351st Bomb Group

1. Target
   1. Name – Synthetic Rubber Plant - Huls, Germany
   2. Location – Huls
   3. Name of Secondary – Railway Yards, Munster, Germany
   4. Location of Secondary – Munster, Germany
   5. Name of Last Resort – Any Industrial
   6. Location of Last Resort –
2. S-2 Enemy Pursuit Expected
   1. Number and Type – _____
   2. Pictures and Short description of any new types – _____
3. Flak Officer – Flak Expected
   1. On Route In _____
   2. At Target _____
   3. On Route Back _____
4. General information of formation
   1. Wing formation – 103rd, 102nd, 101st
   2. Order of Groups in formation and altitude of each – 91st at 24,000', 351st at 25,000'
   3. Our formation for bombing – Trail
   4. Pursuit coverage 10 Squadron of Spit V's (Clipped Wings) from Sliedrecht to England and 10 Squadron of Spit IX's from Same as above. Spit V's to give close support. Spit IV's to give medium and high cover.
   5. Bomb Loading 10 x 500 lb. bombs with 1/10 delay nose fuse and 1/40 delay tail fuse per airplane.
   6. IAS [Indicated Air Speed] for bombing will be ____MPH.
5. Navigator
   1. Time Tick _______
   2. This Group Assembles with the 91st Group on a line from Splasher 7 to Splasher 6 at an altitude of 15,000' or 2,000' above overcast.
   3. Route out and times at check points.
   4. Climb will start at ____ and altitude will be reached at ____.
   5. Axis of attack is I.P. to Target.
   6. Distance from IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] to Target is____ and time at IP is 0931 and time at Target is 0937.
   7. Direction of turn and course after attack is to the Left to a course of ___. The rally point is Coesfeld.
   8. Route back and times at check points. Target to Cesferd to Sliedgrecht at 17,000 ft. to Felixstone to Base
   9. Point where descent will start is ____. Descent will be to ____feet.
   10. Point to leave Wing formation is ___.
   11. Total time for mission is ____.
   12. Length of time over 10,000 feet is ____.
   13. Deadline for last take off is ___ and the point to intercept the group is ____ at ____ feet.
6. Station –
   Start engines –
   Taxi –
   Take off –
   
7. Don't leave gun stations until Over England.
8. Point to airplane assignments and explain.
9. Weather Officer
   1. General Weather and visibility along entire Route is
   2. Weather and Visibility at IP and Target is
   3. Winds at cruising altitude are
   4. Temperature at cruising altitude is
   5. Pressure altitude at target is
10. A Red flare will be fired at the IP and a Aldis lamp will signal IP.
11. S-2 [Intelligence] – Show Pictures and maps of the target. Have direction of attack laid out on maps and pictures. Any other comments that are desired. (Comments must be cleared with C.O. [Commanding Officer] first).
12. Any special instructions to all personnel. - Fire green flares when in need of fighter protection.
    
    Gunners, Radio operators, Navigators and Bombardiers leave the briefing room.
13. Comments to improve the formation and improve evasive action. - Wing men of lead squadron step down.
14. Climb at 150 IAS. [Indicated Air Speed]
    Cruise at 160 IAS
    Reform after attack at 155 IAS
    Descend at 170 IAS and 500 feet per minute [Rate of Descent].
15. Any questions on who takes over the lead at anytime? Between IP and target?
16. Special instructions in case of bad weather. - Let down at Splasher No. 5.
17. Call signs bomber to bomber:
    91st Group Vantage 7
    351st Group Vantage 8
    _____ Group ______
    _____ Group ______
    Collective call sign Nature
    Recall - Flapjack
18. Identification colors:
    103rd CW [Combat Wing] GG [Green Green]
    102nd CW YY [Yellow Yellow]
    101st CW RR [Red Red]
    _____ Group ______
19. Bomber to bomber freq. 5165 kc [kilocycles].
20. Bomber to fighter channel VHF Channel C
21. Bomber to fighter call signs:
    1. Bombers - Vantage 8
    2. Fighters - Platform
    3. Ground - Petro Two
22. Turn on VHF [Very High Frequency Radio] at Coast Channel C
23. Colors of the day:

    Time	Color	Ident.	Challenge
    0200 - 0800	GY	F	V
    0800 - 0200	RR	I	Q
    1450 - 2200	GG	G	P

