Personal War Service Record - Rev 1.0


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384th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
Grafton Underwood Airfield, AAF Station 106, England
World War II

384th BG Patch


PERSONAL WAR SERVICE RECORDS

of

Otto William Guentzel

544th BS Patch

544th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)

CONTENTS

Individual Personnel Data
Original Crew
Combat Missions Summary
Combat Sortie Reports
Crewmate Summary
Aircraft Summary
Generated by 384thBombGroup.com on 15 June 2026, 4:34 AM (PDT).
Document design and content © 1999-2026 by Webmaster
Individual Personnel Data
Name Guentzel, Otto William   ‡
Rank Corporal / Technical Sergeant
Serial Number 17155608   ‡
Unit Assignments Assigned to the 544th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #234 dated 28 November 1944, effective 28 November 1944.
Duty Radio Operator / Gunner
MOS757 - Radio Operator / Mechanic / Gunner, AAF
Last Duty Date 13 April 1945
Results Completed Combat Tour
Additional Information
  • Date of Birth: 8 December 1923
  • Promoted to Sergeant effective 1 December 1944 per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #236 dated 1 December 1944.
  • Promoted to Staff Sergeant effective 1 January 1945 per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #1 dated 1 January 1945.
  • Promoted to Technical Sergeant effective 17 March 1945 per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #59 dated 17 March 1945.
Photo Album:Crew Photo Album⇗


Crew Composition When Assigned to the 384th BG
Replacement Combat Crew
CREWMEMBER POSITION RESULTS
2nd Lt. Van Pelt, Charles A⇗PilotCT
Flt. Ofcr. Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗Co-pilotTBD
2nd Lt. Murphy, Edward J⇗NavigatorCT
2nd Lt. Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗BombardierCT
CPL. Guentzel, Otto WilliamRadio Operator / GunnerCT
CPL. Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗Engineer / Top Turret GunnerCT
SGT. Slack, Raymond Carl⇗Ball Turret GunnerCT
CPL. Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗Tail GunnerCT
CPL. Groom, William Emmett, Jr⇗Flexible GunnerCT
Missions, Aircraft, Crews
This individual was credited with 35 Combat Missions.
Number Date Target Position Aircraft Mission/Sortie Information
238⇗ 11 December 1944 Target: Road & Rail Bridge
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑37703⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
239⇗ 12 December 1944 Target: Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑37703⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
240⇗ 18 December 1944 Target: Road Junction
Type: Transportation
Location: Gemünd, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑102661⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
241⇗ 19 December 1944 Target: Railway Junction
Type: Transportation
Location: Glaadt, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑97309⇗ Scrubbed: Did Not Take Off
Did not take off due to weather which deteriorated after lead aircraft took off.
Sortie Report⇗
243⇗ 24 December 1944 Target: Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Kirch Göns, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑39888⇗ Combat Mission Credit
41C Group.
Sortie Report⇗
244⇗ 27 December 1944 Target: Bridge (Tactical)
Type: Transportation
Location: Altenahr, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑37703⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron.
Sortie Report⇗
245⇗ 28 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Brühl, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑37703⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
246⇗ 30 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Limburg, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑37822⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
247⇗ 31 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Neuss, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑37822⇗ Aborted Mission After Taking Off
Turned back; took off late, unable to find formation.
Sortie Report⇗
251⇗ 5 January 1945 Target: Landing Ground
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Neiderbreisig, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Landed away on the Continent in allied territory; aircraft returned to operations in three weeks.
Sortie Report⇗
256⇗ 17 January 1945 Target: Railroad Viaduct
Type: Transportation
Location: Bielefeld, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑32106⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
257⇗ 20 January 1945 Target: Rail and Road Bridges
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑102661⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Landed away at RAF Newmarket, Suffolk.
Sortie Report⇗
259⇗ 22 January 1945 Target: Synthetic Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Sterkrade, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6590⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
260⇗ 23 January 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Neuss, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑38013⇗ Scrubbed: Did Not Take Off
Did not take off.
