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HEADQUARTERS
885TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) SPECIAL
APO 520
SEPTEMBER OPERATIONS
In many respects, September 1944 marked a transition in the operations of the 885th Bombardment Squadron (H) Special. The Squadron had completed its first six months of its activation, in the primary task of supporting the intense resistance fight that the French underground had been so desperately carrying on. Transport by air had been the sole means of supplying the French Forces of the Interior prior to the Allied invasion of Southern France. During September, the advance of the Allied Armies and the capture or withdrawal of German troops from Southern France made it unnecessary to continue the shipment of supplies by air. Throughout the month, therefore, Colonel MacCloskey was instructed by S.F.O.C. to operate, to begin operations at Brindisi, Italy. By the end of September the advance echelon of the Squadron had begun operations on an A.L.G. basis at Brindisi, Italy. September was a turning point in the Squadron's history in another sense. The combat crews had joined the Squadron in April and early May had completed the bulk of their missions in the extremely active month of August and, during September, gradually finished their tours. As the older crews finished, new crews came in to replace them. This necessitated a training programme to indoctrinate the new personnel in the technique that had been perfected under wartime operating conditions. The new crews were trained and after acquiring initial experience by riding with an experienced crew, they began flying missions of their own.
With the abandoning of targets in Southern France came an end of the "Target Section" of S.F.O.C. which had worked in such close cooperation with the Squadron. Following the Squadron's departure from Blida, targets were obtained by Colonel MacCloskey directly from S.F.O.C. headquarters. At the end of the month S.F.O.C. itself was inactivated upon the British takeover.
From an operational standpoint, targets in Italy presented a somewhat more difficult problem than targets in France. The flight across the Mediterranean to the Italian coast was longer than to France. As the formation of the French coast from Antibes was particularly easy to pin point, it became standard practice to pin point there and then continue on a direct leg to areas the Italian coast at Cape Vela or at 3 Marchanti across the Gulf of Genoa. Additional difficulties were the mountainous nature of many of the Italian targets and the prevalence of flak at the coast. Fall weather had begun to set in and, on the whole, weather en route had at the target became more difficult. With difficulty and constant worry about the clearing in of cloud at the base. On the whole, because of longer flights, generally more difficult terrain and weather, and with noticeable increase in flak, September operations became more difficult than had been the case in July and August.
Three operations were notable during the month. First was a flight on September 17th to Toulouse, carrying medical supplies and agents to Toulouse. Colonel Mac Closkey acted as pilot on this flight, with Lt. Wolters as Co Pilot, in B-17 # 191, "The Colonel's Lady". The load carried consisted of 14 containers, 10 packages and 6 agents, including 1 woman, with a total of more than 3,000 lbs. Take off was at 1043 hrs. in good weather. Despite favorable forecasts, the weather became increasingly bad, with a low ceiling of solid cloud. Conditions were such that the coast could not be seen on first crossing. The Colonel successfully let down through the broken cloud. This maneuver became necessary to drop to 200 or 400 feet to fly in under the clouds. At this point oil leaks occurred in his number 3 engine, making it necessary to feather the propeller on that engine. A successful landing was made, however, on three engines, at Toulouse landing ground. It was necessary to spend two nights and one day at Toulouse while the engines were repaired by the crew, aided by some French mechanics. Oil abandoned by the Germans was used to replace the oil lost. A message was sent to Algiers for a B-17 to bring tools and oil to assist in the repairs, but due to delay caused by weather, the B-17 with Lt. Colonel Jenkins and Captain Fullias, did not arrive at Toulouse until repairs had been made on # 191, which returned to Maison Blanche on the 19th of September. This mission, in addition to being the first instance in which an 885th Squadron aircraft had landed in Allos, is of interest in that it was the first landing made at Toulouse by an American aircraft since the beginning of the war.
A second landing was made in France on the 25th of September. This mission, also piloted by Colonel Mac Closkey, carried 14 containers, 11 packages and 4 agents with 4 bags of highly secret material. The flight was conducted without untoward incident.
