Sun. Nov 21-43 Arrived in England- First camp was Stone- Remained their for one week. Visited town twice-Enjoyed my stay.

Sat. Nov. 27-43 Left for Diss my permanent base in England. Arrived late at night-tired and hungry- Put in with a swell bunch of fellows, 100th Bomb Group- 349th Sq. Attended classes for a few days-very steadily

Dec. 6-43- Mon. Made my first flight in England- very interesting- to say the least. Between school and flying we were kept quite busy for two weeks.

Dec. 22-43 Weds. 1st Mission

We made our first mission- Munster was the target. Trip very uneventful to me as I knew nothing that was going on as my oxygen became disconnected and I passed out. Larry (Pratt-TTE) came to my rescue and found me lying against the radio. Chuck (Ambrust-WG) also had similar trouble but managed to get oxygen before any serious trouble. I can thank God once again for saving my life. We took off at

10:30 and landed at 4:35 Very tired and weak - mission a success

Brown - 088 10-500 2300

Lt Brown Crew - 230088-Squawkin Hawk - 10-500lb bombs - 2300 gal of gas

Dec. 24-43 Fri 2nd Mission Secret Weapon on French Coast (ST. JOSEPH au BOIS)

We took off at 11:30 and landed at 4:18- Biggest armada of airplanes ever sent out-seeing it was amazing. Saw bomb fall- hit target mission a success

Brown- 249 12 - 500 2100

Lt Brown Crew - 231249-Miss Carriage - 12-500lb bombs - 2100 gal of gas

Dec 25-43 Xmas day- was indeed happy reading his word and thinking of loved ones at home. Merry Merry Xmas to all

Fri Dec. 31-43 3rd raid Paris

I got my first real taste of flak and battle this day as the flak was intense. I saw quite a bit of the city of Paris. Beautiful Day. Took off at

9:00 and landed at 2:40- Mission a success

Brown - 957 12-500 2100

Lt Brown Crew - 25957-Horny II - 12-500lb bombs - 2100 gal of gas

Jan 1-44 Sat I read a bit and wrote a few letters- Happy again at knowing my sins forgiven

Jan 2-44 Visited Norwich for the first time with Lt. Brown- nice time

Jan 5-44 4th mission

We were in a formation of bombers that seemed to be lost- our lead bombardier found a surprise target and really knocked it out. Nuess Flak was quite heavy no fighters- 8:00 and landed at 1:00 -Mission a success

Brown - 957 10-500 2500

Lt Brown Crew - 25957-Horny II - 10-500lb bombs - 2500 gal of gas

Jan 7-44 - Fri 5th Raid

Lundysenshaven (Ludwigshaven) was the target - this was a full scale operation - the flak was heavy but no fighters- We took off at 8:10 and landed at 2:30 Mission a success

Brown - 249 10-500 2780

Lt Brown Crew - 231249-Miss Carriage - 10-500lb bombs - 2780 gal of gas

Jan 13, -44 Fri We left for London on our first pass. This was quite a thrill to me for I had always wanted to go there. Darkness was terrific. I visited all the famous historical sites - Westminster Abbey, London Tower and Bridge, changing of the Guards, Buckingham Palace, Rode underground, famous London cabbies, Charles Dickens bookshop. Talked with people who were bombed in the blitz- Very eventful and very interesting

Jan 21-44 6th raid St Ohmer (BOIS D'ESQUERDES )

This was a very nasty flak area and we were really hit. We had several holes all around. It was on an installation yard. We were not injured in any way but well shaken up. Took off at 11:50 and landed at 14:00

Brown 957 12-500 2100

Lt Brown Crew - 25957-Horny II - 12-500lb bombs - 2100 gal of gas

Jan 24th-44 7th raid - Frankfurt

This mission was recalled and we can be thankful to God it was for our wing was on fire -unknowingly to us - we would have never returned if we had gone all the way to the target. Larry (Pratt-TTE) was ill and did not fly. We missed him. Mission time: 7:00- 12:30

Brown - 957 42 incendiaries 2500

Lt Brown Crew - 25957-Horny II - 2500 gal of gas

Sat - Jan 29-44 Briefed for a mission which we ran off the runway with a load of incendiaries onboard. A ship had just blown up in front of us. I can only thank God for saving our lives for it was surely a close call

Thurs Feb 3-44 8th mission Wilhelmshaven was the target

They failed to call us till 20 min. before takeoff. Everything went wrong. Guns were all wrong, the chaff wouldn't go out , our hydraulic system went out and we had no brakes and had to land at Honington- We ate at the mess hall there. Ted (Kleinman-NAV) doin a wonderful job in bringing us home Mission Time: 7:20-1:20

Brown 957 10-500 2500

Lt Brown Crew - 25957-Horny II - 10-500lb bombs - 2500 gal of gas

Fri Feb 4th-44 We were briefed for a raid on Frankfurt. We had become ill from something we at the day before and we couldn't fly. Bud and the rest took off and never returned. It was a heartbreaker to us all and we feel very bad. Larry (Pratt-TTE) is in bad shape- the rest not so bad.

