351st Bomb Group

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

   High Box			Lead Box
   Stations   –	0515		Stations   –	____
   Start Engines –	0525		Start Engines –	____
   Taxi     –	0535		Taxi     –	____
   Take Off   –	0550		Take Off   –	____
   Last Take Off –	____		Last Take Off –	___

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Merseburg [Germany]
   Secondary: ____
   Last Resort: ____
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “C”: 10 x 500 GP 1/10 – 1/40
   351 : ____
   Composite: ____
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: Commence release 1 min. before IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] [and continue] for 16 min. 384 units [per A/C [Aircraft]]
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 gallons
   Remarks: ETR [Estimated Time of Return] - 1331
   
   
6. 351st

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

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	94th "A"	Merseburg	0729
   2nd	94th "B"	Merseburg	0731
   3rd	94th "C"	Merseburg	0733
   4th	40th "A"	Merseburg	0735
   5th	40th "B"	Merseburg	0737
   6th	40th "C"	Merseburg	0739
   7th	1st "A"	Merseburg	0741
   8th	1st "B"	Merseburg	0743
   9th	1st "C"	Merseburg	0745
   2nd Division
   3rd Division	3 CBW’s B-24’s	Brussels
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: Base Reference Alt. – 15,000’.
     2 min. interval between CBW’s.
     Division Assembly Splasher #7 to Orfordness.
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     P-51	5030-0720	Balance 4-1 (Front)
     P-51	5030-0720	Balance 4-2 (Rear)
     P-51	5122-1052	Balance 4-3 (Front)
     P-51	5122-1052	Balance 4-4 (Rear)
     P-38	5027-0930	Balance 4-5

     From 5120-0507 to 5013-0624 P-51 Balance 3-1 (Will pick up on tail of column after last bombers have passed and will penetrate to max. range.)

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead	11,000'	Kings Cliffe
   Low	10,000'	Kings Cliffe
   High	12,000'	Kings Cliffe

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation - ____
    B. Camera A/C to return - Lead Box – Underhill A/C [Aircraft] X-926, Hibbard A/C U-216.
        Low Box – Longa A/C R-038, Dreyer A/C C-843.
        High Box – Jizmejian A/C P-258, Brackens A/C P-875.
    1. Lead A/C radio operators will not release chaff. They will maintain a continuous watch on Division frequency except in emergency.
    2. Lead Bombardier M.O. [Mickey Operator] will take scope pictures of target.
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	____
    Visual Bombing -	In Clear
    Authenticator –	Sad Eyes
    Recall -	Army sinks Navy
    Weather Code -	VBTIA Hotmint D - Dog
    Release "CHAFF" -	Tin Hat

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A	Woodcraft Charlie Lead	GY [Green Yellow]
    351st B	Woodcraft Charlie Low	RR [Red Red]
    351st C	Woodcraft Charlie High	GG
    401st A
    401st B
    457th A
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance 4
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	"C" Vinegrove 4-3
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Orfordness		S - Evreux
    C.P. 2 - 5147-0352		P - Reims
    C.P. 3 - 5013-0624		H - Paris
    C.P. 4 - 5100-0900		I - Beauvais
    C.P. 5 - 5122-1052		N - Douai
    C.P. 6 - 5013-0738		X - Brussels
    _____		T - Leige
    _____		O - Coblenz
    _____		W - Kassel
    _____		E - Leipzig
    _____		R - Frankfurt

    
    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	RY	L	Q
    0800 – 1400	GG	J	Z
    1400 – 2000	RR	I	B

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except the following:
    2. - L-676, V-509, S-318
    3. - X-926, R-038, H-952
    4. - All A/C available
       
    
    
16. Let-Down on Kings Cliffe, if overcast.
    351st Lead  045° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st Low   030° Mag.
    351st High   060° Mag.
    401st A   ___° Mag.
    457th A   ___° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - Framlingham - 52°12’N-01°24’E.
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    Spares turn back at Mid-Channel.
    Stay OFF VHF.
    Lead & Deputy Lead A/C T/O [Take-Off] 5 min. early.
    

