351st Bomb Group

Zero hour = 1130
Gunners briefing = 0535
Officers briefing = 0600

1. Check to see that all Pilots know Assignment.
2. Time Schedule:

   Lead Box "A"			Low Box "B"
   Stations –	0935 1005		Stations -	0945 1015
   Start Engines –	0945 1015		Start Engines -	0955 1025
   Taxi -	0955 1025		Taxi -	1005 1035
   Take Off -	1010 1040		Take Off -	1020 1050
   Leave Buncher 10,000' -	1139		Leave Buncher 8,000' -	1130

3. Target – Gütersloh [Germany] for 1st & 94th A; Lippstadt for 40th, 94th B; Werl for 41st A & 41st B
4. Bomb Loading: High Box – 500 x 12 Lead Box – 500 x 12
    Low Box - 100 x 24 Composite Box
   Gasoline Loading – Normal and 2100 in Tokyo ships.
   Chaff – None   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets]– Heller in [Plane] 780
5. Wing Formation – 94th C.B.W. – Third in 1st Division. 94th “B” to guide right on 94th “A”.
   Lead Box – 351st High Box – 457th Low Box – 351st
   Composite Box – Lead Sqdn.  High Sqdn.  Low Sqdn. –
6. Fighter Cover: (good)
7. Group Assembly is: – Buncher
8. Navigator - _____
9. S-2 - _____
10. Weather - _____
11. Code Words –

    PFF Bombing	_____
    Visual Bombing	_____
    I.P.[Initial Point of Bomb Run] -	_____
    Authenticator –	Clambake
    Recall -	_____

12. Special Instructions – Maintain Radio silence – Only CW [Combat Wing] Leader will initiate call. Ships will not use Sylvester D/F for Assembly purpose. Also use proper procedure whenever calling for homing from Sylvester. Pilots continually check VHF Transmitter light.
    Delay bombs in 499Q, 835N, 857H (Lead) 141H, 823C, 756R (Low)
13. Lead Crews Report to Target Room.
14. Dismiss all but Pilots and Co-Pilots.
15. Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Tail Letters
    351st A	Ragweed Red	RY [Red Yellow]	J
    351st B	Ragweed Brown	R [Red]	J
    401st A	Ragweed White	RY [Red Yellow]	S
    401st B	Ragweed Silver	R [Red]	S
    457th A	Ragweed Blue	G [Green]	U
    457th B	Ragweed Green	G [Green]	U
    94th C.B.W.	Ragweed	RY [Red Yellow]	J S U
    1st C.B.W.	Goonchild	RR [Red Red]	A L
    40th C.B.W.	Bullpen	YY [Yellow Yellow]	B G H
    41st C.B.W.	Fatgal	GG [Green Green]	C K P

16. 	Call Sign	Channel
    U.S. Fighters	Denver Two-one to Two-Six	C (U.S.)
    Bombers	Goldsmith Two-Three	_____
    Grnd. Control	Tackline	_____
    R.A.F. Fighters		_____
    Bombers		_____
    Grnd. Control		_____

17. Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0700 – 1300	R – RR	L	O
    1300 – 1900	Y - YR	C	W

18. Special Instructions –
    1. Ships to Monitor Channel "B" – Lead – T384, Q499 – Low – S866, G858
    2. Ships to Monitor Channel "C" – (U.S.) Lead - F845, D987 – Low - H141, T994
       Ships to Monitor Channel “C” – (R.A.F.) ______
       Ships to Monitor Channel “D” Air Sea Rescue
    3. • Let Down on Splasher # Deenethorpe Buncher
         Let Down Headings 351 A – 10 degrees mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
         Let Down Headings 351 B – 25 degrees mag.
         Let Down Headings 401 A – 10 degrees mag.
         Let Down Heading 401 B. – 25 degrees mag.
         Let Down Headings 457 A. – 40 degrees mag.
         Let Down Headings 457 B. – 40 degrees mag.
         2nd element Lead squadron stack left for bombing. High squadron close up and in.
         Don’t waste your bombs
19. Flying Control
20. Any Questions?

