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Front Page News
November 12, 2014
Diary Of Bombing Missions Of Stanford T Rhuland
During World War TI
December 1943 thru June 16, 1944, total of 31 missions.
Service Record: September 14, 1942 to October 20, 1945
Submitted By Alvah Robinson
(Editor’s Note: To honor the authenticity of the diary, the
following is presented as authored.)
Thursday, Dec 30, 1943 Ludwigshafen, Germany
First Mission, and am glad it’s over.
Up at four a.m. for chow and briefed at five a.m. Was all mixed up.
First left my mae west and towel to put around my neck. Couldn’t get
my gun straight or anything. Finally take off with 3 tons for a
load. Off at 8:30 a.m. Alt. 21,000 ft, temp of30 below. Heavy cloud
cover all the way in and out. P-47 and P-38 for escorts. Nothing
happened until near target. Then see flak for first time. Was not
too heavy and on our left. Bombs away and bomb bay door would not
come up. All four shafts broke off so came home with them down.
(Bombing DuPont buildings ½ mile long ... chemical plant) Was
attacked by five ME109 (Germans). Planes attacked on each side of
our ships. Left ours alone. Just made the one pass. England sure
looked good coming back.
Landed at 4:00 p.m. Total time 7 ½ hours. Flew in 805 Carol Dawn.
Flew group lead. 3 tons of bombs.
Friday, Jan 7, 1944 Ludwigshafen, Germany
Same target for our second one. Up at 3:30 a.m. chow at 4:30 a.m.
Briefed at 5:00 a.m. Take off at 8:30 a.m. Alt 26,000 ft, temp 42
below. Everything fine all the way. See flak before reaching target
and plenty of it. None at target this time. P-47 P-38 for escort
again. Never see so many P47’s. Stayed right with us. Plenty of flak
off on our right coming back over France. Never see an enemy fighter
all day. Plane worked fine. Load of 3 ton. See a part of France this
trip, but still heavy cloud cover. Came back over London. Some sight
from the air. Very spread out with a great number of barriage
balloons over city. Landed at about 3:00 for total of flying time of
6 ½ hrs. Ship 237 Stump Juniper. Hands got cold on this trip as
heater did not work Capt lent me a pair of his gloves. Came thru
okay. Flew group lead. 3 tons of bombs.
Friday, Jan 21 , 1944 ParderCalais Coast of France for our third
Been briefed for 3 days straight on this target. Finally taking off
at 11: 45. Only had 1 ¾ ton of bombs as not time enough to load all
of them. See the ground well today as Alt only 15,000 ft temp 15
below. Cliffs are some sight. Could see England most of time. Was
suppose to be back at 3:00, but could not see target thru clouds. So
kept making dry runs. Made at least 10 and seemed like more. Than
came home with our load. Plenty glad to, also. Just like looking for
trouble sailing around in a circle for a couple hours. Not for me. I
didn’ t see flak or fighters, but flak and one FW 190 came thru
formation low. Landed at 5:15 for flying time of 5½ hours for a
short trip. Bunk, hope that never happens again. Flew squadron 1ead
today. Ship 805, Carol Dawn.
Monday, Jan 24, 1944
Just a ride to the French Coast and called back. Was flying tail end
Charlie at 26,000 ft. Temp 45 below. No 2 engine was acting up
before we hit altitude. Then dropped out of formation just before
report to come home again. Ship #816 Name of Polly. Could stand some
work being done on it. Take off at 8:15 landing at 4:30. Hot dog,
sure glad it was called off as it was loaded at 12:15 for 4½ hrs
flying time. Almost but not quite. Was turret man for Winters crew.
Nice gang of guys.
Thursday, Jan 26, 1944
Just a briefing this morning. Got our guns in and mission called
off. Briefed on two but other also called off. Was going with Lt
Hunter and crew.
Saturday, Jan 29, 1944
Mission to Frankfurt, Ger today. Another long haul. Flew with Ft
Hunter’s crew today and Craven with Lt Brown. #4 for both of us.
Take off at 7:45 in the dark, going thru clouds at about 1500 ft.
