8th Air Force 212

6 February 1944
Ten men in Air Force uniform posed in two rows in front of an airplane. Four men standing to the rear and six men kneeling in front. UPL 65989 UPL 65989 384th Bomb Group Lead Crews / 28 July 1943/Kassel.
BACK L-R: Robert Kilmer (CP), John Barkley (N), Donald Ogilvie (P), William Wilson (B).
FRONT L-R: Francis Sylvia (FG), Emmett Hood (TT), Louis Ratkiewicz (TG), William Martin (FG), James Murray (RO), James McKeon (BT)

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Object Number - UPL 65989 - 384th Bomb Group Lead Crews / 28 July 1943/Kassel. BACK L-R: Robert Kilmer (CP), John Barkley (N), Donald Ogilvie (P), William Wilson (B). FRONT...

Description

German airfields and V-Weapon sites in France are the primary targets of this mission. A combined force total of 642 heavy bombers are depatched from 8th Air Force 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bomb Divisions. The primary targets of 1st Bomb Division were the German airfields at Nancy/Essay and Dijon/Longvic; the primary target for 2nd Bomb Division was the V-Weapon site at St.Pol/Siracourt; and the primary target for 3rd Bomb Division was the Germany airfield at Romilly-sur-Seine. Cloud cover caused the formations to break up and they then sought targets of opportunity. The claims of the bomber gunners of all Bomb Divisions were bundled in the source data as 3-3-0 and these have been displayed in the statistics of 3BD. Mission summary as follows: 

3rd Bomb Division: 189 B-17s are despached from: 94BG; 95BG; 96BG; 100BG; 385BG; 388BG; 390BG; 447BG; and 452BG. 60 aircraft attacked the German airfield at St. Andre de L'eure, France and 40 aircraft bombed the German airfield at Evreux/Fauville. Both are Targets of Opportunity (TO). 3 aircraft Faield to Return (FTR) - 21KIA 9POW. 1 aircraft was Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) upon return in a crash attributed to Pilot Error. 10RTD. 30 aircraft were damaged. There were no other casualties of losses. 

1st Bomb Division: 303 B-17s are despatched from: 91BG; 92BG; 303BG; 305BG; 306BG; 351BG; 379BG; 381BG; 384BG and 401BG and bomb the German airfield at Caen/Carpiquet, France as a Target of Opportunity (TO) 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 2KIA 8POW. 1 aircraft with battle damage is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) in a crash landing upon return. 3 airmen on this aircraft baled out over France and managed to evade capture. - 6RTD 3EVD. 13 aircraft are damaged. There are no other casualties or losses. 

2nd Bomb Division: 150 B-24s from: 44BG; 389BG; 392BG; 445BG; 446BG; 448BG and 452BG are despatched. 37 bomb the German airfield at Chateaudun, France and 9 bomb the V-Weapon site at Eclimeux. Both are Targets of Opportunity (TO). 1 aircraft is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) in a crash on take off - 7KOM 3 INJ/RTD. 7 aircraft are damaged. There are no other casualties.

Mission Details

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division diverted to this target. 60 bomb Caen/Carpiquet Airfield.

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.

303rd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.

305th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Official insignia of the 306th Bomb Group, approved 6 January 1943, and updated 2 October 1951.

306th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 351st Bomb Group.

351st Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.

379th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 166.50
  • People killed in action: 2
  • Prisoners of war: 8
  • Aircraft sent: 303
  • Aircraft effective: 60
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 13

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division diverted to this target

The insignia of the 389th Bomb Group.

389th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 392nd Bomb Group.

392nd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A pathfinder B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-51681) of the 453rd Bomb Group flies in formation with a fellow Liberator of the 453rd and and a pathfinder Liberator of the 445th Bomb Group. Image via Alan Rowsell.

445th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A flight of B-24 Liberators of the 446th Bomb Group fly in formation above the clouds.

446th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 448th Bomb Group.

