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596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 168, England.
10 June, 1944.
| SUBJECT: Summary of Squadron History Until Arrival in ETO. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. In the spring of 1943, the 596th Bombardment Squadron (M) of the 397th Bombardment Group (M) AAF, was activated at MacDill Field, Tampa, Fla., by General Order Number 28, Paragraphs 1 through 5, AAB, MacDill Field, Fla., as of April 20, 1943. On May 10, 1943, the newly created Squadron received its first member when a cadre was transferred from the 313th Bombardment Squadron, 21st Bombardment Group (M) MacDill Field, Florida, by Special Order Number 126, Paragraphs 6 and 10 dated May 6, 1943. 2. The majority of our filler personnel was obtained from the 21st Bombardment Group MacDill Field, Florida, and the First Minimum Altitude Bombardment and Torpedo Unit, Eglin Field, Florida. 3. This filler personnel was assigned under the following Special Orders during the year 1943: Hq. Third Bomber Command: a. S.O. 165, par 8, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. b. S.O. 123, par 5, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. c. S.O. 139, par 5, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. d. S.O. 161, par 1, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. e. S.O. 163, par 1, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. f. S.O. 172, pars 18&19, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. g. S.O. 174, par 1, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. h. S.O. 178, par 3, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. i. S.O. 177, par 2, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. j. S.O. 188, par 3, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. k. S.O. 195, pars 3&4, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. l. S.O. 197, par 9, Hq III B.C., MacDill Field, Fla. m. S.O. 253, par 9, Hq AAF Pilots School, Stuttgart, Arkansas. n. S.O. 238, par 8, Hq Freeman AAF, Seymour, Indiana. o. S.O. 312, par 16, Hq AAB, Barksdale Field, La. p. S.O. 314, par 8, Hq AAF, Lake Charles, La. Hq. Air Base Area Command, MacDill Fld, Fla: a. S.O. 129, par 47, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. b. S.O. 139, pars 1&5, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. c. S.O. 170, par 170, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. d. S.O. 184, par 26, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. e. S.O. 187, par 15, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. f. S.O. 210, par 5, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. g. S.O. 228, par 2, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. h. S.O. 308, par11, Hq ABAC, Hq MacDill Field, Fla. i. S.O. 293, par 25, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. j. S.O. 294, par 17, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. k. S.O. 243, par 13, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. l. S.O. 253, par 9, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. m. S.O. 284, pars 10, 13 and 17 Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. n. S.O. 287, par 34, Hq ABAC, MacDill Field, Fla. 4. a. The Squadron was located and trained at MacDill Field, Florida from the time of activation until October 12, 1943 when they moved to Avon Park Bombing Range, Avon Park, Florida, by Special Order Number 137 pars 7 and 8, Hq, 397th Bombardment Group, dated October 11, 1943. During its location at MacDill Field, however, the Squadron spent six weeks on maneuvers at AAFSAT, Orlando, Florida. b. The Squadron remained at Avon Park until November 1, 1943 when it was moved to Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia by Special Order Number 155, pars 1 through 5 dated October 29, 1943, where it continued its training. On November 22nd our Combat Crews left for maneuvers to train with amphibious landing craft and search missions at Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, Florida until November 29, 1943. c. Training missions were continued at Hunter Field through the month of December, 1943. On the first of January, 1944, the Squadron, with the exception of the flying crews, entrained for maneuvers at Atterbury Army Air Base, Columbus, Indiana, arriving January 3, 1944, the flying crews arriving January 5, 1944. With these maneuvers completed, we arrived back at Hunter Field on January 17th, 1944 and the flying crews arrived January 16, 1944. d. We completed our training in February and our flying crews departed from Hunter Field to Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida on February 24, 1944, on the first leg of their flight to our overseas destination, authorized by Special Order Number 53, par 14, Third Air Force Staging Wing, Hunter Field, dated February 22, 1944. They left Morrison Field, February 25, 1944 and proceeded by the prescribed Southern Route through South America, Ascension, North Africa, to Southwestern England to final destination at Station 154, Gosfield, arriving there on March 8-9-11, 1944. The order authorizing movement was by Hq Station 11, Caribbean Wing, Air Transport Command, dated February 25, 1944 (Operation Order 605) for shipment #5254 from Morrison Field. Meanwhile, our ground crew and personnel that did not fly remained at Hunter Field until March 12, 1944. We arrived at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey for staging on March 14, 1944 under authority of Special Order 67, par1, Third Air Force Staging Wing, Hunter Field, dated March 7, 1944. e. We completed our staging at Camp Kilmer and arrived at Port of Embarkation, Brooklyn, New York on March 22, 1944 and embarked March 23, 1944 for overseas under authority Secret Letter O, ASF, NYPE, Brooklyn, N.Y., March 19, 1944, file SPTAA-GM (EC) 370.5 (#5102) and letter 3/20/44 A.S.F. Camp Kilmer, New Jersey (Subject- Movement of Troops) assigning us to ETOUSA. f. We arrived at Gourock, Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde on April 3, 1944 and entrained for Halstead, Essex, England, arriving on April 5, 1944, at Station 154, Gosfield, Essex, England, where we were joined by our flying crews. The following orders cover assignments from ETOUSA through assignment to 98th Combat Wing at Gosfield, England: a. ETOUSA Letter Order AG 322 OPGC dated March 31, 1944 (Subject Troop Assignment #43, par 1 (a) – which assigned the 596th Bomb Squadron to USSTAF. b. USSTAF Letter Order (322) dated April 4, 1944 (Subject Assignment of Units #38) assigned the 596th Bomb Squadron to Ninth Air Force. c. Ninth Air Force Letter Order (370.5) dated March 22, 1944 (Subject Arriving Unit) assigned the 596th Bombardment Squadron to the Ninth Bomber Command. d. Ninth Bomber Command (General Order 62, par 1, assigned the 596th Bombardment Squadron to the 98th Combat Wing. The strength of the organization on arrival in the United Kingdom was 63 officers and 307 enlisted men. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian 596 Bombardment Squadron 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Georgia. 31st October, 1943 SUBJECT: Summary of Squadron History for Month of October. TO : Historical Officer, 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Ga. 1. October The month of October was a month of activity for the Squadron. On the fifth of the month a review was held at 1700 in which all four squadrons of the group participated. The troops were reviewed by General Parker, Commanding General III Bomber Command. On October 12th the entire group moved to Avon Park Bombing Range, Avon Park, Florida. This movement was made by truck and convoy. The convoy consisted of 30 trucks and 10 trailers and covered a distance of 122 miles from McDill Field to Avon Park. The following personnel changes were made in key personnel: The following co-pilots were added to this organization: The strength of this organization on October 31st 1943 was Officers and enlisted men. Tactical training was continued throughout this month which consisted of low-level and skip bombing. John R. Neale 1st Lt. Air Corps. Asst. Intelligence Officer 596 Bombardment Squadron 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Georgia. 30 November 1943 SUBJECT: Summary of Squadron History for Month of November. TO : Historical Officer, 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Ga. 1. November November was a month filled with events and activities. On the first of the month, the Squadron left Avon Park, Bombing Range for Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia, a permanent change of station. The flying personnel left by plane at 0800 and the remainder of the Squadron proceeded by rail, leaving at 2000 and arriving at Hunter Field the next day. At Hunter Field, the Squadron progressed along its regular training program getting prepared for its eventual overseas movement, for which we all looked forward to with anticipation. As new men were assigned the squadron now became close to full strength. There were numerous special courses for all personnel to attend in preparation for field conditions and several days were spent on the rifle range to qualify the personnel in small arms firing. A two day course in basic sanitation and first aid for use in the field was given by the medical department led by Capt. Kennard and Capt. Sherry. On 22nd November, all combat crews of our squadron led by Major McLeod, Squadron C. O., left on maneuvers to Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, Florida for training and coordination with amphibious landing craft and to train in search missions. They returned from this mission on 29th November, 1943. The following personnel changes were made in key personnel during the month. The strength on 30th November was Officers and enlisted men. John R. Neale 1st Lt. Air Corps. Asst. Intelligence Officer 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Ga. 31 December 1943 SUBJECT: Summary of Squadron History for Month of December. TO : Historical Officer, 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Ga. 1. December During the month of December, the Squadron continued its regular tactical training program with many flights scheduled, the balance of the time being used by attending ground school courses particularly relative to B-26 operations and activities in combat zones. From December 15 th through 25 th a series of missions organized by the Wing and coordinated with other Groups were flown, and our Squadron participated in all of these missions in addition to the regular scheduled flying. We received additional personnel during the month to bring the Squadron to full strength and the strength of the organization as of 31st December 1943 was 65 Officers and 331 enlisted men. In this month 1st Lts. Wm. J. Rhodes and Robert R. Evans, flight commanders, were promoted to Captains, and 2nd Lt. Wm. V. Flowers was promoted to 1st Lt. Since 26th December, we have been busy preparing to leave on two weeks’ maneuvers on the 1st January 1944 to Atterbury Army Air Field, Atterbury Indiana. John R. Neale 1st Lt. Air Corps. Asst. Intell. Officer *** 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Ga. 31 January 1944 SUBJECT: Summary of Squadron History for Month of January. TO : Historical Officer, 397th Bombardment Group (M) Hunter Field, Ga. 1. January 1944 On the first of January 1944, the Squadron, with the exception of the flying crews, entrained for maneuvers at Atterbury Army Air Field, Columbus, Indiana. We arrived early in the morning on the third of January, but, due to bad weather, the flying personnel did not arrive until the fifth of January. After they arrived, the squadron actively joined in the maneuvers supporting attacking ground troops maneuvering in Tennessee around Lebanon, Nashville and Manchester. The intensified training was carried out by all sections of the squadron, and were very beneficial to all participating. We returned to Hunter Army Air Field, leaving Atterbury on the evening of the fifteenth of January and arriving at Hunter on the seventeenth of January. The flying echelon left Atterbury on the afternoon of the fifteenth of January, and proceeded to Hunter Field by way of Barksdale Field, Louisiana, arriving at Hunter the sixteenth of January. On our return, routine training was carried out until the twentieth of January at which time an inspection prior to our FOM POM inspection was conducted by the III Bomber Command through the twenty-fourth of January. As a result of the inspection and recommendations by the inspecting department, the balance of the month was spent in catching up on deficiencies in training and in our records, which were brought out by this inspection. Captain Kennard, our Medical Officer, and Captain Erskine, our Intelligence Officer, started work on a photographic history of the Squadron during this month. 2nd Lt. Byron Eells, our Supply Officer, received his promotion to 1st Lt. The strength of the squadron on the thirty-first of January was 66 Officers and 338 Enlisted Men. JOHN R. NEALE 1st Lt., Air Corps. Asst. Intelligence Officer C O N F I D E N T I A L Historical Report of the 596th Bombardment Squadron (M) 397th Bombardment Group (M) AAF for the Period of February, 1944. During the month of February our squadron completed its final phase training and made the necessary preparation to pass the final POM final inspection which took place about the middle of the month. After that inspection, we were assigned our new airplanes and the pilots, co-pilots, navigators, radio operators, line chiefs, and flight chiefs, together with the Engineering Officer and Communications Officer were staged, and took off on the first leg of their journey overseas, under command of Major Robert M. McLeod, our Commanding Officer. The balance of the squadron prepared themselves for departure to the POE, under command of Captain Forrest W. Acton, our Executive Officer. The squadron takes pride in the ability of its pilots and the Engineering Section in that we were able to complete our training periods without the loss of any planes or personnel by flying accidents. The squadron lost by transfer 1st Lt. John A. Haupt, who was transferred to Group. His place was taken by 2nd Lt. T.E. White, Ordnance Officer. 1st Lt. Goodbody was transferred from Group to the squadron as Gunnery Officer. 