351st Bomb Group

1. Flak and fighters encountered on the bombing run. The flak was light and not very accurate.
2. C-1 pilot [Autopilot] used with good results.
3. The briefed aiming point was easily identified and was used.
4. The actual M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] was the same as the briefed M.P.I.

Bombardier - Capt. Allan D. Behrendt  Pilot - Lt. Col. Burns, Robert W. Navigator - 1st Lt. Gwyn, Billy V.
Aircraft B-17G  Z-965  Take-off - 0705 Landed - 1535
Objective - Daimler-Benz Motoren at Genshagen near Berlin, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
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: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 Lb. AN-M43 & Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 x 500 Lb. & 1 Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/500
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - On briefed M.P.I.
Mean Temp. Metro -4.5 Actual -4.5
Winds - Altitude - 25,645 Ft.  Direction - Metro 80°  Actual 100°  Velocity - Metro 23  Actual 27
Temp C. - Metro -31° C. Actual -26° C.

1. Heavy flak was encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 pilot [Autopilot] was used without any difficulties.
3. The briefed aiming point was identified 120 seconds before "Bombs Away".
4. The briefed M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] was hit with the main pattern slightly short.
5. A sharp turn was made at the Initial Point.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Pinner, Clay J.  Pilot - 1st. Lt. Viste, Gerald D. Navigator - 1st Lt. Gallagher, Thomas J.
Aircraft B-17G  W-077  Take-off - 0707 Landed - 1545
Objective - Daimler-Benz Motoren at Genshagen near Berlin, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
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 - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 Lb. AN-M43 & Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 x 500 Lb. & 1 Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Slightly short of briefed M.P.I.
Mean Temp. Metro -4.5 Actual -4.5
Winds - Altitude - 26,280 Ft.  Direction - Metro 80°  Actual ___°  Velocity - Metro 23  Actual __
Temp C. - Metro -31° C. Actual __° C.

1. Lead A/C was disabled by flak while on the bomb run. Deputy A/C took over with only seven ships left in the Formation. Flak was intense and accurate which caused the ship to lurch on the run.
2. C-1 pilot [Autopilot] used, but never did get it to working properly.
3. Briefed aiming point was identified, but not enough time for synchronization.
4. Pattern fell over the briefed M.P.I.
5. A Normal turn was made at the initial point.

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Custard, William H.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Dingle, Laurence J. Navigator - 2nd Lt. Lechner James R.
Aircraft B-17G  Q-879  Take-off - 0717 Landed - 1541
Objective - Daimler-Benz Motoren at Genshagen near Berlin, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 7 out of 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Deputy A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 Lb. AN-M43 & Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Pattern fell over.
Mean Temp. Metro -4.5 Actual -4.5
Winds - Altitude - 24,645 Ft.  Direction - Metro 80°  Actual 80°  Velocity - Metro 23  Actual 23
Temp C. - Metro -31° C. Actual -__° C.

1. The target for the three boxes of this Group was the Daimler-Benz Motoren at Genshagen (Berlin), Germany. Their plant is the largest aero-engine plant in Germany. Photo coverage is complete for all boxes.
2. The bombs of the lead box fell in a heavy concentration on the target. The workshop that was the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] bore the brunt of the attack with twelve (12) direct hits. Other damage includes:
   1. Near miss on workshop (M.P.I.).
   2. Five hits on a workshop.
   3. A salvo of bombs at one end of engine test beds.
   4. Two hits on an engine test bed.
   The pattern measures 1,812 feet by 1,625 feet with the MPI as briefed. Approximately sixteen (16) bursts are seen outside of the main pattern.
3. The bombs of the low box fell in a scattered pattern approximately 2,670 feet over the MPI. No damage will be done.
4. The high box pattern fell slightly short, but did heavy damage. The workshop that was the MPI has three hits and two near misses. Other damage includes:
   1. One hit on new engine test bed.
   2. One hit, two near misses on old engine test bed.
   3. Five hits on an extremely large workshop. (Hole in roof indicates that bombs may have penetrated before exploding).
   4. Heavy concentration in office area with buildings covered by bursts.
   5. Violent explosion in one workshop and evidence of a fire.
   6. Large workshops should be damaged by concentration of bombs that hit very near to one corner.
   7. One hit, three near misses on a workshop.
   The pattern is 2,210 feet by 1,430 feet, with the center of the pattern 780 feet short of the MPI.

