351st Bomb Group

Group Mission #257

Credited Mission #250

Briefing Outline:

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary: Visual or G.H. - Euskirchen [Germany] A/F [Airfield]
   3. PFF Primary: ____
   4. Visual Secondary: ____
   5. PFF Secondary: P.F.F. only Cologne MY [R.R. Marshalling Yard]
   6. Last Resort: Any target in Germany not prohibited by existing regulations.
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 1000
   Stations:	- 0845
   Start Engines:	- 0855
   Taxi:	- 0905
   Take Off:	- 0925
   Target Time:	- 1311
   ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- 1507

   
     L.T.O. [Last Take Off] 1050
   
     Gasoline 2,500 Gallons
   
   

3. LOADING:
   Lead -	All A/C 38 x 100 G.P. [General Purpose] No Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
   High -	___
   Low -	___
   Composite -	___

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: 30 FT.
   
   
5. Chaff: 360 units - at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] for 15 minutes.
   
   

6. Disposition of Forces	[Bomb Group]	Target	Time of Departure
   "A" Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	401	Euskirchen
   "B" Gp. in 94 CBW	351	Euskirchen
   "C" Gp. in 94 CBW	457	Euskirchen
   1 Div. Lead	1st	Cologne
   2nd CBW	40th	Gynich
   3rd CBW	41st	Bonn
   4th CBW	94th	Euskirchen
   2nd Div.	240 A/C	Dasburg
   3rd Div.	12 Grps.	Karlsruhe & Cologne

   
   PFF A/C to fly as: GH-PFF Lead, PFF Deputy Lead and High and Low Sqdn. Leads.
   
   REMARKS:
    Interval between Groups – 2 minutes.
    Leaders will make every effort to bomb at briefed altitude and keep interval between squadrons to a minimum on the bombing run.
   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 8 Gps. of P-51’s
   
   
8. Other Forces: Same for 2 & 3 [Division] same Area - Control Point 2 - 0 [hr.] + 122.
   
   
9. Assembly:

   Lead at	15,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   High at	16,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   Low at	14,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   401st at	15,000'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher
   457th at	15,000'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher
   Composite at	____	feet on	____	Buncher

   Combat Wing Assembly Line: Splasher #6 to Clacton
   Division Assembly Line: Clacton to 51°14’N-02°55’E [Ostend, Belgium]
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Visual - Sqdn.; G.H. - Group; PFF by Sqdns.
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      They are: Lead - C-753, High - F-566, Low - H-435
     c. Camera A/C   G-954, T-461, V-854
      to return at   Continental coast on return.
     d. Spares to turn back at Continental coast.
     e. REMARKS: Icey runway - Run up engines in dispersals.
      Use caution on taxi, T.O. [Take Off] approx. one min. Interval.
      SCS-51 will be operated from 11:30 - 15:00 using Studs [Freq.] X-Y-Z. Report upon completion. [SCS-51 was a radio beam at
      three different locations denoting the front battle lines.]
      - Caution V.H.F.
      - Buck Eye White - Scouting Force W/Q Able.
      - 3 - Mosquitoes [British fighter planes] in area.
    
     BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!
    
    
14. CALL SIGNS:

    	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
    351st	Woodcraft Baker	RG [Red Green]	Major Hinkle
    401st	Woodcraft Able	RY	Major Maupin
    457th	Woodcraft Charlie	RY	Major Snow
    1st Div. Air Commander	Swordfish Able	__	Colonel Shackley
    94th CBW Air Commander	Woodcraft Able	RY	Major Maupin

    
    

    Fighters	Balance 3
    Bombers	Vinegrove 3-11
    Grnd. Control	67th -Mohair	8th [AF] Colgate

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - 51°14’N-02°55’E		S - Koln
    [Ostend, Belgium]		P - Koblenz
    C.P. 2 - 50°45’N-04°30’E		L - Giessen
    [1 mi SW of Hagaard, Belgium]		I - Mannheim
    C.P. 3 - 50°43’N-05°16’E		N - Durlach
    [½ mi W of Oleye, Belgium]		T - Strasbourg
    _____		E - Saarbrucken
    _____		R - Trier

    
    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 23,000’
     1. Code Word Authentication - Flap Jacks
     2. Abandon Ops - Roger - King - Fox
     3. Two minutes between Groups
     4. Southern Entry on Return
    
