597th Bombardment Squadron (M), 397th Bombardment Group (M) Station 168, England.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 168, England.

SUBJECT: Historical report of 597th Bombardment Squadron (M), 397th Bombardment Group (M) for the period 10 May, 1943 to 5 April, 1944.

TO : Historical Section IX Bomber Command.

ACTIVATION

Theoretically, the Squadron came into existence on April 20th, 1943 by virtue of General Orders No. 28, Hq., Army Air Base, MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida. This General Order, dated, April 1, 1943, activated Hq., 397th Bombardment Group (M) and the 596th, 597th, 598th, and 599th Bombardment Squadrons (M). With MacDill Field as the station of activation, these five units were assigned to the III Bomber Command, and from sources thereunder the Squadron was to receive its cadre, fillers and replacements. In organizing the Squadron, T/O 1-127, 1 July 1942 (*1), was to be used as a guide, and the unit was to be equipped in accordance with TE 1-127 (*2).

Actually, however, life for the Squadron did not really begin until May 10, 1943. This was due to the issuance of General Orders No. 39, Hq., Air Base Area Command, MacDill Field, dated May 12th, 1943, which reorganized the Group and Squadrons, effective May 10th, 1943. This reorganization did not effect assignment nor station but another T/O (T/O 1-127, March 26th, 1943)(*3) was given as a guide for the reorganization. This new T/O provided that the Commanding Officer be a Lieutenant-Colonel; established the office of Squadron Executive Officer, with the rank of Major; eliminated all other officers in the Squadron Headquarters except an Adjutant, with a rank of Captain; and authorized the rank of Major and Captain for the Operations and Armament Officers respectively.

On May 12th, a cadre of 8 officers and 36 EM reported for duty. Captain Raymond J. Berger assumed command, effective May 10th. Most of the cadre came from the 314th Bomb Squadron – of which Capt Berger had been CO – one of the units of the 21st Bombardment Group, famous for its record at MacDill, as an Operational Training Unit in B-26 aircraft. A few days later, the cadre was further implemented by the arrival of a number of enlisted men from Eglin Field which increased Squadron strength to 22 officers and 104 EM by May 31, 1943.

*(1),(2),(3) -- not readily available.

ORLANDO AND MONTBROOK, FLORIDA

Hardly had the Squadron been reorganized before Capt Berger and about 15 officers and 16 EM were sent to AAFSAT, Orlando, Florida. Special Order No. 129, par 10, Hq III Bomber Command, dated May 13, 1943, designated certain officers and enlisted men from the 397th Bombardment Group (M), the 596th, 597th, 598th, and 599th Squadrons who were to attend the School of Applied Tactics at Orlando, for approximately thirty (30) days for the “purpose of pursuing a course of instruction in Medium Bombardment beginning May 17, 1943.”
At Orlando, the officers and men attended orientation classes for two weeks. For the next two weeks, the Group and Squadrons personnel went to Montbrook Army Air Base, Williston, Florida, where simulated bombing missions were run. Each Squadron had its time in organizing missions for the Group, and handling the briefing and interrogation of crews.

EARLY DAYS AT MACDILL FIELD, FLORIDA

Returning to MacDill about June 12th, the real business of organizing the Squadron began. At the outset, the only Orderly Room space available was in the 314th Bombardment Squadron’s Orderly room. Two other temporary Headquarters were used before permanent quarters were found. Also, from May 12th until the middle of July, Squadron Operations were conducted from the Operations Room of the 314th.
Temporary eating and living conditions were overcome as rapidly as possible and by the end of June the men were in permanent barracks and had their own mess. The officers, however, were still scattered around in hutments and had not yet moved into their own B.O.Q.
More personnel had been assigned to the Squadron so that by June 30th its strength stood at 43 Officers and 253 EM. At this time, the Staff included the following:
Commanding Officer - Capt Raymond J. Berger
Executive Officer - Capt Carl F. Hoefer
Adjutant - 1st Lt. Irwin L. Ungerleider
Operations Officer - 1st Lt. Donald C. Requa
Intelligence Officer - 1st Lt. Lewis A. Pitruzzello
QM Supply Officer - 2nd Lt. John S. Gathoff
Medical Officer - Capt Solomon Sherry
Engineering Officer - 2nd Lt. Charles W. Charles
Tech Supply Officer - 2nd Lt. John D. Burdett
Armament Officer - 1st Lt. Charles K. Agan
BSM Officer - 2nd Lt. Donald A. Ashman
Ordnance Officer - 2nd Lt. Harold F. Williams
Communications Officer - 2nd Lt. James D. Clark
Sq Bombardier - 1st Lt. Walter F. Creson
Sq Navigator - 2nd Lt. Frank K. Evans

FIRST PHASE TRAINING

First phase training, under the supervision of the 314th Bombardment Squadron began in earnest. Ground school courses – in the 21st Bombardment Group’s OTU school – accounted for most of the training time although a certain amount of low-altitude and transition flying was done. It is noteworthy that several of the key enlisted men had been instructors at the OTU school.
From July 1st until August 12th, the Squadron was under the command of Major Raymond J. Downey, who has since been awarded the Air Medal in North Africa. Capt Berger became Squadron Operations Officer.

SECOND PHASE TRAINING

With the beginning of second phase, on July 12th, various sections moved into hangar No. 5, at MacDill, which had been taken over by the 397th Bombardment Group (M). During second phase the Squadron had, at various times, from 3 to 10 planes (B-26C) of its own.
Throughout second phase, continued emphasis was placed on ground school courses but there was an increased amount of flying with particular attention being paid to formation and gunnery missions. During the latter part of the phase, medium bombing missions – at 8,000 to 10,000 ft. – were emphasized instead of low-level bombing.
Before this phase ended August 28th, Capt Berger resumed command of the Squadron on August 12 when Major Downey left for an assignment in North Africa.

FIRST FATAL ACCIDENT

On July 21st, the Squadron suffered its first loss of personnel and planes due to accident. While practicing formation flying, about 20 miles from the field, two of the planes collided, crashed, and killed all ten crew members.
The Squadron will not soon forget the following officers and enlisted men who were its first to give their lives for their country:

1st Lt. Frank K. Waddell
1st Lt. John T. Watt
2nd Lt. Frederick N. Stockho
2nd Lt. Jim M. Williams
S/Sgt Herbert T. Fleming
S/Sgt Howard F. Haas
Sgt John R. Apfel
Sgt Albert J. Cozens
Sgt Herbert H. Keller
Sgt Frank D. Zaffina

THIRD PHASE TRAINING

Third phase, from August 29th until October 9th, was a period of great activity. Medium altitude bombing was still the primary mission but night and day formation flying, navigation and gunnery missions and cross-country flights were intensified.
To meet the requirements of its expanding training program, Squadron personnel had been steadily growing so that by September 30, it had 49 officers and 325 enlisted men. Also, at the end of third phase, on October 9th, it had 11 B 26’s.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

While training for combat service remained the outstanding feature of the Squadron’s daily life, it should be recorded that there were periods of relaxation and play as well. During second and third phases, the spirit of the Squadron steadily quickened. Both enlisted men and officers found greater mutual interests and a high morale was developed.
About August 1st, all officers living on the field at MacDill moved into the same B.O.Q. – conveniently close to the Officer’s Club, which became the scene of several memorable events.
In September, the Squadron Officers and their ladies foregathered at one of the Club’s Saturday night dances. The event will be long remembered. Thanks to the efforts of Capt (”Doc”) Sherry and his charming assistant, Lt. Jeanette Light, W.A.C., specially chosen favors were presented to most of those present, - much to the amusement of all present.
By this time, the party spirit was really on. Led again by the indefatigable “Doc” and enthusiastically aided by many willing hands a real Squadron party took place on October 4th at Lake Magdalene, - outside Tampa, Florida. Arrangements were made so that practically every officer and enlisted man – and their guests – could be present.
A few days later – on October 7th – the officers and their guests had a barbecue party at the Officer’s Club.

SUPPLEMENTARY TRAINING

Following the completion of third phase, the Squadron was ready for more advanced training which was begun on October 10th.
On the same date, the Squadron received a new C.O. – Major Kenneth C. Dempster – a veteran of the Aleutian Campaign and – more recently – C.O. of the 398th Bombardment Squadron (M), 21st Bombardment Group (M).
Major Dempster received his primary training at Santa Maria, Ca., his basic training at Randolph Field, Tex., and his advanced training at Kelly Field, Tex. His first post was at McChord Field, Washington, as a member of the 34th Bombardment Squadron, 17th Bombardment Group (M) AAF, the unit to which he was assigned in December, 1940. In February of the next year he was transferred to the 73rd Bombardment Squadron of the same group. A month later the squadron moved to Elmendorf Field, Alaska.
Major Dempster celebrated Independence Day, 1941, by beginning a period of reconnaissance and patrol work over the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean, a job he carried out until December 7, 1941 – the day the Japanese attacked our Pacific Islands and drew the U.S. into World War II. On December 8, Major Dempster went on anti-sub patrol over the Gulf of Alaska and that duty continued until June 4, 1942, when he began a series of combat missions, notable among which were a skip bombing attack on Gertrude Cove, Kiska Island, and a medium altitude attack. For this accomplishment, he received the Air Medal on February 3, 1943.

AVON PARK, FLORIDA

Major Dempster arrived just in time to supervise the movement of the Squadron to Avon Park Bombing Range, Avon Park, Florida, on October 12th and 14th. This movement was a part of the movement of the entire 397th Bombardment Group.
Medium altitude bombing and formation flying were emphasized at this station but no appreciable advance in training was accomplished due to the fact the Squadron remained there for only slightly more than two weeks.

HUNTER FIELD, SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

On November 1st and 2nd, the Group and Squadrons moved to Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia. Primarily a Combat Crew Staging Field, there appeared to be few facilities available, at the outset, for a Bombardment Group. The officers were housed in enlisted men’s barracks for several days, then into a B.O.Q. for a few weeks and then into hutments. A “tent city” was erected near the line to house the various operating sections as no permanent buildings were available.
Following arrival at Hunter Field, the tempo and variety of training increased. “Search light” missions were added to the schedule, and every activity in connection with training was directed towards a final polishing-off of tactical procedures in preparation for combat duty and readiness for the effective performance of the Squadron’s primary mission.
At the end of November the Squadron had 71 officers and 309 enlisted men. Also at this time the staff included the following:

Commanding Officer - Major Kenneth C. Dempster
Executive Officer - Capt. P. W. Vereen
Adjutant - 1st Lt. John S. Gathoff
Operations Officer - Capt. Raymond J. Berger
Intelligence Officer - Capt. L. W. Gilmore
QM Supply Officer - 2nd Lt. W. G. Fultz, Jr.
Engineering Officer - 1st Lt. C. W. Charles
Medical Officer - Capt Solomon Sherry
Tech Supply Officer - 2nd Lt. John D. Burdett
Communications Officer - 1st Lt. J. D. Clark, Jr.
Armament Officer - Capt. Charles K. Agan
B.S.M. Officer - 2nd Lt. Donald A. Ashman
Ordnance Officer - 2nd Lt. Harold F. Williams
Squadron Bombardier - 1st Lt. W. F. Creson
Squadron Navigator - Capt Francis Bero

Flight Commanders:

Flight “A” - Capt James A. Nunan
Flight “B” - Capt V. J. Borr
Flight “C” - 1st Lt. D. L. Pemberton
Flight “D” - 1st Lt. C. H. Lockard

Over-water training flights (via Nassau and Cuba) were authorized and were undertaken on several occasions. Also, Squadron planes participated in three simulated bombing missions which were run under Field Orders issued by the 55th Bombardment Wing. Participation in group missions continued, as usual. The Squadron successfully completed its required chemical spray and smoke screen missions.
On December 14th, 15th and 16th, Major Dempster (CO), Captain Berger (S-3) and Captain Gilmore (S-2) attended meetings at MacDill Field, Fla., where Theatre of Action Operational Procedures were discussed under the egis of the 55th Bombardment Wing.
During the month, the Squadron lost two officers who had been with it from the outset. 1st Lt. J. D. Clark, Communications Officer, and 2nd Lt. Charles W. Charles, Engineering Officer, were transferred to other units and were replaced, respectively, by 2nd Lt. John F. Caldwell and 2nd Lt. Nathan Kowalsky.
The latter part of the month found the Squadron getting ready to leave, about January 1st, 1944, for two week’s maneuvers at Columbus, Ind.
On Christmas Day, the officers had dinner at the Squadron Mess. It was a most enjoyable occasion and those present fully appreciated the hospitality which the enlisted men had extended to them. It should also be recorded that in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas a daughter was born, on the day after Christmas, to Mrs Dempster, wife of the Squadron C.O.

On January 1st and 3rd, respectively, the ground and Air Echelons departed for the Army Air Field, Columbus, Indiana, where they remained until January 15th. During this two-week period the Squadron was a part of the Blue Tactical Air Division in connection with maneuvers in which the XI Army Corps was engaged in Tennessee.

Pursuant to Field Orders received from the First Tactical Air Division, the Squadron – in cooperation with the 596th Bombardment Squadron (M) – carried out a number of bombing missions over Red territory. Careful attention was paid to the improvement of briefing and interrogating techniques, and both ground and air situation maps were kept scrupulously up to date. Bad weather, during most of the missions, resulted in indicating the need for better assembly procedures and more navigating practice.

Immediately after its return to Hunter Field, Georgia, the Squadron, on January 18, was placed under the command of Lt. Col. Frank L. Wood, Jr. Col. Wood had been Operations Officer of the 397th Bombardment Group (M) since its activation in May, 1943.

A graduate of Wyoming University in 1938, where he was R.O.T.C. Cadet Colonel, Col Wood subsequently graduated from Kelly Field after which he was assigned to Randolph Field as Basic Instructor. In May, 1940, he left the Army on inactive duty, and joined the Pan American Airways as a co-pilot. On July 1 1940, he received a regular commission in the Air Corps through a competitive examination. Subsequently, Col Wood served as C.O. of a Basic Training Squadron at Perrin Field, Tex., as Assistant Director of Training at Greenville, Tex., and as Base Operations Officer at Strother Field, Kansas. Completing the B-26 Transition Course at Del Rio, Tex., in May, 1943, he was assigned to the 397th Bombardment Group (M). Col Wood has had nearly 2200 flying hours and will become a Senior Pilot next August.

During the latter half of the month, continued emphasis was placed on medium bombardment missions with all possible attention being paid to related activities which might improve the Squadron’s readiness for possible overseas duty. At the end of the month, the Squadron was inspected by officers from the III Bomber Command.

Training was completed during the months of February and on Feb 24th the flying echelon after completing staging left Hunter Field for Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Fla., on the first leg of their flight to overseas destination, authorized by SO#53, par 14, Third Air Force Staging Wing, Hunter Field, Ga., dated 22 Feb, 1944. All Squadrons of the Group were present at a dress formation at the departure and Col. Koontz, Commanding Officer of Hunter Field, presented Col. Coiner, the 397th Bombardment Group Commander, with a silver cup in appreciation of the fine record established by all units of the Group while stationed at Hunter Field.

From Morrison Field, the Air Echelon proceeded by the prescribed southern route through South America, Ascension, North Africa, to Southwestern England, to final destination at Station154, Gosfield, arriving there between 8 and 11 March, 1944. The order authorizing movement was by Hq. Station 11, Carribean Wing, Air Transport Command, dated 25 Feb, 1944.

On the departure of Lt. Col. Wood with the flying echelon, Capt. Paul W. Vereen, Executive Officer, assumed command of the ground echelon.

During the month of February the Squadron lost one of its most ardent boosters, and able Historian, 2nd Lt. Glenn F. Card, transferred to Materiel Command, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, by special request of the War Department.