1. No leaflets were carried.
2. Visual bombing was done on the primary target and results are as follows: Lead group, very good with the bomb pattern covering the MPI [Mean Point of Impact]; High group, good, but the center of the pattern is slightly short of the MPI although the MPI building appears to have been hit; Low group bombing is poor, with the pattern over the assigned MPI.
3. About 12 FW-190's, six ME-109's, and one JU-88 were encountered by this Combat Wing at the time of bombs away and shortly thereafter. Passes both from the tail and head-on from above were made by groups of four to six s/e [single engine] e/a [enemy aircraft] at the low box of the CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]. The attacks were very persistent, fighters coming through their own flak, and were made both upon the box as a whole and the stragglers which had been hit by flak. Enemy fighters were present between 1225 and 1230 hrs. The majority of the e/a were dark brown, and some were silver, and others were black with yellow bellies and with green rings around their noses. Our claims are 1-1-1 [destroyed- damaged-probable].
4. Flak at the target was moderate and accurate. There was also accurate, continuous following flak from the eastern Berlin defenses for from five to ten minutes during the run to the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. There was moderate, fairly accurate flak from Heligoland on the way in and again on the way back; moderate, fairly accurate flak at Wesermunde; meager inaccurate flak at Nordholz; and meager, fairly accurate flak at Brandenburg.
5. The weather over the target was CAVU [Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited].
6. The aerodrome at 5312N.-1231E., just to the north of Witstock appeared to have approximately 50 t/e e/a [twin engine enemy aircraft] on it. At a point near the Elbe River, at 5313N.-1050E., just to the east of Luneburg there appeared to be a group of camouflaged oil tanks. At Luneburg there was considerable rail activity.
7. PFF units were employed only for navigational purposes. Fighter support was generally very effective, although it was a little too thin for adequate protection in the target area. Six of our a/c were lost in the target area at the time of bombs away and thereafter. Two are known to have been lost to flak and others are believed to have been lost to a combination of flak and fighters in that area. Conditions just after bombs away were very confused due to the presence of and attacks by enemy aircraft and as a result of very accurate flak; therefore, the exact fate of at least four of the missing aircraft is unknown. A/C 533-D was hit by flak over the target, caught fire, and blew up after three chutes had come from it.

1. Target: Assigned - Genshagen Bombed - Genshagen
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 2-3/10ths clouds  B. En route - 1-3/10 clouds
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - No
5. Description of Flak at Target, including Method of Fire Control: Moderate, accurate, continuous following.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Heligoland, 10:40 and 13:33, 20,000 - Moderate, Height good, deflection fair.
 Wesermunde, 10:51, 20,000 - Moderate, fairly accurate.
 Nordholz, 10:50, 22,000 - meager, inaccurate.
 Eastern Berlin, 1215-1225, 25,000 - moderate, accurate.
 Brandenburg, 1240, 25,000 - meager, height good, deflection fair.
 All flak was continuous following.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes  How discharged? As briefed.
8. Position of Group - Lead, Low and High - 94th "A" CBW
9.

    509 Squadron:
A/C 696-Z: Why did we come back over Heligoland? At target we flew right at the base of a cloud layer, and thus the altitude of our formation was undoubtedly known. - Crew.
A/C 595-O: 12 ship formations aren't very good. Recommend stand pipes in all ships in case oil pressure gets knocked out. - Lt. Sutton.
A/C 676-L: Dropped bombs 7 minutes before briefed time, thereby missing fighter escort. - Lt. Greenwood.
A/C 926-X: There was no reason whatever for going within range of flak at Heligoland. - Lt. Underhill.
A/C 193-P: Ball turret on lead ship of 2nd element, low squadron, lead group, wasn't in operation until IP was reached. - Lt. Sperry.
A/C 156-R: Want the 18 ship formation back. - Crew.