1. General Narrative. Sixteen (16) aircraft of the 351st Bomb Group took off at 1040 hours, forming over Deenethorpe Buncher at 10,000 feet. The briefed route over England was flown, departure at the coast was at 1218, approximately two (2) minutes late; but in proper Division order. The enemy coast was crossed with fifteen (15) aircraft in formation, one (1) having aborted due to an oil leak.
    The route to the primary was without incident, except that the primary was obscured by clouds. The target of opportunity was chosen, but we were unable to bomb because of the collision course with another formation.
    A second target of opportunity, the airdrome at Achmer, was bombed on AFCE [Automatic Flight Control Equipment] with excellent results. The Low Group followed in trail and bombed the same target of opportunity.
    The route out was slightly north of course due to weather conditions. The enemy coast was re-crossed at 1538. All aircraft returned safely to England.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Sixteen (16) aircraft took off and formed the lead box formation as shown on the attached diagram. One (1) aircraft, 42-39835, returned early because of an oil leak in the #2 Engine. Investigation disclosed the leak to be in the oil line leading to the propeller governor. This ship was not dispatched. The remaining fifteen (15) aircraft completed the mission, bombing the target of opportunity as indicated in the attached diagram.

1. General Narrative. Sixteen (16) Aircraft of the low box took off at 1050 hours, and formed at 8,000 feet over the Deenethorpe Buncher. The Combat Wing assembly was as briefed and departure from Deenethorpe was on time. The Combat Wing departed the English Coast at about 1218, arriving at the enemy coast at 1308.
    The primary target was obscured so a target of opportunity, the Achmer Airdrome, was chosen. This box bombed visually with excellent results, though photo interpretation is difficult due to smoke from the lead box pattern.
    The rally after bombing was executed rapidly and the return home was uneventful. The English coast was re-crossed at 1607 over Lowestoft.
    Flak and enemy opposition were light. One (1) aircraft, 42-29858, aborted before departing England, and crashed due to inability to maintain altitude with two engines on the final approach. The crew was evacuated before the explosion. Injuries to the crew were slight – the Pilot and Co-Pilot suffered facial lacerations and the Bombardier a broken arm.
    Aircraft 42-30866 lost one engine after bombing and was unable to hold formation. He was last seen crossing the enemy coast and being attacked. He subsequently ditched twenty (20) miles off the English Coast. Seven (7) crew members were rescued, two (2) of whom died at Yarmouth that evening. Enemy action and engine failure are the prime causes of the ditching. All other aircraft returned to England.
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Sixteen (16) aircraft took off and formed the low combat box as indicated in the attached diagram. A/C 42-29858, not dispatched, returned early with the #1 Engine feathered. On the final approach, the aircraft crashed landed, burned, and exploded. A/C 42-5823, dispatched, returned early because of the runaway propeller on #3 Engine. Investigation revealed faulty propeller governor. A/C 42-5824, dispatched, returned early because the Pilot thought he was low on fuel. Investigation revealed that there was approximately 900 gallons of fuel aboard the aircraft when it landed. Total engine time for this aircraft was three hours. A/C 42-29812, dispatched, sortie, jettisoned its bombs before the target following severe battle damage.

1. The take-off and assembly were as briefed, with the lead box forming on the Deenethorpe Buncher at 10,000 feet, the high box at 12,000 feet and the low box at 8,000 feet. The assembly was accomplished without incident and the lead box left the buncher two (2) minutes late. The low box pulled into formation a few minutes after leaving the buncher, but the high box did not join the Combat Wing Formation.
2. The Combat Wing was one (1) minute late at Spaulding, and on time at King’s Lynn, when the Combat Wing took its proper position in the Division formation. The route to the target was without incident. The primary was obscured by a complete overcast. The Combat Wing proceeded from the target area to a point several miles northwest of the target, when a target of opportunity (town) was spotted through a break in the clouds. A 360° turn was made and a run started on this target, but the run had to be abandoned when another combat wing flew in front of the 94th Combat Wing.
3. The Combat Wing then proceeded to a point a few miles northwest of Osnabrück, where an airfield was selected as a target and bombed with apparently good results. The Combat Wing then joined another combat wing and returned to England without incident; the route being slightly north of briefed route to take advantage of breaks in the undercast for pilotage. The Combat Wing let down through a hole in the undercast and returned to base by boxes.
4. Fighter support was fair. The fighters were flying too high above the Combat Wing to give effective support. Fighter rendezvous were as briefed. At the target of opportunity, several fighters made attacks on the low box of the combat wing. Attempts were made to contact the fighters with no results.

