COMMENTS & NOTES
MEMO 1:
CREW
2ND LT JOHN W. "Bud" BROWN P EVADEE 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT see note below
2ND LT ALBERT F. "Fitz" FITZPATRICK CP POW 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT
2ND LT THEODORE H. "Ted" KLEINMAN NAV EVADEE 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT
2ND LT LAWSON W. "Clem" CLEMENTS BOM POW 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT
S/SGT CHARLES R. "Chuck" ARMBRUST WG NOC
S/SGT RICHARD F. BRADY ROG CPT 26 AUG 44 BREST Flew 31 Missions.
S/SGT LAWRENCE M. "Larry" PRATT TTE NOC
SGT MILTON "Mickey" GRABEL TG KIA 25 MAY 44 BERLIN (see Roeder crew below)
SGT GORDON F. "Gord" KEON BTG POW 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT
SGT OWEN D. "od" STOCKTON WG POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN ( see Amiero crew below)
349th Sqdn. Crew joined the 100th Gp on 28 Nov 1943.. Sgt Gordon Keon was the only enlisted man of this crew
to particiapte in the Frankfurt mission of 4 FEB 44. Other aboard for this mission and their fate is a follows:
S/SGT GEORGE E. TOOMEY ROG POW (FROM C.I. MONTGOMERY CREW) see below
S/SGT LOLA D. FLORIDA TTE POW (FROM C.I. MONTGOMERY CREW) see below
S/SGT WILLIAM F. KEMP WG KIA (FIRST MISSION)
S/SGT HAROLD F. JANDERUP WG POW (FROM H.M. HENINGTON CREW) ( TAPS 25 SEP 69)
S/SGT RICHARD A. TANGRADI TG POW (From Original Crew of Lt Amiero)
Ship suffered severe flak damage and had three engines out over the German-Belgian border. The crew with the exception of William Kemp, who was apparently badly wounded, bailed out safely. Gordon Keon had a flak wound in one arm.
A statement by Theodore Kleinman after his return say the bail-out occurred about 10 miles SSE of Turnhout, Belgium and continues: "After contacting an underground unit I was placed in a house in Turnhout. Several days later I was told something in French concerning the rest of the crew. With my meagre understaning of French, Kemp was unable to leave th ship due to severe wounds and he went down with the plane. A man was found by the Germans in the rear half of the ship with his head badly battered, but alive. I later received a report the man with the
battered head died."
German records in the MACR file confirm a badly wounded man found in the ship died in the hospital the following day.
Excerpts from a letter to Paul West 22 Feb 1994 from Sherman Gillespie, a cadet class mate of John W. Brown.
.. John Brown and I were in a group of twenty sent to Blythe, CA. Our orders read "Twin engine fighters" for assignment to light bombardment!!! We expected A-20s!!! We all ended up in B-17s for the duration….Brown and I were in "B" Flight Squadron 65 in flight training at Santa Ana, CA in 1942…He never told me much about his evasion, eventual capture and escape, this would make a real adventure yarn….only that the Germans kept him in solitary for a month trying to crack him -- wouldn't even give him salt to brush his teeth with…The Brown family may have pictures of him and a Belgian family taken before the Gestapo caught him…Sherm Gillespie 1994.
Mr Sherman Gillespie completed a tour as a pilot in the 413th Squadron of the 96th Bomb Group based at Snetterton Heath. 100th veterans will remember flying with the 96th by the "Square C" on the tail of their planes. The 96th was in the 45th Combat Wing of the 3rd Air Division and made many of the missions with the 100th of the 13th Combat Wing, 3rd Air Division.
Subj: FW: John W. Brown
Date: 4/8/2004 2:10:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: wcs31@swbell.net
To: charlie.cole@charter.net
CC: janr@cei.net, MPFaley@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Is there agreement that John's Taps data can now be finished and perhaps this information added to his crew page. I will attempt to contact Sherman Gillespie of the 96th with this information in case he does not already have it. John was from all account and outstanding individual amount a group of outstanding individuals. If there is any way possible we should try and contact his family - it could lead to a gold mine of history. This man once escapted from the Gestapo!!