2nd Lt. Walter J. Joos was promoted to 1st Lt. on February 22, 1944. The strength of the squadron at the end of the month was 315 enlisted men and 64 Officers. JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Historical Officer. SECRET 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 168, England 10 June 1944 SUBJECT: April Installment (1944) of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. The first several weeks in the ETO were spent by both ground crews and air crews with familiarization courses and study to prepare for combat in this theatre. We were ordered to leave Station 154, Gosfield, Essex, England and proceed to new base at Station 168, Rivenhall, Essex, England, on April 15, 1944. This was by authority of Letter Order (370.5) Movement Troops, dated April 12, 1944, effective April 15, 1944. We flew our first combat missions starting April 20, 1944 and flew missions regularly during the month, a summary of which follows: MISSION NO.1. 20/4/44 TARGET-Le Plouy Ferme (Noball) RESULTS-Poor (Cloud). The following crews of the 596th participated in mission: Col. Coiner, CO of the 397th Group. Capt. Marovich, Armament Officer, and enlisted crews of the 596th Squadron flew as gunners. Major McLeod flew as deputy leader. Lts Broan, Hayes, Roberts, Parker, King, Estes, Brown and crews flew in first box formation. MISSION NO.2. 21/4/44 TARGET-Fruges-Bois de Coupelle (Noball) RESULTS-Good. Col. Coiner led this mission. Capt. Marovich and enlisted crews of the 596th flew as gunners. Major McLeod was deputy leader. Lts Broan, Hayes, Roberts, Estes, Parker, King, Brown and crews flew in first Box. MISSION NO.3. 22/4/44 TARGET-Vacqueriette (Noball) RESULTS-Poor. Col. Coiner led this mission. Capt. Marovich and enlisted crews of the 596th flew as gunners. Lt Broan and crews flew as spare ship on this mission. MISSION NO.4. 23/4/44 TARGET-Benerville(Gun Positions) RESULTS-Good. COL. Coiner led this mission. Capt. Marovich and enlisted crews of the 596th flew as gunners. Capt. Boyar and Capt. Evans and Lts Jordan, Colahan, Flowers, Hoch and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO.5. 25/4/44 TARGET-Bois Cequerel (Noball) RESULTS-Poor (Visib) Col. Coiner led this mission. Capt. Marovich and enlisted crews of the 596th flew as gunners. Major McLeod, Lts Illanes, Hayes and crews flew window ships for the formation. MISSION NO.6. 26/4/44 TARGET-Ghislain (MY) RESULTS-Poor. Captains Rhodes, Evans, Boyar, Lts. Hoch, Flowers, Brown, Parker, King, Jordan, Roberts, White and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO.7. 27/4/44 TARGET-Ouistreham-Caen (Defense Wks) RESULTS-Very Good. Major McLeod and crew led the second Box. Captains Weltzin, Evans and Lts. Flowers, White, Illanes, Estes, Roberts, Colahan, Broan, Parker, Brown and crews flew in the second box. Captain Boyar and crew flew spare ship. MISSION NO.8. 28/4/44 TARGET-Mantes-Gassicourt (MY) Weather 10/10ths. Major McLeod and crew led first box. Captain Boyar and Captain Evans and Lts. Jordan, Flowers, King, Hayes, Colahan, Roberts, Parker, White, Brown and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO.9. 29/4/44 TARGET-Mantes-Gassicourt (MY) Recall-Weather. Col. Coiner and crew of the 596th led the second box. Captains Weltzin, Rhodes, Evans and Lts. Hayes, King, Jordan, White, Parker, Broan, Roberts, Brown and crews flew in the second box. MISSION NO.10. 30/4/44 TARGET-Lettinghem (Noball) RESULTS-Good. Lt. Col. Winingham led second box with 596th crew. Captains Rhodes, Boyar, Evans, Weltzin and Lts. Hoch, Hayes, Jordan, Estes, Brown, Parker, Broan, Goodnow, Cannop and crews flew in the second box. 2. During this month, we received copy of G.O. 75, par1, dated March 27, 1944, Hq Ninth Air Force, increasing Combat Crews per Squadron from 15 to 21 crews. In keeping with this order, the following crews joined the squadron: Lt. Walter, and crew, Lt. Wegman and crew, and Lt. Julius and crew. These crews were assigned per par 1, S.O. 107, Hq AAF, Station 236, APO 639, dated 19 April 1944. 3. There were no losses in action from our Squadron, no killed or wounded. There were no awards or decorations to members of the unit. The strength of the unit as of April 30, 1944 was 77 Officers and 318 enlisted men. Sgt. John T. Brewer wounded 30 April 1944 on Mission No. 10 (Lettinghem). {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian SECRET 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 168, England 15 June 1944 SUBJECT: May Installment (1944) of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. In May, 1944 the Squadron T.O. was changed by IX Air Force General Order 129, Paragraph 1, dated 10 May 1944 which authorized the increase of the Squadron strength from 21 crews to 24 crews. During the month we remained at Station 168, Rivenhall, England. Lt. Hausman, Kassel and crews transferred from Hq, AAF Station 236, APO 639, dated 20 May 1944. Lt. Brandle, Barcroft and crews transferred for Hq. AAF Station 236, APO 639, per paragraph 1, S.O. 147 dated 29 May 1944 to 596th Sq. The following missions were flown by the Group during May and our Squadron participated: MISSION NO.11. 1/5/44 TARGET-Mantes-Gassicourt (MY & BRIDGE) Results-Good. Major McLeod, Capt. Rhodes, Lts. Jordan, Estes, Flowers, Colahan and crews flew in 2nd Box. Lts. King, Roberts, Illanes, Goodnow, Hayes, Hoch and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.12. 2/5/44 TARGET-Busigny (MY) Results- Excellent. Col. Coiner led 2nd Box, with crew from 596th. Capt. Rhodes and crew flew deputy lead. MISSION NO.13. 4/5/44 TARGET-Etaples (GUN POSITION) Results-Poor. Capt. Gibson and 596th crew led 2nd Box. Capts. Evans, Boyar, Lts. Hayes, Parker, Freeman, Roberts, Broan, Illanes, Flowers, Wegman, King and crews flew in 2nd Box. MISSION NO.14. 8/5/44 TARGET-Oissel (RR BRIDGE) Results-Fair. Major McLeod and crew led 2nd Box. Capts. Weltzin, Rhodes, Lts. Freeman, Jordan, Flowers, White, Goodnow, Colahan, Hoch, Illanes, Cannop and crews flew in 2nd Box. (See narrative – Lt. Freeman down over occupied territory). MISSION NO.15. 9/5/44 TARGET-Le Grismont (NOBALL) Results-Poor. Capt. Evans, Lts. Roberts, Wegman, Broan, Goodnow, Hoch, and crews flew in 1st Box. Lts. King, Colahan, Illanes, Parker, Flowers, White and crews flew in 2nd Box. MISSION NO.16. 10/5/44 TARGET-Creil (MY) Results-Good-Excellent. Lts. Jordan and Broan flew “window ships” for this mission. MISSION NO.17. 11/5/44 TARGET-Beaumont Le Roger (AF) Results-Good. Lts. White, Roberts, Illanes and crews flew “window ships” for this mission. MISSION NO.18. 12/5/44 TARGET-Etaples (GUN POSITION) Results-Poor. Major McLeod and crew led 1st Box. Capts. Boyar and Hughes (Group Officer but 596th crew), Lts. Hayes, Roberts, Estes, in 1st Box. Col. Coiner with 596th crew led 3rd Box. Capt. Weltzin, Lts. Wegman, Nunally, Julius, Colahan and crews flew in 3rd Box. MISSION NO.19. 13/5/44 TARGET-Gravelines (COASTAL BATTERY) Results-Fair. Capts. Rhodes, Weltzin, Boyar, Evans, Hughes (Group Officer but 596th crew), Lts. Parker, Estes, Broan, Hoch, Colahan, Cannop, Goodnow and crews flew in 3rd Box. MISSION NO.20. 15/5/44 TARGET-Denain-Prouvy (AF) Results-Weather, 10/10th. Major McLeod and crew led 1st Box. Capts. Boyar, Rhodes, Lts. Estes, Hoch, King, Illanes, Roberts, Nunnally, Julius, Jordan, Broan, Wegman flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.21. 19/5/44 TARGET-St. Cecily (Gun Emplacement) Results-Fair. Major McLeod and crew led 1st Box. Capts. Rhodes, Gibson, Lts. Nunally, Roberts, Brown, Estes, Illanes, King, White, Colahan, Hoch flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.22. 20/5/44 TARGET-St. Marie Aubosc (Gun Position) Results-Poor. Capt. Rhodes and crew led 2nd Box. Major McLeod, Capt. Gibson, Lts. Nunnally, Estes, King, Brown, Jordan, Colahan, Illanes, White, Hayes and crew flew in 2nd Box. MISSION NO.23. 20/5/44 TARGET-Varengeville Sur Mer (G.P.) Results-Excellent. Major McLeod and crew led 2nd Box. Capt. Gibson, Rhodes, Evans, Lts. Brown, Estes and crews flew in 2nd Box. Capt. Boyar, Lts. Flowers, Broan, White, Hoch, Jordan and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.24. 22/5/44 TARGET-St. Marie Aubosc (Coast Defense) Results-Good. No. 596th aircraft or crews on mission (Comm. from Gen. Anderson, dated 23/5/44 on mission). MISSION NO.25. 24/5/44 TARGET- St. Marie Aubosc (Coast Defense) Results-Poor. (Pathfinder mission) Major McLeod and crew led 1st Box. Capts. Weltzin, Rhodes, Lts. White, Brown, Colahan, Cannop, King, Broan, Goodnow and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.26. 24/5/44 TARGET-Dieppe (Port Area) Results-Good. Major McLeod and crew led 3rd Box. Capts. Weltzin, Evans, Lts. Broan, Roberts, Parker, Brown, Jordan, Cannop, Flowers, Illanes, Goodnow and crews flew in 3rd Box. MISSION NO.27. 25/5/44 TARGET-Liege (RR Bridge) Results-Good. Col. Coiner and 596th crew led 2nd Box. Capt. Weltzin, Lts. White, Goodnow, Parker, Broan, Estes, King, Brown, Flowers, Colahan, Jordan, Cannop and crews flew in 2nd Box. MISSION NO.29. 27/5/44 TARGET-Le Manoir (RR Bridge) Results-Excellent. Major McLeod and crew led 1st Box. Capt. Hughes (Group Officer and 596th crew), Capt. Boyar, Lts. Colahan, Hayes, King, Goodnow, Broan, Illanes, Cannop, Jordan and Capt. Evans and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.28. 26/5/44 TARGET-Chartres (A/D) Results-Poor. No 596th crews or aircraft on this mission. MISSION NO.30. 27/5/44 TARGET-Orival (RR Bridge) Results-Good. Major McLeod and crew led the 2nd Box. Capt. Evans, Capt. Hughes (Group Officer but 596th crew), Lts. Hoch, Roberts, Brown and crews flew in 2nd Box. Capt. Weltzin, Lts. Estes, Colahan, Parker, King, Illanes and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.31. 28/5/44 TARGET-Liege (RR Bridge) Results-Excellent. Major McLeod and crew led the 1st Box. Capt. Weltzin, Evans, Rhodes, Boyar, Lts. Estes, Hayes, Broan, Parker, Cannop, Colahan, Hoch and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.32. 28/5/44 TARGET-Maissons/Lafitte (RR Bridge) Results-Good to Excellent. Capts. Weltzin, Boyar, Lts. Roberts, Estes, Kessel, Jordan, Hayes and crews flew in “B” Flight (1st Box). MISSION NO.33. 29/5/44 TARGET-Conflains (RR Bridge) Results-Fair to Good. No 596th crews on this mission. MISSION NO.34. 29/5/44 TARGET-Beauvoir (Noball) Results-Fair. Capt. Weltzin, Lts. King, Broan and crews flew “window ship” in this mission. MISSION NO.35. 30/5/44 TARGET-Meulan (Highway Bridge) Results-Excellent. No 596th crews flew on this mission. MISSION NO.36. 31/5/44 TARGET-Rouen (Highway Bridge) Results-Excellent. Major McLeod and crew led 1st Box. Capt. Rhodes, Boyar, Evans, Lts. White, Illanes, Hoch, Kessel, Roberts, Hayes, Jordan, Hausman and crews flew in 1st Box. MISSION NO.14. 8/5/44 TARGET-Oissel (Railway Bridge) (98th CBW F.O. 45-302) On operational mission over enemy territory occupied France B-26B55 Airplane No. 42096143 peeled out of formation with both engines smoking. Probably hit by flak. Last seen headed on course 270 degrees 2 miles N.W. Aboncurt, France, losing altitude. Spitfire escort reports six chutes from this aircraft landing in a woods. The following crew members reported missing in action: Pilot – Elmer C. Freeman, 2nd Lt. – O-805432 Co-Pilot – Harry E. Walter, 2nd Lt. – O-805539 Bombardier – George A. Hoffman, 2nd Lt. – O-741310 Engineer Gunner – Oscar E. Young, Sgt. – 39852035 Radio Gunner – Henry J. Hoderlik, S/Sgt. – 3276661 Gunner – Marion (NMI) Rose, Sgt. 35623274 There were no men killed or wounded during the month. The following men were promoted by Pars. 1 through 5, S.O. 153, Hq. ETOUSA, dated 1 June 1944: Forest W. Acton – O297344, AC – Capt. to Major. Conrad N. Jordan – O429423, AC – 1st Lt. to Capt. Carl R. Cannop – O747737, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Kyran A. Colahan – O805401, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Warren J. Dale – O796964, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. William F. Demmitt – O741544, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Arthur E. Goodnow – O687581, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Franklin F. Hill – O674769, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Sterling P. Hoch – O684331, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Winfred E. Humphries – O741180, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Alfred Iuvara – O741181, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Norbert P. Kanka – O741533, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Henry J. Parker – O797058, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. Jack Rosenthal – O739505, AC – 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. By General Order 75, IX Bomber Command, dated 8 May 1944, paragraph, Sgt. John T. Brewer, awarded the purple heart for wounds sustained on mission number 10, Lettinghem (Noball) dated 30 April 1944. By General Orders No. 141 Section V, dated 18 May 1944 and No. 146, dated 23 May 1944 the following men were awarded Air Medals for meritorius achievement while participating in required number of operation sorties against the enemy: Robert M. McLeod – Major Bradford W. Boyar – Capt. Robert R. Evans – Capt. Lewis M. Domke – Capt. William M. Marovich – Capt. Richard F. Weltzin – Capt. Robert A. Broan – 1st Lt. Francis E. Brown – 1st Lt. William V. Flowers – 1st Lt. John F. Hannigan – 1st Lt. Claude R. Hayes – 1st Lt. Walter J. Joos – 1st Lt. Conrad N. Jordan – 1st Lt. Frederick M. King – 1st Lt. Adolphe J. Mathes, Jr. – 1st Lt. George W. Parker – 1st Lt. Leo P. Roberts – 1st Lt. Lloyd E. Yeast – 1st Lt. Carl R. Cannop – 2nd Lt. Donald C. Clark – 2nd Lt. Warren J. Dale – 2nd Lt. Paul E. Elliott Jr. – 2nd Lt. Franklin F. Hill – 2nd Lt. George A. Hofmann – 2nd Lt. Alfred Iuvara – 2nd Lt. Robert P. Jones – 2nd Lt. Lonnie R. Moore – 2nd Lt. Henry J. Parker – 2nd Lt. Thomas H. Pullan – 2nd Lt. Albert R. Ridenour – 2nd Lt. Ernest F. Ross – 2nd Lt. Willard H. White – 2nd Lt. Fred L. Williams, Jr. – 2nd Lt. Lawrence C. Yeardley – 2nd Lt. Richard A. Ganther – Flight Officer Samuel Vanderjagt – T/Sgt. Malcolm Bamford – S/Sgt. Don W. Billings – S/Sgt. Peter Dabkowski – S/Sgt. Urbane M. D’Agnessa – S/Sgt. James G. Dever – S/Sgt. Lee P. Duncan – S/Sgt. Monte D. Gray – S/Sgt. Joseph J. Longtin – S/Sgt. Floyd Miller, Jr. – S/Sgt. Hubert R. Pensinger – S/Sgt. Robert J. Prospal – S/Sgt. Alfred Simoncelli – S/Sgt. Ernest L. Slaten – S/Sgt. Edwin L. Barney – Sgt. Carl W. Berg – Sgt. John Buscheri – Sgt. Artie C. Cotner, Jr. – Sgt. Thomas R. Dyas – Sgt. William E. Epps – Sgt. Arthur L. Harris – Sgt. Milton J. Liberko – Sgt. Kenneth E. McCann – Sgt. Henry W. Meaker – Sgt. Jerome J. Miller – Sgt. Robert N. Mink – Sgt. Hershel S. Nation – Sgt. James P. Negri – Sgt. Anthony D. Ragard, Jr. – Sgt. William L. Spears – Sgt. Glenn A. Spencer – Sgt. John J. Vitty – Sgt. Martin J. Willse – Sgt. Gino Alpente – Cpl. Richard J. Atkinson – Cpl. Anthony J. Galte – Sgt. Joseph A. Sullivan, Jr. – Cpl. Charles W. Estes – 1st Lt. Gregory H. Illanes, II – 1st Lt. Francisco Bautista – 2nd Lt. William D. Collins – 2nd Lt. Kyran A. Colahan – 2nd Lt. William F. Demmitt – 2nd Lt. Merlin E. Garton – 2nd Lt. Arthur E. Goodnow – 2nd Lt. Sterling P. Hoch – 2nd Lt. Winfred E. Humphries – 2nd Lt. Norbert P. Kanka – 2nd Lt. Ross M. Lumsden – 2nd Lt. Jack Rosenthal – 2nd Lt. Donald R. Von Gal – 2nd Lt. Harry E. Walter – 2nd Lt. Forrest L. Maddox – T/Sgt. Edward Hammack – S/Sgt. Alva W. Poirier – S/Sgt. John P. Tierney – S/Sgt. Linden B. Coffman – Sgt. Ralph E. Wright – Sgt. George Kapitan, Jr. – Cpl. Martin E. Strawn – Cpl. Richard B. Halloran – 2nd Lt. Lewis E. Hammond – 2nd. Lt. Robert H. Hanlon – 2nd Lt. Loy L. Julius – 2nd Lt. Eugene G. Wegman – 2nd Lt. Hilary C. Sconzert – S/Sgt. John T. Brewer – Sgt. Bob Karup – Sgt. John S. Pazaropoules – Sgt. Elmer E. Salveg – S/Sgt. J.H. Detweiller – Sgt. Scott W. Carl – S/Sgt. Elmer C. Freeman – 2nd Lt. Henry J. Hodulik – S/Sgt. Our mission in the war to date has been one of tactical bombing of bridges, marshalling yards, gun emplacements, noball targets in France, Belgium and Holland in order to soften the West Wall of Europe for the coming invasion. First Sergeant Alvin L. Migura was commended by 98th Wing Inspectors for general demeanor and conduct in administration of Squadron and for condition of Squadron area when their inspection was made. The strength of the Squadron as of 31st May 1944 was 73 Officers, 318 Enlisted Men. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), Station 168, England 15 July 1944 SUBJECT: June 1944, Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. In June 1944, the Squadron remained at its present base, at Station 168, Rivenhall, England. The following replacement crews were assigned to our organization: Per SO No. 147, par 1, Hq AAF Sta 236 and SO No. 116, par 5, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, dtd 6/1/44: Second Lieutenants George R. Brandle, R.B. Barcroft, C.F. Alock, E.J. Zachary, Rieman, R.A., P.A. Vogel, and crews. Per SO No. 120, par 1, and SO. No. 152 par 1,AAF Sta 236, and Hq 397th Bomb Gp, dtd 6/6/44: Second Lieutenants Brownlee, McClellan, and Cartmill and crews. Captain Francis D. Meinke was assigned, not joined, DS with 1st Pathfinder (Prov) from 397th Bomb Gp, per par 1, SO 123, 397th Bomb Gp dtd 6/12/44. 2. The following missions were flown by the Group during June and our Squadron participated: MISSION NO. 37. 1/6/44. Target-Octeville Sur Mer (Gun Emplacements), Results-Good. Major McLeod and crew led the second box. Capt. Rhodes, Boyar, Lts. Roberts, Hoch, Parker, Illanes, Hausman, Brown, White and crews flew in the second Box. MISSION NO. 38. 2/6/44. Target-Camiers (Gun Position), Results-Poor. Capt. Rhodes and crew led the second box. Capt. Boyar, Lts. Hayes, Roberts, Colahan, King, Brown, Hausman, Illanes, White, Parker, Kessel, Hoch and crews flew in the second Box. MISSION NO. 39. 3/6/44. Target-Octeville Sur Mer (C/D), Results-Poor. Capt. Weltzin, Lts. White and Colahan flew “Window Ships” for this mission. MISSION NO. 41. 6/6/44 (D Day). Target-Les Dunes de Verreville, Madeleine, Beau Guillot, Results-Good. Major McLeod first box and mission on D Day. Capts. Rhodes, Evans, Boyar, Lts. Hayes, Illanes, Hoch, Estes, Parker, Brown, Goodnow, Cannop, Roberts, Broan, and crews flew in first box and attacked Les Dunes de Verreville. MISSION NO. 41 (A). 6/6/44. Target-Trouville (C/D). Results-Excellent. Capt. Weltzin and crew led the second box. Lts. Colahan, White, Goodnow, Jordan, Hausman, Hayes, King, Kessel, Cannop and crews flew in the second box. MISSION NO. 42. 7/6/44. Target-Le Mans RR Bridge. Results-Fair. Capts. Weltzin, Rhodes, Evans, Boyar, Lts. Broan, Brown, White, Parker, Jordan and crews flew in the second box. MISSION NO. 43. 7/6/44. Target-Flers (M/Y), Results-Excellent. Major McLeod and crew led the second box. Capt. Weltzin, Lts. Colahan, Illanes, Goodnow, Estes, White, Roberts, Jordan, Hausman and crews flew in second Box. MISSION NO. 44. 8/6/44. Target-Rennes (Road over Bridge). Results-Fair to Good. Capts. Rhodes, Evans, Weltzin, Boyar, Lts. Brown, Hayes, Parker, Broan, Cannop and crews flew in second box. Lts. Roberts, Estes, Colahan and crews flew window ship for this formation. Major Allen led the mission and commended Lt. Colahan in window ship for descent through undercast and rendering valuable weather report as to conditions in target area. Flights picked casual targets to bomb due to undercast at target. MISSION NO. 45. 8/6/44. Target-Grimbosq (Fuel and ammo dump). Recall-Weather. Lt. Illanes and crew only 596th ship on this mission. MISSION NO. 46. 10/6/44. Target-Quinneville (C/D), Results-Good to Excellent. Capts. Rhodes, Evans, Weltzin, Lts. King, Broan, Hausman, Cannop, Hoch, Hayes and crews flew in first Box. MISSION NO. 47. 11/6/44. Target-St. Lo Road junction and highway Bridge. Did not bomb-Weather 10/10ths. Capts. Rhodes, Evans, Lts. Hayes, Brendle, Hoch, Hausman, Cannop, King, Jordan, and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 48. 12/6/44. Target-St. Lo rd junct and Hwy Bridge. Results-Excellent. Capts. Weltzin, Boyar, Lts. Goodnow, Colahan, Roberts, Parker, Kessel, Illanes, Barcroft and crews flew in second box. (See narrative for commendation.) MISSION NO. 49. 13/6/44. Target-Foret D’Andaine Fuel Dump. Results-Good. Major McLeod and crew led first box. Capt Rhodes, Lts Hoch, Hayes, Broan, King, Brown, Brendle, Hausman, and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 50. 14/6/44. Target-Chartres RR Bridge. Results-Fair to Good. Lts. Brendle, Goodnow, Kessel, White, Roberts, Parker, Estes, Illanes, Colahan, and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO. 51. 14/6/44. Target-St. Hilaire Hwy Bridge. Results-Good. Major McLeod and crew led second box. Capts. Rhodes, Evans, Lts. Hoch, Broan, Illanes, King, Cannop, Brendle, and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 52. 15/6/44. Target-Coltainville Bridge. Results-Poor. Lts. Illanes, Parker, Barcroft, Brown, Roberts, White, Colahan, Jordan, Goodnow, and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO. 53. 17/6/44. Target- Coltainville Bridge. Results-Poor. Capts. Weltzin, King, Evans, Lts. Hoch, Cannop, Illanes, Broan, Hayes, Hausman, flew in first box. MISSION NO. 54. 18/6/44. Target-Mezidon M/Y. Results-Weather 10/10ths. Major McLeod and crew led second box. Capts. Rhodes, Jordan, Boyar, Lts. White, Colahan, Barcroft, Goodnow, Brownlee and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 55. 18/6/44. Target-Bachimont (Noball). PPF. Major McLeod and crew led second box. Capts. Rhodes, Boyar, Lts. Colahan, Goodnow, Brownlee flew in second box. Capts. Weltzin and Jordan flew window ships. MISSION NO. 56. 21/6/44. Target-Gorenflos (Noball). Recall-Weather. Capt. Weltzin and crew led second box. Capts. Evans and King, Lts. Hayes, Brendle, Broan, Hausman, Cannop, Brown and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 57. 22/6/44. Target-0-090218 (Defended Area) PPF. Major McLeod and crew led first box. Capts. Roberts, Jordan, Lts. White, Brownlee, Estes, and crews flew in first box. Capt. Boyar and Lt. Goodnow flew window ship. MISSION NO. 58. 23/6/44. Target-Lambus (Noball). PPF. Capts Rhodes, Lt. Parker, Hayes, Illanes, Brown, Broan and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO. 59. 24/6/44. Target-Maisson LaFitte RR Bridge. Results-Excellent. Capts. Boyar, Roberts, Evans, Lts. Brownlee, Kessel, Illanes, Estes, Goodnow, Colahan, and crews flew in second box. Lt. Barcroft flew in window ship. MISSION NO. 60. 30/6/44. Target-Thury Harcourt. Results-Did not Bomb 10/10ths cloud cover. Major Dempster and enlisted crew of 596th. Capts Rhodes, Weltzin, Boyar, Lts. Colahan, White, Barcroft, Brownlee and Estes. MISSION NO. 61. 30/6/44. Target-Conde sur Noireau. PPF Major McLeod and crew led first box. Capts. Rhodes, King, Evans, Lts. Hayes, Brown and crew flew in first box. 3. The following men were promoted on the following orders: Capt. Acton to Major, per par1, SO 153, Hq ETOUSA, 6/1/44. 2nd Lts. Cannop, Colahan, Dale and Demmitt to 1st Lt. per par 3, SO 153, Hq ETOUSA, 6/1/44. Per par 4, of the same Special Order, 2nd Lts. Goodnow, Hill, Hoch, Humphries, Iuvara and Kanka were promoted to 1st Lt. Per par 5, of the same order, Lts. Parker, Rosenthal, White, W.H. and White, T.E. were promoted to 1st Lt. 1st Lt. Jordan to Capt par 2, SO 153 Hq ETOUSA dtd 15 June 1944 Capt. Weltzin to Maj par 5, SO 167 “ “ “ 15 “ “ 1st Lt. Roberts to Capt par 6, SO 167 “ “ “ “ “ “ Maj McLeod to Lt Col par 8, SO 161 “ “ “ 9 “ “ 1st Lt King to Capt “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ 1st Lt Yeast to Capt “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ 2nd Lts. Bautista, Clark, Collins, Elliott to 1st Lt per par 1, SO 176 Hq ETOUSA, dtd 24 June 1944. 2nd Lts Garton, Halloran, Hammond, Jones, Julius, Laney, Lumsden, McFarland, Moore, Pullan, Ridenour, Ross to 1st Lt. per par 2, of the same Special Order. And per par 3 of the same Order 2nd Lts. VonGal, Wegman, Williams and Yeardley were promoted to first Lt. 4. The following General Orders awarded combat crews of our Squadron decorations: GO 149, Ninth Air Force Sect 8-Air Medals GO 156, “ “ “ “ 9-Air Medals and Oak Leaf Clusters GO 95, Ninth Bomber Command Sect 7, Oak Leaf Clusters GO 99, “ “ “ “ 5, Air Medals GO 101, “ “ “ “ 2, Air Medals and Oak Leaf Clusters GO 105, “ “ “ “ 1, “ “ “ “ “ “ GO 111, “ “ “ “ 6, “ “ “ “ “ “ GO 114, “ “ “ “ 3, Oak Leaf Clusters. The Purple Heart was awarded to Lt. W.E. Humphries per par N, Sect 1, GO 118, Ninth Bomber Command, dtd 7/3/44. 5. During the month of June our Group continued operations against coastal defense guns, rail and highway bridges, marshalling yards and Noballs. In addition we attacked fuel and ammunition dumps, troop concentrations in close support of our ground troops on the continent of Europe. On June 14th the Group received a special commendation from General Anderson Commanding the Ninth Bomber Command for superior mission of June 12th at St. Lo in France. On June 16th we received a general commendation from Hqs USSAF, which went to all AAF Units for support to ground units. Our Squadron effectively led the mission on D Day against coastal defences. The strength of the Squadron on the 30th of June 1944 was 83 Officers and 330 enlisted men. JOHN R. NEALE 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, England 15 August 1944 SUBJECT: July 1944, Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. In July 1944, the Squadron remained at its present base, at Station 168, Rivenhall, England. The following replacement crews were assigned to our organization: 2nd Lt. Stephen B. Weatherby, assigned per par 1, SO 152, 397th Bomb Gp (M), dtd 7/17/44, and Sgts. Egeland, Kasarjian, Liebig, Mitchell, and Czyz, per par 1, SO 157, Hq 397th Bomb Gp (M), dtd 7/24/44. 2. The following missions were flown by the Group during July and our Squadron participated: MISSION NO. 61. 6/7/44. Target-Dol to Rennes, RR Bridge and Embankment, Results-Good. Captain Evans, Lts Hayes and Hausman and crews flew in first Box. Captain King, Lts Broan, Hoch, Illanes, Goodnow and crews flew in the second Box. MISSION NO. 62. 6/7/44. Target-Foret de Conches Fuel Dump, Results-Good. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew led this formation, Lts. Julius, White and crews flew in this box. Major Weltzin and crew led the second box, Captain Jordan, Lts Colahan, Kessel and Parker flew in this box. MISSION NO. 63. 7/7/44. Target-Ussy Motor Transport Area, Results-Fair. Captains Rhodes, Boyar, Evans, Lts Hausman, Parker, Illanes, Cannop, Brendle, Kessel and crews flew in second box of this formation. (2nd Lt. John Cartmill received slight wounds on this mission). MISSION NO. 64. 8/7/44. Target-Saumur RR Bridge, Results-Fair. Captains Roberts, Jordan, King, Lts Ganther, Goodnow, Colahan, Estes, Kessel, Brownlee flew in the first box of this formation. (T/Sgt. Pensinger flying in A/C #42961864 with Captain King was wounded by flak in right knee on this mission over Saumur, France). MISSION NO. 65. 8/7/44. Target-Saumur RR Bridge, Results-Fair. Captains Evans, Boyar, Lts Hausman, Broan, Julius, Kessel and crews flew in first box. Captain Rhodes and crew led second box, Lts Colahan, Estes and crew flew in second box. Lt. Brendle and crew flew window ship. MISSION NO. 66. 9/7/44. Target-Nogent le Roi RR Bridge. 10/10ths Weather. Capts King, Roberts, Jordan, Lts Brownlee, White, Brendle, Hausman, Barcroft, Illanes and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 67. 11/7/44. Target-Chateau de Tertu Fuel Dump. Results-Good. Major Weltzin, Capts Roberts, King, Lts Hayes, Illanes, Estes, Colahan and crews flew in second box of this formation. MISSION NO. 68. 12/7/44. Target-Foret d’Ecouves. PPF. Major Weltzin, Capts Boyar, Evans, Lts Broan, Goodnow, Barcroft and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 69. 16/7/44. Target-Boisse Le Londe RR Embankment. PPF. Capts Roberts, Evans, Boyar, Lts Broan, White, Hayes, Julius, Parker, Kessel and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO. 70. 16/7/44. Target-Nantes RR Bridge. Results-Fair. Capts King, Roberts, Boyar, Lts Ganther, Illanes, Parker, Brendle, Estes, Hoch and crews flew in first box. MISSION NO. 71. 17/7/44. Demouville ‘D’ Area. Primary Not Bombed. Capts King, Evans, Lts Colahan, White, Wegman, Brownlee, Hayes, Goodnow, Barcroft and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 72. 18/7/44. Target-Cherisy RR Bridge and Embankment. Results-Good. Capts Evans, Jordan, Lts Brendle, Hoch, Kessel, Estes and crews flew in first box. Lts Parker, Cannop, Barcroft, crews in second box. Sgt. Edward L. Price was wounded on this mission. MISSION NO. 73. 19/7/44. Target-La Possonniere RR Viaduct. Results-Good to Excellent. Capts King, Jordan, Lts Hayes, White, Brownlee, Hoch and crews flew in first box. Lts Estes, Colahan, Broan and crews in second. MISSION NO. 74. 23/7/44. Argentan RR Bridge and Emb. PPF. Capts Rhodes, Jordan, King, Lts Estes, Kessel, Brownlee, Julius and crew flew in second box. MISSION NO. 75. 24/7/44. Livarot Forest Fuel Dump. PPF. Major McLeod and crew led this formation. Capt Evans, Lts Broan, Wegman, White, Hayes, Illanes, Hoch, and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 76. 