On 14th March, 25 officers and 278 enlisted men departed from Hunter Field for staging at Camp Kilmer under authority of SO#67, Hq., 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, Ga., dated 7 March, 1944. On 22nd March the unit departed from Camp Kilmer and embarked for overseas under authority of secret letter O, ASF, NYPE Brooklyn, N.Y., 19 March, 1944, file SPTAA-GM (EC) 370.5 (#5102) and letter 20 March, 1944 ASF. Camp Kilmer, assigning the unit to ETOUSA.

Unit arrived at Gourock, Scotland in the Firth of Clyde on 3 April 44, and entrained for Halstead Essex, England arriving on 5 April 44, at Station 154, Gosfield.

The following orders cover assignment from ETOUSA through assignment to 98th Combat Wing at Gosfield, England.
(a) ETOUSA letter order AG 322 OPCC dated 31 March 44.
(b) USSTAF letter order (322) dated 4 April 44.
(c) Ninth Air Force letter order (370.5) dated 22 March 44.
(d) Ninth Bomber Command General Order #62, par.

The strength of the unit on arrival in the United Kingdom was 305 enlisted men and 58 officers.

Prepared by
William A. McCarren APO #140
1st Lt., AC., Station #168
Asst Intelligence Officer

Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M), 397th Bombardment Group (M) for the period 1 December 1943 to 31 December 1943.

Still at Hunter Field, Ga., the Squadron, both administratively and tactically, continued its preparations for possible overseas duty. Emphasis was placed on medium altitude bombing (10,000 ft), both day and night. In addition, stress was laid on formation and instrument flying.

Overwater training flights (via Nassau and Cuba) were authorized and were undertaken on several occasions. Also, Squadron planes participated in three simulated bombing missions which were run under Field Orders issued by the 55th Bombardment Wing. Participation in group missions continued, as usual. The Squadron successfully completed its required chemical spray and smoke screen missions.

On December 14th, 15th and 16th, Major Dempster (C.O.), Captain Berger (S-3) and Captain Gilmore (S-2) attended meetings at MacDill Field, Fla., where Theatre of Action Operational Procedures were discussed under the aegis of the 55th Bombardment Wing.

During the month, the Squadron lost two officers who had been with it from the outset. 1st Lt. J. D. Clark, Communications Officer, and 2nd Lt. Charles W. Charles, Engineering Officer, were transferred to other units and were replaced, respectively, by 2nd Lt. John F. Cadwell, and 2nd Lt. Nathan Kowalsky.

The latter part of the month found the Squadron getting ready to leave, about January 1st, 1944, for two week’s maneuvers at Columbus, Ind.

On Christmas Day, the officers had dinner at the Squadron Mess. It was a most enjoyable occasion and those present fully appreciated the hospitality which the enlisted men had extended to them. It should also be recorded that in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas a daughter was born, on the day after Christmas, to Mrs. Dempster, wife of the Squadron C.O.

Prepared By
2nd Lt. Glenn F. Card Hunter Field, Ga.
Ass’t Intelligence Officer

HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE 597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1944

On January 1st and 3rd respectively, the ground and Air Echelons departed for the Army Air Field, Columbus, Indiana, where they remained until January 15th. During this two – weeks period the Squadron was a part of the Blue Tactical Air Division in connection with maneuvers in which the XI Army Corps was engaged in Tennessee.

Pursuant to Field Orders received from the First Tactical Air Division, the Squadron – in cooperation with the 596th Bombardment Squadron (M) – carried out a number of bombings missions over Red territory. Careful attention was paid to the improvement of briefing and interrogating techniques, and both ground and air situation maps were kept scrupulously up to date. Bad weather, during most of the missions, resulted in indicating the need for better assembly procedures and more navigating practice.

Immediately after its return to Hunter Field, Georgia, the squadron, on January 18, was placed under the command of Lt. Col. Frank L. Wood, Jr. Col. Wood had been Operations Officer of the 397th Bombardment Group (M) since its activation in May 1943.

A graduate of Wyoming University in 1938, where he was ROTC Cadet Colonel, Col Wood subsequently graduated from Kelly Field after which he was assigned to Randolph Field as Basic Instructor. In May 1940, he left the Army, on inactive duty, and joined Pan American Airways as a co-pilot. On July 1, 1940, he received a regular commission in the Air Corps through a competitive examination. Subsequently, Col Wood served as CO of a Basic Training Squadron at Perrin Field, Texas, as Assistant Director of Training at Greenville, Texas, and as Base Operations Officer at Strother Field, Kansas. Completing the B-26 Transition Course at Del Rio, Texas, in May 1943, he was assigned to the 397th Bombardment Group (M). Col Wood has had nearly 2200 hours flying time and will become a Senior Pilot next August.

During the latter half of the month, continued emphasis was placed on medium bombardment missions with all possible attention being paid to related activities which might improve the Squadron’s readiness for possible overseas duty. At the end of the month, the Squadron was inspected by officers from the III Bomber Command.

{Signed}
GLENN F. CARD
2nd Lt., Air Corps,
Asst Squadron S-2.
HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE 597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1944

Hunter Field, Ga.
29 February, 1944.

Final phase training was completed during the month of February. The Squadron was at this time also making preparations to pass the final inspection for POM. This inspection took place about the middle of the month.

After passing the POM inspection, we received our new planes and began to stage our air echelon. Included in this staging were also the Engineering Officer, Line Chief, Flight Chiefs, and Crew Chiefs. Our planes, under command of Lt. Col. Wood, our Squadron Commander, took off after a review by Col. Coiner, our Group Commander and Col. Koontz, the Commanding Officer of Hunter Field. The rest of the Squadron, now under command of Capt. Vereen, our Executive Officer, began to prepare for departure to POE.

During this month quite a few officers were transferred and new officers were assigned. Captains Watson and Nunan were transferred to Lakeland AAB and Barksdale Field respectively. Lt. Card, our Assistant S-2 and Squadron Historical Officer, was transferred to Wright Field, Ohio. Lt. Holden left for Barksdale Field, Lt. Gathof, our Squadron Adjutant, left for Columbia AAB, Lt. Kleinert transferred to the 598th Bomb Sq in this group, and Lts. Bermudez and Helbert transferred to Plant Park, Tampa, Fla. Coming in to the Squadron were three new pilots, Lts. Fleisher, McAlpin, and Shea, a new Assistant S-2, Lt. Epstein, and a new Cryptographic Officer, Lt. Wister.

There were a large number of promotions for officers and enlisted men. The following officers were promoted as indicated:

1st Lt. Creson to Capt.
2nd Lt. Caldwell to 1st Lt.
2nd Lt. Coleman to 1st Lt.
2nd Lt. Fultz to 1st Lt.
2nd Lt. Haviland to 1st Lt.
2nd Lt. Williams to 1st Lt.

The strength of the Squadron on the 29th of February, 1944 was 65 officers and 311 enlisted men.

{SIGNED}
BURTON EPSTEIN
2nd Lt. Air Corps,
Ass’t. Intelligence Officer
597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 168, England

19 June 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the Month of April.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(Through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The first few weeks in the ETO were spent by both ground crews and air crews in familiarization courses to prepare for combat operations in this theatre. Unit was ordered to leave Station 154, Gosfield and proceed to new base at Station 168, Rivenhall on 15 April 44 by authority of letter (370.5) Movement Troops, dated 12 April 1944.

2. The first combat mission was flown on 20 April, 1944 and a summary of all combat missions for the month follows:

MISSION #1. 20 Apr 44 TARGET - Le Plouy-Ferme (NOBALL) RESULTS - Poor (clouds).
Col. Coiner led this mission. The following pilots with their crews participated: Col. Wood, Capts Borr, Leaverton, Pemberton; Lts Gatewood, Overbey, Buckler, Cordell and Schmidt.
MISSION #2. 21 Apr 44 TARGET - Fruges-Bois de Coupelle (NOBALL) RESULTS - Good.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Leaverton and Pemberton; Lts Stoner, Overbey, Buckler, Gatewood, Cordell, and Schmidt; Capt Borr.
MISSION #3. 22 Apr 44 TARGET - Vacqueriette (NOBALL) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Berger, and Lockard; Lts Stoner, Gleis, Knox, Cordell, Pinkerton and Schwarzrock.
MISSION #4. 23 Apr 44 TARGET – Benerville (Gun Position) RESULTS -Good.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Winingham; Capts Borr; Lts Overbey, Gleis, Whitmire, Schwarzrock, Knox, Cordell and Pinkerton.
MISSION #5. 25 Apr 44 TARGET - Bois Coquerel (NOBALL) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capt Leaverton; Lts Gatewood, Overbey, Schmidt, Knox, Pinkerton, Whitmire, Buckler, Schwarzrock, and Gleis.
MISSION #6. 26 Apr 44 TARGET - Ghislain (M/Y) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Berger and Pemberton; Lts Knox, Cordell, Whitmire, Schwarzrock, Buckler, Overbey, Stoner, Gleis and Pinkerton.
MISSION #7. 27 Apr 44 TARGET - Ouistreham (DEFENSE WORKS) RESULTS - Very Good.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Lockard, Leaverton and Pemberton; Lts Cordell, Whitmire, Overbey, Stoner, Pinkerton, Gleis, Schmidt and Buckler.
MISSION #8. 28 Apr 44 TARGET - Mantes-Gassicourt (M/Y) RESULTS - No Attack, 10/10 cloud cover.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Borr, Lockard, Berger and Pemberton; Lts Schmidt, Stoner, Gleis, Cordell, Knox, Gatewood, Whitmire and Pinkerton.
MISSION #9. 29 Apr 44 TARGET - Mantes-Gassicourt (M/Y) RESULTS - No Attack, recall due to weather.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Cols. Wood and Winingham; Capts Borr, Leaverton and Lockard; Lts Schwarzrock, Gatewood, Gleis, Whitmire and Pinkerton.

3. During the month combat crews per squadron were increased from 15 to 21 crews per GO#75 par 1 dated 27 March 44, Ninth Air Force. On 22 Apr 44, 12 officers and 12 enlisted men joined the squadron per this order.

4. There were no awards or decorations to members of the unit. There were no losses in action, no killed or wounded. The strength of the unit on 30 April, 1944 was 73 officers and 317 enlisted men.

Prepared by:
William A. McCarren APO #140
1st Lt., AC., Station #168
Asst Intelligence Officer

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 168, England

20 June 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of May.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(Through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. During the month of May the unit continued to be stationed at 168 Rivenhall. The squadron T.O was changed by the IX Air Force General Order #129 Par. 1 dated 10 May 1944 authorizing the increase of combat crews from 21 to 24. Following this order 12 officers and enlisted men previously attached to the unit were assigned.

2. The following missions were flown by the squadron during the month by following pilots and crews:
MISSION #10 2 May 44 TARGET – Busigny (M/Y) RESULTS - Poor to Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Berger, Lockard and Borr; Lts Pinkerton, Buckler, Stoner, Reid, Spalding, Gatewood, Oney, Levan and Knox.
MISSION #11 4 May 44 TARGET - Etaples (R.R. BRIDGE) - RESULTS - Poor except 1st element of 3rd 6 of 1st Box which was very good.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Pemberton and Borr; Lts Schwarzrock, Levan, Stoner, Gatewood, Overbey, Spalding, Reid, Oney, Buckler, Whitmire, and Gleis.
MISSION #12 9 May 44 TARGET – Le Grismont (NOBALL) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood, Lt. Col. Winingham, Lts Stoner and Schmidt.
MISSION #13 10 May 44 TARGET – Criel (M/Y) RESULTS - Fair to Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood, Capt Pemberton, Lts Schwarzrock, Whitmire, Cordell, Overbey, Buckler and Gatewood.
MISSION #14 11 May 44 TARGET – Beaumont Le Roger (A/D) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Lockard, Pemberton and Leaverton; Lts Oney, Schmidt, Gleis, Anderson, Pinkerton, Stoner, Schwarzrock, Overbey and Gatewood.
MISSION #15 12 May 44 TARGET - Etaples (C/D) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Borr, Pemberton and Lockard; Lts Spalding, Stoner, Cordell, Pinkerton, Schmidt, Overbey, Anderson, Schwarzrock and Whitmire.
MISSION #16 13 May 44 TARGET - Gravelines (C/D) RESULTS - Good to Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Pemberton and Berger; Lts Schwarzrock, Whitmire, Stoner, Knox, Overbey, Buckler, Schmidt and Oney.
MISSION #17 15 May 44 TARGET - Denain/Prouvy (AD) RESULTS - No Attack, due to bad weather.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Borr, Pemberton, Lockard, and Leaverton; Lts Cordell, Oney, Buckler, Knox and Overbey, and Gleis.
MISSION #18 19 May 44 TARGET - Etaples/St. Cecily (C/D) RESULTS - Poor except 2nd four of Box 2 which were excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Borr and Lockard; Lts Buckler, Overbey, Oney, Reid, Gleis, Gatewood, Cordell, Knox, Schwarzrock, Anderson and Whitmire.
MISSION #19 20 May 44 TARGET - St. Marie au Bosc (C/D) RESULTS - Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Borr, Leaverton and Pemberton; Lts Knox, Overbey, Buckler, Cordell, Stoner, Oney, Pinkerton, Gleis and Gatewood.
MISSION #20 22 May 44 TARGET - St. Marie au Bosc (C/D) RESULTS - Fair to Good.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capt. Borr; Lts Gleis, Gatewood, Pinkerton, Oney, Schwarzrock, Anderson, Whitmire and Levan.
MISSION #21 & 22 24 May 44 TARGET - St. Marie au Bosc (C/D) RESULTS - Poor.
MISSION #22 24 May 44 TARGET - Dieppe (Port Area) RESULTS - Fair to Good.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Berger, Leaverton and Lockard; Lts Reid, Schmidt, Oney, Whitmire, Cordell, Stoner, Anderson, Buckler, Knox, Schwarzrock and Gatewood.
MISSION #23 26 May 44 TARGET - Chartres (A/D) RESULTS - Gross to Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Pemberton and Borr; Lts Whitmire, Schmidt, Cordell, Gatewood, Pinkerton, Oney, Stoner and Anderson.
MISSION #24 27 May 44 TARGET - Le Manoir R. R. Bridge RESULTS - Good to Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Lockard, Pemberton and Borr; Lts Cordell, Pinkerton, Knox, Whitmire, Overbey, Flowers, Schwarzrock, Oney, Anderson and Reid.
MISSION #25 27 May 44 TARGET - Orival R. R. Bridge RESULTS - Fair.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Lockard and Pemberton; Lts Knox, Overbey, Whitmire, Oney, Anderson and Reid.
MISSION #26 28 May 44 TARGET - Liege/Renory R. R. Bridge RESULTS - Good to Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capts Berger, Borr and Lockard; Lts Anderson, Flowers, Buckler, Oney, Pinkerton, Levan, Knox, Schmidt and Whitmire; Capts Pemberton and Lt. Schwarzrock.
MISSION #27 29 May 44 TARGET - Beauvoir (NOBALL) RESULTS - Gross to Poor.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Pemberton and Lockard; Lts Overbey, Gleis, Gatewood, Pinkerton, Whitmire, Reid, Buckler, Flowers, Levan, Knox and Schmidt.
MISSION #28 30 May 44 TARGET - Meulan Highway Bridge RESULTS - Good to Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Capt Pemberton; Lts Stoner, Gleis, Buckler, Pinkerton, Cordell and Schmidt; Capt. Borr.
MISSION #29 31 May 44 TARGET - Rouen Highway Bridge RESULTS - Excellent.
The following pilots and their crews flew the mission: Lt. Col. Wood; Capts Borr and Pemberton; Lts Flowers, Cordell, Gleis, Pinkerton, Anderson and Whitmire.