1. Take off was as scheduled. The group assembled on the Deenethorpe Buncher at eight thousand feet (8,000’).
2. We left Deenethorpe on time and in formation with the lead group.
3. The formation while bombing was fair and the assembly after bombing was accomplished with very little trouble. Fighter and flak opposition on our particular group was light.
4. One (1) aircraft, 42-30866, Lt. Kogelman, Pilot was last seen leaving enemy territory under the undercast. One engine feathered, probably due to engine trouble rather than enemy action.
5. The return trip was uneventful. Heavy Contrails gave a little trouble at one time just before the target; but we never completely lost sight of the lead group. The primary target was covered by ten-tenths clouds. The Wing Leader picked a secondary target and we bombed in trail with him.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1040 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1142 hours at 10,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW at 1145 hours at 10,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1158 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1300 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 7/10ths. Tops 8,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 10 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 73 degrees. 55 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. DR, GEE, RADIO PILOTAGE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. GEE
   9. Joined task force at Cromer at 1218.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1218 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1310 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ____ hours.
       2. Coming back: ____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. ____ degrees.
       2. ____ knots per hour.
       3. How determined: Bombardier
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1417 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 350 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 19,500 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1451 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: PILOTAGE, 10/10 over Primary. OK over Secondary.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: None.
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 52°38'N-04°44'E
       2. Time ____ hours.
   17. Comments: Primary target obscured, bombed target of opportunity (airport) vicinity of Osnabrück .

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1050 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1135 hours at 8,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW at 1138 hours at 9,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1152 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at ___ hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 8/10ths. Tops 6,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 10 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 61 degrees. 28 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning] and PILOTAGE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. PILOTAGE
   9. Joined task force at 1218 hours at 12,000 feet.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1218 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1308 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1320 hours.
       2. Coming back: ____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 61 degrees.
       2. 28 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: _____
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP at ___ hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 360 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 19,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1452 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: Osnabrück on my right on the run with railroad going north. Canal running east west by airfield.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: Tuned in the buncher but the needle oscillated thru 100° area.
   16. Gee:
       1. (1) Coordinates of furtherest fix 52°38’N-04°45’E
       2. (2) Time 1310 hours.
   17. Comments: Weather prevented bombing of Primary so Wing Leader picked Target of Opportunity.

Group - 351st Lead Gp
Target - Airfield N.W. of Osnabrück
Method of Bombing - C-1 [Autopilot]
Altitude - 20,000
Wind Direction - 61°
Wind Velocity - 32 MPH
Direction of Attack, Magnetic Heading - 351°
Remarks:
Briefed primary target was obscured by clouds. A target of opportunity was sought on the way out. An airfield eight miles North-west of Osnabrück, Germany was sighted and a run made on a 351° magnetic heading. Revetments and camouflaged building on South-east end of field was chosen as Aiming Point and bombs were away at 1451.

[Signed:]Archer M. Baird, Captain, Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - Capt. Baird, Archer M.   Pilot - 1st Lt. Clay, R. B.  Navigator - 2nd Lt. Pullen, M.R.
Aircraft # 42-38032 (P) Take-off - 1043  Landed - 1657
Objective - Airfield eight miles North-west of Osnabrück, Germany (Target of Opportunity)
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - ____
Initial Point - Center of Building and Revetments on edge of Field.
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - ___   Composite Group - ___
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - 351st Lead   Composite Group - ___
Range Sighting only, Group - ___    Composite Group - ___
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 lbs G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12    Released - 12
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Center of revetments on edge of Field.
Mean Temp. Metro -17° Actual -17°
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 60°  Actual 61°  Velocity - Metro 35  Actual 32
Temp C. - Metro -34° C. Actual -32° C.

Group _351st LOW
Target - Airfield at Achmer, Germany
Method of Bombing - Manually
Altitude - 18,600’
Wind Direction - 64°
Wind Velocity - 32 MPH
Direction of Attack, Magnetic Heading - 360°
Remarks:
Briefed Primary target was obscured by cloud cover and target of opportunity was sought on a general heading for enemy coast. Lead Group contacted an airfield at Achmer, Germany. A run was made on a magnetic heading of 360°. Cluster of buildings on East side of airfield was chosen as Aiming Point and bombs were away at 1452.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Lee, Robert E.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Cruthirds, Leslie S. Navigator - 1st Lt. Sullivan, Edward L.
Aircraft # ___  Take-off - 1040 Landed - 1656½
Objective - Building on East side of field (target of opportunity) Achmer, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - Building on East side of Field.
Initial Point - ___
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Attacking A/C in Group - 13   Composite Group - ___
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation - one
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - 351st Low   Composite Group - ___
Range Sighting only, Group - [Unreadable]   Composite Group - ___
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 100 lbs M30 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 36   Released - 36
Fusing, Nose - Inst. [Instantaneous]   Tail - Inst.
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Not Observed
Mean Temp. Metro -16 Actual -16
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 60° Actual 61° Velocity - Metro 35 Actual 32
Temp C. - Metro -34° C. Actual -32° C.

