The following diary written by Tom Abberger, 97th Fighter Squadron, was published in the magazine 'AIR CLASSICS' a few years ago.
1942
1942
Checkout at Muroc
April 27
April 27
The last outpost of civilization. We are located at the Muroc Bombing and Gunnery Range on the Mojave dry lake desert, 110 miles from Los Angeles east of the mountains. The sand and wind are miserable. A few old wooden barracks and a small hanger containing Northup's 'Flying Wing' are the only buildings. The numerous hard, flat expanses of dry lake bed makes the area one huge landing field. There are no tress, just sand, sagebrush and jack rabbits.
We have 47 Lockheed P-38s to be used for pilot checkout. A pilots' pool of approximately 94 Staff Sergeant Pilots will furnish squadron strength for our group. Many have already received twin-engine training, but some have had only single engine an AT schools. Nearly all the sergeants are in their very early 20s and wear the regular Army enlisted man's uniform. Their lack of rank sets them apart from the commissioned officers and they have a casual manner and natural friendliness that draws admiration. Some of them we knew back at Selfridge.
We have 47 Lockheed P-38s to be used for pilot checkout. A pilots' pool of approximately 94 Staff Sergeant Pilots will furnish squadron strength for our group. Many have already received twin-engine training, but some have had only single engine an AT schools. Nearly all the sergeants are in their very early 20s and wear the regular Army enlisted man's uniform. Their lack of rank sets them apart from the commissioned officers and they have a casual manner and natural friendliness that draws admiration. Some of them we knew back at Selfridge.
April 28
We have good flying weather and there is constant air activity. While some of the new pilots check out for the first time, others are shooting gunnery practice on ground targets on the far edge of the lake bed.
Ten Stearmen trainers, on their way to Bakersfield 40 miles from here, landed on our strip today for a short layover.
A Lockheed 12 (C-40) came in and we put in non-commissioned flying time.
This afternoon an A-20 made a belly landing in the area after his nose gear failed to come down. A huge cloud of dust raised during the landing, but the crew was uninjured.
Ten Stearmen trainers, on their way to Bakersfield 40 miles from here, landed on our strip today for a short layover.
A Lockheed 12 (C-40) came in and we put in non-commissioned flying time.
This afternoon an A-20 made a belly landing in the area after his nose gear failed to come down. A huge cloud of dust raised during the landing, but the crew was uninjured.
April 29
Two Lockheed C-40s came in and we were scheduled for non-commissioned flying time, but there was a shortage of parachutes. This afternoon I flew one hour and 45 minutes with Lt. Strozier.
April 30
Physical inspection this morning. More men came in with trucks and jeeps for the new groups.
This afternoon put in several hours of flying time with Lt. Peterson. We flew across the mountains taking a major and flight surgeon to March Field at Riverside, California.
This afternoon put in several hours of flying time with Lt. Peterson. We flew across the mountains taking a major and flight surgeon to March Field at Riverside, California.
May 1
Strong winds and sandstorm all day grounded the planes. The barracks are miserable with dust sifting through the walls to cover everything. Afraid it will be tough on the engines of our planes.
May 3
Saturday and weather clear. Around 7:00 a.m. a Sergeant Pilot crash-landed his P-38 after power failure. Plane No. 2224 burned. Around 9:00 a.m. another P-38, No. 776 crash-landed and the Sergeant Pilot was cut up about the face.
May 4
Good flying day. One Sergeant Pilot force-landed his P-38 successfully on one engine.
May 5
We are now designated the 82nd Group, consisting of the 95th, 96th, and 97th Squadrons.
A, P-38, No. 791, crashed today with out pilot injury.
A, P-38, No. 791, crashed today with out pilot injury.
May 6
Our Squadron, the 97th, now has 12 P-38s.
A fatal crash occurred today with a P-38 exploding on impact. The Sergeant Pilot had reportedly hit the tail boom on bail-out and his chute did not fully open.
A fatal crash occurred today with a P-38 exploding on impact. The Sergeant Pilot had reportedly hit the tail boom on bail-out and his chute did not fully open.
May 7 to 9
Plane No. 747 landed with gear up without pilot injury. Another crackup occurred during a forced landing and the sergeant climbed out unhurt.
We have received eleven new P-38Fs from the old 94th Squadron of the 1st Pursuit Group who are leaving for overseas, making a total of 22 aircraft.
We have received eleven new P-38Fs from the old 94th Squadron of the 1st Pursuit Group who are leaving for overseas, making a total of 22 aircraft.
May 10 to 11
On the 10th we experienced a severe dust storm which grounded the planes, and we were ordered to change frequencies on the 38s.
Our group is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles strips soon.
Our group is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles strips soon.
May 12
The Sergeant Pilots put in long air hours. P-38, No. 789 force-landed, and a second plane ran wild after the brakes failed; luckily, no one was inquired.
Coastal Patrol at Long Beach
May 13 to 20
May 13 to 20
Our 97th Squadron left Muroc this morning and arrived at a strip here in Long Beach off Cherry Road. We are located beside a Ferry Command Base and can see the Douglas Aircraft plant across the field.
On the trip from Muroc a jeep overturned breaking Sergeant Chape's ankle. The report is he will be lost to the squadron for weeks.
The 95th and 96th Squadrons are located at separate strips around Mines and Glendale.
Our 97th Squadron Commanding Officer is Lt. Ernest C. Young; Lt. Peterson from Selfridge is Operations Officer and Lt. Lehe is in charge of Communications. Our Staff Sergeant Pilots are: Atteberry, Henley, Larson, Lewis, Lund, the 'McDaniel' brothers,
Morgan, Pratt, Rath, Rounds, Sabo, Seltz, Taback, Thacker, Towsen, Visscher, and Woods.
We are on an 'alert' status and all personnel are restricted to the field.
On the trip from Muroc a jeep overturned breaking Sergeant Chape's ankle. The report is he will be lost to the squadron for weeks.
The 95th and 96th Squadrons are located at separate strips around Mines and Glendale.
Our 97th Squadron Commanding Officer is Lt. Ernest C. Young; Lt. Peterson from Selfridge is Operations Officer and Lt. Lehe is in charge of Communications. Our Staff Sergeant Pilots are: Atteberry, Henley, Larson, Lewis, Lund, the 'McDaniel' brothers,
Morgan, Pratt, Rath, Rounds, Sabo, Seltz, Taback, Thacker, Towsen, Visscher, and Woods.
We are on an 'alert' status and all personnel are restricted to the field.
May 22
The order came to change radio frequency on the 38s. Then, on orders from Riverside through Major Gamble of the Los Angeles intercept board, we reset frequencies and check with the Ferry Command Base on a new procedure used. Finally got the job done in the early hours working by flashlight.
The Sergeant Pilots are to fly oxygen flights at 25,000 - 30,000 feet.
The Sergeant Pilots are to fly oxygen flights at 25,000 - 30,000 feet.
June 3
Orders came from Group Command Israel to stand-by for 'special alert'. The show is on up the coast and they expect a Japanese carrier attack. All personnel have been issued steel helmets and gas masks.
June 4
The planes are flying coastal patrols and operate on a 'squadron scramble' basis. Our pilots can now get to the 38s, start engines and get up in just under three minutes.
June 6
We have had several close calls within the squadron. Staff Sergeant Sabo blew his canopy on a flight at altitude, lost control of his ship, which was thrown into a steep dive, and barely pulled out by bracing his feet against the control panel.
Sergeant Rounds hit the ground target with his tail booms on pull-up during gunnery practice.
Sergeant Seltz was dubbed 'Rocking Chair' Seltz after landing the Squadron AT-6 with wheels up. A few days previous, Sgt. Seltz let me fly the T-6 which found us in a dog fight with a Navy trainer. We ended offshore shooting down the Navy, theoretically speaking. Seltz is a terrific pilot, even in a T-6.
Sergeant Rounds hit the ground target with his tail booms on pull-up during gunnery practice.
Sergeant Seltz was dubbed 'Rocking Chair' Seltz after landing the Squadron AT-6 with wheels up. A few days previous, Sgt. Seltz let me fly the T-6 which found us in a dog fight with a Navy trainer. We ended offshore shooting down the Navy, theoretically speaking. Seltz is a terrific pilot, even in a T-6.
June 10
Sergeant Pilot Lund suggested my transfer to squadron 'Link' which he had been handling, in addition to regular flying duties. The talked-of goal is 90 hours in the 38s and 20 hours 'Link' as refresher on instrument navigation.
June 12
Received a transfer to 'Link' instructor from C. O. Young. On a weekly schedule the pilots are to come in, shoot let-downs on the various ranges and fly simulated precision flights on instruments. I will have several hundred hours before the training schedule is completed.
June 13
We have taken out the government life insurance policy offered by the group. Discipline has been enforced more stringently with certain of the Sergeants 'walking the ramp.' Some of the plane crews have dug foxholes as a punishment from the line chief for having missed preflight.
There is no shortage of 'good times.' The Hilton in Long Beach, spots in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood are all ' in limits.' Morale is high and the squadron is close both on and off the field.
There is no shortage of 'good times.' The Hilton in Long Beach, spots in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood are all ' in limits.' Morale is high and the squadron is close both on and off the field.
June 25
We lost Sergeants Rath and Thacker when their 38s collided, crashed and burned during formation flight over Santa Ana. Their tragic passing has been felt deeply by the squadron. Both had flown Link the day of the accident and it is difficult to realize they are now gone.
July 10
We expect to see foreign service within a month and a half. The men have received their first series of immunization shots. The talk is ofnew P-38s with belly tanks, to fly fighter duty with B-17Es, and we are anxious.
September 10
During the past few weks we have made all preparations for going overseas, but have been cautioned against talk of the squadron's move which is expected momentarily.
September 11
We were given a final limited pass to Long Beach, and most of the squadron rendezvoused at the Hilton. The 13th floor 'Sky Rom' had more pilots gathered together on a single night than we could muster on the field. We had a proverbial 'ball' on practically the entire seventh floor.
September 12
Our 97th Squadron P-38s took off from the Long Beach strip for the last time. 'Buzzing the field' upon pass after pass, the P-38s came back across, barely clearing the gas trucks on one run, and the hangers on another. They pulled up into slow rolls and snap rolls that had the ground crews jumping for joy, and the Ferry Command grounded. It was agreed that our 'hell-roaring' staff sergeants were the best pilots in the world.
Prelude to Combat
September 26
September 26
On the 16th of the month our 82nd Group boarded a troop train. The rumor was that P.O.E. was on the east coast. We arrived at Camp Kilgore, New Jersey, on 22 September.
After being given final inoculation shots, brought up to date on Army pay and final identification photos were taken for the War Department, we were given a twelve hour pass. This was to be our last good time in the States and most of us wanted to make the most of it. For several of us New York City proved to be quite a spot.
Today we boarded the troopship 'QUEEN MARY', sailed out of New York harbor past the Statue of Liberty. As one of the group expressed it: 'I wonder if I will ever see the Lady again ?'
After being given final inoculation shots, brought up to date on Army pay and final identification photos were taken for the War Department, we were given a twelve hour pass. This was to be our last good time in the States and most of us wanted to make the most of it. For several of us New York City proved to be quite a spot.
Today we boarded the troopship 'QUEEN MARY', sailed out of New York harbor past the Statue of Liberty. As one of the group expressed it: 'I wonder if I will ever see the Lady again ?'
September 27
We are well out to sea. Though the QUEEN is one of the largest of the world's ships, she rocks and quivers under the strain of evasive course changes at close intervals. The rumor is that the gyros make topsides a place for old salts.
We are without escort. This ship is reputed to be one of the fastest on the high seas and carries her own anti-aircraft guns. The gun crew practice-fires daily.
We are without escort. This ship is reputed to be one of the fastest on the high seas and carries her own anti-aircraft guns. The gun crew practice-fires daily.
September 29
A fatal accident occurred today. We cut a British ship in two. It sank almost immediately. About the size of a destroyer, the small ship came out to meet us and appeared to act as a mine-sweeper cutting directlt across the path of the 'QUEEN'. An apparent miscalculation of speed on the part of the smaller ship as it made a second sweep brought the 'QUEEN' crashing through the aft portion of the lighter vessel. The men below decks on our own ship heard and felt a distinct jar but did not realize the trouble until the alarming S.O.S. whistle blasts were recognized. The half of the severed ship on the starboard side of the 'QUEEN's' bow was drawn under the side. When again visible, seamen could be seen clinging to the shattered decks. Of the stricken crew hanging on to the forward portion of the condemned ship, passing down the port side along the 'QUEEN's' length, some were observed to be without life jackets. It was speculated that these men would probably be picked up by British destroyers. Our own ship could not stop for fear of possible U-boats reported, but she slowed considerably while damage estimates were made to the bow. With the forward compartments damaged by closed off by watertight bulkheads we again increased speed and arrived safely at our original destination of Glasgow, Scotland.
We were immediately transferred to a ferry which came alongside and finally disembarked at Belfast, Ireland. Here we put aboard an English train and rode to the little city of Londonberry, Ireland. By truck we were taken to a small airfield at Maydown, a picturesque countryside airstrip marked only by the Quonset huts and a local pub, within a dozen or so miles from Londonberry.
We were immediately transferred to a ferry which came alongside and finally disembarked at Belfast, Ireland. Here we put aboard an English train and rode to the little city of Londonberry, Ireland. By truck we were taken to a small airfield at Maydown, a picturesque countryside airstrip marked only by the Quonset huts and a local pub, within a dozen or so miles from Londonberry.
October 5
The commissions for our Staff Sergeant pilots have nearly all come through and we have seen them for the first time with their new gold bars and officer's uniform.
We are comfortably billeted a mile away from our small airstrip and have learned to enjoy the lesser comforts of the Irish and English people.
Although the group was supposed to be sustained entirely on British rations, a squadron club has been suggested to which a monthly donation can be made in order to buy customary goods for a separate mess.
We are comfortably billeted a mile away from our small airstrip and have learned to enjoy the lesser comforts of the Irish and English people.
Although the group was supposed to be sustained entirely on British rations, a squadron club has been suggested to which a monthly donation can be made in order to buy customary goods for a separate mess.
October 15
Twenty-four of the group's planes have been maintained here at Maydown under handicap of minimum tools and facilities. Some of the pilots have played with an English Spitfire which we reconditioned but the 'Spit' was soon nosed over during a landing. The Spitfire is very light in the tail and must be held down during magneto check on preflight.
Our P-38s are ready for the next jump whenever it comes.
Our P-38s are ready for the next jump whenever it comes.
November
An advance echelon has left Maydown. The first news of the Allied Invasion of North Africa has prompted rumors that we will soon be operating from bases there.
December
Our main group force ground crews are prepared to leave Maydown. Our planes and advance crews have been gone for over a month.
1943
January 10
January 10
We are aboard ship, approaching the sand cliffs of Oran, North Africa. On the 3rd of January we boarded the sea steamer 'LADY of MANN' and crossed the Irish Sea to Liverpool, England. Our short stay in England was enjoyable, to say the least. Much stout English whiskey, good food and clean sheets were a part of our stay there.
When we departed from our base in England, several days ago, we were brought through London at night and boarded this ship, the 'FRANCONIA'. We passed through the post of Glasgow once more.
