would write the handbook for combat crews that would be going to the 8th Air Force. Up until that time, the replacement crews did not know what to expect or what would be expected of them on their arrival. The knowledge of these veterans became a real shot in the arm for those crewmen who were in training in the United States.

24

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

229916 OR-L a 323rd BS B-17, "Yankee Dandy," in flight over England. This B-17lasted only six weeks before going down in Holland during a mission to Kassel on July 30,1943. Pilot was Lt. Robert M. Miles. (Harlick)

124490 DF-C a 324th BS B-17F, "Jack the Ripper," running up ali four engines. This B-17 was one of the original aircraft to come over with the 91st, and was the last to be lost in combat on February 22, 1944 with Lt. James Consadine as pilot. (Harlick)

"Jack the Ripper" just taking offfor another mission. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 3: INTO GERMANY

22915 LG-P a 322nd BS B-17, "Miami Clipper," after a mission. A truck is waiting to take the crew in for debriefing. Lacking long range fuel tanks, this B-17 was retired from combat. (Harlick)

25

Paul Fishburne (left) and Paul Lindley on March 4, 1943. (Havelaar)

It was back to St. Nazaire on February 16th. This time, tern was shot out. The tail gunner and both waist gunners the weather was ideal and the 1,000 pound bombs dropped were rendered unconscious before Wallick could get the airby the men of the 91st hit the submarine installations with craft down to low altitude. good results. Flak was heavy and one 91st aircraft received Severe cold aloft that day also took its toll on the severe damage over the target. crewmembers. Nineteen men had to be treated for frostbite Lt. Brill and his crew were hard hit by fighters after they on their return to Bassingbourn. came off the target. One of the gunners was killed and two The submarine base at Brest was bombed by the 91st on others wounded. However, the 91st was fortunate to get out February 27th. In spite of clouds, the Fortresses maneuvered of the fight without more losses. The men attributed their lack around until they found a new route to the target, and dropped their bombs with doubtful results. Flak was intense and accuof more severe attacks to the group's close formation. Twenty B-17s from the 91st took off for the port of rate but no great damage was suffered. March 4, 1943, became a memorable date for the 91st Wilhelmshaen on the morning of February 26th. The mission got off to a bad start when the navigator in the lead group got Bomb Group. The target was the railroad station and maroff course and led the bomber stream in south of track and shalling yards at Hamm, Germany. The 91st was the lead group for the day and Major Paul L. Fishburne of the 322nd caused them to get into flak from the Frisian Islands. Bombing at Wilhelmshaven was not too good. The 91st Squadron was the 322nd Group Leader. Twenty B-17s from got more of its bombs on the target than the other groups in the 91st were airborne enroute to Hamm that morning. At about the middle of the North Sea three layers of clouds the wing but flak was intense and accurate, and a new innovation by the enemy began. Aerial bombing of the bombers appeared. One layer was from about 13,000 to 17,000 feet, was attempted by enemy fighters flying above the B-17 for- the second from 21,500 up to between 25,000 to 26,000 feet. The 91st threaded its way between the cloud layers and conmations. The 401st Squadron lost two aircraft. Capt. "Johnny" tinued on its way. Unknown to Major Fishburne, shortly afSwais flying Kickapoo was last seen with No.4 engine smok- ter crossing the Dutch coast the 303rd and 305th Bomb Groups ing. There was never any further word as to what happened turned south to bomb Rotterdam while the 306th Bomb Group returned to base without bombing. to him and his crew. Lt. Beman E. Smith and his aircraft were last seen when The 91st continued alone and as they proceeded, the they aborted the mission just west of the Frisian Islands. It clouds began to break up and they wound up in the clear gowas thought that they may have been shot down over the sea ing toward the target. Sixteen Fortresses were challenging by enemy fighters. The fate of the crew was never discov- the Luftwaffe as they roared over Germany. Lt. Charles Giauque was flying one of the B-17s as it approached the IP: ered. Capt. Kenneth Wallick's aircraft was hit by flak. It had a "As we approached the IP some fighters made a few atlarge hole in the plexiglass nose, several holes in the right wing, some control cables severed, and half the oxygen sys- tacks - then we were in moderate flak over the Ruhr Valley

26

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

and the bomb run. After heading for home we met no resistance at all, but that didn't last. Just before the Dutch border the fighters came and were estimated at 175 during the balance of the flight before reaching the Channel. They were mostly Fw 190s and a few Bf 110s. The latter had never given a problem before, but on this mission they were as aggressive as the 190s. The attacks were from all positions of the clock and from low to high. Our aircraft, Eagle s Wrath was briefed for and flew No.2 wing position on the lead element of "B" flight. With the beginning of fighter attacks, our flight leader's evasive action was too extreme and we could not maintain formation. The flight was dropping back and the German fighter pilots always zeroed in on stragglers. I broke formation, went full-power ahead and tacked onto the No.2 ship in the lead element. In the process, our vertical stabilizer was hit by a 20mm shell, but other than jolting my foot six inches off the rudder pedal, we were o.k. Sgt. Corl the radio operator took a very light wound. In the evasive action stuff was flying all around inside the plane and something broke the oxygen line to the ball turret. Corl and one of the waist gunners got him out and hooked him up to a walk around bottle when he didn't respond on the intercom. Our twin .50s mount in the nose went out and one of the tail guns went out. "Over the Zuyder Zee No.3 engine was hit and started throwing oil. We needed it and kept it going despite the drop in oil pressure. Shortly after, the No.4 turbosupercharger went out, leaving that engine with about 25 inches of manifold pressure. The attacks kept up with the same intensity until we got to the Dutch coast and the cloud layer that we had come in with. Happy day, that killed the fighter activity and we

The happy crew of "The Eagle's Wrath." (Hill)

started letting down. We feathered No.3 and went on in to Bassingbourn! " Lt. William D. Beasley reported," I had never seen so many enemy fighters. We suffered simultaneous attacks from four different types of German fighters." He pointed out that they flew through intense enemy attacks for an hour with only one engine functioning properly. One engine had been put out of commission by a bullet, another had a blown cylinder and was shooting oil and the power output of another was uncontrollable as a result of a damaged supercharger. The radio operator, T/Sgt. Robert S. Lammers described what happened when he poured rounds into a Focke Wulf 190, "The plane burst into flames and then exploded. The

124524 OR-O a 323rdBS B-17, "The Eagle's Wrath" was one of the original B-17s to beflown over by the 91st. It was lost on August 17,1943 on / the Schweinfurt mission with Lt. Anthony Arcaro as pilot. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 3: INTO GERMANY

25077 OR-T a 323rd BS B-17, "Delta Rebel 32. " Captain George Birdsong awarding his airplane the DFC in honor of good service to his crew. Note the enlarged window and heavy frame required for the added .50 caliber machine gun. Field modifications were common in early B17Fs. (Harlick)

A visiting Lockheed P-38 gets much attention and was to be a welcome sight for bomber crews flying over enemy territory. (Havelaar)

nose went forward, the tail flew backwards and the wings seemed to fly off in opposite directions. What was left dropped like a block of fire." Lt. George Birdsong of the 401st Squadron had been so determined to get on the mission that when he experienced mechanical trouble with his aircraft Delta Rebel after takeoff he returned to Bassingbourn and took off in Stormy Weather, which certainly lived up to its name. Following the first pass by fighters a 20mm exploded in the nose of his aircraft and set fire to the oxygen system. Fortunately, his engineer, T/ Sgt. Eugene Remmell and the navigator, Lt. Ernest Miller, were able to smother the flames and get the fire out. No.3 engine had also taken a hit and was shut down but the propeller refused to feather. Fighter attacks continued as

the bombers went on the bomb run and Birdsong reported that their attacks never let up right through the heavy flak. Fighter attacks were really stepped up after the bomb run and on two occasions Birdsong had to take violent evasive action to keep from being rammed. Then Stormy Weather was hit again! A cannon shell from a Fw 190 came through the copilot's side of the cockpit and cut a huge gash in his head. Birdsong felt a sharp pain in his face and left eye which left him completely blind on that side. The intercom reported that the navigator also had a bad head wound. The co-pilot was now thrashing back and forth in pain and managed to slip down out of his seat jamming the control column and the rudder pedals. Birdsong immediately began using his trim tabs to keep the Fortress from going into a dive. As the plane lagged back from the formation, Sgt. Remmell came down once more and got the radio operator to assist him in removing the co-pilot from his seat and taking him back to the radio room. As the aircraft fell further behind the formation Birdsong sighted two more stragglers and they managed to get in a vee of three cripples. Birdsong then had Lt. Martin "Charlie" McCarthy on his right wing and Lt. Ralph Felton on the left wing. Hopes for a successful formation exit came to a close when a Fw 190 came boring in from three o'clock, opened fire, and exploded McCarthy's aircraft. Somehow the bombardier and the ball turret gunner survived. Then it was Lt. Felton's turn to take another attack. ABf 110 came in, put a lethal burst into the Fortress, and it slowly began to spin earthward. Only the co-pilot, the radio operator and one waist gunner survived. At this time Birdsong decided his only chance was to take the B-17 down on the deck. He alerted his crew and

124504 DF-D a 324th BS B-17F, "The Sad Sack, " flew on the first 91 st mission. She suffered severe damage on many missions, and carried dead and wounded back to Bassingbourn many times. Together with her sister ship, 124505, they were the longest survivors of the original B17Fs to arrive with the 91st. (Gaffney)

1

27

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

25225 OR-S a 323rd B-17, "Stormy Weather." Capt. Birdsong landed with an engine fire, no brakes, and a bomb load of sensitive RDX bombs! (Havelaar)

down they went in as steep a dive as the aircraft could take. Then they headed for home right on the deck. The German fighters were still present and the gunners did their utmost to keep them at bay. The Fortress continued to take hits but kept traveling. Birdsong was then elated to see his navigator appear with a big bandage around his head, but he was able to give him a course and help guide them out over the North Sea. The German fighters stayed with them right to the very last. One Bf 110 followed them out over the North Sea, looked them over, shook his head, gave them a salute and departed. Now when Birdsong thought he had it made the bombardier reported to him that the bombs were still aboard! The bombardier went back into the bomb bay and put the safety pins back in the bomb fuses and all hoped for the best. Upon their arrival over England, Birdsong gave his crew the option of bailing out due to the bombs being aboard, but all elected to stay with him. Birdsong managed to get the aircraft down even though he had to groundloop off the end

of the runway to get it stopped. It had been a real stormy day for Stormy Weather. A third aircraft was lost in the target area. A Fortress from the 324th Squadron flown by Lt. Harold H. Henderson was last seen on fire and in a spin ten miles northwest of Munster but nothing was ever heard from any members of the crew. Another Fortress pilot was doing his utmost to bring his damaged aircraft home. Lt. Allen Brill of the 324th Squadron and his crew had been under fighter attack since they got over Holland on the way home. The bombardier, Lt. Robert F. Brubaker, reported that he and the navigator expended all of the ammunition in the nose fighting the Bf 110s but still they came on. Brubaker related: "Another Bf 110 was coming in. Since I couldn't shoot, I put my tin helmet on and got behind the bombsight and watched him come. He was the one that really gave the engines and wings a good shower of cannon shells. His shells put holes in No.1 and No.3 engines. The oil and gas were

25379 LL-D a 401st BS B-17, "Yankee Eagle," taking off with a full bomb load. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 3: INTO GERMANY

124639 OR-W a 323rd BS B-17F, "The Careful Virgin." By the spring of 1944, "The Careful Virgin" was one of the few remaining B-17Fs at Bassingbourn. (Havelaar)

29

25070 LL-A a 401st BS B-17, "Invasion II." Major Meyers, 401st BS commander, was killed on this B-l7's second mission. (Havelaar)

pouring out of them. The pilot asked the engineer if he should crew. The only other loss was the ball turret gunner who had leave them run and the engineer said he had better use them been swept away shortly after ditching. Late in the afternoon the men were spotted by a RAP as long as he could because No.4 was running rough. "No.1 and No.3 engines stopped and No.4 ran away out aircraft that dropped them a large rescue type raft. They all of control. Our air speed fell down to 110 so we had to start managed to scramble into it and stayed there until they were down. The rest of the group soon disappeared in the distance. rescued that night. For their sacrifices both Us. Brill and Lowry were Five fighters followed us out of formation three Fw 190s and two Bf 110s. The five of them were making all head-on at- awarded posthumous Distinguished Service Crosses. The bombing of the target had been good and 8th Air tacks. Each time a fighter would come in the pilot would put the aircraft in a steep turning dive so that the enemy couldn't Force was well pleased with the accomplishment of the lone group success. For their achievement, which had been gained hold us in his sights. "We couldn't feather the two engines that had stopped. despite heavy losses and concentrated fighter attacks, the 91st Their propellers were windmilling and they set up awful vi- Bomb Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation. The head on attacks by the German Fighters called for bration about to shake the ship apart. "The three Fw 190s left us after about 20 minutes. We drastic measures. W.W. Hill relates one such measure: still were headed toward the English coast. The third engine The 323rd Bomb Squadron's B-1? Delta Rebel, piloted cut off and on and we were having trouble with the supercharger regulator. I just knew we were going to have to ditch, by Capt. George Birdsong and crew, participated in the air so I was getting out of my parachute when the engineer came war from the very beginning. Although flak was a problem the 323rd Sheetmetal Shop welders Eddie Boisert and Jimmy in the nose and told us to get ready for ditching." Hofmann had cut up armorplate to fit the seats and backs of Lt. Brill successfully ditched his aircraft in the frigid water the instrument panels and other places. But, it was hell when and as the men got in the water they experienced difficulty in German Fw 190s made straight in head on attacks, and the getting the dinghy inflated. As the men managed to get the only thing available were a couple of .30 calibre machine one dinghy inflated and pulled their wounded into it, Lt. Brill guns sticking out the front that had to be moved from one and the co-pilot, Lt. Allen Lowry, did their best to get the position to another depending on the attack. For protection men clear of the aircraft so they would not be sucked down against the head-on attacks, Capt. Birdsong demanded and when it submerged and to assist all of the crew getting in the succeeded in having a .50 calibre machine gun mounted in dinghy. The seas were running high and it was very difficult the nose of the Delta Rebel. The engineering officer was not to swim and maneuver in the area. Finally when the second too hot on the idea, but as he didn't fly missions, he quietly dinghy was inflated and the men had scrambled into it, the closed one eye. With the combined efforts of the sheetmetal pilot and co-pilot had been swept away and were beyond res- men, W.W. Hill, Bumps Elliot, Al Spieler, and Ed. cue. They had sacrificed themselves to save the rest of the Malachosky, the welders, and Joe Backsman of the 441st Plas-

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

r CHAPTER 3: INTO GERMANY

31

tic Repair Shop, a surplus .50 calibre waist gun mount was custom fitted to the Delta Rebel's nose. It was riveted to the main nose bulkheads, the plastic nose was cut out and reinforced, and a .50 calibre machine gun was installed with the barrel protruding straight out. Ammunition was supplied from ammunition containers similar to those used with the radio room's overhead .50 calibre gun. Although the movement was small and was operated by the Bombardier, it worked, and this was 1942, long before the B-17s with chin turrets came out, and Capt. Birdsong wanted a nose gun "right now." Some many days later Major Clark Gable visited Bassingbourn to give flight crews gunnery hints and tips on shooting down the enemy. He visited the Delta Rebel and crew and as he began his lecture, Capt. Birdsong interrupted and brought the Major around to the front of the aircraft where he showed Clark Gable a line of Swastika emblems that were painted on the nose over the Navigator's station. Each Swastika represented a destroyed (shot down) enemy aircraft. Major Gable looked at the record and replied "I guess I don't need to tell you guys anything more," and walked off.

Two 2,000 pound bombs await loading aboard DF-E "Quityourbitchen. " (Har/ick)

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297519 LL-A a 401st BS B-17, "Spirit of Billy Mitchell, " failed to return from an April 19, 1944 mission. Note smoke pots attempting to obscure potential targets. (Havelaar)

Chapter 4

BATTLING THE ODDS

A

s the men of the 91st continued to take the battle to the enemy, it became more and more obvious that they were facing very long odds. When they had begun their combat tours there was no limitation of missions set nor was their any goal set whereby they would be relieved from combat duty. Finally, 8th Bomber Command set a tour limitation at twenty-five missions. While this did not seen an inordinate number, what with the losses the original crews had suffered, it didn't take a mathematical genius to figure that the odds were very much against any of them completing a combat tour. This coupled with the idleness and cancellation of missions caused by the foul English weather did not make for high morale. Nevertheless, the men continued to rouse in the wee hours of the morning, attend briefings, and carry out their missions despite weather, flak, and the German Luftwaffe. On March 6th the 91st journeyed to Lorient once more utilizing the low altitude run over water before gaining altitude to attack the target. Only thirteen Fortresses bombed the target and ran the flak gauntlet which included a flak ship in the harbor. Few enemy fighters were seen and the group suffered no losses. Two days later it was back to France to attack the marshalling yards at Rennes. This time the group flew a direct route to the target and the bomber formations were escorted by twelve squadrons of RAP Spitfires. Bombing was good despite heavy and accurate flak and a number of large fires were started. Thirty to forty enemy fighters attacked the bomber formations and some of the attacks were quite determined. One enemy fighter flew through the 91st formation, did a 180 degree turn, and came back through the entire formation. On the route out from the target Lt. Genheimer's aircraft had one engine shot out and another smoking. He encountered an RAP Typhoon over the English Channel and ini-

tially Genheimer mistook it for an enemy fighter. As the fighter closed in on his wing Genheimer waved, the Typhoon rocked his wings in recognition and proceeded to guide him in to an English base. The 91st didn't go back to France until March 12th at which time a new tactic was devised. The bombers flew a triangular course over the English Channel which supposedly would confuse the enemy as to what course the formations would take. It seemingly worked, for there was not much flak over the target and the enemy seemed to have been taken by surprise. Good strikes were scored on the marshalling yards and the bombers enjoyed good escort from the RAP Spitfires on the entire mission. The following day things didn't go well. The target was the marshalling yards at Amiens, France. The initial trouble came during the rendezvous with the other groups over the Channel. For some reason the 306th Bomb Group leader seemed determined to take the 91st's slot in the bomber stream. When the 91st finally bullied their way into the bomber formation, it found that the lead group was off course and the Fortresses were in flak as soon as they arrived over the French coast. As the bombers neared the target and turned in on the Initial Point the 91st was forced out of the stream by the 306th Group which caused much disruption and some near air to air collisions. One squadron from the 91st managed to bomb the primary target before they were forced out. The balance of the 91st bombed the airfield at Abbeville. With all the confusion and bad weather, the bombing was poor and many of the bombs missed any target. However, the RAP Spitfire escort was excellent and no enemy fighters were encountered. The 91st went back to Germany on March 18th to attack the submarine building yards at Vegesack. Takeoff was delayed due to ground fog but the Fortresses were finally airborne around noon. The Luftwaffe attacked the bomber for33

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

25178 LG-L a 322ndBS B-17, "Old Standby," taking offwith two 1,000 pound bombs carried externally. The shackles could hold 2000 pound bombs in addition to internal loads on short missions only. (Harlick)

mation from the vicinity of Heligoland inbound and outbound to over the North Sea. Bombing was good despite constant attacks by enemy fighters and a smoke screen over the target. All types of enemy fighters were present in the attacks including Junkers Ju 88s and Bf 110 night fighters. There were numerous claims by the gunners of the 91st but no casualties were suffered due to combat. Two men received severe frostbite during the mission. Four days later the 91st went back to Germany to strike at the German pocket battleship "Admiral Scheer" and harbor installations at Wilhelmshaven. Twenty-one B-17s were airborne and only three aborted due to mechanical trouble. The Fortresses weathered very heavy and intense flak to bomb the targets. There was great damage to the harbor installations, and near misses on the battleship undoubtedly caused severe damage to the vessel. Anywhere from forty to fifty German fighters intercepted the mission and their attacks were very determined. Nine 91st B-17s suffered battle damage. Capt. Charles Cliburn had two engines shot out and Major Ken Wallick had one shot out which threw its propeller on the way home. Capt. Hascall C. McClellan of the 324th Bomb Squadron in Liberty Belle lost his No.3 engine and was last seen 115 miles off the English coast under attack from a Focke Wulf 190. No further word was ever heard of the crew. At least four Junkers Ju 88s attempted aerial bombardment of the Fortresses. Twenty-two B-17s were airborne on March 28th enroute to Rouen, France. While the bombers flew their triangulation diversionary course over the Channel, the enemy became fully alerted. Twenty enemy fighters attacked just as the bombers of the 91st turned toward the French coast. So soon were

these attacks that two Fortresses from the group had to abort the mission due to damage they received early on. Upon arrival over the target area, clouds presented a problem and only the sudden discovery of a hole in the clouds enabled the formation to drop its bombs. Flak was inaccurate but the Fortresses were unable to assess their damage to the target due to cloud cover. The RAF Spitfire escort missed the rendezvous and thirty to forty enemy fighters pressed their attacks on the bombers as they departed the target area. Lt. John A. Coen of the 324th Squadron had his B-17 downed by these fighters. Five parachutes were seen but most of the crew were killed. Three other 91st crew members were wounded during the fighter attacks. It was not known until the bombers returned that Major Paul Fishborne had chosen to lead the mission on to the target even though it had been recalled.

91stformation with captured Bf110 making a pass. B-17F, 22915 LG-p, "Miami Clipper, " is in the foreground. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 4: BATTLING THE ODDS

35

A familiar sight as ground crews worked all hours to ready their aircraft for the next mission. (Harlick)

On March 31st the 91st was briefed for Rotterdam, Holland. The bombers flew a double triangular diversionary course over the Channel on this mission. However, when the 91st arrived over the target, it was completely covered with clouds and none of the aircraft bombed. They did encounter inaccurate flak and a small number of enemy fighter attacks during the course of the mission. It was April in Paris, the fourth to be exact, when the 91st went to the outskirts of the city to bomb the Renault auto works. Although the group had to struggle through bad weather, by the time they reached the IP the skies were clear. The Fortresses flew through moderate, inaccurate flak to do a good bombing job on the target. Enemy fighters did not make their appearance until seventy-five or so of them showed up on the route out. Although they pressed their attacks, they

did not penetrate the 91st formation. Several B-17s were damaged but all made it home. The men of the 91st claimed fourteen of the enemy fighters destroyed in the running air battle. The following day twenty B-17s of the 91st bombed the aircraft engine and repair works at Antwerp, Belgium. The Fortresses flew in fairly good weather and encountered only light and inaccurate flak. Off the target some seventy-five enemy fighters attacked but they concentrated most of their efforts against the lead group of the wing. The 91st had one man wounded in the fight. Weather and cancellations spelled a long period of waiting and anxious nail-biting for the men of the 91st. Not until April 16th did they fly another mission. Twenty-one aircraft were airborne but eight of them were forced to abort due to overheating engines which was a result of an attempted rapid

Bassingbourn, Station 121 had ideal facilities compared to other 8th AF bases. Shown are four large hangars on the flight line. (Havelaar)

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

A large group gathers before "Yankee Eagle" after its return from a mission. (Gaffney)

Air bags were used to get this B-17 out of the mud. (Har/ick)

231515 DF-J a 324th BS B-17, "The Wild Hare, " suffered rudder damage on one of its missions to Germany. "The Wild Hare, "patched from previous damage, was lost on November 26, 1944 with Lt. Robert J. Flint as pilot. (Havelaar)

The limited fire power in the nose ofB-17Fs was remedied by the installation of twin fifties. (Havelaar)

229815 LG-P a 322nd BS B-1?, "Miami Clipper," was transferred to AFSC on April 7, 1944 because it lacked "Tokyo Tanks" and chin turret. (Havelaar)

L to R: Unk., Sgt. Doug Gibson, unk., S/Sgt. Fred Barington, S/Sgt. Charles Phillips, M/Sgt. Jerry Rothermac, unk, sweating out the return of their airplanes. (Gaffney)

CHAPTER 4: BATTLING THE ODDS climbout rate. The aircraft that did bomb flew through moderate and inaccurate flak. Twenty plus enemy fighters arrived on the scene and left one gunner from the 91st wounded. April 17th saw a major air battle over Germany. The First Bombardment Wing went after the Focke Wulf aircraft factory at Bremen. Assaulting the nest of the Fw 190 "butcher birds" set well with the combat crews who hoped that their bombs would put a dent in the potent force of the fighters that were causing them so much grief. Thirty-two B-17s from the 91st Group were airborne and made the rendezvous as briefed. As the formation set out there were three layers of clouds, but as they proceeded the cover began to thin out. Three 91st Fortresses were forced to abort the mission but the rest traveled on. Enemy fighter attacks began at the Frisian Islands and continued in all the way to the Initial Point. 150-200 enemy

Crew of "Memphis Belle. " (Havelaar)

37

fighters were involved in the air battle which lasted some fifty-five minutes. Several Junkers Ju 88s attempted aerial bombing of the formation and it is believed that they may have hit one of the 91st Group B-17s. There was a very heavy flak barrage over the target and it was here that the 91st seemingly suffered most of its casualties. The intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, coupled with the hardest air battle that the group had experienced to date, cost the 91st heavily. Six aircraft were lost and practically all remaining aircraft were damaged. One crewmember was killed and three others wounded. The 401st Bomb Squadron was hit the hardest and lost all six of the B-17s. Lt. John W. Wilson in Hellsapoppin was hit by flak and crashed at Hassel. Five of the crew became prisoners of war but Wilson and four other crewmembers were killed.

38

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

Capt. Robert Morgan receives congratulations at Bovington on June 9, 1943 prior to "Memphis Belle's" departure to the U.S. for a bond drive tour. (Havelaar)

Lt. Nicholas P. Stoffel in Sky Wolf II was shot down by enemy fighters. Four men, including Stoffel, survived as prisoners of war. Lt. Oscar D. O'Neil's Invasion II fell to flak but all crewmembers survived as prisoners of war. Lt. Harold H. Beasley in Thunderbird also was felled by flak. Beasley and his copilot, Lt. Walter L. McCain, were killed in action but the rest of the crew became prisoners of war. Lt. Nathan F. Lindsey flying Short Snorter III was downed by flak and only two crewmen survived as prisoners of war. Lt. R. B. Walker in Rain of Terror was the sixth 401st Fortress to go down that day and it, too, was listed as falling to flak. Two crewmembers were killed in action but Walker and the rest of the crew survived. The month of May opened with a mission to the submarine base at St. Nazaire on the 1st. The weather was bad but the aircraft got off. On arrival at the rendezvous point there was a mixup in time and the lead group left for the target ten

minutes early. This caused the 91st to have to play catchup and five of its Fortresses aborted the mission due to overheated engines. Once over the target area, it was found that cloud cover ranged from 8/10 to 9/10 cover and most could not see to bomb. Only two aircraft from the 91st dropped their loads through inaccurate flak. Forty to fifty enemy fighters attacked the formation as it came off target and the combat was hot and heavy for a few minutes. Lt. Robert D. Rank of the 322nd Bomb Squadron flying "Vertigo" came under the guns of a bevy of fighters. His aircraft was last seen going down out oicontrol with No. 2 engine on fire. Five of the crew became prisoners of war. The combat crews enjoyed a breather on May 4th. The target was the Ford Motor Company plant in Antwerp. All twenty-five B-17s that were airborne bombed in excellent weather. Very good bombing results were gained against moderate flak. A few enemy fighters were seen but none of them chose to press their attack.

CHAPTER 4: BATTLING THE ODDS

39

The King and Queen ofEngland review the crew of "Memphis Belle. " (Havelaar)

Another long stand-down came as weather either over England or the Continent turned bad. The 91st didn't venture out until May 13th. The target was the aircraft repair depot at Meaulte which was located only a short distance in France. Nineteen Fortresses composed the 91st formation and another six 91st aircraft flew in a composite group. As the aircraft approached the target they were set upon by fighters, the yellow nosed aircraft from Jagdgeschwader

26. Contrary to popular belief, these pilots were not Goering's hand-picked aces or anything of that order, but an experienced, well organized, and very aggressive Luftwaffe fighter wing. On this day they brushed the RAF Spitfires aside and pressed their attacks on the Fortresses of the 91st Group with great determination and vigor. At times they pressed their attacks to within twenty-five yards of the bombers before they broke downwards.

, I)

"Memphis Belle" in the United Sates. (Harlick)

40

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BAS51NGBOURN •

23060 LL-G a 4-1st BS B-17, ''Belles Belle," was transferred to the 91st on September 13, 1943 and flew three missions with the Group. On its second mission the ball turret gunner ejected from the turret when the hatch opened by accident. Bombardier Lt. Charles Hudson was able to rescue the dangling gunner. On December 1,1943, 21Lt. Charles Guinn made a forced landing on the continent after being badly shot up over Germany. All crew members became paws. (Havelaar)

19023 LG-XIDF-X "Yankee Doodle." This B-17E was one of the first to be stationed in England and was first assigned to the 97th BG. General Ira Eaker, CG. of 8th Bomber Command, flew as pilot in command and led the BthAir Force's first combat mission to Europe in this aircraft. It was later assigned to the 91 st where it flew a variety of missions, including tow-target and general airport hack duties. Pictured here its framed nose was replaced with a one-piece "F" style plexiglass nose. (Havelaar)

Lt. Lawrence J. Stark and his crew in Vulgar Virgin from the German naval base at Heligoland. The lead bombardier the 322nd Bomb Squadron were hit by the fighters just after had no aiming point but set the intervalometer to drop the they came off the target. Flames immediately streamed back bombs at every 100 feet and walked across the target area. from the cockpit and No.2 engine. Three of the aerial gun- There was slight to moderate flak so the bombing was not interfered with. ners from the crew survived the onslaught. Alarge array of German fighters numbering close to 100 Lt. Hamer C. Biggs, Jr., also from the 322nd Squadron, and his crew were shot down by the yellow nosed fighters. intercepted the bombers and there was a running fight that Biggs and most of the crew succumbed when the aircraft went lasted at least half an hour. There were Fw 190s attempting to drop bombs on the formation this time. The 91st was fortudown. All of 8th Bomber Command turned out on May 14th to nate in that most of the fighter assaults were directed at the hit shipbuilding installations at Kie!. The 91st put twenty- groups following them. On their return to Bassingbourn there was a great upseven B-17s in the air and all but one of them bombed the target. Flak was moderate but the fighters were waiting when heaval as to just what the target was that they had bombed. the bombers came off the target. Lt. William M. Broley of the Photos were processed as quickly as possible and rushed to 322nd Squadron in Hells Angels was last seen west ofAmrum 8th Bomber Command Headquarters. After interpretation it Island with an engine out and a large hole in the rudder as a was found that indeed, they had hit the naval base at result of their assault. Heligoland and done a pretty good job of it. The big news for the combat crews was that Capt. Robert May 15th was to become a monumental day for the 91st. The submarine building yards and docks at Wilhelmshaven K. Morgan and most of the crew of Memphis Belle completed were the target and nineteen B-17s made up the main forma- their twenty-fifth mission and became the first men in the tion of the group. Once again another six aircraft helped make 91st to complete a combat tour. Already the word was out up a composite group. A lot of cloud cover was encountered that Morgan and his crew were to return to the United States and when the 91st Group leading the procession got to the in Memphis Belle and go on a nationwide tour to training bases and cities telling the 8th Air Force story. Morale at target it was completely covered. The lead aircraft made a 360 degree circle looking for a Bassingbourn reached an all-time high. hole in the clouds but when none could be found it set off for

Chapter 5

SUMMER DOLDRUMS

he B-17s of the 91st journeyed to Lorient on May 17th to bomb the submarine pens. The weather was very good for a change and nineteen Fortresses dropped their bombs on the target with fairly good results. A scattering of enemy fighters appeared, but most of them pressed their attacks on other bomber formations. The men of the 91st returned to base unscathed. The mission attacking the shipbuilding installations on May 19th was not a good one for the 91st. Nineteen B-17s

T

were airborne but three returned early. As the group approached the target area, enemy twin-engine aircraft appeared and dropped bombs on the B-17s from above. Fortunately, none of them scored. As the Fortresses entered the bomb run, it was noted that the group in front of them was not as far ahead as they should have been, and they were dropping incendiary bombs. Once these packets hit the slipstream they burst and the individual small bombs dispersed and some of the incendiaries came

.

Early morning departure, 1943. (Harlick) 41

.(

42

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

Tire change for the "Careful Virgin." Note standard .30 caliber nose guns replaced by the more formidable .50 caliber. (Havelaar)

Touching up the record on "Nine-O-Nine" -128 missions without an abort - an 8th AF record. (Harlick)

streaming back toward the 9Ist formation. In order to evade them the 91st bombed early and rallied off the bomb run, so most of their bombs hit the city of Kiel rather than the target area. Flak over Kiel was moderate but quite accurate. One B17, Spirit ofAlcohol, being flown by Lt. Edwin L. Baxley of the 323th Bomb Squadron went down and crashed in Kiel harbor. Four of the crew were killed while Baxley and the others became prisoners of war. Immediately after coming off the target the bombers were set upon by single engine fighters. Their onslaughts were vicious and constant for over an hour. The 9Ist was lucky enough to get out of the fight with no further losses or casualties. May 21st saw a maximum effort by 8th Air Force to strike at the shipbuilding facilities at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Twenty-one B-17s were airborne in weather that was not too good. The 91st led the Wing on toward the target area, but as they neared the Initial Point they found the Luftwaffe waiting. Some 100-150 enemy aircraft were logged as making appearances during the mission. Initial attacks came from the front with the fighters coming in with as many as ten to twelve aircraft abreast. Following these onslaughts the enemy came in from below and from the flanks in an attempt to break up the formation. As the B-17s entered the bomb run, enemy twin-engine fighters let go a shower of bombs from above.

Flak over the target was intense and accurate, but bombing was relatively good, considering cloud cover and a smoke screen which the enemy used in an attempt to cover the area. As the group rallied off the target it was engaged by enemy fighters once more. All together the Luftwaffe stayed after the formation for about an hour and twenty minutes. Four of the Fortresses from the 91st went down and six men aboard the surviving B-17s were wounded. Lt. Jack Fisher was the bombardier on Lt. Bill Clancy's crew in Careful Virgin that day and as he recalled: "We went in from fairly far north, presumably to allow all the following groups more time to turn and line up for the run. On our way to the I.P. we could see a number of German fighters at some distance away, with none of them making any attempt to close with us. However, after we negotiated the I.P. and started our run it became a different story and all hell broke loose. In fact, it took us very little time to realize we were the most popular aircraft in the sky, with seemingly everyone of the fighters vying for the honor of blasting us back to our maker. About halfway down the run the "Luftwaffe Brotherhood" gained the advantage, firing in force from numerous headings while Bill did his best to hold a steady P.D.1. until we could reach the bomb release point. Unfortunately, this all changed very quickly when we sustained a direct 20mm hit through the left side of the nose section which left a gap-

CHAPTER 5: SUMMER DOLDRUMS

43

124639 OR-W a 323rd BS B-17, "The Careful Virgin," flew its overseas life as a combat veteran. It left Bassingbourn on May 7, 1944 for AFSC.

ing hole in the fuselage, loss of oxygen, the immediate jettisoning of our bombs, turning the lead over to the alternate and making a hasty descent to low altitude. "The explosion made quite a shambles of the compartment with, as you might expect, some serious injuries. The group navigator, Charlie Maas, who was flying with us in view of the lead position, was bleeding profusely from one eye. At the time it looked like a bloody hole where the eye should be but fortunately it ultimately healed with, I believe, only limited impairment ... "... The concussion from the exploding shell no more than a couple of feet away left me with a semi-conscious

~

r

i

Capt. Lay buzzing the field at Bassingbourn. (Harlick)

impression of having been flipped in a complete somersault and landing flat on the walkway. My first clear recollection was a feeling of numb pain in the head, and upon removing the steel helmet I found a hole through it about the size of my little finger. As for the flak suit, the concussion and fragments of the shell hit it with what felt to me like an enormous force from above and behind. The canvas-like cover of the back was ripped to shreds, and though the edges of one or two of the loosened manganese steel squares cut into my back, none of the fragments of the 20mm shell penetrated the suit, an immense blessing to me in view of the fact that the back injuries were in a direct line with my heart. The suit undoubtedly prevented a forceful penetration into the heart and my very possible demise." Fisher's aircraft made it back to Bassingbourn safely where he and Maas were rushed to the hospital for surgery. Other aircraft were not so lucky, Lt. Phillip S. Fischer of the 324th Squadron, flying Marie Jane, went down and the entire crew was killed. Lt. Norman Retchin's B-1? of the 322nd Squadron fell to the enemy fighters. His top turret gunner was killed but the rest of the crew got out to become paws. Desperate Journey flown by Lt. Norbert D. Koll of the 324th Squadron also was downed by the fighters and only two crewmembers survived. Fighters also accounted for the Fortress flown by Lt. John H. Miller. Three men managed to bailout and become prisoners, but Miller and the others didn't make it.

44

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

May 22nd marked the end of a historic era for the 91st Bomb Group. Colonel Stanley T. Wray was officially relieved as Commanding Officer and assigned to Headquarters of the 1st Bombardment Wing. Colonel Wray had trained and brought the Group to combat and had led many of the early missions. He was responsible for the 91st being based at Bassingboum through his determination to get the best for his men, and his efforts would never be forgotten. A memento for which Colonel Wray would never be forgotten was his famed "Order of the Rigid Digit." This award was thought up by Coionel Wray as a humorous award for assorted goofs, which were given amongst pomp and circumstance. The top of the silver medal was engraved "Wray's Ragged Irregulars" and beneath this was engraved, "My God, Am I Right?" Below the motto was engraved a clenched fist with the upraised middle finger and underneath was inscribed "Order of the Rigid Digit" (See also Appendix 5 "The Rigid Digit").

Col. Stanley Wray gives the "Rigid Digit" salute. Col. Wray devised an unofficial award to those members of the 91 st who were guilty ofsome mistake in judgement. Wray adopted this sign and motto, "My God am 1 Right." Dubbed the order of the "Rigid Digit, " it was awarded with a citation to the recipient in the officer's mess. This order became well known in the 8th Bomber Command and many high ranking officers became recipients. Today this award is given to life members of the 91 st Memorial Association. (see also appendix five.)

Upon the departure of Colonel Wray, Lt. Col. Baskin R. Lawrence was named Commander of the 9lst Bomb Group. It was back to old faithful St. Nazaire on May 29th. This time the weather was good and the bombing was good. Twenty-one aircraft from the 91st deposited 2,000 pounders on the submarine base amongst accurate flak. This mission marked the use of a new type of aircraft in the bomber formation. Boeing YB-40s flew their first mission. These modified B-17s were heavily armed in the hope that they would provide the bomber formation with added firepower against the concentrated attacks of the Luftwaffe. The aircraft possessed a twin .50 caliber gun chin turret in the nose. This turret was remotely operated by the bombardier. A twin .50 caliber gun turret had been installed in the radio room to increase firepower amidship and each waist gun installation was provided with twin .50 caliber guns rather than a single gun. Instead of bombs the aircraft carried a tremendous load of .50 caliber ammunition. For all its modifications, its drawback was discovered immediately. The aircraft was too heavy, and particularly following the bomb run when the B-17s had been lightened up weightwise, the YB40 was still lumbering along with its load of ammunition and couldn't keep up with the formation. June 1943 brought with it a siege of bad weather which prevented the bombers getting any missions in until the 11th of the month. Even then, weather played the big role in the mission. The bombers had been scheduled to attack Bremen but it was cloud covered. An attempt to divert to Wilhelmshaven was not very successful, either. A few B-17s from the 91st bombed Wilhelmshaven, but most dropped their bombs on two airfields and a country estate which had been taken over as a military installation. Anumber of enemy fighters were present but they concentrated their assaults on other groups in the bomber stream. The submarine building facilities at Bremen were the target once more on June 13th. Twenty-one B-17s were aloft for the trip but four returned early. The weather in the target area was not good and this, coupled with a smoke screen, caused switches which greatly affected the bombing which was not good. One of the crews experienced a real heart-stopping event on the mission. Capt. Dick Weitzenfeld of the 324th Bomb Squadron was flying Old Ironsides and during the confusion which began from the Initial Point on, T/Sgt. Harry Smith looked up from his position in the radio roam and saw a higher group overhead with their bomb bay doors open! Smith immediately reported this to Capt. Weitzenfeld on the intercom and was told to keep an eye on them. Just after the bombardier Lt. J. B. Vickory dropped his bombs and closed the bomb bay doors, two bombs were dropped from the aircraft overhead. The first hit the outer portion of the right

CHAPTER 5: SUMMER DOLDRUMS

45

A YB-40 sits on the grass at Bassingbourn. Boeing attempted to install additional fire power to the B-17s flying against the Luftwaffe. Twenty-three standard B-17Fs were modified with an extra power turret in place of the single.30 caliber in the radio compartment. A new chin turret and twin power assisted waist guns for a total of sixteen .50 caliber machine guns, and 11,275 rounds of ammo versus the 3,900 rounds of a standard B-17F, made for a heavy airplane. As they were unable to keep pace and protect the standard B-17s, they were soon withdrawn from combat. However; the chin turret, with its improved forward firing power; was retained for future modifications. (Havelaar)

25741 a YB-40 at Bassingbourn. Three were assigned to the 91st, and all were soon withdrawn due to failure. 25741 was assigned to the 91st July 22,1943 and was tranferred out October 7, 1943. (Harlick)

Three YB-40s parked on the grass at Bassingbourn. During August 1943,25736 was assigned to three different bomb groups.

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

46

229797 LL-Y, "Old Ironsides. " In the heat of battle it was not uncommon for planes to slip below one another with catastrophic results. Capt. Weitzenfeld returned to Bassingbourn minus the right hand stabilizer and elevator which were taken off by a 500 pound bomb over Bremen. Weitzenfeld received the DFC for his achievement. "Old Ironsides'" luck ran out on its second mission with Lt. Buster Peek at the controls. After ditching, the crew were rescued from their life rafts. (Havelaar)

horizontal stabilizer on Old Ironsides and the second chopped it completely off about two feet from the tail section. The ball turret gunner, S/Sgt. Frank Vidar, Jr., reported that the bomb exploded about 200 feet below the aircraft. The loss of the stabilizer threw the aircraft completely out of control, causing it to plunge down. Capt. Weitzenfeld stated, "we were gyrating like a jack rabbit, three or four hundred feet at a time. Miraculously we didn't hit anyone as we fell out of formation, but the Bf 109s were on us like a swarm of bees. I finally got the aircraft under some sort of control and cautiously slid over in the middle of a lower group for

..1.\

\

fighter protection. Clyde Gillespie brought the 91st down over us and the fighters left us alone then." Weitzenfeld and his co-pilot, Lt. M. A. Berg, did their utmost to keep the aircraft in formation but it was almost impossible. Both pilots' hands were a mass of blisters just trying to maintain control of the plane. Once out over the North Sea they went off on their own and headed for home. Weitzenfeld requested a straight in landing but the tower could not see his damage so he was forced to go around. The pilot made a second approach and then made a wheel landing and taxied to the hangar. According to the Boeing tech reps the aircraft could not fly in that condition, but it did and brought its crew home successfully. Capt. Dick Weitzenfeld was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for an outstanding performance in flying the aircraft under such trying conditions. The 91st didn't get another mission in until June 22nd and a very costly one it was. The target was the synthetic rubber plant at Huls, Germany, which was in the flak infested Ruhr Valley. There was heavy cloud cover and the 91st brought up the rear of the bomber formation so the flak barrage was going full blast when they turned in on the bomb run. One aircraft that was hard hit over the target was Royal Flush of the 401st Bomb Squadron which was being flown by Lt. Marcel Fountain. No.1 engine took a hit and it was successfully feathered before the aircraft went over the target and dropped its bombs. Then No.3 engine caught fire and was put out successfully, but the propeller would not feather. No.2 engine lost power and that was when Royal Flush was forced to fall out of formation. The Fortress was then at about 24,000 feet when it was hit by fighters. They flew their attacks from all around the clock while the crew of the Fortresses answered with their .50 calibers. For a time Fountain found refuge in some clouds

I

Capt. Gladstone buzzing the control tower after completing his 25th mission on January 21, 1944. Both Major Bishop and Gladstone were dunked in a trailer filled with water after they landed. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 5: SUMMER DOLDRUMS

On the bomb run with flak bursts too close for comfort! (Havelaar)

down about 7,000 feet. However, by this time, the tail gunner and the ball turret gunner had both been wounded and the plexiglass in the nose had been shot out. The hydraulic system was gone but the Fortress carried on. When Fountain broke out of the clouds the fighters were gone but the B-17 just couldn't maintain altitude even though the crew threw out everything including their machine guns. Finally, when they had dropped down to 2,500 feet, Fountain rang the bail out bell and the majority of the crew exited the aircraft. Fountain, along with the co-pilot and engineer stayed with the aircraft in an attempt to make the coast but another flak hit forced them to ditch. All three were picked up from their dinghy by German patrol boats. The entire crew became prisoners of war. Another crew that was struggling was that of Lt. Buster Peek of the 401st Bomb Squadron. Peek was flying Old \ Ironsides which had been repaired from its ordeal over Bremen, but this time it wouldn't be able to bring its crew all the way home. No.2 engine was shot out by enemy fighters

25714 OR-N a 323rdBS B-17 taking off at Bassingbourn. This early B17F crashed in France after being shot by German fighters on June 28, 1943 with 21Lt. Robert M. Shane as pilot. (Harlick)

47

"Bombs away" with flak near target. (Harlick)

before they reached the Initial Point but they continued on in formation and dropped their bombs on Huls. As Peek rallied off the target he was set upon by fighters again and this time they knocked out No.4 engine, most of the controls, and the hydraulic system, which caused the flaps to drop. At this time they fell behind the formation. A dozen or so enemy fighters swooped in for the kill but the crew fought back. Lt. Chauncey Hicks, the bombardier, was wounded by 20 mm. His ear drum had been pierced and his face was badly lacerated but he continued to man his guns and continue firing. Peek and his co-pilot, Lt. Francis A. Porada, managed to battle the controls and keep the plane aloft until they reached the English Channel. When it became obvious that they would not be able to make the English coast they ditched. Peek assisted most of the crew into the dinghies and although some were injured all but one man made it; the tail gunner somehow drifted away and was drowned. The balance of the crew were picked up by Air-Sea rescue in about half an hour.

Engine work on "Bomb Boogie. " (Harlick)

48

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Others were not so lucky. Lt. K. L. Brown, flying Mary Ruth with the 401st Squadron, was shot down as he came off the target by a concentration of enemy fighters. Three of the gunners were killed in the fight but Brown and the rest bailed out to become prisoners of war. Lt. Joseph E. Slattery, Jr. of the 324th Squadron also went down from fighter attacks and while some of his crew survived, Slattery and three of his gunners did not. Lt. Paul D. Kahl from the 322nd Squadron went down flying Nightshade. They were last seen descending with No. 3 and No.4 engines out. All survived as prisoners of war. The 91st Bombardment Group received a new Commanding Officer on June 25, 1943. The newcomer was Lt. Col. Clemens L. Wurzbach. The Group was briefed for Hamburg on June 25th but it was found that the target area was completely cloud covered. On the way out fifteen of the Fortresses bombed Wangerooge Island as a target of opportunity. One returning pilot that found his own target of opportunity that day was Lt. Don Bader of the 322nd Bomb Squadron. Just as he departed the German coast his No.4 engine failed and the propeller had to be feathered. At that moment two enemy fighters appeared on the scene, but Bader was able to escape into a cloud bank. As he continued to let down Bader finally broke out of the overcast right over a German convoy. Despite the fact that they were on three engines, Bader and his bombardier lined up on the ships and made a successful bombing run. Fourteen Fortresses were airborne the following day enroute to bomb the airfield at Villa Coublay but cloud cover was such that the force returned to Bassingbourn without dropping their bombs. The locks at St. Nazaire were bombed on June 28th. The 2,000 pound bombs did some damage but the mission proved costly. Thunderbird Marnita, the Fortress flown by Lt. Edward T. Broadnax of the 323rd Squadron, went out of control and ditched in the sea. Some of the crew were saved and became prisoners of war. Aircraft of the 91st journeyed to France again on June 29th to attack the airfield at Villa Coublay. Once more the target was cloud covered and the planes returned with their bombs. The Gnome and Rhone Aero Engine Factory at LeMans, France, was the target on July 4th. Nineteen B-17s were airborne and sixteen of them bombed with 500 pounders. The cloud cover was not too bad but there was a lot of haze that stacked up all the way to 20,000 feet. Bombing was good; most all of the bombs fell in the target area. Some seventy-five to eighty enemy fighters came up to intercept. The majority of their attacks were either head-on or from the tail. The 91st lost no aircraft and had one man wounded.

Col. Clemens L. Wurzback commanded the 91st BG from June 1943 to December 1943. During his tenure as commander, the 91st suffered its most severe losses, including the Schweinfurt mission ofAugust 17, 1943 (53% losses), and the Anklam mission of October 9,1943 (42% losses). The lack of long-range fighter support on deeper penetrations had devastating results. Col. Wurzback is seen here with entertainer Bob Hope at the 92nd BG base in April 1943. (Mack)

On July 10th the 91st journeyed to Villa Coublay again and for the third time the weather was such that bombs were not dropped! Although flak was meager the Luftwaffe was ups in force. Sixty-five to seventy fighters attacked begin~ ning at Rauen and the fight lasted for a full forty minutes before the P-47 Thunderbolt escort arrived and drove them off.

~

t><.~",,',. --_..,.,.

229947 LG-U a 322nd BS B-17, "Wabash Cannonball," was assigned to the 91 st on July 6, 1943. It flew until late July 1944, and was then retired as war weary and transferred. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 5: SUMMER DOLDRUMS

A Fortress radio operator at his position. (Harlick)

A waist gunner at his very cold position. (Harlick)

Joe Harlick placing a K-17 camera in B-17 camera pit. (Harlick)

49

Lt. Leland E. Forsblad and his crew aboard Stric Nine of the 323rd Squadron were last seen leaving a trail of smoke and then explode and crash in the water. Unbelievably, Lt. Forsblad and his co-pilot, Lt. John J. Bennett would be the only survivors on the crew. Glisy airdrome outside Amiens, France was the target on July 14th. The 91st was escorted over France by Thunderbolts all the way to the target. There they encountered moderate but accurate flak, but the bombing was very good. Seventy Focke Wulf 190s and Bf 109s came up to intercept the bombers but they were driven off by the escorting P47s. The Group was briefed for Hanover, Germany on July 17th and twenty-five B-17s were airborne enroute. As they continued on course the weather deteriorated. By the time the bombers reached the Dutch coast, nine of the 91st B-17s had abandoned the mission. Four B-17s dropped their bombs on targets of opportunity. A lot of flak was encountered all along the route and fifty to sixty enemy fighters did nothing to improve the situation. Lt. Robert A. Pitts of the 401st Squadron had his aircraft shot up rather badly and some of his control cables were gone. He managed to bring his aircraft back to England where he bailed out seven of his crew members before he landed at RAP Tempesford. The mission briefing on the morning of July 24th brought surprise to the faces of the crews when they learned they were going to strike targets in Norway! This was the longest mission plotted for the 8th Bomber Command to date. The 91st was slated to bomb aluminum and magnesium plants at Heroya. Twenty-two 9lst Fortresses were airborne but the eight that were assigned to fly with the composite group returned early when they were unable to find their formation in bad weather. The other fourteen B-17s continued on their way. The weather over Norway was generally good and 500 pound bombs were dropped on the target with good results. Some forty enemy aircraft were sighted along the route to and from the target but few attacks were flown against the 91st formation. All aircraft returned safely to base. The following morning nineteen aircraft were airborne to bomb the port facilities at Hamburg. Even though the weather was poor, there was only one abort. The 91st was on the tail end of the wing and the further they got along the route the worse the weather got. Once the target was reached there were many clouds present in addition to a smoke screen. Flak was intense and accurate with many of the aircraft suffering damage. Well over a hundred enemy aircraft pressed their onslaughts against the bombers and carried them out over the North Sea until they were broken off by lack of fuel.

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

25763 LL-F a 401st BS B-17, "Bomb Boogie," training its bomb load. Careful observation reveals the ball turret gunner sighting through the open bomb bays checking the release of the bombs for the pilot. (Havelaar)

Lt. Robert S. Gerald of the 322nd Bomb Squadron had his aircraft hit by flak and then fire from enemy aircraft. The right stabilizer was badly damaged and the leading edge of the right wing was holed. Shortly after leaving the target enemy fighters came in again and their 20 mm destroyed the controls to No.3 and No.4 engines and shot the bomb bay doors open.

The bomb bay doors were finally successfully cranked up but then No.4 engine began to burn. Fortunately, Gerald was able to cut and feather both engines and make it back to base on two engines. Lt. Marshall L. Pilert of the 324th Squadron flying in DF-B was hit by flak over the target and left the area with his bomb bay doors shot open and No.4 engine smoking. The

CHAPTER 5: SUMMER DOLDRUMS aircraft dropped out of formation and parachutes were seen to exit from the plane. The ball turret gunner had been killed in action but the balance of the crew survived as prisoners of

war. It was back to Hamburg the following day. Twenty aircraft were airborne but only nine of them bombed the target. Flak was heavy and accurate and the Fortresses came under heavy attack from enemy fighters. One encounter with the German fighters took place enroute and the second took place as far as forty miles out over the North Sea. Lt. JackA. Hargis of the 323rd Bomb Squadron was flying a spare that day but rather than return to base he tagged along and went in to the target with another group. His aircraft bombed Hanover and enroute home Hargis experienced trouble with his fuel transfer valves which caused him to ditch in the North Sea. The navigator with Hargis that day, Lt. Bill Turcotte, reported "There was a jolt as the ball turret hit the water first. The plane bounced up and came down again and thrust us forward tight against the wall and each other in stunned, momentary silence. We recovered quickly and climbed out by the gun mount opening above the radio room. The dinghy releases were pulled and the two of them popped out on the wings. The pilots crawled out through the cockpit windows. We pushed the inflated dinghies to the end of each wing and hopped in, five in each, and shoved off. Fortunately the sea was fairly calm, without whitecaps and the weather was clear and mild but the water was cold. We hardly got our feet wet. Within a few minutes the plane had sunk enough so that the stabilizer was below the water surface. The weight of the engines on the front and the water weight above the stabilizer at the tail caused the ship to break in two at the midsection. We heard crunching sounds, then the plane sank forward as it broke in the middle." Their rescue was not long in coming. Two RAP Spitfires circled the crew and then a converted Lockheed Hudson ap-

peared and dropped a large dinghy which the crew paddled out to and tied up. Shortly thereafter two RAP "Walrus" airsea rescue amphibians arrived and flew part of the crew to land. The other experienced trouble getting airborne and had to taxi most of the way in. Regardless, all of the crew were rescued safe and sound. The crew of Lt. James W. Rendall, Jr. was not so lucky. The 324th Bomb Squadron aircraft named Nightmare was hit by flak at the target at 27,000 feet and it started down out of control. The pilot regained control and it went into a glide behind the formation. It was last seen a few miles southwest of Bremen under attack by three enemy fighters. Lt. Rendell and most of his crew would survive as prisoners of war. July 28th saw twenty B-17s up to go after targets at Kassel, Germany, but the further they went the worse the weather became. The mission was finally abandoned over Germany and all aircraft returned to base. July 29th was a strike against the ship yards at Kiel with the 91st leading the 1st Bomb Wing. Eighteen B-17s took off but two were forced to abort the mission. Although the weather got bad enroute to the target the men of the 9Ist managed to bomb their target despite the clouds and smoke screen that was present in the area. Direct hits were obtained on the power plant and a floating dock in the target area. Flak was very heavy over the target and some seventy-five to one hundred enemy fighters intercepted the mission. Twin-engine fighters fired what appeared to be rockets at the bombers and the single-engine fighters came in line abreast. The aircraft of Lt. Jess D. Rogers of the 322nd Bomb Squadron came under concentrated fire and his navigator, Lt. Albert L. Mason was hit by 20mm on the bomb run. Mason suffered over one hundred wounds in his upper legs, buttocks, and lower abdomen but continued to fight off fighter attacks for some twentyfive minutes before he would submit to treatment. All during the fight he continued to tell his pilot that he was all right.

- ",

Ever dangerous flak. (Harlick)

51

Major Bishop "cutting grass" after his 25th mission on January 21, 1944. (Harlick)

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

B-17F with improved cheek gun positions. (Havelaar)

An unidentified B-17 equipped with heavily armed mose. The B-17 in the background is war weary and has been stripped of its guns. (Harlick)

The 91st was involved in an intense air battle the following day when they struck at the aircraft factories in Kassel. The Fortresses got off in fairly good weather and made a good bomb run over the target area dropping 500 pound general purpose bombs primarily on the Fiesler aircraft plant. Flak was very intense and accurate and many of the aircraft in the formation were damaged. Enemy aircraft intercepted the mission in the Antwerp area and stayed with the bombers until they were picked up

by escorting P-47s at the Dutch coast on the way home. Most of the crewmembers were highly laudatory of the effort of the Thunderbolts and felt that they would have suffered more serious casualties had they not driven the attackers off. Lt. William H. Cox of the 322nd Bomb Squadron's Fortress was just off the bomb run when enemy fighters knocked out his No.3 engine. For the next forty mInutes his crew was forced to fight a running battle with the Luftwaffe. The tail guns were knocked out and the gunner wounded and then the

323rd BS B-17F "Yankee Dandy," 229916 OR-L, on a training mission over England. This B-1?, with only.30 caliber nose machine gun, arrived overseas May 5, 1943, only to be lost on July 30, 1943 with Lt. Robert M. Miles as pilot.

CHAPTER 5: SUMMER DOLDRUMS Three below: 230157 OR-P a 323rd BS B-17, "Hells Belles," returned from a mission to Kassel on July 30, 1943 with its hydraulics shot out. When the pilot landed and realized he had no brakes he attempted to take off again. Without sufficient air speed, the B-17 went through a field ofshocked oats, and stopped in a drainage ditch sustaining substantial damage. The crew escaped and the aircraft was salvaged. (Harlick)

53

ball turret was knocked out. Before the fight was over three of the four guns in the nose were inoperative and only one gun in the top turret was still firing. Cox managed to bring the aircraft back to base and landed on a flat tire. Special recognition was given to his tail gunner, S/Sgt. Glendon Salby who stayed in the tail and called in fighter attacks even though his guns were knocked out and he was wounded. Two 91st aircraft failed to return from the mission. Lt. Keene C. McCammon of the 323rd Bomb Squadron flying M an-O-War and his crew were shot down by fighters after crossing the target and the aircraft crashed near Opijnen, Holland. Lt. McCammon and his co-pilot, L.t John P. Bruce, were the only survivors. Lt. Robert M. Miles of the 323rd Bomb Squadron and his crew in Yankee Dandy were hit by fighters at about the same time as Lt. McCammon. The aircraft was last seen going down on fire under attack by enemy fighters. Miles and most of his crew survived as prisoners of war. The 91st did not get back into action until August 12th and a most difficult return it was. The target was the benzol plant at Gelsenkirken, Germany. Twenty-two B-17s took off but strangely enough the mission called for a bombing altitude of 30,000 feet and many of the old veteran aircraft of the 91st just could not pull that altitude with full bomb loads. Nine aircraft aborted the mission. Enemy aircraft began their attacks on the formation from the Dutch coast on in. Before the target was reached Jolly Roger flown by Lt. Robert O. Heller of the 401st Bomb Squadron and Buccaneer flown by Lt. Talmadge G. Wilson of the same squadron collided on the way in to the target. The bombs were salvoed fromJoily Roger before the target was reached and it fell out of formation with five enemy fighters stalking it for the kill. The ball turret gunner was killed in the combat but Lt. Heller and the balance of the crew managed to get out and were taken prisoner. Lt. Wilson and his crew managed to stay with the formation until just beyond the target even though their vertical stabilizer was ripped off at the top,but the rudder was not damaged. Wilson managed to get his crew out over open country where they all bailed out and were taken captive. Two other 91st Fortresses fell to the concentrated attacks of the German fighters which came in firing from line-abreast formations. Lt. Robert W. Thompson of the 323rd Bomb Squadron in Delta Rebel 2 had eight inches shot off the top of his stabilizer before he fell out of formation. Thompson and several of his crew members survived but all the gunners in the rear of the aircraft were killed. Billy Kay which was being flown by Lt. Jerold D. Kethley of the 323rd Bomb Squadron took initial hits in the nose and left wing which knocked it out of formation. Fighters continued to fire away at the aircraft until the crew bailed out. All survived.

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25077 OR-T a 323rd FS B-17, "Delta Rebel #2," displaying early camouflage and lacking colors and markings used later. (Harlick)

All in all, the mission was one of the roughest the 91st had flown. It was not enough that the flak was heavy and accurate and that fighter attacks did not cease until the P-47 escort picked them up on the way home over Holland, but the weather aloft was frigid. Contrails aided the enemy in making his attacks and the exposure of crewmen to the elements took a heavy toll. Two men froze to death on the mission and another five suffered severe cases of frostbite. Lt. Daniel Downey, navigator on Lt. Gatewood's crew in the 322nd Bomb Squadron was largely responsible for helping his crew make it home that day. When one of the waist gunners did not respond at the Initial Point, Doweny went back and found both he and the radio operator unconscious. Downey got all the walk around bottles and spare masks in the waist and brought the men around. He called the pilot and requested that he immediately lose some altitude while he manned the waist gun and let the revived waist gunner revive the other waist gunner. Once all parties were back up and operating Downey returned to the nose and guided the crew home.

August 15th was a hurry up mission. The crews were not informed until 1000 hours and then the original bomb load order was incorrect. Once these bombs were unloaded it was not until 1445 hours that the new loading order came in. It was 1715 hours when twenty Fortresses of the 91st Group took to the air. Once at the rendezvous point the rest of the 1st Combat Wing did not arrive so the 91st tacked onto the tail of another formation and headed for the target at Flushing, Holland. There were numerous clouds in the area but Col. Wurzbach took the 91st in at 19,500 feet and made a run on the secondary target in the area. The marshalling yard and rail sidings took the brunt of the bombing from the 91st. Flak was moderate but accurate and two men were wounded in addition to several of the aircraft sustaining damage. The following day the 91st bombed LeBourget Airfield in Paris. Nineteen Fortresses bombed the target and in good visibility practically every bomb hit in the target area limitations. Flak was moderate and inaccurate. Thunderbolts provided excellent escort.

Chapter 6

SCHWEINFURT

S

ince its inception, Eighth Bomber Command had been gathering information on various strategic targets in Germany and eagerly awaited the time when their force would be strong enough to render significant damage to these targets. Two of the target cities which ranked right at the top of priority for bombing strikes were Schweinfurt and Regensburg. Schweinfurt was particularly significant in that it possessed three plants which turned out ball bearings critical to the production of aircraft and rolling stock in the Third

Reich. Factories at Regensburg turned out the Messerschmitt 109 fighter, which made up the majority of the opposition that intercepted the bombers of Eighth Bomber Command on practically every mission. As Eighth Bomber Command grew, so did plans to strike strategic targets deep in Germany. What was really needed to prove daylight bombardment was a mission which would cause very significant damage to Hitler's war machine. A plan was formulated that, if successful, would cause great damage

B-17s on the bomb run encountering moderate flak. (Havelaar)

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Heavy persistent contrails in the cold hostile environment over the European continent. (Havelaar)

Photo taken through the radio hatch shows B-17s leaving non-persistent contrails. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 6: SCHWEINFURT

Looking forward from waist gunners position. Note Sgt. Bush installing strike camera forward of the ball turret. (Harlick)

57

to Germany's armed forces and prove once and for all that Eighth Bomber Command could accomplish such a mission with acceptable losses. The plan called for simultaneous missions to Schweinfurt and Regensburg. The Fourth Bomb Wing under the command of Colonel Curtis LeMay would direct their attack on the Messerschmitt factory at Regensburg. Taking off from England fifteen minutes behind the Fourth Bomb Wing would come the First Bomb Wing under the command of Brigadier General Robert B. Williams, whose target would be the ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt. Once the targets had been bombed the Fourth Bomb Wing would turn south and continue on to North Africa. The First Bomb Wing would bomb Schweinfurt and return to England. It was felt that the simultaneous attacks would split the opposition from the Luftwaffe and enable the bombers to return with minimal losses. Leading the First Bomb Wing would be the 91st Bomb Group with the Group Commander, Colonel Clemens K. Wurzbach piloting, and the Air Task Force Commander, Colonel W. M. Gross, in the co-pilots seat. Listed in the deputy lead aircraft was Brigadier General Robert B. Williams, Commander of the First Bomber Wing. Weather had cleared over the Continent and all was go for the mission to proceed on August 17th. Takeoff was scheduled for 0545 hours but as happens so often, the best laid plans run into problems. Morning found very heavy, low hanging clouds over all the Eighth Bomber Command bases.

229837 DF-A a 324th BS B-17, "Lady Luck." Pilot Lt. Parker had the honor offlying with B/Gen. Williams, 1st Air Division commander, leading the 2nd Task Force Composite Group on the Schweinfurt mission, August 17, 1943. Lacking long-range fuel tanks and chin turret, it left Bassingbourn and was replaced by a B-17G. (Havelaar)

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25712 LG-S a 322nd BS B-17, "My Prayer." LG-S came to the 91st in mid-1943 and after flying some terrible missions crash landed on August 17,1943 at RAF Manston and became salvage material. Note the added heavy guns sported by many early B-17Fs at Bassingbourn. (Harlick)

124527 DF-Y a 324th BS B-17F, "The Great Speckled Bird," was one of the original planes assigned to the 91st at Bangor, Maine. This B-17 had a high rate of aborts before finally being lost on the August 17, 1943 Schweinfurt mission with Lt. William Munger as pilot. (Harlick)

Immediately, discussions began to take place regarding late takeoffs for the mission. More affected than the First Bomb Wing was the Fourth. Colonel LeMay could not wait too late to get airborne for he had to get his force to North Africa before nightfall. The weather began to break a bit over the bases of the Fourth Bomb Wing and their aircraft began to get airborne at 0621 hours. The Regensburg force was on the way and the available escort would follow. As clouds continued to hang over the First Bomb Wing bases, their takeoff was delayed further. It was finally scheduled to depart a full three and a half hours past its original takeoff time. It was after 1100 hours before the Fortresses of

the First Bomb Wing began to get airborne. Rather than split up the Luftwaffe attacks, the Regensburg force was already fighting its way to the target alone. Twenty-four of its Fortresses would be lost to concentrated Luftwaffe formations. Had the B-17s not turned south to fly to North Africa and completely fooled the Germans their losses would undoubtedly have been higher. The 91st Bomb Group had twenty-four B-17s airborne after 1100 hours. Eighteen aircraft made up the 91st formation and an additional six aircraft were flying with the 101st Composite Group. Weather was good at Bassingbourn when the bombers got underway but as they crossed over onto the

229679 LL-A a 401st BS B-17, "Ramblin Wreck;" sporting a frosty nose, and is equipped with twin .50s. "Ramblin Wreck" survived to April 5, 1944 when she was retired from combat, probably due to the lack of long-range fuel tanks. (Gaffney)

None other than Tony Starcer putting the finishing touch on "Heavy Weight Annihilators No.2. " This beautiful nose art was later removed and repainted "My Prayer. " (Harlick)

CHAPTER 6: SCHWEINFURT Continent they picked up a cloud base above them ranging from 17,000 to 21,000 feet. Rather than have the Task Force climb up through the overcast, Colonel Gross chose to have the formation remain below the clouds, which showed the Fortresses up beautifully and made them easily visible for fifty miles. The clouds also provided cover for the Luftwaffe attacks which would commence shortly. The Regensburg mission had fully alerted the Luftwaffe and forces from all over Germany flew into the target region to get in on the action. Mter the LeMay force went on to the south the Luftwaffe fighters landed on scattered fields in the area to be refueled and rearmed. By this time they were alerted to the fact that another bomber force was being dispatched so all they had to do was wait. A full thirteen German fighter groups were ready and waiting when the Schweinfurt force arrived. Fighter attacks began over Antwerp, Belgium. There was to have been fighter escort up to this point but the 4th Fighter Group failed to make the rendezvous. It was later determined that the Thunderbolts were looking for their charges up high and the bombers were down below the cloud cover. Most of the fighters present for the entire mission were Bf 109s and Fw I90s who flew very professional and intense interceptions from all areas of the clock. As lead group, the 91st came under intense fire from the very beginning. The low element was hit first and the group lost its first aircraft. Stormy Weather of the 323rd Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. Don S. Von Der Heyde fell to the savage fire of enemy fighters and went into a spin before crashing. Only two men survived and strangely enough one of them was the navigator,

59

Lt. Edgar J. Yelle, who had only joined the 91st that morning. Due to a shortage of navigators he was nominated to fly the mission that morning without even unpacking his bags. Also falling in one of the first onslaughts against the low element was Stup-N-Takit of the 323rd Bomb Squadron, which was flown by Lt. Charles A. Bennett. This aircraft left the formation near Aarschaot, Belgium. Seven chutes were seen to emerge from the aircraft. Three men went down with the aircraft. The 10ist Composite Group was the high group in the lead formation and they, too, came under heavy fire from the beginning. Franks Nightmare, from the 401st Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. Arlynn E. Weieneth, was in the low element of the group and was the first to fall from its formation. It was hit by flak at Woenschrecht, Belgium, and then was set upon by fighters. Shortly after being attacked it went into a spin which got progressively tighter. Only one man, the copilot, survived. At about the same time, Our Gang of the 324th Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. William H. Wheeler, who was leading the low element of the 101st Composite Group, was hit hard by enemy fighters. No.1 and No.2 engines and the left wing were on fire when the co-pilot waved his wingman on forward to fill their slot. The aircraft was last seen losing altitude as the pilot held the aircraft steady to allow his crew to bail out. All ten got out safely and became prisoners of war. Lt. Everett L. Kenner of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was leading the high element of the lead group when his aircraft, BeardedLady, was set on by enemy fighters. The aircraft was seen to take heavy fire into the fuselage, cockpit, and No.2

This lady waits for her flight crew at a hard stand while the ground crew rests to the rear of the right wing. (Have/aar)

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"Delta Rebel" in hangar undergoing engine repairs. (Harlick)

engine. The Fortress then went into a dive from which it did not recover. Five of the crew managed to get out to become prisoners of war. Another aircraft was shot out of the high element when Chief Sly II, flown by Lt. Joel W. Gatewood of the 322nd Bomb Squadron went down. This aircraft was last seen going down with No.3 engine and the right wing on fire. There were only four survivors. The enemy fighters continued to press their attacks on the lead group of the formation and Colonel Wurzbach stated that he could not understand how his aircraft and the deputy lead aircraft carrying the Bomb Wing Commander managed to survive. Great Speckled Bird, of the 324th Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. William S. Meiger flying Wurzbach's left wing, was hit hard and left formation with No. 3 and No.4 engines smoking. As it began to spiral down the crewmen began to bailout. All of them successfully exited the aircraft and survived. Also lost out of the lead group was Dame Satan of the 322nd Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. JackA. Margis. Lt. Carl A. Smith, the co-pilot on the aircraft, reported that they lost power on No.2 engine following concentrated fighter attacks. As the formation pulled away from them, they dropped their bombs on a small town. They were then aware that they didn't have enough fuel left to make it home but they set course westward. The Fortress crew continued to fight off further fighter attacks but by the time they were in sight of Brussels, Belgium, they ran out of ammunition. More fighters came in from twelve o'clock and damaged No.3 engine and heavily dam-

aged the wing. The bombardier opened the bomb bay doors to facilitate the crew in bailing out. Smith helped the wounded radio operator bailout. The engineer gunner then went out and Margis told Smith to exit. As he went out the aircraft lurched and Smith cut his hand on the root of the bomb bay. He landed hard and broke his leg, but was immediately picked up and hidden by Belgian civilians. Smith managed to evade capture and return to England, as did three other members of the crew. Others were not so fortunate; three became prisoners of war while Lt. Margis and the ball turret gunner did not survive. Lt. Anthony G. Arcaro of the 323rd Bomb Squadron was flying The Eagles Wrath on the tail end of the low element, but as planes went down he continued to move up in the formation. All was going well until four enemy fighters came down with guns ablaze from eleven 0' clock high. As their 20 mm tore into the aircraft the Fortress was set afire and two of the gunners were killed in the attack. The navigator was so severely wounded that he later died. Arcaro managed to hold the aircraft steady until the survivors of his crew could abandon the plane. Other than the three men that had been killed by the fighters, the rest survived to become prisoners of war. While these aircraft were being downed by the Luftwaffe others were fighting for their lives. Lt. James D. Judy of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was flying an aircraft named My Prayer that day and truly, his prayer was answered. When the formation reached a position fifteen to twenty miles southeast of Frankfurt, Germany, a vicious attack disabled his aircraft. Three 20mm shells exploded at the root of the left wing and directly under the pilots compartment. It set fire to his

CHAPTER 6: SCHWEINFURT

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229815 LG-P a 322nd BS B-17, "Miami Clipper," and 229656 LG-S a 322nd BS B-17, "Skunkface." A captured Bf 110 in British markings passes in the background. "Miami Clipper" is not equipped with long-range fuel tanks and chin turret, and was eventually transferred toAFSC on April 7, 1944. "Skunkface" was lost to German fighters on February 20, 1944 with 2/Lt. Ernest B. Kidd as pilot. (Havelaar)

aircraft and severed some of the control cables and leads to the electrical system. The batteries were destroyed and the electrical system was inoperative from that point on. The navigator and bombardier bailed out as a mass of flame and smoke entered the pilot's compartment. Due to this and damage to the controls, Judy temporarily lost control of the aircraft. Mter it had dived to 6,000 to 7,00 feet he was able to bring it out of the spin and level off. Another attack from enemy fighters exploded the oxygen system and destroyed some of the remaining electrical connections to instruments that had continued to function. During these two attacks the engineer, T/Sgt. Earl Cherry, was severely wounded in the foot and his parachute was burned by a second fire in the nose. While Cherry fought fire and the co-pilot, Lt. Roger W. Layn, was assisting the rest of the crew members in bailing out and putting out fires, Lt. Judy brought the Fortress down to about 100 feet and set a course for England. He refused to abandon the aircraft when he learned Sergeant Cherry was wounded and had no parachute. During the flight to the coast the aircraft was attacked by five enemy fighters but Judy managed to escape by taking evasive action while Cherry and Layn manned the guns. Further damage started some fires which Cherry and Layn had to fight while Judy, although blinded at times by smoke, managed to keep the Fortress going. Upon reaching the airfield at RAF Manston, Judy attempted to land but found that the ball turret was locked with the guns pointed straight down. The landing gear was par-

tially locked up and had to be cranked down. The bomb bay doors could not be closed and the brakes were gone. By this time Sergeant Cherry was so weak from the loss of blood he was seated in the co-pilots seat. Judy came back for another approach and managed to put the aircraft down on the grass where he skidded to a halt. There were over 500 holes in the aircraft, in addition to all systems being shot out and extensive fire damage in the nose. All three men on the crew, Judy, Layn and Cherry were recommended for the Medal of Honor, but none would receive it. Lt. Judy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross while Lt. Layn and Cherry received Silver Star Medals. Another Distinguished Service Cross was won that day by a 91st crew member but it would not be awarded until after the end of the war and men returned from prison camp. T/Sgt. Edward P. Troy, the tail gunner on Lt. Charles A. Bennett's aircraft Stup-N-Takit, was wounded in the head and face during the fighter attacks on the Fortress. Although he was painfully wounded he continued to man his guns and call out evasive tactics to the pilot. Troy, bleeding profusely, stayed at his guns until he was out of ammunition and continued to call out enemy attacks until Bennett ordered him to abandon the aircraft. While many extraordinary acts of heroism were performed on that historic day it is apparent that many went unrecorded, particularly on the aircraft that fell. Some of the others who were recognized for their action on that day were S/Sgt. William J. Wolf of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, who

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B-17Fs enroute over water. (Harlick)

was wounded by 20 mm but stayed at his waist gun, and continued to fight off enemy attacks and then go back and give first aid to the tail gunner. Lt. David Williams of the 401st Bomb Squadron left his navigators position to man a nose gun for an hour and a half and then brought his crippled aircraft back around the flak areas. S/Sgt. Edward Bronski of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was flying tail gun when a 20 mm wounded him in his right leg. Bronski did not report that he had been wounded and stayed at his post and downed one enemy fighter. He refused to submit to first aid until the enemy coast was behind. Lt. Eugene M. Lockhard of the 401st Bomb Squadron was flying Fortress Hitler's Gremlin when he lost power on No.3 engine shortly after the enemy coast was crossed. When the first fighter attacks came their fire tore off the left wingtip and damaged the right horizontal stabilizer with 20 mm. This forced him to leave the formation and bomb a target of opportunity. However, Lockhard managed to set course for England, but due to damage to his aircraft he ran short of fuel. When three engines quit fifty miles short of the English coast he managed to successfully ditch the aircraft. All of the crew got into their dinghies and three hours later they were res-

cued. Lockhard, who had flown the first daylight mission a year prior with the 97th Bomb Group, commented when he was picked up "this is a hell of a way to celebrate an anniversary." While a number of the bombs fell on the targets at Schweinfurt and optimism was very high, the truth was that while the ball bearing plants were severely damaged in some respects, it was not lasting and the plants were back in full production shortly. Thirty-six Fortresses of the Schweinfurt force were lost with ten of them coming from the 91st Bomb Group. Of the crewmembers from the 91st that went down thirty-six were killed, fifty-four became prisoners of war, seven evaded capture, and ten were rescued from the sea. The crews of the B-17s on the Schweinfurt mission claimed 148 enemy aircraft destroyed but German Quartermaster records which are extremely accurate reveal that only sixteen German fighters fell to their guns that day. Fighters from JG 1, JG 11 and JG 26 provided most of the opposition and cost the 1st Bomb Wing grievous losses. As Colonel Wurzbach stated, it was weeks before the 91st Group was able to strike back at the enemy in full force.