3. The strength of the unit on 31 May 44 was 323 enlisted men and 79 officers. The following men were awarded the Air Medal by authority of par 1 Sec I GO #141 Hq Ninth Air Force, dated 18 May, 1944 and par 1 Sec IV GO #146 Hq., Ninth Air Force, dated 23 May, 1944:

Lt. Col. Frank L. Wood 0-23485
Capt. Raymond J. Berger 0-436492
Capt. Vernon J. Borr 0-724685
Capt. Walter F. Creson 0-666000
Capt. George B. Leaverton 0-727890
Capt. Chancy H. Lockard 0-725172
Capt. Delton L. Pemberton 0-724816
1st Lt. Orrel R. Buckler 0-732505
1st Lt. Joe W. Coleman 0-746694
1st Lt. Richard F. Cordell 0-795359
1st Lt. Frank K. Evans 0-796979
1st Lt. Moses J. Gatewood 0-25613
1st Lt. Marcel B. Gleis 0-735571
1st Lt. Holmes W. Haviland 0-743959
1st Lt. Freal C. Knox 0-684353
1st Lt. George D. Overbey 0-684404
1st Lt. Charles C. Pinkerton 0-25499
1st Lt. James A. Schwarzrock 0-727269
1st Lt. John L. Sims 0-794170
1st Lt. William C. Stoner 0-685219
1st Lt. Truett K. Whitmire 0-666391
2nd Lt. Winifred W. Anderson 0-686963
2nd Lt. John T. Beck 0-760152
2nd Lt. John H. Benson 0-812535
2nd Lt. Donald R. Berry 0-750064
2nd Lt. Walter D. Blatchford 0-743752
2nd Lt. Lacy N. Bobo 0-743753
2nd Lt. Charles W. Cashin, Jr. 0-744300
2nd Lt. John L. Conrad, Jr. 0-741240
2nd Lt. Clarence E. Crick 0-813335
2nd Lt. Robert F. Dasso 0-743940
2nd Lt. Jack P. Dunlap 0-743765
2nd Lt. Glenn I. Eggleston, Jr. 0-813681
2nd Lt. Martin O. Fleischer 0-813494
2nd Lt. Mervin F. Forey 0-812966
2nd Lt. James C. Hamer, Jr. 0-749591
2nd Lt. Clifford S. Hewins, Jr. 0-812263
2nd Lt. Richard (NMI) Haymond 0-812258
2nd Lt. Eugene R. Heartfield 0-741172
2nd Lt. Jerome T. Kilty 0-746957
2nd Lt. Leonard J. LaCagnin 0-812280
2nd Lt. Ossian A. Seipel 0-695772
2nd Lt. John C. McDevitt 0-685668
2nd Lt. Leonard O. Sahlen 0-685736
2nd Lt. Frank J. Schmidt 0-806137
2nd Lt. Virgil C. Tonagel 0-813809
F/O Donald M. Bennie T-61404
F/O Harold (NMI) Breen T-187593
F/O Frank (NMI) Bryzek T-122870
F/O William J. Higgins T-122805
T/Sgt. William T. O’Brien 6148980
S/Sgt. James M. Callahan 13135385
S/Sgt. Edgar P. T. Chagnon 11105245
S/Sgt. William R. Clifford 6539011
S/Sgt. Fred E. Conder 38121611
S/Sgt. Charles A. Block 17077199
S/Sgt. Roy F. Crawford 38451120
S/Sgt. James R. Fortner 38159210
S/Sgt. Dores R. Garner 14003182
S/Sgt. Les (NMI) Hughes 36882232
S/Sgt. Aaron L. Jones 17130878
S/Sgt. Joseph F. Lane 38230247
S/Sgt. Earl E. Phipps 18068207
S/Sgt. Robert (NMI) Pyle 19004487
S/Sgt. Amelio (NMI) Rovinelli 31133625
S/Sgt. William J. Snyder 32384117
Sgt. John (NMI) Casanova 16149133
Sgt. Harry E. Clay, Jr. 13151968
Sgt. James M. Craford 37506385
Sgt. James C. Dressman 35684958
Sgt. George M. Hohn 13130815
Sgt. Francis E. Little 18141053
Sgt. Albert G. Lott, Jr. 18163256
Sgt. James W. Mellody 18178493
Sgt. Hulet C. Mohr 12130420
Sgt. Joseph W. Pacyna 16151532
Sgt. James R. Reaver 33383561
Sgt. William J. Rohweder 16135719
Sgt. Lawrence G. Seifert 33505686
Sgt. Jack N. Shannon 35054802
Sgt. Robert C. Singer 13081426
Sgt. Ralph B. Smith 33564602
Sgt. Leonard W. Stum 16030190
Sgt. Calvin D. Threkeld 16121299
Sgt. Floyd B. Turner 18193802
Sgt. William E. Wildner 32587433
Sgt. Eugene J. Zielinski 15374620
Cpl. Max (NMI) Berger 32436284
Cpl. Robert D. Bollinger 19127282
Cpl. Norman C. Edwards 33558570
Pfc. Donald (NMI) Sharpe 13117680
Pfc. Charles (NMI) Battaglia 13030673
Pvt. June F. Johnston 13128564
S/Sgt. Frank A. Maturo 31280183
Sgt. William F. Koenig 19147442
Sgt. Matthew J. Madej 36054202
Sgt. Carl W. Mason, Jr. 16188463

4. The first injuries and fatalities to members of the Squadron occurred on 13 May, 1944 during a combat mission:

1st Lt. Frank K. Evans, 0-796979 Killed
Capt. T. Nestlerode, 0-426416 Wounded
2nd Lt. I. Sanow, 0-791637 Wounded
S/Sgt. William Clifford, 6539011 Injured in crash.

Lt. Col. Wood succeeded in making a crash landing at West Malling in spite of the fact that the aircraft was badly damaged by flak. On 27 May, 1944 the following enlisted men were wounded by flak while on an operation sortie:

S/Sgt. Howard Peacock, 14129345
Sgt. Gus (NMI) Cairello, 12194728

Prepared by:
William A. McCarren APO #140
1st Lt. AC. Station #168
Asst Intelligence Officer

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), STATION 168, ENGLAND

APO # 140
19 JULY, 1944

SUBJECT: HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE 597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1944.

TO : HISTORICAL SECTION, IX BOMBER COMMAND, APO 140, U.S. ARMY.
(THRU 397TH BOMB GP (M), APO 140, U.S. ARMY)

1. THE MONTH OF JUNE FOUND THE UNIT STILL STATIONED AT #168, RIVENHALL, ESSEX. MAJOR ACTIVITY WAS THE FLYING OF COMBAT MISSIONS. THE HIGH LIGHT OF THE MONTH WAS “D” DAY, 6 JUNE, 1944 ON WHICH DAY THE UNIT PARTICIPATED IN TWO MISSIONS IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF THE INVASION. THE GROUP WAS HONORED BY THE PRESENCE OF GENERAL ANDERSON, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE NINTH BOMBER COMMAND, AT THE EARLY MORNING BRIEFING.

2. ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTH WERE CONCENTRATED ON ENEMY COMMUNICATIONS, SUCH AS BRIDGES, RAILROADS, INTERSECTIONS, ETC; AND DIRECT SUPPORT TO GROUND TROOPS BY DESTRUCTION OF FUEL AND AMMUNITION DUMPS, GUN EMPLACEMENTS, AND STRONG POINTS.

3. THE UNIT WAS JOINED BY SIX OFFICERS AND SIX ENLISTED MEN ON 3 JUNE AND BY 3 OFFICERS AND 3 ENLISTED MEN ON 6 JUNE PER PAR 1, SO #120, DATED 6 JUNE.

4. THE FOLLOWING MISSIONS WERE PARTICIPATED IN BY THE SQUADRON:
1 JUNE - TARGET: LE HAVRE (C/D BATTERY) RESULTS: EXCELLENT TO
GROSS. PILOTS & CREWS: LOCKARD, BORR, PEMBERTON, GLEIS, BUCKLER, OVERBEY, FLOWERS, LEAVERTON, SCHWARZROCK, KNOX, STONER, CORDELL, & ANDERSON.
2 JUNE - TARGET: CAMIERS (C/D BATTERY) RESULTS: POOR.
PILOTS & CREWS: BUCKLER, KNOX, SCHMIDT.
3 JUNE - TARGET: LE HAVRE (C/D BATTERY) RESULTS: POOR TO
GROSS. PILOTS & CREWS: ONEY, ANDERSON, BERGER, LEVAN, SCHMIDT, GLEIS, PEMBERTON, SCHWARZROCK, BORR, KNOX, BUCKLER.
6 JUNE - TARGET: (MORNING) LES DUNES DE VARREVILLE (C/D BATTERY) RESULTS: GOOD TO POOR. PILOTS & CREWS: WOOD, SCHMIDT, ANDERSON, CORDELL, GLEIS, OVERBEY, PINKERTON, FLOWERS, STONER, LOCKARD, BORR, KNOX, ONEY.
TARGET: (AFTERNOON) TROUVILLE (C/D BATTERY) RESULTS: EXCELLENT TO FAIR. PILOTS & CREWS: PEMBERTON, PINKERTON, SCHWARZROCK, SCHMIDT, WHITMIRE, NEILL, GATEWOOD, STONER, ANDERSON, BUCKLER.
7 JUNE - TARGET: (MORNING) LE MANS (R.R. AREA) RESULTS: FAIR.
PILOTS & CREWS: NONE OF OUR CREWS PARTICIPATED IN THIS MISSION.
7 JUNE - TARGET: (AFTERNOON) CONDE-SUR-NOIREAU. RESULTS: EXCELLENT. PILOTS & CREWS: LOCKARD, NEILL, WHITMIRE, PEMBERTON, SCHMIDT, PINKERTON, STONER, GATEWOOD, ANDERSON.
8 JUNE - TARGET: (AFTERNOON) FORET DE GRIMBOSCQ (AMMUNITION DUMP) RESULTS: RECALLED DUE TO WEATHER. PILOTS & CREWS: LEAVERTON, GATEWOOD, SCHMIDT, PEMBERTON, ONEY, OVERBEY, ELLIS, STONER, FLOWERS, WOOD.
10 JUNE - TARGET: (MORNING) QUINEVILLE (C/D BATTERY) RESULTS: EXCELLENT. PILOTS & CREWS: ELLIS, BORR, GATEWOOD, OVERBEY, FLOWERS, LEVAN
TARGET: (EVENING) LESSAY (ROAD JCT) RESULTS: RECALLED DUE TO WEATHER. CREWS: PINKERTON, ONEY, BUCKLER, LOCKARD, BERGER, KNOX, ANDERSON, WHITMIRE.
11 JUNE - TARGET: ST LO (HWY BRIDGE) RESULTS: NO ATTACK DUE TO WEATHER. CREWS: ONEY, FLOWERS, BORR, BRADEN, SCHMIDT, ELLIS, LEAVERTON, OVERBEY, WOOD, PEMBERTON.
12 JUNE - TARGET: ST LO (HWY BRIDGE) RESULTS: EXCELLENT. CREWS: LOCKARD, WHITMIRE, GLEIS, BUCKLER, SCHWARZROCK, PINKERTON, BERGER, NEILL, REID.
13 JUNE - TARGET: FORET D’ANDAINE (DUMP) RESULTS: EXCELLENT TO
GROSS. CREWS: BUCKLER, ELLIS, OVERBEY, GATEWOOD, STONER, SCHMIDT, PEMBERTON, FLOWERS, BRADEN, ONEY.
14 JUNE - TARGET: (MORNING) CHARTRES (R.R. BRIDGE) RESULTS: EXCELLENT TO GROSS. CREWS: WOOD, KNOX, BERGER, LOCKARD, PINKERTON, ANDERSON, SCHWARZROCK, GLEIS, WHITMIRE.
TARGET: (AFTERNOON) ST HILAIRE DU HARCOURT (R.R & HWY BRIDGE) RESULTS: FAIR TO GOOD. CREWS: GATEWOOD, OVERBEY, REID, BUCKLER, STONER, BRADEN, LEAVERTON, SCHMIDT, ONEY, ELLIS.
15 JUNE - TARGET: (MORNING) COLTAINVILLE (R.R. BRIDGE) RESULTS: GOOD TO GROSS. CREWS: WOOD, SCHWARZROCK, KNOX, BERGER, NEILL, ANDERSON, LOCKARD, PINKERTON, GLEIS.
17 JUNE - TARGET: COLTAINVILLE (R.R. BRIDGE) RESULTS: GROSS. CREWS: GATEWOOD, OVERBEY, STONER, SCHWARZROCK, FLOWERS, ELLIS, ONEY, LEAVERTON, SCHMIDT, BRADEN.
18 JUNE - TARGET: BACHIMONT (NOBALL) NO COVER. CREWS: SCHWARZROCK, REID, WHITMIRE, BERGER, KNOX, PINKERTON, BORR, ANDERSON, NEILL.
21 JUNE - TARGET: GORENFLOS (NOBALL) RESULTS UNKNOWN. CREWS: ELLIS, FLOWERS, BUCKLER, OVERBEY, BORR, PEMBERTON, BRADEN, LEAVERTON, STONER, ONEY.
22 JUNE - TARGET: STRONG POINT. RESULTS: GOOD TO GROSS. CREWS: LOCKARD, ELLIS, SCHMIDT, GATEWOOD, NEILL, WHITMIRE, GLEIS, PINKERTON, KNOX.
23 JUNE - TARGET: LAMBUS (NOBALL) RESULTS: GROSS. CREWS: LOCKARD, FLOWERS, ALDOUS, BUCKLER, PEMBERTON, BORR, ELLIS, BRENDLE, WOOD, NEILL.
24 JUNE - TARGET: MAISSONS LA FITTE (R.R. BRIDGE) RESULTS: EXCELLENT TO FAIR. CREWS: SCHWARZROCK, NEILL, KNOX, GATEWOOD, WHITMIRE, CORDELL, BERGER, ANDERSON, GLEIS.
30 JUNE - TARGET: CONDE-SUR-NOIREAU (ROAD CENTER) RESULTS: UNKNOWN. CREWS: BERGER, STONER, BUCKLER, BORR, LEVAN, BRADEN.

5. ON 3 JUNE , SGT. PALMER, 16055004 WAS WOUNDED IN ACTION. ON 8 JUNE, LT. MERVIN FOREY, 0-812966 WAS KILLED IN A CRASH AT CHIPPING-ONGAR. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CREW WHO WERE INJURED WERE 1ST LT. CORDELL, 0-795359, F/O BREEN, T-17593, S/SGT CASANOVA, 16149133, SGT. PACYNA, 16151533, AND SGT SHANNON, 35542686. ON 24 JUNE THE SQUADRON SUFFERED ITS MOST SEVERE LOSS. THE FOLLOWING WERE MISSING IN ACTION. CAPT. GATEWOOD, 0-25613, LT. BLATCHFORD, 0-743752, LT. HAYMOND, 0-312258, LT. KNOX, 0-684353, LT. GIFFHORN, 0-747691, LT. LINDQUIST, 0-746663, LT. NEILL, 0-687700, LT. PRICE, 0-816574, LT. SEIPEL, 0-695772, T/SGT. O’BRIEN, 6148980, S/SGT CRAWFORD 37506385, S/SGT HOOVER, 33291344, S/SGT HUGHES, 36382232, S/SGT SNYDER, 32384117, S/SGT VORHEES, 13011177, SGT. EDWARDS, 33558570, SGT KOENIG, 19147442, SGT MELLODY, 18178593. ON THE SAME DAY S/SGT PHIPPS, 18068207 AND SGT WILDNER 32587433 WERE WOUNDED IN ACTION.

6. DURING THE MONTH 21 OFFICERS RECEIVED PROMOTIONS. THERE WERE NO ENLISTED MEN PROMOTED.

7. AWARDS DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE WERE AS FOLLOWS:

8 OFFICERS AND 3 ENLISTED MEN RECEIVED THE SECOND OAK LEAF CLUSTER TO THE AIR MEDAL. 34 OFFICERS AND 39 ENLISTED MEN RECEIVED THE THIRD OAK LEAF CLUSTER TO THE AIR MEDAL. GENERAL ORDERS #95 & 111 DATED 5 JUNE & 23 JUNE RESPECTIVELY COVERING THE SECOND OAK LEAF AWARD AND GENERAL ORDERS #105 & 111 DATED 15 & 23 JUNE RESPECTIVELY COVERING THE THIRD OAK LEAF AWARDS.