Many of us have served gunner's watch at night while aboard the 'FRANCONIA'. Once while I had my four hours watch, we sighted a small red light from afar off, the only sign of like observable on the ocean's surface. During out daylight hours we are part of a convoy of eleven ships with four destroyer escorts.
When we departed from our base in England, several days ago, we were brought through London at night and boarded this ship, the 'FRANCONIA'. We passed through the post of Glasgow once more.
Many of us have served gunner's watch at night while aboard the 'FRANCONIA'. Once while I had my four hours watch, we sighted a small red light from afar off, the only sign of like observable on the ocean's surface. During out daylight hours we are part of a convoy of eleven ships with four destroyer escorts.
January 10 to 20
There were a few anxious moments as we moved slowly along the sand cliffs into the port of Oran. Two fighters buzzed our ship, turned out to be Spitfires. With the crowded troops aboard we were very happy to see our own aircraft.
Oran had first seen American troops on the day of invasion in November. As our group disembarked there was little visible apprehension on the faces of the men although next to nothing was known of this combat zone. We had had no briefing on what might be expected.
The 82nd crews were immediately put aboard a small Algerian train. As the train steamed away from the port city, we had a good view of the mountainous countryside but with little appreciation. We were more concerned with what we might find at the end of our train ride. A dozen miles outside Oran, at a road crossing the train stopped. We were told that our campsite at this time would be a spot within walking distance.
The 'walk' turned out to be nearly an endurance hike. Our destination was a distance of nine kilometers down the road. Under the load of heavy fighting clothes, rifles and or submachine guns, musette bags and gas masks, many of us quickly tired before getting our second wind. Several of the men threw away their gas masks. By the time we arrived at the campsite which was nothing but shallow foxholes dug into the side of a desert slope, some of us practically fell into the holes as if we had found home - we were that exhausted. Before darkness set in we threw straw (brought in by truck) into our mattress covers and put up our shelter halves, two men to a hole.
A short time after dark we were aroused to the fact that an air raid warning had been sounded. We removed ourselves from our foxholes to deeper slit trenches nearby. From this vantage point we witnessed our first air raid by the enemy carried out against the ships we had been aboard that morning.
Without supplies for a Group mess setup we do our own cooking: most of the time we eat directly out of the can, to save having to wash mess kits. There is plenty of food. Piles of tinned British rations are at one end of our camp. We help ourselves to whatever we think is edible. There are also huge dumps of American 'C' rations but no one cares for the miserable 'meat & vegetable stew' combination. People before us have already sorted out and taken the 'meat & beans' and 'meat & potato hash', which are actually not too bad even unheated.
Oran had first seen American troops on the day of invasion in November. As our group disembarked there was little visible apprehension on the faces of the men although next to nothing was known of this combat zone. We had had no briefing on what might be expected.
The 82nd crews were immediately put aboard a small Algerian train. As the train steamed away from the port city, we had a good view of the mountainous countryside but with little appreciation. We were more concerned with what we might find at the end of our train ride. A dozen miles outside Oran, at a road crossing the train stopped. We were told that our campsite at this time would be a spot within walking distance.
The 'walk' turned out to be nearly an endurance hike. Our destination was a distance of nine kilometers down the road. Under the load of heavy fighting clothes, rifles and or submachine guns, musette bags and gas masks, many of us quickly tired before getting our second wind. Several of the men threw away their gas masks. By the time we arrived at the campsite which was nothing but shallow foxholes dug into the side of a desert slope, some of us practically fell into the holes as if we had found home - we were that exhausted. Before darkness set in we threw straw (brought in by truck) into our mattress covers and put up our shelter halves, two men to a hole.
A short time after dark we were aroused to the fact that an air raid warning had been sounded. We removed ourselves from our foxholes to deeper slit trenches nearby. From this vantage point we witnessed our first air raid by the enemy carried out against the ships we had been aboard that morning.
Without supplies for a Group mess setup we do our own cooking: most of the time we eat directly out of the can, to save having to wash mess kits. There is plenty of food. Piles of tinned British rations are at one end of our camp. We help ourselves to whatever we think is edible. There are also huge dumps of American 'C' rations but no one cares for the miserable 'meat & vegetable stew' combination. People before us have already sorted out and taken the 'meat & beans' and 'meat & potato hash', which are actually not too bad even unheated.
January 30
Still at 'Mud Hill' and no news of our pilots and planes. Blackjack and craps is the predominant pastime. We even got back into Oran. The smell is what one remembers the most, a dry pungent order of dust and heat and decay. Some of us found a place to take a much needed shower.
There are several blocked-off streets in Oran guarded by MPs at all entrances. It is easy to walk past the MPs going into to these sections, but, no one is permitted to pass the MPs coming out, unless a pro slip is shown for inspection, regardless.
The American green seal dollar is in great demand by the Arab and French shop owners and vendors. The direct sale of American money is prohibited by our military, but, can be sold at a substantial profit in Algerian francs.
There are several blocked-off streets in Oran guarded by MPs at all entrances. It is easy to walk past the MPs going into to these sections, but, no one is permitted to pass the MPs coming out, unless a pro slip is shown for inspection, regardless.
The American green seal dollar is in great demand by the Arab and French shop owners and vendors. The direct sale of American money is prohibited by our military, but, can be sold at a substantial profit in Algerian francs.
February 9
Much has passed. First reports of our pilots and planes have reached us. 97th Squadron pilots Lewis, Luddington, and Lund were reported shot down down or missing, along with Major Loe. Our Group has scored several victories in aerial combat. The first losses and victories took place over the Bay of Biscay during the fly-over from England to Algeria in December. The report is that recently
commissioned Lt. Lewis and Major Loe were downed by Bf-109 and Ju88 fighters, after pulling out of formation to turn back and engage the enemy attack. Lt. Lund was reported last seen banking close to the water.
We have talked to some of the men we knew back at Selfridge, from the 1st and 52ndGroups. They have seen action from the day of invasion in November.
The 1st Fighter Group has been flying P-38s along with the 14th Fighter Group. The 52nd Fighter Group is flying Spitfires, as well as, the 31st. Ground support missions, as well as, escort to light, medium, and heavy bomb groups, have been carried out from Algeria, under the most adverse conditions. A-20s, using P-40 and P-39 escorts, fly from advance fields.
The 14th Group P-38s worked from the desert at Youks-les-bains, close to the frontat Djedeida in Tunisia. They were under frequent enemy air attacks there. In their aerial engagements in November, they were invariably out-numbered. The Germans put up Bf109, Fw190, Italian Mc202, Ju88, along with Bf110 and Me210 fighters and fighter bombers. There were Ju87 dive-bombers to contend with at the forward base as reinforcement, the 1st Fighter Group planes joined the 14th at the forward base.
Winter rains have turned the desert strips to mud, grounding the planes. In early December missions our P-38 pilots encountered Goering's elite pilots in yellow-nose 109s. Superior numbers of intercepting enemy fighters drew off many of our own best pilots, although our own pilots were just as good and as well equipped in an odds-even engagement.
A half-dozen P-38s as escort to a dozen or more bombers was the usual case. On 5 December, escorting B-25 medium and A-20 light bombers, P-38s engaged a larger German fighter formation. P-38 losses during this encounter were substantial. Again on 9 December, as escort to B-17s against Bizerte, the P-38 pilots fought an aerial battle with intercepting Bf109 flights. Three P-38s were shot down and two more failed to return from the mission. Our own planes shot down down three 109 fighters.
Carrying out a mission on 15 December, six P-38 escorts to seven B-17 bombers against Tunis encountered heavy flak and enemy fighter opposition. Our P-38 pilots had already begun to fly missions against enemy shipping off northern Tunisia in December. Our Lightnings carried one 1,000 lb. bomb replacing a second belly tank on the underwing shackles. Anti-shipping missions were soon placed on high priority On 11 January, medium bombers were escorted by our P-38s, in strikes during which our pilots flew as spotters and cover, while the bombers flew at low level to lay their bombs against the sides of the enemy vessels. 20 January saw our P-38s escort B-25 Mitchells on a sweep during which a direct hit was scored on a tanker. The tanker blew up and sank. Adain on 21 January, two enemy freighters with destroyer escorts were attacked by our formation. Our P-38s engaged the enemy fighter cover while the B-26 Marauders sunk one and damaged a second vessel. Our Lightnings scored several victories and suffered several losses.
During the remainder of January, while our P-38s flew fighter cover, B-26s destroyed or sunk three enemy freighters under destroyer protection while damaging more than this number of vessels.
While the bomber-fighter strikes continued, enemy ships grouped up under heavier destroyer protection and air cover. There were fewer of our P-38s available for the long range missions; all squadrons in the three P-38 Groups in North Africa had suffered severe depletions.
As new dirt airstrips were made available, the P-38 Squadrons relocated. A dozen or so P-38s (less than one Squadron strength) remaining of the 14th Group, was turned over to our 82nd Group located at the Advance Air Station of Telergma.
Yesterday, 8 February, 14 P-38s from our 82nd Group escorted 15 B-25 Mitchells and 18 B-26 Marauder bombers against Gabes. The B-25s were bounced and took a beating ahead of the target, shot down several 109s and lost several bombers. The B-26s were jumped by 20 to 30 enemy fighters. Our group scored more than half-dozen victories. We lost one P-38. On the flight back to the advance air station, 82nd Group Commanding Officer Covington and 96th Squadron's Major Vaughn buzzed our 'Mud Hill' campsite. As they crossed over the camp performing 'Victory Rolls' in their P-38s, we could not help but cheer at the thought of an early reunion.
commissioned Lt. Lewis and Major Loe were downed by Bf-109 and Ju88 fighters, after pulling out of formation to turn back and engage the enemy attack. Lt. Lund was reported last seen banking close to the water.
We have talked to some of the men we knew back at Selfridge, from the 1st and 52ndGroups. They have seen action from the day of invasion in November.
The 1st Fighter Group has been flying P-38s along with the 14th Fighter Group. The 52nd Fighter Group is flying Spitfires, as well as, the 31st. Ground support missions, as well as, escort to light, medium, and heavy bomb groups, have been carried out from Algeria, under the most adverse conditions. A-20s, using P-40 and P-39 escorts, fly from advance fields.
The 14th Group P-38s worked from the desert at Youks-les-bains, close to the frontat Djedeida in Tunisia. They were under frequent enemy air attacks there. In their aerial engagements in November, they were invariably out-numbered. The Germans put up Bf109, Fw190, Italian Mc202, Ju88, along with Bf110 and Me210 fighters and fighter bombers. There were Ju87 dive-bombers to contend with at the forward base as reinforcement, the 1st Fighter Group planes joined the 14th at the forward base.
Winter rains have turned the desert strips to mud, grounding the planes. In early December missions our P-38 pilots encountered Goering's elite pilots in yellow-nose 109s. Superior numbers of intercepting enemy fighters drew off many of our own best pilots, although our own pilots were just as good and as well equipped in an odds-even engagement.
A half-dozen P-38s as escort to a dozen or more bombers was the usual case. On 5 December, escorting B-25 medium and A-20 light bombers, P-38s engaged a larger German fighter formation. P-38 losses during this encounter were substantial. Again on 9 December, as escort to B-17s against Bizerte, the P-38 pilots fought an aerial battle with intercepting Bf109 flights. Three P-38s were shot down and two more failed to return from the mission. Our own planes shot down down three 109 fighters.
Carrying out a mission on 15 December, six P-38 escorts to seven B-17 bombers against Tunis encountered heavy flak and enemy fighter opposition. Our P-38 pilots had already begun to fly missions against enemy shipping off northern Tunisia in December. Our Lightnings carried one 1,000 lb. bomb replacing a second belly tank on the underwing shackles. Anti-shipping missions were soon placed on high priority On 11 January, medium bombers were escorted by our P-38s, in strikes during which our pilots flew as spotters and cover, while the bombers flew at low level to lay their bombs against the sides of the enemy vessels. 20 January saw our P-38s escort B-25 Mitchells on a sweep during which a direct hit was scored on a tanker. The tanker blew up and sank. Adain on 21 January, two enemy freighters with destroyer escorts were attacked by our formation. Our P-38s engaged the enemy fighter cover while the B-26 Marauders sunk one and damaged a second vessel. Our Lightnings scored several victories and suffered several losses.
During the remainder of January, while our P-38s flew fighter cover, B-26s destroyed or sunk three enemy freighters under destroyer protection while damaging more than this number of vessels.
While the bomber-fighter strikes continued, enemy ships grouped up under heavier destroyer protection and air cover. There were fewer of our P-38s available for the long range missions; all squadrons in the three P-38 Groups in North Africa had suffered severe depletions.
As new dirt airstrips were made available, the P-38 Squadrons relocated. A dozen or so P-38s (less than one Squadron strength) remaining of the 14th Group, was turned over to our 82nd Group located at the Advance Air Station of Telergma.
Yesterday, 8 February, 14 P-38s from our 82nd Group escorted 15 B-25 Mitchells and 18 B-26 Marauder bombers against Gabes. The B-25s were bounced and took a beating ahead of the target, shot down several 109s and lost several bombers. The B-26s were jumped by 20 to 30 enemy fighters. Our group scored more than half-dozen victories. We lost one P-38. On the flight back to the advance air station, 82nd Group Commanding Officer Covington and 96th Squadron's Major Vaughn buzzed our 'Mud Hill' campsite. As they crossed over the camp performing 'Victory Rolls' in their P-38s, we could not help but cheer at the thought of an early reunion.
February 10
We have joined the advance echelon. Our trucks pulled into what was called the 'Advance Air Station' - a furrowed field contains a few pyramidal tents, a cook tent, and the shelte-half covered foxholes of the advance crews. Our apprehension was justified as the advance echelon ground crew and remaining pilots of our original 97th squadron gathered to meet us. The shock of seeing the haggard, unshaven faces of pilots and crews we hardly recognized, because of their desolate appearance, brought final realization of the previously reported losses. My very good friend Atteberry - when asked about his three aerial victories, stated: 'It's really rough.'
97th Squadron's remaining few planes are visible a half-mile distant, parked around the perimeter of the desert airstrip. Just for tonight, we have put up our shelter-halves over furrows, without digging foxholes. It is cold.
97th Squadron's remaining few planes are visible a half-mile distant, parked around the perimeter of the desert airstrip. Just for tonight, we have put up our shelter-halves over furrows, without digging foxholes. It is cold.
February 12
95th and 96th Squadrons are several hundred yards over, closer to the flight line. Someone in one of the other squadrons was accidently shot in the hip last night, by a 45 caliber.
The b-26 mediums have a base directly to the north of us at the foot of the mountains.
The 1st Fighter Group from Selfridge is now camped a mile down the road.
Lieutenant Miller looked me up to relate the story of his crash-landing during the fly-over from England. I'd pre-flight his P-38 in Ireland. He had crash-landed in Spain, close to Gibraltar. He said: 'My right engine cut out and I was blown out to sea - then my left engine cut out ! I decided to try for a landing on the coast and as I hit my left engine tore out, then, the tail boom on one side broke off, then, the tail boom on the other side and I finally ended up sliding into Spain without much remaining of my plane." He had bought his way out of Spain for a promise of 50 gallons of gasoline and five English Pound notes ! Sustaining head injuries in the crash, he is not
permitted to fly high altitude missions.
