| [Jan-Jul 1943] |
534th Bomb. Sq., 381st Bomb
Group (H) - WAR DIARY
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Submitted by Lt. Ross
G. Hanks
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August, 1943
3. The first scheduled effort of this month was scrubbed. Mission was to be to the airfield in Villacoubley, France.
4. Mission scrubbed.
12. The squadron put three “Forts” in the air to make their first one of the month. This time the “Boys” went to Gelsekirchen, Germany. Between 25 to 40 E/A were encountered. All e/a observed were Me 109 and FW 190’s. Attacks were not vicious. Most of the planes, after firing a few bursts, turned off while still out of range. This mission cost us our first crew and ship as Lt. Wroblicka’s ship is listed as missing in action. A good bomb run was started but smoke and hazy conditions hid the target. Results are not definitely established, but it is reported that concentrations of bombs fell in the marshalling yards and stations.
| A/C 42-30004 Ohl, C. O., 1st Lt., Pilot Stralser, Harold L., 2nd Lt., Navigator Sikorski, Mike, S/Sgt., Radio Schneider, D. H., S/Sgt., Ball Turret Schnelsler, John J., Sgt., R. Waist |
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A/C 42-5397 |
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Missing in Action--A/C 42-29954 |
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13. Mission scrubbed—was to have been raid on Schweinfurt, Germany vital ball bearing works.
15. Six of our planes took of at 1700 to bomb Germany installations in Brussels, Belgium. Due to heavy cloud cover all A/C returned to base with their bombs. A/C 004 turned back at Ridgewell at 1800 due to No. 4 engine running away.
Crews credited with mission:
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A/C 42-30028 |
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A/C 42-30245 |
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A/C 42-5845 |
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A/C 42-3227 |
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A/C 42-3001 (probably 42-30012) |
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16. For the second day in a row the 534th put six ships in the air. Trip today was to LeBourget Field Repair Depot, Paris, France. Results of bombing were excellent as hits were observed on Mean Point of Impact. Only 12 to 15 E/A were observed and only 3 or 4 attacks were pressed home. Mission went well as all A/C reached base safe. Crews that took part:
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A/C 42-3227 |
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| A/C 845 Lishon, Dexter, 1st Lt., Pilot Gluck, R., 2nd Lt. Navigator Riddle, L. G., S/Sgt., Radio Op Maidson, C. D. S/Sgt., Ball Turret West, James E. Sgt., Left Waist |
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A/C 220 |
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A/C 42-30028 |
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A/C 42-30012 |
Downey, M. H., 2nd Lt., C-Pilot Moore, K. D., 2nd Lt., Bomb. Phillips, G. F., S/Sgt., Top Turret Vaughn, D. W., Sgt., Right Waist Calhoun, R. B., S/Sgt., Tail gunner |
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A/C 978 |
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17. After being planned and scrubbed twice, the mission to Schweinfurt, Germany was revived today. Take off time scheduled to be at 630 was changed several times before 7 of our A/C were airborne at 1210. Between 240 and 300 E/A were encountered. Attacks were exceptionally determined and savage. Attacks lasted for 2 and ½ hours. Due to the duration of the mission over enemy territory, it is probably that a number of E/A re-fueled and returned to the attack. Majority of E/A were Me 109’s and FW 190’s. Bombing results were very good. In all probability the ball bearing works were wiped out. This operation cost the 534th 4 crews and A/C. Lts Simpson, Wright, King, Forkner, and their respective crews are missing in action. Crews that participated:
| No A/C listed Ohl, C. O., 1st Lt., Pilot Stralser, Harold L., 2nd Lt., Navigator Sikorski, Mike, S/Sgt., Radio Schneider, D. H., S/Sgt., Ball Turret Sword, D. F., S/Sgt., Left Waist |
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No A/C listed |
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| A/C 42-5845 Lishon, Dexter, 1st Lt., Pilot Gluck, R., 2nd Lt. Navigator Riddle, L. G., S/Sgt., Radio Op Maidson, C. D. S/Sgt., Ball Turret West, James E. Sgt., Left Waist |
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Missing in Action: |
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A/C 42-3227 |
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No A/C listed |
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A/C 42-29978 |
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E/A claims confirmed by wing are as follows:
EVENTS
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Destroyed |
Probably Destroyed |
Damaged |
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T/Sgt. C. M. Johnson |
0 |
0 |
1 |
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S/Sgt. R. B. Calhoun |
1 |
0 |
0 |
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S/Sgt. C. D. Madison |
1 |
0 |
0 |
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S/Sgt. C. D. Madison |
0 |
0 |
1 |
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S/Sgt. W. J. Marques |
1 |
0 |
0 |
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S/Sgt. W. J. Marques |
1 |
0 |
0 |
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S/Sgt. L. C. Riddle |
1 |
0 |
1 |
19. One A/C of this squadron took part in the raid on Gilse-Rijen, Airfield in Holland. The number of E/A encountered by the entire group was estimated to be 15-20. Mostly FW 190’s and Me 109’s. The target is believed to have be en well bombed as five or six large fires were seen burning at the target. Crew that participated.