Chapter 7

RECOVERY AND THE BATTLE OF ANKLAM

F

allowing the heavy losses at Schweinfurt the 91st was hard pressed to follow up on subsequent missions. When the 1st Wing went to Gilze-Rijen, Holland on August 19 to attack the airdrome there, the 91st was able to put up only eight B-17s. On arrival in the target area the weather turned very hazy which made the target hard to find. Bombs were dropped, but it is doubtful that many of them hit the target. About fifty enemy aircraft intercepted but none of

them concentrated their onslaughts on the 91st. All aircraft returned safely. The airdrome at Villa Coublay in France was a late afternoon target on August 24th. Fourteen B-17s of the 91st joined up with seven Fortresses from the 351st Bomb Group to make up a group formation. There was a lot of ground haze, and visibility in the target area was limited. Just before the bomb release line another bomb group flew directly underneath the

230712 OR-R a 323rd BS B-17, "Miss Minookie, " climbing out bound toward its target showing the ball turret guns pointing straight down to

expose entry hatch inside. "Miss Minookie" lasted five months prior to being shot down on February 21, 1944. (Havelaar)

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91st. If the lead bombardier of the 91st not been alert he would have initiated a bomb drop that would have fallen right into the Fortresses below. To add to the confusion, the lead group of the wing maneuvered in such a manner that it was impossible for the 91st to make a second run on the target and all bombs were brought back to base. Enemy fighters put in an appearance but the escort drove them off. Thirteen B-17s from the 91st Group teamed up with ten from the 3818t Bomb Group on August 27th to form a composite group which set out to bomb aeronautical targets at Watten which was in the Calais area. The target there may well have been some of the early installations that eventually led to the rocket launching sites in France. The bombers took off in heavy clouds, but by the time the target was reached, cloud cover was down to 3/10 to 5110 cover. Some of the bombs hit the target area but a number of them went into a forest south of the target. Flak was moderate but accurate and there was some battle damage. One man misinterpreted a message over intercom as direction to abandon the aircraft and he bailed out in the vicinity of the target. All aircraft returned to base safely. A mission to Romilly-Sur-Seine on August 31st turned out to be a real fiasco. Two aircraft collided shortly after crossing the English coast on the way to the target. While flying at 25,000 feet Eager Beaver of the 401st Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. Buster Peek collided with L'i/ Audrey of the 323rd Bomb Squadron which was piloted by Lt. Richard C. Rodman. L'i/Audrey went straight down and crashed into the sea just off Beachy Head with the loss of the entire crew. Eager Beaver split at the tail wheel. The entire front section of the aircraft went into a spin and went down, taking all the crewmembers with it. S/Sgt. Charles E. Allen in the tail

Jimmy Cagney in front of 91st headquarters. (Harlick)

survived in one of the most miraculous incidents of the war. As S/Sgt. Allen related: "We were flying at 25,000 feet when there was a crash and a hell of a noise of metal ripping and tearing. I took a quick glance out of my side window and saw another plane practically on top of us. Our ship started to fall and I started to get at my parachute, but before I could get it the ship started spinning and going into a dive. "My ammo was all over me and the force of the ship's fall held me down. We had fallen a good ways before I could get my parachute and snap it on. I grabbed the release handle on the escape door and pulled it but it wouldn't work. I then opened the bulkhead door which leads to the forward part of

231673 LG-B a 322ndBS B-17, "Lassie Come Home," made a one wheel landing and was eventually repaired. 673 failed to return home on August 16, 1944 with 21Lt. Leonard F. Figier as pilot. (Harlick)

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22970 DF-E a 324th BS B -17, "Connenticut Yankee, " with another type ofmodification to its nose armament. On the Stuttgart mission ofSeptember 6,1943, 2/Lt. William Pegram crash landed this B-17 at Winchelsea, England. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and was salvaged. (Harlick)

the aircraft. I intended to go up and bailout at the waist, but as I opened the door I saw that I was all alone in the tail which had broken off from the rest of the ship. I couldn't get out because the sides were mashed up against the tail wheel. "I went back to my tail escape door and tried to get it open. I kicked and pushed and finally forced it open. All this time the tail was twisting and turning. I stuck my head out of the door and saw I was about 10,000 feet above the water. I hesitated because I was afraid to jump. I realized I had to get out immediately, so I stuck my head and shoulders out and then got my hips stuck in the door and I couldn't move. I just kicked and wiggled until I fell free. Mter falling for about 500 feet I opened my parachute. When it opened I saw that I was between 7,000 and 9,000 feet above the water. My one leg strap wasn't tight enough and the jerk of the chute when it opened nearly jerked my other leg off. The silk looked real nice floating above me. "While I was floating down I saw an air-sea rescue boat heading for me, so I started spilling air out of my chute so I would be closer to the boat and the shore. Wreckage from the

two planes was falling all around me all the way down and bigger parts were burning on the sea below me. "When I was about thirty feet above the water I inflated my Mae West. I hit the water quite hard and went under a ways but my chute and life preserver brought me to the surface. I then freed myself from the chute because it was dragging me across the water in the wrong direction. I kicked off my flying boots because they were dragging me down. I had a hell of a time because I was swallowing salt water and it tasted terrible. I started swimming towards shore but didn't make much headway as the water was a little rough. "A Spitfire and a couple of Fortresses were circling around looking for us. I was in the water five or ten minutes when the boat found me. They gave me dry clothes and some hot soup and some brandy and took me ashore and put me in the hospital." The aircraft of Lt. Jess D. Rogers of the 323rd Bomb Squadron was severely damaged by debris from the collision and limped back to England. Lt. Rogers attempted a crash

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25763 LL-F a 401st BS B-17, "Bomb Boogie" shown with flak, and unloading over the target. (Harlick)

landing at Woodson but he and seven other members of his bers of the crew, managed to evade the enemy and eventually make their way back to England. The balance of the crew crew perished in the crash. Nine Fortresses of the 91st continued on with the 1st Wing became prisoners of war. Two 91st Group aircraft were hit badly in the fuel tanks and the clouds parted just as they reached the target. The bombs were dropped with excellent results. A number of en- and didn't make it back across the English Channel. Lt. Wilemy fighters appeared in the area but were driven off by the liam R. Cox flying Mizpah II of the 322nd Squadron ditched off Beachill where he and all his crew were rescued. The crew P-47 escort. The aircraft returned to base unharmed. Fourteen 91st Group aircraft were airborne on Septem- of Lt. Lloyd S. Schaper of the 322nd Squadron were not so ber 3rd to strike installations at Romilly-Sur-Seine. The mis- fortunate. Four of their crew members were reportedly killed sion was completed without incident, although due to a mal- in fighter attacks before they ditched. Those who made the function with the intervalometer on the lead aircraft, a num- ditching survived. A fourth aircraft was shot up so badly that the pilot had ber of aircraft went on to bomb the secondary target at his crew bail out once he was back over England. The pilot Evereux. Stuttgart, Germany, was the target on September 6th. Six- then successfully landed the aircraft. No further missions were flown until September 15th teen aircraft were airborne but four returned early. Due to solid overcast over the target the twelve aircraft bombing were when aircraft were dispatched to bomb the airdrome at forced to hit targets of opportunity. Flak was intense and ac- Romilly, France. The bombers received excellent escort from curate. The Luftwaffe was up in force and the attacks on the the Thunderbolts but unfortunately, the bombs of the 91st 91st Group were pressed avidly. One aircraft, Bomb Boogie fell short of the target. Flak was meager and inaccurate and piloted by Lt. Elwood D. Arp of the 401st Bomb Squadron, no enemy aircraft challenged the 91st formation. The following day fifteen Fortresses of the 91st bombed went down with its engines ablaze. The entire crew managed to bail out safely and Lt. Arp, along with three other mem- the airdrome at Nantes, France, with good results. One air-

Upon returning from a mission with wounded aboard, a red flare intended to alert the ambulances went off inside the nose of 2321 O. All personnel were evacuated while the nose burned off. The plane was salvaged on June 1, 1943. (Harlick)

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67

WiilMItd':&:-«,is .....

229750 OR-L a 323rd BS B-17, "Rebels Revenge," replaced the lost "Delta Rebel #2," only to be lost on its fourth mission with 2/Lt. John W. Perritt as pilot. (Havelaar)

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craft was apparently the victim of flak and was seen going down in flames. The crew of Lt. Eldon J. Smith of the 323rd Squadron took to their parachutes and all but one of them became prisoners of war. One of the waist gunners did not survive. On September 23rd the bombers went after a V-boat supply ship which was in port at Nantes, France. When cloud cover was encountered the B-17 formation dropped down under the cover to 16,000 feet where they bombed. Several hits were reported on the ship, as well as on port installations. Flak was moderate but accurate. A number of enemy aircraft put in appearances and two men were wounded but no B-17s were downed. Nineteen B-17s were airborne on September 26th to strike an aircraft assembly plant in France, but the weather proved to be so bad that all were recalled. The following day began a new era in the daylight bombing campaign. Two radar equipped aircraft joined those of the 91st to inaugurate PFF or blind bombing of the targets. The Fortresses were up on September 27th destined to strike the port Emden, Germany. Weather was bad all the way and the target was bombed utilizing the PFF aircraft with unknown results. The Luftwaffe opposed the raid in force Lt. William G. Pegram of the 324th Bomb Squadron was flying Local Girl when it was hit by enemy fighters just beyond the JP. Number 3 engine was on fire and flames began to stream back from the wings and fuselage. The crew commenced to abandon the aircraft and a number of parachutes began to emerge. Four members of the crew would evade capture, while two became prisoners of war. Lt. Regram and two others did not survive.

The aircraft flown by Lt. Cleo C. Struble of the 322nd made it to the target but was then seen with No.3 engine on fire. The bomb bay doors opened and bombs dropped and then flames were seen to envelop the radio room and pieces began to fall off the aircraft. Some parachutes were seen to emerge before the aircraft exploded. Five members of the crew survived as prisoners but the rest, including Lt. Struble, died in the explosion. Lt. John M. Perritt of the 323rd Squadron in Rebels Revenge left the formation shortly after bombs away with an engine on fire. The aircraft was last seen in a dive with parachutes emerging. Two of the crew survived as prisoners of war. The loss of three aircraft and their crews was coupled with another crew member being killed and two wounded in the furious attacks from the German fighters. The bombers returned to Emden on October 2nd and once more bombs were dropped by utilizing the PFF type aircraft. Flak was meager to moderate. One man was wounded and all aircraft returned to base. October 4th saw the 1st Bomb Division (the 1st Bomb Wing had become the 1st Bomb Division in mid-September) flying a deep penetration into Germany to strike at targets in Frankfurt. The 91st had 17 aircraft airborne for the mission but only eleven bombed the target. Enemy opposition was fierce. A myriad of single engine fighters opposed the Fortresses and another fifty to seventy-five twin engine fighters put in an appearance. One evasive maneuver that worked well during the air battle was the direction from the tail gunner as to when the rockets from the twin-engine fighters were coming in. With good intercom communication the pilots were able to evade most of these projectiles.

25729 LL-E a 401st BS B-17, "Buccaneer," is shown here taking off on November 3,1943 enroute to Wilhelmshaven. This plane was transferred to the 91stfrom the 306thBG on September 9,1943. On October 4,1943, Lt. Charlie Hudson, flying on his second combat mission, saved the lives of both waist gunners (see text). On March 15, 1944 this B-17F was retired from flying combat because it lacked long-range fuel tanks. (USAAF via Hess)

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69

Posing by a stack of 2,000 pound bombs are far left, Sgt. Brush, and center, Group bombardier Maj. Charles Hudson. (Harlick)

Loading weapons at the bomb dump. (Harlick)

Flak over the target was very heavy and accurate. Nine B-17s in the 91st formation received damage in the barrage. However, fighters caused severe problems and loss. The aircraft flown by Lt. Lloyd E. Schaper limped in to the target and then went down right after the target. One crew member apparently had been killed in the fight with the Luftwaffe but the balance of the crew managed to bail out, and all became prisoners of war. Flying as bombardier in Buccaneer was Lt. Charles Hudson who was on his second combat mission. The crew had been hard pressed by enemy fighters on their way in to the target and the Bf nos just kept circling, looking for a chance to fire their rockets. Shortly before the target was reached the radio operator called out, "Sir! The two waist gunners are lying on the floor back there. They're dying, I tell you, they're dying." Hudson striped his flak vest off, grabbed a walk-around oxygen bottle and headed back to the waist. On the way he picked up two more walk-around bottles from the cockpit and the radio room. He found one of the waist gunners on his back, unconscious. He had begun to turn blue and his face was frost covered. The other waist gunner was conscious, but was sitting in a stupor, blankly staring into space. Hudson wiped the frost from the face of the unconscious gunner and put an oxygen mask on him. Then he fitted the second mask on the other waist gunner. Testing the guns he found both to be frozen so he closed the waist windows to cut off the blast of freezing cold that was whipping through the aircraft. Hudson noted then that the target was approaching so he propped the one gunner up between two ammunition boxes and hooked him up on a undamaged oxygen line. Making his way back to the nose as rapidly as possible, Hudson took his seat at the bomb sight and got to work. Once his bombs were dropped he went back to the waist to further

assist the two gunners. The one he had propped up had fallen over and was partially off oxygen. Hudson worked on him to restore circulation and brought him around. The other gunner had seemingly perked up and seemed to be o.k. although he was still drowsy. Now that both gunners were conscious and taking in oxygen, Hudson went back up to the nose to man his guns. Four days later the 91st went back to north Germany to strike the ship yards at Bremen. On arrival at the target a smoke screen coupled with haze made identification of the target most difficult, but fifteen B-17s dropped their bombs. Flak was intense and accurate and all but one Fortress in the 91st formation took hits. Once more the fighters opposed them in numbers and a fight took place all the way from the coast of Germany inbound and all the way out to the coast on return. Just before the IP the aircraft being flown by Lt. John J. Karp of the 323rd Bomb Squadron was hit by fighters and began to stream flames. The bombardier salvoed his bombs, and as the aircraft continued to descend No.2 and No.3 engines began to burn, leaving smoke trails. The aircraft was last seen under attack from single engine fighters but was still under control. Lt. Karp and most of the crew managed to bailout and became prisoners of war. Three of the gunners were killed in the air battle. Once more Lt. Charles Hudson was involved in a fight and once more he was called to save a crew member from death. This time he was flying in a Fortress named Hell's Belle and out over the North Sea the pilot of the Fortress flying alongside Hudson's aircraft called over the radio, "The door has come off your ball turret and the gunner is falling out head first. He's hanging out in the slipstream with his head, shoulders and most of his Mae West outside the turret."

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--.. f

229793 LL-F a 401st BS B-17, "Sheila B Cummin, " came to the 91st from the 306th BG on September 11, 1943 and flew a few missions before being scrapped. It returned to Bassingbourn after suffering severe damage over Frankfurt on October 5, 1943. (Harlick)

25178 LG-L a 322ndBS B-17, "Old Standby, "was assigned to the 91st in January 1943, and was lost on October 9, 1943 while flying on the Anklam mission with Lt. James Judy as pilot. (Havelaar)

Hudson grabbed a couple of walk-around bottles and headed back for the waist. The ball turret gunner had managed to pull himself back in the turret and rotate back up into the aircraft but in the process he had cut himself severely across the forehead. Hudson grabbed him and pulled him out of the turret. The gunner's face was covered with blood and he was choking on blood in his mouth that had frozen. Hudson took his gloved finger and cleared the gunners's mouth. He then took his own oxygen mask and placed it on the gunner's face. Hudson then discovered that something had hit his own face and that he, too, was bleeding.

Hudson crawled into the radio room and found another oxygen mask which he put on, but a few moments after that he passed out. As soon as he came around he went back and got the ball turret gunner and drug him up into the radio room where he gave him a shot of morphine and plugged his heated suit in. With the welfare of the gunner under control, Hudson returned to the nose where he manned his bombsight and dropped his bombs on the dry docks of Bremen. Once off the target the enemy fighters returned and Hudson manned his gun until the escort came in to drive the enemy craft away. At

23172 OR-X a 323rd BS B-17, "Chennaults Pappy," returned to the U.S. on June 13,1944 as it lacked long-range "Tokyo Tanks." (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 7: RECOVERYAND THE BATTLE OF ANKLAM

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Above and right: 229591 LL-Z a 401st BS B-17, "Shamrock Special," was named and painted by Sgt. Jack Gaffney in honor of his stepfather s Irish ancestry. Gaffney also painted both sides of the nose and adorned the aircrafts fin with a nude woman "Hollywood 337. " This aircraft suffered severe damage to its tail section when "The Careful Virgin" returning from a mission on October 9, 1943 landed on a short runway without brakes and crashed into it. (Harlick)

that time he returned to the radio room to check on the condition of the gunner, who, though painfully wounded, would live to fight another day. October 9th brought about a mission that would become a historic landmark in the history of the 91st Bomb Group. For some time 8th Bomber Command had wanted to strike the Focke Wulf 190 assembly plant at Marienberg in far eastern Germany. As new B-17Gs with new outboard fuel tanks, or "Tokyo tanks" as they became known, became available to the Group, targets in this range became possible. So it was that on October 9th the majority of the Fortress groups of 8th Bomber Command were either targeted for Marienberg or Gydnia, Poland, and the Free City of Danzig, on the Baltic Sea.

231636 OR-N a 323rd BS B-17, "Out House Mouse," displays Starcers /lose art. This B-17 survived the war after flying 139 combat missions. (Havelaar)

The 91st Group, which was the last unit in 8th Bomber Command to receive the long rang B-17Gs, was sent along with five other groups from the 1st Bomb Division to strike the aircraft components plant at Anklam, a city seventy-five miles north of Berlin. Basically, this force would serve as a diversion for the Fortresses that were striking far to the east and as an additional temptation to the Luftwaffe they would fly at only 12,500 feet. The 91st was lead by Major Donald E. Sheeler and put up seventeen B-17s for the mission. Even for the 91st Group their trip was one of extreme distance and each Fortress was forced to carry a bomb bay tank which was jettisoned enroute. The total range for the mission was 1,200 miles! The course called for the bombers to fly out over the North Sea, cross over Denmark and then fly southeast to northern Germany. The route back called for them to exit Germany at Rostock, fly back up over the eastern Baltic Sea to Denmark, over Denmark and then back over the North Sea to England. Flying the "tail-end Charlie" position in the 401st Bomb Squadron was Lt. Hilary "Bud" Evers in Lightning Strikes. Evers reported that as the bombers journeyed over Denmark

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Clark Gable visits "Delta Rebel" crew while at Bassingbourn shooting sequences for the documentary "Combat America. " Gable was to fly five combat missions. (Harlick)

some of the Fortresses began to abort the mission and before the target was reached, four of them had departed. Enemy fighters began to attack at the coast but these initial attacks were not pressed to a great degree. Shortly thereafter the bomb bay fuel tanks had to be salvoed but in Ever's aircraft this was accomplished with difficulty. His bombardier for that day, Lt. Charles Hudson, had to go back in the bomb bay and help kick the tank out. As the bombers turned further south and headed for the IP at Neubrandenberg fighters seemed to come from everywhere. The weather was absolutely clear and the bombers were clearly visible for miles. This formation, which was to serve as a decoy for the Luftwaffe, certainly became one. For all the crew members it was the beginning of an air battle that would become monumental. Every type of aircraft that could

possibly intercept was in the sky. One gunner noted that there were Bf 109s, Fw 190s, Bf 110s, Me 410s and Ju 88s. Five 91st Group Fortresses fell to the guns of the Luftwaffe fighters. One of the first to go was the aircraft flown by Lt. Charles B. Pinning of the 322nd Bomb Squadron. They were shot out of formation by enemy aircraft and apparently all crew members perished. Just before the IP was reached, the aircraft flown by Lt. Alexander W. Stewart of the 322nd Bomb Squadron received a head-on attack from a Focke Wulf 190 which set No.3 engine on fire. The aircraft left formation and was later seen with all four engines on fire. Four crew members apparently bailed out to become prisoners of war, but Stewart and the rest were killed. Lt. James D. Judy, who had done such a tremendous job of bring his Fortress home from the Schweinfurt mission, was

CHAPTER 7: RECOVERYAND THE BATTLE OF ANKLAM

St. Jean D'Angley after bombs hit the hangar area. Photo by automatic strike camera at 20,700 feet. (Harlick)

73

Hangar row and buildings of the 91st BG station 121, Bassingbourn, England. Building between hangars Band C housed the photo unit and armament unit. (Harlick)

flying the 322nd Bomb Squadron's The Old Stand By on the mission when the fighters struck. Lt. John Carter, who was flying as co-pilot for Judy that day described the action:

This area was obviously targeted many times. The rail yards appear to be completely destroyed. (Havelaar)

"Just north of the West Frisian Islands we reached our planned altitude of 12,500 feet. At this time there were occasional fighter attacks by Bf 110s and Bf 109s. Over Mecklinburg Bay we turned southeast towards Berlin and the flak and fighter attacks became more intense. I saw Fw 190s in singles, pairs, and flights of four making head-on attacks. About ten o'clock the men in the back reported the left waist gun was out of commission. The gunner S/Sgt. William V. Williams had been killed by a single round. Presently there was an explosion under the aircraft and Sgt. Yatsko the ball turret gunner reported that the bomb bay doors had been damaged ... The diversionary part of the mission was a success the groups headed for Anklam drew 300 or more fighters! "As we approached Anklam for our bomb run the bombardier operated the 'doors open' switch and nothing happened; the doors were jammed. Judy ordered the bombs held, rather than manually cranking open, since we would drop far behind the formation if we couldn't reclose the doors and the five 100 pound incendiaries we carried in addition to the thousand pound bombs might not clear the aircraft. "Across Mecklinburg Bay again and the northern part of Schleswig-Holstein there were fighter attacks from the rear and also considerable flak. The tail gunner, Sgt. Miles With-

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

"Fertile Myrtle" is a mystery plane parked at Bassingbourn. Note the extensive reinforcement in the nose to accomodate the installed .50s. (Havelaar)

Top brass visiting Bassingbourn on June 13,1943 for a look at the 91sl. Left to right foreground: Lt./Gen. FredAnderson (BthAF OPS), General George Marshall (CG u.s. Army), Brig./Gen. Robert Williams (CG1BD). (Havelaar)

All during the air battle Lt. Evers and his crew were in the middle of it. One of their engines was hit on the way in to the target and another was hit and started smoking. Just at "bombs away" a burst of flak wrecked the hydraulic system and the bomb bay doors refused to close. Now one engine was smoking and Evers had to cut the throttle and feather the propeller on the engine. This brought enemy fighters galore. The enemy pilots were coming in so close that their faces were easily discernible. Never had the men of the 91st seen the Luftwaffe pilots press their attacks in so close. All the while Us. Charles Hudson and the navigator, Lt. Bruce Moore were firing away with their .50 calibers in an attempt to break up the head-on passes of the enemy. Then a burst of flak sent fragments crashing through the nose and Hudson was hit in the left wrist, breaking it, and sending him sprawling out on the floor. Moore helped him to his feet and attempted to give him first aid but Hudson waved him off. He tucked his wounded arm through the low slung neck of his Mae West and continued to fire his gun with his right Judy and all his crew exited the aircraft to become pris- arm. Evers was putting the Fortress through all kinds of evaoners of war. The aircraft flown by Lt. Morris M. Guttu of the 323rd sive action. Fighters were coming in from the front and rockBomb Squadron was last seen at 1300 hours after it had been ets were being fired at him from the rear. As aircraft began to shot out of formation by enemy fighters. No.4 engine was fall out of formation, Evers pulled up on the lead ship and smoking but it was going down under control, headed for tucked in. As they continued on the route out, they witnessed Denmark. Lt. Guttu and four of his crew were captured but the aircraft that were downed by the fighters depart and go the rest were lost. down amid flames, debris, and parachutes. Down in the nose Lt. Thomas A. Walsh of the 323rd Bomb Squadron and Hudson and Moore ran out of ammunition. Moore went back his crew left the formation north of Kiel about twenty miles to the radio room to get more and in view of the fact that he from the Danish coast. The aircraft crashed into the sea with was too exhausted to bring the box back he strung out the belt. Back he came across the catwalk in the bomb bay, down only the bombardier and navigator surviving.

ers, was wounded by a 20 mm shell- a gaping hole above his left knee. Sgt. Yatsko continued to operate the ball turret as a decoy but the right gun was out of action from an early hit and the left was out of ammo. "A short time before 1225, when we were within sight of the North Sea, a number of 20mm shells struck the top turret putting it out of commission and starting a small fire. "T/Sgt. Earl Cherry put out the fire and stayed at his post, calling out fighter attacks from the rear so we could take evasive action. Moments later an 88mm exploded nearby, cutting the flight control cables and the aircraft went into a diving right turn. Judy immediately turned on the automatic pilot in an attempt to regain control. We were out of the group formation now, with only partial control. More 20 mm shells entered the cockpit and an oxygen tank was ruptured, causing every floating particle to burst into flames, filling the cockpit with a flash fire. Judy ordered the aircraft abandoned and I turned on the alarm bell. I departed the aircraft via the nose hatch ..."

CHAPTER 7: RECOVERYAND THE BATTLE OF ANKLAM through the hatch in the cockpit and on into the nose. Sergeant Wood in the top turret and the co-pilot helped Roberts on the belt until all was finally deposited in the nose. In the meantime Hudson had been hit again in his already wounded left arm. He was knocked down again, but scrambled back to his gun and continued his one handed blazing away. Once the nose guns were back in action after Moore's trip for ammunition there was another explosion and metal came through the top of the nose, lacerating Hudson's right arm in two places. Even through he had been downed three times and was bleeding from both arms, Hudson continued to man his gun and stay in the fight. Now the No.3 engine was giving trouble and after passing out over the Frisian Islands, Evers pulled out of formation. As they continued to let down, Evers went back in the bomb bay to try to crank the doors up. While he was concentrating on the cranking the co-pilot dived to avoid an enemy fighter causing Evers to bounce off the roof of the bomb bay and come down hard astride the catwalk. Though the pain in his groin was excruciating Evers held tight to the hand crank and was able to get the bomb bay doors closed. Lightning Strikes was now just above the whitecaps headed for England. Evers gave the order to toss out everything that was fixed down and the crew threw out everything including the guns. About this time, No.3 engine finally gave up the ghost and the aircraft crossed the coast of England on two engines. Even though he had no brakes Evers managed to get the Fortress down in one piece and bring it to a halt without further injury to the crew. In the lead aircraft flown by Major Sheeler another outstanding and heroic act was performed by Lt. Sidney Hantman who was flying as observer and tail gunner. Before reaching the target he was struck by an explosive shell which blew off his right arm at the shoulder, caused a compound fracture of his right leg and caused extensive wounds to his right thigh. Despite his injuries Hantman remained at his station without aid until he was nearly unconscious. He then came forward and requested someone take over the tail guns at which time he collapsed from shock and lack of blood. For their action that day both Lt. Charles Hudson and Lt. Sidney Hantman were each awarded the Distinguished Ser-

75

124484 LL-C a 401st BS B-17, "Bad Egg," arrived at Bassingbourn in September 1942. Through in-flight changes, this aircraft found itself leading the 1st Bomb Wing on the Schweinfurt mission of October 1943. Photo shows Don Frank's crew, left to right rear row: Bill Sticklen, bombardier; David Williams, navigator; Ken Rutledge, co-pilot and Don Frank, pilot. Front row left to right: S/Sgt. Bugan, engineer; S/Sgt. Booth, waist gunner; S/Sgt. Allison, tail gunner; S/Sgt. Sanchagrin, waist gunner; S/Sgt. Heathesly, radio operator; and in front S/Sgt. Nerter, ball turret gunner.

vice Cross. On his return from the Anklam mission Major Sheeler told Colonel Wurzback, "We've got one that beat Schweinfurt now. We were attacked by fighters soon as we hit the Danish coast. They followed us all the way in, attacked us on the bomb run and over the target, and followed us out all the way to the North Sea. Visibility was excellent and we did a good job of bombing." Lt. "Bud" Evers reported, "Due to the low altitude the Luftwaffe fighters did things they would never have done at high altitude. Never did I see that type of attack again. They even came through their own rocket fire from the rear to attack head-on and disregarded their own flak to press their onslaught on the bomb run. Even though our bombing was good we lost five of the twelve aircraft attacking. Thirty of the fifty men aboard were killed. Five men on the returning aircraft were wounded. It was a mission that would certainly be long remembered by the men that flew it."

......

91st B-17s dropping their bomb load over Avard, France, February 5,1944. Photo taken at 17,000 feet. (Har/ick)

Chapter 8

DARK OCTOBER AND YEAR'S END

ctober 10th was a bad day for the 8th Air Force. The The 91st headed out with only seven Fortresses leading B-17s struck at Munster, Germany, and the 3rd Bomb the whole show! Fortunately, their wing formation was joined Division was attacked by a multitude of fighters. by the 305th Bomb Group whose early absence from the 40th Twenty-nine of their number were lost with the lOOth Bomb Combat Bomb Wing had caused it not to be in the lead. UnGroup losing a record twelve aircraft. The 1st Bomb Divi- fortunately, the 305th would take the bulk of the losses in the sion was much more fortunate in that it lost only one Fortress concentrated onslaught on the bombers by the Luftwaffe. but that particular one happened to come from the 91st. Fol- Ironically, the switch in lead made Lt. David M. Williams the lowing the losses of the previous day the 91st dispatched only lead navigator for the task force on both the historic missions to Schweinfurt. ten aircraft, and six of them bombed the target at Munster. The B-17s from the 91st flew through moderate to heavy The bombing of the ball bearing plants was generally good flak and had eight aircraft damaged as a result. One Fortress and heavy smoke could be seen rising from the target area. was lost, Tennessee Toddy, which was flown by Lt. Earle R. The flak was heavy but not too accurate, but the intensity of Verrill. It left the formation near the German-Dutch border the fighter attacks was something else. The Fortresses were with No.4 engine feathered and No.2 smoking. The aircraft under constant attack from the time the escort left them until crashed northeast of Apeldorn, Holland after the crew had the 3rd Division returned to the English Channel. While the bailed out. Most of the crew were taken prisoner but one 91st received numerous passes from the enemy fighters, it crewmember was killed when his parachute caught on the lost only one aircraft on the mission. Lt. Robert M. Slane of the 401st Bomb Squadron was horizontal stabilizer. October 14, 1943, would become known as "Black Thurs- flying the Fortress that did not return. Slane reported: day," for this marked the day of the return to the ball bearing "Enemy aircraft of all types engaged - starting two hours plants at Schweinfurt, Germany. The original plan called for the 40th Combat Bomb Wing to lead the 1st Bomb Division prior to target. Over target number four engine hit by flak. with the 1st Combat Bomb Wing high and the 41st Combat Engine on fire, however, was able to feather propeller and Bomb Wing low. The 3rd Bomb Division would follow the extinguish flames. Fighter attacks continued after departing 1st Bomb Division to the target. Due to bad weather and low target. Approximately one hour after target number three envisibility at the B-17 bases there was difficulty in assembling gine and main oxygen system struck by fighter gunfire. Fuel the formations. When it came time to set course for the tar- lines severed on number three engine, lost all power, but no get, the 40th Combat Bomb Wing was minus a group and fire. Unable to feather propeller. Continued for about fortydeemed too weak to lead the mission. Therefore the task force five additional minutes as a 'cripple,' unable to stay with the commander, Colonel Bud Peasley, directed the 1st Combat main formation and singled out by additional enemy aircraft Bomb Wing to take the lead. This change placed the 91st or mass attack. Both main oxygen supplies depleted due to Bomb Group once more in the lead of the entire task force to continued enemy fire. Used available emergency oxygen attack Schweinfurt, a position that it had held on the first bottles. Finally number one engine hit and the top cylinders exploded. Unable to maintain altitude with three engine inmission back on August 17th.

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"Just Plain Lonesome" was rammed in a taxi accident. Note crew baggage and flight crews who just abandoned their mount. (Harlick)

operable and unable to feather number one and number three engines. "Gave order to crew to bailout. All crew members acknowledged except tail gunner. As crew members were departing aircraft received word from the radio operator, who had gone to the rear of the aircraft to obtain emergency oxygen bottles, that the tail gunner was unconscious. After this report, could not confirm status with radio operator and there was no further radio contact with crew members. All forward members of crew had bailed out with the exception ·of the navigator. The navigator did not bailout but came to the cockpit stating he wanted to stay with the pilot to bailout or crashland, whatever the pilot decided. Navigator was instructed to go to the rear of the aircraft and see if the tail gunner was still there but incapacitated ... if so try and drag him to the escape hatch and throw him from the aircraft concurrent with pulling his ripcord. Navigator also instructed to call the pilot as soon as the tail gunner was out of the aircraft and immediately after his report to bailout because the pilot would then also bailout of the aircraft.

Pilot in the driver's seat of a Flying Fortress with high altitude flying equipment. (Harlick)

"Shortly after the navigator entered the bomb bay area on the way to the rear of the aircraft a Junkers Ju 88 coming in from the left rear hit the aircraft putting shells in the aircraft fuselage and the cockpit area just to the right of the pilot. Pilot unhurt except for a slightly numb left leg from explosion in the cockpit. The co-pilot's windshield and right cockpit window were shattered. All crew members not incapacitate, with the exception of the navigator, should have been out of the aircraft before these hits were received. The landing gear of the B-17 had been placed down after the bailout order was given in the mistaken belief that the aircraft would not be fired on when it gave the wheels down signal and it became obvious the crew was abandoning the aircraft. "Landing gear was immediately retracted after receiving enemy fire and the aircraft was placed in a steep bank to the left directly head-on to the Ju 88. The Ju 88 passed just above the B-17 with the B-17 placed in a circling dive at maximum airspeed. Had no report from the navigator, so had to assume the tail gunner and possibly the navigator still aboard and could not bail out. Was at 18,000 feet when the Ju 88 struck

B -17 navigator in nose position with cheek gun ready. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 8: DARK OCTOBER AND YEAR'S END

Major Bishop dunked upon completion of his 25th mission. (Har/ick)

and the spiral dive was started - could see a small postagesized clearing of land in the middle of a dense forest and decided on a forced crashlanding. Number one engine was still on fire, but could see mostly white smoke. Kept airspeed about 300 mph until level off about 200 feet above ground. Flew over small clearing about fifty feet in the air, airspeed still high - 240 mph - saw bombardier on ground wildly waving arms as aircraft went by. Made a tight circle but could not maintain airspeed on one engine for extended period. Airspeed slowed to 150 mph, slapped the flaps down and flew the aircraft flat for a fairly high speed gear-up landing. Stopped just short of a fence and ditch ... "Initially departed the aircraft, fearing the Ju 88 might strafe, however, after running a few yards saw the Ju 88 fly directly over and start a climb to altitude . . . Returned to aircraft to see if the gunner, navigator or anyone else might still be aboard ... Tail gunner was still in the aircraft ... had been struck by gunfire in the chest." Slane was captured shortly thereafter, along with his bombardier. The navigator who apparently found the dead tail gunner must have bailed out when intercom was inoperative. Navigator made his way to Switzerland and was interned. Scores of aircraft made it home although badly damaged. One of those was the aircraft flown by Lt. Harold R. Christensen. His Fortress was under attack from enemy fighters for over an hour and a half. Over the target one engine had been knocked out and with a windmilling propeller he was finally forced out of formation. Once this happened the Luftwaffe attacks increased. The ball turret gunner, S/Sgt. Walter 1. Molzon was wounded and the bombardier, Lt. Homer Chatfield, came back and ministered first aid to him. Christensen did his best to get his B-17s into some clouds and get away from the enemy. However, he didn't make it

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before three Bf lO9s made their presence known. One of them latched onto the tail and opened up with all guns blazing. Although wounded, tail gunner S/Sgt. James Sweely continued to return the fire until Lt. Christensen was able to find refuge in some clouds. During this time, the navigator, Lt. Kenneth Homuth, was scanning his maps of Switzerland to set up a course of escape to the neutral country. Once he reported to Christensen the crew was given the option of bailing out, heading for Switzerland, or attempting to make it home. All agreed to try for England. Christensen dropped down to the deck for the race for home. Some light flak was picked up over the valleys of France, but then came a lucky shot. It made a big hole on the left side of the cockpit and hit Christensen in the upper arm. He stayed at the controls despite his wounds until he deemed that they were out of the worst of the flak areas. By this time Christensen was so weak from the loss of blood that he collapsed and dropped down to the nose entrance. Co-pilot, Lt. Stuart Mendelsohn, took over the controls while Lts. Chatfield and Homuth tended to Christensen. His arm was severely lacerated and a tourniquet was applied to stop the bleeding. He also received a shot of morphine to relieve the pain. As the Fortress progressed the visibility continued to decrease and Lt. Mendelsohn had to pull up sharply when the nose plexiglass was shattered as trees were struck. As the aircraft crossed the coast of the Continent, German machine guns opened up and Mendelsohn banked the aircraft to let the radio operator, who was the only one with any ammunition left, return the fire. Mendelsohn finally reached England and landed on the first airdrome he came to. One engine was still smoking and only four minutes of fuel were left when the B-17 came to rest. Lt. Christensen was taken from the nose and rushed to the nearest hospital but he succumbed to his wounds the next morning. For his gallant action, Lt. Christensen was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. While the three ball bearing plants in Schweinfurt were all hit, the raid did not prove to be as successful as had originally been hoped for. The strategic bombing survey made following World War II rated the destruction as only ten percent of capacity, but most authorities feel that damage was considerably more. Regardless, the destruction wrought on the bombers, primarily by the Luftwaffe, was devastating. A total of sixty B-17s did not return from the mission, with the 305th Group taking the brunt with thirteen losses. Five more

OVERLEAF: Three B-17s buzzing the control tower at Bassingbourn January 21, 1944. (Har/ick)

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239774 GR-G a 323rd BS B-17G, "Demo Darling," in olive drab colors dispalying added identification markings. "Demo Darling" was transferred toAFSC on May 3,1944. (Harlick)

237767 LL-D a 401st BS B-17G was assigned to the 91st on November 5, 1943. It was classified as a total wreck on December 22, 1943 after a wheels up emergency landing at Cambridge airport. (Havelaar)

Fortresses crash-landed in England, a dozen that got home members who had come to England with the unit. Some of had to be scrapped and over one hundred had been damaged. them started going home in the Spring of 1943 but many, due At this point daylight bombing from England really be- to wounds and one thing or another were still finishing up came suspect. Had the Army Air Force news releases to the tours in the Fall. Of all the original crewmembers, forty-one media not headlined the accomplishments of the missions percent were missing in action, five percent had been killed during the week of October 7th through October 14th public in action on B-17s that made it home, five percent returned clamor for a cease in these missions would not doubt have home wounded, five percent were grounded for medical reabecome a big issue. On just four missions the 1st Bomb Divi- sons, five percent were transferred to other combat units, and sion had lost seventy-nine B-17s and the 3rd Bomb Division yes, it was possible to finish up a combat tour; thirty-two sixty-four. This meant that over 1,400 8th Air Force B-17 percent managed to last through twenty-five missions. The 91st didn't fly another combat mission until October crewmembers'were either dead or prisoners of war. Something had to happen and it did. 20th when they put only three B-17s aloft to go to Duren, On the 15th day of October 1943, the Lockheed P-38s Germany. The weather was so bad that the crews brought flew their first bomber escort mission. While the P-38s were their bombs home. There was a long lapse in scheduling as no further misnot as successful as had been hoped, they were capable of going all the way to the target with the bombers and giving sions were flown for the remainder of October. On Novemthem protection which was vital to the accomplishment of ber 3rd the 91st put up a full force of twenty-four B-17s to their missions. On December 5th the P-38s would be joined strike the port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Enroute the crewby the first of the North American P-51 Mustangs which would men were pleased to see P-38s with them, and when the inibe an immediate success and make it possible for the bomb- tial enemy fighter attacks came they cheered as the Lighters to go anywhere in Europe without taking prohibitive losses. nings shot a number of their opponents down. At this point, it was time for the 91st Bomb Group to Then the escort departed and the enemy returned. As the take a look at what had happened to the original combat crew B-17s pressed on to the target they came under a very heavy

Cluster bomb. (Harlick)

Cluster bomb breakup after dropping. (Harlick)

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Cpl. Joseph Harlick of the 324th BS received the Certificate ofMerit for his enthusiastic cooperation, initiative and devotion to duty from Col. Henry Terry, commander of the 91 st. The author owes much to Joe who shared his photo collection for this book. (Harlick)

The Glenn Miller band at Bassingbourn just five days before Miller:S disappearance. Miller is at center with trombone. (Harlick)

onslaught which cost them three Fortresses. The 401st Squadron took the main blows and suffered all the losses. Bomb Boogies Revenge flown by Lt. RobertA. Pitts went down in a slow spin with a wing on fire. Only three crewmembers were known to have become prisoners of war. Vagabond Lady flown by Lt. William B. McAdams was also shot out of formation by fighters. Although five chutes were reported exiting it is not known that any of the crew survived. The Fortress flown by Lt. Kenneth B. Rutledge was the third to go. It was last seen dropping behind the formation with No.2 engine on fire. Two members of the crew are known to have become prisoners of war. Two days later the 91st went to Gelsenkirchen, Germany, where fourteen Fortresses dropped their bombs without known results due to a heavy smoke screen over the city. The flak

was intense but inaccurate. There were some enemy fighters in the area but the 91st was not attacked. The railroad yards and the city of Wesel, Germany, were the targets on November 7th. The target was cloud covered so bombing was accomplished by PFF. Fighter escort was excellent and no opposition was met. Flak was meager and inaccurate. November 16th proved to be a real challenge for the navigators. The target was a molybdenum mine at Knaben, Norway. After a long flight, a bigger problem evolved when it was not possible to identify the target. After two bomb runs the bombs were finally jettisoned in the sea. A few enemy aircraft were sighted but were not aggressive and the flak in the target area was meager. Ten days passed before the 91st was airborne again. This time the target was the city of Bremen. There was dense smoke and haze over the target and bombing results could not be observed. Fighter escort was very good and the 91st encountered no enemy fighters. The 401st Bomb Squadron lost a B17 when Lt. Bob Tibbetts was forced to ditch Skoal off Great Yarmouth. All the crew was picked up by Air-Sea Rescue. December brought about an increase in missions and the first on the first day of the month was a real tough one. The target was to have been Leverkusen, Germany, but due to the weather over the target the B-17s proceeded to Solingen. Five Fortresses fell to the determined Luftwaffe pilots who concentrated on the low squadron. The first Fortress to go was Wheel and Deal from the 322nd Bomb Squadron which left formation at 1005. Lt. John T. Wennerberg and all of his crew except the tail gunner survived. Next to go was Lt. Charles A. Guinn of the 401st Bomb Squadron flying Hells Belle. This Fortress was last seen fol-

Special Easter egg for Hitler! (Harlick)

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lowing an attack by five Bf 109s with No.2 engine smoking and No.3 feathered. The entire crew survived as prisoners of war. The B-17 flown by Lt. Leonard F. Anderson of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was seen going down with pieces of its wing flying off due to damage from enemy fighters. There were no survivors from this crew. At almost the same time the Fortress flown by Lt. Charles L. Early was seen to peel from the formation and head down. This crew was more fortunate, with eight survivors including the pilot. There was no last sighting of the aircraft flown by Lt. Jens T. Weiby, Jr. of the 323rd Bomb Squadron. It may have exploded as no members survived. Twenty-five aircraft from the 91st bombed the target at Solingen with unknown results as they flew through intense flak. Losses were very heavy, particularly to have bombed a secondary target. Ten Fortresses from the 91st were off to Paris on December 5th but weather proved to be so bad that the mission was aborted and the bombs brought back to base. The city of Emden was the target once more on December 11th. Twenty-two 91st B-17s bombed the target, scoring many hits around the inner harbor. A number of fires were started and smoke rose high into the air. Some of the bombs also fell on the city's marshalling yards. Although flak was intense and accurate no aircraft were lost. Only four enemy fighters were seen the entire mission and none of them turned its nose in at the 91st.

237736 DF-G a 324th BS B-17, "Duke ofPaducah." After flying twentynine combat missions, the "Duke" flew as a radio relay aircraft for 8th Fighter Command, and continued to be stationed at Bassingbourn for support. (Havelaar)

Two days later the target was the city of Bremen. Some smoke was seen in the target area but largely the bombing results were unobserved. Most of the crews reported no enemy aircraft on the mission due to the fact that fighter escort was quite good. However, flak was intense and very accurate. Twelve 91st B-17s returned with flak damage. During this period of time the 91st received a new Group Commander. Colonel Claude E. Putnam replaced Colonel Clemens L. Wurzbach who had completed his tour of combat. The city of Bremen was the target once more on December 16th. The target was cloud covered so bombing was done

401st BS ground personnel waiting for aircraft to return outside the hangar. (Gaffney)

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Flight personnel demonstrating flight gear including "Mae West" life vests and walk around oxygen bottles. Flight boots would usually come off when parachute opened. "The Shadow" is believed not to be from the 9ist. (Rarlick)

by PFF. Again flak was intense and accurate with six Fortresses receiving damage. No enemy fighters put in an appearance. In what seemed to be a habit the Fortresses of the 9lst paid their third visit to Bremen in a week. On December 20th the city was bombed using PFF methods. Some rocket firing enemy aircraft were encountered but they only made one pass at the 91st. Intense and accurate flak scored hits on fourteen of the group's aircraft. One crewmember was killed and another wounded on the mission. A mission to Osnabruck, Germany, on the 22nd brought a host of Luftwaffe fighters into the picture. The enemy used a new method of attack and it worked quite well. Their initial attack was levelled at the Wing ahead and at the 91st from two o'clock level with the enemy fighters going into a dive

raking the formation and then coming up in a perfect "U" under the low squadron of the low group and on up alongside of the higher elements. Many of the guns on the bombers could not fire for fear of hitting other B-17s. Once more PPF bombing methods were utilized as the aircraft flew through heavy but largely inaccurate flak. Two men were wounded and one B-17 did not return from the mission. The aircraft flown by Lt. Edward M. Steel,Jr., of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, was badly shot up by fighters and was last seen slowly leaving the formation and dropping back. All of the crew except the ball turret gunner became prisoners of war. Christmas Eve saw the 91st fly the first of what would become known as "no ball" missions. The target for these operations were launch sites for the V-1 rockets which were

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Above and right: 229487 DF-K a 324th BS B-17, "Ritzy Blitz, " was lost on the raid to Oschersleben on January 11, 1944 with Lt. Wayne Hedglin as pilot. No bomb sight could be used in this heavily armed nose. (Harlick)

being fired from French bases at England. These missiles were ram-jet driven and contained a high explosive warhead. They possessed no guidance system to speak of and were basically just aimed at England. The attack by the 91st proved to be quite frustrating. Bombardiers experienced great difficulty in finding the target and one squadron abandoned their efforts after making three bomb runs. Flak in the area was moderate but very accurate. Three crewmembers were wounded on the trip and most of the aircraft on the mission were holed by flak. The chemical works at Ludwigshafen was the target on December 30th. PFF was used and results were unknown. A number of enemy fighters made head-on attacks, some with as many as twelve 109s abreast. There were some Fortresses damaged from the attacks out of the clouds but none were lost. The 91st Bomb Group closed out 1943 by flying a mission to France where they were forced to bomb a secondary target which was the airdrome at Cognac. Bombing was very good with an excellent concentration on the target. Flames and smoke were visible for miles as the Fortresses left the area. New Year's Eve boded no good fortune for the 91st as they lost two B-17s on the mission. Lt. Stuart B. Mendelsohn of the 324th Bomb Group left the formation with No.1 engine on fire and attempted to join another formation but couldn't make it. Most of the crew from The Black Swan survived but Lt. Mendelsohn and one of the gunners were killed. Oklahoma Okie from the 324th Squadron was being flown by Lt. Bayard T. G. Dudley when it was set on fire by enemy

fighters. The aircraft dropped out of formation and when it had descended to about 8,000 feet it exploded. There were five survivors. 1943 had been a historic year for the 91st Bomb Group. It had fought the good fight to maintain daylight bombing in Europe. Its losses had been heavy; eighty-three of its B-17s had fallen to the enemy during the year and many of its crewmembers were dead, wounded, or prisoners of war. However, it had carried the war to the enemy and with the buildup of Allied forces in England the men of the 91st knew that it would only be a few months before the Continent would be invaded. They also realized that they were now aided by escort fighters that would appreciably lighten their load on the missions against the enemy. While there would still be losses, they would no longer have to fly with the odds stacked against their survival. While all the news releases had to do with combat crews W.W. Hill recalls it wasn't all fun and games with the ground

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crews. They took their jobs seriously, had strong, deep feel- B-17s - and made every effort to insure a 100 percent airings and empathy for the combat crews who flew the planes craft performance. Later, jeeps and weapon carriers would arrive with crews, on which they tirelessly worked to "keep em flying." Long before the Squadron C.O.s with their flash lights began the gun barrels, and bombsights. Greetings would be exchanged fateful awakening trip through the flight crew quarters, the between flight and ground crews, but there was no time for ground crews were already up and out on the flight line. Props conviviality. When the crew chief gave his okay that all was were being pulled through, condensation water drained from in top condition, it was time to load up. Frequently there would the fuel lines, radios checked, sheetmetal men were re-rivet- be hand shakes, and sincere "good luck" exchanged as the ing ball turret doors that had come loose when a gunner used flight crews climbed aboard. Then, after a moment of settling the door for leverage to swing the turret around. Armament in, the pilot would shout out the familiar "ALL CLEAR" and men checked bomb loads and their safety pins to insure the the Crew Chief, with a fire extinguisher in hand, would rebombs, when dropped out were in an armed mode and would spond with his "ALL CLEAR" yell. The pilot then energized do their job on the target. The oxygen crews checked to in- the fly wheel on number three engine which started off with a sure that no overnight leaks had occurred, and the crew chiefs low whine and increased in pitch as it spun faster and faster. rechecked every detail to make certain their aircraft was in At the correct moment, the pilot would pull the meshing switch perfect condition to fly. Thus, the flight crews had only to and the prop would begin to flop over in spasms followed by concern themselves with getting through the flak and attack- a cough and a backfire belch of smoke. The pilot or flight ing fighters, and come home. The ground crews held a silent engineer would then juggle the throttle up and down slowly respect for those who flew these wonderful machines - the as the prop would come to life and begin to rotate under its

23057 LG-N a 322nd BS B-17, "Blond Bomber," displaying an early morning shadow. (Harlick)

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231187 LL-F a 401st BS B-17, "Buckeye Boonerang, " limped back to England after being shot up by rocket firing fighters on January 11, 1944 with Lt. John Davis piloting. A forced landing on a snow and ice covered runway at Deopham Green, ended with a severely damaged B-17. After repairs "Buckeye Boomerang" was wrecked beyond repair on March 4, 1944 as it was returning to Bassingbourn. (Harlick)

own engine power. The ground crews backed off from the rotating prop and the prop wash as the other three engines were started up. Someone would pull the wheel chocks away from the wheels, and with guidance from the Crew Chief, the aircraft would slowly ease out of its parking place and on to the dispersal taxi strip. There the ground crews usually gave the air crews the final good luck "thumbs up" sign and watched in silence as ten men they barely knew were off into the throes of battle. The good luck sign was generally the only sign of ground crew emotion. From the parking place in the 323rd dispersal area, it was a short trip across the Royston/ Huntingdon Road to the main perimeter strip and the takeoff runway. And then they were gone, both the flight and ground crews - the flight crews possibly forever, and the ground crews to the mess hall for a late breakfast. During mission days, a silent pall hung over the base as everyone waited for the mission planes to return home. Some cleaned up tools, while others wrote letters or indulged in a crap or poker game. There was a certain noticeable lack of enthusiasm among the ground crews. The possible fate of the mission planes, though thought about, was rarely ever discussed. What could one say about men you only met in the dim light of morning, whose names you had never known? Almost every ground crew member had a bicycle - the necessary vehicle to get to and from the hanger line, dispersal area, the mess hall, and the barracks. At the estimated time for mission arrival the bike riders suddenly appear on the streets as they ride out to the hanger line, and dispersal areas. Some would gather near the flight line Tower. Men standing there with one leg on the ground, and the other draped over the cross bar of the bicycle or leaning against their back, was a familiar sight photographed many times as they waited and watched. They listened for the first faint din of the formation engines which came before the bombers could be seen. Then suddenly someone would cry out "They're back, they're

Photo personnel Pulliam and Caldwell with photo weapons carrier by "Lady Luck. " (Harlick)

comin' in." But before the aircraft could be seen, the ground crews knew by the sounds from the formations whether the mission was a milk run or a nightmare. If the engine roar was loud and definite, made by a tight flying formation it indicated a successful, maybe a "milk run" mission. But, if sounds were faint and dispersed from a loose flying formation with gaps and lone flying planes, the ground crews braced themselves for the worst - injured aircrews, battle damaged aircraft, and worse; missing planes. As the bombers landed and were recognized, relieved ground crews would head for the dispersal areas. Emotions ran high too, whenever one of the landing planes fired off red flares indicating wounded on board. It was a sad occasion indeed. One could not equate the amount of empathy, sympathy and hope that went out from the ground crews to the wounded airmen. To the ground crews, the flares also meant battle damage - making repairs long into the night to get the big bird ready for "tomorrow's mission." Those continuing to watch the return would become more and more grim as time passed. They wondered - Where is my ship?" The missing plane ground crews never gave up always believing "she'll show up." They sometimes aimlessly rode

237779 DF-B a 324th BS B-17, "Pist'l Packin Mama," was assigned to Joe Giambrone, crew chief of the "Memphis Belle." This aircraft set no records and survived the war. Note the lack of cheek guns. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 8: DARK OCTOBER AND YEAR'S END out to the dispersal areas watching and hoping that one of the last returning stragglers would be theirs. When it was obvious that is was not coming back, they felt sadder than a small kid whose favorite pet had gone out for the night and never returned. The empty hollow feelings for the lost aircraft went right to the pits of their stomachs. The planeless crews fought back by assisting the "lucky" crews whose planes had returned. The loss of an aircraft, however, was soon eased as a new replacement bomber and combat crew arrived. The ground crew tackled their jobs with vengeance, and never

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spoke to the new crew of the fate of their aircraft. But the ground crews didn't forget. They remember as if it were all just yesterday. Not many men cry or express their feelings in public, but next time you look at a photo showing ground crews standing in the background leaning against their bicycles watching aircraft land, do know that their heart, soul, and prayers were for the safety of those flight crews, and within their hearts they knew that "there but for the grace of God go I."

237940 LG- a 322nd BS B-17, "Spirit of 44, " arrived at Bassingbourn on December 13, 1943. It was salvaged after only six missions on January 11, 1944. (Harlick)

Chapter 9

ANEW YEAR

he men of the 91st Bomb Group looked to 1944 as a The 91st was to lead the 1st Combat Wing with the 381st year of better things. Now that fighter escort was so Bomb Group comprising the low group, with a composite improved they felt that the odds would tend to favor group made up of B-17s from the 91st and the 381st making them. Many new replacement crews were available, and new up the high group. The 91st was led by Lt. Col. Theodore R. aircraft were coming in to replace the war-weary Fortresses Milton, who flew as co-pilot with Capt. Leroy B. Everett in a Fortress named Hell's Halo. that had taken so much stress and damage during 1943. The initial mission of the New year was flown on JanuThe 91st got thirty-one B-17s airborne. Altogether some ary 4th and the target was Kiel, Germany. The target was 177 Fortresses from the 1st Division set course for covered with clouds and a smoke screen when the B-17s ar- Oschersleben. Cloud conditions over the North Sea caused rived, but they unloaded their bombs in the area. As the For- the 41st CW and the 94th CW to deviate from their original tresses turned for home, fires and smoke rose from the city. course and caused them to be late approaching the Initial Point. Flak had been accurate with nine aircraft receiving damage. As things worked out, all three wings were approaching the Thanks to good fighter escort, no enemy fighters were seen Initial Point at about the same time. During this time the Luftwaffe was gathering informaon the trip. The following day the group went to Tours, France, to tion from its radar stations plus its shadowing aircraft relabombard the airdrome. The fighter escort picked the bomb- tive to the course and altitude of the striking force. Fighters ers up on schedule and only a few enemy fighter made prob- began to rise and form up for what was to become the most ing attacks. The bombing was generally good with hangars intense and massive attack on the 8th Air Force bombers since enveloped in bomb bursts. Huge columns of smoke rose to Schweinfurt. Once the Dutch-German coast was crossed the Luftwaffe attest to the damage. Flak was meager and inaccurate. 1. G. Farben Industrie's power plant at Ludwigshaven, began their assault out of high cirrus clouds. The initial atGermany, was the target on January 7th. The escort was very tacks were made on the 91st Group's lead and low squadrons good and while up to fifty enemy fighters put in an appear- and the 381st low group's high squadron. Most of these atance they did not press for a fight. Bombing was by PFF tacks were frontal onslaughts by four to ten single engine methods and the results were unknown. Flak was moderate fighters. The 381st Group was hardest hit, losing three aircraft west but quite accurate with eleven B-17s receiving damage. The Focke Wulf 190 plant at Oschersleben, Germany was of Osnabruck. This created gaps in their formation which inthe designated target on January 11th. Six bomb groups from tensified the attacks on them. One of the first aircraft hit in the 1st Bomb Division were assigned the task of destroying the 91st was the lead aircraft flown by Capt. LeRoy Everett the installation. The mission was to have been led by the 41st with the group leader, Lt. Col. Milton aboard. "Twenty-five Jerry fighters came right through our forCombat Wing composed of the 303rd and 379th Bomb Groups. This wing would be followed by the 94th Combat mation. You could see the red flashes of their guns and I found Wing and the 1st Combat Wing, of which the 91st was a mem- myself looking right down one of their gunbarrels. We all ducked. There was a BAM! BAM! and the old Fort shudber.

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dered so that I thought the nose was going to fall off. They blew a hole the size of a number two washtub right in the floor of the nose compartment. We had a fire on board, too," stated Lt. Joe L. McNeill, one of the two navigators on Hell's Halo. No.2 engine was knocked out and the propeller was fully feathered and the navigators had to put out the fire in the nose. One shell exploded in the cockpit and Colonel Milton was injured in the thigh and side but remained at his post throughout the mission.. The first loss to the 91st was The Malayan Lady flown by Lt. Edwin R. Reid who was in the No.2 position in high squadron of the lead group. No.3 engine was knocked out in one of the head-on attacks and the prop would not feather. 231230 DF-A1 a 324th BS B-17, "Little Jean, "was assigned to the About the same time a fire started in the nose catwalk area 324th on December 22, 1943. Its first mission was aborted due to oxygen and Lt. John B. Haus, the navigator, was wounded in the right failure. Its second mission to Tours, France proved successful. On January 11, 1944 "Little Jean" was lost on the fateful mission to the leg by 20 mm. Focke-Wulf assembly plant at Oschersleben. Navigator 21Lt. William T/Sgt. Ernest G. Kretchmer, the top turret gunner, said Potter, and three other crewmen were the only survivors. (NASM via the main oxygen system then caught on fire and that there Potter) was a big hole on the left side of the fuselage. S/Sgt. Arnold D. Hovey, the left waist gunner, reported that the right stabilizer was shot off and most probably the Wayne D. Hedglin of the 324th Bomb Squadron. Initial at· Tail Gunner, S/Sgt. Anthony M. Czarnecki was either killed tacks set No.1 engine on fire and the plane was forced out of or fatally injured at that time. formation. Continued fighter attacks forced loss of control As the aircraft fell further behind the formation it was and the Fortress went into a spin. Due to centrifugal force it still being riddled by the German fighters. Just as the bail out was almost impossible to abandon ship. Lt. Hedglin finally order was given the aircraft went into a hard right spinning got out at about 500 feet and his chute barely opened before dive. Lt. Haus went out the nose hatch and as Sergeant he slammed into the side of a house. Kretchmer dropped down to exit he noted that Lt. Reid was The navigator, bombardier, and co-pilot all bailed out of slumped over the control column. Sergeant Hovey managed the nose hatch but the bombardier was never seen again. It is to bailout of the waist door. These three men were the only suspected that he may have been killed by irate civilians after survivors from the aircraft. All became prisoners of war. he hit the ground. The right waist gunner and the ball turret At about the same time a second B-17 from the 91st was gunner finally managed to get out of the jammed waist door. taking fatal hits; Ritzy-Blitz, which was being flown by Lt. All five of the survivors were captured.

23057 LG-N a 322nd BS B-17, "Blond Bomber." Note the band around national insignia. This B-17F was lost to enemy fire on the mission to Oschersleben on January 11, 1944 with 21Lt. Wayne Murdock as pilot. (Har/ick)

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A 9Ist B-I7G gets an engine runup next to one of the big hangars at Bassingbourn. (Havelaar)

A group of9Ist officers standing by the tail of the "Hoosier Hot Shot."

As the B-17s of the 1st Division neared the target, more and more of them were falling victim to the Luftwaffe. Before the target was reached the 381st Bomb Group had lost eight B-17s and the 401st Bomb Group one. Hardest hit was the 303rd Bomb Group with nine losses. Practically all of these aircraft succumbed to the guns of the German fighters.

When the Initial Point was reached there was considerable maneuvering by the various wings to get in proper order for bombing. After some "essing" about, the Fortresses moved over the target area, which was visible, and proceeded to drop their loads. The 91st Group bombs, unfortunately, fell short due to damage done to the bombsight by enemy aircraft fire. However, the bombs of the composite group, in which a number of 91st aircraft flew, scored hits nearer and on the target. As the B-17s rallied off the target and began to regroup for the trip home, the ordeal to stay in the bombing formation began to tell. Lt. Wayne E. Murdoch who was flying the 322nd Bomb Squadron's Blond Bomber had a raging fire in the radio room. The aircraft had just dropped its bombs when it left formation. The radio operator was already dead at the time and a number of the crew had already bailed out. The engineer gunner said that he saw Murdoch bailout but no parachute was seen. All the rest of the crew survived as prisoners of war. Lt. Allan A. Uskela in Little Jean from the 324th Bomb Squadron fought all the way to make it to the target. Some twenty minutes before target time the aircraft was hit by a rocket or by flak that put a six inch hole between No.1 and No.2 engines. This caused some drag but did not affect their position in the formation. Enemy fighters continued to press their attacks and the aircraft continued to take punishment. Suddenly the Fortress lurched violently upward and Sgt. Bernard D. Offley, the top turret gunner, thought they were going to ram the B-17 above them. Heavy fire from 20mm cannon had come through the nose knocking out all the plexiglass and it crashed into the instrument panel. Engines and props began to run wild, but the pilots somehow managed to regain control and get the aircraft back on an even keel. At this point, about the top third of the vertical stabilizer was gone and at least two of the gunners were wounded.

"The Wild Hare" undergoing an engine change in the field. Maintenance men not only had to improvise, but worked long hours under adverse weather conditions. (Har/ick)

(Gaffney)

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Another crew finished their missions with a buzz job. (Gaffney)

Lt. Uskela held the Fortress in formation during the bomb run and, surprisingly, the bombardier had no trouble releasing the bombs. As the bomber came off the bomb run Uskela began to lose control and ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft. The bombardier, navigator, and Sergeant Offley went out the nose hatch immediately as the aircraft continued in a slight left turn. The co-pilot, Lt. Gilbert R. Helms, went out at about 5,000 feet and thought the pilot would follow, but for an unknown reason Uskela never bailed out. These men were the only survivors off the crew. It is not known why none of the gunners in the rear ever bailed out unless they were all dead or too badly wounded to exit. Lt. Eldridge V. Greer, of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, was flying a Fortress named The Spirit of '44 leading the second element of the lead squadron. Greer had lost one engine a good half an hour before the target and part of his oxygen system was gone. Agood portion of the plexiglass in the nose was out and there was a large hole in the radio room floor.

Electrically heated suits under heavy flying suits reveal only their cords. (Havelaar)

Mter the bombs were dropped Greer lost another engine and dropped out of formation. He then decided to get down on the tree tops and make a run for home. A couple of enemy twin-engine fighters took up pursuit and stayed after them for about 200 miles. Greer alternately dived, climbed, and dived again. Greer related, "Whenever possible we would fly below tree top level, alongside a wooded area. Every time we saw a village we'd pull over and fly down the streets so the fighters would have to shoot into their own towns to hit us." Three times the crew prepared for a crash landing inside enemy territory. The bombardier destroyed the bombsight. The gunners changed their flying boots for GI shoes and divided up their cigarettes. The bombardier, Lt. Louie Dobbs, fired his new chin turret throughout the air battle and claimed three Fw 190s. The co-pilot, Lt. William Wood stated:

The 20mm round that entered in upper left of the photo resulted in exploding oxygen tanks. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 9: A NEW YEAR

210740 DF-D/OR-K a 324th-323rd BS B-17, "Shirley Jean." This ship was swapped back and forth between the 324th and 323rd. She flew almost 100 missions and survived the war. (Harlick)

"Over the target we lost two engines and oxygen system. We dropped down to the deck, fighting all the way down. To begin with two Bf 110s picked us up deep in Germany and stayed after us all the way to the coast. Between attacks they flew along like a friendly escort, one on each side of us, about 1,000 yards away. "When we landed in England we had about 250 bullet holes criss-crossing all through the ship. Plexiglass nose was shot out, there was a hole eighteen inches in diameter in the radio room, a 20 mm shell had exploded in the wing and the bomb bay doors were shot partially open." The fifth Fortress lost by the 9lst was Chief Sly's Son from the 322nd Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. J. C. Page. Page said that their troubles began about twenty minutes prior to the target when 20mm started a small fire in the left wing fuel tanks. The fire remained small until after bombs away and the formation began to lose altitude. At that time the fire grew. Their aircraft came under very heavy attack from enemy fighters at this time and the aircraft became difficult to control. It is believed that the engineer, S/Sgt. Arthur Ginder, was probably killed in these attacks. Bailout began at about 15,000 feet. All the gunners and the navigator abandoned the ship and then Page, the co-pilot, Lt. Thomas Butler, and Lt. William Stevenson the bombardier, headed for the nose hatch. At that time the aircraft exploded. Page and Stevenson were blown clear and opened their chutes but Butler's body was later found in the aircraft. All the survivors were taken prisoner. Enemy fighter attacks began to break off shortly after Lt. Page and his crew were forced to leave their aircraft. As the

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formations let down over the North Sea, a heavy undercast began building up and by the time the B-17s were back over England most bases were covered. Only five of the 91st Group aircraft landed at Bassingbourn while the other eighteen found refuge in bases scattered all over. Capt. Everett landed at Hethel with Colonel Milton aboard. Major damages as noted by Capt. Everett were: "Nose skin torn-off - Radio compass loop off, VHF knocked out - oxygen bottle exploded, co-pilot seat damaged - windshield holes, two 20mm in No.2 engine and one in No.3 fairing on port wing loose -left stabilizer crushed. Hydraulic system knocked out and prop damaged." The aircraft wound up as scrap. A number of other aircraft suffered considerable damage. One aircraft, Buckeye Boomerang flown by Lt. John D. Davis, hit snow and ice on landing at Deopham Green and slid off the end of the runway hitting material stored at the end of the runway. The plane suffered extensive damage. All total, losses to the 1st Air Division over enemy territory were quite heavy. Thirty-four B-17s fell to fighters and flak on the mission. The 303rd Bomb Group took the heaviest losses with ten Fortresses lost, closely followed by the 381st with eight. The general evaluation of the bombing at the time rated the mission as quite successful and the majority of the bombing was rated as good. While damage was not what was originally hoped for, no doubt it did cause a temporary abatement in production and cost the enemy a great deal in casualties and equipment. The mixup in timing of the arrival of the bombers at fighter rendezvous points prevented efficient escort. While the 41st and 94th Combat Wings did report some escorting fighters present, no coverage was ever given to the 1st Combat Wing. After the losses suffered on the Oschersleben mission, a trip to Croisette, France, was a welcome diversion on January 14th. Bombs were dropped on construction sites there with fair results. The most welcome feature was the fact that no fighters nor flak were present. It was back to France on January 21st and the target was construction on Cherbourg Peninsula. Little did either side know what a historic site this would become a few months later. There was moderate and accurate flak in the area but no enemy aircraft appeared. The 91st was airborne on January 24th for a mission that was aborted but during the time that the planes were in the air, a most tragic event took place. A new B-17 was being flown by Lt. Mario DeMara and he had climbed to 19,000 feet for assembly. At this time an intense fire developed in the wiring system of the top turret. The fire then ignited the oxygen system. In view of this, DeMara gave the order to

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237965 OR-U a 323rd BS 13-17, "My Desire," taxiing with bomb bays open. This aircraft ditched in the North Sea on March 3, 1944 with 21Lt. Walter Pickard as pi/at. (Havelaar)

bail out and all of the crew members aft of the bomb bay called, "The ship lurched into a ninety degree side-slip and complied. we lost 3,000 feet in what seemed like seconds. I thought our With the bomb bay blocked as an escape route, all the day had come. By jockeying throttles and working the rudder men up forward had to attempt to get out of the nose hatch. the ship straightened out again. We were out of the dive, but Unfortunately, the latch on the nose hatch refused to allow stranded from the formation, alone except for fighters." the hatch to be jettisoned. The co-pilot, Lt. Everitt S. Offman, With one engine gone, the Fortress descended into a nest through sheer strength, managed to hold that hatch open and of fighters. Another engine quit and the aircraft floundered, push T/Sgt. John M. Webb out. her ailerons useless, and the fuselage full of holes. As the remaining trapped men fought the fire, Lt. DeMara The tail gunner, S/Sgt. Robert A. Mueller stated, "There attempted to bring the aircraft in for a landing. As he leveled must have been three or four flights waiting for us out there. out it appeared that he was headed directly into a small town. They attacked us in perfect formation, firing fifty or sixty DeMara managed to pull up over the town and shortly there- rockets across our trail. I'd call the rockets out to my pilot after the aircraft exploded killing the men aboard. and he'd throw the Fort around like a veteran, although it A mission to Frankfurt on January 29th was accomplished was hard to handle. Thank the Lord they missed or we'd be by using PFF methods and flying through moderate and in- goners. I got two Bf 110s one after the other ..." accurate flak. However, the Luftwaffe was up and some thirty Lt. Robert A. West, the navigator, destroyed a Bf 110 to forty enemy fighters were sighted, but most of them di- before a 20mm shell shattered the plexiglass nose to bury rected their attacks against other formations. However, one itself in the bombardier, S/Sgt. Roy Wright's, shoulder. West 91st aircraft, Man O'War flown by Lt. Williams S. Burtt of recalled, "The impact threw him into my lap. I would hold the 322nd Bomb Squadron was involved in a two hour battle. him in one arm and try to take pot shots with the other. LI. When his aircraft was hit by fighters at Frankfurt, Burtt re- Frank Alford, the co-pilot, came down to help. There wasn't

Strike photo ofBordeaux airfield, France on June 15, 1944. Photo taken at 24,000 feet. (Harlick)

Bomb strike on Luxembourg rai/yards. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 9: A NEW YEAR

Serious damage to this wing did not prevent this Fort from bringing its crew safely home. (Havelaar)

much we could do except give him a shot of morphine, apply a bandage to stop the bleeding and try to keep him warm. Frank covered him with blankets and put an oxygen mask on

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him ... The poor kid spoke only once, then settled down and died in my arms half an hour later." Burtt stated, "Finally, we lost the fighters and I thought our troubles were over. We broke clouds just as the third engine heated up and I had to feather it. We pulled up to only 300 feet above the water and it looked like we would have to ditch. The crew began stripping the ship of ammunition and everything else they could throw out ..." Once the coast of England came up Burtt began looking for a place to land. He was so low that he almost hit a high tension wire. Finally a level stretch was found and Burtt put the aircraft down in a turnip patch. The 9lst finished out the month with a mission to Brunswick on January 30th. Once more, PFF had to be used as the bombs were dropped from 22,500 feet through a solid undercast. However, results were rated as good. Flak was moderate and inaccurate. Some thirty to fifty enemy fighters were seen and two serious passes were made at the 9lst. Two men were wounded by 20mm.

229656 LG-S a 322nd BS B-17, "Skunk Face." The crew is seen here inspecting damage to their aircraft after the Bremen mission. "Skunk Face" was later lost to German fighters on February 20, 1944 with 2/Lt. Earnest B. Kidd as pilot. (Havelaar)

Chapter 10

BIG WEEK

he first part of February 1944 was marked by bad weather and most missions were either canceled or if the B-17s did get through to the target, PFF methods had to be used. Such was the case on the first completed mission on the 3rd to Wilhelmshaven. With 10/10 cloud cover the 91st had no option but to drop its bombs through the undercast. Flak was moderate, but quite accurate. Two aircraft sustained severe damage and seven minor damage from the barrage. One man was wounded. Fighter escort was good and no attacks were flown against the 91st. Over 800 bombers formed the striking force which went to Frankfurt on February 4th. Enemy air opposition was generally weak but the flak was another story. The city was cloud covered and bombing had to be done by PFF. However, crosswinds in the target area blew the formations from one flak area into another and the results were devastating. Lt. Col. David G. Alford, the Group Operations Officer, and Capt. David Williams, Group Navigator, plus Lt. Roger W. Layn who was flying as observer in the PFF aircraft from the 482 Bomb Group, went down with that aircraft due to flak damage. All three of the men bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. In addition, two 91st Group aircraft were lost to the flak. Lt. James P. Lutz from the 401st Bomb Squadron and his crew all bailed out and most were taken prisoner. Lt. Fewer R. McGee flying The Wolf from the 324th Bomb Squadron also went down. Most of the crew parachuted and were later captured but two of the men were apparently killed. The following day the 91st bombed the airdrome atAvord, France. The Main Point of Impact was covered and many parked aircraft were destroyed. As the bombs began to fall, five massive Focke Wulf Fw 200 Condors began to take off from the airdrome. One of them hit a tree and three of them were downed by the P-38 escort once they were airborne.

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February 6th brought about another airdrome target. This time it was at Nancy, France. No enemy aircraft were sighted and the flak was meager and intense. However, due to the weather and lack of target outline the bombs were brought back to base. Twenty-four B-17s were airborne on February 11th destined for Frankfurt. Once more the weather played the vital role in the mission and bombing was done by PFF. However, it was felt that the target may have been Ludwigshafen. Regardless, flak was moderate and inaccurate and the enemy aircraft sighted in the area were taken care of by the escort. For some time a combined bomber offensive had been planned which would utilize 8th Bomber Command and the strategic bombers from the 15th Air Force in Italy to strike massive blows at the German fighter plane parts and assembly plants. It was hoped that this operation, named "ARGUMENT," would destroy the production facilities which were making Luftwaffe fighter forces such a problem to daylight bombing. It was also planned that the Royal Air Force Bomber Command would strike at these plants at night during the days that the coordinated 8th and 15th Air Force missions took place. "ARGUMENT" had been delayed for some weeks due to continued inclement weather over the Continent. Finally, weather forecasts promised that the week beginning on February 19th would find a high pressure area over the Continent that would promise good, clear weather for a number of days. Plans for "ARGUMENT" were set in motion and February 20th brought about the first mission from 8th Air Force which would be known as "Big Week." The 91st put up an "A" Group and a "B" Group. The "A" Group went to Leipzig and through excellent navigation did a good job of bombing its target. "B" Group encountered bad weather and had to bomb Oschersleben by PFF. They also

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237746 OR-T a 323rd BS B-17, "Paper Dolly," came to the 91st on November 20, 1943. She flew eighteen missions before being lost on the ill-fated Oschersleben mission ofFebruary 22, 1944 along with three other 91st B-17s. (Harlick)

"Times A Wastin" in the shop for engine work, joined by a crew outside working on a wheel. (Havelaar)

encountered a number of enemy aircraft and lost one Fortress to the Luftwaffe. Lt. Ernest B. Kidd flying Skunkface from the 322nd Bomb Squadron was shot out of formation and his aircraft was last seen going down through the overcast with No.3 engine smoking. Kidd and most of his crew abandoned the aircraft successfully and became prisoners of war. Two of the crewmembers were killed in the action. On the morning of February 21st the 91st Bomb Group was briefed to strike an airdrome near Munster. Things began to go wrong when the formation reached the rendezvous point and found no fighter escort. The Fortresses pushed on, and when it came time to turn right near Hanover and head to the southwest towards Munster, part of the formation turned to the left and headed for Hanover. Lt. Morris Roy, the navigator on Lt. Spencer K. Ostenberg's crew, knew something had to be wrong. As the formation went into its turn the B-17s hit a mass of cumulus clouds and visibility was almost nil. Mter making an almost complete circle the aircraft broke out into the clear and Lt. Roy spotted the main formation about a mile to their right. Lt. Beran, the co-pilot, spotted the formation about the same time and cried, "Let's get the hell out of here!" But it was too late. An instant later the aircraft came under attack from nine Fw 190s. First to come over the intercom was the tail gunner who called out fighters coming in at six o'clock. Then came his cry that he had been hit. The Fw 190s had knocked out his guns and hit his armor plate so solidly they knocked him up toward the waist. Fortunately, he was not injured. As Lt. Osterberg shoved throttles full open in an attempt to catch the main formation, the enemy began head-on passes. Lt. Zebrowski opened fire in the nose and apparently got some

good hits on a couple of the attackers. By this time Miss Ouachita had reached the rear element of the formation. Then came calls over the intercom from the tail gunner and the waist gunner reporting "I have no oxygen!" Osterberg took stock of his situation. One port engine was out. The ball turret, the tail guns, and the top turret guns were inoperable. T/Sgt. Lambert Brostrom, the top turret gunner and engineer, had been killed when his turret was hit. The radio operator, T/Sgt. Harold Klem, was badly wounded and the radio room was a wreck. The tail of the aircraft was damaged and the rudder controls had been shot away. There was no choice but to head for lower altitude and attempt to start a dash for home. On reaching 3,000 feet Osterberg had the bombardier salvo the bombs. Then a second engine failed and Osterberg rang the bailout bell. Roy

"Sky Queen, " with long-legged gal signed by none other than Tony Starcer, had forty missions to her credit. (Harlick)

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and Zebrowski kicked the escape hatch out in the nose and many as fifteen 190s circling the crippled Fortress. Then came Roy dove out the door. Instead of going out, however, Roy a shell burst in the cockpit which killed Lt. Beran and wounded stuck in the door. A second attempt resulted in the same situ- Lt. Osterberg. At this point Osterberg brought the aircraft in for a crash ation. Then Roy decided to attempt a feet first exit, but was alerted by cries from the pilot who informed them that they landing in an open field. As they skidded to a halt German got one of the dead engines going and that they were going to troops were there almost instantly to take them captive. Also caught in the turn was the 401st Bomb Squadron's try to keep flying. It was too late for the radio operator and one of the gun- Lightning Strikes flown by Lt. William P. Gibbons. They, too, ners. They had already hit the silk. got hit by the German fighters the same time as Lt. Osterberg Osterberg brought the Fortress down to about twenty- and were set on fire. All of the crew got out successfully and five feet off the ground and headed home. The evasive action were rounded up by German troops shortly after reaching the lasted for at least an hour as the aircraft roared over the coun- ground. Also shot out of the formation was Miss Minookie of the tryside right over the rooftops. Then came disaster; they passed right over a German fighter base on the German-Holland 323rd Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. Neal P. Ward and My border. Two minutes later Miss Ouachita came under attack Beloved Too from the 401st Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. Irwin Piacentini. Lt. Ward had two of his gunners killed in from a Focke Wulf 190. The Luftwaffe pilot roared in on a head-on attack as Lt. the action while he and the rest of the crew joined the ranks Roy manned one of the nose guns. Roy pulled the trigger but of the prisoners of war. Lt. Piacentini, his co-pilot, and togglier nothing happened. He switched to the other nose gun but it, were killed. The rest successfully bailed out to also become too, refused to fire. By this time the Fw 190 had been joined "guests of the Third Reich." "Big Week" continued on February 22nd. The 91st was by some of his comrades. Before it was over there were as slated to bomb Oschersleben, but the forecast of the 8th Air Force's weathermen continued to be wrong and they were forced to hit Bunde, Germany, a target of opportunity. The target was heavily hit and large fires were seen on the west side of the town. There was no fighter escort present in the target area and the 91st came under attack between Hamm and Munster from seventy-five to one hundred enemy fighters. One of the crewmembers stated, "Three swarms of German fighters banged into us ... One bunch of 109s took the right, a gang of 190s took center and some 110s took the left corner of the formation." Left and below: 23040 OR-Q a 323rd BS B-17, "Miss Ouachita." This B-17F was lost on February 21,1944 with Lt. Spencer Osterberg as pilot. Heinz Bar was the German pilot credited with the downing. (Harlick)

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Above and below: 230712 OR-R a 323rd BS B-17, "Miss Minookie," was lost on February 21, 1944 with Lt. Neal Ward as pilot. (Harlick)

The 91st was hard hit once more with four B-17s falling to the fighters and one making it back to the English Channel to ditch. First to be shot out of the formation was Emeigh flown by Lt. Kenneth Sutherland of the 323rd Bomb Squadron. It lost No. 1 engine to flak over the target and when it dropped behind the formation it was overwhelmed by fighters. The navigator, the bombardier, and one of the waist gunners were the only survivors. The next aircraft to go down was Jack the Ripper of the 324th Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. James R. Considine. It was last seen near Paderborn at 1346 hours under attack by two enemy fighters which set No.2 engine on fire. The navigator was killed but the balance of the crew escaped to join the large number of new prisoners of war. A few minutes later Paper Doll, flown by Lt. Frank R. Kolts of the 323rd Bomb Squadron, was shot out of formation. All of the gunners and the pilot survived, but Lt. Kolts, the navigator, and the bombardier were killed. Next to fall victim to the Luftwaffe was Boston Bombshell of the 322nd Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. William D. Wood. It was last seen under control with No.3 engine on fire after being shot from the formation by fighters. Cowling

or engine parts were seen flying off as the aircraft descended into the clouds. One waist gunner was killed but the balance of the crew survived as prisoners. Lt. Roman V. Naziarz of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was flying Sugar Blues when it was badly damaged by the enemy fighters. He managed to get back to the English Channel where he was forced to ditch. After four and a half hours in the frigid water all of the crew was successfully picked up by Air Sea Rescue. The weather prevented the bombers returning to Germany on the 23rd but they were airborne once more on February 24th. The 1st Bomb Division target was the ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt. The 91st put twenty-two B-17s in the air with seventeen of them bombing the primary target. Fighter opposition began at the Dutch coast on the way in but the escort was effective in breaking up many of the attacks and there was only limited opposition by the time the bombers got to the target. Flak in the target area was heavy and accurate but bombing results were very good with many hits in the target area. The best news of the day was that the 91st suffered no losses on the mission.