    
15. Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All except the following:
    2. Channel “B” - M-900, U-381, C-640
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W. [Fighter Wing] A-410
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F. [Air Force] F-711
    5. Channel “D” - Z-8027; L-045; Q-416; G-078 - 8th Air Force Channels
    
    
16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. ____
    2. Expected Runway on return. ____
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. ____

Operational Narrative

1. Date of Mission - 10 January, 1945.
   1. Target Attacked:  The primary target at Euskirchen, Germany, was attacked by GH methods.
   2. Force: 94th “B” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including one GH ship, three PFF ships, and two flying spares, were dispatched.
   3. Position: The 94th "B" Group flew in its briefed position behind the 94th "A" Group.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major Carl C. Hinkle, Jr
      	Pilot:	Captain Norman A. Trapp
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Albert W. Luich
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Robert E. McFarlane

      
      

      	High Squadron
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. John R. Coulam
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Billy J. Maddux
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Thomas C. Kyser
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Arnold Schiffman

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Benjamin F. Nay
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Donald L. Fish
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. John P. Curley
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Wayne A. Grundish

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The GH aircraft took off from Grafton-Underwood and proceeded to Kings Cliffe for the group assembly. No red-green flares were available in this ship, which was to fly as the lead aircraft. This resulted in some difficulty in forming the group. Cirrus clouds and contrails at the assembly area made it assembly difficult. Take-off was delayed when it became necessary to switch runways. As a result, those aircraft which did reach the buncher in time for the assembly had difficulty in finding the formation, and those which took off late had to attempt to intercept it on the route to Clacton. The assembly of the ships at the buncher was made at the briefed altitude of 15,000 feet.
   2.  Route Over England: Departure from the buncher was made on time (1051). The formation flew inside of the briefed course, but contacted it at a point just east of Crowland. The briefed route was closely followed to Splasher #6, which was reached one minute early (1118). The altitude at that point was 16,000 feet, 1,000 feet above the briefed altitude. The briefed route was flown towards Clacton, the departure point. Bad weather was encountered on this leg, but the formation broke out of it before departing from the English coast. The formation cut inside of the briefed route at the departure point. The coast was departed one minute early (1129) at the briefed altitude of 18,000 feet.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: Due to the fact that the entire formation had not assembled on the leader, the 94th "B" Group tacked onto the 94th "A" Group as an extra squadron. Bad weather was encountered in crossing the channel, but the 94th "A" Group was followed. Divergencies from the briefed course, as indicated on the Track Chart, resulted from keeping in the 94th "A" Group formation. The Belgian coast was crossed slightly to the right of the briefed course thirty seconds early (1154½) at an altitude of 23,000 feet, 2,000 feet below the briefed altitude.
   4.  Flight to Target: Inside of the coast, contact with the 94th "B" Group deputy leader was made. He was informed that the leader was one mile to the right of course and on time. The deputy soon joined the formation with several other aircraft, and the 94th "B" formed as a group rather than as a squadron. The High Squadron had only two aircraft, while the majority of the ships scheduled to fly in the High Squadron flew in the Low Squadron. The 94th "C" Group had moved in front of the 94th "B" Group before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached. It later disappeared and evidently attacked in its briefed position behind the 94th "B" Group. The briefed route was flown to the IP with minor deviations which were the result of following the preceding formations. The IP was reached slightly to the south and west of the briefed point (one minute's variance in latitude and longitude) six minutes early (1252). The briefed altitude of 25,000 feet was flown at this point. The other formations were heard over VHF in their unsuccessful attempts to contact the Weather Scouting Force. It was evident that the target would be overcast.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: The primary target was attacked in group formation by GH methods. The briefed IP was crossed on the run, the actual IP having been slightly to the south and west of the briefed point. The target was completely overcast. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily.
   6.  Flight From Target: The target had been attacked eight minutes early (1303). After bombing, the sharp left turn could not be made, and so the 94th "B" Group made a wider curve outside of the briefed turn and then paralleled the briefed course on the left. The 94th "A" Group was followed through the clouds in the deviation from course. The Belgian coast was crossed slightly to the right of course at 1351, at an altitude of 12,000 feet. Thick cloud was encountered at mid-channel, and was present the remainder of the route to base. The English coast was crossed to the left of the briefed course at an altitude of 2,500 feet. A direct route was flown to base, where visibility was found to be poor. A normal let-down had been started, but it was broken up by clouds. All ships then took up a definite heading. Landings were carried out without difficulty.
   7.  Fighter Support: As briefed.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost. Meager, accurate, continuous following flak was encountered. There were eight to ten-tenths clouds in the general target area, but the immediate rarget was covered by ten-tenths clouds. Weather conditions generally made formation flying very difficult. The GH equipment of the lead aircraft worked well. The Weather Scouting Force was not contacted.
      