24. Taxi plan for take off and landing, and spare airplanes.
25. Any questions.

1. The field order for the mission of 22 June was received at 2333, June 21, 1943. Briefing was held at 0330.
2. Twenty-two (22) aircraft took off as scheduled. The group formation was led by Major ROBERT W. BURNS in A/C No. 42-29863.
3. The rendezvous with the 91st Group proceeded as scheduled, between Splasher Beacon #6 and #7 at 15,000 feet. Visibility over the North Sea and over the target was approximately ten (10) miles. A slight ground haze and a large cloud over the target made it difficult to pick out the target clearly.
4. Estimates indicate that approximately one hundred twenty five (125) E/A were encountered. FW 190’s, JU 88's and ME 109's, were the attacking aircraft.
5. Aircraft No. 42-29826, piloted by Lt. TURGEON, was seen to go down with #2 and #4 Engines on fire just before the target. When last seen 42-29826 was losing altitude rapidly and one wing was seen to fall off. One parachute was observed.
6. In order to make a proper bomb run, it was necessary to make a 20° turn to the right on the approach to the target. Bombs were away at 0941. Huge columns of smoke were seen as the group pulled away from the target. Photos and reports indicate that bombing results are favorable.
7. Some fighter attacks came from six o'clock, but the majority appeared to come from below at ten and 2 o'clock. Only one unsuccessful attempt at aerial bombing was observed.
8. Fighter support was excellent.
   
   [Signed:] THEODORE R. MILTON, Major, Air Corps, Operations Officer.

1. The Group took off at 0603, climbed to 13,000 feet and proceeded to Splasher Beacon #7.
2. The Rendezvous was made with the 91st Bomb Group on a line between Splasher Beacons 6 and 7 as ordered, at 15,000 feet.
3. Rendezvous was made with the other two wings South of Splasher Beacon 4.
4. The entire flight plan was carried out as ordered except that Wisbeck was never reached as directed.
5. Bombs were away at 0942 on the primary target.
6. Landed at Base 1138.
   
   [Signed:] LAWRENCE P. STOVER, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator.

1. The turn on the TARGET was made according to the Operational Procedure but due to clouds, smoke, and haze the TARGET was not sighted at once.
2. Two check points were picked up, but the TARGET was still obscured until a huge flash of flame and smoke coming from the TARGET AREA was sighted at about 20° to the right of the Group course. Assuming that the flame was part of the TARGET, the Pilot turned 20 degrees to the right and leveled out to make the bombing run.
3. The aiming point and synchronization were made upon the fire, and bombs were away at 09:42. The heading was 120° of 114° as called for in the Flight Plan. The drift was 3° left.
4. The lead Group was in a position that kept the 351st Group from making a normal bombing run as it was to the right of and below the 351st Group when the aiming point was sighted and the 20° turn to the right was made in order to make the run on the TARGET.
5. Upon turning away from the TARGET, intense, high flames and smoke were seen in the vicinity of the TARGET. The M.P.I. of the bombs was obscured by smoke in the immediate vicinity of the TARGET.
6. The TARGET was located approximately checking with pilotage points and approximating the position by triangulation. [Signed:] ERNEST L. WATTS', 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier.

Bombing results were generally considered good. There were 4/10 to 6/10 cumulus clouds over target. The area was covered with smoke because of bombing of leading groups, and it is difficult to ascertain results.

1. Our A/C, 826, was seen with No. 2 and No 4 engines on fire, losing approximately 60 MPH, by the crew of A/C 861. The crew of A/C [Aircraft] 851 reported seeing a wing fall off, and one parachute just before the target. T/Sgt K.H. Hills, Ball Turret Gunner, A/C 851, whose guns were out, observed three E/AC [Enemy Aircraft] destroyed by crew members of A/C 826 while it was going down.
2. Bombing results were generally considered good. There were 4/10 to 6/10 cumulus clouds over target. The area was covered with smoke because of bombing of leading groups, and it is difficult to ascertain results.
3. Fifty (50) to three hundred (300) E/AC, consisting of FW 190's, JU 88's and ME 109's, were reported. The most common number being 125. They were mostly red and yellow noses. They followed from the Frisian Islands to the landfall, and were also over Holland. Although fighter support was excellent E/AC attacks had dwindled considerably when friendly A/C joined our group. Attacks were made usually by two (2) or more A/C at one time. Generally they would make passes at the Group ahead of ours, and then would come in below in the 10 to 2 o'clock position. A few attacks from the rear were reported. One crew member told of seeing small bombs, one with parachute attached, falling into our formation. None were seen to hit any of our A/C or to explode. The crew of A/C 868 reported that they believe there were two (2) cannons in each wing of some E/AC. One leader of a FW 190 formation shot off two (2) red flares just before formation attack our A/C. A FW 190 with red nose and English markings was attacking airplanes in our group. He made a pass at A/C 684 going up under the nose.
4. Flak was intense just S of target area, and light at Frisian Islands and somewhere in Holland. It was reported generally inaccurate. One crew observed red balls and long streamers coming out of a flak burst. A flak ship was seen just inside of the Vlieland Island.
5. Large boats were seen in slips at Rotterdam and some dry docks were not occupied. A submarine was reported just N of Vlieland Island. At 1025 hours just past Rotterdam in a shallow harbor, 400 yards from land, one crew observed 23 seaplanes at anchor. At 1045 hours an Air-Sea Rescue Boat going E in reciprocal heading of our group’s course was seen in mid-channel.
   