Sortie Report⇗
263⇗ 1 February 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6590⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
265⇗ 9 February 1945 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Lützkendorf, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron.
Sortie Report⇗
270⇗ 21 February 1945 Target: Tank Factory
Type: Industry
Location: Nuremberg / Nürnberg, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
High Squadron flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report⇗
272⇗ 23 February 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Plauen, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑97824⇗ Aborted Mission After Taking Off
Turned back due to a broken oil lne.
Sortie Report⇗
273⇗ 24 February 1945 Target: Submarine Construction Shipyard
Type: Shipyards
Location: Hamburg, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
274⇗ 25 February 1945 Target: Tank & Submarine Engine Factory
Type: Industry
Location: Friedrichshafen, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑37822⇗ Combat Mission Credit
High Squadron flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report⇗
275⇗ 26 February 1945 Target: Schlesicher Railroad Station (Bahnhof)
Type: Transportation
Location: Berlin, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
277⇗ 28 February 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Hagen, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑32106⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report⇗
279⇗ 2 March 1945 Target: Low Temperature Carbonization Plant and Refinery of Deutsche Petroleum A.G.
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Rositz, Germany 		Radio Operator 42‑37822⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Landed away at RAF Dunsfold, Surrey, due to low fuel.
Sortie Report⇗
281⇗ 4 March 1945 Target: Ordnance Depot
Type: Military
Location: Ulm, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38801⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
283⇗ 8 March 1945 Target: Oil Refinery - 'Benzol Plant'
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Essen, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6590⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
284⇗ 9 March 1945 Target: Henschel Tank and Locomotive Works
Type: Industry
Location: Kassel, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑39164⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
285⇗ 10 March 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Schwerte, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6590⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
286⇗ 11 March 1945 Target: Vacuum Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bremen, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑39164⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
287⇗ 12 March 1945 Target: Railway Center
Type: Transportation
Location: Betzdorf, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Ground Spare Aircraft; replaced 44‑8608.
Sortie Report⇗
289⇗ 15 March 1945 Target: Army HQ
Type: Military
Location: Zossen, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6590⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Lead Squadron.
Sortie Report⇗
290⇗ 17 March 1945 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bohlen (Leipzig), Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑39164⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
291⇗ 18 March 1945 Target: Schlesischer Railway Station
Type: Transportation
Location: Berlin, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6590⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
294⇗ 22 March 1945 Target: German Hutted Camps (Barracks) at 51°36'N,7°06'E
Type: Military
Location: Westerholt, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
295⇗ 23 March 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Gladbeck, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
296⇗ 24 March 1945 Target: Vechta Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Vechta, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
298⇗ 26 March 1945 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Zeitz, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
300⇗ 30 March 1945 Target: Deutsche Schiff- u. Maschinenbau A.G. (DESCHIMAG)
Submarine and Warship Yard
Machine Shop
Type: Submarine Facility
Location: Bremen, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
301⇗ 31 March 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Lützkendorf, Germany 		Radio Operator 43‑38974⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
302⇗ 3 April 1945 Target: Underground Oil Storage Depot
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Kiel, Germany 		Radio Operator 44‑6514⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
SORTIE REPORT #8164
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑11 238 746 Target: Road & Rail Bridge
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany
Rhine Bridge(s) Targeted: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew four squadrons on today's mission. Three squadrons comprised the 41st Combat Wing B Group, and the remaining squadron flew in the low position of the 41st D Group. The target for all was a bridge (or adjacent bridges) for road and rail traffic across the Rhine River linking Mannheim with Ludwigshafen. The B Group lead and low squadrons bombed by PFF, while the B Group high squadron, and the low squadron of the D Group bombed by Gee-H.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑37703 ⇗ 544th SU*P TREMBLIN GREMLIN (II)
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Sharp, Alan E⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8164 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8210
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑12 239 748 Target: Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany
Continued Pressure on Oil: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing A Group on today's mission. Each squadron bombed independently, using PFF.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑37703 ⇗ 544th SU*P TREMBLIN GREMLIN (II)
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Sharp, Alan E⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8210 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8242
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑18 240 754 Target: Road Junction
Type: Transportation
Location: Gemünd, Germany