25/7/44. St. Lo Defended Area. Area Bombing. Major Weltzin and crew led second box. Capts Roberts, Jordan, Lts Parker, Goodnow, Ganther, Brownlee, Kessel, Ridenour and crews flew in second box. MISSION NO. 77. 25/7/44. Cloyes RR Bridge. Results-Excellent. Col. McLeod and crew led this formation, Capts Rhodes, Evans, Lts White, Julius, Illanes, Broan, Barcroft, Brendle and crew flew in first box. MISSION NO. 78. 26/7/44. Epernon RR Bridge and Emb. Results-Fair to Good. Capts. Boyar, Roberts, King, Lts Wegman, White, Brendle, Brownlee, Parker, Goodnow, flew in first box of this formation. MISSION NO. 79. 28/7/44. Courcelles RR Bridge. PPF. Maj Weltzin led second box. Capt Evans, Lts Ridenour, Goodnow, Kessel, Broan, Estes, Brownlee and crew flew in second box. MISSION NO. 80. 30/7/44. Caumont Defended Area. PPF. Col McLeod and crew led this formation, with Captains Roberts and Jordan, Lts Parker, Estes, Cannop and crews flew in the first Box. MISSION NO. 81. 30/7/44. Caumont Defended Area B. PPF. Capts Evans, Boyar, Rhodes, Lts Colahan, Hoch, Hayes, Julius, Ganther, Goodnow, and crew flew in second box. MISSION NO. 82. 31/7/44. Mayonne RR Bridge. PPF. Major Weltzin and crew led 2nd box. Lts Broan, Estes, Ganther, Julius and crews flew in second box. Lt. Cannop and crew flew in first box. 3. The following men were promoted on the following Special Orders: 1st Lts Hannigan and Illanes to Captain per par 4, SO 207, Hq 9 AF, dtd 7/25/44. 2nd Lts. Brownlee, Cartmill, Glock, McLellan to 1st Lt w rank fr 7/25/44 per par 4, SO 207, Hq 9AF, Dtd 7/25/44. F/O Ganther from F/O to 2nd Lt 15 July 1944, and F/O Stout to 2nd Lt 30 July 1944, 2nd Lts Barcroft, Brendle, Clarke, M.L., Ewing, Hausman, Jaquez, Kessel, Rieman, Shoemaker, Vogel, Zachary to 1st Lt (AUS) w rank fr 7/17/44 per par 19, SO 199, Hq 9 AF dtd 7/17/44. 2nd Lts Von Gal, Wegman, Williams, F.L., and Yeardley to 1st Lt M/R of 7/2/44 with rank fr 6/24/44, per par 3 SO 176, Hq ETOUSA dtd 6/24/44. 4. The following General Orders awarded combat crews and ground personnel of our Squadron decorations: IX BC GO 120, Sec III, dtd 6 July 1944, Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Medals. IX BC GO 122, Sec II, dtd 9 July 1944, Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Medals. IX BC GO 127, Sec I, dtd 14 July 1944, Purple Heart to 2nd Lt. John Cartmill and T/Sgt Herbert Pensinger. IX BC GO 131, Sec IV, dtd 20 July 1944, Oak Leaf Clusters. “ “ “ 133, “ VI, dtd 22 “ “, “ “ “. “ “ “ 137, “ IV, “ 26 “ “, Purple Heart to Sgt. Edward L. Price. 5. During the month of July our Group continued operations against coastal defense guns, rail and highway bridges, marshalling yards and Noballs. In addition, we attacked fuel and ammunition dumps, troop concentrations in close support of our ground troops on the continent of Europe. 6. The strength of the Squadron on July 31, was 335 enlisted men and 82 officers. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, FRANCE 20 September 1944 SUBJECT: August 1944, Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. On 4 August 1944, the Squadron moved with the 397th Bombardment Group from Station 168, Rivenhall to Station 492 Hurn, England by authority Movement Order No. 1, IX Bomber Command, 12 July 1944 and TWX IX Bomber Command, X3618. On 10 August 1944, the Squadron together with the 397th Bombardment Group moved from Station 492 Hurn, England to Strip Number A-26 (Gorges) France, in order to continue operations in support of forward troops against the Germans in Germany and Holland, movement by Authority, Letter IX Bomber Command 370.5, 16 August 1944. 2. The following replacements were assigned to our Squadron: Per SO No 164, par 2, 397th Bomb Gp, dated 8/1/44: Second Lieutenants Donnell, Clopton and Sergeants Garza, Harcom and Corporal Meskochek. Per SO No 159, par 3, 397th Bomb Gp, dated 8/7/44: Sergeants Henry and DeDora. Per SO No 170, par 1, 397th Bomb Gp, dated 8/9/44: Staff Sergeant Younginer. Per SO No 172, par 1, 397th Bomb Gp, dated 8/11/44: Private First Class Nance. Per SO No 180, par 4, 397th Bomb Gp, dated 8/24/44: Captain Shimmin. 3. The following missions were flown by the group during august and our squadron participated: Mission No. 83. 1/8/44. Target-Les Ponts de Ce (Railroad bridge) Results-Excellent. Lt. Col McLeod and crew led this formation. Capts. Roberts, Jordan, Boyar, Lts. Hayes, Colahan, Goodnow, Barcroft, Hoch and crews flew on the mission. The Group received citation from Gen. Anderson on results of the mission. Mission No. 84. 2/8/44. Target-Cinq Mars (Railroad bridge) Results-Good. Major Weltzin, Capts. Rhodes, Lts. White, Hayes, Broan, Brendle, Estes, Julius, Cannop and crews flew in the first box on this mission. Mission No. 85. 3/8/44. Target-Courtalain (Railroad bridge) Results-No attack. Capts. Roberts, Boyar, Rhodes, Illanes, Lts. Hoch, Ganther, Moore, Brownlee, Estes and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 86. 4/8/44. Target-Epernon (Railroad bridge) Results-Fair to Good. Capts. Rhodes, Roberts, Lts. Broan, Ganther, Yeardley, Wegman, Hayes, Pullan, Elliott and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 87. 7/8/44. Target-Neuvy Sur Loire (Railroad bridge) Results-Good. Capts. King, Boyar, Evans, Lts. Goodnow, Colahan, Hoch, Parker, Estes, Ridenour and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 88. 7/8/44. Target-Foret de Blois (ammunition dump) Results-Good. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew led this formation. Capts. Rhodes, Jordan, Lts. Hayes, Barcroft, Broan, Kessel, Clopton, Brownlee and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 89. 8/8/44. Target-Mantes-Gassicourt (Railroad bridge) Results-Fair to Good. Capts. Roberts, Illanes, Evans, Boyar, Lts. Moore, Estes, Parker, Cannop, Hoch, and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 90. 8/8/44. Target-St. Malo-St. Servan (Coast Defense Battery) Results-Good. Capts. Roberts, Jordan, King, Lts. Hoch, Ganther, Hayes, Pullan and crews flew on this mission. Lt. Col. McLeod, Lts. Yeardley and crews flew windows ships. Mission No. 91. 9/8/44. Target-Pontoise (Railroad bridge) Results-Good to Excellent. Capts. King, Evans, Boyar, Illanes, Lts. Goodnow, Parker, Ridenour, Estes, Wegman and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 92. 9/8/44. Target-Beaugency/Orleans (Ammunition Dump) Results-No Attack Weather. Capts. Roberts, Boyar, Jordan, Lts. Hayes, Barcroft, Brendle, Brownlee, Kessel and crews flew in this mission. Mission No. 93. 10/8/44. Target-Nogent (Railroad bridge) Results-Excellent. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew led this formation. Capts. Evans, Illanes, Lts. Moore, Colahan, Julius, Estes, Hayes, Parker and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 94. 11/8/44. Target-Oissel (Railroad bridge) Results-PFF. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew flew window on this mission, also Lt. Pullan and crew. Capts. Rhodes, Boyar, Jordan, Lts. Elliott, Clopton, Hoch, Yeardley, Ganther and crews flew on this mission. Capt. J.F. Hannigan and 1st Lt. W.J. Joos were wounded on this mission. Mission No. 95. 13/8/44. Target-Lisieux (Area Road Junctions) Results-Fair. Capts. Evans, Illanes, King, Lts. Estes, Hayes, Broan, Clopton, White, Barcourt and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 96. 13/8/44. Target-Corbeil (Marshalling Yard) Results-Excellent. Major Weltzin, Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Lts. Hoch, Cannop, Broan, Kessel, Colahan, White and crews flew in this mission. Lt. Brownlee flew window ship. Mission No. 97. 14/8/44. Target-Notre Dame De Courson (Highway bridge) Results-Good. Major Weltzin, Capts. Roberts, Lts. Barcroft, Brendle, Clopton, Hoch, Hayes, Estes, Ridenour and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 98. 14/8/44. Target-St. Martin de la Viers (Highway bridge) Results-Good. Lt. Col. McLeod led this formation. Capt. Boyar, Jordan, Illanes, Lts. Broan, Colahan, Pullan, Elliott, White and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 99. 15/8/44. Target-St. Malo (Gun defense) Results-Excellent. Capts. Roberts, Evans, Illanes, Lts. Hoch, Goodnow, Estes, Julius, Hayes, Yeardley and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 100. 16/8/44. Target-Neuvy (Railroad bridge) Results-Weather 10/10s. Major Weltzin, Capts. Illanes, King, Lts. White, Cannop, Kessel, Broan, Colahan, and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 101. 16/8/44. Target-Brionne, Pont Authou (Highway bridge) Results-PFF. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew led this formation, Capts. Roberts, Boyar, Illanes, Rhodes, Lts. Hayes, Estes, Moore and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 102. 17/8/44. Target-Brionne (road bridge) Results-PFF. Major Weltzin led the 2nd box of this formation. Capts. Evans, Jordan, Lts. Ganther, White, Brownlee, Wegman, Hayes, Broan, Julius, Kessel and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 103. 17/8/44. Target-La Rabellerie (Railroad bridge) Results-PFF. Capts. Roberts, King, Lts. Hoch, Wegman, Hayes, Broan, Julius, Kessel and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 104. 20/8/44. Target-Foret De La Fonde (Troop concentration) Results-PFF. Major Weltzin led the second box of this formation. Capts. Evans, Jordan, Lts. Moore, Barcroft, Colahan, Elliott, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 105. 25/8/44. Target-Kerdrein (Gun Emplacement) Results-Poor. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Lts. Colahan, Hoch, Ganther, Estes, Hayes, Parker, Wegman and crews flew on this mission. Lt. Goodnow flew window plane on this mission. Mission No. 106. 26/8/44. Target-Compeigne (Fuel dump) Results-Excellent. Major Weltzin, Capt. King, Lts. Clopton, Julius, Broan, Hoch, Yeardley, White, Colahan and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 107. 26/8/44. Target-Rouen (Transports and vehicle convoy) Results-Fair to good. Capts. Jordan, Roberts, Lts. Hayes, Cannop, Barcroft, Estes, Kessel, Julius and crews flew on this mission. Lt. Clopton flew window plane on mission. Mission No. 108. 28/8/44. Target-Barisis (Fuel tanks) Results-Fair. Capts. King, Illanes, Evans, Lts. Yeardley, Colahan, Broan, Brownlee, Hoch, and crews flew on this mission. 4. There were no promotions. 5. The following General Orders awarded combat crews and personnel decorations in our Squadron: GO 128, Ninth Air Force, 1 August 1944; Bronze Star Medals. GO 148, Ninth Bomber Command, 4 August 1944,Section II; Clusters to Air Medal. GO 150, Ninth Bomber Command, 30 August 1944,Section III; Purple Heart Medals to Capt. J.F. Hannigan and 1st Lt. Walter J. Joos. GO 206, Ninth Air Force, 17 August 1944; Bronze Star Medal. 6. During the month our Group continued operations against railroad bridges, highway and fuel dumps, but concentrated in assisting to wipe out enemy troop concentrations trying to escape across the Seine and pockets of resistance in Normandy and Brittany peninsulas of France. In order to continue operations behind our advancing troops we had to move the entire organization twice during the month to keep the enemy within range. This was accomplished and we lost only 48 hours operational time of these moves. 7. The strength of the Squadron on August 31st was 341 enlisted men and 84 officers. JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, FRANCE 20 November 1944 SUBJECT: September 1944, Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. During the early part of September, the Squadron remained at A-26, and on September 25th, the air echelon moved to its new base at A-41, followed by the ground echelon the following day. 2. The following missions in which our squadron participated were flown during the month: Mission No. 109. 1/9/44. Brest Defended Area. No Attack-Weather. Capts. Boyar and Jordan, Lts. Wegman, Ganther, Pullan, Estes, Ridenour, Clopton, White and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 110. 5/9/44. Brest Defended Area. Results-Good to Excellent. Lt. Col. McLeod led this mission. Captains King and Illanes, Lts. Broan, Ridenour, Parker, Hayes, Colahan, Elliott, Hoch and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 111. 6/9/44. Brest Defended Area. Results-Fair. Major Weltzin, Captains Roberts, Jordan, Lts. Hoch, White, Parker, Estes, Cannop, Kessel and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 112. 6/9/44. Brest Defended Area. Results-Not observed. Lt. Col. Mcleod led this formation. Captains King, Illanes, Lts. Hayes, Colahan, Cannop, Broan, Brownlee, Yeardley and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 113. 19/9/44. Bitburg M/Y. Results-Good. Captains Shimmin, Evans, King, Lts. Hoch, Broan, Ridenour, Hayes, Goodnow, Estes and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 114. 20/9/44. Trier M/Y. Results-Excellent. Captains Boyar, Roberts, Jordan, Lts. White, Brendle, Colahan, Parker, Cannop, Hoch, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 115. 21/9/44. Geralstein M/Y. Results-Excellent. Captains Roberts, King, Shimmin, Illanes, Lts. Hayes, Broan, Estes, Goodnow, Ganther and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 116. 27/9/44. Foret de Parroy (Troop Concentration). No attack-Weather.. Major Weltzin, Captains Roberts, King, Lts. Goodnow, Hayes, Kessel, Ganther, Parker and Yeardley flew on this mission. Mission No. 117. 28/9/44. Foret de Parroy. No attack-Weather. Captains Evans, Shimmin, Illanes, Boyar, Lts. Hoch, Brownlee, White, Colahan, Wegman and crews flew in this mission. Mission No. 118. 29/9/44. Julich (Warehouses). Results-Fair to Good. Lt. Col. McLeod led this formation. Capts Evans, Illanes, Boyar, Lts. White, Colahan, Hoch, Parker, Ganther, Elliott flew on this mission. Mission No. 119. 29/9/44. Bitburg (Troop Concentration). Results-Excellent. Captains King, Roberts, Lts. Kessel, Barcroft, Hayes, Parker, Ridenour, Estes, Moore and crews flew on this mission. S/Sgt L.B.Coffman (16156767) and T/Sgt H.C. Sconzert (16166767) were wounded on this mission while flying in Aircraft # B 26 B-42-96149 3. The following replacement crews were assigned and joined per par 2, SO #205. Hq 397th Bomb Gr. dtd 28 September 1944 from Casual Pool Hq 70th Repl Depot APO 635: Capt. W.G. Longworth, 2nd Lts. A.J. LeSauiviers, B.R. McBride, L.A. Metherington, S.F. Shaw, P.A. MacQueen. Capt. W.G. Wilson, 2nd Lts. O.R. Lewis, E.F. Kearty. 