      It is evident that the wing men could not pull enough [engine power] to reach their briefed positions in the High Squadron when they managed to reach the formation. This left the few ships in the High Squadron unprotected and made the Low Squadron unwieldy, but could not be avoided under the circumstances.
      
      Two aircraft of the High Squadron bombed with the Lead Squadron; three bombed with the 94th "A" Group; one bombed with the 303rd Group, and one bombed with the 448th Group. One aircraft of the Low Squadron bombed with the 384th Group.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: There were five failures to attack. One flying spare returned, being unable to locate any formation.

  [Signed] Carl C. Hinkle, Major, Air Corps, Operations Officer

Statistical Summary:

	351st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
	Lead Box	High Box	Low Box	TOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off	0	0	0	0
No. of A/C Airborne	13	13	12	38
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	12	13	12	37
No. of A/C Sorties	11	9	12	32
No. of A/C Attacking	11	9	12	32
No. of A/C Not Attacking	1	4	0	5
Name of Primary Target	EUSKIRCHEN, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	11	7	12	30
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	415 x 100# GP	237 x 100# GP	455 x 100# GP	1107 x 100# GP
Name of Secondary Target
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Last Resort Target (LRT)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking LRT
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)		With 303rd GP
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.		1		1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs		38 x 100# GP		38 x 100# GP
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)		With 448th GP		1
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.		1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs		36 x 100# GP		36 x 100# GP
Bomb Totals	415 x 100# GP	311 x 100# GP	455 x 100# GP	1181 x 100# GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total	0	0	0	0
No. of A/C Lost - Flak
No. of A/C Lost - Flak and E/A
No. of A/C Lost - Enemy Aircraft
No. of A/C Lost - Accident
No. of A/C Lost - Unknown
Time of Take Off	0924	0925	0928
Time of Attack	1303	1303	1303
Average Time of Flight	5:51	6:02	6:12
Altitude of Release	22,500’	23,000’	22,275’
Visual or PFF	GH	GH	GH
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MEAGER AND ACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Degree of Success	RESULTS UNOBSERVED

2 A/C of High Sqdn bombed with Lead. 3 A/C of High Sqdn bombed with the 401st. 1 A/C of High bombed with 448th.
1 A/C of High Sqdn bombed with 303rd. 1 A/C of Low Sqdn bombed with 384th.

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: 8027 From 384th Bomb Group - Lead A/C
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None

PFF Aircraft		POSITION
44-8045		DEPUTY LEAD
44-8358		HIGH LEAD
44-8376		LOW LEAD

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Euskirchen 10 January, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0920 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1154½ hours on CP [Control Point] No. 1 buncher at 23,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1154½ hours at 5113 0251 [3 mi West of Ostend, Belgium].
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee
   6. Division formation was joined at 1154½ hours at 5113 0251 [Ostend, Belgium].
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee and Mickey
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 5001 0654 [1 mi SE of Plein, Germany].
      2. True heading over target. 352°.
      3. Actual Drift 10° Left.
      4. Altitude over Target 24,750.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1303.
      6. Wind used for bombing 64°/33 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. GEE-H
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal 210° True
   10. Group rally was accomplished at 50°42'N 06°43'E at 1305 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at 50°35'N 05°58'E at 1318½ hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at Not Observed at ____ hours.
   13. Flight home was was not as briefed. On route over England on return route. Was not flown as briefed due to dispersal of group and weather.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee, Mickey and Pilotage.
   15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were not as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
       2. Gee: OK
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] Albert W. Luich, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Euskirchen 10 January, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0925 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1000 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 15,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1057 hours at Crowland.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, Radio and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   6. Division formation was joined at 1155 hours at CP [Control Point] No. 1
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR [Dead Reckoning] and Mickey [Radar]
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 350.
      3. Actual Drift 10° Left.
      4. Altitude over Target 25,300.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1303.
      6. Wind used for bombing 65°/35 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. ___
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. ___
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal ___
   10. Group rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   13. Flight home was was not as briefed. Visibility too poor to see wing ahead.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. DR [Dead Reckoning], Mickey and Radio.
   15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were not as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
       2. Gee: Out
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] Lt. Kyser, Air Corps, Lead Navigator, High Squadron