All crews are working hard, to keep what aircraft we have available on readiness for missions. Several of the ships need engine changes and parts are at a premium. The stress of air combat is partly revealed in the number of times our 38s have returned on one engine. Pilots find it necessary to pull over red-lined manifold pressure, in certain instances during evasive action. In some cases the intake manifold collar 'queen' blows, often starting an engine afire. Problems are also encountered when the belly tanks are jettisoned; the Fowler wing flaps are frequently damaged as the tanks fly away.
Severe penalty has been promised for anyone not observing the complete blackout rule at night. Enemy reconnaissance called 'bedtime Charlie' fly their nightly missions from bases in Tunisia. Our crew chiefs, working on their plane engines at night use flashlights, but, work under cover of a blanket or canvas.
The b-26 mediums have a base directly to the north of us at the foot of the mountains.
The 1st Fighter Group from Selfridge is now camped a mile down the road.
Lieutenant Miller looked me up to relate the story of his crash-landing during the fly-over from England. I'd pre-flight his P-38 in Ireland. He had crash-landed in Spain, close to Gibraltar. He said: 'My right engine cut out and I was blown out to sea - then my left engine cut out ! I decided to try for a landing on the coast and as I hit my left engine tore out, then, the tail boom on one side broke off, then, the tail boom on the other side and I finally ended up sliding into Spain without much remaining of my plane." He had bought his way out of Spain for a promise of 50 gallons of gasoline and five English Pound notes ! Sustaining head injuries in the crash, he is not
permitted to fly high altitude missions.
All crews are working hard, to keep what aircraft we have available on readiness for missions. Several of the ships need engine changes and parts are at a premium. The stress of air combat is partly revealed in the number of times our 38s have returned on one engine. Pilots find it necessary to pull over red-lined manifold pressure, in certain instances during evasive action. In some cases the intake manifold collar 'queen' blows, often starting an engine afire. Problems are also encountered when the belly tanks are jettisoned; the Fowler wing flaps are frequently damaged as the tanks fly away.
Severe penalty has been promised for anyone not observing the complete blackout rule at night. Enemy reconnaissance called 'bedtime Charlie' fly their nightly missions from bases in Tunisia. Our crew chiefs, working on their plane engines at night use flashlights, but, work under cover of a blanket or canvas.
February 13
Our P-38s escorted B-17E heavies and B-26 mediums on a mission against an enemy convoy of ships off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Sixteen out of 17 vessels, reported to be troopships, were left sinking. Our planes were followed by nine 109s which did not attack.
We learned more about Lt. Lewis who had been shot down in December. Lewis had beed downed by a 109 which in turn was shot down by Lt. Larson. After pulling out of formation to strafe an enemy ship, one engine on Larson's 38 was shot out and he force landed at Bone, 150 miles up the coast.
To date, the Group has destroyed 45 enemy fighters and bombers, to our losses of 19. A few new replacement pilots are now coming into the Group, regularly.
Recently-commissioned Staff Sgt. Pilot Atteberry is the first pilot to utilize an entirely new evasive maneuver in aerial combat. He stated that when a 109 was on his tail, he chopped throttle on one engine suddenly and used full aileron and rudder on the same side. The single-engine fighter could not follow the action, now called the 'Atteberry Roll' and our pilots have been practicing this new tactic.
We learned more about Lt. Lewis who had been shot down in December. Lewis had beed downed by a 109 which in turn was shot down by Lt. Larson. After pulling out of formation to strafe an enemy ship, one engine on Larson's 38 was shot out and he force landed at Bone, 150 miles up the coast.
To date, the Group has destroyed 45 enemy fighters and bombers, to our losses of 19. A few new replacement pilots are now coming into the Group, regularly.
Recently-commissioned Staff Sgt. Pilot Atteberry is the first pilot to utilize an entirely new evasive maneuver in aerial combat. He stated that when a 109 was on his tail, he chopped throttle on one engine suddenly and used full aileron and rudder on the same side. The single-engine fighter could not follow the action, now called the 'Atteberry Roll' and our pilots have been practicing this new tactic.
February 15
wenty-eight of our 82nd Group P-38s, as escort to 14 B-26 mediums from the adjacent bomber base, flew a mission against an enemy airfield. Four bombers were lost. One of the other shot up bombers crash landed, after successful return to the mountainside base. The tail gunner of the B-26 was observed to bailout just before the ship bellied in.
One of our 38s had an engine shot out but all of our 97th ships were able to return without loss. Pilots reported sighting five Bf109G fighters which turned tail. Many fires were left burning by the bombers.
We hear that, on the Eastern Front, Rostov has fallen back into Russian hands and that Turkey is thinking of joining the Allies.
One of our 38s had an engine shot out but all of our 97th ships were able to return without loss. Pilots reported sighting five Bf109G fighters which turned tail. Many fires were left burning by the bombers.
We hear that, on the Eastern Front, Rostov has fallen back into Russian hands and that Turkey is thinking of joining the Allies.
February 16
We had good flying weather early but dveloped into rain and heavy overcast. We learned more about yesterday's mission. The B-26 that belly landed had pilot and co-pilot shot up - was landed by a buck private gunner after the remainder of the crew had hit the silk.
Our P-38 that returned yesterday on one engine was hit in left inboard wing section by a cannon shell. The pristine tank was shot up causing loss of coolant and the engine overheated. There were holes in outboard wing and flap also. Pilot lt. Jackson said he did not see enemy aircraft attack him at any time.
The 109s seem to be using 7mm machine guns and 20mm cannon. Some of the steel cores picked from our shot-up planes measure to be 5.5mm.
There is word of possible enemy air attack against our base and anti-aircraft gun crews practice-fired against the nearby mountainside all day.
The ground fighting against Rommel at Kasseerine is reported crucial.
Our P-38 that returned yesterday on one engine was hit in left inboard wing section by a cannon shell. The pristine tank was shot up causing loss of coolant and the engine overheated. There were holes in outboard wing and flap also. Pilot lt. Jackson said he did not see enemy aircraft attack him at any time.
The 109s seem to be using 7mm machine guns and 20mm cannon. Some of the steel cores picked from our shot-up planes measure to be 5.5mm.
There is word of possible enemy air attack against our base and anti-aircraft gun crews practice-fired against the nearby mountainside all day.
The ground fighting against Rommel at Kasseerine is reported crucial.
February 17
The 82nd achieved a 'famous first' today - first US fighters over Sardinia. Escorting B-17 fortresses along with B-25 and B-26 mediums, heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered over the target. Four B-26s from the nearby base were lost due to flak. Our Group lost three P-38s, one of these from our 97th Squadron, called 'Cheeta'. One enemy bomber was shot down. A fifth B-26 bomber, returning from this mission, crashed against the mountainside after coming out of clouds at low altitude. The plane burned, threw huge black billows of smoke up from the wreckage. All crew were reported lost.
Our 82nd Group victories now stand at 47 enemy planes shot down.
Our 82nd Group victories now stand at 47 enemy planes shot down.
February 18, 19, 20
Bad weather prevented mission on 18th. Heavy rain yesterday and today groundedall aircraft. They cannot get off in the mud. All personnel working at bailing out foxholes.
In talking to two master sergeants of the 359th Service Squadron, they related that several days ago, while on their way to pick up a salvage P-38 on the main route to Kasserine, they kept driving their flat-bed truck-rig past all these trucks and troops coming in their direction, finally stopped to ask what was going on. A, G.I. answered: 'Rommel is breaking through at Kasserine!'
In talking to two master sergeants of the 359th Service Squadron, they related that several days ago, while on their way to pick up a salvage P-38 on the main route to Kasserine, they kept driving their flat-bed truck-rig past all these trucks and troops coming in their direction, finally stopped to ask what was going on. A, G.I. answered: 'Rommel is breaking through at Kasserine!'
February 21
Fifteen P-38s, our men, escorted flights of B-26s in anti-shipping mission. Lt. Peterson went down but Headquarters received a call from Algiers saying "Pete" had landed O.K. Lieutenants Towsen and Washburn crashed at sea after shooting down a German bomber. Towsen was reported last seen on a life raft dropped by one of our bombers. The Germans were also reported close to the raft. One enemy ship was sunk by the B-26s and other vessels were strafed by our P-38s. Our 82nd FG now has 48 victories to 21 lost.
February 23
Important missions were carried out against targets in Tunisia. Our P-38s shot down two Ju-88s. Four of our pilots teamed up to shoot down a German flying-boat over Bizerte. Lt. Towson now believed definitely lost after crash landing in the sea on the 21st. Lt. Atteberry said Towsen attacked an enemy bomber, from above and behind, and was hit on the way in by the rear gunner.
February 28
Due to very heavy rains and muddy ground conditions the first part of week, we had no missions until yesterday. Today, five of our P-38s were shot up on a mission, one of these failed to return. Escorting B-26 bombers, they were attacked by flights of Me109s. Lt. "Ace" White, last of the 38s to return from the mission, added another 109 to his score. Our other Lt. White (H.G.) also shot down a 109 which was last seen streaming into the ground with engine trailing smoke. Our new Commanding Officer of the 97th, Captain Wittliff, shot down one 109. Group victories now stand at 61. This includes 45 enemy fighters, eleven bombers and five others. We have suffered losses of 24 pilots, 25 P-38s. Lt. "Ace" White had four victories and needed one more to become an "Ace". Yesterday he was called on the carpet for taking off unassigned, as he put it: "To get my last ship to get the title." Most of the men have been supplementing their desire for food by buying eggs, nuts, and dried dates from the Arab natives who wander across our perimeter. Ten eggs cost about 30 francs (60 cents), a dozen English walnuts costs 20 francs, and maybe three dozen dried dates will run another 20 francs. But half the dates are wormy.
March 1
Lieutenants Rounds and Carpenter scored victories for the 97th today along with Lt. J.G. White. He reported that upon opening fire on a 109 - its entire tail section blew off. The official Group record now stands at 66 victories to our 25 lost.
March 3
Our 38s escorted B-25 Mitchells to target, an enemy field. The target was reported to be well- hit. No enemy fighters were encountered but one of our planes was lost to enemy anti-aircraft fire.
March 4
An early mission saw 38 of our P-38s escorting B-25 bombers to the target in Tunisia. Enemy planes were encountered but no reports of any shot down. Several of our 38s failed to return. One was seen to spin down after being hit in pilots cockpit section by a jettisoned belly tank, while they were over the target. Lt. Caputo had one engine on fire, which went out when the engine was cut, and he came in safely on one engine. Lt. Gasaway was lost. Lt. Visscher is believed to have landed safely at Bone, on the coast.
March 5 to 6
No news on missions. Our planes practiced and experimented with belly tanks as bombs. The word is the tanks are filled with a flammable liquid rubber mixture. Both engines were replaced on Lt. Caputo's P-38.
March 7
On a mission attacking an enemy convoy of ships in the Mediterranean, pilots of 97th Squadron shot down six enemy aircraft, four of which were confirmed. Captain Wittliff, Captain Peterson, Lieutenant Taback, Lieutenant Visscher and Lieutenant Walker scored victories. Captains Wittliff and Peterson shot down two planes each, but only one of our Commanding Officer's victories was confirmed.
March 8
Captain Wittliff's two 109s shot down yesterday were confirmed. 97th Squadron total is now 31 victories and our 82nd Group total has been brought up to 70 victories.
March 9
In a ceremony on this field today, our 82nd Group pilots were awarded decorations for 'Valor In Combat' by Wing Commanding Officer Colonel Rider. 97th Squadron's Commanding Officer Wittliff, Lieutenant Atteberry, Lieutenant 'Ace' White, Lieutenant J.C. White, Lieutenant Walker, Lieutenant Visscher and others, were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Missions were flown by B-17 and B-26 bombers, escorted by Curtiss P-40s, in constant activity all day.
March 10
No missions for the 82nd today but B-26s with P-40 fighter escorts flew overhead on missions to the front. B-17 heavies passed over in groups of 33 in one flight, 14 in another, and 16 in a third flight. Several more Fortresses passed directly overhead escorted by the 1st Fighter Group in new P-38s.
March 11
Our 82nd carried out an early mission escorting B-25 Mitchells. 97th Squadron pilots shot down three Ju88s. Lt. 'Ace' White scored his sixth victory; Lt. Atteberry shot down his fourth; Lt. Visscher scored his third victory.
March 12
One of 96th Squadron's pilots shot down two enemy medium bombers after pulling out of formation to attack the enemy. Group score now stands at 73 or 75 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air. Our 97th Squadron has shot down 33 of these.
March 12
82nd ran a mission. One of our 38s crash landed with the right main gear not locked. Came to rest on right wing tip supported by left main gear and nose wheel. Pilot O.K.
March 14 to 16
On the 14th our P-38s escorted B-25s. Group lost one new pilot due to his mistaking four 109s for Spitfires which, by that time, drew down and fired on him. The bombers hit their targets. On the 15th, Lt. McAnulty of our 97th Squadron shot down a 109 on his first mission with the squadron. Many B-17s Fortresses, B-26 Marauders and B-25 Mitchells, with escort of P40s, Spitfires, and P-38s have been on the go in perfect weather.
March 17 to 19
No missions. Heavy rains have flooded out everything. We awoke in our foxholes with the water pouring in around our pup-tents. Our entire area is like a swamp.
March 20
Heavy missions carried out today. Our 38s shot down ten enemy planes to bring Group total count to 86. Several of our ground crews came under fire of one of our own planes this morning. A run-a-way sprayed .50 caliber bullets over the perimeter. A French troop barracks a mile caught most of the bullets and as the gun burned out we could see tracers coming directly at us, bullets hit the ground and a truck in front of our plane.
March 21 t0 22
We of 97th Squadron lost Atteberry and McDaniels. 97th Squadron escorted 70 B-26 bombers against enemy shipping and very heavy opposition was encountered from 109s. As a result, Lt. Atteberry, Lt. McDaniels, and Lt. McAnulty were reported lost in combat. However, Lt. McAnulty came back safely last night, and was flown in by an English Beaufighter. It is difficult to realize so many of our ex-Sgt. pilots and friends are gone. Atteberry needed only one more victory, unofficially. During the mission, one of the B-26s was
brought down by a suicide 109 who flew directly into the middle of the bomber formation. Our squadron scored one victory in the air battle to bring Group total to 87. 95th Squadron planes got up on the 21st along with many B-17s.
brought down by a suicide 109 who flew directly into the middle of the bomber formation. Our squadron scored one victory in the air battle to bring Group total to 87. 95th Squadron planes got up on the 21st along with many B-17s.
March 25
An early mission got off with out squadron participating. Fortresses, escorted by the 1st Fighter Group, flew over on their way towards the front. Upon mission completion, 97th Squadron was missing Lt. 'Ace' White and Captain Peterson. But Pete is believed to have landed safely on the coast at Bone. During the last few missions, Group victories have reached 94 total.
March 26
It is rumored that Lt. 'Ace' White, who had six victories, is in hospital with crushed chest and skull facture. He failed to return from yesterday's mission and the report came in this morning. An early mission today lasted three to four hours. Lieutenant G. White reported shooting down one Ju88 offshore. The enemy crashed into the sea in flames. Lt. White's P-38 showed bullet holes, the second time he has returned with a victory and a shot-up plane.