Was sure thick. On coming out of them, it was light up there and
then the sun came out. Was the prettiest sun rise I ever see. With
the clouds all rough and wavey. 25,000 ft job this time temp 25
below zero. Didn’ t have any heat and hands got cold and borrowed a
pair of gloves. Pulled thru okay again for second time, with no
heat. Good cloud cover all the way, in and out. Came down thru a
couple, tho first for landing. Couldn’t see a thing. Was rough.
Plenty of flak at our level, but off the right a little. Good thing.
Plenty of P47 for cover. See 2 jets go down today and an emeny plane
blow up. First one. Our squadron was not attacked. Ship 462 Judy II.
Flying time of 7½ hrs. Flying element lead.
Sunday, Jan 30, 1944
Mission #5 to Brunswick
Today I find out the war is not over by a long shot. Take off at
9:00 Landing at 3:00. Alt of 26,000 temp 26 below. Flying element
lead with Lt Hunter and Craven flying our wing with Lt Brown. Was
plenty rough today. Shot my guns for first time and they worked
great. About 100 fighters were reported all over the place just
before reaching the target. Then the fight started.
Our group was pretty well split up and formation all over the sky.
Vapor trails were heavy and sun also strong and not able to see
anything on one side very well into the sun. FWl 90 and a few ME
110’s shooting rockets and attacking as well. See on fort on five
along side of us, then busy shooting myself so don’t know where he
went. Our tail, ball and waist gunners each got one plane apiece
today. Battle went on for quite some time, then P51 showed up and
fight ended.
Went on to bomb target and encountered flak. Later P47 picked us up
and brought us home. Stayed with us great. Lt Hunter’s crew is a
great bunch and sure work great together. Anyone get them and they
will pay heavy for it. Flew in 462 again. Had just one small hole in
oil cooler. Flak plenty close in leaving French Coast. Lt Blue,
Crave and I all made out okay glad to say. Flying time 6 hours. Oh
yes, when the evening showed up and all of us bad plenty to do,
noticed my legs were shaking plenty. Guess I was scared some but not
enough to keep from shooting when there was an opening. P.S. On
alert tonight also. My ass.
Thursday, Feb 3, 1944
Mission #6 Wilhelmshaven
Up at 3:30 take off at 8:30 29,000 ft temp 55 below. Landed at 3:30
Flew with Lt Henderick’s crew today. Plenty cold but a lot P38 P47
P51’s along. See no enemy fighters, but a few reported. Heavy clouds
so didn’t see much. All four generators and interphones went out
over target. Also all power turrets. I was flying waist for the
first time. Don’t like it.Flak not to heavy. Other waist gunner had
a lot of trouble with mask freezing. Had to help him quite abit.
Mine was bad enough but managed to make out alright. Electric suits
also out so had no heat. Didn’t know it but had heat turned on all
the.way up. Just sweated it out. Came home across the north sea and
was ready to ditch. First time that ever happened. Finally made it
back after dropping out of formation and coming home most of the way
alone. Then at field had to crank down all landing gear. Landed good
but had no brakes so pulled off run way. Everyone okay glad to say.
And sure glad to set foot on earth again. Was flying in 379 Yankee
Eagle. Craven flew in 805 with Brown again. Made him 5 trips in 805
and 3 with Brown. Flying time 7 hrs.
Friday, Feb 4, 1944
Mission #7 Frankfurt
Up again this morning, making 6 times in 7 days called out. Going on
4 in 7 days. 26,000 ft temp 50 below again. Flew with Lt
Henderickson crew again. Was there all one. Off about 8:30. Landing
around 3:30 Was waist gunner again and other waist was Jack for his
first one. Like gretenhurt was yesterday, mask froze for Jack and
almost passed out once. Finally got him fixed up. We had closed in
waist windows and was a lot better than open ones like day before.
Jack’s pilot was co-pilot for his first one also. Regular co-pilot
hurt shoulder day before in truck. Plenty turned around and headed
back for one reason or another. We were almost tail end again.
Clouds not so heavy and see Germany for first time. Also more flak
than is possible to come up, a few pieces hit us and one big piece
stopped in box beside of me. With shells in it. Good thing. Made a
hole almost as big as fist. Had a flak suit on for second day in a
row. Also yesterday pulled on a helmet and wished it came to my
shoes. After target we came back thru Ruher Valley by mistake.