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Euskirchen 10 January, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0926 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1045 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 14,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1110 hours at ____.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. S'ing off course to get in wing formation.
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee and Mickey.
   6. Division formation was joined at 1155 hours at CP [Control Point] No. 1.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee and Mickey
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 350.
      3. Actual Drift -10°.
      4. Altitude over Target 24,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1303.
      6. Wind used for bombing 64°/33 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. ____
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal 230°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   13. Flight home was was not as briefed. Due to weather low sqdn came home alone. Flew approx. 7 mi. north of briefed course.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee and Mickey.
   15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were not as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
       2. Gee: OK
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment ____

  [Signed:] Albert W. Allen, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 28 Oct. 1945
Field Order # 535
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Landing Ground at Euskirchen, Germany

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  G.H.
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? The Lead Sqdn bombed by G.H. method. The High and Low dropped on the Lead Sqdn on a Mag. [Magnetic Compass] heading of 356° at 1303 hours.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? G.H. method
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

I certify that this 12E form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] Warren C. Steitz, Captain. Air Corps, Acting Group Bombardier

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Lead Squadron, 94th "A" Group Bombardier - 1st Lt. McFarlane, Robert E.
Pilot - Major Hinkle, C.C. & Capt. Trapp, N.A.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Luich, Albert W.

Aircraft B-17G   Z-027  Take-off - 0920 Landed - 1510
Objective - Landing Ground at Euskirchen, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - G.H. run
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 31   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 38 x 100 G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M30 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - None   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - +560'		Magnetic Heading Ordered 040° Actual 358°
True Altitude Above Target - 22,500		True Heading 352°
Indicated Altitude - 24,750		Drift, Estimated 0° - Actual 10° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +759		True Track 342°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 10,788'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 187K		Time of Release 1303
Ground Speed Est. 217 Actual 201K		Length of Bombing Run - 37 miles
Wind Direction Metro - * Actual - 64°		Intervalometer Setting - 30 feet
Wind Velocity Metro * Actual 33K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 127.7  Trail - 112   ATF - 41.8		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .475 Actual .48		Manual Pilot - ____

  * - Light and Variable

Type of Release - 30' Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -26.5 Actual -26
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro *  Actual 064°  Velocity - Metro *  Actual 33K
Temp C. - Metro -52° C. Actual -50° C.
* - Light and Variable

Tail Gunners Report:
Date - 10 Jan. 1945
Name - Kniering, W.C.
Squadron - 508th

1. 10:05 First plane to locate Lead - C-753
2. Leave Buncher: No. of A/C [Aircraft] - Lead 4, High 4, Low 1.
3. A/C at Enemy Coast: Lead ____ , High 12, Low ____.
   Before target 9 in Lead, 22 Low at 5-6 o'clock. Could not locate High!
   Bombs Away - 19 Low - Full Lead.
4. Abortives - ____
5. Spares Filling In: No of A/C - ____  Position - Indistinguishable
6. Remarks:  Visibility at Buncher poor - Heavy contrails - 11:50 (Picked up Deanthorpe) [401st BG] 12:12 - Deputy
7. Fighter Escort - Time Sighted:  12:05 - Fighters taking up rear at 1225
8. Flak: Estimated No. of Guns -   20 - 35
9. Position from you -   Bursting at 3-5 o'clock, level
10. Time -  1308 - 4 min. After Bombs away
11. Accuracy -  Gunners are checked out! 5 cluster bursts.
12. Remarks on Formation -   ____
13. Bombs Away: A/C Releasing Late -  (1304 Time)
       A/C Releasing Early -   ____
14. Remarks - Formation on Bomb Run:   Scattered out considerably - closed up before target, lead sqd. OK - Low on Leads right!
    Flak - 3 to 5 o'clock, level, Accurate, Bursts of 5 - 6 Battery.
15. A/C in trouble:   None Apparent
16. [Enemy] Fighter Tactics Report - Time of Attacks -   None
17. Number of E/A [Enemy Aircraft] -   None
18. Type of Attacks -  ____
19. Number of Passes -  ____
20. Type of E/A -  ____
21. Remarks -  ____
22. Turrets not searching -   ____