1st Lt. Hammond par M/R of 21 Sept 1944 was detached from the Squadron, and from DC 9 AF Central ped estab. Sta 472 to trfd 13 Repl Control be ot sta 433, 18 August 1944. 4. Oak Leaf Clusters were awarded members of the Squadron per GO 174 Hq IX Bomber Command, 6 September 1944. Bronze Stars were awarded per GO 188 Hq IX Bomber Command, 22 September 1944. 5. There no promotions during the month. 6. The strength of the Squadron on September 30, 1944 was 349 enlisted men and 92 officers. 7. Inclement weather prevented us from flying more than eleven missions during the month. Those missions accomplished were in close support of the ground troops, and against bridges, marshalling yards and troop concentrations in keeping with the tasks assigned to our type of aircraft. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, FRANCE 20 November 1944 SUBJECT: October 1944, Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. The Squadron, together with the Group moved from Air Strip #41 to Air Strip #72 (Mons en Chaussee) on October 7th and 8th. 2. The following missions in which our Squadron participated, were flown during the month: Mission No. 120. 2/10/44. Target–Herbach Defended Area. Results-No attack. Captains Boyar and King, Lts Estes, Clopton, Hayes, Hoch, Yeardley, Ridenour, Kessel and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 121. 12/10/44. Target–Ahrweiler RR Bridge. Results-Good to Excellent. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew led window on this mission. Capt Boyar, Lts. Yeardley, Broan, Wegman, Hayes, Barcroft, Clopton, Kessel, Brownlee and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 122. 20/10/44. Target–Geertruidenberg Hwy Bridge. PPF. Captains Roberts, King, Jordan, Lts Hoch, Colahan, White and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 123. 29/10/44. Euskirchen RR Bridge. PPF. Lt. Col. McLeod, Lt. Yeardley and crews flew on this mission. 3. The following replacement crews were assigned and joined: 2nd Lt. Donald P. Stubbart, F/O Ralph E. Trostel, F/O W.R. McGillicudy, per M/R Oct 15, asgd and jd per par 6, SO 218, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, dtd 14 Oct 1944. F/O Joseph W. Hicks and F/O G.R. Nock asgd and jd per par 1, SO 225, Hq 397th Bomb Gp dtd 28 Oct 44. 1st Lt C.R. Minor, Jr was asgd and jd per par 1, SO 225, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, dtd 28 Oct 1944. 4. The following General Orders awarded decorations to members of the Squadron: GO 7, Hq Ninth Bomb Div (M), dtd 1 Oct 1944. Section II: Air Medals, Clusters (Bronze and Silver). GO 12, Hq Ninth Bomb Div (M), dtd 9 Oct 1944. Section VI: Clusters (Bronze and Silver). GO 19, 39th Field Hosp, 1 Oct 1944, awarded Purple Hearts to S/Sgt Coffman and T/Sgt Sconzert. 5. The following officer promotions were made during the month: 1st Lt Morton promoted Captain 1 Oct 1944, per par 12, SO 275 Hq Ninth Air Force dtd 1 Oct. 2nd Lts Ganther and Weatherby promoted to 1st Lt per par 12 and 14, SO 289, Hq Ninth Air Force dtd 15 Oct 1944. 2nd Lts Clopton and Donnell promoted 1st Lt per par 12 SO 275, Hq Ninth Air Force dtd 1 Oct 1944. 6. The strength of the Squadron on October 31, 1944 was 100 Officers and 353 Enlisted men. Bad weather prevented us from flying more missions during the month, although missions were planned on practically every day of the month. The missions flown were attacks on bridges and defended areas. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, FRANCE 20 December 1944 SUBJECT: November 1944 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army) 1. The Squadron remained at Air Strip 72 during the month of November 1944. 2. The following missions in which our Squadron participated were flown during the month: Mission No. 124. 4-11-44. Target–Baumholder Stores Depot. Result PFF. Major Weltzin, Capt. Evans, Lts. Clopton, Brendle, Parker, Brownlee, Cannop, and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 125. 5-11-44. Target–Homburg Ord. Depot. Results PFF. Capts. Roberts, King, Jordan, Lts. Colahan, White, Broan, Kessel, Hausman and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 126. 9-11-44. Target–Landau Ammo. Dump. Results Weather did not bomb. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Evans, Lts. Colahan, Broan, Hoch, Julius, White, Wegman and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 127. 9-11-44. Target–Landau Ammo. Dump. Results no attack. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Lts. Colahan, Broan, Hoch, Julius and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 128. 10-11-44. Target–Landau Ammo. Dump. Results PFF. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Longworth, King, Lts. Clopton, Hayes, Moore, Pullan, Cannop, Brownlee, and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 129. 11-11-44. Target–Mayen RR Bridge, Results. PFF. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Longworth, Evans, Lts. Kessel, Broan, Hausman, Wegman, Brendle and crews flew on this mission. Recall. 16-11-44. Target–Duren Def. Area #9. Results Recall. Lt. Col. McLeod, Major Weltzin, Capts. Jordan, Roberts, Boyar, Lts. Hoch, White, Goodnow, Julius, Pullan, Kessel, Broan and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 130. 18-11-44. Target–Reichenbach Ammo. Dump. Results. Fair. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, King, Lts. White, Parker, Goodnow, Hoch, Kessel, Julius, and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 131. 19-11-44. Target–Mariaweiler Def. Area (Duren Area). Results. Area Bombing. Lt. Col. McLeod, Capts. Jordan, King, Lts. Hoch, Estes, Pullan, Julius, Goodnow, Yeardley and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 132. 19-11-44. Target–Pirmasens. Results. Undetermined. Lt. Col McLeod, Capts. Jordan, King, Lts. Hoch, Estes, Pullan, Ganther, Colahan, Hayes, and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 133. 21-11-44. Target–Bergstein Def. Area. Results PFF. Major Weltzin, Capts. Shimmin, Longworth, Lts. Ganther, Yeardley, Hayes, Elliott and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 134. 29-11-44. Target–Elsdorf Def. Town. Results. PFF. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Lt. Parker and crews flew on this mission. Mission No. 135. 6-10-44. Target–Hengelo M/Y. Results. No Attack. Capts. Jordan, Boyar, Lts. Elliott, Estes, Cannop, Hayes, Clopton, Pullan and crews flew on this mission. This mission originally listed as a recall and later decided that it was to be credited as a mission. Mission No. 136. 30-11-44. Target–Stockheim Def. Town. Results PFF. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Rhodes, Evans, Lts. Yeardley, Brownlee, Brendle, Cannop, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. Lt. Clopton crash landed at Beauraing, Belgium (PO170). Engine failure due to some object from plane ahead hitting, cockpit, propeller and was driven into left engine. Loosing altitude the pilot ordered crew to jump. All jumped except Lt. Clopton, who rode plane down successfully after salvoing bombs. T/Sgt John Meshechek Serial No. 36101856, was killed in jump when chute opened too late to break fall completely. All others safe. T/Sgt Meshechek was the first man killed in action since 596th Sqdn. commenced operation. 3. The following replacement crews were assigned and joined: F/O Hartan J. Joy, T-1939 asgd and jd fr. 410 Bomb Gp (1) per par 3, SO 226, Hq. 397 Bomb Gp asgd 1 Nov 44. 2nd Lt. Stanley R. Czark, 2nd Lt. Joseph W. Cykosky, F/O Elwood B. Fitzgerald, Cpl Angus F. Carter, Cpl. Everett F. Hayes, Cpl. John H. Hays. asgd and jd fr 70 Repl Depot (AAF) per par. 1. SO 227 Hq 397 Bomb Gp. asgd 4 Nov 44. Pfc. Abraham J. Kern, asgd and jd fr 171 st Repl Co (AAF) per par 1. SO 234 Hq 397 Bomb Gp asgd 17Nov 44. Several of our original Combat crews completed their tour of duty and were sent home on leave. 4. The following General orders 9th Bombardment Div. awarded decorations to members of the Squadron: GO 31. Hqs 9th B.D. dated 17-11-44 oak leaf and silver clusters. GO 33. 9th B.D. dated 22-11-44 Air Medals and Clusters (Bronze and Silver). GO 36. Hqs 9th B.D. dated 28-11-44 air Medals and Clusters. (Bronze and Silver). 5. There were no promotions during the month. 6. The strength of the Squadron on November 30 was 102 Officers and 350 Enlisted Men. Bad weather continued to curtail our operations and missions flown were principally against supply Depots and in close support of troops. Missions were flown and set up practically every day to the month. {SIGNED} John R. Neale, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, France. 20 January 1944. SUBJECT: December 1944 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The Squadron remained at Air Strip 72 during the month of December. 2. The following missions in which our Squadron participated were flown during the month: No. 137. 1-12-44: Saarlautern Defended Area. No attack. PPF Failure. Maj. Weltzin, Capts. Jordan, Boyar, Lts. Colahan, Broan, Wegman, Goodnow, Julius, Kessel and crews flew in second box of this formation. No. 138. 2-12-44: Saarlautern Defended Area. Poor PPF. No 596th Aircraft took off on this mission. No. 139. 5-12-44: Hochem Defended Village. Fair PPF. Col. McLeod, Capts Boyar, Evans, Lts Colahan, Cordell, Brownlee, Wegman, Brendle, Cannop and crews flew on this mission. No. 140. 6-12-44: Nideggen Defended Town. Poor PPF. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, Roberts, Lts Colahan, Hayes, Ganther, Elliott, Hicks, White, Kessel flew in this formation. No. 141. 9-12-44: Losheim Defended Town. Undetermined PPF. Capts. Boyar, Jordan, King, Lts. Brendle, White, Cannop, Hoch, Wegman, Ganther and crews flew on this mission. No. 142. 9-12-44: Weisbach Defended Town. Undetermined PPF. Capts. Boyar, Illanes, Jordan, Shimmin, Lts. Colahan, Brownlee, Estes, Hicks, Ridenour, Kessel and crews flew on this mission. No. 143. 12-12-44: Gemund Defended Town. Undetermined PPF. Maj. Weltzin, Capts. Rhodes, Boyar, Jordan, Lts. White, Garton and crews flew on this mission. No. 144. 13-12-44: Hellenthal Defended Area. Undetermined PPF. Lt. Col. McLeod, Capts. Boyar, Illanes, Lts. Hicks, Ganther, Hoch, Elliott, Broan, Hausman and crews flew on this mission. No. 145. 15-12-44. Ruthen Oil Depot. Undetermined PPF. Capts. King, Evans, Jordan, Lts. Kessel, Estes, Cannop, Ridenour, Wegman, Colahan and crews flew on this mission. No. 146. 23-12-45. Eller RR Bridge. Undetermined. Maj. Weltzin, Capt Roberts, Lts. White, Estes, Colahan, Brendle, Ganther and crews flew on this mission. The formation was attacked by fighters and Lt. Estes and crew in Aircraft No. 144 were shot down by flak, and are missing in action—the crew consisted of 1st Lt. Charles W. Estes, 1st Lt. William D. Collins, 1st Lt. Craig E. Lewis, S/Sgt. J.P. Negri, T/Sgt W.E. Epps, Sgt B.T. Daskiewicz, and Pfc A.J. Kern. No. 147. 24-12-44. Nideggen Road Junction. Excellent. Maj. Weltzin, Capts. Evans, Jordan, Illanes, Lts. Kessel, Cannop, Hicks, Brownlee, Parker and crews flew on this mission. No. 148. 25-12-44. Vianden Road Junction. Excellent. Capts. King, Shimmin, Jordan, Lts. White, Barcroft, Ridenour, Hoch, Hayes, Colahan and crews flew in this formation. Lt. Colahan in air craft No. 204, after having been hit by flak, brought the plane back to the base. Losing altitude, he ordered the crew to bail out, and he rode the plane down to a crash landing, since it was too low for him to bail out. No. 149. 25-12-44. Ahrdorf Defended Village. Undetermined. Capts. Rhodes, Illanes, Roberts, Lts. Hausman, Cannop, Brendle, Hicks, Hoch, Garton, and crews flew on this mission. No. 150. 27-12-44. Kall Railhead. Excellent. Maj. Weltzin, Capts. Jordan, Evans, Lts. Kessel, White, Brendle, Ridenour, Ganther, Hicks and crews flew on this mission. The Ninth Bombardment Division Committee on claims advised that the following credits had been allowed to members of the squadron: Sgt. R.J. Brennan and Sgt. A.F. Carter, Jr. one FW-190-damaged. S/Sgt Bob Karup on FW-190-damaged. S/Sgt. C.W. Berg one FW-190-damaged. T/Sgt. B.F. Younginer one FW-190-probably destroyed. S/Sgt. T.R. Dyas one FW-190-damaged. S/Sgt G.A. Spencer one ME-109-damaged. Carl Reib one FW-190-probably destroyed. Charles Stiles-one FW-190-damaged. John O’Connor one FW 190-damaged. 3. There were no new crews assigned during the month. 4. The following General orders of the 9th Bombardment Division awarded decorations to members of the Squadron: GO 283, Hqs 9th Air Force, dtd 6 Dec. 1944, DFC to Lt. Col. McLeod. GO 46, Hqs 9th Bomb Div, dtd 22 Dec. 1944, Air Medals and Clusters. GO 47, Hqs 9th Bomb Div, dtd 24 Dec. 1944, Air Medals and Clusters. 5. The following Officer Promotions took place during the month: F/O’s E.B. Fitzgerald, J.W. Hicks, G.M. Nock were promoted to 2nd Lt. with date of rank from 24 December 1944. Asgd and jd 24 Decemeber. 2nd Lts. A.J. DeSaulniers (now MIA), Craig M. Lewis (now MIA), D.P. Stubbert, G.F. Stout to 1st Lt, with date of rank, 8 December 1944. F/O H.J. Joy and R.E. Trostel to 2nd Lt. with date of rank from 31 Dec—asgd and jd 31 Dec 1944. 6. The strength of the squadron on 31 December 1944 was 91 Officers and 325 Enlisted Men. Missions flown during the month were principally close-support missions against defended localities, while bad weather continued to curtail our operations against the enemy {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. *** 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, France. 20 February 1945. SUBJECT: January 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The squadron remained at Air Strip 72 during the month. 2. The squadron participated in the following missions flown by the Group during the month: No. 151. 1-1-45: Bullay Railroad Bridge. No attack. Captains Roberts, Rhodes, Lts. Kessel, Cannop, White, Colahan, Jones, Hayes, Hicks, Brendle, Ridenour and crews flew on this mission. No. 152. 5-1-45: Treis Vierges Road Junction. No attack. Captains Roberts, Shimmin, Lts. Kessel, Cannop, White, Colahan, Ridenour, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 153. 11-1-45: Clervaux Communication Center. No attack. Captains King, Evans, Illanes, Shimmin, Lts. Clopton, Kessel, Hayes, Brownlee, Cannop, Wegman, Hicks, and crews flew on this mission. No. 154. 13-1-45: Dasburg Railroad Bridge. PPF Undetermined. Lts. Brendle and crews flew on this mission. The runway was blocked, and the other aircraft scheduled to fly were unable to take off No. 155. 14-1-45: Ahrweiler Railroad Bridge. Results-Fair. Major Weltzin, Capt. Rhodes, Lts. Brownlee, Colahan, White, Hoch, Julius, Ridenour, Garton and crews flew on this mission. No. 156. 