1. The target was a target of opportunity and can be positively identified as the Achmer Aerodrome approximately eight miles NW of Osnabrück. The field is well camouflaged. The A/F [Airfield] is used as an operational base for experimental work and special training with fighters.
2. Photo coverage was only fair and smoke from previous bombing partially obscured ground detail.
3. The first bursts are in a well camouflaged barracks area south of the field. The pattern is compact and measures 2,530 feet by 1,846 feet. Ammunition dumps are in this area.
4. A series of twelve bursts are in the SW barracks area. Possible damage includes a hit on a large U shaped building and a hit on a small building.
5. Photo coverage for the Low Group is incomplete. Only two clusters of bombs can be plotted. They are in open fields across the canal from the aerodrome.

1. The 351st Group, Lead and High, bombed a target of opportunity. The Achmer Aerodrome located eight (8) miles North-west of Osnabrück, Germany.
2. The following information has been compiled from the Bombardier’s Narrative Reports, Preliminary Damage Report of this Group, and the Armament Report.
   1. A/C 42-97492, 2nd position, 1st element, Low Squadron, Lead Group, Pilot – Litsinger, and Bombardier – Rufeisen had to salvo bombs. No delay in time release. Armament ground check revealed faulty fuse in solenoid box of bomb bay door motor.
   2. A/C 42-31711, 1st position, 2nd element, High Squadron, Low Group, Pilot – Dixey, and Bombardier – Schmidt. Pilot had to salvo bombs in right bomb bay with a delayed release of five (5) seconds. Armament ground check revealed faulty bomb bay door limit switch.
   3. A/C 42-29925, 1st position, 1st element, High Squadron, Low Group, Pilot – McClusky, and Bombardier – Kiely released thirty-five (35) bombs on target at correct time of release. Had an accidental release of one (1) 100 lb. G.P. bomb in vicinity of Lowestoft, England due to faulty shackle. Bomb was dropped “armed”, point of impact was not seen. Armament ground check revealed no malfunction and malfunction is contributed to high altitude deficiency.
   4. The target was well camouflaged. Bomb pattern from the Lead Group measures 1,846’ X 2,530’ and hits were scored on the ammunition dumps and barracks area on South end of field. Photo cover was fair.
   5. Photo cover for the Low Group is incomplete, but smoke indicates a heavy and accurate concentration of bombs on hangars on East side of field.

1. No leaflets were carried on today’s mission.
2. No photographic evidence is available as yet but most crews reported the bombs in the area of the airfield which was chosen as the target of opportunity.
3. From 15 to 25 E/A were encountered, these consisting of ME 109’s, and twin engine fighters reported variously as ME 110’s, ME 210’s, and JU 88’s. A few FW 190’s were sighted. The enemy made his first appearance about twenty minutes before the formation attacked the target of opportunity and hanging on until a short time after bombs away. Few definite attacks were made on the formation, but those that were made were on the nose and tail of ships in the low squadron. Of the lead group only the high squadron was attacked. No unusual tactics were observed, but twin engined fighters painted black were seen. A twin engined fighter was seen to crash into a B-17 after scudding through the formation, causing both planes to explode.
4. Meager inaccurate flak was encountered over the coast on the route in and also from the Enkhuizen area on the Zuider Zee. At Bielefeld flak was moderate and good for both altitude and deflection. The flak at Osnabrück was reported as moderate to intense, good for altitude, and fair for deflection. Meager flak was encountered over the coast on the route out in the IJmuiden area. This was not accurate on this group but appeared to be accurate on groups following.
5. Up until almost reaching the briefed target the weather was very favorable. However, this target was cloud covered and our combat wing turned back and bombed an airfield as a target of opportunity.
6. On the edge of the Zuider Zee zig-zag fortifications, which looked like shore gun installations, were reported. Good smoke screen near Genemuiden on Zuider Zee. A JU 88 or ME 210 collided with an A/C in the 94th Combat Wing “B” near the target at 1442 and both blew up. Ten ships, possibly all M/V’s [Military Vessels], were counted in the Zuider Zee.
7. No pathfinders were employed. Fighter support was excellent except for a few minutes when there was none around the briefed target. A/C S-866 was last reported by some of our crews coming over the English coast. However, our last radio contact with this A/C was at 52°20’N-02°33’E [Off English coast]. This was immediately relayed to flying control and nothing more has been heard at this writing.