Tail Gunners Report:
Date - 10 Jan. 1945
Name - Sgt. D.L. Carlson
Squadron - 511th

1. Leave Buncher: No. of A/C [Aircraft] - 10:51 - Lead 6, High 1, Low 6.
2. A/C at Enemy Coast: 11:54 - Lead 6 , High 1, Low 9.
   
3. Abortives - ____
4. Spares Filling In: No of A/C - ____  Position - ____
5. Remarks:   Formation not complete at any time. Low Low element missing, Contrails heavy. Good on bomb run.
6. Fighter Escort - Time Sighted:   12:31
7. Flak: Light
   Estimated No. of Guns -  ____
8. Position from you -   Pretty well all around.
9. Time -   Just after turned off target.
10. Accuracy - Medium -   No hits.
11. Remarks on Formation -   ____
12. Bombs Away: A/C Releasing Late -   ____
       A/C Releasing Early -   ____
13. Remarks - Formation on Bomb Run:   Formation was pretty good. Extra ships on bomb run
14. A/C in trouble:   One A/C had feathered prop (No. 2). Another had one landing gear lowered.
15. [Enemy] Fighter Tactics Report - Time of Attacks -   ____
16. Number of E/A [Enemy Aircraft] -  ____
17. Type of Attacks -  ____
18. Number of Passes -  ____
19. Type of E/A -  ____
20. Remarks -  ____
21. Turrets not searching -   ____

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

1. The three squadrons of this group attacked as the primary target the landing ground at Euskirchen, Germany. Bombing was by GH methods through cloud and haze and the low and high squadrons dropped on the lead squadron. Haze makes photo cover incomplete and damage assessment impossible.
2. A pattern of bursts can be seen through the haze covering the lower part of the village of Odendorf, 1300 feet east of target area and 2848 feet east of the MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. It is impossible to tell the size of the pattern or to determine whether or not any bombs fell on the landing ground.
3. (Bombs Away can be plotted for both the lead and low squadrons and, using information furnished by the group bombardier, it is estimated that the approximate point of impact would be the village of Odendorf, to the right of the target.)

  [Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]

Narrative Teletype Report:

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The Three squadrons of this group attacked as the primary target, the landing ground at Euskirhen, Germany. Bombing was by G-H methods with all squadrons dropping on the Lead. Photos show some grond detail at "Bombs Away" which indicates that the bombs fell in the approximate target area. No strikes are visible on the ground. The High Squadron was broken up by weather conditions and three A/C [Aircraft] of this squadron bombed with the 401st Group, one bombed with the 303rd Group, another bombed with a Second Division Group, and others bombed with the Lead and Low Squadrons of this Group.
3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Meager, accurate continuous following flak was encountered at the target. An intense barrage was observed over Cologne. Meager, accurate continuous following flak was encountered in the vicinity of Blankenheim and at Monschau.
5. There were 8 to 10/10 clouds in the general target area, but the immediate target area was covered by 10/10 clouds. Weather conditions generally made formation flying very difficult.
6. There were no observations of military importance.
7. All PFF equipment worked well and was used for navigational purposes only. G-H equipment of the Lead A/C worked well. The Scouting Force was not contacted. Fighter support was as briefed. Our A/C L-515 landed at New Market due to a shortage of fuel. None of our A/C are missing.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 410-A  Lead ship (GH) did not fire flares on assembly. Down wind take-offs are no good. - Lt. Wiese.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 384-T Flying too fast - climbing at 165 to 170. Guns on A/C unassembled and dirty. - Lt. Della Cioppa.
A/C 854-V If we could have had another five minutes or so we would have gotten all the A/C in the formation. - Lt. Lockard.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 802-X On take-off Glatton seemed to be taking off in the wrong direction. We had to drop 100 feet on take-off to miss them. Assembly altitude should have been changed. - Lt. Langdon.