Weather Challenges The Plan: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing C Group on today's mission. Clouds to above 29,500 feet, and an inoperative Gee-H ground station, forced the Group to bypass the primary target and attack the PFF secondary. Air traffic conflict forced the Group to do a 360° turn at the IP. A technical failure on the bomb run forced the high group to go around on a second run, which was accomplished successfully. The Group could not reassemble after bombing because of the weather conditions, so all squadrons returned to base separately.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Coblenz, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑102661 ⇗ 544th SU*L BIG DOG
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8242 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8297
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑19 241 756 Target: Railway Junction
Type: Transportation
Location: Glaadt, Germany
Weather Reduces Force: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew only twelve of the planned thirty-nine aircraft on today's mission. After the first twelve took off (all squadron leads and deputies, and six aircraft of the lead squadron), Wing advised Group of a 30 minute delay, so remaining aircraft were held on the ground. A heavy fog settled in preventing any further takeoffs, so the twelve aircraft already airborne completed the mission. On return they were diverted to Swansea, Wales, landing at RAF Fairwood Common.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Scrubbed: Did Not Take Off
Comments: Did not take off due to weather which deteriorated after lead aircraft took off. 		N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97309 ⇗ 545th JD*C KATHLEEN LADY OF VICTORY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Fleshman, Warren Gray⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Co-pilot Laney, John Neal⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Togglier Decker, Floyd Virgil⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Engineer/Top Turret Woodruff, Walter Charles, Jr⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Ball Turret Mitchell, Oreal Hugh⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Tail Gunner Galetto, Anthony J⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Baumann, Frederick Herman⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Sortie Report 8297 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8394
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑24 243 760, Task Forces 1 & 2 Target: Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Kirch Göns, Germany
Various Targets Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew two formations for today's mission. The first formation formed the lead and low squadrons of the 41st Combat Bombardment Wing C Group (41C Group) as part of 8th Air Force Mission 760 Task Force 2, while the second formation, comprised of aircraft that had landed at Horham Airfield, Station 118, the previous day, flew in squadron strength with the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing F Group (13F Squadron) as part of 8th Air Force Mission 760 Task Force 1. Other 384th aircraft participated with other units as indicated in Sortie comments.
The 41C Group attacked their primary target, an airfield at Kirch Göns, Germany, and most returned to Grafton Underwood, except as noted. The 13F Squadron was unable to pick up their primary target in the bombsight so they attacked their secondary target, railroad marshaling yards at Kaiserslautern, Germany, by visual means: all 13F Squadron aircraft were diverted to Sudbury Airfield, Station 174, on their return due to inclement weather.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: 41C Group. 		Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑39888 ⇗ 544th SU*B HOTNUTS
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8394 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8413
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑27 244 764 Target: Bridge (Tactical)
Type: Transportation
Location: Altenahr, Germany
Tactical Support For Troops: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 1st Division in the lead A Group of the 41st Combat Wing. The lead and low squadrons bombed the primary target. The high squadron attacked the marshalling yards at Koblenz, Germany.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron. 		Primary (GH)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑37703 ⇗ 544th SU*P TREMBLIN GREMLIN (II)
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8413 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8453
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑28 245 760 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Brühl, Germany
Group Bombs Railroad: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on today's mission. With PFF equipment inoperative, a Gee-H bomb run was accomplished in group formation. All three squadrons released on the primary target, when the group leader's bombs were away.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑37703 ⇗ 544th SU*P TREMBLIN GREMLIN (II)
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8453 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8497
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑30 246 770 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Limburg, Germany
Historic Limburg Spared: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing A Group on today's mission. Encountering 10/10ths cloud cover at the primary target, the group followed briefed orders from Wing - bomb the primary target under visual conditions only - and continued on to the PFF secondary target. PFF operators in the lead and high squadrons could not pick up the target on the first run, so a second run was needed. The low squadron released on the first run. The squadrons did not reassemble in group formation for the return flight, but did maintain visual contact with each other.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Kaiserslautern, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑37822 ⇗ 544th SU*C THE 'LEAD BANANA'
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Moon, William Everett⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Lott, Homer Lee⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hastings, Harmon Charles⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8497 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8540
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑31 247 772 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Neuss, Germany
Railroad Target Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 1st Air Division on todays mission. All three squadrons of the 384th Bomb Group formation - 41st Combat Wing B Group - attacked the marshalling yards in Neuss, Germany. Although the weather at the IP was fairly clear, 'Buckeye-Red' advised 10/10ths cloud cover at the target, thus necessitating an instrument assisted bomb run using Gee-H.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Aborted Mission After Taking Off.