16-1-45: Erkelenz Railway Siding. Results-Excellent to Superior. Captains Roberts and Illanes, Lts. White, Colahan, Hayes, Cannop, Kessel, Ganther, Clopton, Parker and crews flew on this mission. No. 157. 22-1-45: Bullay Railroad Bridge. Results-Fair. Captains Rhodes, Illanes, Roberts, Lts. Kessel, Hoch, Parker, Clopton, Clark and crews flew on this mission. No. 158. 25-1-45: Eller Railroad Bridge. Results-Good to Excellent. Lt. Col. McLeod, Lts. Wegman, Colahan, Brownlee, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. No. 159. 29-1-45: Engers Railroad Bridge. Primary not bombed. Wittlich “G” Target. Captain King, Lts. Brendle, Hausman, Kessel, Clopton, Parker, Clark, Cannop and crews flew on this mission. No. 160. 29-1-45: Rinnthal Railroad Bridge. Undetermined. Lts. Brownlee, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. 3. The following new members of Combat Crews were assigned and joined the Squadron: 2nd Lts. Kenneth L. Henkel, Albert E. Krug, A.R. Peebles, A.B. Jessee, Manny Mark, Irvin R. Bernstain, per par 1, SO 5, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, dtd 9 Jan. 1945. 2nd Lt. Flavil R. Edgin, Wilhelm B. Dahl and F/O Charles H. Beek per par 1, SO 7, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 1st Lts George R. Davis, Thomas H. Sharp and 2nd Lt. Paul H. Hladiak per par 5, SO 8, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 2nd Lts. T.P. Ratigan, Martin Schwartz, Jr., Robert R. Smith per par 1, SO 3, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 2nd Lts Robert K. Young, V.R. Hebbing, W.W. Metcalf, F/O’s P.R. Chappell, Joseph E. Kurwth, and Francis T. Madden, per par 1, SO 13, Hq 397th Bomb GP. F/O’s J.B. Pollack, T.A. MacMillan and Thomas H. Sneed per par 2, SO 15, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 1st Lt. Herbert Hartsen was assigned and joined as Assistant S-2 Officer per par 3, SO 12. The following Officers and Enlisted Men were missing in action, while on DS to Pathfinder: Capt. Longworth, Capt. Wilson, T/Sgt Winston, S/Sgt Alay, 1st Lt. Vogel and 1st Lt. DeSaulniers. 1st Lt. Davis, 1st Lt. Sharp and 2nd Lt. Hladick were on DS to Pathfinder per par 1, SO 21, Hq 9th Bomb Div. 4. 1st Lt. Donald R. Von Gal (O-693436) was awarded the DFC per GO 3, Hq 9th Air Force, dtd 5 Jan 1945. On the same General Order 1st Lt. A.R. Ridenour was awarded the DFC. The Bronze Star was awarded T/Sgt Bill T. Hayhurst per GO 5, Hq 9th Bomb Div, dtd 12 January 1945. Oak Leaf Clusters were awarded per GO 10, Hq 9th Bomb Div, dtd 17 Jan 1945. 5. The following Officer Promotions took place during the month: F/O Wm. R. McGillicudy to 2nd Lt. 1st Lt. George W. Parker to Captain. CWO E.D. Walker to 2nd Lt. 1st Lt. F.E. Brown to Capt with date of rank from 23 June. Under the Air Liaison Program at IX TAC and 1st Army, the following crews spent a week at the front: Lt. Col. McLeod, Captains Domke, Yeast and crew from Jan. 1st to 8th. Maj. Weltzin, Lts. Brendle, Hill, Joy and crews from Jan 15th to 23rd. Captain Roberts R. Evans went on DS to XIX TAC for six weeks as Air-Ground Liaison Officer. 6. In order to better understand the problems and operations of other branches of service, we have been sending crews to the front and they have been sending men to our base. During January we had 3 Officers and 3 Enlisted Men from the 3rd Cavalry Group. They were shown our Operations, Intelligence, etc., and flew on several missions. Recently a shower was built in the squadron area, through the ingenuity of the enlisted men in the squadron, and is being enjoyed by all. During the month, an inspection of the squadron was made by Bombardment Division Inspector General’s Office. At this time, there were no administrative difficulties in the squadron. 7. The strength of the Squadron as of January was 103 Officers and 340 Enlisted Men. Bad weather continued to curtail our operations for the month, however the missions flown were in keeping with our “bridge busting” idea, and the majority of the targets was bridges. JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, France. 20 March 1945. SUBJECT: February 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The Squadron remained at Air Strip 72 during the month. 2. The squadron participated in the following missions flown by the Group during the month: No. 161. 1-2-45: Engers RR Bridge. Undet PPF. One box on this mission, no squadron personnel flew. No. 162. 2-2-45: Rosbach RR Bridge. P.N.B. Capts Rhodes, King, Lts. Cannop, Kessel, Von Gal, Clopton, Brownlee, Hoch and crews flew on this mission. No. 163. 3-2-45: Ahrweiler RR Bridge. Undet PPF. Lt. Hicks and crew participated in this mission. No. 164. 6-2-45: Sotenich Defended Town. Undet PPF. Capt. Roberts, Lts. Clark, Hoch, Brendle, Czark, Stubbart, Hayes, Wegman, Barcroft, Clopton, White and crews flew on this mission. No. 165. 8-2-45: Materborn Defended Town. Undet. Capt Roberts, Lt. Brendle and crews flew on this mission. No. 166. 9-2-45: Viersen Road Junctions. PPF Undet. Capts. Rhodes, Shimmin, Parker, Lts. Barcroft, Clark, Hicks, Clopton, White and crews flew on this mission. No. 167. 10-2-45: Berg-Gladbach M/T Center. PPF Undet. Capt. Roberts, Lts. Stubbart, Kessel, Hoch, Brendle, Hayes, Hausman, Cannop and crews flew on this mission. No. 168. 11-2-45: Modrath M/Yds. Results-Poor. Captains Shimmin, Parker, Lts. Cannop, Czark, Barcroft, Kessel, Clopton, Clark, Hicks and crews flew on this mission. No. 169. 13-2-45: Schwelm M/T Park. PPF Undet. Lts. Brendle, Clark, Clopton, Barcroft, Cannop, Brownlee, Stubbart, Czark and crews flew on this mission. No. 170. 14-2-45: Mayen RR Bridge. P.N.B. and Poor. Capts. Parker and Illanes, Lts. Hausman, Cannop, Julius, Hicks, Henkle, White, Hibbing, Stuart and crews flew on this mission. No. 171. 14-2-45: Grevenbroich Communications Center. P.N.B. Col. McLeod, Capt. Parker, Lts. Kessel, Czark, Brownlee, Hibbing, Julius and crews flew on this mission. No. 172. 15-2-45: Mayen RR Bridge. PPF. Capt. Illanes, Lts. Stubbart, Johnson, Hibbing and crews flew on this mission. No. 173. 19-2-45: Irlich RR Bridge. PPF Undet. Capt. Rhodes, Parker, Lts. Hicks, Czark, Barcroft, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 174. 21-2-45: Herford RR Bridge. Superior. Capt. Shimmin, Lts. Young, Czark, Hausman, Brownlee, Hibbing, Edgin, Julius and crews flew on this mission. Lt. Hausman and crew in A/C 67989 crashed and exploded when ran out of gas at VJ 460070, SE Binche, Belgium. Entire crew bailed out. Tail gunner sprained ankle and 1st Lt. R.A. Hausman broke leg after jumping. No. 175. 22-2-45: Neunbecken RR Viaduct, Scherfede Underpass, Rheda RR Bridge—Bombing and Strafing Mission. Good to Superior. Col. McLeod led the mission which was part of interdiction program before big drive to the Rhine on the Western Front. Capts. Rhodes, Shimmin, Hayes, Lts. Shoemaker, Henkle, Hicks, Wegman, Edgin, Young, Julius, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. No. 176 and 177. 23-2-45: Elsdorf Defended Town and Jackerath Defended Town. PPF Undet. Capt. Parker and crew flew on Elsdorf mission. Capts. Shimmin, Illanes, Lts. Shoemaker, Julius, Young, Kessel, Clopton, Edgin, Brendle and crews flew on this mission. No. 178. 24-2-45: Irlich RR Bridge. “Gee” Undet. Capts Rhodes, Lts. Shoemaker, Czark, Hicks, Stubbart, Julius, Hibbing and crews flew on this mission. No. 179. 25-2-45: Grevenbroich Defended Town. Excellent to Superior. Capt. Parker, Lts. Young, Shoemaker, Kessel, Clopton, Brownlee, Edgin, Julius and crews flew on this mission. No. 180. 26-2-45: Kenten Rd Junctions. “Gee” Undet. Col. McLeod, Lts. Brownlee, Hibbing, Hicks, Brendle, Barcroft, Stubbart and crews flew on this mission. No. 181. 27-2-45: Ahrweiler RR Bridge. PPF Undet. Capt. Parker, Lts. Clopton, Julius, Shoemaker, Hicks, Edgin, Henkel, Kessel, Barcroft, Young and crews flew on this mission. No. 182. 28-2-45: Mayen RR Bridge. PPF Undet. Capt. Illanes, Lts. Hibbing, Brendle, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. 3. The following new members of Combat Crews were assigned and joined the Squadron: 2nd Lt. L.J. Thorpe, 2nd Lt. J.E. Brandt, F/O J.F. Sutcliffe, from 70th Replacement Depot (AAF), per par 9, SO 20, Hq 397th Bomb GP. 2nd Lts. H.E. Holder, R.E. Anderson, F/O J.F. Morrissey per par 2, SO 31, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 2nd Lts. C.D. Kirk, J.C. Hart, F/O H. W. Cladouhos, per par 4, SO 34, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 2nd Lt. M.E. Krug, L.J. Guillery, F/O W.J. Beuffard per par 2, SO 35, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 4. In keeping with the Air-Ground Liaison Program, and in order to further the mutual understanding of both Forces’ problems, the following crews were placed on temporary duty to the Commands named: Capt. King, Lt. McLallam, Lts. Iuvara, Halloren to G-3 Air, at TAC. Capt. Shimmin, Lts. Shaw, Jaques, Kanka to XIX TAX, Comd G-3, Hq 3rd U.S. Army. 5. 1st Lt. Claude R. Hayes was promoted to Captain, per par 30, SO 40, Hq 9th AF, 9 Feb 1945. During the month Maj. Richard F. Weltzin was transferred to Combat Wing, and Captain William J. Rhodes succeeded him as Squadron Operations Officer. 6. The following General Orders awards decorations to members of the squadron: GO 1, Hq 9th Bomb Div dtd 1 Feb 1945 awarded the Purple Heart to 1st Lt. K.A. Colahan, and 1st Lt. Donald H. McBride. Air Medals and Oak Leaf Clusters were awarded per GO 20, Hq 9th BD, 9 Feb 45. GO 23, Hq 9th BD, 14 Feb 45. GO 25, Hq 9th BD, 21 Feb 45. 7. During the month, the squadron received an administrative inspection made by 9th Bombardment Division. 8. The strength of the squadron as of the end of the month was 102 officers and 332 enlisted men. Inclement weather, typical of this season of the year continued to hamper our operations against the enemy, however, whenever possible our aircraft took to the air, in order to press home the attack in keeping with the plan of interdiction. Too, some of our targets were of a tactical nature, and areas and localities which were direct obstacles to the progress of our Ground Forces were attacked. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, France. 20 April 1945. SUBJECT: March 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The squadron remained at Air Strip 72 during the month. 2. The squadron participated in the following missions flown by the Group during the month: No. 183. 1-Mar-45: Pulheim Rd Jcts. Results-Undetermined. Lts. Hibbing, Brownlee, Shoemaker, Czark, Hicks, Henkle, Pollock, Brendle, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 184. 2-Mar-45: Eller RR Bridge. No attack on Primary. Lt. Col. McLeod, Capt. Illanes, Lts. Hibbing, Czark, Kessel, Stubbart, Shoemaker, Thorpe, Barcroft and crew flew on this mission. No. 185. 2-Mar-45: Sinzig RR Bridge. PPF. Capt. Parker, Lts. Stubbart, Hibbing, Henkle, Hicks, Clopton, Young and crews flew on this mission. No. 186. 4-Mar-45: Bruhl Rd Jcts. PPF-Undetermined. Lts. Brendle, Shoemaker, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 187. 5-Mar-45: Unna Ord. Depot. PPF-Undetermined. Capt. Illanes, Lts. Brendle, Edgin, Young, Brownlee, Thorpe, Hibbing and crews flew on this mission. No. 188. 5-Mar-45: Bingen M/Y. Gee Not Observed. Capt. Illanes, Lts. Hibbing, Kessel, Pollock, Thorpe, Hicks, Czark, Edgin and crews flew on this mission. No. 189. 6-Mar-45: Siegburg M/Y. PPF-Undet. Lt. Col. McLeod and Capt. Illanes, Lts. Brendle, Czark, Young, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 190. 8-Mar-45: Wulfrath M/T Depot. PPF Undetermined. Capt. Rhodes, Lts. Hicks, Brownlee, Czark, Pollock, Thorpe and crews flew on this mission. No. 191. 9-Mar-45: Weisbaden M/Y. PPF Undetermined. Capt. Illanes, Lts. Thorpe, Edgin, White, Clopton, Young, Hicks, Jessee, Henkel and crews flew on this mission. No. 192. 9-Mar-45: Dortmund/Lunen M/Y. Gee Not Observed. Capt. Shimmin, Lts. Edgin, Hicks, Czark, Young, Illanes, Stubbart, Holder, Clopton, Shoemaker and crews flew on this mission. No. 193. 10-Mar-45: Altenkirchen Communications Center. PPF Undet. Colonel Coiner and 596th crew led this mission. Lts. Shoemaker, Stubbart, Brendle, Jessee, Edgin, Thorpe and Czark flew. Lt. Pollack in Plane # 197 crash landed on take-off. Entire crew safe. Excellent job done by pilot in landing the plane in field. No. 194. 11-Mar-45: Breitscheid A/F. No attack on primary. Lt. Shoemaker, Lts. Brownlee, Stubbart, Young, White, Clopton, Illanes, Edgin and crews flew on this mission. No. 195. 11-Mar-45: Weyerbusch Comm. Center. PPF Undet. Capt. Shimmin, Lts. Pollack, Hicks, Hibbing, White, Clark, Stubbart, and crews flew on this mission. No. 196. 12-Mar-45: Arnsberg M/Y. PPF Undet. Capt. Rhodes, Lts. Thorpe, Shoemaker, Edgin, Hicks, Czark, Henkle, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 197. 12-Mar-45: Synthen Ammo Filling Plant. PPF Undet. Capt. Shimmin, Lts. Stubbart, Shoemaker, Edgin, Pollack, Young, Hicks, Jessee, King and crews flew on this mission. No. 198. 13-Mar-45: Westerburg M/Y. PPF Undet. Lts. White, Clopton, Thorpe, Hibbing, Holder, King, Brendle, Henkel, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. No. 199. 13-Mar-45: Frankfurt/Rhein-Main A/F. Excellent to Superior. Lts. Hicks, Brownlee, Barcroft, Stubbart, Jessee, Edgin, Henkle, Capt. Shimmin and crews flew on this mission. No. 200. 14-Mar-45: Nieder-Marberg RR BR. Excellent. Lts. Brendle, Pollock, Clopton, Hibbing, Thorpe, Stubbart and crews flew on this mission. The squadron participated in this, the 200th mission of the Group, which claims a record for B-26’s. We completed this number of missions in ten months and twenty-four days. During that time the 596th Squadron has lost only two planes in enemy territory. Lt. Freeman’s crew are Prisoners of War, and Lt. Estes crew are MIA. The Squadron, since activation on Apr 20, 1943, to date, has not lost a combat crew in a training flight. Such a safety record reflects a high standard of pilotage and maximum efficiency of our ground crews in maintenance of planes. We believe this to be a record for medium bombers. No. 201. 15-Mar-45: Pirmasens Communication cent. Excellent to Superior. Lts. Hicks, Barcroft, Holder, Edgin, Henkle, Clopton and crews flew this mission. No. 202. 16-Mar-45: Niederscheld RR Br. Undet. Capt. Rhodes, Lts. Holder, Young, Henkle, Hibbing, Barcroft, Edgin and crews flew on this mission. No. 203. 17-Mar-45: Siegen M/Y. PPF Undet. Lt. Col. McLeod, Lts. Stubbart, Henkle, Brownlee, Kirk, Young, Hibbing, Thorpe, Jessee and crews flew on this mission. No. 204. 