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

Mission Summary Report:

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37978, 508th Squadron returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron returned early. Pilot stated that #1 propeller ran away and propeller shaft broke. Investigation revealed that the planetary gears in #1 engine gave way.
   3. Airplane No. 44-6566, 509th Squadron returned early due to the Pilot's inability to locate formation.
   4. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron returned early. Pilot stated that #3 propeller governor was uncontrollable. Investigation revealed that #3 propeller governor was faulty.
   5. Airplane No. 43-38591, 509th Squadron left the formation early and landed at Woodbridge. Pilot stated that #2 engine blew a cylinder and caught fire. Due to the fact that the aircraft landed away from home station no investigation of the aircraft has been made by this section.
   6. Airplane No. 43-37665, 510th Squadron returned early due to the Pilot's inability to locate the formation.

  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. N-37665 Squadron - 510 High Date - 10 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Late T/O could not sight any Group to go in with.
   2. Place and altitude 26,000' @ 51°10'N 02°50'E
   3. Time 12:10
   4. Position in formation #2 Position in Diamond.
   5. Disposition of bombs Returned to field
   6. Remarks 
     (Pilot's Signature) R.W. Vergen, 2nd Lt.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. J-37978 Squadron - 508 - Lead  Date - 10 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Late Takeoff, couldn't find formation.
   2. Place and altitude 10 miles W of Ostend [Belgium], 24,000 ft.
   3. Time 1153
   4. Position in formation Spare
   5. Disposition of bombs Brought them back.
   6. Remarks L.T.O. [Late Take-Off] - Tail wheel frozen.
     (Pilot's Signature) Vance A. Hansen
2. GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Cause (if mechanical) Does not pertain to Gp. [Group] Eng. [Engineering]
   2. Responsibility ____
   3. Type if abortive ____
   4. Position in formation ____
   5. Disposition of bombs ____
   6. Remarks ____
     (Eng. Officer's Signature) ____
3. SQUADRON COMMANDER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Responsibility Personnel
   2. Action Taken Reprimand pilot & instruct same.
     (Squadron C.O.'s Signature) James T. Stewart
4. GROUP S-3's [Operations] STATEMENT:
   1. Comments ____
   2. Credit ____
     (Operations Officer's Signature) ____
5. To Group Commander for information and remarks.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. N-97169 Squadron - 509 - High  Date - 10 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive: Lost #3 prop gov. [governor] and could not stay with formation.
   2. Place and altitude: 26,000  15 miles east of Brussels.
   3. Time: 1226
   4. Position in formation: Lead of Low Low in High Squadron
   5. Disposition of bombs: Brought Back
   6. Remarks: ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Stanley D. Foreman

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. P-97258 Squadron - 508 - Lead  Date - 10 January, 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive #1 Engine broken prop shaft.
   2. Place and altitude Kings Cliffe 15,000 ft.
   3. Time 10:30
   4. Position in formation #2 Low Low of Lead Sqdn.
   5. Disposition of bombs 2°20'N 2°40'E
   6. Remarks ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Charles H. Sugg

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. U-38591 Squadron - 509 High  Date - 10 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive: Blew #1 cyl on #2 Eng - Lost oil and Eng vibrated. Fire started and extinguished prior to landing but caught again after landing.
   2. Place and altitude: 26,000' at Brussels
   3. Time: 1200
   4. Position in formation: Hi sqdn. of 401st Group.
   5. Disposition of bombs: Returned.
   6. Remarks: 
     (Pilot's Signature) Lt. Whittaker

“J” Form:

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, B–7349, C–8753, D–8405, F–1711, G–8954, L–7956, M–7900, O–8299, P–7258, (J–7978 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF)
   Sqdn 544th A/C: (Z–8027 GH - 384 Bomb Group)

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: (Z–8376 PFF)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: B–6610, H–8280, L–7515, T–8461
   Sqdn 511th A/C: B–8691, H–8435, M–8650, N–8592, Q–8080, U–7381, X–6802

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (Z–8358 PFF), C–8640, F–6566, G–6078, L–7193, M–7964, N–7169, P–7843, Q–8116, T–1384, V–7854, U–8591, (R–6156 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: (No. 35) GU-4178A
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T TKZ R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T SKB R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T NJZ R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T PBX R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 0905; Take-Off – 0925; E.T.D. Field – 0925
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1130	18,000 Ft	Clacton

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1155	25,000 Ft	51°14'N-02°55'E [Ormond, Belgium]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1356	12,000 Ft	51°22'N-03°22'E [2.75 miles ENE of Zoute, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1445	5,000 Ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1507 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 38 x 100 G.P. - No Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    Low Squadron: Same
    High Squadron: Same
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2500 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Major Hinkle A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8027 - GH (544 Sq.)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Robinson A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8376 - PFF (508)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Coulam A/C No & Sqdn. A-8358 - PFF (509)
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By Maksimik, J., S/Sgt.