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chaff. It was thin strips of aluminum foil designed to confuse German radar. Someone in a plane ahead and above us failed to break open the package the size of a cigarette carton. It came down and hit our No.2 engine, ruptured the oil line and caused a fire. The pilot took evasive action. One of the lower bombs in the rack didn't release and others fell on it." The pilot and crew debated on seeking haven in Switzerland or taking a chance on flying back to England. They decided to try for Bassingbourn and started to throw out all excess baggage. Armor plate and even reserve parachutes went overboard. When over the English Channel they considered ditching but decided to go on. On the way home they had picked up two Spitfires flown by Polish pilots for escort, but to make matters worse, the Spitfires were attacked and shot up by American P-47s. Lt. Burtt and his crew of the 322nd BS after a rough landing. (Harlick) Parrish continued, "As we went over the water with the February 25th wrapped up "Big Week." The 91st target coast about twenty to twenty-five miles away, we continued was the Messerschmitt factory atAugsburg. Weather was good to lose altitude. The No.2 engine's propeller could not be and the fighter escort did an excellent job of covering the feathered and because of that it was wind-milling and beginbomber formation. Flak was moderate but accurate and bomb- ning to fall apart. Lt. Frank Varva, the navigator, was giving ing results were quite good. There were numbers of enemy the pilot instructions, saying the airfield was straight ahead. aircraft present on the mission but none of them successfully As we approached we were actually lower than the height of attacked the 91st formation. The group had no losses. the cliff. With a lot of prayer that propeller froze, eliminating Lt. John D. Davis and the crew of General Ike were most the drag and allowed us to lift high enough to go over the fortunate in making it back that day. T/Sgt. George Parrish cliff." Davis spotted the airfield and began a straight in approach. recalled: As he turned to line up with the runway the ground radio "We were flying in a group down to Augsburg, possibly operator warned that they were turning into their dead engine fifty to sixty planes in formation. We were just going into our but at about the same time No.3 engine on the opposite side bomb run at about 28,000 feet with the bomb bay doors open. ran out of fuel. Flares showed the way to the grass runway "We and the other planes were dispensing what they called and Davis set the Fortress down safely.

124504 DF-D a 324th BS B-17, "The Sad Sack," was one of the original F models to arrive with the 91st. This aircraft flew until March 1944 and was then pulled from further combat due to lack of long-range fuel tanks. (Harlick)

237939 OR- a 323rd BS B-17, "Sugar Blues," was only assigned to the 91st for two months. Badly damaged during the February 22, 1944 mission to Oschersleben, she was ditched in the North Sea with Lt. Roman V. Mariarz as pilot. (Harlick)

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231610 DF-M a 324th BS B-17G, "The Liberty Belle," made it to Bassingbourn on February 1,1944 and flew a variety ofmissions before it was lost on July 16, 1944 because of a fuel shortage caused by flak damage to her fuel cells. 2/Lt. Don Delisle ditched her in the English Channel twenty-five miles short ofEngland. (Harlick)

"The Liberty Belle," getting its final touches by the 8th Air Force's most skillful and prolific painter, Cpl. Tony Starcer. (Havelaar)

John Green's crew pose before "Mah Ideal." Famed writer Bert Stiles of "Serenade to the Big Bird" fame is standing center rear in this photo.

Failure to feather the prop due to oil loss can cause it to flatten its blades and finally spin off This caused "General Ike" to lose prop #3 on its 65th mission. (Havelaar)

(w.W Hill)

338036 LL-H a 401st BS B-1?, "Hey Daddy," was originally assigned to the 401st where itflew numerous lead missions. Converted to a "Carpet Jammer" in early 1945, this B-1? was later transferred to the 322nd as LG-D and survived the war. (Havelaar)

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Line up of aircraft and equipment for General Eisenhower's visit to Bassingbourn. (Havelaar)

The crew would never forget the comment of the British radio operator once they had came to a stop. "Good show, jolly good show!" he shouted. "Big Week" was over. The 8th Air Force had lost 137 heavy bombers while the 15th Air Force lost eighty-nine. Twenty-eight U. S. fighters were lost during the period. The Royal Air Force made five heavy night raids during the period and lost 157 bombers. Admitted losses to the Luftwaffe were placed at 282 aircraft by Luftwaffe Quartermaster figures.

Damage to German fighter production is debatable but it did cost the Luftwaffe some 700-800 fighters which were destroyed in the plants. Most of the factories suffered damage of various degrees and forced, once and for all, the disbursement of aircraft manufacturing. The greatest loss to the Luftwaffe were the pilots which were killed or severely wounded in the great air battles that took place during the week. At least 100 pilots were killed, many of them experienced veterans. The German fighter forces had been brought to a point of diminishing returns from which there would be no recovery.

Two B -17s of the 401 st near drifting smoke markers, high above undercast conditions. (Havelaar)

Early B-17G with olive drab finish. (Havelaar)

Chapter 11

BIG "B"

A

lthough March 1944 began slowly, it would prove to be one of the most momentous and historic in the history of the 8th Air Force. For many months the aircrew of the bombers had been waiting for the day that they would strike at the capitol city of the Third Reich; Berlin. The time had finally arrived! The first mission flown by the 91st during the month came on March 2nd when Frankfurt was the target. The bombers encountered only moderate flak while dropping their bombs through a solid blanket of clouds using PFF. Of course, resuIts were unobserved. There were no losses but three men were wounded in the course of the mission. Enemy aircraft were observed but were driven off by the escorting fighters. The first briefing for Berlin came on March 3rd. Lt. Col. Weitzenfeld led the main group whose targets were industrial and aviation targets in the city but weather and dense contrails prevented the men of the 91st from reaching their target. Targets of opportunity at Wilhelmshaven were bombed with unknown results. Following their recall from Berlin the 1st Bomb Wing flew a reciprocal course westward through dense contrails and met the 94th Bomb Group of the 4th Bomb Wing headon. LI. W. M. Pickard flying My Desire from the 323rd Bomb Squadron was involved in a mid-air collision at this time. Pickard limped back to the coast on two engines and lost a third at the enemy coast. He then managed to ditch his aircraft successfully but only one half of one dinghy inflated so the men were all forced to hang onto it. A row boat came out and picked up five of the men, including Pickard. The other five men were given a rope to hold onto while they were towed to a larger boat. Unfortunately all of these men apparently drowned while under tow. Pickard and the other four became prisoners of war. The following day, the men were again briefed to bomb Berlin. The weather was very poor over England and takeoff

was accomplished in snow showers. The Fortresses managed to get up through the weather and assemble but as the formation headed for the target the weather continued to deteriorate. In the vicinity of the Ruhr the formation turned back and bombed targets of opportunity at Cologne. Only light flak was encountered and no aircraft were lost. The escort was very good and took care of the light opposition that was present. Despite the cold with a light snow falling the 91st was airborne on the morning of March 6th to lead the 1st Combat Wing which would lead the 1st Air Division to Berlin. The 91st Bomb Group would not only be leading the 1st Air Division, for this division was leading both the 3rd and then the 2nd Air Divisions. At 0915 the 1st Combat Wing, which was composed of fifty-eight B-17s from the 91st Bomb Group and the 381st Bomb Group led by two pathfinder aircraft from the 482nd Bomb Group was on the way to the target. Up front in one of the pathfinder aircraft was Colonel Ross Milton, deputy commander of the 91st and airborne commander of the 1st Air Division. As he looked to the rear he could see what looked like an endless stream of B-17s winging their way eastward. Things were going wonderfully until it was discovered that the radarin Colonel Milton's aircraft had failed. The lead navigator put in a correction for the wind aloft which was blowing from the northeast at 45 mph. The trouble was that he did not correct enough and the 1st Combat Wing gradually drifted south of the main track to the target. Had all the wings followed the course of the 91st there would have been no gap in the bomber stream. However, when the 13th Combat Wing, which was bringing up the rear of the 3rd Air Division in trail of the 1st Air Division, reached the Dutch coast, it had lost sight of the groups ahead. Its lead navigator set his course right on the correct track for the target. As the

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124639 "The Careful Virgin" was not so careful. After losing hydraulic brakes in November 1943, she ran into the "Shamrock Special" LL-Z. Serious damage was done to both aircraft. Note patches on the fuselage from previous repairs. (Havelaar)

formations moved eastward there was created a step from the with the lead group had tacked on the ill fated 13th Combat 13th Wing down to the main stream which was off to the Wing. south. This would prove to be catastrophic to the 13th ComAs the lead bombers headed north they began to meet bat Wing. various flak areas. It was during this time that the Fortress Once alerted, the Luftwaffe began to gather its forces for flown by Lt. Benjamin Fourmy of the 323rd Bomb Squadron the onslaught. Hauptmann Rolf Herdmichen assembled his was hit. His B-17 was caught in a salvo that took out an enforce of 107 Bf 109s and Fw 190s from JG 1, JG 11 and JG gine on each side. Fourmy immediately had his bombardier 54 over Lake Steinhuder and headed westward. Had the 91st salvo the bombs and he dived away in a dash for home. Bomb Group been on course they would have met head-on. As the bomber stream moved over the Luftwaffe night Instead the 91st and the bomber stream were to the south and fighter base at Quakenbrueck, Oberleutnant Herman Greiner Hedrmichen's course would carry him directly to the 13th decided to have his training squadron get airborne and out of Combat Wing. the area until the bombers were gone. Griener took off in his By 1155 hours the head ofthe bomber stream had passed Bf 110 and was climbing through 600 feet when he sighted a east of Osnabruck and was about twenty miles south of course. Fortress only about 300 feet above him. With flaps and landBy now the error in navigation had been discovered and the ing gear still down Griener brought the B-17 in his sights and lead aircraft began to take a more northerly heading that would scored a telling burst into it. At this time Greiner had to break bring them back on track to Berlin. Covering the first half of off combat because he nearly stalled out. the bomber stream were sixty P-47s from the 56th and 78th The bomber that he had hit was that flown by Lt. Ben Fighter Groups. Eight P-47s which should have been up front Fourmy. The hits from the Bf 110 had knocked out another

LL-Z "Shamrock Special" gets a new tail section. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 11: BIG ((B"

Survival equipment on display for Top Brass visiting Bassingbourn on June 13,1944 when Gen. Eisenhower came to christen the new B-17G named for him. (Harlick)

engine and started an uncontrollable fire in the fuselage. Fourmy immediately began searching for a field to put the Fortress down. He was successful in making a good crash landing southwest of Quakenbrueck and once the plane slid to a stop the crew scrambled out. Two of the crewmembers had been killed but the other eight were swiftly rounded up by German soldiers. At 1225 hours the 13th Combat Wing was attacked by the hundred plus force of single engine fighters. The fight lasted about twenty-five minutes and when it was over, twenty B-17s had been shot down, along with three of their escort-

231187 LL-FIK a 401st BS B-17, "Buckeye Boomerang," came to the 91st on November 20, 1943 and was first assigned to Lt. John Davis. On its tenth mission it survived the air battle but forced landed at Deopham Green. Badly damaged it took months to repair. Upon its return to Bassingbourn on March 4, 1944 it crash landed and was wrecked for good. It was salvaged on March 6,1944. (Harlick)

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ing P-47s. The Luftwaffe paid for its triumph with a dozen of its fighters. While this air battle was going on, another Luftwaffe force was being assembled. This group was led by Major Hans Kogler of destroyer unit III/KG 26 with seven Bf HOs. Immediately behind Kogler came ten Me 410s laden with 21 cm rockets. Behind them came twenty-four Bf HOs from KG 76 also carrying rockets. Following the twin-engine fighters were fifty-five Bf 109s from JG 3, seven heavily armored Fw 190s from Sturmstaffel 1, another seven Bf 109s from JG 302, and two more Bf 109s from the Messerschmitt works. All total it added up to seventy-two single engine fighters and forty-one twin engine fighters. If this weren't enough, several night fighters fitted with their massive antennas on the nose arose to challenge the bombers attacking their capital. Kagler had hoped to intercept the American bombers head-on but they turned to hit their initial point south of Berlin. Instead of hitting the Fortresses head-on, the Bf HOs had to make flanking attacks. Then the Mustangs of the 4th Fighter Group came into play along with the Mustangs of the 357th Fighter Group. However, the sight of all the enemy fighters was enough to strike fear into the heart of every man in the bombers. Piloting Jeannie Marie of the 91st Group, Lt. Les Rentmeester watched as the Bf HOs came in: "A dozen twin-engine Messerschmitts came straight at my squadron. Dirty smoke from the firing of their cannon was easy to see but we tried to ignore it. Suddenly pieces of steel came ripping through the aircraft skin, something slammed me back in my seat and everything went black. The sounds of my engineer's twin fifties firing inches above my head told me that I was conscious." Rentmeester began to run his hands over his body to see where he had been hit and if he was bleeding. Then, with great relief, he discovered the cause of his "black out." The shock of the hits on the cockpit unlatched the small window beside him which slammed back and had knocked his steel helmet down over his eyes! As the Me 410s and Bf HOs continued to slam their rockets into the bomber formations, more of the aircraft of the 91st were fatally hit. One of the bombers that went down during this time was the Fortress flown by Lt. Douglas Harding of the 323rd Bomb Squadron. The right inboard engine burst into flames then fuel ignited and the fire spread. Harding gave his crew the order to bailout. Sgt. Hubert Peterson, the radio operator, moved to jettison the fuselage door but it stuck. As he backed off to take at look at the reluctant door a form came by him in a flash, slammed into the

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left wing, it was even coming out of the cockpit and from the radio-gunner's hatch on top of the aircraft. A figure crawled out of this top hatch, his parachute already half open and on fire. He bounced off the horizontal stabilizer where his chute briefly caught, ripped, and was torn free. The plane, losing speed rapidly, went out of sight." Coleman, his navigator, and two of the gunners were killed. The balance of the crew were captured. In a wild and violent combat, My Darling Also flown by Lt. Bob Tibbetts, Jr. of the 401st Bomb Squadron met its fate. S/Sgt. Walter Davis, the tail gunner on the Fortress, watched three Focke Wulf 190s maneuver into position to attack and opened fire on the leader. The 190 dropped down a bit but continued to barrel in on the bomber regardless of the blazing fire from Davis' tail guns. Immediately after the enemy fighter disappeared from the gunner's view there was a big bang and the whole aircraft seemed to shudder. The 190 had rammed and taken off the entire right stabilizer. 231578 Ll-L a 401st BS B-17, "Little Patches." This olive drab finished B -17G had been peppered with numerous flak holes and subsequently S/Sgt. Dana Morse, the left waist gunner, also felt the patched. After being named by Lt. William Major, Tony Starcer did a tremendous jolt when the 190 hit the Fortress. Even before masterful job of appropriate art work. This ship suffered major damage, this disaster, Morse had seen the right waist gunner go down and after further repairs was assigned to the 401st. Lt. Sam Newton (pilot), and Lt. Bert Stiles (co-pilot) immortalized "Little Patches" in with a fatal wound in his stomach. Seeing that the aircraft "Serenade to the Big Bird." It was lost on March 6, 1944 with Lt. Bob was on fire, he tried to get the ball turret gunner out but it was Tibbetts, ir. as pilot. (Har/ick) soon apparent that the gunner was either dead or unconscious. door and exited with it. Peterson followed this individual and As the aircraft began to spin Morse knew that he had to get in turn Sgt. Wallace Beyer jumped. All of Hardings' crew out immediately. It took several kicks but Morse finally got managed to get out successfully and all became prisoners of the fuselage door open and bailed out. In the rear of the airwar. craft Davis also knew that he must depart. He, too, had diffiLt. Paris Coleman of the 401st Bomb Squadron also went culty with his hatch but managed to exit before the aircraft down about this time. Lt. Les Rentmeester who was in the went into a flat spin. Only Davis and Morse survived the fall squadron above Coleman saw the aircraft's demise. "Fire was of My Darling Also which undoubtedly succumbed to one of pouring out of the squadron leader's plane directly under my the heavily armed Fw 190s from Sturmstaffell.

231982 LG-S a 322nd BS B-17, "Superstitious Aloysius," suffered severe damage to its right stabilizer. (Havelaar)

A close call for the top turret gunner. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 11: BIG "B"

239967 DF-K a 323rd BS B-17, "Mary Kay." This beautiful painted specimen by Tony Starcer, fell to flak on March 18,1944 with Lt. Harry L. Theophilis as pilot. (Havelaar)

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Another 401st Bomb Squadron aircraft, Hell and High Water, was fatally hit by the rampaging Bf 110s. Lt. Clyde Mason saw that the enemy had set his left wing ablaze and that there was no chance for survival. Mason engaged the autopilot and told his crew to hit the silk. Mason made his way back to the bomb bay and jumped. He and seven other members of his crew were rounded up shortly by German soldiers. Apparently his top turret gunner and tail gunner had been killed in the air battle. Lt. Bryce Evertson of the 322nd Bomb Squadron had lost his No. 1 engine in the fighter attacks but managed to hang on with the formation until the bombs were dropped. Evertson recalled, "I had come to think of my B-17 as indestructible. But now it was on fire and all sorts of bad things were happening, it just wasn't going to keep flying much longer." Evertson gave the exit order and went out through the nose hatch. All of his crew would survive as prisoners. Evertson's aircraft was the sixth and last that the 91st would lose for the day, but seventeen B-17s from group returned with damage from the flak and fighters. Suburban areas of Berlin were bombed with dubious results but the big news was that the 8th Air Force had fought its way in to the Germany capital and bombed it. In what may have been the biggest air battle of the war the 8th Air Force lost sixty-nine bombers and eleven fighters. Of the bombers that returned 283 had flak damage, twenty-three had fighter damage and eleven had damage from other causes. Four of the damaged bombers would never fly again. Major John D. Davis related: "Flying down the IP we were hit by fighters and suffered the stabilizer damage which made the aircraft extremely unstable. On the next fighter pass we were hit again losing number 2 and number 4 engines. Unable to maintain air speed or altitude we dove the plane down to about 300 feet to avoid enemy fighters diving on our plane. To maintain the minimum flying speed we threw overboard all guns, all heavy equipment, and all miscellaneous gear to lighten the plane's weight. In assessing our situation we were just outside Berlin with damaged stabilizer two engines feathered at 300 feet altitude. Believe me even after fifty years you will not forget that day. Engineering manual stated the engines were only designed to operate for 5 minutes at red line settings. We flew approximately four and a half hours with all settings at maximum levels indicating 120 MPH air speed and made it back to Bassingbourn."

Col. James McPartlin, 401st Squadron commander (left), and Capt. Harold F. Evans, 401st Engineering officer. (Gaffney)

With only a day's respite 8th Bomber Command targeted Berlin again on March 8th. After the furious air battle on the 6th the aircrews faced the mission with great misgivings, but away they went. All in all the mission was a complete rever-

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sal from the prior Berlin mission. Skies were clear and visibility was unlimited. Escort was excellent and no enemy aircraft rose to challenge! Nineteen B-17s from the 91st dropped their bombs on the Erkner ball bearing plant with good results. Flak was very heavy and one Fortress was lost. The Fortress flown by Lt. Claude W. Williams of the 401st Bomb Squadron was last seen when it pulled out of formation south of Berlin. Williams and five of his crew were taken prisoner but all of the gunners in the rear were killed. Lt. Frank R. Jackson who completed his combat tour on the mission flying in Dame Satan had this to say on his return, "Berlin was beautiful, resting down there between some crystal blue lakes. It was quite picturesque and as we came out I saw the municipal aerodrome in the center of the city and we could see the target burning all the way out of Germany. We went in to smoke out the Luftwaffe but fighter opposition was nil." The following day the 91st went back to Berlin. This time the city was cloud covered and bombing was done by PFF with unknown results. Fighter escort was excellent and once more the Luftwaffe did not put in an appearance. Flak was very heavy, as usual, but the 91st lost no aircraft on the mission. The 91st did not fly again until March 16th when they struck the airdrome at Lechfeld, Germany. The target was obscured so bombs were dropped into the smoke raised from the groups ahead. Numerous enemy aircraft were seen but they did not attack the 91st. Flak was moderate and the Fortress Mount'N Ride flown by Lt. Doyle E. Bradford of the 323rd Bomb Squadron lost two engines before the target. He salvoed his bombs and managed to get back in formation but dropped out again and headed for Switzerland. Bradford managed to make it to Dubendorf airfield in Switzerland where he landed. He and his crew were all interned in the neutral country.

Ready for uniform inspection, four hard working ground crewmen. Left to right: Sgt. Jim Frost, M/Sgt. Art Hale, Sgt. Vernon Dian, unk. (Gaffney)

4102490 OR-Va 323rdBS B-17, "Wicked Witch," reveals its nose armament rather clearly in this view. Note flash supressers and zippers that keep some of the cold air out of the nose. (Havelaar)

The Dornier aircraft works at Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, was the target on March 18th. The weather was overcast and broken in the target area. A few enemy aircraft were reported but no attacks of any consequence. Flak ranged from moderate to heavy. For some reason all but two aircraft released bombs early and the pattern hit short of the aiming point. Colonel Putnam was quite provoked with the bombing and he required all bombardiers who dropped early to write a letter as to why they should be credited with the mission. Lt. Harry L. Theophilus and his crew flying in Mary K from the 324th Bomb Squadron did not return from the mission. They were last seen leaving the formation and heading south. Apparently they encountered fighters later, for Lt. Theophilus and three of his crew members were killed while the balance became prisoners of war. The target on March 20th was the Alfred Teves Works at Frankfurt but the weather was so bad with massive cloud banks that most aircraft had to bomb targets of opportunity in the Stuttgart area.

401st ground personnel waiting for their aircraft to return. (Harlick)

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229739 OR-M a 323rd BS B-17, "The Village Flirt," flew with the 91st until April 5, 1944. When B-17Gs with long-range ("Tokyo") tanks became available, the F models left for non-combat duties. Modifications to the nose armament is clearly visible in the photo below. (Harlick)

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Lt. Frank B. Turk of the 401st Bomb Squadron flying in Buckeye Boomerang did not return from the mission. He and most of his crew joined the captured ranks but his navigator was killed. The aircraft assembly plant at Oranienberg in the Berlin area was the primary target on March 22nd but the weather was bad with 8/10 to 10/10 cloud coverage over the city. The bombs were dropped by PFF on the center of the city. Flak was heavy and accurate at some points but very little enemy air activity was observed. Capt. Charles R. Phillips of the 401st Bomb Squadron left the formation just prior to bombing with no visual damage. However, the aircraft did not return and the entire crew became prisoners of war. Weather was again the big problem on March 23rd. The primary target was the marshalling yards at Hamm but the bombs had to be dropped on various targets of opportunity. Fighter escort was good all the way and they managed to break up concentrated enemy attacks before they got to the bombers. Flak was very heavy and quite accurate in some areas. All 91st aircraft returned.

PFF bombing with the 91st Bomb Group had begun in September 1943 when the specialized aircraft from the 482nd Bomb Group began joining the unit for missions where there was a probability of the primary target being cloud covered. This had been going on for some time before the 482nd Group began to train radar, or "Mickey" operators as they were known, to be sent out to the individual bombs groups. One of the first 91st Bomb Group "Mickey" operators was Lt. Michael C. Rheam. He was sent to school at the 482nd Bomb Group after flying two regular missions with the crew that he had come to the 91st with. The "Mickey" operator sat in a darkened compartment and concentrated on his small lighted radar screen. This screen was divided into five concentric circles which suggested the distances across the scope. By use of a dial the operator could select three different ranges of distance (0-10 miles, 10-25 miles, 25-50 miles). On the set was on a rotating sweep hand that gave readings on the screen. Over water the screen was all dark, seemingly blank. Once landfall was made the coast would appear as light shapes on the screen. As the aircraft continued mountains and buildings would appear as light shapes.

231513 OR-S a 323rd BS B-17 had an engine fire flare up while making a normal landing. The crew escaped unharmed. The high octane fuel and live ammunition made it unsafe for fire crews and it was left to burn on the runway. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 11: BIG "B" The British furnished maps of the territory the aircraft would fly over including the segment they were to bomb. The maps mirrored what would be seen on the screen so the operator could compare the two and define his target exactly. Most of the British maps were very accurate down to enemy gun installations which enabled the operator to guide his formation around flak installations on the way to the target. It was the job of the "Mickey" operator to guide his formation to the initial point for the bomb run. At that point the bombardier carried out his run depending on the interpretation of information from the pathfinder. Once the bomb run was completed, the "Mickey" operator guided the formation home. When a B-17 was selected to become a PFF aircraft the ball turret was removed and the radar set was installed in its place. The "Mickey" operator sat behind a blackout curtain across the radio room from the radio operator. In early 1944, crews flying PFF for the 381st, 351st, 457th, 401st and 91st Bomb Groups were transferred with their airplanes to the 91st Bomb Group, 324th Squadron for maintenance. They would fly their airplanes to their respective bases the night before their missions to be briefed with their groups. Lt.Allaway, the Mickey operator for the 91st, used PFF methods on March 24,1944, with unknown results. Twenty seven B-17s from the 91st went after "No Ball" or rocket installations in France on March 26th. A good pattern of bombs were put across the target area despite heavy and accurate flak. Some enemy fighters were seen but the escort did an excellent job of driving them away. The following day it was back to France to hit Saint-Jeand-Angely Airfield. Visual bombing was accomplished with many hits in the target area. The escort did another great job and there were no enemy fighter attacks.

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The Junkers Aircraft assembly works at Rheims/Champagne was the target on the 28th of March and an excellent pattern was put down which was slightly short of the aiming point. Flak was light to moderate, and no enemy fighters challenged the heavy P-47 escort. The 91st went after Waggum Airfield at Brunswick on March 29th but heavy cloud cover called for bombing using PFF methods with the commercial district of Brunswick as the target. Flak was moderate to heavy and accurate. Enemy fighters entered the picture in force. As Lt. William J. Thurman reported, "We didn't see a fighter until we turned off the target. About fifty or sixty of them jumped us but were repelled by some P-51s that came along before the enemy could do much harm. I think it was the big "B" kids that hit us today thinking we were going to attack their home town. I saw a Fort locked in a fierce battle with German pilots when they attempted to down it. Its crew accounted for at least one of them." However, the enemy's passes were good enough to cost the 91st two B-17s. Hoosier Hotshot flown by Lt. Edgar C. Downing of the 324th Bomb Squadron was shot out of formation with No.4 engine feathered. Downing headed for the deck and was last seen about thirty minutes before the formation reached the Zuider Zee trailing behind. Apparently the B-17 didn't attempt the Channel crossing for all the crew became prisoners of war. Hit at the beginning of the fighter attacks was the Fortress flown by Lt. Julius D. C. Anderson of the 401st Bomb Squadron. They went down under heavy fighter assaults and only half the crew got out to join the captured rolls. Lt. Anderson and four other members were killed in the fight.

401st formation being led by Radar Pathfinder with scanner in the down position. B-17G in the foreground is 297984 LL-G, "Sherry's Cherries. " (Harlick)

Chapter 12

SPRING 1944

eather prevented the 91st getting into action early in the month of April 1944. It was the 8th before the group went to Oldlenburg. Most of the 1st Bomb Division aborted the mission but the 91st and the 381st Bomb Group managed to put fifty-nine B-17s over the target. An excellent bombing pattern hit the immediate target area. Flak was heavy and accurate with seven men being wounded. Enemy fighters attempted to put in an appearance but they were driven off by the escort before they could make a pass. The mission to Gdynia/Marienburg was recalled on the 9th due to weather but two B-17s from the group tacked onto another combat wing and bombed the target at Marienburg. The full group got in on the act on April 10th at Brussels, Belgium. The target was cloud covered when the group arrived so a 360 degree circle was flown so that the bombs could be dropped visually. Many hits were scored while flying through flak that was moderate but quite accurate. No enemy aircraft were encountered. April 11th saw the group fly a long and difficult mission. The target was the Focke Wulf assembly plant at Cottbus, but the Fortresses bombed the secondary target which was the aero-engine plant at Stettin. The bombs hit the eastern part of the city and smoke was seen to rise to 10,000 feet. Flak was accurate and intense. The Luftwaffe was up in force and in view of the fact that no escort was present they flew head-on attacks with as many as twenty fighters abreast. The 91st lost one aircraft when Lackin Shackin, flown by Lt. Frank G. Amman from the 401st Bomb Squadron was hit. The No. 4 engine was knocked out and Lt. Amman tacked onto the group behind but could not keep up. He finally headed north and limped into Sweden where he and his crew were interned. The 91st made the long trip back to Schweinfurt on April 13th. As usual the Luftwaffe came up to defend the ball bear-

W

ing plants there but this time they were intercepted by P-51 Mustangs and air battles raged all over the sky. Bombing was good and the target was well hit. Flak was very heavy and a number of the B-17s were damaged, yet all returned safely. The Heinkel aircraft factory at Oranienburg was the target on April 18th. The weather was not good but this did not prevent the bombers and their escort from completing their mission. Bombing was excellent and with many hits in the target area. Great columns of smoke and fire were present as the bombers turned for home. No enemy fighters were encountered and all aircraft made it home. The Airdrome at Eschwege, Germany was the target on April 19th with the 91st attacking with eighteen B-17s in its "A" Group and nine aircraft present as the high squadron in the 381st Bomb Group's "B" Group. The "A" Group flew low in the combat wing formation and saw no enemy aircraft. For the men of the 91st in the high squadron of the "B" Group it was a different story. Upwards of fifty Bf 109s queued up when their formation circled off the target to make a second bomb run. At this moment the enemy attacked from out of the sun with fives, fours, and threes coming down in shallow dives with guns blazing. As they pulled out of their dives they came back up and made runs on the rear of the formation. Just prior to the bomb run, Lt. Stanley P. Swenumson who was flying Hoossier Hot Shot from the 324th Bomb Squadron, had his aircraft attacked viciously by enemy aircraft. Three engines were ablaze and the aircraft headed straight down. The aircraft leveled off at one point and then exploded. Amazingly, Lt. Swenumson and most of his crew got out safely. The bombardier and the tail gunner were the only fatal casualties. Also hit just before bombs away was Spirit of Billy Mitchell flown by Lt. Sam L. Evans of the 401st bomb Squad-

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Focke-Wulffactory just prior to bomb strike. (Havelaar)

Focke-Wulffactory after bomb strike. (Havelaar)

The next day the group went after the airfield at Metzl ron. The aircraft was last seen going down in a tight spiral. Lt. Evans and four of his crewmembers bailed out of the air- Frescaty. Bombing was excellent with hits obliterating the craft to become prisoners. The third 91st aircraft lost on the target area. Flak over the target was light but some very accumission was that flown by Lt. John E. La Fontin of the 401st rate flak was encountered on the way out with a number of Bomb Squadron. It was attacked by enemy fighters and was aircraft receiving damage. P-47s and P-51s were present in last seen in a steep dive. The majority of the crew got out but profusion all the way. Lt. La Fontin, his co-pilot, and the waist gunner was killed. Industrial areas at Brunswick were bombed on April 26th. The following day the group was split up into three groups The target area was overcast and PFF bombing methods were "A", "B", and "C." All were dispatched to hit "No Ball" rocket used with results unknown. Flak was surprisingly light in the launch sites in France in the vicinity of Pas de Calais. "A" target area and no sign was seen of the Luftwaffe. The bombers went after the rocket launch areas again on Group made two bomb runs but could never locate the target and did not bomb. "B" Group bombed an airfield south of the April 27th. Difficulty was experienced in finding the targets target area and "c" Group bombed the primary target. Flak but the flak in the area was intense and very accurate. The was accurate and a number of aircraft were hit. No enemy bombs were dropped by only seven of the B-17s of the twenty aircraft were seen. There were no losses on the mission. in the group as they were unable to identify the sites. Four The marshalling yards at Hamm were the target on April men were wounded and one aircraft was lost. Lt. Thornton G. Tilton flying Mary from the 401st Bomb 22nd. The weather was good and enemy aircraft presented no problem. The bombs were dropped into smoke rising from Squadron was last seen when he left the formation after takthe bomb damage of preceding units. Flak was moderate but ing flak hits in the right wing. The aircraft seemingly went quite accurate. Two ofthe 91st Group Fortresses returned with out of control and was going down in a hurry. The radio operator did not survive but the rest of the crew were captured. major damage and six with minor damage. Once more the 91st went after an airfield in France on Capt. Harvey G. Hesse in Just Nothing, a B-17 from the 324th Bomb Squadron, took a flak hit near No.3 engine and April 28th. The target was the Avord airfield and on arrival at the aircraft was last seen about one mile east of Hamm. The the target area there was considerable haze but the bombs aircraft descended to 15,000 feet where it exploded. Flying were dropped with excellent results. One concentration struck with Capt. Hesse was Major Charles Lee, the group leader the hanger line on the southwest side of the field. Flak was and Capt. Provost Marshall, a group bombardier. Capt. Hesse heavy and accurate with one of the 91st aircraft taking fatal and the engineer gunner were killed but the balance of the hits. The aircraft flown by Lt. James C. Cater of the 324th men aboard bailed out and became prisoners of war. On the 24th the 91st, along with the rest of the 1st Bomb Bomb Squadron left the formation with No.3 engine on fire. Division, bombed the airfield at Erding. There was no enemy The aircraft flew on for a short time and then went straight air opposition and flak was moderate and inaccurate. Bomb- down where it blew up. One waist gunner did not survive. Some twenty-five to thirty enemy fighters put in an aping was very good with the main concentration hitting the pearance and made one half-hearted pass at the formation. center of the target area.

CHAPTER 12: SPRING 1944

Christening of "General Ike" by Gen. Eisenhower on April 11, 1944 with a bottle ofMississippi river water. (Harlick)

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Lt. Thomas Alexander who was flying Sweet 17 said, "About thirty Bf 109s and Fw 190s made a start for our high squadron when our P-51s moved in and scattered them like leaves." There was a solid carpet of undercast on April 29th when the 91st returned to Berlin. However, upon arrival over the city there were some breaks in the clouds and the center of Berlin was bombed. Flak was very heavy and accurate but the Luftwaffe did not attempt to interfere with the mission, even though the group was thirty minutes late arriving at the target and missed its rendezvous with the escort. Three men were wounded by flak and one aircraft was lost. Twelve B17s returned with minor flak damage and four with major damage. Queenie, flown by Lt. James F. Purdy, Jr. of the 322nd Bomb Squadron took a hit in the right wing which cut out a large section and set the wing on fire. The aircraft peeled out of formation and went into a spin. The aircraft was seen to explode at a much lower altitude. Lt. Purdy and four of the gunners were killed while the balance of the crew were captured. The 91st closed out the month of April by bombing Bron airfield at Lyon, France. The target was bombed visually but there was so much smoke and flame when the 91st arrived they just dropped their bombs into the inferno. Clouds of smoke had already arisen to 3,000 feet. There was no flak nor enemy fighters to spoil the day. The month of May 1944 started off with a difficult target due to the very accurate flak batteries that were present at the Troyes marshalling yards in France. Weather on May 1st was good and the target was bombed visually with very good results. As the bombers departed there was heavy smoke rising to 5,000 feet above the target area.

One B-17 was lost and two men were wounded by the concentrations of flak. Of the aircrat returning, nine suffered major and eight minor flak damage. The Fortress flown by Lt. Albert F. McCardle took a direct flak hit in the cockpit. Fire was seen to come from the cockpit and nose of the aircraft when hit at 30,400 feet. The aircraft was last seen going straight down into the clouds. One waist gunner and the ball turret gunner were the only survivors. A spell of bad weather set in and the 91st did not get airborne again until May 4th when they set out for Berlin. However, the mission was recalled and the aircraft returned to base. Two 91st PFF aircraft went on to the target with another group. The 91st went after "No Ball" rocket launch sites in the Pas de Calais area on May 6th but due to solid cloud cover they returned with their bombs. It was back to Berlin on May 7th but once more there was a solid layer of clouds below all the way to the target. Bombing was done by PFF methods in the midst of very heavy and accurate flak. One aircraft was lost and three men were wounded in the barrage. A large number of the returning aircraft suffered flak damage. Fighter escort was excellent and the Luftwaffe was not encountered. Merry Widow, flown by Lt. Nenad Kovachevich of the 323rd Bomb Squadron, was hit by flak over the target area. No.3 engine began smoking at which time the propeller was feathered. The aircraft left formation under control and was last seen at about 5,000 feet in the midst of flak coming up from Osnabruck. Lt. Kovachevich and his co-pilot were killed but the rest of the crew bailed out to join the POW ranks. A second day of PFF bombing was carried out over Berlin on May 8th. Something new was carried out on the mis-

237958 LL-G a 401st BS B-17, "Old Faithful," suffered flak hit on April 25, 1944. Top turret gunner Joe Carwell (above left) looks over the damage. Lt. Howard Groombridge (right) also checks out the damage. The 88mm round entered at lower left just above the ball turret, and exploded after it exited next to the astradome. "Old Faithful's" final mission ended in disaster, when after experiencing an inflight fire and while being nursed back to England its wing folded prior to landing. There were no survivors. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 12: SPRING 1944

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297276 OR-S a 323rd BS B-17, "Sweet 17," starting engines. (Harlick)

sion when the electronic jamming devise "Carpet" was used to protect the bombers from radar directed flak batteries. While flak was still heavy no aircraft were lost and damage was light. Some opposition from enemy fighters was seen but they were immediately dispersed by the escorting fighters. The airfield at St. Dizier, France, was the target the following day. Bombing was very good with several ~xplosions creating much fire and smoke. Flak was accurate and several Fortresses received damage. No enemy fighters were seen. On May 11th the 91st bombed the Konz-Karthaus marshalling yards in bright, clear weather. Escort was very good all the way and bombing was good but the main concentration was a bit short. There was no flak damage and no enemy aircraft were reported.

May 12th marked the beginning of the 8th Air Force's bombing campaign against German oil targets. The 91st Group struck at the Lutzkendorf synthetic oil plant. The B-17s flew at only 19,000 feet to achieve best results. Bombing from the main or "B" Group was very good with much fire and smoke. The Composite or "A" Group dropped their bombs on marshalling yards some two miles west of the main target due to smoke in the area. Flak was intense and accurate. The 91st was slated to attack its second oil target on May 13 when they were briefed for the synthetic oil refinery at Politz. However, bad weather prevailed and they attacked a target of opportunity at Stralsund by PFF. The 1st Division bombers were attacked by a large number of enemy aircraft but the 91st did not come under any heavy fire. Only meager

View of a tail gunner in his position. (Harlick)

229591 LL-Z a 401st BS B-17, "Shamrock Special." Jack Gaffney added his "Phone Hollywood 337" to this aircraft. (Harlick)

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flak was encountered by the group which suffered no losses on the mission. Mid-May 1944 marked the departure of Colonel Claude E. Putnam from the group with Colonel Henry W. Terry taking command of the 91st Bombardment Group effective May 17th. Both B-17 Air Divisions were dispatched to strike at Berlin on May 19th. Due to bad weather there was some difficulty in assemblage, but the aircraft finally got enroute with cloud cover remaining. all the way. Bombing was done by PFF amidst very heavy, accurate flak. Most of the Fortresses from the 918t suffered flak damage of various degrees. A large contingent of the Luftwaffe were active in the target area but did not attack the 91st. Below: 91st B-17s dropping their lethal bomb loads. One B-17 has released its load by mechanical salvo with a smoke marker. Probably a deputy lead. (Havelaar)

Lt. Robert S. Wylie flying Keystone Mama was hit by flak which took off five or six feet of the left wing tip. The aircraft pulled up to the right over his element and then went into a vertical dive. What transpired from that point on is not known, but only the co-pilot, Lt. Joseph J. Kozina, survived. The group had to overcome heavy mists the next morning to get airborne. The target was the airfield at Villacoublay. The bombing was visual but the largest concentration of bombs hit a bit to the left of the aiming point. Flak was fairly accurate and escort was very good. No losses. Industrial targets in the Kiel area were the targets on May 22nd. The enemy set off smoke pots for a smoke screen but they were ignited too late to cover the target area, and bombing results were good. Forty to fifty enemy aircraft were seen but they were engaged by P-38s and P-51s and did not get in to the bombers. Intense and accurate flak was reported over the target area.

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CHAPTER 12: SPRING 1944 The aero-engine factory at Woippy was the primary target for May 23rd but due to weather the Saarbrucken railway traffic center was bombed. However, even it was bombed PFF with unobserved results. Flak was light and inaccurate. No enemy aircraft were reported. The full force of 8th Air Force B-17s returned to Berlin on May 24th. The weather was spotty and visual bombing results by the 91st were only fair. Extremely heavy and accurate flak was encountered over the city with most of the group's aircraft being damaged. One B-17 was downed while eight received major flak damage and twenty-one minor damage. Enemy fighters were up in force and quite a number of Fortresses came under attack before the escort arrived. The fighters were late due to heavy contrails in the area which made visibility poor. Fifty to seventy-five enemy fighters made one pass on the 91st just past the target but they were

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engaged by the escort before they could make the second pass. Lt. Bernard N. Hagen stated, "A whole-shootin' match of enemy fighters were up there today. About a hundred of them queued up and swept right through our group, ignoring our support. They didn't do much damage, however, and our P-38s and P-51s took care of them." Capt. Hilary "Bud" Evers and his PFF crew with Lt. Michael Rheam as "Mickey" operator were in the formation. His engineer gunner, T/Sgt. "Cappy" Capron reported: "Today for a change we went to Berlin. We led the First Division over the target which was the industrial center of the city. The flak was, as usual, very heavy and accurate. "Just after we came off the target a wave of about sixty Fw 190s and Bf 109s came through the formation. As they got through our P-38s jumped them and they didn't come back. On the one pass, however, they knocked down four B-

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17s. There were so many in the first bunch and the action was so fast, no one knows whether any of the Germans went down or not. I got a probable but no one knows whether or not he went down. Our flying time was nine hours and forty-five minutes with bombing altitude of 26,000 feet." The one aircraft that the 91st lost was flown by Lt. William F. Nee of the 401st Bomb Squadron. It is not known whether it went down due to flak or fighters but it left the formation about eight minutes after leaving the target area. It was visible behind and below the formation for at least ten minutes before it was lost to view. The majority of the crew including Lt. Nee became prisoners of war. The navigator and waist gunner did not survive. As D-Day or the invasion of the Continent neared, more and more the bombers of the 8th Air Force were forced to strike at tactical targets. The airfield at Nancy was bombed on May 25th with good results. As the Fortresses turned for home smoke rose high in the sky over the airfield. The marshalling yards at Ludwigshafen were the target on May 27th. Bombing was done visual but the bombs fell short and to the left of the target. Flak over the target was moderate and accurate. Lots of dogfights were seen between enemy aircraft and the escort. Liberty Run flown by Lt. Richard T. Pressey of the 401st Bomb Squadron was seen to have to feather the propeller on No.1 engine and fall behind the formation. He turned south and headed for what was thought a run for Switzerland. However, Pressey and all of his crew became prisoners of war. The 91st's target on May 28th was the aero-engine plant at Dessau. Nineteen aircraft dropped their bombs on the east-

B-17Gs peeling offfor landing at Bassingbourn. (Harlick)

297455 LL-J, "Keystone Mama," was assigned to the 91st from the 457th BG on March 12, 1944. Bert Stiles in his book "Serenade to the Big Bird, " reflects on his first combat mission in the airplane. After surviving only sixty days, it was lost by a direct hit over Berlin with Lt. Robert ll»lie as pilot. (Havelaar)

ern half of the city while other 91st aircraft dropped their bombs at Frankfurt. None of the bombing was considered accurate. There were a number of enemy fighters in the target and some units were hard hit. The following day the group bombed the Focke Wulf aircraft components factory at Posen. Bombs were dropped visually but the main concentration struck over and to the right of the MPI. However, several large explosions were seen and much fire and smoke resulted. Flak was heavy and accurate with fourteen of the group's aircraft receiving minor damage. The 91st lost one aircraft when Shoo-Shoo-Shoo-Baby, flown by Lt. Robert L. Guenther of the 401st Bomb Squadron lost No.4 engine and fell behind the formation. He was

CHAPTER 12: SPRING 1944

Rare photograph of a B-17 going down minus its tail section (lower left). (Harlick)

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This photo taken near Eschwege on April 19, 1944 at 22,000 feet, shows a 91st B-17 exploding after a direct hit. (Harlick)

("

"Sure Shot" DF-Q, a 324th BS B-17, taxiing up after a mission. (Harlick)

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2107042 LL-Z a 401st BS B-17, "The Liberty Run," arrived at Bassingbourn on April 7, 1944 and was lost on its fifteenth mission on May 27, 1944. Lt. Richard Pressy and crew chose to go to Switzerland after losing two engines. (Gaffney)

232076 LL-E a 401st BS B-17, "Shoo Shoo Baby." following damage by flak on the May 29,1944 mission to Posen, 2/Lt. Robert J. Guenther and crew flew to Sweden, landing at Malmo airport. This plane was discovered in France by historian Steve Birdsall, restored at Dover AFB, and is now displayed at the Air Force Museum at Wright-PattersonAFB.

239975 DF-Z a 324th BS B-17, "Just Plain Lonesome, " was the only B17 lost on the May 30, 1944 mission to Dessau with Lt. Zack C. Collier as pilot. (Havelaar)

297562 DF-F a 324th BS B-17, "Evening Folks, How Y'all?" On June 3, 1944 during takeoff, this PFF aircraft struck an ordnance truck. After circling for eight hours to burn offfuel, the right side landing gear failed during touch down causing it to ground loop. It was repaired on July 11, 1944 and eventually survived the war. (Harlick)

last seen dropping his bombs at the German-Baltic coast and heading north. Lt. Guenther and his crew landed in Sweden where they were interned. May 30th found the 91st attacking the aero-engine factory at Dessau where they had very good bombing results from a visual run in fine weather. Flak was moderate but accurate. The fighter escort intercepted a large number of enemy aircraft and there were dogfights all over the sky. Lt. Col. Milton, who led the 91st, remarked "A number of various types of enemy aircraft attempted to throw us off our bomb run, but P-51 Mustangs swarmed in from somewhere, and between us we handled the situation very well. If

it hadn't been for our fighter support today we might have encountered real trouble, because the Luftwaffe had every type of enemy aircraft in the sky." The 91st lost Lt. Zack C. Collier, Jr. who was flying the 324th Bomb Squadron's Just Plain Lonesome. The aircraft was hit by flak over the target and Lt. Collier called to say that he had lost two engines and had no aileron control. He requested fighter cover. The fate of this crew is unknown. The 9lst finished up the month with an attempt to bomb Mulhouse but the weather was so bad that the mission was aborted and all bombs were brought back.

Chapter 13

D-DAY AND BEYOND

o doubt, the most momentous event of 1944 in Europe was D-Day or the invasion of France by Allied forces. While this great occasion was the climax of years of waiting for the ground forces to begin the reconquest of Hitler's Festung Europa the bombing missions dur-

N

ing that period really came as a respite to the men who flew in the heavy bombers. For some weeks before D-Day and afterwards many strikes were flown which were directed at targets such as air-fields, railroads, bridges, and highways that would enable the enemy to strike at the invaders.

Enroute to the target. Note the latest enclosed waist gun position. (Har/ick)

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The first mission for the 91st in the month of June came on the 2nd when tactical targets in the Boulogne-sur-Mer were bombed. The morning mission was against three 150mm coastal guns. The weather was a problem and bombing was done by PFF. There were a few bursts of flak which proved to be quite inaccurate. All aircraft were unscathed. Fortresses of the 91st were airborne again for an afternoon mission which was to have been the Massy/Palaiseau railway yards but they were cloud covered. As a secondary target the airfield at Beaumaont-sur-Oise was bombed. Good hits were seen on the line of hangers and other installations. Flak was light to moderate and no enemy aircraft were seen. The following day the bombers of the 91st went after coastal batteries in the Pas de Calais area but once more there was extensive cloud cover and bombing was done by PFF with unobserved results. The bombers continued to attempt to get at the coastal batteries in France but the weather just would not cooperate. The B-17s of the 91st went out once more on June 4th to hit tactical targets including what was called a defended locality on the French coast. The ever present clouds brought PFF into action but most of the bombs fell harmlessly in the water.

June 5th went into the record books as the biggest mixup the 91st Group ever experienced. It put thirty-five B-17s in the air and what with assembly troubles and masses of aircraft, the elements became separated. Fortresses of the 91st wound up striking ten different targets. One formation bombed the gun emplacements at Houlgate with good results. One pilot made three bomb runs with three different groups before dropping his bombs. Then, three of them hung up and the pilot refused to let the bombardier get him involved with another formation for a fourth bomb run! D-Day, June 6th, was governed by some very strict rules. Some of them were: "Guns will be manned but not test-fired at any time. Gunners will not fire at any airplane at any time unless being attacked. Bombing on primary targets will be carried out within time limits prescribed. Otherwise secondary or last resort targets will be bombed. No second runs will be made on the primary target. Takeoffs will be accomplished according to schedule - regardless." The first mission for the 9lst consisted of six B-17s which took off before daylight to hit gun positions. Weather conditions still prevailed and the bombing was done PFF as were the other two missions that were flown by the group during the day. Most of the aircrews were very disappointed in that

Left: Bing Crosby and Darleen Garner entertain the 91 st. Right: Bob Hope, Francis Langford and Tony Romano entertain the 91 st. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 13: D-DAYAND BEYOND

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The Fortresses were airborne in bad weather on the morning of June 8th but as the formation neared the Continent the clouds began to break and the target, which was the TourslLa Frilliere Bridge over the Loire River, was clear. Agood bombing pattern was walked across the target which was destroyed. Heavy escort by P-51 Mustangs was provided and no enemy aircraft were seen. Flak was moderate but quite accurate. Foul weather continued to plague the tactical missions that the bombers were flying in support of Allied forces in Normandy. The 91st was forced to use PFF methods to bomb coastal fortifications in the Pas de Calais area with unobserved results. There was no flak nor fighters. The next day was another PFF mission. This time the airfield at Beaumont-Ie-Roger was bombed. As was becoming the habit, no enemy aircraft appeared. Very little flak rose from the enemy installation. Chaplain Michael Ragan holding services for the crew of "Fifinella" The bombers were finally off in good weather to strike at before a mission. (Havelaar) tactical targets in Northeast France. The 91st bombed the airthey saw very little of the invasion forces due to the cloud field at Cambrai/Niergnies. Bombing results were very good. cover below. However, there was one reward. No flak and no The Luftwaffe decided to put in a belated appearance but were driven away from the bombers by good escort. As the enemy fighters! The following day a dozen B-17s from the 91st dropped was withdrawing into his homeland the bombers were inbombs on the enemy airfield at KerlinlBastard. In spite of structed to attempt to hit aircraft on the airfields and not bother bad weather the strike photos showed good hits in the target with the hangers and permanent installations which would soon be abandoned. area. Fighter escort was continuous in enemy territory.

B-17G coming in for a landing. Note the typical hazy conditions. (Har/ick)

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232095 LG-L a 322nd BS B-17, "AckAckAnnie, " flew no less than 143 missions, and was one of the earliest natural finished B -17s produced by Boeing. "Annie" survived the war. (Have/aar)

2102527 LG-A a 322nd BS B-17, "Sleepytime Gal." This new G model came to Bassingbourn on April 22, 1944. She was lost to enemy fighters on June 21, 1944 over Berlin with Lt. George A. Abbott as pilot. (Har/ick)

The airfield strikes continued on June 13th when the 91st went after the Beaumont-sur-Oise airfield. However, this time the weather was quite marginal and the bombs were dropped through the overcast with poor results. The Luftwaffe was out once more but good fighter escort took care of them. Flak was light and inaccurate. Good weather finally returned on the 15th with the 91st going after the airfield at Bordeaux/Marignac under heavy escort. Bombing results were good with the pattern marching across the airfield. Flak was very heavy and accurate with one man wounded and four Fortresses sustaining heavy damage.

The 91st returned to strategic bombing on 18th. The dock area at Hamburg was bombed in marginal weather using PFF methods. The Luftwaffe did not interfere but flak was very heavy and accurate. A 91st PFF aircraft being flown by a 398th Bomb Group crew was hit by flak and went into a spin before it exploded. The radar navigator, Lt. Robert Parsons, from the 324th Bomb Squadron, was killed. A large number of the Fortresses from the 91st Group returned with flak damage. It was back to the airfield routine the following day with the Bordeaux/Merignac airfield being bombed in poor weather. PFF methods were used and later photo reconnais-

231909 OR-R a 323rdBS B-17, "Nine 0 Nine," flew 140 combat missions, 132 of them without an abort- an 8th Air Force record. (Havelaar)

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This photo was taken by a strike camera near Toulouse from 26,000 feet on July 25, 1944, and'shows 237958 LL-G , "Old Faithful," going down with Lt. Peter Mikonis at the controls. Flak had torn into #3 engine and started a fire. The crew controlled the fire and attempted to land in England. Upon

reaching land Mikonis attempted to land at an RAP base. At treetop level the right wing folded and in the ensuing crash all perished (see also photos on page 120). (Harlick)

sance showed good strikes. Flak was moderate and accurate 3rd Bomb Division bombed Ruhland and continued on to Russia on the first shuttle mission. It had originally been with one man being wounded. A visual mission to bomb the oil refineries at Hamburg planned for 900 Royal Air Force Lancaster bombers to folon June 20th proved to be a rough one. While the weather low the 8th Air Force heavy bombers to Berlin and add to the was clear and bombing results were excellent, all too accu- devastation, but at the last minute the British decided not to rate and intense flak took its toll. One B-17 was lost and one take part in the mission. The 91st "A" Group flew with the 1st "A" Combat Wing man wounded in the attack. Four Fortresses received major low group and the 91st "B" Group flew with the 1st "B" Comand twenty-one minor damage. The aircraft flown by Capt. Richard W. Burch of the 324th bat Wing high group. The weather was clear and as the "A" Bomb Squadron was hit amidship by a large type flak shell Group neared the IP it was attacked from six o'clock by a which exploded in the area of the radio room. The aircraft large formation of Messerschmitt 410s. These twin-engine broke into two parts forward of the waist windows. The tail fighters came in two and three abreast firing at the bombers. section went down forward end first. The front section went They attacked on a level or in dives as they shot four Forupwards fifteen or twenty feet then nosed over and went tresses out of the formation. The 410s then broke up and attacked individually or in pairs from all directions around the straight down. Amazingly, the tail gunner survived. Later that afternoon the 91st received the following cita- clock. The onslaught lasted for about twenty minutes to the tion from Generals Spaatz and Doolittle, " ... Operations of Strausburg area. Six or eight Me 410s fell to the guns of the 20 June 1944, against difficult targets in Germany consid- crewmen of the 91st and some were seen to go down in flames. The "A" Group bombed their target despite heavy and ered among most satisfactory ever conducted. You are conintense flak from an altitude of 26,000 feet. Excellent bombgratulated for these successes." The largest daylight mission to be assembled took off on ing results were obtained. The Fortress flown by Lt. Robert o 'Bannon of the 322nd June 21,1944. The VIII Bomber Command dispatched 1,309 heavy bombers and VIII Fighter Command got 1,269 escort- Bomb Squadron was hit in the wing during the first pass by ing fighters into the air. The vast majority of the bombers the Me 410 which started a fire. The aircraft dropped its bombs struck targets in the Berlin area, but some Fortresses from the and peeled off to the left of the formation and went down.

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232116 OR-B a 323rdBS B-17, "Hi-Ho-Silver," survived 130 missions by war's end. (Havelaar)

One of the 410 attackers of the aircraft was seen to peel off to the right with its left engine on fire. The tail gunner of the B17 was apparently killed in the initial pass but the balance of the crew escaped to become prisoners of war. Also hit on the first sweep was the aircraft flown by Lt. Joseph P. Paskvan of the 322nd Bomb Squadron. The aircraft was hit in the left wing between No. 1 and No.2 engines which started a fire. The aircraft peeled off and started down under control. The majority of the crew bailed out to join the captured ranks but Lt. Paskvan, his ball turret gunner, and tail gunner did not survive. Sleep Time Gal, also from the 322nd Bomb Squadron was being flown by Lt. George A. Abbott. This Fortress was hit in No. 3 engine and in the trailing edge of the wing between No.1 and No.2 engine by 20 mm fire from the Me

Salvo load is from B-17 behind LL-H, a late model B-17G. (Havelaar)

41Os. Fire built up in the wing and the aircraft started down. Whether or not the aircraft was attacked further by enemy aircraft is not known but Lt. Abbott, his copilot, bombardier, and one waist gunner were the only survivors. There were no eyewitnesses to the demise of the 401st Bomb Squadron aircraft flown by Lt. John R. Follett. It would appear that he, too, was hit in the onrush of Me 410s before leaving the formation. Lt. Follett and all his crew became prisoners of war. The "B" Group dropped its bombs approximately eight miles east of Berlin, because four minutes after its formation passed the Initial Point there was a mechanical failure of the intervalometer in the lead aircraft. As the bombs began to drop from the lead ship fifteen other Fortresses in the formation let theirs go. The bombardier in the lead ship saw what happened and tried to correct the situation by closing the bomb bay doors which caught one 500 pound bomb and one M-17 bomb. He then dropped these bombs over the city of Berlin. Four other B-17s in the formation, realizing what had transpired, held their bombs until the lead bombardier dropped his residue on the city. "B" Group had no encounters with enemy aircraft and all of its Fortresses returned safely. After a period of some weeks of not bombing "No Ball" targets the 91st returned to the Pas de Calais area to strike some launch sites. Even though the visibility was good, the bombs missed the target. Nineteen 91st Group B-17s had to bring their bombs home on June 23rd. They were to have bombed military installations at Fleury but the target was cloud covered and the lead aircraft experienced failure in its PFF equipment. The 91st successfully bombed another tactical target on June 24th. Although the weather was marginal they went after the rail-

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297954 LL-Z a 401st BS B-17, "Winnie Frank Joe, " was lost on July 20,1944 with Lt. Donald R. Knapp as pilot. (Havelaar)

road bridge across the Loire River at Saumur. The bombing wing. Lt. Mikonis apparently was looking for a crash landing was done visually and several hits were scored on the bridge. site and was down at treetop level when he saw that he was On June 25th the Fortresses of the 1st Division went af- about to crash into the town of Wincanton. When he banked ter the airfields in the Toulouse/Francazal area of France as a into the smoking wing it broke off and the aircraft crashed diversion while other 8th Air Force aircraft dropped arms to killing all the men aboard. Today there is a tablet mounted at French Maquis troops. Fighter escort was good all the way to Wincanton honoring this crew who died to save the town. The final mission for the month of June was flown on the the target and back but flak around the airfields was heavy 28th when the men of the 91st bombed the AnizyILeChateau and accurate. Batchelors Bride flown by Lt. Ferral K. Goodrich of the bridge in the ParislLaon bridge. Even though there was little 322nd Bomb Squadron apparently was hit by flak at the opposition and the bridge was bombed visually, the bombing French coast but continued on behind the formation toward was poor. There was no damage incurred to the B-17s and all the target even though there had been some smoke from the returned safely. June had been a very important month for the Allies. Now No.3 engine. About sixty miles from the Spanish border the aircraft turned south. The aircraft crash landed in Spain and that ground troops and armored columns were surging forward in Normandy there was cause for jubilation. Yet, for the all the crew members eventually returned to the group. Lt. Peter Mikonis was flying Old Faithful a B-17 from men of the 8th Air Force bombers it was now back to the the 401st Bomb Group on the mission. The aircraft received strategic air war. Rather than tactical targets the emphasis some flak hits and on the return Mikonis experienced a fire would be on oil, manufacturing, and marshalling yards in an in the No.3 engine. Once the aircraft crossed the English attempt to cause the breakdown to the German war machine. coast coming home it was seen trailing smoke from the right

;

J --

A good close formation. The lead ship with blacked out triangle identifies a "Mickey Ship." Note patches on engine cowl and nacelle. (Havelaar)

Chapter 14

A TURBULENT SUMMER

botched mission on Independence Day initiated the month for the crews of the 91st. The primary target was a railway bridge at Tours, France, but on arrival the area was covered with a solid overcast. The twelve B-17s brought their bombs home. An "A" Group and a "B" Group, each composed of twelve B-17s, set out on the morning of July 6th to attempt to find and bomb rocket launch installations in the Pas de Calais area. The high group bombed with excellent results. The low group's bombs fell short. No enemy aircraft appeared but flak was accurate. Most of the aircraft on the mission received damage and one crew member was wounded. The 91st put two groups in the air on July 7th. The "A" Group consisted of nineteen aircraft in the"A" Combat Wing and the "B" Group consisted of thirteen Fortresses in the "B" Combat Wing. The primary target was the Mockau aircraft factory three miles north of Leipzig. Visibility was good but "B" Group which attacked the primary target had bombs accidentally dropped between the IP and the target with poor results. The "A" Group bombed Kolleda airfield with the pattern falling short of the target. A few enemy aircraft were sighted but they did not attack. Escort for both forces was very good. Two twelve aircraft groups went out again on the morning of July 8th to bomb the rocket launch platforms in the Pas de Calais area. As the aircraft arrived over the Continent, clouds began to build up and many groups were recalled. The 91st "B" Group attacked targets of opportunity and bombed Etaples with good results. "A" Group brought their bombs home. The aircraft flown by Lt. James W. Fore of the 323rd Bomb Group became separated from the formation and bombed Etaples. The Fortress was hit over the target and went down in flames. The bombardier was killed but the balance of the crew bailed out to become prisoners.

A

July 11th marked the first of a number of missions aimed at Munich. Assembly was difficult due to heavy clouds and once the aircraft were over the Continent things didn't improve. Bombing was done by PFF in the midst of very heavy flak. Fighter escort was good all the way and there was no opposition from enemy fighters. The following day the 91st returned to Munich to encounter the same type of weather over the target area. Bombs were once more dropped by PFF methods with unobserved results. Flak was intense but ineffective. For the third straight day the 91st journeyed to Munich and for the third straight day they dropped their bombs through a complete undercast using PFF. There were a number of enemy fighters in the area but the 91st was not attacked. Flak was intense, as usual, but mostly inaccurate. On July 16, Munich was the target briefed again. Escorting P-51s flew ahead and passed weather information back to the bombers. Due to weather Augsburg was bombed by PFF. Cloud buildups were such that the B-17s had to climb to 27,500 feet to bomb through the clouds. Flak was moderate but quite accurate. Liberty Belle flown by Lt. Don DeLisle of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was hit over the target by flak and developed a fuel leak from the damage incurred. Lt. DeLisle did his best to stretch things out on the way home but they didn't quite make it. Following a successful ditching in the English Channel all the crew were rescued. The mission of July 18th was a long haul to bomb the Germans' secret rocket base at Peenemunde. Although the weather was marginal all the way the clouds cleared and the target was in the clear for bombing. "A" Group got a number of hits on the MPI with the main concentration falling a bit short on the eastern side. "B" Group got more hits on the MPI and terrific fires broke out. All in all the facility was well hit and a considerable amount of damage was done. No enemy aircraft were encountered but flak was accurate.

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2107027 LG-Y a 322nd BS B-17, "Hikin For Home." Originally named the "Bloody Bucket," this B-17 experienced a varied career while at Bassingbourn. Forced to land on the continent, and eventually assigned to the 9th Air Force, she was scrapped in late 1945. (Havelaar)

The Fortress flown by Lt. Donald K. Bare of the 401st Bomb Squadron was last seen prior to the IP lagging behind the formation with a bevy of P-51 escorting it. Before the IP the aircraft lost No.3 engine. The pilot turned north for Sweden where the aircraft landed and all the crew were interned. The Luftwaffe airfield at Lechfeld near Augsburg, Germany, was the primary target on July 19th. The 91st Group's formation made up the "B" Combat Wing for the mission. Escort was only fair going to the target but very good coming out. The Luftwaffe was up to challenge but did not get to the 91st. Flak was intense and accurate in the target area. Two men were wounded and three aircraft received major damage. On the bomb run Bunky flown by Lt. Norman N. Burwick of the 323rd Bomb Squadron hit the right wing of Aircraft #075 of the 323rd Bomb Squadron which was flown by Lt. Cyril J. Braund. When the planes pulled apart #075 went into a spin from which it recovered after five turns. The entire crew bailed out over Switzerland and was interned there.

387887 OR-T a 323rd BS B-17, "Old Battle/Axe," was first assigned to David Hettema who did the artwork. This plane was later modified to perform as an electronic counter-measures (Carpet Baggers) aircraft. (Ethell)

The crew of Bunky was not so fortunate. The aircraft broke apart at the fuselage entrance door, pulled up 200 feet and then went down in a slow flat spin. None of the crew was able to exit and all crashed to their deaths. The mission of July 20th was to bomb Mockau airfield at Leipzig which was suspected of harboring jet aircraft activity and delay their employment against the American bombers. Lt. Col. Ensign led the 91st which was composed of thirtyseven B-17s. On arrival in the target area the group encountered 7/10 cloud cover from the IP to within six miles of the target. Then the clouds thinned out to 2/10 to 3/10 which caused same confusion as to the type of bombing that should be carried out. Just before the IP, the low group was attacked by a swarm of single-engine fighters, evenly split between Bf 109s and Fw 190s. The enemy struck out of cloud cover in waves from six o'clock level to slightly high. The initial onslaught lasted only about five minutes but it was sufficient to devastate the low group. Following the initial attack the fighters came back individually to combat the stragglers that had been hit on the first pass. At the time of the attack the low group was out of position and in loose formation which no doubt, attracted the Luftwaffe. The fighter escort evidently had been dispatched to cover some activity at the front of the division. Shortly after the group came under fire, P-51's came back to break up the enemy foray. Bombing was done visually and most of the concentration fell into the northern section of the city. Flak was very heavy and accurate and most of the group's aircraft returned with flak damage. Lt. Marion H. Havelaar relates that as bombardier on a B-17 named The Peacemaker; "for me the mission was an unforgettable experience. The statement that I gave at the debriefing in England is still as accurate an account as I can recall. At that time I related, 'It happened as the lead formation began to space out for the

CHAPTER 14: A TURBULENT SUMMER bomb run. Our squadron, the 401st, was in the low position, the most vulnerable if fighters were going to attack. I had been checking over the bombsight getting all the data set up when I suddenly noticed a line of small white puffs ahead of us. At the same moment as my mind registered, "self destroying cannon shells", one of the crew yelled - fighters! Then silence. A 20mm destroyed our intercom and wounded our radio operator. Almost immediately I caught sight of the grey shapes of Focke Wulfs flashing past and split-essing away down. The next moment our formation leader, afire from one wing tip to the other slid across our nose. An Bf 109 appeared not more then 200 feet from the left of my window, firing at a bomber ahead. By this time I swung the nose guns, firing them after him as he dove away. In the turmoil there was no chance to see whether my fire claimed him. Then it was all over; where a few moments before there had been smoke,

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flame, Forts, and Focke Wulfs, now there was just sky. I suddenly realized The Peacemaker must be damaged and had slipped away back from the rest of the formation. The navigator told me, we were probably in bad shape and went up to see the pilots. It seemed like a year before he came back and said we were losing altitude and had to get rid of anything that we could spare. We started throwing out all odds and ends of loose equipment. As we could not converse he pointed to the twenty pound bombsight. I shook my head. Later he went back to the pilots returning to point at the bombsight again. I gently pulled the pin, picked it up and carried it over to the hatch. We dropped it out carefully trying not to damage it in the process. Ridiculous perhaps, but long training in the care of this valuable piece of equipment still had its effect in spite of the emergency."

Lt. Robert Langford (second from the right) and his crew pose before "The Peacemaker." (Havelaar)

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Damage to the left wing by a 20mm shell to "The Peacemaker" on July 20, 1944. (Havelaar)

20mm in left wing root injured radio operator Charles Braman. (Havelaar)

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Ball turret gunner Sgt. Gordon Beach, and bombardier Lt. Marion Havelaar look over 20mm holes in tail fin of "The Peacemaker. " (Havelaar)

20mm round entered right wing root. (Havelaar)

Damage to the left wing by a 20mm shell to "The Peacemaker" on July 20,1944. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 14: A TURBULENT SUMMER One of the 9lst most publicized and veteran aircraft went down from the fighter onrush. Superstitious Aloisyous was being flown by Lt. Albert G. Deshaw that day. Deshaw recalled that the aircraft survived the first attack although it did sustain some damage. Finally the Fortress was hit with a wellplaced volley that destroyed No.2 engine and set the left wing on fire. DeShaw gave the bailout order and struggled to keep the plane in the air while a mortally wounded crewmember got out. Finally the B-17 blew up hurling Deshaw through the air. Although he was badly injured, he managed to pull the ripcord at about 5,000 feet and get down in one piece. Deshaw had to be rescued from irate civilians by German troops. One of his crewmen had already been lynched by the crowd who sought revenge for damage done by the falling bomber. Ten minutes before the IP Winnie-Frank-Joe from the 401st Bomb Squadron flown by Lt. Donald R. Knapp was caught up in the fighter charge. One Fw 190 pressed in close and hit the tail, stabilizers, vertical fin, and wings. The skin started to peel off in several places. When last seen the aircraft had slipped out of formation and was losing altitude. Lt. Knapp, his co-pilot and three of the gunners survived. The Fortress flown by Lt. Charles T. Walby was hit by 20mm in the right wing root. Fire broke out in the wing and the aircraft pulled out of formation. Lt. Walby and the radio operator were killed. The rest of the crew survived as prisoners of war. The aircraft flown by Lt. Frank Fusco of the 401st Bomb Squadron was in trouble as soon as the fighters opened fire. It lost altitude immediately and Lt. Fusco seemed to be attempting to put out a fire in the wing by side-slipping. Fusco succeeded in getting all of his crew out safely but he did not survive.

A formation of mostly unpainted B-17Gs on their way to a target in Europe. Note the flare mount under the tail gunner's compartment on the lead aircraft of the three ship element in the foreground. Flares were fired at "bombs away" by the lead aircraft as a signal to wing aircraft toggelier's. (Harlick)

139

The B-17 flown by Capt. Francis S. Holmes, Jr. of the 324th Bomb Squadron was hit by flak in the right wing and was last seen dropping out of formation. He and all his crew were captured after bailing out. Lt.Arthur F. Hultin flying The Liberty Run from the 401st Bomb Squadron was damaged by flak on the bomb run. He reported a fire in the wing and moved out of the formation to clear if the aircraft exploded. Hultin gave the order to bailout and all successfully hit the silk and descended to join the POW rolls. Another famous 91st Group aircraft ended its career on the Leipzig mission. Destiny's Child flown by Lt. Charles E. Van Ausdall of the 401st Bomb Squadron broke up in the air near Chemnitz, Germany, following the fighter onslaught and went down. The co-pilot, bombardier, and three of the gunners survived. The eighth and last Fortress lost by the 91st that tragic day was flown by Lt. Lucian E. Strong, Jr. of the 322nd Bomb Squadron. It was knocked out of formation when the fighters struck and the aircraft crashed nine miles east of Clauchau, west of Chemnitz. Strong and all the gunners in the rear of the aircraft were killed. This fateful day was one of the worst that the 91st Bomb Group suffered and proved that should there be a gap in the fighter escort, and the Luftwaffe found that they could still deal a tremendous amount of death and destruction in a very short while. The 91st did not take to the air again until July 24th when forty-eight B-17s were airborne to participate in a tactical mission in an attempt to allow Allied troops to break through German lines at St. Lo in France. Bombing results were good for most of the units in the group. One group of twelve aircraft was prevented from bombing when another bomb group flew under it just before bombs away.

29756 OR-U a 323rd BS B-17, "Winged Victory," running up engines. This photo was taken over the tail gun position of another B -17. (Harlick)

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Above: 2102509 LL-A a 401st BS B-17, "The Liberty Run." Capt. William Martin was flying with Capt. Hultins' crew, when "The Liberty Run" became one of nine aircraft lost to German fighters on the July 20, 1944 Leipzig mission. (Havelaar)

The following day the Fortresses went back to St. La in another attempt to break the German defenses. The 91st had a very good concentration of bombs and huge columns of smoke rose high into the sky. Unfortunately, some other bomb groups dropped short that day and caused a number of casualties in American units. The men of the 91st were briefed to bomb the Leuna oil refinery at Merseburg on July 28th but a solid undercast sent the B-17s searching for an alternate target. Bombs were dropped by PFF methods on the Taucha aero engine plant at

CHAPTER 14: A TURBULENT SUMMER

Leipzig with good results. Flak was very heavy, wounding three crew members and causing extensive damage to a number of aircraft. The Luftwaffe put some of its new Me 163 rocket powered fighters in the air but they did not come close to the bomber formation. The following day the 91st bombed its designated target of the prior day; the Leuna synthetic oil refinery at Merseburg. Bombing was visual through patchy clouds with good results. As usual the flak over Merseburg was heavy and intense. Some sixty plus enemy fighters were in the area but their attacks

141

were made on other groups. All of the 91st Group's B-17s returned and flak damage was all minor. The 91st closed out the month with a mission to Munich. The primary target was to have been the Schleissheim airfield in the northwestern part of the city but it was completely cloud covered. The marshalling yards at Munich were bombed by PFF methods as an alternate. No enemy aircraft were seen. Flak over the target was moderate but quite accurate. Lt. Henry W. Supchak flying Priority Gal from the 323rd Bomb Squadron received flak hits over the target which started

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..... 231812 LL-H a 401st BS B-17, "Destiny's Child," was a favorite ofSgt. Jack Gaffney who painted the nose art. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in the maintenance of this aircraft. It completed forty-four missions on its original engines. It was lost on its fifty-third mission on July 20,1944. The author flew many missions with Lt. John R. Follets' crew in this aircraft. (Harlick)

No. 1 engine smoking. Shortly thereafter the aircraft left the formation and continued falling behind after No. 1 engine was shut down and the propeller feathered. Sometime later the crew bailed out and all were taken prisoner. The 91st began the month of August 1944 by attacking the airfield at Chartres, France. There was some haze in the target area but the airfield was bombed with good results. The hangar and dispersal areas were well covered with bomb concentrations and a large column of smoke filled the sky. Flak was meager but very accurate and one aircraft was lost to it. Lt. Arthur L. Stevens' Fortress from the 324th Bomb Squadron took a direct hit between the pilots compartment and the bomb bay. The aircraft peeled off to the right and went into a flat spin. Only the tail gunner was able to exit the aircraft. The 91st went back to France the following day and ran into some bad weather. The marshalling yards at Mulhouse were bombed with unknown results while another 91st formation bombed the airfield at Toul with excellent results. There were a number of enemy aircraft in the vicinity but

338036 LL-H a 401st BS B-17, "Hey Daddy," survived the war. "Hey Daddy" flew many lead missions and was converted to a radio/radar- jammer (Carpet Bagger) while with the 91st, and later flew with the 322nd BS as LG-D. (Havelaar)

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CHAPTER 14: A TURBULENT SUMMER

143

Capt. Hardisters' crew with "Tennessee Tess." (Havelaar)

297304 OR-C a 323rd BS B-l7, "Priority Gal." Lt. Henry W. Supchag lost two engines to flak over Munich on July 31, 1944. Heading for Switzerland was a lost cause, and they became POWs in Germany. (Harlick)

they were intercepted by P-51 Mustangs and driven away from the bombers. There was no flak at either target. On August 4th the 1st Bomb Division made the long trek to Peenemunde once more to strike the Germans' experimental rocket base. The bombers had to wind their way through towering cloud formations, but as they proceeded to the east the weather began to clear and they were able to bomb the target with excellent results. Flak was moderate but largely ineffective. A number of Bf 109s were seen queuing up for attacks but they were intercepted and taken care of by the escort. An oil dump at Nienburg was the target on August 5th and it was bombed visually with very good results. The concentration covered the MPI. Once more the Luftwaffe attempted to break through to the bomber formations but the escort prevented it. A very determined Luftwaffe intercepted the 1st Bomb Divisions attacks on the military vehicle plant at Brandenburg on August 6th. A number of Fortresses fell to the onslaught but the Germans were not successful in getting to the 91st which bombed its target visually with very good results. The flak over Berlin was very heavy and accurate. Many of the group's Fortresses suffered damage with two of them being major. Only one enemy fly through pass was reported by the crewmen of the 91st, thanks to excellent P-51 escort. Oil dumps and installations in northeast France were bombed on August 7th. 91st Fortresses flew in "Boo Combat Wing and "COO Combat Wing. Fair results were obtained at the oil dump at Sens but the bombing at Bourron-Marlotte oil installations was poor. Flak was moderate and no enemy aircraft appeared. A tactical mission was flown on August 8th to assist troops on the British-Canadian front near Caen, France, in prepara-

tion for an offensive. The aircraft had to fly parallel to the front lines at 14,000 feet and the flak was murderous. Some crews stated that it was the worst flak that they had ever encountered. Bombs were dropped in the assigned area except for the low group which did not bomb due to extensive smoke and haze in the area. Chow Hound, an old veteran Fortress being flown by Lt. Jack R. Thompson of the 322nd Bomb Squadron apparently took a direct flak hit in the waist section. The explosion caused the rear section of the aircraft to break away. The main section of the aircraft nosed over and dove down spinning while the tail section broke off and fell to its left. There were no survivors. The 91st journeyed back to Munich on August 9th but the further the formation ventured, the worse the weather became. Clouds caused the high group to become separated from the wing and the low group turned back. Part of the group bombed the military installation at Eisenbom with good results. Another tactical mission was flown on August 11th when the Fortresses of the 91st bombed the gun emplacements at Brest harbor. Flak was heavy but there were no losses. Buc airfield, southwest of Paris, was the target on August 12th. Weather over England made assembly difficult but once over France things cleared. Bombs hit squarely on the target and damage was heavy. Flak was heavy and accurate with two men being wounded and extensive damage being suffered by the aircraft. Six Fortresses sustained major damage. No enemy aircraft were reported. Another tactical mission was flown on August 13th. The entire 8th Air Force was assigned to an area along the Seine River from LeHarve to the village of Evuquement, which is

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Above and right: 231367 LG-R a 322nd BS B-17, "Chow Hound," was lost on a "milk run" August 8, 1944 with Lt. Jack Thompson as pilot. This B -17 took a direct hit by flak, broke into two and crashed will all hands lost. (Har/ick)

northwest of Paris. The object of this bombing was to destroy transportation and communications targets in order to prevent the withdrawal of some nineteen German divisions from the Normandy front. The 91st put up a full combat wing composed of thirty-seven B-17s itself and bombed the Le Manaoir railway bridge on the Seine River. Bombing was excellent despite heavy and very accurate flak. One B-17 was lost and four others sustained major damage on the mission. Fifinella flown by Lt. Thomas P. Smith, Jr. of the 322nd Bomb Squadron was hit by flak in the cockpit just before "bombs away" and a fire broke out. The aircraft completed the bomb run and then peeled off to the left. Several parachutes were seen to exit before the aircraft went into a dive and crashed. All of the crew survived except the pilot, Lt. Smith. The 91st was off to France again the following day to bomb the airfield at Metz!Frescaty. Excellent bombing resulted except for the low group whose bombs dropped slightly short. Flak was only meager, and once more, no enemy aircraft. Airfields were the target again on August 15th and the 91st hit Ostheim airfield at Cologne. Bombing was visual with good results but the flak was very accurate. One gunner was killed and numerous aircraft received damage in various degrees. Some of the 1st Division were hit by Luftwaffe fighters but none were encountered by the 91st.