   [Signed:] Robert P Ramsey, Captain, Air Corps, Assistant S-2 [Intelligence]

• A/C # 150;   Time 0931;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just before dropping bombs
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 came in from 1 o’clock. I started firing when he was at 1000 yards. I continued firing at him until he was within 700 yards. There was no smoke but I followed him down and saw him hit the ground.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. J.A. Kennedy, Ball Turret Gunner; Corroborated by – 1st Lt. J.M. Moss, Pilot – Pilot saw him come in and go down.  –  Other A/C firing at the same time – Probably several others. –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 150;    Time 0944;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – coming out from target
  Story of the attack – FW came in from 1 o’clock, made pass and flew along side going in opposite direction. I started firing when he was 700 yards away and kept firing until he was within about 250 yards. He went down under on right wing with his nose on fire. Our Ball turret gunner followed him all the way down to the ground.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. J.R. Mason, Bombardier; –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. J.A. Kennedy, Ball Turret Gunner, 2nd Lt. L. Biglow, Co-Pilot and S/Sgt. T.E. Malish, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 150;    Time 0952;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – After leaving Target
  Story of the attack – A FW came in from about 10 o’clock. I followed him for some time in my sights. He was making a pass at the low squadron and I sent out a hail of the bullets. He was about 200 yards away when I hit him. He kept coming in until he was only about 100 yards away. The plane was on fire from the cockpit on back. Pilot bailed out, so close that I could see his face.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. A. Lazerson, Navigator –  Corroborated by – 2nd Lt. L. Bigelow, Co-Pilot and S/Sgt. W.O. Hunter, Left Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 603 ;   Time 0940;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just about I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]
  Story of the attack – Just before the bomb bay doors opened, a Red nosed FW came in head on and level. I fired 3 or 4 bursts at 300 yards. He caught fire and burst into flames. Then he went into a spin head down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Lt J.P. Shames, Bombardier –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt A.J. Chacon, Tail Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None because of position –  Comments of the interrogator – Bombardier [unreadable] by very own pilot had failed to get it.
• A/C # 603 ;   Time 0948;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 3 minutes after target
  Story of the attack – FW 190 came in on a sweep at wing level from 2 o’clock. I tracked him right on through at 250 yards and gave him 3 bursts. Black smoke started pouring out. He started wobbling, and after crossing behind, exploded. I couldn’t distinguish color of nose.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt T.B. Dye, Ball Turret –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt A.C. Chacon, Tail Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – Tail Gunner had jammed guns at time, but saw a plane in flames at moment.
• A/C # 603 ;   Time 1000;   Height 20,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 30 miles from target
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 came in at 1100. I could only fire one shot and first bullet hit his engine and he burst into flames. Ball Turret saw him hit ground. He was about 200 yards away at time. Yellow nose.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. F.M. Wattles, Navigator –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt T.B. Dye, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – Seems very definite.
• A/C # 603 ;   Time 1013;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Half way to coast
  Story of the attack – The right waist gunner yelled to me that an FW was coming in at 5 o’clock and that he had fired as long as he could. I caught the enemy A/C at about 400 yards. Smoke started pouring out of the engine and he [unreadable] out to the right. The pilot bailed out.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. T. B. Dye, Ball Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – 2nd Lt. E.H. Eastland, Co-Pilot –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – Tail gunner and co-pilot both saw chute of pilot – very definite.
• A/C # 684 ;   Time 0943;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just after leaving flak area over target.
  Story of the attack – Three FW’s came straight in at our tail, one above the other. I fired at the middle one when they were about 1000 yards away. When he came in to about 700 yards I saw him burst into a sheet of flame. I couldn’t follow him down because I was busy with the other two.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. H.K. Chambers, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – [None Written] –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 684 ;   Time 0950;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Past target
  Story of the attack – FW 190 (green fuselage, red nose) came in from between 12 and 1 o’clock. I started firing when he was 600 yards away. He dropped down right under our nose, fluttering back and forth, evidently out of control. Ball turret gunner saw him go all the way down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt. J.L. Poltrone, Top Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – 2nd Lt. A.M. Baird, Bombardier –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – Top Turret designated claimant.
• A/C # 684 ;   Time 1000;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – After leaving target
  Story of the attack – ME 109 came in from 3 o’clock. I started firing when he was about 600 yards away. He came in to about 350 yards. I saw him go into a spin and go down with white smoke pouring out of him.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Sgt P.J. Posti, Right Waist Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt C.J. Starzynski, Left Waist Gunner also Co-Pilot saw him go down smoking. –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 684 ;   Time 1005;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Past target
  Story of the attack – Ju 88 came in from 10 o’clock below. I started firing when he was about 400 yards away. He made a complete circle and went down in spirals with whitish-gray smoke coming out. I followed him down as far as I could see and he kept going down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. C.J. Starzynski –  Corroborated by – [None Written] –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 749 ;   Time 0945;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – After target
  Story of the attack – Report submitted by pilot for tail gunner (frozen feet – in hospital) Ju 88 came in on a level attack from tail. He apparently came in very close and tail gunner fired plenty of rounds. Ball turret gunner saw E/AC burst into flame around right engine and fuselage and then nosed straight over and fell.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. R.A. Mills, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. R.R. Nelson, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – No –  Comments of the interrogator – This plane believed destroyed, but unable to talk to gunner.