That’s why we had so much flak. Was plenty scared and don’t mean
maybe. The ride home was plenty long. All the boys in hut went
yesterday, except one who was grounded for frost bite day before.
Made this first for most. Fighters were very few but no enemy came
up. Would never had slept but was plenty tired. Flew in 597 and was
first trip. Crave in 805 with Brown. Flying 7 hrs.
Friday, Feb 11, 1944
Mission #8 Frankfurt
Take off at 7:45 Landing at 3:30 Also 25,000 temp 42 below. Third
time to this town now for me and this was longest. Flying on lead
crew today on lead ship. Back in turret again. Sure like it better
than waist. Had good support today and flak was not bad. A lot
different than it was a week ago. A few fighters reported but none
bothered us. Three of them flew low thru formation but didn’t
attack. All our ships came home. Blue didn’t go as was grounded.
Crave did as well as me. Carlson was co-pilot as a major was pilot
today. On landing Col. gave him leaves so now a major also. Made him
14. Could see a part of country today but pretty cloudy. Way I want
it. P47 P39 P51 were with us. About the best raid we’ve been on.
Sure needed it after the one last week. That took a lot out of me
and needed one like this to get feel of it again. Flew in 597 whlch
is lead ship at present.
Monday, Feb 28, 1944
Mission #9 to France
Well after a layoff of over two weeks finally got back to work with
a hop to France. Capt Brown pilot and Lt Blue co-pilot with Crave
for radio I was in top turret this hop. Wasn’t very far but what
flak there was, was accurate. The right waist gunner got hit on the
hip but flak suit saved him and only left a bruise. Knocked him down
tho. Came in thru top of plane. Had a few holes in the ship. Made 4
bomb runs before dropping them. Had good support. Flew at 13,000
temp of 5 above. Alert was called at 10:00 and briefed at 11:00.
Take off was 12:15 Just started for chow hall and see Capt Brown who
told us all were flying. Had ½ hr to get out to the ship and get
guns in for take off. Flew in 597 Landa. Flew squadron lead high
element today. Landed at 4:15 for 4 hrs flying time.
Saturday, Mar 4, 1944
Aachen, Germany Mission # 10
Dropped our bombs in Aachen. Was not the target but was called off
and dropped them where we could. Off at 8:25 flying lead with Major
Carlson. Suppose to land at 5:30 to 6:00 but came in at 2:30.
Briefed for 22,000 ft had to go 28,000 ft to get over clouds and
vapor trail very heavy with a temp of -60. That’s as far as the
gauge goes. Sooo!! Anyway was the coldest I ever see or felt.
Was flying top turret and was all frost on steel and dome not very
good to see out of. Gloves or boots would not heat but got by. An
hour after landing, ice was still in mask. Sky was full of B17 and
they flew a swell formation. The large amount and the vapor trails
was something to see with our fighters pole P47 flying along with us
with their single trail. Support was good. No enemy planes reported.
Flak was heavy but below us. Good. My right ear played up on way
down for the first time and was grounded. Flew in 394. Dead end
Kids. #2 engine runs rough. Ice in the carborator. Cleared later and
oxygen ran plenty low. Could never make it back at high altitude.
But all’s well that ends well. (Berlin)
Thursday, March 9, 1944
Mission # 11 Berlin
Up at 4:30 take off at 8:25 Landing at 5:00 Temp 30 below. Briefed
on 1500 fighters but never see one. Flak along the way at a couple
places and over target. Flying at 26,000 and most of flak below us.
In lead ship with Capt Brown. Co-pilot Capt. New. Bomb tail gunner
first Lt. Waist gunner Capt.T second Lt. Only 3 of us enlisted men.
Two T/Sgt and S/Sgt Sun was bright and not very cold. Vapor trails
at around 25,000 ft and clouds all the way. Just see a small part of
Holland. P47 with us most of way. In and later P51 took over. Was an
hour late at target and P38 must have gone home. Quite awhile from
there without escort. But a P47 showed up later and things were
fine. 3½ hrs going in and tail wind brought us back to the coast in
1½ hrs. Was a long and tiresome hop. Flew in 394 again and worked
good. On1y 7 forts lost all day. One was in squadron below us where
either flak or bombs knocked the tail. Tough.