Berteaux, North America
March 27 to 28
March 27 to 28
All aircraft are grounded. Word was given yesterday we were to move to a new field. Today we moved to Berteaux, closer to the coast and fourteen miles from our old strip at Telergma. P40s and A-20 light bombers flew from here previously. One of General Doolittle's bomber Groups is located directly across the road from our perimeter. They are flying B-25 Mitchells.
March 29
We have again established camp. The majority are still living out of foxholes under shelter-halves, but there are some pyramidals also. Our squadron pilots are to go on a 30 day relief, back to Casablanca. Eleven new pilots and P-38s came into the squadron today which, added to our remaining 97th pilots to stay here, makes 15. Of 97th Squadron, Commanding Officer (now Major) Witliff, Captain Peterson, ex-Sgts. (now Lieutenants) Henley, Larson, Morgan, Rounds, Taback, Visscher, Walker, 'Ace' White, and G. White, will be at Casablanca. 'Ace' White, who crash landed several days ago after a mission and at first believed lost, is O.K. and goes to Casablanca. He reported turning upside down on crash landing, when his left engine cut out. Unable to get out of the cockpit with his canopy jammed against the ground, shot his way out of the side cockpit window with his .45 automatic.
April 1 to 3
Missions have been flown daily. On today's mission two of our ships returned early. One of these made the flight back with the propeller gone from the right engine after the pilot hit the water while flying low over the Mediterranean. The other ship from our squadron belly landed after a hydraulic line had broken.
April 4 to 9
During the first part of the week, on the 5th, our Group pilots shot down 16 enemy aircraft. Twenty-six of our P-38s were on patrol over the strait and intercepted a mixed formation of 50 to 70 Ju52 transports, twenty 109s, six Ju87 dive bombers, several Fw190s, escorting a dozen enemy merchant ships offshore of Cape Bon. Ex-Sgt. pilot (now Lieutenant) Larson scored three victories. Our Group was missing two 38s: 97th Sqdn. scored four victories besides Lieutenant Larson's. Today we had two crash landings. One of these returned from the mission with the right engine on fire and prop feathered. He shot over the field, dropped his belly tanks in the adjoining wheat field, and crashlanded safely alongside an anti-aircraft battery. 82nd Group victories now total 117.
April 19
Around the 11th, our Group pilots shot down 32 Nazi planes attempting to re-inforce Tunis with fresh troops from Italy; Ju52s, along with 109s and Mc200s were shot down. The Germans are also now using huge troop transports - six engines Me323s - which are slow lumbering targets. Many have ben shot down in flames.
April 24 to 30
Group victories have been brought up to 168 total. Many new pilots have been brought into the squadron and Group. Itis more difficult to keep a close account . Of our original 97th Squadron pilots. Atteberry, Delp, Gasaway, Heronemus, Johnson, Knell, Lewis, McDaniels, McAnulty, Towson, Washburn were reported lost in combat. Also reported lost but in some cases reported to be prisoners of war are, Lts. Doddridge, Heffington, Lund, and Pratt (Lt. Pratt has been reported to have returned to the States after being a prisoner
of war). Nearly all of these men were ex-Staff Sergeant Pilots from Muroc, along with Henley, Larson, Morgan, Rounds, Taback, Visscher, Walker, 'Ace' White, G. White, at Casablanca. Lts. Caputo, Crawford, and Wahiems are now completing last missions. Our original 97th Squadron Commanding Officer, Captain Ernie C. Young, was moved up to Deputy Group Commander of the 82nd in January, and is now a Lieutenant Colonel and 82nd Group Commanding Officer. Captain McAuliffe has been reported to be our new
97th Squadron Commanding Officer. Line Chief is Strong. Crew Chiefs are: Beck, Bellows, Duncan, England, Graziers, Hillman, Jalufka, Kennedy, Kizzare, Lange, LaTorette, Paulidas, Settler, Sauber, Silva, Snyder, Thompson, Walker, Wibel, Widhelm, LaBoi, and others, along with their assistant crew chiefs and individual men who make up the crews, who have contributed so successfully to maintenance of our high record for mission readiness. In Communications we have Hathaway, with Simpson, Stoddard, Abna, Allen, and Fletcher; Monson, Lynch, Crenshaw, Sullivan, and Siember; Mayo, Long, Poindexter, and Erikson, and others. These are all 97th
Squadron men, besides our Engineering section, Armament personnel, Medical section, Administrative personnel and specialists. There has been a request for volunteers for gunnery school to fly in the bombers. Several have left the Group. Some of our 97th men have also left on reassignment to the China-Burma-India Theater. Several pilots have gone into bomb groups and / or other theaters. We have heard that President Roosevelt, in a recent speech, predicted that all men serving in the African Campaign would be returned to the States when the Campaign was over. One of our original Staff Sergeant pilots, Thompson, was here for a short stay from the States, assigned by Wright Field on performance evaluation of our P-38s and engines. Fot the past two days we have had such heavy rains as to ground all planes. The entire camp area and perimeter is completely swamped, making things very miserable. Several of the section-heads and non-commissioned officers, including myself, have a chance to try for Field Commissions. We are to go before the big Brass, in the event, for interview.
of war). Nearly all of these men were ex-Staff Sergeant Pilots from Muroc, along with Henley, Larson, Morgan, Rounds, Taback, Visscher, Walker, 'Ace' White, G. White, at Casablanca. Lts. Caputo, Crawford, and Wahiems are now completing last missions. Our original 97th Squadron Commanding Officer, Captain Ernie C. Young, was moved up to Deputy Group Commander of the 82nd in January, and is now a Lieutenant Colonel and 82nd Group Commanding Officer. Captain McAuliffe has been reported to be our new
97th Squadron Commanding Officer. Line Chief is Strong. Crew Chiefs are: Beck, Bellows, Duncan, England, Graziers, Hillman, Jalufka, Kennedy, Kizzare, Lange, LaTorette, Paulidas, Settler, Sauber, Silva, Snyder, Thompson, Walker, Wibel, Widhelm, LaBoi, and others, along with their assistant crew chiefs and individual men who make up the crews, who have contributed so successfully to maintenance of our high record for mission readiness. In Communications we have Hathaway, with Simpson, Stoddard, Abna, Allen, and Fletcher; Monson, Lynch, Crenshaw, Sullivan, and Siember; Mayo, Long, Poindexter, and Erikson, and others. These are all 97th
Squadron men, besides our Engineering section, Armament personnel, Medical section, Administrative personnel and specialists. There has been a request for volunteers for gunnery school to fly in the bombers. Several have left the Group. Some of our 97th men have also left on reassignment to the China-Burma-India Theater. Several pilots have gone into bomb groups and / or other theaters. We have heard that President Roosevelt, in a recent speech, predicted that all men serving in the African Campaign would be returned to the States when the Campaign was over. One of our original Staff Sergeant pilots, Thompson, was here for a short stay from the States, assigned by Wright Field on performance evaluation of our P-38s and engines. Fot the past two days we have had such heavy rains as to ground all planes. The entire camp area and perimeter is completely swamped, making things very miserable. Several of the section-heads and non-commissioned officers, including myself, have a chance to try for Field Commissions. We are to go before the big Brass, in the event, for interview.
May 1 to 3
Many missions have been carried out in good weather. As a result, our Group score has come up to over 170 victories. Constant air attacks by B-26, B-25, B-17 Bomb Groups with our escort, have been made against the weakening enemy in Tunisia. Captain Peterson, Lt. Visscher, and Lt. Rounds came back from Casablanca to continue flying with the 97th. "Pete" will be the new squadron C.O. We have built two "piggy-back" P-38s by removing the radio from behind the seat and installing a simple bucket seat and safety belt on
the shelf. Our communications men installed the radio in the gun compartment. I got in a test hop yesterday with another Tech Sgt. (Sgt. Pilot) but our left supercharger caught fire and we had to come back.
the shelf. Our communications men installed the radio in the gun compartment. I got in a test hop yesterday with another Tech Sgt. (Sgt. Pilot) but our left supercharger caught fire and we had to come back.
May 4 to 14
During the past two weeks we have put up all possible 38s on daily missions. Strikes against Pantelleria have been carried out with our P-38s doing skip bombing work. On one day, Group put up 64 P-38s to escort 50 B-25 Mitchells. It has not been unusual to see over 200 ships in the air at one time and, on one mission, B-17s flew over in big mass to bomb Scicily. Most of our missions now have been to the lower part of Italy.
May 15 to 18
The latest report is that the African continent enemy ground forces have been completely beaten. Because of the many prisoners our own ground forces have taken, we are being cut down on food rations. We expect our next move to be in the direction of Bizerte, Tunisia, and then on through Italy, when the time comes. To date, our 82nd Fighter Group has shot down over 200 Me109, Ju88, Me210, Mc200, Me323, Ju52, and Ju87 aircraft, in addition to ship convoys and enemy ground transports destroyed.
The Sicilian Campaign
May 21
May 21
Big mission. Our P-38s, numbering close to 50, carried bombs on wing shackles in addition to flying escort to B-Mediums. Immediately upon coming over the target, two B-26s of a bomber formation escorted by P-40 Warhawks, were shot down by anti-aircraft fire. Our whole force was then attacked by an estimated 50 enemy fighters defending the target. Our Squadron, the 97th, came out having shot down three of the enemy confirmed, and five probables. The squadron came out without a loss as crew chief Duncan's ship and pilot came in on one engine, made a good landing. Lt. Zubarik, of the 96th Squadron, also returned on one engine with the other shot out.
May 23 to 24
Our 38s carried out missions on the 23rd carrying 1,000 pound bombs and one belly tank per plane. Besides hitting the target on skip-bombing attacks, several enemy planes were shot down to up the Group total. Two of the ships returned flying on one engine with the other shot out. On today's mission, each ship carried two 500 pound bombs. Early morning victories added up to four for the day. A few of our ships were shot up but only one failed to return, later reported to have landed safely at Bone, on the coast. Group victories are now up to 230 planes destroyed in the air, plus five enemy vessels sunk.
May 25 to 28
Missions flown each day as escort to the B-25 Mitchells. Today the 28th, our 82nd Fighter Group put up the greatest number of P-38s since being in North Africa. On a maximum effort, 83 ships were put into the air. During takeoff, one of our planes dropped his 1,000 pound bomb on the runway, but, it didn't explode and none of the ground crews were hurt as the bomb skipped out across the perimeter like a bouncing pig. On mission completion, one of the pilots returned with loss of hydraulic pressure but bellied in safely. Lt. Visscher, one of our few remaining ex-sergeant Pilots, has been reassigned to the States. Since rreturning from rest camp the last of April, Capt. Peterson, who was our original Operations Officer, in the States, has been our 97th Squadron Commanding Officer. Former C.O. Capt. Wittliff, now a Major, is reported to be combat Flight Instructor in Casablanca. The rumor is that the Group is expected to move up toward the coast within the next few days.
Souk El Arba
June 1 to 16
June 1 to 16
Just prior to leaving Berteaux, on the 13th of the month, our squadron experienced its first real siege of gastro troubles and malaria conditions. Some of us were sent to the 61st Field Hospital. one of our greatest fears was to become separated from the Group, either on re-assignment or detached service. Meanwhile the 82nd crews were flown by B-25 to our new desert strip at Souk El Arba, about 40 miles from Tunis. On the 14th, the Group lost two pilots and planes during a strafing mission, shot down one enemy aircraft on the same mission.
June 16 to 21
Of the missions carried out this week, two important runs were made. On the first mission, our pilots were hot and downed 16 enemy fighters for one of ours lost. During the second mission - our 38s escorted B-25s to Northern Italy where they destroyed the target - an important railroad junction. The flight of this date, the 21st, is a record 'first' being the 'first combat flight over the mainland of Italy.
June 22 July 8
The invasion of Sicily is on. During missions in the last few days, Group victories have gone up but with the losses of four or five pilots and planes. An 'Advance Echelon' left on secret orders and rumor has it that another will be going within several days. Daytime temperatures here are now up to 137 degrees. Under orders we take Atebrine daily to prevent malaria. The men cover their backs with hydraulic oil as protection against the sun. Our pilots climb into their sweat-box cocpits and are wringing wet before they get off the ground. All parachutes must be kept from direct exposure to the sun. During today's mission, two of our 97th Squadron planes were blown up. Crew Chief McClellen's pilot shot down one 109 after the 109 had shot down two of our 38s. One of our 97th pilots, 'Tillie', was forced to bail out during aerial combat. Parades for medals are to be held on the field tonight.
July 20
Since the Sicilian Invasion, all Group planes and personnel have returned here to, the land of the 'Sirocco' or 'Winds of the Devil', as they say hereabouts. During the last three weeks, the engineering section has changed over a dozen engines in 97th Squadron's planes. Lts. Caputo and Crawford have completed their 50th or more missions. A certain amount of re-organization has taken place internally, within the Group and Squadron.Master Gergeant Strong, who has been 97th Squadron Line Chief since Group inception, has received a Field Commission and is leaving the Squadron. Master Sergeant Koman is new Line Chief. Commanding Officer
Petersen, now a Major, and Lt. Taback, one of our original S/Sgt. Pilots, have been returned to the States. Major Wittliff is back with our 97th Squadron as commanding Officer.
Petersen, now a Major, and Lt. Taback, one of our original S/Sgt. Pilots, have been returned to the States. Major Wittliff is back with our 97th Squadron as commanding Officer.
August 1
Many engine changes and other maintenance has been performed to bring our 38s up to full performance readiness.
Grombalia, Tunisia
August 5
August 5
On the 3rd some of us were sent on to the strip at Grombalia, Tunisia. We are 23 miles outside of Tunis and twelve miles from the Mediterranean Sea. A group of A-20s are scheduled to move out tomorrow. Our own planes are flying patrols over the coast, remaining crews arre to join us here shortly. Much enemy junk has been left behind in the enemy withdrawal to Sicily and Italy. Remains of dead tanks, trucks, and some aircraft litter the plains around Tunis, giving evidence of the battles fought by the ground and
supporting forces. Blown up enemy gun emplacements lay in the desert sand to one side of this camp and a water well is contaminated with enemy dead. The word is that the A-20 Bostons are going to Sicily and that we will follow. The entire land, South of our camp, is spotted by grape orchards, heavily overladen with rich, sweet grapes of various sizes. We no longer are forced to dig foxholes, now that we have aerial superiority over the Mediterranean, and have put up pyramidal tents close to an orchard.
supporting forces. Blown up enemy gun emplacements lay in the desert sand to one side of this camp and a water well is contaminated with enemy dead. The word is that the A-20 Bostons are going to Sicily and that we will follow. The entire land, South of our camp, is spotted by grape orchards, heavily overladen with rich, sweet grapes of various sizes. We no longer are forced to dig foxholes, now that we have aerial superiority over the Mediterranean, and have put up pyramidal tents close to an orchard.
August 11
Missions are flown daily and our planes are again carrying bombs. The word is we will carry two 2,000 pounders on each P-38. The A-20 outfit has moved to Sicily. One of our 97th pilots reported he almost went in when the left engine of his 38 cut out directly over the target - lost altitude as he was trying to feather - barely got prop feathered just over the Mediterranean.