1.Target Assigned - Gütersloh  Target Bombed - Airfield NW of Osnabrück
2. Route as Flown. - 2. 3 miles South of Egmond, 3 miles East of Dümmer Lake, Bad Pyrmont, Nieheim, Gütersloh, two 360° turns in that area, Iburg, Bawinkel, 5 miles North of IJmuiden [Netherlands]
3. Weather Conditions at Target. - 8 to 10/10  En route - 8 to 10/10
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - Unseen (b) Enroute - Unseen
Any Condensation Trails? - Heavy, persistent, over target area
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: While looking for a target of opportunity in Gütersloh area, this formation flew over installations at Bielefeld, Münster, and Osnabrück. This flak was all moderate and good for altitude and fair for deflection. Some white bursts were above the formation. The method of fire control was believed to have been predicted concentrations.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
Egmond – meager flak, inaccurate for both height and deflection – black.
Enkhuizen – meager, inaccurate, and black. Scattered bursts were encountered from briefed IP to bombed target, but these could not be pinpointed due to overcast.
IJmuiden – meager and inaccurate for both height and deflection.
7. Was Chaff carried? - No How discharged? ___
8. Position of Group - Lead and Low Groups, 94th CBW [Combat Wing]
9. Group – Lead A/C over enemy terr. – 15 A/C damaged – 3 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1451 Time of bombs away – 1452 Height – 20,000’ Axis of attack – 350° Bomb run –
Group – Low A/C over enemy terr. – 16 A/C damaged – 3 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1452 Time of bombs away – 1453 Height – 19,000’ Axis of attack – ___ Bomb run – ___
10. Comments - Phenomena:

1. Following is a summary of the Crew Comments following the mission of February 21, 1944:
509th Squadron
A/C 845-F Low Squadron formation flew too close! - Lt. Bartzocas.
510th Squadron
A/C 925-L Turns were too steep. – Lt. Winton.
A/C 612-B Why come back over coast at a heavy flak installation? 401st Group caught brunt of it. – Lt. Walby.
A/C 762-D Need heaters in planes, difficult to fly formation with frigid temperature. - Lt. Borchert.
511th Squadron
A/C 238-A Less 360’s over center of Germany. Too many comments giving out information over VHF by leaders. – Crew.
A/C 492-B Sandwiches wanted instead of English candy. – EM.

[Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-39835, 510th Squadron, returned early because of an oil leak on #2 Engine. Investigation revealed the leak to be in the oil line leading to the propeller governor.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-39760, 509th Squadron. Small flak hole in right wing tip underside. Damage to skin and corrugation. Flak hole in leading edge of wing between #3 and #4 Engines, skin and spar damaged. Two small flak holes in right wing under side outer panel, damaged two Tokyo tanks and skin and corrugation.
   2. Airplane No. 42-31238, 511th Squadron. Very small flak hole in leading edge of left wing near landing light, skin damage only.
   3. Airplane No. 42-39987, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole in plexiglass dome of upper turret. Flak hole in root of left wing underside. Damage to skin, corrugation and stiffeners.
   4. Airplane No. 42-37825, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole through fabric of right aileron. Fabric damaged. Small flak hole in leading edge of right wing near #4 Engine. Skin damage only.

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		DAMAGE BY FLAK
   4		4		4

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-5823, 508th Squadron, returned early because of a runaway propeller on #3 Engine. Investigation revealed a faulty propeller governor.
   2. Airplane No. 42-29858, 508th Squadron, returned early and flew of field with #1 Engine feathered, on final approach the aircraft crash landed, burned and exploded.
   3. Airplane No. 42-5824, 511th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot thought that he was low on fuel. Investigation revealed that there was approximately 901 gallons of fuel aboard aircraft when it landed. Total flying time for this aircraft on mission was three hours.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-29812, 509th Squadron. Many small flak holes in right horizontal stabilizer, caused by flak and .30 caliber bullets. Stabilizer has to be changed. Two .20 mm holes in right wing outer panel on the leading edge of wing, skin, corrugation and two spars damaged. Numerous small flak holes in leading edge of wing between #3 and #4 Engines, skin and corrugation damaged. Three .30 caliber bullet tears in right side of vertical fin, skin and structural members damaged. Left and right side of radio compartment has numerous small flak holes causing damage to the skin and stiffeners.