448th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 93.00
  • People killed in action: 8
  • People returned to duty: 2
  • Aircraft sent: 150
  • Aircraft effective: 37
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: Primary target for 1st Air Division was Dijon/Longvic. It was obscured by clouds so it was not attacked.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 0.00
  • People killed in action: 2
  • Prisoners of war: 8
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1

Description: V-1 MISSILE SITES

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division diverted to this target

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 25.25
  • Aircraft sent: 9
  • Aircraft effective: 9

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division diverted to this target

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 142.00
  • People killed in action: 12
  • Prisoners of war: 8
  • Aircraft sent: 40
  • Aircraft effective: 40
  • Aircraft missing in action: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 10

/

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 303 B-17s from 1st Bomb Division are despatched. Weather and mechanical problems cause 243 from this formation to abort mission.

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.

303rd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.

305th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Official insignia of the 306th Bomb Group, approved 6 January 1943, and updated 2 October 1951.

306th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 351st Bomb Group.

351st Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.

379th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 0.00
  • People evaded: 3
  • People returned to duty: 6
  • Aircraft sent: 243
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 189 B-17s from 3rd Bomb Division are despatched. Weather and mechanical problems cause 89 from this formation to abort mission. Primary obscured by clouds, 100th Bomb Group hit targets of opportunity.

Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve

100th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.

385th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 388th Bomb Group.

388th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 390th Bomb Group.

390th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 447th Bomb Group.

447th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 0.00
  • People killed in action: 9
  • Prisoners of war: 1
  • People returned to duty: 10
  • Aircraft sent: 89
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division diverted to this target

Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve

100th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.

385th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 388th Bomb Group.

388th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 390th Bomb Group.

390th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 447th Bomb Group.

447th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 178.00
  • People killed in action: 21
  • Prisoners of war: 9
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Aircraft sent: 150
  • Aircraft effective: 60
  • Aircraft missing in action: 3
  • Aircraft damaged: 20

Description: V-1 MISSILE SITES

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: 150 B-24s from two Bomb Group are despatched. Weather and mechanical problems cause 107 from this group to abort mission. Primary St. Pol/ Siracourt obscured by clouds, 37 bomb Chateaudun Airfield and 9 bomb Eclimeuax V-weapon site.

The insignia of the 389th Bomb Group.

389th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 392nd Bomb Group.

392nd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A pathfinder B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-51681) of the 453rd Bomb Group flies in formation with a fellow Liberator of the 453rd and and a pathfinder Liberator of the 445th Bomb Group. Image via Alan Rowsell.

445th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A flight of B-24 Liberators of the 446th Bomb Group fly in formation above the clouds.

446th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 44th Bomb Group.

44th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 0.00
  • People killed in action: 8
  • People returned to duty: 2
  • Aircraft sent: 107
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

Andrea Menard Alcarese

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 561st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33389045
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (Technician Third Grade)
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Earl Thomas Allison

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-798297
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Elroy Andrew Altendorf

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16006483
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner

Joseph Roscoe Amber

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36703821
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Togglier, Waist Gunner
Ten men in Air Force uniform posed in two rows in front of an airplane. Four men standing to the rear and six men kneeling in front.

John William Barkley

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-735966
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Aircraft

41-24560

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Little Audrey
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 384th Bomb Group Base Air Depot 1 368th Bomb Squadron 369th Bomb Squadron 544th Bomb Squadron

41-24605

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron

42-29688

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Kayo
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 365th Bomb Squadron 546th Bomb Squadron 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron

42-29703

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Kathy Jane
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron 95th Bomb Group 336th Bomb Squadron

42-29723

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Wolf Pack
  • Unit: 94th Bomb Group 384th Bomb Group 546th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to Description, Media, Related Aircraft and Related People. Changes to Media. Changes to Media. Changes to Media
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Feb-2016. Made connections to participating units (bundled for 3rd BD) and added statisitics per "The Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Feb-2016. Added Note to Dijon element per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Feb-2016. Added Statistics to Chateaudun element per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Feb-2016. Corrected statistics on Caen element per "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to name and description
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Feb-2016. Added Mission Description per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
Contributorjdossetter
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

updated location

Date
Contributorjdossetter
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

updated locations

Date
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.

8th Air Force 212: Gallery (2 items)