AIR MEDALS WERE AWARDED TO THE FOLLOWING:
LT. LEVAN G.O. #99, 9 JUNE.
LT. THOMS “
LT. TOLLETT “
T/SGT ESTRELLA “
CPL. MC CUTCHAM “
S/SGT HOWLE “
SGT EGLY “
LT. HURLEY G.O. #111, 23 JUNE.
CPL. NICHOLS “
S/SGT. COLLINS “
LT. BRADEN G.O. #114,
LT. CLOSSON “
LT. HANKEY “
S/SGT. WISECUP “
S/SGT. WILSON “
T/SGT. KLEMZ G.O. #149, 9TH AF, 4 JUNE
SGT. CLEAVES G.O. #156, 9TH AF, 4 JUNE

THE STRENGTH OF THE UNIT ON 30 JUNE, 1944 WAS 73 OFFICERS & 325 ENLISTED MEN.

PREPARED BY WILLIAM A. MCCARREN APO #140,
1ST LT. AC., STATION #168
ASS’T INTELLIGENCE.
597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 492, England

20 August, 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of July.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(through 397th Bombardment Group (M), APO 492, U.S. Army)

1. The month of July found the 597th Bomb Squadron still located at Station 168, Rivenhall, Essex, England. Combat missions kept the air crews as well as ground personnel busy most of the day and night. The tempo of operation was stepped up to a high pitch, giving every indication that a record number of missions would be flown by this group within a limited time if the pace was maintained.

2. High priority was placed on enemy communications as targets. The unit was repeatedly assigned the task of bombing bridges and attained such good results with these difficult targets that they began to be referred to as the “Bridge Busters”. Supply dumps and enemy strong points also comprised a good many of the targets during this period.

3. During the month the unit was joined by 8 officers and 3 enlisted men as replacement crew members. On the last day of the month the total strength was 85 officers and 328 enlisted men.

4. The following missions were flown by the listed pilots and their crews:

6 July - Dol-Rennes (R.R. Line)
Results were fair to Excellent
Crews: Lockard, Flowers, Leaverton, Buckler, Ellis, Oney, Borr, Braden and Overbey.

6 July - Foret de Conches (Fuel Dump)
Results - A.B.
Crews: Berger, Schmidt, Pinkerton, Schwarzrock, Gleis, Braden, Anderson, Whitmire.

7 July - Forest, N.W. of Usay.
Results - No Attack due to weather
Crews: Wood, Overbey, Oney, Pemberton, Pinkerton, Schmidt, Borr, Whitmire, Anderson.

8 July - Samure R. R. Bridge
Results were Excellent
Crews: Berger, Whitmire, Cordell, Schwarzrock, Braden, Ellis, Gleis, Schmidt, Flowers.

8 July - Samure R. R. Bridge
Results - No photo coverage.
Crews: Pemberton, Reid, Oney, Schwarzrock, Borr, Pinkerton, Cordell, Flowers, Whitmire.

9 July - Nogent-Le Roi (R.R. Bridge)
Results - No Attack, Excellent on T.O.
Crews: Wood, Braden, Stoner, Buckler, Reid, Levan, Gleis, Ellis, Schmidt.

11 July - Chateau de Turto
Results - No photographs, PPF mission.
Crews: Borr, Pemberton, Ellis, Buckler, Flowers, Stoner, Cordell, Schwarzrock, Pinkerton.

12 July - Foret D’Ecouves
Results - No photographs, PPF mission.
Crews: Lockard, Pinkerton, Borr, Stoner, Schmidt, Whitmire.

16 July - Boissei la Lande (R. R. Embankment)
Results - Excellent, PPF mission.
Crews: Borr, Braden, Hurley, Buckler, Flowers, Overbey, Leaverton, Oney, Stoner, Whitmire.

16 July - Nantes R. R. Bridge
Results - Good
Crews: Wood, Schwarzrock, Braden, Berger, Stoner, Spaulding, Gleis, Anderson, Hurley.

18 July - Demouville (Defended Area)
Results - P.N.B.
Crews: Buckler, Overbey, Stoner, Lockard, Whitmire, Oney, Pemberton, Anderson, Ellis, Cordell.

18 July - Cherisy (R. R. Bridge)
Results - Good
Crews: Schwarzrock, Ellis, Stoner, Leaverton, Overbey, Braden, Gleis, Oney, Cordell, Wood.

19 July - La Passonniere (R. R. Viaduct)
Results - Excellent.
Crews: Berger, Pemberton, Pinkerton, Buckler, Spaulding, Anderson, Gleis, Hurley, Flowers, Overbey.

23 July - Argentan (R. R. Bridge)
Results - No photographs, PPF mission.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Gleis, Spaulding, Leaverton, Borr, Flowers, Ellis.

24 July - Livarot (Ammunition Stores)
Results - Good, PPF mission.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Lockard, Schmidt, Pinkerton, Borr, Oney, Stoner, Whitmire.

25 July - St. Lo (Defended Area)
Results - A.B.
Crews: Buckley, Schmidt, Oney, Berger, Ellis, Whitmire, Flowers, Reid, Braden.

25 July - Cloyes (R. R. Bridge)
Results - Excellent
Crews: Schwarzrock, Borr, Levan, Lockard, Pinkerton, Braden, Reid, Buckler, Ellis, Oney.

26 July - Epernon (R. R. Bridge)
Results - I. B.
Crews: Berger, Whitmire, Schmidt, Buckler, Pinkerton, Ellis, Flowers, Cordell, Overbey.

27 July - Bouchmaine (R. R. Bridge)
Results - No attack due to weather
Crews: Schwarzrock, Anderson, Braden, Gleis, Overbey, Leaverton, Borr, Whitmire, Flowers, Schmidt.

28 July - Courcelles R. R. Bridge
Results - No photo coverage, PPF mission.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Buckler, Overbey, Levan, Borr, Whitmire, Flowers, Schmidt.

30 July - Caumont (Defended Area)
Results - No photo coverage, PPF mission.
Crews: Cordell, Ellis, Schmidt, Buckler, Whitmire, Flowers, Pinkerton, Stoner, Hurley.

30 July - Caumont (Defended Area)
Results - No photo coverage, PPF mission.
Crews: Wood, Oney, Gleis, Overbey, Leaverton, Pemberton, Anderson, Braden, Pinkerton.

{SIGNED}
Prepared by:
William A. McCarren APO #140
1st Lt. AC. , Station #492
Asst Intelligence Officer

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) Station 41, France

20 September, 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of August.

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 flight echelon left Station 168, and on August 5th, were followed by the ground echelon to Hurn, England. There the Unit continued to fly operational combat missions with emphasis again placed on bridges. Fuel and Ammunition dumps, with a few heavy gun emplacements, comprised the remainder of the targets for this period.

2. On the 30th and 31st of August, the Squadron left Hurn Field for movement across the Channel into France to Station A-26.

3. The following missions were flown by the crew of the pilots listed:

1 August. R. R. Bridge at Les Ponts de Ce. Results L. B.
Crews: Lockard, Gleis, Overby, Schmidt, Cordell, Whitmire, Leaverton, Anderson and Stoner.
2 August. R. R. Bridge at Cinq Mays. Results: L. B.
Crews: Lockard, Oney, Reid, Schwarzrock, Schmidt, Braden, Cordell, Ellis and Levan.
3 August. R. R. Bridge at Courtelain. Results: No Attack.
Crews: Wood, Flowers, Schwarzrock, Taylor, Gleis, Anderson, Braden, Whitmire, Pemberton, Overby and Oney.
4 August. R. R. Bridge at Epernon. Results: L. B.
Crews: Buckler, Oney, Flowers, Gleis, Stoner, Spaulding, Cordell, Hurley and Pinkerton.
7 August. (AM) R. R. Bridge at Neuvy sur Loire. Results: Excell.
Crews: Lockard, Schmidt, Ellis, Anderson, Borr, Braden, Levan and Overby.
7 August. (PM) Ammo Dump at Foret de Blais. Result: L. B.
Crews: Gleis, Levan, Leaverton, Whitmire, Cordell, Flowers, Stoner and Oney.
8 August. (AM) R. R. Bridge at Mantes Gassicourt. Results: Excellent.
Crews: Buckler, Pinkerton, Pemberton, Gleis, Hurley, Overby, Berger, Ellis and Schmidt.
8 August. (PM) C. D. Battery at St. Malo. Results Excellent.
Crews: Cordell, Flowers, Lockard, Stoner, Hurley and Leaverton.
9 August (AM) R. R. Bridge at Pontoise. Results: Excellent.
Crews: Lockard, Overby, Braden, Pemberton, Gleis, Spaulding, Schmidt, Ellis, Oney, Wood and Stoner
9 August (PM) Ammo. Dump at Beaugency/Orleans. Results: No Attack.
Crews: Wood, Buckler, Leaverton, Cordell, Stoner, Ellis, Flowers, Hurley and Schmidt.
10 August. R. R. Bridge at Nogent. Results Excellent.
Crews: Lockard, Overby, Pemberton, Cordell, Anderson, Oney, Pinkerton, Schmidt, and Flowers.
11 August. R. R. Bridge at Oissel. Results Gross P.P.F.
Crews: Buckler, Berger, Ellis, Spaulding, Gleis, Hurley and Overby.
13 August. (AM) Road Junction at Lisieux. Results: Poor.
Crews: Wood, Cordell, Stoner, Whitmire, Pinkerton, Flowers, Pemberton, Braden, Anderson and Gleis.
13 August. (PM) Marshalling Yards at Corbeil. Results Excell.
Crews: Lockard, Hurley, Stoner, Flowers, Oney, Schwarzrock, Pinkerton, Anderson, Whitmire and Wood.
14 August. (AM) Hwy. Bridge at Notre Dame de Courson. Results: Good.
Crews: Lockard, Pinkerton, Leaverton, Gleis, Levan, Braden, Cordell, Hurley and Spaulding.
14 August. (PM) Hwy. Bridge at St. Martin de la Lioue. Results: Excell.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Pinkerton, Anderson, Cordell, Braden, Levan, Pemberton, Ellis and Stoner.
15 August. Defense Gun at St. Malo. Results Excellent.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Braden, Anderson, Cordell, Whitmire, Stoner, Pemberton, Spaulding, La Cagnin and Schmidt.
16 August. (AM) Neuvy R. R. Bridge. Results: No Attack.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Spaulding, Leaverton, Ellis, Pinkerton, Anderson, Schmidt, Oney and Lockard.
16 August. (PM) Hwy Bridge at Brionne. Results Fair.
Hwy. Bridge at Pont Anthou. Results: Good.
Crews: Lockard, Braden, Cordell, Flowers, Levan, Pemberton, Donagle and Oney.
17 August. R. R. Bridge at Brionne. Results Good P.F.F.
Crews: Schwarzrock, La Caglin, Levan, Gleis, Braden, Spaulding, Cordell, Anderson and Hurley.
17 August. (PM) R. R. Bridge at La Rabellerie. Results Gross (PFF).
Crews: Schwarzrock, Gleis, Oney, Schmidt, Pinkerton, Ellis, Hurley and Levan.
20 August. Foret de la Lande. Results L. B. (PFF).
Crews: Wood, Stoner, Cordell, Schmidt, Flowers, Pinkerton, Anderson and Ellis.
25 August. Gun emplacement at Kendrain. Results A. B.
Crews: Wood, Berger, Levan, Overby, Pemberton, Flowers, Braden, Cordell, Oney and Stoner.
26 August. (AM) Fuel Dump at Compiegne. Results A. B.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Leaverton, Schmidt, Gleis, Stoner, Oney, Pinkerton, Flowers, Hurley and Ellis.
26 August. (PM) Fuel Dump at Rouen. Results Good.
Crews: Berger, Pemberton, Schmidt, Buckler, Overby, Pinkerton, Cordell, Hurley and Reid.
28 August. Fuel Tanks at Barrisis. Results: A. B.
Crews: Wood, Levan, Lockard, La Caglin, Whitmire, Gleis, Stoner, Oney, Flowers, Ellis and Spaulding.

4. During the month awards were made to members of Combat Crews, by the following general orders:
G. O. 145 H. Q., IX B. C. 11 August, 44. Oak Leaf Clusters.
G. O. 145 H. Q., IX B. C. 11 August, 44. Air Medal.
G. O. 153 H. Q., IX B. C. 13 August, 44. Oak Leaf Clusters.
G. O. 160 H. Q., IX B. C. 20 August, 44. Purple Hearts.
G. O. 163 H. Q., IX B. C. 23 August, 44. Purple Heart.

5. Five officers and four enlisted men received promotions.

6. On 7 August, while on a combat mission over France, the following officers and Enlisted men were missing in action:
Captain Borr, 0-724685, 1st Lt. Heartfield, 0-741172,
2nd Lt. Crick, 0-813335, T/Sgt. Conder, 38121611, S/Sgt.
Jones, 17120378, S/Sgt. Singer, 13081426.

7. On 11 August, while over enemy territory the aircraft piloted by Captain Buckler, 0-732505, was struck by Flak. By skillfull handling, the aircraft was brought over friendly territory and the crew members parachuted to safety.

8. Total strength of the Unit on 31 August was 83 Officers and 327 enlisted men.

{SIGNED}
Prepared by:
William A. McCarren APO #140
1st Lt. A. C, Station #41
Asst Intelligence Officer

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP

AAF Station A-72
20 October, 1944
SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron for the month of September, 1944.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(thru 397th Bomb Gp)

1. The Squadron remained at Station A-26 until 15 Sept. when the air echelon and advance party moved to A-41 at Dreux. There combat operations were continued against enemy communications and concentrations of troops and materials. Unfavorable weather conditions limited activities to the following missions:
1 Sept - Brest (Strong Points) - No attack.
Crews: Buckler, Gleis, Oney, Stoner, Schwarzrock, Schmidt, Braden, Overbey.
5 Sept - Brest (Strong Points) - Fair to Excellent.
Crews: Ellis, Lockard, Berger, Hurley, Cordell, Pinkerton, Pemberton, LaCagnin, Levan, Whitmire.
6 Sept - AM Brest (Strong Points) - Fair to Excellent.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Whitmire, Overbey, Leaverton, Pinkerton, Stoner, Ellis, Schmidt.
PM Brest (Strong Points) - No Cover.
Crews: Pemberton, Hurley, Braden, Levan, Cordell, LaCagnin, Overbey, Ellis.
19 Sept - Bitburg (M/Y) - Excellent.
Crews: Wood, Flowers, Oney, Schwarzrock, Ellis, Whitmire, Cordell, Braden, Levan.
20 Sept - Trier (M/Y) - A.B.
Crews: Lockard, Braden, Levan, Buckler, LaCagnin, Cordell, Gleis, Flowers, Benson.
21 Sept - Garolstein (RR junct) - A.B.
Crews: Schwarzrock, Leaverton, Whitmire, Gleis, Eggleston, Overbey, Pemberton, Levan, Ellis, Oney.
27 Sept - Foret de Parroy (Troop and vehicle concentration) - No attack.
Crews: Berger, Flowers, Ellis, Gleis, Levan, Whitmire, Cordell, Higgins, Braden.
29 Sept - AM Bitburg (Troop concentration) - Excellent.
Crews: Braden, Buckler, Gleis, Spaulding, Anderson, Leaverton, Pinkerton, Levan, Whitmire, Cordell.
29 Sept - PM Julich (Warehouses) - Fair.
Crews: Berger, Flowers, Tonagle, Oney, Whitmire, Cordell, Levan, Higgins, Stoner.