Comments: Turned back; took off late, unable to find formation. 		N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑37822 ⇗ 544th SU*C THE 'LEAD BANANA'
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Aborted
Co-pilot Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗ 544 Aborted
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Aborted
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Aborted
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Aborted
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Aborted
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Aborted
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Aborted
Sortie Report 8540 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8690
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑05 251 781 Target: Landing Ground
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Neiderbreisig, Germany
Airfield Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on today's mission. The usual challenges of assembly under adverse conditions were met with customary persistence and skill. The target area was completely covered with low clouds, so the results of the Gee-H attack were unobserved.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Landed away on the Continent in allied territory; aircraft returned to operations in three weeks. 		Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑102459 ⇗ 544th SU*O LITTLE KENNY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8690 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #11680
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑17 256 798 Target: Railroad Viaduct
Type: Transportation
Location: Bielefeld, Germany
Secondary Target Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st Combat Wing on today's mission. Because he was experiencing problems with his PFF equipment, the group leader ordered the low squadron to fly as his deputy (low squadron deputy moved into lead position, and lead squadron deputy moved into low squadron deputy position) in case a PFF attack was needed. At the IP, the Gee-H operator reported that his equipment could not be used, so the deputy (formerly low squadron leader) was ordered to lead the formation in a PFF attack on the secondary target. Bombs were dropped in group formation after a good PFF run.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Workshops
Type: Transportation
Location: Paderborn, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑32106 ⇗ 545th JD*R WORRY BIRD / VOAN
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 11680 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8925
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑20 257 801 Target: Rail and Road Bridges
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany
Transportation Bombed: The 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) formed the 41st B group on today's mission. Weather prevented visual bombing, and the formation was unable to use Gee-H guidance to the target, so the PFF Primary target was bombed, with unobserved results. Upon the Group's return to Grafton Underwood, a heavy snowstorm forced nearly all aircraft to land elsewhere.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Landed away at RAF Newmarket, Suffolk. 		PFF Primary (PFF)
Target: Marshalling Yard
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑102661 ⇗ 544th SU*L BIG DOG
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Gay, Joseph Bates, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8925 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8985
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑22 259 805 Target: Synthetic Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Sterkrade, Germany
Visual Bombing!: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) provided the lead and low squadrons of the 41st Combat Wing C Group on today's mission. Although prepared for blind bombing with PFF (radar) and Gee-H, the target was clearly visible. Bombing was reported to be excellent.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6590 ⇗ 544th SU*J not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Galiano, Joe Vincent⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot LeSuer, Herman Paul⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Cochran, John Edward, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Foust, John Monroe, III⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Black, Howard Vincent⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Portugal, Walter Lyon⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Ginder, John Pershing⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Ducsay, Joseph C, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8985 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9021
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑23 260 807 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Neuss, Germany
Challenging Weather: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st B Combat Bombardment Wing on today's mission. Takeoff time was delayed but the route timetable was not changed. That change, and a snowstorm, prevented any semblance of assembly of the bomber stream. Nonetheless, most aircraft flew the mission, bombing the primary target visually, even though it was partly obscured by clouds. On return, all aircraft landed at other bases due to the snowstorm, which had not abated.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Scrubbed: Did Not Take Off
Comments: Did not take off. 		N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑38013 ⇗ 547th SO*C NEVADA AVENGER
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Togglier Foust, John Monroe, III⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Scrubbed
Sortie Report 9021 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9089
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑01 263 814 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany
Secondary Target Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the entire 41st B Combat Wing on today's mission. When near the IP, the leader found his 'Micro-H' equipment (apparently a version of Gee-H) was inoperative, so the PFF Primary target was attacked.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission PFF Primary (PFF)
Target: Highway and Railroad Bridge
Type: Transportation
Location: Ludwigshafen, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6590 ⇗ 544th SU*J not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Foust, John Monroe, III⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9089 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9242
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑09 265 824 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Lützkendorf, Germany
