351st Bomb Group

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0511 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0630 hours at 8,500 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 0715 hours at 23,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 0835 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 0845 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 9/10ths. Tops 19,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 2 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 220 degrees. 53 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. Radio
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. Radio and Pilotage
   9. Joined task force at 0712 hours at 23,000 [feet].
   10. Departed English Coast at 0712 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 0742 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ___ hours.
       2. Coming back: ___ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 250 degrees.
       2. 53 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: Pilotage
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 0905 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 030 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 26,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 0944 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: ____
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: GEE out.
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix ____
       2. Time ____ hours.
   17. Comments: ____

Group: 351st
Target: Leipzig, Germany
Method of Bombing: P.F.F.
Altitude: 26,000’
Direction of Attack: 030° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 250°
Wind Velocity: 53 K
Bombardier’s Narrative: At the Initial Point, the Wing Leader called for bombing in Wing Formation on the PFF ship. Just prior to “Bombs Away” time, a visual run was decided on and a 360° turn was made for another run. On second run, target was found to be obscured by smoke and clouds. Bombs were dropped on the smoke bombs of the PFF ship at 0944 hours. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used. A shallow turn was made at the I.P. in order to get proper interval.

[Signed:] Clay J. Pinner, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Pinner, Clay J.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Viste, Gerald D. Navigator - 2nd Lt. Gallagher, Thomas J.
Aircraft B-17G   077-W  Take-off - 0510 Landed - 1333
Objective - Leipzig, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Dropped on PFF ship’s smoke bomb.
Initial Point - As briefed.
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 17   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: (PFF)
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: ____   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 250 LB. AN-M57 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 18   Released - 18
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - Dropped on PFF Ship.
Information at Release Point:  A.P. [Aiming Point] obscured by smoke and clouds.

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Not seen
Mean Temp. Metro -8.5 Actual -8.5
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 250°  Velocity - Metro 58  Actual 53K
Temp C. - Metro -30° C. Actual -34° C.

1. The target for this group was the plant of the Mitteldeutsche Motorenwerke at Leipzig, Germany. Smoke and cloud obscured the target and bombing was done by PFF method.
2. Bombs away can be plotted and an estimate of where they hit was worked out by using information furnished by the lead bombardier. Bursts can be seen in that area through clouds, but a definite pattern cannot be plotted. The area is 5,290 feet to the right of the target.

1. No leaflets were dropped.
2. Bombing results were unobserved because of smoke and clouds. There is no photo evidence.
3. Approximately 30 E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were seen by this Group flying High Box of the CBW [Combat Wing], but of this number only about 6 ME-109’s and FW-190’s made attacks. About 25 T/E [twin engine] E/A, principally ME-410’s with a few JU-88’s, made one pass from head-on against the Lead Group of the CBW, then swept underneath this Group. The S/E [single engine] E/A attacked from 6 o’clock above, around 0940 hours, during the second run on the target. Colorings were black or gray, and many had red noses, yellow noses, checkerboard markings, and a few yellow bellies. The enemy pilots appeared inexperienced. This Group offers no claims.
4. There was moderate to intense, fairly accurate flak during the first bomb run over the Leipzig area. After a 360° [turn], there was accurate flak for a second bomb run, which was both barrage and continuous following. There was meager inaccurate flak at Stoszen [Stöβen] at 0905; moderate fairly accurate [flak] at Zeitz at 0932, and meager accurate flak in the Merseburg area at 0933.
5. 2/10ths clouds were encountered enroute to target, with dense persistent contrails; 4/10ths clouds over the target. Contrails made formation flying difficult at times.
6. Smoke screens were seen at Bremen, Hannover, Leipzig and Brunswick. A B-17 without identification markings and with red border around wings and tail formed with this Box over England, flew along to the border of Germany, and then left the formation.
7. PFF units were not employed. Fighter support was good up to the target and on the first run; there was no support during the second run, when attacks by E/A were encountered. Three parachutes from a Glatton A/C were seen in the target area.