Oil refineries and aircraft factories were the targets for the 8th Air Force on August 16th, and the 91st flew a successful but very costly mission against the Siebel aircraft factory at Halle, Germany. The formation was just east of Eisenach headed for the target when a gaggle of twenty-five to thirty Fw 190s and Bf 109s came in out of the sun from six o'clock. The attack seemed to take the whole formation by surprise, primarily due to the fact that most of the crews on the mission had never been under heavy fighter attack. As the German pilots came in with guns blazing they took out six 91st Group Fortresses on the one pass. The onslaught so startled the gunners that the enemy was only from three hundred to one hundred yards away before the gunners opened fire.

THE 91ST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

Happy pilot in 297061 "General Ike." (Harlick)

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

337625 "Cheri, " and 2107040 "Sherley Jean" of the 323rd BS in late 1944. (Audio VisualArchives)

Contrails from a formation above. (Harlick)

THE 9iST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

229837 DF-A a 324th BS B-17, "Lady Luck," led the 2nd Task Force Composite Group on thefirstSchweinfurt raid on August 17,1943. (Pulliam)

25712 LG-S a 322nd BS B-17, "Heavy Weight Annihilator No.2" (Har/ick)

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401st BS enroute to France in May 1943.25132 LL-E, "Royal Flush" is in the foreground. (Harlick)

322nd BS in Bay 1943. (Harlick)

THE 91ST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

Sgt. Sinibaldo sitting atop 338379 "Margie. " (Harlick)

Peeling offfor a landing. (Harlick)

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

.. ,

••

"

337625 OR-W a 323rd BS B-17, "Cheri," came to the 91st after D-Day and was lost to enemy fighters on November 2,1944. (Harlick)

124453 LG-O a 323rd BS B-17, "The Bearded Lady "I"Mizpah " " (foreground), was one o/the original B-17Fs assigned to the 91st at Bangor, Maine. It was lost on theAugust 17, 1943 Schweinfurt mission. 12447 LG-F a 322nd BS B-17, "Frisco Jennie, " is in the background. (Audio Visual Archives)

THE 9iST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

401st BS threesome with P-47 escort. (Audio VisualArchives)

229536 LL-A a 401st BS B-17, "Mary Ruth," shown climbing out fully loaded. This photo shows olive drab finish and early markings of B-17Fs. "MaIY Ruth" was lost on June 22, 1943. (Ethell)

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

A pilot gets dunked upon completing his tour. A very happy occasion. (Ethell)

THE 9iST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

An unposed shot of an armament crew loading a late model B-17G. Note aircraft markings used in 1944-1945. (Ethell)

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Lt.Col. Marvin Lord ready to board a B-17 for a mission. Note parachute and "Mae West" - important survival gear. 337624 LLP, in the background, was lost on the July 20, 1944 Merseburg mission. Col. Lord lost his life leading the February 3, 1945 mission to Berlin. (Ethell)

THE 9iST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

Apair ofB-17Fs leaving light contrails high over heavy cloud layers below. (Ethell)

229536 LL-A a 401st BS B-17. Another close-up of an early B-17F. 23043 LL-B a 401st BS B-17, "Hitler's Gremlin" (upper left), was ditched in the North Sea on August 17, 1943. All crew members were rescued. (Ethell)

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The 91s1 Piper "Cub" L-4B stands before a clean B-17G. (Ethell)

THE 91ST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

A group of aircrewmen pose in flight gear.

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232085 DF-K a 324th BS B-17, "Yankee Belle," suffered severe flak damage on the March 2, 1945 mission to Berlin. (Ethell)

A view from the tail gunner's position. In July 1944, the combat wing consisting of the 91 st BG, 381 st BG and the 398th BG were the first to use colorful markings for formation recognition. (Ethell)

THE 9iST BOMB GROUP IN COLOR

Martin B-26G Marauder visits Bassingbourn. (Pulliam)

Douglas DB-7B (A-20 Havoc) assigned to the 91st. This aircraft was originally ordered by the French air force. (Sinibaldo)

28442 P-47 based at Bassingbourn - the last aircraft lost for the 91 st - a low altitude roll ended in disaster. (Pulliam)

P-47 displaying invasion stripes. After D-Day most P-47s served on the continent as fighter/bombers. (Sinibaldo)

P-47 in olive drab finish, with B-17 DF-P in the background. Olive drab B-17s used yellow markings with white triangle and black "A." Natural finished B-17s used black markings, black triangle and white "A. "

P-51D adorning the flight line. This aircraft is from the 357th Fighter Group stationed at Leiston. (Darling)

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

One of the four large hangars at Bassingbourn. Snow covered ground during the 1944-1945 winter provided childhood enjoyment to some men. (Darling)

A winter scene highlighting permanent barracks. (Darling)

Bassingbourn was indeed the "country club" 01 the ETO. (Darling)

Celebrating the completion 01200 missions. (Darling)

Lt. Sinibaldo goes over the map with the crew to let them know where they are going. (Sinibaldo)

Navigator Lt. Sinibaldo at his position. (Sinibaldo)

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2107205 DF-O a 324th BS B-17, "The Ruptured Duck." On August 6, 1944 after suffering heavy flak damage which killed the co-pilot Gilbert Willis, pilot Elbert Weeks, although seriously injured, crash landed in France. (Lanfear)

2107030 LG-T a 322nd BS B-17, "Fifinella, " flew fifty-four missions. She was lost to flak on August l3, 1944 with Lt. Thomas Smith as pilot. (Lanfear)

The charge of the onrushing fighters all but decimated the 324th Bomb Squadron in the high group. All six Fortresses that were lost were from that unit. J 'ville Jolter, flown by Lt. Halsted Sherrill, immediately went into a spin when hit aqd blew up. The co-pilot, navigator, and two of the gunners survived. Lassie Come Home, flown by Lt. Leonard F. Figie, had an initial fire in the radio room and then exploded. Lt. Figie, the bombardier, and three of the gunners managed to bailout of the stricken aircraft. The Fortress flown by Lt. John V. Dunlap burst into flames as soon as it was hit by the fighters. When last seen the aircraft was a mass of flames and in a spin. Lt. Dunlap and the navigator escaped to become prisoners of war. The German fighters walked their 20 mm fire from the right wing tip to the fuselage of the B-17 flown by Lt. Reese W. Lindsey, Jr. The fuel tanks between No.3 and No.4 engines ignited and flames streamed back from the wing. The aircraft was then seen to pull up vertically and a few seconds later it exploded. Somewhere along the line the tail gunner managed to bail out to become the only survivor from the aircraft. The Fortress flown by Lt. Vincent A. Fouke took multiple 20 mm hits all over the aircraft and then caught fire at No.4 engine. The B-17 then went out of control and went into a shallow dive. It was later seen to roll over on its back

and explode. All of the crew except the tail gunner survived to be captured by the enemy. Lt. John L. Leslie's Fortress was also clobbered by the fighters and went down with No.4 engine on fire. The bombardier and three of the gunners managed to escape the blazing plane. The Fortress flown by Lt. L. C. Marpil of the 324th Bomb Squadron was also hit by the fighter attacks. Fortunately, Marpil was able to bring his B-17 back to England. Lt. Marpil described his ordeal as follows:

Two 401st B-17s, LL-C and LL-D, flying close formation. (Harlick)

" ... Everything went well until we reached the area between Kassel and Eisenach, and from my position, No.2 ship, 1st element, high squadron, high group, 1 could see our combat wing stacked up in good formation, a reassuring thing when enemy fighters are in the vicinity. Our escort had been very good, and part of the P-51s had broken away as an advanced guard after passing our formation. "Our first indication of enemy activity was the report of the tail gunner, who saw pursuits in a gaggle mixing it up way back in the distance. Then it happened - at 1002 hours. About twenty to thirty Fw 190s and Bf 109s bounced us from the tail out of the clouds. They came in pairs firing those white puffs of 20mm and in what seemed like a week, but was only a few seconds, the air was full of falling B-17s and fighters. My squadron leader and "tail end Charlie", plus four other ships from our group fell out at the same time. "1 found myself yelling my head off on the intercom trying to find out what happened to the boys, even while diving and evading. 1 heard my tail gunner, Pine, scream 'My God, I've had it!' The waist gunner, Tyson, would not answer and the radio operator, Peters, was hit in the ankle. Never could get anymore out of Pine and he must have bailed out after seeing Tyson rolling in the waist covered with blood. His chute was gone and the waist door had been jettisoned. (Author's note. Sgt. Clem J. Pine successfully bailed out and became a prisoner of war.) When 1was able to turn the ship over to my co-pilot 1went back to investigate and to give first aid. Tyson

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A stranger joins up with the 91 st.

231673 LG-B a 322nd BS B-17, "Lassie Come Home," became the 165th aircraft to be lost for the 91st. It was MIA on August 16, 1944 on the mission to Halle, Germany, piloted by 21Lt. Leonard F. Figier - one ofsix B-17s lost to fighters that day. (Havelaar)

231634 LG-O a 322nd BS B-17, "Texas Chubby," was one of the last olive drab painted B-17s to arrive at Bassingbourn on January 23, 1944. She almost completed fifty missions, but was lost in an explosion over Germany on August 16,1944 - four crew members survived. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 14: A TURBULENT SUMMER was dead and there were two large shredded holes in the tail where 20s had exploded and filled the compartment with flying pieces. "You say we were reported falling out of control? Well, it probably looked that way, but we had to get to low altitude because our oxygen system had been shot out. At 14,000 feet we leveled out and had to feather No.2, No.4 would run low on gas once in a while and we transferred fifty gallons at a time from other tanks to keep it going. "The navigator gave me a course of 330 trying to intercept the course of the route out. Flying all alone at 14,000 feet out there with fighters in the vicinity is no fun so we were trying to pick up our boys on the way home. Somehow or other we got lost and flew over Bremen at 14,800 feet and brother, that's plenty rough! We turned southwest out of that, but not before they had filled the plane full of holes, knocked

147

out the VHF, the radio compass, part of the other instruments, and wounded Ponder, my ball turret gunner in the face and hands. "We crossed the coast at Ostend after seeing what must have been Dummer Lake and part of Holland and Belgium on the way to the coast. Coming across the Channel I made a check on my boys to see how they were getting along telling them that we were nearly home. We came in over the English coast near Southend, looking a sorry sight in our beat up Fort and starting to sweat about a belly landing. Right over Borham at 2,000 feet all the engines cut out suddenly, so I racked it around and made a dead stick landing on the grass narrowly missing a hangar before we slid to a stop. We all got out of that with no more injuries, but the plane was pretty well churned up on the under side, especially the chin and ball turrets. Besides there were over 200 holes in the ship. To top

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25714 OR-N a 323rd BS B-17 dropping bombs in train, was lost October 14,1943 to German fighters. (Havelaar)

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Right: The 91st enroute to a target with heavy cloud layers ahead. (Havelaar)

297276 OR-S a 323rd BS B-17, Sweet 17," climbing enroute to a target deep in Germany. (Harlick)

338306 LG-B a 322nd BS B-17, "The Biggest Bird," in the foreground. (Havelaar)

LG-Yof the 323rd BS near the target, high above B-17s flying in the opposite direction. (Havelaar)

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• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

B-17Gs encountering heavy flak. (Harlick)

it all off the navigator says he thinks that the G-box can he salvaged ..." There was another 91st Group Fortress that was probably spared that day by a malfunction. After the bombers had dropped their bombs with good results one of the new Me 163 rocket powered fighters flown by Lt. Hartmut Ryll, of 1./ JG 400 approached the B-17 Betty Lou s Buggy flown by Lt. Reese W. Mullins. Ryll had already made a destructive pass at a B-17 from the 305th Bomb Group and lined up on the ship flown by Mullins which had been forced to drop out of formation when a Fw 190 had knocked out its superchargers for No.3 and No.4 engines. The Me 163 came in for a pass on the 91st Group aircraft in a gliding attack from 6 o'clock with the gunners blazing away at it.

Either the guns jammed on the Me 163 or the pilot ran out of ammunition, for no hits were scored on the Fortress. At that time the Me 163 pulled up in formation just out of machine gun range and flew along at the right rear of the B17 looking it over. Then came the escort. Two P-51s flown by Lt. Col. John B. Murphy and his wingman, Lt. Cyril W. Jones, Jr. of the 359th Fighter Group, dived down on the Me 163 which immediately headed for lower altitudes. Both the pilots scored multiple hits on the rocket powered craft, which at this time probably had no power left, and it continued downwards until it crashed. The 91st survivors limped home from what might be classified as a successful mission but the cost had been great. Six B-17s had been lost in the target area, one had been forced to crash land on return to England with a dead gunner and two

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338088 LG-R a 322nd BS B-17, "Redwing, " arrived at Bassingbourn on August 11, 1944 and completed its tour with the 91st flying sixty missions. (Har/ick)

2107033 LG-Z a 322nd BS B-17, "My Baby," was lost on its fifty-eighth mission on September 5, 1944 with 2/Lt. Earnest R. Kelley as pilot. (Havelaar)

wounded men aboard. An additional two men were wounded and the aircraft numbered sixteen with minor and five with major damage. The next missions for the 91st were against the Kolleda airdrome and the Goslar airdrome in Germany on the 24th. Both attacks were visual and good bombing results were reported. No enemy aircraft were encountered and flak was rather moderate and spotty. The following day the 91st took part in major raids against aircraft factories and airfields. The 91st target was the aircraft factory at Neubrandenburg. A very good bombing pattern fell across the target despite heavy and accurate flak. The oil campaign continued and the 91st went after the synthetic oil plant at Gelsenkirchen on August 26th. There was dense haze in the target area, and while some of the bombs

were in the target area, others were scattered. Flak was very heavy and accurate. One man was wounded and eight B-17s received major damage while another twenty came back with minor flak holes. No enemy aircraft were encountered. The primary target for August 27th was the Junkers assembly plant south of Berlin but the weather prevented it. Clouds were stacked up all over the target area. The lead group attacked Heligoland using PFF methods while the high and low groups could find no targets and did not bomb. The 91st closed out the month with a strike at the V-boat pens and shipyards at Kiel. Due to cloud coverage the bombing was done PFF. Very heavy flak was encountered and two B-17s received major damage. Escort was excellent and there were no encounters with enemy fighters.

Not a good place to be on the bomb run! Photo taken by strike camera near Oschersleben, Germany on January 11, 1944. (Harlick)

Chapter 15

A CLOUDY AUTUMN

B

y September 1944 Allied armies had rolled across France and were pressing on toward the Siegfried Line and Germany. The strategic bombers of the 8th Air Force continued their offensive against aircraft factories, munitions plants, automotive industries, transportation facilities, and above all, the oil refineries which provided the lifeblood that kept Hitler's war machine moving and in the air. A new wrinkle appeared in Allied plans the first part of September. Instead of dropping bombs, some aircraft were delegated to drop leaflets on German cities informing them ofthe futility in the continuance of hostilities. The 91st Group was assigned such a mission on September 3rd. Five aircraft dropped thousands of leaflets on ten German cities from above the clouds. September 5th marked the first of three consecutive missions that the 91st would fly to bomb the Opau Synthetic Oil Plant at Ludwigshaven. Foul weather plagued all three missions and the bombing had to be done by PFF methods. The initial mission was blessed with excellent escort and no enemy aircraft appeared. However, flak over the target was very heavy and most of the aircraft received some degree of damage. My Baby, flown by Lt. Ernest R. Kelley of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, was last heard from prior to the initial point. He stated that he had lost one engine and was in the process of losing power on another. He ordered his crew to bailout over France and all were to return from the mission, save the tail gunner who had apparently been killed by flak when the aircraft was hit. Three days later the 91st returned to the target and once more was forced to bomb through the clouds. A number of enemy aircraft appeared on the scene but the escorting fighters took care of them. However, flak was some of the worse that the group had ever encountered, and twenty-five aircraft

received minor and five major damage. Nine men were wounded and one was killed aboard the surviving B-17s. The Roxy Special flown by Lt. David McCarty, Jr., of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, received a direct flak hit between No.3 engine and the fuel tanks. This immediately started a blaze and the aircraft only flew a further few seconds before the right wing exploded and the aircraft fell into a flat, tight spin. The navigator and the bombardier were the only two men to survive. The exploding flak shells caused fatal and painful wounds to some crewmembers which resulted in some of the most notable acts of heroism that the group had experienced. Lt. Elbert W. Weeks of the 324th Bomb Squadron flying The Ruptured Duck had his co-pilot, Lt. Gilbert Willis, killed on the bomb run. Weeks was severely wounded; his right hand was broken with severed arteries and he had another flak wound in his left thigh. Although in great pain, Weeks managed to keep the aircraft on an even keel while S/Sgt. Henry G. Saunders removed Lt. Willis' body from the co-pilots seat. Only after Willis' body had been removed did Weeks receive first aid. A tourniquet was placed on his right arm to stop the bleeding. Saunders moved into the co-pilots seat and managed to assist Weeks who found an American airstrip in France. There he brought the Fortress to a landing despite bomb craters and a bulldozer on the runway. Once the aircraft rolled to a stop the crew unloaded and carefully lifted their pilot from the cockpit. The aircraft was a complete writeoff. For his extraordinary heroism Lt. Weeks received the Distinguished Service Cross. Lt. Freeman Beasley of the 324th Bomb Squadron was hit in the skull with a piece of steel which temporarily rendered him unconscious. At that time the co-pilot, Lt. Howard Donahue, had to take over the controls of the flak riddled Fortress. At one point Beasley's body was slumped over the

153

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.

Smoke markers left by lead bombers give stragglers an opportunity to drop near the target. Only during early operations did all aircraft have bombsights. Later only lead and deputy aircraft had them aboard. (Havelaar)

yoke and Donahue had to do his utmost to overcome the weight on the controls and avoid a collision with another B17. T/Sgt. Evan Zilmer, the engineer gunner on Beasely's crew, removed his pilot from his seat and gave him first aid. Once Beasley regained consciousness, he began to direct his crew over the intercom and half way across the channel on the way home Beasley insisted on getting back in the pilot's seat and from there he flew the B-17 with one arm until he became ill and have to give it up. Lt. Arnold J. O'Toole had his foot smashed by a burst of flak which also severed some of the controls. Although in great pain O'Toole stayed at the controls until his ship was out of the flak before he got out of his seat to receive first aid. O'Toole got back in the pilot's seat as the aircraft approached Bassingbourn and helped land the badly damaged aircraft.

September 9th marked the third straight day that the 91st journeyed to Ludwigshafen to bomb the Opau Synthetic Oil Plant. For the third time the bombs were dropped through 10/ 10 cloud cover. And as usual, the flak was right on target, intense and very accurate. One B-17 was lost and three men on the returning aircraft were wounded. The ground crews once more inherited a giant repair job, with sixteen aircraft receiving minor and six aircraft receiving major damage. Strictly G.!. flown by Lt. Niels C. Jensen of the 323rd Bomb Squadron received several flak hits over the target. It was forced out of formation by a fire in No.3 engine. As the aircraft descended it was seen to explode at cloud level. The four officers on the crew were the only ones who managed to get out of the aircraft before it blew. The 91st finally got out of its rut on September 10th. The 323rd and 401st Squadrons flew as high group of the 41st Combat Bomb Wing and the 322nd and the 324th Bomb

CHAPTER 15: A CLOUDYAUTUMN Squadrons were airborne as part of the high group of the 1st Combat Bomb Wing. The 41st Wing headed for the DaimlerBenz works at Stuttgart but were recalled due to weather. The 1st Wing bombed the Daimler-Benz truck works with good results. For a change there was little flak in the target area. No enemy aircraft were seen. . Oil targets were the subject on September 11th. The 91st went after the Lutzkendorf Synthetic Oil Plant but was forced to bomb PFF. Flak was heavy over the target and two men were wounded and damage to the aircraft was extensive. The Luftwaffe was up in force and dogfights were seen in the area. However, none of the 91st aircraft were attacked with any success. The 91st returned to the oil plant at Lutzkendorf on September 13th and was able to bomb visually for a change. Major Charlie Hudson, group bombardier of renown, hit the target squarely on the nose. The low group bombed Eisenach with poor results. Flak was very heavy and four B-17s received major damage and one crewmember was wounded. The Luftwaffe was out and about but was intercepted by the escort who turned in an excellent job. The weather turned bad over the Continent and the 91st dropped its bombs using PFF methods for the next three missions. The marshalling yards at Hamm were the target on September 19th. Some hits were seen on the south end of the yards through some breaks in the clouds. Flak was moderate and accurate with two B-17s receiving major damage.

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Two days later the marshalling yards at Mainz were the targets and even though the bombing was done through the clouds, photos taken later showed that a considerable amount of damage was done. Flak was intense in the target area and a number of the aircraft were damaged. No enemy fighters were seen. September 25th saw the PFF men of the 91st do their work on Frankfurt. The Fortresses flew through a very heavy flak barrage to drop their bombs. The escort was very good and once more the Luftwaffe did not put in an appearance. Visual bombing was done for a change on September 26th when the railway center at Osnabruck was hit. Unfortunately, the great concentration of bombs hit some 500 yards south of the main point of impact. Flak was heavy and accurate. The B-17s winged their way down through the flak of the Ruhr Valley to bomb the Ford Motor factory at Cologne on September 27th. Bombing was done by PFF with unknown results. Due to some communications troubles, seven of the 91st aircraft brought their bombs home. Three B-17s received major flak damage and another twenty were holed while braving the intense barrages. The synthetic oil plant at Magdeburg was the target on September 28th and even PFF bombing was affected by malfunctions. The radar set in the lead aircraft was acting only intermittently and the bombardier only distinguished his target twenty seconds before bombs away. This caused a miss and poor results was the outcome. The high group sensed

337594 OR-O a 323rd BS B-17, "Strictly G.I., " is shown here on a bomb run with open bomb bays. This G model was lost on September 9, 1944 to a flak round. The pilot was Lt. Niels C. Jensen. (Havelaar)

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91st formation flying through heavy flak. (Havelaar)

Scattered formation flying through light flak. 231585 OR-B, "Mount-nRide, " at center. (Harlick)

that something was amiss and they did not release on the primary target. They carried out a PFF attack on the airfield at Eschwege with unknown results. The Luftwaffe was up in force and dogfights took place all over the sky. Some broke through to make passes but the 91st did not suffer any losses. Another PFF mission wound up the month as the 91st bombed Munster. Results were not good despite having to venture through the heavy flak over the city. Escort was very good and no enemy aircraft were seen. Foul weather continued to plague the bombing of the 8th Air Forces heavy bombers into October. The 91st bombed using PFF again on the 2nd of the month. The target was the tank factory at Kassel. The lead and low squadrons of the group bombed the primary and the high squadron dropped their load through the clouds over Fritzler airdrome. The following day the city of Nurnberg was bombed by PFF. There was a moderate barrage and some tracking flak over the target area. One B-17 received major damage. Escort was heavy and no enemy aircraft came up to play. Aircraft factories at Neubrandenburg were bombed on October 6th. The 91st was cited for performing what was probably the best bombing they had ever done. The MPI was smothered with 500 pounders. Flak was moderate and inaccurate. The 91st went looking for the synthetic oil refinery at Brux, Czechoslovakia, on October 7th and found it to be cloud covered. The lead and low squadrons attacked Freiberg with very good results. The high squadron bombed Wurzen with fair results. Flak was very heavy and numerous aircraft returned with holes, two of them major damage. A good illustration of how the air war had changed came on October 9th when the 91st bombed Schweinfurt as a target of opportunity. What had been one of the most lethal targets in Germany presented moderate flak while the bombs

were dropped PFF and there was not a Luftwaffe fighter to be seen! The Fortresses marched back down flak alley on October 14th to bomb the railway choke point just east of the Holhenzollern Bridge at Cologne. Bombs were dropped by. PFF while moderate and accurate flak filled the area. Two aircraft received major damage. Good escort all the way. The 91st went back to Cologne on October 15th and really took a beating from the flak. The city was bombed PFF hitting the southeast part of the city. Flak damage was very heavy. One man was killed and five wounded plus four men bailed out in the course of the mission. A large number of the B-17s returned with major damage. No enemy aircraft were seen. The aircraft flown by Capt. Iver O. Tufty was hit by flak just after the IP and No.2 engine was knocked out and No.3 was windmilling. Tufty gave the order to prepare to bailout and the top turret gunner, the radio operator, the waist gunner, and the tail gunner bailed out without waiting for the final order. Unfortunately for these men, Capt. Tufty stuck to his guns and managed to get the aircraft back to England. Another PFF mission was flown to Cologne on October 17th. The Fortresses enjoyed very good escort to and from the target. Moderate to intense flak was encountered but the 91st came out with minor damage. On October 19th the 91st was briefed to bomb the oil storage depot at Ludwigshaven. The PFF equipment went out on the lead aircraft which continued on the bomb run, so bombs were not dropped. The bombardier wanted another run, but as the aircraft came back over the target area the lead's right wingman accidentally dropped his bombs and the rest of the squadron dropped on him, hitting Karlsruhe. The other two squadrons had to seek targets of opportunity with Speyer and Bad Kreuznach being hit with unob-

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the group had minimal damage. Another PFF mission was flown on the following day, this time to Munster. For some reason the flak over Munster wasn't nearly what it had been in the past and damage to aircraft was minor. The 91st finished up the month on October 30th, once more seeking oil targets, but was again thwarted by the everlasting overcast. They bombed the marshalling yard at Hamm and took some heavy and damaging flak. One man was wounded and two Fortresses returned with major damage. One crew that had a real rough time on the mission was Lt. Cecil McConnell's crew from the 323rd Bomb Squadron. McConnell flew the mission with another crew as he was checking out as a lead pilot and his crew was piloted that day by Lt. Warren T. Smith, McConnell's regular co-pilot. The events of the day are related by the tail gunner, S/Sgt. Marion C. Hoffman:

One of the composite lead crews of the 401 st. Author is at right rear. (Havelaar)

served results. Overall the missions were not very successful and one man was wounded while five aircraft received major damage from the flak barrages. Brunswick was the target on October 22nd and it had been hoped that the tank factory could be bombed but the mission wound up having to bomb PFF from 28,000 feet to get above the clouds. Sergeant Capron, engineer on the lead aircraft made the following notes:

" ... All was going well, until turning on the IP. It was said that there would not be as many anti-aircraft guns because the Germans had withdrawn some from target defenses to the Western Front. Whoever made that statement was not aware or had misjudged intelligence. Misinformation was the word. "We almost flew on smoke from ack ack bursts. We did get our bombs away, then got a direct hit between No.3 and No.4 engines. There was a great cause for alarm, pieces of shrapnel came through the side of the airplane striking T/Sgt. Frank Panek, engineer upper turret gunner. One piece took out his knee cap, the other went through behind the leader tendon, lower left leg, right above the heel. "We had to drop away from formation, No.4 engine was out, No.3 was not functioning properly ... Our togglier and

"Today we went to Brunswick, Germany. We were again leading the wing, division and air force. The target was a huge tank factory but we had 10/10 clouds so couldn't see results. "I really expected a fight today because we went to the part of Germany where they have the most fighters concentrated. We didn't have any trouble at all and only saw three fighters and they all stayed away. "The flak was something else again and was really rough. It was heavy and very accurate and they put about a two foot hole in our radio roam. There was no one injured, however. Due to the heavy flak we bombed from 28,000 feet." PFF bombing continued on October 25th when the 91st dropped its bombs on Hamburg. Although flak was very heavy

2107040 OR-D a 323rd BS B-l7, "Shirley Jean, " came to the 91st on April 1, 1944. Classified Norden Bomb Sight in full view mounted on its stabilizer. (Harlick)

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Right: B-17s of the 91st over the continent. (Harlick)

338212 LG-P a 323rd BS B-17, "Gal 0 My Dreams, " after only eleven missions, was lost on the fateful mission to Merseburg on November 2, 1944 with Lt. Thomas P. Bruno as pilot. (Havelaar)

radio operator were assigned to get Frank back through the bomb bay to the radio room for warmth and emergency oxygen and the rest of us were to stay on alert for enemy aircraft ... Our oxygen system was all messed up by shrapnel. The boys who attended Panek did a fine job, using a tourniquet and pain killer and putting sulfa powder in his wounds ... "When we leveled off on the deck we threw overboard all excess equipment; oxygen masks, extra guns, cameras. Over the countryside the German on the ground tried to shoot us down. They made good hits into our wing area but from what we could tell, nothing major ... later we found out how major. We did some damage to German staff cars and killed or wounded some German soldiers that were shooting at us. At an altitude of 100 to 150 feet things happen fast. "... We had to deviate slightly east and go around the cliffs of Dover. The cliffs with antennas on top of them were higher than we were flying. Finally, we got up the coast far enough to turn inland heading for our base at Bassingbourn. Something happened to our No.1 and No.2 engines. It was determined that the Germans on the ground had hit our fuel tanks. Then with the extra power demand on two remaining engines fuel could not be transferred fast enough. Our pilot realized what was wrong, ordered all of us to hit crash landing positions. We would be crash landing at a P-51 fighter base right off our left wing. When we turned on final for the runway we looked out and could see our propellers clip the tops of some trees ... just as we cleared the trees the gear went down and Smith made a beautiful three point landing in the grass ... There was an ambulance waiting when we stopped. The. medics rushed inside checking our wounded warrior ..." The successful return of this crew brought a most rewarding close to the month of October 1944. For their first month in combat the 91st Bombardment Group had not lost an aircraft to the enemy.

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B-17s climbing enroute to the target. (Har/ick)

Chapter 16

MASSACRE AT MERSEBURG

he number one target on the 8th Air Force's agenda on November 2nd was I. G. Farbenindustries' Leuna synthetic oil plant located southeast of Merseburg, Germany. This massive complex produced a large amount of the petroleum for the war machine of the Third Reich as well as a number of other chemicals. For the massive strike some 650 B-17s were dispatched to bomb the plant and were escorted by a large quantity of P-51 Mustangs. For some weeks Luftwaffe opposition had been almost nil and the aircrews were beginning to believe that it had been defeated and would no longer be a large threat to them. However, the Germans had been carefully conserving their fuel until they could make a massive interception of the bombers and extract a crippling number from their formations. November 2nd was the day chosen for the Luftwaffe to put up over 500 single-engine fighters to oppose the bomber stream of the 8th Air Force. The 91st Bomb Group put thirty-seven B-17s in the air for the mission and thirty-six of them would drop their bombs. The course to the target was as if a ruler had been used and it went directly to the target. There was no zig-zag or any deviation that would tend to pull any aerial opposition away from the target area. As the bomber stream plodded along above increasing cloud cover all seemed to be going well. Up in front of the bomber stream the escort was already mixing it up with enemy fighters but the strength of the P-51s was such that they were inflicting great losses to the enemy, who was finding it all but impossible to penetrate their wall to get to the bombers. The Mickey equipment on the lead aircraft had been malfunctioning but the lead ship finally identified the target just after passing the IP. The formation then entered a barrage of very heavy flak and dropped its bombs, most of which were later found to have fallen in open country far from the target. Just after bombs away, JubJubBird, the Fortress flown

T

by Lt. Herbert W. Chouinard of the 401st Bomb Squadron, was hit by flak in the pilots compartment and blew up. There was one belch of flame and the top and sides of the compartment blew out of the aircraft. The co-pilot and waist gunner were apparently blown clear of the aircraft and managed to open their parachutes and survive. Also hit by flak was Pard flown by Lt. Hanford J. Rustand of the 323rd Bomb Squadron. Shortly after bombs away the aircraft was seen to burst into flames and start down. A few minutes later it exploded. The co-pilot, navigator, and top turret gunner were the only survivors. Sgt. Roger W. Armstrong, the radio operator on board U.S.A. The Hard Way from the 401st Bomb Squadron reported the events on board that aircraft: "Sgt. Robert Webb, our ball turret gunner ... told me 'I heard John's (Lt. John J. Akins, Jr., the pilot) warning and immediately spun the ball 360 degrees, looking low and level, scanning the whole area under the ship. 1 saw two German Me 163s at seven o'clock about two or three miles from the group then they broke away and disappeared.' "I remember him reporting them on intercom. No one saw them come near our formation. 1looked out the left radio room window and the overhead window. 1could see our high cover and also our escort at their level position around the formation. The high escort was about 500 feet above us, at this time, and the level formation was flying at our altitude. 1 could not see our low escort who usually could be anywhere from 500 to 1,000 feet under the group. Within a few minutes some of our fighters left the group and raced toward the target as the number of German planes had the lead escort outnumbered ... "Suddenly, 1heard what sounded like 20mm cannon shells bursting in our ship ... 1looked up and out of the radio room window and saw we were 700 to 800 feet below our assigned

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position in the number three spot of the lead element ... "... Then I noticed an odd odor in my oxygen mask. I looked to my left at the oxygen regulator and gauge. I saw my pressure had dropped ... to zero! ... I called the flight deck but received no answer. I called the crew in the back of the plane and no answer. The intercom was not functioning. I then opened the radio room door to the bomb bays and looked toward the flight deck. Then I saw fire. "Momentarily I noticed John was in his seat with his right hand on the autopilot. Then another explosion and I could no longer see past the fire which by then was right on the front bulkhead of the bomb bay. I immediately got out of my chair, unplugged my heated suit, removed my steel flak helmet, tore off my oxygen mask and took off for the waist. "As I passed the ball turret I noticed it was functioning, so I knew the electrical system must be o.k. Then I saw Webb start to roll the turret up so his escape door was facing the top

and it started to open. I looked toward the rear at Sgt. Harold Slackman and he was waving at me to come back. "When I got to the waist door he shouted, 'It won't open.' We both struggled with it and found it had frozen shut due to the temperature being -40 degrees. Slackman then moved across the plane and dove into the door. It looked like a scene from the movies where a police officer breaks a door down with his shoulder. Both Slackman and the door flew out into space together. "I looked back at the tail and saw Loyless (the tail gunner) was crawling toward his escape hatch. Then I looked toward the ball and could see the door open. I was getting anoxia and suddenly found I could not get my heavy flak suit off. So I sat down at the waist door, with my feet hanging out in the slip stream, took my right glove off and pulled the snaps loose at each shoulder. The suit fell off. Leaving my leather glove, I rolled out and immediately found myself tumbling

48324 Ll-R a 401st BS B-17, "BloodN Guts," in the foreground. 297632 DF-R a 324th BS PFF (radar equipped) B-17 in the background. Black triangle without the symbol "A" is evident. Also notice the extended radome in place of the ball turret. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 16: MASSACRE AT MERSEBURG

This was a direct hit by German anti-aircraft guns on a B-17 pathfinder/ radar ship - the ball turret was replaced by a radome. The photograph was censored with a pair of scissors to keep this information secret. (Harlick)

over and over in what seemed outer space. I put my hands out and stabilized my body roll. "Mer I fell approximately a mile, I decided it was about time to see if the chute would open. When I pulled the rip cord my feet were pointed toward the sky and my upper back and head toward the ground. The pilot chute popped out pulling the main chute from the pack on my chest. When the chute suddenly filled with air it cracked my body like a whip." Armstrong later found that his aircraft had taken a direct hit from 88mm which had come up through the flight deck and exited without exploding right behind the co-pilots seat. However, it had severed control cables, and cut oxygen lines which freed oxygen to ignite with hydraulic fluid from a line that was severed. It was not possible to put out the fire and the flames built up and intensified swiftly.

297061 LL-B a 401st BS B-17, "General Ike, "with another fine piece of nose art by Tony Starcer. (Havelaar)

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All of the crew was able to parachute safely but the copilot did not survive. Armstrong believes that he must have been shot and killed on the ground. He was the only crewmember who still carried a .45 caliber pistol on him and perhaps he tried to discourage his captors. Winged Victory, the Fortress flown by Lt. Oscar J. Snow of the 323rd Bomb Squadron, was hit by flak over the target and lost an engine. He was forced out of formation at that time and fell behind. It was at this time that disaster struck. There seems to be no positive answer as to exactly what happened. Some say that the 91st rallied off the target in the wrong direction. Regardless, the 91st wound up out of the bomber stream. At this time it was hit by a pack of hungry hounds designated IV./JG 3 flying modified Fw 190s. The unit was a "Sturm" or storm unit which flew aircraft that had been further armored around the engine and cockpit to enable them to close with the bomber formations and absorb undue punishment from the bomber's .50 calibers. Their armament had also been modified and some of them carried 30mm cannon rather than 20mm. A vivid description of the fight that ensued is given by Wayne B. Frye who at the time was Lt. Frye, the navigator on Lt. John W. O'Neill's crew from the 323rd Bomb Squadron. They flew the mission in a veteran Fortress named General Ike: "As we neared the target the flak really started coming up. It sure was big ... We could see enemy fighters ahead of us on the other side of the target and were afraid that we were going to get it from them. "After we turned off the target we could see them preparing for attack. Robbie (S/Sgt. Marvin Robinson) in the tail was keeping us informed on their activities. About forty Fw 190s hit us. No words can describe how terrible this was. Robbie and Bill (T/Sgt. Wm. Hollenbaugh - Top Turret) and Mac (S/Sgt. Claude McCarter - Ball Turret) were calling out the fighters all around the clock. I sure admired Robinson. He was back there shooting like mad and calling out every plane close to us. I heard him call that he blew up one. A Fw 190 came in and Bill really poured lead into him. The pilot was either hurt or out of control but he tried to ram into our right wing, just missing it as he was going down. "A Bf 109 did a low half roll right over our plane and I called to Bill to get him ... The top turret was small on this ship and Bill couldn't sight straight up so he didn't get a shot at this one. Just then a Fw 190 stalled out right in front of where my left cheek gun should have been but there was no such gun in this ship ... I could see his face as easy as if in the same plane with him. "Bill called and said he just knocked down another fighter. A Fw 190 came diving down in front of our nose and I started

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Four B-17Gs of the 322nd enroute to their target. All are equipped with "Cheyenne" tail turrets. (Havelaar)

letting him have it with the right cheek gun. I could see the bullets going from his right wing tip on into his cowling. Pieces of cowling started flying off and his engine caught on fire and he started spiraling down. Before I was through shooting my gunjammed and I had to try to fix it while watching everything and writing down observations in my log. "Paul (S/Sgt. Raymond Paul) the togglier, damaged a fighter at this time. I kept wondering where the damned PSIs were. The two ships in our element were shot up and left the formation. Jack was really doing some wonderful evasive action. The fighters kept coming back and attacking again. They were coming in with flaps down and their throttles back, just sitting back of us at six 0' clock, shooting at us. Bombers

were going down all around us. We had sixteen separate attacks on our ship. After eight minutes of fighter attacks they finally stopped. I had seen one B-17 go down, apparently under control and two fighters followed him down and chopped him right in two. Our fighters finally showed up, two of them. I saw one P-51 down a German fighter on a sweep. It was a pretty sight but why in the hell weren't they there all the time? Robbie called and told us that we had six planes in our squadron left out of twelve that started with us. "When we got home we had 7.6 machine gun holes all over the ship and a hole in the tail big enough to put a wash tub through from a 20mm cannon burst. When we got out of the ship everybody was there waiting for us, asking ques-

338202 LG-T a 322nd BS B-17, "Miss Slipstream," was lost on the massacre over Merseburg on November 2, 1944 with Lt. Dale E. Brant as pilot. (Havelaar)

338083 OR-Q a 323rd BS B-17, "Man-O-War II. " After completing seventy-seven missions, this aircraft became another casualty of the tragic Merseburg mission with Lt. Leroy Hare as pilot. (Havelaar)

CHAPTER 16: MASSACRE AT MERSEBURG tions about everything. I was so sick at heart I just sat there on my equipment bag and couldn't say anything. There were lots of empty bunks in my room that night. Our group lost thirteen bombers. Mullins, pilot of the lead ship in our element, got back on two engines after we had counted him as number fourteen." Winged Victory, which had left the formation after losing one engine to flak, came under attack from multiple fighters. Lt. Snow gave the order for his crew to bail out and all of them survived as prisoners of war save the co-pilot. Miss Slip Stream, flown by Lt. Dale E. Brant of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, was one of the first B-17s hit by the onslaught of fighters. Lt. Charles R. Hackstock, the co-pilot, recalls:

"Just after leaving the target we were hit by a burst of flak just aft of the bomb bay. This was just before the attack

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from the rear by the Luftwaffe. When the fighter attack started we were crowded into the prop wash of the lead element which threw us out of formation. It was at this time that the enemy fighters really did a number on us. We had fire in both wings, the top turret was hit as well as the tail position. During evasive action the plane broke apart at the point of the flak burst. "Eight of the nine crew members were able to depart the aircraft. Lt. Dale Brant, the pilot I am not sure of. It has for many years been my opinion that he followed me out of the plane as there was a chute above me. The navigator, Lt. John Gustafson was killed when his chute failed to open." Lt. Leroy B. Hare was flying a veteran B-17 Man 0 'War II from the 322nd Bomb Squadron on its 77th combat mission when the fighters came. Fire from the Focke Wulfs hit the Fortress in its right wing and tail and fragments began to break off. The aircraft then turned over on its side with fire in the right wing. As it fell back behind the formation ten or

297984 LL-G a 401st BS B-17G, "Sherries Cherries." Photo shows Lt. Harold Packard's crew before the nose of this sharp looking plane. It made its final flight on the Merseburg mission with Lt. James Faris and his crew. (Havelaar)

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CHAPTER 16: MASSACRE AT MERSEBURG

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Previous: Winging it over the Channel for home. (Harlick)

more enemy fighters continued to surround it. Strangely enough the pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, and navigator all survived. Bomber Dear was another old timer that went down that day. It was on its sixty-fifth mission with Lt. John H. Liekhus of the 323rd Bomb Squadron at the controls. The aircraft began falling back when it was first attacked by fighters and continued to lag as the 190s continued to work it over. After about the fourth pass the Fortress burst into flames, peeled to the left, and started down in a dive. Only the co-pilot, bombardier, and tail gunner survived. Lt. James E. Paris of the 323rd Bomb Squadron was flying Sherries ~ Cherries on the mission. When hit by fighters the aircraft burst into flames, started down and exploded. The waist gunner, ball turret gunner, and tail gunner were killed but the rest of the crew made it out to become prisoners of war. Cannon Ball Too, flown by Lt. John M. Hamilton of the 322nd Bomb Squadron, was hit in the right wing by 20mm fire from the fighters which immediately ignited it. The aircraft was last seen going down under control but streaming flames. Lt. Hamilton, his co-pilot, and two of the gunners didn't make it out of the ship. Also hit on the first pass by the fighters was Cheri flown by Lt. Robert W. Harris of the 323rd Bomb Squadron. Fire streamed back from both sides of the cockpit as the B-17 nosed down with a Fw 190 still on its tail, firing away. Luckily, all of the crew save the navigator and ball turret gunner made it out. Lt. Thomas F. Burne flying Gal of My Dreams from the

322nd Bomb Squadron was hit by fighters and dropped out of formation but when last seen the aircraft was under can· trol and no flames were seen. Perhaps it was hit again by fighters as the co-pilot and two of the gunners were the only crewmembers that survived. Another Fortress lost was White Cargo flown by Lt. Russel M. Brown of the 322nd Bomb Squadron. It was seen to take hits from a fighter, drop out of the formation, and start down. It, too, likely came under further attack for only the co-pilot and two of the gunners made it out. One B-17 that went down during the fighter attacks was unnamed. It was from the 322nd Bomb Squadron and was flown by Lt. Roy A. Hammer. As Oron Harper, the co-pilot, recalls: "The mission was uneventful until we left the target area and was bringing the 322nd Squadron back into group formation. Each squadron made individual bomb runs. The 322nd was in the low position of the thirty-six plane group. "The fighters, primarily Fw 190s, were attacking four abreast at six 0' clock level and would split-ess after their pass. There were at least sixteen fighters and they were attacking about fifteen seconds apart. By the third or fourth pass the cockpit and bomb bay filled with smoke. By this time we had lost No.2 engine and evacuation orders were given by me over the intercom." The crew proceeded to bail and all but one made it. Apparently the radio operator had been killed in the fighter attack. During the fury of the fighting a fine job was turned in by one particular ball turret gunner. S/Sgt. Thomas R. Giordano

297880 DF-F a 324th BS B-17, "Little Miss Mischief" On October 15, 1944, this aircraft suffered a close flak burst. Ball turret gunner EdAbdo was wounded. Pinned in the turret without power and oxygen, the crew was unable to remove him. They did give him a shot of morphine, supplied him with first aid material, walk around oxygen bottles, and stuffed blankets in the turret for protection from sub-zero temperatures. The pilot landed with no problems. Joe Harlick helped remove the wounded gunner and shot the photo at right. (Harlick)

CHAPTER 16: MASSACRE AT MERSEBURG

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91st B-17s getting ready for take off. DF-P of the 324th BS, with black triangle and no letter "A," is a PFF "Mickey" ship. Two ofBassingbourn's large hangars as well as the control tower are visible. (Harlick)

had three enemy fighters attacking abreast open fire just as his turret was hit by a 20mm shell. The explosion wrecked the inside of the turret and wounded Giordano. It blew the door off the back of the turret, but the gunner still had one gun that would fire so he stayed at his post and downed one enemy fighter before he was forced to leave following failure of the oxygen system. Once up in the aircraft he manned one of the waist guns and refused any first aid until the enemy fighters broke off their attacks. Thirteen B-17s were lost by the 91st Group on the mission, their highest loss for the war. Another five men were brought home wounded while eight B-17s suffered minor damage and a full dozen had major damage. Of the 117 men

that didn't came home that day forty-nine were killed and the surviving sixty-eight all became prisoners of war. In the savage air battles of the day forty B~ 17s had been downed and fifteen Mustangs did not return. However, for the Luftwaffe, losses were devastating. At least ninety-eight fighters were lost! Seventy pilots were either killed or missing and another twenty pilots had been wounded. III./JG 3 which had taken such a toll from the 91st Group had eleven pilots killed and four wounded that day. Instead of their numbers bringing the Germans a great victory for the day they were faced with the fact that even in numbers they could not defeat the American escort fighters nor could they survive such astonishing losses.

Transient B-17 waiting for the weather to clear up. (Harlick)

Chapter 17

TO YEAR'S END

he 91st was back in the war on November 5th with a The mission of November 21st was costly and unusual. full contingent of thirty-six B-17s in the air. The pri- Major Immanuel "Manny" Klette lead the 91st back to bomb mary target was the marshalling yards at Frankfurt the Leuna synthetic oil plant at Merseburg. On arrival in the but due to cloud cover it was decided to bomb Offenbach, area a great cloud buildup was found that would prevent even which is on the outskirts of Frankfurt. Bombing was still done PFF bombing. Major Klette skillfully led the 91st under the by PFF but the strike concentration proved to be on the west- front which enabled them to bomb. With his masterful leadern edge of the town. Flak was accurate and caused a number ership in getting through and marking the target area, the enof casualties in the high squadron. One man was killed and tire 1st Bomb Division was able to bomb. two wounded while a number of the aircraft were damaged. Flak was deadly and the 91st lost one B-17 in the target area and had two more go down in Belgium, one of which Escort was good and no enemy aircraft were sighted. The next day the 91st went to Hamburg where PFF was created a sensational story in itself. One crewmember on the once more the order of the day for the lead and high squad- returning bombers was killed and nine of the B-17s came rons. The low squadron bombed visually through scattered back with major damage. clouds. A very heavy flak barrage took its toll with two men Fearless Fosdick, flown by Lt. Charles C. Whitsell of killed and two wounded. Damage to the aircraft was extremely the 324th Bomb Squadron, was hit by flak over the target and high with nearly every Fortress on the mission being hit. One was seen to pull out of formation in a steep dive to the left. B-17 limped back to Rackheath where it landed safely. No.3 engine was on fire. Lt. Whitsell, his co-pilot, bombarThe mission of November 9th was a tactical strike against dier, navigator, and tail gunner survived. Lt. Harold R. DeBolt was on his 33rd mission and most a concrete fort southeast of Metz, France. A new method of bombing was used called "GH" which was short for the Gee- things had been routine until he turned on the bomb run. The H system of bombing adopted from the British. In this sys- formation tended to slow up in the turn and with bomb bay tem a Gee-box in the lead bomber worked with two ground doors open DeBolt's aircraft stalled and dropped out of forstations to make navigational check points to the target. Re- mation. At this instant he was attacked by enemy fighters and gretfully, on this mission the Gee-box only worked intermit- also began the run through a very heavy and accurate flak tently and what bombs that were dropped missed the target barrage. Due to malfunction with the bomb release mechanism, the bombs would not drop. This caused the aircraft to badly. Most of the bombers brought their bombs home. Bad weather continued to hold in over the Continent and fall further out of formation. About this time the whole ship the 91st did not go back out until November 16th and then it took the blast from a flak burst just below the bomb bays. was for another tactical target. This time the ground forces The explosion caused the bombs to drop but No. 2 and wanted the area just north of the autobahn connecting Aachen No.3 engines also went out. No.2 was out completely and and Eshchweiler bombed. Fragmentation bombs were No.3 was just windmilling and causing undue vibration dropped using PFF methods. There was some accurate flak throughout the aircraft. The crew began jettisoning all surin the area and a number of the crewmembers felt that it came plus equipment in an effort to lighten the Fortress as DeBolt set course for home. When it became apparent that the airfrom friendly guns.

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Lt. Guinn and two other members of his crew inspecting their damaged wing. (Harlick)

craft would not make it back to England, DeBolt set course for Belgium in the hope that he could make it to an Allied base there. When the aircraft was down to 2,000 feet the other two engines began to loose power. With no base in sight DeBolt ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft. He set the Fortress on autopilot and fo1l9wed his crew out. All chutes opened and the men were picked up by British infantrymen soon after landing.

The damaged Fortress continued onwards, losing altitude and remaining in a perfect landing attitude. A British antiaircraft watched as the B-17 settled down gently and made a three point landing in a plowed field. It ground looped at the end of the field and sat there with engines still running. As the British troops rushed up to see about the crew they were amazed to find no one aboard. They found neatly stacked flying gear inside and what really set off the story of the "phantom Fortress" was that they found parachutes aboard. They did not realize that rriany crews carried extra chutes in case some were damaged in enemy attacks or fires. As international wire services picked up the story of the "phantom" Lt. DeBolt and his crew found a badly damaged B-17 with only three engines and a missing ball turret at Brussels which needed to be ferried to England. Although they were to have taken it to the subdepot at Burtonwood the men loaded and went home to Bassingbourn. The 91st went back to its nemesis, Nuremburg, on the 26th. The bombing was done by PFF and while the flak was still there in profusion, damage was not as heavy as usual. Only one aircraft returned with major damage. Fighter escort was excellent and no enemy fighters were seen. The following day was another story. The 8th Air Force put up an armada of over 1,000 bombers to attack targets in Germany escorted by over 600 fighters. To oppose this force the Luftwaffe put some 550 single engine fighters in the air.

Late model B-17Gs with "Cheyenne Tail" positions. Note that all ball turrets have guns pointing down, thereby exposing entry hatch.

CHAPTER 17: TO YEAR'S END

238128 DF-Z a 324th BS B-17, "Red Alert, "was first named "Dear Becky. " The name was changed to "Cutty Sark" just prior to its being lost to German fighters on November 26, 1944 with 21Lt. Adolph P. Miller as pilot. (Harlick)

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46596 LG-P a 322nd BS B-17, "Sweet Dish, " arrived at Bassingbourn on November 4,1944 and flew until wars end. (Harlick)

The target for the 91st was the railway viaduct at The B-17 flown by Lt. Warren T. Smith had its bomb bay Altenbeken. The mission went well until thirty minutes be- doors shot open during the fighter attacks and one bomb fore target time. The formation came under attack from up to salvoed. The tail gunner was wounded and there was a fire seventy-five Bf 109s and Fw 190s. The enemy came in line behind No.2 engine. While the fire was being fought, Smith abreast with guns blazing and knocked three 91st aircraft out pulled out of formation and ordered the bombs jettisoned. of formation and finished them off almost before anyone knew The crew fought the fire for three hours on the way home and what was happening. The escort had apparently been decoyed Smith finally managed to crash land the badly damaged aircraft at Halesworth where it burned. away and the enemy struck when they were elsewhere. Once more the massive fighter attacks by the Luftwaffe Wild Hare, flown by Lt. Robert J. Flint of the 324th Bomb Squadron, was hit before the IP was reached and had No.3 failed. The escort tore into them with a fury and fifty-seven engine set on fire in the first pass. The Fortress dropped out fighter pilots were killed and thirty wounded in the battles of formation and began a gentle dive and then exploded. Lt. against the Mustangs and the bombers. The 8th Air Force lost Flint, his co-pilot, the navigator, and the waist gunner man- thirty-four bombers, primarily B-24s, that day while nine fighters did not return. aged to get out. Marshalling yards at Offenburg was the target on NoAt the same time Seattle Sleeper flown by Lt. John R. Stevens from the 323rd Bomb Squadron was hit. A fire broke vember 27th. GH bombing was done by the lead group while out on the right wing close to the fuselage. The aircraft began the low and high groups bombed visually with poor results. to drift out of formation where it blew up. Fortunately, there Flak was moderate and the escort enjoyed another great day against the Luftwaffe. was ample time for all of the crew to get out. The Mersburg oil refinery was bombed on the 29th using The third aircraft lost on the mission was Dear Becky flown by Lt. Adolph P. Miller, Jr. of the 324th Bomb Squad- PFF methods. The group enjoyed excellent fighter escort ron. When hit, the No.2 engine caught fire but Miller was during the mission and flak was moderate and ineffective for able to hold the ship in formation for a couple of minutes as a change. The 91st closed a trying and costly month with a mission the crew began to bailout. Finally, the aircraft left formation, slipped to one side, and then blew up. Lt. Miller and his co- to the Zeitz synthetic oil plant on the 30th. Bombing was pilot managed to get all of the crew out before they were done visually but the main concentration of bombs fell to the east of the target. Flak was intense and very accurate costing, caught in the explosion. The new GH method of bombing was used with unknown the 91st one B-17 over the target and damaging another so results. Flak was very heavy and a number of the aircraft were severely that it was forced to crash land in Belgium. The aircraft flown by Lt. Ralph E. Stolz from the 324th damaged. One Fortress limped to France where it crash landed Bomb Squadron was hit and pulled out of the formation right at Denain/Prouvy airfield.

EPILOGUE

ollowing the cessation of hostilities in Europe on May . 8, 1945, the 9lst began making plans for its return to the United States. Through the point system, many would be discharged on their return and those who were not would be reassembled at Drew Field, Florida, for possible restructure of the group and eventual reassignment to the Pacific to participate in the war against Japan if need be. The first crews and passengers to return by air departed Bassingbourn on May 25, 1945. Stops were made at Valley Wales, England; Iceland; Goose Bay, Labrador; thence to Bradley Field, Connecticut. Other crews departed on June 8th and 9th with the last crew arriving in the United States on June 14th. The ground echelon departed Bassingbourn on June 23rd by train and traveled to Greenock, Scotland, where they boarded the former luxury liner "Queen Elizabeth" for the journey home. The boat arrived in Manhattan Harbor on June 29, 1945, and the men proceeded to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. From there the men were broken up to be dispatched to their respective geographical area military establishments where they would receive their 30 day leave orders. An advance party went to Drew Field in July and began to make preparations for the assembly of the 91st there. The men began to come in August to receive assignment. Many were ordered to join new units while those remaining were soon overjoyed when the end of hostilities with Japan were announced. On September 2nd it was all over when surrender papers were signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The vast majority of the men from the 91st returned to civilian life to begin their lives anew. A few stayed on in the Air Force to become career men. Whichever was their choice, they all carried with them something they would never forget; their wartime experiences with one of the premier bomber units of World War II.

F

For the aircraft it was a different story. They had come to the end of the road. Thousands of warbirds which had performed brilliantly in carrying their crews to victory against the enemy were no longer needed. Most were sent to bases such as Kingman, Arizona, where they were stripped of instruments and such that might be of future use to the Air Force. Then they sat silently awaiting the cutter's torch. A number of the 91st's most memorable planes suffered this fate. Nine 0 Nine, the pride and joy of Master Sergeant Rollin Davis which completed 140 combat missions, 126 of them without an abort, lived her last at Kingman. Outhouse Mouse which flew 139 missions against the enemy, twelve of them to Berlin, joined the forgotten legion. Hikin' For Home flew 125 missions before it was turned over to the 9th Air Force at the end of the war to become a transport. It would end its days with them and be destroyed in Europe. Two distinguished 91st aircraft have survived. Memphis Belle was saved from the cutter's torch by the City of Memphis where it went on exhibit. However, the years saw it nearly succumb to the weather, abuse, and vandalism. In 1985 the Air Force threatened to take the aircraft over, but the City of Memphis mounted a successful drive which finally housed the historic warbird in a pavilion on Mud Island that is worthy of its fame. Shoo Shoo Baby landed in Sweden on May 29, 1944, after it had taken crippling damage from the enemy. Lt. Robert Geunther and his crew were interned and the aircraft remained in Sweden until after the war. At that time it was sold to business interests in Denmark which used it as a transport for a time. It was then sold to the French Geographic Institute who used it for photo duties up until 1961. The aircraft then sat in despair for years until it was rediscovered by Australian historian Steve Birdsall in 1972. It was dismantled and flown back to the United States and for years it underwent a complete restoration. 60,000 man hours of labor of love went

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EPILOGUE

191

into her rebirth at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and in Do- Hard Way. Menno Duerksen did an excellent final coverage ver, Delaware. On October 13, 1988, Shoo Shoo Baby winged of the life and times of Memphis Belle in The Memphis Belle home to Wright-Patterson AFB to take her place for poster- -HomeAtLast. ity. The Memphis Belle gained national limelight once more A co-pilot who flew with the 91st would gain literary when in 1990, Cathrine Wyler, daughter of William Wyler, immortality in 1952. Lt. Bert Stiles few a tour of combat with co-produced a new movie by that name. William Wyler had the 91st, primarily as co-pilot for Lt. Sam Newton. Many of spent some time with the 91st during its early combats and their missions were flown in a well known Fortress named filmed the famous documentary "Memphis Belle" which still Times A -Wastin. Stiles had been a successful writer in civil- rates as one of the finest combat films to come out of the war. ian life, but was just really getting his start when the war The new movie brought very mixed reviews, particularly from came along. Rather than go home after his tour with the 91st, those who had flown combat on the Fortresses, but if nothing Stiles chose to go to the 339th Fighter Group as a P-51 Mus- else it put the immortal B-1? back in the spotlight! Many of the members of the wartime 91st are gone now tang pilot. There he launched a successful career as a fighter pilot and was credited with one enemy aircraft destroyed be- but their memory lives on. Major General Stanley T. Wray, fore he, too, was shot down and killed on a mission to Hanover who trained the group and led it on its first mission and for a year thereafter, passed away on September 13, 1986. on November 26,1944. Colonel Immanuel "Manny" Klette CO of the 324th In 1952 his mother had his book entitled Serenade To The Big Bird published. It was immediately recognized as a Bomb Squadron, led the group on many of its missions inwar classic and since its first publication date it has gone cluding the last one. Klette had completed a combat tour with through many reprints. By and large it has been accepted by the 306th Bomb Group before he came to the 91st but upon many former B-1? crewmen as the very finest portrait of one his arrival it seemed that he just flew on and on into eternity. When the war ended, "Manny" had set the record for the numwho flew in those trying days. Over the years there have been several other publications ber of missions for any pilot in the 8th Air Force - 91! His of note by and about the men of the 91st. The first was Wray's combat hours numbered 689. "Manny" passed away on FebRagged Irregulars which covered the color and accomplish- ruary 12, 1988, at the age of 69. Colonel Henry W. Terry, the popular CO of the 91st from ments of the 91st during the early part of its combat career. Colonel George P. Birdsong did a fine book on his days with May 1944 to May 1945 passed away on November 30,1990. the 91st entitled Stormy Weather, and George W. Armstrong Colonel Terry commanded the 91st for 185 of its 340 mistold of his combats and prisoner of war ordeal in USA - The sions.

192

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Strike photo ofSt. Jean Dedngely airfield on March 27, 1944. (Havelaar)

Strike photo showing airfield hangars on fireat Peenemunde, August 25, 1944. Note missile test launch pads. (Havelaar)

EPILOGUE

Strike photo of Oldenburg airfield onAprilB, 1944. (Havelaar)

PFF bombing ofBrunswick on March 29, 1944.(Havelaar)

193

194

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Strike photo ofHamm marshaling yards on April 22, 1944. (Havelaar)

Strike photo ofErding airfield on April 24, 1944. (Havelaar)

EPILOGUE

Strike photo of camouflaged airfield at Rheine on March 21,1945. (Havelaar)

Strike photo of Cambrai Niergnies airfield on June 12, 1944 through 4/10 cloud cover. (Havelaar)

195

196

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Strike photo ofLutzkendorf synthetic oil plant on September 13, 1944. (Havelaar)

Strike photo of bridge near Tours, France on June 8, 1944. (Havelaar)

EPILOGUE

Strike photo of airfield at Bordeaux on June 19, 1944. Luftwaffe Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condors were stationed at this air base. (Havelaar)

Strike photo of Toulouse airfield on June 25, 1944. (Havelaar)

197

198

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

Strike photo ofKiel Harbor facilities on March 22, 1944. (Have/aar)

Strike photo ofLechfeld on July 19, 1944. This airfield was important due to its Me 262 development activities. (Havelaar)

EPILOGUE

Strike photo of Cologne on January 14, 1945. Target was the Deutz suspension bridge over the Rhine. (Havelaar)

Strike photo ofKerlin/Bastard airfield on June 7, 1944. (Havelaar)

199

200

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

Strike photo ofStendal railway traffic on February 23, 1945. (Havelaar)

Strike photo ofL,utzkendorfsynthetic oil plant on May 12, 1944. Note coal strip mines in the area. (HavelaQl)

EPILOGUE

Strike photo ofBerlin on February 3, 1945. Templehof airdrome is clearly visible. (Havelaar)

Strike photo ofDessau airfield on May 30,1944. (Havelaar)

201

202

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Strike photo ofFritzlar airfield just prior to bomb impact on October 2,1944. Note excellent camouflage on main airfield at upper left, and auxiliary field at middle-right. (Havelaar)

Strike photo ofMainz oil refinery on September 21, 1944. (Havelaar)

Appendixes APPENDIX 1

COMBAT MISSIONS

Missions

Alerts Date

Target

Status

Missions

Alerts Date

Target

Status

36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73.

Arniens Arniens Arniens SI. Nazaire Hamm sortie SI. Nazaire Arniens Arniens Dunkirk Wilhelmshaven Brest Rennex Hamm Lodent Rennes Arniens Wilhemshaven Rouen Arniens Rouen Rouen Vegesack Emden Wilhelmshaven Wilhelmshaven Rotterdam Rouen Rouen Rotterdam Pads Antwerp Antwerp Lorient Bremen Amiens Brest Antwerp Meaulte

Scrubbed Scrubbed Scrubbed Scrubbed Abortive Completed Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Abl.Sortie Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Cancelled Cancelled Scrubbed Scrubbed

1942 l. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

3-11 7-11 8-11 9-11 14-11 17-11 18-11 19-11 21-11 22-11 23-11 29-11 3-12 5-12 6-12 10-12 12-12 20-12 30-12

Brest Brest Abbeville SI. Nazaire SI. Nazaire SI. Nazaire La Pallice Lodent Lodent Lodent SI. Nazaire La Pallice Lille Lille Lille Rommilly Romilly Romilly Lorient

Cancelled Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Scrubbed Cancelled Scrubbed Completed Cancelled Completed Completed Completed

18. 19.

20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

25. 26.

1943 27. 13. 14.

15.

16.

17.

20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.

3-1 9-1 13-1 14-1 15-1 16-1 22-1 23-1 24-1 25-1 27-1 29-1 31-1 1-2 2-2 4-2

SI. Nazaire Emden Lille Lodent Arniens Arniens Vegesack Lorient Chent Chent Wilhelmshaven Bremen Hamm Hamm Hamm Emden

Completed Scrubbed Completed Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Completed Cancelled Cancelled Completed Scrubbed Cancelled Scrubbed Abortive Completed

28.

29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.

203

5-2 7-2 8-2 10-2 14-2 16-2 19-2 20-2 25-2 26-2 27-2 2-3 4-3 6-3 8-3 9-3 10-3 12-3 13-3 14-3 17-3 18-3 19-3 21-3 22-3 23-3 27-3 28-3 31-3 4-4 5-4 14-4 16-4 17-4 19-4 21-4 27-4 29-4

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

204 Missions

Alerts Date

Target

Status

35.

74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80.

1-5 3-5 4-5 5-5 13-5 14-5 15-5

Completed Scrubbed Completed Cancelled Completed Completed Completed

8l. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 9l. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 10l. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 12l. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 13 I. 132. 133.

17-5 19-5 21-5 28-5 29-5 4-6 11-6 13-6 14-6 15-6 21-6 22-6 23-6 25-6 26-6 28-6 29-6 2-7 4-7 8-7 10-7 13-7 14-7 15-7 16-7 17-7 18-7 24-7 25-7 26-7 28-7 29-7 30-7 3-8 10-8 12-8 15-8 16-8 17-8 19-8 24-8 26-8 27-8 30-8 31-8 2-9 3-9 4-9 6-9 7-9 10-9 15-9 16-9

St. Nazaire Antwerp Antwerp Meaulte Meaulte Keil Wilhelmshaven (Heligoland) Keroman Keil Wilhelmshaven Bremen St. Nazaire Caen Bremen Bremen Le Mans Le Mans Huls Huls Villa Coublay Hamburg Villa Coublay St. Nazaire Tricqueville Le Mans Le Mans St. Nazaire Villa Coublay Poix Amiens Vitry Vitry Hannover Kassel Heroya Hamburg Hamburg Kassel Kiel Kassel Villa Coublay Schweinfurt Gelsenkirchen Flushing Le Bourget Schweinfurt Gilze Rigen Villa Coublay Brussels Watten Cambrai Romilly Conches Evereux Romilly AID Stuttgart Paris Bergen Romilly Nantes

36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 4l. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 5l. 52. 53. 54.

55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 6l.

62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 7l.

72. 73.

Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Scrubbed Abt Sortie Scrubbed Completed Abortive Completed Abt Sortie Completed Abt Sortie Cancelled Completed Cancelled Abt Sortie Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Abt Sortie Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Abt Sortie Completed Completed Scrubbed Cancelled Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Completed Recalled Completed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed

Missions

74. 75. 76.

77. 78. 79. 80. 8l.

82.

83.

84. 85. 86.

87. 88.

89. 90. 9l. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98.

Alerts Date

Target

Status

134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 14l. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 15l. 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 16l. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 18l. 182. 183.

Frankfurt Nantes Nantes Rheims Nantes Frankfurt Meulan Emden Ship "Lutzow" Emden Emden Kassel Frankfurt Bremen Bremen Anklam Munster Emden Emden Schweinfurt Duren Duren Duren Gennevilliers Gelsenkirchen Wilhelmshaven Gelsenkirchen Gelsenkirchen Emden Wesel Neuss Bremen Wesel Bremen Knaben Bremen Bremen Bremen Solingen Leverkusen Paris Emden Bremen Berlin Bremen Bremen Osnabruck Andres Ludwigshaven Cognac

Scrubbed Scrubbed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Abt Sortie Completed Cancelled Cancelled Completed Cancelled Completed Cancelled Completed Completed Completed Cancelled Recalled Completed Cancelled Recalled Abt Sortie Scrubbed Recalled Completed Scrubbed Completed Cancelled Completed Scrubbed Cancelled Recalled Recalled Abt Sortie Scrubbed Completed Recalled Recalled Completed Abt Sortie Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed

17-9 18-9 20-9 21-9 23-9 24-9 26-9 27-9 28-9 29-9 2-10 3-10 4-10 7-10 8-10 9-10 10-10 11-10 13-10 14-10 17-10 18-10 20-10 21-10 30-10 3-11 4-11 5-11 6-11 7-11 8-11 10-11 11-11 13-11 16-11 23-11 26-11 29-11 30-11 1-12 5-12 11-12 13-12 14-12 16-12 20-12 22-12 24-12 30-12 31-12

1944 99. 100. lOl. 102. 103.

184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 19l.

4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1 11-1 14-1 15-1 18-1

Kiel Tours Ardres Ludwigshaven Oschersleben Croisettex Gotha Frankfurt

Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed

APPENDIX 1: COMBAT MISSIONS Missions

Alerts Date 192. 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198: 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208.

19-1 20-1 21-1 24-1 26-1 29-1 30-1 31-1 1-2 3-2 4-2 5-2 6-2 9-2 11-2 17-2 20-2

209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 234. 225. 226. 227. 228. 229. 230.

21-2 22-2 24-2 25-2 29-2 2-3 3-3 4-3 6-3 7-3 8-3 9-3 13-3 14-3 16-3 17-3 18-3 20-3 22-3 23-3 24-3 26-3

231.

27-3

232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238.

28-3 29-3 31-3 6-4 7-4 8-4 9-4

137. 138. 139.

239. 240. 241. 242. 243. 244. 245.

10-4 11-4 13-4 17-4 18-4 19-4 20-4

140.

246. 247.

21-4 22-4

104.

105. 106.

107. 108. 109. 110. 111.

112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122.

123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132.

133.

134. 135. 136.

Target

Status

La Glacerie Scrubbed La Glacerie Scrubbed La Glacerie Completed Frankfurt Recalled Scrubbed Frankfurt Frankfurt Completed Brunswick Completed Frankfurt Scrubbed Frankfurt Scrubbed Wilhelmshaven Completed Frankfurt Completed AvordAID Completed Abt Sortie Nancy/Essey Leipzig Recalled Frankfurt Completed Nr. Abbeville Cancelled Completed A-Leipzig B-Aschersleben Completed Achmer Completed Completed Bunde Completed Schweinfurt Augsburg Completed Cancelled Jever Frankfurt Completed Wilhelmshaven Completed Completed KolnArea Berlin Completed Gutersloh Scrubbed Erkner(Berlin) Completed Oranienburg Completed Cancelled NT. St. Orner Cancelled NT. St. Orner Lechfeld Completed Augsburg AID Cancelled Oberpfaffen-hofen Completed Frankfurt Completed Completed Berlin HammArea Completed Completed Schweinfurt Cancelled Bohlen Completed Marquis St. Jean Completed D/Angely Rheims/Champagne Completed Brunswick Completed Cancelled Ludwigshaven Oberpfaffenhofen Scrubbed Oldenburg Cancelled Completed Oldenburg Recalled Gdynia Marienburg Completed Brussels Completed Stettin Completed Schweinfurt Cancelled Laon Completed Oranienburg Completed Eschwege Croisette & Beauvoir Completed Recalled Merseberg Completed Hamm

Missions

141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154. 155.

156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 189. 190.

205

Alerts Date

Target

248. 249. 250. 251. 252. 253. 254. 255. 256. 257. 258. 259. 260. 261. 262. 263. 264. 265. 266. 267. 268. 269. 270. 271. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 280. 281. 282. 283. 284. 285. 286. 287. 288. 289. 290. 291. 292. 293. 294. 295. 296. 297. 298. 299.

23-4 24-4 25-4 26-4 27-4 28-4 29-4 30-4 1-5 4-5 6-5 7-5 8-5 9-5 10-5 11-5 12-5 13-5 15-5 16-5 17-5 19-5 20-5 22-5 23-5 24-5 25-5 27-5 28-5 29-5 30-5 31-5 2-6 2-6 3-6 4-6 5-6 6-6 7-6 8-6 10-6 11-6 12-6 13-6 15-6 17-6 18-6 19-6 19-6 20-6 21-6 22-6

300. 301. 302. 303. 304. 305. 306. 307.

23-6 24-6 25-6 26-6 28-6 29-6 4-7 6-7

Merseberg Cancelled Erding Completed Metz!Frescaty Completed Brunswick Completed La Glacerie Completed AvordAID Completed Berlin Completed Lyons!Bron Completed Troyes Completed Berlin Recalled Sottevast Abt Sortie Berlin Completed Berlin Completed St. Dizier Completed Rotenburg Recalled Konz Kartaous Completed Lutzkendorf Completed Stralsund Completed Orly Scrubbed Orly Scrubbed Rotenburg Scrubbed Berlin Completed Villa Coublay Completed Completed Kie1 Saarbrucken Completed Berlin Completed Nancy/Essey Completed Ludwigshafen Completed Dessau Completed Posen Completed Completed Dessau Mulhouse Abt Sortie Boulogne Completed Completed Massy-Palaiseau Hardelot Completed Hardelot Completed Houlgate Completed Completed La Riviera Kerlin-Bastard Completed Completed Tours Completed Boulogne Area Beaumont Le Roger Completed Cambrai/Kiergnies Completed Beaumont Sur Oise Completed Completed Bordeaux AID Amiens Scrubbed Completed Hamburg Bordeaux Completed Crepy Scrubbed Hamburg Completed Berlin Completed Maxingarbe Pont A Vendon Completed Fleury Abt Sortie Distre Completed Completed Toulouse Munich Scrubbed Completed Anizy Leipzig Recalled Tours Abt Sortie Aire Completed

Status

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

206

Missions

Alerts Date

Target

19I.

308.

"A" Koleda "B" Leipzig Completed Etaples Completed "B" Crepicul "C" Fleury Abt Sortie "D" Cauchie D'Ecques "E" Flers Scrubbed "A" Cauchie D'Ecques "B" Erny/S1. Julien Scrubbed Munich Completed Munich Completed Munich Completed Merseburg Cancelled Augsburg Completed Peenemunde Completed Lechfeld Completed Leipzig Completed N.W. S1. Lo Completed N.W. S1. Lo Completed Munich Scrubbed Merseburg Taucha Completed Merseburg Completed Munich Completed Chartres Completed Lens Scrubbed Mulhouse ToullCroix de Metz Completed Peenemunde Completed Nienburg Completed Brandenburg Completed "B" Sand "C" BaurronMarlotte Completed S.E.of Bretteville Sur Laize Completed Elsenborn Completed Brest Completed Buc Completed Le Manor Completed MetlFrechaty Completed Ostheim Completed Halle Completed Russelheim Cancelled Ld.Kolleda Hi&Lo Goslar Completed Neubrandenburg Completed Gelsenkirchen Completed Holigoland Completed Kiel Completed Nickels-lO-Tar Completed Ludwigshafen Completed Berlin Cancelled Bremen Cancelled Ludwigshafen Completed Ludwigshafen Completed Gaggenau Completed Lutzkendorf Completed Lutzkendorf Eisenach Completed Berlin Scrubbed

192. 193.

7-7

309. 310.

8-7 9-7

31I.

10-7

312.

10-7

207.

313. 314. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 320. 32I. 322. 323. 324. 325. 326. 327. 328. 329.

11-7 12-7 13-7 15-7 16-7 18-7 19-7 20-7 24-7 25-7 27-7 28-7 29-7 31-7 1-8 2-8 3-8

208. 209. 210. 211.

330. 33I. 332. 333.

4-8 5-8 6-8 7-8

212.

334.

8-8

213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219.

335. 336. 337. 338. 339. 340. 34I. 342. 343.

9-8 11-8 12-8 13-8 14-8 15-8 16-8 23-8 24-8

194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 20I. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206.

220. 22I. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226.

227. 228. 229. 230. 23I.

344. 345. 346. 347. 348. 349. 350. 35I. 352. 353. 354. 355. 356. 357.

25-8 26-8 27-8 30-8 3-9 5-9 6-9 6-9 8-9 9-9 10-9 11-9 13-9 14-9

Status

Missions

Alerts Date

Target

Status

358. 359. 360. 36I. 362. 363. 364. 365. 366. 367.

16-9 19-9 20-9 21-9 25-9 26-9 27-9 28-9 30-9 2-10

Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed

368. 369. 370. 37I.

3-10 4-10 6-10 7-10

372. 373. 374. 375. 376. 377. 378. 379. 380.

8-10 9-10 12-10 13-10 14-10 15-10 17-10 18-10 19-10

253. 254. 255.

38I. 382. 383. 384. 385. 386. 387. 388. 389. 390.

