MAY 1944

1. Six aircraft of this squadron, piloted by: Lts Cahill, Zapinski, Thomas, Martin and Ezzell, took off on the first mission of the month, with Lts Bowen and McCrory in the lead ship of the group. The railroad marshalling yards at Troyes, France,  was the target attacked with excellent results reported. No fighter opposition was encountered and very little flak.

Lt DeSantis attended a General Court Martial at Bassingbourn, home of the 91st Bomb Group. 2nd Lts Crisler and Herrington promoted to 1st Lts.

2. Flying pay for the month of April was received  and paid to the combat crew personnel.

Lt Thomas and crew went to the rest home.

Major Marvin D. Lord transferred to the 381st Bomb Group.

3. A meeting of all ground officers was held in the Officers Club lounge at 13.00 hrs today. Captain Sandson spoke on security. An adjutants and executive officers meeting was held afterwards. A showdown inspection for airplane clocks produced one.

4. Aircraft of this squadron were airborne on a mission to Berlin, but turned back before reaching the enemy coast due to inclement weather.

5. Captain Douglas Winter, 1st Lts James Turner and Julian O'Neal and T/Sgt Hessle Buck crash landed at Larkins Farm, Twinstead, a village near Halstead, while on a practice flight. When #3 and 4 engines went out the ship lost altitude and hedge-hopped into an open field. The plane was completely burnt out, but the occupants escaped without serious injury. Capt Winter received a scratch on the left side of his face while T/Sgt Buck received a bruised left thigh and was hospitalized.

S/Sgt Bobbitt detached service to GEE School.  

6. The target for today was the construction works at La Glacerie, France, attacked by Lts Thompson, Devine, Martin, Blog, Cann, Ezzell and their crews. All returned home safely reporting moderate to intense flak at the target. Little enemy air opposition was encountered.

S/Sgt Hooker and Sgt Donald Miller returned from GEE School, and T/Sgt Buck was released from hospital.

Lt Cahill and crew left this morning for a 48 hr pass.

Air Medal ribbons and Oak Leaf Clusters were received for presentation.

7. Representing the squadron today were: Capt Winter, Lts Ezzell, Blog, Martin, Devine who attacked Berlin. Our aircraft were in the lead group of the 1st Combat Wing. While #088 and #575 received minor battle damage from the moderate to intense flak over the target area. Lt Donald Frieze finished up today.

S/Sgt Parchman and Cpl Olin returned from a 14 day course on Sperry turrets.

A party was held at the Officers Club in celebration of the 100th mission. Girls from nearby towns and show girls from London were invited.

8. Berlin was again the objective for the one thousand pounders of aircraft of this squadron flown today by: Lts Bowen, Ezzell, Sluyter, Blog, Devine, Martin and Wilson.  Lts Bowen, Pilger and Sgt Rosato finished up today, while 2nd Lt Martin was promoted to 1st Lt.

Yesterday's party was a big success. It was a party for officers of this base only and outsiders were barred.

9. The Field Order came through, designation being St Dizier, France, as the target to be attacked, those taking part were: Lts Ezzell, Cahill, Bailey, Klinkseik, Cann and Martin. All crews returned safely reporting bombing results as excellent.

Sgt Naporsky finished up today; Lt Stanton went back to the 398th BG and Lt Bannon returned to this unit, after helping the 398th to get organized before starting operations. Major Lord and Capt Marquam were also there to help organize the operations office, mess and ordnance departments. Six names of enlisted men were submitted to the MP detachment to be attached to the MP's for permanent base defense.

10. The mission planned for Rotenburg airfield, Germany, was scrubbed.

The enlisted men attached to the MP's for duty moved to Site Six. Lt Thomas and crew returned from rest home while supplemental base payroll was paid today.

11. Again the mission was scrubbed, today Munich be scheduled. A second mission was planned for this squadron, but they hit a target of opportunity at Thionville, France. Taking part were: Lts McCrory and Ezzell, leading the high group with, Cahill, Bailey, Klinkseik, Cann and Blog. Sgt Bearse finished up today.

The review we were to have before Col Leber was postponed because of the mission. Lt  William M. Gilvary was assigned to the squadron.

A new crew assigned was: 2nd Lts Andrew Stewart, Glenn Call, Donald Blythe, Charles Eisen; Sgts Aurelius Jones, Broderick Harrison, Peter Selig, Herman Kaplan, Gerald Micky, Albert Maggi. 

12. Lutzkendorf, Germany, was the target attacked by: Lts Thomas, Bailey, Bradner, Klinkseik, Devine and Cann. The five enlisted men on Lt Stuart's crew arrived from  The Wash  at 16.30 hrs.

13. Aircraft of this squadron formed the high group of the 40th Combat Wing, with Capt Winter and Lt McCrory flying lead. Other pilots were: Bailey, Bradner, Klinksiek, Devine and Cann, with Zapinski in spare position. Moderate and inaccurate flak was encountered over the target of opportunity, which was Stettin. S/Sgts Richard Brown and Edgar Formby each claimed one FW 190 destroyed.