• A/C # 839 ;   Time 0941;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 5 minutes past target
  Story of the attack – FW 190 came in low between 10 and 11 o’clock. I fired when he was about 100feet below ship and 300 yards away. Turned half a flip and fell, smoking badly.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. J.W. Keen, Ball turret –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. E.K Criswell, Tail Gunner and S/Sgt. E.C. Smith, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 839 ;   Time [Not Noted];   Height 17,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – West of Rotterdam
  Story of the attack – ME 109 came in from 6 o’clock. Came in to about 150 feet. I held down on trigger and E/AC disintegrated in air after fiery explosion.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt E.C. Smith, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. T.M. Ambrose, Top Turret –  Other A/C firing at the same time – No –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 851 ;   Time 0910;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 15 miles inland from Zuider Zee
  Story of the attack – B-17 on left wing of this ship was damaged and reportedly attacked by Enemy A/C. ME 109 passed about 130 yards from tail of this ship, while going in to attack damaged B-17. I fired long burst from 4 to 7 o’clock. I saw tail of Enemy A/C disintegrate and pilot throw back cockpit cover to bail out. Tail gunner saw pilot bail out.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt. R.M. Pierson, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – T/Sgt. K.L. Huls, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – Probably 836, which failed to return. –  Comments of the interrogator – Ball Turret gunner was able to follow action because his guns were inoperative.
• A/C # 851 ;   Time 0918;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 10 minutes before I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]
  Story of the attack – ME 109 came in to about 700 yards from 4:30 o’clock. I fired 2 bursts of 60 rounds. The A/C fell away smoking and I saw pilot bail out. The ball turret gunner also saw pilot bail out.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt J.S. Cebulak, Right Waist Gunner –  Corroborated by – T/Sgt. K.L. Huls, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – No –  Comments of the interrogator – Ball turret gunner was able to observe action as his guns were inoperative.
• A/C # 851 ;   Time 0940;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 3 minutes past target.
  Story of the attack – FW 190 came in from 11 o’clock to about 300 yards. I fired about 200 rounds and last saw him smoking badly as he went under ship. Top turret gunner saw pilot bail out.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt F.P. Tock, Left Waist Gunner –  Corroborated by – T/Sgt K.L. Huls, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [Unreadable] –  Comments of the interrogator – Ball turret gunner was able to follow action as his guns were inoperative.
• A/C # 858 ;   Time 0913;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Deventer, [Netherlands]
  Story of the attack – FW 190 [yellow] came in high from one o’clock. I started firing at 1000 yards and fired 40 rounds as he came to 600 yards. I saw him explode, catch fire, wobble, and drop off on one wing. He then nosed over and went straight down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. D.Q. Wasson, Bombadier –  Corroborated by – 2nd Lt. L.J. Gullickson, Co-Pilot –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – Verified by T/Sgt. K.L. Huls of A/C 851
• A/C # 858 ;   Time 0918;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Deventer, [Netherland]
  Story of the attack – FW 190 came in high from 12 to 1 o’clock. I started firing at 1000 yards and fired 130 rounds so he came in to 600 yards. A large black puff of smoke and flame came from his engine. He dropped off. Turned over, and went into a spin. He continued down and I lost sight of him at about 2,000 feet.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt. L.R. Birkley, Top Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – 2nd Lt. S.H. Lang, Navigator  –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 858 ;   Time 1000;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Tiel, [Netherland]
  Story of the attack – FW 190 [with whitish-green body] came in high from 11 o’clock. I started firing at 600 yards and he came in to 150 yards. He exploded in flames while pulling out, and slipped of on his wing, then went straight down. He was in flames when I last saw him.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. S.H. Lang, Navigator –  Corroborated by – Sgt. R.Q. Merry, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 860 ;   Time 0947;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Five minutes after Target
  Story of the attack – FW 190 approached from nose and above. Was called to my attention over interphone. I started firing at about 400 yards and could see tracers hitting. Smoke came from engine. He pulled off with smoke pouring out and I saw him all the way down and saw him crash.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt O.D. Diltz, Ball Turret –  Corroborated by – T/Sgt J.E. McCurdy, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – Good Claim
• A/C # 860 ;   Time 0952;   Height 24,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Ten minutes away from Target on route back to base.
  Story of the attack – FW 190 was coming in slightly from above at 6 o’clock. I started firing at about 800 yards. I saw my tracers were hitting and at 300 yards he exploded and went all to pieces.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt R.C. Stuart, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – T/Sgt M.T. Armstrong, Top Turret –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None  –  Comments of the interrogator – Good Claim
• A/C # 860 ;   Time 1000;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 15 minutes past target.
  Story of the attack – FW 190 coming from above at around 3 o’clock. I started firing at around 300 yards and continued to fire as he approached closer. He veered off and went down. Tail gunner saw him come under the ship smoking and diving, and he exploded in air.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt M. Jantz, Radio Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt R.O. Stuart, Tail Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None  –  Comments of the interrogator – Both gunners confident that it was destroyed.
• A/C # 860 ;   Time 1005;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 20 minutes away from target
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 came in from above and at 11 o’clock. I started firing at around 1000 yards. He came in over the top turret and I seemed to be hitting him all of the time. He went on over the back of the ship and the tail gunner saw him going down in smoke. He finally exploded around a 1000 yards down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt. W.T. Armstrong, Top Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. R.C. Stuart, Tail Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – Good Claim