2. During the month the strength of the unit was increased by eleven officers and fourteen enlisted men. On the last day of the month the Squadron had 94 officers and 340 enlisted men.

3. Promotions were given to two officers and 29 enlisted men.

4. Oak leaf clusters were awarded by GO#174, dated 5 Sept, 1944, Hq., IX Bomber Command.

5. There were no casualties for the month of September.

{SIGNED}
WILLIAM J. MC CARREN,
1st Lt., AC.,
Asst Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP

AAF Station A-72
20 November, 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron for the month of October, 1944.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO #140, U.S. Army.
(thru 397th Bomb Gp)

1. The Squadron remained at A-41 near Dreux, France until 7 October, at which time the air echelon moved to a new base at A-72. The first days at the new base were spent in establishing living and working sites. Due to adverse weather conditions operations were somewhat curtailed and only four missions were flown during the month; they were as follows:

2 Oct - Herbach (defended area) – A.B.
Crews: Gleis, Braden, Hurley, Flowers, Stoner, Higgins, Cordell, Spaulding, Ellis.
12 Oct - Ahrweiler (RR bridge) – Good
Crews: Pemberton, Stoner, Levan, Overbey, Schwarzrock, LaCagnin, Ellis, Pinkerton.
20 Oct - Geertruidenberg (Hwy bridge) – Fair (PPF)
Crews: Wood, Schmidt, Ellis, Gleis, Stoner, Anderson, Pemberton, Flowers, Overbey.
29 Oct - Euskirchen (RR bridge) – No cover.
Crews: Berger, Gleis, Reid, Hewins, Cordell, Benson, Oney, Schwarzrock, LaCagnin, Ellis.

2. Fifteen officers and twenty-seven enlisted men received promotions during the month.

3. Eleven officers and fourteen enlisted men joined the squadron and on the 31st of October the total strength was 98 officers and 348 enlisted men.

4. Awards for the month were as follows:
Bronze Stars – SO#13, Hq., IX BD, dtd 10 Oct.
Oak leaf clusters – SO#12, Hq., IX BD, dtd 9 Oct.

{SIGNED}
WILLIAM J. MC CARREN,
1st Lieut., AC.,
Asst Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP

AAF Station A-72
20 December, 1944

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron for the month of November, 1944.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO #140, U.S. Army.
(Thru 397th Bomb Gp)

1. The Squadron remained at A-72 near St. Quentin. The flying of operational missions continued with emphasis on storage depots and defended areas the latter being in direct support of ground forces. The number of missions flown was somewhat curtailed due to unfavorable weather conditions; they were as follows:

4 Nov. - BAUMHOLDER (Store Depot) Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Lockhard, Schmidt, Flowers, Cordell, Overbey, Spaulding, Stoner, LaCagnin.
5 Nov. - HOMBURG (Ordnance Depot) Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Wood, Braden, Gleis, Anderson, Pemberton, Schwarzrock, Higgins, Stoner.
11 Nov. - MAYEN (Rwy Bridge) Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Higgins, Wood, Anderson, Pemberton, Schwarzrock, Whitmire, Hurley.
19 Nov. - (A.M.) MARIAWEILER (Defended Area) A.B.
19 Nov. - (P.M.) PIRMASENS (Ordnance Depot) Undet.
Crews: A.M. - Lockard, Higgins, Spaulding, Flowers, Levan, Reid, Schwarzrock, Whitmire, Frank.
. Crews: (P.M.) Gleis, Benson, Spaulding, Flowers, Levan, Oney, Cordell, Braden, Frank.
21 Nov. - BERGSTEIN (Defended Area) Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Berger, Hurley, Pemberton, Flowers, Whitmire, Ellis.
29 Nov. - ELSDORF (Defended Area) Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Lockhard, Spaulding, Pemberton, Braden, Whitmire, Schwarzrock, Emerson, LaCagnin, Gleis, Schmidt, Anderson.
30 Nov. - STOCKHEIM (Defended Area) Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Wood, Levan, Patterson, Pemberton, Higgins, Spaulding, Cordell, Schmidt, Anderson.
18 Nov. - REICHENBACH (Barracks Area) Fair to Excellent.
Crews: LaCagnin, Lockard, Reid, Benson, Flowers, Braden, Overbey, Schwarzrock, Leaverton, Frank.

2. Awards and decorations were granted to personnel as follows:
Soldiers Medal - G.O. 35 Hq. 9th B.D. 15 Nov.
D.F.C. - G.O. 268 Hq 9th A.F. 24 Nov.
Oak Leaf Clusters S.O. 23 Hq 9th B.D. 9 Nov.

3. No personnel were killed or wounded in battle during the month.

4. Six officers and four enlisted men received promotions.

5. The Squadron was joined by six officers and fourteen enlisted men. On 30 Nov. the strength was 101 Officers and 355 enlisted men.

{SIGNED}
WILLIAM J. MC CARREN,
1st Lt., A.C.
Asst S-2 Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP

AAF STATION A-72
20 JANUARY, 1945

SUBJECT: HISTORICAL REPORT OF THE 597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 1944.

TO : HISTORICAL SECTION, IX BOMBARDMENT DIVISION, APO #140, U.S. ARMY. (THRU 397TH BOMB GP)

1. THE MONTH OF DECEMBER FOUND THE UNIT CONTINUING TO BE BASED AT STATION A-72 IN FRANCE. OPERATIONAL MISSIONS WERE THE PREDOMINATELY IMPORTANT ACTIVITY DURING THE PERIOD. DUE TO FAVORABLE WEATHER FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR A GREATER NUMBER OF MISSIONS WAS FLOWN THAN WAS COMTEMPLATED. THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY SHOWS THAT IN THE MAIN THE TYPE OF TARGETS WERE IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF THE GROUND FORCES BEING DEFENDED VILLAGES AND AREAS, AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.
1 DEC - SAARLAUTERN (DEF AREA) NO ATTACK.
CREWS: EMERSON, BERGER, WHITMIRE, PINKERTON, LOCKARD, ONEY, REID.
2 DEC - SAARLAUTERN (DEF AREA) UNSATISFACTORY (PPF).
CREWS: GLEIS, LA CAGNIN, FESTI, PEMBERTON, SPAULDING, ELLIS.
5 DEC - HUCHEM (DEF VILLAGE) FAIR (PPF)
CREWS: BENSON, CORDELL, SCHWARZROCK, LEAVERTON, WHITMIRE, OVERBEY, LEVAN, ANDERSON.
6 DEC - NIDEGGEN (DEF TOWN) UNSATISFACTORY (PPF)
CREWS: LOCKARD, WHITMIRE, PINKERTON, PEMBERTON, ONEY, BRADEN, LEAVERTON.
9 DEC - (A.M.) LOSHEIM (DEF TOWN) UNDETERMINED (PPF)
CREWS: GLEIS, LA CAGNIN, ELLIS, SCHWARZROCK, ANDERSON, LAWRIE, SCHMIDT, SPAULDING, EMERSON.
(P.M.) WIESBACH (DEF TOWN) UNDETERMINED (PPF)
CREWS: PEMBERTON, LAWRIE, SCHMIDT, WHITMIRE, FRANK, BENSON, SCHWARZROCK, EMERSON, ONEY.
12 DEC - GEMUND (DEF VILLAGE) UNDETERMINED (PPF)
CREWS: WOOD, KARASINSKI, LOCKARD, SCHMIDT, FESTI, LEAVERTON, MARSHALL, LA CAGNIN, PEMBERTON, ANDERSON, BRADEN.
13 DEC - HELLENTHAL (DEF VILLAGE) UNDETERMINED (PPF)
CREWS: BERGER, ONEY, HIGGINS, SCHWARZROCK, EMERSON, SCHMIDT, ELLIS, WHITMIRE, BRUNDAGE.
15 DEC - RUTHEN (OIL STORAGE) UNDETERMINED (PPF)
CREWS: LOCKARD, BRUNDAGE, FESTI, PEMBERTON, FRANK, LEVAN, PINKERTON, MARSHALL.
23 DEC - ELLER (RR BRIDGE) UNDETERMINED (PPF)
CREWS: LOCKARD, BRUNDAGE, LAWRIE, KARASINSKI, MARSHALL, PEMBERTON, HIGGINS, FESTI.
24 DEC - NIDEGGEN (RD JCTS) EXCELLENT
CREWS: PEMBERTON, EMERSON, REID, BRADEN, ONEY, LAWRIE, PINKERTON, SCHMIDT, LA CAGNIN.
25 DEC - (A.M.) VIANDEN (RD JCTS) EXCELLENT
CREWS: LOCKARD, ANDERSON, FESTI, LEAVERTON, PEMBERTON, BRUNDAGE, LEVAN.
(P.M.) AHRDORF (DEFENDED VILLAGE) UNDETERMINED.
CREWS: LOCKARD, HIGGINS, SCHMIDT, ELLIS, LA CAGNIN, LAWRIE, WHITMIRE, EMERSON, ONEY.
27 DEC - KALL (RAILHEAD) EXCELLENT
CREWS: PEMBERTON, FESTI, HIGGINS, SCHMIDT, EMERSON, SPAULDING, BRADEN, BRUNDAGE, ANDERSON.

2. ON 23 DECEMBER, THE GROUP ENCOUNTERED ITS FIRST LARGE SCALE ATTACK BY ENEMY FIGHTERS. THE FOLLOWING CREW MEMBERS ARE MISSING IN THAT ACTION:

2ND LT. F. W. MARSHALL 0-761981
2ND LT. O. W. MC INTOSH 0-822505
S/SGT M. CURRY 14109666
CPL. W. E. HAMPTON 39278925
CPL. H. M. LA SHELLE 39161965
S/SGT J. R. NICHOLS 17156520

ON 25 DECEMBER S/SGT B. STIPEK, 13146223 WAS INJURED IN ACTION.

3. DURING DECEMBER MANY OF THE ORIGINAL COMBAT CREW MEMBERS COMPLETED THEIR TOUR OF DUTY AND WERE RETURNED TO THE ZONE OF INTERIOR. ON 31 DECEMBER THE TOTAL STRENGTH WAS 334 ENLISTED AND 93 OFFICERS.

4. PROMOTIONS WERE GRANTED TO 22 ENLISTED MEN AND 6 OFFICERS.

5. THE COMMANDING OFFICER, LT. COL. FRANK L. WOOD, JR. WAS PRESENTED WITH THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. THE AWARD WAS GRANTED UNDER GEN. ORDER #283, HQ., 9TH AF, DATED 6 DEC, 44. OAK LEAF CLUSTERS WERE AWARDED UNDER GEN. ORDER #46 HQ., 9TH BOMB DIV., DATED 22 DEC, 44 AND GEN. ORDER #47, HQ., 9TH BOMB DIV., DATED 24 DEC, 44.

{SIGNED}
WILLIAM J. MC CARREN,
1ST LT. AC.,
S-2.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) STATION A-72, FRANCE

20 February, 1945

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of January.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(thru 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. Station A-72 near Peronne, France continued to be the operational base of the unit during the month of January.

2. Inspection was made of both administrative and technical sections by personnel of the Adjutants Generals office.

3. Snow and mud control occupied a good many hours of the ground crews time. Lack of adequate equipment for the job added to difficulty of the work.

4. Weather again held down the number of missions actually flown. The combat crews attended a good many briefings but most of the missions were scrubbed between briefing and take off time. Railroad bridges were the number one priority target. Following is a list of the missions and first pilots who flew their crews:

1 Jan Bullay R.R. Bridge no attack
Crews: Lockard, Oney, Schwarzrock, Leaverton, Frank, Brundage, Higgins, Spaulding.
5 Jan Trois Vierges Rd Jct no attack
Crews: Schwarzrock, Spaulding, Emerson, Ellis, Tonnagle, Lawrie, Whitmire, Anderson, Oney.
11 Jan Clervaux Communications Center no attack
Crews: Schwarzrock, Anderson, Tonnagle, Leaverton, Frank, Emerson, Brundage, Pinkerton, Spaulding.
13 Jan Dasburg R.R. Bridge Undet. (PFF)
Crews: Schwarzrock, Tonnagle, Schmidt, Braden, Benson, Frank, Lawrie, Karasinske, Brundage.
14 Jan Ahrweiler R.R. Bridge P.B.N.
Crews: Whitmire, Tonagle, Benson, Lockard, Anderson, Ellis, Spaulding, Oney, Schmidt.
16 Jan Erksolenz:comm. center Excellent
Crews: Spaulding, Gleis, Schmidt, Frank, Braden, Lawrie, Tonagle, Karasinski, Brundage, Emerson.
22 Jan Bullay R.R. Bridge Fair (PFF)
Crews: Spaulding, Gleis, Schmidt, Anderson, Leaverton, Lawrie, Emerson, Cordell, Crouch.
25 Jan Eller R.R. Bridge Excellent
Crews: Schwarzrock, Tonagle, Spaulding, Karasinski, Festi, Crouch, Pinkerton, Brundage, Frank.
29 Jan (A.M.) Engers R.R. Bridge P.B.N.
Crews: Gleis, Tonagle, Whitmire, Schmidt, Festi.

5. Awards were made as follows:

General Orders No. 10 dated Jan 17, 9th B.D.
Taylor, R.E. S/Sgt. 31293381--3 O.L.C.
Seaman, O.L., Jr. S/Sgt. 18082732--2 Air Medal.
Petrilak, S. 1st Lt. 0-714248--1 O.L.C.
Roberts, H.V. S/Sgt. 34312070--2 O.L.C.
Karasinski, T.J. 1st Lt. 0-821292--2 O.L.C.
Leupold, D.H. S/Sgt. 16130869--2 O.L.C.
Fletcher, R.L. S/Sgt. 18075234--4 O.L.C.
Fortner, J.R. T/Sgt. 38159210--2 S.O.L.C.
Kmetz, S.M. S/Sgt. 33465119--2 O.L.C.
Lederer, H.M. S/Sgt. 37477605--3 O.L.C.
Porter, P.B. Sgt. 35477816--1 O.L.C.
Veatch, D.S. S/Sgt. 33439060--4 O.L.C.
Abrahamson, C.L. S/Sgt. 18217700--2 O.L.C.
Clark, C.H. S/Sgt. 15337680--S.O.L.C.
Lambert, R.J. Sgt. 31261924--2 O.L.C.
Shulman, G. S/Sgt. 12191441--4 O.L.C.
Stipek, B.H. S/Sgt. 19146223--S.O.L.C.
Threlkeld, C.H. S/Sgt. 16121299--S.O.L.C.
Miller, E. Sgt. 39847844--2 O.L.C.
Rudofsky, S. T/Sgt. 31139282--4 O.L.C.
Mathews, G.M. 2nd Lt. 0-782318--Air Medal.
Albino, H.L. 1st Lt. 0-766163--1 O.L.C.
Dasso, R.F. 1st Lt. 0-743940--2 S.O.L.C.
Hankey, G.W. 1st Lt. 0-743959--9 O.L.C.
Branch, P.C., Jr. 2nd Lt. 0-759889--1 O.L.C.
Geary, E. Sgt. 16171633--4 O.L.C.
McCutchan, B.G. S/Sgt. 15079363--2 S.O.L.C.
Lee, C.D. T/Sgt. 34246295--1 O.L.C.
Schaefer, H.C. Pvt. 12191706--1 O.L.C.
Sonnett, H.P. Sgt. 14025740--S.O.L.C.
Rowan, F. S/Sgt. 12131914--4 O.L.C.
Ferrell, M.L. S/Sgt. 18017933--1 O.L.C.
Leaverton, G.B. Capt. 0-727890--7 O.L.C.
Levan, R.H. 1st Lt. 0-750801--9 O.L.C.
Spalding, J.M. 1st Lt. 0-749343--2 S.O.L.C.
Dunlap, J.H. 1st Lt. 0-822834--1 O.L.C.
Radebaugh, G.B. 1st Lt. 0-821355--3 O.L.C.
Wells, M.E. 1st Lt. 0-780103--2 O.L.C.
Kuhl, L.H.A. 2nd Lt. 0-780630--Air Medal
Saben, L.O. 1st Lt. 0-685736--9 O.L.C.
Cotter, J.J. 2nd Lt. 0-887216--6 O.L.C.
Creson, W.F. Capt. 0-666000--6 O.L.C.
Foley, J.D. T/Sgt. 31005028--4 O.L.C.