    510 Squadron:
A/C 862-G: Why do we send 12 ship formations into Germany? - Lt. Longa.
A/C 252-K: Twelve ship formation is ineffective. - Lt. McGee.
A/C 192-R: Prop wash from Group below practically flipped us over. - Lt. McFarland.
A/C 850-G: Lead and low elements too close together in Group formation; no clearance on turns.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-38139, 508th Squadron, returned early. Pilot stated that #4 supercharger was out. Ground check revealed that #4 turbo amplifier was out. This is considered insufficient reason to abort since a spare amplifier was carried in the airplane. The spare amplifier was not used because no one on the crew knew how to change it. (Reason: Personnel Error).
   2. Airplane No. 43-37900, 508th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   3. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   4. Airplane No. 43-37964, 509th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot, and the waist gunner and ball turret gunner became ill. (Reason: Personnel).
   5. Airplane No. 42-97318, 511th Squadron, returned early. Pilot stated #2 engine vibrated violently and began throwing oil, and oil pressure dropped. Engine was feathered at 50 p.s.i. Investigation revealed piston ring failure of #2 engine. (Reason: Mechanical Failure).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31879, 508th Squadron, Flak damage to #3 nacelle, replace main exhaust stack. Flak skin and corrugation damage to underside left outboard wing panel. Two flak skin holes through dorsal fin, damaging oxygen lines. Large 20 mm. rip outer edge of left horizontal stabilizer.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37727, 508th Squadron. Three flak holes right side of vertical stabilizer, damaging skin and internal bracing.
   3. Airplane No. 42-97965, 508th Squadron, Radar spinner hit by flak. Flak skin damage to underside of right wing tip. Two flak holes underside left wing panel, damaging #2 main tank. One flak hole through leading edge of right wing, inboard panel.
   4. Airplane No. 44-6108, 509th Squadron, Flak skin hole right elevator. Two flak holes underside right wing, damage to tokio tank. One flak hole underside left wing, skin and corrugation. Small flak hole top leading edge of wing.
   5. Airplane No. 42-97193, 509th Squadron, Flak hole leading edge of left wing damaging diagonal spar and tokio tank.
   6. Airplane No. 43-37571, 511th Squadron, Flak skin damage to underside leading edges of both right and left stabilizers. Flak skin damage to fuselage forward of ball turret. Flak hole through right wing tip. Flak skin hole through right wing inboard panel. Flak skin and stringer damage to right side of fuselage, forward of waist window.
   7. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron, 20 mm. damage to left elevator and stabilizer. 20 mm. damage to #2 nacelle and supercharger. Numerous small flak holes left side of vertical stabilizer, skin damage only. 20 mm. glanced off side of fuselage above left wing, damaged skin and wiring, and two formers. 20 mm. hole in tail section, exploded ammunition box, damaged skin, former, stringer, oxygen line, wiring and ammunition. 20 mm. went along top of left wing damaging skin, corrugation and tank. One small flak hole top of left wing, skin damage only.
   8. Airplane No. 44-6156, 509th Squadron, Two flak holes top of left wing. One flak hole left bomb bay door.
   9. Airplane No. 43-37986, 511th Squadron, 20 mm. hole in top of right wing bursting as it came out bottom of wing damaging skin, corrugation and formers. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging skin, and flap torque tube. 20 mm. hole through right inner wing panel damaging skin, and flap torque tube. 20 mm. hole through right inner wing panel damaging diagonal brace, #1 tank, front diagonal spar oil cooler fairing and into #2 nacelle. 20 mm. hole through trailing edge of right inner wing panel damaging flap and skin. 20 mm. hole through top rear of #1 nacelle damaging starter and feathering line. Flak hole in top of LH stabilizer damaging formers and skin. 20 mm. hole through left side of radio compartment damaging skin, corrugation, radio equipment and coming out right side causing numerous small skin holes. Flak hole in left side of fuselage, forward of waist window damaging circumferentials, bulkhead and radio equipment. Flak hole through base of dorsal fin damaging skin and corrugation.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		DAMAGED BY FLAK		BY FLAK & FIGHTER
   9		9		6		3