On the 29th of September the aircraft remaining at Maison Blanche engaged in a double header, one of the most ambitious programs ever undertaken by the Squadron. Again led by Colonel MacCloskey piloting #171, six aircraft took off on a special daylight mission to the target "Atlantic". All planes were successful in perfect drops. Returning from this six and a half hour mission, the aircraft were immediately serviced and loaded for a night take off on a second mission. Four of the five aircraft that took off were successful and returning at dawn; the operational achievement in 24 hours by six aircraft and in the twofold mission, crews flew a total of as much as 15 hours. This maximum effort was the next to the last operation flown by the 885th from Africa and was a splendid farewell performance to end an extremely creditable and successful period of Squadron operations.
HEADQUARTERS
885TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) SPECIAL
ADVANCE LANDING GROUND DETACHMENT
In accordance with orders received from M.A.A.F., seven (7) B-24 type aircraft and crews, led by Captain Fellner, were dispatched to Brindisi Airfield, from which they were to operate on an A.L.G. basis. Captain Ellison accompanied the unit as Intelligence Officer and Captain Fullias went as Assistant Operations Officer. The flight was made on the 22nd of September without incident. Representatives of 334 Wing met the party, assigned a dispersal area for the aircraft and office space for three Squadrons of the 215tth Troop Carrier Group, the 11th, 12th and 29th Squadrons, for billeting and messing. Tents had already been set up by the Squadrons.
Many difficulties were encountered in initiating operations. There were no jeeps available during the first two days. Colonel Bothwell was contacted at Fifteenth Air Force and promptly provided three trucks and two jeeps.
A crew chief and two mechanics had been brought with each aircraft under command of 1st Lieutenant Clark, with able assistance of SSgt Tech. Sergeant White as "line chief". An engineering tent was set up in a dispersal area. The aircraft were maintained with help from the 456th Service Squadron. Staff Sergeant Baird was in charge of armament and Corporal Quattrocchi and Metzak were in charge of radio maintenance.
An extremely limited amount of space on the ground floor of Sixtieth Troop Carrier Group's Headquarters building was the only available office space. Both Intelligence and Operations, with two clerks, Staff Sergeant Moore and Rock, set up an office there. Captain Ellison put up a targeting situation board suitable for marking enemy defense positions and targets.
On the morning of 23 September, Captain Fellner and Ellison called at the target room of 334 Wing, but because of unfavorable weather, no missions were scheduled. Arrangements were made for briefing on targets in Northern Italy. Briefing each morning, weather permitting. Loading was done by British personnel from Paradise Camp. During the 23rd, Lt. Keyes and crew arrived with an eighth B-24 aircraft.
The first operations were scheduled on the night of 29th September. Captain Fellner decided on operations despite uncertain weather forecasts. Eight aircraft took off to targets in the Po Valley and all made successful drops. On the succeeding day, seven aircraft took off and, because of weather, only one was successful. Weather remained so poor during the remainder of the month that no further missions could be flown from Brindisi.
HEADQUARTERS
885TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) SPECIAL
APO 520
LOSSES
During the month of September 1944 the Squadron sustained losses as stated in the following reports:
1. B-17F a/c No 42-30607, "MISS CHARLOTTE", departed its base 19 September 1944 on a secret operational mission. No word was received from the a/c after its departure. For reasons of security, a/c operating in this squadron maintain radio silence, unless in an emergency, until after the a/c has left the target area and has set course for the home base.
Radio contact with the a/c was never established during its flight. When the a/c was two hours overdue at its home base, air-sea rescue units of this theater were immediately dispatched. Three a/c of this squadron were also dispatched for a search to aid the effort made by air-sea rescue units.
In view of the fact that no message or distress signal was received, it is the opinion of this headquarters that the a/c was shot down or crashed into a mountain in the target area.
The members of the crew of the missing a/c were as follows:
Crew Position Name Rank ASN
Pilot Meyers, John B. 2nd Lt. 0-820248
Co-Pilot Deffelbower, Carl J. 2nd Lt. 0-771067
Navigator Eastburn, Ian S. 2nd Lt. 0-766438
Bombardier Wilson, Raymond L. 2nd Lt. 0-778615
Engineer Fulles, Winfred C. T/Sgt. 15323784
Radio Operator Kolin, Ernest G. Sgt. 6952466
Gunner Lloyd, Robert R. Cpl. 39915971
Gunner Simpson, Louis M. Cpl. 37875972
Gunner Bildstein, Walter M. Cpl. 35514667
Three a/c of this squadron participated in a search for a B-17F a/c No 42-30607, covering areas on either side of a track which originated at 40°50' N. - 06°00' E. to 39°50' N. - 04°00' E. to 41°30' N. - 03°25' E. to 42°50' N. - 04°00' E. These a/c were dispatched in an effort to aid the air-sea rescue search units in this region.
Regional Flying Control notified Air-Sea Rescue units in Sardinia and directed all search planes to search the track from 40°55' N. - 04°40' E. to target area. With the combined efforts of the air-sea rescue units and a/c dispatched by this organization, the search was maintained for two days. All ATC and other non-operational and operational a/c flying routes in the vicinity of the track of the missing a/c were briefed to be on watch for any distress signals or sign of life on the water.
At the time of this report, this headquarters had not received any report to indicate that an emergency water landing was made.
2. B-24J a/c No 42-72843, "DALLAS LADY", departed its base 15 September 1944 on a secret operational mission. No word was received from the a/c after its departure. For reasons of security, a/c operating in this squadron maintain radio silence, unless in an emergency, until after the a/c has left the target area and has set course for the home base.
Radio contact with the a/c was never established during its flight. When the a/c was two hours overdue at its home base, air-sea rescue units of this theater were immediately dispatched. Six a/c of this squadron were also dispatched for a search to aid the effort made by air-sea rescue units.
In view of the fact that no messages or distress signals were received, it is the opinion of this headquarters that the a/c was shot down or crashed into a mountain in the target area.
The members of the crew of the missing a/c were as follows:
Crew Position Name Rank ASN
Pilot DesJardins, Karl A. 2nd Lt. 0-818639
Co-Pilot Marston, Dale V. 2nd Lt. 0-826925
Navigator Bryant, James W. 2nd Lt. 0-717431
Bombardier Burpee, Robert W. 2nd Lt. 0-717089
Pilot-Observer Rust, Frank V. Jr. 2nd Lt. 0-824841
Bombardier-Observer Lamow, Guido J. 2nd Lt. 0-718138
Engineer Levoit, Stephen E. Cpl 33669001
Radio Operator Gluckstern, Stanley Cpl 12382672
Gunner Stari, Anthony R. Cpl 33204323
Gunner Leas, Louis E. Cpl 33419541
Gunner Boone, Joseph H Sgt 35467636
Air-sea rescue units of this theater were notified two hours after missing B-24J a/c's No 42-72843 scheduled landing time. These units covered the northern route of the a/c for a period of twenty-four (24) hours. Six a/c of this squadron were dispatched on a search covering the intended track of the missing a/c. The search originated with one a/c departing from each of the following points: 36°43' N. 00°00' E. - 35°43' N. 00°00' E. - 37°00' N. 01°00' E. - 37°00' N. 02°00' E. - 37°00' N. 03°00' E. - 36°45' N. 03°00' E. Each aircraft made good a course parallel to the intended course of the missing a/c and proceeded to the 42° North line of latitude. All operational and non-operational a/c making flights over the route of the missing a/c were briefed to be on watch for any distress signals or sign of life.
At the time of this report, this headquarters had not received any report to indicate that an emergency water landing was made.
3. B-24H a/c No 42-95379 departed this base at 0720 hours on a routine engineering test flight. The a/c was observed circling the field with all four engines running. Ten to twenty minutes hours before take-off. Approximately thirty minutes after the a/c left the ground several explosions and large fires were seen on a mountain side ten or twelve miles south of the base. Upon investigation it was found that the hilltop, while flying in an improper manner, the mountain area was partly covered by low broken cloud, had flown the plane into the side of a mountain.
Weather conditions south of the field in the mountainous area were as follows: six to eight tenths low broken cloud at 1,000 to 1,500 feet over the base; the ceiling was from 1,500 to 2,000 feet with three to five tenths coverage; cloud coverage north and east of the base amounted to two to three tenths coverage at 2,000 feet; the same conditions prevailed to the west of the base.
The pilot was cleared for take-off with definite instructions to fly the traffic circuit twice, to land and then report any malfunctions of the a/c. The pilot was familiar with the mountainous terrain. As better weather conditions were to be found in flying north, east, and west of the base, it is felt that the accident was a definite case of pilot error.
All personnel on the plane were instantly killed. Those killed were:
Crew Position Name Rank ASN
Pilot Riggs, Bruce D. 2nd Lt. -708116
Co-Pilot White, William C. 2nd Lt. 0-819443
Engineer Pittable, Charles C. S/Sgt. 01127720
A party was immediately organized to recover the bodies of the crew. With great difficulty, because of the altitude, the search reached the scene of the accident after 7 hours, guided by Captain Fellner, who flew over the location and signalled with flares. The plane was totally destroyed by the crash and the ensuing fire. All bodies however were positively identified and brought to the American Cemetery near the Maison Blanche Airport.
On the following day a funeral service was held at the cemetery with full military honors. It was jointly conducted by a Protestant Army Chaplain and a French Catholic Chaplain. Sergeant Gurney was in charge of the firing squad and taps was sounded by the Squadron Bugler.
HEADQUARTERS
885TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) SPECIAL
APO 520
AWARDS
In an impressive ceremony described in the following article translated from L'Echo D'Alger, Croix de Guerres were presented to personnel of the Squadron on the 8th of September. This was the second Croix de Guerre Citation awarded to Colonel MacCloskey.
Taken From L'Echo D'Alger of 9 September 1944.
Yesterday, near Algiers, at Air Headquarters, the staff of the Fifth Air District held a small but moving ceremony with the purpose of doing homage to certain officers of the American Air Forces whose names, thirteen in number, were more distinguished than many others. Taking off from North Africa, according to the citation, they had "at the risk of their lives supplied arms and munitions to the F. F. I., gloriously contributing to the liberation of France."
General Pierre Weiss, Commander of the Fifth Aviation District, presented the aviators himself with the decorations in the name of General Cochet, Chief of the French Air Forces of the Southern Front. "It is" he said, "with honor and joy that I address you with thanks and felicitations, not only as chief of the French Air Forces, but as a veteran of the first war, the valor of which you have given proof in the common defense of a territory that is dear to us". He then read the citation of the army order and presented the Croix de Guerre avec etoile de Vermille (Croix de Guerre with gold star).
The thus cited were Colonel John MacCloskey, Lieutenants Raymond Fellner, Ralph Kallalley, Herbert C. Manson, Harold R. Young, Paul B. Fenne, Iver S. Dawson, Leo H. Wesley, Wilson H. Jones, Thor H. Nielsen, Louis L. Mathews, Frank F. Roman, Richard S. Shamblin, Thaddeus C. Pieczonka, Edward P. Hudas, Richard A. Fodor, James C. Black, Roger W. Ogden and Flight Officer Kenneth Brylard.
Honors were paid by 1 Squadron of the French Air Force, a Squadron of the Fifth District, two Squadrons of the Colonial Aviation and two Squadrons of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
After playing the Marseillaise and the American Anthem, a guard of honor led by Colonel Chardonneaux, Chief of General Weiss' staff, composed of officers of the Aviation Garrison and joined by Mr. Boyd, Director of the U. S. A. diplomatic mission to the Provisional Government of the French Republic, marched past in honor of the newly decorated officers.
An aperitif was served to everyone after the ceremony as a personal token to the American Aces. Mr. Boyd offered a toast to the glory of the French and American Air Forces which life dangers undertaking, General Weiss replied "recalling the collaboration that we had experienced, adding: 'You will be worthy of these memorable hours, you will persevere in this struggle and you will conquer. May God guard you.'"
Other awards to members of the Squadron, during the month of September, were as follows:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Name ASN Rank G.O. No. 15th AF.
Roger H. Ceder 0-765744 1st Lt. 2869
Herbert C. Manson 0-802022 Capt. 2807
Iver S. Dawson -808643 1st Lt. 2807
Frank F. Roman 0-802718 1st Lt. 2807
Richard S. Shamblin 0-760702 1st Lt. 2807
Thaddeus C. Young 0-794507 1st Lt. 2807
James C. Black 0-795039 1st Lt. 2807
Albert F. Doughton 0-694878 1st Lt. 2807
Harold C. Moehring 0-800731 1st Lt. 2807
John J. Horvatin 0-1696533 2nd Lt. 2807
Bronze Cluster for Distinguished Flying Cross
Walter C. Shore -430365 Capt. 2807
Bronze Star
Edward H. Bradford 0-700580 Major 2405
John P. Van Tuil 0-659425 Capt. 2405
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