Lt Conway and Sgts Morris and Walker all finished up today.

The invoice for the payment of 500 squadron insignias was received from the Akron Felt and Chanille Co, Akron, Ohio.

14. The squadron personnel participated in a presentation ceremony by Col. Leber. It was held at the perimeter track at 16.30 hrs. Seventeen enlisted men were awarded sterling silver bracelets for outstanding work as aircraft mechanics. The aircraft which they serviced went on 25 or more missions without an abortion. Four members were awarded the DFC while three received the Purple Heart award.

2nd Lt Bradner was promoted to 1st Lt.

15. The mission scheduled to Orly airfield, France, was scrubbed before briefing.

The entire squadron went to the ball diamond to take the quarterly physical fitness test, which consisted of sits ups, pull ups, and running 300 yards.

Lt Gilvary was transferred to the 533rd and Lt Machinis to this squadron.

The following crews were assigned: 2nd Lts John B. Doyle Jr, Julian K. Prokopovitz, F/O Richard L. Richards Jr, Bernard S. Leavitt; S/Sgts Charles E. Harker, Gordon Wise, Sgts Robert T. Matthews, Fred J. Razook, Robert J. Helman, Logan A. Thompson.

2nd Lts Roger L. Dussault, Bernard Segman, Valerio P. Magnobasco, Leonard L. Loper; S/Sgt Wendell B. Lawing, Sgts Alonzo L. Ehler Jr, Elmer C. Meier, John S. Mahar Jr, Howard L. Corum, James C. Spake.

16.  A second mission to Orly airfield, was planned but again was scrubbed.

Lt DeSantis gave a talk welcoming the new crews to the squadron and telling them of the base policies. He also spoke to them concerning security. The crews were sent to the hospital for a physical examination then to Squadron Supply followed by the Unit Personnel Officer.  At 13.15 hrs they attended a lecture given by the S-2 Section at the combat crew lounge. Executive officers and adjutants had a meeting in Col Reed's office and all were told to crew up a defense plan for sites in case of attack. Each evening a new password will be given by headquarters and it will be used at night by all base personnel. Password for tonight is Wyoming.

Today was an alert day.

17. Rotenburg, Germany, was the intended target for today, but the mission was scrubbed. The password for tonight is Ring.

18. Capt Marquam and Lt DeSantis sat on a General Court martial at this base of a Pvt Jones, 534th Squadron. He was acquitted.

The password is Swordfish.

19. The capital of Germany, Berlin, was the objective for today's mission, the formation being led by Capt Winter and Lt Clark, along with: Lts Bradner, Bailey, Zapinski, Sutherlin, Martin, Devine, Cupernall and Blog, who is missing in action.

Intense accurate flak was encountered at the target, however very little enemy air opposition was met. Piloted by Lt Blog, #088 was hit by flak over the target and dropped out of formation with #2 engine on fire. When the ship was last seen it was under control and eight chutes were seen.

Crew: 1st Lt Harold G. Blog, 2nd Lt Frederick L. Dill, F/Os George W. Dennis, Henry Miller; T/Sgts Jack L. Thompson, John W. Heidebrink; S/Sgts Samuel D. Humphrey, Stanley Poloski, Cornelius C. Anderson.

20. The mission scheduled for Ludwigshafen was scrubbed. However crews of this squadron were briefed on a practice mission, but they returned shortly after take-off due to poor weather.

21. 2nd Lts Anderson, Cann, Coffman, Sluyter and Small exchanged old bars for new today.

22. Taking part in today's mission to Kiel, Germany were: Lts Ezzell, Bailey, Cupernall, Klinkseik, Cann and Sutherlin. All returned safely reporting bombing results as good, while there were no casualties.

Ground Officers beat the Enlisted Men 11-7 in the softball game. The password for today is Vacation.

23. Meagre flak and no enemy aircraft opposition was encountered over the target today, which was an aircraft components factory at Woipey, France. However a target of opportunity was attacked, Homburg in Germany. Pilots taking part were: Lts McCrory, Cupernall, Bailey, Ezzell, Sutherlin, Cann and Zapinski. Sgts O. K. Stuart and C.E. Davis completed their tour of operations today.

The Station Administration Officer, Capt Morton Joyce, inspected the Orderly Room's files today. The password for today is Persimon.

24. Col Fitzgerald, squadron commander, led the lead group of the 1st “B” Combat Wing on the mission to Berlin today. Also participating were Capt Winter, Lts Bailey, Thomas, Bradner, Sutherlin, Zapinski, Cann and Ezzell, who is missing in action. They were flying in #010-J. The ship was hit on the left wing and immediately burst into flames. It was under control when last seen and five chutes were reported coming from the plane.