1. Mission Date - 28 July, 1944.
   1. Target – Merseburg, Germany.
   2. Force – 94th “C” CBW – Thirty-nine aircraft plus three flying spares took off.
   3. Position – Third in 94th CBW and 1st Bomb Division Formation.

   4. Lead Team	CBW Air Commander:	Major Paul L. Fishburne.
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Eli S. Fowler.
      	Navigator:	Captain Carleton A. Cleveland.
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. John W. Heck.

      
      
2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - Carried out as briefed at Kings Cliffe buncher. Assembly was at briefed altitude plus 1,000 feet (12,900’) as per 1st BD [Bomb Division] instructions received shortly before take-off.
   2.  Route Over England – Departed from assembly point one minute late. Chatteris [UK] - departed 30 seconds late. [Departed] Splasher 7 on time and 700 feet below briefed altitude of 15,000 feet.
   3.  Division Assembly – Division assembly line flown as briefed. Departure from the English coast was made on time (0733) and on course at the briefed altitude (15,000’). The 94th “C” CBW was in its proper position (third) in the Division Formation.
   4.  Flight to Target (English Coast to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]) – The route was flown as briefed. The enemy coast was crossed at 20,000 feet, one minute early and all control points were reached with no more than one minute variance in time.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run (IP to Target) – The primary target (Merseburg) was attacked by the employment of PFF equipment. The course from IP to Target was flown as briefed. The entire combat wing formation dropped on the PFF aircraft leading the 94th “C” Wing. Flak was intense but inaccurate on the bombing run. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used. A normal turn was made at the IP. Due to 10/10 undercast, bombing results were not observed.
   6.  Flight From Target (Bombs Away to Base) – Flown as briefed and ahead of schedule. Departure from enemy coast was made seventeen minutes early (at 1207) and 200 feet below the briefed altitude of 20,000 feet. A normal let-down procedure was followed. A divergency [sic] to the south of course was made between mid-channel and base in order to avoid bad weather on the briefed route. No difficulties were encountered.
   7.  Fighter Support – Reported as very good with the exception of a period between 1010 and 1015 hours. However, the support did appear when called to attack the enemy aircraft encountering the formation during this period.
   8.  Comments – (1) Aircraft 42-102952, pilot Lt. Long, was lost as a result of fighter attacks between 1010 and 1015 hours. Lt. Long stayed under the formation for some time after the E/A [Enemy Aircraft] attacks, but is reported as having crashed at 50°22’N-08°23’E [20 miles NNW of Frankfurt, Germany]. Eight 'chutes were seen.
        (2) Intense and accurate flak was encountered in the target area.
        (3) Ten to fifteen enemy aircraft attacked the formation at 1010 – 1015 hours.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – (1) Lead Box: No failures to attack. Flying spare returned as planned.
        (2) Low Box: Aircraft 42-97196, pilot Lt. Bennett, returned from 51°57’N-02°10’E [35 miles East of Felixstowe, England] after having been unable to locate the formation. Flying spare replaced this abortive.
        (3) High Box: Flying spare returned as planned. Aircraft 42-97492, pilot Lt. Barieau, returned from 51°47’N-03°49’E [Just off coast West of Visschershoek, Netherlands] after failure of the left magneto of the #1 engine
   10.  PFF Aircraft – Two aircraft were furnished to each group in the 94th Combat Wing. All six are reported as having attacked the target.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0554½ hours.
   2. Group formed at 0646 hours at 11,300 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 0650 hours at 11,300 feet.
   4. Began climb at 0842 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 0910 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 6-8/10ths. Tops 6,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 8-10 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 276 degrees. 45 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. GEE, Pilotage and radio
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. GEE, PFF and Pilotage
   9. Joined task force at 0720 hours at SPLASHER #7.
   10. Departed English Coast at 0733 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 0800 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ____ hours.
       2. Coming back: ____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 276 degrees.
       2. 45 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: Pilotage, PFF fixes and DR [Dead Reckoning]
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 0933 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 119 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 24,700 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 0944 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: PFF - 10/10ths cloud cover
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: Radio compass unoperative [sic] on return.
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 51°20'N–05°07'E [7.5 miles East of Turnhout. Belgium]
       2. Time 0816 hours.
   17. Comments: ____

Group: 351st
Target: Merseburg, Germany
Method of Bombing:  P.F.F.
Altitude: 25,224’
Direction of Attack: 119° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 275°
Wind Velocity: 45 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: The 351st Bombardment GP. (H) [Heavy] furnished the Lead, High, Low Box for the 94th “C” CBW. Bombing was PFF bombing with the High and Low Box dropping on the PFF A/C flying in the Lead Box.
 Flak was heavy but not accurate on the bombing run. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. Due to the 10/10 undercast, bombing results was [sic] not observed.