General Orders No. 23 dated 13 Jan Hq, 9th B.D.
Foelding, C.J. 2nd Lt. 0-703050--1 O.L.C.
Thoms, James C. Jr. 1st Lt. 0-815596--12 O.L.C.
Dressman, J.C. T/Sgt. 19094487--12 O.L.C.
Pyle, R. T/Sgt. 35684968--12 O.L.C.
Seifert, L.G. S/Sgt. 33505686--12 O.L.C.
Klemz, E.F. T/Sgt. 35567980--12 O.L.C.
Reaver, J.R. T/Sgt. 33383561--12 O.L.C.
Higgins, W.J. 1st Lt. 0-867166--12 O.L.C.
Phipps, E.F. T/Sgt. 18068207--12 O.L.C.
Chagnon, E.P. S/Sgt. 11105245--12 O.L.C.
Howle, L.F. S/Sgt. 34388936--11 O.L.C.
Smith, R.B. S/Sgt. 33564602--12 O.L.C.
Dunlap, Jack P. 1st Lt. 0-743765--12 O.L.C.
Block, Charles A., S/Sgt. 17077199--12 O.L.C.
Estrella, Manuel, T/Sgt., 6148216--12 O.L.C.
Fleischer, Martin Q., 1st Lt., 0-813494--12 O.L.C.
Crawford, Roy F., T/Sgt., 38451120--12 O.L.C.
Finke, A.C., Sgt., 38460916--10 O.L.C.
Hansberger, C.F., Sgt., 36485230--2 O.L.C.
Hawpe, A.R. Sgt., 38528150--1 O.L.C.
Neves, D.F. Sgt., 39909691--Air Medal
Nystrom, C.A. Sgt., 37512641--Air Medal
Rovinelli, Amilio, T/Sgt. 31133625--8 O.L.C.
Casstevens, H.L. S/Sgt. 18217706--2 O.L.C.
Loftin, Jack D. Sgt. 38554678--1 O.L.C.
White, R.E. Sgt. 33631048--Silver O.L.C.
Hamer, J.C., Jr. 1st Lt. 0-749591--11 O.L.C.
Tonagel, V.C. 1st Lt. 0-813809--11 O.L.C.
Oney, W.R. 1st Lt. 0-749301--11 O.L.C.
Schwarzrock, J.A. Capt. 0-727269--11 O.L.C.
Pemberton, D.M. Capt. 0-724816--12 O.L.C.
Anderson, W.W. 1st Lt. 0-686963--11 O.L.C.
Schmidt, F.J. 1st Lt. 0-806137--11 O.L.C.
Brundage, A.C. 1st Lt. 0-709502--1 O.L.C.
Emerson, A.S. 1st Lt. 0-711624--2 O.L.C.
Hewins, C.S., Jr. 1st Lt. 0-812263--11 O.L.C.
Howard, R.D. 1st Lt. 0-795746--1 O.L.C.
Lawrie, J.T. 1st Lt., 0-709108--1 O.L.C.
Whitmire, T.B. 1st Lt. 0-666391--11 O.L.C.
Saracelli, A. 1st Lt., 0-814769--11 O.L.C.
Christian, E.M., Jr. 2nd Lt. 0-709770--1 O.L.C.
Jenks, R.D. 2nd Lt. 0-782549--1 O.L.C.
Sims, J.L., III, 1st Lt., 0-794170--11 O.L.C.
Closson, D.E., 1st Lt., 0-760009--2 O.L.C.
Plummer, C.C. 2st Lt., 0-718127--2 O.L.C.
Erickson, E.H., Sgt., 37547967--1 O.L.C.
Inhausen, C.C. S/Sgt. 35932075--S.O.L.C.
Campbell, W. Jr. S/Sgt. 38328555--1 O.L.C.
Berger, M. Sgt. 32436284--8 O.L.C.
Kiernan, W.P. Sgt. 35097017--1 O.L.C.
Joseph, L. Sgt. 13247230--1 O.L.C.
Love, M.H. Sgt. 35678897--2 O.L.C.
Luck, C.A. Sgt. 34721687--1 O.L.C.
Albers, W.S. S/Sgt. 37609195--1 O.L.C.
Calos, N. S/Sgt. 11042142--Air Medal

General Orders No. 3 dated 2 Jan HQ 9th B.D.
Jones, G.L. Sgt. 7006666--Air Medal
Horsington, R.E. Sgt. 39701987--Air Medal
Egert, H.W. 2nd Lt. 0-703050--Air Medal
Callahan, J.M. T/Sgt. 13135384--12 O.L.C.
Maturo, F.A. T/Sgt. 31280183--12 O.L.C.
Britt, G.F. S/Sgt. 18241931--12 O.L.C.
Bobo, L.N. 1st Lt. 0-743753--12 O.L.C.
Dougherty, V.S. 2nd Lt. 0-709530--Air Medal
McIntosh, P.W. Jr. 2nd Lt. 0-822505--Air Medal

General Orders No. 5 dated 3 Jan HQ 9th B.D.
Sharpe, D. T/Sgt. 13117680--11 O.L.C.
Pinkerton, C.C. Capt. 0-25499--11 O.L.C.
Benson, J.H. 1st Lt. 0-812535--11 O.L.C.

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 5 dated 3 Jan HQ 9th A.F.
Bero, F. Capt. 0-421903--D.F.C.
Kilty, F.T. 1st Lt. 0-746957--D.F.C.

6. Four Officers and fifty enlisted men received promotions.

7. During the month eleven officers and seventeen enlisted men were transferred out and twelve officers, twelve flight officers and 29 enlisted men joined the squadron. Total strength on 31 Jan was 108 officers and flight officers and 344 enlisted men.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
William K. McCarren APO 140
1st Lt. A.C. Station # A-72
Asst. Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP

AAF STATION A-72
March 20, 1945

SUBJECT: Historical report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron for the month of February, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bombardment Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(thru 397th Bomb Gp)

1. Station A-72 near Peronne, France continued to be the home base for the unit during the month of February. The flying of combat missions was, as in the past, the most important activity. Following is a list of the missions and the pilots who flew with their crews. It will be noted that in many cases the results of bombing were undetermined due to the fact that in most cases the bombing was done through clouds. Weather played a large part in adding to the hazards normally encountered by combat crews during the period:

1 Feb. Engers R. R. Bridge Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Whitmire, Anderson.
2 Feb. Rosbach R. R. Bridge P.N.B.
Crews: Gleis, Lawrie, Benson, Karasinski, Emerson, Crouch, Cordell, Oney, Festi.
3 Feb. Ahrweiler R.R. Bridge Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Howard, Schwarzrock, Frank, Spaulding, Festi, Gardner, Lawrie, Pinkerton, Emerson, LeVan.
6 Feb. Sotenich Def. Town Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Crouch, Karasinski, Cordell, Johnson, Spaulding, Frank, LeVan.
8 Feb. Matterborn Def. Area Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Spaulding, Lockard, Howard, Lawrie, Pinkerton, Hurley, Festi, Gardner, Lloyd.
9 Feb. Viersen Rd. Jct. Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Ellis, Gardner, Hurley, Cordell, Crouch, Frank, Karasinski, Gravett, Howard.
10 Feb. Berg-Gladbach M / T Center Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Pinkerton, Gardner, Gravett, Ellis, Oney, Lawrie, Howard, Lloyd, LeVan.
11 Feb. Modrath M/Y Poor
Crews: Leaverton, Cordell, Emerson, Crouch, Festi, Terwilliger, Frank, Oney.
13 Feb. Schwelm M/T Park Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: LeVan, Lockard, Brundage, Karasinski, Festi, Terwilliger, Spaulding.
14 Feb. (A.M.) Mayen R.R. Bridge P.N.B.
Crews: Karasinski, Oney, Chambers, Ellis, Lawrie, Crouch.
14 Feb. (P.M.) Grenembroich Comm. Ctr. P.N.B.
Crews: Frank, Hathorn, Surface, Patschner, Oney, Festi, LeVan.
15 Feb. Mayen R.R. Bridge Poor
Crews: Festi, Berger, Lawrie, Hurley, Cordell, Chambers, Emerson, Terwilliger.
19 Feb. Urlich R.R. Bridge Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Terwilliger, Howard, Patschner, Lloyd, Bachan, Spurrier, Josephson, Frank, Surface.
21 Feb. Herford R.R. Bridge Superior
Crews: Hurley, Pinkerton, Chambers, Gravett, LeVan, Brundage.
22 Feb. Rheda R.R. Bridge Good
Crews: Terwilliger, Hurley, Crouch.
23 Feb. A.M. Elsdorf Def. Town Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Ellis, Gravatt, Hargraves, Chambers.
23 Feb. P.M. Jackerath def Town Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Berger, Lawrie, Hurley, Overbey, Johnson, Emerson.
24 Feb. Urlich R.R. Bridge Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Gravatt, Howard, Gardner, Terwilliger, Hibbing.
25 Feb. Grenembroich Def Town Superior
Crews: Hurley, Leaverton, Gravatt, LeVan, Ellinghaus, Chambers.
26 Feb. Kenten Rd. Jct. Undet. “Gee”
Crews: Crouch, Ellis, Terwilliger, Lloyd, Frank, Potschner.
27 Feb. Ahrweiler R.R. Bridge Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Berger, Frank, LeVan, Emerson, Overbey, Gardner, Gallagher.
28 Feb. Mayen R.R. Bridge Undet. P.F.F.
Crews: Johnson, Howard, Gardner, Gravatt, Hurley, Crouch, Chambers, Brundage, Lloyd, Emerson.

2. The following men were missing in action or killed in action:

1st Lt. G.N. Braden 0-690177
2nd Lt. H.W. Eggert 0-703050
2nd Lt. G.M. Mathews 0-782318
T/Sgt. W.C. Wisecup 37660044
S/Sgt. P.M. Lynn 34331034
S/Sgt. C.J. Wilson 16087345
30 Jan.

1st Lt. T.J. Karasinski 0-821292
1st Lt. S. Petrilak 0-714248
2nd Lt. C.J. Foelding 0-759917
F/O B.D. Kemp T-129094
S/Sgt D.H. Leopold 16130869
S/Sgt. H.V. Roberts 34312070
S/Sgt. O.R. Seaman 18082732
15 Feb.

1st Lt. J.N. Fomby 0-720239
2nd Lt. J.H. Festi 0-711541
2nd Lt. W.M. Tuener 0-2064472
Sgt. A.R. Hawpe 38528150
Sgt. J.D. Loftin 38554678
Sgt. C.A. Luck 25678897
27 Feb.

On 24 Feb. 1st Lt. V.S. Dougherty 0-709530, Pfc. R.D. Kline 35682515 and 1st Lt. H.S. Weekley were wounded in action.

3. Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Medals were awarded under:
G.O. #20 9 Feb. 45 9th Bomb Div.
G.O. #25 21 Feb. 45 9th Bomb Div.
G.O. #24 27 Feb. 45 9th Bomb Div.

4. 30 Enlisted men and 10 Officers received promotions.

5. On 6 Feb. Lt. Col. Frank Wood was transferred to Hq. 397th Bomb Group assuming post of Deputy Commander. Major Raymond Berger assumed command of the Squadron.

6. During the month 15 officers, 2 flight officers and 21 enlisted men departed. On 28 Feb. the total strength was 92 officers and flight officers and 346 enlisted men.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
William A. McCarren APO 140
1st. Lt. A. C. Station # A-72
Asst. Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) STATION A-72, FRANCE

20 April, 1945.

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of March, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Bomber Command, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. During the month of March the unit continued to be based at A-72 near Peronne, France. An extensive programme of mud control and improvement of living sites was completed. The erection of a large recreation building climaxed several weeks of work during which most of the squadron sections built semi-permanent buildings to replace the tents from which they had been operating.

2. Several inspections were made in the squadron during the month. On March 12th an administrative inspection was made by the Group Administrative Inspector, Major F. Black. On March 22nd a tactical inspection was made by Capt. Hixon. On March 22nd a technical inspection was made by Lt. Merriweather.

3. The number of combat missions stepped up considerably and in the latter half of the period visual sightings were being made. The number of excellent results obtained speak well for the combat crews. The type of targets continued to be mostly railroad bridges, marshalling yards and communication centers. A summary of the missions for the month is as follows:

1 March Pulheim Communications Center Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Brundage, Ellinghaus, Lloyd, Crouch, Hurley, Surface, Frank, Gardner.

2 March, AM Eller R. R. Bridge NAO
Crews: Terwilliger, Whitmire, Emerson, Chambers, Ellinghaus, Surface, Johnson.
PM Sinzig R.R. Bridge NAO
Crews: Berger, Gardner, Ellinghaus, Ellis, Frank, Crouch.

4 March Bruhl Road Junction Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Gallagher, Terwilliger, Leaverton, Surface, Gravatt, Gardner, Brundage.

5 March, AM Unna Ordnance Depot Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Brundage, Hurley, Howard, Frank, Lloyd, Ellinghaus, Chambers, Terwilliger.
5 March, PM Bingen Marshalling Yard NAO
Crews: Gallagher, Ellinghaus, Gravatt, Chambers, Hurley, Crouch, Levan, Gardner, Surface, Lloyd.

6 March Siegburg Marshalling Yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Ellinghaus, Johnson, Terwilliger, Leaverton, Surface, Gravatt, Brundage, Gardner, Lloyd.

8 March Wulfrath Motor Transp. Depot Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Overbey, Johnson, Whitmire, Crouch, Chambers, Frank, Surface, Gravatt, Terwilliger.

9 March, AM Wiesbaden Marshalling Yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Brundage, Ellinghaus, Chambers, Crouch, Hurley, Lloyd, George, Gardner, LeVan, Coryell.
PM Dortmund-Lunen Ammo Plant Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Terwilliger, LeVan, LaForet, George, Leaverton, Surface, Stout, Gallagher, Brundage, Coryell.

10 March Altenkirchen Communication Center Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Gardner, Ellinghaus, LaForet, Stout, LeVan, Pittman, Gravatt, Frank, Johnson, Chambers.

11 March, AM Breitscheid Air Field NAO
Crews: LeVan, Berger, Chambers, Terwilliger, Frank, Johnson, Pittman, Surface, George, Coryell.
PM Meyerbusch Communication Center Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Lloyd, Leaverton, Gravatt, Chambers, Terwilliger, LaForet, LeVan, George, Coryell.

12 March, AM Arnsberg Marshalling yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Overbey, Pittman, Gallagher, Terwilliger, Surface, Stout, Frank, LaForet, Lloyd.
PM Wythen Ammo Plant Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Stout, Frank, Ellinghaus, Gallagher, Chambers, Terwilliger, George, LaForet, Gravatt.

13 March, AM Westerburg Marshalling Yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Chambers, Ellinghaus, Coryell, Stout, Ellis, Surface, Frank, Pittman, LaForet, George.
PM Frankfurt, Rhein-Main Air Field Superior
Crews: George, Ellinghaus, Gravatt, Gallagher, Ellis, Surface, Pittman, Terwilliger, LaForet, Coryell.

14 March Nieder Marsburg R.R. Bridge Unsatisfactory
Crews: Hurley, Stout, Chambers, Lloyd, Frank, Gallagher.

15 March Pirmasens Communications Center Excellent
Crews: Stout, Berger, Pittman, Surface, Terwilliger, LaForet, Coryell.

