DIARY OF MEDICAL DETACHMENT – STATION #167

JANUARY 1944

1 January – The medical department  including most of the enlisted men were about the saddest bunch of soaks that I have ever seen. The reports had to get out just the same, however, being a Saturday as well as the first of the month.

One aircraft is confirmed as missing in action from yesterday’s raid.

MIA 535th /42-39910

4 January – The target for today was Kiel, Germany, bombing altitude 26,000 ft and outside air temperature –52 degrees. Bombing was done by pathfinder through a 10/10th overcast. Lt Clore and crew, most of whom were on their 25th mission, caught fire after take off, salvoed their bombs and crash landed a few miles away at Sible Hedingham, killing the entire crew. Five were burned beyond recognition.

CAT E. 532nd A/42-31278

The enemy opposition was accurate flak and no fighters. No ships were lost in action. Lt Evans’s ship dropped its bomb-bay tank along with the bombs over the target area and had to land short, near Cawston, Norfolk. He was particularly low on gas and tried to come straight into the field without success, due to ice on the windshield. Attempting to go around, the ship crash landed, struck a ditch and did a 180 turn. Two men on the ship were killed as a result of the crash, bombardier, Lt Irving  Kraut and Sgt Julius E. Rivers. Both men suffered from skull fractures. Three enlisted men: S/Sgt John H. Sasson, Sgt Julius E. Vargo and Sgt Delbert C. Rasey, were injured. The extent of their injuries were unknown at the time of writing.

Lt Larson become unconscious on the return from Kiel; he lost consciousness when he failed to connect his high pressure walk around bottle to his A-8 mask promptly enough. He was revived by the crew members. Lt Wilson had the stem of the bail out bottle in his mouth at 22,000 ft apparently with in sufficient pressure and he became unconscious. He regain consciousness at 13,000 ft with the additional oxygen from another bail-out bottle administered by another crewman.  Another member of the same ship was anoxic, received frostbite of the hands, face and feet, severe and is now in the hospital. Additional data will be obtained.

5 January – Clear and cold as the very devil. Long underwear is the only slight protection. Briefing at 05.00 hrs; target, an airfield at Tours, France. Bombing altitude was 20,000 ft and outside air temperature – 26 degrees.   

The target was bombed visually with good results. There were several fighter attacks described as mild, and no flak, while one ship was shot down by enemy fighters using rockets.

MIA 532nd E/42-30676

There was a meeting of 1st Bomb Division for all surgeons, equipment surgeons, and equipment officers. Their biggest beef was the number of deaths from lack of oxygen (eight from this division on one month), as against 22 in the Eighth Air Force in previous months. This poor narrator’s backside and brain became extremely weary and tired of the fat being chewed and felt as usual, that very little was being achieved.

Captain Charles L. York, from the 327th Station Hospital, an old colleague, was a visitor at the station this date.

6 January – Capt Bland and two enlisted men flew to Station 120, Attlebridge, to pick up the bodies of Lt Irving Kraut and Sgt Julius Rivera. Four of the crew members came back with them, and the other four are remaining in hospital.

7 January – Thirty aircraft, 29 from this command and one PFF took off at 07.45 hrs with the target, Ludwigshaven, Germany. Bombing altitude 28,000 ft, temperature – 38 centigrade. Bombing was done by pathfinder method through a 10/10ths overcast. There were several fighter attacks but most of them were described as light. Lt Wilson’s ship was seen to spiral down to the clouds far below and Lt Potenza states that the ship exploded. This is unconfirmed. The flak encountered was moderate and not too accurate. There were four abortions, one due to personnel failure. The pilot, Lt Bartlett, became ill at 15,000 ft and felt he was too weak to continue. There was no evidence of fear reaction.

MIA 534th M/42-3078

11 January – Thirty-three aircraft from this command took off at 08.00 hrs today, with the target as Oschersleben, Germany. Total distance was 978 miles, bombing altitude 20,000 ft and temperature – 32 centigrade.

Capt Briggs was in the lead ship, while Major Galliard took a ride in the weather ship and witnessed a beautiful sunrise above the overcast over the Channel. The dispersal of the sun’s rays by the overcast gave a multi-hued sky that had all the colors of a pretty fire burning without any motion. It was truly beautiful and worth arising at 04.00 hrs  and missing breakfast, which I did. The assembly was normal except for two wings flying a collision course and the resulting divergence broke up both formations temporarily. We also saw two B-24 wings. The weather began closing in about 10.00 hrs and about 13.50 hrs the field was closed and it began to rain. The aircraft were diverted to Hardwick, Norfolk.

Eight aircraft were lost from this operation.

MIA 532nd N/42-37962

MIA 533rd Z/42-29999

MIA 533rd V/42-3514

MIA 533rd R/42-31417

MIA 533rd U/42-37730

MIA 533rd C/42-37719

MIA 533rd Q/42-5878

MIA 534th G/42-3118

This group was flying high and apparently the high squadron was flying poor formation. Enemy fighters flew along side of the rank, picked the high squadron as the most likely target and attacked the formation. Another reason for our heavy loss was that two of the three divisions that were supposed to go into Germany was recalled because of weather.

