351st Bomb Group

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

   Lead Box
   Stations   –	1055
   Start Engines –	1105
   Taxi     –	1115
   Take Off   –	1130
   Last Take Off –	1235

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Saarbrucken, Germany
   Secondary: ____
   Last Resort: Any R.R. Bridge, M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard], Convoy or Concentration of Enemy Troops. Target Must Not Be Adjacent To Built Up Area and Must be Visual.
   
   
4. Loading:
   94th “C”: 6 x 1000 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - ____
   Chaff: 360 units - 10 minutes before target and continue for 15 minutes.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2500 gallons
   Remarks: ____
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	94th (C) CBW	Comp. CBW
   Lead	457th	401st	351st - 509
   Low	457th	401st	351st - 510
   High	457th	401st	351st - 511

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	1st "A"	Mulhouse
   2nd	1st "B"	Mulhouse
   3rd	94th "A"	Strasbourg
   4th	94th "B"	Strasbourg
   5th	40th "A"	Merkwiller
   6th	40th "B"	Merkwiller
   7th	40th "C"	Merkwiller
   8th	1st "C"	Saarbrucken
   9th	94th "C"	Saarbrucken
   2nd Division
   3rd Division
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: Base reference altitude 15,000 ft.
   Division assembly line Splasher 6 to Southwold
   Interval between CBW [Combat Bomb Wing] - 2 min.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:
   • 1 Group of Fighters will accompany each force to their target and support them on withdrawal.
     3 Groups of Fighters will give area support.
     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead	8,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   Low	7,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   High	9,000	Kings Cliffe Buncher

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation - 3 - 12 A/C Boxes
    B. Camera A/C to Return - Lead Box - Downing N-169, Low Box - Longa G-862, High Box - Lawsen D-524
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Long Beak
    Visual Bombing –	____
    Authenticator –	Snake Eyes
    Recall –	Royal Straight Flush
    Weather Code –	TIAVB
    Release "CHAFF" –	In the clear

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st Lead	Woodcraft Charlie Lead	RY [Red Yellow]
    351st Low	Woodcraft Charlie Low	RR [Red Red]
    351st High	Woodcraft Charlie High	GG [Green Green]
    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 One
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1 - 9
    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	R-RR	O	Q
    0800 – 1400	YY	L	F
    1400 – 2000	RY	I	V

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All A/C monitor except the following:
    2. - R-156, R-038, Y-216
    3. - S-512, B-492
    4. - All Available
    
    
16. Let-Down on Kings Cliffe Buncher, if overcast.
    351st "C" Lead  030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st "C" Low  045° Mag.
    351st "C" High  060° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - Framlingham 5212N-0124W
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    Spares turn back at Mid Channel.
    Stay in formation on return to field.
    Land in turn. Keep off the air.
    

1. Date of Mission - 3 Aug, 1944.
   1. Target: Assigned Primary - Marshalling Yards, Saarbrucken, Germany.
      Attacked - (High and Low Boxes) - Primary Target.
      (Lead Box) Target of Opportunity - Junction Point of Metz-Trier Railroads.
   2. Force – Thirty-nine aircraft, including two PFF ships and three flying spares, to form the 94th "C" Combat Wing Formation.
   3. Position – Last combat wing in First Division.
   4. Lead Teams:

      LEAD GROUP	CBW Air Commander:	Lt. Col. Robert W. Burns.
      	Pilot:	Lt. Gerald D. Viste.
      	Navigator:	Captain Carleton A. Cleveland.
      	Bombardier:	Lt. George M. Decker.

      
      

      HIGH GROUP	Group Leader:	Major Kenneth W. Davey.
      	Pilot:	Lt. Charles R. Woodrum.
      	Navigator:	Lt. Paul A. Tuerck.
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Virgil E. Carneal.

      
      

      LOW GROUP	Group Leader:	Lt. John R. White.
      	Pilot:	Lt. George P. McIntyre.
      	Navigator:	Lt. Richard G. Hough.
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Elmer R. Robinson.