Saturday, March 18, 1944
Mission # 12 to Oberpfoffenhoffen, Germany
Up at 4:00 take off at 8:30 Landing at 6:30 for our longest mission
to date. Flew in 597 (Landa) again. Flew at 22,500 temp -36. Not too
cold. Was a long trip across France and then over Rhine River. And
the French fortifications going over into Germany. Going in most of
the way the Alps were on our right and were some sight. Covered with
snow and very peaked. Very pretty to look at but poor stop to land.
No flak going in and not to heavy at target. Quite abit of snow
there and planes stood out quite clear. A good job was done on them.
Our fighters were there in large number and did a good job. We had
one come after us on the bomb run. Was an ME 109 Came in at 10 high
but I never see it as had turret pointing at 4 o’ clock. We’re lucky
he missed us on his swept, see him as he went by, but too late.
Waist gunner never called him out. Then trip back got flak at coast.
Boy, them guys are good. See 2 forts heading for over Alps. Was all
over for them. 43 bombers were lost on this raid and 10 fighters.
Flew lead of low group. Major Carlson pilot. Blue co-pilot.
Wednesday, March 20, 1944
Mission # 13 to Berlin
Up about 4:00 briefing at 5:00 with take off at 8:00 Flying at
26,000 temp 44 below. Not to hot in cockpit or cabin. Heat went out.
Flew in Landa 597 and she worked fine. Took out across England and
out over North Sea at 8000 ft going to 26,000 ft on crossing German
coast above Wilhelmahaben and starting to let down around target.
Took it easy til start getting to coast. This trip from coast in was
uneventful. No flak to target and see no fighters all day. Plenty at
target and on way home. Hit every flak place they could. Some places
it was right on us. At target Crave was really putting the chaff out
Had plenty and sure did use it. Carlson pilot Blue co-pilot with
Carden N. Beemen B. Was no escort til after target and sure sweat
them out. Quite a time after target also before we met some short
range P47 to bring us home. Was about a 1h hr late coming out from
coast so made a long ride. Finally home base again for a sweet
landing.
Sunday, March 25, 1944
Mission #14 to France
Up about 4 a.m. but never took off until 12:00 and landed at 4:00
p.m. Flying at 21,000 Temp about 20 below. Was just over the coast
and only over enemy ground 20 minutes. No fighters, and plenty of
escort. Plenty of flak and right on us. One plane from our field
went down, flak hit. All baled out am sure. Was hazy out but not
cloudy and could see good. Had a good hit on target. “Crave” radio
man and I flew waist. We were flying Willis crew. Ship #972.
April 20, 1944
Mission #15 to Sottevast, France
Flew lead with Major Carlson today. Took off around 3:00 and after
and getting back at 7:00. Was a short haul but had to make two runs
on target and did the flak come up on the second run. Sure glad to
dump them and come back. Captain Coors came along for a ride, what a
guy. Flew at 21,500 Temp -20 which wasn’t bad. Flew in 597 “Landa”
on lead ship. Everyone back okay. Was just a little way in from
coast. First one this month after a 3½ week layoff. Officers all had
flak suits on for first time I think. Windshield was shattered by
flak. Fly 4 hours.
April 27, 1944
Mission # 16 to Cherberg, France
Boys were called about 4:00 a.m. and then about 6:00 came back and
got “Crave’’ and I to fly with Carlson. Lt Berry also went along for
a ride. Didn’t have a chance to eat this morning and sure missed it
too. Place near last week’s target. Only made one run and glad of
that. The flak was awful. On way in over land, see this wall of flak
and thought we were going thru the middle of it. Instead had to go
the whole length of it. How it did come up. No one hurt on our ship
but couple other boys were hit by flak in our squadron. Knock out a
few engines in group. Quite a few came back on three engines. We had
about ten holes or so, which was more than any ship I ever flew on.
“Dye” waist gunner finished his 30 with us. Carried 16---500 lbs
bombs. Was not too cold, but had heat on part of time. All wore flak
suits again. See a fort go down in flames from group in front of us.