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: Kleinman Steve M LtCol JPRA/PRA-DI [mailto:Steve.Kleinman@fairchild.af.mil]
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 3:16 PM
To: Paul West
Subject: RE: John Brown
Mr. West,
I recently came across additional information regarding John "Bud" Brown in some notes found among my father's effects. In a note written in 1988, my father wrote:
" Bud was recalled for the Korean conflict, checked out in the C-46, and crashed into Mt. Fujiyama, in Japan, while in heavy weather in 1950. I was recalled [to active duty] in January 1951 and we were aware of his death some time prior to that."
He also wrote:
"For what it's worth, Bud played left halfback for Alonzo Stagg at the College (now University) of the Pacific and played in the 1939 Rose Bowl game."
Hope this is of some value.
Regards,
Steven M. Kleinman, Lt Col, USAF
Director of Intelligence
Personnel Recovery Academy, JPRA
DSN 657-9778/Comm (509) 247-9778
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul West [mailto:wcs31@swbell.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 4:00 PM
To: Jbittle@Swfla. Rr. Com; Robert Wolff; Ralph Bradley; Grant Fuller;
Kleinman Steve Lt Col JPRA/PRA-DI
Cc: Joel Russell; Cindy Goodman; Ceh100bg@aol. Com; Betray1@Hotmail.
Com; Jan Riddling; Harry Nelson; Charles M. Cole; Mike Faley
Subject: John Brown
Colonel Kleinman, do you or your father have any information as to what
happened to John Brown after the war? The story of John's evading, capture,
escape, recapture and second escape is something the 100th desperately needs
for the History Section. If at all possible we desire to contact John Brown
via phone, e-mail, or a member of the historical staff would be happy to
visit him.
A cadet Class-mate of John's (Sherman Gillespie), who last saw him after the
war, at the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco in December 1945 has been trying to
locate John Brown for over fifty years. Mr. Gillespie completed a tour with
the 96th BG, in the 45th Combat Wing.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Paul West
3rd WebMaster
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CREW
2ND LT COY I. MONTGOMERY P KIA 6 MAR 44 BERLIN
2ND LT ROBERT F. CONNAWAY CP POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN
2ND LT FRANK C LAVER NAV POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN
2ND LT JAMES D. FULTON BOM POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN
T/SGT GEORGE W. BURTON TTE POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN (SEE NOTE BELOW)
S/SGT LOLA D. FLORIDA TTE POW 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT (with Lt John Brown Crew)
S/SGT GEORGE D. TOOMEY, JR. ROG POW 4 FEB 44 FRANKFURT (with Lt John Brown Crew)
SGT JOHN A. MILLER WG CPT 17 JUL 44 MONTGOURNEY (NO-BALL)
SGT EARL W. RITTER TG POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN
SGT JUNIOR L. BUCHER WG POW 6 MAR 44 BERLIN
349th Sqdn. Crew, as above, joined the 100th Group on 6 Jan 44 (Crew #40)
For 6 Mar 44 mission see MACR #3014, Microfiche #1019. They were flying A/C #42-30170 which had flown under three names: Torchy 2nd, HOT SPIT, and MISS CARRIAGE.