Lt Brown Crew - 239799-Dobie - Shot Down

9th Raid Feb 13th-44 French Coast (LIVOSSART & BOIS REMPRE (NOBALL))

Raid on the French coast. Nothing unusual No flak no fighters. Mission Time: 1:30-4:30

Montgomery - 249 - 12-500 - 900

Lt Coy Montgomery Crew - 231249-Miss Carriage - 12-500lb bombs - 900 gal of gas

10th Raid Sun. Feb. 20-44 Ponaz (Posen) Poland

Very long ride saw Finland Denmark Sweden fighters-flak Cowan Crew were chased by rocket firing fighters the first we had seen. Fired my gun heavily Mission time: 7:35-5:17

Monty - 783 10-500 2780

Lt Montgomery Crew - 237783-Dobie - 10-500lb bombs - 2780 gal of gas

11th raid Mon Feb 21-44 Brunswick

Very little of anything No fighters Little flak Bombed P. F. F. (Radar equipped planes allowed bombing through cloud cover) Mission time: 9:20 4:17

Monty - 783 40 inc. 2500

Lt Montgomery Crew - 237783-Dobie - 40 incendiaries - 2500 gal of gas

Feb 22-44 Tues Briefed for Schweinfurt

Weather very bad - heavy clouds. Snow contrails Had my first case of the bends

Feb 23-44 Briefed for Schweinfurt mission scrubbed

Feb 24-44 Briefed for Ponoz (Posen) Poland

Ground spare Plane went off the end of runway. Very close

Fri. Feb. 25th-44 12th Raid Regensburg

Flak was very accurate. Saw the Alps for the first time- Very beautiful. My hardest raid so far. Gossage was really an excellent boy that day (Lt Gossage crash landed his plane-088 at Horham airfield) (088-Squawkin Hawk) Mission Time: 07:36-5:07

Monty - 783 -10-500 2780

Lt Montgomery Crew - 237783-Dobie - 10-500lb bombs - 2780 gal of gas

Sat 26 Feb-44 briefed for Lake Constance mission scrubbed

All this was during the famous "blitz" (Big) week. This week was thought to off been the crushing blow to the German Luftwaffe (German airforce)

Wed March 1-44 Moe our Sq. pet or mascot died. He was quite the thing and we all liked him -African burro

13th Raid Mar 3-44 - Berlin

Weather was very bad. We didn't reach the target. Capt Lohoff was lost. We almost ran into Cowan. Monty surely handled the ship and we had much to be thankful for. (Other notes from Map-Lohoff and Putnam went down, Air Force broke up)

Lt Montgomery Crew - 237783-Dobie 10-500lb bombs, 2780 gal of gas

14th Raid Mar 4-44 - Berlin

First heavy bombers to attack Berlin. 32 of us were there. We had a direct attack by 34 fighters but we warded them off. George Burton, the engineer got a fighter that day. Very cold. Ruda (Anthony Ruda-WG) had trouble with the oxygen, Burnt Ankles (Brady). We ran into heavy flak at Brunswick.

It was a successful raid but we were in God's hands being able to return. Came back on 3 engines. Mission Time: 7:40-3:30

Monty - 249 10-500 2780 58 below

Lt Montgomery Crew - 231249-Miss Carriage - 10-500lb bombs - 2780 gal of gas -58 degrees

Mar. 6-44 - Berlin Second crew went down (Lt Coy I. Montgomery Crew, 230170-Pride of the Century)

It was in the next two weeks that I had an infection in my left foot. It was caused by a burn from an electric suit (March 4th). I had quite a bit of trouble with it. Medics were wonderful and I met a friend of Betty Crawford. Worked in the orderly room for some time I joined Stout crew (Lt James Stout)

15th raid April 12-44 French Coast

This raid was uneventful as there were No fighters and little or no flak Mission Time: 10:30-1:00