August 17
Fighter sweeps have been carried out over Sardinia and the toe of Italy. Daily missions, with bombed-up P-38s, have been against the enemy's evacuation route, bombing and strafing trains, trucks, and motorized columns, radar stations, bridges, and other targets. On return from today's mission, one 38 cracked on landing. We lost the piggy-back also, which cracked up on takeoff after running out of fuel. Tonight there was an enemy air raid on Bizerte and another against Tunis, on the other side of the camp.
August 18
Heavy enemy raiders came over Carthage tonight. Anti-aircraft guns put up a terrific screen for over 40 minutes. English night -fighter Beaufighters shot down three Ju88s as the Germans came out from over the target. Anti-aircraft were reported to have downed three more of the bombers. One of the enemy, very high over the target, was evidently hit before getting his bombs away, and a tremendous aerial explosion lit up the entire sky as pieces of the burning plane came streaming down.
August 22
One of our 97th's young pilots, Lt. Butler, bailed out of his 38 just off Naples, Italy, after shooting down a 109. A second 97th pilot was forced to crash-land in Sicily, got all broken up.
August 25
On an early morning mission, led by our new Group Commander Lt. Col. MacNicol, our 82nd Group P-38s, 14th Fighter Group 38s, made a "on the deck" long range strafing attack against Foggia air fields in Italy, an extended network of some 30 airstrips used by the enemy. Upon landing, after the mission completion and return here, Commanding Officer MacNicol was presented a 'spot' decoration of the Distinguished Flying Cross, by Lt. General Carl Spaatz, as our C.O. stepped from the cockpit of his 38. The report is that our 82nd alone destroyed 21 enemy planes and damaged 33 others. B-17 heavies followed up the fighter sweep imposing much additional damage to the enemy fields.
August 27
During escort mission to B-25 bombers today, heavy fighter opposition from 109s was encountered. Lieutenant Sheets was lost, last heard over radio-transmitter after being jumped by two 109s. Three B-25s went in first thing after diving attack by 109s. One pilot from 96th Squadron was forced to bail out immediately after the engagement. The Nazi pilots were thought to be very young.
August 31
On one mission of several carried out within the last few days, our pilots engaged an estimated number of 20 -109s in one flight. Lieutenant Visscher, who has come back from the States to continue flying combat with 97th Squadron, shot down another 109 and needs only one more to officially become an 'Ace'. He had over 50 missions and three victories before he left the squadron last May. During this same mission Lieutenant Stall and one other pilot destroyed one 109 each. Sergeant Chuck Wilds, who transferred to gunnery school from our 97th while back at Berteaux, got B-17s. On his first mission two engines were shot out of his Fortress. Losing altitude, they threw everything loose overboard - guns and ammo included - in hopes of regaining altitude. They knew their 17 would be easy prey for enemy fighters and were really sweating it out. Then four P-38s suddenly came into view, saw their conditions, and escorted the Fortress back over to safety. Lieutenant Litchfield, who flew ship crewed by mutual close friend Miles, from New Mexico, made his 50th and has been returned Stateside.
Naples - Foggia Campaign
September 13
September 13
The advance echelon left for Sicily soon after the 1st. The invasion of Italy has taken most our men to man the planes. I have been left as line chief with a dozen engineering personnel. Several 38s need engine and wing changes. Yesterday a ship came in with right gear partly folded, crash-landed close to us. Luckily he was unhurt and the ship is repairable.
September 14
A, C-47 transport came in to fly the remainder of us here at Grombalia to Sicily. Our planes are up on one sortie after another, and as many as four missions a day. As they return the men refuel from five gallon cans and the pilots again put up to strafe and dive-bomb in support of the ground forces. Much support is being given against Naples. Flying from dawn until after dark, all personel work hard to get the planes back into the air on their constant sorties, some return late without use of landing lights. There is also plenty of enemy opposition reported. The British at nearby strips are putting up Martin Baltimore light bombers, Beaufighters, and Mosquito fighter-bombers. Other P-38 Groups, A-36 fighter-bombers, Spitfires and Hurribombers have worked together in support of the ground forces. Our crews fend for themselves, more or less. The men sleep in empty belly tank crates, try to fight off the mosquitoes.
September 20
Nearly all the men and planes have returned to Tunisia, North Africa. Again, I have been left with several men to change one engine and wing on two 38s. We were told we would be picked up around this date.
September 21
We are close enough to Mt. Etna to see the smoke pouring from the tip of the volcano. We are also just 14 miles from Catania. There are many damaged 109s and 202s laying around the nearby strips. Bomb craters are everywhere. We finished the assignment and had an afternoon in Catania. One of the crew chiefs nearly took off this morning, the closest he has come to flying one. It was actually legitimate, just an exceptionally fast taxi-test, as ordered.
September 22
Late yesterday a B-25 came into Sicily with two pilots to fly the 38s back. We flew back to Grombalia in short order. The B-25 was one of the 'tank-busters', having a 75mm cannon in the nose.
September 26
A four day break is on, getting all aircraft in commission. Nearly 1,000 missions were flown, 999 sorties, during the ten days in Sicily for Salerno landings. We had two crashes today. Crew Chief's Jalufka's pilot, buzzing the beach, got too low and burned on impact. Tomorrow we celebrate one year overseas and our first big feed of the year is planned.
September 30
Several of us got into Tunis. My transportation was a captured German BMW motorcycle which had seen too much desert travel, broke down halfway back. Tunis was not too badly beaten up except for the harbor.
October 2 to 10
n the 2nd, the Advance Echelon left for somewhere in Italy. Heavy rains for a few days made conditions very miserable-with tents blowing down under strong winds-and the situation got so ridiculous in attempting to get them back up in the wet that we developed a sense of humor about it. We have been waiting for air transports to pick up the remainder of us. Two dry-runs have taken place-one to the sir strips of the 310th Bomp Group, before we were recalled here.
Yesterday we piled aboard a C-47, and then got back off again as a load of jeeps was given priority.
Now we are again aboard a C-47, 16 of us besides pilot, en route to join the Squadron in Italy. One of the boys has put together a stretcher and is asleep. The steady hum of the engines plus a little Vino Blanco being passed around are big sleep inducers. One of the group just remarked, "There goes North Africa," and another answered, "I hope so." We are over the blue Mediterranean and can see a convoy of ten vessels with five destroyer escorts below us. Another convoy has appeared on the opposite side of our plane and we are happy to be on friendly terms with all the firepower below us - nine more ships and seven destroyers. We are still in sight of North Africa although we are now 23 miles out over the sea. We observe still another new convoy of five ships with six destroyer escorts. Something big planned we think. We are passing over a field of cotton clouds against the background of blue rippling water.
Now, at 9:30 a.m., over Sicily, a layer of fleecy white clouds has appeared between us and the earth. We are at 7,000 feet and Sicily is a miniature setting made up of green, brown, and black squares. The roads are mere chalk lines weaving a snaky pattern across the surface. Mountains seem to peek through holes in the clouds watching us trespass in their domain. We have passed to the North and West of Mount Etna and are now on an approximate heading of NNE 40 degrees toward Italy. Our destination is now reported to be close to Toento. It is now 11:40 a.m. and we have wheels down and are going in for a landing.
We are 30 miles from Toento, Italy, and have our first concrete runways and buildings. The Group is consolidated and missions have been to Greece. We are sad to hear Capt. 'Pop' Corning, our Squdron Censor, was killed yesterday on a bombing mission, his fifth since overseas. Flying in a B-25 which was shot down, the German pilots strafed the crashed plane causing it to blow. The Colonel stated last night at briefing, for the pilots to use discretion, (especially when the bastards are parachuting).
3:25 p.m.
We are still sweating out Crew Chief Duncan's P-38 'Cheeta' which has been circling over the field for over an hour, in an effort to get main gear down only the nose wheel will come down.
Yesterday we piled aboard a C-47, and then got back off again as a load of jeeps was given priority.
Now we are again aboard a C-47, 16 of us besides pilot, en route to join the Squadron in Italy. One of the boys has put together a stretcher and is asleep. The steady hum of the engines plus a little Vino Blanco being passed around are big sleep inducers. One of the group just remarked, "There goes North Africa," and another answered, "I hope so." We are over the blue Mediterranean and can see a convoy of ten vessels with five destroyer escorts below us. Another convoy has appeared on the opposite side of our plane and we are happy to be on friendly terms with all the firepower below us - nine more ships and seven destroyers. We are still in sight of North Africa although we are now 23 miles out over the sea. We observe still another new convoy of five ships with six destroyer escorts. Something big planned we think. We are passing over a field of cotton clouds against the background of blue rippling water.
Now, at 9:30 a.m., over Sicily, a layer of fleecy white clouds has appeared between us and the earth. We are at 7,000 feet and Sicily is a miniature setting made up of green, brown, and black squares. The roads are mere chalk lines weaving a snaky pattern across the surface. Mountains seem to peek through holes in the clouds watching us trespass in their domain. We have passed to the North and West of Mount Etna and are now on an approximate heading of NNE 40 degrees toward Italy. Our destination is now reported to be close to Toento. It is now 11:40 a.m. and we have wheels down and are going in for a landing.
We are 30 miles from Toento, Italy, and have our first concrete runways and buildings. The Group is consolidated and missions have been to Greece. We are sad to hear Capt. 'Pop' Corning, our Squdron Censor, was killed yesterday on a bombing mission, his fifth since overseas. Flying in a B-25 which was shot down, the German pilots strafed the crashed plane causing it to blow. The Colonel stated last night at briefing, for the pilots to use discretion, (especially when the bastards are parachuting).
3:25 p.m.
We are still sweating out Crew Chief Duncan's P-38 'Cheeta' which has been circling over the field for over an hour, in an effort to get main gear down only the nose wheel will come down.
Lecce, Italy
October 11
October 11
Sunday. Pilot in Cheeta landed O.K. yesterday - belly landing. One of the C-47s almost made a water landing yesterday when both engines cut out. The men had 'Mae Wests' blown.
We are sweating out a lift to the Lecce Airdrome, 25 miles further up. On the ankle of Italy. We were on restriction last night but several of us went into a little town called San Pancrozia and had a chase with the local police. We were the only Americans we saw and came back out soon after midnight.
We are sweating out a lift to the Lecce Airdrome, 25 miles further up. On the ankle of Italy. We were on restriction last night but several of us went into a little town called San Pancrozia and had a chase with the local police. We were the only Americans we saw and came back out soon after midnight.
October 12
We have moved up to Lecce. Our 97th Squadron won the flip of a coin with the 96th and 95th Squadrons. We will sleep in the huge stone barracks here. The report is that a lot of German personnel were shot up in the barracks bunks not too long ago, and the men are a little leary of bed bugs, until the place is cleaned up good. Most of us will sleep on the marble floor until that time.
This field, before the war, was the Lecce Municipal Airport. Then it became a combined German-Italian airdrome. It was heavily hit by our own planes and nearly the entire 12th Air Force at one time or another. With Italy having captulated, the Germans have just retreated with their gear farther up the boot.
There are many Italian aircraft on the field - 2001s, 202s, and 205s, and three-engined transports. There is also a scattering of English ships - a Spitfire or two, a Mosquito fighter-bomber, and P-40s
This field, before the war, was the Lecce Municipal Airport. Then it became a combined German-Italian airdrome. It was heavily hit by our own planes and nearly the entire 12th Air Force at one time or another. With Italy having captulated, the Germans have just retreated with their gear farther up the boot.
There are many Italian aircraft on the field - 2001s, 202s, and 205s, and three-engined transports. There is also a scattering of English ships - a Spitfire or two, a Mosquito fighter-bomber, and P-40s
October 13
Many of the 'Eyetie' pilots have already fought on two fronts and some have stated they fought against our P-38s while we were in Africa. Now they want to go on missions with our Groups against the Germans.
We are on a field 'alert'.
We are on a field 'alert'.
October 14
At 12:40 last night the Italian air raid alarm sounded.
Mission for Group planes is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The field is so crowed with planes they are stacked wing tip to wing tip.
Mission for Group planes is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The field is so crowed with planes they are stacked wing tip to wing tip.
October 15
For the first time since joining of Italy with the Allies, Italian pilots were given permission to fly MC-205s on a mission against the same target as our P-38s. They were really proud to be able to say they would fly with our boys. By the time the P-38s got over the target - the 205s were out and away and our planes got bounced by 109s. One of the 95th Squadron's 38s crash landed on mission return. Coming in 'hot' on one engine he barely averted smashing into a line of Italian fighters on the runway and ended up in the grape orchard and brick pile off the end of the field.
Pictures were taken this afternoon of 82nd Group Commander Col. MacNicol, 97th Squadron Commander Major Smith, and the Italian Group C.O.
The report is the King of Italy is to inspect his air forces here soon.
Pictures were taken this afternoon of 82nd Group Commander Col. MacNicol, 97th Squadron Commander Major Smith, and the Italian Group C.O.
The report is the King of Italy is to inspect his air forces here soon.
October 19
Lieutenant Clarence O. Seltz, one of our original 97th Squadron Staff Sergeant pilots, while on a strafing mission over Yugoslavia today, was making his run against an enemy train - saw his cannon and machine gun fire going in for hits - when everything blew sky high throwing him several thousand feet higher. When we looked over his P-38 after the mission - we wondered how he was able to get back at all. The engine cowling, body sheet metal, and oil coolers were completely smashed in. His tail booms from engines aft to the stabilizer were dripping oil. He said he couldn't get any oil pressure at all on the way back. He had actually blown up an ammunition
train on the way in - and still made it back to base.
Earlier this week, on the 16th, a dive-bombing mission was carried out by our Group planes against enemy vessels in the Levka's Channel.
train on the way in - and still made it back to base.
Earlier this week, on the 16th, a dive-bombing mission was carried out by our Group planes against enemy vessels in the Levka's Channel.
Octiber 23
During the past few days our planes had several missions including a raid on Athens, bombing, strafing and as cover escort on 'all-fighter sweeps.' On the 21st a central control railway system at Skopje was hit with our P-38s destroying over 40 locomotives. On the 20th, the day before, our planes struck the railyards at Nish, left the roundhouse in flames.
Yesterday, Lt. Jorgensen was last seen with one dead engine over the Adriatic Sea. A search party could find no trace of him.
Also yesterday a.m. the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel, and Prime Minister Pierto Badloglio were here on a review of the Italian planes and pilots.
Today's afternoon mission was a fighter sweep. Lots of strafing. No 109s were encountered but flak was reported heavy.
Tonight we happily saw Lt. Jorgensen, presumed lost, walk into camp. He said he caught a ride with a convoy of trucks after he landed at sea and paddled to shore on his life raft.
Yesterday, Lt. Jorgensen was last seen with one dead engine over the Adriatic Sea. A search party could find no trace of him.
Also yesterday a.m. the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel, and Prime Minister Pierto Badloglio were here on a review of the Italian planes and pilots.
Today's afternoon mission was a fighter sweep. Lots of strafing. No 109s were encountered but flak was reported heavy.
Tonight we happily saw Lt. Jorgensen, presumed lost, walk into camp. He said he caught a ride with a convoy of trucks after he landed at sea and paddled to shore on his life raft.