| A/C 42-30034 Lishon, Dexter, 1st Lt., Pilot Gluck, R., 2nd Lt. Navigator Riddle, L. G., S/Sgt., Radio Op Maidson, C. D. S/Sgt., Ball Turret Feller, Michael S., Sgt., Left Waist |
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20. One new crew was assigned to this squadron for duty.
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Niederriter, Richard J., 2nd Lt., P |
Rowan, Delphus Jr., 2nd Lt. CP |
Mission to Villacoublay, France – Airfield was scrubbed.
24. With Major D. E. Kunkel flying the lead ship in a composite group, 3 of our squadron aircraft took off at 1430 to make a raid on the Villacoublay Repair Shops, Paris, France. Bombing results were good. Bombs were seen to fall on hangers, workshops and on airfield. Only 4 E/A were seen and these stayed in sight for only two or three minutes. Comments of crews indicated complete satisfaction with the fighter cover. Crews that took part:
| A/C 42-30012 Lishon, Dexter, 1st Lt., Pilot Gluck, R., 2nd Lt. Navigator Riddle, L. G., S/Sgt., Radio Op Maidson, C. D. S/Sgt., Ball Turret Stuart, Geo. A., Sgt., Left Waist |
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A/C 23118 |
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A/C 5845 |
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New crew assigned for duty:
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Loftin, James F., 2nd Lt, P |
Cornall, Chester K., 2nd Lt, CP |
26. Mission to Brussels, Belgium the target being the Brussels, Evere Airfield was scrubbed.
27. Two of the squadron fortresses participated on the raid to Watten, France. 15 to 20 E/A were encountered, though they did not press the attacks home. Bombing results were not observed due to poor visibility. Crews participating:
| A/C 42-23832 Ohl, C. O., 1st Lt., Pilot Stralser, Harold L., 2nd Lt., Navigator Sikorski, Mike, S/Sgt., Radio Schneider, D. H., S/Sgt., Ball Turret Sword, D. F., S/Sgt., Left Waist |
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A/C 42-3078 |
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30. Mission to Cambrai-Niergies (Airfield), France was scrubbed due to heavy cloud cover. All A/C were recalled after take-off.
31. Four A/C of this squadron were airborne at 1451 to bomb the airport at Romilly, France. Due to heavy could cover over the target [, the target] was not observed. However, the last resort target, Amiens Glisy was successfully bombed. Bombing results were reported as “excellent.” 12 E/A were observed from a distance. None were eager for combat. Missions went well as all A/C returned safe to base. Crews that participated are as follows:
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A/C 42-3118 |
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A/C 42-3012 |
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A/C 42-5846 |
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| A/C 999 Lishon, Dexter, 1st Lt., Pilot Gluck, R., 2nd Lt. Navigator Riddle, L. G., S/Sgt., Radio Op Maidson, C. D. S/Sgt., Ball Turret Stuart, Geo. A., Sgt., Left Waist |
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31. Squadron strength stood at 316 EM, 38 Officers, and 1 W/O.
| [Jan - Jul 1943] |