On 6 Mar 44, Lt Frank C. Laver was the Navigator and a POW; Sgt Wilbur Trembley, (from Lt Stout Crew) was the ROG and a POW; T/Sgt George W. Burton was the TTE and a POW; S/Sgt Anthony Ruda was the RWG and a POW, and S/Sgt Louis P. Savell was the BTG and a POW
Eyewitness Account:
"At 1215 hours just north of Hanover an A/c believed to be #170 was atttacked by enemy fighters & was shot down. Four or five chutes were seen. I.D. of this aircraft is not positive, it may have been #051."……..Lt. Chadwick
The Germans buried Lt Montgomery (Coy I.) on 10 Mar 1944, noting the cause of death as crash/ burns…
Roeder Crew (Milton Grabel)
2ND LT ROBERT G. ROEDER P KIA 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
F/O PAUL V. LAMMERS CP KIA 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
2ND LT CLAUDE E. ROBINSON, JR NAV KIA 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
2ND LT JAMES H. MADDOX BOM NOC MACR 5172, Mcrofiche 1855
S/SGT WADE D. EASON TTE KIA 24 MAY 44 BERLIN A/C 42-102648
SGT FRANK GOLDSTEIN ROG KIA 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
SGT NATHAN E. McELROY BTG POW 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
SGT WILLIAM A. POKLEMBA LWG POW 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
SGT FRED E. CEBALO RWG POW 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
SGT ANTHONY P. LOMBARDI TG POW 24 MAY 44 BERLIN
349TH SQDN.. CREW, AS ABOVE, JOINED THE 100TH ON 12 APR 1944
ON THE BERLIN MISSION OF 24 MAY 44, T/SGT MILTON GRABEL WAS FLYING AS TOGGALIER AND WAS KIA…pw
This crew,except for T/Sgt Grabel,joined the 100th Group on 12/4/44. At that time,
Lt James H..Maddox was the Bombardier. This was about the 10 mission for the crew.
Statement in MACR by Fred Cebalo -made in 1945 - follows:
"Circumstances of loss of aircraft: On a raid to Berlin we were hit by fighters,
ME 109s. They shot the left wing off. I was thrown back and trapped in the
waist,fracturing my right leg. As I was trying to get out,the ship broke at the
Ball Turret and tail section, I crawled to the door and jumped. I saw four other
chutes as I was going down. I was caught immediately by civilians with a couple of
soldiers upon landing.
I was taken first to a barn,and then by a civilian to a doctor's house.There I saw
the pilot and the tail gunner. We were joined about twenty minutes later by the left
waist gunner and the ball turret gunner. The pilot's right foot was shot off,and
they were amputating the shreds. He was also shot in the arm. We gave him our own
morphine,for the Germans had none. The tail gunner was limping,possibly from a
sprained ankle. Both the left waist gunner and I had broken legs. The ball turret
gunner complained of his back. They had the pilot in a separats room,and the rest
of us in the next room. The pilot who shot us down came in to question us,and
thought me rude when I refused to answer his questions. He visited the pilot and
left..About four hours later,the five of us surviving were taken into a truck along
with other airmen who had just been shot down,about a mile down the road toward camp.
An ambulance met us and took the pilot and another man off. I did not see him again.
My mother received a letter from the pilot's folks,with a clipping from his home
town paper saying that he had died of wounds.
Statement by Anthony P.Lombardi:
"We were going to Berlin. Made land fall between Kiel & Hamburg. McElroy (BT) was
ordered into turret. I saw something whlz by my tail -asked what it was. Soon McElroy
called on intercom to say the door fell off ball & he escaped falling out sans chute.
He was ordered to radio room to complete mission.. I called out fighters at six o'clock
as the navigstor called an attack at twelve o'clock. We were also attacked at nine
O'clock and the ship broke in half at the radio room. Tho radlo operator (Goldstein)
fell out without his chute. The ball turret gunner (McElroy) grabbed his chute and
managed to put it on and save himself. Both waist gunners (Cebalo & Poklemba) bailed
out and reached ground 0K.
The ship broke again at the tail wheel well. That left me and the tail floating thru
space.After riding the tail part way down,I bailed. When we got together later we came
to the conclusion on how the other boys made out. The Navigator(Robison),Toggalier
(Grabel) and Engineer(Eason) were killed by the fighters. The pilot(Roeder) and the
Co-pilot (Lammers) were blown out of the cockpit.The pilot had a seat type chute but
was shot up badly & later died. The co-pilot had no chute on.