October 25
Two of our 97th Sqaudron P-38s returned from completion of today's mission with one engine out on each plane. One of the 38s had an engine afire as it landed.
October 26
One reconnaissance and observation flight made this a.m. Weather is very bad.
Early morning missions have been carried out the past several days. On the 2nd, we lost three P-38s.
Yesterday, an 'Eyetie' pilot sporting over the field low, in a Macchi 202, was doing snap rolls and generally 'wringing it out' - ended up doing a series of slow rolls at tree-top level down the length of the runway - and rolled in, breaking up and burning.
Yesterday, an 'Eyetie' pilot sporting over the field low, in a Macchi 202, was doing snap rolls and generally 'wringing it out' - ended up doing a series of slow rolls at tree-top level down the length of the runway - and rolled in, breaking up and burning.
Air Combat - Balkans Campaigh
November 17
November 17
This field is too crowded and too many planes. During the past week, two of our 38s crashed and burned on the runway. Yesterday, a B-25 coming in on one engine and a prayer, over-ran the runway and hit the brick pile to become salvage.
Missions every day are against Athens, Greece, and Yugoslovia.
The Italian planes have been on their own missions dropping supplies from the three engined Savio Marchettis to their soldiers. Today their fighters advance-strafed one of our Group targets.
Missions every day are against Athens, Greece, and Yugoslovia.
The Italian planes have been on their own missions dropping supplies from the three engined Savio Marchettis to their soldiers. Today their fighters advance-strafed one of our Group targets.
November 21
A few days ago, Lieutenant Pollack, was badly burned when his P-38 caught fire after hitting a Macchi fighter while trying to avoid running off the runway into the brick pile.
Another 38 pilot crashed into the landing light at Mundaro two nights ago in bad weather.
This morning one of our 97th pilots crashed into the orchard after spinning in immediately following his 'chandelle' preparatory to landing, upon mission completion. Lieutenant Collins caught a shell through his side window which caused him to go into a spin. Low over the water he recovered, got his bombs away and returned home safely. Another pilot in (P-38 'CR') caught a bullet in the engine cowling. left wing, and horizontal stabilizer. A third 97th pilot in (P-38 'C3') got back safely with 109 shell holes in both wings, left
inboard fuel tank, and supercharger - to make his plane salvage.
P-38 'CF' broke his nose strut by hitting a tree stump while taxing out to the runway for takeoff.
Another 38 pilot crashed into the landing light at Mundaro two nights ago in bad weather.
This morning one of our 97th pilots crashed into the orchard after spinning in immediately following his 'chandelle' preparatory to landing, upon mission completion. Lieutenant Collins caught a shell through his side window which caused him to go into a spin. Low over the water he recovered, got his bombs away and returned home safely. Another pilot in (P-38 'CR') caught a bullet in the engine cowling. left wing, and horizontal stabilizer. A third 97th pilot in (P-38 'C3') got back safely with 109 shell holes in both wings, left
inboard fuel tank, and supercharger - to make his plane salvage.
P-38 'CF' broke his nose strut by hitting a tree stump while taxing out to the runway for takeoff.
November 27
Rain and overcast have made conditions generally miserable.
Two missions were flown. During the first, our pilots encountered eight Heinkel fighters at 30,000 feet. All guns were frozen on both our own and enemy planes. The bombers were froced to return to their base when the weather closed in over the target.
The Italians made a mission in their Savio Marchettis, one day this week, dropping supplies to their guerrillas.
Engine change was completed on P-38 #C5 and one engine on CJ. The pilot was forced to fly back with oil line shot out and the engine burned.
On Thanksgiving we had turkey with all the accessories: not so bad although this was our first good feed since our anniversary feed in North Africa in September.
Two missions were flown. During the first, our pilots encountered eight Heinkel fighters at 30,000 feet. All guns were frozen on both our own and enemy planes. The bombers were froced to return to their base when the weather closed in over the target.
The Italians made a mission in their Savio Marchettis, one day this week, dropping supplies to their guerrillas.
Engine change was completed on P-38 #C5 and one engine on CJ. The pilot was forced to fly back with oil line shot out and the engine burned.
On Thanksgiving we had turkey with all the accessories: not so bad although this was our first good feed since our anniversary feed in North Africa in September.
November 29
Mission today was escort to B-24 heavies and B-25 mediums.
The Italian ships flew a mission today and a few of the crews got shot up.
The Italian ships flew a mission today and a few of the crews got shot up.
December 7
Early this week our P-38s engaged 15 109s in one flight and downed two. Yesterday our Group scored five victories - all 109s. We lost three ships on these two missions. Escorting B-24 heavy bombers, our pilots saw the entire crew get out of one on bail-out while one B-25 dropped like a rock after a direct hit by flak. Sofia, Bulgaria was the target.
December 9
The bombers with our P-38 escort hit bad weather and 109s over the target, then we lost the bombers on return to the coast. Low on gas but meeting more 109s over the coast, our P-38s engaged. Captain Spencer shot down one 109 and others of our Group shot down eight more. We have seven planes missing but three of these are believed to have landed at Bari, Italy, leaving four unaccounted for.
December 12
Lieutenant Dewey went in today while dive-bombing, either didn't or couldn't pull out. Usually a 'split-ess' and one or two half turns straight down at the target releasing bombs just before pull-out.
On yesterday's mission, P-38 'BK' never returned. Today, the 95th also lost one.
On yesterday's mission, P-38 'BK' never returned. Today, the 95th also lost one.
Ending One Year of Combat
December 24
December 24
Our 82nd completed its first year of combat and sixteen months overseas on 23rd December.
Africa proved the P-38 Lightning to be as formidable a weapon as it proved the ex-Staff Sergeant Pilots and their replacements to be brave unselfish men, never to be forgotten.
From 23 December 1942 to 23 December 1943, our 82nd Fighter Group pilots and planes compiled a record total of 365 enemy planes shot down in air combat, not including close to 100 Axis planes destroyed on the ground. Our pilots have established their place in history with their conspicuous achievements and valor.
Beginning with the many strikes against Tunisia, North Africa, when German Field Marshal Rommel's Afrika Korps was holding at Mareth and thereafter at the line in Tunisia, Pantelleria, Sardinia, and Sicily, along with the fields we now fly from in Italy, were filled with enemy planes flying in support of Rommel's forces and against our own planes and pilots.
Our ex-Staff Sergeant Pilots, newly commissioned and led by Squadron and group Leaders against some of the best pilots of the Luftwaffe, could not help but grow weary from the constant missions, strains of air combat, and desert living conditions with its temperature extremes. But, drawing from some inner strength and nerve, they continued to engage superior numbers of the enemy in aerial combat, made the enemy suffer two losses for each one of our own.
During the crucial month of Feruary, when Rommel's Panzer Divisions broke through the line at Kasserine Pass, the 82nd had been alerted for evacuation. Pilots and ground crews at forward stripes had been forced to retreat, burning planes which otherwise would have been left behind. In constant support of the ground forces, our pilots and planes made their grueling sweeps deep into enemy territory, protected the bombers at all costs, smashed enemy vessels using dive-bombing and skip-bombing tactics, and performed countless strafing attacks against enemy lines, troop concentrations, motorized columns, and enemy airfields. Gabes, Bizerte,
Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse saw our fighters overhead in aerial duels with the enemy, in most all of the air battles of the Tunisian Campaign.
After the then-maximum effort of British and American ground and air forces was exerted at the Mareth Line on 20 March, forcing Rommel's troops northward to Tunis and Cape Bon, our 82nd inflicted severe losses to bring in reinforcements from Italy.
On 12 June, 1943, the first 82nd pilot to complete fifty missions was returned Stateside.
Then came Souk El Arba, at one time a primary target of the 82nd's planes. Dust storms, that blew tents down and scattered the men's belongings over the area, together with intense heat - seemed inducement for the African scorpions to seek shelter in the pilots parachutes. Living on captured German Atebrine and canned 'C' rations, the pilots continued to carry out their fighter sweeps.
In the air offensive against the island of Pantelleria, using skip bombing tactics, Col. Ernest C. Young (at that time Group Commanding Officer) placed the one thousand pound bomb shackled to his '38 directly through the open door of the huge underground hanger on the famous Pantelleria Airdrome.
For the Invasion of Sicily, pilots and planes plus several maintenance crews flew to Tripoli. There our 82nd provided air cover for the Invasion convoys.
The 82nd's first 'Distinguished Unit Citation' came with the Foggia raid of 25 August. This history making low level, long range strafing attack was reported to have directly affected German air resistance against the Allied Invasion forces at Salerno, Italy, on 9 September.
The 82nd's second 'Distinguished Unit Citation' came in recognition of conspicuous fidelity to the task of taking the bombers out and back without loss. This mission, again under the 82nd Group Commanding Officer's leadership, took our pilots in their P-38's in a strike against a rail center at Cancello, Italy. As protective escort to 72, B-25 medium bombers, our pilots fought off a greater attacking force of enemy fighters numbering nearly a hundred and during the ensuing air battle, which carried the bombers and fighters over a hundred miles to sea, our 82nd pilots shot down 24 of the enemy while bringing all bombers home. Our own Group pilots and P-38s
suffered losses during this mission.
Subsequently, Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. MacNicol, was lost in a B-24 crash in England, while temporarily away from the Group, just as his predecessors, former C.O. Lt. Col. Young, having been previously returned to the States, was lost in a crash there. These men will not be forgotten.
Africa proved the P-38 Lightning to be as formidable a weapon as it proved the ex-Staff Sergeant Pilots and their replacements to be brave unselfish men, never to be forgotten.
From 23 December 1942 to 23 December 1943, our 82nd Fighter Group pilots and planes compiled a record total of 365 enemy planes shot down in air combat, not including close to 100 Axis planes destroyed on the ground. Our pilots have established their place in history with their conspicuous achievements and valor.
Beginning with the many strikes against Tunisia, North Africa, when German Field Marshal Rommel's Afrika Korps was holding at Mareth and thereafter at the line in Tunisia, Pantelleria, Sardinia, and Sicily, along with the fields we now fly from in Italy, were filled with enemy planes flying in support of Rommel's forces and against our own planes and pilots.
Our ex-Staff Sergeant Pilots, newly commissioned and led by Squadron and group Leaders against some of the best pilots of the Luftwaffe, could not help but grow weary from the constant missions, strains of air combat, and desert living conditions with its temperature extremes. But, drawing from some inner strength and nerve, they continued to engage superior numbers of the enemy in aerial combat, made the enemy suffer two losses for each one of our own.
During the crucial month of Feruary, when Rommel's Panzer Divisions broke through the line at Kasserine Pass, the 82nd had been alerted for evacuation. Pilots and ground crews at forward stripes had been forced to retreat, burning planes which otherwise would have been left behind. In constant support of the ground forces, our pilots and planes made their grueling sweeps deep into enemy territory, protected the bombers at all costs, smashed enemy vessels using dive-bombing and skip-bombing tactics, and performed countless strafing attacks against enemy lines, troop concentrations, motorized columns, and enemy airfields. Gabes, Bizerte,
Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse saw our fighters overhead in aerial duels with the enemy, in most all of the air battles of the Tunisian Campaign.
After the then-maximum effort of British and American ground and air forces was exerted at the Mareth Line on 20 March, forcing Rommel's troops northward to Tunis and Cape Bon, our 82nd inflicted severe losses to bring in reinforcements from Italy.
On 12 June, 1943, the first 82nd pilot to complete fifty missions was returned Stateside.
Then came Souk El Arba, at one time a primary target of the 82nd's planes. Dust storms, that blew tents down and scattered the men's belongings over the area, together with intense heat - seemed inducement for the African scorpions to seek shelter in the pilots parachutes. Living on captured German Atebrine and canned 'C' rations, the pilots continued to carry out their fighter sweeps.
In the air offensive against the island of Pantelleria, using skip bombing tactics, Col. Ernest C. Young (at that time Group Commanding Officer) placed the one thousand pound bomb shackled to his '38 directly through the open door of the huge underground hanger on the famous Pantelleria Airdrome.
For the Invasion of Sicily, pilots and planes plus several maintenance crews flew to Tripoli. There our 82nd provided air cover for the Invasion convoys.
The 82nd's first 'Distinguished Unit Citation' came with the Foggia raid of 25 August. This history making low level, long range strafing attack was reported to have directly affected German air resistance against the Allied Invasion forces at Salerno, Italy, on 9 September.
The 82nd's second 'Distinguished Unit Citation' came in recognition of conspicuous fidelity to the task of taking the bombers out and back without loss. This mission, again under the 82nd Group Commanding Officer's leadership, took our pilots in their P-38's in a strike against a rail center at Cancello, Italy. As protective escort to 72, B-25 medium bombers, our pilots fought off a greater attacking force of enemy fighters numbering nearly a hundred and during the ensuing air battle, which carried the bombers and fighters over a hundred miles to sea, our 82nd pilots shot down 24 of the enemy while bringing all bombers home. Our own Group pilots and P-38s
suffered losses during this mission.
Subsequently, Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. MacNicol, was lost in a B-24 crash in England, while temporarily away from the Group, just as his predecessors, former C.O. Lt. Col. Young, having been previously returned to the States, was lost in a crash there. These men will not be forgotten.
December 26
A day or so before Christmas Day, we lost two pilots from the 97th; 109s machine gunned our parachuting pilots. The aircraft were P-38's, #C1 and #C8. Yesterday, the 25th, the Group lost eight P-38s; 96th Squadron had two missing and the 95th lost at least six. Our 97th Squadron shot down two 109s.
On today's mission, P-38 #CD returned with the right engine dead and overshot the hard surface runway into the mud, but landed safely and the plane was undamaged.
On today's mission, P-38 #CD returned with the right engine dead and overshot the hard surface runway into the mud, but landed safely and the plane was undamaged.
1944
January 8
January 8
We were scheduled to move North to Foggia, this morning. B-24 heavy bombers were supposed to have come into this concrete strip. Orders have now changed and we are to remain here at Leece until further notice.
A mission today was escort to B-24s. Three P-38s from Group failed to return. These were from the 95th and 96th Squadrons: two of the ships had engines shot out and the third had disintegrated over the target.
On one mission reported last week, our 97th pilots shot down a German glider towed by a Heinkel 111. The crew of the glider was observed to bail out but chutes of two men did not open, being at such low altitude.
A windstorm on 5 January was so severe that the Italian transport planes were blown in among our P-38s, damaging five of our 82nd's planes.
A mission today was escort to B-24s. Three P-38s from Group failed to return. These were from the 95th and 96th Squadrons: two of the ships had engines shot out and the third had disintegrated over the target.
On one mission reported last week, our 97th pilots shot down a German glider towed by a Heinkel 111. The crew of the glider was observed to bail out but chutes of two men did not open, being at such low altitude.
A windstorm on 5 January was so severe that the Italian transport planes were blown in among our P-38s, damaging five of our 82nd's planes.
Rome - Arno Campaign
January 20
January 20
Colonel Litton, formerly of the 96th Squadron, is now our Group Commanding Officer.