Harte 053 12-500 1900

Lt Frank Harte Crew - 238053 Cap'n Crow - 12-500lb bombs - 1900 gals of gas

16th Raid April 13th-44 Augsburg

This was a heavy raid and the flak, fighters along with rockets were terrific. We had a close call from a rocket at bombs away and turning from target. All was going well an then he surprised me with a ditching procedure. The gas gauge was out and we hadn't any idea as to our gas. We reached home (?) saw L. Constance and Alps Mission Time: 7:10-4:10

Harte - 347 10-500 2780

Lt Harte Crew - 231347 Miss Minookie - 10-500lb bombs - 2780 gals of gas

17th raid Wed April 19th-44 An airfield in Germany (LIPPSTADT & WERL AF'S)

No flak-No fighters - the bombing was excellent. Mission Time: 11:00-4:00

Stout 607 12-500 2300

Lt Stout - 297607 - 12-500lb bombs - 2300 gals of gas

18th raid April 20th-44 NO BALL (MARQUENVILLE & FLOTTEMANVILLE-HAGUE)

This raid- we took off at 5 p. m. and formed over London. It was quite an impressive sight We were hit by flak crossing the coast. Our engines were shot out and a fire started in the cockpit. Stout and Clegg managed to put it out and by the grace of God our engines began to work. I worked hard as we had no navigator. We came over the field on Q. D. M's and I was well pleased. Our brakes and all equipment

went out on the runway. Ran off runway, no injuries I would say it was a trying raid. Stout was excellent, Jimmy done another fine job

Stout- 607 12-500 1900

Lt Stout - 297607 - 12-500lb bombs - 1900 gals of gas

19th raid Wedn April 26th-44 Brunswick was the target

Center of town- thru overcast. Raid was heavy and flak terrific -we were not hit. (On the map diary, he says "several holes, no fighters") Mission Time: 6:30-1:30

Stout - 607 - 10-500 - 2500

Lt Stout Crew - 297607 - 10-500lb bombs - 2500 gals of gas - 6:30-1:30

20th raid April 29th-44 Berlin-

A very heavy raid. There were no fighters but the flak was terrific. It was a visual bomb run and they had our target changed to airfields and really worked hard. My interphone cord was severed by flak and I had to use the set from the Freq. meter and hold my oxygen mask on. Very cold in doing this. Stout was the pilot and we landed with no brakes. Another piece of fine work. I saw the famous Olympic Stadium in which the U. S. soundly beat the Germans in 1936- well on the way to doing it again - Map comments: Lost Engine

Lt Stout Crew - 297607 - 42 Incendiaries - 2780 gals of gas

21st raid April 30th SAARGUEMINES

Border line between Germany and Belgium We had flak at the coast. We were hit but not bad. I had a slight fire in the radio room but I soon had it out and not to much damage done. Map Comments: Fine Job of Bombing

Lt Stout - 297607 - 10-500lb bombs 2500 gals of gas 11:25-3:30

22nd Raid May 8th Berlin

Stout led the Gr. Which led the 8th Air Force. Which placed an extra burden on the radio room. We had trouble with the fuel lines and had to turn home at the I. P. We were escorted by fighters (P-51) all the way home. Lt Nelson done a fine job in navigating us home. It was his last mission; we felt that we would have to bail out for we knew little or nothing about the condition of the ship. We landed safely so no harm done.

Lt Stout - 297607 - 10-500lb bombs - 2780 gals of gas - 9:00-2:00

23rd raid May 11th Liege

Very uneventful mission no flak-no fighters, bombing was excellent

Lt Stout - 297607 - 12-500lb bombs - 2103 gals of Gas - 11:00-4:30

Fri 12th We took off on a raid but we ran into some awful weather. Stout performed an excellent job as did Lt King the Nav.

24th raid May 20th Brussels

This raid was also uneventful. There was about 9/10 cloud coverage so we didn't drop. The crew finished on this and we really shot some flares that day. Mac put one through the waist window. Stout made Captain that day. He was an amazing fellow and never had a harsh word. He was an excellent pilot and always had things well in hand. I shall never forget him

Lt Stout - 297806 Now An Then- 12-500lb bombs - 2300 gals of gas - 9:10-1:30

I then went on a flak leave to Scotland. I arrived there on the 22nd. I met Mr. and Miss Speirs- I found Dad's famous but (?0 and him quite the thing. I shall never forget the hospitality that was shown to me by the Scots. It is the nearest thing to home I have ever seen It was really grand

Thurs May 25th While I was on leave Mickey went down (SGT MILTON "Mickey" GRABEL ). He was a fine fellow and I actually miss him. The report was bad.