      
      
2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The three groups of the 94th "C" Combat Wing assembled at 8,000 feet as briefed over the King's Cliff buncher. No difficulty was encountered.
   2.  Route Over England – The briefed route was followed slightly to the left in order to lose time. Relative control points were thus reached as planned.
   3.  Division Assembly – A route parallel to and slightly left of the briefed route was followed in order to permit preceding combat wings to get into the proper slots in the Division formation. A 360° turn was made at the coast in order to allow the 1st "C" Combat Wing to get ahead of the 94th "C" Combat Wing in its proper position. As a result, departure from the coast was made four minutes late in the briefed position in the Division formation. The briefed altitude of 14,000 feet was being flown.
   4.  Flight to Target – The route was flown as briefed. Due to the 360° turn at the English coast, the 94th "C" was behind schedule. The enemy coast was crossed at the briefed point and altitude, but seven minutes late. The briefed route was followed with only slight variations to the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. The formation slightly overran the IP, but encountered no difficulty in so doing.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – Lead Box: The bomb run was made with the use of PFF equipment, as the cloud cover in the target area was six-tenths. Toward the end of the run, the bombardier picked up what he thought was the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. The target was similar to the briefed one. It was attacked visually after the majority of the bomb run was made on PFF. Cloud cover prevented a complete and detailed recognition of the target. Good results are reported. The bomb run was twenty-four miles in length. Target of Opportunity attacked.
      
      High Box: The target was picked up at the beginning of the bomb run, and then lost because of clouds. It was again picked up about twenty seconds before "Bombs Away" and was attacked by visual methods. The visibility was very poor. The C-1 pilot [Autopilot] was not used. The briefed aiming point was used. The initial point was made to the left of the briefed IP. A bomb run of seven minutes was made. Primary target attacked.
      
      Low Box: Clouds covered the target until about forty seconds before "Bombs Away". The briefed aiming point was used. A normal turn was made at the IP. The bomb run was forty seconds long. Primary target attacked.
   6.  Flight From Target – The rally was made without incident. The briefed course was flown with minor variations. Every attempt was made to make up the difference between briefed and actual time (eleven minutes at the target). Departure from the enemy coast was made at 1643 at 18,000 feet and on course. A normal let down procedure was followed and return to base was flown without incident.
   7.  Fighter Support – Excellent.
   8.  Comments – Aircraft 42-97492, pilot Lt. Brackens, was hit by flak just after bombs away. The aircraft was seen spiraling down and is reported as having exploded before hitting the ground. One parachute was seen.
        Flak in the target area was moderate and accurate.
        No enemy aircraft opposition was encountered.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – There were no failures to attack. Three flying spares returned as planned. Aircraft 44-6156, pilot Lt. Sutton, returned early with engine trouble from a point twenty minutes before the target. A target of opportunity (railroad - 49°29'N-07°27'E) was attacked by this aircraft.
      
   10.  PFF Aircraft – Two aircraft flew with the 94th "C" Combat Wing.

 The initial Point was overan [sic] about five miles so that we could make a PFF run. Cloud cover was about 6/10th, so I told that the Mickey [Radar] Operator would put in the first corrections till I was able to locate the target.

 The run was started with the PFF killing the course. M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] could not be picked up at all due to the cloud cover. Toward the end of the run, I picked up what I thought was the M.P.I. and almost as soon as I had the cross hairs on it the bombs were away. Cloud cover prevented a complete detailed recognition of the bridge as the briefed M.P.I., so I judged the PFF to be on course and I put the cross hairs on the bridge.

 The bridge that was hit was later identified as being a bridge about a mile to the left of the briefed one.

 The Mickey's compass and also the Navigator's compass was found to be off which could account for the distance off in deflection.

  [Signed] Robert E. McFarlane, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Box 94th "C" Wing, Lead Bombardier.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Decker, George M.  Pilot - Lt. Col. Burns, Robert Navigator - 1st Lt. Gallagher, Thomas J.
Aircraft B-17G   B-701  Take-off - 1120 Landed - 1742
Objective - M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Saarbrucken, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - A P.F.F. Run Was Made.
Initial Point - Left of Briefed I.P.
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: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 1000 Lb. AN-M44 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 6   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:  Target Covered With 6/10th Cloud.