The four survivors spent a year at Stalag Luft #4 and finally made it home again."
Amiero Crew (Owen D. Stockton)
1st Lt Albert F.Amiero P KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
F/O Howard L.Kilmer CP KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
2nd Lt Albert P.Rule NAV KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
S/Sgt Thomas S.Elliott BOM KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
T/Sgt John J.Kovacs ROG KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
T/Sgt Russell G.Gilbert TTE KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
S/Sgt Virgil F.Summers BTG KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
S/Sgt Hobart H.Spires WG KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
S/Sgt Owen D.Stockton WG POW 6/3/44 BERLIN (ORIGNALLY WITH J.W.BROWN CREW) see below
S/Sgt Thomas D.Baer TG KIA 6/3/44 BERLIN
349th Sqdn. See MACR #3019 (Micro fiche #1021). Flying A/C #42 31731 on 6/3/44
This appears to be a "pick up" crew. Kilmer joined tne 100th on 26/2/44 as
an indlvidual. Baer was from the original crew of V.Reed. Kovacs was a
"spare" on original 100th Air echelon. Stockton was from the crew of
J.W.Brown. Hobart Spires was from the original crew of Sam L. Barr.
A.P.Rule on original crew of Leon R.Morgan.
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CREW
Capt. James R. Stout P CPT 20/5/44 BRUSSELS
1st Lt Robert C. Lunsford III CP CPT 6/6/44 FALAISE/OUISTREHAM (1st Pilot on this mission)
1st Lt Robert R. Nelson NAV CPT 20/5/44 BRUSSELS
1st Lt Chester G. Polak BOM CPT 20/5/44 BRUSSELS
T/Sgt Laurence M. Clegg TTE CPT 6/6/44 FALAISE/OUISTREHAM (with Lt R. Lunsford III as Pilot)
S/Sgt Wilbur I. Trembley, Jr. ROG POW 6/3/44 BERLIN (With the Coy I. Montgomery crew) (T/SGT R.F. BRADY NEW ROG)
S/Sgt Daniel E. Greene BTG CPT 4/6/44 BOULOGNE (with Lt R. Lunsford III as Pilot)
S/Sgt Paul E. Calkin RWG CPT 2/6/44 BOULOGNE (with Lt R. Lunsford III as pilot)
S/Sgt Bernard J. McDermott LWG CPT 18/9/44 WARSAW (SUPPLIES)
S/Sgt Charles W. Lynch TG CPT 26/6/44 DROHOBYCZ
349th Sqdn. Crew, as above, joined the 100th Group on 15/10/43.
This crew ditched in the North Sea on 25 Feb. 1944 with a/c 42-38018" .
Bowman 28 Feb. "Stout's crew back on base with good story of rescue. Bombardier's ribs broken in landing, otherwise all OK.
Operational Narrative: Aircraft 018 Ditched and the crew rescued. Our aircraft lost on e engine just south of Nurnburg and dropped our bombs…Lt Stout, the pilot then joined the 95th Group Formation and flew back too the English Channel where he ditched. All Crew members were rescured" Crew received six days R & R on 1/3/44.
Bowman's Diary 30 Jan. 1944 "Takeoff at 0800 for Brunswick…Lt James R. Stout after takeoff this morning, had to feather engine, prepare to land, found landing gear inoperative. Circled field until 1430 to use up gas, jettisoned bombs and ball turret in channel, and crashed at Honington, all OK."
Lt R.D. HORNE TOOK OVER AS CP ON THIS CREW ON MAY 8, 1944 MISSION TO BERLIN.