Mon. Jun 5 Lt Wilson (2ND LT MARK V. WILSON) went down. He was the best pilot in the group. Null a fellow who came overseas with us went down (S/SGT JOHN W. McAULIFFE). It was his last mission and he was to receive a C. D. D. for this.

Tues June 6th "D-Day" As I wasn't flying I helped in the way I could by loading bombs

25th raid Sun June 11th BERCK sur MER P. F. F.

Capt. Clark, Col. Bennett. This was a raid on flak installations on the coast. I had always wanted to be on this crew since Bud (Lt John Brown) went down. They tried several times to get me but the Major wouldn't release me. Nothing unusual back before the fellows got up "ole Dan Boone" (a/c flown in)

Thurs June 22 Fred and I were in London together looking around when a buzz bomb dropped out of nowhere. It was very close and knocked us both down. It was unbelievable the terrific blast those things have. We were certainly in the hands of God again and I wasted no time in mentioning it to Fred.

July 18th 26th mission P. F. F. Kiel

Lt Frank Valesh, Maj Barr I was the lead operator of the 8th Air Force this day. It was mostly an over water hop and much to the amazement of all there was no flak at the target. Kiel was always hot; Jerry must have been on a leave.

July 19th 27th mission P. F. F. Schweinfurt.

Lt Valesh and Maj. Barr. This was the day we were lost over Germany with no idea as to where we were. We flew all around and it was a very trying experience for me. This was the crews last mission Flak was terrific, but no fighters. Map Comments: Maj Barr, Gen Partridge (3rd Air Division commanding General), Navigator lost-Heavy flak at target-rockets, etc. very bad day!

July 20th (date was circled) this was the day I had my first serious plane accident, The landing gear gave in and we crashed on the runway. It was a hard crash and I was fortunate in only receiving a cut on the elbow. Jim Grady received a very severe cut over the eye. He was hurt bad. I was not hurt, just shaken up.

Aug 3rd 28th Raid Troyes France-

Nothing unusual at all. Very easy ride

Lt Ehorn - 337823

Aug 8th 29th Raid ST. SYLVAIN

We were on a raid upon the German lines. We went into the target at 11, 000 ft. This area was to be (?) flak. I have never seen anything like it. I was sitting on the floor and concussion lifted me up and down. We received a hit on one of the blades by an 88 and it was vibrating the ship something terrific. The prop couldn't be feathered so we were forced down in France. We can thank God that the allies had

invaded and were as far as they were Le Molay (?) - Between Caen and Bouryex pretty little place with plenty of activity met and talked to French families Ship received much battle damage. Much to be thankful for.

Lt Ehorn - 298015 Hundred Proof

Aug 15 30th Raid VENLO

Raid on a German airfield. This was a spectacular show as the R. A. F. were out also. We received no flak or fighters but they did. Never saw so many planes in the sky at once. They were certainly carrying a terrific bomb load. One Lancaster went down

Lt Ehorn - 298015 Hundred Proof

Aug 26th 31st raid Brest Penninsula

We really sweated this one out. Guns didn't fire and didn't drop bombs. Ball gunner passed out from lack of oxygen. He was alright when I got to him. We fired flares upon landing I landed at 14:32 which ended my tour of operational flying It was indeed a happy day and I have much to thank God for. Amen

Capt. Ehorn -298015 Hundred Proof

Aug 29th While helping the boys load bombs one broke loose and came down. I just got out of the way in time. I call this my 32nd mission.

Sept 7 I was awarded my D. F. C. This was a happy moment for me for I had waited for this for so long. Col. Jeffery awarded it.

Sept 10 I left the 100th Gr. I hated to leave for I had become so used to it. I had many friends there and I liked it. Mom and Dad were swell and I surely left behind two fine friends. I arrived at Stone- the place I entered England

Sept 14th This was a very happy day for me for two reasons. First it was the 1st year of my being saved. I rejoiced heartily when I survived the past year Next Bud (Lt John Brown) came back and I was allowed to go to London to see him. What a happy reunion it was. We were like two kids. He looked quite well and he has had a trying experience. With my heart and by my words and in my thoughts I thanked God for bringing him home safely

Tues Sept 26th Left 18 R. C. D. 10 pm destination unknown

Weds Sept 27 Left England at Greenwich at 10:07 boarded the Queen Mary we pulled guard duty for 6 days.

Sept 2 Set sail for U. S. A. midnight it is now Sat afternoon and we have been very busy all the time. I had little time to read which I had counted on. Casualties aboard, Pitiful cases. B Crosby F. Astaire P. Gallico(?) aboard

Sept 8th Arrived U. S. A. N. Y. C