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.5
Winds - Altitude - 25,250 Ft.  Direction - Metro 360°  Actual 235°  Velocity - Metro 25  Actual 25
Temp C. - Metro -26° C. Actual -28° C.

 The target was picked up at the beginning of the run and then lost due to clouds. Target was again picked up about twenty seconds before "Bombs Away". Visibility was very poor.

 C-1 pilot [Autopilot] was not used on the bombing run as it was not functioning satisfactorily [sic].

 The briefed aiming point was used.

 The initial point was made to the left of the briefed initial point.

  [Signed] Virgil E. Carneal, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, High Box 94th "C" Wing.

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Carneal, Virgil E.  Pilot - 1st Lt Woodrum, Charles R. Navigator - 2nd Lt Tuerck, Paul A.
Aircraft # U-381  Take-off - 1122  Landed - 1750
Objective - M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Saarbrucken, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - Left of Briefed I.P.
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 - Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____    Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 1000 Lb. An-M44 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 6    Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10    Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - No
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.5
Winds - Altitude - 25,900 Ft.  Direction - Metro 10° Actual 135° Velocity - Metro 15 Actual 6
Temp C. - Metro -28° C. Actual -30° C.

 Encountered heavy flak over the target area.

 C-1 pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.

 Clouds covered the target until about 40 seconds before "Bombs Away".

 A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of bomb run].

  [Signed] Elmer R. Robinson, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, Low Box 94th "C" Wing.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Robinson, Elmer R.  Pilot - 1st Lt. White, John R. Navigator - 1st Lt. Hough, Richard G.
Aircraft B-17G   D-957  Take-off - 1125 Landed - 1805
Objective - M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Saarbrucken, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - Left of Briefed I.P.
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: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 1000 Lb. AN-M44 G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 6   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:  Flak and Clouds.

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Over M.P.I.
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.5
Winds - Altitude - 24,480 Ft.  Direction - Metro 360°  Actual 20°  Velocity - Metro 23  Actual 23
Temp C. - Metro -28° C. Actual -20° C.

1. The target for the three boxes of this group was the M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] at Saarbrucken, Germany. Photo coverage was incomplete due to 5/10 cloud cover. Clouds and haze on ground make accurate assesment [sic] difficult.
2. The lead box selected an alternate aiming point approximately 1¼ miles west of the assigned target. The pattern hit the choke point at the junction of the Metz-Trier railroads. Damage includes 14 possible hits on the junction, 3 of them on the choke point. There are possible hits on the viaduct that crosses the railroad. The pattern is 2782 feet by 1284 feet.
3. The pattern of the low box fell in the target area. The main concentration fell over the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] but damage should result to both the flyover and a viaduct. Bursts are seen near the mouth of a railroad tunnel. The pattern is 2560 feet by 1920 feet with the center of the pattern 1200 feet over the MPI.
4. Photo cover for the high box is incomplete due to clouds. Bursts are seen in an area slightly NE of the target approximately 1800 feet right and over the MPI. The area seems to be well built up with buildings, probably railroad repair works, and some damage should result. The pattern is 1609 feet wide but complete length is undetermined.

    508th Squadron
A/C Y-600 Top turret gunner of L-676 was out of turret until 1501; he was in for one hour and then out again. - Lt. Levinson.
   Too much noise on V.H.F. from Glatton. [401st Group] - Lt. Heck.
   Navigator's guns were put in wrong. - Lt. Levinson.
A/C 964-M Why do we keep going in and out the same way, as we always catch flak at this point? - Lt. Mertzlufft.

    508th Squadron
A/C K-252 Helmet needs fastener on back to clip to collar to keep it from falling down over eyes. - Lt. Killinger.
A/C C-576 Should route away from flak between Ghent and Antwerp if possible. - Whole Crew.
A/C L-515 Route out should be planned so that it misses flak in Ghent-Antwerp area. - Whole Crew.

    508th Squadron
A/C X-046 High Group was in excellent formation - Lt. Bjoring.
A/C S-318 Chaff isn't being released at time called for; calls should be repeated. - Lt. Wilson.
  Unable to determine bomb release time - suggest using V.H.F. - Lt. Barieau.
A/C K-139 Our aircraft has what appears to be a .50 caliber bullet hole in tail. - Lt. Uttley.