Aircraft No. 7900 Squadron - 508  Pilot - Lt. Jizmejian
Time of Abortive Return - 09:25  Location when Aborted - 52°48'[N]-3°E [57 miles NE of Lowestoft, England]
Reason For Abortive Return - Flying Spare
Disposition of Bombs: Brought Back
Altitude At Time of Aborting Return - 7,500
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: ____
[Signed] V.C. Jizmejian



Aircraft No. 97258 Squadron - 508  Pilot - Lt. Cartwright
Time of Abortive - 09:24  Location when Aborted - 52°47'N-03°E [56 miles NE of Lowestoft, England]
Reason For Abortive - As Planned
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 10,000'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: F/S [Flying Spare]
[Signed] Edgar D. Cartwright, 2nd Lt., Air Corps



Aircraft No. 37964 Squadron - 509  Pilot - Lt. Whitaker
Time of Abortive - 0910  Location when Aborted - 52°35'N-02°25'E [29 miles ENE of Lowestoft, England]
Reason For Abortive - Three crew members including pilot had cramps and diarrhea.
Disposition of Bombs: D/A [Delay Action] bombs dropped in channel - 52°30'N-02°21'E [28.5 miles E of Lowestoft, England]
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 7,600'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Bombs dropped at 52°30'N 02°25'E at 09:05 - 10 x 500# GP Delayed action bombs.
[Signed] George E. Whitaker



Aircraft No. 38139 Squadron - 510 (A/C 508th)  Pilot - Lt. Whitten
Time of Abortive - 1020  Location when Aborted - 5405N-0550E [53 miles N of Dokkum, Netherlands]
Reason For Abortive - #4 Supercharger out.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought bombs back to field.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000 feet
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: none
[Signed] Charles E. Whitten



Aircraft No. 97318 Squadron - 511  Pilot - 1st Lt. Bjoring
Time of Abortive - 1020  Location when Aborted - 54°10'N-04°35'E [125 miles N of Amsterdam, Netherlands]
Reason For Abortive - #2 Engine vibrating violently throwing oil and smoking through cowling. When power settings w3ere increased after feathering #2, #4 started throwing oil.
Disposition of Bombs: Dropped in North Sea
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 17,000
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None - Within 10 miles of Heligoland but encountered no opposition.
Remarks: ____
[Signed] Donnell E. Bjoring

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

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: Z–7965
   Sqdn 509th A/C: L–7676, Y–6108, T–1384, R–6156, O–7595, U–7216, X–7926, V–7854, P–7193, M–7964, (Z–7696 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: Z–7638
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ___

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: D–8139, G–7850, R–1192, (P–7258 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: W–6077
   Sqdn 510th A/C: C–2576, R–8038, A–1560, V–1509, F–7124, G–7862, N–7665, K–7252
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   c. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: Q–1879, N–7727, L–7920, K–7557, J–2971, (M–7900 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: U–7381, X–7571, G–7533, D–7524, H–7986, S–7318, Z–7046

2. Target: GY-4671
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T WTT R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T PYT R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T MCS R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T SBU R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0655; Take-Off – 0710; E.T.D. Field – 0710
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0849	5,000 Ft	Felixstowe

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1056	20,000 Ft	53°47'N-08°31'E [9 miles SW of Cuxhaven, Germany]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1343	20,000 Ft	53°47'N-08°31'E [9 miles SW of Cuxhaven, Germany]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1505	5,000 Ft	Cromer

