351st Bomb Group

1. Roll Call and Aircraft Assignment.
2. Time Schedule -

   Low Box		Composite Sqdn.
   Stations – _____		Stations - _____
   Start Engines – _____		Stations - _____
   Taxi - _____		Taxi - _____
   Take Off - _____		Take Off - _____
   Leave Base - _____		Leave Base - ____

3. Target, Loading and Gasoline Load:
   Aircraft Factory & Assembly Works at Oscherlieben (Primary)
   Secondary - Braunswich
   
4. S-2 [Intelligence] –
5. Operations - Wing Formation - 94th C.B.W [Combat Wing] Second in 1st Division.
   Lead Box 401st   High Box 401st & 351st   Low Box 351st
   
   

   Diversions -	1st Division	40th, 41st Comp., 40th C.W. [Combat Wing]
   	2nd Division	3 C.W's - 24's [B-24's]
   	3rd Division	4 C.B.W.'s
   	Mediums

   
   Fighter Cover - 4 Groups P-47's, 1 Group P-51's, 6 Squadrons Spit [Spitfires] IX's
   
6. Navigator -
7. Weather -
8. Special Instructions - Frost
   
   1. Group Assembly - 4,000 feet over the field.
   2. Signals for Bombing - Bomb bay doors open, VHF [Radio announcement].
   3. Pictures (Photos) - Bombardier warn Radio Operator.
   4. Deputy Leaders are - McCafferty - group lead. 2nd McCluskey, Third Brooksby.
   5. Lead Crews Report to S-2 [Intelligence] for Additional Instructions
   6. Bombardiers, Navigators and Radio Operators report to Special Briefing.
9. Dismissal of all but Pilots and Co-Pilots

10. 			[Radio]
    	Call Sign	Flares	Channels	Tail Letter
    94th C.B.W. [Combat Wing]	Ragweed	RY [Red Yellow]	A
    351st A	Ragweed Red	G	A	J
    351st B
    401st	Ragweed White		A	S
    Composite Group	Ragweed Pink		B
    Air Commander	Checkmate		B
    1st C.B.W.	Goonchild	RR		A, L
    40th C.B.W.	Bulpenn	YY		B, G, H
    41st C.B.W.	Fatgal	GG		C, K, P
    U.S. Fighters	Denver One		C
    Bombers	Goldsmith One Two		C
    Grnd. Control	Tackline
    R.A.F. Fighters	Garlic One		C (Special)
    Bombers	DyePeg One Two		C (Special)
    Grnd. Control	Spicecake

    
    
11. Colors of the day:

    Time	Color	Ident.	Challenge
    0700 - 1300	R-RR [Red - Red Red]	B	Q
    1300 - 1900	GY	V	Y
    1900 - 0100	Y-YR	Z	D

12. Special Instructions -
    
    1. [Planes] To Monitor Channel "A"- All ships
       [Planes] To Monitor Channel "B"- Apperson & Blaisdell
       [Planes] To Monitor Channel "C"- Garner
       [Planes] To Monitor Channel "D"- Rhonde
    2. Let-Down - [Compass] Heading from Splasher #6
       351st A - 295° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
       351st B
       401st - 280° Mag.
       
13. Taxi Plan - Flying Control.
14. Any Questions?

1. General Narrative. Seventeen aircraft took off as scheduled, formed over the field at 4,000 feet and proceeded to Deenethorpe to assemble in the Combat Wing formation. This box followed in close trail, cutting down distance at the next two right hand turns. A close Combat Wing formation was held until the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run], when interval was taken by the low box at this point. Sufficient interval would have been obtained if the run had not been interrupted by the lead box S-ing and crossing over the low box. The leader of this box thought it necessary to get out from under the open bay doors of the lead box. After returning back on course to bomb, insufficient time remained to bomb the primary target. Since the formation had been under severe fighter attack from before the I.P., the leader decided to bomb Braunwick [Now spelled Brunswick], but due to the fact that the bombing of that target would have left them exposed for too great a length of time out of the Combat Wing formation, the target of opportunity, Königslutter, was bombed.
    After bombing, the low box turned north and was joined by the 92nd Bomb Group, which flew as high box from then on. Three other boxes also grouped themselves about for protection. This box led the five on the route out.
    The original lead box had instructed our leader to assume the lead on the withdrawal. This formation was held until crossing the enemy coast. The altitude at the point was 9,000 feet, due to a gradually lowering cloud cone.
    Six aircraft were lost from this box, including one 305th Group aircraft which flew in the second element of the low squadron. At bombs away only thirteen aircraft remained in the low box. An additional aircraft went down just after bombing the secondary.
    Fighter attacks were very numerous, an estimated fifty attacks being made. The majority of the enemy aircraft were twin engine ME 110’s and 210’s. A four engine fighter was reported in the vicinity of the target which was described as having a twin rudder and a long, thin body.
    Flak was moderate but accurate due to the low altitude of the mission. It was seen in the sky practically all the way in at many isolated points, and from all towns.
    Fighter support was good except for a period from the I.P. until fifteen minutes later. Light support was given on the withdrawal.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. As reported in the following paragraph, four aircraft were lost before bombs away. There were no abortive aircraft.
3. Aircraft Lost. Aircraft 42-29905 [42-39905], Pilot, Lt. Garner, 42-31481, Pilot, Lt. Case, 42-3523, Pilot, Lt. Procak, and 42-29861, Pilot, Lt. Cannon, are reported as having been lost to enemy fighter attacks between the I.P. and the target. It is believed that thirteen bombed the target. Aircraft 42-30780, Pilot, Lt. Myers, was reported as having gone down just after bombs away – victim of enemy fighter attacks.