16 March Niederscheld R.R. Bridge Excellent (ampi)
Crews: Frank, Hurley, Gravatt, Pittman, Overbey, Lloyd, Chambers, Emerson.

17 March, AM Siegen Marshalling Yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Gallagher, Terwilliger, Leaverton, George, Chambers, Gardner, Lloyd, LaForet, Stout.
PM Giesen Ordnance Depot NAO
Crews: Howard, Gravatt, Pittman, Emerson, Coryell, Gardner, Lloyd, LaForet, Surface.

18 March, AM Worms Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Stout, Berger, George, Overbey, Chambers, Gallagher, Lloyd, Pittman, Coryell.

19 March, AM Engelskirchen Marshalling Yard Undetermined
Crews: Chambers, Hurley, LaForet, Gravatt, Terwilliger, Surface.
PM Barman Marshalling Yard NAO
Crews: Lawrie, Brundage, Coryell, Stout, Leaverton, Gardner, Crouch, Emerson, Gallagher, Pittman.

20 March Geisecke Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Chambers, Stubbart, Holder, McSorley, Howard, Lloyd, Surface, Brundage, George, LaForet.

21 March, AM Goesfeld Communication Center Excellent
Crews: Pittman, Leaverton, Emerson, Stout, George, Crouch, Coryell, Frank, Lloyd, Gardner.
PM Haltern Communication Center Unsatisfactory
Crews: Berger, Surface, Lawrie, Howard, Coryell, George, Emerson, LaForet, Crouch.

22 March, AM Ahaus Communication Center Excellent
Crews: Overbey, Gardner, Lloyd, Terwilliger, Yeany, Pittman, Frank, Stout, Surface.
PM Haltern Communication Center Excellent
Crews: Howard, Coryell, Lawrie, Emerson, George, Lloyd.

23 March, AM Borken Communication Center Excellent
Crews: Coryell, Terwilliger, Gardner, Yeany, Hurley, Lawrie, Surface, LaForet, George.
PM Schermbeck Communication Center Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Leaverton, Gardner, Surface, Emerson, Pittman, Lloyd, Yeany, Stout.

24 March, AM Becholt Flak Positions Superior
Crews: Terwilliger, Gardner, Hurley, Frank, Emerson, LaForet, George.
PM Vlothe R.R. Bridge Excellent
Crews: Ellis, Lloyd, Gravatt, Frank.

24 March, AM Limburg Marshalling Yard Superior
Crews: George, Berger, Chambers, Coryell, Hurley, LaForet, Surface, Overbey, Yeany, Gardner.
PM Frieburg Marshalling Yard Superior
Crews: Leaverton, Pittman, Lloyd, Brundage, Coryell, Gravatt, Hurley, Lawrie, LaForet.

26 March Fleiden Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Leaverton, Frank, Chambers, Ellis, Stout, Surface.

28 March Ebrach Oil Depot NAO
Crews: Lawrie, Frank, Coryell, Pittman.

30 March Ebenhausen Oil Depot NAO
Crews: Berger, Gardner, Emerson, Overbey, Yeany.

4. The following named officers and enlisted men were killed in action or missing in action:

26 February - Killed in action:

2nd Lt. John T. Potschner, 0-719733
2nd Lt. John W. Reading, 0-828523
Sgt. Robert J. Curren, 12032429
Sgt. William F. Pierson, 34823747
Sgt. Edward L. Moore, 39211536
Sgt. Francis W. Bordley, 11058151

13 March - Missing in action:

1st Lt. Fred W. Ellinghaus, 0-523115
1st Lt. Porter C. Branch, 0-759889
2nd Lt. Wallace DeChaine, 0-266922
2nd Lt. Robert F. Finlayson, 0-749895
2nd Lt. Keith C. Reed, 0-2072287
S/Sgt. Benjamin J. Anderson, 37088900
S/Sgt. Bennie Vivona, 32183460
Sgt. Thomas W. Bevin, 35527772

28 March - Missing in action:

2nd Lt. Henry E. Rhodes, 0-757113
F/O Albert H. Brewer, Jr., T-8775
F/O Norman A. Guilmette, T-133383
Sgt. James T. Boyle, 33580117
Sgt. Frank J. Miller, 39707164
Sgt. Ralph T. Scandiff, 16137483

5. The following awards were received by members of the squadron:

Purple Heart: G.O. #33, 5 March, 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb Div.
Major Raymond J. Berger, 0-436492
1st Lt. John J. Cotter, 0-887216

G.O. #14 3 March, 1945, Hq. 39th Field Hospital.
1st Lt. Vernon S. Dougherty.

Bronze Star: G.O. #41, 21 March, 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb Div.
M/Sgt Myron F. LeDesky, 39602946

Air Medals and Oakleaf Clusters:
G.O. #31, 2 March, 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb Div.
G.O. #35, 8 March, 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb Div.
G.O. #39, 16 March, 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb Div.
G.O. #43, 23 March, 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb Div.

Third star (for northern France) to ETO Battle ribbon for squadron:
Letter ETOUSA, AG 200.6, Op. Ga., 30 March, 1945.

6. 54 enlisted men and 11 officers received promotions.

7. During the month 25 enlisted men, 19 officers and 3 flight officers joined the unit and 11 enlisted men and 16 officers departed. On 31 March the total squadron strength was 92 officers and flight officers and 345 enlisted men.

8. The usual training schedules were conducted for the new combat crews.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
William A. McCarren APO 140
1st Lt. A.C. Station A-72, France.
Asst. Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) STATION Y-55, HOLLAND

20 May, 1945.

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of April, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Air Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The following information for the April installment of the 597th Bombardment Squadron history is submitted:

a) There were no changes in organization status.

b) A station change was made, moving from A-72, France to Y-55, Holland, per GO #31, 23 April 1945, Hq. 9th Bomb. Div.

c) The strength of the unit as of 30 April 1945 was 104 officers and F/O and 333 enlisted men.

d) Departed from A-72, Peronne, France on 24 April 1945 and arrived Y-55, Venlo, Holland on 25 April 1945.

e) During April the following crew members were listed as missing in action, killed in action and wounded:

13 March 1945 - Missing in Action:

1st Lt. Porter C. Branch, 0-759889
2nd Lt. Wallace P. DeChaine, 0-206692
2nd Lt. Robert M. Finlayson, 0-749895

19 April 1945 - Killed in Action:

1st Lt. E. J. Frank, 0-815873
1st Lt. Russell D. Jenks, 0-782549
F/O Elmer T. Funke, T-134197
F/O Casimir L. Szaj, T-131631
T/Sgt John D. Foley, 31005028
S/Sgt Stephen M. Kmetz, 33465119

19 April 1945 - Wounded:

S/Sgt George Schulman, 12191441
Sgt Billy J. Thornblom, 18231734

f) The following awards were received by members of the Squadron:

Bronze Star: GO #59, 23 April 1945, Hq., 9th Bomb Div.
T/Sgt Otis C. Carder, 39531660

Air Medals and Oakleaf Clusters:
GO. #51, 2 April 1945, Hq., 9th Bomb Div.
GO. #52, 3 April 1945, Hq., 9th Bomb Div.

Fourth battle star (for Germany campaign) to ETO Battle Ribbon:
Ltr. ETOUSA, AG 200.6, Op. GA, 14 April 1945.

2. The month of April was very busy one for the unit. Although the building program, started the previous month was completed, the unexpected move from A-72 to Y-55 in Holland kept all personnel on the jump.

3. There were not many inspections during the month due to the rapid move. However, the following inspections did take place:

7 April 1945, inspection of unit history by Maj. Black.
20 April 1945, tactical inspection by Capt. Hixon.
30 April 1945, technical inspection by Maj. Morrow.
30 April 1945, inspection of cleaned up site after move. Comment by inspecting officers to the effect that this Squadron’s living and operating sites were the only ones to pass muster.

4. The number of missions flown by the Group in which the Squadron participated were cut down due the rapid forward movement of the battle lines, thereby lengthening the distance to available objectives. However, we continued our good record with results ranging from excellent to superior. M/Y and Communication centers continued to be the major targets. Submitted is a summary of missions flown:

3 April Holzminden Marshalling Yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Overbey, Lloyd, Emerson, Gravatt.

4 April Ebrach Oil Storage Depot Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Ellis, Buettner, Grubb, Frank, Gardner, Gravatt, Levy, George, Beckerman, Johnson.

7 April Northeim Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Berger, Gravatt, Surface, Emerson, Beckerman, Buettner, Lloyd, Brundage, Yeaney.

8 April Nienhagen Oil Ref. Undet. (Smoke)
Crews: Emerson, Surface, Lawrie, King, Gardner, Pittman, Yeaney, Hurley, Lloyd, Buettner, Terwilliger, Grubb, LaForet, Coryell.
.
9 April, AM Bad Berka Oil Storage Superior
Crews: Leaverton, Surface, Yeany, Gravatt, Lloyd, LaForet, Chambers, Coryell, Beckerman, Liggett.
PM Jena Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Liggett, Newdome, Howard, Buettner, Lawrie, Levy, Beckerman, Grubb, Terwilliger, Surface, Lloyd, Coryell.

10 April, Rudolstadt Ordnance Depot Excellent
Crews: Brundage, Buettner, Surface, Hurley, Yeany, LaForet, Levy, Grubb, Beckerman.

11 April, AM Aschersleben Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Brundage, Lloyd, Lawrie, Johnson, Newdome.
PM Bamberg M/T Assembly Plant Superior
Crews: LaForet, Liggett, Gardner, Coryell, Pittman, Surface, Buettner, Gravatt, Beckerman, Lloyd.

12 April, Kempten Ordnance Depot Excellent
Crews: Brundage, Lloyd, Coryell, Gardner, Pittman, King, Grubb, Terwilliger, Stout, Frank, Yeany, Lawrie, Chambers, Newdome, Beckerman, Buettner.

15 April, Günzberg Marshalling Yard Undet. (PPF)
Crews: Ellis, Leaverton, Lloyd, Gardner.

16 April, AM Gunzenhausen Marshalling Yard Unsatisfactory
Crews: Hurley, Grubb, Buettner, Terwilliger, LaForet, Beckerman, Gravatt.
PM Kempten Ordnance Depot Superior
Crews: Gravatt, Buettner, Beckerman, Frank, Surface, Stout, Chambers, Yeany, LaForet.

17 April Magdeburg Defended Town Excellent
Crews: Ellis, Grubb, Coryell, Brundage, Yeany, Surface, Terwilliger, Norwood, Stout, George.

19 April, AM Ulm Marshalling Yard NAO
Crews: Berger, Lloyd, Buettner, Emerson, LaForet, Pittman, Gardner, George, Coryell.
PM Günzberg Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Ellis, Norwood, Beckerman, Frank, Yeany, Stout.

20 April, AM Memmingen Marshalling Yard Superior
Crews: Ellis, Pittman, Lloyd, Thorpe, Yeany, Overbey, Buettner, Surface, Emerson, Coryell, George.
PM Nordlingen Marshalling Yard Excellent
Crews: Levy, Lawrie, Grubb, Brundage, Stout, Yeany, Terwilliger, LaForet, Beckerman.

5. 3 officers and 44 enlisted men received promotions.

6. During the month 12 officers, 3 flight officers and 23 enlisted men joined the unit and 3 officers and 35 enlisted men departed.

7. Good flying weather and many stand-downs gave impetous to a stepped up training program. This especially affected the new combat crews. However, time was found for a Squadron dance, complete with buffet supper and liquid refreshments. This was held in the town amusement hall of Peronne. With the exception of those whose duties prevented attendance, the entire enlisted personnel of the Squadron came and had an enjoyable evening.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
Robert Vander Roest APO 140
2nd Lt., A. C. Station Y-55, Holland.
Asst. Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) STATION A-72, FRANCE

20 June, 1945.

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of May, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Air Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The following information for the May installment of the 597th Bombardment Squadron history is submitted:

a. There were no changes in organization status.

b. On the 31st of May the Squadron departed from Y-55, Venlo, Holland, to return to A-72, Peronne, France. The Squadron arrived the same day. A reconnaissance party, having left Y-55 a few days prior, were already at the field to prepare the area to be used by the main party. The Squadron moved into the same area that had been used before leaving for Holland. Immediately, upon arrival, an intensive program of building wooden barracks for the men was begun.

c. The strength of the Squadron, both assigned personnel and those attached, as of 31 May, 1945, was as follows: 117 officers, 7 flight officers and 391 enlisted men.

d. There were no casualties during the month. Although hostilities in this theatre ceased on 8 May, 1945, the Squadron and Group had flown its last combat mission on 20 April, 1945.

e. The following awards, as listed in GO #5, dated 14 May, 1945, Hq. 9th Air Division, were received by members of the Squadron:

27 - Air Medals
27 - 1st Silver Oakleaf Cluster to the Air Medal
7 - 2nd Silver Oakleaf Cluster to the Air Medal
1 - 13th Bronze Oakleaf Cluster to the Air Medal
7 - 12th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
5 - 11th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
6 - 9th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
7 - 8th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
7 - 7th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
21 - 6th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
35 - 4th “ “ “ “ “ “ “
30 - 3rd “ “ “ “ “ “ “
1 - 2nd “ “ “ “ “ “ “
7 - 1st “ “ “ “ “ “ “

2. During the month, 15 officers, 26 enlisted men were assigned and joined and 9 officers, 17 enlisted men of assigned personnel were transferred to other units. Some for discharge and some for assignment in the ZOI.

3. There were no combat missions flown during the month.

4. Lt. Col. Berger, the Squadron Commander, was promoted from Major to Lt. Col. per SO 121, dated 1 May, 1945, Hq. 9th Air Force. Other promotions of assigned personnel were as follows:

1 Captain to Major
3 1st Lts. to Captain
4 2nd Lts. to 1st Lt.
8 Flight Officers to 2nd Lt.
1 Sgt. to S/Sgt.
12 Cpls. to Sgt.
3 Pfcs to Cpl.

5. The Squadron and Group flew the last combat mission on 20 April. The target was the marshalling yard at Nordlingen, Germany and the result was rated as excellent. It is interesting to note that this last mission was flown on the same date one year later, that the first mission was flown. Another coincidence is that the Squadrons and Group were activated on that same date in 1943. With combat missions at an end, the Squadron began to plan a training program. Training flights and ground school classes in gunnery, aircraft recognition, naval recognition and other technical subjects were scheduled. This program had to be abandoned due to the preparations for the move. The planes were used to ferry personnel and materiel to the base at A-72. This training program was to be rescheduled after the move. The Squadron participated in aerial reviews that were held over the Rhine river after VE day.

6. When news of the end of the war in this theatre was officially announced, the Group Commander, Col. Coiner, declared a two day holiday. Most of the men in the Squadron took off from the base in all directions. Many of them to Brussels in Belgium. The consensus of opinion is that that city compares most favorably with Paris as a centre of recreation and relaxation. Other men of the Squadron took the opportunity to visit the Ruhr Valley and other parts of Germany. After the VE day celebration the men became engrossed in figuring “points”. This took up much of the free time until preparations began for the move to A-72.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
Robert Vander Roest APO 140
2nd Lt., A. C. Station A-72, France.
Asst. Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) STATION A-72, FRANCE

20 July, 1945

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of June, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Air Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(Through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The following information for the June, 1945 installment of the 597th Bombardment Squadron history is submitted:

a. There were no changes in organization status.

b. The Squadron remained at A-72, Peronne, France.

c. The strength of the Squadron as of 30 June was 137 Officers, 13 F/O, and 401 EM.

d. There were no casualties during the month.

e. The following members of the Squadron were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service under the General Order listed:

G.O. #38, 23 June, 1945, Hq., IX Air Division -
T/Sgt John P. Garrett - 18131202
T/Sgt Earl B. Otto - 34349830
T/Sgt Charles W. Duchesney - 31085816

G.O. #31, 16 June, 1945, Hq., IX Air Division -
T/Sgt Chester K. Pullum - 19116216

G.O. #35, 25 June, 1945, Hq., IX Air Division -
S/Sgt Roy M. Danielson - 37298171

2. During the month 55 officers and 107 EM were assigned and 8 officers and 56 EM were transferred to other units. Some for discharge and some for assignment in the ZI.