17-Mar-45: Giessen Ord. Depot. Gee Undet. Capt. White, Lts. Brownlee, Thorpe, Jessee, Czark, Edgin, Holder, King, Kirk and crews flew on this mission. No. 205. 18-Mar-45: Worms M/Y. Excellent. Lts. Brownlee, Barcroft, Young, Hibbing, Czark, King and crews flew this mission. No. 206. 19-Mar-45: Engelskirchen M/Y. Undet to Poor. Lts. Hicks, Henkle, Jessee, Edgin, Thorpe, Kirk, Hibbing, Barcroft, Holder, Young and crews. No. 207. 19-Mar-45: Barmen M/Y. Undet to Excell. Col. Coiner and air crew led. Lts. Czark, Clopton, Hicks, Jessee, King, Stubbart, Holder, McSorley and crews flew on this mission. No. 208. 20-Mar-45: Geisecke M/Y. Excellent. Lts. Stubbart, Hibbing, Kirk, Young, Kessel, King, Czark, Edgin, Pollack and crews. No. 209. 21-Mar-45: Goesfeld Comm Center. Undet to Excellent. Lts. Brendle, Pollock, Young, Hibbing, Henkel, Kirk, Edgin, Barcroft, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 210. 21-Mar-45: Haltern Comm Center. Undet to Superior. Lts. Brownlee, Young, Holder, Hibbing, King, McSorley, Czark and crews flew. No. 211. 22-Mar-45: Ahause Comm Center. Excellent to Superior. Capt. White, Lts. Clopton, Jessee, Edgin, Young, Holder, Hibbing, Kirk, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. No. 212. 22-Mar-45: Haltern Comm Center. Excellent to Superior. Lts. McSorley, Johnson, Kessel, Clopton, Barcroft, Edgin, Jessee, King and crews. No. 213. 23-Mar-45: Berken Comm Center. Excellent to Superior. Lt. Col. McLeod and crew led, Lts. Holder, Clopton, Kicks, Pollock, Kirk, Henkel, Czark, King and crews flew on this mission. No. 214. 23-Mar-45: Schermbeck Comm Center. Undet to Good. Lts. Brendle, McSorley, Henkle, Edgin, Young, Kirk and crews flew on mission. No. 215. 24-Mar-45: Becholt Flak Positions. Excellent to Superior. Lts. Brownlee, King, Barcroft, Stubbart, Clopton, Jessee, Hicks, Czark, Thorpe, and crews flew on this mission. No. 216. 24-Mar-45: Vlotho RR Bridge. Excellent to Superior. Lts. Edgin, Johnson, McSorley, Clopton, Thorpe and crews flew on this mission. No. 217. 25-Mar-45: Limburg M/Y. Superior. Lts. Stubbart, Pollack, Johnson, Kessel, Jessee, Young, Henkel, King, Czark, and crews. No. 218. 25-Mar-45: Friedburg M/Y. Superior. Lts. Brendle, Holder, Barcroft, Hicks, Kirk, Clopton, Henkel, Thorpe, McSorley and crews flew on this mission. No. 219. 26-Mar-45: Flieden M/Y. Excellent. Lts. Stubbart, Johnson, Holder, Edgin, Kirk, Barcroft, Czark, King, Clopton and crews flew on this mission. No. 220. 28-Mar-45: Ebrach Oil Depot. Gee Undet. Lts. Brownlee, Jesse, Hicks, McSorley, Thorpe, Stubbart, Young, Barcroft and crews flew on this mission. No. 231. 30-Mar-45: Ebenhausen Oil Depot. Gee Undet. Lts. Hibbing, King, Jessee, Stubbart, Barcroft, Thorpe, Henkel, Kirk, Holder and crews flew on this mission. 3. The following new members of combat crews were assigned and joined the squadron under Special Orders mentioned: Sgts. L.W. Thackery, P.L DuRapau, H.L. Hartley, M.C. Cecil per par 4, SO 41, 397th Bomb Gp. T/Sgt A.W. Pearson, per par 2, SO 45, 397th Bomb Gp. 1st Lt. F.M. Johnson, 2nd Lt. W.H. Boudreu, H.H. Hieronymous, J.W. Briery, T.E. Nicol. 1st Lt. E.C. McSorley, Jr. S/Sgt L.G. Bagliere, Cpls J.F. Burch, R.W. Benner, J.A. Cessira, Alexander Malovich, Jr., A.J. Frankowski, from 70th Reinforcement Depot per par 1, SO 47, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 2nd Lts. W.C. Musgrove, R.H. Thorpe, B.B. Robinson, L.W. Snowden, W.P. Newdome. F/O’s R.C. Palmer, J.D. Hoyle, L.R. Young, Cpls H.M. Murphy, B.C. Tidwell, E.R. Terella, Roger Haskell, J.M. Pindale, Gordon Parker, C.D. Eldridge, per par 7, SO 50 Hq 397th Bomb Gp. S/Sgt’s W.J. Kershaw, A.N. Sheer, P.J. Scudder, L.R. Ritchey, K.E. Bennett per par 7, SO 54, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. Capt. James H. Doolittle per par 6, SO 54, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 4. The following promotions of officers became effective during the month: From 2nd Lt to 1st Lt, per par 3, SO 60, Hq 9th AF: I.R. Bernstein, K.L. Henkel, A.D. Jessee, A.E. Krug, Manny Mark, A.R. Peebles, T.P. Ratigan, R.L. Smith, Martin Schwartz, Jr. 1st Lt. Willard H. White to Captain per par 2, SO 82, Hq 9th Air Force. Capt W.J. Rhodes to Major per par 2 SO 82, Hq 9th AF. F/O’s P.R. Chappell and J.E. Kureth were commissioned 2nd Lts per 9th AF teletype R-424-C. 5. In keeping with the Air-Ground Liaison Program, the following personnel were placed on Temporary Duty: Maj. Rhodes, Lt. Dennel, Lt. Parker, Lt. Joos, T/Sgt Younginer, S/Sgt Wolf, T/Sgt Carter, to XXIX TAC, for approximately ten days. Captain G.W. Parker departed to XIX TAC for approximately six weeks. 6. Capt. Hannigan departed on TD to ZI through 70th Reinforcement Depot, for rest and rehabilitation for approximately 30 days. 7. The following General Orders awarded decorations to members of the Squadron: Air Medals and Oak Leaf Clusters per GO 31, Hq 9th BD, 2 March 1945, per GO 35, Hq 9th BD, 8 March 1945, and per GO 39, Hq 9th BD, 16 March 1945. Bronze Star Medals were awarded T/Sgt. William G. McIntosh and T/Sgt Charles O. Tuggle per GO 45, Hq 9th BD, 27 Mar 45. Captain Claude R. Hayes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Captain John F. Hannigan and 1st Lt. Walter J. Joos were awarded the Silver Star per GO 42, Hq 9th Air Force, dated 5 March 1945. 8. The strength of the squadron as of 31 March 1945 was 344 enlisted men and 102 Officers. 9. On the 19th and 20th of the month we received a monthly Technical Inspection by the 397th Bomb Gp, and on the 29th an inspection was made by the Group, which was our Monthly Administrative Inspection. 10. By this time, our original crews had all returned to the ZI, in keeping with the rotation policy for Combat Crews. However our Squadron Commander, Operations Officer, and Squadron Navigator were still with us. 11. Training, for the month consisted of indoctrination of new crews, for the most part. However, quite a number of “refresher” courses were given, along with current training. Air training along similar lines continued, with most of the time devoted to new crews. Practice bombing was given top priority, whenever weather permitted. Ninety Aircraft were dispatched for a total of one hundred eighty training hours. 12. The Squadron Ball Diamond was begun, and plans laid for having inter-departmental baseball games. Development of the Squadron Area continued, with the construction of the new day-room begun. Plans were made, and ground work begun on the Information and Education Program. 13. Every member of the squadron took pride in the important part the Group played, in the campaign for “the beginning of the end” of the Nazis—and it was with a feeling of pleasure that we received news of the success of our bombings of Marshalling Yards, Communication Centers, Bridges and other tactical targets. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, Germany 20 May 1945 SUBJECT: April 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The following information is submitted, with reference to the history of this Squadron for the month of April: (a). Station was changed, from A-72, France, to Y-55, Holland on 25 April, 1945. (b). The strength of the unit, as of the last day of the month was 109 Officers and 346 Enlisted Men. (c). Departure from A-72, Peronne, France was on 24 April 1945, and arrival at Y-55, Venlo, Holland was on 25 April 1945. (d). On 6 April 1945, 1st Lt. Stephen D. Weatherby, 1st Lt. Lonzo A. Hetherington and S/Sgt Joseph Gragish were killed in an aircraft accident, 5 miles SW of Peronne. During a routine training flight, they had just taken off, when their engine cut out, causing their aircraft to crash and burn. All three were believed to have been instantly killed. (e). Awards and decorations received by personnel of the Squadron during the month were as follows: Silver Star to T/Sgt A.F. Carter, Jr., per GO 57, Hq 9th Air Force 24 April 1945, and Distinguished Flying Cross to 1st Lt. Kyran A. Colahan, 1st Lt. Alfred Iuvara, Captain Lewis M. Demke, and 1st Lt. Jack Rosenthal. Distinguished Flying Cross, per GO 56, Hq 9th AF, 24 April 1945 to Captains Robert R. Evans, Frederick M. King, Leo P. Roberts, and Lloyd E. Yeast. Air Medals and Clusters per GO 52, HQ 9th Bomb Div, 3 April 1945. Bronze Star Medals per GO 55, HQ 9th Bomb Div, 12 April 1945 to S/Sgt Michael Prendergast, and Purple Heart to S/Sgt Scott W. Carl. 2. The following missions in which the Squadron participated, were flown during the month: No. 222. 3 April 1945: Kezmindahl M/Y. Results-Undet. PPF. Capt. Doolittle, Lts. Edgin, McSorley, Czark, Hibbing, Clopton, Stubbart, Barcroft, Holder and crews flew on this mission. No. 223. 4 April 1945: Nbrach Oil Storage. Undet. PPF. Capt. Brendle, Lts. Thorpe, Johnson, Edgin, Kirk, King, Clopton and crews. No. 224. 7 Apr 1945: Northeim M/Y. Excellent to Superior. Lts. Hicks, Czark, Musgrove, Hibbing, McSorley, Newdome, Stubbart, Thorpe, Clopton, King and crews. No. 225. 8 Apr 1945: Nienhagen Oil Refinery. Undet. Lts. Henkel, Young, Czark, McSorley, King and crews flew on this mission. No. 226. 9 Apr 1945: Bad Berka Oil Storage Depot. Excel to Super. Capt. Doolittle, Lts. Hibbing, Pollack, Hicks, McSorley, Clopton, Henkel, King and crews flew on this mission. No. 227. 9 Apr 1945: Jega M/Y. Results-Excellent. Capt. Brendle, Lts. Kirk, Young, Kessel, Holder, Young, Stubbart, Clopton, Newdome and crews flew on this mission. No. 228. 10 Apr 1945: Rudelstadt Ord. Depot. Excellent to Superior. Capt. Rhodes, Lts. Jessee, King, Hibbing, Snowden, Musgrove, Hicks, Thorpe, Pollack and crews flew on this mission. No. 229. 11 Apr 1945: Aschersleben M/Y. Excell. to Superior. Lts. Johnson, Clopton, Newdome and crews flew on this mission. No. 230. 11 Apr 1945: Bamberg M/T Assembly Plant. Excel to Superior. Capt. Doolittle, Lts. Stubbart, Hibbing, King, Thorpe, Pollack, Czark, McSorley, Snowden and crews flew on this mission. No. 231. 12 Apr 1945: Kempton Ord. Depot. Undet to Excell. Capt. Brendle, Lt. Czark and crews flew on this mission. No. 232. 15 Apr 1945: Gunsberg M/Y. Results-Undet. Lt. Col. McLeod, Lts. Clopton, McSorley, King, Thorpe, Hibbing, Kirk, Jessee, Johnson, Pollack, Snowden and crews flew on this mission. No. 233. 16 Apr 1945: Guzenhausen M/Y. Excel to Superior. Lts. Brownlee, Czark, Holder, Edgin, Clopton, Newdome, Musgrove, Young, Pollack and crews flew on this mission. No. 234. 16 Apr 1945: Kempton Ord. Depot. Excel to Super. Lts. Hicks, Jessee, King, Thorpe, Johnson, Kirk, Pollack, McSorley, Snowden, Musgrove and crews flew on this mission. No. 235. 17 Apr 1945: Magdeburg Defended Town. Excel to Super. Capt. Brendle, Lts. Edgin, Newdome, Young, Czark, Clopton, Johnson, Holder, Thorpe, and crews flew on this mission. No. 236. 19 Apr 1945: Ulm M/Y. Excel to Superior. Lts. Hibbing, Clopton, Thorpe, Hicks, King, Kessel, Musgrove, Pollack, Newdome and crews flew on this mission. No. 237. 19 Apr 1945: Gunsberg M/Y. Excellent. Lts. Brownlee, Clopton, Johnson, and crews flew on this mission. No. 238. 20 Apr 1945: Menningen M/Y. Excellent to Superior. Capt. Doolittle, Lts. Edgin, Young, Czark, Newdome, Holder, Thorpe, Henkle, Jessee, Snowden and crews flew on this mission. No. 239. 20 Apr 1945: Nordlingen M/Y. Excel to Superior. Lts. Hibbing, King, Young, McSorley, Holder, Thorpe, Edgin, Clopton, Pollack and crews flew on this mission. 3. Under par 9, SO 59, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, dtd 5 Apr 1945, the following new members of Combat Crews were assigned and joined the Squadron: 1st Lt. Joseph W. Taylor, 2nd Lt. Bill O. Simmons, 2nd Lt. Harold H. Ham, and Cpls. J.W. Lyons, Floyd Berkey, Don O. Nordin. 4. In keeping with the Rehabilitation and Rest program for members of Combat Crews, and having completed their tour of duty, the following men were relieved from assignment and assigned to the 70th Replacement Depot: Per par 7, SO 106, Hq 9th AF: Maj. Wm. J. Rhodes. Per par 3, SO 96, Hq 9th Bomb Div: 1st Lt. R.B. Barcroft and S/Sgt. H.J. Liebig, Jr, and 1st Lts. Russel R. McLellan. Per par 2, SO 89, Hq 9th Bomb Div: 1st Lt. R.M. Lumsden, Robert E. Goodbody, Arthur A. Jaquez, and T/Sgts J.J. O’Conner, Jerome J. Miller, F.A. Naas, and S/Sgt Scott W. Carl. Per par 16, SO 93, Capt. Willard M. White. 5. In keeping with the Air-Ground Liaison Program, the following Officers and Enlisted Men went on TD to 29th TAC for approx ten days: 1st Lts. L.W. Kessel, T.R. Bernstein, Benjamin Sirabaum, 2nd Lt. P.R. Chappell, Capt. J.W. Kennard, T/Sgt J.L. Huber, and S/Sgts John W. Miller and Mandy Plaknik.. 6. The following promotions of Officers were announced during the month: Per par 14, SO 99 Hq 9th AF: 1st Lt. George R. Brendle to Captain, Per par 17 SO 99, Hq 9th AF: 2nd Lts F.R. Edgin, V.E. Hibbing, Wilbur W. Metcalf, Robert K. Young to 1st Lt. Per par 1, SO 105 Hq 9th AF, 1st LT. John R. Neale was promoted to Captain. Per par 19, SO 113 Hq 9th AF 1st Lt. Gordon L. Brownlee and L. W. Kessel, Jr. were promoted to Captain. F/O W.J. Bouffard was commissioned 2nd Lt on the same Special Order 7. On the 24th of April, Lt. Col. McLeod was transferred to Group Headquarters and Captain Robert R. Evans assumed command of the Squadron. 8. After our change of station, our old base was inspected by higher authorities, and we were informed that we had left our area in excellent condition. Work had already begun, at our new base, to improve the area—a ball diamond was begun, as well as a day room for both officers and enlisted men. 9. The Squadron received its regular monthly technical and tactical inspection by the Group, as well as an Administrative Inspection. 10. Training for the month continued along lines of indoctrination of new crews, and refresher courses were still given to all members of the Combat Crews. Our Indoctrination and Education program got under way, with the first lecture sessions being held. 11. With the feeling of impending victory in Europe, we felt that our continued results in bombing might soon pay the dividends that we all hoped for. We looked forward eagerly to the continuation of pressing home the attacks against the enemy, leading to the knock-out blow. {SIGNED} JOHN R. NEALE, Captain, Air Corps, Squadron Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, Germany 20 June 1945 SUBJECT: May 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The following information is submitted, with reference to the history of this squadron for the month of May. (a). Station was changed from Y55, Venlo, Holland, to A72, Peronne, France on 30 May 1945. (b). The Strength of the unit, as of the last day of the month was 126 Officers and 365 Enlisted Men. (c). Departure from Y-55, Venlo, Holland, was on 30 May, and arrival at A-72, Peronne, France was on 30 May. (d). Negative. (e). Awards and decorations received by personnel of the squadron during the month were as follows: Silver Star to T/Sgt. Robert J. Brennan, per G.O. 70, Hq 9th AF, 12 May 1945, and Distinguished Flying Cross to 1st Lt. William F. Demmitt, Lt. Donald C. Clark, Lt. Robert F. Jones, 1st Lt. Walter G. Joos, 1st Lt. Loy L. Julius. Air Medals and Clusters per GO 5, Hq. 9th Air Div., 14 May 1945. Bronze Star Medals to S/Sgt Robert N. Weir, per GO 1, Hq. 9th Air Div., 10 May 1945, and to T/Sgt Dave R. DeLaCruz per GO 14, Hq. 9th Air Div., 26 May 1945. 