• A/C # 861 ;   Time 0945;   Height 23,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 10 min out of target
  Story of the attack – Our plane was letting down, FW 190 came in from rear, level, at 6 o’clock. I opened fire at approximately 600 yards away. The engine caught fire and the plane dropped. The pilot bailed out.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt Tim Touchin, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – Sgt R.L. Gelsleichter, Top Turret Gunner and Sgt A.J. Sowell, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 868 ;   Time 0930;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – After I.P [Initial Point of Bomb Run]
  Story of the attack – The FW came in from 600 to 300 above at 2 o’clock. I fired two bursts of about 10 rounds at 600 yards and kept firing to 100 feet and followed him throughout. Tracers were going into it and it broke over the other wing, nosed over, wobbled, straightened out at 13,000 feet, paused, and nosed straight down, smoking and completely out of control.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 1st Lt. O. Oldham, Top Turret –  Corroborated by – Sgt. R.J. Wall, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 868 ;   Time 0948;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – [Not Specified]
  Story of the attack – An ME 109 came in low at 11 o’clock attacking leader of following element. I started firing at 300 yards and fired 100 rounds. The E/AC came in to 50 yards, my tracers going in all way. He went into a half roll dropped off onto his wing and went into a sloppy flat tail down skid. He dropped below and I followed him to 9,000 feet.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Lt R.J. Roessler, Navigator –  Corroborated by – Lt. J.P. Kern, Pilot –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 874 ;   Time 0925;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 15 minutes before I.P.
  Story of the attack – FW 190 came in from one o’clock. I followed him to 3 o’clock. He burst into smoke, rolled over and went down. Was seen to go down by Co-Pilot and Navigator.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – 2nd Lt. C.W. Shanley, Bombardier –  Corroborated by – F/O R.C. Roth, Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt. B. Schohan, Navigator and S/Sgt P.J. Zibas, Top Turret –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 874 ;   Time 0935;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just past Target, 4 or 5 minutes
  Story of the attack – ME 109 came in at 7 o’clock, burst into smoke and spun down. Seen to fall by tail gunner. Also seen by top turret gunner.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt R. Crane, Radio gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt E.W. Henninger, Tail Gunner and S/Sgt P.J. Zibas, Top Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – No –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 874 ;   Time 0950;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just past target
  Story of the attack – Me 109 attacked straight on at 6 o’clock and burst into flame and spun in straight down. Was seen to crash by Top Turret gunner and Right Waist Gunner
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. E.W. Henninger, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. P.J. Zibas, Top Turret Gunner and S/Sgt. H.L. Bent, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 874 ;   Time 0950;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – About 5 minutes past target
  Story of the attack – A Me 109 came in at 10 o’clock from above, then in under us. As he was coming under me, I fired and saw the glass in the nose crash. Then he went into a spin. The Left Waist Gunner saw him burst into flame.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. T. Romero, Ball Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. J.J. Costello, Left Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – No –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 874 ;   Time 1010;   Height 17,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just before crossing coast on way back
  Story of the attack – Me 109 came in from front and pealed over at 9 o’clock. He burst into smoke and fell. He was also seen by Top Turret Gunner. Was seen to burst into flame by Tail Gunner.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. J.J. Costello, Left Waist Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. F.J. Zibas, Top Turret and S/Sgt. E.W. Henninger, Tail Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – None –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 874 ;   Time 1012;   Height 17,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just before crossing coast on way back.
  Story of the attack – A FW 190 came in at one o’clock and as he peeled off between 2 and 3 burst into smoke and fell straight down. He was seen to fall by Tail gunner and Ball turret.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. P.J. Zibas, Top Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. E.W. Henninger, Top Turret Gunner and S/Sgt. T Romero, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – No –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 925 ;   Time 0932;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Over Target
  Story of the attack – The FW 190 came up from below at 2 o’clock to within 200 yards. I fired long bursts and he fell away just under me and I saw the tail fly apart.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. F.H. Dillenbeck, Ball Turret Gunner –  Corroborated by – Sgt. Alexander, Right Waist Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – Unknown –  Comments of the interrogator – A positive narration
• A/C # 925 ;   Time 0935;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 5 minutes after target
  Story of the attack – An FW 190 came straight in on the tail. I kept on firing and at about 300 yards he fell to the right going out of sight.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – S/Sgt. S.G Schmidt, Tail Gunner –  Corroborated by – T/Sgt. C.F. Cupp, Radio Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – Unknown –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 925 ;   Time 0945;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – Just past target
  Story of the attack – The plane [FW 190] came in at 3 o’clock level. It came in close. I fired at him till he was close and his cockpit burst into flame. He fell away straight down and out of sight.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – T/Sgt L.J. Alexander, Right Waist Gunner –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. F.H. Dillenbeck, Ball Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – Unknown –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]
• A/C # 925 ;   Time 0947;   Height 25,000 ft.;   Place where attacked – 5 min. after target
  Story of the attack – He came in climbing toward plane between 1 and 2. He was right in my sights and as he came in close he suddenly fell straight down.
  Our gun positions firing on E/A – Col. Richard Gimbel, Observer –  Corroborated by – S/Sgt. W.J. Mile, Top Turret Gunner –  Other A/C firing at the same time – [None Written] –  Comments of the interrogator – [None Written]