Two Targets Hit: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) formed the 41st A Combat Wing on today's mission. Lead and high squadrons attacked primary by visual means; the low squadron attacked the PFF secondary at Kaub, Germany.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron. 		PFF Secondary (PFF with Visual Assist)
Target: City
Type: Non-Military
Location: Erfurt, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Foust, John Monroe, III⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9242 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9451
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑21 270 839 Target: Tank Factory
Type: Industry
Location: Nuremberg / Nürnberg, Germany
Back to Nuremberg: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st Combat Wing on today's mission. As the primary target was briefed as 'Visual Bombing only', and the city was cloud-covered, a normal PFF attack on the secondary was made.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Spare, Completed Mission
Comments: High Squadron flying spare; joined formation. 		PFF Secondary (PFF)
Target: Main railroad Station
Type: Transportation
Location: Nuremberg / Nürnberg, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑102459 ⇗ 544th SU*O LITTLE KENNY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Foster, Erwin Vernon⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9451 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9548
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑23 272 843 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Plauen, Germany
Transportation Targeted: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing A group on today's mission. The field order stated that if the primary target could not be attacked visually, groups should attempt to attack last resort targets or targets of opportunity - all marshalling yards or other railroad facilities in Germany - by visual means. If no visual targets were found, the primary should be attacked by PFF. The Group, after failing to locate a target of opportunity that could be attacked visually, released their bombs on the primary target using PFF aiming. Due to inclement weather over England on return from this mission, 12 aircraft landed at other bases.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Aborted Mission After Taking Off.
Comments: Turned back due to a broken oil lne. 		N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97824 ⇗ 544th SU*U not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Aborted
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Aborted
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Aborted
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Aborted
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Aborted
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Aborted
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Aborted
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Aborted
Sortie Report 9548 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9599
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑24 273 845 Target: Submarine Construction Shipyard
Type: Shipyards
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Secondary Target Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing C Group on today's mission. Cloud coverage of Hamburg prevented visual bombing, so the formation attacked the secondary PFF target.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission PFF Secondary (PFF)
Target: Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Hamburg, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38062 ⇗ 544th SU*A PLEASURE BENT
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9599 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9631
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑25 274 847 Target: Tank & Submarine Engine Factory
Type: Industry
Location: Friedrichshafen, Germany
Squadrons Attack Separately: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing B Group. The lead squadron encountered equipment problems at the primary target, and elected to attack the secondary target. The high and low squadrons bombed the primary, but the high squadron found it necessary to make two bomb runs.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Spare, Completed Mission
Comments: High Squadron flying spare; joined formation. 		Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑37822 ⇗ 544th SU*C THE 'LEAD BANANA'
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9631 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9664
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑26 275 849 Target: Schlesicher Railroad Station (Bahnhof)
Type: Transportation
Location: Berlin, Germany
Berlin Bahnhof Bombed: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing A Group on today's mission. The primary target was hidden by cloud cover so it was attacked by PFF (radar), per the Field Order for this mission.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Slack appears on the loading list as 'B' position ('Bombardier'), but is actually a 'Togglier' - an enlisted man who releases the bombs, but has no Norden bomb sight. 		Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑102459 ⇗ 544th SU*O LITTLE KENNY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Flexible (Waist) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9664 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9749
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑02‑28 277 854 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Hagen, Germany
Hagen Railroad Targeted: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on today's mission - the tenth in as many days. The low squadron managed to bomb on the first run, and then returned to base with the 379th BG. The Gee-H equipment in the lead squadron (both lead and deputy) failed prior to the bomb run, so the lead squadron fell in trail of the high squadron for bombing. The 41st CW A Group came in on a collision course during the bomb run, so the high squadron, with the lead squadron in trail, went around again and completed the attack.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Spare, Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron flying spare; joined formation. 		PFF Primary (Gee-H)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Hagen, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑32106 ⇗ 545th JD*R WORRY BIRD / VOAN
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9749 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9846
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑02 279 859 Target: Low Temperature Carbonization Plant and Refinery of Deutsche Petroleum A.G.
