The Story of The “General Billy Mitchell Group” 468th Bomb Group (VH)

The Story of The General Billy Mitchell Group 468th Bomb Group (VH) From the CBI to the Marianas

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2008 New England Air Museum. All rights reserved.

WEST FIELD, TINIAN, MARIANAS ISLANDS XXIST BOMBER COMMAND

JULY 1945

THE BIG PUSH HURLS ON


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468TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (VH) - JULY 1945

It was thirty-one days of Standard Operating Procedure. The month came and went with scarcely a noticeable flurry. Not that this was a month of inactivity, for much was accomplished, and all hands were busily occupied with our task of serial bombardment against Japan. Rather it was the case of a high quality machine, well oiled and carefully tended running its course with a minimum of friction.

Operationally, nine missions were run against the Japanese Empire with excellent results all around. Losses were kept to a record low, with only one Crew and two aircraft lost. No losses due to enemy action. The high point of the month was the Groups performance in the missions of July 17th and 20th against Numazu and Fukui. On these two consecutive strikes, the 468th Bomb Group attained a perfect score. 100% of all aircraft scheduled were airborne. 100% of all aircraft airborne hit the Primary Target! Damage achieved by the 58th Bombardment Wing against these urban areas was a record all time high for the 20th Air Force. Brigadier General Roger Ramey expressed his sincere congratulations in a message to all personnel of the Group. Morale was high. Living conditions continued to improve and the Group Area began to take on a look of permanence.

The 468th Bomb Group flew nine long-range bombing missions against the main islands of Japan. Eight of these strikes were incendiary attacks against urban industrial areas in the secondary cities of the Empire. One mission, a maximum effort attack was the only daylight blow at a precision target with high explosives. This target was the Kawanishi Aircraft Company factory at Takarazuka, Honshu.

The outstanding improvement of Julys operations over operations in June was the increased percentage of airborne aircraft that bombed the Primary Targets; an increase from 91% to 94%. This extremely high standard was climaxed by the performance of the Group in the Numazu and Fukui missions, when on two consecutive attacks all aircraft hit the Primary Target.

The real performance of any Group, however, can only be judged by one standard. That is in the bombing results. In other words, what damage did we do to Japan and her war effort? Here is a brief box score compiled with data available at time of writing.

Date flown Wing Target 468th A/C Percent of Mission# Bombing Destruction

1-2 July 21 Kure 38 64% of built up area, 46% of the total

3-4 July 22 Takamatsu 29 78%

6-7 July 23 Chiba 31 43.4%

9-10 July 24 Sendai 32 27.8%

12-13 July 25 Utsunomiya 30 32%


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16-17 July 26 Numazu 33 89.5%

19-20 July 27 Fukui 33 84.8%

24 July 28 Takarazuka 42 77% *

28-29 July 29 Aomori 30 Unknown

Precision target

A narrative summary of individual missions follows:

Field Order 21 Kure Urban 1-2 July 1945

The first mission flown during the month was a maximum effort incendiary strike against the urban area of Kure on the night of 1-2 July. The 468th had 40 aircraft airborne of which 38 bombed the Primary Target at Kure, 1 aircraft bombing a Target of Opportunity at Sukumo, and 1 aircraft jettisoning. Bombing was by radar with results reported from unobserved to excellent. Enemy opposition was very weak as not a fighter was sighted. The Crews reported flak as meager with a few bursts noted in the target area. The weather was 8/10 to 10/10 undercast; this played an important part in neutralizing the citys defenses. In addition, A/C 42 (Lt. Pafford, Pilot) flew as an RCM (Radar Countermeasure Mission) aircraft, circling the target area for 97 minutes dropping Rope and Chaff while jamming enemy gun-laying and searchlight radar systems with airborne transmitters.

All aircraft returned safely with no damage or casualties to personnel.

Field Order 22 Takamatsu Urban 3-4 July 1945

On the night of 3-4 July a normal effort mission was scheduled for the Takamatsu Urban Area. The Group had 33 aircraft scheduled and airborne. 29 aircraft bombed the Primary Target with E-46 and M-46 incendiaries, 2 aircraft hit Sukumo, Chichi Jima, these being Targets of Opportunity and 1 aircraft returned early due to mechanical failures.

This mission was the most costly of the month. Skookum #12 A/C 500 with Lt. Col. Theodore H. Watson, Commanding Officer of the 792nd Bombardment Squadron as Pilot crashed into the ocean one and half minutes after takeoff from West Field. The entire Crew was lost with the exception of 1st Lt. Ney M. Fowler, Co-Pilot, who was picked up by an Air Sea Rescue vessel after an hour in the water. Also aboard was Capt. Lloyd B. James, Squadron Flight Surgeon, riding as a passenger. Needless to say, the loss was a tremendous blow to the Group.

Returning to the execution of the mission, bombing results were adjudged excellent. Clear weather and a good moon allowed all but one of the aircraft to bomb visually.


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The intense thermals coming up from the burning city were so severe as to shake many of the Crews. Four Crew Members had to be medically treated because of the bouncing around they sustained.

Enemy opposition was weak, in spite of the clear atmospheric conditions. Combat Crews reported only 4 sightings of enemy fighters and no attacks. Anti-aircraft fire from the city was nil to meager and inaccurate. Some automatic weapons fire was noted. None of our personnel were casualties in enemy action.

Field Order 23 Chiba Urban Area 7 July 1945

On the night of 6-7 July, we flew our third mission against the city of Chiba. This was an incendiary strike with 33 aircraft, a normal effort force. The 468th Bomb Group had 33 aircraft airborne of which 31 hit the Primary Target and 2 were Early Returns due to mechanical failures. The weather in and around Chiba ranged from 8/10 to 10/10 undercast below flight level, forcing all aircraft to bomb by radar. Results were generally unobserved, but Crews bombing later reported a general conflagration burning up through the undercast. The Japanese failed to throw up anything resembling an effective defense. There were no fighter attacks and what little flak seen was meager and inaccurate. A few Crews reported some ineffective searchlight beams trying to break through the cloud layers.

Major Charles Doc Joyce in Skookum 23 had another of his unique experiences on this trip. Skookum 23 lost one engine before bombing, another over the target and just made Iwo Jima after tossing out everything removable; this almost included Don Howard, the Group Flight Surgeon and passenger!

Field Order 24 Sendai Urban 10 July 1945

The fourth mission was flown on the night of 9-10 July. The strike was an incendiary attack aimed at the urban area of Sendai. Thirty-three aircraft were airborne with all but one hitting the Primary Target. This aircraft, Skookum 17, was forced to jettison its bombs and return to Tinian because of mechanical trouble. A break in the weather (CAVU to 1/10) gave the majority of aircraft a chance to drop their bombs visually. Most Crews reported excellent results with fire concentrated at the mean point of impact (MPI). By the time we left the target, the smoke was up to 20,000 ft. and blowing off the city toward the sea. The glow from Sendai was observed from 180 miles away on the return route.

The enemy showed a bit more aggressiveness in defending this city. Crews recorded 21 sightings of enemy night fighters and one ineffective attempt to attack. Flak was reported meager to moderate, accurate to inaccurate, with some aircraft being rocked by heavy bursts and with two receiving minor damage. Up to 20 searchlights were seen in the Sendai area. They were reported as effective, some aircraft being coned for as along as five minutes. Electronic jamming and window did not appear to affect the lights. No aircraft were lost and no casualties reported.


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Field Order 25 Utsunomiya Urban Area 13 July 1945

The next city to feel the weight of the 58th Bomb Wing bombs was Utsunomiya. The 468th Bomb Group put up 33 aircraft in this incendiary strike with 30 aircraft bombing the Primary target, 2 aircraft hitting Hitachi as a Target of Opportunity, and 1 aircraft an Early Return after jettisoning its bombs.

Weather was 10/10 undercast with some of the soup at altitude. All aircraft bombed by radar with unobservable results. There was no enemy air opposition and what flak was seen ranged from nil to moderate.

On this mission the first ditching took place. Skookum #3, piloted by Lt. Stavin had fuel transfer trouble on the route home. Low on gas south of Iwo Jima, he ditched his aircraft near a convoy. Nine of the Crew was rescued from the convoy. Two Gunners were lost by drowning.

Field Order 26 Numazu Urban Area 17 July 1945

During the night of 16-17 July came the first of our two consecutive perfect missions. Numazu was the incendiary target. Scheduled 33 aircraft, with 33 aircraft airborne. All aircraft bombed the Primary Target. Although the target was cloud covered with a 10/10 undercast, some of our aircraft were able to bomb visually. The extensive fires raging in Numazu burnt a hole up through the cloud decks with heavy smoke extending over 16,000 feet.

Enemy defense was very weak. Returning Crews reported no fighter opposition with 11 possible sightings. Both medium and heavy flak was observed but in all cases it was meager and inaccurate. There was slight evidence of a few searchlights trying ineffectively to penetrate the undercast. To top off a perfect mission, all aircraft returned undamaged with no casualties to our personnel.

Field Order 27 Fukui Urban Area 20 July 1945

Just two days after the strike against Numazu, the 468th Bomb Group went out and did it again! Another perfect mission, this time against the urban area of the Japanese city, Fukui. On the night of 19-20 July the Group had 33 aircraft scheduled and airborne, all of which hit the Primary Target.

Results were excellent as all 33 aircraft bombed visually in weather running from 3/10 to CAVU. Last Crews leaving the target area reported a general conflagration raging below in the city.

There was no air opposition encountered. Two unidentified enemy aircraft were seen between the Primary Target and Lands End. One enemy aircraft followed our aircraft


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100 miles out to sea. Nil to meager flak was encountered in the target area; two searchlights were seen in Fukui. Anti-aircraft guns and searchlights were reported, observed from Osaka on the run in and from Okazaki on the route out. All of our aircraft returned without loss.

Field Order 28 Kawanishi A/C, Takarazuka 24 July 1945

On 24th of July the 468th Bomb Group flew its only precision target daylight raid of the month against the Kawanishi A/C Co. plant at Takarazuka. The 58th Bomb Wing Field Orders called for a maximum effort on this mission for all Bomb Groups. The 468th Bomb Group scheduled 46 aircraft with 46 planes airborne. Of this number we had 42 aircraft over the Primary Target. Skookum 12 (Lt. Garland) bombed in a formation with the 40th Bomb Group, which hit the Sumitomo plant in Osaka. Three of our aircraft had mechanical failures and returned early.

Bombing was carried out by formations ranging in altitude from 18,000 to 19,000 feet. Major Mils, new Commanding Officer of the 792nd Bomb Squadron, flying with Captain Keathley, led the Group into the target. Other formation leaders were Major Bores, 793rd Bomb Squadron, Major Wedding, 794th Bomb Squadron and Major Michaliszyn of the 793rd Bomb Squadron who led the 4th or Composite Squadron. Observed results of the bombing ranged from excellent to unobserved. Later, post strike photos showed the plant 77% destroyed.

The Japanese Air Force failed to put in an appearance. No attacks were sustained and the only aircraft seen were at such a distance that identification could not be made.

Anti-aircraft gunfire did give us a lot of trouble. All told, seven aircraft received major damage from flak, nineteen received minor damage. Anti-aircraft fire was encountered at the Assembly Point, Departure Point, Initial Point and on the run into the target. Flak in the target area was rated as moderate and accurate with most Crews of the opinion that it came from the Kobe and Nishinomiya Harbor areas. Three free balloons with tails were reported in the vicinity of the Assembly Point.

Six Crewmen were wounded slightly by anti-aircraft fire. All returned safely.

Field Order 29 Aomori Urban Area 29 July 1945

The last mission was flown on the night of the 28th-29th against the urban area of Aomori. Here the 468th Bomb Group added another first to its long string. This was the first bombing mission in which Marianas based B-29s used Iwo Jima as a staging base for a flow against Aomori. The target lies on the extreme southern tip of Honshu Island. With this new use of Iwo Jima, the entire Japanese Empire is within striking distance by Superfortress.

The Field Order called for a normal effort on this mission. In addition to the 33 strike aircraft, the 468th Bomb Group furnished two wind aircraft and 1 Super Dumbo.


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All 36 aircraft left Tinian on the morning of 28 July for Iwo Jima. Refueling there that night all aircraft were airborne for the mission. Both the wind aircraft and the Super Dumbo completed their assigned jobs. Of the 33 strike aircraft, 30 hit the Primary Target, 2 hit a Target of Opportunity (Taira) and 1 aircraft was an Early Return.

Bombing from 13,800 feet, the Crews encountered weather ranging from 4/10 to 10/10 undercast with generally a clear area around the target, 16 aircraft were able to bomb visually. Results were adjudged excellent with fires raging in Aomori. Smoke came up to 20,000 feet and thermals were encountered that shook several of our aircraft.

Air opposition was nil. Flak ran from nil to very meager with a few bursts reported by several aircraft. On the route in, a few bursts of anti-aircraft fire were seen at Choshi working in conjunction with a searchlight.

The mission was executed as briefed with everything working smoothly including the staging at Iwo Jima. All aircraft returned safely to Base and without loss.

Although the strength figures for the Group showed little change in statistical figures (1 July: 431 Officers, 1696 Enlisted Men 31 July: 445 Officers, 1678 Enlisted Men) there were a number of changes in personnel giving a more widespread effect than the figures would indicate:

Completion of combat tour Many of our older Combat Crews who have been with us since the early India days reached the 35 mission mark in July and were rotated to the Zone of the Interior. All told, 22 Airplane Commanders finished their tour along with the majority of their respective Crews. The 793rd Bomb Squadron led with a total of 10. The 792nd and 794th Bomb Squadrons had 6 each.

Because of the unprecedented number of Crews completing their missions almost simultaneously, the need for adequate replacements has been tremendous. Fortunately through the foresight of Brigadier General Roger Ramey and Colonel James V. Edmundson, the need was anticipated early enough for action to be taken. Throughout the month we had a steady influx of new Combat Crews that have adequately taken up the slack. 16 new Crews came into the Group during the month of July and were distributed proportionally among the Squadrons.

Continuing the 20th Air Force policy of sending experienced Crews to the States for Lead Crew training, the Group selected one Crew from each Squadron for Julys quota. The Crews headed by Captain Igou, 792nd Bomb Squadron, 1st Lt. Wolf, 793rd Bomb Squadron, and 1st Lt. OQuinn, 794th Bomb Squadron left for Muroc AFB, Muroc, CA for 30 days training. Upon completion of Temporary Duty they will return to the Group.

The Group had a number of promotions during the month. Among the flying personnel, Captains Wedding, Clark, Joyce, Carlton, Good and Doherty received their majorities. In addition many First Pilots received Captaincies. In Group Headquarters Captains Kavanaugh and Roy Sather were promoted to Majors.

Major Robert E. Mills, O-406425, was made Commanding Officer, 792nd Bomb Squadron after the death of Lt. Col. Theodore H. Watson (KIA). Major Edgar R. Skelley, O-752215, assumed the job of Squadron Operations Officer 792nd Bomb Squadron filling the


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vacancy created by the elevation of Major Mills to Squadron Command Officer. Captain Aaron R. Edwards, O-1691164, became 792nd Bomb Squadron Surgeon filling the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Lloyd B. James, O-495869 (KIA).

During the month Captain John Roundsville, Squadron Surgeon for the 794th Bomb Squadron was returned to the United States on emergency leave.

Morale: EXCELLENT

792ND BOMBARDMENT GROUP (VH) JULY 1945

July finds the 792nd Bombardment Squadron busily contributing to the aerial blitz of the Japanese Empire.

Nine missions were pulled this month in which this Squadron participated. Eight night urban incendiary missions and one daylight high explosives mission were run. The location of these targets, percentage of destruction and other details are listed as follows:

July 2 1945, a maximum effort 58th Bomb Wing mission was pulled against the city of Kure on Honshu Island. This was a night urban incendiary raid. Results of this mission are 64% destruction to the commercial built-up area or 46% destruction to the total built-up city area. Kure is the site of the Naval Arsenal, a precision target of last month which has been 70% destroyed. There was no enemy aircraft interception on this mission and the flak was meager and inaccurate.

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Goeringer, J. Primary Target 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 7 Wildman, A. Primary Target 8 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 9 Lippincott, H. Primary Target 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 12 Tolzmann, R. Primary Target 14 Jackson, D. Primary Target 16 Igou, P. Primary Target 17 Mills, R. Primary Target

July 4 1945, a normal effort Wing mission was run against the coastal city of Takamatsu on the northeast coast of Shikoku Island. This was a night urban incendiary mission and was very successful being an appropriate 4th celebration. The area was 78% damaged and destroyed. Both fighters and flak were nil. The roughest part of the mission according to the Crews was the violent thermal from the intense fire, which tossed some of the aircraft about when over the target. Aircraft and Pilots of this Squadron participating are listed below:


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2 Smith, W. Primary Target 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target 6 Clark, H. Primary Target 7 Jackson, D. Early return 8 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 10 Wildman, A. Primary Target 11 Wallis, E. Early return 14 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Lippincott, H. Primary Target 17 Igou, P. Primary Target

July 10 1945, a more northern target was attacked, Sendai, located north of Tokyo and on the east coast of Honshu. This was a normal effort Wing mission in the form of a night urban incendiary attack. The percentage of destruction was only 27.8%, one of the lowest for the month. Fighter interception was nil and flak was meager and inaccurate. Aircraft and pilots of the Squadron who participated are as follows:


1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Freeman, C. Primary Target 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target 6 Igou, P. Primary Target 8 Wallis, E. Primary Target 10 Maxwell, K. Primary Target 11 Stavin, I. Primary Target 12 Jackson, D. Primary Target Maj. Mills Sq. Command Pilot 14 Shafer, E. Primary Target 15 Clark, H. Primary Target 17 Hokanson, J. Early return

July 13 1945 was a normal effort Wing raid on Utsunomiya, another town north of Tokyo but not so far north as Sendai. Utsunomiya however is more inland than Sendai and a little more difficult target to find. This was a night urban incendiary mission with results of 32% destroyed. Fighter opposition was nil and flak was meager and inaccurate. Aircraft and Pilots of the Squadron on the raid was as follows:


1 Freeman, C. Primary Target 2 Pope, B. Primary Target 3 Stavin, I. Target of Opportunity Chiba Peninsula,crashed-Iwo Jima 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target 6 Maxwell, K. Primary Target 8 Lippincott, H Primary Target 9 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 12 Wildman, A. Target of Opportunity Hitachi


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14 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Clark, H. Early return 17 Hokanson, J. Early return

Jul 17 1945 was a normal effort Wing mission on Numazu, coastal town at the head of Suruga Bay on the Izu Peninsula. This was a night urban incendiary mission resulting in 89.55% destruction, a new high in destruction for the 20th Air Force. Fighter opposition was nil and flak only meager and inaccurate. Aircraft and pilots from this participating Squadron are as follows:


2 Freeman, C. Primary Target 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target 6 Clark, H. Primary Target 8 Wallis, E. Primary Target 9 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 10 Maxwell, K. Primary Target 11 Lippincott, H Primary Target 12 Garland, W. Primary Target 14 Shafer, E. Primary Target 17 Pope, B. Primary Target

July 20 1945, normal effort Wing mission on Fukui, located a few miles inland from the north west coast of Honshu Island (NW of Nagoya). This was a night urban area incendiary attack resulting in destroying the target 84.8%. No fighter interception and very meager and inaccurate flak. Aircraft and pilots participating from this Squadron are as follows:


1 Wildman, A. Primary Target 2 Garland, W. Primary Target 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target 6 Clark, H. Primary Target 7 Pope, B. Primary Target 8 Risher, J. Primary Target 9 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 10 Maxwell, K. Primary Target 14 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target

July 24 1945 a maximum effort for two Groups of the Wing (462nd-468th). This was the only high explosives mission of the month and was a daylight attack with 1,000 lb. demolition bombs. The specific target was the Kawanishi Aircraft Company located at Takarazuka, about 8 miles north of the Kobe-Osaka coastline. This was a very successful mission for 77% of the target was destroyed, this not without some cost to our aircraft. While no aircraft was lost, twenty-six out of forty-three aircraft in the Group were damaged, seven with major damage. In the Squadron, eleven out of fourteen


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aircraft were damaged with one aircraft having major damage. This was all due to flak. Fighter interception was nil but some enemy fighters were sighted. The P-51s from Iwo Jima had worked the fighters over before our run. Aircraft and Pilots of this mission are listed below:


1 Murphy, C. Primary Target Minor damage 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target Minor damage 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target (Maj. Mills) Minor damage 6 Clark, H. Primary Target (Sq. Cmd Pilot) Minor damage 7 Wildman, A. Primary Target Minor damage 8 Wallis, E. Primary Target 9 Hokanson, J. Primary Target Minor damage 10 Maxwell, K. Primary Target Minor damage 11 Lippincott, H Early return 12 Garland, W. Sumitomo Minor damage 14 Shafer, E. Primary Target Minor damage 15 Risher, J. Primary Target 16 Kurtzenberger, G. Primary Target Minor damage 17 Pope, B. Primary Target 18 Freeman, C. Primary Target Minor damage

July 28 1945 a normal effort mission by two Groups (462nd-468th). This was a night urban incendiary raid on Aomori, a town located on the northern tip of Honshu Island. This is the most northerly target ever attacked by B-29s, which in itself is something of a historical first for the Group and this Squadron. Because of the great distance, all aircraft staged out of Iwo Jima, which was something of a reminder of our India-China days (staging from a Forward Base). The Group felt we were qualified what with the experience over the Hump, etc. A further historical aspect of the Aomori mission was the fact at this time the practice was inaugurated of warning the Japanese of what cities were to be hit before the force took off for the target. All felt the Aomori mission a success but the damage figures were not available during the month. Aircraft and Pilots are as follows:


2 Kurtzenberger, G. Primary Target 4 Welsh, T. Primary Target 5 Keathley, H. Primary Target 6 Clark, H. Primary Target 10 Maxwell, K. Primary Target 11 Lippincott, H Primary Target 14 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target 18 Freeman, C. Primary Target 12 Garland, W. Primary Target 8 Wallis, E. Primary Target 17 Pope, B. Wind aircraft

Radar Countermeasure (RCM) guardian Angels were sent on many of our night strikes to orbit the area during the strike, which no doubt accounts for the encounters of only meager and inaccurate flak on relatively important target cities. Captain Welsh and Crew


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are to be commended for their outstanding performance during the month of July. This Crew flew all nine missions, going over all Primary Targets. This 100% record is unequaled in the Squadron or Group.

On July 3 when taking off for the night incendiary raid on Takamatsu, on early morning of July 4, we suffered an operational loss of aircraft on takeoff. The aircraft was piloted by the Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Theodore H. Watson of the 792nd Bomb Squadron. The aircraft crashed in the water about 2,000 yards off the east coast of Tinian, shortly after takeoff. Captain Lloyd B. James, the Squadron Flight Surgeon was riding on this mission with their Crew as an observer and was killed, as was all of the rest of the Crew with the exception of the Co-Pilot, 1st Lt. Ney M. Fowler, who survived the crash, though seriously injured. He was picked up by a naval rescue craft. Extensive search was carried out for 48 hours by the Navy without results. An attempt was made to recover the bodies of the other members of the Crew by diving, but due to the strong currents and depth of water, this too failed.

Colonel Watson joined the Squadron as a Major in Salina, KS in 1943. He assumed command of the Squadron in August of 1944. He was promoted to Lt. Col. In January 1945.

Captain James joined the Squadron in India, April 15 1945 as Squadron Flight Surgeon.

The remainder of the Crew was made up mostly of the old Crew of Captain Reida. Following is a list of those who perished on the aircraft that crashed:

Watson, Theodore H. O-397662 Lt. Col. Pilot Brown, Paul C. O-741098 1st Lt. Bombardier Marsh, Donald E. O-747042 1st Lt. Navigator Trobaugh, Eugene R. O-863128 1st Lt. Flight Engineer James, Lloyd B. O-495869 Capt. Flight Surgeon Mulligan, James F. 12126292 T/Sgt. Senior Gunner Copeland, Robert E. 19062211 S/Sgt. Radar Observer McConnell, Thomas A. 20631751 S/Sgt. Left Gunner Owens, Darrell D. 37340506 S/Sgt. Right Gunner Nichols, Solomon T. 34681574 S/Sgt. Radio Operator Petras, Michael 11096108 S/Sgt. Tail Gunner

Another mishap overtook personnel of the 792nd Bomb Squadron on July 19, the date of the Utsunomiya mission. When returning from this mission, Lt. Stavin was forced to ditch between Iwo Jima and Tinian. The ditching was carried out near a US convoy. Two members of the Crew, though successfully ditched, were drowned Corporal Teague and Corporal Pearce. Attached, as a part of this history is a report from the Convoy Commander, giving details and names of the entire Crew.

Upon the death of Lt. Col. Watson, Major Robert E. Mills, serving as Operations Officer of the Squadron, assumed command. Maj. Edgar R. Skelley became Operations Officer.

During the month, 1st Lt. Robert A. Hardin replaced Capt. Roe as Squadron Navigator and 1st Lt. Edward D. Feidler replaced Capt. Zaidlicz as Squadron Bombardier.


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There are many new faces in the Squadron, changes being due to personnel completing missions and going state-side. New Crews are taking their places. At months end we had 24 Crews assigned to the Squadron. The following new Crews came during the month of July:

Kurtzenberger, George N. Maj. Burdick, Ross V. 1st Lt Murphy, J.A. Maj. Miller, Edward C. 1st Lt. Risher, John R. Capt. Martin, Walter E. 1st Lt. Dargan, Henry F. Capt.

The following personnel went to the States, having completed their missions:

Good, Harold W. Capt. Thomas, Robert E. T/Sgt. McCarten, John H. 1st Lt. Blodgett, R.L. S/Sgt. Spencer, Harry Jr. 1st Lt. Drake, Robert J. M/Sgt. Goeringer, Jack Capt. Brady, John M. M/Sgt. Tesno, Roland R. 1st Lt. Plant, Marvin F. S/Sgt. Brown, Harold R. Major Loftus, James P. S/Sgt. Tolzmann, Raymond R. 1st Lt. Flieger, Robert S. T/Sgt. Clark, Gordon B. Capt. Patterson, Burdette T/Sgt. Roe, Martin D. Capt. Black, James M. S/Sgt. Richardson, James B. 1st Lt. Klusovsky, Stephen S/Sgt. West, Wallace R. 1st Lt. Muraco, Frederick J. S/Sgt. Langlois, Frank A. S/Sgt. Emperor, Joseph C. S/Sgt. Nebeker, Delbert Jr. S/Sgt. Onsott, William S/Sgt. Shannon, Dennis P. S/Sgt. Howland, Charles R. T/Sgt. Barto, Joseph T/Sgt. Chobot, John I. T/Sgt.

The following men were sent as eligible for discharge having over 115 points:

Heidrich, Frederick Sgt. Dabrowski, Myron S/Sgt.

The following men were sent home as being over age (40 years):

McEvoy, James J. Algood, Ralph H. Dickins, John T. Laing, David White, John

Nelson, Charles W.

The following Combat Crew Members went to Muroc AAB on Temporary Duty:

Igou, Philiip Capt. McQuary, Charles K. 2nd Lt. Pakka, Olva V. 2nd Lt. Rapasky, Edward A. 2nd Lt. Brooks, James F. 2nd Lt.


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It has been reported by the War Department that 1st Lt. Ernest A. Pickett, O-677559, a Pilot on a B-29 on a Yawata mission in 1944 is declared a prisoner of war by the Japanese Government. This information came to the War Department in the month of June.

The following are promotions in the Squadron for the month of July:

Clark, Gordon B. to Major Wells, Thomas H. to 1st Lt. Dughi, John J. to 1st Lt. Freeman, Chester H. to 1st Lt. Hill, Richard D. to 1st Lt. Lahola, Michael to 1st Lt. Reynolds, William O. to 1st Lt. McQuary, Charles M. to 1st Lt. Pakka, Olva A. to 1st Lt. Becker, Robert E. to T/Sgt. Rogrissart, Marcel Jr. to S/Sgt. Ingle, Albert to S/Sgt. Kennedy, Newton to S/Sgt. Geddes, Robert F. to S/Sgt. Matlock, Charles O. to S/Sgt. Hakci, Ernest to S/Sgt. Goetz, Paul A. to S/Sgt. Clark, George E. to Sgt. Harrington, Frederick to Sgt. Bergolias, James to Sgt. Ambrose, Edward J. to Sgt. Anderson, Robert B. to PFC

An Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal was awarded to the following personnel:

1st Lt. Robert A. Hardin 2nd Lt. Ernest J. Ahiers Sgt. Glenn E. Teasley

The Bronze Star was awarded to the following maintenance personnel:

M/Sgt. Ralph E. Buckman S/Sgt. Rocco Doto M/Sgt. Frank D. Cancilla S/Sgt. Stephen Pawlyk M/Sgt. William J. Jimenez S/Sgt. Wilbur A. Readling M/Sgt. Richard L. Linton S/Sgt. Edward Schario M/Sgt. James V. Lothian S/Sgt. Charles F. Schriner M/Sgt. Charles J. Maffett S/Sgt. Joe H. Warner M/Sgt. Paul J. Marsico Sgt. Frank J. Attanasio T/Sgt. Raleigh W. Easton Sgt. Charles T. Redding T/Sgt. William A. Wright Sgt. Alvin J. Starkey S/Sgt. Homer L. Burd Cpl. Robert H. Duffield

The morale in the Squadron, at least, can be said to have been well whetted. In July, President Truman, in announcing the ultimatum to the Japanese, brought a keen interest and hope to every one. Very few newscasts are missed in watching world events unfold.


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Another very interesting personal event in the Squadron was the Beer Bust by the Enlisted Men. The rations obtainable through the Post Exchange have become more plentiful. The Coke and beer ration has been two bottles of beer every other day and two bottles of Coke on each alternate day. At the end of the month, the Squadron planned a Beer Bust. The beer was purchased from the Squadron funds. The party was held in the Squadron area on the evening of the 29th of July. The beer being cool, of good quality and a fair supply the party was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the members of the Squadron. There have been numerous requests for a repeat performance.

There has been a great liking displayed for the tent life, led by the maintenance men. It had been semi-officially announced that pre-fabs would be erected for living quarters for the maintenance men, so immediately a petition was drawn up stating that the men desired to remain in the tents, also giving the reasons therefore. The petition was signed by all of the personnel and submitted through channels to proper authority. After three days of waiting the document reappeared on the bulletin board but it had undergone a few modifications. It then stated, The undersigned like it here and wish to remain, we like C rations, have not and do not wish to see white women for two years and we want no promotions. Two days later a letter, signed by the Group Commanding Officer, James V. Edmundson was posted, stating that the matter had been taken to proper authorities and that pre-fabs had been decided on as quarters for Enlisted men. It is planned that the quarters be sufficiently partitioned so as to give the same amount of privacy as obtained through living in tents.

The strength as of July 1 was 126 Officers and 529 Enlisted Men. At months end 129 Officers and 529 Enlisted Men.

July 1945 Hoped to be and much talked of, as the turning point of this war passes into history.


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USS KERSTIN (AF34) C/O Fleet P.O.

San Francisco, CA

13 July 1945 REPORT OF

RESCUE OF PERSONNEL OF DOWNED B-29 (NO. 3 OF BOMBER SQUADRON 792)

0500: Commencing about 0500, observed various B-29s in flight on approximate course 1590 (T); traveling singly.

0745: Observed one (1) B-29 flying at approximately 3,000 feet across convoy on an approximate course of 2490 (T) followed by a PBM.

0750: B-29 and PBM circling on port bow. Observed outboard motor of B-29 to be out of commission and other port motor operating with difficulty. Large letter on tail believed to be either A or I. Crash landing imminent.

0757: Convoy Commodore ordered PC-1591 to have PC-809 proceed and stand by for crash landing

0758: B-29 made crash landing about two points on port quarter, a distance of approximately two miles from convoys position. PBM circling crashed plane. PC-1591 and PC-809 proceeding.

0800: LSM-345 dropped out of convoy and is proceeding to scene of accident to assist in the recovery of survivors. Remainder of convoy proceeding as before.

0801: Observed yellow life raft near downed B-29.

0803: PBM dropped what appeared to be a life raft near downed B-29. B-29 still afloat.

0811: Last visible part of downed B-29 observed to be a wing, is going underwater. Observed what appeared to be survivors on life rafts.

0815: Three (3) ships reached the scene of the crash. PBM still circling and standing by.

0905: PC-809 steaming at full speed to rejoin convoy with four (4) survivors aboard with none seriously injured.

0928: Received message from PC-1591, relayed by LST-734, to effect that ten (10) men of downed B-29 were recovered. The last man recovered being given artificial respiration, but is believed to be dead.

0950: PC-809 rejoined convoy.

1030: PC-1591 and LSM-345 rejoining convoy at full speed.

1630: PC-1591 and LSM-345 rejoined convoy.

NOTE: The pilot exhibited great skill in the manner in which he maneuvered and crash-landed his plane.


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REPORT OF

RESCUE OF PERSONNEL OF DOWNED B-29 (NO. 3 OF BOMBER SQUADRON 792) ---cont.

WITNESSES:

SURVIVORS:

(1) STAVIN, Irvin A. 1st Lt. Pilot O-668512 (2) LA CROSSE, Richard B. 2nd Lt. Navigator O-932025 (3) MARANTETTE. Edward M. 2nd Lt. O-2071019 (4) PASQUARIELLO, Donald J. 2nd Lt. O-932010 (5) BIELSKI, Walter J. 2nd Lt. O-932058 (6) ORTIZ, Frank Jr. Sgt. 13140416 (7) SILCOX, Robert B. Sgt. 33936489 (8) WATERHOUSE, Robert M. Sgt. 39703280 (9) GALBRAITH, Bruce S. Cpl. 12100924

DECEASED:

(1) TEAGUE, William A. Cpl. 14153875 (2) PEARCE, William H. Cpl. 13104872

Commanding Officer, USS Kerstin (AF-34) Convoy Commodore


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793RD BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (VH) JULY 1945

The big news this month was the rotation of our Combat Crews. During this mid-month 1945 the entire face of our Squadron has changed. With all our old CBI (China-Burma-India) men who have been with us since Salina, KS training days finally returning to Uncle Sugar Able.

Although the tempo of operation has slowed down a little over the last month our rate of destruction has been higher.

On the first of July the target was the Kure Urban Area. This was the second time we hit Kure and we figured they were picking the 58th Bomb Wing for all the tough ones. However, the opposition turned out to be surprisingly light with the help of the initial use of the orbiting Angel RCM (Radar Countermeasure) aircraft. The damage to date with poor photo reconnaissance shows 65% of the built-up area of Kure destroyed which is highly significant as this city is one of the heaviest populated cities in Japan as high as 90,000 people per square mile. Incidentally, the Kure Naval Arsenal, the target of last months precision attack, is rated 70% destroyed thus robbing the Japanese of their most important Naval industrial installation. We had 13 aircraft over the Primary and one Early Return, Lt. Wolf and Crew in A/C 32. Following is a list of the Crews participating:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 22 Sturgis 23 Joyce 25 Greenwald 27 Serbay 28 Vester 29 Doherty 30 Tice 31 Edmundson-Carlton 33 Boland 34 Windler 35 Jennings 36 Sullivan

All aircraft numbers coded Skookum.

Again, on the night of 3-4 July, our aircraft made a night incendiary attack. This time on an important inland sea town on Shikoku Island, Takamatsu. The best job to date of all XXIst Bomber Command night fire strikes was done by our Wing. Takamatsu is rated 78% destroyed. Captain Red Vester and Crew in A/C 21 flew Super Dumbo on this mission. Lt. Jennings and Crew in A/C 35 was our only Early Return with the following eleven Crews attacking the Primary Target:

Aircraft Pilot

22 Sturgis 23 Joyce


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25 Sullivan 27 Serbay 28 Cobb 29 Tice 30 Wolf 31 Weaver 33 Boland 34 Michaliszyn 35 McKay

Next it was up to the Tokyo Area on the night of the 6th of July to burn down Chiba, an industrial town on the east side of Tokyo Bay, now rated 43% destroyed, our irrepressible Doc did it again on his 37th mission. Capt. Charles Joyce, two missions past his quota, was flying his Crew out, when over the Primary, Chiba City, he lost all his oil in one engine, which he feathered immediately. No sooner had this been done than an explosion in another engine caused it to lose all power. Doc was too busy keeping Raiden Maiden in the air to feather this one and besides he was losing 10,000 feet of altitude in a few short minutes and at the same time dodging bad thunderhead activity over the Chiba Peninsula. In a short while they found themselves cruising over the Japanese mainland at 1,300 ft. altitude making 135 MPH. He could get no control of the aircraft.

Back at the Base all were feverishly sweating a message from him indicating he was possibly going to ditch at coordinates very far off course and to the north. The next thing we heard he had landed at Iwo Jima successfully. The story came out that when they sent the ditching message all the Crew were at their stations and Doc decided to give the feathered engine one try and if it did not work they would set it down. A flight course could not be maintained and altitude and speed were fast reaching the point of no return. Luckily the engine came back in, giving enough power to climb tediously up to 6,000 ft. and to let down slowly into Iwo Jima. To top it off, rather than spend several days on that volcanic rock, Joyce takes off not knowing exactly what exploded in that second engine. He returned safely to West Field, Tinian. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 24 Sullivan 26 Joyce 27 Serbay 28 Vester 29 Tice 30 McKay 31 Weaver 33 Wolf 35 Jennings 36 Bores

On the 9th of July the XXIst Bomber Command sent B-29s further north than they had to burn Sendai, an important town north of Tokyo. Although the fires raged furiously, this


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city did not burn as expected with only 28% destroyed. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

24 Sullivan 25 Greenwald 27 Serbay 29 Tice 30 McKay 31 Weaver 32 Boland 33 Sturgis 34 Camarena 35 Jennings 37 Vester

On the 12 of July, Utsunomiya, north of Tokyo was our target now judged 32% destroyed. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

22 Sturgis 23 Camarena 24 Sullivan 25 Patton 27 Serbay 28 Vester 31 Boland 33 Chiles 34 Michaliszyn 35 Jennings 36 Tice

Numazu, just southeast of Mt. Fuji, established a new record in the XXIst Bomber Command destruction with this important transportation city 89.5% destroyed. Eleven Crews participated with our old colleague, Major Bob Berman, now with A-3 riding with Captain Greenwald. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot 22 Sturgis 23 Chiles 24 Burggraf 25 Greenwald-Berman 26 Cobb 27 Serbay 28 Vester 32 Boland 34 Caricuto 35 Cooper 36 Bores


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On the 19th against Fukui, our first target on the Japan Sea side of Honshu went eleven Crews to destroy 84.8% of the city for the second highest percentage now on record. This made the second perfect operational record in a row with 33 aircraft of the Group scheduled airborne and over the Primary Target. Brigadier General Roger H. Ramey sent the Group a letter of commendation. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 22 Cooper 23 Caricuto 24 Burggraf 25 Camarena 26 Serbay 29 Chiles 31 Patton 32 Boland 34 Michaliszyn 36 Bores

On the 24th of July we had our only daylight precision attack against Kawanishi Aircraft Company Plant at Takarazuka, just north of Kobe. Major Al Bores led our Squadron over the target with Lt. Mac McComas bombing. Major Mike Michaliszyn with Lt. Plot Plotkowski bombing led a composite Squadron over the target. The plant was rated virtually destroyed from the strike photos and post strike reconnaissance shows total roof area destroyed as 77% with no rating on the structural and internal damage caused by the thousand pound bombs. The flak was moderate and accurate and with nearly every aircraft receiving anti-aircraft damage, Lt. Camarena had to leave his aircraft at Iwo Jima with major repairs. Lt. Burggraf and Crew in A/C 30 had to abort due to mechanical difficulty. The following Crews participated in this mission:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 22 Sturgis 23 Caricuto 24 Sullivan 26 Weaver 27 Serbay 28 Cooper 29 Chiles 31 Patton 32 Boland 33 Greenwald 34 Michaliszyn 35 Jennings 36 Bores 37 Camarena


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The night of 28-29 July, history was made for the XXIst Bomber Command in many respects.

The XXIst Bomber Command was from hereon to be called the 20th Air Force and our old XXth Bomber Command Headquarters went over on Okinawa, now as part of the 8th Air Force.

Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay had been transferred out and made Chief of Staff to Gen. Toohey Spatz, the Chief of the new Strategic Air Forces Pacific Ocean Area. Lt. Gen. Nathaniel Twining of the 13th and the 15th Air Forces fame took over the 20th Air Force while Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle was to command the 8th Air Force on Okinawa.

Following the explanation of the meaning of unconditional surrender to the Japanese by a proclamation by President Harry S. Truman, Churchill and Stalin from Potsdam, Germany, Gen. LeMay initiated a new policy of telling the Japanese beforehand the cities that were to be burned out by the B-29s.

We were very directly concerned in the last two events mentioned above. While waiting at Iwo Jima for takeoff, our Crews heard the radio blare out that Aomori, at the northern end of Honshu would be one of the next targets. This came as quite a shock as our men were counting on giving the Japanese quite a surprise by striking so far north. The mission ran off without any considerable opposition with nine of our aircraft over the Primary Target. Capt. Greenwald lost an engine and had to hit a Target of Opportunity at Taira. Lt. Chiles and Crew aborted out of Iwo Jima and returned to Tinian. Lt. Boland and Crew flew a Super Dumbo. Aircraft of the Group for the first time dropped propaganda leaflet bombs as they flew the newly instituted position of Wind Ships. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

22 Strugis 23 Caricuto 24 Sullivan 26 Weaver 28 Patton 32 Greenwald 33 Schobert 34 Hatfield-Troyer 35 Burggraf 36 Cobb

While all this was going on many of our men were leaving or sweating out orders for returning to the United States. Our Combat Crew graduates for the month of July are listed below:

Dean, Dexter Capt. Auth, Robert J. S/Sgt. Teague, Homer F. 1st Lt. Brutlag, Valentine H. S/Sgt. Holderby, Willard 1st Lt. Kosoglov, Joseph A. S/Sgt. Fauth, Howard H. 1st Lt. Bluey, Theodore S/Sgt. Parrock, Harry K. 1st Lt. Finch, Arlie E. S/Sgt.


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McCoy, J.R. 1st Lt. Muir, Glenn R. S/Sgt. Faulkenham, Elon D. 1st Lt. Iverson, Robert S/Sgt. Ray, Carl B. 1st Lt. Claypool, Chester S/Sgt. Gray, Charles D. 1st Lt. Compton, Harry M. S/Sgt. Padgurski, Herman FO Foley, William M. S/Sgt. Herrighty, Michael J. T/Sgt. Jones, John S. S/Sgt. Sukowaty, Herbert W. T/Sgt. Matulauskis, John J. S/Sgt. Bentz, Kenneth F. T/Sgt. Tamminen, Erik E. S/Sgt. Shoaff, Douglas K. T/Sgt. Busek, John B. S/Sgt. Ronnquist, Nils R.H. T/Sgt. Hollifield, Aulger W. S/Sgt. Garr, James W. T/Sgt. Layton, Billy J. S/Sgt. Scott, William P. S/Sgt. Smith, Benjamin F. S/Sgt. Warth, Frank E. S/Sgt. Johnson, Joseph M. S/Sgt. Johnson, Kenneth O. S/Sgt. Tefft, Gerald K. S/Sgt. Cole, David W. S/Sgt.

Being hard warriors we can expect the following Officers to return to us for Staff jobs after 30 days leave in the States:

Carlton, Paul K. Major Homburger, Edward C. 1st Lt. Doherty, Thomas H. Major Hardison, Arston P. Jr. 1st Lt. Joyce, Charles Major Tice, Frederick J. 1st Lt. Saunders, Patrick H. Capt. Mueller, Herbert H. FO Roth, John H. 1st Lt. Passieu, Charles L. FO McKay, James E. 1st Lt. Schultze, Henry F. FO Urek, Paul P. 1st Lt.

During the month many exchanges of Crews and equipment took place. 5 new Crews were added. Returned to the States were 3 old war weary B-29s that have been with us through many a sortie. The following aircraft returned to the Sates:

A/C 415 Jolly Roger A/C 487 Bengal Lancer

A/C 525 Mary K

To offset this loss and bring our Squadron up to strength, the following aircraft have been added and designated these Skookum numbers:

44-87674 Skookum 22 44-61702 Skookum 32 44-87659 Skookum 24 44-61672 Skookum 37

Many promotions have come through this month as are listed below:

Allison, Jack 2nd Lt to 1st Lt Carlton, Paul K. Capt. to Maj. DAguanno, Ed 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt Doherty, Thomas H. Capt. to Maj. Holzhauser, Cliff 2nd Lt to 1st Lt Joyce, Charles Capt. to Maj. Tyree, Jean Flight Officer to 2nd Lt


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Wolf, Carlton J. 1st Lt. To Capt. Cobb, James W. 1st Lt. To Capt. Madden, Harold D. 1st Lt. To Capt. McComas, Don C. 1st Lt. To Capt. Serbay, Myron W. 1st Lt. To Capt. Sullivan, Robert R. 1st Lt. To Capt. Syfrett, Dovie B. 1st Lt. To Capt. Walts, Robert 1st Lt. To Capt.

The following Enlisted Men were promoted during the month:

Dewey, Donald H. S/Sgt. to T/Sgt. Clifford, Paul B. S/Sgt. to T/Sgt. Wains, John A. S/Sgt. to T/Sgt. Ronnquist, Nils R.H. S/Sgt. to T/Sgt. Henson, Roland E. S/Sgt. to T/Sgt. Rennels, Robert G. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Paterson, Theodore A. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Newell, Burton E. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Mento, Natale J. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Rubottom, Maurice R Sgt. to S/Sgt. Mueller, Arthur F. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Bradley, Ned F. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Byrum, William H. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Collins, William S. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Daniels, Lloyd M. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Mundwiller, Raymond H. Sgt. to S/Sgt. Berg, Alvin L. Cpl. to Sgt. Guenther, Joseph J. Cpl. to Sgt. Novak, Anthony S. Cpl. to Sgt. Fitzpatrick, John F. Cpl. to Sgt. Fitzpatrick, Paul F. Cpl. to Sgt. Newman, Leonard Cpl. to Sgt. Benson, Stewart A. Cpl. to Sgt. Hatcher, Charles R. Cpl. to Sgt. Prather, Willie B. Cpl. to Sgt. Roach, Charles F. Pvt. to PFC Hall, Jessie P. Pvt. to PFC Brown, John S. Pvt. to PFC Guido, Michael F. Pvt. to PFC Toscano, Jack H. PFC to Cpl.

The following men were wounded on combat missions and are to be awarded the Purple Heart:

Wounded Man Mission Pilot Cause of Wound DAguanno, Anthony E. (O-2068373) Takarazuka Sullivan Flak Collins, William S. (35876569) Takarazuka Sullivan Flak Rennels, Robert G. (36679413) Takarazuka Sullivan Flak

Two of our men received Legion of Merit Awards this month, Capt. William W. Griffing and T/Sgt. Arlin F. Davis; a copy of their citation is attached. Lt. McKay and Crew received a special letter of Commendation from Admiral Halsey for the excellent job they performed in helping to search for downed Navy fliers as they struck the Yokosuku Naval base from a carrier task force.

The 793rd Bomb Squadron tied with the 794th Bomb Squadron for the General Billy Mitchell Flag this month but the award of the flag was made to the 794th by our Group Commander James V. Edmundson for their almost perfect mission score. A copy of the letter of award is attached.


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HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH AIR FORCE

WASHINGTON, DC

GENERAL ORDERS 16 June 1945

No. 9

AWARDS

I LEGION OF MERIT By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 20 July 1942, an Executive Order No. 9260, 20 October 1942, and under authority delegated by the War Department under paragraph 8, AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, announcement is made of the award of the Legion of Merit to the following named Bomber Command.

Technical Sergeant ARLIN F. DAVIS, ASN 37331684, Air Corps, United States Army. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from 5 April 1944 to 10 March 1945. As Central Fire Control Mechanic, XXTH Bomber Command, Sergeant Davis designed and perfected many devices necessary to the successful employment of B-29 type aircraft in operational missions. Outstanding among the devices designed by this enlisted man was a computer tester, which greatly aided the pre-mission testing of the Central Fire Control equipment, used in this airplane. The initiative, technical skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Davis, materially contributed to the operation of the XXTH Bomber Command.

Staff Sergeant NELSON E. PUTNAM, ASN 36577712, Air Corps, United States Army. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from 1 December 1944 to 1 March 1945. During this period, Sergeant Putnam designed and perfected modifications for a ranging device employed in the Central Fire Control system of B-29 type aircraft, which greatly simplified the gunners procedure of adjusting the range settings. These modifications proved so successful that the accuracy of the Central Fire Control system considerably increased at long range encounters. The initiative, engineering skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Putnam materially contributed to the operation of the XXTH Bomber Command.

By command of General ARNOLD

LAURIS NORSTAD Brigadier General, US Army

Chief of Staff

OFFICIAL:

S/H.H. Hewitt H.H. Hewitt Lieutenant Colonel, A.G.D. A TRUE EXACT COPY Adjutant General


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HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH AIR FORCE

WASHINGTON, DC

GENERAL ORDERS 23 May 1945

No. 6

AWARDS

I LEGION OF MERIT By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 20 July 1942, an Executive Order No. 9260, 20 October 1942, and under authority delegated by the War Department under paragraph 8, AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, announcement is made of the award of the Legion of Merit to the following named officers:

First Lieutenant WILLIAM W. GRIFFING, O-856712, Air Corps, Army of the United States, XXTH Bomber Command, for the exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the period of 5 April 1944 to 10 March 1945. As Ground Electronics Officer, Lieutenant Griffing devised and developed modifications of highly technical equipment vital to the successful operations of the XXTH Bomber Command. The outstanding technical ability, creative talents and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Griffing reflected great credit upon himself and the military service of the United States.

By command of General ARNOLD

LAURIS NORSTAD Brigadier General, US Army

Chief of Staff

OFFICIAL:

S/H.H. Hewitt H.H. Hewitt Lieutenant Colonel, A.G.D. Adjutant General


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794TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (VH) JULY 1945

The strength of the 794th Bomb Squadron 31 July was Officers 135 and Enlisted Men 531.

Following are the serial numbers of the aircraft (B-29 type) in the Squadron:

42-24893 44-70146 44-69660 44-61516 42-24719 44-70140 42-24892 44-61674 42-24734 44-70042 42-24714 DS 44-61566 44-61695 44-87666 42-65275 44-61681 42-65279 44-61816

The total flying time for the month of July was 1864:00 hours. Total combat time: 1656:00 hours. Training time: 208:00 hours

The 794th Squadron participated in the following missions during July:

KURE 2 July 45 12 Scheduled 12 hit P.T. TAKAMATSU 4 July 45 11 Scheduled 11 hit P.T. CHIBA 7 July 45 11 Scheduled 11 hit P.T. SENDAI 10 July 45 11 Scheduled 11 hit P.T UTSUNOMIYA 13 July 45 11 Scheduled 11 hit P.T NUMAZU 17 July 45 11 Scheduled 11 hit P.T FUKUI 20 July 45 11 Scheduled 11 hit P.T TAKARASUKA 24 July 45 15 Scheduled 14 hit P.T (1 E.R.) AOMORI 29 July 45 11 Scheduled 10 hit P.T (1 T.O.)

TOTAL: 104 Scheduled, 102 hit P.T., 1 Target of Opportunity, 1 Early Return

Our Combat Record is even finer than usual as indicated here: For 8 consecutive missions (from 29 June to 20 July) we had a 100% score for aircraft scheduled and bombing the Primary Target. For 12 consecutive missions (from 18 June to 20 July) we had a 100% score for aircraft scheduled and bombing effectively (P.T. or T.O.). Our final score is 90% for July.

Major Clarence McPherson, our CO, 17 Officers and 20 Enlisted Men received letters of commendation from the Group Commanding Officer, Colonel James V. Edmundson, for their part in helping maintain this fine record. That letter is quoted here:

The outstanding record of accomplishment made by the 794th Bombardment Squadron during the period of 17 June to 20 July 1945, is in the finest tradition of the Army Air Forces. During the accelerated incendiary bombing program, aimed against the medium sized industrial cities of the Japanese Empire, your Squadron has participated in 10 bombing missions. One hundred and fourteen aircraft from your Squadron were scheduled on these missions and one hundred fourteen aircraft bombed the primary target. The continuous performance of perfect individual night missions, without an abort or an early return and with every airplane effective against the primary target is an accomplishment of which you can be extremely proud.


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These operations definitely indicate superb maintenance and inspection of your airplanes and outstanding leadership and devotion to duty on your part in contributing to the overall maintenance and operational efficiency of your Squadron. Without your individual hard work, skill and untiring energy this record of your Squadron would have been impossible. The indomitable spirit of aggressiveness shown by your Pilots and Crews by always punching through to the assigned target would have been to no avail without the work that you, as an individual, have done. Perfect teamwork and a tremendous amount of hard work under difficult and trying conditions for long hours and over a protracted period of time was necessary to establish so fine a record. It is a record that reflects great credit upon yourself, your Squadron, the 468th Group and the Army Air Forces.

The effectiveness of your work has contributed, in large measure, to the war effort and the eventual defeat of the Japanese Empire. It should be a source of gratification to you. It is with genuine pleasure that I commend you upon your accomplishment. I am extremely proud to command an organization comprised of men of your caliber.

The 794th Squadron was awarded the GENERAL BILLY MITCHELL FLAG for the month of August based on their achievements during the previous month. A copy of Group Order 21, 468th Bomb Group follows:

1. Pursuant to Memorandum 200-1, this Headquarters, 30 June 1945, the respective Squadron Standings in items of overall efficiency are listed herewith:

792 793 794 a. Highest number of flying hours per month per A/C assigned 3 1 2

(less A/C at Iwo Jima and in Service Center)

b. Most lead crew training sorties for the month 3 1 2

c. Most other than lead crew training sorties for the month 1 2 3

d. Highest number of effective sorties (combat) for the month 3 2 1

e. Highest number of A/C bombing the Primary Target 3 2 1

f. Lowest number of aborts and non-effective early returns 3 2 1

g. Highest ratio of lead crews hitting target on daylight formations T I E

h. Best rating on monthly technical inspection 1 2 3

i. Best rating on monthly administrative inspection 3 2 1

POINT SCORE 20 14 14

2. Because of the tie between the 793rd and 794th Bombardment Squadrons, a decision has been made to award the General Billy Mitchell Flag to the 794th Bombardment Squadron for the month of August on the basis of their outstanding Combat Performance during July 1945, in that all scheduled aircraft were airborne and, with the exception of one aircraft with bombed a Target of Opportunity and one Early Return, all scheduled aircraft bombed the Primary Target. This record excels the other Squadrons, and the 794th Bombardment Squadron fully deserves this award.

(signed) JAMES V. EDMUNDSON

Colonel, Air Corps Commanding


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THE LEGION OF MERIT was awarded to S/Sgt. Nelson Putnam during the month although no formal presentation has been made as yet. S/Sgt. Putnam devised a new range grip, which may replace the present range grip of the ring sight, and other universal range grip for the other sights. It will improve tracking because only the wrist need be used for tracking; ranging being taken care of by grip pressure. His work has been tested and approved at Wright Field and awaits orders before it is installed. Wright Field experts found that the accuracy of the CFC System was increased on long range firing with S/Sgt. Putnams new range grip, because of the saving of time in sighting.

S/Sgt. Putnam also received the Purple Heart for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action while participating in a bombing mission against Osaka, Japan, on 24 July 1945, as Left Gunner, such wounds receiving medical attention. He was flying with Lt. Toups Crew. Cpl. Malcolm J. Carpenter, Radio Operator on that same mission, flying with Lt. Toups, also received the Purple Heart for wounds. Flight Officer Edmund Jachacz was wounded and is hospitalized on Iwo Jima; however, he has not yet received the Purple Heart award.

The following Officers and Enlisted Men received indicated awards:

AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL

Lt. James W. Allen Jr. Lt. James C. Buerke Lt. Raymond A. Leach Lt. Kenneth Childs Lt. Elmer N. Tyndall Lt. Charles I. Stevens Lt. Russell Markstrom Lt. David R. Douglas Lt. Jack C. Shaw Lt. Edward D. Wade Lt. John OQuinn, Jr. FO Edward A. Kub Lt. James Pafford FO Max Koenig Lt. Stanford Toups FO Edmund A. Jachacz Lt. Don Payne FO Foster B. Cohan Lt. Luther Ashley Sgt. Leon Specktor Cpl. Jack Atanis Cpl. Thomas Anderson Cpl. Stephen J. Bednars Cpl. Dan Chmielecki Cpl. Malcolm T. Carpenter Cpl. David A. Davis Cpl. Roy J. Dunham Cpl. William H. Dunning Cpl. Gene R. Schroeder Cpl. Bruce W. MacDonald T/Sgt. Herman F. Burstein Cpl. Clifford E. Craig Sgt. Luther W. Cribb S/Sgt. Archie McLeish Cpl. Dionicio M. Diaz Sgt. Robert J. Ahrens Cpl. James P. Richardson Sgt. Ira L. Barnett Cpl. Phillip J. Robb Sgt. James D. Law Cpl. Jose Rodriquez

Capt. John Wedding received his majority, six new Crews were added to the Squadron:

6 July 1945 10 July 1945

P Lt. Donald E. Cutshall P Lt. John P. Neuner CP Lt. Richard Hauer CP Lt. Jack L. Cross N Lt. Murray Brinn N FO Chalmer Grace


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B Lt. James Holbin B Lt. Jack Kukiela V Lt. Donald D. Arden V Lt. James B. Butts FE Sgt. James J. Navina FE Sgt. Maxon Rice RO Pvt. Sidney Hoover RO Sgt. Howard Fechtmeister SG Sgt. Harry Gold SG Sylvester Burke RG Sgt. Willie Caster RG Cpl. Hale D. Hamilton LG Cpl. James Walker LG Cpl. James L. DeWalt TG Cpl. John Hingle TG Sgt. Mitchell Burton

14 July 1945 18 July 1945

P Lt. William N. Piles P Capt. Edwin Burt CP Lt. Robert Taylor CP Lt. Eugene Frazier N Lt. Alfred Gaither N FO James Quirk B Lt. James Lamont B Lt. Charles Bostick V Lt. Joseph Boetto V Lt. Robert Burton FE T/Sgt. Ronnie Bolling FE Lt. Frank Radoczy RO Sgt. Gerald Pritchard RO Sgt. Thomas S. Shearman SG Sgt. Joseph Clszekski SG Sgt. Thomas Geiger RG Sgt. Martin Benen RG Sgt. Thomas Cloud LG Sgt. Russell Barham LG Cpl. Russell W. Badman TG Cpl. Charles K. Dodd TG Robert Morton

19 July 1945 28 July 1945

P Lt. Morris H. Raines P Lt. Howard Corbus CP Lt. Kenneth W. Sauder CP Lt. Robert Ramey N Lt. Allan M. Shapiro N FO John Davis B Lt. Ronald L. McClay B Lt. Nicholas F. Jancarish V Lt. Albert M Carmona V Lt. Billy Dobbs FE Sgt. Leonard Brewer FE Sgt. Karl Gilham RO Sgt. Vincent C. Van Velzer RO Sgt. Nicolas Brasino RG Sgt. Arthur Green RG Sgt. Frank Vogelee LG Sgt. Stanley Gangwere LG Sgt. John C. Bates TG Cpl. George W. McDonald TG Cpl. Edmund Gilman

Listed below are the combat personnel who completed 35 missions and returned to the United States. An asterisk indicates that these men are returning to the 468th Bomb Group after leave in the United States. Departure dates follow names:

Lt. Lawrence Rohan 2 July 1945 S/Sgt. L.D. Whorton 2 July 1945 T/Sgt. Louis Chester 4 July 1945 S/Sgt. August Cline 4 July 1945 S/Sgt. James Andrews 5 July 1945 Lt. Armand Trepanier 6 July 1945 Lt. Winston Fisher 8 July 1945 T/Sgt. Hugh Poindexter 9 July 1945 S/Sgt. Frank James 9 July 1945 S/Sgt. Vernon Ode 9 July 1945 Capt. Harry Olson 9 July 1945 Lt. Frederick Dischinger 9 July 1945 Capt. Roy Odilon 9 July 1945 Lt. Robert Feldman 9 July 1945 Lt. Merle Jones 9 July 1945 Lt Charles Moresi 9 July 1945 Lt. Marion King 9 July 1945 Maj. Gordon Eaton 10 July 1945 Capt. Richard Ham 10 July 1945 Capt. Frederick Corvinus* 11 July 1945 S/Sgt. Jacob Fondiler 11 July 1945 Maj. Boyce C. Anderson* 16 July 1945 S/Sgt. Bernard Henson 17 July 1945 S/Sgt. Arthur Fredd 17 July 1945


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Maj. George Heneveld* 19 July 1945 Capt. Wendell Thummel* 19 July 1945 Lt. Thurston Park 19 July 1945 Lt. Kenneth Kerr 19 July 1945 Lt. Robert Ector 19 July 1945 Lt. William C. Brikey 19 July 1945 Capt. Robert Britton 19 July 1945 M/Sgt. William Young 19 July 1945 S/Sgt. John Havey 19 July 1945 S/Sgt. Leroy Jackson 19 July 1945 S/Sgt. Robert Macaitis 19 July 1945 S/Sgt. William Wooten 19 July 1945 S/Sgt. Harold Mufford 20 July 1945 S/Sgt. Paul Gains 19 July 1945 S/Sgt. Sommerville 20 July 1945 Lt. Yates C. Smith 22 July 1945 Capt. George Barker* 27 July 1945 Lt. William Corbin* 27 July 1945 Lt. Richard Stillions 27 July 1945 S/Sgt. Harold Scott 27 July 1945 S/Sgt. Domenico DeBiase 28 July 1945 S/Sgt. Darwin Gregory 28 July 1945

The first men to be released from this Squadron on the Point System were: M/Sgt. Andrew Racosky and S/Sgt. Frank Kroboth. These men had over 115 points and a replacement. They left on 27 July.

Two more men were released so that they might return to the United States for discharge because of age (over 40). They are S/Sgt. George Panosh and Sgt. Joseph Conway. These men left on the 4th of July (Independence Day!).

Lt. OQuinns Crew left APO 247 on 15 July to attend Lead Crew School at Muroc AAB in California. They will be in training there about 30 days.

STRICTLY PERSONAL: Lt. Henry Chodacki who was hospitalized in India for a short time before we left has fully recovered and followed the Squadron to Tinian. He is the Flight Engineer on Lt. Volkerts Crew and arrived 11 July 1945.

Capt. John Q. Roundsville received an emergency leave to the United States and left on 16 July 1945.

Lt. James W. Allen, a Pilot with the Squadron was also returned to the United States. He left on 14 July 1945 for medical reasons.

Capt. Keefers Crew is on Temporary Duty to Iwo Jima for the purpose of escorting fighters. The Crew left 22 July and will be there approximately 60 days. S/Sgt. Rex Lyons went along as an extra Radio Operator and two ground men, T/Sgt. Max Hodes (Crew Chief) and Sgt. James J. Waller.

Bringing our July history to a finish on a happy note it may be recorded that 2 Officers and 2 Enlisted Men from this Squadron went to Oahu, Hawaii to Rest Camp. They are: Capt. Robert Cotton, Capt. Will A. Hielscher, T/Sgt. Robert Sawatski and S/Sgt. Elroy Wendland. It is hoped that this policy of sending personnel to Rest Camp will be continued and the number of men increased.

Documents

The Story of The “General Billy Mitchell Group” 468th Bomb Group (VH)