Given an indicated altitude, determine the true altitude.

Target – Synthetic Rubber Plant, Huls, Germany
1. Route Followed - 54° N 4° E – S. tip of Vlieland – Doventer – Haldern – Target – Coesfeld – Sliedrecht - 5 miles S of Rotterdam.
2. Visibility at Target – Four-tenths to six-tenths cloud. No condensation trails observed.
3. No of A/C over Target – 15
4. General Axis of attack - 120°
5. How long did formation fly straight and level before bombing? – 40 Seconds
6. Turn after bombing – Turned left to 8° Magnetic
7. Position of Group in relation to other Groups: Last group in formation behind 91st Group.
8. What evasive action was taken? S-ing, no loss of altitude.
9. A short description of Flak en route (if any) and at the Target – Meager anti-aircraft fire was encountered over Vlieland, below 23,000 ft. between 0900 and 0905. Meager inaccurate fire encountered at enemy coast on way out. Anti-Aircraft fire was intense just south of the target; it appeared to be accurate for altitude but not for deflection. Bursts were mostly black, a few white.
10. Any other comments, phenomena, etc. – One of our A/C flying at 24,500 feet over the target at 0940 observed red balls and long streamers coming out of an anti-aircraft shell burst.

1. A/C 603 flying at 12,000 feet reported seeing one parachute in North Sea waters at 1035 Hours, at 51° 50' - 03° 20'. Air-Sea Rescue ship appeared to be going to aid of person in water.
2. A/C 861 flying at 25,000 feet reported seeing A/C 826 with No. 2 and No. 4 engines burning. Position estimated at 15 minutes before IP on a heading of 175°.
3. A/C 863 flying at 25,000 feet at approximately 2 minutes after target, reported seeing 2 parachutes at 21° 50' -06° 10' on a heading of 2°, after a B-17 believed to belong to 91st Group fell out of formation.
4. A/C 863 flying at 25,000 feet 12 minutes before target reported seeing 2 parachutes believed to come out of B-17 belonging to 91st Group. Plane appeared under control. Position estimated at 52° 10' - 6° 08' on a heading of 175° Magnetic.
5. A/C 823 flying at 10,000 feet reported seeing at 0850 hours an unidentified B-17 believed to belong to 91st Group hit the water and bounce on the surface. Plane turned on emergency IFF and was seen firing red flares before striking water. After circling to investigate, investigating plane could not find A/C in distress, nor were parachutes or dinghies visible.
6. A/C 863 flying at 20,000 feet, on homeward course and at 1025, reported seeing ship in distress in water. Emergency IFF was switched on and someone was working MF/IF Station.

[Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Capt., Air Corps, Ass't. Group S-2 [Intelligence]

Minor physical disabilities reported at Interrogation of Mission 22 June 1943.
1. S/Sgt A. Woodward, Top Turret gunner, 509th Sq., air sick. (bad oxygen system)
2. Sgt. R.G. Robeson, Left Waist gunner, 511th Sq., passed out - leak in oxygen mask.

1. The following Enlisted Man was killed in action by German machine gun fire on the mission of 22 June, 1943.
    MIZSKA, STANLEY, Sgt. S/N 1060113, Waist gunner, 511th Bomb Squadron, A/C #42-29749, Pilot. Lt. O'MOHUNDRO
2. The following crew is missing in action in the mission of 22 June, 1943.
P.    1st Lt. TURGEON, LEO P.,
CP. 2nd Lt. CARUSO, BURTON W.
N.    2nd Lt. BRYANT, CHARLES R., JR.
B.    2nd Lt. TURNEY, JOHN T.
TT-E. T/Sgt, CABANISS, JOHN W,
R.    S/Sgt. FERNS, LAWRENCE V.
BT.   Sgt. KNOWER, EDWARD, JR.
WG.   Sgt. PACCIOTTI, VIDEO
WG.   S/Sgt. AYE, FRED L.
TG.   S/Sgt. MC GINNIS, LEASURE S.
[Signed:] ROBERT B. STRATTON, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Statistical Officer.