1. General Narrative. This squadron took off first with six ships, one of which aborted due to gasoline leaks and heavy fumes throughout the ship.
    The route followed by this squadron coincides with the composite box’s for the entire mission, except for the assembly, for which six aircraft formed over Deenethorpe at 8,500 feet. No difficulty was experienced there.
    Opposition by enemy fighters and flak was in the same as reported by the low box.
    An interesting report of fake dog fights between twin engine aircraft and ME 109’s was made. Some crews believed that P-51’s were involved, while others thought the attackers of the twin engine aircraft were ME 109’s.
    One aircraft from this squadron was observed going down under control near the Zuider Zee.
    Landings were made at several bases due to a diversion order, fuel shortage, and bad weather. The primary target was bombed by the Composite Group formation.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. One aircraft, 42-3136, Pilot, Lt. McCarthy, returned to base shortly after take off. The pilot reported that there were gas fumes throughout the ship.
3. Aircraft Lost. Aircraft 42-29761, Pilot, Lt. White, was last seen on the return route. He was seen straggling 10,000 feet below the composite formation over Holland. The cause of loss is unknown.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0823 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0841 hours at 3,300 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 0917 hours at 6,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 0936 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1032 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 3/10ths. Tops 5,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 10 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 298 degrees. 12 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. PILOTAGE AND D.R. [Dead Reckoning]
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. DRIFT ON FOUR HEADINGS
   9. Joined task force at _____ hours at _____ feet.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1003½ hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1032 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1147 hours.
       2. Coming back: ____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 282 degrees.
       2. 26 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: G.S. BY DRIFT METER TIMING (AVERAGE) AND DRIFT BY SIGHTING DRY RUN
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of Target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1132 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 332 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 18,100 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1206 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: PILOTAGE AND D.R. (PINPOINTING) 4/10 AT 25,000 FT. VIS. – 15 MILES
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: FLUXGATE AND BRITISH D.R. COMPASSES DID NOT AGREE ON WEST & NORTH-WEST HEADINGS.
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 52°37'N - 05°51'E
       2. Time 1049 hours.
   17. Comments: GEE JAMMED ON TRIP OUT. INDISTINCTIVE PIPS UNTIL 03° 00’ E. TARGET – GIFHORN BY PINPOINTING.

Group: 351st Bomb Group
Target: KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY
Method of Bombing: GROUP
Altitude: 18,250 ft.
Direction of Attack: 333° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
Wind Direction: 282°
Wind Speed: 30 MPH

1. The 351st flew low group in the 94th Combat Wing formation. We had no trouble in identifying our target, picking it up about 15 miles out. The bombing run was started, and the course had been set up killing all drift, when the 401st, flying high lead group, made a sharp turn to the right, placing their low squadron directly over our lead squadron.
2. My pilot shut off the C-1, and made a steep turn to the right in order to clear us from any bombs they should drop from their formation. We then proceeded to pick up and bomb a target of opportunity, Königslutter, Germany.

1. The 351st Group took off as scheduled and formed over the field. We departed on time, headed for Deenethorpe where we were to form the wing. The 401st Group had departed 2 minutes early, and as a result, we were behind them. They turned right at Point A, where we headed them off some; and a little later they made another right turn and we closed up more.
2. Leaving the coast, we were behind a little, but were closing up slowly. Before we crossed the enemy coast we were in position and continued to the IP.
3. We encountered flak and enemy fighters all along this route, and just before the IP, the enemy fighters attacked us heavily. We lost five aircraft from our box from just before the IP until just before the target.
4. At the IP the lead group turned left and we followed, falling in trail just a little. We were making a direct run on the target with the 401st on our left and just a little ahead. I had just engaged the C-1 Pilot, and the bombardier had control of the ship when the 401st made a rather sharp turn to the right which put our ship under their high squadron. I turned the C-1 off and made a right turn and then a left turn, putting us in trail with the lead group. By that time we were past the Bomb Release Line, and could not bomb the primary target.
5. The flak at this point was very thick. The 401st Group made a turn to the right after a slight turn to the left. We continued turning to the left, looking for a target. We picked up a town and started making a run on it, but the run would have been too long, widening the distance between groups. Therefore we turned from that target to another town, made a run, and bombed it.
6. After bombs away we tried to contact the 401st Group by VHF, and we also shot flares, but could not find them. We continued out on course. A group on our left and to the rear started closing up, and I slowed down, thinking it was the lead group. They slowed down also, and we contacted them. They wanted us to take the lead, which we did. Along the route out we had five groups which fell into formation and followed us out. We held formation until we were about to the enemy coast. There the groups started leaving us and continuing themselves.
7. We started letting down gradually to keep out of the overcast. This continued all the way back to the English coast. When we reached the English coast we could see the ground through a thin overcast below us. Some of the ships in our group left the formation to land at the first available field because of gas shortage. We let down through the thin overcast and pinpointed our way to Bungay, the field designated for our group to land at because of bad weather at the home field. We landed there with four other ships of our group.
8. We had fighter cover as much as I could tell, only on our way out over the channel and a little way into enemy territory. I saw none the rest of the time.
9. Flak over the target was thick and fairly accurate. We saw both twin engine and single engine enemy fighters, and as many as 50 attacked our group formation at one time.

Bombardier - Lt. Thomas E. Trolinger   Pilot - Lt. Donald E. Floden Navigator - Lt. William D. Badger
Aircraft # 42-37825  Take-off - 0815  Landed - 1530
Objective - Oschersleben, Germany, A/C Assembly Plant
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - Assembly Shops and Buildings
Initial Point - Goslar, Germany
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Planes in Group - 18    Composite Group -
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation -
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - One   Composite Group -
Range Sighting only, Group - One    Composite Group -
Bombs, Types and Sizes - M-43 – 500# G.P [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12 – 500# G.P. per A/C    Released - 12
Fusing, Nose - 1/10    Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Target Area
Mean Temp. Metro _____ Actual -15° C.
Winds - Altitude - _____  Direction - Est. _____ Actual _____  Velocity - Est. _____ Actual _____  Temp C. - Est. _____ Actual _____ [All Bombardier's dropped their Bombs when Lead Group Bombardier dropped his Bombs.]