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1540 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/100 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: Same (Delay Action M-7964 3-1hr., 3-12hr., 4-6hr.)
    510 Squadron: Same
    511 Squadron:
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/100 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: Same
    510 Squadron: Same (Delay Action K-7252 3-1hr., 3-12hr., 4-6hr.)
    511 Squadron:
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/100 [Fuses] (Delay Action J-2971 3-1hr., 3-12hr., 4-6hr.)
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron: Same
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: R.W. Burns Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: Z-7965  Sqdn. 508th
    b. High Box: Name: G.W. Viste Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: W-6077 Sqdn. 509th
    c. Low Box: Name: C.R. Woodrum Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: U-7381 Sqdn. 511th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. PFF A/C: Z-7965 - 508th, Z-7638 - 510th with 351st Group
      B-7701 - 509th, U-7947 - 510th with 457th Group
      A-7687 - 509th, L-7636 - 511th with 401st Group

Report Compiled By L.A. Curley, T/Sgt.

 The Group was briefed to fly to Berlin as the 94th “A” Combat Wing, providing 39 aircraft including two PFF ships and three flying spares. The Combat Wing Commander was Lt. Colonel Robert W. Burns. The Lead Pilot was Captain Sterling L. McCluskey, with Lt. Billy V. Gwyn as navigator and Captain Allan D. Behrendt as bombardier. The high group was led by Lt. Gerald D. Viste with Captain Logan, Lt. Gallagher, and Lt. Pinner. The low group was led by Lt. Charles R. Woodrum with Lt. Rohrbacher, Lt. Tuerck, and Lt. Carneal. The first planes took off at 0710 hours. Wing assembly was successfully made at 5,000 feet at the Kings Cliff buncher.
 Departing the English coast at Felixstowe, the 94th “A” Combat Wing was in its proper position, seventh formation in the First Division. However, the preceding formations overshot the last turn before the enemy coast, leaving the 94th “A” leading the Division from just before the enemy coast up to the target. By this time, the Group had 34 aircraft, 12 in the lead box and 11 each in the high and low boxes. Two ships had returned with mechanical difficulties after the flying spares had returned as planned.
 The flight from the enemy coast to the I.P. passed without incident. However, the approach to the I.P. brought the formation over anti-aircraft artillery installations to the east of Berlin. At this point, 42-97211 in the lead box, piloted by Lt. Hibbard, and 42-97381, piloted by the low box leader, Lt. Woodrum, were hit by flak. Lt. Woodrum immediately lowered his wheels as signal for the deputy leader to take over and then pulled out of the formation. Lt. Hibbard salvoed his bombs but remained with his formation.
 The 94th “A: Combat Wing continued on its bombing run through continuous following flak. Bombing was visual with mixed results. The lead group’s bombs covered the M.P.I. and the high group’s bombs fell just short, but the low group’s bombs were well over. After the bomb release, the formation, buffeted from the flak, made a ragged turn, especially the low group, which had borne the brunt of the accurate flak. At this point about twelve FW 190s and six ME 109s attacked. The attacks were very persistent, the fighters coming in from the rear through their own flak.
 The low group was hit particularly hard, both by flak and fighters. The aircraft flown by Lts. Pattison, Barieau, and Uttley, already damaged by flak, were shot down by fighters. Lt. Strange’s ship was hit by flak over the target, caught fire and blew up. Lt. Boyd’s aircraft, 42-107046, was attacked from the rear by FW 190s. The 20mm shells tore open the trailing edges of the wings and exploded on the upper turret, throwing S/Sgt. Karnes to the floor and blowing away his oxygen mask. The same burst also hit the ball turret, killing Sgt. Kearnes. At this point Lt. Boyd ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft. Lt. Wassner, bombardier, and Lt. Marsden, navigator, immediately jumped from the front escape hatch. The tail and waist gunners exited from the rear door. S/Sgt. Thompson, the radio operator, was reaching for his parachute when the plane exploded, killing him and the two pilots, Lt. Boyd and Lt. Snyder. The explosion blew S/Sgt. Karnes clear of the plane, but with only one of his parachute snaps connected, which fortunately was sufficient to hold him when his parachute opened.
 When Lt. Woodrum turned away from his lead position of the low group, his aircraft had just received a burst from an 88mm shell. It had hit the number four engine just behind the firewall and the engine caught fire immediately. It was understood amongst the pilots that once this spot was hit, it would only take one and a half minutes for the fire to spread to the fuel tanks behind it. Lt. Woodrum immediately feathered the number four propeller and ordered his crew to prepare to bail out. On hearing this, the copilot, Lt. Rohrbacher, carried out the procedure that he and Lt. Woodrum had previously agreed, should such a situation as this arise. He gathered the forward crewmembers in the nose, ensured that they bailed out through the forward escape hatch and then followed them. Meanwhile Lt. Woodrum salvoed his bombs, only to find that four of the 500- pound bombs had hung up.
 Woodrum put his ship into a sideslip from 23,000 feet down to 11,000 feet. The vacuum, created behind the firewall in the number four engine by this sideslipping drop, extinguished the fire. After pulling the plane straight and level, Lt. Woodrum discovered that the rest of the crew had not bailed out with the copilot, navigators, bombardier, and engineer. His violent maneuvers had, however, loosened the bombs, which fell out safely.
 Lt. Woodrum then ordered Lt. Fish from the tail gunner position to act as copilot, the ball turret gunner to the tail position, and one of the waist gunners to the nose guns. Not knowing where he was, he dropped to 8,000 feet and took a heading of 31.5°. Southwest of Muritz Lake he was picked up by two P-51s who told him to take a heading of 290°, before fuel shortage forced them to leave him.
 Just north of Hamburg another engine lost power and Lt. Woodrum found it necessary to put the plane into a shallow dive to maintain speed, but because he was still in enemy territory he forbade the crew to jettison any armament. From the time he dropped out of formation the ship had been fired on by series after series of flak guns, but crossing the mouth of the Elbe River at 4,000 feet, the flak reached an intensity which the crew believed the ship could not weather.
 As they came over the North Sea, Woodrum took a heading of 270° until just north of the Zuider Zee. He was then able to contact Air Sea Rescue who gave him a more southwesterly direction.
 Lt. Woodrum considered trying to make a landing back at Polebrook. However, Lt. Fish, who had been trying to keep track of fuel consumption on the back of an envelope because the fuel gauges were smashed, reported that the fuel would not last that far. They then decided that they would try to land at Leiston. A safe landing was made, despite the fact that the emergency water supply was used to bring up the hydraulic pressure for the brakes.
  Meanwhile, Lt. Petty landed his severely damaged aircraft, 42-31509, in Sweden.