3. There were no combat missions flown during this period.

4. The following promotions were made during the month:

1 1st Lt. to Captain
5 2nd Lts. To 1st Lt.
10 F/O to 2nd Lt.
7 S/Sgts to T/Sgts.
1 Cpl to Sgt.

5. The training program which had been planned after VE day and which was interrupted by the move from Holland was resumed during the month. Its tempo increased so that it began to be a full scale project by the end of the month. This program, while encompassing mainly the Squadron combat crews, did include subjects for the ground personnel also. Subjects covered were varied. They included both air and ground technical and combat classes. The Squadron operations were such that a total of 1091 hours of flying were completed by the end of the month. Included in this flying time were 7 practice bombing missions and 102 XC to fields in England, Italy, Germany, Holland, and Austria. The flying hours not used in participation in practice missions and XC, were used for transition, instrument, automatic flight control, formation procedure, night flying, navigation, etc.

6. The major part of the Squadron’s construction program was completed. This included the erection of a dayroom and a shower room for the men in the Squadron area. The dayroom has in it a beer bar, adjoining is a cool-house wherein the liquid refreshments are stored. Together with the shower room, which is operated efficiently by Pfc Hagg, the glasses of cool beer and cokes which are dispensed at the day room make a most happy combination. This is especially true because of the midsummer heat. Other amusements for which time is now being found, are tours and sightseeing trips on the weeks ends. During June, there were two trips to Compiegne and a trip to Lille. The Compiegne tour included visits to the Compiegne Forest, the summer palace to Napoleon I & III, and a side trip to the Castle of Pierrefonds. Lille is known as “Little Paris”, that should cover that trip. More of these tours are being planned. ”Points” and “where do we go from here” still take up most of the conversation in the Squadron area.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
Robert Vander Roest APO 140
2nd Lt., AC., Station A-72, France.
Asst Intelligence Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), STATION A-72, FRANCE

20 August, 1945

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of July, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Air Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(Through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The following information for the July, 1945 installment of the 597th Bombardment Squadron history is submitted:

a. There were no changes in organization status.

b. The Squadron remained at A-72, Peronne, France.

c. The strength of the Squadron as of 31 July, 1945, was 111 officers, 12 Flight officers, and 379 enlisted men.

d. There were no casualties during the month.

e. The following awards and decorations were received by members of the Squadron:

BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

G.O. #34, Hq. 9th Air Division, 19 June, 1945.
T/Sgt. Charles D. Murn, 12025926

G.O. #38, Hq. 9th Air Division, 23 June, 1945.
S/Sgt. Donald A. MacDonald, 32222739

G.O. #42, Hq. 9th Air Division, 4 July, 1945.
M/Sgt. Clarence G. Donahoo, 6252156

G.O. #47, Hq. 9th Air Division, 16 July, 1945.
T/Sgt. Sidney A. Ward, 17016782

G.O. #48, Hq. 9th Air Division, 18 July, 1945.
M/Sgt. Edward E. Duke, 16043818
M/Sgt. Clarence L. Kelly, 15010198
M/Sgt. Herman A. Sturgis, 34162191
Sgt. Arnold B. Baskin, 32342662

1st SILVER OAKLEAF CLUSTER TO THE AIR MEDAL

G.O. #51, Hq. 9th Air Division, 27 July, 1945.
S/Sgt. Herman B. Beates, 35912767

The Squadron received two additional battle participation stars for the Theatre Ribbon. These were for the battle of Central Europe (Ltr, AG 200.6, OPGA, USFET, 6 July, 1945) and the battle of the Rhineland (Ltr, AG 200.6, OPGA, USFET, 8 July, 1945).

2. During the month, 3 officers and 53 enlisted men were assigned to the unit and 30 officers and 1 flight officer and 74 enlisted men were transferred to other units. Some for redeployment to the Pacific Theatre of Operations and some to the ZOI for reassignment or discharge. Lt. Col. Raymond J. Berger, the Squadron commander up to 23 July, 1945, was transferred to the 397th Bomb Group Hq. to assume the position of Deputy Group commander. Col. Berger, then captain, had been the first Squadron commander when the unit was formed in April, 1943 at MacDill Field, Fla.

3. On the 23rd of July, Capt. Robert M. Levy assumed command of this Squadron. Capt Levy was assigned to the outfit on 17 March, 1945. He came from the 331st Base Unit, Barksdale Field, La. He immediately became commander of “F” flight and as such participated in 8 combat missions of which 4 were in lead positions. On 10 June, 1945, Capt. Levy became Squadron Operations officer in place of Major George B. Leaverton who had been transferred to the ZOI for reassignment. Capt. Levy remained as operations officer until he assumed his present command. His place as operations officer has been filled by Lt. Robert D. Peckham. Capt. Levy is a native of Ohio, but has been a resident of Scarsdale, New York for the past 16 years. He is a graduate of Colgate University where he majored in economics. He entered active service in January, 1942 as an aviation cadet. In November, 1942 he completed his training and as a pilot was assigned to Moody Field, Ga. During that period at Moody Field, which lasted until July 1944, he was promoted to 1st Lt. and then Captain. From Moody Field he was sent to Laughlin Field, Del Rio, Texas, where he completed a special 40 hour course in transition. From Laughlin Field, he was transferred to Barksdale Field from which place he received his assignment to this theatre and then to this group.

4. The Squadron’s program of training and operations continued apace during the month. The I & E study and lecture schedule began to take shape and more personnel were being enrolled in classes. Some seeking credits for college work and others studying for future civilian occupations. The training program, while still including aircraft recognition and allied subjects, was being molded to fit the Squadron for its position as part of the occupation forces in Germany. To this end the predominant lectures were on that country, its history and that of the National Socialist German Workers Party. The Operational activity for the month is shown by the summing up of 1029 hours of flying time. Included in this flying time were, 6 practice bombing missions on which 48x100 practice bombs were dropped and 5 gunnery missions when 3900 rounds of .50 cal. ammunition were fired. There is also included, 84 XC ferrying and training flights to England, Belgium, Holland, Germany and other parts of France. Training flights were also in transition, instrument, night flying, navigation, etc.

5. There were no combat missions flown during this period.

6. The following promotions were made during the month:

3 2nd Lts to 1st Lt.
12 S/Sgts to T/Sgt.
23 Sgts to S/Sgt.
8 Cpls to Sgt.

7. There were two events that took place during the month in which the Squadron took part. One was the observing of the July 4th holiday and the other was the first Squadron Saturday inspection by the new commanding officer. The inspection was immediately followed by a meeting attended by all officers and enlisted men. At the meeting the commanding officer introduced himself and his staff to the members of the Squadron and then made presentations of the Bronze Star Medal to men of the Engineering and Photo sections. The main sport in the outfit continues to be the figuring of “points”. Although, now it is divided affair. Some figure their points on paper and get starry eyed. The rest figure their points on cubes made of different materials and get glassy eyed. One method costs more than the other.

{SIGNED}

Prepared by
Robert Vander Roest APO 140
2nd Lt., A.C. Station A-72, France.
Asst Intelligence Officer

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)

APO 140, U. S. ARMY
20 September, 1945

SUBJECT: August 1945 Installment of Squadron History.

TO : Commanding General, 98th Bombardment Wing, APO 140, U.S. Army
(through 397th Bomb Gp (M), APO 140, U. S. Army.), Att. Historical Officer.

1. The following information is submitted with reference to the history of this squadron for the month of August:

(a) Squadron remained at station A-72, Peronne, France.

(b) Strength of the unit as of the last day of the month was 107 officers and 387 enlisted men.

(c) Negative.

(d) Negative.

(e) Awards and decorations received by personnel of the squadron during the month were as follows: Silver Star per GO #151, Hq 9 AD, dd 4 August 1945, to 1st Lt. Fred W. Ellinghaus (0-523115). Distinguished Flying Cross per GO #151, Hq 9 AD, dd 4 August 1945, to 1st Lts. John H. Cotter (0-887216), and Kenneth N. Terwilliger (0-2009515). Distinguished Flying Cross per GO 158, dd 11 August 1945, Hq 9 AD, to Capt. Walter F. Creson (0-666000).

2. The following promotions of officers were made during the month:
Capt. Robert M. Levy (0-793413) to Major per par. 1 SO #213, Hq 9 AF, dd 1 August 1945.
1st Lt. John Burink (0-743812) to Capt. per par. 1 SO #213, Hq 9 AF, dd 1 August 1945.
1st Lts. Jerome T. Kilty (0-746957) and Robert E. Peckham (0-730161) to Capt. per par 2 SO 228, Hq 9 AF, dd 16 August 1945.

3. T/Sgt. James F. Cole replaced S/Sgt. Robert E. Pinter as 1st Sgt. on August 15, 1945.

4. Although Squadron strength did not drop, the shifting of officers and enlisted men through the redeployment program modified and interrupted the usual activities of the Squadron and caused apprehension for the future. It was estimated that all sections would be short-handed as soon as the larger quotas came through.

5. Flying training continued during the month. Bombing practice, instrument flying, transition flights, and cross-country navigation flights, kept the runways busy.

6. In order to maintain morale during the “sweating out” period of redeployment, the Squadron held several excellent party-dances in town and improved the facilities and service at the enlisted mens’ club. A baseball field was constructed for the athletic recreation of the men. In order to facilitate the I and E program, an office and library was constructed and opened next to the orderly room. Capt. Jerome T. Kilty, I and E officer, took applications for schools and at least 7 men were sent with more expected to go in September. There was some reluctance to sign up among high point men expecting to go home. Low point men feared they would be declared essential and kept from going once redeployment got really started.

7. Throughout the month the squadron area was improved and maintained in good order by details of POW’s. Paths were layed out and spread with gravel, mud was removed from streets and runways, grass was cut, materials were kept in order, and latrines were maintained.

8. The quality of the mess was the subject of much discussion. Critics maintained that the diet was unbalanced and led to such things as skin eruptions. The monotony of the meals, carrots every day etc., was causing considerable dismay. At a general discussion meeting called by Major Levy the whole situation was taken up. It was revealed that protests had been sent in about the rotten condition of supplies received. To improve the meals, ice cream freezers had been procured in England and ice cream would soon appear on the menu.

B. Frank Watson,
Capt., Air Corps,
Sq. Historical Officer.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), STATION A-72, FRANCE

20 October, 1945

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of September 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Air Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(Through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The following information for the September 1945, installment of the 597th Bombardment Squadron history is submitted.

a. On the 15 September 1945 the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) 397th Bombardment Group AAF, APO 140, U. S. Army was relieved from tactical assignment to the Headquarters 9th Air Division (M) and was reassigned to the 98th Bombardment Wing (M) per letter order 370.5 dated 15 September 1945, Hq. 98th Bombardment Wing (M).

b. The Squadron remained at A-72, Peronne, France.

c. The strength of the Squadron as of 30 September 1945 was 60 Officers, 9 Flight Officers, and 140 Enlisted Men.

d. There were no casualties this month.

e. During the month there were no individual awards in the squadron.

2. The big push came in July, taking our men to staging areas for that long trip back to the ZI. A mere seven Officers, 1 Flight Officer, and ten Enlisted men were assigned to the Squadron, while fifty-six (56) Officers and two-hundred and fifty-five (255) Enlisted men were transferred out. Of the Officers, Major Paul W. Vereen one of the most familiar men in the Squadron since the days at MacDill Field, also left, to await his turn at the Paris staging area.

3. On the seventh of September 1945, 1st Lt. Joseph L. Miller was assigned from Hq, 397th Bomb Group, to fill the vacancy left by Major Vereen, our former Executive Officer. Lt. Miller saw quite a bit of service with the group and he was very familiar to many of the men in the squadron, especially to those who lived at the Combat Area where Lt. Miller served as Mess Officer.

4. The Squadron Operational activities for the month practically came to a stand still compared to the previous month. There no bombing or gunnery missions, but the ferrying and cross country trips jumped to 123. Quite a few lucky fellows went out on those trips, and they proved to be the beginning of the long trip to the ZI, or, as we refer to it here, the “Old Country”. Our flying hours for the month dropped to a mere 421:30. Our I&E program proved to be just the opposite. Our Squadron had seventeen Officers and Enlisted men enrolled in Colleges and other Schools throughout France and England. Applications practically poured in. Our Squadron I & E Officer kept our library well stocked, and it was always in full swing.

5. There were no combat missions flown during the month.

6. The following promotions were made during the month.

2 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt.
2 T/Sgts to M/Sgts.
1 S/Sgt to T/Sgt.
3 Sgts to S/Sgts.
3 Cpls to Sgts.
2 Pfcs to Cpl.
1 Pvt. to Pfc.

7. The month of September proved to be a very quiet one as far as social activities go. The routine weekly inspections occurred, and there was also quite a bit of close order drill. The point system still kept most of the men in a quandary. No one knew exactly what was going to come off

Prepared by
B. Frank Watson APO #140
Capt., Air Corps, Station A-72, France
S-2.

597TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
397TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), STATION A-72, FRANCE

15 November, 1945

SUBJECT: Historical Report of the 597th Bombardment Squadron (M) for the month of October, 1945.

TO : Historical Section, IX Air Division, APO 140, U.S. Army.
(Through 397th Bombardment Group (M) APO 140, U.S. Army)

1. The following information for the October, 1945 installment of the 597th Bombardment Squadron History is submitted.

a. There were no changes in Organization status.

b. The Squadron remained at A-72 Peronne, France.

c. The strength of the Squadron as of 31 October 1945 was 60 Officers, 9 Flight Officers, and 140 Enlisted men.

d. There were no casualties during the month.

e. There were no individual awards or decorations during the month.

On the 5 October 1945 the 597th Bombardment Squadron participated in the ceremony at which the 397th Bombardment Group received the Presidential Citation from Colonel Vance, of the 98th Bombardment Wing.

2. During the month, 3 Officers and 49 Enlisted Men were assigned to the Squadron while 3 Officers and 94 Enlisted men were transferred out, some to other units for occupational duties, and others for re-deployment.

3. On the 14 October 1945 Capt. Robert W. Turkington assumed command of the 597th Bombardment Squadron. Capt. Turkington was assigned to the Squadron on 3 October 1945. He came from the 322nd Bomb Group where he was commanding officer of the 450th Bomb Squadron. Capt. Turkington is a native of Pennsylvania, but prior to entering the service Capt. Turkington attended the University of Florida for two years, but his course was interrupted when he enlisted in the AAF as a Aviation Cadet. His Cadet training was completed in March 1942. His duties were then as an instructor, and he served at various posts throughout the states. In the course of events he was promoted from 2nd Lt. to his present rank, which is Capt. During the month our men saw our Officers take over various new positions throughout the entire Squadron. We now have a new Operations Officer, Adjutant, Supply Officer, Ordnance Officer, Mess Officer, Armament Officer, Class “A” Officer, and there was even a new addition a Recruiting Officer.

4. As during the previous month the operational activities of the Squadron practically remained at a stand still. Our flying hours dropped to a mere 283:40, and cross country and ferry trips came to a new low of 40. There were no bombing or gunnery missions. The I & E program continued to function, and we sent several of our men to the various GI institutes.

5. There were no combat missions flown during this period.

6. The following promotions were made during the month.

1 T/Sgt to 1st Sgt
5 S/Sgt to T/Sgt
14 Sgt to S/Sgt
10 Cpl to Sgt
5 Pfc to Cpl
2 Pvt to Cpl
1 Pvt to Pfc

7. October proved to be a quiet month as far as social activities are concerned. Our Enlisted men had one social in their local club and by all reports it proved to be a success.

Prepared by
H. L. Crocker
2nd Lt., Air Corps,
Adjutant.