1. Target: Assigned - Leipzig, Germany Bombed - Leipzig, Germany
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed. Two runs were made over the target, with a 360° turn to the right after the first run.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 2-4/10ths clouds  B. En route - 3-4/10ths clouds
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - Dense, persistent only over England.
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: 5. Moderate to intense, fairly accurate during the first run, accurate during the actual bomb run. Many of the bursts were low. Both barrage and continuous following were used.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Stoszen 0905, 26,000 – meager, inaccurate.
 Zeitz, 0932, 26,000’ – moderate, fairly accurate.
 Merseburg area, 0933 – meager, height good, deflection fair.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? Starting one minute before I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]
8. Position of Group - High
9. Group – 351st A/C over enemy terr. – 17, A/C damaged – 14, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 1943, 
Time of bombs away – 0943, Height – 26,000’, Axis of attack – 30° Mag. Bomb run – 150 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None

    509th Squadron
A/C 108-Y: We need more instruction on the bombing formation; -- we could see bombs above us clearly. – Lt. Dawson.
A/C 078-G: An Armament man told us today that our ammunition supply is going to be cut in half. We have barely enough now; we’d rather bring ammo back than to be caught short. – Lt. Balliett and all gunners.
A/C 169-N: Fighter support completely disrupted by “flubbing the dub” over target. Too damn many 360’s. – Whole Crew.

    510th Squadron
A/C 082-B: Tail gunner would be a good man to have a hand camera. – Lt. Magness.

    511th Squadron
A/C 492-B: If I had had a gun today, I would have had several good shots. Why is there no gun in radio position? – S/Sgt. Hardesty, Radio Operator.
A/C 524-D: Gunners want incendiaries in ship along with tracer bullets. – Sgt. Cameron.
Tail fuses on bombs were not tight. – Lt. Consoli.
A/C 318-S: There was no reason for making a second run on the target. – Lt. Karagiannis.

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

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37515, 510th Squadron, returned early because the Navigator noticed an oil leak on the #2 propeller governor. Investigation revealed a small leak at the base of the propeller governor. The leak was insufficient to cause any mechanical failure. (Personnel)
   2. Airplane No. 42-107124, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   3. Airplane No. 43-37571, 511th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 44-6078, 509th Squadron. Three flak holes through left wing. Two flak holes top of fuselage navigator’s compartment.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37676, 509th Squadron. One flak hole through right elevator. One flak hole through vertical stabilizer. One flak hole through right waist window. One flak hole through right side of fuselage below waist window. One flak hole left wing, inboard panel, cutting fuel hose. One flak hole in fairing between left bomb bay door and left wing.
   3. Airplane No. 44-6108, 509th Squadron. One flak hole bottom of tail section. One flak hole leading edge of left stabilizer near fuselage. Two flak holes bottom of left wing, damaging Tokyo tank. One flak hole #1 nacelle.
   4. Airplane No. 44-6077, 509th Squadron. One flak hole through right aileron. One flak hole bottom of left outboard wing panel. Flak damage to #4 nacelle.
   5. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron. One flak hole through rudder. One flak hole right side of tail section. One flak hole top of left wing inboard panel just rear of leading edge.
   6. Airplane No. 44-6078, 509th Squadron. Three small flak holes top of right wing inboard panel. One flak hole top of right wing outboard panel. Flak damage to plexiglass nose section. One flak hole bottom of right inboard wing panel.
   7. Airplane No. 42-38028, 510th Squadron. Fabric tear by flak to left elevator. Flak damage to connection between right elevator and stabilizer. One flak skin break in each wing tip. Flak tear through rudder. Flak hit circumferential stiffener right side of fuselage between stations 6 and 7. Flak hit leading edge right wing damaging fairing and #2 oil cooler. Flak damage to #2 ring cowl. Skin damage by flak to both bomb bay doors. Flak damage to bulkhead, leading edge of left stabilizer.
   8. Airplane No. 42-38038, 510th Squadron. Twenty millimeter [shell] entered top of right wing and exploded causing numerous small holes, damaging feeder tank #3, spar, flap actuating rod, bulkheads, and fuel vent lines. Flak damaged skin of leading edge of left stabilizer. 20 mm. damage to bulkheads of left wing, having entered at bottom of inboard panel.
   9. Airplane No. 42-97376 (PFF). Skin damage to leading edge of left wing between stations of fuselage and #2 nacelle.
   10. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron. Skin damage by flak to underside of right wing inboard panel, emerging through top. Flak damage to leading edge of right stabilizer. Skin damage by flak to right side of fuselage just forward of stabilizer.
   11. Airplane No. 42-31238, 511th Squadron. Two flak holes through right stabilizer. Flak hole bottom of right inboard wing panel, damaging skin, corrugation and Tokyo tank. Three .30 cal. skin holes bottom of fuselage between ball turret and bomb bay doors.
   12. Airplane No. 42-97492, 511th Squadron. Flak damage to rudder, skin and fabric.
   13. Airplane No. 42-31748, 511th Squadron. Flak damage to right aileron and trim tab.
   14. Airplane No. 42-102952, 511th Squadron. Flak entered leading edge of left wing and emerged through top of inboard panel. Flak hole leading edge left wing tip. Two flak holes leading edge left wing. Large tear by flak in underside left wing, outboard panel.
   15. Airplane No. 42-97318, 511th Squadron. Flak hole bottom of left wing tip. Flak hole leading edge right wing tip. Large flak dent in fairing to oil cooler left wing and two flak dents in leading edge left wing. 20 mm. [shell] exploded in vertical stabilizer tearing two formers and cutting stringers. Flak hole bottom of right wing inboard panel.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		DAMAGE BY FLAK		BY FLAK AND FIGHTERS
   15		15		12		3

1. The following armament malfunctions were reported on the Mission of 29 June, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-107077 – One bomb jettisoned. Ship checks out OK, but A-4 release will be replaced.
   2. A/C 42-97196 – Bombardier released early on pilot’s order, and said that right side would not salvo. He further stated that he toggled bombs on right side. Investigation shows that all bombs were salvoed. Ship checks out OK.
   3. A/C 44-6078 – Nine bombs dropped on target and nine jettisoned later. The bombardier was wounded before releasing bombs. Ship checks out OK.
   4. A/C 42-38038 – Bombs were jettisoned early on pilot’s orders.
   5. A/C 42-31238 – Navigator-Bombardier could not release bombs. Pilot released bombs with emergency release in pattern. Ship checks out OK.
   6. A/C 42-97492 – Bomb bay doors would not operate electrically. Check out OK on ground; however, motor will be replaced.
   7. A/C 42-97318 – Left rack released OK. Bombardier had to throw salvo switch six times to release right side two minutes late. Salvo-micro switch will be replaced.
2. Ten (10) all electric aircraft were used.

Aircraft No. 571 Squadron - 511   Pilot - Long, William P.
Time of Abortive - 0735  Location when Aborted - Enemy Coast
Reason - Lost Formation.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 24,000 ft.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] William P. Long
[This A/C was a Flying Spare for this mission.]


Aircraft No. 107124 Squadron - 510   Pilot - Neal
Time of Abortive - 0729  Location when Aborted - [Mid-Channel between Norwich, England and Alkmaar, Netherlands.]
Reason - Spare
Disposition of Bombs: B.B. [Brought back.]
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 24,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: (F/S) [Flying Spare]
[Signed] A. D. Neal



Aircraft No. 43-37515 Squadron - 510   Pilot - Fultz
Time of Abortive - 0642  Location when Aborted - Cottesmore Buncher
Reason - Oil leak on prop. gov. [governor] #2 eng. on feathering line.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 21,500’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Irvin R. Fultz

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 6077–W, 6078–G, 7169–N, 6108–Y, 7676–L, 7216–U
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 6082–B, 8038–R, 7515–L, 7196–M, 8028–Q, 7077–D, (7127–F Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7524–D, 2952–H, 1238–A, 7318–S, 7492–B, 1748–V, (7571–X Spare)
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ____

   
   
2. Target: GY-4673
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T UMW R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T LJH R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T JMH R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T NMT R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. High Box: Taxi – 0500; Take-Off – 0515; E.T.D. Field – 0515
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0708	21,500 Ft	Splasher #5

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0740	23,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°40'E [3 miles WSW of Alkmaar, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1130	23,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°40'E [3 miles WSW of Alkmaar, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1224	10,000 Ft	Splasher #5

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1253 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: None
    509 Squadron: 18 x 250# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: 18 x 250# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: 18 x 250# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. High Box: Name: J.D. Vist Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: 6077-W  Sqdn. 509th
    b. ____ Box: Name: ___ Rank: ___ A/C: ___ Sqdn. ___
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
    
    Lead Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	None			509	077–W	____	____
    					078–G	____	____
    					179–N	____	____
    					108–Y	____	____
    					676–L	____	____
    					216–U	____	____
    510	082–B	____	____	511	524–D	____	____
    	038–R	____	____		952–H	____	____
    	515–L	____	____		714–R*	____	____
    	196–M	____	____		318–S	____	____
    	028–Q	____	____		492–B	____	____
    	077–D	____	____		748–V	____	____
    	124–F	____	____		571–X	____	____

    [* 714-R was replaced by 1238-A.]
    
    

    Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.