• A/C# 42-31509  TU-V  "Twinkel Toes"  Pilot: Lt. Petty  A/C's 41st Mission   MACR # 7589

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Shot down by German fighter planes and flak.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Petty, William M. Jr., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Coman, James B., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Navigator - F/O Buzzi, Floyd L., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Becker, Donald W., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Dimbro, Thomas, Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Prater, Lawrence A., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Leikam, Edward, Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Doyle, Vincent J., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Boogard, Parry J., Landed in Sweden - Interned - Repatriated.
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-102971   YB-J    Pilot: Lt. Pattison  A/C's 26th Mission   MACR # 7586

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  Account written by Lt. Pattison included in the MACR:
   On August 6th, 1944 about 12:15 we were hit by flak N.E. of Berlin, knocking No. three engine out and setting the engine on fire. I feathered the engine and the fire went out. But was spraying oil and gas along the fuselage. As soon as we were clear the formation the bombardier dropped the bombs. By this time we had dropped back a quarter of a mile even though we were drawing full power.
   At the I.P. we cut across to intercept the lead group at a distance of ten miles. Half way of intercepting the lead group we were attacked by enemy fighters, who knocked no. four engine out and set the fuselage and tail on fire. I gave three orders to bail out about three minutes apart. No one acknowledged bailout order but interphone was working.
   Nav. - Roberts, L.B. & Bomb. - Chamberlain, R.H. - Believed to have bailed out [forward] hatch.
   Top Turret - Bullock, C.U. - Bailed out through Bomb Bay.
   Radio - Rismer, W.O. - Bailed out the waist door.
   Ball Turret - Espinoza, F.L. - Bailed out the waist door.
   Waist Gunner - Smith, John R. - Bailed out the waist door.
   Tail Gunner - Sessanson, C.A. - Bailed out the waist door.
   Co-pilot - Parker, F.H. - Refused to bail out.
   Pilot - Pattison, P.F. - Bailed out through Bomb Bay.
  