A discussion was an aircrew captain, AB, revealed that he is adjusting quite well to the stress of combat. He states that his feeling is one of numbness toward eventualities rather than one of conflict between the pros and cons of the situation. He states that he is quite well, has no symptoms at all, and he feels capable of doing a job well. It was also agreed that in flying combat there is not the sensation of personal danger that there is in intimate conflict such as boxing.

In flying high altitude in the extreme cold depending upon oxygen for livelihood, and depending upon mechanical communication and seeing the earth so far below, gives the individual a sensation of being apart from it all, or living in a different world. The bursts of flak to not seem to have the same terrorizing effect that is experienced on the ground. It was further agreed that people are pretty much surprised when they get hit. AB always felt that if his ship was hit by flak the first thing he would do would be to bail out. On a recent mission flak exploded directly under him damaging the ship moderately and his first reaction was to check the engine instruments. Surprisingly enough the idea of bailing out did not enter his head at the time. He expressed the opinion that the battle on the ground between missions was much more hazardous that the mental processes during the mission. That would seem to be borne out by our observations.

The local talent G.I. show “Hey Joe” had its opening night last night and was a huge success. Most of the music and all of the script is original and Major Goodrum and associates are certainly to be commended.

17 January – A bachelor’s party was given by Major Gaillard for a group of fellow officers at the Colonel’s quarters this PM. Alcoholic beverages and food were served in great abundance. The bridegroom to be was the target of many famous and infamous remarks, all of which were taken in the spirit of fun. The party was greatly enjoyed by all and adjourned about 21.00 hrs. The food was prepared by the airmens’ mess which consisted of delicious hamburger, hot buns, french-fried potatoes, cake and appropriate sauces. The medical detachment kitchen personnel transported the food and dishes for the occasion.

Arrangements had been made with the medical department of the 121st Station Hospital, Braintree, to loan two medical officers to carry on the duties of this dispensary and quarters so that the medical officers at this station would be able to attend the nuptials of said Dorothy M. Nash and major Ernest Gaillard Jr., on the coming day. Captains King and Mosher arrived about 17.30 hrs and were billeted in sick quarters. The weather we hope will be held to its present inclement state and prevent a mission so that all the medical officers my attend the wedding. The four bomb squadron surgeons tossed coins to decide which two would remain in case the mission which was scheduled would materialize. Captains Bland and Ralston lost the toss and will remain in case the mission goes on.

18 January – The morning broke cloudy and moderately hazy to the delight of Captains Ralston and Bland. The mission had been scrubbed about midnight. About 09.15 hrs the station ordnance officers’ bus picked up the medical officers at sick quarters and in company with eight other officers from the base proceeded to London, stopping at the Savoy Hotel.

At the Savoy, several officers from other commands who were in London on the same mission joined our party and we proceeded to the Savoy Chapel where the main event of the day was to transpire. Promptly at high noon the ceremony begun in the rather picturesque chapel.

The bridegroom and best man, Lt Gaillard, appeared at the chancel simultaneously with the clergyman. The bride was escorted by her father with her sister as bridesmaid. They proceeded down the aisle to the accompaniment of Wagner’s Wedding March. Major Gaillard’s last few seconds of single blessedness were coming to a close. At this late hour no visible signs of a hasty retreat on the part of the bridegroom were evident. Vows were exchanged and the ceremony proceeded without interruption from the interested gallery of officers. There was a battery of photographers including Captain Hawkins, base photo officer, to take picture of the bride and groom on their departure from, the chapel. The bride was the quintessence of English pulchritude attired in a beautiful aquamarine gown with accessories to match.  The groom was the epitome of tonsorial smartness in his best military garb, and as they posed for the photographers they exemplified the pinnacle of Anglo-American unity resplendent in their first taste of marital bliss.

As they proceeded down the aisle one of the casual officers in the audience remarked to a fellow officer, “Note the blushing bride”, whereupon he replied, “no, that is the first taste of V……”. After the battery of photographers had been satisfied, there was a hasty retreat to the Gondolier’s suite of the Savoy Hotel where the reception was held amid the clink of glasses, toasts to the bride and groom, and resounding cheers of friends and family and well wishes of the bride and groom. Hors d’oeuvres and buffet lunch were served to lesson the effects of champagne, wines and liqueurs served.

The climax came with the cutting of the cake by the bride and groom. The participants hope and feel they were successful in launching the happy couple on a long journey in the realm of matrimonial bliss.

21 January – Thirty six aircraft from this command were dispatched to the coastal area of France across the Channel to bomb “rocket gun” emplacements. All ships returned safely. Two squadrons released their bombs and two squadrons returned without bombing. There were no casualties from the mission.

22 January – Twelve aircraft from this command were sent on a Air-Sea rescue patrol this morning. All ships returned about 18.00 hrs with no casualties.