Was a large flash of flames and then down it went. Flying 4.45 in
“Landa” #597.
April 29, 1944
Mission # 17 to Berlin
102.05
4.45
106.50 Total hours
Up at 3:00 for chow. Briefing at 4:00 Take off was 7:20 and landed
about 4:00 in afternoon. Flying at 26,000 Temp about -35 but sun was
pretty warm coming thru glass. Major Carlson, Lt Blue, with a
Captain for bombdeer and “Labore” for navigator. Thomas and Hoffman
finished up with us today. Was only crew from squadron to go but
were leading group. Things went pretty good until we reached target.
Met a little flak before, but not too much. At Berlin was really
heavy and close. Went right over center of town. Clouds were heavy
all the way in and out, but open over city. Right after the bomb run
and large piece of flak hit oil cooler on #3 engine and lost our
oil, so oil pressure dropped right off. Then couldn’t feather prop
and it just windmilled. In meantime, bomb bay doors didn’t close
tight, so cranked them shut. Up in turret again, and told to crank
up the right wheel as it had gone down for some reason. Heard
“Carlson” say to let other lead ship take over, but that’s all, as
had to go out on cat walk and start cranking. After a lot of puffing
finally got it up, but had to stop a couple times to rest. And also
change bottle of oxygen I used. Wheel up increased speed 5 miles
anyway. Back to turret again and looked out and not a ship in sight.
Doggone. What an empty feeling all alone up there. 2 hours from the
coast. Shaft got red hot and was ready to fall off with prop but
everyone was wondering which way it would fall. The two men in the
nose the most. So started to dive and climb ship back and forth to
shake it off which it finally happened. That also gave us another 5
miles an hour to get us up to 150 air speed. Called for fighter
support and 4 P-47 showed up to help us for awhile. Did they look
good. After they left, 4 more took over, but came the rest of the
way alone after they left. One came across the nose so close could
the pilot wave to us from his cockpit. Lt Bond a friend of ours was
in another lead ship that took over for us, and he was sweating us
out. Not half as much as we were coming back from there. Never see
an enemy plane, all the way back and flak that was in there just
once. Oil from cooler also covered the ball turret, so he couldn’t
see very good. But at last came the coast and then England which
looked pretty good. Quite a crowd gathered around to look it over
after landing and laughed as it was funny then. While with
formation, see just one 109 which made two passes at a fort and it
went down in a dive. Then P5l chased after 109 but don’t know if
they got him. Strange things go thru your head in a spot like that.
First thing I thought of was, why didn’t I eat two more eggs for
breakfast, and what a hell of a time to go down ... day before
payday. “Crave” was ready with shoes on his haress first thing. Flew
in good ole “Landa” again. Some ship. But it all ended well and
that’s all you can ask. Flying 9.15 plus 106.50 =115.65 total hours
Mission # 18 to Lyonis, France
April 30, 1944
Up at 3:00 Briefing at 4:00 Take off at 6:55 Alt 20,000 Temp -20
“Carlson, Blue, Beeman, and a man from another squadron. Clear all
the way down across southern France. Was a pretty trip but not too
soft. See no flak, but on way in met fighters. About 20 or more.
Beeman was doing plenty of shooting. A P47 broke it up nice. Had
plenty of P47 and P5 today, which was good. Then at about some place
on way back, met fighters again. Only about 40 this time. No one
hurt or went down. But was lucky. Our tail and waist gunners were
shooting them. I didn’t get a shot. Carlson was on last mission.
Flew in 004. A new ship. We came out of it fine and nothing wrong
this time. Flying 9 hours = 124 total hours.
Mission #19 to Titrier (EHRANG) Germany
May 11, 1944
Took off about 3:00 in afternoon, landing about 8:30 at night. Flew
18,000 Temp -20 Bill flew his last one with us in waist. And Peewee
Sanger, his first one in the ball. Dr Doer also went along as waist
gunner for his third. Weather was good. Flying with Major Mason. No
flak but hit by three fighters which took down one plane. Sweat this
one out, as was leaving next day for week at rest home. Flew in 394
again. Flying 5½ hours = 129 ½ total hours.
Mission #20 to Keil
May 22, 1944
Flying 26,000 at 40 below. Took off about 9:00 and landed about
4:00. Flying Major Brown with “Labore” as navigator and “Wall”
bombdeer. Had a Captain Blue as co-pilot finishing up. Flew in #597
“Landa” at 26,000 at 38 below. Went way over North Sea for a long
water hop. Keil only 12 minutes from coast going in, but took a long
time to come out because of route. Also longer water on way back.
Flak was very heavy to me at target. Was right in there on us and
fort below us went down from flak. While another flying off on left
wing had a bad engine and had to drop back from flak hit. We had a
couple small holes in wing. Peewee now seen flak and can’t say he
likes it. One went off under his ball turret as he was looking
straight down and really seen it spurting flame. He’s doing okay. My
helmet fit tight and I didn’t hear flak burst today, which helps a
lot. Didn’t see any fighters. We had plenty of P38 and some P51.
Flying 7 hours plus 129½= 136 ½ total combat hours.
Mission #21
Saturday, May 27, 1944
Mannhien, Germany
Flew in 597 “Landa” with Col Elliott in high group. Everything went
fine except in landing ran off taxi strip. All was okay. Plenty of
flak, but most was low. At target low group under us, so didn’t drop
bombs there. Picked up on air field, and hit hangers. Done a good
job on it. Fighters was hitting Squadron in front of us, and on side
knocking some down. Hit our lower group. Plenty of chutes in air.
Flying 7 hours at 23,000 Temp 20 below. Combat hours 143½.
Mission #22
May 29, 1944 Poznen Poland
23,000 alt Up at 3:00 and take off at 7:30 Landed at 6:00 p.m. for
hell of a long day. Flew with Col Elliott again. Him and navigator
finished up. Sure was a heartbreaker at briefing to see string going
way across Germany pass Berlin to Poland and then out by Baltic Sea
and out across North Sea. Escort was wonderful and them boys flying
P38 and P51 did a great job and deserve a hand. Hit a little flak on
way in and very light at target. Only a few guns. Never expected us
that far in. Was a F.W.190 plant. Hit was very good. A few fighters
hit us after target. More came after us but ball turret got in a few
shots at one for his first shooting. See a straggler fort get hit by
a fighter and they got him. Boy he went down in flames and hit the
ground blowing up. Must have been full of gas as sure made a big
flash when he hit ground. Over Baltic Sea a fort went down and ten
chutes baled out to land in water miles from land. Hit flak again
near Keil and then North Sea where a fort ditched. “Crave” sent in
position and boat was going out there in half an hour. Sure have got
them okay. Flew in 597 a 527 ship. Flying 10½ hours Combat hours
154.
May 30, 1944
Mission #23
Halberstalt, Germany
Up at 3:45 Briefing at 5:00 Take off at 7:30 Landing at 2:45. Flew
with Major Brown for a change with “Blue, Wall, and Labore” who
finished up. Brown had finished day before but started second tour
the next day. Labore had some days and he had “GI’s” (flu) and
headed for bombbay quite a few times. Boy was funny but felt sorry
for poor guy. A poor place for that. Had flak on way in and out. But
not too much and none at target. Flew in 690 an electric bomb rack
ship. So when we started bomb run “ball turret” and I had to shut
our turrets off. Ball straight down so he could see and mine at
12:00 o’clock. Was ready with crank to use in case doors didn’t go
down. And they didn’t , so had to crank them. Opened in time and got
up a good sweat. See bombs drop and sure hit target swell. First
time I ever see target. Just before the target was a big sports
field and looked like a good one. A football field I should say,
with big stands. Next group missed and their bombs were hitting a
field on right of target. Boy what flashes and I cranked to beat
hell to get doors closed as thought it was flak guns going off Then
could tell was bombs and slowed down to watch results. Some hit in
railroad yard and messed that up. Big fire from some hit there. On
way back some enemy fighters went by but never stopped. As some P38
were pretty close to them and they didn’t have time. Was a swell
target but only a small place to stand on instead of a big steel
plate. I like plate. Flying 7 1/4 hours for a good mission. 23,000
ft temp 20 below. Combat hours 161. 1/4 hours.
Mission #24 Gilge-Rijen, Germany
Wednesday, May 31, 1944
Up at 4:00 again Take off at 7:30 Flying in #597 “Landa” again. This
time with Major Thier for pilot. Was some trip. At coast of France
we bit the heaviest clouds. Boy we were at 19,000 and wasn’t very
cold. Around 10 or 15 below. We were all on lookout for fighters in
them. Later hit vapor trails also. Clouds were prettiest ever see,
but no place for beauty I thought. Were more like mountain peaks and
all shapes. Our escort was dam good, and plenty of P51’s. Finally
called back and hit an airfield. Pee Wee said pretty good hit. Hit
flak of course some places. Plenty of it, but most was low. What was
at our level was right in there. At enemy coast we circled about
three times. Looking for trouble I think. My turret burned out and
sure did pour out black smoke. Shut it off and told crew. Didn’t see
any enemy fighters so we got home couple hours early. Flying for 5 ½
hours. Total combat 166¾ hrs.
Mission #25 Paris (Juvisy)
Friday, June 2, 1944
Briefed at 3:00 in afternoon Taking off at S:30 Landing at 10:40.
Target was a railroad yard, 10 miles from Paris. Flew in 597
‘’Landa” at 21,000. Temp around 15 below. Escort was great and
covered us good. PSI, P47, P38 were all around with us, as well as
sweeping country. Other targets were being hit all over the place.
See smoke most anywhere. Hit flak at coast going in and quite a few
other places along the way in and out. One place they really had us
in their sights. Were doing a good job but no one hit. Bomb site was
off or something as they knocked hell out of a river, but did hit a
bridge anyway. No enemy planes around. Flew with Col Kettle with Lt
Wall for bombadier. Crave got #27 today for DFC (Distinquished
Flighting Cross) No one finished up on crew today. Boy, just wait.
Five more missions. Flying 5.40 hrs. Total combat 177.25 hrs.
Mission #26
Tuesday, June 6, 1944
This was it. After having an afternoon pass, we got back to camp at
12:45 and were told to eat and be at briefing by 1:30. The place was
packed and about everyone was flying. Was told by Lt Blue who
briefed us what to expect. Was a loud roar when found out invasion
was starting right in back of our bombs. Dropped on the coast by PFF
with barges right off shore. Flew in 597 “Landa” taken off at 5:00
and landing about 10:00 p.m. Flew with Lt Markle in low squadron as
clouds were too heavy to see for bombing and flew in group formation
at 15,000. No flak or fighters. Some sign of boats but too cloudy to
see much. Glad to be back. 5 Hours.
Mission #27
Wednesday, June 7, 1944
Pretty good... not up until 6:30 with take off at 9:40. Flying in
189 with Lt Markle again leading low group. Bombed by PFF again. Mix
up by navigator and bomber so bombs were not dropped on first run.
Made about 2½ runs before we got rid of them. No flak or fighters.
Heavy clouds again flying at 19,000. Still didn’t see much. Flying
6.20 hrs. Total combat 183.45 hours.
Mission #28
Thursday, June 8, 1944
A change this time. Up at 3:00 for 3:15 briefing. Take off at 5:00.
Everything in a rush with no chow. Flew in 597 with Lt Markle again.
Captain Beeman was bombadeer and what should have been last mission
for him and Crave who got 30 today. Flew at 20,000 with things
clearer overhead. Channel was pretty clear in places, but starting
across France heavy clouds with strong vapor trails. Target pretty
good, but made quite a few runs to get it. Beeman really hit it too.
No flak or fighters. On way back, see P51 fighters on a field near
coast. Also in Channel boats going all over place. Well taking care
of, all in convoy by Navy. Was some sight. And everyone seem to have
an eye out as was first day we see anything. Also quite a few
gliders over there on the field. Back at our field, we had to circle
as a plane pulled up wheels on landing, instead of pulling up flaps
and came down on belly. Used other runway then. Flying 7.35 Combat
hours 191.20.