   Parker, F.H. on first order of bail out left his seat. Next time I saw him was entering his position with parachute on. Tried four times to get him to bail out. I had to jump through fire in Bomb Bay. As my parachute opened a chute opened [near] me and I believed it to be Parker. I counted seven chutes below me and believed all had bailed out. Upon hitting the ground I was taken prisoner and saw all my [unreadable] was in vain.
  
  According to documents in the MACR, the plane crashed 1 km. south east of Schlunkendorf.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Pattison, Paul F., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Parker, Francis H., KIA according to a document in the MACR.
  • Navigator - 1st Lt. Roberts, Leonard B., KIA - His body was picked up on the Seddiner-See 8 miles south of Potsdam.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Chamberlain, Roland H., KIA - His body was picked up on the Seddiner-See 8 miles south of Potsdam.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt. Bullock, Clyde U., POW at Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11, Returned to Military Control.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Riemer, Winfred O., POW at Dulag Luft Grosstychow Dulag 12, Returned to Military Control.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Smith, John R., 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 - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Espinoza, Frank L., 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 - Sgt. Bessanson, Clarence 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.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • 2nd Lt. Chamberlain, Roland H., His body was buried in Plot B Row 12 Grave 14, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium, Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart.
  • 1st Lt. Roberts, Leonard B., According to German documents in the MACR his body was buried in Community Cemetery at Neu-Zeddin, Section B, Grave #3 on 10 Aug 1944. At a later date his body was reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, Plot: Section 34 Site 3662
  • 2nd Lt. Parker, Francis H., No burial information could be located.

  

  
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• A/C# 43-37557   YB-K  "Hubba Hubba"  Pilot: Lt. Barrieau  A/C's 30th Mission   MACR # 7588

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Shot down by German fighter planes and flak.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Barieau, Jerome E. Jr., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Wilson, Donald C., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Navigator - 1st Lt. Wall, Walter, A., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Bombardier - F/O Clifton, Morris H., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Weaver, George L., 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.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Wilson, Harry 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.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Law, Kenneth C., KIA - The pilot and engineer reported finding his body near where they landed. His chute was unopened (ripcord not pulled). A German guard pulled the ripcord and the parachute popped open.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Levy, Albert A. Jr., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Mazur, John, 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.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Kenneth C. Law, Status - Missing In Action, Memorialized - Tablets of the Missing, Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart

  

  
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• A/C# 43-37920   DS-L    Pilot: Lt. Uttley  A/C's 6th Mission   MACR # 7585

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  Shot down by German fighter planes and flak.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Uttley, George W. Jr., Killed in Action.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Hayes, Charles W., Killed in Action.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Sheir, Milton A. POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Ralston, James Jr., Killed in Action.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Badgett, Cecil F., Killed in Action.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Bernstein, Alvin, 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.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Saunders, William T., Killed in Action.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Garza, Joe, Died of wounds as Prisoner of War at Reserve Lazaret Biesdorf (Hospital #128) (Serves Stalag 3-D) Berlin Prussia 52-13.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Coverdale, Marion C. Killed in Action.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Uttley, George W. Jr., Buried: Plot D Row 7 Grave 28, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Hayes, Charles W., Buried: Plot A Row 32 Grave 19, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Ralston, James Jr., Buried: Plot B Row 20 Grave 13, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Badgett, Cecil F., Burial: Savannah Cemetery, Savannah, Andrew County, Missouri.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Saunders, William T., Burial: Plot: Section R, Site 2575, Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Garza, Joe,, Burial: Weslaco Cemetery, Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Coverdale, Marion C. , Burial: Highland Cemetery, Ashland, Clark County, Kansas