Formation Chart:

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Hinkle–Trapp A/C 44-8027 Z GH-PFF
			Crutcher A/C 43-38753 C		Angelini A/C 44-8045 L PFF
	Stahl A/C 42-97349 B						Lowery A/C 43-38405 D
Beringer A/C 43-38277 O		Kale A/C 42-31711 F				Wiese A/C 44-8410 A		Buttel A/C 43-37900 M
	Parnell A/C 43-37956 L						Hansen A/C 43-37978 J Spare
Wisdom A/C 43-38954 G		Sugg A/C 42-97258 P

Sugg aborted mission.
Hansen aborted mission.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Hinkle–Trapp A/C 44-8027 Z GH-PFF
			Crutcher A/C 43-38753 C		Angelini A/C 44-8045 L PFF
	Stahl A/C 42-97349 B						Lowery A/C 43-38405 D
Beringer A/C 43-38277 O		Kale A/C 42-31711 F				Wiese A/C 44-8410 A		Buttel A/C 43-37900 M
	Parnell A/C 43-37956 L						Della-Cioppa A/C 42-31384 T
Wisdom A/C 43-38954 G		Quinn A/C 44-6156 R

Quinn the flying spare in the High Group filled in Sugg's position.
Della-Cioppa from High Squadron flew and bombed with Lead Squadron.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Coulam A/C 44-8358 A PFF
			Hammond A/C 44-6566 F		Crews A/C 43-38116 Q
	Walker A/C 42-97193 L						Cronin A/C 43-39001 M
Claggett A/C 43-38640 C		Smith A/C 43-37964 M				Della-Cioppa A/C 42-31384 T		Whittaker A/C 43-38591 U
	Foreman A/C 42-97169 N						Quinn A/C 44-6156 R Spare
Parker A/C 43-37854 V		Vergen A/C 42-97843 P

Walker flew and bombed with 401st Bomb Gp. - Deenethorpe.
Claggett flew and bombed with 401st Bomb Gp. - Deenethorpe.
Smith flew and bombed with 401st Bomb Gp. - Deenethorpe.
Cronin flew and bombed with 2nd Division, 448th Bomb Gp.
Della-Cioppa flew and bombed with Lead Squadron.
Quinn flew and bombed with Lead Squadron.
Parker flew and bombed with 303rd Bomb Gp. - Molesworth.
Foreman aborted mission.
Vergen aborted mission.
Whittaker aborted mission.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group High Squadron Formation Over–Target
				509th Squadron
				Coulam A/C 44-8358 A PFF
			Hammond A/C 44-6566 F		Crews A/C 43-38116 Q

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				511th Squadron
				Robinson A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Hadley A/C 43-38435 H		Nay A/C 43-38080 Q
	Langdon A/C 44-6802 X						Lambert A/C 43-38691 B
Patterson A/C 43-38592 N		Sandel A/C 42-37515 L				Butler A/C 43-37862 G		Kasper A/C 43-38650 M
	Taylor A/C 44-6610 B
Mahnke A/C 43-38461 T		Gattens A/C 44-8280 H

Mahnke flew and bombed with 384th Bomb Gp.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group Low Squadron Formation Over–Target
				511th Squadron
				Robinson A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Hadley A/C 43-38435 H		Nay A/C 43-38080 Q
	Langdon A/C 44-6802 X						Lambert A/C 43-38691 B
Patterson A/C 43-38592 N		Sandel A/C 42-37515 L				Butler A/C 43-37862 G		Kasper A/C 43-38650 M
	Taylor A/C 44-6610 B
		Gattens A/C 44-8280 H

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 1000 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0600; Officers 0630 Stations: 0845 Start Engines: 0855 Taxi: 0905 Take-Off: 0925  Leave Base: 0925 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0500; Officers 0530]

[Wounded On Mission: 0]

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