SUBJECT: Mission Summary Report.
Following is the report for mission of 22 June, 1943.

1. There were no aircraft malfunctions.
2. No aircraft failed to take off.
3. Abortives.
   • 1. Airplane No. 42-29630, 509th Squadron, returned early because ball turret gunner with nose bleed was unable to remain on Oxygen.
   • 2. Airplane No. 42-5824, 511th Squadron returned early because waist gunner's Oxygen mask did fit fit well enough to give him sufficient Oxygen.
   • 3. Airplane No. 42-29812, 509th Squadron returned early because top turret gunner became sick on Oxygen and vomited considerably.
   • 4. Airplane No. 42-5823, 508th Squadron, returned early because of insufficient Oxygen for ball turret, waist and tail gunners. Investigation showed that filler line fittings to ball turret was frozen open. Attempts were made to thaw out fitting by placing it in gunner's heated boots. Finally leak was stopped by jamming portable Oxygen bottle in filler fitting, but only after insufficient oxygen remained in system to complete mission.
   • 5. Airplane No. 42-3152, 510th Squadron, returned early because of inability to maintain formation when No. 1 engine tended to run away. Investigation indicated dirty or possible frozen balance line.
4. Battle Damage.
   • 1. Airplane No. 42-29858, 508th Squadron. Hole in catwalk and bomb rack inboard at junction of rack and catwalk caused by .30 cal. Right bomb bay door sprung. Jagged skin tear in horizontal stabilizer. .30 cal. skin hole in aft end of dorsal fin.
   • 2. Airplane No. 42-29868, 508th Squadron. .52 caliber hole in No. 4 engine nacelle, engine mount, fixed cowl and exhaust manifold. Hole in left gun barrel receiver on lower ball turret. Skin flak hole in right inboard wing panel. Skin flak hole in right horizontal stabilizer.
   • 3. Airplane No. 42-29684, 509th Squadron. Structural Damage at junction of right inboard wing panel and fuselage. Bullet entered and remained in Oxygen bottle. .30 cal, hole in right inboard panel severing flap control rod. Two skin holes in left inboard wing panel. Two flak skin holes in left horizontal stabilizer. Two skin flak holes in right elevator.
   • 4. Airplane No. 42-29860, 509th Squadron. No. 2 Engine has 20mm hole in nose section. Two dents in left inboard wing panel caused by shell casings. One .30 caliber hole in right inboard wing panel. Small skin flak hole in right tail section.
   • 5. Airplane No. 42-29861, 509th Squadron. Flak skin hole in left side of pilot’s cockpit enclosure. Skin flak hole in right inboard wing panel. Small dent in leading edge of left horizontal stabilizer. Small skin hole in junction of left horizontal stabilizer and fuselage.
   • 6. Airplane No. 42-29749, 509th Squadron. Large flak holes in both sides of navigator's compartment caused by one piece passing clear through. Eight .30 cal. holes through left wing and six holes through waist and vertical stabilizer. One wing spar compression member damaged.
   • 7. Airplane No. 42-29839, 510th Squadron .30 cal. hole through No, 1 engine nacelle, which flattened two one-fourth inch fuel lines. Skin flak hole in right inboard wing panel.
   • 8. Airplane No. 42-29874, 510th Squadron. Approximately thirteen (13) holes in right tire, right wing, right stabilizer and rudder, all caused by explosive or incendiary .52 cal. Bullets. Two compression members of rear spar, right wing, damaged. One bullet hole in left waist, damaging circumferential stiffener.
   • 9. Airplanes No. 42-3272, 510th Squadron. .30 cal. hole in left outboard wing panel, with possible wing tank damage and front spar. .30 cal. skin hole through top of fuselage, severing several ignition wires, Small flak hole at junction of left horizontal stabilizer and fuselage.
   • 10. Airplane No. 42-3150, 511th Squadron. 20mm. explosive shell in left inboard wing panel. About 20 small skin holes, and punctured gasoline lines.
   • 11. Airplane No. 42-29603, 511th Squadron. Hole in #2 propeller. Two jagged skin flak holes in left inboard wing panel. .52 cal. hole, in left horizontal stabilizer. Flak hole in left elevator.
     