22-10 25-10 26-10 30-10 31-10 2-11 3-11 5-11 6-11 9-11

256.

39I. 392. 393.

12-11 14-11 16-11

257.

394.

21-11

258. 259. 260. 26I. 262. 263. 264.

395. 396. 397. 398. 399. 400. 40I. 402. 403. 404. 405. 406. 407.

25-11 26-11 27-11 29-11 30-11 4-12 5-12 7-12 9-12 11-12 12-12 15-12 18-12

408. 409.

19-12 20-12

Eindhoven Hamm Kassel Mainz Frankfurt Osnabruck Koln Madgeburg Munster Kassel (Fritzlar) Neurnburg Koln Neubrandenburg Freiberg-T.O. Hurzen Ruhland-41st Brux, Czech. Schweinfurt Koln Koln Koln Koln Koln Kassel (Ludwigshafen) Karlsruhe Kreunach Brunswick Hamburg Munster Hamm Politz Merseburg Hamburg Offenbach Hamburg Ground Supp. S.ofMetz Hamm Bielfield Ground Supp. Aachen Area (Lutzkendorf) Merseburg Merseburg Altenbeken Offenburg Misburg Zeitz Kassel Berlin Munster Stuttgart Frankfurt Merseburg Kassel Luxembourg Area (Screening Force) Schwerte Koln

232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. 24I. 242.

243.

244. 245. 246. 247.

248. 249. 250. 25 I. 252.

265. 266. 267. 268. 269.

Completed Scrubbed Completed

Completed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed

Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed

APPENDIX 1: COMBAT MISSIONS Missions

Alerts Date

Target

Status

270.

410.

"D" Merzausen "C" Kirch-Gons Ludendorf Wittlich Boschofsheim Bitburg

Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed

271. 272. 273.

411. 412. 413. 414.

24-12 28-12 29-12 30-12 31-12

1945 274. 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 280. 281. 282. 283. 284. 285. 286. 287.

288.

415. 416. 417. 418. 419. 420. 421. 422. 423. 424. 425. 426. 427. 428. 429. 430. 431. 432. 433.

1-1 2-1 3-1 5-1 6-1 10-1 14-1 15-1 16-1 17-1 20-1 21-1 22-1 27-1 28-1 29-1 31-1 1-2 2-2

434. 435. 436. 437. 438. 439. 440. 441.

3-2 6-2 7-2 8-2 9-2 10-2 11-2 13-2

292.

442.

14-2

293. 294.

295. 296. 297. 298. 299.

443. 444. 445. 446. 447. 448. 449. 450. 451.

15-2 16-2 17-2 18-2 19-2 20-2 21-2 22-2 23-2

300. 301. 301.

452. 453. 454.

24-2 26-2 27-2

289. 290.

291.

Kassel Prum Koln Koblenz Koln Ostheim Koln Ingolstadt Berlin Paderborn Ludwigshaven Aschaffenburg Sterkrade Bremen Koln Niederlahnstein "A" Berlin "B" Misburg Mannheim "A" Berlin B" Dresden Berlin Gotha Osterfeld Wesel Altenbeken Kassel Munster "A" Kassel "B" Dresden Lead U/I1'/O Hi&Lo Prague Dresden Gelsenkirchen Bohlen Altenbeken Dortmund Nurnberg Nurnberg Stendal Meiningen Hildourghausen Hamburg Berlin Leipzig

Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed

Missions

Alerts Date

Target

Status

303. 304. 305.

455. 456. 457.

28-2 1-3 2-3

Completed Completed

306. 307.

458. 459.

3-3 4-3

308.

460.

7-3

309. 310. 311. 312. 313.

461. 462. 463. 464. 465.

8-3 9-3 10-3 12-3 14-3

314.

323.

466. 467. 468. 469. 470. 471. 472. 473. 474. 475. 476. 477. 478. 479.

15-3 16-3 17-3 18-3 19-3 21-3 22-3 23-3 24-3 24-3 25-3 26-3 27-3 28-3

Schwarte Neilbronn Ld&Lo Chemnitz Hi Jocketa Chemnitz Ld Reutlingen Hi&LoUlm Ld&Hi Dortmund Lo Giessen Huls Kassel Sinsen Dillenburg Vlotho Hi Osnabruck Oranienburg Leipzig Bohlen Berlin Plauen Rheine/Salzberger Dorsten Coesfeld Vechta

324. 325.

480. 481.

30-3 31-3

326. 327. 328.

482. 483. 484. 485. 486. 487.

2-4 3-4 3-4 4-4 5-4 7-4

329. 330. 331.

488. 489. 490.

8-4 9-4 10-4

332. 333. 333. 334. 335. 336. 337. 338. 339. 340.

491. 492. 493. 494. 495. 496. 497. 498. 499. 500.

11-4 12-4 13-4 15-4 16-4 17-4 18-4 20-4 21-4 25-4

315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 320. 321. 322.

Scrubbed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Recalled Recalled Completed Scrubbed Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Recalled Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed

207

1'wente~nscheden

Zeitz Ebrach Fulda Spandau Stendal Bremen Halle Aschersleben Snrydstrutden Kaltenkirchen Beldringe Fassberg Frafenwohr Kohlenbissen Lo Fassberg Stendal Oberhaffenhofen Oranienburg Lo Rechlin/Larz Freiham Bayreuth Neumunster Rochefort Area Regensburg Dresden Rosenheim Brandenburg Munich Pilsen

Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Recalled Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Recalled Scrubbed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Scrubbed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed

APPENDIX 2

AIRCRAFT ASSIGNED

ron assignments; squadron letter codes; individual aircraft Radio Transmission (RIT) identification letter; and the aircraft name. Multiple entries for squadron assignments, codes, and aircraft names will be presented. Immediately underneath this entry line is information presented in short hand that details the aircraft's history.

The Eighth Air Force Memorial Museum Foundation maintains a data base known as Project Bits and Pieces that contains historical information on the B-17s and B-24s assigned to the Mighty Eighth. Paul M. Andrews and William H. Adams continually collect information from hundreds of books, photographs, as well as "bits and pieces" from hundreds of 8th Air Force veterans and aviation enthusiasts. The information in this appendix would not be possible without the access to this data base and the permission of The Eighth Air Force Memorial Museum Foundation. Anyone having additional information or corrections are requested to direct their information to: Project Bits and Pieces, P.O. Box 3010, Warrenton, Virginia 221861710.

Abbreviations The following abbreviations and numbered units are used through out this list. All dates are day, month, and year.

Format Information about those B-17s assigned to the 91st Bombardment Group, including those assigned temporarily, is provided in numerical order by aircraft serial number.

231333 322 LG W Wee Willie 18 10 43 AI 23 11 43 AOS 10 1243 G 02 01 44 Hertford Bridge, UK RG 04 01 44 14 1244 FTRLOC RG ? 04 04 45 FTRLOC RG ? 08 04 45 FTR AA EX CR Stendal, Germany - Lt. Robert E. Fuller - 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 13881 - See: NASAA62744AC, B62808AC

AA AF AFSC AI AOS BG BS CAM CCRC CF CL CR CTO DIT E&E EVD EX FTR FTRINT

As illustrated above, each entry contains two elements: FTRLOC

1. In larger type and in bold face, information pertinent to the aircraft's squadron assignment, markings, and aircraft name.

FUEL

G

2. Indented and in smaller type face, information pertinent to the aircraft's significant events, which also includes where additional information can be located. From left to right information will be provided to the extent possible about the serial number as it appears on the vertical stabilizer; group and squad-

GF GJF GMU GSE INT KIA KIS

208

Anti-Aircraft / Flak Air Field Air Force Service Command B-17 Added to Air Force Inventory B-17 Arrived Overseas Bombardment Group Bombardment Squadron Camouflage Combat Crew Replacement Center Caught on Fire Crash Landed, Pilot had control of B-17 Crashed, Pilot had little control of B-17 Crashed on Takeoff Ditched Escape and Evasion Report, National Archives, Record Group 332 Evaded capture or escaped from prison Exploded Failed to Return Failed to Return, B-17 and or Crew Interned in a Neutral Country Failed to Return, Landed on the Continent behind "friendly" lines Ran out of fuel Gained German Fighter German Jet Fighter Group Maintenance Unit German Single Engine Fighter Interned Killed in Action Killed in Service, Noncombat

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED LAND MACR MECH MID MRU MTO NASA NASB NMF POW RAF

RG RTB RTD RZOI SAL TAXI

WI lSF 2SAD BAD1 8AF 8FC 8SF 9AF 15AF 403AD (?)

Landing accident at Bassingbourn unless otherwise noted Missing Air Crew Report, National Archives, Record Group 92 Mechanical Mid Air Collision Mobile Repair Unit Mediterranean Theater of Operations National Air and Space Museum, black & white photograph number National Air and Space Museum, color photograph number Natural Metal Finish Prisoner of War Royal Air Force Regained Returned to Base Returned to Duty Remained in the ZOI Salvaged Taxi accident at Bassingbourn unless otherwise noted Zone of the Interior (U.S.) 1st Scout Force 2nd Strategic Air Depot, AF Little Staughton and AF Abbots Ripton Base Air Depot #1, AF Burtonwood 8th Air Force 8th Fighter Command 8th Scout Force 9th Air Force 15th Air Force 403rdAir Depot, AF Langford Lodge Information unknown Information cannot be confirmed

Nuances Efforts have been taken to present the information about each heavy bomber in a straightforward format by having each entry contain two elements. Despite these efforts, the nature of information does promote confusion. With this in mind, the following are observations addressing the various nuances germane to each element's components. Serial Number - The aircraft serial number, for example 42-31333, is composed of two components. The "42" indicates that in 1942 a contract was signed with a company to build an aircraft and the "31333" is the air frame's unique serial number. This number appears on a number of official documents. Also a simplified number was applied onto the aircraft's vertical stabilizer. In this case, "42-31333" becomes "231333." Also some documentation, especially at the squadron and group level, only referred to the aircraft by its last three digits. In using the same example, "42-31333" appears as "333."

209

R/T letter codes. In doing so, especially for R/T codes, it is not possible to ensure the order of these variations. For example, "AlG" indicates that bomber had the R/T of "A" and "G" but left unclear is whether the letter "A" or "G" came first.

Name - In response to concerns about the negative propaganda value of names such as Murder Incorporated, the 8AF required groups to supply information about the names given to the aircraft. These lists, some sent over teletype machines and others typed on paper, went to the Public Relations Office for screening. Today, only a very small portion of these lists are availale to the researcher. There are inherent problems in addressing the names given because some aircraft were never named while others carried several names. When an aircraft transferred to another unit sometimes the name was retained while on other occasions the name was changed altogether. For example, the 95th Bomb Group's 23046 01' Jackson-That Frisco Kid, when reassigned to the 351st appears on a list as Old Jackson. The lack of photographic evidence makes it impossible to determine if the name was actually changed. Another problem area involves articles such as "The." Since those compiling the lists may not have paid particular attention to detail or that those who flew or worked on the aircraft may not recall exactly, there are often questions concerning whether the aircraft was named Blues in the Night or The Blues in the Night. Furthermore, was the aircraft named Blues in the Night or Blues in the Knight? Whenever it surfaces, variations of spellings are provided.

Significant Events - The first line of information regarding the aircraft's historical events provides dates for the bomber's acceptance into the inventory (AI), arrival over seas (AOS), and being gained by the unit (G). Immediately following the "G" is any information about the aircraft's previous combat unit assignment. The remaining lines of information detail to the extent possible the aircraft's operational history to include significant events, such as landing at another base after a sortie, to whether the aircraft failed to return from a sortie (FTR), declared salvaged (SAL), or was transferred to another unit. Where applicable, citations will be provided for such documents as Escape and Evasion Reports (E&E) and Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR). As there are a number of possible variations to this element, which may prove to be confusing, what follows are a series of examples accompanied by a narrative explanation.

Failed to Return - On occasion all that is known is the date that an aircraft did not return which is cited as 06 10 44 FTR. There are also other possible entries. 06 10 44 FTRLOC France 25 10 44 SAL Aircraft on 6 October 1944 was forced to land somewhere in France and was declared salvaged on 25 October.

Squadron - Squadron assignments, even when appearing on official documents, may not necessarily reflect the bomber's actual assignment. For example a 324th crew could be assigned to fly a 322nd aircraft. The MACR generally notes the squadron assignment of the crew and not of the aircraft.

Squadron Codes and R/T Letters - Efforts have been made to note when a bomber appears to have been assigned different squadron and

06 10 44 FTR AA GF EX CR Anglos, ? - 2Lt John J. Jones - 1 EVD, 4 KIA, 5 POW Aircraft on 6 October 1944 failed to return because of activity from German anti-aircraft fire and German Fighters which caused the aircraft to explode and crash at or near Anglos. It has yet to be determined in what country Anglos is located. Furthermore, it must be understood that spelling on official documents may not be accurate. The pilot of record was 2Lt John J. Jones and 1 of the crew

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

210

evaded capture, 4 were killed in action and the remaining 5 were prisoners of war. Note: Unless known otherwise, all aircraft FTR are considered to have crashed (CR).

Aircraft on 6 October 1944 landed at Air Field Able and returned to its home base on 10 October. 061044X BG

061044 FfRINTAA Bern, Switzerland - Major Robert H. Smith -10 INT 25 06 45 RG UK 04 07 45 ZOI 27 12 45 Kingman, Arizona

Aircraft transferred to the X Bomb Group. 06 10 44 BAD! X BG

Aircraft failed to return because of anti-aircraft damage and landed in Bern, Switzerland. Pilot of record was Major Robert H. Smith and his crew were interned. The aircraft returned to the United Kingdom on 25 June 1945, flew to the U.S. on 4 July and eventually ended up in Kingman, Arizona on 27 December.

Aircraft was sent to the Base Air Deport Burtonwood before its eventual transfer to the X Bomb Group.

See: - Indicates if photographs are available at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum Library.

06 10 44 FfR MECH DIT English Channel - Capt Joseph M. White - 10 RTD Aircraft forced to ditch in the English Channel because ofunspecified mechanical reasons. Capt White's crew all returned to duty. Note: Unless known otherwise, all aircraft FTR over water are considered to have ditched (DIT).

Salvaged - On occasion all that is known is the date that an aircraft was salvaged which is cited as 06 10 44 SAL. There are also other possible entries. 06 10 44 CR SAL Aircraft on 6 October 1944 crashed at an unknown site and was declared salvaged. Date of salvage mayor may not be the same as the date of the incident. Note: Efforts are made to distinguish between a crash landing, where the pilot had at least some control of the aircraft, and crashing, where the pilot had little if any control. Unless known otherwise, all returning aircraft listed as having "crashed" are considered to have crash landed (CL). 06 10 44 CL RAF Baker 10 10 44 2SAD 27 1144 SAL Aircraft crash landed at RAF Air Field Baker on 6 October 1944 and on 10 October the 2nd Strategic Air Depot at Warton accepted responsibility for the bomber, but it was not until 27 November 1944 when the aircraft was salvaged. 06 10 44 LAND (nosed over) 08 10 44 SAL On 6 October 1944, while landing, the aircraft nosed over and was declared salvaged two days later. On occasion details of the incident may not be known. 06 1044 TAXI 297123 10 10 44 SAL On 6 October 1944, while taxiing, the aircraft struck another aircraft. If known the aircraft type struck or its serial number will be given. Aircraft declared salvaged four days later.

Other Significant Events - At times aircraft were forced to land at other air fields in the England or on the continent for a variety of reasons to include battle damage, weather, or having wounded aboard. Also aircraft, at times, were reassigned to another unit. 06 1044 AF Able RG 10 1044

After referring to the abbreviations and nuances above, it can be determined that 231333, assigned to the 91st Bomb Group's 322th squadron, carried the squadron codes of "LG," the individual R/T code "W" and was named Wee Willie. Furthermore, this aircraft was accepted into the inventory on 18 October 1943, arrived in the United Kingdom on 23 November 1943, and was assigned to the 91st on 20 December 1943. The B-17 landed on Hereford Bridge, UK on 2 January 1944 and returned to Bassingboum two days later. On two occasions, 14 December 1944 and 4 April 1945, the aircraft landed somewhere on the continent before returning to base. Finally on 8 April 1945 the aircraft failed to return as result of flak damage, which caused the plane to explode and crash at or near Stendal, Germany. 8 crewmen were killed and one taken prisoner. The pilot of record was LI. Robert E. Fuller. Additional information can be found by examining Missing Air Crew Report 13881 and two photos can be found at the National Air and Space Museum Library.

* * * 12394 322 LG Hangar Queen 000042 AI 00 00 42AOS 250542 G 12571 10 02 42 AI RZOI 25 05 42 G 210544 SAL 12576 09 02 42 AI RZOI 20 06 42 G 18 08 45 Altus, Oklahoma 12577 08 02 42 AI RZOI 20 06 42 G 09 1045 Altus, Oklahoma 12590 26 02 42 AI RZOI 20 06 42 G 18 1045 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 12593 24 02 42 AI RZOI 20 06 42 G 30 10 45 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 12594 24 02 42 AI RZOI 20 06 42 G 23 08 45 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 12597 26 02 42 AI RZOI 25 05 42 G 310842 SAL 12598 26 02 42 AI RZOI 20 06 42 G 15 04 42 CL CF SAL 12599 000242 AI 00 00 42AOS 00 00 42 G

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 322 LG X Yankee Doodle 324DFX 1405 42 AI 26 06 42 AOS 30 03 43 G 92BG 0707 43 BAD1 RG ? 24 05 44 BAD1 RG 20 06 44 21 02 45 FTRLOC France RG 22 02 45 3103 45 FTRLOC RG 030445 16 04 45 lSF RG 21 04 45 030645 ZOI - See: NASA 22847AC, 55433AC, 62753AC, 69537AC 19103 F "Dixie Demo" 11 04 42 AI 26 06 42 AOS 03 03 43 G 92BG 200643 BAD1 03 07 44 ZOI 190545 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas See: NASA 83523AC (?) 19107 401 LL X 15 04 42 AI 28 06 42 AOS 22 07 43 G 92BG 290843 BAD1

19023

124359 323 OR 1206 42 AI 06 08 42AOS 20 1243 G 482BG 010144? RG? 21 01 44 2SAD RG 20 02 44 15 03 44 AFSC 08 04 44 ZOI 19 12 45 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas Man-O-War 124399 323 OR V 2406 42 AI 23 09 42AOS 00 09 42 G 30 07 43 FTR GF CR Opijne, ? - 2Lt Keene C. McCammon - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 148 - See: NASA 52754AC (?), 62754AC The Saint 124431 401 LL G 2906 42 AI 1110 42AOS 29 08 42 G 120243 TAXI 16 0243 SAL 124432 401 LL FIE Danellen 2906 42 AI 0110 42AOS 29 08 42 G 20 12 42 FTR GF CR Rouen, France - Lt Dan W. Carson - 9 KIA, 1 POw. - MACR 5381 Chief Sly 124439 322 LG Q 0107 42 AI 29 09 42AOS 06 09 42 G 20 1243 CL Fletching, UK SAL 124447 401 LL H Kickapoo 0307 42 AI 0110 42AOS 29 08 42 G 26 0243 FTR GF CR North Sea - Capt John T. Swais - 10 KIAMACR 3575 Short Snorter 124449 401 LL B 0307 42 AI 0110 42AOS 011042 G 30 1242 FTR GF CR Lorient, France - Lt William D. Bloodgood - 10 KIA - MACR 3265 124451 401 LL 0607 42 AI 0110 42AOS 29 08 42 G 10 03 43 CL Ireland (5505N 0605W) SAL 124452 401 LL E 0607 42 AI 011042 AOS 29 08 42 G 20 12 42 FTR GF CR Rouen, France - Lt Robert S. English - 3 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 16243 124453 322 LG 0 Mizpah The Bearded Lady The Bearded Beauty 0607 42AI 29 09 42 AOS 29 08 42 G 11 06 43 GMU RG ? 17 08 43 FTR GF CR Mayen, Germany - 2Lt Everett L. Kenner - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 275 - See: NASAA62739AC, A62741AC, 69345AC 124459 401 LLA/B Hellsapoppin 13 0742 AI 01 10 42 AOS 00 09 42 G

211

17 04 43 FTR GF CR Wunstorf, Germany - Lt John W. Wilson - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 15520 - See: NASA C62769AC 124464 323 OR J Excalibur 13 07 42 AI 13 1042 AOS 20 02 43 G 306BG 04 03 43 FTR GF DIT North Sea - Lt Alan Brill - 3 KIA, 7 RTD 124479 322 LG R Sad Sack 1507 42 AI 29 09 42AOS 06 09 42 G 18 11 42 GF MID 124499 CR Youzil, ? - Maj Victor S. Zienowicz 10 KIA MACR 16273 - See: NASA 821AC (?), 26146AC (?), 69490AC, 74640AC 124480 324 DF C/B The Bad Penny 322 LGC/A 1507 42 AI 26 09 42AOS 00 09 42 G 21 05 43 GMU RG 190643 02 07 43 403AD RG ? 15 08 43 2SAD 19 1044 SAL 124481 322 LG M Hell's Angels 1507 42 AI 26 09 42AOS 06 09 42 G 1405 43 FTR GF DIT North Sea - Lt William H. Braley - 10 KIA MACR 15498 124482 322 LG S HeavyweightAnnihilators 1507 42 AI 29 09 42 AOS 06 09 42 G 270243 SAL 124483 322 LG U Spirit ofAlcohol 1507 42 AI 29 09 42 AOS 06 09 42 G 00 00 43 403AD RG 30 03 43 02 04 43 AF Honington RG ? 19 05 43 FTR GF CR Kiel Fiord - Lt Edwin L. Baxley - 6 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 15632 124484 401 LL C Bad Egg 1507 42 AI 0110 42AOS 00 09 42 G 23 06 43 GMU RG 02 07 43 01 01 44 2SAD 04 01 44 SAL - See: NASAA62769AC, A69385AC

124485 324 DF A "Memphis Belle" 1507 42 AI 2610 42AOS 000942 G 060343? RG? 08 06 43 ZOI 01 08 45 Altus, Oklahoma - See: NASA 23980AC, D23980AC, J23890AC, 24147AC, 25548AC, 66684AC 124490 324 DF C Jack the Ripper 1607 42 AI 26 09 42 AOS 000942 G 00 00 43 ? RG 17 05 43 05 07 43 2SAD RG 11 07 43 1410 43 AF Kimbolton RG ? 01 1243 AF Bury St. Edmunds RG ? 05 1243 AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 220244 FTR GSE CR Munster, Germany - Lt James 1. Considine - 1 KIA, 9 POW MACR 2640 - See: NASA C62762AC 124497 322 LG P Mizpah II Frisco Jennie Frisco Jinny 2107 42 AI 30 09 42AOS 00 00 42 G 07 03 43 RAF Davidstow Moor RG 08 03 43 00 00 43 ? RG 02 09 43 06 09 43 FTR GF DIT English Channel - Lt William R. Cox - 10 RTD Fury 124499 322 LG P 2107 42 AI 29 09 42AOS 06 09 42 G 181142 MID 124479 CLLeavesden or Truneston or Thrweston, UK 261142 SAL

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

212 124503

324 DF E

Pandora's Box

2107 42 AI 26 09 42 AOS 00 09 42 G 2311 42 FIR GF· Capt Duane L. Jones· 11 KIA· MACR 16162

124504

324 DF D

The Sad Sack Taurus

2107 42 AI 26 09 42AOS 00 09 42 G 23 01 43 CL RAF Little Horwood· 10 RID 1403 43 GMU RG ? 23 03 43 GMU RG 28 04 43 05 1243 AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 15 03 44 AFSC 03 05 44 SAL

124505

324 DF E/C

"Quitcherbitchin"

2207 42 AI 26 09 42AOS 00 09 42 G 00 00 43 ? RG 24 03 43 05 1243 AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 02 01 44 RAF Benson RG ? 15 03 44 AFSC 22 11 44 Arledge Field

124506

324 DF G

The Shiftless Skonk

22 07 42 AI 26 09 42 AOS 00 09 42 G 23 11 42 CL Leavesden or Watford, UK SAL . 5 KIA, 5 RID

124511

322 LG W

Wheel and Deal

2207 42 AlB 1042 AOS 000443 G 306BG 28 04 43 GMU RG ? 04 09 43 2SAD RG 07 09 43 16 09 43 Church Station, UK RG ? 011243 FIRAA CR Dusseldorf, Germany· 2Lt John T. Wennerberg

322 LG N

Rose O'Day

2207 42 AI 29 09 42AOS 06 09 42 G 040343 FIR GF DIT Zuider Zee - Lt Ralph A. Felton Jr. . 7 KIA, 3 POW

124515

324DFH

Jersey Bounce Marie Jane

23 07 42 AI 26 09 42 AOS 00 09 42 G 21 05 43 FIR GF DIT North Sea· Lt Phillip S. Fischer· 10 KIA MACR3458

124523

3230RN

"Golly!" Li'IAudrey Snooks

2407 42 AI 10 1142AOS 00 09 42 G 23 1242 AF Molesworth RG 28 03 43 00 00 43 ? RG 01 04 43 03 05 43 RAF Colerne RG 11 06 43 31 08 43 FIR MID 229816 CR English Channel· Lt Richard C. Rodman - 10 KIA· MACR 563 . See: NASA C62751AC

124524

323 OR 0

The Eagle's Wrath

2607 42Al1l10 42AOS 00 09 42 G 17 08 43 FIR GF CR Harheim, Germany - Lt Anthony Arcaro - 2 EVD, 3 KIA, 5 POW· MACR 279 . See: NASA B62752AC, 72486AC

124527

324 DFY

The Great Speckled Bird The Sky Wolf

2607 42 AI 0110 42 AOS 000942 G 00 00 43 ? RG 28 03 43 2205 43 GMU RG ? 30 07 43 AF Ridgewell RG ? 17 08 43 FIR GF CR Waldaschaff, ? . Lt William S. Munger - 10 POW - MACR 274 - See: NASA 824AC, 827AC

124544

323 OR OIL

124545

322 LG T

Motise Luftwaffe's Waterloo

0308 42A11110 42AOS 06 0942 G 23 03 43 CF AF Bassingbourn AFSC SAL - See: NASAA69345AC

124547

323 OR PIT

Verligo

0308 42A11110 42AOS 00 0942 G 00 00 43 ? RG 16 03 43 01 05 43 FIR GF DIT English Channel - Lt Robert D. Rand - 5 KIA, 5 POW· MACR 3573 . See: NASAA62752AC

124549

323 OR O/Q

Stupen-Taket

0308 42A11110 42AOS 00 09 42 G 0403 43 FIR GF CR Hamm, Germany - Capt Martin W. McCarty Jr. . 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 15596

124570

323 OR

Panhandle Dogie

11 08 42A11110 42AOS 00 09 42 G 081142 SAL

124571

323 OR

0908 42 AI 1712 42AOS 00 09 42 G 00 00 42 MTO

124589

323 OR R

Texas Bronco

1608 42A11110 42AOS 00 09 42 G 04 02 43 FIR GF CL Terschelling, Germany - Lt Kenneth H. Futch· 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 15124

124606

401 LL G

Werewolf

2008 42 AI 16 1042 AOS 22 04 43 G 303BG 11 0643 ? RG 14 06 43 2SAD 00 00 43 CCRC

1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 1323

124512

04 02 43 FIR GF CR North Sea· Lt Allan L. Bobrow - 9 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 3557 or 4635

Pennsylvania Polka

0308 42 AI 26 10 42AOS 00 09 42 G

124639

323 OR W

The Careful Virgin

3108 42 AI 20 1142AOS 29 0143 G 05 12 43 AF Ridgewell RG 10 12 43 18 03 44 2SAD RG 05 05 44 07 05 44 AFSC - See: NASAA25550AC

22970

324 DF E/C

Connecticut Yankee

1908 42 AI 23 11 42AOS 13 1242 G 120643 MRU RG 190643 01 0843 CLAF Bovingdon or Winchelsea 06 09 43 2SAD 100943 SAL

22990

322 LG R

Dame Satan

3110 42 AI 07 0143AOS 100143 G 04 03 43 AFSC RG 05 04 43 220543 MRU RG 19 06 43 00 00 43 ? RG 27 06 43 28 07 43 AF Framlingham RG ? 17 08 43 FIR GF CR Wannebecq, Belgium - Lt Jack A. Hargis - 4 EVD, 2 KIA, 4 POW - E&E 187, 266, 284 - MACR 277

23031

324 DF F

Nitemare

23 12 42 AI 07 04 43 AOS 00 00 43 G 26 04 43 AF Honington RG 27 04 43 260743 FIR AA GF CR Oldenberg, Germany - LtJamesw. Randall - 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 201

23040

323 OR Q

Miss Ouachita

00 12 42 AI 00 00 43 AOS 23 08 43 G 306BG 21 0244 FIR GF CL Listrup, ? - 2Lt Spencer K. Osterberg - 2 KIA, 8 POW· MACR 2457 - See: NASA 50334AC, 50345AC

23043

401 LL B

Hitler's Gremlin Old Ironsides

27 12 42 AlB 04 43 AOS 22 04 43 G 23 04 43 AF Honington RG 27 04 43 170843 FIR DIT North Sea - Lt Eugene Lockhart - 10 KID - See: NASA 62770AC

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 23053 324 DF Z Desperate Journey 01 0243 AI 18 03 43 AOS 25 03 43 G 300343 AF Honington RG 310343 21 05 43 FTR GF CR Wilhelmshaven, Germany - Lt Norbert D. Koll - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 4438 - See: NASA 62783AC Piccadilly Commando 23057 322 LG N Blonde Bomber 04 01 43 AI 21 03 43 AOS 26 03 43 G 28 07 43 RAP Sutton Bridge RG ? 11 01 44 FTR MID GSE CR Oschersleben, Germany - 2Lt Wayne E. Murdoch - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 1918 - See: NASA 69453AC, A69496AC, 69515AC 23060 401 LL G Hell's Belle 0601 43 AI 16 06 43 AOS 13 09 43 G 385BG 011243 FTRAACR Overath, Germany - 2Lt Charles A. Guinn -10 POW - MACR 1319 - See: NASAA62770AC, 69430AC 23061 Skunkface II 06 0143AI 01 05 43AOS 01 0343 G 02 05 44 306BG 23072 324 DF B 13 01 43 AI 21 04 43 AOS 15 09 43 G 96BG 270943 379BG 23073 401 LLA Lightning Strikes 14 0143AI 17 06 43AOS 22 04 43 G 94BG 13 09 43 2SAD RG 15 09 43 05 1243 AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 21 0244 FTR GF CR Hergford, Germany - Lt William F. Simmons 10 POW - MACR 2463 - See: NASA 69331AC, 69374AC 23079 323 OR X 16 01 43 AI 08 04 43 AOS 160643 G 95BG 280743? RG? 160943 FTRAACR St. Nazaire, France - LtElden J. Smith -1 KIA, 9 POW - E&E 1489 - MACR 550 23111 324 DF Al Local Girl 08 0243 AI 21 0443 AOS 16 06 43 G 95BG 31 0743 AFSC RG ? 270943 FTR GF CR Weener, Germany - 2Lt William G. Pegram - 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 667 23119 322 LG M Frisco Jinny Destiny's Tot 10 02 43 AI 06 05 43 AOS 04 06 43 G 260743 FIR GF DIT North Sea - 2Lt JackA. Hargis - 10 RTD 23162 401 LLA Buccaneer 04 03 43 AI 19 04 43 AOS 15 07 43 G 94BG 12 08 43 FTR MID 229587 CR Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Lt Talmadge G. Wilson - 10 POW - MACR 259 23172 323 OR R/X Chennault's Pappy 08 03 43 AI 190443 AOS 13 06 43 G 306BG 27 06 43 AFSC RG? 01 1243 AF Framlingham RG ? 29 04 44 AFSC 19 10 45 Altus, Oklahoma - See: NASA 69377AC, 69357AC,69479AC 23210 323 OR 23 03 43 AI 19 04 43 AOS 18 05 43 G 01 06 43 CF AF Bassingbourn 03 06 43 AFSC 06 07 43 SAL 23213 323 OR M AllAmerican 24 03 43 AI 17 04 43 AOS 1606 43 G 95BG 16 0843 FIR MECH DIT North Sea - 2Lt Eldon J. Smith - 10 RTD 23271 401 LL U 15 04 43 AI 28 05 43 AOS 07 06 43 G 05 0743 100BG

213

23274 323 OR U 19 0443 AI 15 05 43 AOS 14 0843 G 306BG 04 1043 FIR MECH CR Limburg, Belgium - Lt Lloyd S. Schaper 1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 881 23321 06 05 43 AI 04 06 43 AOS 00 00 43 G 16064395BG 23506 324 DF B/H Sir Baboon McGoon Hoosier Hotshot 1407 43 AI 08 09 43AOS 22 09 43 G 10 1043 CLAF Horham 11 10 43 ISAD RG 19 02 44 29 02 44 ? RG 01 03 44 29 03 44 FIR GF DIT English Channel - 2Lt Edgar C. Downing - 10 POW - MACR 3473 Our Gang 25069 324 DF G 0409 42 AI 22 1142AOS 00 0042 G 04 03 43 AFSC RG 30 03 43 1405 43AFSC RG 24 0543 23 06 43 GMU RG 09 07 43 26 07 43 AFSC RG 27 07 43 17 08 43 FTR GF CR St. Goar, Germany - Lt William H. Wheeler 10 POW - MACR 281 - See: NASA 79386AC, 79387AC, 80042AC 25070 401 LL E/A Invasion 2nd 0009 42 AI 00 00 42AOS 00 00 42 G 170443 FIR AA CR Nikolausdorf, Germany - Capt Oscar D. O'Neill - 10 POW - MACR 15519 - See: NASA 4224AC 25077 323 OR T Delta Rebel No.2 0709 42 AI 1410 42AOS 00 00 42 G 120843 FTR GF CR Bruninshausen, ? - 2Lt Robert W. Thompson 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 261 - See: NASAA25549AC, B25550AC, 27293AC, A27293AC, C62755AC, 69352AC, 69504AC 25084 323 OR Panhandle Dogie 0909 42 AI 12 1142AOS 141242 G 030143 FTR AA EX CR St. Nazaire, France - Lt William M. Anderson - 9 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 2286 25132 401 LL E Royal Flush! 23 09 42 AI 28 11 42 AOS 18 01 43 G 303BG 05 04 43 GMU RG 23 04 43 220643 FIR GF CR - Lt Marcell E. Fountain - See: NASA 37679AC (?), C62769AC 25139 322 LG V Chief Sly II 2809 42 AI 2212 42AOS 130343 G 28 03 43 AFSC RG 03 04 43 1904 43AF Alconbury RG? 02 07 43 RAF Portreath RG 25 07 43 170843 FIR GF CR Geisenheim, Germany - 2Lt Joel Gatewood - 6 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 276 - See: NASA 62470AC 25172 401 LL Z Thunderbird 30 09 42 AI 21 03 43 AOS 26 03 43 G 08 03 43 RAF Exeter RG 26 03 43 17 04 43 FTR AA CR Bremen, Germany - Lt Harold H. Beasley - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 15521 25178 322 LG L The Old Stand By 3009 42 AI 3010 42AOS 00 0143 G 303BG 03 05 43 RAF Warmwell RG ? 17 07 43 AF Molesworth RG ? 28 07 43 AF Ridgewell RG ? 00 00 43 ? RG 24 09 43 09 10 43 FTR GF CR Flemsburg, Germany - Lt James D. Judy - 1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 898

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

214 25225

323 OR S

V-Packette Stormy Weather 1210 42 AI 24 0143 AOS 08 02 43 G 01 03 43 AP Honington RG ? 04 03 43 LAND APSC RG 23 04 43 17 08 43 FTR GF CR Baelen, Belgium - Lt Don Von Der Heyde - 1 EVD, 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 280 25337 401 LL J Short Snorter III 08 1142AI 2212 42AOS 00 00 43 G 13 04 43 AP Honington RG ? 170443 FTR GF DIT North Sea - Lt Nathan F. Lindsey - MACR 16090 25362 401 LL Short Snorter II 17 11 42 AI 22 12 42 AOS 00 00 43 G 26 02 43 FTR GF CR North Sea - Lt Beman E. Smith - 10 KIA MACR 15712 25370 324 DF K 18 11 42 AI 08 02 43 AOS 26 02 43 G 040343 FTR GF CR Munster, Germany - Lt Harold H. Henderson 9 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 16102 25379 401 LL D Yankee Eagle 19 11 42 AI 120343 AOS 15 03 43 G 280343 APSC RG 10 05 43 20 06 43 AP Ridgewell RG 23 06 43 27 07 43 AP Ridgewell RG ? 19 08 43 AP Kimbolton RG ? 28 08 43 AP Chelveston RG ? 01 1043 379BG - See: NASA C65822AC 25391 401 LL D Rain of Terror 24 11 42 AI 17 02 43 AOS 25 03 43 G 300343 AP Honington RG 310343 17 04 43 FTR GF CR Hilgenriedersiel, ? - Lt Robert B. Walker - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 15222 25406 323 OR 30 11 42 AI 24 03 43 AOS 190443 G 13 05 43 FTR - Lt Homer C. Biggs Jr. - 7 KIA, 3 POW - E&E 38 MACR? 25407 323 OR Fightin' Pappy 30 11 42 AI 07 02 43 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG 270943 379BG 25428 322 LG T Black Magic 30 11 42 AI 09 02 43 AOS 24 12 43 G 306BG 01 01 44 RAP Haldon RG 04 01 44 15 03 44 APSC RG ? 08 04 44 APSC 02 07 45 Bush Field 25437 401 LL H Frank's Nightmare 30 11 42 AI 20 02 43 AOS 08 03 43 G 03 06 43 GMU RG ? 170843 FTR GF CR Hergarten, Germany - Lt Arlynn E. Weieneth 9 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 282 25712 322 LG S HeavyweightAnnihilators No.2. 324 DF My Prayer 2008 42 AI 2912 42AOS 00 00 43 G 01 03 43 AP Honington RG ? 000043 ? RG 170643 23 06 43 GMU RG 05 0743 17 08 43 GF RAP Manston - Lt James D. Judy - 2 KIA, 12 POW, 3 RID SAL or 20 03 44 SAL 25714 323 OR N 322 LLS 00 08 42 AI 00 02 43 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG

14 10 43 FTR GF CR Nancy, France - 2Lt Robert M. Slane - 1 EVD, 1 KIA, 8 POW - E&E 2209 - MACR 899 25724 322 LG T Thunderbird Marnita No.2 09 10 42 AI 20 02 43 AOS 23 03 43 G 28 06 43 FTR AA DIT English Channel - Lt Edward T. Brodnar Jr.. 10 RID - MACR 15710 - See: NASA 62740AC(?), 72484AC(?) 25729 401 LL E Buccaneer Piccadilly Commando 16 1042 AI 20 02 43 AOS 08 0943 G 306BG 160943 2SAD RG 21 0943 05 1243 AP Ridgewell RG 10 1243 150344 APSC 19 1245 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 25733 322 LG T 29 10 42 AI 03 05 43 AOS 17 07 43 G 92BG 04 10 43 BAD118 05 45 Ontario, California 25734 323 OR R Red Balloon Old Ironsides 29 1042 AI 1205 43 AOS 16 07 43 G 92BG 07 10 43 BAD118 05 45 Ontario, California 25741 401 LL Y Guardian Angel 12 11 42 AI 03 05 43 AOS 22 07 43 G 92BG 07 1043 BADI RG ? 02 11 43 ZOI 18 05 45 Ontario, California 25745 322 LG C The Fuhrer the Better 21 11 42 AI 29 12 42 AOS 20 12 43 G 482BG 01 0144? RG? 21 01 44 2SAD RG 18 02 44 05 04 44 APSC RG ? 27 04 44 APSC 19 06 45 Albuquerque, New Mexico 25763 401 LL F Bomb-Boogie 29 12 42 AI 07 05 43 AOS 09 03 43 G 28 05 43 2SAD RG 30 05 43 17 07 43 RAP Tempsford RG ? 06 09 43 FTR GF CR Laon, France - Lt Elwood D. Arp . 4 EVD, 6 POW - E&E 515, 608, 1370 - MACR 514 - See: NASA 810AC, 812AC, 50227AC, 50656AC 25787 323 OR U Billie K 26 01 43 AI 23 02 43 AOS 09 03 43 G 2803 43 APSC RG 21 0443 170743 APSC RG? 12 08 43 FTR GF CR Goch, Germany - Lt Jerold D. Kethley . 10 POW - MACR 262 25789 322 LG X Golden Bear NightShade 27 01 43 AI 03 03 43 AOS 25 03 43 G 21 05 43 GMU RG ? 220643 FTR - 2Lt Paul D. Kahl 25795 401 LL B Skoal 29 01 43 AI 08 03 43 AOS 05 09 43 G 92BG 2709 43 2SAD RG ? 13 1043 2SAD RG ? 26 11 43 FTR DIT North Sea - Lt Bob Tibbetts JI. - 10 RID 25804 323 OR R Hell's Halo 322LGR 11 02 43 AI 26 04 43 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG 140943 2SAD RG 160943 13 01 44 AP Hethal 2SAD 21 01 44 SAL - See: NASA C62742AC 25857 324 DF J 240343 AI 29 05 43AOS 190443 G 21 05 43 FTR - Lt John H. Miller - 6 KIA, 4 POW

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 25893

323 OR M 21 04 43 AI 23 05 43 AOS 00 00 43 G 16064395BG 25895 323 OR M 22 04 43 AI 190643 AOS 04 06 43 G 160643385BG 26086 323 OR P 401 LLP 16 07 43 AI 06 10 43 AOS 21 10 43 G 02 11 43 2SAD RG 07 11 43 011243 FIR AA CR Leutesdorf, Germany - Lt Jens T. Weiby Jr. - 10 KIA - MACR 1322

229475

323 OR R

Stric Nine

2312 42 AI 18 0243 AOS 07 03 43 G 17 04 43 AF Hethel RG ? 100743 FIR MECH EX CR English Channel- Lt Leland E. Forsblad - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 34 - See: NASA 69500AC, C62753AC

229487

324 DF K

Ritl,Y Blitz

1912 42 AI 02 03 43 AOS 09 03 43 G 13 04 43 AF Honington RG ? 310743 AFSC RG ? 221043 2SAD RG 2510 43 0512 43AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 11 01 44 FIR GF CR Hameln, Germany - 2Lt Wayne D. Hedglin - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 1915

229520

229536

401 LLA

"Mary Ruth" Memories ofMobile

2612 42 AI 02 04 43 AOS 190443 G 22 06 43 FIR - Lt Kenneth L. Brown - NASB K926

229537

324 DF

28 1242 AI 17 02 43 AOS 07 03 43 G 280343 FIR GF DIT English Channel- Lt John A. Coen - 10 KIAMACR 16086 229540 323 OR 0 29 1242 AI 20 02 43 AOS 24 08 43 G 303BG 06 09 43 FIR FUEL CR English Channel - Lt Lloyd S. Schaper - 4 KIA, 6 RTD - MACR 515 229559 323 OR Q Stupntakit 3012 42 AI 08 02 43AOS 25 0243 G 23 03 43 GMU RG 29 03 43 03 05 43 RAP Colerne RG ? 17 08 43 FIR GF CR Langdorf, Germany - Lt Charles A. Bennett - 2 EVD, 3 KIA, 5 POW - E&E 124, 223 - MACR 278

229574

401 LL G

The Sky Wolf II

3112 42 AI 20 02 43 AOS 25 0243 G 04 03 43 AF Honington RG 05 03 43 28 03 43 AFSC RG 02 04 43 17 04 43 FIR GF CR Fiebing, Germany - Lt Nicholas P. Stoffel - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 6574

229587

401 LL J

Jolly Roger

05 0143AI 13 0443 AOS 190443 G 21 04 43 AF Honington RG ? 23 06 43 GMU RG 20 07 43 120843 FIR MID 23162 GF CR Sevenum, ? - Lt Robert C. Heller1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 260

229591

401 LL Z

09 1043 2SAD RG 26 11 43 0504 44AFSC RG? 15 0444AFSC 131145 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASAB62770AC, C62770AC, 62810AC, 69445AC, 8281OAC(?) 229642 323 OR L Vulgar Virgin 18 01 43 AI 06 03 43 AOS 15 03 43 G 280343? RG? 13 05 43 FIR CR EX Abbeville, France - Lt Lawrence 1. Stark - 8 KIA, 3 POW - MACR ?

229656

The Shamrock Special

05 01 43 AI 21 0443 AOS 16 06 43 G 95BG 0907 43 RAP Caxton Gibbet RG 120743

322 LG S

Skunkface Terrible Ten

28 01 43 AI 04 03 43 AOS 08 09 43 G 303BG 14 09 43 2SAD RG 20 09 43 20 02 44 FIR GF CR Malmedy, Belgium - 2Lt Ernest B. Kidd - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 2460 - See: NASA 4799AC, 27147AC, 27169AC 229657 323 OR X 27 0143AI 03 03 43 AOS 26 03 43 G 02 04 43 AF Honington RG ? 18 04 43 GMU RG 13 05 43 21 05 43 FIR GF - Lt Norman Retchin

229659

324 DF

Liberty Bell

27 01 43 AI 04 03 43 AOS 15 03 43 G 22 03 43 FIR GF DIT North Sea - Capt Hascall C. McClellan - 11 KIA - MACR 16291

229679

323 OR S

22 1242 AI 17 02 43 AOS 070943 G 303BG 08 1043 FIR GF CR Prenss-Srechen, ? - Lt John J. Kamp - 3 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 909

215

401 LLAl/M

Ramblin'Wreck

27 01 43 AI 28 03 43 AOS 16 06 43 G 95BG 27 07 43 AFSC RG ? 04 09 43 2SAD RG 13 09 43 05 04 44 AFSC RG ? 30 04 44 AFSC 04 09 45 Altus, Oklahoma

229709

Yo' Brother

01 0243 AI 29 03 43 AOS 16 06 43 G 95BG 00064392BG

229711

322 LG V

04 0243 AI 16 0443 AOS 29 08 43 G 94BG 09 10 43 FIR GF CR Baltic Sea - Lt Charles B. Pinning - 10 KIA MACR894

229739

323 OR M

The Village Flirt

06 02 43 AI 28 03 43 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG 05 1243 AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 05 04 44 AFSC - See: NASA 69392AC

229740

323 OR P

Tondelayo

06 02 43 AI 13 03 43 AOS 21 09 43 G 96BG? 09 10 43 FIR GF CR Flemsburg, Germany - Lt Morris M. Guttu - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 896

229741

324 DF F/D/P Corn State Terror 401 LLD 06 02 43 AI 27 03 43 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG

140943 2SAD RG 17 09 43 14 1043 RAP Tangmere 15 10 43 ? RG 25 12 43 01 01 44 2SAD RG 30 01 44 06 04 44 AFSC 29 04 44 ZOI 15 05 45 Bush Field 229750 323 OR L Rebel's Revenge

Ramblin Rebel 0002 43 AI 00 00 43 AOS 24 08 43 G 06 09 43 2SAD RG 08 09 43 16 09 43 RAP Portreath RG ? 270943 FIR GF CR Emden, Germany - 2Lt John W. Perritt - 9 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 668 - See: NASA 62756AC

229759

323 OR V

Gay Caballeros

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

216

10 02 43 AI 26 04 43 AOS 21 1243 G 379BG 06 04 44 AFSC 19 05 44 ZOI 18 09 45 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

229778

322 LG M

13 02 43 AI 24 04 43 AOS 24 08 43 G 96BG 02 09 43 2SAD RG 05 09 43 09 1043 FfR GF CR Neu Brandenburg, Germany - 2Lt Alexander W. Stewart - 6 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 897 229793 401 LL F Shelia B. Cummin 18 02 43 AI 01 0443 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG 04 1043 1SAD 08 1043 SAL

229794

322 LG 0

180243 AI 15 0443 AOS 11 09 43 G 306BG 011243 FfR AA CR North Sea - 2Lt Leonard F. Anderson - 10 KIA - MACR 1321 229797 401 LL Y Old Ironsides 18 02 43 AI 02 04 43 AOS 18 05 43 G 220643 FfR AA GF DlT North Sea - Lt Buster Peck - 1 KIA, 9 RID

229813

324 DF Bl

200243 AI 19 04 43 AOS 160643 G 95BG 02 07 43 RAF Portreath RG 03 07 43 25 07 43 FfR AA GF CR Emden, Germany - 2Lt Marshall L. Pilert 1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 94 229815 322 LG P Miami Clipper 190243 AI 02 04 43 AOS 140943 G 306BG 101043 Butley, UK RG ? 0704 44AFSC 16 04 44 ZOI 09 0146 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas - See: NASA 4799AC, 62746AC 229816 401 LL K The Eager Eagle The Eager Beaver 200243 AI 29 03 43 AOS 190443 G 21 04 43 AF Honington RG ? 310843 FfR MID 124523 CR English Channel- Lt Buster Peck - 9 KIA, 1 RTD - MACR 671 - See: NASA C62772AC 229837 324 DF A Lady Luck 23 02 43 AI 02 04 43 AOS 07 06 43 G 101043 AF Shipdam RG ? 06 04 44 AFSC 26 04 44 ZOI 27 07 45 Stillwater, Oklahoma - See: NASAA61044AC, 61044AC, C61754AC (?) 229895 324 DF H Black Swan The Black Swan 03 03 43 AI 07 05 43 AOS 23 05 43 G 02 07 43 RAF Portreath RG 03 07 43 00 00 43 ? RG 02 09 43 160943 RAF Portreath RG ? 10 1243 RAF Manston RG ? 301243 TAXI 237736 311243 FfR AA CR Lorient, France - 2Lt Stuart B. Mendelsohm 2 EVD, 2 KIA, 6 POW - E&E 432,433 - MACR 1975 - See: NASA 61045AC, A62783AC 229916 323 OR L Yankee Dandy 06 03 43 AlII 05 43 AOS 07 06 43 G 30 07 43 FfR GF CR Zoetemeer, ? - Lt Robert M Miles - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 147 229921 324 DF Z Oklahoma Okie 090343 AI 19 04 43 AOS 23 05 43 G 311243 FfR GF EX CR Parentis-en-Bom, France - 2Lt Baynard T. G. Dudley - 1 EVD, 5 KIA, 4 POW - E&E 438 - MACR 1976 - See: NASA 69286AC, 79286AC, 79288AC, 79290AC 229947 322 LG U Wabash Cannonball Daisy June 15 03 43 AI 07 05 43 AOS 06 07 43 G 100BG

05 10 43 BAD1 RG 18 1043 27 0743 303BG - See: NASA 62774AC, C62744AC (?), 69506AC (?) 229973 322LGQ Paddy's Gremlin Patty Gremlin Jr. 18 03 43 AI 26 04 43 AOS 11 06 43 G 14 07 43 RAF Tempsford RG ? 310843 MID 124523 or 229816 CR Woodon, UK or AF Polegate 03 0943 SAL

229998

324 DF J

23 03 43 AI 20 04 43 AOS 07 06 43 G 22 06 43 FfR GF CR Bungern, ? - Lt Joseph E. Slattery - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 15576

230120 10 0443 AI 040643 AOS 15 06 43 G 16064395BG Dirty Gertie 230157 323 OR P Hell's Belles 15 0443 AI 01 06 43 AOS 10 06 43 G 30 07 43 LAND 25 08 43 SAL - See: NASA 682AC (?), D27333AC (?), A62770AC, A69404AC

230194 21 04 43 AI 01 06 43 AOS 15 06 43 G 16064395BG 230235 401 LL LIZ 28 04 43 AI 01 06 43 AOS 06 06 43 G 16064395BG

230283

324 DF

06 05 43 AI 01 0643 AOS 10 06 43 G 16064395BG 230620 401 LL Los Angeles City Limits 00 06 43 AI 00 09 43 AOS 00 00 43 G

230624

322 LG Q

28 06 43 AI 04 09 43 AOS 23 09 43 G 27 09 43 FfR GF CR Emden, Germany - Lt Cleo C. Struble - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 669 230712 323 OR OIR Miss Minookie 14 0743 AI 120943 AOS 27 09 43 G 24 10 43 2SAD RG 3110 43 21 02 44 FfR GF CR Luechtriegen, ? - Lt Neal P. Ward - 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 2461

230772

323 OR V

24 07 43 AI 31 08 43 AOS 23 0943 G 379BG 09 10 43 FfR GF CR Baltic Sea - Lt Thomas E. Walsh - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 895

230773

324 DF B/J

25 07 43 AI 06 09 43 AOS 26 09 43 G 05 1043 ? RG 30 10 43 190144 RAF 230805 401 LL H Bomb Boogie's Revenge 28 07 43 AI 09 09 43 AOS 24 09 43 G 22 10 43 2SAD RG 25 1043 03 11 43 FfR GF CR Wilhelmshaven, Germany - Lt Robert A. Pitts - 7 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 1155 231070 322 LG M Dame Satan II 11 0943 AI 24 11 43 AOS 14 1243 G 29 04 43 AFSC RG ? 02 05 44 AFSC 12 06 44 ZOI 05 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA B62743AC, 62791AC

231076

322 LG X/V 3230RL

Chief Sly's Son

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 13 0943 AI 07 10 43 AOS 16 10 43 G 20 10 43 2SAD RG 22 10 43 11 01 44 FTR GF CR Scheude, ? - 2Lt J. C. Page - 2 KIA, 8 POW MACR 1919 231079 401 LL J/F 13 09 43 AI 10 11 43 AOS 20 11 43 G 40lBG 060344 FTR GF EX CR Gardelegen, Germany - Lt Paris R. Coleman - 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 2897 231143 0009 43 AI 00 11 43 AOS 30 05 45 G 381BG 080645 ZOI 231178 324 DF 25 09 43 AI 22 11 43 AOS 20 12 43 G 311243 CL Windsor, UK 010144 SAD SAL 231187 401 LL F/K Buckeye Boomerang 26 09 43 AI 10 11 43 AOS 20 11 43 G 40lBG 11 01 44 2SAD RG 02 02 44 00 00 44 ? RG 04 03 44 0403 44 Newmarket, UK 2SAD 06 03 44 SAL231230 324 DF Al Little Jean 2909 43 AI 301043 AOS 2212 43 G 261243 2SAD RG 311243 11 01 44 FTR GF CR Hannover, Germany - 2Lt Allan A Uskala - 6 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 1916 - See: NASA 69364AC 231333 322 LG W Wee Willie 18 1043 AI 23 11 43 AOS 20 1243 G 02 01 44 Hertford Bridge, UK RG 04 01 44 141244 FTRLOC RG? 04 04 45 FTRLOC RG ? 08 04 45 FTR AA EX CR Stendal, Germany - Lt Robert E. Fuller - 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 13881 - See: NASAA62744AC, B62808AC 231353 322 LG Q Queenie 3230RQ 20 1043 AI 23 11 43 AOS 20 1243 G 290444 FTR AA EX CR Berlin, Germany - Lt James F. Purdy JI. - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 4236 - See: NASA 62744AC 231367 322 LG R Chow-Hound 22 1043 AI 25 1243 AOS 25 01 44 G 08 08 44 FTR AA EX CR Gelnannes, France - Lt Jack R. Thompson - 9 KIA - MACR 8079 - See: NASA 50319 AC 231372 323 OR P Malayan Lady Harass Dragon 22 10 43 AI 25 11 43 AOS 20 1243 G 11 01 44 FTR GF CR Bad Muender, Germany - Lt Edwin R. Reid - 7 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 1917 231418 28 1043 AI 08 1243 AOS 30 05 45 G 38lBG 08 06 45 ZOI 09 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 231513 401 LL MIS 10 11 43 AI 18 02 44 AOS 24 02 44 G 06 04 44 2SAD SAL 231515 324 DF J/N The Wild Hare 401LLM 10 11 43 AI 311243 AOS 21 01 44 G 15 1044 2SAD RG 22 11 44 26 11 44 FTR GF EX CR Furstenau, Germany - Lt Robert J. Flint - 6 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 10836 - See: NASA B55564AC, B62763AC, A62765AC, D62775AC, A62809AC 231542 323 OR T "Bunky" 13 11 43 AI 27 01 44 AOS 12 03 44 G 92BG 190744 FTR MID 2107075 CR Hughlfing, Germany - 2Lt Norman

217

N. Burwick - 9 KIA - MACR 7417 - See: NASA C55565AC, A62755AC 231572 401 LLY My Beloved Too My BelovedAlso 18 11 43 AI 26 12 43 AOS 23 01 44 G 457BG 21 02 44 FTR GF CR Hereford, Germany - 2Lt Irvin Piacentini - 3 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 2462 231578 401 LL L My Darling A Iso 18 11 43 AI 20 12 43 AOS 29 12 43 G 06 03 44 FTR MID GSE CR Magdeburg, Germany - Lt Bob Tibbetts Jr. - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 2898 - See: NASA62765AC, 62775AC 231579 324 DF N Betty Lou's Buggy 323 OR D Betty Lou's BlockBuster 18 11 43 AI 01 01 44 AOS 01 02 44 G 27 04 44 CL RAP Chibolton 2SAD RG 23 05 44 14 09 44 TAXI 2SAD 30 09 44 SAL 231580 323 ORA Merry Widow 181143AI 15 0144AOS 29 0144 G 070544 FTRAA CR Heidenau, Germany - Lt Nenad Kovachevich2 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 4579 231585 323 OR B Mount 'N Ride 19 11 43 AI 27 01 44 AOS 01 0244 G 16 03 44 FTRINT MECH Dubendorf, Switzerland - Lt Doye E. Bradford - 10 INT - MACR 3221 231610 322 LG M The Liberty Belle 231143AI 19 0144AOS 01 0244 G 160744 FTR DIT English Channel - 2Lt Don DaLisle - 9 RTD - See: NASA C62764AC (?) 231616 23 11 43 AI 21 1243 AOS 12 1244 G 15AF 231634 322 LG 0 Texas Chubby - The J'ville 324 DF Jolter 25 1143AI 17 0144AOS 23 0144 G 160844 FTR GF EX CR Kichenberg, ? - 2Lt Halstead Sherrill- 5 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 8184 - See: NASA 72745AC, 72949AC 231636 323 OR N Outhouse Mouse 26 11 43 AI 20 01 44 AOS 12 03 44 G 457BG 12 11 44 India RG ? 26 05 45 ZOI 30 11 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA B62557AC, B62756AC, B62757AC, C62757AC, C62808AC 231672 401 LL Buckeye Boomerang II 01 12 43 AI 12 01 44 AOS 23 01 44 G 20 03 44 FTR AA CR Bacqueville, France - Lt Frank D. Turk - 1 KIA, 9 POW - E&E 663 - MACR 3411 231673 322 LG B Lassie Come Home 01 12 43 AI 15 01 44 AOS 27 01 44 G 96BG 16 08 44 FTR GF CR EX Deiderode, ? - 2Lt Leonard F. Figier - 4 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 8183 - See: NASA C62790AC 231678 324 DF L Little Patches 401LLL 0112 43 AI 15 0144AOS 27 0144 G 02 04 44 2SAD RG 04 05 44 03 11 44 RAP Raydon RG 28 11 44 080645 ZOI 231812 401 LL H Destiny's Child 17 12 43 AI 02 02 44 AOS 20 02 44 G 200744 FTR GF CR Glauehau, Germany - Lt Charles E. VanAusdall - 4 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 7281 - See: NASA B62775AC 231869 401 LL Y Hell and High Water 24 1243 AI 140244 AOS 25 0244 G 0603 44 FTR GF CR Trebbin, ? - Lt Clyde V. Mason - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 2899

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

218 231883

401 LL Y

The JubJub Bird

27 1243 AI 26 0244 AOS 220344 G 02 11 44 FTR AA CR Leipzig, Germany - Lt Herbert W. Chouinard 7 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 10304 - See: NASA C62791AC

231909

323 OR R

Nine 0 Nine

30 12 43 AI 05 02 44 AOS 24 02 44 G 08 06 45 ZOI 07 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 32403AC, 55965AC, 62759AC, A62793AC - NASB K3236 231911 323 OR Q 30 12 43 AI 08 02 44 AOS 24 02 44 G 060344 FTR GF CR Ramstadt, Germany - Lt Douglas Harding - 10 POW - MACR 2900

231982

322 LG S'

Superstitious Aloysius

10 0144AI 16 02 44AOS 24 02 44 G 20 07 44 FTR GF CR Ruppertagruen, ? - 2Lt Albert C. Dashaw - 3 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 7282

232072

401 LL L

Mary

19 0144AI 02 03 44AOS 31 03 44 G 27 04 44 FTR AA CR Bricquebec, France - 2Lt Thorton C. Tilton - 1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 4258

232076

401 LL E

Shoo Shoo Baby Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby

19 0144AI 02 03 44AOS 23 03 44 G 290544 FTRINT AA Bulltofta, Sweden - 2Lt Robert J. Guenther - 9 INT - MACR 5354 - 00 00 46 RG UK - MACR 5354

232085

324 DF H 322LG

Yankee Belle

322 LG L

Ack-AckAnnie

21 01 44 AI 02 03 44 AOS 16 03 44 G 457BG 00 00 44 ? RG 18 05 44 13 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62737AC, B62737AC, C62746AC

232110 2201 44 AI 11 03 44 AOS 16 03 44 G 457BG 00 00 44 MTO

232116

323 OR B 401 LL B

Heigh Ho Silver Hi-Ho Silver

2001 44 AI 00 03 44 AOS 1603 44 G 457BG 26 05 45 ZOI - See: NASA 62808AC, C62752AC - NASB K1194 (?)

237736

324 DF G

Duke ofPaducah

1008 43 AI 07 09 43 AOS 24 09 43 G 16 10 43 2SAD RG 27 1043 05 12 43 AF Ridgewell RG 10 12 43 30 12 43 TAXI 229895 RG ? 2904448FC 09 05 44 2SAD RG ? 06 11 45 SAL - See: NASA B62774AC, 69454AC, B72920AC, A72929AC

237737

401LLK

Hell's Belle Tennessee Toddy

11 08 43 AI 08 09 43 AOS 26 09 43 G 10 10 43 FTR MECH CLApeldoorn, Belgium - Lt Earle R. Verril - 1 EVD, 1 KIA, 8 POW - E&E 369 - MACR 941

237738

237742

401 LL J

Vagabond Lady

12 08 43 AI 12 09 43 AOS 22 09 43 G 03 11 43 FTR GF CR North Sea - 2Lt William B. McAdams - 10 KIA - MACR 1154

237746

323 OR T

Paper Dolly

13 08 43 AI 01 11 43 AOS 20 11 43 G 40lBG 22 0244 FTR GF CR Detmold, Germany - Lt Frank R. Kolts - 3 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 2643

237761

323 OR L

Blue Dreams

19 0843 AI 11 09 43 AOS 04 1043 G 10 1043 RAP Hardwick RG ? 11 11 43 2SAD RG 12 11 43 01 12 43 AF Leiston RG ? 05 1243 AF Ridgewell RG 10 1243 06 03 44 CR AF Steeple Morton 07 03 44 2SAD SAL - See: NASA 62755AC, 69403AC

237767

401 LL D

21 08 43 AI 03 10 43 AOS 05 11 43 G 20 1243 CL Cambridge, UK 21 1243 2SAD 22 1243 SAL

237779

324 DF B

Pist'l Packin' Mama

24 08 43 AI 10 10 43 AOS 20 11 43 G 40lBG 29 04 44 AFSC RG ? 03 05 44 AFSC 28 05 44 ZOI 03 01 46 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas -

237805

2001 44 AI 24 06 44 AOS 10 07 44 G 09 11 44 FTRLOC RG 27 12 44 03 02 45 FTR AA CR Berow, ? - Lt George F. Miller - 9 POW MACR 12233 - See: NASA B62790AC

232095

24 10 43 2SAD RG 3110 43 22 12 43 FTR GF CR Utrecht, The Netherlands - 2Lt Edward M. Steel Jr. - 1 KIA, 9 POW - MACR 1715

322 LG T

10 08 43 AI 11 09 43 AOS 24 09 43 G

00 08 43 AI 00 10 43 AOS 25 05 45 G 379BG 250545 ZOI

237911

401 LL C

Jeannie Marie The "Heats On"

11 1043 AI 03 1243 AOS 10 01 44 G 010145 CLAF Steeple Morton 02 0145 2SAD SAL

237938

323 OR E

Betty Lou's Buggy Shoo Shoo Baby

21 10 43 AI 25 11 43 AOS 30 03 44 G 03 06 44 2SAD RG 18 06 44 04 08 44 Training 00 00 45 ? RG 04 02 45 18 04 45 ISF RG 21 04 45 08 06 45 ZOI 04 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62764 AC, A69323AC

237939

323 OR

Sugar Blues

21 10 43 AI 18 11 43 AOS 20 1243 G 220244 FTR DIT North Sea - Lt Roman V. Maziarz - 10 RTD - See: NASA 62786AC

237940

323 OR

Spirit of '44

21 10 43 AI 24 11 43 AOS 13 12 43 G 11 01 44 AF Deopham Green 13 01 44 2SAD 16 01 44 SAL - See: NASA 26848AC, A26848AC, B62848AC, 62743AC

237958

401 LL G

Old Faithful

27 1043 AI 22 11 43 AOS 20 1243 G 25 06 44 CR Snag Farm, Wincanton, UK - 2Lt Peter Mikonis - 9 KIA - 26 06 44 2SAD - See: NASA 69355AC

237965

323 OR U

My Desire

28 10 43 AI 18 11 43 AOS 20 12 43 G 02 01 44 RAP Thruxton RG 04 01 44 030344 FTR AA DIT North Sea - 2Lt Walter M. Pickard - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 3222

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 237987 322 LG Man 0 War Horsepower Ltd. 05 11 43 AI 28 11 43 AOS 21 1243 G 29 01 44 CL Bredgar, UK 30 01 44 2SAD 02 02 44 SAL 238006 324 DF H Hoosier Hot Shot 11 11 43 AI 17 12 43 AOS 08 01 44 G 19 04 44 FTR GF EX CR Eschwege, Germany - Lt Stanley S. Swenumson - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 4046 - See: NASA B62789AC Heavenly Body 238027 322 LG A 181143AI 1912 43AOS 100144 G 2007 44 FTR GF CR Lichtenstein, Germany - 2Lt Lucian S. Strong Jr. - 5 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 7285 238083 322 LG V Man 0 War II Horsepower Ltd. 07 1243 AI 1401 44 AOS 01 0244 G 25 0444 RAF Thomey Island 26 04 44 APSC RG 1405 44 02 11 44 FTR GF CR Gnotsch, ? - Lt Leroy B. Hare - 5 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 10144 - See: NASA 4800AC, C62743AC, C62789AC, 69525AC 238118 323 OR N 18 12 43 AI 15 02 44 AOS 25 02 44 G 060344 FTR AA GF CR Quakenbruck, Germany - 2Lt Ben Fourmy - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 2901 238128 324 DF Z Dear Becky RedAlert Cutty Sark 23 12 43 AI 15 02 44 AOS 25 02 44 G 000044? RG 250244 26 11 44 FTR GF EX CR Furstenau, Germany - 2Lt Adolph P. Miller Jr. - 1 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 10838 238144 401 LL 0 Jezebel 28 12 43 AI 05 02 44 AOS 28 02 44 G 140245 FTRLOC 13 03 45 SAL - See: NASA 62787AC, A62787AC, A80544AC 238148 00 1243 AI 00 02 44 AOS 30 545 G 38lBG 080645 ZOI 238159 00 12 43 AI 00 02 44 AOS 30 05 45 G 080645 ZOI 239771 401 LL H Jeannie Marie 26 08 43 AI 10 1043 AOS 20 11 43 G 40lBG 04 02 44 FTR AA CR Antwerp, Belgium - 2Lt James R. Lutz - 2 EVD, 8 POW - E&E 1992 - MACR 2234 239774 323 OR OIR Demo Darling 26 08 43 AI 07 1043 AOS 18 10 43 G 22 1043 2SAD RG 25 10 43 201143? RG? 29 04 44 APSC RG ? 03 05 44 APSC - See: NASA C62754AC 239802 401 LL D 03 0943 AI 27 09 43 AOS 07 1043 G 141043 CL RAF Graveley 20 1043 2SAD RG 221043 03 11 43 FTR GF DIT North Sea - Lt Kenneth B. Rutledge - 7 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 1153 The Wolf 239803 324 DFV/Y/N 03 09 43 AI 27 09 43 AOS 07 10 43 G 10 10 43 CLAP Boxted 2SAD RG 2210 43 04 0244 FTR AA CR Wehrmaspiere, ? - Lt Fewer E. McGee - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 2235 Emeigh 239815 323 OR N 0709 43 AI 071043 AOS 16 1043 G 05 12 43 AP Ridgewell RG 10 12 43

219

22 02 44 FTR GF CR Munster, Germany - Lt Kenneth Sutherland - 7 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 2641 239836 322 LG M 140943 AI 01 11 43 AOS 20 11 43 G 40lBG 01 12 43 FTR GF CR Koblenz, ?- 2Lt Charles L. Early - 2 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 1320

239863 401 LL 21 09 43 AI 01 11 43 AOS 22 12 43 G 30 12 43 CR AP Steeple Morton 31 12 43 2SAD SAL 239892 401 LL B 01 10 44 AI 17 11 43 AOS 13 12 43 G 0803 44 FTR GF CR Einwinkel, ? - 2Lt Claude M. Williams - 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 3223 239898 322 LG L Boston Bombshell 01 1043 AI 15 11 43 AOS 13 1243 G 22 02 44 FTR GF CR Munster, Germany - 2Lt William D. Wood MACR2642 Lackin' Shackin' 239929 401 LL K/X 10 1043 AI 18 11 43 AOS 20 1243 G 11 04 44 FTRINT GF Vollsjo, Sweden - Lt Frank C. Ammann - 10 INT - MACR 3667 239967 324 DF K Mary Kay 20 1043 AI 07 1243 AOS 25 01 44 G 18 03 44 FTR GF CR Bregenz, ? - Lt Harry L. Theophilus - MACR 3224 239975 Just Plo,in Lonesome 324 DF Z 323 OR 22 10 43 AI 04 1243 AOS 10 01 44 G 92BG 12 05 44 AP Bungay RG ? 30 05 44 FTR AA GF CR Dessau, Germany - Lt Zack C. Collier - 2 POW, 7 KIA - MACR 5355 - See: NASA 61054AC, A62764AC 239996 322 LG N Boston Bombshell 2910 43 AI 081243 AOS 140144 G 160844 FTR GF CR Marshausen, ? - 2Lt John V. Dunlap -7 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 8179 Quad Zero 240000 324 DF F Just Nothing 3010 43 AI 0312 44AOS 04 0144 G 220444 FTR AA EX CR Delecke, ? - Capt Harvey G. Heese - 10 POW - MACR 4259 - See: NASAA62763AC, B62764AC 240009 324 DF K IkletonAbbey 0211 43 AI 30 1144AOS 21 0144 G 2401 44 CLAP Duxford or Ikleton, UK - Lt Marco DeMara - 3 KIA, 6 RTD - 2SAD SAL 297061 323 OR U General "Ike" 401 LLB 2401 44 AI 22 02 44 AOS 16 03 44 G 457BG 24 12 44 AP Ridgewell RG 29 12 44 160245 ? 180245 2SAD 21 0245 SAL RG 120345 28 03 45 FTRLOC RG 06 04 45 09 05 45 AP AIconbury RG 1205 45 08 06 45 ZOI - See: NASA 50664AC, 59842AC, A62772AC, C62774AC, D62774AC,A62775AC - NASB E2153, K1893, K2108, K2143, K2152 297069 401 LL N 25 0144AI 11 03 44AOS 00 00 44 G 00 00 44 452BG 297125 401 LL 31 0144AI 02 03 44AOS 160344 G 457BG

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

220

2203 44 FTR AA CR Behlicke, ? - Capt Charles R. Phillips - 10 POW - MACR 3312 297133 00 02 44 AI 00 03 44 AOS 30 05 45 G 351BG 080645 ZOI Sheriff's Posse 297151 323 OR L 02 02 44 AI 05 03 44 AOS 22 03 44 G 030544 CL 2SAD SAL - See: NASA 51916AC Take It Easy 297173 323 OR 040244 AI 21 0444 AOS 09 05 44 G 398BG 08 07 44 FTR AA CR Chartres, France - F/0 James W. Fore - 1 KIA, 7 POW, 1 RID - MACR 8323 297199 324 DF 0702 44 AI 06 04 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 280444 FTR AA CR Avard, ? - Lt James C. Cater - 3 EVD, 7 POW - E&E 827, 866, 1669, 1670 - MACR 4235 Bomber Dear 297234 322 LG M 10 02 44 AI 22 03 44 AOS 07 04 44 G 21 09 44 2SAD RG 01 10 44 02 11 44 FTR GF CR Barby, Germany - Lt Donald R. Sparkman - 6 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 10360 - See: NASA 69344AC 297246 401 LL 1202 44 AI 11 03 44AOS 250344 G 290344 FTR GF CR Neuenkirchen, Germany - Lt Julius D. C. Anderson - 5 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 3474

323 OR S

Sweet 17 The Spirit ofSt Louis 15 0244 AI 21 03 44 AOS 0703 44 G 25 1044 2SAD RG 19 10 44 20 02 45 FTRLOC RG 27 03 45 26 05 45 ZOI 01 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA C62758AC, 62792AC Bachelor's Bride 297292 322 LG C 160244 AI 22 03 44 AOS 07 04 44 G 25 06 44 FTRINT AA CL Spain - Lt Ferrall K. Goodrich - 9 INT MACR6545 297304 323 OR C Priority Gal 17 0244AI 2103 44AOS 010444 G 310744 FTR AA CR Newstift, ? - Lt Henry W. Supchak - 9 POW MACR 7806 - See: NASA 62793AC 297363 2402 44 AI 2104 44AOS 00 00 44 G 00 00 44 398BG or 96BG 297398 401 LL C 26 02 44 AI 07 04 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 00 00 44 486BG 297406 401 LL D 28 02 44 AI 06 04 44 AOS 12 04 44 G 19 04 44 FTR GF CR Roehrig, ? - Lt John H. LaFontin - 3 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 4047 The Keystone Mama 297455 401 LL J 20 11 43 AI 09 02 44 AOS 11 03 44 G 457BG 19 05 44 FTR AA - Lt Marien U. Reid - 8 KIA, 1 POW MACR 4829 - See: NASA B62771AC 297467 401 LL F 24 11 43 AI 21 01 44 AOS 1203 44 G 457BG 25 04 44 RAF Gatwick 26 04 44 2SAD RG 04 06 44 180744 FTRINT MECH Bulltofta, Sweden - Lt Donald K. Bare - 9 INT - RG UK 01 0645 RG - MACR 7418

297276

297483 322 LG L 29 11 43 AI 05 02 44 AOS 24 02 44 G 06 03 44 FTR GF CR Wilmersdorf, Germany - 2Lt Bryce S. Evertson - 10 POW - MACR 2902 Mary Lou 297504 323 OR P 04 1243 AI 04 01 44 AOS 23 01 44 G 141044 CL 2SAD SAL - See: NASAA62757AC, 71138AC Spirit ofBilly Mitchell 297519 401 LLA 09 12 43 AI 08 02 44 AOS 12 02 44 G 19 0444 FTR GF CR Kassel, Germany - Lt Sam L. Evans - 4 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 4048 - See: NASA C62792AC 297540 323 OR Z 22 12 43 AI 01 02 44 AOS 27 02 44 G 457BG Evenin' Folks! How Y'All? 297562 324 DF D/F 22 12 43 AI 01 02 44 AOS 27 02 44 G 457BG 03 0644 LAND (main landing gear collapsed) 2SAD RG 060744 13 1044? RG? 1510 44? RG? 04 11 44 AF Nuthampsted RG 06 11 44 17 1244 AF Troston RG 27 01 45 28 01 45 Conversion 08 03 45 2SAD RG 09 03 45 00 05 45 ZOI - See: NASA 69346AC Winged Victory 297563 323 OR U 22 1243 AI 27 0244 AOS 1603 44 G 457BG 021144 FTR GF CR Nichaln, ? - Lt Oscar J. Snow - 1 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 10147 297594 324 DF 01 01 44 AI 05 03 44 AOS 270444 G 05 07 44 381BG 297600 03 01 44 AI 02 03 44 AOS 27 04 44 G 140644351BG 297601 04 0144AI 1503 44AOS 27 04 44 G 140644351BG 297625 324 DF K Sunkist Special Sun Special 10 01 44 AI 220244 AOS 27 04 44 G 381BG 28 06 44 AF Ridgewell RG ? 050744 AF Ridgewell RG 17 08 44 00 00 44 AF Ridgewell RG 15 01 45 18 01 45 381BG - See: NASA 62766AC 322 LG M 324DF 11 01 44 AI 11 03 44 AOS 27 04 44 G 18 06 44 FTR AA CR Fleestedt, Germany - MACR 5996 Geraldine 297630 323 OR T 324 DF H Peg 0' My Heart 13 01 44 AI 11 03 44 AOS 27 04 44 G 290644 2SAD RG 31 0744 20 1044 2SAD RG 27 1044 297632 324 DF H/R 12 01 44 AI 22 03 44 AOS 27 04 44 G 21 06 44 2SAD RG 02 07 44 18 01 45 ISAD RG 29 01 45 03 0245 FTR AA EX CR Berlin, Germany - Lt Frank L. Adams - 10 KIA - MACR 12232 297636 324 DF P 140144 AI 130344 AOS 27 04 44 G 140644351BG

297626

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 297956

297638 13 01 44 AI 22 03 44AOS 27 04 44 G 14064435IBG

297649 18 01 44 AI 23 03 44 AOS 27 04 44 G 14064435IBG

297651 18 0144AI 22 03 44AOS 27 04 44 G 14064435IBG

297686

324 DF

28 01 44 AI 25 04 44 AOS 23 05 44 G 00 00 44 398BG

297687

323 OR Y

28 01 44 AI 07 04 44 AOS 23 05 44 G 14064435IBG

297740 12 02 44 AI 30 05 44 AOS 18 06 44 G 28 06 44 AF Knettishall RG ? 05 07 44 38IBG

297746 15 02 44 AI 30 05 44 AOS 22 06 44 G 28 06 44 AF Knettishall RG ? 04 07 44 381BG

297754

401 LL M

17 02 44 AI 27 06 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 30 1044 ero 311044 2SAD RG 19 11 44 15 04 45 2SAD RG 22 04 45 07 01 49 Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

297771 220244 AI 10 06 44 AOS 24 06 44 G 28 06 44 AF Ridgewell RG ? 05 0744 381BG

297778 2402 44 AI 2806 44AOS 07 05 44 G 401 LL K Qualified Quail 1603 44 AI 26 05 44 AOS 03 06 44 G 28 01 45 SAL - See: NASA 62773AC, C62773AC