Some of the escort and related missions have taken our pilots over Argos, Salonika, Araxo and Athens in Greece; Dubrovnik, Kish, Foca and Zara in Yugoslavia; Tirana and Bergat in Albania; Topolea in Hungary; Rome, Anconia, Rimini, Bolganno and Dogna in Italy; Sofia, Bulgaria, and Wiener-Neustadt in Austria.
Some of the escort and related missions have taken our pilots over Argos, Salonika, Araxo and Athens in Greece; Dubrovnik, Kish, Foca and Zara in Yugoslavia; Tirana and Bergat in Albania; Topolea in Hungary; Rome, Anconia, Rimini, Bolganno and Dogna in Italy; Sofia, Bulgaria, and Wiener-Neustadt in Austria.
January 25
We have finally moved to Foggia, Italy. Our field, one of many in the valley, is called Vincenzo No. 11.
At just after dawn, on the morning we moved, during preflight, our planes and ourselves on the field at Leece were strafed by a lone 109 equipped with a belly tank. Coming in low in the early daylight, the 109 pilot completely surprised us. Streams of tracers bounced all around us during his first pass, before we recognized, the 109 directly overhead, at which time several of us immediately 'ate dirt'. Then the 109 pilot made a 180 degree turn for his return pass, opened fire on two gas trucks and a line of planes - at which time the fields's anti-aircraft battery opened up with the shells coming low and directly over our heads to blow away a new hanger roof the Italians had just refinished. None of our Group personnel were reported injuried, the main ground crews having been loaded on trucks earlier and a short distance clear of the field. The report came later that the 109 pilot had flown in from Greece on his lone mission. But he wasted his efforts, had damaged few planes and fired none and ended up under the guns of English Beaufighters, over the coast.
After we had arrived at this field and were discussing the incident at Leece, as to what actually happened, one of the men of our dozen to fly into Foggia, stated: "When Abbe yelled 'hit the dirt' - 109 ! - all I could see when I looked up was his Thompson spitting tracers at the 109." Regardless of the fact, that I did slip a 30-round clip into my submachine gun as we first walked out towards our planes that morning. I frankly do not believe nor did I see any opposing fire against the 109 other than the delayed action of the anti- aircraft gun crew at Leece. My only and first instinct was to yell out before I dove behind some gear on the ground nearby. This should set the record straight.
Group as put up daily missions since we have been here at Foggia. We have lost P-38's #CS, CO, and C3. CO was last seen aflame over Sofia, Bulgaria, during yesterday's mission. Fourteen 109s were encountered before reaching the target.
Two days ago, a bombing mission was carried out with our P-38s each carrying two 1,000 pound bombs; pilots were told to pick their own targets. Several victories were scored in aerial engagements.
On other fields, here in the huge Foggia Valley, are two P-38 and P-47
Groups. This is the area our 82nd strafed last August to earn the first of our two Presidential Citations.
At just after dawn, on the morning we moved, during preflight, our planes and ourselves on the field at Leece were strafed by a lone 109 equipped with a belly tank. Coming in low in the early daylight, the 109 pilot completely surprised us. Streams of tracers bounced all around us during his first pass, before we recognized, the 109 directly overhead, at which time several of us immediately 'ate dirt'. Then the 109 pilot made a 180 degree turn for his return pass, opened fire on two gas trucks and a line of planes - at which time the fields's anti-aircraft battery opened up with the shells coming low and directly over our heads to blow away a new hanger roof the Italians had just refinished. None of our Group personnel were reported injuried, the main ground crews having been loaded on trucks earlier and a short distance clear of the field. The report came later that the 109 pilot had flown in from Greece on his lone mission. But he wasted his efforts, had damaged few planes and fired none and ended up under the guns of English Beaufighters, over the coast.
After we had arrived at this field and were discussing the incident at Leece, as to what actually happened, one of the men of our dozen to fly into Foggia, stated: "When Abbe yelled 'hit the dirt' - 109 ! - all I could see when I looked up was his Thompson spitting tracers at the 109." Regardless of the fact, that I did slip a 30-round clip into my submachine gun as we first walked out towards our planes that morning. I frankly do not believe nor did I see any opposing fire against the 109 other than the delayed action of the anti- aircraft gun crew at Leece. My only and first instinct was to yell out before I dove behind some gear on the ground nearby. This should set the record straight.
Group as put up daily missions since we have been here at Foggia. We have lost P-38's #CS, CO, and C3. CO was last seen aflame over Sofia, Bulgaria, during yesterday's mission. Fourteen 109s were encountered before reaching the target.
Two days ago, a bombing mission was carried out with our P-38s each carrying two 1,000 pound bombs; pilots were told to pick their own targets. Several victories were scored in aerial engagements.
On other fields, here in the huge Foggia Valley, are two P-38 and P-47
Groups. This is the area our 82nd strafed last August to earn the first of our two Presidential Citations.
January 27
Yesterday's mission was called off. Today a seven hour mission was carried out. 97th Squadron planes CD and CL failed to return but a report came in that CL was forced down in Sardinia due to propeller governor trouble. A shot-up wing was changed on P-38 #CR and one engine on C9.
The British pilots at Foggia Main, several miles to the North, fly night raids regularly putting up Vickers Wellingtons. Another 'Wimpy' blew up tonight on landing, which occurs rather frequently.
The British pilots at Foggia Main, several miles to the North, fly night raids regularly putting up Vickers Wellingtons. Another 'Wimpy' blew up tonight on landing, which occurs rather frequently.
January 28 to February 18
During the past three weeks we have had bad weather including snow, but several missions have been carried out. Lieutenant Snyder in P-38 'CR' came back all shot up, but claimed his 109.
Engine changes were completed in aircraft; CB, CD, CG, CS, and C9, these last two weeks.
We have lost Major Spencer, who was last seen in a dogfight with several 109s; had one engine shot out and a 109 on his tail.
Engine changes were completed in aircraft; CB, CD, CG, CS, and C9, these last two weeks.
We have lost Major Spencer, who was last seen in a dogfight with several 109s; had one engine shot out and a 109 on his tail.
Air Offensive of Europe Campaign
February 18 - 26
February 18 - 26
Heavy bombers of the 301st have been escorted by our P-38s, the 1st Fighter Group's P-38s and others.
Two days ago our Group shot down eight enemy planes over Austria, my very good friend Skinner scoring one victory, had scored one probable and one destroyed previously.
Yesterday we had poor weather but a mission was flown. P-38 'CK' returned on one engine and both engines are being changed today.
Two days ago our Group shot down eight enemy planes over Austria, my very good friend Skinner scoring one victory, had scored one probable and one destroyed previously.
Yesterday we had poor weather but a mission was flown. P-38 'CK' returned on one engine and both engines are being changed today.
March 7
On take off during early morning, P-38 'CB' lost belly tanks, failed to switch tanks, after circling and fell off - crashed into ground bouncing, burst into flames and hit again - landing on one wing. Luckily, pilot reported not seriously injuried.
April 1
Operating in continuance of Rome-Arno and Air-Combat-Balkan States Campaigns, missions have been mostly escort to B-17s and B-24s, keeping pilots in the cockpits for long hours.
Other Group missions have been strafing, bombing, and fighter sweeps.
Other Group missions have been strafing, bombing, and fighter sweeps.
April 2
Our pilots escorted heavy bombers against the Walzlagerwerk Ball Bearing Plant at Steyr, Austria. During the early part of the mission, a mixed group of enemy planes estimated at nearly 50 109s, Fw190s, and Mc202s attacked our fighters and the bomber formation.
In the battle, during which another formation of enemy fighters flew overhead, our P-38 pilots shot down three 109s and fought off the remainder.
In a full account of this mission, given by Wing, the bombers were then escorted by the 325th Fighter Group, flying P-47s, in continuance of the mission. Another attacking formation of 21 - 109s were engaged and were fought off by the P-47 pilots who destroyed three 109s and damaged others. Still en route to the target, by this time under protection of the 1st Fighter Group's P-38s, the bombers were again attacked by sixteen enemy fighters which were engaged by the P-38s. During this air battle, additional German fighters came in on the Lightnings while still more attacked the bombers. Over a dozen of the enemy were shot down or scored as 'probables' in the dogfights which lasted until noon. Then the P-38s of the 14th Fighter Group came in to pick up the bombers, again came under heavy enemy fire opposition which resulted in at least 18 more of the enemy being destroyed. The bombers hit the target.
In the battle, during which another formation of enemy fighters flew overhead, our P-38 pilots shot down three 109s and fought off the remainder.
In a full account of this mission, given by Wing, the bombers were then escorted by the 325th Fighter Group, flying P-47s, in continuance of the mission. Another attacking formation of 21 - 109s were engaged and were fought off by the P-47 pilots who destroyed three 109s and damaged others. Still en route to the target, by this time under protection of the 1st Fighter Group's P-38s, the bombers were again attacked by sixteen enemy fighters which were engaged by the P-38s. During this air battle, additional German fighters came in on the Lightnings while still more attacked the bombers. Over a dozen of the enemy were shot down or scored as 'probables' in the dogfights which lasted until noon. Then the P-38s of the 14th Fighter Group came in to pick up the bombers, again came under heavy enemy fire opposition which resulted in at least 18 more of the enemy being destroyed. The bombers hit the target.
April 13
Our 82nd Group victories are now over the 400 mark.
Daily missions have been carried out.
Today, P-38 'AX' dove straight in from 35,000 feet.
Daily missions have been carried out.
Today, P-38 'AX' dove straight in from 35,000 feet.
April 23
Many escort and strafing missions carried out. Our pilots are now flying the new improved P-38 J. With many new pilots in the group we have lost several planes and men. One banked on a shot up engine during landing approach today. P-38s, 'C9' and 'CV' made safe belly landings with hydraulic systems and one engine out.
A number of victories have been scored, mostly JUs with several 109s, 210s, and 410s.
Engine changes were completed on: C2, C9, CX, CA, and CT.
On the 27th of this month we will have been overseas for 19 months, and for the first time, we have seen the new P-51 Mustang fighter in this theatre.
A number of victories have been scored, mostly JUs with several 109s, 210s, and 410s.
Engine changes were completed on: C2, C9, CX, CA, and CT.
On the 27th of this month we will have been overseas for 19 months, and for the first time, we have seen the new P-51 Mustang fighter in this theatre.
May 24
With the new P-51 Fighter Group as part of the Wing, there have been fewer enemy fighters to go around, although several sevre isolated engagements have resulted in increased victories for our 82nd pilots.
Today's target was in the Vienna area.
Today's target was in the Vienna area.
May 26
Dive bombed and strafed airfields in Yugoslavia. Victories and probable have brought Group scores even higher.
May 29
Targets in Austria and Yugoslavia. Thirty-five enemy destroyed, many probably destroyed and others damaged by both our 82nd P-38s and Foggia-based P-51s.
Dive-Bombing Ploesti
June 10
June 10
On the big mission of the month so far, 82nd Group Commander Litton led our pilots in their P-38s, each carrying heavy bomb loads on wing shackles, across 650 miles of enemy territory on the longest dive-bombing mission in this theatre of operations. With the 1st Fighter Group P-38s as protective escort, the formation flew on-the-deck across Yugoslavia, then along the Danube River toward the southern border of Romania, by-passed Bucharest and went in against Ploesti. The specific target was the Roman-Americano Oil
Refinery. As the 1st provided fighter cover for our own P-38 pilots our bombed-up planes, under heavy flak concentration, made their dives down, through dense smoke screen put up by the enemy, to release their bombs into the cracking plant. distilleries, boilers and storage tanks to set the area aflame. Flying out of the target, our 82nd Group pilots engaged intercepting enemy fighters and destroyed three. Deputy Group Commander Mason, on completion of his dive-bombing run, exhausted all of his ammo supply in
process of shooting up gun batteries, shooting down one Bf110 and blowing several locomotives on the way out. The first Fighter Group P-38s, in protection of the 82nd, shot down two dozen enemy planes. The actual number of our own pilots lost on this mission was not reported although we know how many planes failed to return.
Refinery. As the 1st provided fighter cover for our own P-38 pilots our bombed-up planes, under heavy flak concentration, made their dives down, through dense smoke screen put up by the enemy, to release their bombs into the cracking plant. distilleries, boilers and storage tanks to set the area aflame. Flying out of the target, our 82nd Group pilots engaged intercepting enemy fighters and destroyed three. Deputy Group Commander Mason, on completion of his dive-bombing run, exhausted all of his ammo supply in
process of shooting up gun batteries, shooting down one Bf110 and blowing several locomotives on the way out. The first Fighter Group P-38s, in protection of the 82nd, shot down two dozen enemy planes. The actual number of our own pilots lost on this mission was not reported although we know how many planes failed to return.
July 6
Group victories have reached the all-time high of 500 hundred enemy planes destroyed in the air, more than any other fighter group in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations.
July 8
In a fighter sweep over Vienna, Austria, our pilots engaged a formation of enemy fighters numbering sixteen climbing to attack, shot down all 16 plus five more of the enemy encountered, without loss to our own 82nd Group P-38s.
Pilots report fewer and fewer enemy fighters to engage.
Pilots report fewer and fewer enemy fighters to engage.
The Italy to Russia Shuttle Missions
July 20
July 20
A few of us from the Group have been brought to this part of Russia outside of Mirgorod. Taking off from Foggia in a Fortress, we came on to this Ukraine region and landed at Poltava, Russia. Lining the concrete runway were remnants of an American shuttle-bomb fleet of B-17Es. The reported account by the men there, which they referred to as 'The little Pearl Harbor of the air,' was given us to be the worst kind of incident. The bombers had flown in on their shuttle run, landed and parked on both sides of the limited concrete runway, surrounded on all sides by rather poor ground. Before they could be dispersed and just after dark - German fighters and bombers attacked the strip destroying or damaging 68 Fortresses. The 'word' was that a searchlight beam had been flashed which gave the Germans a direct target. Heavy loss of Russian personnel was reported, due to their attempts to fight the fires (it was said that top Russian brass at the field had ordered at least 50 Russian women out to help fight the fires - and that later a Russian subordinate had been shot for the order). Our crew from the 82nd was warned to stay next to the cord tied to stakes that marked off all safe paths at Poltava, because of the yet disclosed number of anti-personnel mines in the area, dropped by the Germans. The following day we flew on to another strip, came on by truck to this area which is to receive our P-38s on their shuttle mission.
We have been put up in what was previously a school building. We have cots only three of us to a room, and are rather comfortable. The small city here, rather like a village in any rural agricultural area in the States, has a dirt main street turned to mud in some sections. The west border of the town is lined with orchards behind which is nothing but a plain. A river is nearby, to the south of our quarters. We are situated at the east edge of the village. Directly behind us are several small wooden barracks of Russian men and
women soldiers (the boys from England say the Russian women did not wear cover when bathing in the river, in plain sight, until someone told them that we in America do not follow this practice). But the women soldiers are said to live with the same rights as the men; I have seen them wash at the same outside trough in the mornings. But the ordinary citizens mind their own business and avoid us. We have been instructed not to fraternize. During a walk to a nearby stream I watched a woman washing clothes with two small
children playing at the water's edge. I observed that the mother was scrubbing the clothes without using soap and I motioned to one of the youngsters to come take a bar of soap I held out. The child said something to her mother, came over and accepted the offering, disappeared into the nearby trees and reappeared in a few moments with a small bouquet of wildflowers and handed them to me. No words had passed between us.