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge

• A/C# 42-107046   DS-Z  "Screw Ball"  Pilot: Lt. Boyd  A/C's 21st Mission   MACR # 7584

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  The plane was attacked by German fighter planes and Anti-Aircraft guns. Sgt. Kearns, the Ball Turret gunner's arm was shot off and was being helped by S/Sgt. Thompson, Max K. Jr., the radio operator and the pilot, 2nd Lt. Boyd, William M., and co-pilot, 2nd Lt. Snyder, Chester J., were in the cockpit when the aircraft exploded. The plane crashed 1 km. SW of Wust, 2 km. east of Brandenburg, Germany.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Boyd, William M., Killed in Action
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Snyder, Chester J., Killed in Action
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt. Marsden, Arthur M., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Wassner, Donald R., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Karnes, William F., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Thompson, Max K. Jr., Killed in Action
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Handel, Edward W., 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.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Kearns, Malcolm L., Killed in Action
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Gavin, Edwin E., 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.
  Burial Records:
  

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

  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Boyd, William M., Burial: Plot: Section Q Site 128, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, USA
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Snyder, Chester J., Burial information not located.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Thompson, Max K. Jr., Burial: Plot A Row 28 Grave 18, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Purple Heart
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Kearns, Malcolm L., Burial: Oakwood Cemetery High Point, NC

  

  
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• A/C# 43-37533   DS-G    Pilot: Lt. Strange  A/C's 4th Mission   MACR # 7587

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  Eyewitness Account:
  I, Arthur L. Hartwell, 35693680, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-31879, which was in Lead Position, Lead Squadron, Low Group on a mission to Berlin, Germany on 6 August 1944. Just after bombs away I noticed Lt. Strange's plane above me was on fire, which had been started by flak or fighters as both were present. He stayed in formation for five (5) minutes or more before falling out and was under control. Then he sideslipped over to the left and three (3) parachutes came out. Shortly afterward he went into a spin and the plane exploded in mid-air. I saw the pieces fly in all directions. I heard nothing on VHF.
  
  Account written by the Co-pilot, George J. Pappas.
  All I remember is leaving my position the check the fire in the bomb bay as instructed to do by the first pilot. He rang the alarm to bail out. Due to taking my oxygen mask off to put on a walk around bottle and he (1st. Pilot) sounding the alarm, I put on my parachute and at the same time motioning to the navigator to jump. All I remember is getting to the hatch and coming to about 9,000 ft. and opened my 'chute. The engineer told me later that the plane blew up after he left. I was free in Germany for a day and a half, trying to get to France. After captured I was told by the German interrogator that the bodies of the pilot, navigator and waist gunner was found.
  
  On a questionnaire in the MACR, Lt. Pappas wrote that the navigator and waist gunner had passed out due to lack of oxygen before they could bail out of the plane. The wreckage of the plane landed near Buchholz, 5 miles NNE of Treuenbrietzen, SW of Potsdam.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Strange, Wilson R., Killed in Action.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Pappas, George J., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Navigator - F/O Booth, Frank E., Killed in Action.
  • Bombardier - F/O Smith, Otis G., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt. Barlow, Kenneth 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.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt. Morrell, Ross J., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Prokop, Edward J., Killed in Action.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt. Zeigler, Lionel S., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt. Killoran, Donald B., 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.
  Burial Records: None
  

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

  • Pilot - 1st Lt. Strange, Wilson R., Buried: Plot D Row 4 Grave 14, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluste.r
  • Navigator - F/O Booth, Frank E., Buried: Plot: Section: Chapel Lot: 10-13 Space 1, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, Erie County, New York. Awards: Air Medal and Purple Heart.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt. Prokop, Edward J., Buried: Plot B Row 12 Grave 15, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

  

  
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   [Killed in Action - 17]
   [Died as a POW - 1]
   [Prisoner of War - 27]
   [Interned in Sweden - 9]
   [Wounded - 2]