297851

297879

324 DF E

24 03 44 AI 06 06 44 AOS 15 06 44 G 01 08 44 FTR AA CR Chartres, France - 2Lt Arthur L. Stevens - 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 5981 297880 324 DF F Little Miss Mischief 2403 44 AI 30 05 44 AOS 15 06 44 G 06 01 45 FTRLOC RG 26 02 45 040445 CLAF Bassingbourn SAL - See: NASA 69329AC - NASB K3647, K3648, K3648A, K3649, K3649A, K3650

297891

401 LL M

28 03 44 AI 06 06 44 AOS 17 06 44 G 21 06 44 FTR GF CR Anklam, Germany - Lt John R. Follett Jr. - 9 POW - MACR 5981

297892

221

324 DF

2903 44AI 06 06 44AOS 15 06 44 G 20 06 44 FTR AA EX CR Hamburg, Germany - Capt Richard W. Burch - 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 5982 297954 401 LL Z Winnie Frank Joe 15 04 44 AI 26 05 44 AOS 02 06 44 G 20 07 44 FTR GSE CR Zwickau, Germany - Lt Donald R. Knapp - 4 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 7272

323 OR L "Pard" 1504 44 AI 26 05 44AOS 03 06 44 G 02 11 44 FTR GF EX CR Libehna, ? - Lt Hanford J. Rustland - 6 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 10148

297958

401 LL G

15 04 44 AI 06 06 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 92BG 000545 ZOI 297959 324 DF Y Rhapsody in Red 1504 44AI 06 06 44AOS 150644 G 07 08 44 2SAD RG 18 08 44 26 05 45 ZOI 28 11 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62757AC, 62767AC 401 LL G Sherry's Cherries 297984

323 OR 2704 44 AI 28 06 44AOS 00 00 44 G 0211 44 FTR GF EX CR Koethen, ? - Lt James E. Faris - 3 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 10149

297999

324 DF

2804 44 AI 27 06 44AOS 100744 G 20 07 44 FTR AA CR Karden, ? - Capt Francis S. Holmes JI. - 9 POW - MACR 7273 298012 322 LG Wabash Cannonball Wabash Cannonball Too Cannon Ball Too 0205 44AI 28 06 44AOS 31 0744 G 0211 44 FTR GR CR Haideburger, ? - Lt John M. Hamilton - 4 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 10150 2102392 401 LL Cool Papa 2902 44 AI 09 04 44AOS 22 04 44 G 01 05 44 FTR AA CR Bavereyde, ? - Lt Albert F. McCarile - 8 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 4465 2102490 323 OR V Wicked Witch 09 03 44 AI 09 04 44 AOS 22 04 44 G 20 02 45 FTR AA CR Nuernberg, Germany - Lt Eddie R. McKnight - 6 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 12556 - See: NASA 62758AC, B62787AC, C62787AC 2102504 401 LL D TimesA·Wastin' 11 03 44 AI 100444 AOS 11 05 44 G 27 1244 AF Bury St. Edmunds RG 28 1244 080445 FTR - Lt Peter A. Pastras -7 KIA, 2 POW - MACR 14295See: NASAA62791AC (?), 69323AC 2102509 401 LLA The Liberty Run 11 03 44 AI 10 04 44 AOS 22 04 44 G 20 07 44 FTR AA CR Lauterbach, Germany - Lt Arthur F. Hultin - 10 POW - MACR 7274 - See: NASAA62774AC 2102527 322 LG AjPjH Sleepytime Gal 13 03 44 AI 100444 AOS 220444 G 21 06 44 FTR GF CR Ruehlow, ? - Lt George A. Abbott - 6 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 5983 - See: NASA B62791AC, B62792AC

2102627 22 03 44 AI 30 04 44 AOS 25 05 45 G 379BG 08 06 45 ZOI 06 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 2107027 322 LG YjX The Bloody Bucket 324 DF Y Annie 401 LL Hikin' for Home 02 02 44 AI 23 03 44 AOS 07 04 44 G 05 06 44 2SAD RG 15 06 44 2612 44AF Bury St. Edmunds RG 04 0145 20 02 45 FTRLOC RG 23 03 45 31 1245 SAL 9AF - See: NASA 4798AC, C62611AC, 62809AC, 69499AC

222

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

2107030 322 LG T Fifinella 04 02 44 AI 06 03 44 AOS 25 03 44 G 13 08 44 FTR AA CR Epreville, France - Lt Thomas P. Smith Jr. - 5 EVD, 1 KIA, 3 POW - E&E 1190, 1349, 1350, 1351, 1490 - MACR 7898 - See: NASA B62742AC, B62745AC - NASB K2106, K2106A 2107033 322 LG D My Baby 324 DF Z/D 0202 44 AI 16 03 44 AOS 24 0344 G 03 05 44 AF Nuthampsted RG 24 05 44 05 09 44 FTR MECH CR Pierpont, France - 2Lt Ernest R. Kelley - 1 KIA, 1 POW, 7 RID - E&E 2073, 2074, 2075, 2076, 2367, 2598, 2602 - MACR 8595 - See: NASA B62792AC Shirley Jean 2107040 323 OR D/K 05 02 44 AI 22 03 44 AOS 01 04 44 G 15 1044 2SAD RG 02 11 44 09 03 45 ? RG 30 03 45 17 04 45 858BS RG 21 04 45 04 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASAA62766AC, 62767AC 2107042 401 LL Z Liberty Run 00 02 44 AI 00 03 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 270544 FTRINT AAPayerne, Switzerland - Lt Richard T. Pressey9 INT - MACR 5356 2107069 401 LL W/N/M Round Trip Topsy 12 02 44 AI 23 03 44 AOS 01 04 44 G 26 11 44 CL Denain, UK 28 11 44 2SAD SAL 2107075 323 OR Q Fancy Pants Champagne Girl 15 02 44 AI 09 03 44 AOS 22 03 44 G 29 03 44 Stratishall, UK RG ? 190744 FTRINT MID 231542 CR Obersaxen, Switzerland - 2Lt Cyril J. Braund - 9 INT - MACR 7407 2107178 401 LL K 15 03 44 AI 10 04 44 AOS 22 04 44 G 2405 44 FTRINT AA Sweden - 2Lt William F. Nee - 3 INT, 3 KIA, 3 POW - MACR 5358 2107205 324 DF 0 The Ruptured Duck 24 03 44 AI 08 04 44 AOS 09 08 44 G 398BG 31 0744 ? RG 090844 08 09 44 FTRLOC AA CR Kaiserslautern, Germany - Lt Elbert W. Weeks - RG 10 09 44 13 10 44 FTRLOC RG 11 12 44 17 04 45 FTRLOC - See: NASA 62756AC 337540 3230RB/Z Ramblin' Rebel 28 04 44 AI 26 05 44 AOS 02 06 44 G 17 05 45 FTRLOC France SAL RG ? 16 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62756AC 337552 401 LL E The Peacemaker 27 04 44 AI 29 05 44 AOS 02 06 44 G 06 02 45 ? RG 08 02 45 28 03 45 FTRLOC 30 03 45 12 04 45 CR (test flight) - 6 KIS - 13 04 45 SAL - See: NASA 53757AC, 62772AC, B62773AC, C62775AC 337594 323 OR 0 Strictly G.I. 0405 44 AI 31 05 44 AOS 100644 G 28 06 44 AF Ridgewell RG ? 09 09 44 FTR AA CR Karlsruhe, Germany - 2Lt Niels c.Jensen - 5 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 8806 - See: NASA B62793AC 337610 401 LLA/Q Zootie Cutie 06 05 44 AI 29 05 44 AOS 10 06 44 G 11 12 44 FTRLOC RG 04 03 45

080645 ZOI 041245 Kingman, Arizona - 2Lt Carl M. Melton - See: NASA 62788AC, A62788AC, B62788AC 337613 324 DF A 06 05 44 AI 02 06 44 AOS 15 06 44 G 160844 CLAF Halesworth - Lt (?) L. C. Marpil - 1 KIA, 1 POW, 7 RID - 17 08 44 2SAD SAL 337616 0005 44 AI 00 06 44 AOS 30 05 45 G 38IBG 080645 ZOI Liberty Queen 337624 401 LL P Victory Queen 08 05 44 AI 04 06 44 AOS 10 06 44 G 92BG 20 07 44 FTR GF CR Zwickau, Germany - Lt Frank Fusco - 1 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 7283 337625 323 OR Q/W Cheri 080544 AI 30 05 44AOS 11 06 44 G 20 06 44 2SAD RG ? 02 11 44 FTR GSE CR Ottersleben, ? - Lt Robert W. Harris - 2 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 10361 337626 322 LG M 08 05 44 AI 04 06 44 AOS 10 06 44 G 210644 FTR GF CR Prenzlau, Germany - 2Lt Joseph P. Paskvan - 3 KIA, 6 POW - MACR 5929 Madame Shoo Shoo 337707 322 LG M 324DFM 1605 44 AI 02 06 44AOS 280644 G 080445 FTRLOC SAL - See: NASAA62726AC, B62809AC 337819 322 LG 2705 44 AI 28 06 44AOS 190744 G 20 07 44 FTR GSE CR Silberstr, ? - Lt Charles T. Walby - 2 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 7284 337844 324 DF Yankee Gal 3005 44 AI 27 06 44AOS 100744 G 19 1044 FTRLOC RG ? 260545 ZOI 14 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA C62766AC, A62790AC 323 OR T "Old BattleAxe" 337887 401 LL J Ye Old Battle Axe 0306 44 AI 03 07 44AOS 31 0744 G 2111 44 FTRLOC RG 2SAD RG 17 1244 08 06 45 ZOI 28 06 45 South Plains, Texas - See: NASA C62793AC 337890 324 DF Fearless Fosdick 03 06 44 AI 28 06 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 21 11 44 FTR AA CR Dobitschen, ? - Lt Charles C. Whitesell - 4 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 10420 337913 323 OR T Seattle Sleeper 0606 44 AI 28 06 44AOS 00 00 44 G 26 11 44 FTR GF EX CR Haulerwijk, ? - Lt John R. Stevens - 6 EVD, 3 POW - E&E 2918, 2919, 2966, 2967 - MACR 10837 337988 324 DF The B.T.O. 15 06 44 AI 13 07 44 AOS 22 07 44 G 120844 2SAD RG 170844 10 01 45 FTRLOC Brussels, Belgium LAND (struck C-47) - 2Lt John Martin - 3 KIA, 6 RID - 18 01 45 SAL 337993 401 LL U Mah Ideel 324DF N 15 06 44 AI 1007 44 AOS 23 07 44 G 00 00 45 ? RG 29 03 45 08 06 45 ZOI 29 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62774AC, A62808AC

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 338000 324 DF E 1606 44AI 10 07 44AOS 23 07 44 G 1608 44 FTR GF EX CR Lehna, ? - 2Lt Reese W. Lindsay - 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 8181 338012 324 DF L 18 06 44 AI 10 07 44 AOS 23 07 44 G 16 08 44 FTR GF EX CR Witzenhausen, Germany - 2Lt Vicent A. Fonks - 1 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 8424 338035401 LL F A nxious A ngel 2006 44 AI 13 07 44AOS 00 00 44 G 28 03 45 FTRLOC RG 30 03 45 08 06 45 ZOI 05 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 338036 322 LG D/H Hey Daddy 401LLH 21 06 44 AI 13 07 44 AOS 22 07 44 G 02 03 45 FTRLOC RG 06 04 45 08 06 45 ZOI 08 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA B62611AC 338044 323 OR L 2106 44 AI 13 07 44AOS 00 00 44 G 00 00 44 487BG 338083 323 OR Q/V Happy Valley Express 2506 44Al 25 07 44AOS 11 08 44 G 22 01 45 AF Metfield 2SAD 23 01 45 SAL 338088 322 LG R Redwing 2606 44 AI 25 07 44AOS 11 08 44 G 08 06 45 ZOI 08 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 338202 322 LG T Miss Slipstream 08 07 44 AI 03 08 44 AOS 18 08 44 G 021144 FTR GF CR Norbitz, ? - Lt Dale E. Brant - 2 KIA, 7 POWMACR 10145 338212 322 LG B/P Gal 0' My Dreams 11 07 44 Al 03 08 44 AOS 18 0844 G 02 11 44 FTR GF CR Gross-Oesingen, ? - Lt Thomas P. Bruno - 5 KIA, 4 POW - MACR 10146 338220 324 DF L Lady Lois Little Jean 1207 44 AI 03 0844 AOS 180844 G 2605 45 ZOI 01 1245 Kingman, Arizona Note: Little Jean appears to have been added in April 1945 338234 322 LG Easy Does It 1207 44AI 03 08 44AOS 180844 G 05 12 44 FTR AA CR Templin, Germany - Lt Donald R. Freer - 2 KIA, 7 POW - MACR 11036 338306 322 LG B The Biggest Bird 21 07 44 AI 10 08 44 AOS 1808 44 G 05 12 44 AF Horham 07 12 44 2SAD SAL RG 20 01 45 04 04 45 2SAD RG 25 04 45 25 04 45 FTRLOC AFSC 338348 322 LG 0 Roxy's Special 27 07 44 AI 10 08 44 AOS 18 08 44 G 08 09 44 FTR AA EX CR Oggersheim, Germany - Lt David McCarty Jr. -7 KIA, 2POW - MACR8807 - See: NASA 62747AC, C62747AC 338360 322 LG D Bride ofMars 27 07 44 AI 01 0944 AOS 09 09 44 G 051244 FTRAACR Spandau, Germany - 2Lt Ralph P. Blanton Jr. 9 POW - MACR 11045 338379 323 OR 0 Margie 29 07 44 AI 01 09 44 AOS 10 09 44 G 390BG 30 1044 ? 31 1044 2SAD 02 11 44 2SAD SAL RG 04 12 44 26 05 45 ZOI 18 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62757AC

223

338398 322 LG 0 3107 44AI 0109 44AOS 100944 G 2510442SAD 338545 401 LL J 324DF 1808 44 AI 180944 AOS 04 11 44 G 21 11 44 FTRLOC 28 11 44 AFSC SAL - Lt Harold R. DeBolt - 9 RTD 338642 323 OR Super Mouse 2908 44 AI 13 1044 AOS 04 11 44 G 29 12 44 FTRLOC 21 01 45 SAL 338693 322 LG C 07 09 44 AI 13 10 44 AOS 04 11 44 G 05 12 44 FTR AA CR Talge-Wilsten, ? - Lt Howard L. Mitchell - 4 KIA, 5 POW - MACR 11333 338742 324 DF 13 09 44 AI 16 1044 AOS 04 11 44 G 30 11 44 FTR AA EX CR Zeitz, Germany - 2Lt Ralph E. Stolz - 8 KIA, 1 POW - MACR 11044 338755 322 LGA LewdAngel 1609 44 AI 03 1144AOS 02 1244 G 080645 ZOI 06 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 62737AC 338761 322 LG V 1609 44 AI 1210 44AOS 041144 G 14 01 45 FTRLOC 20 02 45 SAL RG 07 05 45 08 06 45 ZOI 05 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 338772 324 DF P Sweet Freda 18 09 44 AI 28 1044 AOS 02 12 44 G 94BG 26 05 45 ZOI 07 0246 Albuquerque, New Mexico 338790 322 LG 0 Oh Happy Day 20 09 44 AI 17 10 44 AOS 07 12 44 G 08 0645 ZOI 04 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASAA62748AC 338806 323 OR D 2409 44 AI 18 1044 AOS 04 1144 G 22 03 45 FTRLOC 25 03 45 SAL 338841 323 OR L Judy's Little Ass 2609 44 AI 16 1044 AOS 04 11 44 G 26 05 45 ZOI 20 12 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 4805AC 338843 401 LL L 26 09 44 AI 18 10 44 AOS 04 11 44 G 06 02 45 ? RG 07 02 45 10 05 45 AF Podington RG 11 05 45 29 10 45 SAL 9AF 338860 323 OR M 29 09 44 AI 18 10 44 AOS 09 02 45 G 14 0245 FTRLOC 22 02 45 SAL 338880 324 DF R 30 09 44 AI 23 1044 AOS 09 02 45 G 384BG 17 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 338889 324 DF M Chippewa The Milwaukee Road 0410 44 AI 18 1044 AOS 0411 44 G 260545 ZOI 19 11 45 Kingman, Arizona 338901 322 LG T Star Dust 06 10 44 AI 17 10 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 08 06 45 ZOI 30 11 45 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA 59116AC, A62747AC, A62749AC, 62789AC, A62789AC 338911 323 OR Bull Session 0710 44 AI 191044 AOS 0511 44 G 14 01 45 FTRLOC AA CR Wengerrohr, Germany - 2Lt William E. Meyer - 8 KIA, 1 POW - 06 03 45 SAL 338936 324 DF

224

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN • 1310 44 AI 2810 44AOS 291144 G 30 11 44 FfRLOC RG 22 03 45 26 05 45 ZOI 15 12 45 Kingman, Arizona

338939 323 ORA Peace or Bust 1910 44 AI 3110 44AOS 0212 44 G 03 02 45 FfRLOC France RG 04 02 45 11 04 45 FfRLOC RG ? 311045 SAL 9AF· See: NASA 62737AC, A62756AC 338946 324 DF H 19 10 44 AI 01 11 44 AOS 12 1244 G 24 1244 CL Foxton, UK 2SAD 26 1244 SAL 339000 322 LG E Extra Special 02 11 44 AI 18 11 44 AOS 11 12 44 G 07 02 45 FfRLOC France RG 08 02 45 080645 ZOI 041245 Kingman, Arizona· See: NASA C62747AC 339014 401 LL C Hot Shot Charlie 041144AI 18 1144AOS 09 0145 G 13 05 45 FfRLOC France RG ? 17 05 45 FfRLOC SAL 09 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 339153 324 DF H 21 12 44 AI 06 01 45 AOS 05 02 45 G 2605 45 ZOI 14 1245 Kingman, Arizona 339217 401 LL 0 Peg OfMy Heart Merry Ann 00 1244 AI 00 01 45 AOS 23 02 45 08 06 45 ZOI 25 11 45 Kingman, Arizona 339225 323 OR V 0012 44 AI 000145 AOS 23 02 45 G 26 05 45 ZOI 03 11 45 Kingman, Arizona 46012 05 04 44 AI 02 05 44 AOS 30 05 45 G 381BG 080645 ZOI 19 1245 Kingman, Arizona 46093 401 LL J V.SA. The Hard Way 2904 44 AI 2105 44AOS 27 0544 G 02 11 44 FfR OF EX CR Westerode, Germany· Lt John J. Atkins Jr. ·1 KIA, 8 POW· MACR 10141 46117 322 LG Q 0605 44 AI 260544 AOS 21 06 44 G 21 06 44 FfR OF CR Rothenklempenow, Germany· 2Lt Robert E. O'Hannon . 1 KlA, 8 POW· MACR 5980 46126 324 DF P 0805 44 AI 3105 44AOS 10 07 44 G 160844 FfR GF CR Chartres, France· Lt John L. Leslie· 6 KIA, 3 POW· MACR 8185 46151 324 DF J/Q Shure Shot 15 05 44 AI 06 06 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 13 01 45 FfRLOC RG 13 03 45 2705 45 ZOI 19 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 46293 401 LLA Sunkist Sue Peggy 27 06 44 AI 07 07 44 AOS 22 07 44 G 29 01 45 FfRLOC RG 17 05 45 080645 ZOI 46295 00 06 44 AI 00 07 44 AOS 07 05 45 G 100BG 46298 322 LG A Heavenly Body White Cargo 28 06 44 AI 10 07 44 AOS 22 07 44 G 0211 44 FfR OF CR Neugattersleben, Germany· Lt Russell H. Brown ·6 KIA, 3 POW· MACR 10142

46308

322 LG S

Stinky Munchin' Kid

2806 44 AI 1007 44AOS 22 07 44 G 18 03 45 FfRLOC RO ? 170445 2SAD RG? 08 06 45 ZOI 01 12 45 Kingman, Arizona· See: NASA 57894AC, 62748AC 46568 324 DF G Skunkface III 0809 44 AI 1810 44AOS 291144 G 17 04 45 FfR GJF CR Dresden, Germany· Lt Harvey V. Camp· 8 KIA, 1 POW 46578 322 LG D Rusty Dusty 120944 AI 27 09 44AOS 07 1244 G 040445 2SAD SAL· See: NASA 62747AC, B62747AC 46591 322 LG U Incendiary Blonde 1709 44 AI 1010 44AOS 041144 G 15 1244 FfRLOC RO 10 0245 17 12 45 Kingman, Arizona· See: NASA B62751AC

46596 322 LG L/P/F Sweet Dish 1909 44 AI 10 1044 AOS 04 11 44 G 05 1244 RTB AA· FlO Robert W. Roach· 3 POW, 6 RID 08 1245 Kingman, Arizona· See: NASAA62611AC 46604 21 09 44 AI 18 10 44 AOS 30 05 45 G 38IBG 29 11 45 Kingman, Arizona 46615 324 DF 220944 AI 16 1044 AOS 23 02 45 G 17 03 45 FfRLOC RG ? 26 05 45 ZOI 17 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 46618 323 OR U 2509 44 AI 12 10 44AOS 041144 G 26 05 45 ZOI 13 12 45 Kingman, Arizona 46623 324 DF B 2809 44 AI 10 10 44AOS 2410 44 G 260545 ZOI 14 1245 Kingman, Arizona 46884 401 LL N 09 12 44 AI 22 12 44 AOS 23 02 45 G 08 06 45 ZOI 06 1245 Kingman, Arizona 46931 401 LL K Ragged But Right 21 12 44 AI 06 01 45 AOS 00 00 44 G 080645 ZOI 20 1245 Kingman, Arizona· See: NASA C62748AC, 62611AC 46964 322 LG Y 01 01 45 AI 04 02 45 AOS 23 02 45 G 08 06 45 ZOI 30 11 45 Kingman, Arizona 46975 Our Bridget 00 01 45 AI 00 01 45 AOS 15 04 45 G 38IBG 00 00 45 AF Ridgewell RG 01 05 45 11 05 45 FfRLOC France RG 15 05 45 2005 45 381BG . See: NASA 69448AC 48010 11 05 44 AI 15 07 44 AOS 15 01 45 G 38IBG 23 02 45 FfRLOC RG ? 23 05 45 306BG 48038 322 LG 19 05 44 AI 01 08 44 AOS 00 00 44 G 48124 1406 44 AI 06 08 44AOS 09 0145 G 14 04 46 SAL 9AF

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 48135 324 DF 17 06 44 AI 09 08 44 AOS 27 08 44 G 06 11 44 AA CL AF Rackheath 09 11 44 2SAD SAL 48145 323 OR C Tailor Maid 324 DF C Ah 's Available 2006 44 AI 17 08 44AOS 15 09 44 G 04 12 44 FfRLOC RG 04 02 45 07 02 45 lSAD RG 13 02 45 24 03 45 AF Chelveston RG 25 03 45 24 05 45 306BG 48173 322 LG 28 06 44 AI 18 09 44 AOS 10 11 44 G 22 11 44 FfRLOC 03 1244 SAL 48174 324 DF E 28 06 44 AI 01 11 44 AOS 18 11 44 G 20 01 45 LAND 21 01 45 2SAD SAL 48208 322 LG Q My Baby II 10 07 44AI 12 09 44 AOS 0410 44 G 0810 44AF Alconbury RG 10 1044 02 11 44 FfR GF CR Micheln, ? - Capt Roy A. Hammer - 1 KIA, 8 POW - MACR 10143 48224 324 DF 1407 44 AI 1809 44AOS 10 1144 G 27 12 44 2SAD RG 04 01 45 48311 324 DF P Terry's Tiger 0808 44 AI 0109 44AOS 100944 G 261144 FfRLOC 1112 44AFSC SAL 48324 401 LL R Blood n' Guts Gypsie 11 08 44 AI 02 09 44 AOS 12 09 44 G 08 06 45 ZOI 04 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASAA62773AC

Tennessee Tess 48357 401 LL M 2108 44 AI 10 10 44AOS 0511 44 G 00 01 45 306BG 48429 401 LL G Broad Minded 1209 44 AI 0510 44AOS 041144 G 08 0645 ZOI 14 1245 Kingman, Arizona - See: NASA C62771AC 48431 323 OR W Cheri II 1409 44 AI 0110 44AOS 041144 G 17 03 45 FfRLOC RG ? 26 05 45 ZOI 14 1245 Kingman, Arizona 48471 323 OR C Tower ofLondon 2309 44 AI 09 1144AOS 00 00 44 G 00 05 45 306BG Irish Lassie 48475 322 LG C 0009 44 AI 0011 44 AOS 111244 G 120145 lSAD RG 17 0145 24 05 45 306BG - See: NASA B62766AC 48478 323 OR G 26 09 44 AI 28 10 44 AOS 20 11 44 G 080145 lSAD RG 15 01 45 24 05 45 306BG 48483 27 09 44 AI 09 11 44 AOS 09 01 45 G 398BG 00 05 45 306BG 48573 322 LG 324DF 2410 44 AI 16 1244 AOS 29 0145 G 140245 FfRLOC SAL

225

48588 324 DF E Klette's Wild Hares 28 10 44 AI 30 1244 AOS 23 01 45 G 28 01 45 lSAD RG 07 0245 24 05 45 306BG - See: NASA C62776AC 48651 324 DF A Lorraine 15 11 44 AI 22 12 44 AOS 02 02 45 G 00 00 45 ? RG 22 04 45 240545 306BG - See: NASAA62751AC 48711 0412 44 AI 20 01 45 AOS 03 0145 G 13 1045 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 48729 1912 44 AI 21 0145 AOS 00 00 45 G 000045 MTO 48777 324 DF J 2312 44 AI 21 0145 AOS 05 0245 G 00 00 45 FfRLOC France RG 25 02 45 24 05 45 306BG 48792 401 LL Q 29 12 44 AI 07 02 45 AOS 26 02 45 G 24 05 45 306BG 48824 09 01 45 AI 04 02 45 AOS 11 09 44 G 29 03 45 303BG 48840 323 OR Q 13 01 45 AIlS 02 45 AOS 30 03 45 G 24 05 45 306BG 48852 322 LG V 16 01 45 AI 18 0245 AOS 09 03 45 G 24 05 45 306BG 483263 323 OR J Ragans Raiders 322 LGJ 00 00 45 AI 00 00 45 AOS 00 00 45 G 17 03 45 FfRLOC RG ? 270545 ZOI 483267 00 00 45 AI 00 00 45 AOS 23 02 45 G 483288 00 00 45 AI 00 00 45 AOS 25 05 45 G 379BG

Name Index What follows is an alphabetical list of those B-17s assigned to the 91st Bombardment Group. For each entry information is also provided about the aircraft serial number. If the serial number is unknown, information if possible is provided as to whether the aircraft is camouflaged (CAM) or in natural metal finish (NMF) and whether the aircraft is a B-17E (17E), B17F (17F), or a B-17G (17G). 232095 48145 17GCAM 23213 17F 2107027 338035 17 17FCAM 297292 124484 17

Ack-AckAnnie Ah 's Availble Alabama Exterminator All American Alley Oop Annie Anxious Angel Ball ofFire Baltimore Oriole Bachelor's Bride Bad Egg Bad Penny

226 17G 17 231579 231579 237938 17 25787 25428 17GNMF 17 229895 17 17 23057 17 48324 237761 17 230805 25763 297234 17 17 17 239898 239996 338360 48429 23162 25729 231187 231672 338911 231542 298012 2107075 23172 337625 48431 124439 25139 231076 17

338889 231367 17 22970 2102392 229741 238128 229947 17 17

22990 231070 17

124432 17 238128 17FCAM 25077

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN • Betty Ann Betty Jane Betty Lou's Block Buster Betty Lou's Buggy Betty Lou's Buggy Big Dick Billie K Black Magic Black Magic - See: NASA C62745AC Black Rose Black Swan Blade Rose . Block Buster Blonde Bomber Blonde Bomber II Blood n' Guts Blue Dreams Boeing Belle Bomb Boogie's Revenge Bomb-Boogie Bomber Dear Bonily Boomboogie Boomerang Boston Bombshell Boston Bombshell Bride ofMars Broad Minded Buccaneer Buccaneer Buckeye Boomerang Buckeye Boomerang II Bull Session uBunky" Cannon Ball Too Champagne Girl Chennault's Pappy Cheri Cheri II Chief Sly Chief Sly II Chief Sly's Son Chief's Fly Chippewa The Milwaukee Road Chow-Hound Colossal Fossil Connecticut Yankee Cool Papa Corn State Terror Cutty Sark Daisy June Daisy Mae Dalton's Devils Dame Satan Dame Satan II DameSoo Danellen Dauntless Dotty Dear Becky Delta Rebel Delta Rebel No.2

239774 17 23053 231812 23119 230157 19103 237736 229816 17

338234 239815 297562 124464 339000 17

2107075 337890 17FCAM 17 2107030 25407 17

25437 17G 124497 124497 23119 124499 338212 229759 297061 297630 17 25789 124523 25741 17 48324 17GCAM 12394 338083 231372 238027 46298 124482 25712 17 232116 231869 124481 23060 237737 230157 17 25804 124459 338036 232116 2107027 23043

Demo Darling Desperate Desperate Journey Destiny's Child Destiny's Tot Dirty Gertie "Dixie Demo" Duke ofPaducah Eager Beaver Easy Easy Does It Emeigh Evenin' Folks! How Y'All? Excalibur Extra Special Faithful Forever Fancy Pants Fearless Fosdick Fertle Myrtle Fever Beaver Fifinella Fightin' Pappy Flak Happy Frank's Nightmare French Dressing Frisco Jennie Frisco J inny Frisco Jinny Fury Gal 0' My Dreams Gay Caballeros General "Ike" Geraldine Girl ofMy Dreams Golden Bear "Golly!" Guardian Angel Guess Where? Gypsie Hairless Joe Hangar Queen Happy Valley Express Harass Dragon Heavenly Body Heavenly Body Heavyweight Annihilators HeavyweightAnnihilators No.2. HedyLamarr Heigh Ho Silver Hell and High Water Hell's Angels Hell's Belle Hell's Belle Hell's Belles Hell's Bells Hell's Halo Hellsapoppin Hey Daddy HiHoSilver Hikin' for Home Hitler's Gremlin

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 17 238006 23506 339014 17FCAM 46591 17 25070 48475 17 124490 48501 237911 239771 124515 238144 229587 338841 240000 239975 124447 48588 239929 17 17 17GNMF 338220 229837 231673 338755 124523 229659 337624 2107042 23073 17 231230 338220 17 297880 231678 23111 230620 17 48651 124545 17 337707 337993 231372 17 238083 124399 237987 338379 124515 17FCAM 25724 232072 17FCAM 239967

Hitler's Hearse Hoosier Hot Shot Hoosier Hotshot Hot Shot Charlie I DoodIt Incendiary Blonde Invasion Invasion 2nd . Irish Lassie Ironbird Jack the Ripper Jeanie Jeannie Marie Jeannie Marie Jersey Bounce Jezebel Jolly Roger Judy's Little Ass Just Nothing Just Plain Lonesome Kickapoo Klette's Wild Hares Lackin' Shackin' Laden Maiden Lady Freda Lady Helen of Wimpole - See: NASA C62809AC Lady Lois Lady Luck Lassie Come Home LewdAngel Li'IAudrey Liberty Bell Liberty Queen Liberty Run Lightning Strikes Little Audrey Little Jean Little Jean Little Joe Little Miss Mischief Little Patches Local Girl Los Angeles City Limits Lord Cesspool Lorraine Luftwaffe's Waterloo Ma Chung's Bastard Madame Shoo Shoo MahIdeel Malayan Lady Malfunction Man 0 War II Horsepower Ltd. Man-O-War Man 0 War Horsepower Ltd. Margie Marie Jane Marnita Marnita No.2 Mary Mary Jane Mary Kay

297504 229536 17FCAM 124485 339217 231580 229815 17GNMF 17GCAM 17 17FCAM 17FCAM 230712 23040 338202 124453 124497 124545 231585 17 46308 2107033 48208 231572 231578 237965 25712 17 25789 231909 23031 338790 229921 17 337887 237958 17 229797 25734 23043 17 46975 25069 231636 229973 124503 25084 124570 237746 297956 229973 338939 297630 339217 46293 17G 124544 23057 25729 237779 17GNMF

MaryLou "Mary Ruth " Memories ofMobile Master Bader "Memphis Belle" Merry Ann Merry Widow Miami Clipper Mighty Caroline Miss America Miss Conception Miss Fortune Miss Fortune II Miss Minookie Miss Ouachita Miss Slipstream Mizpah Mizpah II Motise Mount 'N Ride Mr. Five By Five Munch in ' Kid My Baby My Baby II My Beloved Too My Darling Also My Desire My Prayer Naughty Caroline NightShade Nine o Nine Nitemare Oh Happy Day Oklahoma Okie Ot'Ironsides "Old Battle Axe" Old Faithful Old Iron Ass Old Ironsides Old Ironsides Old Ironsides Old Standby Our Bridget Our Gang Outhouse Mouse Paddy's Gremlin Pandora's Box Panhandle Dogie Panhandle Dogie Paper Dolly "Pard" Patty GremlinJr. Peace or Bust Peg 0' My Heart Peg OfMy Heart Peggy PeggyD Pennsylvania Polka Piccadilly Commando Piccadilly Commando Pist'IPackin'Mama Pistol Packin' Mama

227

228 17FCAM 297304 17FCAM 240000 297851 231353 124505 483263 46931 17 25391 17 229750 337540 229679 229750 238128 25734 338088 297959 17 229487 124512 17FCAM 2107069 17 338348 25729 25132 46578 124479 17FCAM 17 337913 229793 297151 297984 17 2107040 237938 232076 232076 124449 25362 25337 46151 23506 17 25795 229656 23061 46568 17 2102527 17FCAM 17 124523 17FCAM 17FCAM 17 237940

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN· Potluck Priority Gal Punchy Quad Zero Qualified Quail Queenie Quitcherbitchin Ragans Raiders Ragged But Right Rain Check Rain of Terror RainyDay _ Ramblin Rebel Ramblin' Rebel Ramblin' Wreck Rebel's Revenge RedAlert Red Balloon Redwing Rhapsody in Red Ridge Runner Ritzy Blitz Rose o 'Day Rosiewrectum Round Trip Topsy Roundtrip Jack Roxy's Special Royal Flush Royal Flush! Rusty Dusty Sad Sack Saint A 'Bord Screamin' Eagle Seattle Sleeper Shelia B. Cummin Sheriff's Posse Sherry's Cherries Shirley Shirley Jean Shoo Shoo Baby Shoo Shoo Baby Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby Short Snorter Short Snorter II Short Snorter III Shure Shot Sir Baboon McGoon Skipper Skoal Skunkface Skunkface II Skunkface III Sky Queen Sleepytime Gal Slide Kelly Smashing Time Snooks Southern Comfort Southern Comfort Jr. Spare Charlie Spirit 01'44

124483 297519 338901 17FCAM 46308 25225 229475 337594 124549 229559 237939 297625 297625 46294 338642 231982 297276 46596 338772 17 17GCAM 17 297276 48145 17 297173 124504 48357 237737 229656 17 48311 124589 231634 17 17 124480 124453 124453 338306 229895 2107027 337988 124639 17 17FCAM 229816 229816 124524 17G 25745 124527 237911 231883 297455 231610 2102509 17 17FCAM 17FCAM 17GNMF

Spirit ofAlcohol Spirit ofBilly Mitchell Star Dust Stepin-Fetchit Stinky Stormy Weather Stric Nine Strictly G./. Stupen-Taket Stupntakit Sugar Blues Sun Special Sunkist Special SunkistSue Super Mouse Superstitious Aloysius Sweet 17 Sweet Dish Sweet Freda Sweet Hour ofPrayer Sweet Rhythm Sweet Rose 0 'Grady Sweet Seventeen Tailor Maid Taint A Bird Take It Easy Taurus Tennessee Tess Tennessee Toddy Terrible Ten Terry and the Pirates Terry's Tiger Texas Bronco Texas Chubby - The J'ville Jolter Thar She Blows The Bad Egg The Bad Penny The Bearded Beauty The Bearded Lady The Biggest Bird The Black Swan The Bloody Bucket TheB.T.O. The Careful Virgin The Delta Rebel The Dot Mart The Eager Beaver The Eager Eagle The Eagle's Wrath The Floose The Fuhrer the Better The Great Speckled Bird The "Heats On" The Jub Jub Bird The Keystone Mama The Liberty Belle The Liberty Run The Memphis Belle The Memphis Blues The Motsie The New Roxy

APPENDIX 2: AIRCRAFTASSIGNED 25178 337552 17FCAM 2107205 124504 124431 17FCAM 229591 17 124506 124527 229574 297276 17FCAM 229739 231515 239803 25172 25724 2102504 229740 17FCAM 48471 46093 25225

The Old Stand By The Peacemaker ThePotmark The Ruptured Duck The Sad Sack The Saint The Shadow The Shamrock Special The Shape The Shiftless Skonk The Sky Wolf The Sky Wolf II The Spirit ofSt. Louis The Vicious Virgin The Village Flirt The Wild Hare The Wolf Thunderbird Thunderbird Times A -Wastin ' Tondelayo Tough Stuff Tower ofLondon U.SA. The Hard Way V-Packette

237742 124547 337624 17 229642 17 298012 229947 298012 231333 124606 124511 46298 2102490 297563 297954 232085 229916 19023 25379 337844 337887 229709 17FCAM 337610

Vagabond Lady Vertigo Victory Queen Virgin's Delight Vulgar Virgin Wabash Cannon Ball Wabash Cannonball Wabash Cannonball Wabash Cannonball Too Wee Willie Werewolf Wheel and Deal White Cargo Wicked Witch Winged Victory Winnie Frank Joe Yankee Belle Yankee Dandy Yankee Doodle Yankee Eagle Yankee Gal Ye Old Battle Axe Yo' Brother Zoot Boys Pride Zootie Cutie

229

APPENDIX 3

AIRCRAFT LOST

DATE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

03/10/42 23/11/42 23/11/42 23/11/42 20/12/42 20/12/42 30/12/42 03/01/43 04/02/43 04/02/43 26/02/43 26/02/43 04/03/43 04/03/43 04/03/43 04/03/43 22/03/43 28/03/43 17/04/43 17/04/43 17/04/43 17/04/43 17/04/43 17/04/43 01/05/43 13/05/43 13/05/43 14/05/43 19/05/43 21/05/43 21/05/43 21/05/43 21/05/43 22/06/43 22/06/43 22/06/43 22/06/43 22/06/43 28/06/43 10/07/43

MISSIONS NO. TARGET

8 8 8 11 11

12 13 17 17 20 20 22 22 22 22 28 29 34 34 34 34 34 34 35 37 37 38 41 42 42 42 42 47 47 47 47 47 50 53

Flight Overseas St Nazaire, France St Nazaire, France St Nazarie, France Romilly, France Romilly-sur-Seine AF, Fr. Lorient, Fr. U Boat Pens St. Nazaire, France Emden, Germany Emden, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Bremen, Germany Hamm, Germany Hamm, Germaqny Hamm, Germany Hamm, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Rouen/Soutteville MY, Fr. Bremen, Germany Bremen, Germany Bremen, Germany Bremen, Germany Bremen, Germany Bremen, Germany St. Nazaire, France Meaulte, France Meaulte, France Kiel, Germany Kiel, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Huls, Germany Huls, Germany Huls, Germany Huls, Germany Huls, Germany St. Nazaire Villa Coublay, France

NO.

AIRCRAFT SQUADRON NAME

STATUS

4124451 4124479 4124503 4124506 4124432 4124452 4124449 425084 4124544 4124589 4124447 425362 4124464 4124512 4124549 425370 4229659 4229537 4124459 425070 425172 425337 425391 4229574 4124547 425406 4229642 4124481 4124483 4124515 423053 425857 4229657 425132 425789 4229536 4229797 4229998 425724 4229475

401 LL 323 LG-R 324 DF-E 324 DF 401 LL-E 401 LL-E 401 LL 323 OR 323 OR-O 323 OR-R 401 LL-H 401 LL-F 324 DF-J 323 LG-N 322 OR-Q 324 DF-K 324 DF 324 DF 401 LL-B 401 LL-A 401 LL-Z 401 LL-J 401 LL-D 401 LL-G 322 OR-P 322 OR 322 OR-L 322 LG-M 323 LG-U 324 DF-H 324 DF-Z 324 DF-J 322 OR-X 401 LL-E 322 LG-X 401 LL-A 401 LL-Y 324 DF 323 LG-T 323 OR-R

CRA MIA MIA CRA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA DIT MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA DIT MIA MIA MIA

230

Sad Sack Pandora's Box The Shiftless Skunk Danellen Short Snorter Panhandle Dogey Pennsylvania Polka Texas Bronco Kickapoo Short Snorter II Excalibur Rose O'Day Stupntakit None Liberty Bell None Hellsapoppin Invasion II Thunderbird Short Snorter III Rain of Terror Sky Wolf II Vertigo Vulgar Virgin Hells Angles Spirit of Alcohol Marie Jane Desperate Journey None Royal Flush Nightshade Mary Ruth Old Ironsides None Thunderbird Marnita Stric Nine

APPENDIX 3: AIRCRAFTLOST DATE 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

25/07/43 26/07/43 26/07/43 30/07/43 30/07/43 12/08/43 12/08/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 31/08/43 31/08/43 17/08/43 16/08/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 31/08/43 06/09/43 06/09/43 06/09/43 16/09/43 27/09/43 27/09/43 27/09/43 04/10/43 08/10/43 09/10/43 09/10/43 09/10/43 09/10/43 09/10/43 10/10/43 14/10/43 03/11/43 03/11/43 03/11/43 26/11/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 22/12/43 31/12/43 31/12/43 11/01/44 11/01/44 11/01/44 11/01/44 11/01/44 24/01/44 04/02/44 04/02/44 04/02/44 20/02/44 21/02/44 21/02/44

MISSIONS NO. TARGET 57 58 58 61 61 62 62 65 65 65 65 69 69 65 64

65 65 65 65 69 71 71 71 73 76 76 76 78 79 80 80 80 80 80 81 82 84 84 84 88 89 89 89 89 89 95 98 98 102 102 102 102 102 106 106 106 112 113 113

Hamburg, Germany Hamburg, Germany Hamburg, Germany Kassel, Germany Kassel, Germany Gelsenkirchen, Germany Gelsenkirchen, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Romilly, France Romilly, France Schweinfurt, Germany Le Bourget, France Schweinfurt, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Rommily, France Stuttgart, Germany Stuttgart, Germany Stuttgart, Germany Nantes, France Emden, Germany Emden, Germany Emden, Germany Frankfurt, Germany Bremen, Germany Anklam, Germany Anklam, Germany Anklam, Germany Anklam, Germany Anklam, Germany Munster, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Wilhelmshaven, Germany Bremen, Germany Leverkusen, Germany Leverkusen, Germany Leverkusen, Germany Leverkusen, Germany Leverkusen, Germany Osnabruck, Germany Bordeau, France Bordeau, France Oscherleben, Germany Oschersleben, Germany Oschersleben, Germany Oschersleben, Germany Oschersleben, Germany Frankfurt-Mis. Recalled Frankfurt, Germany Frankfurt, Germany Frankfurt, Germany Aschersleben, Germany Achmer, Germany Achmer, Germany

231

NO.

AIRCRAFT SQUADRON NAME

STATUS

4229813 423031 423119 4229916 4124399 425077 425787 425069 425437 425225 425712 4124523 4229816 425139 423213 4124524 4124453 423043 4124527 4229973 425763 4124497 4229540 423079 4230624 423111 4229750 423274 4229520 425178 4230772 4229740 4229711 4229778 4237737 425714 4230805 4237742 4239802 425795 4239836 4229794 426086 423060 4124511 4237738 4229895 4229921 4229487 423057 4231372 4231076 4231230 4240009 423500 4239771 4239803 4229656 423040 4230712

324 324 323 323 323 323 323 324 401 323 322 323 401 322 322 323 322 401 324 322 401 322 322 323 322 324 323 323 323 322 323 323 322 322 401 323 401 401 401 401 322 322 323 401 322 322 324 324 324 322 323 322 324 324 482 401 324 322 323 323

MIA MIA DIT MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA DIT MIA MIA DIT MIA CRA MIA DIT DIT MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA DIT MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA CRA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA

DFB1 DF-F LG-M OR-L OR-V OR-T OR-U DF-G LL-H OR-S LG-S OR-N LL-K LG-V OR-M OR-O LG-O LL-B DF-Y LG-Q LL-F LG-P OR-O OR-X LG-O DFA1 OR-L OR-U OR-S LG-L OR-V OR-P LG-V LG-M LL-K OR-N LL-H LL-J LL-D LL-B LG-M LG-O OR-P LL-G LG-W LG-T DF-H DF-Z DF-K LG-N OR-P LG-X DFA1 DF

Ritzy Blitz Nightmare Yankee Dandy Man-O-War Delta Rebel 2 Billy Kay Our Gang Franks Nightmare Stormy Weather My Prayer L'ilAudrey The Eager Beaver Chief Sly II All American The Eagles Wrath The Bearded Lady Hitlers' Gremlin Great Speckled Bird Paddy Gremlin JR Bomb Boogie Mizpah II

Local Girl Rebels Revenge

The Old Stand By

Tennessee Toddy Bomb Boogies Revenge Vagabon Lady Skoal

Hells Belle Wheel and Deal The Black Swan Oklahoma Okie Ritzy Blitz Blond Bomber Harass Dragon Chief Slys' Son Little Jean PFF 482nd Bomb Group

LL-H DF LG-S OR-Q OR-O

The Wolf Skunkface Miss Quachita Miss Minookie

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

232

101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160

DATE

MISSIONS NO. TARGET

NO.

AIRCRAFT SQUADRON NAME

STATUS

21/02/44 21/02/44 22/02/44 22/02/44 22/02/44 22/02/44 22/02/44 03/03/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 08/03/44 16/03/44 18/03/44 20/03/44 22/03/44 29/03/44 11/04/44 19/04/44 19/04/44 19/04/44 22/04/44 27/04/44 28/04/44 29/04/44 01/05/44 07/05/44 19/05/44 24/05/44 27/05/44 29/05/44 30/05/44 18/06/44 20/06/44 21/06/44 21/06/44 21/06/44 21/06/44 25/06/44 25/06/44 08/07/44 16/07/44 18/07/44 19/07/44 19/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 31/07/44 01/08/44 08/08/44 13/08/44

113 113 114 114 114 114 114 118 120 120 120 120 120 120 121 123 124 125 126 132 135 138 138 138 140 144 145 146 148 150 156 160 162 164 165 180 182 183 183 183 183 187 187 192 197 198 199 199 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 205 206 212 216

423073 4231572 4124490 4239815 4239898 4237746 4237939 4237965 4297483 4238118 4231578 4231079 4231869 4231911 4239892 4231585 4239967 4231672 4297125 423506 4239929 4297406 4238006 4297519 4240000 4232072 4297199 4231353 42102392 4231580 4297455 42107178 42107042 4232076 4239975 4297626 4297892 42102527 4337626 446117 4297891 4297292 4237958 4297173 4231610 4297467 4231542 42107075 4297999 42102509 4231812 4337624 4337819 4297954 4238027 4231982 4297304 4297879 4231367 42107030

401 401 324 323 322 323 322 323 322 323 401 401 401 323 401 323 324 401 401 324 401 401 324 401 324 401 324 322 323 323 401 401 401 401 324 601 324 322 322 322 401 322 401 323 322 401 323 323 324 401 401 401 322 401 322 322 323 324 322 322

MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA DIT DIT MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA CRA MIA DIT MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA

Achmer, Germany Achmer, Germany Oscherslaben(Bunde), Ger. Oscherslaben(Bunde), Ger. Oscherslaben(Bunde), Ger. Oscherslaben(Bunde), Ger. Oscherslaben(Bunde), Ger. Wilhelmshaven, Germany . Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Erkner (Berlin) Germany Lechfeld AIF Oberpfaffenhofen, Ger. Frankfurt, Germany Berlin, Germany Brunswick, Germany Stettin, Germany Eschwege, Germany Eschwege, Germany Eschwege, Germany Hamm, Germany LaGlacerie, France Avord, France Berlin, Germany Troyes, France Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Ludwigshaven, Germany Posen, Poland Dessau, Germany Hamburg, Germany Hamburg, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Toulouse, France Toulouse, France Etaples, France Augsburg, Germany Peenemunde, Germany Lechfeld AIF, Germany Lechfeld AIF, Germany Leipzic/Mockau AF, Ger. Leipzic/Mockau AF, Ger. Leipzic, Germany Leipzic, Germany Leipzig, Germany Leipzig, Germany Leipzig, Germany Leipzig, Germany Munich, Germany Chartres AIF, France Caen, France Le Manoir, France

LL-A LL-Y DF-C OR-N LG OR-T OR OR-U LG-L OR-N LL-L LL-J LL-Y OR-Q LL-B OR-B DF-K LL LL DF-H LL-K LL-D DF-H LL-A DF-F LL-L DF LG-Q OR OR-A LL-J LL-K LL-Z LL-E DF-Z Q DF LG-H LG-M LG-Q LL-M LG-C LL-G OR LG LL-F OR-T OR-Q DF LL-A LL-H LL-P LG LL-Z LG-A LG-S OR-C DF-E LG-R LG-T

Lightning Strikes My Beloved Too Jack The Ripper Emeigh Boston Bombshell Paper Dolly Sugar Blues My Desire

Little Patches Hell & High Waters

Mount & Ride Mary K. Buckeye Boomerang Hoosier Hotshot Lackin Shackin Hoosier Hot Shot Spirit of Billy Mitchell Just Nothing Mary Queenie Merry Widow Keystone Mama Liberty Run Shoo Shoo Baby Just Plain Lonesome

Sleepy Time Gal

Bachelors Bride "Old Faithful" "Liberty Belle" Bunky

The Liberty Run Destiny's Child

Winnie-Frank-Joe Superstious Aloysuis Priority Gal Chow Hound Fifinella

APPENDIX 3: AIRCRAFTLOST DATE 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209

MIA eRA DIT BAi

16/08/44 16/08/44 16/08/44 16/08/44 16/08/44 16/08/4416/08/44 05/09/44 08/09/44 09/09/44 24/10/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 21/11/44 26/11/44 26/11/44 26/11/44 30/11/44 05/12/44 05/12/44 05/12/44 05/12/44 01/01/45 06/01/45 10/01/45 14/01/45 03/02/45 03/02/45 20/02/45 08/04/45 08/04/45 12/04/45 17/04/45 15/05/45 17/08/43 12/08/43 12/08/43 17/08/43

MISSIONS TARGET NO. 219 219 219 219 219 219 219 226 227 228 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 257 259 259 259 262 264 264 264 264 274 278 279 280 289 289 296 329 329 336 65 62 62 65

Missing in Action Crashed Ditched Partial crew bailed

Halle, Germany Halle, Germany Halle, Germany Halle, Germany Halle, Germany Halle, Germany Halle, Germany Ludwigshaven, Germany Ludwigshaven, Germany Ludwigshaven, Germany Night Cross Country Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseberg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Merseburg, Germany Altenbeken, Germany Altenbeken, Germany Altenbeken, Germany Zeitz, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin Germany Berlin, Germany Kassel, Germany Cologne, Germany Ostheim, Germany Cologne, Germany Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Nurnberg, Germany Stendal, Germany Srendal, Germany Training Flight Dresden, Germany Fun Flight Schweinfurt, Germany Gelsenkirchen, Germany Gelsenkirchen, Germany Schweinfurt, Germany

233

NO.

AIRCRAFT SQUADRON NAME

STATUS

4338012 4338000 4337613 4231673 4231634 446126 4239996 42107033 4338348 4337594 4338398 446093 4231883 4337625 4297234 4297563 4297956 4297984 4298012 4338202 4339212 4238083 446298 448208 4337890 4231515 4337913 4238128 4338742 4338234 4338360 4338693 446596 4237911 448501 4337988 4338911 4297632 4232085 42102490 42102504 4231333 4337552 446568 4275161 422990 4229587 423162 4229559

324 DF-L 324 DF-E 324 DF-A 324 DF 324 DF 324 LG-P 324 LG-N 322 LG-D 322 LG 323 OR-O 322 LG 401 LL-J 401 LL-Y 323 OR-W 323 OR-M 323 OR-U 323 OR-L 323 LL-G 322 LG 322 LG-T 322 LG-B 322 LG-V 322 LG 322 LG 324 DF 324 DF-J 323 OR-T 324 DF-Z 324 DF 322 LG 322 LG 322 LG-C 322 LG-F 401 LL-C 526 LF 324 DF 323 OR 324 DF 324 DF 323 OR 401 LL-D 322 LG-W 401 LL-E 324 DF-G 324 322 LG-R 401 LL-J 401 LL-A 323 OR-Q

MIA MIA BAI MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA CRA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA BAI CRA MIA CRA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA MIA CRA MIA CRA MIA MIA MIA MIA

Lassie Come Home The J'ville Jolter

My Baby The Roxy Special "Strickly G.!." U.S.A. The Hard Way Jub Jub Bird "Cheri" Bomber Dear "Winged Victory" "Pard" Sherrie's Cherries "Cannon Ball Too" "Miss Slip Stream" "Gal of My Dreams" "Man O'War II" "White Cargo" No name - P.F.F. AlC "Fearless Fosdick" "Wild Hare" "Seattle Sleeper" "Dear Becky" No name "Easy Does It" "Bride of Mars" No name "Sweet Dish" Heats On "Jeanie" "Bull Session" No name "The Yankee Belle" "Times - A - Wastin '" "Wee Willie" The Peacemaker "Skunk Face -III" P-47D 1st Combat Wing Dame Satan Jolly Roger Buccaneer Stup-N-Takit

APPENDIX 4

ROLL OF HONOR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

PO

Name

P R BT P BT T T IT N R BT N N IT CP BT B T IT B T B N WI IT N W2 T R T BT N P BT CP R P P N BT IT B W2 P BT B B BT

Abbott, George A. Abeles, Daniel S. Abt, Robert J. Adams, Frank L. ttt Adams, Stanford Ade, Robert H. Adkins, Roy L. Akers, 1.0. Albright, Roscoe E. Aldrick, Kirk R. Aldridge, Samuel P. Alexander, Charles R. Alexander, George Jr. Alexander, Harry L. Alford, David Gaston(Hdq) Alford, Ralph H. Algee, Leslie D. Alger, Lewis C. Allen, Jarvisard P. Allen, Alvah Allen, Charles E. Allen, Lewis M. Allen, Robert N. Allen, William G. Allender, Samuel W. Jr. Allison, Chris P. Allred, James P. Allshouse, Charles A. Alston, Charles R. Alton, Donald M. Alverez, Ernest T. Ambalagi, Armando H. ttt Ammamn, Frank G. Anderson, Amos 1. Anderson, Andrew W. Jr. Anderson, George A. Anderson, Julius D. C. Anderson, Leonard F. Anderson, Marvin D. Anderson, Robert A. Anderson, Roy C. Anderson, Spalding B. Anderson, Virgil R. Anderson, William M. Andrews, Gilbert F. Andrews, Norman L. ttt Annis, Frank C. Jr. Ansolone, Ralph

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

lILt

0728804 32583296 12030934 0763887 32430753 33105382 38284353

eus eus rmc mia kia kia kia eus eus eus eus kia eus eus rtd eus kia mia rtd eus rtd eus ded kia mia eus eus kia eus eus kia mia eus eus rtd mia kia kia eus eus kia eus eus kia kia mia eus eus

21/06/44 19/04/44 21/05/43 03/02/45 17/08/43 17/04/43 31/12/43 22/06/43 01/12/43 06/03/44 21/02/44 22/02/44 05/12/44 04/02/44 04/02/44 27/09/43 16/08/44 03/03/44 17/08/43 09/10/43 31/08/43 17/08/43 03/10/42 22/06/43 03/11/43 29/03/44 11/01/44 09/10/43 12/08/43 04/10/43 02/11/44 14/05/43 11/04/44 19/04/44 05/09/44 23/11/42 29/03/44 01/12/43 22/02/44 26/11/44 25/06/44 20/12/42 28/06/43 03/01/43 17/04/43 04/02/43 03/02/45 21/06/44

42102527 4297406 423053 4297632 425139 4124459 4229921 4229536 4239836 4231079 423040 4237746 446596 4239771 423500 4230624 4239996 4237965 422990 4229740 4229816 425712 4124451 4229536 4237742 423506 4231076 4229740 423162 423274 446298 4124481 4239929 4238006 42107033 4124479 4297246 4229794 4239898 4337913 4237958 4124452 425724 425084 4124459 4124544 4232085 4297891

183 138 42 289 65 34 98 47 89 120 113 114 264 106 106 76 219 118 65 80 69 65

5983 4047 4633 2232 276 5520 1976

Ssgt Ssgt

lILt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt

2ILt Tsg! Ssgt

lILt F/O Tsgt Lt/C Ssg! sgt Ssgt TSg!

2ILt SSg! 2/Lt 2/Lt SSg! Tsgt

2ILt sgt sgt Tsgt sgt Ssgt

2ILt lILt

0682270 39376997 35563462 0685920 0218686 32557729 14150401 19090491 39165747 35430340 0676529 15102666 0738529 0728154 14104154 33265840 0695848 34450431 13089935 38125355 11998963 18044979 0730763

Ssgt

2ILt Tsgt

lILt 2ILt 1/Lt sgt SSg!

lILt Ssgt

lILt Ssgt

lILt sgt Ssgt

0820930 16043224 0802694 0742649 0741824 37623990 39410287 0727070 37383869 0789362 13064904 0727071 17134652 32718312

234

1320 2899 2457 2643 1331 2234 669 8179 3222 277 896 671 283

47 84 132 102 80 62 78 252 38 135 138 226 8

1154 3473 1919 896 259 881 0142 5498 3867 4046 8595 6273

89 114 259 187 11 50 13 34 17 289 183

1321 2642 0837 0000 6243 5710 2286 5520 3557 2233 5981

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120

235

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

BT BT W1 IT CP W1 P BT CP BT CP R WI N P P B BT R R N IT W2 IT BT T B W1 T R IT BT N B N N T IT N N T W2 T W1 P B R IT W2 R W2 N N IT IT BT B IT N P B IT P CP BT W2 W1 B W2 W1 IT B

Antonacchio, Felix A. Antonacchio, Felix A. Apicella, Edward Applebaum, Arthur S. Aragona, Reginald Arasimowicz, Joseph J. Arcaro, Anthony G. Archer, Earnest T. Archer, Randall H. Arihood, John J. Armstrong, John E. Armstrong, Roger W. Arnett, Edwin L. Amkil, Thor v. ttt Arp, Elwood D. Askins, John 1. Jr. Athearn, Jack M. Ayala, Paul Frederick E. Bache, Theodore J. Bachur, Steve W. Bacigalupa, Charles F. Bacon, Martin G. Jr. Bacon, Wilfred R. Bagwell, Tom W. Baiand, Charles A. Bailey, John L. Baine, James B. Baker, Conrad C. Baker, David L. Baker, Paul E. Baker, Squire Baldwin, Frederick D. Ball, John A. Jr. Ball, Robert E. Ball, Roland P. Ball, Rollin P. ttt Balsey, Robert S. Balzer, Herman W. ttt Banowetz, Melbourne N. Banowetz, Melbourne N. Barber, J. L. Barbotti, Anthony J. Barbour, Jackson M. ttt Barclay, John W. Bare, Donald K. Barker, Mabry D. Barker, Rex O. Barnett, George V. Barratt, Sydney A. Jr Barrett, William J. Bartholmew, William J. Bartman, Nathan L. Barton, Robert C. Baskin, Eldred W. Bass, Paul L. Bateman, Clarence R. Bauer, Edward L. Bauerline, Vernon E. Baugh, Claton B. Baxley, Edwin L. Baxter, Phillip K. Beach, Vincent M. Beasley, Harold H. Beauclair, Benjamin O. Beauregard, Frank J. Bechtel, James M. Bechtel, James M. Becker, Bruce W. Bedrock, Bernard Beebe, Charles E. Beicker, Hilmer W. Beiseker, Marvin H. Jr

Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt lILt 2/Lt sgt 1/Lt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt 1/Lt l/Lt 1/Lt 2/Lt sgt Tsgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt sgt sgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 1/LT 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt l/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt l/Lt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt sgt Tsgt sgt 2/Lt l/Lt Tsgt Tsgt sgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt sgt lILt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt sgt lILt

32432036 32432036 12022482 0437102 0755262 33031319 0660542 19013308 0767031 37419576 0753041 17131154

eus ok kia mia eus kia eus eus kia kia eus eus eus mia rtd eus rtd rtd eus kia kia kia eus eus eus eus kia eus kia eus rmc kia kia eus ok mia mia mia eus ok ok ok mia kia eus rtd mia eus kia kia eus eus eus kia mia eus eus !cia kia eus mia kia kia eus kia ok kia kia eus kia eus kia

16/09/43 16/08/43 08/10/43 23/11/42 24/05/44 09/10/43 17/08/43 04/10/43 02/11/44 13/05/43 08/03/44 02/11144 19/04/44 26/02/43 06/09/43 02/11/44 16/03/44 27/09/43 19/04/44 20/07/44 08/08/44 20/12/42 12/08/43 13/05/43 17/08/43 21/06/44 24/01/44 04/02/44 09/10/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 16/08/44 23/11/42 12/08/43 04/03/43 21/05/43 03/11143 10/07/43 16/09/43 16/08/43 04/03/43 22/02/44 20/12/42 16/08/44 18/07/44 26/11/44 03/01/43 22/06/43 06/03/44 17/08/43 25/07/43 21/06/44 17/04/43 01/08/44 04/02/43 21/02/44 04/02/44 16/08/44 16/08/44 19/05/43 23/11142 16/08/44 17/04/43 20/02/44 03/11/43 04/03/43 28/03/43 20/02/45 17/08/43 08/09/44 02/11/44 04/02/43

423079 423213 4229520 4124479 42107178 4229711 4124524 423274 446093 4229642 4239892 446093 4238006 425362 425763 446093 4231585 423111 4238006 4238027 4231367 4124432 425787 4229642 425712 4297891 4240009 4239771 4230772 4239836 4124511 4231673 4124506 4229587 4124464 4124515 4239802 4229475 423079 423213 4124464 4237939 4124432 4239996 4297467 4337913 425084 425789 4231578 4229559 4229813 446117 4124459 4297879 4124544 423073 4239803 4231634 4338000 4124483 4124503 4239996 425172 4229656 4239802 4124464 4229537 42102490 4124527 4338348 446093 4124589

73 64 79 8 160 80 65 78 252 37 121 252 138 20 71 252 123 76 138 200 212 11 62 37 65 183

550 0000 909 6273 5358 894 279 881 0141 8015 3223 0141 4046

0728156 0731788 0761845 0750110 12165832 35310845 0716321 13043031 39253355 18035339 32512183 36724939 33088042 35742208 35665026 38222926 35465246 11101530 0728157 0734636 0793974 13036150 36180955 0735965 0735965

14070438 38419547 0758404 39705634 36168719 7071112 33261416 32078490 0716325 0728159 34267955 14031786 18130906 33263266 33502608 0722981 0662725 0727075 39277275 0379237 0803930 36214436 37088931 0783322 6981377 19142099 38538861 0727077

106 80 89 89 219 8 62 22 42 84 53 73 64 22 114 11 219 198 259 13 47 120 65 57 183 34 206 17 113 106 219 219 41 8 219 34 112 84 22 29 296 65 227 252 17

514 0141 3221 667 4046 7285 8079 5381 262 8015 283 5981 0000 2234 895 1320 1323 8183 0000 260 0000 4439 1153 34 550 0000 0000 0000 5381 8179 7418 0837 2286 2898 278 94 5980 5520 7807 3557 2463 2235 8184 8181 5632 6162 8179 5521 2460 1153 0000 6086 2556 274 8807 0141 5124

236

121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN • PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

B B WI R R CP N P CP T W2 CP CP WI W2 B WI BT B WI R CP

Bell, John R. Bell, Robert E. Jr. Bellettiere, Bernard F. Beltz, George R. Beluschak, Andrew Bender, Max E. Bennett, Byron M. Bennett, Charles A. Bennett, John J. Bennett, Rathel C. Benoit, Joseph M. Beran, Van John E. Berkey, III, Peter Berkovitz, Arthur I. Bernascont, Jerry T. Berson, Saul W. Best, Tabor W. Bettis, James A. Betzel, Charles M. Beyer, Wallace R. Bianchi, Emile Bianchi, Louis J. Bickley, William J. Bielawski, Leonard A. Bielecki, Joseph Biggs, Homer C. Jr Bigham, John H. Billingsley, Ben W. Birch, Oliver K. Bird, John 1. Bishop, David L. Jr. Bixler, Ralston E. Black, Roscoe V. Jr. Blackburn, Charles E. ttt Blackmon, Clarence H. Blackwood, Douglas V. Blair, Roger S. Blakeney, William H. Blanton, Ralph P. Jr. Blevins, Winton W. Jr. Bliley, J. J. Bliven, Walter L. Blonstein, Charles Bloodgood, William D. ttt Bobrow, Alan L. Bodine, Richard E. Bbettke, Frederick G. Jr. Boggan, Wade H. Bogucki, Henry L. Bohaczyk, Walter Bolen, Frank L. Boltz, Kenneth W. Bone, Thomas B. Bone, Thomas B. Bonomo, Maurice A. Bonshine, Leroy H. Boomer, John L. Borostowski, Benny B. Bostick, Lynn L. Boston, Clayton L. Boswell, David R. Bottomley, Thomas A. Jr. Bouchard, Wilfred A. Bowcock, JamesA. Bowen, Chasten L. Bowen, Jack S. Bowers, Herschel W. Boyd, Walter K. Jr. Boyie, Wilfred L. Boyle, George W. Brack, Vernon O. Bracken, William M.

lILt 2ILt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt lILt 1/Lt 1/Lt lILt Ssgt sgt 2ILt lILt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt liLt Tsgt sgt SSg! Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt 2ILt sgt 2ILT Tsgt Ssgt lILt 2ILt sgt Lt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt l/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt SSg! 1/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt sgt Tsgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt

0727078 0768986 12160268 39129177 32466450 0687283 0388978 0729795 0855337 34398227 39703296 0687284 0665969 15083666 32474111 0727970 16054678 17097089 0744176 37022458 11105903 0672746 33286340 15374224 16149886 0728815 14136687 19005077 19104866 12011908 0929629 0728163 0733593 15071592 0673461 31120200 13001794 0791554 0770553 38539322

eus eus eus kia eus eus kia rtd eus kia eus kia eus kia eus kia eus kia eus eus eus eus eus eus mia kia eus mia eus kia eus mia kia mia mia kia eus eus eus eus eus kia kia mia mia eus eus kia kia kia eus eus kia ok eus ok mia eus kia eus eus eus eus eus eus eus kia eus eus eus eus kia

04/03/43 13/08/44 07/05/44 19/07/44 29/03/44 20/07/44 04/03/43 17/08/43 10/07/43 22/02/44 06/03/44 21/02/44 12/08/43 19/05/43 06/03/44 31/08/43 01/12/43 21/06/44 20/02/44 06/03/44 29/04/44 17/08/43 04/10/43 24/05/44 09/10/43 13/05/43 29/05/44 22/03/43 02/1l/44 09/10/43 26/1l/44 26/02/43 21/05/43 04/02/43 17/08/43 30/07/43 17/08/43 13/05/43 05/12/44 20/07/44 22/06/43 04/03/43 12/08/43 30/12/42 04/02/43 04/02/44 02/1l/44 31/08/43 22/02/44 17/04/43 08/09/44 19/07/44 16/09/43 16/08/43 20/07/44 23/11/42 23/1l/42 17/04/43 19/04/44 27/05/44 08/10/43 26/1l/44 01/12/43 17/08/43 08/07/44 21/02/44 02/11/44 20/07/44 12/08/43 22/03/44 26/07/43 19/05/44

4124549 42107030 4231580 4231542 4297246 4337819 4124549 4229559 4229475 4239815 4238118 423040 423162 4124483 4231911 4124523 4239836 4337626 4229656 4231911 4231353 425069 423274 42107178 4229711 425406 4232076 4229659 448208 4229740 4231515 4124447 425857 4124544 425437 4124399 4124527 425406 4338360 4231812 4229536 4124512 425077 4124449 4124544 4239803 446298 4229816 323rd 4124459 4338348 42107075 423079 423213 42102509 4124506 4124503 425070 4297406 42107042 4229520 4238128 4239836 4124453 4297173 423073 4231883 4238027 423162 4297125 423031 4297455

22 216 150 199

5596 7898 4579 7417

200 22 65 53 114 120 113 62 41 120 69 89 183 112 120 146 65 78 160 80 37 164 28 252 80 259 20 42 17 65 61 65 37 264 200 47 22 62 12 17 106 252 69

7284 5596 278 34 2641 2901 2457 259 5632 2900 563 1320 5979 2460 2900 4236 281 881 5358 894

34 227 199 73 64 200 8 8 34 138 162 79 259 89 65 192 113 252 200 62 126 58 156

5520 8807 7407 550 0000 7274 0000 6162 5519 4047 5356 909. 0838 1320 275 8323 2463 0304 7285 259 3412 201 4829

IT BT BT P R WI T WI CP N CP W2 N R WI N P WI N WI T P P T

IT IT WI B N W2 W2 B R W3 BT CP T Cp N B W2 R W2 R N B R CP T

31113488 32509822 0437936 0789365 13123633 12076214 34133944 0682048 33147418 0706788 0716393 14043437 14043437 0754720 16014388 36305914 16019527 0427971 31319844 0800818 0206550 0671268 32507462 39569672 18041290 33034940 0717167 0734416 32466380 0676146 12176316

5354 6291 0143 896 0836 3575 3557 282 148 274 1045 7281 3721 261 3265 3557 2235 0142 671

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR

193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264

237

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

P T TT TT TT R W1 BT W1 B R T R P CP B

Bradford, Doyle E. Bradford, Joe W. Brady, James W. Brady, James W. Brady, John F. ttt Braga, Eric M. Bragg, Alfred J. Braisted, John W. Branch, James L. Brandenburg, Cassius C. Jr Brandenburg, Lawrence J.t Brandt, Malcoln E. Branner, Phillip 1. Brant, Dale E. Brass, Walter W. Bratcher, Lee G. Braum, Harry R. Braun, Edwin G. Braund, Cyril J. Bravender, Robert E. Brazdzons, Donald L. Breannan, Joseph B. Breeden, James E. Brickley, John R. Bridges, William W. Bridwell, Donald F. Briglia, Louis P. Brill, Allen Brinkerhoff, Russel L. Britt, Marvin B. Jr. Britton, Jess W. Broaddus, Howard C. Brodnax, Edward T. Jr. Brokke, Charles F. Broley, William H. Bronski, Brookes, Robert K. Brooks, Glenn U. Jr. Brooks, Robert I. Brooks, Thomas V. Jr. Brostrom, Lambert R. Brown, Bruce H. Brown, Glenn D. Brown, James R. Brown, K. L. Brown, Louis L. Brown, Melvin E. Brown, Roy M. Brown, Russell H. Brown, W.R. Brown, Walter S. Jf. Bru, Robert L. Brubaker, Robert F. Brubaker, Robert F. Bruce, John P. Brudo, Charles S. Brummal, Edward M. Brunn, Robert R. Brunty, Byron L. Bruton, Edwin H. Bryan, George M. Bryant, F. F. Buchanan, Hubert B. ttt Buck, Franklin B. Buck, Wayne L. Buckman, Clarence J. Jr. Buescher, James D. Bumb, Robert E. Bunch, John L. Jr. Bunchuk, Paul P. Bunin, Norman H. Bunte, Ernest L.

lILt Ssgt Tsgt sgt Tsgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt lILt 2ILt 2ILt Tsgt Ssgt lILt 2/Lt lILt Ssgt lILt lILt Tsgt 2/Lt Lt lILt Ssgt sgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt sgt lILt sgt Ssgt lILt Tsgt 2/Lt Tsgt

0802706 18177453 33251021

rtd kia kia ok mia kia eus mia eus mia mia rtd eus kia eus kia ded eus eus kia eus eus eus rmc eus rtd kia mia eus kia rtd kia mia eus kia ok rmc mia eus eus kia mia kia eus eus eus kia eus kia eus rmc rmc ok eus eus eus eus eus rmc kia kia ded mia kia kia mia eus eus eus eus rtd kia

16/03/44 21/06/44 06/03/44 26/11143 02111/44 11/01/44 12/08/43 31/08/43 17/04/43 26/02/43 17/04/43 16/03/44 24/05/44 02111/44 22/06/43 16/08/44 12/08/43 25/06/44 19/07/44 31/08/43 08/09/44 29/03/44 19/05/43 17/08/43 19/07/44 08/07/44 09111/42 04/03/43 06/03/44 01/12/43 13/08/44 10/01/45 28/06/43 11/01/44 14/05/43 31/08/43 08/10/43 22/03/43 12/08/43 08/03/44 21/02/44 20/12/42 01/01/45 09/10/43 22/06/43 14/10/43 22/06/43 21/02/44 02111/44 22/06/43 17/08/43 30/07/43 04/03/43 22/06/43 30/07/43 16/08/44 13/05/43 20/12/42 26/07/43 21/05/43 17/08/43 12/08/43 30/12/42 11101/44 21/05/43 22/03/43 14/01/45 01/12/43 02111/44 29/04/44 16/03/44 19/04/44

4231585 4337626 4231578 425795 4297234 4231230 425787 4124523 425172 4124447 425337 4231585 42107178 4338202 4229998 4338000 323rd 4297292 42107075 4229973 4338348 4297246 4124483 4124527 42107075 4297173 323rd 4124464 4238118 4239836 42107030 4337988 425724 4231076 4124481 4229973 4229520 4229659 425077 4239892 423040 4124432 4237911 4229778 4229536 425714 323rd 4231572 446298 4229536 425225 4229916 4124464 4229998 4124399 4338012 4229642 4124452 423031 423053 4124453 322nd 4124449 4231230 423053 4229659 4338911 4239836 4338202 4231353 4231585 4238006

123 183 120 88 252 102 62 69 34 20 34 123 160 252 47 219

3221 5979 2898 0000 0360 1916 262 563 5521 3575

187 199 69 227

6545 7407 8807

41 65 199 192

5632 274 7407 8323

22 120 89 216 279 50 102 38 69 79 28 62 121 113 11 274 80 47 82

0000 2901 1320 7898 0000 5710 1919 5498

113 252 47 65 61 22 47 61 219 37 11 58 42 65

2462 0142

148 8180 8015 6243 201 4633 275

12 102 42 28 280 89 252 146 123 138

3265 1916 4633 6291 1772 1320 0145 4236 3221 4046

W1 P CP N Bt CP N R CP B P W1 W2 BT T P W1 P W2 CP R N TT CP R B P BT W1 P W2 B N B B CP BT T N W1 B CP TT W1 CP B B BT B N R B

2ILT Tsgt 2ILt Lt Ssgt lILt Ssgt lILt SSg! 2ILt 2/LT lILt lILt Lt sgt sgt 1/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssg! Tsgt sgt 2ILt 1/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt Tsgt 2/Lt

31092599 11998865 18060896 12164530 17031845 0727619 37114199 35494204 32409526 0767427 0671266 33269232 32842826 0801484 0742056 0711326 38312531 0731905 0670083 14075967 0552976 0727082 0442336 6584374 34664359 18105863 38563567 0661817 39542565 0791278 31167594 0437931 39610200 0803321 17055655 0662730 18160654 0671275 13110500 0728168 17128036 0759750 0734644 0797257

0798961 39200195 34333684 0728169 16051490 0731017 0798962 11068575 38036362 14052596 0729806 0659870 02069657 36402311 0718072 0747073 12186154 0749670

3221 5358 0145 8181

909 6291 261 3223 2457 5381 000 897 899

280 147 0000

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

238

265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

WI P BT T W2 CP GH T P T

Buntin, Douglas Burch, Richard W. Burgin, Byron E. Burke, John E. Burkey, Boyd C. Burkhead, Dale W. Burkness, Donald C. Burleson, Jim S. Burne, Thomas F. Burnett, Andrew H. Burnhart, Burns, A. W. Burns, Roy W. Burton, James D. Jr. ttt Burton, Paul F. A. Burtt, William B. Burwick, Norman N. Bush, Edwin R. Bushnell, Arthur A. Butler, Daniel J. Butler, Frank L. Butler, John R. Jr. Butler, John W. Butler, Raymond Butler, Thomas C. Jr. Butler, William R. Jr. Buxton, John V. Byrdic, Edwin D. Byrne, Francis E. Byrnes, Cadilek, Robert G. Cadle, Clifford E. Cagle, Johnnie D. Cain, Bryce M. Calder, Alexander W. Caldwell, Ralph K. Caligan, William L. Jr. Callaghan, John F. Callahan, Francis D. Callen, Floyd E. Camp, Harry V. Campbell, Curtis W. Campbell, Edwin R. ttt Campbell, Herbert A. Campbell, Joseph F. Canada, Raymond F. Cangemi, John Cannon, Ronald F. Caravolae, James 1. Cardarelli, Joseph M. Cardiff, John M. Cardin, Philip S. Carico, Luther L. Carlson, Gilbert H. Carlson, Harry S. Carlson, Herbert Carlson, R. A. Carmichael, Edwin M. Carney, Regie R. Carpenter, Hubert B. Carpenter, Walter L. Carper, Reeves S. ttt Carrasquillo, Joseph E. Carrell, Gordon E. Carrier, George T. Carroll, W. R. Carter, Henry A. Jr. Carter, John K. Carter, Manuel Carusello, Louis S. Caruso, Domenic A. Cascone, Fred A.