1. A target of opportunity was bombed and it can be identified as the town of Königslutter, located about nine miles due East of Braunschweig [now named Brunswick]. The town has a population of 5,200 but no target material is available.
2. Photo coverage was good with five sets of pictures showing the target with bursts on it. As yet no pictures are available from the Squadron flying with the composite Group.
   1. SAV 169 shows bombs away on a tract headed for the city of Königslutter on photo No. 4.
   2. Photo No. 8 shows thirty-two bursts in the Southeastern edge of the City.
   3. Sixty-three bursts can be plotted in this pattern. The pattern measures approximately 2,805’ X 2,172’ and in later photos it becomes smoke covered.
3. Damage assessment cannot be made as there is no information on the target. The main concentration seems to be in an area of fields and residences in the SE edge of town. Possible damage is as follows:
   1. Two direct hits on railroad.
   2. Three direct hits on an important road.
   3. Twelve hits on buildings (unidentified).

1. No leaflets were dropped on this mission. One A/C, detailed to take leaflets, failed to take off.
2. The bombing results of the Low Box were fair. They bombed a target of opportunity: Königslutter. The low squadron which flew with the Composite Box bombed the primary with unobserved results. Photographs from A/C in this squadron have not been developed yet.
3. From 100 to 150 German A/C of various types, including FW-189’s, 190’s, ME-109’s, 110’s 210’s, DO-217’s JU-88’s, and Stukas were seen. They began their attacks right after the fighter support left a few minutes before the IP and continued for forty-five minutes. S/E [Single Engine] fighters employed their familiar tactics, peeling off in echelons of from two to five, barrel-rolling through the formation from all directions. The JU-88’s employed air-to-air bombing, and many twin-engine A/C were reported carrying rockets. ME-210’s, flying behind our CBW [Combat Wing] in a formation similar to ours, followed that way for quite a while, not recognized for what they were until they suddenly peeled off in trail for vicious tail attacks. This caught many of our gunners by surprise as the enemy A/C were well into the formation before seen. Two ME-210’s, one diving from above and the other coming up from below our formation, collided. Fighter cover was excellent until the P-47’s left just before the IP and thereafter none was reported except for two P-51’s in the target area.
4. The only intense accurate flak was encountered at Magdeburg after leaving the primary target area. There was light flak at the target and on the way out, coming up south of the formation, was a flak barrage from Hannover. Gun rockets were fired in the target area, good for altitude, bursting in streamers of incendiaries. Some of our planes which flew through the streamers reported that they were ineffective.
5. Weather on Take-Off was 8/10’s stratocumulus, visibility 1800 yards due [to] mist. Over the Continent there was a very large break from Hannover to east of the target area, visibility six to eight miles. Because the base on return was 9/10’s stratus and stratocumulus, visibility 1600 yards due [to] continuous light rain, our A/C landed at coastal A/F’s [airfields].
6. 20 to 30 minutes before the Dutch coast on the way home three B-17’s and an unknown fighter at various distances and directions from this formation were seen to blow up within the matter of a minute. At this time there were no fighters and no flak observed by the crews reporting this. The B-17’s were too far away to identify their markings. Four A/C were reported with what appeared to be Italian markings. A large factory was observed at 52° 36’ North, 10° 48’ East, and an attempted smokescreen was ineffective. A smokescreen at Hannover was very poor, and the town could be well observed as the crews reported widespread devastation.
7. Pathfinder units were not used in our formation. For fighter support see paragraph 3.

Paragraph 7: These details are known about the following missing A/C: 861-X [42-29861], 481-B [42-31481] and 523-M [42-3523] were all reported shot down by rockets from E/A [Enemy Aircraft] just around the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] within a few minutes of each other. 861-X and 523-M went down at the same time and 481-B soon afterwards. From the latter A/C [Aircraft] four parachutes were seen. The crews were so busy about this time they did not have a chance to follow the other distressed A/C, therefore details are meager. 780-T [42-30780] was seen straggling just after the bombed target with a badly shattered tail. 905-C [42-39905] was in distress just before the briefed primary, and seven parachutes were reported. 761-D [42-39761], which was the only A/C lost from the low squadron of the Composite Group, was straggling behind the formation over Holland on the route back with two fighters on his tail. One of the fighters was knocked down and the other turned away. This A/C was still going when last seen by our A/C.

[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

Target - Oschersleben   Time Bombs Away: 1206 hours
1. Route followed. - Egmond, Dümmer Lake, Clausthal, 5 mi. SE of Halberstadt, Oschersleben, 5 mi. West of Gifhorn, Dümmer Lake, 3 mi. North Ijmuiden.
2. Visibility at Target. - Clear  Contrails - None
3. Position of Group in relation to other Groups: Low
4. General Axis of attack (Lead A/C) - 333 Degrees Magnetic [Compass Heading].
5. Length of Straight and Level Bomb Run: 1 minute
6. Evasive Action Taken? - Right and left turns
7. Turn after Bombing. - None
8.(a)Number of A/C Damaged By A/A [Antiaircraft] Gunfire:
(b)Number of A/C Lost to A/A Gunfire:
9. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control used:
(a) Route out: At Lingen and Wesepe flak was observed below the formation. These bursts were small, and appeared to be small caliber gun. Moderate, black flak, accurate for deflection but not altitude, encountered at Helmstedt. Continuous following.
(b) Target: None
(c) Route back: Hannover: Moderate flak, black, poor for altitude, and out of range. Ijmuiden (Coast): Meager flak, fair for height and deflection. Predicted concentration.
10. Comments, Phenomena: One crew reports that between IP and primary, probably near Halberstadt, 3 rocket shells burst in front of ship. The bursts were pink flashes which threw out burning objects attached to small white chutes. Two of these burning objects drifted within 100 feet of the ship, and it was distinctly seen that they were attached to small chutes.
11. No. of A/C Carrying "Window" [Chaff]: None dropped by this group.
Observed Results:____