     [Signed:] JOHN FINEGAN, Captain, Air Corps, Asset. Group Engineering Officer

1. Ship #152 - Time 0858 - Location - 4°51'E - 53°17'N - #2 & #4 props ran away - #1 turbo ran away - 60 inches [of intake manifold pressure].
   [Signed:] Edwin S. Boyd, 1st Lt.
2. Ship #823 – Time 0835 - Location - 53°50'N - 3°2'E - Ball turret refill oxygen valve froze up - attempted to thaw out - unsuccessful - Vickers unit leaked ball turret operated jerkily - top turret guns out - solenoids - got one to operate brown grease poured into ball turret.
   [Signed:] H. Cagle, 1st Lt.
3. Ship #9812 – Time 0830 – Location - 75 miles NW of Cromier at 15,000 ft – Top turret man took sick when he put on his oxygen mask - I stayed with the formation as long as i could but when man kept vomiting I decided to return to base.
   [Signed:] Robert M. Spika, 1st Lt.
4. Ship #824 – Time 0800 - Location - 53°22'N - 0°05'W - Left waist gunner Oxygen mask too large - waist interphone out and one was weak - Bombardiers Oxygen mask was leaking.
   [Signed:] E.J. Nardi, 1st Lt.
5. Ship # 630 – Time 0700 - Location - 52°N - 0°22'E - Ball turret operator bleeding from nose.
   [Signed:] Robert E. Leimbeck, 1st Lt.

1. Total No. A/C in each Squadron and Letters of each:

   Sqdn 508th A/C: 823 – C, 868 – K, 851 – J, 826 – H, 858 – G,	(5)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 860 – W, 863 – Y, 630 – S, 749 – Z, 684 – T, 9812 – U, 861 – X,	(7)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 272 – M, 152 – A, 831 – H, 925 – L, 839– C, 874 – J,	(6)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 150 – Q, 824 – S, 603 – R,	(3)

2. Target: PRIMARY - ZB-851B      SECONDARY - ZB-855
   
3. Station call sign and Operational call sign respectively of each Squadron

   Squadron	508 Ops:	NB5		Squadron	510 Ops:	GT7
   	Sta:	Wild Cheer			Sta:	Worm Track
   Squadron	509 Ops	NB5		Squadron	511 Ops:	GT7
   	Sta:	Knitwell			Sta:	Shudder

4. Taxi Time – 1st A/C 0548;     Take-Off Time 1st A/C 0603;     E.T.D. Over Field 0702

5. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   0801	15,000 Ft	Louth

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   1005	16,000 Ft	Twenty Miles West of Rotterdam

7. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   1051	3,000 Ft	Felixtone

8. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return): 1122 Hours
9. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
10. Bomb load of Each A/C:
    Squadron: 508 10–500 pound, GP,  Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail [General Purpose Bomb]
    Squadron: 509 10–500 pound, GP,  Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
    Squadron: 510 10–500 pound, GP,  Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
    Squadron: 511 10–500 pound, GP,  Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail
11. Fuel Load of each A/C: 1700 Gals
12. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:

    Squadron	A/C Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	823-C	0604	1024	509	860–W	0611	1149
    	868-K	0604	1141		863–Y	0603	1140
    	851-J	0605	1143		630-S	0612	0736
    	826–H	0606			749-Z	0611	1149
    	858-G	0606			684–T	0612	1151
    					9812-U	0614	0918
    					861–X	0613	1152
    510	272-M	0607	1144	511	150-Q	0610	1142
    	152–A	0608	1050		824–S	0620	0846
    	831-H	0607	1145		603–R	0614	1150
    	925–L	0608	1147
    	839–C	0609	1146
    	874–J	0609	1154

    
    A/C 817 Failed to Takeoff - Replaced by A/C 858
    Abortives - 630-S, 824-S, 9812-U, 823-C
    
    

Missing: 826-H - Lt. Turgeon
Abortives: 823-C - Lt. Cagle; 630-S - Lt. Leimbeck; 9812-U - Lt. Spika; 824-S - Lt. Nardi; 152-A - Lt Roberts

• A/C# 42-29826   YB-H   Lt. Turgeon   A/C's 3rd Mission   MACR #

According to the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII" page 10, "Lt. Turgeon, piloting 42-29826, was seen going down with a badly damaged wing and two engines on fire." It has been reported that all crew members bailed out before the ship exploded and crashed near Beek, Gelderland, Netherlands.

These POW records provided by The National Archives - http://archives.gov

• P - 1st LT Leo P. Turgeon from Massachusetts, POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11)
• CP - 2nd LT Burton W. Caruso, from Montana, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
• N - 2nd LT Charles R. Bryant, Jr., POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11)
• B - 2nd LT John T. Turney, from Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
• TT-E - T/SGT John W. Cabaniss, from Virginia, POW at Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11
• R - S/SGT Lawrence V. Ferns, from New Mexico, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15
• BT - SGT Edward Knower, Jr., POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15
• WG - SGT Video Pacciotti, from Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15
• WG - S/SGT Fred L. Aye, from Nebraska, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15
• TG - S/SGT Leasure S. McGinnis, from Pennsylvania, POW at [Unknown Camp]