LT LUNSFORD III BECAME A 1ST PILOT AND FLEW SIX MISSIONS
T/SGT R.F. BRADY (FROM LT JOHN BROWN CREW) TOOK OVER AS ROG ON APRIL 19TH
Crew credited with shooting down 3 German fighters, was awarded 4 Purple Hearts, 9 DFC's, Air Medals with Clusters,
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Sir, my father was a rog in the 100th and his death is listed as unknown. Sadly my father passed away on 12/10/1977 I am going to England in April and will be visiting the museum in Thorpes Abbott. Could you please respond to me at my email (this is my husband's) at pataquino@yahoo.com thank you Patricia Brady Aquino
Thank you so much for your response. I will try and answer some of your questions….My Dad did keep a diary and a map with all of his missions plus a scrapbook of the Stars and Stripes articles of the missions. I know he took part in 31 missions, one being the first daylight bombing of Berlin. We did receive several medals and was a member of the "Lucky Bastards" club. I know my Father was only slightly wounded once, I believe it was in the backside! He refused the Purple Heart believing it was for the men seriously hurt. Once he flew the allotted missions he was sent to sell war bonds stateside which was sometime in 44.
I have a dear friend who lives in Norfolk that I am going to visit and her husband was in the RAF and once he heard about my Dad he has been doing research and found thorpe's Abbot for me. They just went this weekend and sent me pictures. This has prompted me to investigated more about my father's military career. I live in New Jersey but my sister in Buffalo has all of his records. I will be going there for Easter but I am not sure about photos but I will try and copy the map and at least some of the diary and forward to you.
Thank you Patricia Brady Aquino pataquino@yahoo.com
Mike, I finally mailed the map and other items today. They should arrive by UPS by next Thursday. I had to send the items separately as I didn't want to roll up the photos with the map. We are hoping you may be able to answer some questions once you read his diary. Unfortunately, his handwritting is very bad. I have read it numerous times to get the information clear in my head.
I thought you might be interested in some background on my Dad. He was born in Indiana, Pa which is the same hometown as Jimmy Stewart. So whenever I hear Jimmy Stewart, I hear my Dad plus they have the same lanky built. During the Depression, his family had to split up as my Grandfather obtained a job in Buffalo. I believe around 1936. My Grandmother remained in the Pittsburgh area with my fathers older siblings and didn't come up to Buffalo until 41 My father loved to play sports and he was very proud of the fact that, while playing for Lafayette High, he got a hit off of the future hall of famer Warren Spahn (an alumnus of my high school South Park) I have sent you a copy of his enlistment papers.
While reading my Dad's diary, I was very moved at how he accepted his fate of being in God's hands and that he asked for God's forgiveness. He came from a strict Protestant family….my Mom was an Irish Catholic so with the name of Faley you can appreciate it when I say I came from a mixed marriage!
I know understand something my Father once said to me. I was born in Frankfurt Germany when my father was stationed there (My Dad stayed in the Air Force for over 20 years). He told me he was happy that he had a child born in Germany because he felt it equalized things. I realize how he struggled with hurting innocent German people. I only wish he talked more about it or that my Mom was in better shape to remember some things.
My Mom had talked about when they went on their honeymoon to NYC, they had to go to Brooklyn to visit Mickey's parents. My father felt it was very important to talk to his parents about Mickey's accomplishments. I see in the photo I sent you with Brown's crew, there is a Mickey and I assume that is whom they are talking about.
We are leaving for England on Wednesday night and on Friday the 24th we will be going to the museum. If you have any questions, please let me know and either myself or my older sisters could probably try and answer.
Thanks for everything, Patricia Brady Aquino
ps My sister Barb, who has the original scrapbook, will be happy to have you see it whenever you are in Buffalo. My Mom is slowly mending and I am sure next time you are in town it will be convenient.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am trying to track down any information you may have on my Grand Father S/SGT Richard F Brady. Also, I was curious what ever happened to S/SGT George E Toomey? Any information you may have would be great. Thank you.
Michael J Brady
Estimator
Greenbriar Landscaping
4000 Avalon Road, Winter Garden , FL 34787
Office: 407-877-7990
Fax: 407-877-9819
mbrady@greenbriarlandscape.com
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T/Sgt R.F. Brady Diary:
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
MEMO 2:
