WB\WFC30AUTH\P30JH

W45AUTH\HJ30P-JH.DOC

Flight Crew 68, Guam, March 1945

Loc	Rank	Duty	First	Last	SN	MOS
S8	1st Lt	AC	James M.	Hall	0685325	1092	Dallas, Texas
S9	lst Lt	P	Francis	Thompson	0777867	1091	Sioux Falls S. Dakota
S7	lst Lt	N	Eugene	Victor	02064360	1036	New York City
	2nd Lt	BN	Verner T.	Davis	02066139	1035
S6	F/O	B	Gerson	Lacoff			Detroit, Michigan
S5	lst Lt	RO	Jack	Matthews			Milwakee, Wisconsin
	2nd Lt	V	John Z.	Segal	02068113	0142
S4	M/Sgt	FE	Donald	Leeper	19052037	737	California
S2	S/Sgt	R	Eugene	Vick	14141302	2756	Elijay Georgia
K1	T/Sgt	CFC	Leonard	Naymark			Duluth, Minnesota
	Cpl	G	John J. Jr	Keogh	11094542	530
S3	S/Sgt	RG	Donald	Comer	34918632	611	Birmingham,Alabama
K2	S/Sgt	LG	Marvin	Beattie	42094545	611	Rochester, New York
S1	Sgt	TG	Jack	Terrell	12221415	611	New York City

Administrative change reassigned three members after Jan 1, 1945

Jim Hall Jr, Photo for Dallas Morning News

23 COMBAT MISSIONS -- First Lieutenant James M. Hall Jr., airplane commander, of Dallas, Texas, is shown with the flag of Texas, which waves from the pilot's window of this Superfortress, on all taxiing out for takeoffs and on all landings. The lieutenant is pointing out the twenty-three bombs painted on the nose to denote the twenty-three combat missions that he and his crew members have flown over industrial and military targets in Japan. Six additional bombs have been painted on the B-29 since this picture was taken.

Lieutenant Hall's wife, the former Minnie Mae Cramp. lives in Irving TX. His mother Mrs. Farra Hall, resides at 2844 South Marsalis Street, Dallas. He was graduated from Sunset High School in1937, entered the service November 1940, and received his wings and second lieutenant's commission June 26, 1943. Assigned to the XXI Bomber Command's 314th Bombardment Wing in mid year, 1944, he trained in the Superfort ands came to Guam in February, 1945.

Note: This photograph and article from the Dallas Morning News dated 1945, was written by Wick Fowler when he was on Guam writing about TX servicemen.

The following is a letter from Jim Hall, dated 1987, to Charlene wife of crews Navigator Eugene (Vic) Victor.

Dear Charlene:

I joined the 19th Bombardment Group at Great Bend, Kansas in August 1944. I don’t remember when Vic got to Great Bend but it was about that time because I was made aircraft commander of Crew 63 shortly after arrival and we began to train as a unit. I recall spending several hours flying with Vic in a navigation simulator so we could become familiar with long range over-water navigation. We also flew training missions in B-17s because they were more abundant and cheaper to fly. However, the B-29 got the real emphasis because that is what we were to ultimately take to comhat -- but to where, we didn't know.

The original composition of our crew is noted in Special Orders No. 9 (enclosed). During our time with the 19th, we only had three crew member changes; Lt Gerson Lacoff replaced Lt Davis, Lt Jack Matthews replaced Lt Sepal and SSgt Leonard Naymark replaced Cpl Keogh. These were administrative changes. We never did have a man injured although our airplane got shot up pretty badly on a few missions.

We took a B-17 to Batista, Field, Cuba, just outside Havana, to practice long range over water navigation Flights. We were there about one week as I recall. Vic did a very excellent job of navigating and getting us back to base safely and on time. We got back to Great Bend just before Christmas and got to go home on leave for the hollidays.

Gypsy Task Force was a joint Air Corp/Navy exercise in the Atlantic and Carribbean. We took a B-29 to Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico (later renamed Ramey AFB and located on the north western tip of the islands. We were there for about ten days and flew a lot of long range over-water missions. This was the first time we actually operated as a full crew except in some short stateside gunnery and practice bombing missions. We returned to Great Bend just in time to prepare for deployment to Kearny, Nebraslca, a staging base for overseas deployment.

At Kearny they merely processed us for overseas, giving us shots, lectures, etc and issuing us two sets of clothing -- one for the tropics and one for cold climates. This was to preclude us having knowledge of which combat theater we would deploy to. It was also to preclude any leaks to the enemies about where our B-29 operation was to be stationed. At Kearny we caught a train to Hamilton AAF, California. We were a junior crew and there were not enough B-29's for every crew at this point so several crews didn't get to take our own airplanes directly overseas. In fact, it was not until our second mission from Guam that we had our own airplane, The City of Flatbush.

At Hamilton AAF we were transferred from train to a C-54 (Equivalent to the old commercial DC4) of the Air Transport Command and handed sealed SECRET orders to be opened only after we had been airborne two hours. When opening these orders we learned for the first time where we were going to be stationed. Upon arrival at Guam we landed on an airstrip that was only about three fourths finished, put on a 6x6 truck and taken through the jungle to an area that had been cleared by bull dozers, stopping in front of a great pile of canvas on the ground (actually an unerected tent) and told that when we got it erected we would have a place to live. It didn't take us long to get it up. Life on Guam was interesting, and we proceeded with our combat missions, hoping to survive and get back home.

We had to fly 35 combat missions to qualify for rotation back to the US. As an aircraft commander, I had to fly an orientation mission with a "lead crew" before I could take my own crew on its first mission. I flew that mission on March 6, 1945. Our first full crew mission together (Vic’s first) was March 11, 1945 and took 15 hours 50 minutes, unheard of endurance back in those days. I flew my 35th mission on July 28, 1945 and because of a 20th Air Force regulation grounding a crew member after 35 missions I didn't get to fly with my crew on its last mission.

I was at the Flatbush when it departed and when it returned and all stated their last mission had been a milks run.

As to Vic's awards and decorations, contact with the PRC might produce a full list if Vic's records were not destroyed in the fire. Based on my records, I believe Vic received basicly the same ones I did for our period together, and, since this was Vic's only comobat, I feel the decorations below (and on the enclosed orders) constitute a full list. He may have received other awards.

An award is citation for service. A decoration is a medal given to an individule for extrordinary and meritorious service.

Vic's decorations:

Air meadal -- General Orders No.101

Oak Leaf cluster to air Medal (second Air medal) -- General Orders No.102

Distinguished Flying Cross -- General 0rders No. 142

Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal (3rd) -- General Orders No.22

Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal (4th) -- General Orders No. 25

Vi's awards:

Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon (for serving in that theater)

Bronze Scar to above -- General Orders No.29

American Theater Ribbon for serving in the US

National Defense Service dot for serving in US at war

Presidential Unit Citation for service with 19th BG in combat

Also, the N____? might be able to refer you to the proper Department of Defense 0ffice from which the actual medals could be procured. Or if you don't want to go through a lot of red tape with them, you can go to a civilian Army-Navy store and buy them off the shelf.

I hope this is of some help to the boys. I'm sorry Vic didn't leave his records for them. I'm a nut about such items for my children and grand-children, except I never discuss it unless they ask. It is all just a matter of written record.

Jim Hall Jr

COMBAT MISSION JOURNAL

LIEUTENANT JAMES M. HALL, JR. AND CREW 63 MARCH 6, 1945--JULY 29, 1945

(Header Data is from 20th AF Resume of Missions)

M#041; 03-11-45; Wings 73-313-314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 5-8,000 ft altitude; Nagoya Urban area "Microscope #2"

20th AF Airborne=310; Abort=18; Lost=1(ditched after takeoff); Bomb load=9827 lb.; Fuel Reserve=920 gal.; EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=47

28th Airborne=(6): JO'Neil#_,VChandlerd#3, ESeitz#3, CWells#3, JSimmons#3, VParker#1,

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#1

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #1, "Nagoya, Japan" Sunday, March 11, 1945 Into Monday, March 12, 1945

We took off on this raid at 1740 weighing 135, 510 pounds. The plane flew beautifully all the way. Victor took us into target with but a 3-degree correction. I wasn't scared, although we were on the bombing run about four minutes. Searchlights got us about 45 seconds before the end of the bomb run and we began to get moderate flak pretty close about the last 15 seconds. Immediately after bombs away, I put the plane into a steep diving turn to the right and got out of both lights and flak okay. Trip home was long and tiring.

Night altitude 5,200 airspeed 250 15:50 logged

M#043; 03-16-45; Wings 73-313-314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 4-9,000 ft altitude; Kobe Urban area "Middleman #2"

20th AF Airborne=330; Abort=16; Lost=3 (3 to unk); Bomb load=14931 lb.; Fuel Reserve=889 gal.;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=96

28th Airborne=(8): VChandler#5, ESeitz#4, CWells#5, JHancock#3, JSimmons#5, VParker#3, ?__,?__

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #2,

93rd Airborne=(?)

Rfitzgerald#_ Maj R. Fitzgerald 73rd Wing crew lost, Lt RNelson Nav taken prisoner-- later beheaded (Bob Nelson was my roommate at Kansas State, we took cadet exam together, I was color blind. DL.)

Mission #2, "Kobe, Japan" Friday, March 16, 1945 Into Saturday, March 17, 1945

We took off at ,2005, weighing 134,430. Vic again took us right onto our landfall and we had to make our bombing run with radar because the smoke from the fires was too bad. The city was a mass of flames. We hit very little flak and no searchlights. We made a level turn to the left to leave the target. Trip home was normal and tiring.

Night altitude, 5600 airspeed, 260 15:35 logged. Carried 24 500-lb. incendiary bombs. same on Nagoya, #1.

M#044; 03-18-45; Wings 73-313-314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 5-9,000 ft altitude; Nagoya Urban area "Microscope #3"

20th AF Airborne=310; Abort=19; Lost=1 (1 ditched on return); Bomb load=13144 lb; Fuel Reserve=1085 gal.;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=44

28th Airborne=(8): ESeitz#5, FMaupin#2, VParker#4, JCarrol#5, __, __, __, __

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #3

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #3, "Nagoya, Japan" Sunday, March 18, 1945 Into Monday, March 19, 1945

Took off on this raid 2050 weighing 136,101. We flew at 8000 ft going up -- had to search for landfall about 10 minutes, then came into target by radar. No clouds but we bombed by radar because of smoke. No opposition whatsoever until bombs away then the searchlight got us. I had quite a bit of trouble getting rid of them and then dodging to stay out of more. Trip home normal.

Night altitude 7200 airspeed 275 14:55 logged. Carried 24 500-lb. incendiaries.

First RCM mission flown in this wing -- just getting frequencies of Jap radar.

M#055; 04-03-45; Wing 314; Night; General Purpose bombs; 7-9,000 ft altitude; Shizuoka; Shizuoka Aircraft Factory "Upcast #1"

20th AF Airborne=49; Abort=1; Lost=0; Bomb load=9300 lb; Fuel Reserve=1126 gal;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(10) VChandler#7, ESeitz#8, JSimmons#8, VParker#7, JCarroll#7_______

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #4

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #4, "Shizuoka, Japan" Tuesday, April 3, 1945 Into Wednesday, April 4, 1945

Took off on this raid weighing 136,510, at 2141 and flew at 7,500 ft. to landfall. Vic took us right in and we started in on a radar run as visibility was very poor, but radar went out so we made a visual run using the flares from a ship ahead to bomb by. The squadron commander, Major Irwin, rode with us so we circled the target once after bombs away to observe results. Trip home normal. Mission was pretty poor, I'm sure, but no pictures available.

Night altitude 7200 airspeed 200 logged 14:05. Carried 16500-lb. demolition; 1 parachute flares; 1 photo flash.

P.S. Meager automatic weapons fire.

M#059; 04-07-45; Wings 313-314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 16-25,000 ft altitude; Nagoya; Mitsubishi Engine Plant "Eradicate #7"

20th AF Airborne=194; Abort=10; Lost=2 (1 to AA; 1 to EA) Bomb load=8993 lb.; Fuel Reserve=754 gal.;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=233 (dest=21, prob=11, dam=22)

28th Airborne=(10) VChandler#8, ESeitz#9, CWells#9, JHancock#6, FMaupin#5, VParker#7, ___, ___, ___, ___

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#5

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission # 5, "Nagoya, Japan" Saturday, April 7, 1945

Took off 0319 weighing 137,476. We flew 8000 ft to within an hour of landfall where we climbed to 20,000. We circled Shimosato 1:15 waiting for all ships to join formation. We went into IP in the 3rd sqdn. I flew #3 position, dropped on Mitsubishi aircraft engine plant. We left target and remained in formation for 25 miles from coast. Flak was heavy in barrages -- we picked up our first holes -- only two. Encountered 3 fighters but were not attacked. Our first day raid and formation. Saw a lot of Japanese country and Mt. Fuji-Yama, snow covered, about 90 miles east. Saw Tori-Shima and Iwo-Jima coming back. Low on gas so landed at Tinian--started to land at Iwo. Used RCM by jamming out-rope.

Day altitude 20,000 ft. airspeed 190 time logged 16:00. Carried 16 500-lb. GP demolition

M#065; 04-12-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 7-9,000 ft altitude; Koriyama; Koriyama Chemical Plant "Lunchroom #1"

20th AF Airborne=85; Abort=7; Lost=2 (1 ditched on return; 1 crashed at Agana, Guam); Bomb load=5342 lb.; Fuel Reserve=927 gal.; EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=2 (dest=0, prob=0; dam=0)

28th Airborne=(11) 1JSimmons#9, 2VChandler#9, ESeitz#10, JHancock#6, HGammel#__, RSpencer#_, JCarroll#8, FMaupin#7, BKordus#__, TReadheimer#_, GO'Leary#__

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#6

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #6, "Koriyama, Japan" Thursday, April 12, 1945

Took off for Koriyama at 0303 weighing 138,075. Joined very loose element formation and flew to Iwo where we encountered a front and split up. We joined squadron formation at Aogo-Shima where I spotted a Jap early warning radio shack. Flew squadron formation on to Japan and up the east coast where we hit landfall and on into Koriyama. We bombed visual and bombs were reported "in the target". We departed and met about a half-dozen fighters. No flak at all and fighters didn't come in. One dropped a phosphorous bomb. Trip back was normal but had very low ceiling at Guam on return. Longest mission we have ever flown.

Day altitude, 8000 ft speed, 210 time logged, 17:30. Carried 12 500-lb. G. P.

M#067; 04-13-45; Wings 73-313-314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 7-9,000 ft altitude; Tokyo Arsenal "Perdition #1"

20th AF Airborne=348; Abort=11; Lost=7 (1 ditched on return; 6 unk cause); Bomb load=9409 lb.; Fuel Reserve=1158 gal.; EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=102 (dest=6, prob=0, dam=2)

28th Airborne=(14) CWells#10, JHancock#__, FMaupin#7, ESeitz#11, VParker#8, JCarroll#9_________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#7

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #7, "Tokyo, Japan" Friday, April 13, 1945 Into Saturday, April 14, 1945

We took off at l747 weighing 137,620. We climbed to 10,000 ft and cruised above normal speed with normal power settings, thus getting to japan ahead of schedule. We hit a little above land fall but proceeded on to IP but were picked up with search lights before we hit IP. The lights carried with us right out over the bay where more got us then the flak hit -- we were lucky and didn't get hit, but really had to put the ship through maneuvers. Dropped bombs and headed out -- was able to evade more lights. Trip home normal. Hope I don't go to Tokyo again.

Night altitude 9200 speed 260 time logged 14:05 22 500-lb incend. 1 500-lb. GP, 1 photo flash.

M#074; 04-17-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 18,000 ft altitude; Nittagahara AF "Bushing #1"

20th AF Airborne=10; Abort=3; Lost=0; Bomb load=5954 lb.; Fuel Reserve=1516 gal.; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(?)

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#8

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission # 8, Nittagahara Airfield Kyushu, Japan Tuesday, April 17, 1945

We took off at 0812 weighing 138,260. Joined loose formation after take-off and flew autopilot all the way to Iwo where we circled to gather stragglers, then on course at 9000 to Kyushu still in formation and on autopilot. Hit landfall with ú beautiful tight formation and went on course to IP -- turned off before hitting target to make up wind run. Came over in good formation and dropped on leader. Split up after leaving target and continued home alone. Trip home was normal and tiring.

Day altitude 18,000 airspeed, 200 time logged 14:20. Carried 14 clusters of 20 frags each fragmentation bombs.

M#090; 04-21-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 15-16,000 ft altitude; Kyushu; Nittagahara AF "Bushing #3"

20th AF Airborne=23; Abort=1; Lost=0; Bomb load=8845 lb; Fuel Reserve=949 gal;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=2 (dest=0, prob=0, dam=0)

28th Airborne=(?) VChandler#11, ESeitz#13, JHancock#8, HGammel#_, RSpencer#_, GO'Leary#_, TReadheimer#_, FMaupin#9, VParker#11, BKordus#_, JRobinson#_, MFloyd#_

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #9

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #9 Nittagahara, Japan, Kyushu Saturday, April 21, 1945

Took off weighing 138,968 at 0054. We flew at 8000 ft. Passed Iwo and until an hour from landfall, where we climbed to 16,000 -- I slept about 4 1/2 hours -- we hit landfall right on the nose and began circling to join formation. We went into target with 11 planes in formation and hit target. We encountered no flak but made about a 25 mile circle and came over target to observe results -- we picked up 3 fighters but kept them off by short bursts from the tail. Trip home was normal.

Day altitude 15,500 airspeed 205 time logged 15:00 Carried 24 500# frag. Clusters of 20 bombs each.

M#104; 04-26-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 20-27,000 ft altitude; Kanoya AF "Checkbook #6"

20th AF Airborne=22; Abort=1; Lost=0; Bomb load=9146 lb; Fuel Reserve=975 gal; EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(7?) VParker#12

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #10

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #10, Kanoya, Kyushu, Japan" Thursday, April 26, 1945

Took off at 0209 weighing 140,168. Had a prop run away on take-off and just barely cleared the cliff -- got it under control and continued on course. I slept about 5 hrs. Hit a lot of weather about an hour before landfall and picked up lots of rime ice -- flew constant instruments for 3 hours. Hit landfall with radar and got word there was a break at aprox. 16,000 so we went down and joined formation between two decks of clouds. Could not bomb Kanoya because of undercast, so bombed kokubu by radar and in formation. Had P-51 top cover but didn't need it -- no fighters or flak. Trip home okay, were pretty low on gas but made it OK. Almost stopped at Iwo.

Day altitude 16,300 airspeed 200 time logged: 15:50. Carried 24 500# demo GP.

M#124; 04-29-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 17-18,000 ft altitude; Kanoya AF "Checkbook #9"

20th AF Airborne=20; Abort=2; Lost=0; Bomb load=10700 lb.; Fuel Reserve=700 gal.; Iwo=0;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=15 (dest=0,prob=0, dam=0)

28th Airborne=(4) CWells#14, ____________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#11

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #11 "Kanoya, Kyushu, Japan" Sunday, April 29, 1945,

Took off at 01:12 weighing 139,128. Went on course and turned it over to Tommy and slept about 4 hours. Vic took us smack into landfall and we circled to join formation. Got in formation, leader of number 3 element and went into target. Two fights jumped us and came in from 11 o'clock low. They looked pretty but that was death shooting at us. Bomb results observed to be excellent. Think Davis got a fighter. Very little flak but it was close. Trip home took us through a very rough front and instruments were hard to fly. Landed 2nd out of the group.

Day altitude 18,500 airspeed 200 time logged: 14:45. Carried 20 500# GP.

Mission #12, "Lost Search" Tuesday, May 1, 1945

Took off at 0405 weighing 133,566. Flew to Iwo where we joined loose formation, then flew to a point 150 miles east of Kyushu to search for a ditched plane from the 39th bomb group. We searched for 5:45 over an area of 7,000 sq. Miles (3 planes)/ but didn't find anything. We were up to 18:10, a very tiring mission and those poor fellows are still there.

M#148; 05-05-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 17,000 ft altitude; Chiran AF "Treadle#1"

20th AF Airborne=11; Abort=2; Lost=0; Bomb load=8000 lb; Fuel Reserve=743 gal.; Iwo=0;

EA Sighted=?; EA Attacks=0;

28th Airborne=(11) CWells#15, FMaupin#13, VParker#14, JCarroll#15, ___________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #13

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #13, "Kanoya, Kyushu, Japan" Saturday, May 5, 1945

Took off for Kanoya at 0811 weighing 139,068. Flew at 1000 ft until about an hour out, then climbed to 18, 000, 90 miles west of Iwo we passed lots of sea marker dye and circled for 11 minutes seeing only some whale. Hit land fall OK and joined formation. Flew deputy lead. Bombs were right in there -- a very good job. Little flak and 3 fighters. No damage. Got back to Guam, but it was socked in tight, so we circled for 30 min. Went to Saipan and it was socked in, too, but we luckily saw the runway and landed. Crew was ready for a ditching. On to Guam next morning.

Day altitude 18,000 airspeed 200 time logged: 16:25. Carried 20 500# GP.

M#174; 05-14-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Day; Incendiary bombs; 16-20,000 ft altitude; North Nagoya Urban area "Microscope #4"

20th AF Airborne=524; Abort=0; Lost=11(1 to EA; 1 to AA; 4 to accid; 4 to other, 1 unk); Bomb load=11479 lb; Fuel Reserve=642 gal.; Iwo=14; EA Sighted=80; EA Attacks=275 (dest=23, prob=16, dam=31)

28th Airborne=(13) VChandler#15, CWells#17, FMaupin#15, JDillard#_, KClewett#_, HGammel, Vparker#15,____

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #14

93rd Airborne=(?):

KClewett#? Lt Kenneth Clewett lost in M20 over target

Mission # 14, " Nagoya, Japan " Monday, May 14, 1945

Took off at 0108 weighing 137,778. Flew at 8000 ft. To smith island where we joined formation. Just as we left landfall, I noticed a 50 rpm & 3" hg drop on #2, but was too far over Japan to turn back, so 9 minutes before "bombs away", we feathered it. Left target with 2700 gals of gas and after much sweating as to whether to land at Iwo or not, we landed at Guam with 650 gals. (calculated). Half-way from Iwo, #4 began to backfire and miss, so we had to cut way back on the power. On 3 engines we beat a lot of guys back and had more gas than they did when we landed.

Day altitude 20,500 airspeed 200 time: 16:05. Carried 24 500# incend.

M#176; 05-16-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 7-18,000 ft altitude; South Nagoya Urban area Microscope #5"

20th AF Airborne=516; Abort=45; Lost=3(3 unk); (14 dam by AA); Bomb load=14966 lb.; Fuel Reserve=802 gal.; Iwo=16, EA Sighted=28; EA Attacks=11 (dest=0, prob=0, dam=0)

First time more EA sighted than attack

19th BG aircraft painted Black on bottoms

28th Airborne=(12) VChandler#16, FMaupin#16, CWells#17, VParker#16, JCarroll#17, ________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #15

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #15, Nagoya, Japan Wednesday, May 16, 1945 Into Thursday, May 17, 1945

Took off at 2129 weighing 136,068. Flew at 8000 ft to within 30 minutes of the coast, climbed to 12,200 then. Vic missed landfall 15 miles right, so we paralleled course on to IP. Made radar run because of a solid overcast. Saw target ablaze about 80 miles out. Small breaks over target divulged it well on fire when we dropped our load, smoke up to 15,000 ft. Guinea pig on this mission, as we carried more bombs and only 6700 gals of gas. Trip home normal with plenty of gas

Night altitude 12,200 airspeed 260 time: 14:05. Carried 32 500# incend.

M#178; 05-19-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 13-27,000 ft altitude; Tachikawa Air Arsenal & Aircraft Factory at Jamamatsu City

20th AF Airborne=309; Abort=19; Lost=4 (Unk; no EA Attacks & no dam from AA); Bomb load=12029;Fuel Reserve=817; Iwo=20; EA Sighted=8; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(7)

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#16

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #16, Hamama Tsu, Japan Saturday, May 19, 1945

Took off at 0427 weighing 138,878. Flew at 7200 to Tori-Shima where we joined formation as # 2 element leader and flew on to the coast. Had P-51 cover but overcast was so thick, they went home at landfall. We climbed to 21,500 ft. And were in the soup, so we went on top, 25,000 but had no squadron leader, so Maj. Mailey took over and I took deputy -- we had to bomb the radar target so we know no results but believe them good. We came from target to Guam in 5:37 minutes which is a record. We also flew the whole mission in 13:25 which is another record.

Day altitude 25, 500 airspeed 205 time: 13:25. Carried 22 500# GP.

M#186; 05-29-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Day; Incendiary bombs; 17-21,000 ft altitude; Yokohama area

20th AF Airborne=510; Abort=26; Lost=7(3 to AA; 1 rammed; 2 ditched; 1 unk); Bomb load=12040 lb.; Fuel Reserve=811 gal; Iwo=39; Damaged=?; EA Sighted=55; EA Attacks=110 (dest=6, prob=5, dam=10)

(101) P51 escort, 2 P51's lost over target First data on P51 escort

28th Airborne=(13) CWells#19, FMaupin#18, JStevens#2, VParker#18, GO'Leary#_, JAmbrose#6+2, JCarroll#19, __

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall#17

93rd Airborne=(?):

GO'Leary#?? Capt Gerald O'Leary lost in M16 hit by AA over target

Mission #17, Yokohama, Japan Tuesday, May 29, 1945

Took off at 0302 weighing 137,238. Flew at 5,000 ft to Tori-Shima and assembled formation there. I led #3 element -- Tommy flew over the target. We made landfall OK and flew directly over Fuji-Yama as an IP. Had more flak than I have seen on all previous missions, but we were lucky and didn't get hit. Few fighters, but we had p-51 cover. Came back at altitude and was #2 to land. Normal trip home.

Day altitude 19,500 air speed 200 time logged: 14:35. Carried 128 100# incendiaries.

M#187; 06-01-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Day; Incendiary bombs; 13-28,000 ft altitude; Osaka Urban area

20th AF Airborne=509; Abort=25; Lost=10 (5 to AA; 2 collided at assy; 2 mech prob; 1 unk); Bomb load=12364 lb.; Fuel Reserve=655 gal; Iwo=81; Damaged=4 (by EA-AA);

EA Sighted=85; EA Attacks=221 (dest=16, prob=9, dam=24)

(148) P51 escort formed but most turned back, 27 P51s and 26 pilots lost due to severe weather.

28th Airborne=(11) VChandler#18, FMaupin#19, WRiggs#_, JStevens#3, __________________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #18

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #18, Osaka, Japan Friday, June 1, 1945

Took off at 0307 weighing 139,588. Flew at 5000 ft. To Minami, Iwo and assembled formation. Flew into a front about 300 miles north of Iwo Jima and had to split formation, picked up rime ice. Reassembled on Japan and went on into target, flew leader of #2 element. Moderate flak over target and we felt plenty of close ones being hit only a few places. Fighters picked us up just after target and were very aggressive, putting a few 20mm holes in us (22 holes in tunnel alone). Buddied Larned to Iwo but we came on to Guam.

Day altitude 19,500 airspeed 200 time logged: 15:00. Carried 23 500# incend.; 1 500# frag cluster.

60 holes -- 4 20mm out of commission, 5 days

M#189; 06-07-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Day; Incendiary bombs; 18-23,000 ft altitude; Osaka Urban

20th AF Airborne=449; Abort=29; Lost=2 (2 to mech failure); Bomb load=13182 lb.; Fuel Reserve=544 gal.; Iwo=59; Damaged=7 by AA; EA Sighted=10; EA Attacks=30 (dest=0, prob=0, dam=3)

(144) P51 escort; 1 caught fire near Iwo

28th Airborne=(9) TReadheimer#_, CWells#21, 1VChandler#19, HGammel#_, EHammond#_, JCarroll#21, FMaupin#21, PCrow#_, WRigg#_

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #19

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #19, Osaka, Japan Thursday, June 7, 1945

Took off at 0427 weighing 136,938. Flew at 5500 ft. To Minami Iwo and assembled formation. Flight leader of "C" flight (#3 element) on this mission. Reassembled at Hino-Saki at 20,500 and went into target as 11 ship formation. Solid 10/10 undercast so we had to bomb by radar but think the bombs hit the city OK. Left target and broke formation about 100 miles out. Trip home normal. Our second mission without a bomb bay tank. Carried 6725 gallons of gas and got back with 1115, very much of a sweat but turned out OK. Since we had so much on landing. No flak or fighters, P-51s.

Day altitude 20,500 air speed 205 time: 14:55. Carried 184 100# incen. Ship flew nice after all the repairs.

M#199; 06-10-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 21-23,000 ft altitude; Ogikubu; Nkajima Aircraft Factory

20th AF Airborne=65; Abort=8; Lost=1 (1 unk); Bomb load=12028 lb.; Fuel Reserve=704 gal.; Iwo=9;

EA Sighted=39; EA Attacks=83 (dest=1, prob=4, dam=9)

(30) P51 escort

28th Airborne=(13) FMaupin#22, JStevens#5, VParker#20, JCarroll#22, _______

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #20

93rd Airborne=(?)

Mission #20, Tokyo, Japan Sunday, June 10, 1945

Took off at 0050 weighing 139,788. Flew at 5500 ft. To Tori-Shima where we joined formation. Flight leader of "C" flight and had our complete element, but #3 man was missing so our "slot" man took over # 3. Climbed to altitude and hit landfall OK with a beautiful formation. Hit our IP just north and west of Fuji and went into target. Passed over Tachikawa and Musishiro picking up flak and fighters all along. Our target was socked in, so we went to secondary which was Kasumigaura Naval Air Base. Lost one plane just after leaving target -- on fire and lost a wing. Two men bailed out. Trip home normal.

Day altitude 21,500 air speed 205 time: 14:20. Carried 22 500# GP.

M#203; 06-15-45; Wings 58-73-313-314; Day; Incendiary bombs; 16-27,000 ft altitude; Osaka-Amagasaki Urban area

20th AF Airborne=511; Abort=40; Lost=2(1 crashed off end of runway; 1 crashed 4 mi N of Guam); Bomb load=13577 lb.; Fuel Reserve=708 gal.; Iwo=43; EA Sighted=0; EA Attacks=0

(100) P51 turned back due to poor weather

28th Airborne=(10) VChandler#20, FMaupin#23, TReadheimer#_, JStevens#6, EHammond#_, HGammel#_, JCarroll#23, PCrow, RLong, ____

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #21

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #21, Osaka, Japan (Chi-Chi Jima) Friday, June 15, 1945

Took off at 0320 weighing 139,638. Flew to Minami Iwo and joined formation flying #3 position. Flew 150 miles from Japan when we had to feather #2 because of severe backfiring so we left formation and headed for Chi-Chi Jima. We bombed the naval base there and headed back to Guam. Met the abortion board next day and they voted to give us credit for the mission, everyone was happy and relieved.

Day altitude 16,000 airspeed 210 time: 13:00. Carried 32 500# incend.

M#206; 06-17-45; Wing 314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 7-9,000 ft altitude; Kagoshima Urban area

20th AF Airborne=120; Abort=1; Lost=1 (1 crashed off coast of Japan); Bomb load=14508 lb.; Fuel Reserve=712 gal; Iwo=3; EA Sighted=16; EA Attacks=1 (0-0-0)

28th Airborne=(11) FMaupin#24, TReadheimer, JDillard, JStevens#7, JAmbrose#_, WRowe, RLong, HGammel, JCarroll#24, EHammond,

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #22

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #22, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan Sunday, 06-17-45 into Monday, 06-18-45

Took off at 1755 weighing 137,608, flew at 10,000 ft. To within 15 miles of target and let down to 8600 ft. Could see the target clearly except for one huge column of smoke in the center of town. We had to enter this and I have never encountered anything so rough and black before. We had 3 bombs hang up so Gerk and I went out into the bay at 18,000 and threw them out. Very little flak and two searchlights picked us up but we lost them OK. Trip home normal.

Night altitude 8500 speed 245 time: 13:40. Carried 40 500# incend.

M#212; 06-19-45; Wing 314; Night: Incendiary bombs; 8-12,000 ft altitude; Shizuoka Urban area

20th AF Airborne=137; Abort=9; Lost=2 (2 unk); Bomb load=15078 lb.; Fuel Reserve=954 gal.; Iwo=2; Damaged=?

EA Sighted=18; EA Attacks=4 (0-0-0)

28th Airborne=(12) FMaupin#25, BKordus#_, RLong#_, HGammel#_, JCarroll#_, JRobinson#_, EHammond#_, JStevens#8, (JAmbrose#_). VParker#21, ___, ____, ____

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #23

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #23, Shizuoka, Japan Tuesday, June 19, 1945 Into Wednesday, June 20, 1945

Took off at 1941 weighing 134,998. Flew at 5600 to Iwo where we encountered a front and entered a cumulonimbus which immediately put us up to 8,000. We climbed 800 more feet and were at bombing alt. Continued on to target and had no trouble whatsoever. Target burning well. Climbed to 20,000 ft. To come home and set a new group record for a mission, 12 hours 51 minutes. First one back.

Night altitude 8800 airspeed 235 time 13:00. Carried 100# incend.

M#216; 06-22-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 15-18,000 ft altitude; Tamashima; Mitsubishi Aircraft Plant

20th AF Airborne=123; Abort=3; Lost=2 (1 to EA; 1 unk); Bomb load=12192 lb.; Fuel Reserve=778 gal.; Iwo=3;

EA Sighted=49; EA Attacks=41 (dest=1, prob=0, dam=0)

28th Airborne=(11) 1VChandler#21, 2CWells#22, FMaupin#26, RLong, HGammel, PCrow, JRobinson, WRowe, JStevens#9, ___, ___

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #24

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #24, Tamashimo, Japan Friday, June 22, 1945

Took off at 0933 weighing 138,998. Flew to assembly area to join formation when we saw fighters. Saw miller on fire and go in. Joined formation and went on into target. Had flak from 4 different points and fighters all the time we were over japan. Had a beautiful bomb pattern and won't have to hit that Mitsubishi plant again. Trip home normal, climbed to 22,000 to come in.

Day altitude 15,500 airspeed 205 time 14:35. Carried 22 500# GP. Picked up 1 flak hole.

M#231; 06-26-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose bombs; 15-17,000 ft altitude; Kagamigahara; Kawasaki Aircraft Factory

20th AF Airborne=35; Abort=3; Lost=1(1 rammed); Bomb load=12100 lb.; Fuel Reserve=699 gal.; Iwo=4;

EA Sighted=24; EA Attacks=7 (dest=9, prob=1, dam=2)

28th Airborne=(12) VParker#22, FMaupin#27, BKordus#_,TReadhimer# , WRowe#_, JAmbrose#_, RLong(Alt), HGammel, JRandolph#_,JRobinson#_,JStevens#10, __, ___

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #25

93rd Airborne=(?):

BKordus#?? Capt Ben Kordus rammed and lost in M13 at target

Mission #25, Kagamigahara, Japan Tuesday, June 26, 1945

Took off at 0245 weighing 138,828. Flew up at 9500 ft. And hit landfall in the soup but at assembly we were breaking in and out of it. Had an enemy fighter before we saw any other b-29 but weren't attacked then. Comer shot one down before we assembled. We joined just as the formation was going in. Had one ship in the right hand element rammed and exploded. Had more flak and fighters than ever before. Did fair job on the target -- lucky to get out O.K.

Day altitude 16,800 speed 210 time 15:10. Carried 22 500# GP.

(were warned not to come back at altitude, that's what took so long.)

M#237; 06-28-45; Wing 314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 7-12,000 ft altitude; Nobeoka Urban area

20th AF Airborne=122; Abort=5; Lost=0; Bomb load=14984 lb.; Fuel Reserve=787 gal.; Iwo=6;

EA Sighted=6; EA Attacks=1; (0-0-0)

28th Airborne=(11) VChandler#22, CWells#22, FMaupin#28, TReadhimer, JStevens#11, PCrow, RLong, HGammel, JRobinson, EHammond#_, __

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #26

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #26, Nobeoka, Kyushu, Japan Thursday, 06-28-45 Into Friday, 06-29-45

Took off at 2016 weighing 137,968. Flew at 5400 ft. An hour passed Iwo then climbed to 12,000 ft. Hit landfall and IP right on the nose and turned toward target. Had practically a solid undercast and the smoke was up to 18,000. Just missed column of smoke to the left. Bombs away and turn to climb for home. This was a real "milk run" and we would like for all the rest to be so easy.

Night altitude 11,200 speed 215 time 13:50. Carried 40 500 # incend.

M#243; 07-01-45; Wing 314; Night: Incendiary bombs; 8-19,000 ft altitude; Shimonoseki Urban area

20th AF Airborne=141; Abort=8; Lost=1 (1 to mech, 2 eng failed enroute); Bomb load=13809 lb.; Fuel Reserve=656 gal.; Iwo=22; EA Sighted=0; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(11) VChandler#23, FMaupin#29,TReadhimer, JStevens#12, JAmbrose#_, PCrow, HGammel, JRobinson, VParker#23, ___, ___

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #27

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #27, Shimonoseki, Japan Sunday, July 1, 1945 Into Monday, July 2, 1945

Took off at 2008, weighing 134,998. Flew at 5400 ft to within 15 miles of japan. Relayed message to Iwo that Reither had to abandon ship. Calibrated 10-15 miles less than was called for so began to sweat daylight over the target. Left IP and into target where we saw plenty of flak but were lucky and weren't shot at. Undercast prevented searchlights from picking us up. Left land after 1 1/2 hours and dawn was just breaking. Longest trip with no bomb bays (3500 mi.). Sweat gas to Iwo but came on to Guam and had 750 gals left.

Night altitude 13,500 airspeed 240 time 15:20. Carried 183 100# incend.

M#250; 07-04-45; Wing 314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 10-17,000 ft altitude; Tokushima Urban area

20th AF Airborne=137; Abort=6; Lost=0; Bomb load=15675 lb; Fuel Reserve=762 gal; Iwo=3;

EA Sighted=10;EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(11) VChandler#24, CWells#24, FMaupin#30, TReadhimer, JStevens#13, JAmbrose, HGammel, VParker#24, JRobinson#_, EHammond, ___

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #28

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #28, Tokushima, Shikoku, Japan Tuesday, 07-03-45 Into Wednesday, 07-04-45

Took off at 2008 weighing 138,918. Flew at 7000 ft. To within 50 miles of IP where we climbed to 12,000 and on into target. Could see that we were going to enter another huge cloud of smoke but could not avoid it and still hit the target. This was roughest thing I have ever encountered and hope I never hit another. Came out OK after a bad shaking. Landed at Iwo for gas, but could have made it on home OK, Tommie's and Vic's idea. 74% of city burned out.

Night altitude 11,200 airspeed 205 time 14:25. Carried 40 500 # incend.

(altitude from 11,200-10,000 airspeed from 170-230)

M#254; 07-07-45; Wing 314; Night; Indendiary bombs; 11-17,000 ft altitude; Kofu Urban area

20th AF Airborne=138; Abort=6; Lost=0; Bomb load=15757 lb.; Fuel Reserve=783 gal.; Iwo=3;

EA Sighted=22; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(11) FMaupin#31, JStevens#14, ___________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #29

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #29, Kofu, Japan Friday, July 6, 1945 Into Saturday, July 7, 1945

Took off at 1803 weighing 134,998. Flew at 5000 ft. To within 74 miles of coast where we climbed to 14,000. Cruise control was the best we have had to date. Hit IP. Right on the nose and went into target. Had solid undercast so we bombed by radar. Quite hazy, but had no close calls with other planes. No flak or fighters. Trip home was normal and I slept all the way.

Night altitude 14,000 air speed 210 time 14:10. Carried 183 100# incend.; 1 photo flash. 64% of city burned out.

M#260; 07-10-45; Wing 314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 15-18,000 ft altitude; Gifu Urban

20th AF Airborne=135; Abort=4; Lost=1 (1 caught fire & exploded leaving target); Bomb load=14676 lb.; Fuel Reserve=685 gal.; Iwo=3; EA Sighted=10; EA Attacks=3

28th Airborne=(11) CWells#25, FMaupin#32, JStevens#15, ________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #30

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #30, Gifu, Japan Monday, July 9, 1945 Into Tuesday, July 10, 1945

Took off at 1801 weighing 139,448. Flew at 7000 ft. To within 15 miles of coast then to 16,000. Supposed to have had a warm front just south of landfall but none was there. Hit landfall and to Biwako for IP then into target. Wind blew smoke well to right of target so we made a visual run and missed smoke. Target burning good. I slept all the way home.

Night altitude 15,800 airspeed 210 time 14:30. Carried 40 500# incend. 74% of city burned out

M#274; 07-17-45; Wing 314; Night; Indendiary bombs; 11-15,000 ft altitude; Hiratsuka Urban

20th AF Airborne=132; Abort=2; Lost=0; Bomb load=16923 lb; Fuel Reserve=765 gal.; Iwo=11,

EA Sighted=0; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(11) VChandler#25, FMaupin#34, TReadhimer, JDillard, JStevens#16, JAmbrose, Dorr,PCrow, RLong, Bort, JRandolph, JHewitt

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #31

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #31, Hiratsuka, Japan Monday, July 16, 1945 Into Tuesday, July 17, 1945

Took off at 1807 weighing 140,928. Flew at 5400 ft. To within 50 miles of O-Shima which was IP. We had a very severe electrical storm to go through but radar guided us through OK with very little trouble. Target was well covered with clouds and smoke was about 10,000 ft. Bombs away and gradual turn to course home. Bad weather but it was good because there were 15 heavy guns and 22 searchlights in this town. Clouds kept all of it from us.

Night altitude 11,800 speed 230 time 13:45. Carried 40 500# incend. 1 photo flash.

M#280; 07-20-45; Wing 314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 13-16,000 ft altitude; Okazaki Urban area

20th AF Airborne=130; Abort=3; Lost=0; Bomb load=15021 lb.; Fuel Reserve=884 gal.; Iwo=4;

EA Sighted=9; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(11) FMaupin#35, JStevens#17, VParker#26, ___________________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #32

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #32, Okazaki, Japan Thursday, July 19, 1945 into Friday, July 20, 1945

Took off at 1946 weighing 139,638. Flew at 6500 to within 60 miles of landfall where we climbed to 15,000 ft. Were supposed to have a front off the coast but encountered none. Had an undercast right up to target then made a visual run through a break in it. Fires not too good but city probably burned out. Saw one searchlight, no flak. Right off of lands end both inverters blew out -- no compass or turbos. Made it home on mag compass OK. Rest of trip normal.

Night altitude 14,800 airspeed 205 time 13:40. Carried 40 500# incend.

M#289; 07-24-45; Wing 314; Day; General Purpose; 12-18,000 ft altitude; Nagoya; Mitsubishi Aircraft Factory, Fuji Textile, Toyowa Hvy Industry or Tsu

20th AF Airborne=81; Abort=6; Lost=0; Bomb load=9032 lb.; Fuel Reserve=676 gal.; Iwo=45;

EA Sighted=4; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(13) JStevens#18, VParker#27, CWells#26, _______________________________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #33

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #33, Tsu, Japan Tuesday, July 24, 1945

Took off at 0315 weighing 136,748. Flew at 7000 ft. Where we formed formation at Minami Iwo and flew to about 150 miles from the coast and climbed to 21,500 ft. Lead navigator missed landfall about 90 miles so it took time to get back over. Went to Nagoya but it was socked in so we radar bombed Tsu were over land about 1:45 but had very little flak and no fighters. Sweat gasoline but made it O.K. Expected to land at Iwo but had plenty of gas when we hit it.

Day altitude 21,400 airspeed 205 time 15:10. Carried 2 400 lb. L.c. Felt concussion and heard the explosion at 21,000 ft.

M#302; 07-29-45; Wing 314; Night; Incendiary bombs; 10-11,000 ft altitude; Uwajima Urban area

20th AF Airborne=32; Abort=3; Lost=0; Bomb load=14960 lb; Fuel Reserve=725 gal.; Iwo=2;

EA Sighted=0; EA Attacks=0

28th Airborne=(11) JStevens#20, CWells#27, ______________________

30th Airborne=(?): J Hall #34

93rd Airborne=(?):

Mission #34 (Actually #35) Uwajima, Shikoku, Japan Sat. 07-28-45 Into Sun. 07-29-45

Took off at 1806 weighing 135,174. Flew at 7000 ft to within 40 miles of coast where we climbed to 11,000 ft. For bombing. Vic missed landfall about 30 miles but took us on in O.K. We were 4th ship over target and bombs hit right on MPI. Talked to "Fifi" of pacific fleet on way to target. Flew M-25, first ship besides my own since we got it. No flak or fighters. Radar run. Slept all the way home -- nice mission -- thought I had finished but was told I would finish my crew.

Night altitude 10,400 speed 205 time 13:45. (photo showed we were the only ship to hit MPI on the nose.) Carried 20 500# incend. 92 100# incend.

February 6, 1982

My first mission was flown with another crew on March 4, 1945 for orientation. I do not remember mission conditions, but we bombed Shizuoko, Japan. Total mission time was 17 hours. 20th air force had a regulation that we could fly only 35 missions. Since my 35th was on July 28-29, I didn't think I would be allowed to fly my crew on their 35th but was told I could. Later the "wing" flight surgeon interceded and said I could not, so another aircraft commander flew my crew on their 35th.