  [Signed:] John W. Heck, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Heck, John W.  Pilot - Major Fishburne, Paul L. Navigator - Captain Cleveland, Carleton A.
Aircraft B-17G   B-701  Take-off - 0554½ Landed - 1325
Objective - Merseburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed (PFF)
Initial Point -As briefed
Method of Attack - Wing
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: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 LB. AN-M43 G.P.’s [General Purpose] & Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 9 x 500 LB. & 1 Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - P.F.F. On
Information at Release Point:   10/10 Overcast

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - 10/10th Clouds
Mean Temp. Metro -5 Actual -3
Winds - Altitude - 25,224 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 275°  Velocity - Metro 30K  Actual 30K
Temp C. - Metro -31° C. Actual -29° C.

1. No leaflets were carried.
2. Bombing was done through 10/10ths clouds and is unobserved.
3. Between 10 and 15 S/E E/A [Single Engine Enemy Aircraft] were encountered by this CBW between 1010 and 1015 hours in the general area of 50°40’N-10°50’E [4.5 miles WSW of Ilmenau, Germany], and 50°50’N-11°10’E [12 miles SSE of Erfurt, Germany]. The E/A were about half FW-190’s and half ME-109’s. Two separate passes by about half of the E/A each time were made from the tail at the high squadron, and then down through on the tails of the lead and low squadrons. Attacks were pressed in very closely, and an A/C of the Low Squadron of the High Box was lost to these attacks. Colorings were silver, black or gray, blue, or red and green. Our claims are 2-1-1 [2 destroyed-1 damaged-1 probable].
4. Flak at the target was moderate to intense, fair for altitude but generally poor for deflection. From 10 to 20 white smoke trails which burst above our altitude were observed in the target area. Intense inaccurate barrages were put up over Cologne and Frankfurt, and there was meager to moderate inaccurate flak at Aachen, Liège, Coblenz [sic], Bonn, Kassel, Nordhausen, Zeitz, Jena, and Wiesbaden.
5. Weather was 10/10ths clouds in the target area; it did not affect the formation but made PFF bombing necessary.
6. On the Rhine River just North of Coblenz [sic] and at approximately 1045 hours heavy river traffic, mostly barges, was seen headed down river. This activity on the river had grown from very meager activity at 0852 hours. In the river area of Frankfurt a smoke screen was visible. Smoke screen was also visible at Wiesbaden. A very large explosion was observed in the woods northwest of Frankfurt; this might have been due to a plane crashing, but the crew was uncertain.
7. PFF units were employed with all equipment working well. Fighter support was good except for a space of approximately ten minutes in the area of 50°40’N-11°10’E [10.5 miles East of Ilmenau, Germany].
8. A/C 952-H of this Group, flying in the High Box of this CBW, fell out of formation after E/A attack and was seen to have crashed at 50°22’N-08°23’E [21.75 miles NNW of Frankfurt, Germany]; eight chutes were reported.