Mission #29
June 13, 1944
Called at 12:00 midnight, chow at 12:45 and briefing at 1:45. Then
put off until 2:30. First briefing was for 2400 gallons of gas and I
sweat it out plenty for some reason. But it was scrubbed and 2100
used. Clouds plenty heavy and went to 21,000. Flew in 597 with
Markel again. Like a regular pilot now. Some flak but not too much.
Flying 5.40 today. Couldn’t see much of Channel. Combat hours 197.
00
Mission #30
June 14, 1944
Today was the big day in a way as suppose to be the last one, but
this has gone by so thrill now gone. Flew in 189at 18,000.
Markelforpilot. Up at 1:30 take off at 4:30. Flying at 18,000,
landing at 11:00 in time for dinner. Flak today and quite a bit low,
but some with us pretty dirty stuff too. Made a plenty big puff of
mucky smoke. Went pretty good. Flying 6.30 Combat hours 203.30.
Mission #31
June 16, 1944
Briefing at 2:30 in afternoon and flying 189 again. Peewee on #13.
And I’m starting out over again. Took off and climbed to 26,000 and
formed there. Markel pilot flying high group. Left field at 5:00
o’clock for France. At the 26,000 #4 engine was smoking a lot and
running rough. Had to climb and hold flying speed. I was ready to
call it quits and go home. Boy was it cold. Markel froze legs and
feet pretty good. Temp 32 below. Just like last winter all over
again. Made one run on target but missed it I guess. Bombed by G
Box. Other groups made two runs so we circled waiting for them.
Plenty of P38 for escort. Hit flak a couple of times, and one place
was close and shook ship a lot. Could hear it going off. Landed at
10:00 for 7.15 flying time. Then poor chow for supper. Started in
morning but called back after a couple of hours. Everything turned
out okay in the end. Total combat 210.45 hours.
The Boys of 270-H
Charles Baldwin B.T.O.
1403 No Monison
Kokomo, Indiana
Ervin C Gretenhart
2443N19 St W.W.G.O.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Harold K Corr (The kid who’s on the ball in the ball in the E.T.O.)
20 Williams St
Kensington, Connecticut
Charles E Herrmann W.W. G.O
8760 Zamara Ave
Los Angeles California
Bill Etherington (Tail gunner)
700 Powell St (Mary JO)
Gloucester City, New Jersey
T/Sgt Tony Becko
2313 N Hamilton Ave
Chicago, ill (Radio Operator Mary Jo)
T/Sgt Marvin Clay
Broadway Apts (GFO)
Long Beach LI WOO
New York TB3550
S/Sgt John Corey (Top Turret)
Box72
Whitney, Penn.
Joe “Bush” Grausam (Top Turret Mary Jo)
3 5 North Grove St
East Orange, New Jersey
Paul Cravens (Radio Operator) “Carol Dawn and Landa”
(Spescializing in sittin and dittin)
607 W Delaware St
Fairfield, Illinois
Francis C Mears (Navigator)
562 Pacific St
Franklin, Pa (Mary Jo)
SB Jennings Jr (Pilot)
Doctor’s Inlet, Florida (Mary Jo)
Mort Sorref (Bomb)
110 No 38th St
Omaha Nebv (Mary Jo)
Leo S Brown (Co Pilot)
516 N Harvard
Tulsa, Okla (Mary Jo)
S/Sgt George a Sanger
16 N Davis Ave
Audubon, New Jersey (Landa BTO)
Capt Carl D Carden (Navigator)
1101W15th St
c/o JW Carmichael (Landa)
Pueblo, Colorado
1st Lt Frederick Markle
Upper Lehigh
Freeland, Pennsylvania
2nd Lt George E Sandall (navigator)
Los Angeles, Ca
2nd Lt Harry Vaughan
Hopewell, Virginia
S/Sgt John Hannah
Rochester NY
(Kapars Crew 30 missions in 60 days .. wow)
Red Pullen
Indiana
Dem Surean
Havre, Montana
Tsgt, Ralph Freund
655 Fax St
Bronx, New York
Matt Haven 9-7851
2nd Lt Jack W Hartman
Portland Oregon
S/Sgt Earl E Hill
(Double waist gunner/Landa)
Tucson, Arizona
Manuel R Morales
1229 8th Ave
San Francisco Ca
Crew Chief on Landa or Stockton
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