There were no missions for the next week. There were several briefings and one mission that was called back after flying over enemy territory. The only other unusual thing was that on 18 January – the only day in the year when there were no doctors from this station here – the semi-annual inspection was made!

29 January – This command provided 39 aircraft which took off in darkness at 07.30 hrs- target – Frankfurt, Germany. Pathfinder bombing was at 21,000 ft, with temperature at bombing altitude – 34 degrees.

The mission was delayed at take-off by a collapse of a portion of the perimeters track resulting in blocking of the following aircraft. Eventually all aircraft were airborne. The assembly was not carried out as planned and groups, wings and divisions were dispersed and intermingled. Flak was moderate and fighters did not bother our group, but they hit the following wing hard. The escort was P-51, P-47 and P-38 and was good. Two aircraft are missing.    

MIA 534th G/42-38045

MIA 534th K/42-37884

There were nine abortions – one due to personnel failure; S/Sgt Thomas G. Lawrence, 535th RWG. This gunner began to note pains in his abdomen on ascending to altitude. When the plane was at 21,000 ft, the pains were so severe that he could bear them no longer, and were doubling him up.  The other waist gunner called the co-pilot as the patient was unable to do so. He states that he was unable to belch or pass any flatus per rectum. After about ten minutes at this altitude it was necessary to descend in order to get relief.

The pilot made a rather rapid descent, and Lawrence was able to belch and pass flatus per rectum and obtain marked relief. His crew states that he passes great quantities of gas frequently. There was no vomiting or diarrhea, and when patient returned to the ground he was perfectly comfortable and felt normal. When examined at station sick quarters immediately after landing, there were no abnormal finds. He was returned to operational status.

There was one man wounded by 30 cal. machine gun bullet in the right chest. The flak suit was responsible for preventing death or serious injury. Diagnosis and statement by enlisted man: Sgt Raymond M. Castellano, 534th RWG – 1. Wound, lacerated superficial, ½” x 3”, over eighth rib, posterior, auxiliary line, right. 2. Contusion, of chest wall, posterior line, over eighth rib, this man was admitted to station sick quarters.  Statement: In no fewer words can I say, “I’ll live by my flak suit. The Frankfurt mission convinced me of that.”

We passed over the target, encountering but light flak. Our ship was left stranded, on turning off the target, which was a perfect target for “Jerry”. He thought so too, for here they came – six of them, one right after another, attacking us from the tail. I was firing at them from my tight waist position, as they peeled off. Three of the 109’s made their attack. Number 4 is coming in said the tail gunner. I could see pieces of the vertical stabilizer fly off. Then a hole was made, near the escape hatch. For the moment I hadn’t realized that the bullet not only penetrated the ship’s skin, but mine as well. I felt my side, it was burning. I called the pilot and asked if we were free from fighter attacks. Someone answered with a loud `No’. But that didn’t make me feel any too good.

My side began to burn more, so I finally called the pilot and told him I had been hit. He instructed the radio man to come to my aid, which he did. I was taken to the radio room, where medical aid was given me by the radio operator. I asked him if the wound was bad and he told me that it was only a deep one. As I laid in the radio room, I wondered if it was the medal of St Christopher, that kept the bullet from penetrating the chest wall. At this time the radio man pointed to my flak suit, and there was a hole, made by a .30 cal bullet, at the appropriate position of my abdomen.

I’m getting the Purple Heart for my wound. If it weren’t for the flak suit, I’d be getting the Purple Heart posthumously. The bullet, a .30 cal, went through the suit, knocking one of the pieces out. It careened off another piece, penetrating my A-3 jacket, heated suit, shirt, underwear, and then opened my skin. I was lucky that it didn’t hit any of the electric wires in my suit.

To sum it up you can say – flak suit saves gunner from serious injury. Fellows – wear that flak suit. I can’t write anything that may impress you more, so I’ll say again “Flak suit, I love you.”

Statement by flight surgeon – “There is little doubt that the flak suit saved this soldier from death or serious injury.”

The morale of the crews seems quite good, but the increased number of new crews, losses, and graduates makes it increasingly difficult to know the men personally.

Inspection of the medical detachment this date revealed most things are in their usual good condition.

The 533rd BS party was held at the Post Theater and was enjoyed by all.

30 January – As dawn was breaking this beautiful day, 31 aircraft from this command took off for the target of Brunswick, Germany. Bombing altitude 20,000 ft by pathfinder method. The fighter escort was of P-51s, P-38’s and P-47’s but the target was 10/10ths overcast.  Three aircraft are missing.

MIA 533rd W/42-29761

MIA 533rd MS-T/42-31047

MIA 535th P/42-30029

Lt Baer and crew are thought to be in dinghies in the North Sea and an Air-Sea rescue has been dispatched. He was flying on ship #029 called “Chap’s Flying Circus”, the last of the original aircraft.

There were several fighter attacks that were not persistent and the flak was described as mild. The group was led by Major Fitzgerald and Capt Hecker. There were no wounded or injured, who two ship aborted because of mechanical oxygen trouble.