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK & FIGHTER
   1		1		1

1. Gallonage and Flight Time.

1. Gallonage and Flight Time.

1. The following armament failures and malfunctions were reported on the mission of 21 February, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-29925 – Bombardier reports he dropped thirty-five (35) bombs electrically and that one (1) bomb which had hung up was salvoed. Investigation of the racks show arming system did not trip, which is evidence that the entire load was salvoed.
   2. A/C 42-30994 – Had to salvo bombs. A-2 release became inoperative.
   3. A/C 42-3141 - Had to salvo six (6) bombs. Rack came out of synchronization. Will be shimmed before next mission. Bombardier reported indicator lights out. Bombardier had failed to turn on inverter.
   4. A/C 42-5756 - Bombardier reported intervalometer out. Entire electrical system checks out O.K.
   5. A/C 42-31711 – Bombardier salvoed left bomb bay. Pilot released remainder by emergency release. Investigation revealed bomb bay door limit switch was faulty.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported that 5,870 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition were expended by the lead combat box of the 94th Combat Wing formation on the Mission of 21 February, 1944.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported an expenditure of 24,940 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition by the low combat box formation of the 94th Combat Wing on the Mission of 21 February, 1944. This figure includes 9,000 rounds each, expended by A/C 42-30866 which is missing in action (ditched), and A/C 42-29858 which crashed

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 21 February, 1944.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 21 February, 1944.

1. Following are deficiencies and disabilities as determined by interrogation:
508th Bombardment Squadron:
A/C 994 Shoe burned out. – Lt. Proctor.
509th Bombardment Squadron:
A/C 384 Left glove burned out. – Sgt. Cook.
511th Bombardment Squadron:
A/C 882 F3 suit very warm in chest area, shoes not hot enough. – Sgt. Echstenkamper
Zipper on B-6 shoe broken.

[Signed:] Ernest J. Cater, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Group Equipment Officer

Aircraft No. 5823-C Squadron - 508th-Low Box  Pilot - Lt. Roper
Time of Abortive - 1300  Location when Aborted - 52°30’N-04°25’E [About 6 miles West of IJmuiden, Netherlands.]
Reason - #1 Engine ran away and we couldn’t control it and was too far from target to go in on 3 Engines.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] Richard J. Roper
Altitude When Aborted: 18,500’  Disposition of Bombs: Jettisoned Bombs – Delayed Action
Dispatched [Handwritten]


Aircraft No. 5824-S Squadron - 511th – Low Box  Pilot - Lt. W. B. LeClerc
Time of Abortive - ___ Location when Aborted - Dispatched – Reached Enemy Coast
Reason - Excessive Fuel Consumption
Enemy Opposition Encountered - No
[Signed] ___
Altitude When Aborted: ____  Disposition of Bombs: Returned


Aircraft No. 9835-N Squadron - 510th – Lead Box  Pilot - Lt. W. R. Raser
Time of Abortive - 1225  Location when Aborted - 53°N-02°40’E [About 50 miles NE of Lowestoft, England.]
Reason - #2 Engine lost oil. Started to burn – (Feathered)
Enemy Opposition Encountered -
[Signed] ___
Altitude When Aborted: 17,000’  Disposition of Bombs: Dropped in Channel (Delayed Action)
Not Dispatched [Handwritten]

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

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing Lead Group
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 8032–P, 1384–T, 1725–L, 9760–M, 0499–Q, 7845–F, 7832–N
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 8038–R, 1612–B, 1721–S, 9835–N
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7825–Q, 7492–B, 9987–D, 1238–A, 9857–H, 7780–G

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Combat Wing Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 8023–P, 9858–G, 0866–S, 1702–A, 3141–H, 0994–T, 1711–F, 5823–C, 6151–M,
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 9812–U, 5756–R, 9860–W
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 9925–L, 9848–F, 9762–D
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 1882–F, 5824–S, 3136–P

2. Target: GU4109
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 Call Sign	W/T LBA R/T Daisychain		Squadron	510 Call Sign	W/T RJH R/T Paramount
   Squadron	509 Call Sign	W/T UFV R/T Ridingwhip		Squadron	511 Call Sign	W/T MXA R/T Thickfrost

4. Lead Box: Taxi –0955 1025;     Take-Off –1010 1040;     E.T.D. Over Field –1010 1040
5. Low Box: Taxi –1005 1035;     Take-Off –1020 1050;     E.T.D. Over Field –1020 1050

6. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   1146 1216	12,000 Ft	Cromer

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   1443 1513	20,000 Ft	52°36'N - 04°39'E

8. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   1519 1549	5,000 Ft	Lowestoft

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1547 1611 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    509 Squadron: 12–500 lb. G.P.[General Purpose], [Fuse] - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail - 0499-Q carrying L.D. [long delay] Action Bombs
    510 Squadron: 12–500 lb. G.P.[General Purpose], [Fuse] - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail - 9835-N carrying L.D. [long delay] Action Bombs
    511 Squadron: 12–500 lb. G.P.[General Purpose], [Fuse] - 1/10 Nose, 1/40 Tail - 9857-H carrying L.D. Action Bombs; 7780-G carrying Nickels [Leaflets]
    
12. Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: 36 x 100 lb. G.P., Instanteous Fuse Nose & Tail, 0994-T, 6151-M L.D. Action Bombs
    509 Squadron: 36 x 100 lb. G.P., Instanteous Fuse Nose & Tail, 9812-U L.D. Action Bombs
    510 Squadron: 36 x 100 lb. G.P., Instanteous Fuse Nose & Tail
    511 Squadron: 36 x 100 lb. G.P., Instanteous Fuse Nose & Tail
13. Fuel Load of each A/C:
    A/C with TOKIO TANKS: 2000 Gallons A/C without TOKIO TANKS: 1700 Gallons
14. Group Leader:
    a. Lead box: Name: R.L. Cobb, Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: 8032-P Sqdn. 509th
15. b. Low box: Name: L.S. Cruthirds Rank: 1st Lt A/C: 8023-P Sqdn. 508th
16. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    Stanley J. Parker 1st Lt., 9760-M, 509th
    Raymond L. Cobb Lt. Col., Y-9863, 509th
17. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
18. Lead Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    509	8032–P			510	8038–R
    	1384–T				1612–B
    	1725–L				1721–S
    	9760–M				9835–N		1325
    	0499–Q
    	7845–F
    	7832–N
    511	7825–Q
    	7492–B
    	9987–D
    	1238–A
    	9857–H
    	7780–G	F.T.O.

19. 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	8023–P			509	9812–U
    	9858–G				5756–R
    	0866–S				9860–W
    	1702–A
    	3141–H
    	0994–T			511	1882–F
    	1711–F				5824–S
    	5823–C				3136–P	F.T.O.
    	6151–M
    510	9925–L
    	9848–F	F.T.O.
    	9762–D

    F.T.O. - Failed Take Off.
    Report Compiled By Leo A Curley, T/Sgt.
    
    

    Sqdn.	A/C Letter	Designation	Box	Remarks
    511	7780–G	F.T.O.	Lead	Top Turret Out
    510	9848–F	F.T.O.	Low	Accident on Take Off.
    511	3136–P	F.T.O.	Low	Ball Turret Out
    510	9835–N	Abortive	High
    511	5824–S	Abortive	Low
    508	9858–G	Crash Landed

 The target assigned was Gutersloh, Germany, but bad weather forced the planes to bomb elsewhere. The airfield at Achmer was picked as a target of opportunity. Sixteen planes were assigned to the lead box led by Colonel Cobb.
 Scheduled number three to take off in this lead box, Lt. Evans in 42-29858 lost an engine just after takeoff. Struggling to gain height he turned to the left to try to land from the west. Flying below treetop height around the field, he eventually crash-landed one mile from Oundle.
 The second formation, a low box led by Lt. Cruthirds and Lt. Craven with Lt. Sullivan as navigator and Lt. Lee as bombardier, also lost one ship on takeoff. 42-29848, piloted by Lt. Ritzema, failed to get off the ground, skidding off the end of the runway, fortunately without exploding or injuring the crew.
 Over the target 15 to 25 enemy fighters were encountered, including several twin-engine planes. Most of these did not make vigorous attacks, but considerable accurate flak was encountered.
 The gunners targeted 42-30866, Pistol Packin Mama, knocking out number two and three engines. Lt. Al Kogelman feathered number two, but found his efforts to feather number three unsuccessful so the bomb run was undertaken with a windmilling propeller. Away from the target area, Pistol Packin Mama understandably began to struggle under her impediment, her two operative engines straining well beyond safety limits. As the mission continued, she dropped further and further back creating a situation which the Luftwaffe were ever eager to exploit.
 S/Sgt. Sheldon Johnson was scanning the sky from his left waist position when suddenly he saw the left horizontal stabilizer disappear. It had been sheared off about a foot from the fuselage by 20mm cannon fire. There were also six large holes in the left wing. A FW 190 veered off to the left trailing black smoke and the intercom suddenly came alive with an excited jumble of voices all shouting at the same time.
 Lt. Kogelman quickly restored order and reported control of the ship. S/Sgt. Gil Dennison, the tail gunner, claimed the FW 190 while other reports established the presence of more enemy fighters.
 Sgt. Johnson saw an ME 109 flying a parallel course at eight o’clock high. The fighter turned and came in for the attack. A long burst from the .50 caliber machine gun hit its mark. The ME 109 broke out in black smoke. Banked off to the right and spiraled into the waters of the Wester Schelde. Excited claims for two more fighters were being called over the intercom, but to whose guns they fell to will remain a mystery as a lone P-47 had joined the melee. The presence of the fighter gave Lt. Kogelman the opportunity to dive for cloud cover at a lower altitude. The ship still seemed willing so they took up a course flying on instruments in the clouds. Out over the North Sea the crew began jettisoning equipment in an effort to aid the ailing engines. About 15 miles from the English coast, at 2,000 feet and 115 MPH, Pistol Packin Mama finally succumbed to her aggressors. Two passes by an ME 109 and his wingman riddled both wings and damaged both remaining engines. Pistol Packin Mama was not to die alone. The gunners claimed both fighters, which crashed in the sea nearby. Barely 30 feet above the waves ‘866 stuck to her task. By this time engine number four had gone and ditching was inevitable. Everyone except Lt. Kogelman and Lt. Haynes assumed the ditching position. S/Sgt. Rawdon transmitted SOS signals until the last possible moment.
 The ship clipped the top of an 18 to 20 foot swell and bounced back into the air. The second impact was tremendous. The ship came to an abrupt stop and the tail section snapped off. ‘866 immediately filled with water and sank within a minute. The crew scrambled out of the top hatch while the pilots escaped from their side windows as she went down.
 Within a few seconds six of the crew were in or clinging to a raft. Lt. Armour, S/Sgt. Locke, and S/Sgt. Spicer were clustered together calling for help a few feet away, but before the raft could reach them they disappeared under a huge wave and were never seen again. Lt. Haynes, a very strong swimmer, retrieved the other raft, but it was full of holes and deflated. Sgt. Johnson was lying on the edge of the raft with his arm around Sgt. Denison. Sgt. Dunlap was in the raft holding Sgt. Rawdon out of the water and Lts. Kogelman and Shafer were also in the raft holding on to Lt. Haynes.
 The three men in the water soon showed signs of drowsiness due to the extreme cold, but spirits rose when a squadron of A30s flew over. One ship peeled off, circled the raft and rejoined his flight, but an hour or so later gloom had set in. The raft was now filling with water and both Sgt. Denison and Lt. Haynes showed no signs of life. Then suddenly, they heard the drone of an aircraft. Moments later a P-47 appeared overhead, commencing a circling pattern and dipped its wings. Using their last remaining dregs of strength and spirit, the remnants of Pistol Packin Mama’s crew gave a cheer when a British Air Sea Rescue launch appeared on the horizon. Minutes later they were hauled aboard, some three and a half-hours after ditching. Tragically, Lt. Haynes and Sgt. Denison were found to be dead. The survivors were wrapped in warm blankets and plied with hot rum before being taken to Great Yarmouth and then to a British Naval Hospital. Sgt. Johnson was found to have suffered a broken leg during the ditching. Two days later they were picked up by a 351st ship and flown back to Polebrook where Sgts. Johnson and Dunlap were transferred to ground duties and Sgt. Rawdon to C-47s. Lt. Kogelman continued to fly, completing 30 missions with the rank of captain. Lt. Shafer also flew again but was killed by German citizens when he parachuted from Lt. Dixey’s ship on June 14, 1944.

• A/C# 42-30866   YB-S  "Pistol Packin Mama"  Pilot: Lt. Kogelman A/C's 5th Mission

• Co-pilot 2nd Lt. Carey D. Haynes  Died on 21 Feb 1944 of exposure after his plane ditched in the English Channel.
  From: Indiana, Buried: Plot E Row 1 Grave 36, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England.
  Awards: Purple Heart, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
  
  Click on picture to enlarge.
• Tail Gunner S/Sgt. Gilbert L. Denison  Died on 21 Feb 1944 of exposure after his plane ditched in the English Channel.
  Buried: Gettysburg National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, Plot: SECTION 2 SITE 625
  
  Click on picture to enlarge.

• Bombardier 2nd Lt. William J. Armour  Went missing in action after his plane ditched in the English Channel on 21 Feb 1944.
  From: Utah, Memorialized, Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
  Awards: Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
  
• Waist Gunner S/Sgt. Wesley F. Locke  Went missing in action after his plane ditched in the English Channel on 21 Feb 1944.
  From: California, Memorialized, Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
  Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
  
• Ball Turret Gunner S/Sgt. William F. Speiser  Went missing in action after his plane ditched in the English Channel on 21 Feb 1944.
  From: Illinois, Memorialized, Tablets of the Missing, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
  Awards: Purple Heart, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.