Target - Oschersleben    Time Bombs Away: 1156 hours
1. Route followed. - Egmond, South end of Dümmer Lake, Clausthal, 5 mi. SE of Halberstadt, Oschersleben, 10 mi. West of Gifhorn, North edge of Dümmer Lake, 7 mi. North of Ijmuiden.
2. Visibility at Target. - Clear  Contrails - None
3. Position of Group in relation to other Groups: High
4. General Axis of attack (Lead A/C) - 200 Degrees Magnetic.
5. Length of Straight and Level Bomb Run: 1 minute
6. Evasive Action Taken? - Right and left turns
7. Turn after Bombing. - Left
8.(a)Number of A/C Damaged By A/A [Antiaircraft] Gunfire:
(b)Number of A/C Lost to A/A Gunfire:
9. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control used:
(a) Route out: Several black, inaccurate bursts observed over Minden. Several large inaccurate bursts, pink in color seen in Halberstadt area. Those were inaccurate for altitude but in front of formation.
(b) Target: 8 bursts of black flak seen in target area. These were black and inaccurate for both altitude and deflection.
(c) Route back: Moderate flak observed over Hannover. This was black, accurate for altitude, but this group was to the right and well out of range.
10. Comments, Phenomena: None
11. No. of A/C Carrying "Window" [Chaff]: None dropped by this group.
Observed Results:____

A/C 831-H, 510th Squadron: “I wish to mention that the gunners of our group were on the ball. Many E/A were shot down without claim. The formation under attack was fine.” - Lt. Eickhoff, Pilot.

[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-3136, 511th Squadron, returned early. Pilot claimed that intense gasoline fumes were throughout the aircraft. Investigation revealed no leak whatsoever in fuel system.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-39834, 511th Squadron, One small flak hole through right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, skin and fabric damaged.
   2. Airplane No. 42-29849, 511th Squadron, Small flak hole in leading edge of right wing, skin damage only. Small flak hole in #3 cowling, resulting in bent push rod housing on #8 Cylinder and a chip off a cylinder fin of #8 cylinder on #3 Engine.
   3. Airplane No. 42-29835, 511th Squadron, Two .50 caliber holes in right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. One .20 mm hole through vertical stabilizer, skin and structural damage. Small flak hole in fuselage forward of main entrance, skin damage only. One .20 mm glanced off of right wing between #3 and #4 Engines, shell did not penetrate wing, skin and corrugation damage only. Two small flak holes in left wing outer panel, skin damage only.

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FLAK, FRIEND, FIGHTER
   3		3		2		1

1. Abortives:
   1. None
2. Battle Damage.
   1. Airplane No. 42-29858, 508th Squadron, Small flak hole through left wing tip, skin and corrugation damaged. Small flak hole in skin of fuselage below radio hatch on left side of aircraft. Small flak hole in cowling of #3 engine, skin damage only. Flak hole of fuselage aft of left waist window, skin and four control cables damaged, flak also made small hole in skin of fuselage aft of right waist window as it left the ship. Flak hole in left wing underside, inner panel, skin, corrugation and structural damage.
   2. Airplane No. 42-39849, 508th Squadron, Small flak hole through right wing outer panel, skin, corrugation and Tokyo tanks damaged. Small flak hole through fabric of right Aileron. One .303 caliber hole in leading edge of left wing outer panel, skin, corrugation and spar damaged. One .303 caliber hole in leading edge of left wing near landing light lens, skin, corrugation, and spar damaged.
   3. Airplane No. 42-29863, 509th Squadron, Small flak hole in cowling of #1 Engine underside, skin damage only. Right horizontal stabilizer tip demolished by flak. Small flak hole in fabric of right aileron. Small flak hole just behind Navigator’s escape hatch, skin damage only. Small flak hole through right wing outer panel, skin and corrugation damaged. Two inch flak hole through fabric of rudder. One .303 caliber hole underside of left wing behind #4 Engine nacelle, skin, corrugation and spar damaged.
   4. Airplane No. 42-29848, 510th Squadron, Small flak hole in left wing outer panel, skin and corrugation damage. Small flak hole in fabric of left aileron. Flak hole through right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, skin, fabric and structural members damaged. Small flak hole through center of left horizontal stabilizer, skin damage only. Flak hole in right wing underside behind #3 Engine near trailing edge of wing, skin and corrugation damage.
   5. Airplane No. 42-29835 [The plane numbered 9835 in the 510th Sqdn. was 42-39835], 510th Squadron, Flak hole through center of right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, skin, fabric and structural damage.
   6. Airplane No. 42-37825, 511th Squadron, Small flak hole through left wing inner panel, skin, corrugation damage only. One flak hole in top of right wing inner panel near #3 Engine, skin and corrugation damage only.

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FLAK and FIGHTER
   6		6		4		2

1. Due to the fact that all aircraft and crews have not yet returned to base from the Mission of 11 January, 1944, the data on armament failures is not yet available.
2. Such information will be submitted as soon as possible.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has submitted an estimated expenditure of 118,000 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition for the Mission of 11 January, 1944. This figure includes 54,000 Rounds of Ammunition in the six aircraft missing in action.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported that 4,125 rounds of .50 Cal ammunition were expended on the Mission of 22 December, 1943.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 11 January, 1944.