The landing strips which ar to receive our planes lay to the southwest of the city a short distance. Planked metal landing mats of American steel have been laid in the middle of a grassy plain. The only structure is a small shack which serves as an operations or control point. This strictly another temporary strip without any kind of field locating marker, without guidance lighting of any kind. There is a hard grassy field on one side of the strip so we can disperse our aircraft when they come in. Since we have been here, we find that anything we have in the way of wristwatches, fountain pens, cigarettes, etc., can be sold at a premium, in Russian rubles. But there is nothing here to be bought with the rubles. The only Russian planes we have seen are two American lend-lease Bell P-39s, one Russian C-47 with machine guns in a top turret, and two short, squat fighters that look like 'Gee-Bee' racers. The Russians call it a
'Super-Rata'.
We have been put up in what was previously a school building. We have cots only three of us to a room, and are rather comfortable. The small city here, rather like a village in any rural agricultural area in the States, has a dirt main street turned to mud in some sections. The west border of the town is lined with orchards behind which is nothing but a plain. A river is nearby, to the south of our quarters. We are situated at the east edge of the village. Directly behind us are several small wooden barracks of Russian men and
women soldiers (the boys from England say the Russian women did not wear cover when bathing in the river, in plain sight, until someone told them that we in America do not follow this practice). But the women soldiers are said to live with the same rights as the men; I have seen them wash at the same outside trough in the mornings. But the ordinary citizens mind their own business and avoid us. We have been instructed not to fraternize. During a walk to a nearby stream I watched a woman washing clothes with two small
children playing at the water's edge. I observed that the mother was scrubbing the clothes without using soap and I motioned to one of the youngsters to come take a bar of soap I held out. The child said something to her mother, came over and accepted the offering, disappeared into the nearby trees and reappeared in a few moments with a small bouquet of wildflowers and handed them to me. No words had passed between us.
The landing strips which ar to receive our planes lay to the southwest of the city a short distance. Planked metal landing mats of American steel have been laid in the middle of a grassy plain. The only structure is a small shack which serves as an operations or control point. This strictly another temporary strip without any kind of field locating marker, without guidance lighting of any kind. There is a hard grassy field on one side of the strip so we can disperse our aircraft when they come in. Since we have been here, we find that anything we have in the way of wristwatches, fountain pens, cigarettes, etc., can be sold at a premium, in Russian rubles. But there is nothing here to be bought with the rubles. The only Russian planes we have seen are two American lend-lease Bell P-39s, one Russian C-47 with machine guns in a top turret, and two short, squat fighters that look like 'Gee-Bee' racers. The Russians call it a
'Super-Rata'.
July 22
Our P-38s came in from Italy. On the way over they hit two airfields, Bazau and Zilistea, and strafed airdromes in the Ploesti area, shot up trains and trucks. Over 40 enemy planes were reported destroyed. P-51s also came in, were part of the joint formation
When we dispered the 38's, we found one of the German anti-personnel mines sticking up from the ground directly alongside the nose wheel of one ship. The report is there were about 11,000 of these scattered throughout the area and we hear the occassional detonation of one as the Russian demolition crews continue their cleanup.
When we dispered the 38's, we found one of the German anti-personnel mines sticking up from the ground directly alongside the nose wheel of one ship. The report is there were about 11,000 of these scattered throughout the area and we hear the occassional detonation of one as the Russian demolition crews continue their cleanup.
July 25
Our planes have hit the Mielec airdrome in Poland flying from our strips here. One of our P-38 pilots reported shooting up a bunch of trucks but then saw the Russian stars and recognized they were American built. Many aerial victories were scored (about 30) in addition to those destroyed on the ground by strafing fire.
July 26
Our 82nd Fighter Group P-38s and the Italy based Mustangs have returned to Italy. We have no idea when they will return here.
Tonight I checked the Russian food in a local cafe. It was something that tasted like meat loaf hamburger. The Russian wine is not as tasty as British whiskey. And the mixed drink that Vic, Woodie, Johnnie, and I used to call 'Black Velvet' a long time ago in Ireland will probably never happen again.
Tonight I checked the Russian food in a local cafe. It was something that tasted like meat loaf hamburger. The Russian wine is not as tasty as British whiskey. And the mixed drink that Vic, Woodie, Johnnie, and I used to call 'Black Velvet' a long time ago in Ireland will probably never happen again.
August 4
Our P-38s came in on another shuttle run. Commanding Officer Litton was reported shot down, his plane had flamed in the crash-landing. Captain Willsie of the 96th Squadron was shot down but escaped the crash and was rescued by Lt. Anderson, who landed his '38 close to Dick's crashed plane, threw out his seat pack, and took the Captain in on his lap to take back off again with both of them flying the P-38 here to Mirgorod. Dick, Lee Strauch of Colorado and myself have lifted together many times. Dick is from California, a handsome athlete and fine pilot. We here at the strip were so sorry to hear about C.O. Litton.
The ships returned to Italy, and we have no idea how long this will last. Some of us had our chance to make quite a profit on rubles recently since rations of cigarettes, soap, and candy were issued. We have had the opportunity to vote in the U.S. Elections by absentee-ballot within the last few days. Having just reached 21, I voted for the first time. A Russian sentry is posted outside our quarters each night, supposedly to enforce the curfew announced. There is no place to go anyway.
The ships returned to Italy, and we have no idea how long this will last. Some of us had our chance to make quite a profit on rubles recently since rations of cigarettes, soap, and candy were issued. We have had the opportunity to vote in the U.S. Elections by absentee-ballot within the last few days. Having just reached 21, I voted for the first time. A Russian sentry is posted outside our quarters each night, supposedly to enforce the curfew announced. There is no place to go anyway.
August 8
Things have gotten more interesting. One of the boys from the English shuttle has two Russian nurses lined up. Tomorrow we meet at the cemetery outside of town and are going to the river for a swim. The word is that the Russian sentry can be bribed, in order to avoid being reported after curfew.
August 9
As of this morning we have been on restriction to the immediate area. The word has been given we are to leave on short notice, those of us from Italy. The English shuttle boys will stay here. Situation normal.
August 11
Our pilot is Captain Brown. We flew back to Teheran - almost to Teheran, in a B-17. With several Lt. pilots from the shuttle and four of us from the 82nd, we took off from Poltava following a Russian manned lend-lease C-47, flying contact. Nothing but green fields and few railroads observed below, on the way out of Russia. We opened 'K' rations marked 'breakfast', then a couple of us climbed in on top of the barracks bags in the bomb bay and slept for an hour or two. The air was smooth as silk and we felt like a million dollars.
We were given clearance to check the guns and took turns at the .50 caliber over the radio compartment, used up quite abit of ammo and generally enjoyed the flight, but somewhere between noon and we knew not exactly where - we lost the Russian C-47 in heavy cloud cover. Captain Brown by this time was flying on a heading of 240 degrees - the general direction of Teheran at this point. But it was nearly 1700 hours and we were under very poor visiblity conditions, could see mountain ranges off both wing tips, through the holes. Captain Brown casually suggested we prepare ourselves for a possible forced landing, made a 180 degree turn and lost altitude to get down, take a look at what the ground looked like. There was 25 minutes flying time remaining, in the reserve tanks only, and on Brown's letdown we piled up in the radio compartment prepared for the worst. At the last minute, we heard the four engines take hold again as the Captain hit the throttles again, and touched down just past a deep depression he had sighted on his first commitment. The landing was perfect but the ground was covered with hard furrows a foot deep which pounded the plane like a trip-hammer on the roll-out. Everyone was O.K. and the '17 apparently was undamaged.
With nothing but desert in sight, in all directions, not knowing exactly where we had been forced down, two of the young Lieutenants drew short straws and started off in a southerly direction. They carried canteens and 45 cal. Thompsons.
As darkness set in we decided against sleeping on the ground after seeing scorpions. A couple of the men climbed out on the wing and tried to sleep. Two of us did lie down on the shelf under one of the waist guns. We were startled by approaching lights across the desert around midnight, then heard the horns blow an knew our Lieutenants had scored. A recon, ambulance and a half-ton pulled up - even a flight surgeon came with the rescue team along with our two Lieutenants. The Lt.'s had struck a road sometime after dark. We had come down 40 miles short of Teheran. Captain Brown had made the right decision. Leaving the plane for the night we were driven into the base at Teheran and at two in the morning were treated to bacon, eggs, and whatever we wanted, as though we were some kind of hero's.
We were given clearance to check the guns and took turns at the .50 caliber over the radio compartment, used up quite abit of ammo and generally enjoyed the flight, but somewhere between noon and we knew not exactly where - we lost the Russian C-47 in heavy cloud cover. Captain Brown by this time was flying on a heading of 240 degrees - the general direction of Teheran at this point. But it was nearly 1700 hours and we were under very poor visiblity conditions, could see mountain ranges off both wing tips, through the holes. Captain Brown casually suggested we prepare ourselves for a possible forced landing, made a 180 degree turn and lost altitude to get down, take a look at what the ground looked like. There was 25 minutes flying time remaining, in the reserve tanks only, and on Brown's letdown we piled up in the radio compartment prepared for the worst. At the last minute, we heard the four engines take hold again as the Captain hit the throttles again, and touched down just past a deep depression he had sighted on his first commitment. The landing was perfect but the ground was covered with hard furrows a foot deep which pounded the plane like a trip-hammer on the roll-out. Everyone was O.K. and the '17 apparently was undamaged.
With nothing but desert in sight, in all directions, not knowing exactly where we had been forced down, two of the young Lieutenants drew short straws and started off in a southerly direction. They carried canteens and 45 cal. Thompsons.
As darkness set in we decided against sleeping on the ground after seeing scorpions. A couple of the men climbed out on the wing and tried to sleep. Two of us did lie down on the shelf under one of the waist guns. We were startled by approaching lights across the desert around midnight, then heard the horns blow an knew our Lieutenants had scored. A recon, ambulance and a half-ton pulled up - even a flight surgeon came with the rescue team along with our two Lieutenants. The Lt.'s had struck a road sometime after dark. We had come down 40 miles short of Teheran. Captain Brown had made the right decision. Leaving the plane for the night we were driven into the base at Teheran and at two in the morning were treated to bacon, eggs, and whatever we wanted, as though we were some kind of hero's.
August 12
Our Captain took a service crew to our plane, unloaded everything possible including guns and ammo to be hauled in by truck. Then he and the crew chief got the lightened B-17 off to the field at Teheran. By noon we were aboard and on our way to Payne Field, Cairo, arrived towards evening. Inspection revealed we had broken through two plys of one of the '17s 16- ply tires. The Payne Bass Commander asked, "Do you want a plush C-47 to take you back to Italy"? But, Captain Brown came through, said we had come this far in the Fortress and might as well wait a day for a tire. The exchange clerk at Payne would not exchange our piles of rubles for usable currency. But we had our escape kits and felt justified in using this American money, after the Teheran incident. We had a good night at Hunters & St. George's Hotel while a couple of the boys visited another nearby base outside of Cairo.
August 13
The B-17 got a 50-hour check along with new tires at Payne. We put up this morning, flew directly over the Sphynx, stopped for 'tea' with the British at Brindesi, and came on to our home base at Foggia, Italy. The report of mission carried out by our 82nd today said the pilots bombed a German airfield in Southern France, which was a base for twin-engin Ju-88 fighter-bombers. Heavy strafing attacks were also carried out.
Invasion of Southern France
August 15
August 15
Today our P-38s, each carring one 300 gallon belly tank and one 1,000 pound bomb, flew with the heavy bombers on a mission in support of the Invasion of Southern France. Our Group suffered losses. On mission completion, one of our newer pilots, coming in hot with the keft engine out and prop feathered, banked on the dead engine during final approach and fell in - broke the plane and himself all up.
August 29
Constant missions. Today, loaded with two 2,000 pound bombs each, our P-38s carried out a mission of precision altitude bombing against a target in Northern Italy. The P-38 in the lead position has guns removed and a plexiglass nose. A navigator-bombardier, with precision bomb-sight, rides within what was the gun compartment. When the bombardier in the lead plane pin points the target for the tight formation - all release their 4,000 pounds of bombs on the target.
One of our fairly new 97th Squadron pilots, self-acknowledged to be very unenthusiastic about flying high altitude and escort missions, but 'hot' for strafing and low level stuff, gave this reason for his aversion to high cover escort - " I don't claim to be a pilot, I'm a horseman. Why, just look at my records - I'm actually on detached service from the Cavalry!"
One of our fairly new 97th Squadron pilots, self-acknowledged to be very unenthusiastic about flying high altitude and escort missions, but 'hot' for strafing and low level stuff, gave this reason for his aversion to high cover escort - " I don't claim to be a pilot, I'm a horseman. Why, just look at my records - I'm actually on detached service from the Cavalry!"
September 27
Today marks our completion of two years overseas, for the 82nd Fighter Group and its P-38s. We have received congratulations from Headquarters, 15th Fighter Command, in a commendation signed by Brigadier General Dean C. Strother, Commanding.............
"Heartiest congratulations on completion of two years overseas for the 82nd Fighter Group on 27 September, 1944. The Group has performed consistently and brilliantly through the North Africa, Tunisian, Sicilian and Italian campaign. The 82nd Fighter Group has successfully perfected tactics for the many diversified tasks that they have been called upon to do under the most difficult conditions. The high morale, fighting spirit, versatility and consistently displayed by the Group are of the highest order. The destruction of over 500 airplanes in the air plus many more on the ground in addition to much other damage inflicted by bombs and strafing attest to you combat efficiency. No air unit has done more towards beating down the Hun. The Fifteenth Fighter Command is proud of you and we know that you will continue to deal out great damage to the Hun until he is defeated." Actually, our Group has now an unequaled record of over 550 aerial victories, with a thus far total of 1,039 Axis aircraft destroyed or severely damaged by our P-38s, of the 95th, 96th, and 97th Squadrons of the 82nd. Added accomplishments are the sinking of nine enemy ocean vessels and at least 126 locomotives and trains. But these triumphs have not come without bitter losses on our own part regardless of actual numbers. Our pilots have paid the price of victory.
"Heartiest congratulations on completion of two years overseas for the 82nd Fighter Group on 27 September, 1944. The Group has performed consistently and brilliantly through the North Africa, Tunisian, Sicilian and Italian campaign. The 82nd Fighter Group has successfully perfected tactics for the many diversified tasks that they have been called upon to do under the most difficult conditions. The high morale, fighting spirit, versatility and consistently displayed by the Group are of the highest order. The destruction of over 500 airplanes in the air plus many more on the ground in addition to much other damage inflicted by bombs and strafing attest to you combat efficiency. No air unit has done more towards beating down the Hun. The Fifteenth Fighter Command is proud of you and we know that you will continue to deal out great damage to the Hun until he is defeated." Actually, our Group has now an unequaled record of over 550 aerial victories, with a thus far total of 1,039 Axis aircraft destroyed or severely damaged by our P-38s, of the 95th, 96th, and 97th Squadrons of the 82nd. Added accomplishments are the sinking of nine enemy ocean vessels and at least 126 locomotives and trains. But these triumphs have not come without bitter losses on our own part regardless of actual numbers. Our pilots have paid the price of victory.