351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
2. Time Schedule:

   "A" Box
   Stations   –	0350
   Start Engines –	0400
   Taxi     –	0410
   Take Off   –	0425
   Last Take Off –	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Angouleme M/Y [Marshalling Yard]
   Secondary: Landes de Bussac A/D [Airdrome]
   Last Resort: Any bridge, road center, troop concentration, or other obj. [objective] of mil. [military] importance in movement of enemy troops not adj. [adjacent] to a built-up area & which can be bombed visually.
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: 12 x 500 – 1/10 x 1/100
   351 “B”: ____
   Composite: ____
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - A-238 - Karragiannis
   Chaff: 144 units – discretion of C.W. [Combat Wing] Commander.
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2600 gallons
   Remarks:
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	Comp. Group	Comp. CBW
   Lead	351st
   Low	351st
   High	351st

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	1st A-B-C-D	Bordeaux	0615
   2nd	94th A	Augoleme	0623
   3rd	94th B	Augoleme	0625
   4th	40th A-B-C-D	Nantes Bridge	0645
   5th	41st A	La Possonniere (viaduct)	0653
   6th	41st B		0655
   7th
   8th
   2nd Division	430 A/C	A/D at Guyancourt (Paris + St. Cyr)	0615
   		Rail Facilities Tours Area
   3rd Division	440 A/C	A/D near Paris Toussus [-le-Noble]
   		Beauvais Noball
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]		1 Force to Merseburg

   
   Remarks: 2 min. between C.B.W.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover: - Base Reference Altitude – 18,000’

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     _________	____	____

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead Box
   High Box
   Low Box

   
   “B” CBW will be assembling at 10,000’.
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Navigators, Bombardiers and Radio Operators:
    Bombing will be done visually.
    Chaff will be released over target areas at discretion of Group Commanders.
    A German Panzer Division is entraining at target, destroying this unit while loading will mean one less division against us at beach head – 30 trains required. Army requested target.
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	____
    Visual Bombing -	____
    Authenticator –	Boxcar
    Recall -	Horse + Buggy
    Weather Code -	BITVA
    Release "CHAFF" -	Tin Hat

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st "A" CBW Lead	Woodcraft Red	GY [Green Yellow]
    351st "A" CBW High	Woodcraft Grey	YY [Yellow Yellow]
    351st "A" CBW Low	Woodcraft Brown	RG
    351st "B" CBW Lead	Woodcraft Blue	RY
    351st "B" CBW High	Woodcraft Pink	G
    351st "B" CBW Low	Woodcraft Green	R
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance 5, Balance
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove 5 - 5
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    _____		______
    _____		______

    Remarks:
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	GG	W	F
    0800 – 1400	YY	I	J
    1400 – 2000	RG	G	O

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except below:
    2. - O-595, R-714, F-124 [R-714 was replaced by L-534 & F-124 was replaced by R-192]
    3. - 8 AF Z-202, A-238, D-146
    4. - Available to all A/S/R. [Air/Sea/Rescue]
       
    
    
16. Let-Down on _____, if overcast.
    351st A Lead  360° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B Low  340° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    401st A High  20° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields. - TANGMERE
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    1. Camera Ships to return early – V-509 (Olson), Y-108 (Dawson), F-153 (Willard), M-196 (Walker).
    2. Interval between boxes will be 600’ after departure from buncher.
    3. Spares turn back at enemy coast.
    4. Box leaders & deputy take-off 5 minutes early.
    5. Wx Ship - Carlton M. - Mike
    

1. General Narrative. Thirty-nine aircraft, including one flying spare and the PFF aircraft scheduled to lead the 94th “A” Combat Wing formation, took off at 0421 – 0450 hours. A normal buncher assembly was made at Deenethorpe at the briefed altitude (13,000 feet for the Lead Box). All points were made good over England, and departure from the English coast was made at the briefed time at 16,500 feet.
    The briefed route was followed into the target. Slight variances are noted on the track chart.
    Interval was taken for bombing the briefed primary target visually. All three boxes bombed on C-1 without difficulty. Good results are reported for the 94th “A” Combat Wing.
    There was a deviation of course made on the withdrawal. Instead of turning south towards the secondary target after bombing, the formation continued on a straight course of 300°, and left the French coast northwest of Cognac, France. The Brest Peninsula was crossed without incident. The remainder of the route was flown without incident except for a few bursts of flak when the English coast was crossed at Portland Bill at 2,500 feet.  No flak or enemy aircraft were encountered while over enemy territory.
    The briefed course had been resumed west of the Channel Islands and was closely followed to base. Let-down was made while over the Channel. Landings were made at base without incident at 1147 – 1218 hours.
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Aircraft 42-97196, pilot Lt. Walker, returned from 52°20’N-01°40’W [Near Wroxall, England] because of internal failure of the #2 Engine. Aircraft 42-31702, pilot Lt. Woodrum, returned early as planned. This aircraft had been scheduled as a flying spare. Aircraft 42-97492, pilot Lt. Power, returned from the Deenethorpe buncher when the oxygen leaked out of all systems.  The remaining thirty-six aircraft continued as indicated in the General Narrative to attack the primary target.  Due to a rack malfunction, aircraft 42-38028, pilot Lt. Gibbons, did not drop its bombs on the target. Bombs were later jettisoned in the Channel. Other malfunctions are indicated in the Armament Report.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. No aircraft were lost on the Mission of 15 June, 1944.
   
4. Combat Wing Air Commander. Lt. Col. Elzia Ledoux flying in Aircraft 42-97651 (PFF) led the 94th “A” Combat Wing.
   
   

1. No fighters, flak, or trouble was encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 [Autopilot] was used on the bombing run and was not disengaged by the pilot until the end of the run.
3. Target was picked up eight (8) minutes before “Bombs Away”.
4. The briefed A.P. [Aiming Point] was used.
5. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].
   
   

1. No fighters or flak were encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 [Autopilot] used satisfactory.
3. Smoke from previous bombing made it impossible to pick up the briefed aiming point.
4. Because of the intense smoke of the lead and low boxes, I was forced to select an alternate aiming point. The entire Marshalling Yard was covered with smoke and I selected as visual aiming point 072064/1.
5. A normal turn was made at the initial point.
   
   

1. No flak or fighters encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 [Autopilot] was satisfactory.
3. No trouble was had in picking up the target.
   
4. The briefed M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] was used.
5. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].
   
   

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Robinson, Elmer R.  Pilot - Capt. Grunow, Albert E.r Navigator - 1st Lt. Whitehead, George I.
Aircraft B-17G   651-Y  Take-off - 0421 Landed - 1147
Objective - Marshalling Yards at Angoulême, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - North end of yards.
Initial Point - As ordered
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ONE
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: ____   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 LB. AN-M43 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12   Released - 12
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Good
Mean Temp. Metro +2.5 Actual +2.5
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310°  Actual 325°  Velocity - Metro 52  Actual 46
Temp C. - Metro -21° C. Actual -19° C.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Behrendt, Allan D.   Pilot - Capt. McClusky, Sterling L. Navigator - 1st Lt. Volotta, Alexander
Aircraft # 955-P  Take-off - 0410  Landed - 1208
Objective - Marshalling Yards at Angouleme, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Alternate Aiming Point (072064/1)
Initial Point - As ordered
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Attacking A/C in Group - 12    Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation - ONE
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 LB. AN M-43 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12    Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10    Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:   Briefed A.P. covered by Smoke

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Alternate A.P. (072064/1) Hit
Mean Temp. Metro +2.5 Actual +2.5
Winds - Altitude - 20,600 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310° Actual 325° Velocity - Metro 52 Actual 46
Temp C. - Metro -21° C. Actual -21° C.

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Loiacono, Joseph   Pilot - 1st Lt. Nay, Benjamin F., Jr. Navigator - 1st Lt. Simmons, Max G.
Aircraft # 005-Q  Take-off - 0422  Landed - 1204
Objective - Marshalling Yards at Angouleme, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Center of yards
Initial Point - As ordered
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Attacking A/C in Group - 12    Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation - ONE
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 LB AN M-43 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12    Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10    Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - On Target
Mean Temp. Metro + 2.5 Actual + 2.5
Winds - Altitude - 19,400 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310° Actual 325° Velocity - Metro 53 Actual 61
Temp C. - Metro -21° C. Actual -18° C.

1. The target for the three boxes of this Group was the Marshalling Yard at Angouleme, France. Photo coverage is excellent.
2. The bombs of the Lead and Low boxes hit almost at the same time and the patterns merge. The Lead box bombs hit in the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact] area and approximately 50% of the bombs are on the M/Y [Marshalling Yard]. There is a possible hit on a roundhouse and a possible hit on a viaduct. A heavy concentration fell on a siding containing six trains. The pattern is 1,881’ by 1,197’ and the MPI is as briefed.
3. The bombs of the Low box fell on the briefed MPI but the pattern was scattered. Approximately 60% of the bombs are on the M/Y [Marshalling Yard]. There should be damage to a goods shed and to two trains on the main yard. The pattern is 1,539’ by 1,368’ but several scattered bursts are not included.
4. The bombs of the High box fell approximately 1,500’ to the left of the briefed MPI. Some of the bombs fell into the smoke of the Lead and Low boxes. The approximate area covered is 1,300’ by 1,440’.
5. Railroad activity at time of bombing included two long trains on the main yard and six trains on a siding.

    508th Sqdn.
A/C 949-G Every morning we get out to get our guns cleaned early – then have to wait for transportation and have to rush to get through in time. – All gunners.

    509th Sqdn. A/C 077-W We don’t see why we have to let down and come home through cloud. Why not stay at altitude? It would be much easier. – Lt. Mertzlufft.
A/C 144-R Let’s get the rations in the ship. We had nothing to eat. – All Crew Members.
A/C 202-Z Group leading was excellent but squadron leading was very poor. – Lt. Sutton.
A/C 676-L P-47’s should not come in like E/A [Enemy Aircraft]. – Lt. Sloboda.

    510th Sqdn.
A/C 560-A We would like a little more time in the morning, in view of the truck shortage. – Lt. Fultz.
A/C 515-L Formation formed with extremely variable air speeds and planes spread out too far. I don’t think we had sufficient time to pre-flight the plane. – Lt. Auten.

    511th Sqdn.
A/C 238-A We don’t understand why we can’t get 48 hour passes and seven day leaves; they are important. - Lt. Brots.
  A crew that came to this Group at the same time we did have ratings already; we haven’t -- why not? - EM. [Enlisted Men]
A/C 005-Q We sat in dispersal for one hour waiting for transport. We were the 12th ship to land. – Capt. Crews.
A/C 216-Y I suggest that a flap be attached to the front of the flak suit so the oxygen tube can be clipped on. – Lt. Zotollo.

[Signed] Stephen R. Callahan, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31702, 508th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97196, 510th Squadron, returned early because of internal failure of #2 Engine.
   3. Airplane No. 42-97492, 511th Squadron, returned early because of a leak in the Pilot’s Oxygen Warning Switch.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. NONE.

1. The following armament malfunctions were reported on the Mission of 15 June, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-97926 – Four bombs salvoed on target. Checks out OK. Charging cable on left ball turret gun broke.
   2. A/C 42-31192 – One bomb dropped with Intervalometer. Remainder salvoed on target. Ship checks out OK on ground.
   3. A/C 42-30499 – Two bombs were salvoed on target. Ship checks out OK.
   4. A/C 43-37524 – Two bombs returned to base. Ship checks out OK.
   5. A/C 42-97169 – Electrical system on this aircraft was out before mission. Bombardier was told to salvo. Bombardier failed to turn sleeve on release handle. Therefore, could not salvo. Pilot released bombs with emergency release.
   6. A/C 42-38028 – Bombardier claims he could not push release handle into “Select” on bombing run. Later bombs were jettisoned by pushing release handle past “Select” into “Salvo”.
   7. A/C 42-31879 – Six bombs on right side were returned to base. No attempt was made to salvo. Ship checks out OK. Probable cause: Bomb bay selector switch on right side was not turned on.

1. Following interrogation a negative report is hereby submitted for operational mission No. 1 of this date.

Aircraft No. 97492 Squadron - 511   Pilot - Lt. Power
Time of Abortive - 0540  Location when Aborted - Deenethorpe Buncher
Reason - All oxygen leaked out of all systems.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 12,000 ft.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: None
[Signed] W. M. Power



Aircraft No. 42-97196 Squadron - 510th   Pilot - Walker
Time of Abortive - 0550  Location when Aborted - 52°20’N-01°40’W [Near Wroxal, England]
Reason - All the oil coming out of #2 through the breather. Oil pressure dropped off. Had to feather.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 13,000 ft.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Charles M. Walker, 1st Lt.



Aircraft No. 31702 Squadron - 511   Pilot - Woodrum
Time of Abortive - 0638  Location when Aborted - 10 miles from French Coast.
Reason - Ball turret would not operate.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 16,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Spare
[Signed] C.R. Woodrum, 2nd Lt.

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

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 7727–N
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 6077–W, 7595–O, 7144–R, 7193–P, 7169–N, 6108–Y, 7216–U, 7676–L, 7202–Z, 7926–X, (0499–Q Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 511th A/C: [None]
   P.F.F. Sqdn 324 A/C: 7651–C

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: (1702–A Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7005–Q, 7216–Y, 1714–R, 1748–V, 7381–U, 1875–P, 6139–K, 8153–F, 7571–X, 7492–B, 1238–A, 7524–D

   
   

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 8146–O, (2949–G Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 2955–p, 1509–V, 7124–F, 7077–D, 7512–S, 7252–K, 8028–Q, 7515–L, 1560–A, 6082–B, 7196–M
   Sqdn 511th A/C: [None]

   
   
2. Target: Z-796
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MXX R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T NWO R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T UOW R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T SBZ R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0410; Take-Off – 0425; E.T.D. Field – At Take Off
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0623	16,000 Ft	Selsey Bill

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0645	20,000 Ft	49°23'N-01°00'W [Le Pont Du Hable, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1034	20,000 Ft	49°23'N-01°00'W [Le Pont Du Hable, France]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1107	5,000 Ft	Selsey Bill

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1200 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "N"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: Same
    510 Squadron: [None]
    511 Squadron: [None]
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: [None]
    510 Squadron: [None]
    511 Squadron: Same (1238-A - 2 nickel Bombs - 10 x 500 G.P. 1/10 x 1/100)
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: [None]
    510 Squadron: Same
    511 Squadron: [None]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2600 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: E. Ledoux Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: 7651-C  Sqdn. 324th
    b. Low Box: Name: R.W. Crews Rank: Capt. A/C: 7005-Q Sqdn. 511th
    c. High Box: Name: S.L. McCluskey Rank: Capt. A/C: 2955-P Sqdn. 510th
    
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By J.C. Muesing, S/Sgt.