  [Signed:] Charles A. Hillway, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass't S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 42-98004, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare)
   2. Airplane No. 43-38139, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare)
   3. Airplane No. 43-37854, 509th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare)
   4. Airplane No. 44-6156, 509th Squadron returned early. The pilot stated that #4 engine was running rough and throwing black smoke; also, high cylinder head temperature. Airplane was ground checked and flight checked at altitude and no malfunctions were discovered. (Reason: Personnel Error)
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31711, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of fuselage, rear of bomb-bay, damaging radio equipment, oxygen system, bulkhead and skin. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging fuel tank and skin. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging bracing in wing and skin. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel damaging skin and tokio tank. Flak hole on underside of left elevator causing skin damage.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and tokio tank.
   3. Airplane No. 42-102971, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of nose compartment damaging skin only. Flak hole on right side of nose compartment damaging bulkhead, oxygen system and skin.
   4. Airplane No. 42-97216, 509th Squadron. Flak hole in top of left elevator damaging fabric. Flak hole through vertical stabilizer damaging skin and corrugation.
   5. Airplane No. 43-37595, 509th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel damaging skin and corrugation. Flak hole on underside of nose compartment damaging skin. Flak hole on underside of #3 nacelle damaging spark plug lead and skin.
   6. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through right outer wing panel damaging skin and corrugation. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and fuel tank. Flak hole in right side of rudder damaging fabric. Two flak holes in left side of nose compartment causing skin damage. Flak hole in underside of right aileron causing skin damage.
   7. Airplane No. 42-31384, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes through right outer wing panel causing skin and corrugation damage. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of LH stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak hole in right side of tail compartment causing skin damage.
   8. Airplane No. 44-6108, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes in top of nose compartment causing skin damage. Flak hole in leading edge of right wing near fuselage causing damage to skin and battery. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel damaging skin and flap.
   9. Airplane No. 42-97701, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through right elevator causing damage to fabric. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging skin and flap. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin and corrugation.
   10. Airplane No. 43-37696, 509th Squadron. Two flak hole [sic] in left side of fuselage, near waist window, damaging skin and corrugation. Flak hole in left side of fuselage, forward of waist window, damaging skin, corrugation and circumferential stiffener.
   11. Airplane No. 43-37964, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through vertical stabilizer damaging skin and corrugation.
   12. Airplane No. 43-37862, 510th Squadron. Flak hole through top of LH stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak hole in top of tail compartment at base of stabilizer damaging skin, corrugation, bulkheads and rudder torque tube. Flak hole in top of radio compartment causing skin damage. Flak hole in top of #3 nacelle damaging skin and spark plug lead. Flak hole in right bomb-bay door causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of nose compartment damaging skin, antenna mount and oxygen bottle.
   13. Airplane No. 43-37512, 510th Squadron. Flak hole through RH stabilizer damaging skin, corrugation and channels. Two flak holes through left outer wing panel damaging skin, corrugation, stiffener and channels. Flak hole in leading edge of right wing damaging skin and vent line. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin and fuel tank.
   14. Airplane No. 42-102955, 510th Squadron. Flak hole through trailing edge of right inner wing panel damaging skin and corrugation. Flak hole through trailing edge of left inner wing panel damaging skin, flap rod, vent lines, E-5 valve lines, stringer and bulkheads. Two flak holes on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation, bulkheads and fuel tanks. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and possibly #4 fuel tank. Flak hole on underside of Right elevator damaging fabric. Flak hole in right side of nose compartment damaging skin and junction box under Pilot's seat. Four small flak holes in right side of vertical stabilizer damaging skin and channel. Two flak holes on left side of fuselage under LH stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak hole in left side of #2 nacelle damaging skin, ring cowling and ring mount.
   15. Airplane No. 42-107216, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through LH stabilizer damaging skin and stringer. Flak hole through left inner wing panel causing skin damage. Two flak holes on underside of left outer wng panel damaging skin and de-icer boot line. Two flak holes on underside of right inner wing panel damaging skin and booster pump fairing. Three inch flak tear in right side of vertical stabilizer damaging skin. Two inch flak hole in top of plexiglass nose. Flak hole in right side of pilot's compartment damaging skin and rib.
   16. Airplane No. 42-107046, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through trailing edge of right inner wing panel damaging flap and skin. Flak hole through LH stabilizer damaging skin and former. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging #3 tank, skin and corrugation.
   17. Airplane No. 42-31238, 511th Squadron. Flak hole in top of #1 nacelle damaging skin and #9 cylinder. Flak hole in top of #1 nacelle damaging skin, rear spark plug lead and #4 cylinder. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel damaging skin and spar. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel causing damage to skin, corrugation and fuel tank. Flak hole in bottom of plexiglass nose damaging bombardier's vision glass.
   18. Airplane No. 44-6139, 511th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of LH stabilizer damaging skin and former. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and possibly fuel line. Three Flak holes in bottom of nose compartment damaging skin, #4 engine control cables and junction box. Two flak holes in right side of vertical stabilizer causing skin damage.
   19. Airplane No. 42-107005, 511th Squadron. Flak hole in top of #3 nacelle damaging skin, baffle and intake pipe. Flak hole through right wing tip causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel damaging corrugation and rib. Flak hole on underside of RH stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel causing skin damage.
   20. Airplane No. 43-37381, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through right elevator causing fabric damage. Flak hole through left elevator damaging fabric and hinge of trim tab. Flak hole in top of plexiglass nose. Flak hole through left outer wing panel damaging skin and stringer. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel causing skin and corrugation damage. Flak hole in right side of vertical stabilizer damaging skin, former and stringer. Flak hole in left side of tail section damaging skin and former.
   21. Airplane No. 43-37571, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through RH stabilizer causing skin, former and stringer damage. Flak hole through left elevator causing damage to skin and hinge of trim tab. Flak hole in bottom of #1 nacelle damaging #5 cylinder. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel causing skin, corrugation and rib damage.
   22. Airplane No. 43-37318, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through trailing edge of right inner wing panel causing skin damage. Two flak holes on underside of right inner wing panel causing skin and spar damage. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel causing skin damage.
   23. Airplane No. 43-37533, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through right elevator causing skin and fabric damage. Flak hole through trailing edge of right inner wing panel causing skin damage. Four flak holes on underside of right outer wing panel causing skin damage. Four flak holes on underside of right outer wing panel causing skin, corrugation, and tokio tank damage. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel causing skin damage. Flak hole through rudder causing skin damage. Flak hole in right side of fuselage under RH stabilizer causing skin damage.
   24. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through right elevator causing fabric damage. Flak hole through right inner wing panel causing skin and corrugation damage. Flak hole on underside left outer wing panel causing skin, stringer and corrugation damage. Flak hole on underside of nose compartment causing damage to chin turret fairing and skin. Flak hole on underside of LH stabilizer causing skin and former damage.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
   24		24		24