1. The following data indicates the disposition of bombs on the Mission of this date:

MAXIMUM LOAD OF THREE SIX [36] M FOUR SEVEN [M-47] INCENDIARY BOMBS WITH M ONE ZERO EIGHT [M-108] FUZES WILL BE LOADED USING SIX AND ONE HALF INCH TOGGLE SLINGS. BOMBS WILL BE SUSPENDED AS FOLLOWS: SINGLE BOMBS ON OUTBOARD ONE HUNDRED POUND STATION NUMBERS ONE, THREE, FOUR, TWELVE, FOUTEEN, TWENTY-TWO, TWENTY-FOUR, TWENTY-FIVE, THIRTY-THREE, AND THIRTY-FIVE: DOUBLE BOMBS ON ALL INBOARD ONE HUNDRED POUND STATION NUMBERS FIVE, SEVEN, NINE, FIFTEEN, SEVENTEEN, NINETEEN, TWENTY-SIX, TWENTY-EIGHT, THIRTY, THIRTY-SIX, THIRTY-EIGHT AND FORTY. NUMBERS TWENTY-ONE AND FORTY-TWO WILL CARRY ONE SINGLE BOMB EACH. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT EXTREME EMERGENCY WILL BOMBS ARMED WITH M ONE ZERO EIGHT [M-108] FUZES BE SALVOED.

Aircraft No. P-42-3136 Squadron 511   Pilot - Lt. R.D. McCarthy
Time of Abortive - 0900  Location when Aborted - Deenethorpe
Reason - Gas fumes throughout entire ship.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed:] R. D. McCarthy
Altitude: 8,300 feet   Disposition of Bombs: On Board

Interrogation of B-17 Crew A/C Number 749Z 351st Gp.:
351st Gp. A/C 845 went down 1125 at 52°05’N - 09°20’E, afire 9 chutes seen. [Handwritten in] This A/C scheduled to fly but did not take off. [Pilot:](Bartzocas)
351st Gp. A/C 905 [Handwritten in, Pilot:] Garner, Number 2 Position, 2nd Element, Lead Sqdn., afire at 1130, Target area, dove down from 19,000 [feet]. 7 chutes.
351st Gp. A/C 861 [Handwritten in, Pilot:] Cannon, Number 2 Engine, wings shot up, straggled back, lost to sight.
B-17 Gp. “G” Letter N, vertical stabilizer shot away, straggler, lost sight of near Dutch Coast.
B-17 Gp. “B” Letter V or Y, at 1315, 30 minutes before reaching coast, dropped wheels, went down, Number 3 afire, from 15,000 [feet], wing, tail blew off. No chutes.

1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:

   a. Lead Box
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 9654–B, 9858–G, 9849–V*	(3)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 9863–Y, 9749–Z, 9861–X, 0780–T*	(4)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 9905–C*, 9948–J, 8028–Q*, 9835–N*, 9831–H, 1481–B*, 3523–M*, 9925–L	(8)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7825–Q*, 7780–G*	(7)
   b. Composite Sqdn. Flying Low Sqdn. High Box
   Sqdn 508th A/C:	(0)
   Sqdn 509th A/C:	(0)
   Sqdn 510th A/C:	(0)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 9857–H*, 9761–D*, 9834–F*, 9849–U, 3136–P, 9835–Y	(6)
   * Denotes A/C with Tokyo Tanks

2. Target: GY-4801
   
3. W/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 Call Sign	WDB  Daisy Chain		Squadron	510 Call Sign	UYZ  Paramount
   Squadron	509 Call Sign	MFR  Riding Whip		Squadron	511 Call Sign	LXD  Thick Frost

4. Low Box: Taxi – 0805;     Take-Off – 0820;     E.T.D. Over Field – 0913
5. Composite Sqdn.: Taxi – 0800;     Take-Off – 0815;     E.T.D. Over Field – 0815

6. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   1003	15,000 Ft	Lowestoft

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   1330	20,000 Ft	52°37'N - 04°37'E

8. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   1410	5,000 Ft	Great Yarmouth

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return): 1441 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: 12 x 500 pound G.P., Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/100 Tail - Non Tokyo [A/C] - 6 x 500 Lb. GP's [General Purpose]
    509 Squadron: 12 x 500 pound G.P., Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/100 Tail
    510 Squadron: 12 x 500 pound G.P., Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/100 Tail
    511 Squadron: 12 x 500 pound G.P., Fuse - 1/10 Nose, 1/100 Tail
12. Bomb load of Each A/C: Composite Sqdn.
    508 Squadron: Max - M-47A1 IB [Incendiary Bomb] - [36] Non-Tokyo ships- 18 M-47A1 IB's
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
13. Fuel Load of each A/C: Tokyo A/C 2400 Gallons Non-Tokyo 2100 Gallons
14. Group Leader:
    a. Low box: Name: Donald E. Floden Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: 7825-Q Sqdn. 511
15. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None   
16. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
17. Low Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	9654–B	0824		509	9863–Y	0829½
    	9858–G	0823½			9749–Z	0830
    	9849–V	0825			9861–X	0833
    					7845–F	Scrubbed
    					0780–T	0835
    510	9905–C	0828		511	7825–Q	0823
    	9848–F	0831			7780–G	0824½
    	8028–Q	0832
    	9835–N	0827
    	9831–H	0826
    	1481–B	0826½
    	9925–L	0828½
    	3523–M	0850½

18. Composite Box - Low Sqdn, High Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    511	9857–H	0458½
    	9761–D	0510
    	9834–F	0504
    	9849–U	0504½
    	3136–P	0821	1036
    	9835–Y	0830½

    Report Compiled By Rocky F. Civizzio
    
    

    Sqdn.	A/C Letter	Designation	Box	Remarks
    511	3136–P	Abortive	Composite	Terrific Gas Fumes in Ship