1. Target: Assigned - Merseburg Bombed - Merseburg
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 10/10 cloud  B. En route - ____
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - unseen (b) Enroute - ____
 Any Condensation Trails? - ____
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Moderate to intense, fair for altitude, generally poor for deflection. Bursts were widely scattered, many bursts appearing below our altitude and some white bursts above. Probably a fixed barrage, though it may have been attempted continuous following.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Aachen, 0827, 20,000’ – moderate, observed.
 Liege, 0828, 20,000’ – meager, inaccurate.
 Cologne, 0850, 20,000’ – Intense observed (barrage).
 Koblenz, 0852, 20,000’ – meager, observed.
 Bonn, 0854, 23,000’ – moderate, observed (barrage).
 Kassel, 0914, 25,000’ – moderate, inaccurate.
 Nordhausen, 0938, 25,000’ – meager, observed.
 Zeitz, 0948, 24,000’ – meager, inaccurate.
 Jena, 0952, 23,000’ – moderate, inaccurate.
 Frankfurt, 1000, 22,000’ – moderate, observed (barrage).
 Wiesbaden, 1008, 20,000’ – moderate, observed.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? From I.P. to target.
8. Position of Group - Lead, Low, and High
9. Group – Lead A/C over enemy terr. – 12, A/C damaged – 1, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0944, 
Time of bombs away – 0944, Height – 24,700’, Axis of attack – 119° T [True] Bomb run – 11 min.
Group – Low A/C over enemy terr. – 12, A/C damaged – 0, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0946, 
Time of bombs away – 0946, Height – 23,800’, Axis of attack – 112° T [True] Bomb run – 11 min.
Group – High A/C over enemy terr. – 11, A/C damaged – 0, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0945½, 
Time of bombs away – 0945½, Height – 25,200’, Axis of attack – 122° T [True] Bomb run – 11 min.
10. Comments - Phenomena: Ten to twenty white smoke trails bursting for the most part above our altitude were observed in the target area.

    508th Squadron
A/C 727-N: A/C N-169 and X-926 and others of this group in Low Box shot down a P-51 west of Frankfurt at 50°40’N-11°20’E [SW of Jena, Germany] at 1010; P-51 flipped up wings to identify himself. Gunners were not in position in element lead ship. Ball turret gunner was not in turret over 20 minutes entire mission. – Lt. Swenson.

    509th Squadron
A/C 964-M: Waited 45 minutes for transportation. Trucks in use for practice mission. – Lt. Holcomb.
A/C 595-O: Poor assembling. – Lt. McAfee.
A/C 169-N: N-727 should have been flying #3, high squadron; he overshot as we turned on to the bomb run and threw the whole squadron out of formation during the run. Prop wash today was dangerous; there should be longer space between wings, or wings should be staggered in altitude. – Captain Downing.
A/C 193-P: Let’s have some quicker transportation; waited 45 minutes for a truck. – Lt. Trombley.
A/C 926-X: Formation was very poor on bomb run. – Lt. Underhill.
A/C 156-R: Fighter cover was beneath formation on bomb run. – Lt. Guthrey.

    510th Squadron
A/C 705-T: Fighter cover was pretty poor today; we didn’t see any P-38’s on the way back. – All gunners.
  I don’t see why I shouldn’t be allowed to protect myself by manning my gun during fighter attacks. – S/Sgt. Wroblewski.
A/C 665-N: Some of the radio operators are not disposing of chaff as field order directs; observed bundles of chaff thrown out without being untied. – Lt. Rucker and Lt. McIntyre.
A/C 038-R: No transportation waiting and we were camera ship, landing half hour before formation. – Lt. Longa.

    511th Squadron
A/C 875-P: Request a few tracer bullets in navigator’s guns. – Lt. Mosely.
A/C 216-Y: Replace carbohydrates with candy bars. Nobody eats the hard candy. – Lt. Myl.
A/C 571-X: The formation was poor, very loose; the groups were fair but wing was poor. – Lt. Belote.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37920, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   2. Airplane No. 44-6108, 509th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   3. Airplane No. 42-97196, 510th Squadron returned early. The Pilot stated that he was unable to locate the formation and that the Radio Compass was inoperative. Aircraft was flight checked and radio compass checked perfectly on seven different splashers. (Reason: Personnel).
   4. Airplane No. 42-97492, 511th Squadron returned early. Pilot stated that #1 Engine ran rough and the manifold pressure and RPM were erratic. Investigation revealed that the left magneto of the #1 [engine] had failed. Bronze filings were found on the interior of the magneto and the rotor was broken. (Reason: Mechanical).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97843, 508th Squadron. Three 20 mm. holes through ball turret; turret almost blown off of aircraft. Large hole in top of wing behind #3 nacelle, skin corrugation, spar, fuel tanks, wiring and structural members damaged, caused by 20 mm. One 20 mm. hole in wing at left aileron, skin, spar, Tokyo tanks, wiring damaged. One 20 mm. in trailing edge of left wing inner panel, skin, corrugation, spar, tanks, wiring and compression members hit. One 20 mm. hole underside of #4 engine, supercharger engine mount, and engine damaged. One .30 cal. hole through #1 and #3 propellers.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron. One 20 mm. hole in rudder. Skin, rudder hinge, longitudinal stringer and formers damaged.
   3. Airplane No. 42-107216, 511th Squadron. One 20 mm. hole through left flap and trailing edge of wing. Skin, flap and former of trailing edge of wing must be replaced. Small flak hole in plexiglass of top turret.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FIGHTER		BY FLAK & FIGHTER
   3		1		2		2		1

1. A negative armament malfunction report is submitted for the Mission of 28 July, 1944.

Aircraft No. 97196 Squadron - 510   Pilot - Bennett
Time of Abortive - 0754  Location when Aborted - 51°57’N-02°10’E [35.5 miles East of Felixstowe, England]
Reason For Abortive - Failure to make contact with wing or division.
Disposition of Bombs: In plane.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 13,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Radio compass inop. in air, checks O.K. on ground. Late take-off & compass trouble combined so we were unable to find our wing. All others were full.
[Signed] Bennett



Aircraft No. 97492 Squadron - 511   Pilot - Barieau-Rohrbacher
Time of Abortive - 0801  Location when Aborted - 51°47’N-03°49’E [Just off Ouddorp, Netherlands]
Reason For Abortive - Shortly before reaching 20,000’, #1 engine acted up and ran rough. MP [Manifold Pressure] oscillated between 30 to 48 inches. RPM oscillated between 1600 to about 2800.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned with bombs.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 20,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Jerome E. Barieau, 1st Lt., Air Corps

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

   a. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: N–7727, (L–7920 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: B–7701, Z–7696, N–7169, X–7926, P–7193, L–7676, R–6156, O–7595, U–7216, M–7964
   Sqdn 510th A/C: Y–7651
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ____

   
   

   b. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: D–8146, C–7843, (G–7850 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: D–7957, N–7665, S–7512, T–7705, R–8038, V–1509, C–2576, B–6082, M–7196, F–7124
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   C. 94th "C" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: P–7258
   Sqdn 509th A/C: G–6078, (Y–6108 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: U–7381, S–7318, X–7571, K–6139, D–7524, H–2952, Z–7046, Y–7216, P–1875, B–7492

2. Target: GQ-1515
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T SLL R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T SQX R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T MLK R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T RBF R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. High Box: Taxi – 0535; Take-Off – 0550; E.T.D. Field – At Takeoff
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0753	15,000 Ft	Orfordness

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0801	20,000 Ft	51°47'N-03°52'E [3.5 miles SW of Ouddorp, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1449	12,000 Ft	51°47'N-03°52'E [3.5 miles SW of Ouddorp, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1655	2,000 Ft	Orfordness

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1331 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: None
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: None
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: None
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: None
    511 Squadron: 10 x 500# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: P.L. Fishburne Rank: Major A/C: B-7701  Sqdn. 509th
    b. Low Box: Name: H.B. Holsapple Rank: Capt. A/C: D-7957 Sqdn. 510th
    c. High Box: Name: A.B. Brooks Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: U-7381 Sqdn. 511
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. PFF A/C: Z-7638 - 510, A-7687 - 509 - Flying with 457th Group. Z-7965 - 508, Y-7600 - 508 Flying with 401st Group.

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

• A/C# 42-102952   DS-H,  Pilot: Lt. Long,  A/C's 28th Mission,   MACR # 7817

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Harry A. Bennett, 33272530, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-31509 which was in No. 3 Position, High Squadron, Low Box, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 28 July 1944. The first thing I saw was fighters pouncing on the entire High Box where Lt. Long was flying. This was about ten (10) minutes after bombs away. He had to feather his No. 3 and 4 Engines, his No. 1 Engine was set on fire, and the Tail Gunner's position was shot off. He started losing altitude under control. Then, when he got to cloud level he started bouncing and I saw 8 chutes come out. Then I saw the ship hit the ground and explode on the ground.
  [Signed] Harry A. Bennett, S/Sgt, 510th Bomb Sq."
  