Aircraft No. 44-6156 Squadron - 509  Pilot - Lt. Sutton
Time of Abortive - 1459  Location when Aborted - 4930N-0728E [28 miles NE of the target, Saarbrucken, Germany]
Reason For Abortive - Unable to stay with formation - Four engine running rough - throwing black smoke - high cylinder head temperature. Power setting 2400 [RPM] 42" [Manifold Pressure] failed to keep me in formation. Position was approx. 20 minutes from target - last wing in - no other wing to fall back into.
Disposition of Bombs: Time: 1505 Dropped on R.R. 4929N-0727E
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 25,300'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Flak going in
Remarks: Returned alone - No fighter support.
[Signed] R.X. Sutton, 1st Lt., Air Corps



Aircraft No. 42-98004 Squadron - 511  Pilot - 2nd Lt. Cartwright
Time of Abortive - 1335  Location when Aborted - Mid Channel
Reason For Abortive - Returned as planned
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 17,000'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: ____
[Signed] Edgar D. Cartwright, 2nd Lt., Air Corps



Aircraft No. 43-38139 Squadron - 508  Pilot - 2nd Lt. Poston
Time of Abortive - 1337  Location when Aborted - Mid-Channel
Reason For Abortive - Returned as planned
Disposition of Bombs: Returned with bombs
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 17,000'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: ____
[Signed] Evan A. Poston