 The assigned target was an aircraft factory and assembly at Oschersleben, Germany. Only six planes from the 511th Squadron, flying in a composite box, bombed the primary target. The other planes attacked a target of opportunity at Konigslutter. Twenty-two planes flew the mission, led by Captain Oldham and Lt. Floden with Lt. Badger as navigator and Lt. Trollinger as bombardier. The bombing of the squadron in the composite box was unobserved, but the others dropped their bombs in the northeast section of Konigslutter.  The German Air Force evidently made an all out effort to stop this raid, sending up from 100 to 150 fighters. This included FW 189s, FW 100s, ME 109s, ME 110s, ME 210s, DO 217s, JU 88s and even a few Stukas. They began their attacks immediately after the fighter escort left a few minutes before the I.P. and continued for 45 minutes. The single-engine fighters employed their familiar tactics, peeling off in echelons of from two to five and barrel rolling through the formation from all directions. The JU 88s tried air-to-air bombing, while the twin-engine planes used rocket-firing guns. ME 210s flying behind the wing in similar formation were not recognized for what they were until they suddenly peeled off in trail for vicious tail attacks.  Six planes were shot down by the fighters. Lt. Cannon in 42-29861, Lt. Garner in 42-39905, Lt. Case in 42-31481, and Lt. Procak in 42-3523 went down between the I.P. and the target. Lt. Myers in 42-30780 and Lt. White in 42-39761 went down after bombing the target. The loss of Lts. Cannon and Myers ended a remarkable run. The 509th Squadron had flown 52 missions during some of the fiercest air battles the Group was to encounter. These were the first losses due to enemy action since June 13, 1943. All surviving aircraft had to land at coastal airfields on their return to England as 9/10 stratus covered Polebrook.

• A/C# 42-29861  RQ-X "Buckshot"   Pilot: 1st Lt. Cannon, Harold C.   A/C's 31st Mission    MACR # 1936

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  According to the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII," page 36, the plane was shot down by German fighters.
  
   In a statement filed in the MACR, John E. May, the Co-pilot stated, "All Crew bailed out at approx. the same time. Navigator Lt. Georg M. Farrell - Back wound. Bombardier Lt. Robert H. Wood - Shot in arm & hand." The aircraft struck the ground, "Within 2 miles from bailout." A German document misfiled in MACR 1937 says that A/C 42-29861 crashed 7 km east of Salzgitter, Germany between 1215 and 1220 hours. The plane was 95 percent destroyed and was scattered over an area of 300 meters. According to statements one engine was on fire when it crashed.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Cannon, Harold C., from Washington State, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. May, John E., from New Jersey, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Farrell, George M,. from California, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Wood, Robert H., from Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt. Ball, James B., from Florida, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt. Kallas, Paul, from Ohio, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt. Emmick, Richard W., from New York, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - S/Sgt. Kittilson, Wayne A., from Montana, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Trujillo, Manuel, from California, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt. Brodsky, Robert, from New York, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-39905 YB-C  Pilot: 1st Lt. Thomas D. Garner  A/C's 2nd Mission   MACR # 1937

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

   According to the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII," page 36, the plane was shot down by German fighters.
  
   According to a document in the MACR filled out by a crew member it states, "It is believed the tail gunner, Ralph C. Foster, was shot going out the door and was dead when he got out. That he was shot in the back by machine gun fire that hit his heart." Another questionaire filed by a crew member says, "Thomas D. Garner, pilot, told me that the Germans told him that Ralph C. Foster's chute had never opened. I was told by my pilot that he had been shot through the heart and was killed instantly." He was buried in Weissenborn, Germany on 13 Jan. 1944.
   A crew member's statement in the MACR reads, "Erwin G. Huggett was in the hospital in Nordhausen with his arm off and had a blood transfusion from the pilot." He died the next day and was buried in Nordhausen Cemetery on the 14 Jan. 1944 at 1100.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Garner, Thomas D., from Washington State, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Hodgson, Edward R., from Massachusetts, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. DiPrima, Toney, from Georgia, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt, La Shier, Albert F., from New York, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Pyles, Victor B., from West Virginia, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Warden Bruce W., from Tennessee, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Commings, Keith S., from Michigan, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt. Heffernan, William O. Jr, from Ohio, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Huggett, Erwin G., from Michigan, Died as Prisoner of War.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt. Foster, Ralph C., Killed in Action.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Erwin G. Huggett, Sergeant, from Michigan, Date of Death: January 12, 1944, Buried: Plot A Row 43 Grave 2, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium. Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal.
    
  • Ralph C. Foster, Burial: Sulphur Springs Cemetery, Morgan County, Illinois.
    
    

  

  
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• A/C# 42-31481   TU-B   Pilot: Lt. Richard J. Case  A/C's 1st Mission   MACR #1941

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

   According to the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII," page 36, the plane was shot down by German fighters.
  
   The documents in the MACR report that the aircraft was attacked by German fighters and the tail gunner Raymond E. Howard was hit. The whole crew except Howard bailed out and the plane crashed near Gottingen, Germany. After they were captured Howard's body was removed from the plane by the pilot and the left waist gunner, Simmons. They carried his body in a truck from the plane to a small town between Hanover and Gottingen. There the Germans took care of him. Howard was not a regular crew member. He was a fill in on that last mission.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Case, Richard J., from Michigan, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Smith, George E., from Indiana, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Jackson, Edward P., from California, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 1st Lt. Steed, David L., from Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt. Hansen, Donald L., from Washington State, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt. Wiersma, James, from Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt. Simmons, Harry G. Jr., from Florida, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - S/Sgt. Peters, Harold J., from Minnesota, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Flanzbaum, David W., from New Jersey, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt. Howard, Raymond E., Killed in Action.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov

  • Raymond E. Howard, Staff Sergeant, From: California, Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Buried: Plot C Row 12 Grave 27, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium. Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-3523 TU-M  "April Girl"  Pilot: 2nd Lt. George J. Procak  A/C's 11th Mission  MACR #1940

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

    According to the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII," page 36, the plane was shot down by German fighters.
  