  Eyewitness Account
  "I, James L. Van Sandt, O-761211, was flying as Pilot on Aircraft No. 42-37850 which was in No. 3 Position, Low Squadron, Low Box, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 28 July 1944. The first thing I knew about Lt. Long being in trouble was from the message I received from VHF saying that he was going down with one engine on fire. I then looked over my left shoulder and saw his plane just a little below me. He had one (1) engine feathered, and one (1) on fire. This is all the damage I could see. He kept on going down in a gradual glide under control then went out of sight. I saw no parachutes.
  [Signed] James L. Van Sandt, 2nd Lt., Air Corps.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Long, William P. - Captured - POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Upshaw Benjamin E. - Captured - POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Mandros, Peter Jr. - Killed in Action - [Information from U.S. Casualty Questionnaire] When he bailed out he pulled his rip cord too soon and got caught in the tail of the plane and when he came loose his chute was all torn up.
    [Information from a second U.S. Casualty Questionnaire States] Beleive [sic] he was murdered by civilians. We were under small arms fire while floating down and I heard shots fired after hitting ground.
    [A note on a third U.S. Casualty Questionnaire states] Altho, [sic] the Navigator was wounded he wouldent [sic] leave his station. He kept us on a course right up to the time we had to bail out. I feel he should be honered [sic], even though it is post humorously.
    [Information from German records] Shot at attempt to escape. - Buried in the Cemetery of Friedberg.
  • Bombardier - F/O Gratiot, Charles C. - Killed in Action - [Information from U.S. Casualty Questionnaire] A 20 mm [shell] hit him in the back and exploded.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt. Hurley, Jack C. - Captured - POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt. Skoglund, Donald G. - Killed in Action - [Information from U.S. Casualty Questionnaire]
    [Question] Was he injured? Yes, one bullet hole in each shoulder blade and one at the base of his neck. The wounds he had was not very bad, as his lungs were not hit. He was conscious all the time that I gave him first aid and after I gave him a Morphine shot, and after the plane got to burning to [sic] bad I put a chute on him and bailed him out just before I bailed out.
    [Information from another U.S. Casualty Questionnaire]
    [Question] Was he injured? Yes, German light machine gun (Aircraft) wounds in the region of his sholder [sic] blades. None pierced lung cavity.
    [Question] Where was he last seen? On his way to the ground, parachute open.
    [Question] Any hearsay information? I was told personaly [sic] by a English Airman who was in a German hospital with Skoglund, that (Skoglund) died about two months after he (Skoglund) was admitted to the hospital. This hospital was in Frankfurt Germany. According to said airman the cause of his (Skoglund's) death was malnutrition and neglect.
    [German Certificate of Death, which was included in the MACR] Coroner's inquest on 27 Aug 1944 proved sure signs of death. A second coroner's inquest was carried through, for death was ascertained already by surgeon. Main disease: Flak splinters lung and broken ribs. Cause of death: Weak circulation of blood, sepsis.
    [Another Certificate of Death form] Name of surgeon - 1st Lt. Dr. Katz, Cause of Death - Lung injured by Flak splinters and ribs broken pleurisy - suppuration.
    [Information from German records] Flak splinter in lung, broken ribs - Died 27 Aug, 1944 in hospital at Bad Nauheim, buried in the cemetery of Bad Nauhein, grave G No. 158
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Frontino, Carmelo J. - Captured - 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.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Gozy, Frank - Captured - 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.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt. Howarth, James H. - Captured - 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.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • 2nd Lt. Mandros, Peter Jr., Buried: Plot A Row 43 Grave 20, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium, Awards: Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart
  • T/Sgt. Gratiot, Charles C., Buried: Plot B Row 24 Grave 21, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium, Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
  • T/Sgt. Skoglund, Donald G., Burial: Saint Nicholas Cemetery, Belle River, Douglas County, Minnesota, USA

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge
  
   [Killed in Action - 3]
   [Prisoner of War - 6]