Aircraft No. 854 Squadron - 509  Pilot - 2nd Lt. V.R. Weatherman
Time of Abortive -   Location when Aborted -
Reason For Abortive - Returned as briefed
Disposition of Bombs: Brought them back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: ____
[Signed] V.R. Weatherman

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

   a. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 509th A/C: B–7701, L–7676, R–6156, N–7169, M–7964, O–7595, X–7926, T–1384, Y–6108, U–7216, Z–7696, (V–7854 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: Y–7651
   Sqdn 511th A/C: [None]

   
   

   b. 94th "C" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: P–7258, (H–8004 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: U–7381, Q–7005, K–6139, X–7571, B–7492, D–7524, G–7533, Z–7046, S–7318, Y–7216, A–1238

   
   

   c. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: G–7850, J–2971, A–1702, (D–8139 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: D–7957, P–2955, S–7512, C–2576, G–7862, L–7515, R–8038, K–7252, A–1560
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: GH-633
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MTL R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T WRW R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T TAW R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T RDQ R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. lead Box: Taxi – 1115; Take-Off – 1130; E.T.D. Field – 1235
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1316	14,000 Ft	Southwold

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1345	20,000 Ft	51°48'N-03°52'E [Visschershoek, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1637	20,000 Ft	51°48'N-03°52'E [Visschershoek, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1711	10,000 Ft	Southwold

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1738 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 6 x 1000 [lb.] G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: None
    510 Squadron: 6 x 1000 [lb.] G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: None
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: 6 x 1000 [lb.] G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: None
    510 Squadron: None
    511 Squadron: 6 x 1000 [lb.] G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: 6 x 1000 [lb.] G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: None
    510 Squadron: 6 x 1000 [lb.] G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: None
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2500 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: R.W. Burns Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: B-7701  Sqdn. 509th
    b. High Box: Name: K.W. Davey Rank: Major A/C: U-7381 Sqdn. 511th
    c. Low Box: Name: J.R. White Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: D-7957 Sqdn. 510th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    Randolph L. Williams Col. U-7381 511th
15. PFF A/C: L-7636 - 511th Dispatched to 401st Grp.
    PFF A/C: A-7687 - 509th Dispatched to 457th Grp.
    

Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.

• A/C# 42-97492   DS-B  "Slow Ball"  Pilot: Lt. Brackens  A/C's 49th Mission   MACR # 7704

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  I, Thomas R. Sowell, 18039676, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 43-37862 which was in No. 3 Position, High Squadron, Low Box on a mission to Saarbrucken, Germany on 3 August 1944. On the bombing run out formation was attacked by flak and I saw Lt. Brackens' plane, flying in High Squadron above me, get hit and start to smoke. No. 3 engine was set on fire. He fell out of formation and began to descend. During his descent I saw one (1) parachute came out of the plane. The plane went on down and eventually went out of sight. It seemed as though he was in too steep a dive to be under control. I heard nothing over VHF.
  [Signed] Thomas R. Sowell, 18039676, S/Sgt. 510th Bomb Sq.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  I, Leon W. Casto, 15170552 was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 43-37571 which was in Lead position, High Squadron, High Box on a mission to Saarbrucken, Germany on 3 August 1944. Just after bombs away I saw that Lt. Bracken, [sic] flying on my right, had been hit by flak. I looked and could see flames coming from behind No. 3 engine. He fell to the rear of the formation and then began to lose altitude. Just before the plane began to descend I saw one (1) parachute come from it. The pilot then apparently tried to pull the plane back up in formation, but didn't make it. He kept on descending and then the plane exploded in mid-air just before it went into a cloud bank. I definitely saw burning pieces spread all over the sky after it exploded. I heard nothing over VHF.
  [Signed] Leon W. Casto, 15170552, S/Sgt. 511th Bomb Sq.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Brackens, Ralph S., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Beals, William M., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Moseley, Daniel W., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Cobb, George O. III, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Williamson, William F., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Hardesty, Billy M., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. McCrary, George A., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Mattice, Robert F., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt. Atkins, James O., POW in Germany, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.