   In the MACR # 1940 there is paperwork dated 21 August 1945 requesting the Commanding Officer of 1020 AAF Base unit, Miami Beach, Florida, to interrogate 2nd Lt. George B Neely [the co-pilot] with reference to any information which he may know concerning the whereabouts of the left waist gunner,d Sergeant Peter J. Goinvic.
   1. Second Lieutenant George B. Neely, 0654391, has been interrogated by this office regarding the status of Sergeant Peter J. Goinvic. He furnished the following information:
  
   Lieutenant Neely was co-pilot on a B-17 plane on a mission to bomb Oschersleben, Germany, on 11 January 1944. The target time was about 1150 hours. About thirty (30) minutes before reaching the target, Lt. Neely's plane was subjected to a furious attack by eight (8) enemy fighters. The altitude was 20,000 feet. The plane received 20-mm hits from nose to tail. The bomb bay section was set afire which prevented Lt. Neely from going to the rear of the plane. One burst of 20-mm shell entered the cockpit and injured the pilot severely in the right leg and foot. This was followed by a hit in the waist section by a rocket. Lt. Neely saw the pilot pull the bailout alarm. At this time both wings of the plane were on fire. Lt. Neely then went into the nose of the plane and found the bombardier and engineer attempting to reach the fire with a fire extinguisher. Lt. Neely then indicated to them that they were to leave the plane. He then reached up and got his parachute, tapped the pilot on the leg and indicated that he was leaving the plane. He then left the plane by the nose escape hatch. While he was in the air, Lt. Neely counted three (3) parachutes in the air in addition to his own.
  
   He landed some distance from the other crew members and did not join them until two (2) days later at Paderborne, Germany, where he found Lieutenant J.S. Trumbower and Sergeant Cipriano. Since both of these men had been in the nose section neither of them know anything of the events that occurred in the rear of the plane. He was taken to Dulag Luft at Frankfort and the only information furnished him by the interrogators there was that Sergeant Burgess had been killed and his body was found in the tail section of the plane which broke away after the rocket hit.
  
  2. Lieutenant Neely furnishes the following hearsay information:
   While he was at Lucky Strike Camp at LeHavre, France, [after being liberated from POW camp] he talked to Sergeant Williams who told him that before he left the plane he put parachutes on Sergeant Goinvic and Sergeant Chelstowski, both of whom had been severely hurt and whom he thought were dead. Sergeant Williams then threw both men out the waist door. Sergeant Williams said that he knew that the tail gunner had been hit and was probably dead but he could not reach him. He then obtained his own parachute and left the plane. Sergeant Williams also told Lieutenant Neely that he was the last one to leave the plane from the rear section.
  
  3. Lieutenant Neely estimates that the scene of the crash was approximately fifty (50) miles east of Paderborne.
  
  4. It is the opinion of Lieutenant Neely that Sergeants Williams and Chelstowski could furnish the best information regarding Sergeant Goinvic. He is also of the opinion that if Sergeant Williams' story can be corroborated, he should be cited for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.
  [Signed:] Theodore J Hieatt, Major, Air Corps, Chief, intelligence and Security Division.
  
   Sergeant Eugene R. Chelstowski the right waist gunner was also interrogated as to what happened to Sergeant Goinvic. The document states:
  In interrogation of Sergeant Eugene R. Chelstowski, information was brought to light that the left waist gunner on this particular mission had been introduced to him that day as "Hughes." Sgt. Chelstowski further states, that both he and the left waist gunner were hit in the face and head by flak to the extent that neither could see the other thereafter. He states that both left the ship, but that he does not know whether chute opened, since he could not see the other man concerned.
  
   T/Sgt John J. Cipriano was interrogated on 5 Sept. 1945 and gave this statement in an affidavit:
  "On the 11 January 1944 I was flying Engineer Gunner of the crew on a B-17 airplane. At this time I was stationed in England. S/Sgt. Otis L. Williams, ball turret gunner, Sgt Eugene R. Chelstowski, right gunner - waist, S/Sgt Peter J. Goinvic, left waist gunner, T/Sgt Sol E. Susman, radio operator, S/Sgt E.T. Burgess, tail gunner, Lt. George J. Procak, 1st Pilot, Lt George B. Neely, Co-pilot, Lt. James P. Keating, Bombardier, Lt. Jerry S. Trumbower, Navigator, and I were crew members of this B-17. At this time all were members of the 351st Bomb Group, 510 Bomb Squadron. On that day we took part in an air raid over Germany. The plane was shot down just before we reached the target. The tail gunner was dead in the plane and we left him there. Everybody else bailed out."
  
   I later saw S/Sgt Otis L. Williams after we were captured. He told me that he put chutes on Sgt Eugene R. Chelstowski and S/Sgt Peter J. Goinvic and helped them get out of the plane when we bailed out. He said, "They were wounded and needed help." He further said that S/Sgt Peter J. Goinvic was "Still missing." I have no personal knowledge about the whereabouts of S/Sgt Peter J. Goinvic." [Signed] John J. Cipriano
  
  Other documents in the MACR, from German records, report that plane 42-3523 crashed at Pilgrin, Germany, 3 km. south east of Schörborn and was scattered over a 1 km. radius.
  
  Another German document in the MACR reports that Williams, Keating, Procak and Susman were captured by a Policeman in the vicinity of Silberborn on 11 Jan. 1944 between 1300 and 1700 o'clock and were delivered to the Army Airbase at Goettingen on 15 January 1944.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Procak, George J., from Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Neely, George B., from Texas, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Trumbower, Jerrold S., from Florida, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Keating, James P., from Massachusetts, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Cipriano, John J., from New York, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt. Susman, Saul E., from Indiana, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Goinvic, Peter J., from New York, Killed in Action.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt. Chelstowski, Eugene R., from Connecticut, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Williams, Otis L., from Alabama, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt. Burgess, E. T. Jr., from Texas, Killed in Action.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Peter J. Goinvic, Sergeant, Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Buried: Plot A Row 1 Grave 14, Brittany American Cemetery, St. James, France, Awards - Purple Heart, Air Medal.
  • Edmond T. Burgess Jr., S/Sgt., Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Burial: Johnson Cemetery, Joaquin, Shelby County, Texas.