2. The following promotions of Officers were announced during the month: Per par 1, SO 136 9th AF: Capt. R.R. Evans to Major, per par 19 SO 113 9th AF: 1st Lt. G.L. Brownlee, T.U. Russell to Capts, per par 20 SO 127 9th AF: 1st Lts. W.J. Joos, R.J. Parker, to Capt. per par 11 SO 136 9th AF: 1st Lts. R.G.Glittie, T.P. Gordter to Capt. per par 21 SO 113 9th AF: 2nd Lt. W.B. Dahl to 1st Lt. per par 14 SO 136 9th AF: 2nd Lts. W.G. Fitzgerald, J.J. Hicks, P.J. Joy, W.R. McGuillicuddy, and R.R Nock to 1st Lt. per par 14 SO 136 9th AF: 2nd Lt. A.D. Anthony, W.B. Rensel, C.R. Corvall, R.N. Morris, F.J. O’Rourke, to 1st Lts. Tel. P-2914-C 9th AD: F.O. W.J. Boufford to 2nd Lt. Tel P-503-C 9th AD: F.O. C.H. Book to 2nd Lt. 3. The Squadron received it’s regular monthly technical and tactical inspection by the Group, as well as an Administrative Inspection. 4. The Squadron Commander, Captain Robert R. Evans was promoted to Major on 16 May 1945. 5. With the close of the war operational flying came to an end in this theatre. With the readjustment and move from Germany back to France some confusion was encountered and training was somewhat retarded. However, some simulated missions were flown along with regular transition and formation flying for a total of 510 aircraft hours. A full planned schedule has been established and an excellent training program is now in effect. {SIGNED} H. J. Hartson 1st Lt. Air Corps, Sqdn. Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, FRANCE 20 July 1945 SUBJECT: June 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The following information is submitted, with reference to the history of this squadron for the month of June: (a). Squadron remained at station A 72, Peronne, France. (b). Strength of the unit as of the last day of the month was 149 Officers and 384 Enlisted Men. (c). Negative. (d). Negative. (e). Awards and decorations received by personnel of the squadron during the month were as follows: Per GO 118, Hq Ninth Air Force, dtd 28 June 1945-DFC was awarded 1st Lt. G.B. Davis (O-792533), and 1st Lt. T.H. Sharp (O-664831). Air Medals and Oak Leaf Clusters were awarded, per GO 30, Hq Ninth Air Division, dtd 14 June 1945. 2. The following promotions of Officers were announced during the month: per par 1, SO 152 Hq 9th Air Force, 1st Lt. W.J. Dale to Captain; per par 3 SO 152 Hq 9th Air Force, 2nd Lt. L.W. Snowden to 1st Lt; per par 2 SO 152 Hq 9th Air Force, 2nd Lts. M.E. King, C.D. Kirk, W.C. Musgrove, R.B. Trostel, L.J. Thorpe to 1st Lt; per VOCG 9th Air Force, F/O’s J.D. Hoyle, L.R. Young, J.T. Hedger, A.J. Kanienecki, J.R. Erickson, P.M. Gerger, J.A. Blackerly, Jr., E.C. Brieshke, H.M Crawford, R.L. Dietrich, J.H. Rice were commissioned Second Lieutenants. 3. In keeping with the Rehabilitation and Rest program, the following Officers departed this station for the Zone of Interior: 1st Lt. D.P. Stubbart per par 19, SO 146, Hq 9th AF and Capt. H.J. Parker per par 22, SO 14, Hq 9th Air Division. Per par 2, SO 27, Hq 9th Air Division, 1st Lt J.W. Hicks, Jr., also departed for ZI. In keeping with the re-deployment program, the following changes in our personnel occurred during the month: 48 Officers asgd and jd fr 320th Bomb Group (M), per par 1, SO 85, Hq 397th Bomb Gp (M). 2nd Lt A.S. Rouffa asgd and jd fr 9th Air Division per par 1, SO 88, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 1st Lt. J.H. Penix asgd and jd fr 410th Bomb Gp, per par 1, SO 90, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 1st Lt. F.N. Fitting asgd and jd fr Hq 397 Bomb Gp per par 7, SO 92, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. 2nd Lt Rouffa was subsequently relieved from assignment and joined 598th Bomb Sq. per par 8, SO 92, Hq 397th Bomb Gp. Per par 9, SO 98, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, the following assignments were made: 5 Officers trfd to 597th Bomb Sq, 4 Officers to 598th Bomb Sq, and 3 Officers to 599th Bomb Sq. Per par 8, SO 98, Hq 397th Bomb Gp, the following transfers into the Squadron were effected: 5 Officers from the 597th Bomb Sq, 4 Officers from the 598th Bomb Sq, and 3 Officers from the 599th Bomb Sq. 1st Lt. Frank L. Devine was relieved from assignment and assigned to the 391st Bomb Gp, per par 7, SO 96, Hq 397th Bomb Gp.. 4. The Squadron received its regular monthly technical and tactical inspection during the month, as well as an administrative inspection. 5. The development of the squadron area continued, with wonderful improvement in the general living site: well laid-out paths, and betterment of the tents themselves made conditions much more pleasant. The enlisted mens’ club and day-room were completed, as were the Officers’ day-room and mess-hall. An excellent athletic field was constructed, and “intra-Squadron” competition in base-ball is very heated, as is the “inter-Squadron tourney, within the Group itself. 6. A training program for all personnel was begun during the month, and in addition, the conversion to make ours a Shoran Squadron was started. Even though this necessitated a complete readjustment, of equipment, personnel and training devices, the end of June found the 596th well along the way. The ground training was extensive and interesting. Aircraft training hours totaled 772 for the month. {SIGNED} H. J. Hartson, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Sq. Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), APO 140, FRANCE 20 August 1945 SUBJECT: July 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The following information is submitted, with reference to the history of this squadron for the month of July: (a). Squadron remained at station A 72, Peronne, France. (b). Strength of the unit as of the last day of the month was 109 Officers and 405 enlisted men. (c). Negative. (d). Negative. (e). Awards and decorations received by personnel of the squadron during the month were as follows: Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal, per GO 41, Hq 9th AD, dated 3 July 1945. 2. The following promotions of Officers were announced during the month: 2nd Lt. Anthony R. Zack (O-0705513) to 1st Lt., per par 2, SO 197, Hq 9th Air Force, with date of ranking of 16 July 1945. 3. In keeping with the Rehabilitation and Rest program, and having completed the required number of missions the following officers departed this station for the Zone of Interior: Capt. Dale, Lt. Halloran, Lt. Joos, Lt. Nock, as well as Lt. Hladick, Lt. McGuillicudy and Lt. McGriffin. 4. In order to continue our work as a Shoran squadron, two new Radar Officers were assigned and joined the squadron: 2nd Lt. Albert M. VanBlaroom (O-269113), and 2nd Lt. James R. Rahab (O-869439). 5. During this month, the squadron received its IG Inspection, by the 9th Air Division, as well as its usual monthly tactical, technical and administrative inspection by the Group. 6. Improvements in the squadron area continued, and new radar equipment was installed in the newly completed Radar Building—a Link Trainer was installed, to further along our Shoran Training, and the Class Room was completed. The men were occupied on Saturday mornings with a regular Saturday morning personnel and area inspection, and our required one hour of close-order drill was made a bit more bearable, by breaking it down into ten-minute periods, each morning after Reveille Formation. Physical training periods for each man became the rule, rather than the exception, and a very small number of our personnel was enabled to participate in the I and E program, by attending Schools. However, it is the consensus of opinion that the program is failing in its goal—to keep the men occupied, and simultaneously, to further their education—because of the minute percentage of men who are able to participate in the Program. 7. With the re-deployment program beginning to swing into step, the Squadron began to take on the appearance of a replacement pool. Our original personnel were leaving for new units, and other men were arriving daily, to re-place them. Dances were held for both the officers, and for the enlisted men at regular intervals during the month. 8. Flying training continued during the month, with emphasis placed on practice bombing, and instrument flying. Transition flights continued, and several cross country, 398 mile navigational flights were flown. {SIGNED} HERBERT J. HARTSON, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Sq. Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) APO 140, US Army 20 October 1945 SUBJECT: September 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The following information is submitted, with reference to the history of this squadron for the month of September: (a). Squadron remained at station A-72, Peronne, France. (b). Strength of the unit as of the last day of the month was 81 Officers and 153 enlisted men. (c). Negative. (d). Negative. (e). Negative. 2. The following promotions of Officers were awarded during the month: 2nd Lt. Albert M. Baker III, O-2057078, 2nd Lt. Norman E. Buihner, O-2059969, 2nd Lt. Albert M. Van Blaroom, O-869113, 2nd Lt. Vincent J. Tabacco, O-2064451, 2nd Lt. John D. Way, O-833925, 2nd Lt. Louis J. Lekus, Jr., O-59549, 2nd Lt. Edward O. Leach, O-832037, Above 7 Officers promoted to 1st Lts., AUS, per par 1, SO 244, Hq., 9th Air Force, with date of rank as of 1 September 1945. 3. Gordon L. Brownlee, A.C., O-690182, Capt., assumed command 23 September 1945, as Robert R. Evans, Major, A.C., O-24908, departed 23 September 1945 to join 4020 AAF Base Unit, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. 4. This organization was released from tactical assignment to Hq, 9th Air Div. effective 15 September 1945 and assigned to 98th Bomb Wing (M) per Ltr Order 370.5, dated 15 September 1945. 5. James A. Richards, Pfc, 39167111 was killed on 9 September 1945 in a vehicle accident in Peronne, France. 6. Several parties and dances were held as men continued to depart for eventual return to the Zone of the Interior. {SIGNED} HERBERT J. HARTSON, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Sq. Historical Officer. 596TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) APO 140, U.S. ARMY 20 November 1945 SUBJECT: October 1945 Installment of Squadron History. TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army. (through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U.S. Army.) 1. The following information is submitted with reference to the history of this squadron for the month of September: (a). Squadron remained at station A-72, Peronne, France. (b). Strength of the unit as of the last day of the month was 69 Officers and 126 Enlisted Men. (c). Negative. (d). Negative. (e). Negative. 2. The following promotions of Enlisted Men were awarded per Special Order 177, dated 1 October 1945, Headquarters 397th. Bomb. Gp. (M) AAF, APO 140, U.S. Army S/Sgt. Jose M. Galdiane 18 119 507 S/Sgt. Walter L. Wright 38 540 016 S/Sgt. William A. Spencer 35 627 981 S/Sgt. Charles Azzalina 32 465 418 S/Sgt. Troy E. Riddle 36 427 339 S/Sgt. Billy H. Hall 37 672 611 S/Sgt. Fred H. Lock 33 607 517 S/Sgt. Anton E. Sitko 36 432 808 Above 8 Enlisted Men were promoted to Technical Sergeants as of 1 October 1945. Sgt. Robert E. Wayte 31 326 114 Sgt. Alfred J. Frankewski 42 006 337 Sgt. Roger Haskell 34 841 064 Sgt. Richard Sharkey 12 078 564 Sgt. Edward J. Wojthewicz 32 949 487 Above 5 Enlisted Men were promoted to Staff Sergeants as of 1 October 1945. S/Sgt. Edward J. Wojthewicz 32 949 487 Above Enlisted Man was promoted to Technical Sergeant per Par. 2, SO 179, dated 4 October 1945. S/Sgt. James S. Featherstone 14 171 809 S/Sgt. John E. Neal 34 808 516 S/Sgt. Kenneth E. Bennett 35 144 584 S/Sgt. Charles E. Bowie 14 148 161 S/Sgt. Homer G. Crist 37 530 750 S/Sgt. Samuel R. Neira 38 554 586 S/Sgt. Joseph J. Lasek 10 600 630 S/Sgt. William C. Alverson 14 063 968 Above 8 Enlisted Men were promoted to Technical Sergeants as of 11 October 1945 per Par. 8 SO 184. Sgt. Orvel W. Sherril 38 570 497 Sgt. Ronule Cervantes, Jr. 18 102 455 Sgt. Forrest E. Hamilton 37 663 708 Sgt. Frank H. Frazier 14 192 754 Cpl. Frank S. Derbyshire 15 071 801 Above Enlisted Men were promoted to Staff Sergeants as of 11 October 1945 per Par. 8, SO 184. Pfc. Byron K. Travis 17 134 219 Pfc. Delores M. Esquivel 38 457 650 Pfc. Carl B. Hyder, Jr. 34 772 341 Above Enlisted Men were promoted to Corporal as of 11 October 1945 per Par 8, SO 184. S/Sgt. Arthur A. Alborano 32 881 605 Above Enlisted Man was promoted to Technical Sergeant as of 11 October 1945 per Par. 9, SO 184. Sgt. Charles N. DeForde 36 432 501 Above Enlisted Man was promoted to Staff Sergeant as of 11 October 1945 per Par. 9, SO 184. Pfc. Blaze J. Svihra 42 000 622 Above Enlisted Man was promoted to Corporal as of 11 October 1945 per Par. 9, SO 184. 3. Norman E. Lamar 2nd Lt. AC, O-2073518 assumed the duty of Squadron Ordinance Officer vice Thomas E. White 1st. Lt. AC O-1555154, transferred. Cyrus D. Kirk 1st. Lt. AC, O-718509 assumed the duty of Squadron Training Officer vice Fred M. Johnson 1st. Lt. AC O-529221, relieved Wilson L. F. Pierce 2nd. Lt. AC O-2066708 assumed the duty of Squadron Intelligence Staff Officer and Squadron Historical Officer vice James F. Sutcliffe 2nd. Lt. AC O-2015445, Transferred. 4. This organization was released from the 98th. Bomb Wing (M) and placed on movement orders, Shipment RE 7421 per LTR. Hdqs. USFET (rear) AG 370.5 GCT-AGO(265) dated 11 October 1945. 5. The Squadron has been preparing for movement to the Zone of the Interior therefore no new developments have occurred. 6. Several parties and dances were held for men departing to the Zone of Interior. {SIGNED} WILSON L. F. PIERCE, 2nd. Lt., Air Corps, Sq. Historical Officer. |