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Rositz, Germany
Pressure on Oil: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing A Group on today's mission. Alerted to prepare for radar bombing, clouds dissipated near the target permitting all three squadrons to bomb visually, with good results.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Landed away at RAF Dunsfold, Surrey, due to low fuel. 		Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑37822 ⇗ 544th SU*C THE 'LEAD BANANA'
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9846 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9945
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑04 281 863 Target: Ordnance Depot
Type: Military
Location: Ulm, Germany
Bombing Through Clouds: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on today's mission - the fourteenth in as many days (they would get a 3-day break before the next mission). The primary target was to be attacked by visual means or Gee-H (not by PFF): clouds obscured the target so the formation used Gee-H. The equipment failed on the first run, and during the second run, the lead squadron was scattered by another group crossing at right angles. Nevertheless, bombs were away from all three squadrons on the second run, and all returned to base; a few had to land on the way for gas, and one damaged ship landed away and did not return home on the same day.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38801 ⇗ 544th SU*M RUTH
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Gray, Fred Price⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9945 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #9998
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑08 283 872 Target: Oil Refinery - 'Benzol Plant'
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Essen, Germany
More Oil Pressure: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing C Group on today's mission. Clouds covered the target so the attack was accomplished using Gee-H sighting.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6590 ⇗ 544th SU*J not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
RADAR Countermeasures Knagg, John A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 9998 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10074
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑09 284 875 Target: Henschel Tank and Locomotive Works
Type: Industry
Location: Kassel, Germany
Industry Smashed: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing B Group on today's mission. Clear weather enabled visual bombing of the primary target.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑39164 ⇗ 544th SU*F not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10074 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10080
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑10 285 887 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Schwerte, Germany
Transportation Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st Bomb Wing (as the A Group) on today's mission. The Gee-H aim point of the primary target was bombed through a solid cloud deck.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6590 ⇗ 544th SU*J not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
RADAR Countermeasures Glancy, Donald Rufus⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10080 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10159
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑11 286 881 Target: Vacuum Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bremen, Germany
Bremen Bombed: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing C Group on today's mission. The primary target was restricted to visual bombing only, and since it was obscured by clouds, the PFF secondary was attacked.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission PFF Secondary (PFF)
Target: Shipbuilding Area
Type: Shipyards
Location: Bremen, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑39164 ⇗ 544th SU*F not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10159 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #11982
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑12 287 883 Target: Railway Center
Type: Transportation
Location: Betzdorf, Germany
Transportation System Targeted: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing B Group on today's mission. Clouds obscured the target, preventing visual bombing. Instead, bombs were dropped using Gee-H aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Ground Spare Aircraft; replaced 44‑8608. 		Secondary (Gee-H)
Target: Railway Center (Gee-H aim point)
Type: Transportation
Location: Betzdorf, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38062 ⇗ 544th SU*A PLEASURE BENT
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
RADAR Countermeasures Pacocha, Edward John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Miller, Irving Leroy⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 11982 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10251
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑15 289 889 Target: Army HQ
Type: Military
Location: Zossen, Germany
Army GHQ Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing C Group on today's mission. Weather in the target area was open for visual bombing, but due to poor visibility and smoke from the bombs of preceding groups, the lead and low squadrons could not pick up the target on the first run. The high squadron was able to aim and release on the first run, so while the lead and low squadrons went around for a second run, the high squadron rejoined the bomber stream and returned to base. The lead and low squadrons completed a successful attack on their second bomb run.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Lead Squadron. 		Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6590 ⇗ 544th SU*J not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10251 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10328
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑17 290 892 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bohlen (Leipzig), Germany
Weather and Equipment Failures: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on todays mission. Multiple equipment failures and adverse weather conditions forced the Group to bypass the primary (and various other) targets, finally attacking the #6 briefed target, with poor results.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission #6 (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Erfurt, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑39164 ⇗ 544th SU*F not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10328 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10338
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑18 291 894 Target: Schlesischer Railway Station
Type: Transportation
Location: Berlin, Germany
384th Leads Division: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing A Group, leading the 1st Air Division on today's mission. Limited visibility at the target necessitated use of PFF (radar) aiming: bombing results were poor.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (PFF with Visual Assist)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6590 ⇗ 544th SU*J not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10338 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10492
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑22 294 906 Target: German Hutted Camps (Barracks) at 51°36'N,7°06'E
Type: Military
Location: Westerholt, Germany
Military Camp Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on today's mission. The primary target, located on the North Sea coast near the Dutch border, was attacked visually with good results.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10492 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10531
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑23 295 908 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Gladbeck, Germany
Pinpoint Accuracy: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bombardment Wing B Group on today's mission. Clear conditions on the bomb run and at the target resulted in accurate bombing.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10531 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10580
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑24 296 911 Target: Vechta Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Vechta, Germany
Weather Cooperates: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew two missions today. For the early morning mission, thirty-seven 384th aircraft and crews formed the 41st Bomb Wing A Group. Weather at the target was CAVU permitting visual sighting: bombing results were pretty good.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Jamison, Joseph F⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10580 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10664
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑26 298 915 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Zeitz, Germany
Weather, Equipment, Turbulence: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Bomb Wing B Group on today's mission. On initial approach to the target area, the division leader decided to attack the #2 target. After making two unsuccessful PFF runs on that target - foiled by equipment difficulties and prop-wash - the 384th decided to head directly for the #4 target, which the lead and high squadrons attacked. The low squadron again ran into prop-wash, which prevented accurate bombing, so they proceeded to attack a target of opportunity (TOO) at Würzburg, Germany by visual means.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission #4 (PFF)
Target: Railroad Workshops
Type: Transportation
Location: Meiningen, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Johnson, Howard K⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Harrison, James (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10664 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10751
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑30 300 918 Target: Deutsche Schiff- u. Maschinenbau A.G. (DESCHIMAG)
Submarine and Warship Yard
Machine Shop
Type: Submarine Facility
Location: Bremen, Germany
Bremen Shipyard Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing C Group on today's mission. Cloudy conditions in the target area required use of PFF, but there were enough openings in the clouds for the bombardiers to visually assist the aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hastings, David Shove⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Murphy, Edward J⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
RADAR Countermeasures Knagg, John A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Vermillion, Eugene Carroll⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10751 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10793
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑03‑31 301 920 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Lützkendorf, Germany
Division Bombs Tertiary Target: Due to adverse weather conditions, Division ordered our formations to bomb the tertiary target. Leaving the target area as briefed, they encountered the 3rd division making a bomb run on Merseburg, but avoided mishap.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Tertiary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Halle, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38974 ⇗ 544th SU*H not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hastings, David Shove⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Adams, John Howard⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Slack, Raymond Carl⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
RADAR Countermeasures Groom, William Emmett, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Payne, Albert M⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10793 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #10802
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑04‑03 302 926 Target: Underground Oil Storage Depot
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Kiel, Germany
Weather Forces Change: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B group on today's mission. Solid clouds prevented visual attack on the primary target, so the secondary target was attacked using PFF aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Deutsche Werke Drydocks
Type: Shipyards
Location: Kiel, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6514 ⇗ 547th SO*Q DANNY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Van Pelt, Charles A⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Hastings, David Shove⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Weiss, Morris B⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Rozkuski, William Bernard⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Guentzel, Otto William⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Secrest, Marvin Victor⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Den Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 10802 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
Otto William Guentzel flew combat missions
with the 48 crewmates listed below.