  

  
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• A/C# 42-30780 RQ-T "Eager Eagle II"  Pilot: 2nd Lt William H. Myers  A/C's 10th Mission  MACR #1938

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

     German fighter aircraft attacked the plane from five o'clock high. The plane went into a spin and exploded before anyone had a chance to bailout.
   Lt. William Carmichael, the navigator, wrote in a casualty questionnaire filed in the MACR: "Sgt William N. Bloshko, Sgt Herbert H. Bivens and myself were either blown out of the plane by the explosion or thrown out due to the disintegration of the plane at approximately 1125 hours, 11 Jan. 1944, approximately 30 miles south of Hanover. The questionnaire also asked: "In what condition did you last see any members of the crew." His reply was: "Sgt Bivens and Bloshko both were seen in LeHave, France [Camp Lucky Strike] after the defeat of Germany and were in good condition." Sgt. Bivens had spent six months in German hospitals for a bullet wound treatment. He was injured in the plane and the bullet had nicked his spine. Lt. Carmichael also reported that John Hart, the copilot, was at the nose escape hatch, had released the door just before the explosion. He had not jumped when the plane went into a dive. Carmichael also said he handed Arthur Jones, the Bombardier, his parachute pack and believes Jones was pinned in the nose section because of the spinning plane and couldn't get out. The top turret gunner, Clyde Caudle, is believed to have gone down with the plane as he was not seen at the nose escape hatch or in the fuselage and the bomb bay doors were closed so he couldn't have escaped that way.
  
   The radio operator, Lavern Sherman's body was reported to have been seen close to the wreckage of the plane with his parachute unopened. Whether he was thrown out of the plane or failure of his chute to open is unknown. The crew member reported he didn't believe Sherman had a chance to bail out as the bomb bay doors were closed and he was not seen at the nose hatch or in the fuselage. The waist gunners reported the Ball Turret Gunner, Herbert Bivens, had exited the ball turret, put on his parachute and was ready to leave the plane immediately before the explosion and disintegration of the plane. The crew member did not believe he was able to bail out because the plane was in a spin.
  
   The condition of Mansfield, the tail gunner, was described in the MACR by a fellow crew member as "severely wounded" but he was able to crawl to the waist section, his arm practically shot off, and in semi-conscious condition due to loss of blood. He had left his parachute in the tail section and went down with the plane.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Myers, William H., Killed in Action.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Hart, John B. Jr., Killed in Action.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Carmichael, William F., from Arkansas, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Jones, Arthur M. Jr., Killed in Action.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Caudle, Clyde M., Killed in Action.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Sherman, Lavern W., Killed in Action.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Bloshko, William N., from New Jersey, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt. Bivens, Herbert H., from Tennessee, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Ricci, John S., Killed in Action.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Mansfield, James W., Killed in Action by 20 mm. fighter attack.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • John B. Hart, 2nd Lt., Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Burial: Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, Plot: 3, 0, 1518-E. [Buried along with Clyde M. Caudle, see below.]
  • Arthur M. Jones Jr., Second Lieutenant, From: New York, Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Buried: Plot D Row 23 Grave 15, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium. Awards - Purple Heart.
  • Clyde M. Caudle, T/Sgt., Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Burial: Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, Plot: 3, 0, 1518-E. [Buried along with John B Hart, see above.]
  • Lavern W. Sherman, Technical Sergeant, From: New York, Date of Death: January 11, 1944, Buried: Plot E Row 6 Grave 7, Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands. Awards - Purple Heart.
  • James W. Mansfield, Sgt., From Pennsylvania, Burial: Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

  

  
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• A/C# 42-39761 DS-D "Fireball II" Pilot: 2nd Lt. Thompson E. White  A/C's 13th Mission   MACR #1939

•  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  The radio operator, Harry Kratz, wrote in a questionnaire filed in the MACR: "that the plane crashed near Sleen, Holland at 1330 hours. The plane's No. 4 engine was shot out and could not feather the propeller and No.1 engine was knocked out and feathered: No. 2 engine was hit and caught fire as did the left wing." All members of the crew bailed out at 5000 feet and all their chutes opened. The plane blew up just before it hit the ground. Sgt. Elkin saw Sgt. Hitow being led off after landing, he heard Hitow was taken to the hospital because a flak burst had torn his tail guns to pieces and filled his hand full of metal and leather from his gloves. In prison camp he was still removing some of them. Several crew members heard the the pilot, 2nd Lt. Thompson White broke an ankle when landing in his chute. Sgt Elkin was hiding in the woods and later met up with Sgt. Kratz, Sgt. Snyder and Sgt. Mellen. These four men evaded capture and traveled through France toward Spain. Sgt. Clyde Mellen wrote in a questionnaire, "Kratz, Elkins and Snyder [were] last seen on border of Spain and France. I was captured and they made it into Spain. All three were in good condition. Date was 6 Feb 1944. Soderling, Watson and Hitow I found in the prison camp, Stalag 17B. All were in good condition but Hitow, who had a lot of flak in one hand.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. White, Thompson E., from Oregon, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Wilkie, Valleau Jr., from New Jersey, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Nose Gunner - T/Sgt. Soderling, Peter A., from Indiana, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Warren, Freed Jr., from Tennessee, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt. Mellen, Clyde L., from Utah, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Kratz, Harry D., Evaded Capture and returned to England.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Elkin, Norman E., Evaded Capture and returned to England.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt. Watson, John H., from Georgia, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Snyder, Walter R., Evaded Capture and returned to England.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Hitow, Hymen A., from Michigan, POW at Stalag 17B Braunau Gneikendorf Near Krems Austria 48-15, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.