Crew: 1st Clarence W. Ezzell, 2nd Lt John L. Nymeyer, F/O Edward R. Adams, 2nd Lt William O. Wilson; T/Sgts Leslie H. Peck, Louie K. Baker; S/Sgts Harm R. Beninga, Lloyd L. Harvey, Carl Schaaf.

There was one casualty today on the mission. Sgt George Samuelian, tail gunner on Lt Sutherlin's crew, was killed when a burst of flak hit the tail of the ship.

Sgts D. M. Dick and F. M. Hancock finished up today.

Captain Joyce, the Station Administrative Officer, went through the barracks on an inspection with Lt DeSantis in Sites 1, 2, and 6.

The password is Potato.

25.  Usual garrison duties.

26. The Nancy/Essey airfield was the object of today's operation. Bombing results were reported as excellent. Our aircraft bombed buildings in the northern corner of the airfield, where there were numerous explosions and columns of smoke were observed in this area. Pilots taking part were: Lts Thomas, Cann, Bradner, Zapinski, Sutherlin and Cupernall.

A new crew was assigned today: Lts  Ernest Guy Jr, Harley J. Reed, Eugene H. Mathis, Robert J. LeMaster; Sgts Howard Seeds Jr, Karl C. Beard, Stanley R. Powierza, Joseph J. Matus, Arnold A. Gangloff, Paul Reed.

27.  Six aircraft of this squadron attacked Ludwigshafen today, the pilots being: Lts Thomas, Bailey, Cupernall, Martin, Sutherlin and Stuart, who is missing in action.  After attacking the target, about 25 miles southeast the aircraft seemed to be in trouble. Smoke was coming from the #1 engine and the ship began to lose altitude. Nine chutes were seen.

MIA crew: 1st Lt Andrew H. Stuart, 2nd Lt Glenn S. Call, 2nd Lt Don H. Blythe, 2nd Lt Charles K. Eisen; S/Sgts Frederick W. Harrison, Aurelius W. Jones, Herman H. Kaplan, Gerald B. Mickey, Sgt Peter Selig.

28. Pilots for today's mission to Polenz, Germany, were: Thomas, Doyle, Cann, Dussault, Cupernall and  Bradner. The bombing results of the lead group were excellent as seen by strike photos and all crews returned safely. No casualties reported or claims of enemy aircraft destroyed.

Sgt L. H. Kalmar finished up and  2nd Lt Sullivan was promoted to 1st Lt.

Two more new crews were assigned: Lts Jack M. McGregor, James C. Schomburg, Alexander  Stepanich, John Krc Jr; Sgts: Charles F. Hodges, Alfred L. Kazen Jr, Leslie C. Alexander, Lloyd C. Roedding, John C. Marinace.

Lts Bruce L. Rivett, George R. De Voe, Caleb G. Baxter, Benjamin  Ploch; Sgts John B. Hubbard, Mack B. Melcher, Albert F. Lang, Earl  Berkening, John A. Symmes, Byron F. Wear.

29. Posen, Poland, was the object of today's operation. Strike photos showed that the bomb clusters were all well centered around the MPI, which was the railroad shops. This squadron formed the lead element  of the low group. Capt Hester was the lead bombardier flying with Lts McCrory and Moore. Others were: Lts Cupernall, Zapinski, Martin, Doyle and Dussault.

Four members of Cupernall's crew got a shot at an ME 109  as it peeled off from an attack on the group ahead. They are: Lt Young, bombardier; Lt J. Sneed, navigator; Sgt Yankton, top turret; S/Sgt A. Diamante, ball turret. The crew followed the aircraft down and the pilot was seen to bail out.

30. The air armaments factory as Dessau, Germany, was attacked today with good results, by: Lts Sluyter, Sutherlin, Bradner, Cann and Zapinski, who is missing in action. Their ship # 025, was seen leaving the formation after fighter attacks and was last seen under control, but losing altitude fast.

MIA crew: 1st Lt Leonard E. Zapinski, 2nd Lt Othmer G. Widosh, 2nd Lt Robert Van Buskirk, 2nd Lt David P. Fuller; T/Sgt William E. Webb; S/Sgts George J. Pastre, James K. Wilson, Hamilton B. Harper, Donald A. Harness.

31. A mission today called for an attack on Florrennes, Belgium. The 532nd flew in the lead group, Col Fitzgerald and Capt Winter up front in # 2703, the other pilots being: Lts Sutherlin, Cupernall, Cann, Martin and Dussault.

The strength of the squadron to date stands at 85 officers and 411 Enl/Men.

During the month many awards were earned by the combat personnel for meritorious achievement during operations: four Distinguished Flying Crosses to: 1st Lt  James R. Turner, S/Sgt Glenn E. Davis, S/Sgt Frank N. Hancock, T/Sgt Robert L. Pinnick; along with 18 Air medals and 51 Oak Leaf Clusters.