Ssgt Capt Ssgt Ssgt sgt

19182145 0724588 14010848 33249938

2ILt

0768434 0129111 18225679 0818102 39083968

kia kia eus eus eus eus eus eus kia kia usd ok eus mia eus kia kia eus eus kia eus eus kia kia kia kia kia mia mia eus kia kia eus ded rtd eus kia eus kia kia kia eus mia kia kia kia kia eus eus kia kia kia kia eus kia eus eus eus rtd eus eus mia kia kia eus eus ded eus eus kia kia eus

16/08/44 20/06/44 20/07/44 12/08/43 22/06/43 09/09/44 06/01/45 27/04/44

T N WI T P P N CP R CP B B BT CP BT R BT B B W2 T B N N T T BT WI P WI T W2 W2 TT TT R N WI WI N WI B W2 N T N TT B T R TT WI CP N BT R T

F/O Ssgt

lILt Ssgt Lt Ssgt

2ILt Ssgt Ssgt Capt l/Lt Capt

lILt Tsgt 2/Lt

2ILt 2ILt Ssgt

2ILt Tsgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt Lt

2ILt Ssgt Ssgt

lILt 2ILt lILt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt lILt sgt sgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt

02064517 14037299 32405823 0677655 0753854 0727084 0728824 19059585 0769095 0728453 34680093 0751094 34256749 14057695 14048825 31124241 0734646 18035414 38088051 0727086 0717592 0716345 11045589 12159275 32712149 39713941 0830815 36434003 39084294 11122559 17046287 34314828 32873113 35613764

2ILt Ssgt Tsgt sgt sgt

2ILt Ssgt

2ILt Ssgt Capt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt 2/LT Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt

2ILt lILt sgt Ssgt Ssgt

12167956 19100892 18053425 33647772 0795199 33676293 0759255 0726996 13086628 0769256 6992747 0727087 12142422 15118410 38092268 15084562 0798971 0728629 33617904 31072583 31281320

02/11144 04/03/43 20/09/42 17/08/43 05/12/44 04/03/43 17/08/43 16/09/44 19/07/44 17/04/43 17/04/43 17/08/43 11/04/44 20/07/44 28/03/43 22/02/44 11/01/44 22/02/44 16/08/44 20/12/42 28/03/43 21/05/43 26/07/43 17/04/43 17/04/43 20/12/42 13/08/44

02111/44 21/05/43 25/06/44 20/07/44

02111/44 17/04/45 29/03/44 04/02/43 28/04/44 01/12/43 17/08/43 08/09/44 06/03/44 19/04/44 17/04/45

06111/44 04/03/43 15/08/44 12/08/43 19/07/44 16/08/44 22/06/43 17/04/43 28/04/44 16/08/44 16/08/44 20/12/42 09/10/43 01/08/44 25/07/43 17/04/43 04/03/43 09/10/43 21/06/44 29/04/44 28/03/43 20/07/44

P.NO/Sqd. 446126 4297892 4337819 . 425787 425789 4337594 448501 4232072 4339212 4124512 91st 423043 4338360 425370 425712 91st 4231542 425070 4124459 425139 4239929 4231812 4229537 4239815 4231076 322nd 4338000 4124432 4229537 4229657 423031 4124459 425172 91st 42107030 4298012 423053 4297292 4297954 4238083 446568 423506 4124544 4297199 4229794 425139 4338348 4231869 4238006 446568 323rd 4124549 324th 423162 4231542 4338012 425132 425070 4297199 4239996 4231673 4124432 4229711 4297879 4229813 425391 324th 425178 4337626 4231353 4229537 4337819

M-No

MACR

219 182 200 62 47 228 278 144 252 22

8185 5982 7284 262

65 264 22 65

0000 1045 6102 283

199 34 34 65 135 200 29 114 102

7417 5519 5520 276 3867 7281 6086 2641 1919

219 11 29 42 58 34 34

8181 5381 6086

216 252 42 187 200 252 336 132 17 145 89 65 227 120 138 336

7898 0150 4633 6545 7277 0144 4111 3473 3557 4235 1321 276 8807 2899 4046 4111

22

5596

62 199 219 47 34 145 219 219 11 80 206 57 34

259 7417 8180

80 183 146 29 200

898 5979 4236 6086 7284

8806 1568 4258 0146 3721

201 5520 5521

5519 4235 8179 8183 5381 894 7807 94

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408

239

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P·NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

B CP W2 BT N P CP W2 IT B N R R N R T T IT IT B W2 WI P P B B IT R BT WI W2 B WI CP T N N BT R N N N R R P WI N N BT W2 P R B P BT WI B WI WI IT WI IT B N N P WI CP B B B

Case, Robert R. Casey, Robert P. Casparriello, Edward S. Cassidy, William H. ttt Caswell, Andrew D. Cater, James C. Cater, Joseph J. Cater, Rollin E. Caudell, George W. Cavalieri, Nando A. ttt Cavanaugh, Walter V. Cereszewski, Joseph A. Cetnarowski, T. A. Chamberlain, Peter M. Chandler, Allen A. Jr. ttt Chandler, Willard F. Chase, CarlL Jr. Chase, Glen E. Cherry, Earl M. Cheshire, John W. Chisar, Joseph G. Chmielewski, Stanley C. Chouinard, Herbert W. Christensen, Harold R. Christophersen, Robert W. Chubb, William SU. ttt Cianfichi, Americo Ciganek, Victor Clarity, Richard T. Clark, Charles E. Clark, Charles K. Clay, Arthur D. Clayton, Durell Jr. Cleihart, David F. Clemens, Porter D. Clements, William P. Cliffe, Harry T. Clifford, Victor H. Clifton, John W. Clinard, Everett L. Jrttt Ciinton, Earl N. Clinton, Ralph L. Clyne, Edward K. Cobb, James S. Coen, John A. Cogdill, Tommy Cohalan, Eugene C. Cohen, Ely E. Cole, Robert W. ttt Cole, William C. Coleman, Paris R. Collias, G. E. Collier, Paul W. Collier, Zack C. Jr. Collins, Arthur P. Jr Collins, Richard R. Columbus, Julian 1. Colvin, Ernest P. Colvin, Morley J. Comac, Peter Comer, Cecil E. Comer, Roger W. Conlon, Wilfred P. Conners, Lawrence 1. Connor, Mark B. ttt Considine, James R. Contarino, Emanuele Cook, Eugene D. Cook, Roy R. Copeland, Clinton V. Coppage, Everet A. Corbin, Blaine

2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt l/Lt F/O Ssgt Tsgt Capt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt l/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt l/Lt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt l/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt l/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt l/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt 1/Lt sgt sgt l/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt sgt Tsgt 1/Lt 2/Lt I/LT I/Lt Ssgt 2/LT 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt sgt

0685772 0770574 13050003 32346219 0717181 0805755 0062136 35488672 34650581 0769257 0735172 16135529

eus eus kia mia eus rtd kia eus eus mia kia eus ok eus mia eus kia eus eus mia mia eus kia kia eus mia kia eus kia ok eus ok kia eus eus mia eus eus kia mia kia mia kia eus kia mia eus eus mia rmc kia eus eus mia eus kia kia rmc kia kia eus eus eus eus mia eus eus eus eus kia kia ded

11/01/44 02/11/44 14/05/43 08/04/45 21/11/44 28/04/44 16/08/44 31/12/43 05/12/44 03/02/45 09/10/43 02/11/44 17/08/43 20/02/45 02/11/44 21/02/44 09/10/43 17/08/43 09/10/43 10/07/43 03/11/43 30/07/43 02/11/44 14/10/43 20/07/44 30/12/42 30/07/43 17/08/43 21/02/44 26/11/43 29/03/44 22/02/44 09/10/43 17/08/43 31/12/43 30/05/44 09/10/43 06/03/44 03/11/43 04/02/43 31/08/43 23/11/42 14/05/43 17/08/43 28/03/43 30/05/44 01/12/43 22/06/43 21/05/43 01/12/43 06/03/44 17/04/43 02/11/44 30/05/44 06/03/44 08/08/44 20/06/44 03/11/43 20/02/45 17/08/43 01/12/43 27/05/44 21/02/44 25/07/43 20/12/42 22/02/44 02/11/44 17/08/43 02/11/44 01/12/43 17/04/43 12/04/45

423057 4238083 4124481 4231333 4337890 4297199 4239996 4229895 4338693 4297632 4229711 4298012 423043 42102490 4297234 4230712 4229778 4124453 425178 4229475 4237742 4229916 4231883 4229741 4231982 4124449 4124399 422990 4230712 425795 4297246 4237939 4229778 4124527 4229895 4239975 4230772 4231869 4230805 4124544 4229973 4124479 4124481 425069 4229537 4239975 4124511 425789 4124515 4124511 4231079 425391 446093 4239975 4238118 4231367 4297892 4239802 42102490 425225 423060 42107042 423073 4229813 4124432 4124490 4337625 425437 4238083 4229794 4229574 322nd

102 252 38 329 257 145 219 98 264 289 80 252 65 296 252 113 80 65 80 53 84 61 252

1918 0144 5498 3881 0420 4235 8179 1975 1333 2232 894 0150 0000 2556 0360 2461 897 275 898 34 1154 147 0304

200 12 61 65 113 88

3265 148 277 2461 0000

02065722 18113787 13130407 16127149 39309568 38176077 0671282 6081799 36224335 0818112 0738094 0660329 36235813 32392925 31228532 15323194 32078247 0729846 15122414 0699985 0682147 11072722 18046170 0728176 0683224 0728177 36129665 34258295 0662748 34645435 0739404 11032173 6388890 0802833 0557764 0753859 12127694 32099321 0689108 39454726 38508841 13028702 20807610 18208634 0676555 0796494 0726998 0803516 11090325 0518965 0772025 0679371 0729719 37546511

114 80 65 98 165 80 120 84 17 69 8 38 65 29 165 89 47 42 89 120 34 252 165 120 212 182 84 296 65 89 162 113 57 11 114 252 65 252 89 34

0000 897 274 1975 5355 895 2899 1155 3557 6273 5498 281 6086 5355 1323 4439 1323 2899 0141 5355 2901 8079 5982 1153 2556 280 1319 5356 2463 94 5381 2640 0361 282 0144 1321 6574

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

240

409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

P BT R P B CP N

Corman, Nathan M. Cornett, Woodrow R. Corrigan, Edward (322nd) Corson, Dan W. ttt Corson, William L. Cosgrove, George F. Cosgrove, Robert S. Cotten, David M. Courtney, John R. ttt Couzzi, Michael J. Covington, Norval L. Cowherd, Ford C. Cox, Ennis Cox, William R. Crabb, John C. Crafton, Edmond E. Craghead, Jesse J. Crain, H. M. Crain, Robert G. Cramer, James M. Cramer, James M. Creason, Everett L. Crist, Merien D. Cronk, James J. Cullen, James J. Culp, Lester B(CrewChief) Cumings, Charles F. Cunard, John A. Cunningham, Robert E. Curb, Cyril E. Czarnecki, Anthony W. Czepkiewicz, Raphael H. Czerwinski, Stanley L. D'Ovidio, Joseph E.L. ttt Dacey, George C. Dahlman, Stanley A. Dallas, Jack R. Dalterio, Salvatore J. Danielson, Robert C. Dannucci, Anthony Jr. Daragan, James C. Darden, W. C. Darling, Carlyle H. Darmiento, Joseph M. Darsnek, Manley W. Davidson, Harold A. Davies, Albert H. Davila, Alfredo L. Davis, Edward G. Davis, Gene F. Davis, Walter J. Davis, Walter J. Dawson, Lowell A. Day, Donald A. De Lavore, John Deal, William O. Jr. Dearth, Ralph E. Deary, Francis J. DeBarbrie, Robert A. DeBona, Charles DeBonis, Daniel DeFazio, Joseph DeGhetto, Robert D. Deidering, O. Del Torto, Philip J. Delaney, John A. Jr. DeLisle, Don Delisle, Don Dellaporta, Anthony Delo, Peter M. DeMara, Marco Demara, Rodney E.

1/Lt Ssgt Tsgt 1/LT 2ILt 2ILt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt 2ILt 2ILt Tsgt 2ILt l/Lt sgt Tsgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt 2ILt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt Msgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 1/Lt F/O Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt 2/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt 1/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt sgt Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt 1Lt Tsgt

0789373 19175136 11030809 0789375

ok kia kia mia eus eus kia kia mia eus eus rtd rmc ok kia eus eus eus eus eus ok eus mia eus eus kia kia eus eus mia kia eus mia mia eus kia eus eus eus eus eus ok eus kia kia kia kia kia kia kia eus ok kia eus kia mia eus eus mia ok kia kia eus eus kia kia ok ded eus ok kia eus

23/11142 10/01/45 04/03/43 20/12/42 22/06/43 28/04/44 27/09/43 19/07/44 21/11/44 12/08/43 05/12/44 17/08/43 12/08/43 06/09/43 16/08/44 03/03/44 25/06/44 22/06/43 09/10/43 16/09/43 16/08/43 17/04/43 31/08/43 13/05/43 12/08/43 12/04/45 26/11144 21/05/43 02/11/44 04/02/43 11/01/44 02/11/44 31/08/43 10/07/43 02/11/44 17/08/43 20/07/44 20/12/42 12/08/43 22/03/44 06/03/44 17/08/43 17/08/43 14/05/43 20/07/44 28/03/43 14/05/43 21/05/43 08/10/43 23/11/42 06/03/44 26/11/43 14/05/43 22/02/44 18/03/44 28/06/43 17/08/43 06/03/44 26/02/43 24/01/44

4124506 4337988 425370 4124432 425789 4297199 423111 4231542 4337890 425077 4338360 4229559 425787 4124497 4338000 4237965 4297292 4229536 4229740 423079 423213 425172 4229816 425406 425787 4337552 4231515 4229657 4298012 4124544 4231372 448208 4124523 4229475 4337625 4229559 4238027 4124432 425787 4297125 4238118 423043 422990 4124481 4297954 4229537 4124481 423053 4229520 4124506 4231578 425795 4124481 4124490 4239967 425724 4124524 4231079 4124447 4240009 4231883 446568 4237737 425132 4297519 4229740 4231610 4338398 446093 4237939 4240009 4124589

8 279 22 11 47 145 76 199 257 62 264 65 62 71 219 118 187 47 80 73

0000 0000 6102 5381

IT R B CP

IT CP P

IT R R BT

IT CP CP W2 N WI B

0 IT T BT R T N CP WI R CP

IT WI

IT WI N

IT N B N N CP R BT B T T

IT WI CP N W2 WI W2 T N BT T CP R BT P P N CP P WI

0751271 0683178 14134597 15130419 0734652 0774554 15068629 0739911 38404787 37415977 17057789 20811758 0735059 0735059 19013658 0673485 37162720 0671294 6995425 36817724 38445228 39064012 32466895 0716374 060284 11036742 35792811 0733617 6580032 31075801 16038426 12155583 0814490 0673492 0791570 0761410 0730234 0729819 38093722 33331387 0727088 36635837 16052312 15101708 0806955 0671228 35415993 11106814 15098471 12063916 0712448 33714259 12054113 32539319 31139615 0755529 0723140 07957111 11035719

02111/44 17/04/45 10/10/43 22/06/43 19/04/44 09/10/43 16/07/44 24/10/44

02111/44 22/02/44 24/01/44 04/02/43

64 34 69 37 62 259 42 252 17 102 252 69 53 252 65 200 11 62 126 120 65 65 38 200 29 38 42 79 8 120 88 38 114 124 50 65 120 20 252 336 81 47 138 80 197 252 114 17

4235 667 7417 0420 261 1045 278 262 0000 8181 3222 6545 896 550 0000 5521 671 262 000 0836 0150 3557 1917 0143 563 34 0361 278 7285 5381 262 3412 2901 0000 277 5498 7277 6086 5498 4633 909 0000 2898 0000 5498 2640 3224 5710 279 2899 3575 0000 0304 41i1 941 4048 896 0000 000 0141 0000 0000 5124

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR

481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552

PO

Name

Rank

W2 CP BT B TT WI P R R BT CP TT TT R B T WI BT CP B WI N WI B TT N B B B WI BT N P BT T T BT N P BT N R W2 R N. WI P BT R WI R N W2 WI BT P R B N TT N TT B W2 WI CP B N R CP CP T

DeMidio, Paul Dempsey, James R. Denefrio, Anthony J. Depeder, Angelo 1. Depoti, Joseph T. DeSanto, Peter D. Deshaw, Albert G. Deuponce, William O. Deurmyer, Douglas K. Dias, John J. Dickson, Robert A. Dickson, William G. Dickson, William G. Dietzler, Francis J. D ignon, Frederick L. Dillon, Floyd Z. Diminno, Albert T. Divelbiss, Howard V. Dixon, Gordon W. Dobbs, Louis R. Dobinski, Frank W. Dobsa, Albert Dodd, Everett L. Jr. Dodge, Robert M. Doerson, Richard E. Domladovac, Steve Jr. Donahue, Walter R. Donigan, James M. Donley, Karl W. Donovan, Kenneth T Dowler, Clement D. Downey, Daniel A. Downing, Edgar C. Doyle, Ivan P. Doyle, Lawrence E. Doyle, Richard E. Draege, Otto P. Dreisbach, Frank T ttt Dudley, Bayard TG. Duemmer, Edward F. Duggan, Robert U. Dumont, Homer P. Dumouchel, James E. Dunbar, Kenneth C. Dunham, Howard N. Dunlap, James D. Jr. Dunlap, John V. Dunn, Harlan D. Jr. Dunnavant, William W. Duran, Mike Dussault, Conrad E. Dye, James W. Jr. Dyer, Charles W. Dziadula, Karl P. Eagle, George W. Early, Charles L. Earney, Howard A. Eatinger, Norman C. Ebarb, Arthur C. Eberling, Everard V. Eberly, William E. Eckerson, Gilbert H. Edelstein, Sidney Edwards, Clarence E. Edwards, Julius W. Edwards, William C. Jr. Egender, Herbert F. Eldred, Edwin C. Jr. Elgert, Louis G. Ellerman, Alex Ellerman, Alexander III Elliott, Gilbert L.

Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt lILt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2ILt 2ILt lILt F/O Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt Ssgt sgt lILt 2ILT sgt lILt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt lILt sgt 2ILt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt 2ILt l/Lt Tsgt 2ILt sgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt F/O 2ILt 2ILt Tsgt Lt 2/Lt Ssgt

Ser.No.

0672042 12005437 0679187 35311686 16111904 39460654 32724157 0802176 37068898 13175728 0765632 18216339 35380608 37527602 0764255 0670038 13038754 17027000 32323023 33512155 0750242 0685784 0676443 002490 19086093 15394302 0741837 0803789 37342041 17042662 12032343 36766220 0659878 0664303 42021887 0728186 34544035 16085542 38137857 0728187 14124631 0705353 6845868 17111190 31113836 0709316 35560824 36317597 16038741 0681034 36049891 0732634 0719033 34408909 0811593 39201896 0747996 33152818 32271927 00169 0733292 02068633 11073219 0805419 17168986

241

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

ok eus eus eus ok eus eus eus kia eus eus ok kia eus eus kia rtd kia kia eus mia eus ok kia ok kia eus kia eus kia rtd rmc eus eus eus kia eus mia kia rtd kia eus rtd mia eus eus eus eus kia eus eus eus rmc eus eus rmc eus eus kia eus eus kia eus eus eus kia eus ok eus ok kia kia

06/09/43 22/03/44 13/05/43 19/04/44 22/02/44 27/09/43 20/07/44 21/02/44 25/06/44 22/02/44 01/12/43 04/03/43 22/06/43 02/11/44 20/07/44 08/09/44 17/08/43 02/11/44 01/08/44 22/02/44 26/02/43 17/04/43 24/01/44 21/02/44 10/01/45 01/12/43 06/03/44 20/07/44 16/08/44 14/05/43 28/04/44 17/08/43 29/03/44 16/08/44 01/08/44 05/09/44 20/07/44 30/12/42 31/12/43 05/09/44 30/07/43 20/07/44 03/03/44 28/06/43 04/02/43 10/01/45 16/08/44 22/04/44 04/03/43 02/11/44 12/08/43 20/07/44 01/12/43 20/07/44 04/03/43 01/12/43 17/04/43 27/09/43 03/02/45 06/03/44 06/03/44 17/04/45 01/12/43 03/11/43 21/02/44 31/08/43 17/08/43 10/01/45 18/07/44 26/11/43 06/03/44 05/12/44

4124497 4297125 425406 4297406 4237939 4230624 4231982 423073 4237958 4124490 4124511 4124464 4229998 4297563 4297999 4338348 422990 4337625 4297879 4239898 425362 425337 4240009 4231572 4337988 4229794 4231911 4297954 446126 4124481 4297199 425139 423506 446126 4297879 42107033 4297999 4124449 4229921 42107033 4124399 42102509 4237965 425724 4124589 4337988 4239996 4240000 4124549 448208 425787 4337819 423060 4337819 4124549 4239836 4124459 423111 4297632 4297483 4231869 446568 423060 4230805 423073 4229816 4124453 4337988 4297467 425795 4231578 4338693

71 126 37 138 114 76 200 113 187 114 89 22 47 252 200 227 65 252 206 114 20 34

0000 3412

113 279 89 120 200 219 38 145 65 132 219 206 226 200 12 98 226 61 200 118 50 17 279 219 140 22 252 62 200 89 200 22 89 34 . 76 289 120 120 336 89 84 113 69 65 279 198 88 120 264

4047 0000 669 2463 0000 2640 1323 0000 0147 7273 8807 277 0361 7807 2642

0000 2462 0000 1321 2900 7277 8185 5498 4235 276 3473 8185 7807 8595 7273 3265 1976 8595 148 7274 3222 5710 5124 0000 8179 5596 0143 262 7284 1319 7284 5596 1320 5520 667 2232 2902 2899 4111 1319 1155 2463 671 275 0000 7418 0000 2898 1333

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

242

553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

P N R N B P T T T P T P CP BT CP CP BT N BT TT R B B P N BT R W2 P T N WI N P TT W2 T W2 CP B TT B W2 P N BT P BT P R P

Ellis, Eugene B. Ellis, Warren L. Emerson, Louis E. Emmick, Robert E. Engell, Dale C. (324th) English, Robert S.ttt Erahling, Leonard W. Estrada, Amos F. Evans, Herman U. Evans, Sam L. Evers, Joseph A. Evertson, Bryce S'. Evins, John T. Evre, Spurgeon B. Falck, Gilbert M. Fallek, Kenneth W. Fann, William A. Farr, Frank C. Jr. Farrar, James B. Faulkner, Robert H. Faust, Virgil G. Feerick, J.P. Feld, Erwin Felton, Ralph A. Jr. ttt Ferguson, Walter H. Jr. Ferris, Robert L. Jr. Fetty, Edgar G. Jr. Fielder, John L. ttt Figie, Leonard F. Fiigen, Kenneth P. Fineman, Telson J. Fioretti, Joe Jr. Fiorio, Nello F. Fischer, Philip S. ttt Fischer, William O. ttt Fishburn, David F. Fisher, Herbert E. Fitton, George C. Fitzgerald, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, Robert C. Flanagan, R. F. Fliegel, Morris Flint, Richard Q. Flint, Robert J. Floyd, Floyd, Nathan L. Follett, John N. Jr. Foltz, James A. Fonke, Vincent A. Fontecchio, Akex P. Forbes, Hollis W. Ford, Howard D. Fore, James W. Forsblad, Leland E. Foster, Arthur G. Foster, Robert A. Fountain, M. E. Fourmy, Benjamin J. Jr Fox, Harold I. Francisco, William O. Frank, George J. Franklin, Frank F. Franklin, Jay M. Frawley, John J. Frazier, Ross E. Frazier, T. D. Frederick, Elmer L. Fredricks, Lewis J. ttt Freeman, Emile G. Freer, Donald R. Freihofer, Robert W. Freschauf, Charles W. ttt

lILt 2ILt Tsgt 2ILt 2/Lt 1/Lt 2/Lt sgt sgt lILt pvt 2ILt lILt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Lt 2ILT lILt 2ILt Ssgt Tsgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2ILt sgt 2/Lt lILT Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt lILt Tsgt Ssgt sgt lILt Lt Ssgt 1/Lt sgt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt cpl F/O lILt 2ILt Capt Lt 2ILt Capt sgt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt l/Lt 1/Lt 1/U

0437909 0750185 17015920 0750387 0739415 0438025

eus eus mia eus mia mia eus kia eus eus rmc eus kia eus eus eus eus eus eus eus eus eus eus mia eus mia eus mia eus eus eus eus kia mia mia kia mia eus eus eus eus eus kia eus eus eus eus kia eus eus kia ded eus rmc rtd eus eus eus kia eus mia eus eus eus mia mia kia mia kia eus eus mia

04/02/43 31/12/43 23/11/42 22/12/43 09/10/43 20/12/42 22/04/44 21/06/44 17/04/45 19/04/44 20/06/44 06/03/44 13/05/43 27/05/44 06/03/44 01/12/43 25/06/44

4124589 4229895 4124503 4237738 4229711 4124452 4240000 446117 446568 4297519 4297892 4297483 4229642 42107042 4231869 423060 4297292 4297563 4124547 446596 425712 4229536 4229916 4124512 4229587 4124432 4229750 4229475 4231673 4297406 4297304 446117 4338911 4124515 4231353 4229998 4124447 4239771 446117 4297563 425391 4231869 425084 4231515 4229657 4124589 4297891 4231883 4338012 4229921 4337552 401st 4297173 4229475 425714 4229574 425132 4238118 4297892 4229487 4230772 42102509 425172 4231911 4124479 4230772 4229998 4124544 448208 4338234 425070 4124515

17 98 8 95 80 11 140 183 336 138 182 120 37 162 120 89 187 252 35 264 65 47 61 22 62 11 76 53 219 138 205 183 280 42 146 47 20 106 183 252 34 120 13 259 42 17 183 252 219 98

5124 1975 6162 1715 894 6243

P P N CP P P N W2 R WI R TT B W2 WI WI R P CP CP

39708128 19202512 0681363 36801613 0748611 0662766 14151278 0690069 0682833 18117515 0717641 18042941 16023237 33249124 0738972 0659686 0796509 12036687 15077940 35258171 0760812 32393998 0716292 38472591 02068989 0430797 35400877 20607128 12059493 33193383 0706846 0768947 11037311 32218730 01012030 14072785 0755539 35234351 0764120 20243870 0782721 32286297 00061909 0727203 0683233 0412795 0806974 0739080 19142495 36382472 18199553 17033758 32470697 0727094 39608344 11066576 17043318 14114887 0710914 0662769 0662770

021ll/44 01/05/43 05/12/44 17/08/43 22/06/43 30/07/43 04/03/43 12/08/43 20/12/42 27/09/43 10/07/43 16/08/44 19/04/44 31/07/44 21/06/44 14/01/45 21/05/43 29/04/44 22/06/43 26/02/43 04/02/44 21/06/44 02/1l/44 17/04/43 06/03/44 03/01/43 26/1l/44 21/05/43 04/02/43 21/06/44 02/1l/44 16/08/44 31/12/43 12/04/45 31/05/44 08/07/44 10/07/43 14/10/43 17/04/43 22/06/43 06/03/44 20/06/44 11/01/44 09/10/43 20/07/44 17/04/43 06/03/44

231ll/42 09/10/43 22/06/43 04/02/43 02/11/44 05/12/44 17/04/43 21/05/43

192 53 82 34 47 120 182 102 80 200 34 120 8 80 47 17 252 264 34 42

5980 4111 4048 5982 2902 8015 5356 2899 1319 6545 0147 3573 1331 283 147 3721 260 5381 668 34 8183 4047 7806 5980 1772 4439 4236 3575 2234 5980 0147 2899 2286 0836 5124 5981 0304 8180 1976 000 8323 34 899 6574 2901 5982 1915 895 7274 5521 2900 6273 895 3557 0143 1036 5519 4439

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696

243

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

N CP R WI P B B N

Frey, Joseph H. Fritz, Elwood E. Fugatt, Ralph J. Fuller, Clement L. Fuller, Robert E. Fuller, Roger W. Fullerton, James A. Fulmer, James H. Furtado, Alfred Fusco, Frank Futch, Kenneth H. Gabler, Bernard H. Gage, Joseph S. Gallagher, Joseph M. Garrett, Robert P. Garrison, Clyde J. Gasta, Anthony Gastwirth, Milton Gates, Cleo H. Gatewood, Joel W. Gatfield, John P. Gause, Everett Gaynor, Robert G. Gearhart, Arden G. ttt Gemmill, Melvin A. George, Frank J. Gercovich, John S. Gesemer, Charles A. Getsey, Walter E. Gibbons, William P. Gibson, John N. Gill, Richard W. ttt Gillet, Raymond O. Gillies, Gerald F. Gilligan, Frank J. Gillis, Neil Gilpin, William P. Gilroy, Walter E. Ginder, Arthur R. Glaze, Gerald D. ttt Glover, William F. Godfrey, Joseph H. Godsey, Warren D. Goecke, Paul M. Goelz, Edward J. Goldberg, Martin ttt Goldberger, Harold L. Golden, William G. Golden, William J. ttt Goldman, Benjamin Goldstein, Bernard Goldstein, Daniel Goldstein, Harry Golubski, Francis F. Good, Harold E. Goodrich, Ferral K. Goodwin, Carroll L. Jr. Goodwyn, Cary S. Jr. Gorman, Paul J. Gossage, Robert V. ttt Graddy, William C. Graham, JamesA. Graham, William M. Gramesty, Louis Grandquist, Roy F. Granlund, Mayo L. Grant, Watson L. Grant, William A. Greager, John F. Green, Claude L. Jr. Green, Harry O. Greer, Kenneth S.

2/Lt l/Lt Tsgt Ssgt 1/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Lt Ssgt l/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt 1/Lt sgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt l/Lt Cpl 2/Lt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Tsgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt 1/Lt Ssgt l/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt Capt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt l/Lt l/Lt Ssgt

0795223 0706164 34409559

rmc kia eus eus eus kia eus eus ded kia eus eus eus eus kia eus eus kia kia eus eus mia eus mia kia kia kia eus mia eus ded mia eus kia eus eus kia mia kia mia eus eus kia eus eus mia kia eus mia eus kia eus eus kia kia eus eus eus usd mia mia eus eus eus eus kia eus kia eus mia mia kia

21/05/43 02/11/44 05/12/44 22/06/43 08/04/45 31/08/43 09/10/43 19/05/43 20/12/42 20/07/44 04/02/43 08/10/43 21/06/44 05/12/44 14/01/45 03/02/45 04/02/43 08/07/44 16/08/44 17/08/43 29/04/44 26/02/43 17/08/43 30/12/42 19/07/44 19/05/44 02/11/4~ 19/04/4 04/02/44 21/02/44 03/10/42 10/07/43 17/08/43 08/08/44 16/08/44 20/03/44 17/04/45 26/02/43 11/01/44 22/12/43 17/08/43 16/08/44 08/08/44 21/02/44 25/07/43 29/03/44 09/10/43 17/08/43 27/09/43 21/06/44 30/11/44 22/06/43 17/04/43 02/11/44 12/04/45 25/06/44 12/08/43 11/01/44 20/09/42 26/02/43 23/11/42 29/03/44 04/02/44 12/08/43 22/02/44 02/11/44 06/03/44 01/01/45 17/08/43 22/03/43 26/02/43 14/05/43

423053 4298012 4338693 425789 4231333 4229816 4230772 4124483 91st 4337624 4124589 4229520 4297891 4338234 4338911 4232085 4124589 4297173 4338000 425139 4231353 4124447 4229559 4124449 4231542 4297455 4297956 4238006 4239803 423073 4124451 4229475 425069 4231367 4231634 4231672 446568 4124447 4231076 4237738 4124524 446126 4231367 423073 4229813 4297246 4230772 4124524 4229750 446117 4338742 425789 425070 4339212 4337552 4297292 425077 4229487 91st 425362 4124479 4297246 4239803 423162 4237746 4298012 4231911 401st 4229559 4229659 4124447 4124481

42 252 264 47 329 69 80 41

4633 0150 1333

200 17 79 183 264 280 289 17 192 219 65 146 20 65 12 199 156 252 138 106 113

7283 5124 909 5981 1036 1772 2233 5124 8323 8181 276 4236 3575 278 3265 7417 4829 0148 4046 2235 2463

53 65 212 219 125 336 20 102 95 65 219 212 113 57

34 281 8079 8184 3411 4111 3575 1919 1715 279 8185 8079 2463 94

80 65 76 183 262 47 34 252

895 279 668 5980 1044

P CP B CP CP T BT TT B WI P CP R WI W2 BT WI BT W2 R P N WI T CP WI R TT TT BT B TT BT T B WI BT T TT R CP R TT B TT P TT N P W2 T B TT WI W2 T N BT N CP T

0774609 0733302 0679175 0793242 31165091 0815875 0662773 0736639 0817418 0822676 14135458 39143210 12029985 0706730 37525622 0737411 0747223 14080617 32351637 36158156 39418098 15324561 39140153 15374877 0802738 15083701 0738838 39392007 37540830 0821260 34393026 6991389 39165252 17032855 14074559 0734892 18097631 37534026 15340756 0734670 12049946 16028224 33208143 32456878 16113578 0714057 32183032 0765791 13169464 0755324 31116912 0750192 023387 16067932 15112286 0686149 32143347 11066264 37138174 19147866 0809352 38062128 13031686 0724209 0662777 18115465

3881 671 895 5632

187 62 102

5519 0146 000 6545 261 1915

20 8

6273

106 62 114 252 120

2235 259 2643 0150 2900

65 28 20 38

278 6291 3575 5498

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

244

697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

TT W2 P R T BT W2 TT N B R CP P P R BT N P N W2 CP CP R TT CP B

Gregory, Orlin O. Griffin, Branden C. Griffin, James L. Griffith, John A. Grimes, John F. Griswold, Henry A. Jr. Groth, Charles 1. Grotte, Gilbert Grube, James H. Grubka, John Guajardo, Esequiel A. Gubernat, Frank J. Jr.ttt Guenther, Robert J. Guinn, Charles A. Guroe, John P. Gustafson, John A. Jr. Gustafson, John F. Guttu, Morris M. Guy, George M. Guy, John E. Hackstock, Charles R. Haddick, Frank Hagan, Howard C. Hageman, James T. Halcott, Leslie E. Jr Hale, Arleigh F. Hale, Roland E. Hall, Jarvis E. Hall, Joseph D. ttt Halloran, John J. ttt Hamblin, Justin C. Hamilton, John M. Hamilton, John T. Hamilton, Richard H. Hammer, Roy A. Hammond, Harold H. Hampy, Herbert W. Hamrick, Doyce F. Hamrick, Victor L. ttt Hanke, Raymond C. Hankey, Robert K. Hansen, Lloyd S. Hansen, Lloyd S. Hanson, George F. Hanson, Harry C. Harding, Douglas O. Harding, Harold R. Hare, Leroy B. Hargin, William B. Hargis, JackA. Hargis, JackA. Harlow, Clyde M. Harlow, James Harmon, Harold J. Harper, Claude E. Harper, John E. Harper, Oron E. Harper, Thomas W. Harrell, Edgar L. Harrington, Daniel E. Jr. Harrington, Daniel J. Harris, George D. Harris, Robert W. Harris, Thomas F. Harrison, Leon R. Harrist, Charles N. Hart, Bernard P. Hart, Robert P. Harvey, Herbert H. ttt Hatch, David B. Hatton, R. D. Hatton, Russell D.

Tsgt Ssgt Maj Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt l/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt F/O sgt Tsgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt Pvt 1/Lt 2/Lt SSg! Capt 2/Lt Capt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt 1/Lt Ssgt l/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 1/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt Tsgt sgt 1/Lt 1/Lt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt 1/Lt Tsgt Cpl Tsgt 2/Lt 1/Lt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt

35413353 13038480 0672801 32818641 13004975

eus eus kia kia mia ok rmc eus kia eus kia mia eus eus eus kia kia eus dow eus eus eus kia kia eus kia kia eus mia mia ded kia eus eus eus eus mia mia mia kia eus eus

31/12/43 04/03/43 15/05/45 02/11/44 26/02/43 06/09/43 14/10/43 02/11/44 20/03/44 19/07/44 20/02/45 29/03/44 29/05/44 01/12/43 22/02/44 11/01/44 02/11/44 09/10/43 26/07/43 22/04/44 02/11/44 21/06/44 30/11/44 19/05/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 17/04/43 19/05/43 17/08/43 17/08/43 03/10/42 02/11/44 27/05/44 20/07/44 02/11/44 17/08/43 23/11/42 23/11/42 17/04/43 20/07/44 09/09/44 16/09/43 16/08/43 02/11/44 02/11/44 06/03/44 21/02/44 02/11/44 17/08/43 17/08/43 26/07/43 01/01/45 06/09/43 12/08/43 02/11/44 30/11/44 02/11/44 19/04/44 08/04/45 19/04/44 01/12/43 22/12/43 02/11/44 02/11/44 03/10/42 20/07/44 21/02/44 20/07/44 21/05/43 01/05/43 22/06/43 06/09/43

4229921 4124512 4275161 4297956 425362 4124497 425714 4297956 4231672 42107075 42102490 4297246 4232076 423060 4237746 4231372 4338202 4229740 423031 4240000 4338202 4337626 4338742 4297455 4297483 4238118 322nd 4124483 425437 425437 4124451 4298012 42107042 4231812 448208 425139 4124479 4124479 425337 4231982 4337594 423079 423213 4238083 4339212 4231911 4231572 4238083 4124453 422990 423119 4237911 4124497 4229587 4297984 4338742 448208 4297519 42102504 4297406 426086 4237738 4337625 4238083 4124451 4231982 4231572 42102509 4124515 4124547 4229797 425763

98 22

1976 3721 000 0148

TT BT R P CP R P B N WI W2 N N B B T R P BT P T P P N B W2 R TT CP B BT WI N R P TT R N N TT R BT BT

32504726 16002065 0697849 0706049 38553911 0690210 0810871 0745015 14051783 0557802 0672805 0796528 0711998 0061507 32765675 18071690 0805890 0690560 18046513 18063124 12132303 31133246 39083731 0759597 0697483 31252904 0758693 0739092 0432000 14055688 35275442 0711393 0723611 0751058 0751058 32906318 39385220 0676784 14061719 0764008 39849407 0734080 0718964 37185368 36741658 20815363 0552166 0688589 36901826 15075875 0801129 12180643 0764885 16167433

0809599 0707268 39083331 6146062 13072834

.~

kia kia eus eus eus kia kia ok kia ok eus eus kia eus eus kia kia kia eus eus kia ok eus eus eus mia eus ok rtd

252 20 71 82 252 125 199 296

0000 899 0148 3411 7407 2556

164 89 114 102 252 80 58 140 252 183 262 156 120 120

0145 5979 1044 4829 2902 2901

41 65 65

5632 282 282

252 162 200 252 65 8 8 34 200 228 73 64 252 252 120 113 252 65 65 58 274 71 62 252 262 252 138 329 138 89 95 252 252

0150 5356 7281 0143 276 6273 6273

200 113 200 42 35 47 71

5354 1319 2643 1917 0145 896 201

8806 550 0000 0144 0146 2900 2462 0144 275 277 0000 000 0000 260 0149 1044 0143 4048 4295 4047 1322 1715 0361 0144

2462 7274 4439 3573 0000 514

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR

769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 793 794 795 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822 823 824 825 826 827 828 829 830 831 832 833 834 835 836 837 838 839 840

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

N CP T CP TT BT

Haus, John M. Havrisk, George Hayes, Donald L. Hayes, Theodore O. Haynes, Allen W. Haynes, Warren A. Heacok, Phillip E. Heath, William E. Heck, Charles M. Hedglin, Wayne D. Heimbach, Robert Heinritz, Carl R. Heller, Robert O. Heller, Robert W. Heller, Thomas W. Helms, Gilbert R. Hemenway, Guy R. Hemingway, John S. Henderson, Harold H. Hennig, William Hensley, Richard G. Herman, M. J. Hermance, Paul J. Hernandez, Fidel ttt Herr, John G. ttt Herrick, Theodore P. Jr. Herron, Leland K. Hess, Richard E. Hesse, Harvey G. Hickman, Charles T. Hicks, Chauncey H. Hicks, G. H. Hilbert, Murle O. Hilgert, Merle O. Hill, Eugene V. ttt Hill, Jack E. Hill, James T. Hill, John V. Hill, Richard G. Hillman, Alan G. Hiner, Daniel V. Hinerman, Verner B. Hitchcock, Charles R. Hitchins, Frederick H. Hite, George F. Hitzemann, Donald H. Hoehn, Douglas C. Hoffman, Herbert Hoffman, Marion C. Holbrook, J.P. Holden, Harold T. Holder, Willard M. Hollenbach, Henry G. Hollinger, Harry L. Holman, Frank W. Holmes, Francis S. Jr. Holmes, William T. Holowaty, Michael ttt Holton, Denver D. Holton, Robert R. Homar, Abraham S. Homyk, Anthony Hoover, Russel B. Hopkins, Claude F. Hornbeck, Robert J. Horning, Arthur J. Hosack, Leonard J. Houser, Wayne M. Houtchens, James D. ttt Hovantz, Joseph P. Hovey, Arnold L. Howard, William E.

2ILt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt sgt lILt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt Tsgt l/Lt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt l/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Lt Ssgt sgt 2ILt 2ILt sgt 2/Lt Capt Ssgt 2/Lt Lt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILT 1/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Tsgt 2/LT sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt Capt Tsgt sgt sgt sgt Ssgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt 2ILt 2/Lt 2ILt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt

0682327 0818867 11007592 0729852 14025523 33281712

eus eus eus kia kia kia eus kia eus eus kia kia eus ok eus eus eus mia kia eus kia eus eus mia mia eus kia eus kia kia rtd ok ok rmc mia kia kia eus usd kia kia ded eus eus kia kia rtd ded eus kia eus kia eus kia kia eus eus mia eus eus eus eus eus kia eus rtd eus kia mia eus eus eus

0 CP TT P WI P T BT CP WI N P WI TT N W2 BT N N T N P BT B B T W2 CP B CP T P B B BT TT WI BT B W2 T R CP T TT CP R P TT TT T T WI B WI WI N N CP WI WI B W2 T

0782529 35563427 0746399 17154809 33208150 0661835 37499269 0752062 37671940 0433981 0662782 32433397 6569055 12172216 19039467 0809603 0718308 37248713 0717566 13116917 0735197 16031613 16031613 0799772 0674672 0789016 37178174 0771927 15354958 35772377 36613752 36330387 18056661 17118075 0730782 31196625 35708302 15332603 0672355 37559251 32495408 0802857 37344975 0414352 38233821 33831847 38592360 13153142 0706871 33422227 34666090 0683242 0736598 0751739 38279040 37483248 0741266 36370430 36170270

Date 11/01/44 29/05/44 06/09/43 13/05/43 20/12/42 25/07/43 11/04/44 17/04/45 29/03/44 11/01/44 24/05/44 27/09/43 12/08/43 22/02/44 06/03/44 11/01/44 02/11/44 23/11/42 04/03/43 31/12/43 31/12/43 22/06/43 27/04/44 23/11/42 18/03/44 02/11/44 ---3W11/44 18/07/44 22/04/44 20/06/44 06/09/43 22/06/43 06/09/43 09/10/43 27/09/43 31/12/43 04/03/43 22/02/44 15/07/42 06/01/45 26/11/44 27/02/45 02/11/44 08/10/43 17/08/43 21/11/44 13/05/43 23/11/42 06/01/45 03/02/45 30/07/43 16/08/44 22/12/43 01/12/43 02/11/44 20/07/44 12/08/43 14/01/45 03/02/45 01/12/43 22/02/44 18/07/44 11/01/44 21/06/44 01/12/43 10/10/43 06/03/44 01/12/43 08/04/45 06/03/44 11/01/44 04/02/43

245

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

4231372 4232076 425763 425406 4124452 4229813 4239929 446568 423506 4229487 42107178 323rd 4229587 4237939 4297483 4231230 4297563 4124503 425370 4229921 4229895 425132 4232072 4124503 4239967 4238083 4338742 4297467 4240000 4297892 425763 4229797 4229540 4229740 4229750 4229921 4124549 4237746 324th 448501 4231515 322nd 4338202 4229520 425139 4337890 425406 4124506 448501 4297632 4229916 4338012 4237738 4229794 4238083 4297999 4229587 4338911 4232085 4239836 4237746 4297467 423057 42102527 423060 4237737 4231911 4229794 4231333 4297483 4231372 4124589

102 164 71 37 11 57 135 336 132 102 160

1917 5354 514

62 114 120 102 252 8 22 98 98 47 144 8 124 252 262 198 140 182 71 47 71 80 76 98 22 114

260 0000 2902 1916 0147 6162 6102 1976 1975

278 259

1568 0836

252 79 65 257 37 8 278 289 61 219 95 89 252 200 62 280 289 89 114 198 102 183 89 81 120 89 329 120 102 17

0145 909 276 0420

6243 94 3867 4111 3473 1915 5358

4258 6162 3224 0144 1044 7418 5982 514 0000 515 896 668 1976 5596 2643

0000 1568 2232 147 8180 1715 1321 0144 7273 260 1772 2233 1320 2643 7418 1918 5983 1319 941 2900 1321 3881 2902 1917 5124

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

246

841 842 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 858 859 860 861 862 863 864 865 866 867 868 869 870 871 872 873 874 875 876 877 878 879 880 881 882 883 884 885 886 887 888 889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 897 898 899 900 901 902 903 904 905 906 907 908 909 910 911 912

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

W2 R T W2 TT N BT CP BT B P BT B W2 B WI WI W2 N B TT W2 N WI TT W2 TT WI WI W2

Howorusz, John F. ttt Hrenkevich, Andrew Hmtges, Francis A. Huber, Charles L. Hudson, William L. Huish, Billy H. Hulet, Eldridge W. Hull, Charles W. Hull, Larry C. Hull, Richard F. Hultin, Artur F. Humm, Harold H. Hundley, James F. Hunt, Thomas J. Hurst, Oscar A. Hurtiey, William S. Husick, John Hutchinson, Frederick E. Hutchinson, Howard L. Hylton, William H. ttt Ingram, Norman W. Irons, Donald M. Irooster, Edward L. Itschmer, Donald R. Jackson, Dale Jackson, Robert L. Jackson, Roy M. Jackson, Thomas G. Jacoboski, Urban A. Jacoby, Vinceent J. James, Jefferson M. James, William R. Janiszewski, Matthew Janor, Joseph G. Jaskiewicz, Albert C. Jedinak, Edward G. Jeffers, Earl L. Jr Jensen, Niels C. Jerge, Kenneth F. Jochmann, Charles L. Johnson, John C. Johnson, Arvid J. Johnson, Asay B. Johnson, Clifford G. Johnson, Floyd E. Jr. Johnson, George A. Johnson, George L. Johnson, Guy C. Johnson, Joseph A. Johnson, Lloyd A. Johnson, Stanley E. Johnston, Albert L. Johnston, Stanley F. Jones, Clarence R. Jones, Donald W. Jones, Duane L. Jones, Edward H. ttt Jones, James F. Jones, Jearld H. ttt Jones, Kenneth L. Jones, Lyle D. Jones, Raymond A. Jones, Raymond E. Jordan, Stanley L. Joslin, John W. Jr. ttt Judy, James D. Judy, Leland G. Justice, Glen E. Kacprayk, Stanley T. Kahl, Paul D. Kalfsbeck, E. E. Kalupy, Anthony A.

sgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt 2/Lt lILt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt 1/Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt sgt 2ILt sgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt lILt 2ILt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt F/O Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Tsgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2ILt Capt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt lILt 2ILt 1/Lt lILt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt

10600431 13171074 13026553

mia eus eus eus kia kia kia mia eus eus eus kia kia kia eus eus ok rtd kia mia eus eus eus eus eus eus eus eus ok eus kia ok eus mia mia eus kia eus kia kia eus eus eus eus eus eus kia kia eus eus kia kia rtd kia eus mia rnia kia mia eus eus eus eus kia mia eus rtd kia eus eus eus eus

04/03/43 29/03/44 20/02/44 21/05/43 20/02/45 20/02/44 22/06/43 09/10/43 31/12/43 27/09/43 20/07/44 21/06/44 02/11/44 17/08/43 20/07/44 26/11/44 17/08/43 27/09/43 19/05/44 04/03/43 20/07/44 04/10/43 17/08/43 29/04/44 20/03/44 22/03/44 10/10/43 25/07/43 22/02/44 20/12/42 23/01/43 06/09/43 20/07/44 23/11/42 09/10/43 17/04/43 01/01/45 09/09/44 21/02/44 18/03/44 18/07/44 05/12/44 03/02/45 19/07/44 02/11/44 26/07/43 29/04/44 01/05/44 14/10/43 09/10/43 27/04/44 12/04/45 26111/44 25/04/44 11/01/44 23111/42 14/05/43 17/08/43 21/05/43 12/08/43 08/04/45 18/07/44 20/07/44 22/02/44 21/05/43 09/10/43 17/08/43 03/01/43

425370 423506 4229656 4229657 42102490 4229656 4229998 4230772 4229895 4229750 42102509 42102527 4231883 4229559 4238027 4238128 423043 423111 4297455 4124512 4337819 423274 425712 4231353 4231672 4297125 4237737 4229813 4237939 4124452 324th 4124497 4337624 4124479 4230772 425172 4237911 4337594 4230712 4239967 4297467 4338360 4232085 42107075 4297563 423031 4231353 42102392 425714 425178 4232072 4337552 4337913 401st 4229487 4124503 4124481 4124524 4124515 4229587 42102504 4297467 4297954 4239815 4124515 425178 422990 323rd 4124511 425789 4229657 4124527

22 132 112 42 296 112 47 80 98 76 200 183 252 65 200 259 65 76 156 22 200 78 65 146 125 126 81 57 114 11

6102 3473 2460

71 200 8 80 34 274 228 113 124 198 264 289 199 252 58 146 148 82 80 144

0000 7283 6273 895 5521 000 8806 2461 3224 7418 1045 2233 7407 0147 201 4236 4465 899 898 4258 000 0837

CP BT BT TT BT P P TT T CP BT N T TT TT W2 T CP R R R CP CP P BT TT T WI TT WI CP CP B P T WI P WI B

34764971 0750196 36502062 0683709 12126905 0741546 0812596 15323828 0766272 14047770 0735956 39723469 19052542 0699173 0727100 17166510 39900284 0673497 30323003 37262537 34314047 14124279 38150417 1021684 16019982 12139499 35287764 35511900 13041850 0766110 0760703 32382674 32558182 0821029 37279501 0129151 37548124 38396288 36244233 39282205 6987031 0804344 17025030 37322963 13171410 0759017 0685157 0427139 32372326 34057232 18097038 15104257 36756362 36158998 0812274 0686907 0727103 0737963 15321001 35264630 32503724

0734466

01112/43 22/06/43 21/05/43 17/08/43

259

2556 2460 895 1975 668 7274 5983 0304 278 7285 0838 0000 667 4829 3721 7284 881 283 4236 3411 3412 941 94 0000 6243

\

102 8 38 65 42 62 329 198 200 114 42 80 65

1915 6162 5498 279 4439 260 4295 7418 7277 2641 4439 898 277

89 47 42 65

1323

274

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 913 914 915 916 917 918 919 920 921 922 923 924 925 926 927 928 929 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 937 938 939 940 941 942 943 944 945 946 947 948 949 950 951 952 953 954 955 956 957 958 959 960 961 962 963 964 965 966 967 968 969 970 971 972 973 974 975 976 977 978 979 980 981 982 983 984

247

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

IT

Kane, Leo E. Kanfoush, Henry Kaplan, Sidney Karch, Delmar E. Karlac, John S. Karnath, Lyle G. ttt Karoli, Alton R. Karp, John J. Kascbok, Frank T. Kasch, Robert N. Kasperko, Joseph A. Kast, Walter L. Katona, Lewis Kaufmann, John C. Jr. Keck, Wilbur H. Keckler, John W. Keefer, William J. Keene, Ernest C. Jr. Keib, William C. Kelleher, John T. Kelley, Ernest R. Kelley, Herschel L. Kellog, Lowell E. Kellstrom, Borge O. Kelly, Paul M. Kendall, John S. Kenefick, Thomas W. Kennedy, Irwin F. Kenner, Everett L. Kennley, Frank T. Jr. Kerch, Earl W. Jr. Kerr, Leith S. Kethley, Jerold D. Keys, Roger T. Kidd, Ernest B. Kidder, Robert E. Kienberger, Wayne M. Kincade, Thomas E. King, Clarence V. ttt King, Floyd C. King, James Jr. King, Julius M. Jr. King, Paul W. King, William D. Kious, Harold E. Kirk, Noah C. Kirkpatrick, Clifford N. Kitzman, Donald H. Klein, Richard F. Klem, Harold L. Klemm, Roy R. Klimek, Frank Klimkow, Sergye Kline, Harold S. Klopolsky, John R. Knapp, Donald R. Knapp, Theodore Knowles, Chester R. Jr. Knudson, Glenn C. Koebel, Leonard L. Kogut, Stephen ttt Kohn, Sidney L. ttt Kolano, Chester A. Koll, Norbert D. Koits, Frank R. Konstantine, James E. Kortebein, Henry F. Kos, Louis Kosconski, Arthur J. Koss, Stanley Kovachevich, Nenad Kovner, Alfred L.

Tsgt Tsgt 2ILt sgt lILt lILt 2/Lt lILt Ssgt Ssgt sgt F/O Msgt 2ILt 2/Lt l/Lt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt 2ILt Tsgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt sgt lILt Tsgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Tsgt 1/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt l/Lt sgt Ssgt 1/Lt 2ILt Tsgt sgt sgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt lILt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt l/Lt lILt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Capt 2ILt lILt 2/Lt

32451139 13111200 0734707 10601051 0807856 0726909 0723371 0798651 33301261 32464085 13107461 0124858 07021623 0735084

mia kia kia eus eus mia rtd eus eus eus kia eus ded mia eus eus kia kia kia mia rtd kia eus kia kia kia mia eus kia eus kia kia eus kia eus kia kia eus mia eus eus eus kia eus eus ok kia eus eus eus kia ok eus eus kia eus kia eus eus ded mia mia kia kia kia eus mia kia eus kia kia kia

31/08/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 17/08/43 31/07/44 03/01/43 05/09/44 08/10/43 04/02/44 19/04/44 09/09/44 20/07/44 20/07/44 28/06/43 20/07/44 02/11144 09/10/43 20/07/44 11/01/44 30/05/44 05/09/44 09/10/43 20/07/44 05/12/44 31/08/43 26111/44 03111/43 11104/44 17/08/43 19/04/44 21111/44 27/04/44 12/08/43 02/11144 20/02/44 06/03/44 12/08/43 26/11144 01/05/43 12/08/43 02/11144 03/02/45 21/02/44 17/04/43 04/03/43 06/09/43 04/02/44 02111/44 09/09/44 21/02/44 07/11143 10/01/45 12/08/43 22/06/43 17/08/43 20/07/44 02/11/44 20/03/44 26/11144 03/10/42 30/05/44 21/05/43 21/06/44 21/05/43 22/02/44 28/04/44 08/08/44 16/08/44 20/07/44 16/08/44 07/05/44 21/06/44

4124523 426086 426086 4124524 4297304 425084 42107033 4229520 4239803 4297519 4337594 4297999 323rd 425724 4231982 4339212 4229778 4337819 4231230 4239975 42107033 4229740 4337624 4338234 4229973 4231515 4237742 4239929 4124453 4297406 4337890 91st 425787 4297956 4229656 4231578 425077 4238128 4124547 423162 4298012 4232085 4230712 425070 4124512 4229540 4239803 446298 4337594 423040 324th 4337988 425077 425789 425225 4297954 4297984 4231672 4238128 4124451 4239975 4124515 42102527 423053 4237746 4297199 4231367 446126 42102509 446126 4231580 42102527

69 89 89 65 205 13 226 79 106 138 228 200

563 1322 1322 279 7806 2286 8595 909 2235 4048 8806 7273

50 200 252 80 200 102 165 226 80 200 264 69 259 84 135 65 138 257

5710

62 252 112 120 62 259 35 62 252 289 113 34 22 71 106 252 228 113

262 0148 2460 2898 261 0838 3573 259 0150 2233 2461 5519 3721 515 2235 0142 8806 2457

279 62 47 65 200 252 125 259

0000 261

165 42 183 42 114 145 212 219 200 219 150 183

5355 4439 5983 4633 2643 4235 8079 8185 7274 8185 4579 5983

R B R CP B N P WI BT R N CP CP CP BT R BT CP P R WI WI R B BT P N WI BT P B P R BT

IT IT IT B WI W2 W2 CP

IT W2 CP B R R CP BT R P WI B T B R W2 R P

p R

IT T

a

N P N

0709799 33236758 18140162 33267016 0815161 0764034 39532161 13061140 20909595 31131627 11038499 0739466 0734103 0683187 35339518 16086575 0665314 38471411 0746370 11101585 37308607 33784337 11029310 39379415 0704220 20412909 33292251 18015887 0661849 14043389 17068506 0764140 0718107 12184935 12125598 33689479 0675234 39240963 0812279 37558041 11027539 37584937 0726911 32281236 37133071 13111612 0726258 0677777 16010057 12127310 13038593 0433278 0710376 0802582 0886921

0146 897 7284 1916 5355 8595 896 7283 1036 0836 1154 3867 275 4047 0420

280 7277 0149 3411 0838

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

248

985 986 987 988 989 990 991 992 993 994 995 996 997 998 999 1,000 1,001 1,002 1,003 1,004 1,005 1,006 1,007 1,008 1,009 1,010 1,011 1,012 1,013 1,014 1,015 1,016 1,017 1,018 1,019 1,020 1,021 1,022 1,023 1,024 1,025 1,026 1,027 1,028 1,029 1,030 1,031 1,032 1,033 1,034 1,035 1,036 1,037 1,038 1,039 1,040 1,041 1,042 1,043 1,044 1,045 1,046 1,047 1,048 1,049 1,050 1,051 1,052 1,053 1,054 1,055 1,056

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

WI CP WI IT IT W2 IT T R B WI W2 IT R

Kowall, Donald J. Kozina, Joseph J. Kramer, Arnold E. Krammes, Ira L. Kretchmer, Ernest G. Krueger, George R. Kryjak, Matthew S. Kudasik, Joseph W. Jr. Kuhlman, Victor H. Kurrus, Harold H. Kusowski, Thaddeus F. Kyes, Paul E. Kyle, Robert C. La Cascia, Joseph La Fon, Raymond L. La Fontin, John E. La Rock, James S. LaGownik, Alphose V. Lahey, William A. Laird, Donal H. Lala, Vincent P. Jr. Lambardi, Bruno D. Lamberson, LaMedica, Michael T. Lamplot, Vernon E. Lancaster, George Lane, James G. Lane, Newell R. Lange, Drexel D. Langhofer, Harold L. Laoorazza, John J. Lapp, Eldon R. Lardin, Thomas C. LaRocco, Guy W. Larson, Elden Larson, Robert J. Larson, Vernon C. Lasch, Harold W. Lascu, James Jr. Lasselle, Dale Latches, George L. Latta, George A. Lausted, George F. Lawless, Chester P. Layn, Roger W. (322) Leahy, Wilson Lease, Walter T. Jr. Lee, Charles D. Jr. (HQS) Lee, David C. Lee, James L. ttt Lee, Trennie L. Leffelman, Ralph J. Leimas, Melvin Lemire, Leonard W. Lemons, Donald H. Lengyel, Mickey (Charles) Lentini, Luigi L. Lepkowski, Stanley E. Lerner, Harry Leslie, John L. Leszkowicz, John Levin, Harold Levin, Harold A. Lewis, Irwin H. Lewis, Lee A. Lewoski, Casmer W. Libby, Richard D. Lieberman, Abraham R. Liedke, Ralph N. Liekhus, John H. ttt Lien, Woodrow A. Lilley, John A.

sgt 2ILt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt F/O Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt 1/Lt 2ILt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Lt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt lILt sgt Capt 2/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt l/Lt 1/Lt 2/Lt Maj 2/Lt lILt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt SSg! Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 2ILt lILt Ssgt 1/Lt lILt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt

13005160 0815505 35556887 33624678 37268743 37307211

Ida eus eus eus eus kia eus eus eus eus mia mia kia ok ok kia kia ellS mia kia ellS ellS eus kia kia rtd eus ellS ellS kia ellS ellS ellS ellS ellS mia Ida eus kia ded kia eus eus eus eus eus eus eus dow mia kia kia Ida kia kia kia eus eus eus kia kia kia eus eus rtd eus eus rtd eus mia kia kia

01/05/44 19/05/44 02/11/44 05/09/44 11/01/44 30/07/43 22/02/44 04/02/44 14/10/43 25/06/44 01/05/43 28/03/43 22/02/44 22/02/44 06/09/43 19/04/44 04/03/43 28/04/44 28/06/43 09/09/44 17/08/43 02/11/44 21/05/43 04/02/43 17/08/43 05/09/44 22/12/43 21/05/43 20/07/44 17/04/43 11/04/44 17/04/43 20/03/44 31/07/44 05/12/44 04/03/43 27/09/43 05/12/44 11/01/44 03/10/42 08/04/45 17/08/43 12/08/43 30/07/43 04/02/44 31/07/44 20/07/44 22/04/44 27/09/43 03/01/43 05/12/44 08/04/45 08/10/43 01/12/43 08/04/45 12/08/43 31/07/44 10/10/43 06/03/44 16/08/44 01/08/44 19/04/44 11/04/44 21/06/44 04/02/44 22/02/44 21/02/44 31/12/43 07/05/44 02/11/44 08/04/45 10/10/43

42102392 4297455 4231883 42107033 4231372 4124399 4237746 4239771 425714 4297292 4124547 4229537 4239815 4237939 4229540 4297406 425370 4297199 425724 4337594 425712 4297234 4229657 4124589 425437 42107033 4237738 425857 4297999 4229574 4239929 425070 4231672 4297304 446596 4124512 423111 4338234 4229487 4124451 42102504 4124527 425077 4229916 423500 4297304 4337624 4240000 4230624 425084 4338693 4231333 4229520 426086 42102504 425077 4297304 4237737 4297483 446126 4297879 4297519 4239929 446117 4239771 4239898 4231572 4229895 4231580 4297234 4231333 4237737

148 156 252 226 102 61 114 106 82 187 35 29 114 114 71 138 22 145 50 228 65 252 42 17 65 226 95 42 200 34 135 34 125 205 264 22 76 264 102

4465 4829 0304 8595 1917 148 2643 2234 899 6545 3573 6086 2641 0000 515 4047 6102 4235 5710 8806 283 0360

329 65 62 61 106 205 200 140 76 13 264 329 79 89 329 62 205 81 120 219 206 138 135 183 106 114 113 98 150 252 329 81

4295 274 261 147

BT P B IT B

BT WI T CP W2 WI B T T R R IT WI T

BT B

BT IT N R P N IT N

BT T B N CP N CP

BT R T

BT B W2 R WI N P

BT N N IT B IT W2 WI R P CP B

13084325 37257843 002078 16042107 36197581 12030949 35438694 0746377 0729634 31169427 0734476 19073475 32390742 19142746 10600427 20607129 0772060 33229168 37476570 17019967 15084326 13156261 32865625 39920705 17026107 39388973 0718150 35384156 0362264 02015136 18086316 0736872 14108013 0759950 0710283 0735883 0790854 38469980 19112019 12187691 31129689 38406566 33278222 11021843 32448009 0809651 0816507 6147264 0683915 39200540 0688537 15102703 13093857 33325292 20655729 0761138 0778858 0676520

5124 282 8595 1715 7273 6574 3867 5519 3411 7806 1331 3721 667 1036 1915

7806 7283 669 2286 1333 3881 909 1322 4295 261 7806 941 2902 8185 7807 4048 3867 5980 2234 2642 2462 1975 4579 0360 3881 941

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR

1,057 1,058 1,059 1,060 1,061 1,062 1,063 1,064 1,065 1,066 1,067 1,068 1,069 1,070 1,071 1,072 1,073 1,074 1,075 1,076 1,077 1,078 1,079 1,080 1,081 1,082 1,083 1,084 1,085 1,086 1,087 1,088 1,089 1,090 1,091 1,092 1,093 1,094 1,095 1,096 1,097 1,098 1,099 1,100 1,101 1,102 1,103 1,104 1,105 1,106 1,107 1,108 1,109 1,110 1,111 1,112 1,113 1,114 1,115 1,116 1,117 1,118 1,119 1,120 1,121 1,122 1,123 1,124 1,125 1,126 1,127 1,128

249

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

T WI CP P P T BT P CP T R N CP W2 N B N CP CP R T TT TT CP B CP P TT TT WI N T R R TT CP TT N B BT T R WI

Lindberg, Evert Lindholm, Elmer F. Lindroth, Leonard J. Lindsay, Reese W. Jr. Lindsey, Nathan F. ttt Litzo, R. Lockard, Robert W. Lockhart, Eugene M. Loeber, Charles R. Lohron, Walter A. Lombardi, John M. Loomis, Richard D. Lord, Marvin D. Lorman, Paul A. Lowdermilk, John W. Lowe, Alton Lowery, Billy E. Lowry, Allan P. Lowry, Allen W. Lowry, Benton E. Sr. Loyless, Roy E. Ludwig, John H. Jr. Lund, Gustav M. Lund, Morris L. Lunde, Everett D. Lunt, Richard C. Lutz, James P. Lyberger, Harold R. Lyberger, Harold R. Lynch, Glenn P. Lynch, Lawrence J. Lyttle, Stanley E. MacDonald, Glenn L. Maculley, Richard O. Maddox, Jewel C. ttt Mahe, Albert E. Mahoney, Patrick F. Maiorca, Rocco J. Makaymiec, John A. Makela, Felix P. Malas, Harry G. Malcos, Albert G. Mallick, Joseph Malone, James C. Mancino, Arthur R. Manson, Kenneth L. Margason, Mark W. ttt Marghita, George Markle, Herbert A. Markley, Richard Marko, John Marks, William R. ttt Marletti, Nicholas P. Marmick, Howard Marrer, Robert E. Marsh, William H. Jr. Marshall, Provost (HQS) Martin, Bill. H. Martin, Frank Martin, John Martin, Lloyd G. Martin, Richard G. Martin, William L. Marx, Donald L. Marxmeyer, Walter V. Jr. Mason, Claude S. Mason, Clyde V. Mason, Edwin P. Mast, Thomas W. Masters, Alvy G. Masters, William H. Mastroberardino, Joseph L.

Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt lILt 2ILt Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt Leol SSg! 2ILt Ssgt lILt 2/Lt lILt Tsgt sgt Tsgt Tsgt 2ILt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2ILt Tsgt Tsgt sgt 2ILt sgt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt F/O Tsgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt sgt Pvt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2ILt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt lILt Capt Capt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt 2ILt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt 1/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Tsgt sgt

39314351 39255784

kia eus eus kia mia eus eus ok lOa eus kia kia kia eus eus eus kia ok mia kia eus eus mia ok kia eus eus ok eus eus eus kia kia kia mia mia kia eus eus mia eus eus usd mia kia eus mia kia eus eus eus mia rtd eus mia kia eus eus eus ok ok kia eus kia eus eus eus kia eus mia eus eus

22/06/43 17/08/43 19/04/44 16/08/44 17/04/43 22/06/43 19/07/44 17/08/43 09/10/43 20/07/44 02/11/44 20/07/44 03/02/45 10/10/43 29/05/44 26/11/44 24/01/44 23/11/42 04/03/43 11/01/44 02/11/44 02/11/44 28/06/43 10/01/45 01/05/44 20/07/44 04/02/44 16/08/43 16/09/43 26/11/44 11/01/44 11/01/44 22/06/43 22/06/43 29/03/44 03/11/43 01/01/45 17/04/43 27/04/44 22/03/43 25/07/43 11/01/44 15/07/42 31/08/43 16/08/44 11/01/44 21/05/43 11/01/44 06/03/44 24/05/44 12/08/43 30/12/42 16/03/44 11/04/44 03/01/43 02/11/44 22/04/44 20/07/44 11/04/44 10/01/45 23/11/42 17/08/43 27/09/43 04/03/43 03/02/45 02/11/44 06/03/44 03/11/43 29/03/44 23/11/42 06/03/44 04/02/43

4229797 4124524 4238006 4338000 425337 4229536 42107075 423043 4229740 4297954 446298 4231812 4297632 4237737 4232076 4238128 4240009 4124506 4124464 4231372 446093 4338202 425724 4337988 42102392 4238027 4239771 423213 423079 4231515 4231076 4229487 4229998 4229536 4297246 4239802 4237911 425337 4232072 4229659 4229813 4231076 324th 4229973 4239996 423057 4124515 4231372 4238118 42107178 423162 4124449 4231585 4239929 425084 446298 4240000 42102509 4239929 4337988 4124506 4124453 423111 425370 4232085 4298012 4231869 4230805 423506 4124503 4297483 4124589

47 65 138 219 34 47 199 65 80 200 252 200 289 81 164 259

0000 279 4046 8181

BT CP R B CP B W2 T W2 WI TT N B CP T P TT N CP T CP TT P WI T WI R R

0819522 0791463 32730763 0677803 15337926 34724773 0717239 0665699 31189229 0706942 16051876 0741273 0661513 0661513 15131444 38545285 33546888 17036335 0777732 0688540 0764715 0803834 32273302 32277302 11058136 0809667 37408995 12085583 13079563 34365015 190533 12029105 0754808 16021676 33194617 36611038 15105222 35231377 0751172 6555415 0673857 0672154 0753151 11095406 16034523 11168499 12030006 0688644 0442934 0828479 39064734 0797346 0671989 36059272 0714138 14058982 0742504 15105926 17071061 39603073 35519229 32197129

8 22 102 252 252 50 279 148 200 106 64 73 259 102 102 47 47 84 274 34 144 28 57 102 69 219 102 42 102 120 160 62 12 123 135 13 252 140 200 135 279 8 65 76 22 289 252 120 84 132 8 120 17

7407 0000 896 7277 0142 7281 2232 941 5354 0838 0000 0000 0000 1917 0141 0145 5710 0000 4465 7285 2234 0000 550 0836 1919 1915

1153 000 4258 6291 94 1919

8179 1918 4439 1917 2901 5358 259 3265 3221 3867 2286 0142 7274 3867 0000 0000 275 667 6102 2233 0150 2899 1155 3473 6162 2902 5124

250

1,129 1,130 1,131 1,132 1,133 1,134 1,135 1,136 1,137 1,138 1,139 1,140 1,141 1,142 1,143 1,144 1,145 1,146 1,147 1,148 1,149 1,150 1,151 1,152 1,153 1,154 1,155 1,156 1,157 1,158 1,159 1,160 1,161 1,162 1,163 1,164 1,165 1,166 1,167 1,168 1,169 1,170 1,171 1,172 1,173 1,174 1,175 1,176 1,177 1,178 1,179 1,180 1,181 1,182 1,183 1,184 1,185 1,186 1,187 1,188 1,189 1,190 1,191 1,192 1,193 1,194 1,195 1,196 1,197 1,198 1,199 1,200

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN • PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

N T B CP T N N R T T P P BT T BT P N TT N W2 CP TT CP P P WI N TT WI P P TT CP T R B B T T P

Mathis, Otto D. Matthes, Robert W. Matthews, Richard G. Maximovich, Herry P. Maynard, Frederick J. Mays, Woodrow W. Mays, Woodrow W. Mazor, Theodore J. Mazzola, Joseph W. Mazzola, Joseph W. McCarty, David Jr. McCarty, Martin W. Jr. McCurchan, Herbert S. McDonald, Robert H. McMenamin, Thomas A. McAdams, William B. ttt McAvoy, James P. McBey, Donald J. McBride, Frederick H. McBride, James P. McCain, Walter L. Jr. McCall, David C. McCallum, Clyde McCammon, Keene C. McCardle, Albert F. McCarrell, Carl C. McCarthy, Francis J. ttt McCarthy, Robert E. McCauley, Anthony C. ttt McClellan, Hascall C. McConnell, Cecil G. McCormack, John J. McCormick, Thomas B. McCrea, William B. McCurry, Malcolm M. McDermott, Harry J. Jr. McDonough, Thomas M. Jr. McDowell, Dean A. McDowell, Gerald E. McGee, Fewer R. McGoven, McGovern, James J. McIlwain, James X. McKee, William E. McKenna, Gerard J. McKewen, John W. Jr. McKnight, Eddie R. McLane, Louis T. McLean, John A. McLoughlin, Patrick B. McMurray, Harold E. McNatt, Wylie Jr. McNulty, James W. McNulty, Patrick M. Mcpherson, Donald R. McVey, Carl H. Meade, Cloren A. Meader, Walter P. Jr Meader, Walter P. Jr. Medina, Mathew C. Medved, Joseph ttt Meeker, Allen W. Meenack, Wendell O. Mehlberg, Richard A. Meiger, William S. Melchiondo, Charles J. Memory, Robert E. Mendel, Charles E. Mendelsohn, Stuart B. Merit, Thomas E. ttt Merkel, Ehud Merritt, George F.

2/Lt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt Capt Ssgt sgt SSg! lILt lILt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt l/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt Lt l/Lt Ssgt Tsgt pvt Ssgt Capt l/Lt Tsgt Capt Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt sgt sgt sgt 1/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt sgt 2/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt 1/Lt Tsgt sgt Ssgt 1/Lt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt sgt sgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt

0694757 36876411 0750040 0775460 31163165 0678736 0679736 13083837 11071993 11071993 0818709 0436089 12013998 39379407 36401558 0672828 0797351 39194576 0809486 35335039 0791466 33375287 0678288 0733651 0444538 30533114 14148856 13025271 33262730 0431970 0760975 12034826 0430603

eus eus eus kia kia eus ok eus eus ok kia kia eus kia eus mia kia eus eus eus kia kia eus eus kia eus mia kia mia mia eus kia mia ok kia mia kia kia eus eus ok eus eus eus eus kia kia kia ded eus eus kia eus eus kia eus eus kia ok kia mia eus eus kia eus eus kia eus kia mia eus eus

27/04/44 21/11/44 08/03/44 12/04/45 30/07/43 04/10/43 06/09/43 20/02/44 16/09/43 16/08/43 08/09/44 04/03/43 21/06/44 17/08/43 04/02/44 03/11/43 03/11/43 19/07/44 22/02/44 17/08/43 17/04/43 03/02/45 21/02/44 30/07/43 01/05/44 19/07/44 08/04/45 20/06/44 03/01/43 22/03/43 06/01/45 04/03/43 23/11142 06/09/43 22/02/44 30/05/44 30/11144 25/06/44 01/12/43 04/02/44 31/08/43 17/08/43 03/11143 29/03/44 25/07/43 11101/44 20/02/45 28/03/43 03/10/42 08/10/43 01/05/44 08/04/45 21/02/44 11104/44 30/11/44 01/12/43 21/05/43 27/05/44 22/02/44 17/04/43 23/11/42 20/07/44 16/08/44 25/06/44 17/08/43 17/04/43 02/11/44 20/12/42 31/12/43 03/11/43 22/02/44 06/01/45

4232072 4337890 4239892 4337552 4229916 423274 4229540 4229656 423079 423213 4338348 4124549 446117 425437 4239803 4237742 4230805 42107075 4239815 425069 425172 4297632 423073 4124399 42102392 42107075 4231333 4297892 425084 4229659 448501 4124549 4124479 4124497 4239815 4239975 4338742 4237958 423060 4239803 4229973 425069 4239802 423506 4229813 4229487 42102490 4229537 4124451 4229520 42102392 4231333 4230712 4239929 4338742 4239836 4229657 323rd 4237939 4229574 4124503 4297999 4338012 4237958 4124527 425070 4298012 4124452 4229895 4239802 4237746 448501

144 257 121

4258 0420 3223 000 147 881 515 2460 550 0000 8807 5596 5980 282 2235 1154 1155 7407 2641 281 5521 2232 2463 148 4465 7407 3881 5982 2286 6291 1568 5596 6273 0000 2641 5355 1044 0000 1319 2235

T W2 W2 R B P T CP R BT TT CP B BT TT BT BT T T WI R WI P R WI CP P B CP R

18168947 0757540 35757627 37485106 33480463 0800910 31168377 33284834 32807932 32423995 0673084 0820901 14107983 0435967 19069571 37661381 38365470 0681154 32938640 15067163 11122367 17011899 33115223 33435248 15104134 36277657 0665325 11032122 33463826 0661530 0672379 39536238 0746395 12187251

61 78 71 112 73 64 227 22 183 65 106 84 84 199 114 65 34 289 113 61 148 199 329 182 13 28 278 22 8 71 114 165 262 187 89 106 69 65 84 132 57 102 296 29

281 1153 3473 94 1915 2556 6086

79 148 329 113 135 262 89 42

909 4465 3881 2461 3867 1044 1320

114 34 8 200 219 187 65 34 252 11 98 84 114 278

0000 6574 6162 7273 8180 0000 274 5519 0150 6243 1975 1153 2643 1568

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 1,201 1,202 1,203 1,204 1,205 1,206 1,207 1,208 1,209 1,210 1,211 1,212 1,213 1,214 1,215 1,216 1,217 1,218 1,219 1,220 1,221 1,222 1,223 1,224 1,225 1,226 1,227 1,228 1,229 1,230 1,231 1,232 1,233 1,234 1,235 1,236 1,237 1,238 1,239 1,240 1,241 1,242 1,243 1,244 1,245 1,246 1,247 1,248 1,249 1,250 1,251 1,252 1,253 1,254 1,255 1,256 1,257 1,258 1,259 1,260 1,261 1,262 1,263 1,264 1,265 1,266 1,267 1,268 1,269 1,270 1,271 1,272

251

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

CP P CP BT B BT

Mersereau, Robert C. Meyer, William E. Meyers, Edwaed P. Meyers, Robert E. Michaels, Matthew Michaud, Harold K. Middleton, Allen Middleton, James I. Migut, Walter F. Mikkelson, John M. Mikolaitis, Edmund J. Mikonis, Peter Miles, Robert M. Milewski, Jay J. Miller, Adolph P. Jr. Miller, Arthur W. Miller, Earl V. Miller, George F. Miller, H.E. Miller, Irving E. Miller, James J. Miller, John H. Miller, LeMoyne ttt Miller, Louis T. Miller, Robert J. Miller, Robert S. Millward, Dean W. Minehan, Edward 1. Minette, Kenneth L. Minich, George A. Minnick, Thomas J. III Mis, Chester W. Mitchell, Howard L. Mitchell, Zalma M. Mitts, Homer 1. Jr. Modell, Robert L. Monahan, John E. Monkman, Owen W. Monson, Stephen M. Monson, Stephen M. Montgomery, John W. Montpetit, Joseph A. Mooney, Wallace L. Moore, Curtis M. Moore, Edgar L. Moore, Gardner H. Moore, James F. Jr. Moose, Harry L. Moran, Chester L. Moran, Darrel E. Morby, Roy S. Morgan, Delmar C. Morgan, Jack P. Morgan, James E. Jr. Morgan, Lewis C. Morgan, Richard G. Morgan, Robert G. Morningstar, Clayton E. Morony, James E. Morris, Robert F. Morris, Stanley E. Morris, Teddy J. Morrison, Joseph R. ttt Morse, Dana E. Morse, Dana E. Moulton, Guy C. Mounts, James M. Mouton, Oscar J. Moynihan, Daniel D. Jr. Mueller, Robert A. Mullens, John D. Munkwitz, Richard J.

1/Lt 2/Lt Maj Ssgt

0678297 0779186 023482 39410714 0729549 16084869 12011018 15105376 33248713 39829423 32694892 0814519 0794441 16032031 0767604 35933713 35374812 0826255

rtd kia kia eus eus kia kia eus kia mia kia kia eus eus eus kia mia eus eus eus eus kia mia kia eus eus eus kia eus eus kia eus kia rtd kia rtd kia kia kia ok kia kia eus eus eus kia ok eus mia mia kia eus kia mia eus kia eus eus eus kia kia kia mia eus ok eus eus eus eus eus eus rmc

16/03/44 14/01/45 30/12/42 20/07/44 17/04/43 17/08/43 16/02/43 16/08/44 06/09/43 28/06/43 16/08/44 25/06/44 30/07/43 21/02/44 26/11/44 14/01/45 03/11/43 03/02/45 22/06/43 05/12/44 08/03/44 21/05/43 08/04/45 21/06/44 26/11/44 21/02/44 06/09/43 06/09/43 05/12/44 30/11/44 01/08/44 16/08/44 05/12/44 05/09/44 17/08/43 16/03/44 26/07/43 26/11/44 04/10/43 06/09/43 03/11/43 20/02/45 13/05/43 06/03/44 31/12/43 17/08/43 24/01/44 21/06/44 26/02/43 03/03/44 08/03/44 27/09/43 20/06/44 04/03/43 16/08/44 11/01/44 11/01/44 21/02/44 20/07/44 08/04/45 09/09/44 11/01/44 16/08/44 06/03/44 26/11/43 04/02/44 20/07/44 22/02/44 26/11/44 22/02/44 22/02/44 16/08/44

4231585 4338911 401st 42102509 425172 4124524 324th 446126 4229540 425724 4231673 4237958 4229916 423040 4238128 4338911 4237742 4232085 425132 4338693 4239892 425857 4231333 42102527 4231515 4231572 425763 4229540 4338360 4338742 4297879 4231634 4338693 42107033 425225 4231585 423031 4231515 423274 4229540 4230805 42102490 4229642 4297483 4229921 4124453 4240009 4337626 425362 4237965 4239892 4230624 4297892 4124464 4338000 4231372 4231230 423040 4337624 42102504 4337594 423057 4231634 4231578 425795 4239771 4337819 4239898 4238128 4239898 4239898 4231634

123 280

3221 1772

200 34 65

7274 5521 279

219 71 50 219 187 61 113 259 280 84 289 47 264 121 42 329 183 259 113 71 71 264 262 206 219 264 226 65 123 58 259 78 71 84 296 37 120 98 65

8185 515 5710 8183 0000 147 2457 0838 1772 1154 2233

R R WI R P P T P BT T P BT CP IT P T IT N IT W2 WI R N B T P WI WI BT R T B B T BT R BT N WI BT IT B BT T IT WI BT T CP B W2 T CP WI R WI Wi BT R B BT R T CP R

Lt

Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt 2ILt lILT Ssgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt lILt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt lILt sgt Ssgt F/O Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Tsgt sgt lILt sgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt sgt 2ILt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt Ssgt .Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2ILt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt 2ILt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt lILt Ssgt sgt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt

0772439 32491549 0661957 33920597 34502623 0128773 33361326 39831596 32447719 17118272 0766765 6949060 36482180 0821330 17146477 34364935 32727377 13025820 39622026 0736717 0736717 19099098 16189963 17042549 19011630 0683288 31118582 14124818 12044275 14039850 36559579 19172112 35267183 17088720 14009901 37012962 0684028 0682499 35538877 13061140 0777765 39466253 18162955 35326183 15320654 12151196 0757017 34272397 12121342 12050496 0680487 32216533

183 20 118 121 76 182 22 219 102 102 113 200 329 228 102 219 120 88 106 200 114 259 114 114 219

1333 3223 3881 5983 0836 2462 514 515 1045 1044 7807 8184 1333 8595 280 3221 201 0836 881 515 1155 2556 8015 2902 1976 275 0000 5979 3222 3223 669 5982 0000 8181 1917 1916 2457 7283 4295 8806 1918 8184 2898 0000 2234 7284 2642 0838 2642 2642 8184

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

252

1,273 1,274 1,275 1,276 1,277 1,278 1,279 1,280 1,281 1,282 1,283 1,284 1,285 1,286 1,287 1,288 1,289 1,290 1,291 1,292 1,293 1,294 1,295 1,296 1,297 1,298 1,299 1,300 1,301 1,302 1,303 1,304 1,305 1,306 1,307 1,308 1,309 1,310 1,311 1,312 1,313 1,314 1,315 1,316 1,317 1,318 1,319 1,320 1,321 1,322 1,323 1,324 1,325 1,326 1,327 1,328 1,329 1,330 1,331 1,332 1,333 1,334 1,335 1,336 1,337 1,338 1,339 1,340 1,341 1,342 1,343 1,344

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P.NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

P WI N T N T R BT B CP CP IT B R R P CP P N BT CP R CP WI IT R CP N BT T W2 WI B BT IT CP R W2 CP CP T R R WI R R T P R B B P BT

Murdock, Wayne E. Murphy, John P. Murphy, Raymond J. Murray, Charles F. Murray, Donald S. Murren, James P. Jr. Musik, Andrew J. Musum, Arnold B. Muzzy, Sidney W. Myers, William P. Mylin, Neil M. Nagy, William Narter, Irving E. (eng) Natvig, Orlo C. Naughton, James T. Naziarz, Roman V. Neal, John W. Jr. Nee, William F. Neel, Fredrick T. Jr. Neely, Orland L. Neff, Glen E. Nelson, Bevly P. Nelson, David J. ttt Nesemeier, Gregg Nettles, Randall E. Neumann, Roy F. New, William R. Newberry, Joseph Newman, Eldon Newman, Maxwell E. Ney, Jack J. Nicely, Harold F. Nicholls, Arthur H. Nichols, Alfas E. Nickerson, Raymond F. Nickola, Ray L. Nicoletti, Nick J. Niebojewski, Edward Niemozyk, Roman Nobbs, Caryll D. Noel, Gordon E. Noll, Paul W. Nordman, Grover C. Jr. Norris, Homer S. Norris, James L. North, Charles H. Nygard, Gerald L. O'Bannon, Robert O'Brien, Paul L. O'Dea, George R. O'Looney, James S. O'Neil, Oscar D. O'Toole, John B. Oakley, Neill E. Odegard, Herman Offley, Bernard D. Ohman, Daniel V Olague, Rudy L. Oliver, Charles H. ttt Oliver, Warren A. Jr. Olivo, Modesto Olsen, Harold K. Oltman, Everett S. Oltman, R. C. Orazio, Samuel Ortiz, Gilberto M. Osborne, I.F. Osborne, James F. Osowski, Henry F. Osterberg, Spencer K. Ostwald, Arnold J. Otting, Laurin P.

2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt l/Lt sgt Tsgt Ssgt F/O 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt l/Lt 2/Lt 2.Lt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/LT Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 1/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt Capt Ssgt 1/Lt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt Ssgt 2Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt

0745928 39169421 0696128 12120667 0665421 12136603

kia kia rtd eus eus mia eus eus kia eus kia eus kia rtd eus ok eus eus kia eus kia eus mia mia rmc kia eus eus eus kia eus eus kia eus eus eus eus mia eus kia rtd kia rtd eus eus kia eus eus kia eus eus eus eus kia kia eus kia mia mia eus eus kia kia eus eus mia ok eus eus eus eus kia

11/01/44 02/11/44 28/04/44 26/07/43 21/02/44 31/08/43 21/05/43 17/08/43 19/05/44 22/12/43 08/09/44 02111/44 03/11/43 27/09/43 22/02/44 22/02/44 20/07/44 24/05/44 24/05/44 18/07/44 31/12/43 21/06/44 08/08/44 26/02/43 04/03/43 01/05/44 21/11/44 17/08/43 18/03/44 02111/44 06/03/44 29/05/44 13/05/43 06/01/45 18/07/44 02/11/44 01/12/43 31/08/43 17/08/43 28/03/43 27/09/43 19/05/44 05/09/44 20/07/44 18/03/44 20/07/44 18/07/44 21/06/44 13/05/43 09/10/43 06/03/44 17/04/43 17/08/43 13/05/43 03/01/43 11/01/44 30/07/43 09/10/43 27/09/43 11/01/44 02111/44 10/07/43 24/01/44 17/04/43 06/03/44 03/11/43 22/06/43 27/08/43 06/03/44 21/02/44 21/06/44 14/01/45

423057 4297956 4297199 423031 4230712 4124523 4229657 4124527 4297455 4237738 4338348 448208 4230805 423111 4124490 4237939 4297999 42107178 42107178 4297467 4229921 4297891 4231367 4124447 425370 42102392 4337890 425069 4239967 446298 4231869 4232076 4229642 448501 4297467 4231883 4124511 4229816 4124524 4229537 423111 4297455 42107033 4231982 4239967 4297954 4297467 446117 425406 425178 4231079 425070 4124453 4229642 425084 4231230 4124399 4229711 4229750 4231076 448208 4229475 4240009 425391 4231911 4237742 4229797 425379 4297483 423040 446117 4338911

102 252 145 58 113 69 42 65 156 95 227 252 84 76 114 114 200 160 160 198 98 183 212 20 22 148 257 65 124 252 120 164 37 278 198 252 89 69 65 29 76 156 226 200 124 200 198 183 37 80 120 34 65 37 13 102 61 80 76 102 252 53

1918 0148 4235 201 2461 563

0 T IT B R T T B T CP BT BT WI R R W2 P B CP

19075873 01768 0741928 0823444 35350761 36304385 17003047 36045930 0819582 0803853 0688606 39213625 0680271 38429445 0552168 16035783 14035901 36400919 0766924 0732758 17159756 33563578 18202039 35656401 0729487 39418729 33356664 0824187 37393001 36233527 0739837 0885588 17091564 37410711 17097393 35613046 11080414 39212409 0683763 11017850 6131571 0741685 0430613 32357279 0561781 37174101 39113711 0735915 18044478 37221318 33524574 0766343 34050176 0746162 12050395 18013654

31284401 0803667 0698596 0780702

274 4829 1715 8807 0143 1155 667 2640 0000 7273 5358 5358 7418 1976 5981 8079 3575 6102 4465 0420 281 3224 0142 2899 5354 8015 1568 7418 0304 1323 671 279 6086 667 4829 8595 3224 7277 7418 5980 898 2899 5519 275 8015 2286 1916 148 894 668 1919 0143 34 0000

34 120 84 47

2900 1154 0000

120 113 183 280

2902 2457 5980 1772

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR

/

1,345 1,346 1,347 1,348 1,349 1,350 1,351 1,352 1,353 1,354 1,355 1,356 1,357 1,358 1,359 1,360 1,361 1,362 1,363 1,364 1,365 1,366 1,367 1,368 1,369 1,370 1,371 1,372 1,373 1,374 1,375 1,376 1,377 1,378 1,379 1,380 1,381 1,382 1,383 1,384 1,385 1,386 1,387 1,388 1,389 1,390 1,391 1,392 1,393 1,394 1,395 1,396 1,397 1,398 1,399 1,400 1,401 1,402 1,403 1,404 1,405 1,406 1,407 1,408 1,409 1,410 1,411 1,412 1,413 1,414 1,415 1,416

253

PO

Name

Rank· Ser.No.

Status

Date

P·NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

BT BT BT P T

Oxby, William K. Oyler, Robert L. Pacheco, Antone L. Page, J.e. Paget, John R. Painter, Marion B. Paluse, John W. Parfitt, Thomas A. Paris, James E. Parkins, Frederick G. Parris, James H. Parson, Roy F. Parsons, John R. Jr. Parsons, Robert N.398/601

Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt lILt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt 2ILt 2ILt 1/Lt sgt l/Lt Ssgt sgt lILt Ssgt Tsgt 2ILt Ssgt sgt lILt sgt sgt 2ILt lILt Lt Tsgt 2ILt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt sgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Capt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt lILt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2ILt sgt F/O 1/Lt Ssgt lILt 2ILt Ssgt l/Lt

kia kia kia eus eus eus eus eus eus eus rmc ded eus kia kia eus kia kia eus kia eus eus kia eus kia kia eus kia eus eus kia ok kia kia kia kia kia kia kia eus kia eus kia kia kia eus eus kia eus rtd eus eus eus eus eus mia kia kia eus kia eus mia eus eus eus eus kia eus kia kia eus eus

02/11/44 26/07/43 03/11/43 11/01/44 20/07/44 22/03/44 02/11/44 17/08/43 02/1lI44 07/05/44 30/07/43 01/01/45 21/02/44 18/06/44 21/06/44 02/11/44 16/08/44 08/04/45 12/08/43 20/07/44 21/11/44 04/03/43 31/08/43 03/11/43 17/08/43 11/01/44 22/06/43 11/01/44 26/11/44 02/11/44 31/08/43 22/06/43 19/05/43 27/09/43 17/04/45 01112/43 25/06/44 04/03/43 16/08/44 02/11/44 06/03/44 20/03/44 27/09/43 30/07/43 16/08/44 18/03/44 28/04/44 27/09/43 06/03/44 16/03/44 20/07/44 29/05/44 30/07/43 08/07/44 22/03/44 04/03/43 06/03/44 21/02/44 03/03/44 27/09/43 02/11/44 03/03/44 07/05/44 25/07/43 16/08/44 27/05/44 09/10/43 27/05/44 03/1lI43 20/06/44 01/05/43 18/03/44

4238083 423031 4230805 4231076 42102509 4297125 4338202 425139 4297984 4231580 4229916 4237911 423073 4297626 4337626 4297984 4239996 42102504 4229587 4238027 4337890 4124512 4229816 4239802 425139 4231230 425789 4231230 4238128 4297956 4229816 4229797 4124483 423111 446568 4229794 4237958 4124549 4231634 4337625 4231869 4231672 4229750 4124399 4338000 4239967 4297199 423111 4231911 4231585 4231982 4232076 4229916 4297173 4297125 425370 4231079 4231572 4237965 4230624 4339212 4237965 4231580 4229813 4337613 42107042 4229711 42107042 4230805 4297892 4124547 4239967

252 58 84 102 200 126 252 65 252 150 61 274 113 180 183 252 219 329 62 200 257 22 69 84 65 102 47 102 259 252 69 47 41 76 336 89 187 22 219 252 120 125 76 61 219 124 145 76 120 123 200 164 61 192 126 22 120 113 118 76 252 118 150 57 219 162 80 162 84 182 35 124

0144 201 1155 1919 7274 3412 0145 276 0149 4579 147 000 2463 5996 5979 0149 8179 4295 260 7285 0420 3721 671 1153 276 1916

IT R W2 P

IT IT B

IT N P N T P T WI B R R N T W2 CP T BT CP P P R P N R CP W2 BT T

IT W2 P BT CP WI WI WI R

IT T B R

IT P BT BT P P B BT N BT P T N P WI P CP W2 B

Paskvan,Joseph~

Passeger, Norman L. Paster, Robert M. Pastras, Peter A. Pasztor, Andrew J. Patterson, Todd H. Patton, James Paul, Robert M. Payne, Paul E. Peacock, James E. Pearce, Frederick E. Pearl, Marvin R. Pearse, John M. Pearson, Bert Jr. Pearson, Lester R. Jr. Peck, Wyndham M.W. Peek, Buster Peek, Buster Peeler, William H. Pegram, William G. Pender, Richard F. Pendergast, Robert L. Pepper, Frank E. Jr. Pereira, Umberto Perez, Enrique T. Perkins, Calvin J. Perkins, Robert F. Pem, Norman V. Perritt, John M. Perrota, Mike A. Perry, Albert J. Perry, Charles W. Pertuset, Johyn H. Peters, Belvin J. Peterson, Herbert O. Peterson, Hobart P. Peterson, John R. Peterson, Leonard V. Phaneuf, Frank H. Phelps, Robert N. Phillips, Charles R. Phillips, Hymen ttt Phillips, Osceola D. Jr. Piacentini, Irvin Pickard, Walter M. Pidgeon, Norman R. Pierce, Willis S. Jr. Pike, Milton L. Pilcher, Donald F. Pilert, Marshall L. Pine, Clem J. Pinkerton, Paul E. Pinning, Charles B. Pitcock, Milburn Pitts, Robert A. Plant, Leo R. Platt, Alver B. Pletta, Joseph H.

36417029 33279759 31165472 0745165 39552894 33250984 13086202 13031015 0764630 13132134 14072285 38062128 35371110 0691796 0754027 0719998 35917645 0828502 35360944 39919725 0772074 14057853 38206398 0735144 12025358 32620573 37471577 39217230 0745493 0725524 13034546 0799447 02073207 32545712 0819862 11018314 18105723 39921242 16099845 32548143 0795820 33273603 0555305 32466325 35633805 14121052 36408884 16076305 0757667 36502034 36453999 0795465 17047814 15322889 0801199 0745933 16023260 31397971 0744086 17071605 0792630 19086843 0123274 0798575 35092242 02044671 0815225 39082742 0673886

1916 0838 0148 671 0000 5632 667 4111 1321 0000 5596 8184 0361 2899 3411 668 148 8181 3224 4235 667 2900 3221 5354 147 8323 3412 6102 2899 2462 3222 669 0146 3222 4579 94 8182 5356 894 5356 1155 5982 3573 3224

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN·

254

1,417 1,418 1,419 1,420 1,421 1,422 1,423 1,424 1,425 1,426 1,427 1,428 1,429 1,430 1,431 1,432 1,433 1,434 1,435 1,436 1,437 1,438 1,439 1,440 1,441 1,442 1,443 1,444 1,445 1,446 1,447 1,448 1,449 1,450 1,451 1,452 1,453 1,454 1,455 1,456 1,457 1,458 1,459 1,460 1,461 1,462 1,463 1,464 1,465 1,466 1,467 1,468 1,469 1,470 1,471 1,472 1,473 1,474 1,475 1,476 1,477 1,478 1,479 1,480 1,481 1,482 1,483 1,484 1,485 1,486 1,487 1,488

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

T T T CP N W2 CP TT W2 N B T N BT WI TT T WI R BT P CP B BT CP N B R CP BT N R TT P WI R R B CP N R BT N R WI W2 P BT R BT W2 B CP T W2 WI BT TT WI P TT BT B P N WI P W2

Pochardt, Vernan H. Pogan, Steve J. Jr Poling, Hermon D. Ponder, Billy G. Poole, Arthur S. Pope, Curtiss B. Porada, EA. Porter, Lauren M. Porter, Marion A. Porter, William W. Poston, Arthur L. Jr. Potter, Donald C. Potter, George W. Poulsen, Walter E. Power, Thomas M. Prage, Raymond V. Pratt, Gilbert C. Pratt, J.E. Pratt, Rene P. Premenko, Nick Pressey, Richard T. Prezzano, Joseph E. Jr. Price, Leslie A. Price, Thomas G. Primeau, Donald Prophit, Norman E. Proudfit, Richard D. Pruitt, Roy E. Prunty, Richard E. Pubentz, Donald W. Pudnos, Mortimer Pultz, James H. Puntorno, Orlando Purdy, James E Jr. ttt Purton, James E. Quackenbush, Dart R. Quackenbush, Gerald G. Quarve, Walter G. Quenin, J.H. Quincy, Frank S. Quinn, James N. Quist, Carl H. Ragsdale, John P. Jr. Ramones, Alfred Ramsey, Billy L. Ramsey, David V. Rand, Robert D. Raphoon, C.w. Rapp, Rose L. Rasmussen, William E. Rathgeber, William A. ttt Ratter, William B. Rauch, Bernard T. Rausch, Burdette H. Ray, Bernard D. Raymond, Perry R. Reber, Fay E Reed, Quilla D. Regan, James A. Reid, Edwin R. Reidy, Charles E. Rekas, Joseph A. ttt Remers, Jack E. Rendall, James W. Jr. Renoult, Louis C. Renzelman, Ralph E Retchin, Norman Rettinger, Robert W. Reynolds, Joseph C. Reynolds, Robert H. Reynolds, William A. Jr. Rhode, Harold J.

Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Lt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt l/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt Tsgt l/Lt Tsgt Ssgt SSg! 1/Lt Lt 1/Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt F/O SSg! Ssgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt l/Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt 1/Lt l/Lt Ssgt Lt Ssgt 1/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt

37543047 16090281 35430053 0745742 0671097 6972086

eus kia kia kia eus kia ok eus eus eus kia eus eus eus mia eus eus eus eus eus eus kia eus kia kia eus kia kia kia kia ok kia eus mia eus eus eus eus eus kia rtd kia kia mia eus eus mia ok eus eus mia eus eus eus kia eus kia rtd eus kia kia mia eus eus kia eus eus eus ded kia eus kia

22/02/44 06/03/44 30/07/43 01/12/43 08/10/43 21/05/43 22/06/43 05/12/44 18/03/44 16/08/44 19/05/43 20/07/44 11/01/44 02/11/44 31/08/43 16/08/44 12/08/43 22/06/43 26/11/44 29/05/44 27/05/44 01/12/43 22/02/44 12/08/43 17/08/43 21/06/44 08/04/45 30/01/44 26/11/44 17/04/45 22/02/44 06/03/44 06/03/44 29/04/44 22/02/44 20/07/44 21/06/44 27/05/44 22/06/43 02/11/44 31/12/43 17/04/43 21/05/43 03/11/43 20/02/44 26/07/43 01/05/43 17/08/43 10/10/43 01/12/43 19/05/43 21/06/44 25/07/43 27/09/43 06/09/43 21/06/44 20/07/44 26/11/44 04/10/43 11/01/44 17/08/43 17/04/43 22/02/44 26/07/43 02/11/44 06/03/44 21/05/43 21/06/44 02/05/43 13/05/43 07/05/44 06/03/44

4124490 4231079 4124399 4239836 4229520 425857 4229797 4338360 4239967 4231634 4124483 4297999 4231230 4297563 4229816 4338012 423162 425132 4337913 4232076 42107042. 426086 4239815 4229587 425225 4297891 4231333 401st 4238128 4483263 4237939 4238118 4231079 4231353 4239898 4337624 4337626 42107042 4229536 4337625 4229895 4229574 425857 4237742 4229656 423031 4124547 423043 4237737 423060 4124483 4337626 4229813 4230624 4229540 4337626 4238027 4337913 423274 4231372 425437 425337 4124490 423031 4339212 4231869 4229657 42102527 322nd 4229642 4231580 4231578

114 120 61 89 79 42 47 264 124 219 41 200 102 252 69 219 62 47 259 164 162 89 114 62 65 183 329

2640 2899 148 1320 909

259

0838

114 120 120 146 114 200 183 162 47 252 98 34 42 84 112 58 35 65 81 89 41 183 57 76 71 183 200 259 78 102 65 34 114 58 252 120 42 183

0000 2901 2899 4236 2642 7283 5979 5356

37 150 120

8015 4579 2898

WI T BT

39564346 35562744 0702190 14030972 37521603 0687902 37573556 18133662 19103105 31074332 31296553 39035016 0749315 0799856 0744990 38108283 0799857 0711471 14166848 37237182 0774763 36772038 16171676 32555363 0804503 15330753 35585692 15109572 0670242 0716531 12090499 37160420 0732765 18104864 15354408 33263997 0661867 17068389 16064955 12036382 31306671 061025 37422260 17127362 16115579 39919550 14107991 6847799 0797181 35381792 31112002 0751842 0793379 0718421 11083832 13093633 0661869 38013099 37355636 32765324

0000 1045 3224 8184 5632 7273 1916 0147 671 8180 259 0837 5354 5356 1322 2641 260 280 5981 3881

0361 1975 6574 1154 2460 201 3573 0000 941 1319 5632 5979 94 669 515 5979 7285 0837 881 1917 282 2640 201 0146 2899 5983

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 1,489 1,490 1,491 1,492 1,493 1,494 1,495 1,496 1,497 1,498 1,499 1,500 1,501 1,502 1,503 1,504 1,505 1,506 1,507 1,508 1,509 1,510 1,511 1,512 1,513 1,514 1,515 1,516 1,517 1,518 1,519 1,520 1,521 1,522 1,523 1,524 1,525 1,526 1,527 1,528 1,529 1,530 1,531 1,532 1,533 1,534 1,535 1,536 1,537 1,538 1,539 1,540 1,541 1,542 1,543 1,544 1,545 1,546 1,547 1,548 1,549 1,550 1,551 1,552 1,553 1,554 1,555 1,556 1,557 1,558 1,559 1,560

255

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M·No

MACR

N N BT CP N B BT TT N T W2 TT TT BT T TT R TT W1

Richardson, Edgar L. Richardson, Edgar L. Richardson, George M. Riegel, George E. Rieker, Thomas H. Rietschel, Raymond F. Riley, Anson M. Riley, Darrell Rinne, Arthur C. Roach, George E. Roberts, Elwyn J. Roberts, Everett E. Roberts, James M. Roberts, Thomas A. Roberts, Wallace M. Roberts, Woodrow M. Robertson, Donald F. Robinson, John F. Robinson, Robert R. Rockway, Ernest O. Roden, James B. Rodenbaugh, Raymond R. Rodman, Richard C. Rodriguez, Eleuterio C. Roe, Edgar A. Rogers, James A. Rogers, Jess D. Rogers, Leonard Rogers, Thomas H. Rohr, Milton C. Rolfe, Frank O. Roller, William E. ttt Romanofski, Walter T. Romm, Harold Rosa, Albert A. Rose, Albert 1. Rose, Joseph Rosener, Maurice Ross, Everett N. Ross, James C. Roswell, Arlo L. Roten, John R. Routier, Eugene L. Rowland, Wilbur J. Roy, Anthony J. ttt Roy, Morris J. Jr. Rukas,AJ. Rumble, Francis L. Runner, William C. Jr. Russell, Elmer B. Rustand, Hanford J. Rutledge, Kenneth B. Ryan, John R. (401 Sqd.) Ryan, Thomas P. Rybarski, Raymond A. Ryder, Worden J. Rynon, Frank D. Jr. Saas, Robert J. Sabins, Wayne F. Sackman, Harold A. Sadlo, Stanley S. Saffell, Richard R. Salo, Walter Salter, Luther E. Salyards, Emory E. Sambo, Robert H. Sammon, Joseph P. Sample, James W. ttt Sanchez, Joe Sanders, Carl Sanders, John J. ttt Sandoff, Nick

2ILt 2/Lt sgt 2ILt lILt 1/Lt sgt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Msgt sgt Tsgt 1/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt lILt Ssgt sgt 2ILt 2/Lt sgt sgt 1/Lt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Maj Ssgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt Ssgt 1/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt .Ssgt 2/Lt sgt lILt l/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt sgt 2/Lt F/O Ssgt Tsgt l/Lt lILt Ssgt

0734977

eus ok kia kia eus eus eus kia kia kia kia kia eus kia mia eus kia kia mia ded kia mia mia eus kia kia kia rtd eus eus kia mia eus eus kia kia eus eus kia rtd eus eus kia eus mia eus eus kia rmc eus kia mia eus eus kia mia eus eus eus eus eus kia eus kia eus eus eus mia kia kia mia kia

09/10/43 06/09/43 11/01/44 17/08/43 05/12/44 02/11/44 20/07/44 21/11/44 06/03/44 02/11/44 21/05/43 01/12/43 02/11/44 08/03/44 22/03/43 20/07/44 17/08/43 09/10/43 09/10/43 15/03/44 13/05/43 03/11/43 31/08/43 07/05/44 17/08/43 21/02/44 31/08/43 13/08/44 11/01/44 20/02/45 27/09/43 01/12/43 11/01/44 17/04/43 02/11/44 01/12/43 10/10/43 01/05/43 01/12/43 31/12/43 11/01/44 03/01/43 05/12/44 12/08/43 17/04/43 21/02/44 22/06/43 08/03/44 14/10/43 20/02/45 02/11/44 03/11/43 22/04/44 22/06/43 29/04/44 23/11/42 11/04/44 12/08/43 06/03/44 02/11/44 29/03/44 19/04/44 16/08/44 02/11/44 05/12/44 02/11/44 20/07/44 27/09/43 05/12/44 19/07/44 04/02/43 17/04/43

4229740 4124497 4229487 425139 4338693 446298 4231812 4337890 4231079 4297956 423053 426086 4337625 4239892 4229659 42102509 401st 4229711 4230772 1204 425406 4239802 4124523 4231580 425437 4231572 4229973 42107030 423057 42102490 4229750 4124511 423057 4124459 4339212 4229794 4237737 4124547 4229794 4229921 423057 425084 4338693 4229587 425337 423040 425132 4239892 425714 42102490 4297956 4239802 4240000 425789 4231353 4124479 4239929 423162 4297483 446093 423506 4297519 4231673 4231883 4338360 4297234 4231812 4229750 4338234 4231542 4124544 425391

80 71 102 65 264 252 200 257 120 252 42 89 252 121 28 200

896 0000 1915 276 1333 0142 7281 0420 2899 0148 4633 1322 0361 3223 6291 7274

80 80

894 895

W2 TT P B W2 CP P T BT CP N T W2 B T BT CP CP TT W2 TT N B CP T N T W1 B T P P N T T W2 R BT W1 W1 B TT Wi TT W1 B CP W1 B N CP T

39275507 0743096 0765843 0685024 39410240 34724211 0698346 36766021 13025136 39249579 13126721 12085484 39082810 14174605 39092138 31157454 15118355 19076006 38048656 13099047 0735456 0750154 17086315 0680719 0665343 32838442 6227096 0826612 0678769 6910113 33356732 440518 35069941 39687078 0742019 0398509 32478773 39185482 16133979 0727048 6968422 0793382 31074431 0689657 32544636 0735345 36108384 0748255 0672442

36639706 14031931 35104702 39616326 20912184 32475273 37220975 36408705 33523145 39468013 0772081 002358 18114946 39288730 0413170 0662829 15104366

37 84 69 150 65 113 69 216 102 296 76 89 102 34 252 89 81 35 89 98 102 13 264 62 34 113 47 121 82 296 252 84 140 47 146 8 135 62 120 252 132 138 219 252 264 252 200 76 264 199 17 34

1153 563 4579 282 2462 7898 1918 2556 668 1323 1918 5520 0146 1321 941 3573 1321 1976 1918 2286 1333 260 2457 3223 899 2556 0148 1153

4236 6273 3867 259 2902 0141 3473 4048 8183 0304 1045 0360 7281 668 1036 7417 3557

256

1,561 1,562 1,563 1,564 1,565 1,566 1,567 1,568 1,569 1,570 1,571 1,572 1,573 1,574 1,575 1,576 1,577 1,578 1,579 1,580 1,581 1,582 1,583 1,584 1,585 1,586 1,587 1,588 1,589 1,590 1,591 1,592 1,593 1,594 1,595 1,596 1,597 1,598 1,599 1,600 1,601 1,602 1,603 1,604 1,605 1,606 1,607 1,608 1,609 1,610 1,611 1,612 1,613 1,614 1,615 1,616 1,617 1,618 1,619 1,620 1,621 1,622 1,623 1,624 1,625 1,626 1,627 1,628 1,629 1,630 1,631 1,632

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN • PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

BT CP TT TT WI TT P P T N BT T N WI TT R R R R B WI R R T T T BT N CP TT WI N TT TT CP T N N WI BT T T BT W2 W2 TT B W2 BT N N N T T BT CP B P B R WI CP T T WI TT R T WI W2 BT N

Sanschagrin, Nelson G. Savage, John E. Saylor, Edson M. Scavello, Sebastian ttt Scelza, Alfred A. Schaefer, Mark L. Schaper, Lloyd S. Schaper, Lloyd S. Scharf, Bernard F. Schaub, Henry S. Schendleman, Morris Schenk, Lawrence Jr. Scheurell, Thomas·J. Schippang, Alvin T. ttt Schlaich, Lester B. Schlayer, Russell H. Schmidt, George H. Schmitt, George 1. Schmitt, George 1. Schneider, James A. Schnurstein, Frank E. Schrecengost, Robert L. Schulz, Henry R. Schunmacher, Michael J. Schupp, Robert J. Schuster, Solomon Schwab, Donald E. Schwarz, Henry A. Schweitzer, Robert M. Scida, Gaetano A. Scott, Eugene A. Scott, R.W. Scurlook, Bayne P. Seaton, Charles A. Jr. Secieter, John E. Seeley, Aldrich A. ttt Segrest, John F. Jr. Seibel, Frederick Seiler, Calvin M. Sell, Raymond H. ttt Seiter, Glenn G. Semon, Charles J. Senn, LaVern A. Serafin, G. Serna, Earnest B. Severson, Leo R. Shabel, Daniel Shapiro, Charles Sharpe, Homer R. Sharum, Leo T. Sharum, Leo T. Jr Shea, Donald E. Shelley, Charles F. Shepherd, William C. Sherman, George Sherman, Howard Sherrill, Charles Sherrill, Halsted Sherwin, R.P. Shields, Russel D. Shipp, George F. Shipp, Robert Jr. ttt Shirley, Edward A. Shoemaker, Donald J. Shoemaker, Robert O. ttt Shoesmith, James Shultz, Harold H. Shumard, Richard E. ttt Silberger, L.R. Silver, Rex Silverman, Bernard Simcock, Robert W. Jr.

Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt sgt Tsgt

6149729 0555291 39062110 11033296 31145548 13004239 0795493 0795493 35142619 0687916 12181210 36868987 0670172 13052284

mia kia eus mia eus eus eus ok eus kia eus eus kia mia ok eus kia eus ok rtd eus kia kia kia kia kia eus eus kia eus kia eus eus eus eus mia rmc kia rtd mia eus mia mia ok eus eus kia mia eus ok kia eus kia eus eus rtd kia kia ok ok kia mia kia kia mia eus eus mia kia eus mia eus

31/08/43 16/08/44 17/04/43 17/04/43 19/04/44 17/04/43 04/10/43 06/09/43 08/07/44 22/02/44 01/12/43 05/12/44 01/08/44 17/04/43 06/09/43 08/03/44 20/06/44 16/09/43 16/08/43 31/12/43 05/12/44 16/08/44 08/09/44 19/04/44 19/04/44 01/12/43 19/04/44 02/11/44 27/09/43 24/05/44 01/12/43 17/04/43 17/08/43 20/07/44 20/07/44 29/03/44 17/04/43 16/08/44 13/08/44 27/09/43 21/02/44 30/05/44 03/01/43 17/08/43 20/02/44 09/10/43 31/08/43 22/03/43 22/02/44 26/11/43 06/03/44 21/02/44 01/12/43 31/07/44 08/07/44 06/09/43 08/08/44 16/08/44 17/08/43 24/01/44 01/01/45 03/11/43 21/06/44 03/02/45 02/11/44 29/05/44 17/08/43 01/05/43 21/02/44 01/05/44 03/11/43 16/08/44

4229816 446126 4229574 425337 4297519 425172 423274 4229540 4297173 4124490 4124511 4338234 4297879 425337 4124497 4239892 4297892 423079 423213 4229895 4338693 4338000 4338348 4238006 4297519 426086 4297406 4297956 4230624 42107178 426086 425391 425069 4297999 4337624 4297246 4229574 4231673 42107030 4229750 4231572 4239975 425084 423043 4229656 4229778 4229973 4229659 4237746 425795 4231578 423073 4229794 4297304 4297173 425763 4231367 4231634 423043 4240009 4237911 4237742 42102527 4297632 4297234 4232076 4124527 4124547 4230712 42102392 4237742 4338012

69 219 34 34 138 34 78 71 192 114 89 264 206 34 71 121 182 73

671 8185 6574

lILt 2/Lt sgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt

2ILt Ssgt sgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt

lILt Tsgt Ssgt Lt Tsgt Ssgt F/O Ssgt l/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Lt 1/Lt 1/Lt sgt Ssgt sgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 1/Lt Lt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt

35666468 16156061 35335061 35335061 0747961 36666892 20304906 37601439 37658855 31280245 12152877 32741038 0762872 0734139 32497416 32143971 6250211 33097173 0061915 17155252 0789520 0720018 37704444 12123044 37499408 33026904 16046839 39531503 16108555 0734394 36172384

0739225 0739517 18162162 34666110 12155862 0742098 0757927 0813596 38209927 13070544 0678134 37029111 0778592 33564915 11032233 17037756 35275693 12129360 34409710 12156694 0720024

64 98 264 219 227 138 138 89 138 252 76 160 89 34 65 200 200 34 219 216 76 113 165 13 65 112 80 69 28 114 88 120 113 89 205 192 71 212 219 65 274 84 183 289 252 164 65 35 113 148 84 219

4048 5521 881 515 8323 2640 1323 1036 7807 0000 3223 5982 550 0000 1975 1333 8181 8807 4046 4048 1322 4047 0148 669 5358 1322 281 7273 7283 6574 8183 7898 668 2462 5355 2286 0000 2460 897 6291 2643 0000 2898 2463 1321 7806 8323 514 8079 8184 0000 0000 000 1154 5983 2232 0360 5354 274 3573 2461 4465 1154 8180

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR

1,633 1,634 1,635 1,636 1,637 1,638 1,639 1,640 1,641 1,642 1,643 1,644 1,645 1,646 1,647 1,648 1,649 1,650 1,651 1,652 1,653 1,654 1,655 1,656 1,657 1,658 1,659 1,660 1,661 1,662 1,663 1,664 1,665 1,666 1,667 1,668 1,669 1,670 1,671 1,672 1,673 1,674 1,675 1,676 1,677 1,678 1,679 1,680 1,681 1,682 1,683 1,684 1,685 1,686 1,687 1,688 1,689 1,690 1,691 1,692 1,693 1,694 1,695 1,696 1,697 1,698 1,699 1,700 1,701 1,702 1,703 1,704

257

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

T R N WI CP N WI

Simon, Edward E Simone, Frank J. Simons, Capen R. Simpson, Willard O. ttt Simpson, William J.B. Sipe, Harry D. Sistowski, Alexander W. Skorpik, Anthony J. Slane, Robert M. Slattery, Joseph E. Jr. Slivkoff, George ttt Slominski, Raymond A. Sly, Sherman W. Smallidge, Kerrane A. Smelser, Harold C. Smiddy, Carl Smith, Bascom P. Smith, Beman E. Smith, Carl M. Smith, Claud 1. Smith, Douglas H. ttt Smith, EJ. Smith, Eldon J. Smith, Gordon D. Smith, John J. Smith, John L. Jr. Smith, John P. Smith, Lloyd W. Jr. Smith, Louis M. Smith, Robert A. Smith, Robert J. Smith, Robert O. Smith, Roy M. Smith, Thomas C. Smith, Thomas P. Jr. Smith, Warren T. Smith, William E. Snaed, EA. Snavely, Fred A. Snell, Donald J. Snow, David E Snow, Oscar 1. Sobieski, Julius R. Solomon, Robert L. Sommers, Samuel L. Jr. Sparks, Harold R. Sparks, Milton H. Sparman, Dick L. Spaulding, Donald E. Spears, Delmar C. Spencer, Stanley TJ. Splawinski, Edward W. Spofford, William D. Jr. Sponsel, Robert C. Jr. Springfield, Eugene E St.George, Hemy M. Stairs, Donald G. Standley, Billy J. Stanton, Clifford A. Jr. Stark, Lawrence J. Stehlik, Irwin E Steel, Edwarde M. Jr. Steele, William H. ttt Steel hammer, Albert E. Stefula, Steve Stein, Ralph Stephens, Raymond E. Stephens, Raymond F. Stephens, T.A. Stephenson, John W. ttt Sterle, Leonard J. Sterle, Leonard J.

Ssgt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt 1/Lt l/Lt Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Maj Ssgt 2/Lt 1/Lt 2/Lt sgt sgt l/Lt l/Lt sgt Ssgt Lt l/Lt sgt sgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt pvt Ssgt I/Lt I/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt l/Lt sgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt 2/Lt l/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt I/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt I/Lt sgt sgt 2/Lt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt

13037453 33411945 0738586 37117178 0659597 0794066 32447537 37473985 0531340 0438095 0729375 36304935 38189731

kia kia eus mia kia eus eus eus eus kia mia eus eus ok mia eus eus mia rtd kia mia ok eus kia eus kia eus eus eus eus kia kia ded eus kia kia kia eus eus kia eus eus eus eus eus kia mia kia kia eus eus eus eus eus eus rtd eus kia kia kia eus eus mia kia kia kia eus ok eus mia ok eus

22/06/43 16/08/44 09/10/43 21/05/43 04/03/43 17/04/43 21/02/44 31/07/44 14/10/43 22/06/43 17/04/43 20/12/42 14/10/43 06/09/43 23/11/42 20/07/44 03/03/44 26/02/43 17/08/43 14/10/43 26/02/43 16/08/43 16/09/43 19/07/44 28/06/43 22/02/44 25/06/44 29/03/44 05/12/44 08/04/45 09/10/43 08/04/45 16/12/44 04/02/44 13/08/44 06/01/45 05/11/44 22/06/43 22/04/44 17/04/43 21/05/43 02/11/44 11101/44 14/10/43 19/04/44 30/07/43 31/08/43 17/08/43 24/05/44 13/08/44 25/06/44 02/11144 21/05/43 02/11/44 27/04/44 26/11/44 20/03/44 01/05/44 01/05/44 13/05/43 04/02/44 22/12/43 30/12/42 19/07/44 20/12/42 25/06/44 04/10/43 06/09/43 22/06/43 10/07/43 24/01/44 22/04/44

4229998 4239996 425178 4124515 425370 425172 423040 4297304 425714 4229998 425337 4124452 425714 4124497 4124503 4337624 4237965 425362 422990 425714 425362 423213 423079 4231542 425724 323rd 4297292 423506 4338360 42102504 4229778 42102504 322nd 4239771 42107030 448501 401st 425132 4240000 425391 425857 4297563 423057 425714 4297406 4124399 4229973 425225 42107178 42107030 4297292 4337625 425857 4339212 4232072 4337913 4231672 42102392 42102392 4229642 4239771 4237738 4124449 4231542 4124452 4237958 423274 4229540 425132 4229475 4240009 4240000

47 219 80 42 22 34 113 205 82 47 34 11 82 71 8 200 118 20 65 82 20 64 73 199 50

IT P P CP BT

IT R CP

IT CP P CP T BT P P T BT N BT T R R T

BT P CP

IT R W2 B P T WI

IT WI W2

T R CP CP

IT WI BT T R

IT N P CP P R B T BT CP CP R BT W2 WI

023372 14132168 0687711 0442564 0742904 18166608 20744707 0792646 0792646 34189564 18154692 0678578 0809748 34614308 39216224 12208176 32452133 35813772 18216689 36503796 0759767 0705833 0886717

11042285 07573134 35560973 34425673 37212317 39099396 34037304 39610180 39382615 35695992 0818770 0819715 35146459 38428475 32845187 13090021 39550672 0703819 0727273 0690267 0800961 34130601 0756917 12002334 34686837 0680752 0680752 38185508 15329424

MACR

8179 898 4439 6102 5521 2457 7806 899

6243 899 0000 6162 7283 3222 277 899 0000 550 7417 5710

187 132 264 329 80 329

6545 3473 1045 4295 897 4295

106 216 278

2234 7898 1568

47 140 34 42 252 102 82 138 61 69 65 160 216 187 252 42 252 144 259 125 148 148 37 106 95 12 199 11 187 78 71 47 53 140

0147 1918 899 4047 148 280 5358 7898 6545 0361 0146 4258 0837 3411 4465 4465 8015 2234 1715 3265 7417 6243 0000 881 515 34 0000

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

258

1,705 1,706 1,707 1,708 1,709 1,710 1,711 1,712 1,713 1,714 1,715 1,716 1,717 1,718 1,719 1,720 1,721 1,722 1,723 1,724 1,725 1,726 1,727 1,728 1,729 1,730 1,731 1,732 1,733 1,734 1,735 1,736 1,737 1,738 1,739 1,740 1,741 1,742 1,743 1,744 1,745 1,746 1,747 1,748 1,749 1,750 1,751 1,752 1,753 1,754 1,755 1,756 1,757 1,758 1,759 1,760 1,761 1,762 1,763 1,764 1,765 1,766 1,767 1,768 1,769 1,770 1,771 1,772 1,773 1,774 1,775 1,776

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

B N N P CP W2 P IT B B P W2 R IT W2 W1 P BT W2 P B W1 CP P W1 IT P CP N R CP W1 R IT N BT IT R N B P P P N P CP W1 W1 B CP N CP W2 BT W1 T CP R W1 W2 IT W1 N T T T T B P BT T P

Stern, Allison M. Sternberg, Robert D. Sternglanz, Donald M. ttt Stevens, Arthur 1. Stevens, Earl O. Stevens, Francis H. Stevens, John R. Stevens, Roy 1. Stevens, Will H. Stevenson, William Stewart, Alexander W. Stewart, Fred A. Stieler, Bert A. Stillman, Oscar 1. Stipe, John E Stoddard, Melvin P. Stoffel, Nicholas P. Stokes, Harold V. Stokes, Harry 1. ttt Stolz, Ralph E. Strauss, Robert Strecker, Rheinholdt Stricker, Thomas A. Strong, Lucian S. Jr. Strong, Norville J. Strozzi, John C. Struble, Cleo C. Strunk, Donald 1. Stuart, Joe G. Stuart, Oscar 1. Stuckey, Norman D. Stull, Richard W. Stumbo, Ellsworth H. Sturgeon, Charles E Sulden, Jay H. Sullivan, Arthur A. Sullivan, Charles J. Jr. Sullivan, James H. Sullivan, Joseph E. Sullivan, Maurice 1. Supchak, Henry W. Sutherland, Kenneth Swais, John T. Sweitzer, Stanley Swenumson, Stanley P. Sweyer, Max W. Swierz, N.E Swierz, Norbert EB. Swinburne, Bernard M. Sykes, John Jr. Sypherd, Walter H. Jr. Tabor, Cecil R. ttt Tabor, Fred A. Taft, Gilbert 1. Taliaferro, Paul B. Tallant, Carrol B. Tannenbaum, Leonard 1. Tanner, Roy M. Tarasuk, Andrew E. Tarbell, Ray C. Taylor, Robert 1. Taylor, Ronald Te Maat, Regis W. Teague, Richard N. Teats, Earl E. Tedesco, Charles M. Teems, Harry J. Temple, John W. Theophilus, Harry 1. Thomas, Lloyd H. Thompson, Harrell H. Thompson, Jack R.

sgt 1/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt lILt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2/lt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt 1/Lt Ssgt Tsgt 2/Lt F/O Ssgt lILt 2/Lt Ssgt Tsgt lILt 2/lt 1/Lt Tsgt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt Tsgt lILt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt lILt 1/Lt 1/Lt Capt l/Lt 1/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt F/O 2/Lt 2/Lt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt l/Lt Ssgt Ssgt lILt

11092143 0794070 0725918 0535698

eus eus mia kia usd eus rtd eus kia eus kia kia eus eus eus kia eus eus mia kia ok eus mia kia kia kia kia eus eus kia eus eus eus eus eus mia kia mia kia eus eus kia mia kia eus eus ok eus eus eus kia mia eus eus kia kia eus eus kia eus eus kia kia eus ok eus eus eus kia eus kia kia

05/12/44 12/08/43 01/05/43 01/08/44 15/07/42 27/09/43 26/1l/44 19/04/44 25/06/44 11/01/44 09/10/43 01/12/43 01/12/43 05/12/44 22/02/44 11/01/44 17/04/43 12/08/43 27/09/43 30/11/44 10/01/45 06/01/45 26/02/43 20/07/44 02/11/44 28/03/43 27/09/43 09/10/43 29/03/44 21/05/43 22/02/44 20/07/44 03/02/45 13/08/44 22/04/44 26/02/43 20/07/44 26/02/43 25/06/44 17/08/43 31/07/44 22/02/44 26/02/43 03/02/45 19/04/44 04/02/44 22/06/43 06/09/43 28/04/44 19/07/44 13/05/43 30/12/42 22/02/44 10/10/43 01/08/44 02/11/44 29/03/44 05/12/44 22/02/44 17/08/43 02/1l/44 21/05/43 31/08/43 17/08/43 23/1l/42 06/03/44 29/05/44 01/12/43 18/03/44 17/08/43 19/05/43 08/08/44

4338360 425787 4124547 4297879 324 4230624 4337913 4238006 4237958 4231076 4229778 426086 423060 4338234 4124490 4231372 4229574 425787 4229750 4338742 4337988 448501 425362 4238027 446298 4229537 4230624 4229778 4297246 425857 4124490 4297954 4232085 42107030 4240000 4124447 4231812 425362 4237958 4229559 4297304 4239815 4124447 4297632 4238006 4239803 4229797 425763 4297199 42107075 4229642 4124449 4239815 4237737 4297879 4231883 423506 4338234 4239815 425712 4297984 425857 4124523 4124527 4124506 4231911 4232076 4124511 4239967 425069 4124483 4231367

264 62 35 206

1045 262 3573 7807

76 259 138 187 102 80 89 89 264 114 102 34 62 76 262 279 278 20 200 252 29 76 80

669 0837 4046 0000 1919 897 1322 1319 1036 2640 1917 6574 262 668 1044 0000 1568

33196029 0757319 0706650 0744513 0667302 39839427 32448783 38358020 33336564 32460353 0442560 37298116 33273951 0767908 0130064 39334016 0661571 0759523 32601778 39680026 0740973 0803650 0673833 34304135 0750883 35514102 35653232 37415946 16047423 31279973 14077979 0710341 0729586 0811466 0677313 0431064 0811796 0803305 10600543 01680 0821108 0790306 0661890 15067098 33273996 33633005 38511565 0680108 18137961 32437988 37348037 14048404 39251681 0801523 14108378 19054912 12137179 15131910 0685883 0676877 37375645 17008512 0552172

42 114 200 289 216 140 20 200 20 187 65 205 114 20 289 138 106 47 71 145 199 37 12 114 81 206 252 132 264 114 65 252 42 69 65 8 120 164 89 124 65 41 212

7285 0142 6086 669 897

2640 7277 2233 7898 3575 7281 0000 278 7806 2641 3575 2232 4046 2235 0000 514 4235 7407 8015 3265 2641 941 7807 0304 3473 1036 2641 283 0149 563 274 0000 2900 5354 1323 3224 281 5632 8079

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR PO 1,777 IT 1,778 IT 1,779 IT 1,780 CP 1,781 CP 1,782 P 1,783 W2 1,784 CP 1,785 P 1,786 P 1,787 BT 1,788 P 1,789 WI 1,790 WI 1,791 CP 1,792 N 1,793 IT 1,794 W2 1,795 BT 1,796 'N 1,797 IT 1,798 R 1,799 R 1,800 T 1,801 W2 1,802 BT 1,803 BT 1,804 WI 1,805 W2 1,806 T 1,807 W2 1,808 W2 1,809 BT 1,810 N 1,811 P 1,812 IT 1,813 R 1,814 R 1,815 WI 1,816 WI 1,817 P 1,818 WI 1,819 R 1,820 IT 1,821 T 1,822 P 1,823 N 1,824 B 1,825 CP 1,826 CP 1,827 N 1,828 BT 1,829 W2 1,830 1,831 BT 1,832 R 1,833 IT 1,834 P 1,835 CP 1,836 B 1,837 BT 1,838 R 1,839 IT 1,840 BT 1,841 P 1,842 CP 1,843 W2 1,844 T 1,845 WI 1,846 IT 1,847 P 1,848 WI

Name Thompson, N.L. Thompson, RR. Thompson, Raymond R. Thompson, Richard W. Thompson, Robert A. Thomson, Robert W. Thornley, Howard R. . Thurman, William J. Jr. Tibbetts, Bob Tibbetts, Bob Jr. Ticinelli, Anthony R. Tilton, Thornton G. Tobias, Elmer E. Tomek, Ralph 1. Tomer, Edward H. Toole, William D. ttt Torvik, O.L. Townsend, John W. Trahan, Francis R. Trandell, Albert T. Traverso, Elio ttt Treece, Blake A. Jr. Trelawney-Ansell, Ed. G. Trent, Robert T. Tressler, Woodrow W. Trim, Frank F. Jr. Trimble, Eugene C. Trombley, Richard A. Trotz, Joseph A. Troy, Edward P. Truesdale, Arthur W. Tucker, Gerald H. Tucker, Starr A. Turcotte, William H. Turk, Frank D. Turner, George G. Turner, John M. Tyler, James C. Tyson, Clayton O. Uhrick, Joseph Uskela, Allen A. Vaccaro, Emanuel S. Vail, Robert R Valentine, Herman J. Valerio, Enio Jule Van Ausdall, Charles E. Van Bemmel, Adrian T. Van Pelt, James P. Van Sant, Fred W. Vandenboom, Joseph E. Vandervelden, Donald J. VanHorn, Gaylord Vanover, Freddie E. Vaughn, Robert A. Velasquez, Donald ttt Vender, George Veres, James Verrill, Earle R. Vetter, RA. Vincent, Donald A. Vinecourt, Paul E. Vinson, Thomas G. Vizinno, Joachin P. Vogler, Edmond J. Von Der Heyde, Don S. Vukovich, Joe Wade, Woodrow Wagner, Melvin F. Wagner, Robert M. Wahl, George C. Jr. Walby, Charles T. Waldmiller, Albert E.

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt lILt 2ILt 2ILt sgt l/Lt Lt lILt Ssgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt 2ILt lILT sgt sgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssg! Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 21lt lILt Tsgt Tsgt Tsgt sgt Ssgt 2ILt Ssg! Tsgt sgt Ssgt 1/Lt lILt 2/Lt 2ILt 2ILt Msgt Ssgt Pvt sgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt 2ILt F/O sgt Ssg! Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt 2/Lt 2ILt Tsgt SSg! sgt Capt 1/Lt sgt

14066337

eus ok eus eus eus eus eus kia ok kia eus eus eus eus kia mia eus eus eus rtd mia mia mia kia ok kia kia rtd mia eus eus eus kia eus eus kia eus eus kia kia kia mia eus kia kia kia eus eus eus kia eus kia usd ded mia eus eus eus eus kia kia eus eus eus kia rtd kia kia kia mia kia kia

17/04/43 22/06/43 06/09/43 19/04/44 06/03/44 12/08/43 22/12/43 07/05/44 26/11143 06/03/44 05/12/44 27/04/44 22/12/43 20/12/42 09/10/43 04/03/43 20/02/44 17/04/43 21/05/43 16/03/44 04/03/43 08/08/44 22/03/43 04/03/43 26/11/43 08/09/44 19/05/43 26/11/44 31/08/43 17/08/43 06/03/44 17/08/43 17/08/43 09/10/43 20/03/44 06/01/45 12/08/43 20/12/42 16/08/44 06/11/44 11101/44 31/08/43 27/05/44 09/09/44 13/05/43 20/07/44 17/08/43 21/06/44 16/08/44 01/05/44 04/02/44 01/01/45 15/07/42 03/10/42 30/12/42 17/08/43 20/07/44 10/10/43 17/04/43 17/04/45 02/11144 21/02/44 18/03/44 20/03/44 17/08/43 13/08/44 22/02/44 02/11/44 14/01/45 23111/42 20/07/44 30/11/44

35353912 07561576 0808610 0410842 17154544 0411993 0393088 31379205 0748276 39257848 36169345 0680769 0789833 19069446 6931347 0690507 11032224 14033465 10600446 14035751 38436328 18024041 11056622 33250070 18060759 34539876 19071594 31259205 0674236 0674651 15114068 38132171 14060957 36875837 35216196 0803714 32435557 11097656 15376964 32337033 0759671 0729677 0684203 0767917 0814496 10601390 13063762 19065305 39678642 39849199 36050070 0796462 37702171 35049534 18170169 32559807 12154329 0793468 0820114 18109466 36832812 36883932 0430046 0677617 32833277

P·NO/Sqd. 4124459 4229797 425763 4297519 4231079 425077 4237738 4231580 425795 4231578 4338234 4232072 4237738 4124452 4229711 4124512 4229656 4229574 425857 4231585 4124512 4231367 4229659 4124549 425795 4338348 4124483 4337913 4124523 4229559 4231079 422990 422990 4229778 4231672 448501 . 4229587 4124452 4337613 323rd 4231230 4124523 42107042 4337594 425406 4231812 4229559 42102527 4338012 42102392 4239803 4237911 324th 4124451 4124449 4124453 4297954 4237737 425391 446568 4297984 4230712 4239967 4231672 425225 42107030 4239898 4297984 4338911 4124503 4337819 4338742

259 M·No

MACR

34 47 71 138 120 62 95 150 88 120 264 144 95 11 80 22 112 34 42 123 22 212 28 22 88 227 41 259 69 65 120 65 65 80 125 278 62 11 219

5520 0000 514 4048 2899 261 1715 4579 0000 2898 1036 4258 1715 6243 894 3721 2460 6574

102 69 162 228 37 200 65 183 219 148 106 274

1916 563 5356 8806

12 65 200 81 34 336 252 113 124 125 65 216 114 252 280 8 200 262

3265 275 7277 941

3221 3721 8079 6291 5596 0000 8807 5632 0837 563 278 2899 277 277 897 3411 1568 260 6243 8182

7281 278 5983 8180 4465 2235 000

4111 0149 2461 3224 3411 280 7898 2642 0149 1772 6162 7284 1044

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

260

1,849 1,850 1,851 1,852 1,853 1,854 1,855 1,856 1,857 1,858 1,859 1,860 1,861 1,862 1,863 1,864 1,865 1,866 1,867 1,868 1,869 1,870 1,871 1,872 1,873 1,874 1,875 ,876 .,877 l,878 1,879 1,880 1,881 1,882 1,883 1,884 1,885 1,886 1,887 1,888 1,889 1,890 1,891 1,892 1,893 1,894 1,895 1,896 1,897 1,898 1,899 1,900 1,901 1,902 1,903 1,904 1,905 1,906 1,907 1,908 1,909 1,910 1,911 1,912 1,913 1,914 1,915 1,916 1,917 1,918 1,919 1,920

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

W2 TT BT

Waldron, Leonard A. Walker, Fredrick R Walker, Gene H. Walker, Jehu C.(Flt.Surg) Walker, Julian Walker, RB. Walker, Willard L. Wallaszak, John F. Wallner, Edward H. Walosczyk, Stanley J. Walsh, Elvin Walsh, James M. Jr. . Walsh, Thomas D. Walsh, Thomas E. Walshe, Marion M. Walters, Garner (322nd) Walters, Garner Jr. Walton, Mack D. Wannemacher, William F. Ward, Benjamin F. Ward, Harry L. Ward, Neal P. Ward, Robert W. Warner, Harry K. Warose, William J. Warren, Robert R Washburn, Melvin C. Wassell, George C.-Doctor Waters, Edward Watson, Doyt L. Wauneka, Milton ttt Wawrzynek, Walter C. Way, Frank J. Weaver, William J. Webb, John W. Webb, Robert N. Jr. Weber, Nicholas J. Weiby, Jens T. Jr. Weieneth, Arlynn E. ttt Weintraub, Harry J. Weisgarber, John G. Welbes, Charles V. Welch, John G. Wellington, Harry D. Wellman, Joseph C. Wells, D.C. Welsh, John R. Weltman, Nathan Welton, Shelby L. Wennerberg, John T. Wenninghoff, John B. Werner, John F. Wertheim, Richard A. Wertman, Rex West, Earl E. Wetzel, Lewis F. Weyerts, Frederick R. Wheeler, Bill J. Wheeler, William H. Whelan, Norman L. Whitcomb, Franklin F. White, Edward C. White, Harold H. White, Kenneth C. White, Linwood W. White, Mikel D. White, Richard I. White, Vincent A. Whitney, John Whitsell, Charles C. Whitson, Dale W. Wickes, Norman E.

Ssgt Ssgt sgt Maj Ssgt Lt Ssgt sgt lILt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt Ssgt l/Lt lILt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt 1/Lt 2/Lt 2/Lt 2ILT 2ILt Tsgt Capt l/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt sgt Tsgt sgt 2ILt 1/Lt 1/LT Tsgt 1/Lt Ssgt 1/Lt Tsgt 1/Lt Ssgt 2/Lt 2/Lt sgt 2/Lt Tsgt 2ILt 2/Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2ILt Tsgt lILt Capt 2/Lt Tsgt lILt Sgt Ssgt Ssgt 1/Lt sgt 2/Lt l/Lt 2/Lt Pfc

35510839 14053106 34729045 0407287 12083940

kia eus kia kia eus eus kia eus eus eus eus eus eus mia eus ok kia kia kia mia mia eus eus kia kia mia eus ded eus mia mia eus kia eus ok eus kia kia mia eus eus eus kia eus eus ok eus eus ded eus eus eus kia kia kia eus eus mia eus kia eus mia kia usd eus eus eus kia Rtd eus kia ok

09/10/45 06/03/44 20/07/44 12/04/45 21/06/44 17/04/43 19/05/44 16/08/44 07/05/44 21/06/44 22/03/44 27/04/44 02/11/44 09/10/43 21/02/44 26/11/43 22/02/44 17/08/43 17/08/43 26/02/43 30/05/44 21/02/44 08/07/44 17/08/43 17/08/43 03/03/44 22/02/44 03/10/42 21/06/44 23/11/42 03/11/43 01/05/43 19/07/44 16/08/44 24/01/44 02/11/44 16/08/44 01/12/43 17/08/43 04/10/43 26/11/44 21/06/44 01/01/45 02/11/44 22/03/44 04/03/43 29/04/44 06/09/43 23/11/42 01/12/43 06/09/43 02/11/44 06/03/44 20/02/44 30/07/43 31/07/44 22/12/43 04/02/43 17/08/43 03/02/45 20/03/44 03/03/44 22/02/44 15/07/42 09/10/43 02/11/44 02/11/44 09/10/43 04/02/44 21/11/44 16/08/44 03/10/42

4229778 4238118 4231982 4337552 4297891 425391 4297455 4231673 4231580 4297891 4297125 4232072 4297563 4230772 4230712 425795 4239898 425225 425225 425362 4239975 4230712 4297173 4124524 425437 4237965 4124490 4124451 42102527 4124503 4239802 4124547 4231542 4338012 4240009 446093 4231634 426086 425437 423274 4337913 4297891 4237911 4339212 4297125 4124464 4231353 425763 4124506 4124511 425763 4297984 4231578 4229656 4229916 4297304 4237738 4124544 425069 4297632 4231672 4237965 4237746 324th 425178 4338202 4297984 4229711 4239771 4337890 4231673 4124451

80 120 200 000 183 34 156 219 150 183 126 144 252 80 113 88 114 65 65 20 165 113 192 65 65 118 114

897 2901

183 8 84 35 199 219 252 219 89 65 78 259 183 274 252 126 22 146 71 8 89 71 252 120 112 61 205 95 17 65 289 125 118 114

5983 6162 1153 3573 7417 8180 0000 0141 8184 1322 282 881 0837 5981 000 0146 3412 0000 4236 514 0000 1323 514 0149 2898 2460 147 7806 1715 3557 281 2232 3411 3222 2643

80 252 252 80 106 257 219

898 0145 0149 894 2234 0420 8183

0 B P BT T N WI T CP T P B R R T BT TT TT P N NP B B TT

0 CP W2 R B CP WI TT BT B P P R N TT CP TT B R B N BT P R B B BT W2 WI B BT P MN CP TT B TT W2 T CP W2 N P CP

19112297 36878163 0688144 31066449 13056404 0684800 12093844 0798707 0673840 12095645 14078078 32427503 19061714 39325179 0667608 0708382 0736918 0735221 0744956 39831059 0328889 0687355 34175666 38168863 16043311 0821126 35893350 15077902 34717348 0761344 0738306 0728942 31160536 0717544 36724939 0771176 39696832 0732340 0759857 0683359 15047870 0802808 37114396 0886713 0679419 35743312 37258179 33576220 0679421 38058747 0791528 0703545 0746257 11098188 0685909 33227128 06276782 0768347 12155211 0811820 0819371 0766979

5981 4829 8183 4579 5981 3412 4258 0147 895 2461 0000 2642 280 280 5355 2461 8323 279 282 3222 2640

APPENDIX 4: ROLL OF HONOR 1,921 1,922 1,923 1,924 1,925 1,926 1,927 1,928 1,929 1,930 1,931 1,932 1,933 1,934 1,935 1,936 1,937 1,938 1,939 1,940 1,941 1,942 1,943 1,944 1,945 1,946 1,947 1,948 1,949 1,950 1,951 1,952 1,953 1,954 1,955 1,956 1,957 1,958 1,959 1,960 1,961 1,962 1,963 1,964 1,965 1,966 1,967 1,968 1,969 1,970 1,971 1,972 1,973 1,974 1,975 1,976 1,977 1,978 1,979 1,980 1,981 1,982 1,983 1,984 1,985 1,986 1,987 1,988 1,989 1,990 1,991 1,992

261

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

R T TT WI CP TT P N N N N B TT B TT WI WI

Wiedebusch, Carl E. Wiedemer, Raymond C. Wilborn, Arthur S. Willey, James M. Jr. Williams, Arnold O. Williams, Charles E. Williams, Claude W. Williams, David N. (Hqs) Williams, Donald E. Williams, G.B. Williams, G.E. Williams, Harlan B. Williams, John J. Williams, N. Williams, Samuel L. Williams, Walter F. Jr. Williams, William V. Willis, Gilbert Wilson, George E. Wilson, James E. Wilson, John W. Wilson, Talmadge G. Winchester, Grey C. Winfree, Hugh E. Wing, Joseph O. Wingate, Harold E. Winkler, Raymond W. Winslow, Edward P. Winters, Vernon Wirt, Richard K. Wisor, Robert C. Withers, Niles H. Witter, James H. Wofford, Perry E. Wolf, Cody L. Wolf, William J. Wolfington, L.M. Wolstenholme, John L. Wong, George Wood, Douglas W. Wood, Norval G. Wood, William D. Woodbury, C.M. Woods, Laverne E. Woodward, Denver E. Wortheim, Richard A. Wotring, Arlie O. Wright, James F. Wright, Lucian Wright, Rollin E. Wright, Roy A. Wright, Walter J. Wulderk, Stephen P. ttt Wyand, Joseph L. Wyatt, Guy F. Wylie, Robert S. Yatsko, John M. Yelle, Edgar J. Yelle, Edward N. Yenchik, Lawrence P. Yockey, Henry G. Youell, Aaron S. Young, Allen D. Young, George F. Jr. Young, Joseph A. Young, Joseph B. Jr. Young, Leroy M. Young, Leroy M. Young, Lysle W. Younger, Bobby J. ttt Zahler, Donald C. Zaijewski, Boleshaw F.

Tsgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt Tsgt 2ILt Capt F/O

36504719 15113190 18155853 38422996 0801230

kia kia kia eus eus kia eus eus kia ok ok eus kia eus mia eus kia kia kia eus kia eus mia eus kia eus kia rmc kia kia eus eus ok eus kia mia ok eus kia kia eus eus ok eus eus ok eus mia rtd kia ded ded mia eus kia kia eus eus kia eus eus eus kia eus eus kia eus ok kia mia kia eus

27/09/43 20/07/44 20/07/44 02/11/44 03/11/43 22/04/44 08/03/44 04/02/44 06/01/45 22/06/43 17/08/43 16/08/44 13/05/43 22/06/43 22/03/43 11/01/44 09/10/43 08/09/44 01/01/45 02/11/44 17/04/43 12/08/43 03/11/43 19/04/44 21/05/43 01/12/43 08/03/44 17/08/43 20/07/44 13/05/43 02/11/44 09/10/43 06/09/43 03/03/44 11/01/44 31/08/43 04/03/43 21/02/44 08/04/45 17/04/43 27/04/44 22/02/44 17/08/43 31/12/43 17/08/43 26/11/43 11/01/44 28/06/43 16/03/44 09/09/44 29/01/44 23/11/42 14/01/45 20/07/44 21/05/43 19/05/44 09/10/43 17/08/43 04/03/43 03/11/43 22/03/44 17/04/43 02/11/44 11/01/44 02/11/44 31/12/43 16/09/43 16/08/43 31/08/43 02/11/44 06/03/44 27/04/44

4230624 4238027 4231982 4338202 4230805 4240000 4239892 423500 448501 4229797 423043 4231673 425406 425132 4229659 4229487 425178 324th 4237911 4337625 4124459 423162 4237742 4297519 4229657 423060 4239892 422990 4231812 4229642 4297234 425178 4124497 4237965 4229487 4229973 4124464 4231572 42102504 4229574 4232072 4239898 423043 4229895 425069 425795 4231076 425724 4231585 4337594 322nd 4124506 4338911 4337624 423053 4297455 425178 425225 401st 4230805 4297125 425070 4297234 423057 448208 4229921 423079 423213 4124523 4297234 4231869 4232072

76 200 200 252 84 140 121 106 278 47 65 219 37 47 28 102 80

669 7285

T B P P N W2 TT TT W2 B T W2 CP T WI WI TT WI R WI WI WI P CP CP B B BT T WI T WI R B WI P BT N TT N T N N RN BT WI WI R BT T TT

0745227 0128817

Lt Lt sgt Tsgt Lt Tsgt sgt sgt

34146773 13069631 17009946 36620951 37316240

Lt sgt Tsgt 1/Lt 1/Lt 2/Lt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt sgt 2ILt sgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Tsgt Tsgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt 2ILt Lt 2/Lt 1/Lt

35543019 39332263 0729395 0728793 0678806 34508772 35278594 33225630 37266559 0730834 35094206 36305165 0825358 34422096 19092969 33379388 32417353 13154279 37705058 10600164 20805000 0674090 0742043 0732691

Lt sgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt 2ILt Ssgt llLt sgt 2/Lt Ssgt sgt 2ILt Ssgt 2ILt 2ILt 1/Lt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Ssgt Tsgt

35743598 15102538 38272144 37357961 19071253 12033553 33575452 0761490 35358470 0751224 13132026 0678811 12044942 13127660 0698248 19080380 0717612 0809576 0695717 34375906 14001296 14001296 39393968 38536880 12198791 31275808

0145 1155 3223 1568 0000 0000 8183

6291 1915 898

274 252 34 62 84 138 42 89 121 65 200 37 252 80 71 118 102 69 22 113 329 34 144 114 65 98 65 88 102 50 123 228

000 0361 5520 259 1154 4048

8 280 200 42 156 80 65

0000 1772 7283 4633 4829 898 280'

84 126 34 252 102 252 98 73 64 69 252 120 144

1155 3412 5519 0360 1918 0143 1976 550 0000 563 0360 2899 4258

1319 3223 277 7281 8015 0360 898 0000 3222 1915 0000 2462 4295 6574 4258 2642 0000 1975 281 0000 1919 5710 3221 8806

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

262

1,993 1,994 1,995 1,996 1,997 1,998 1,999 2,000 2,001 2,002 2,003 2,004 2,005 2,006 2,007 2,008 2,009 2,010 2,011 2,012

PO

Name

Rank

Ser.No.

Status

Date

P-NO/Sqd.

M-No

MACR

BT TT T B B WI

Zanotto, Bartolomeo Zaverl, Albert W Zawadzki, Theodore C. Zebrowski, George J. Zedonek, G.O. Zeeck, Willy H.W ttt Zeglin, Joseph J. Zeigler, WG. Zeiser, James P. Zenz, George R. ttt Ziegelmeyer, Julius E. Jr. Zienowicz, Victor S.Ziernicki, Robert S. Zimmerman, Bernard W ttt Zimmerman, Chester R. Zirnheld, George R. ZUbiri, Leslie B. Zura, William V. Zuvich, John F. Zwicky, Alfred O.

Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt lILt Ssgt Tsgt Ssgt Ssgt sgt Tsgt 2ILt Maj Ssgt sgt Ssgt Ssgt 2/Lt sgt sgt 2/Lt

36854602 18047296 32551999 0411465

kia kia eus eus eus mia kia ok eus mia kia mia kia mia eus mia kia eus eus kia

26/).1/44 21/05/43 06/03/44 21/02/44 17/04/43 30/12/42 03/01/43 22/06/43 08/07/44 03/02/45 22/06/43 23/11/42 12/08/43 10/07/43 22/03/44 30/05/44 04/03/43 25/06/44 03/02/45 02/11/44

4231515 423053 4238118 423040 425391 4124449 401st 4229797 4297173 4297632 4229998 4124479 425077 4229475 4297125 4239975 425370 4297292 4232085 4297563

259 42 120 113 34 12

0836 4633 2901 2457

47 192 289 47 8 62 53 126 165 22 187 289 252

0000 8323 2232

W2 WI WI N P WI R BT BT N TT TT CP

CODE: kia mia usd ded rmc eus ok rtd

killed in action missing in action stateside death dead cause unknown POW returned to U.S. hospital POW returned to zone of interior survived ditching retrurned to duty

19055235 13048011 35142619 16005531 0667469 023066 33315247 6935000 13031375 33630825 0728949 6150104 33508870 0715926

3265

6273 261 34 3412 5355 6102 6545 2233 0147

APPENDIX 5

THE RIGID DIGIT

rominent at every 91st Rally Round and Reunion is Col. Wray felt that a humorous award for assorted goofs, the large banner with "Wray's Ragged Irregulars" and awarded with pomp and circumstance, would help bring some a large clenched fist with middle finger upraised em- cheer into the dark days. blazoned on it. Life members are awarded large models of The medal designed was of sterling silver, four inches in the symbolic hand, and tie tacks with the same emblem are diameter, hung from a ribbon of the baby blue of innocence. sported by many Memorial Association members. Each mem- At the top was engraved "Wray's Ragged Irregulars," and bership data sheet has a cryptic question at the end - "Are immediately beneath was the motto of the Order "My God you a member of the Rigid Digit?" Am I Right?" Since this was a play on the British Royal Motto This distinctive symbol of the 91st - Order of the Rigid "My God and My Right" this use had to be cleared with the Digit - has a history almost as long as that of the unit itself. It Royal Family, which gave its approval. Below the motto was came into being in the winter months of 1942, an award de- the clenched fist with upraised middle finger, and underneath signed by Col. Stanley T. Wray, Group Commander, to boost was engraved "Order of the Rigid Digit." On the back was morale and lighten hearts during some of the darkest days engraved the names of those to whom the award was given. Ten miniature copies approximately one inch in diamever faced by the 91st. Daylight bombing by B-17s was just getting under way. eter were made to be permanently kept by the recipients. The Fewer than half a dozen groups made up the entire bomber medals were made by John Bull silversmiths in Bedford and force of the Eighth, and fighter protection was non-existent. paid for personally by Col. Wray. The loss rate was high, often reaching ten percent a mission The presentation was made before the assembled group and there were no replacement crews or aircraft available. It officers and the unlucky recipient wore the large emblem soon became apparent that if the rate of missions and rate of around his neck for the night of the reception. Thereafter he losses continued the last aircraft with the last crew would fly wore the small emblem below his military decorations. A lengthy citation was read with each presentation, beginning from Bassingbourn on April 19, 1943. Of course, this did not happen. Replacement crews, air- with "In gross disregard for his own safety and that of his craft, and additional groups began flowing in during the early passengers and bringing great shame and discredit to the milispring of 1943, and never again was there any thought that tary service this medal is given to ..." the 8th Air Force would simply dwindle away. The initial award was planned for Capt. William Clancy Inspiration for the Order of the Rigid Digit came from for an episode during group training in the States. At the RAF's fictional epitome of ineptitude - Pilot Officer Redmond, Ore., Clancy's plane ran off the end of the short Percival Algernon Prune, who completely destroyed 23 Brit- mountain runway and crashed in a ravine. Col. Wray was in ish aircraft in as many different ways during his flight train- the co-pilot's seat and suffered back injuries. (Actually the ing with the RAF. For this feat he was awarded the Iron Cross brakes on the plane had carbonized and could not function, First Class with swords and diamonds by Der Fuehrer, since but Clancy took quite a ribbing from the group for trying to it represented more British aircraft destroyed than had been dispose of the C.O.) Some wags from headquarters, knowing of the upcoming award "borrowed" the medal and had Col. done by the entire Nazi Air Force in 1939.

P

263

264

• THE RAGGED IRREGULARS OF BASSINGBOURN •

Wray's name engraved at the top, and prepared a citation admonishing him for not stopping Clancy from not stopping the plane. So the first recipient was Col. Wray himself, then Clancy, and others as circumstances merited. Lt. Col. Baskin Lawrence won the award for raising the landing gear instead of the flaps as he finished landing an A-20 tow-target plane. Brig. Gen. "Possum" Hansell got his for landing short of the runway by about 100 yards. After the war was over possession of the Rigid Digit became a much desired decoration in higher echelons, so three of America's top generals have their names on the award.

The headquarters group of the 8th Air Force - the Castle Coombe group - met each year in Washington following the war. Members who had received every major military decoration felt that the Order of the Rigid Digit was needed to make them truly distinctive, so citations and medals were wrangled by Gen. Ira Eaker, Gen. Carl Spaatz, and Gen. James Doolittle. So the award had gone full cycle, to finally become a sort of 8th AF Order of the Garter.

Also from the publisher

G

PLACE!

W

Tile 30STH Bomb Group & the 2ND Schweinfort Raid October 14, 1943 ............ George C. Kohl

~

WRONG PlACE, WRONG TIME The 305th Bomb Group & the 2nd Schweinfurt Raid

George C. Kuhl This is the true story of the second Schweinfurt raid on October 14, 1943 in which the Eighth Air Force engaged the Luftwaffe in what is considered the greatest one-day air battle ofWWII. Includes new research into the decisions made that day. Size: 6" x 9" 248 pages, photo section ISBN: 0-88740-445-6 hard cover $24.95

BLACK SUNDAY: PLOESTI!

Michael Hill Detailed, first-person account of the famed low-level B-24 raid over the Ploesti oilfields on August 1, 1943, Size: 9" x 12" 256 pages hard cover over 350 b/w photographs ISBN: 0-88740-519-3 $45,00

ICHAEL

QUEEN OF THE MIDNIGHT SKIES The Story of America's Air Force Night Fighters

Garry R. Pape & Ronald C. Harrison Detailed chronicle of American WWII night fighter program from its earliest conception to the end of the war, and covers all squadrons in Europe and the Pacific. Covers, development of radar, aircraft and modern air defenses. Size: 8 1(1" xlI" 368 pages, over 700 b/w and color photographs, maps, squadron victory listing ISBN: 0-88740-415-4 hard cover $45.00

ROCKWELL

ROCKWELL B-1B: SAC's lAST BOMBER Don Logan This new book covers the complete history of the B-1 Lancer from its inception, through production, and operations with Strategic Air Command. Size: 8 w" x 11" over 400 color & b/w photographs, line drawings, index 256 pages, hard cover ISBN: 0-88740-666-1 $49.95

WARBIRDS of the SEA AHistory of Aircraft Carriers & Carrier-Based Aircraft Walter A. Musciano Covers the history and combat career of aircraft carriers and shipboard aircraft from their conception into the future. Size: 8 112" x 11" over 800 b/w photos, drawings, maps 592 pages, hard cover

ISBN: 0-88740-583-5

$49.95

I COULD NEVER BE SO LUCKY AGAIN An Autobiography ofJames H. "Jimmy" Doolittle with Carroll V. Glines Now, for the first time, here is his life story - modest, revealing, and candid as only Doolittle himself can tell it. Doolittle tells a story of the successes and adventures, the triumphs and tragedies of a true American hero - a far-seeing leader whose courage, devotion, and daring changed the course of modern history ... and continues to make its influence felt to this day. Size: 6" x 9" 622 pages, 48 pages of photographs ISBN: 0-88740-737-4 hard cover $29.95

1111111111111111I1111111 9 780887 408106

11111~llllijlij

ISBN: 0-88740-810-9