Those appearing in bold text are members of his original crew.
Rank Name Position Missions Flown
Together		 Results
2Lt-1LtAdams, John Howard⇗B1
S-S/SBaumann, Frederick Herman⇗FG1WIA
Cpl-T/SBlack, Howard Vincent⇗TT1CT
2Lt-1LtCochran, John Edward⇗B-N1CT
S-S/SDecker, Floyd Virgil⇗FG-TOG1KIA
2Lt-1LtDeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗P1POW
Cpl-S/SDen Herder, Edward (NMI)⇗TG36CT
S-S/SDoleshal, Charles Joseph⇗BT1POW
S-S/SDucsay, Joseph C⇗WG1CT
2Lt-1LtFleshman, Warren Gray⇗P1WIA
Cpl-S/SFoster, Erwin Vernon⇗BT1CT
Pvt-S/SFoust, John Monroe⇗WG-TOG4CT
Cpl-S/SGaletto, Anthony J⇗TG1WIA
2Lt-1LtGaliano, Joe Vincent⇗P1CT
2LtGay, Joseph Bates⇗B10CT
Pvt-S/SGinder, John Pershing⇗TG1CT
2Lt-1LtGlancy, Donald Rufus⇗RCM1TR
2Lt-1LtGray, Fred Price⇗CP-P13KIA
Cpl-S/SGroom, William Emmett⇗WG-SJ1CT
F/O-2LtHammerstein, Lester Eugene⇗CP6
Pvt-T/SHarrison, James (NMI)⇗ 33CT
2LtHastings, David Shove⇗CP-P3KIA
T/S-M/SHastings, Harmon Charles⇗TG1MIA
T/SHowell, Evan Lawrence⇗TT1CT
2LtJamison, Joseph F⇗CP-P11CT
2LtJohnson, Howard K⇗CP1CT
Cpl-S/SKnagg, John A⇗WG-RCM2CT
2LtLaney, John Neal⇗CP1WIA
2Lt-1LtLeSuer, Herman Paul⇗CP-P1CT
Cpl-S/SLott, Homer Lee⇗FG-TOG1POW
S-S/SMiller, Irving Leroy⇗BT-WG1CT
Cpl-S/SMitchell, Oreal Hugh⇗BT1CT
2LtMoon, William Everett⇗B-N1CT
2LtMurphy, Edward J⇗N35CT
Cpl-S/SPacocha, Edward John⇗SJ1CT
Cpl-S/SPayne, Albert M⇗FG1CT
Pvt-S/SPortugal, Walter Lyon⇗BT1CT
Cpl-S/SRozkuski, William Bernard⇗TOG1
Cpl-T/SSecrest, Marvin Victor⇗TT36CT
2Lt-1LtSharp, Alan E⇗CP-P2CT
2LtSimmons, Robert Edwin⇗CP1POW
S-S/SSlack, Raymond Carl⇗BT-TOG34CT
Pvt-S/SSpradlin, Clifford Wright⇗BT22CT
2Lt-1LtVan Pelt, Charles A⇗P36CT
Cpl-S/SVermillion, Eugene Carroll⇗TOG1TR
2LtWeiss, Morris B⇗N1FCMEW
S/SWilliams, John Allen⇗WG-TT1POW
S-T/SWoodruff, Walter Charles⇗TT1WIA


Otto William Guentzel flew combat missions in the 15 aircraft listed below.
Serial Number Sq. Code Name Missions
43-38974SU*H7
44-6590SU*J6
42-37822SU*CTHE 'LEAD BANANA'4
43-37703SU*PTREMBLIN GREMLIN (II)4
42-102459SU*OLITTLE KENNY3
43-39164SU*F3
42-32106JD*RWORRY BIRD / VOAN2
42-102661SU*LBIG DOG2
43-38062SU*APLEASURE BENT2
42-38013SO*CNEVADA AVENGER1
42-39888SU*BHOTNUTS1
42-97309JD*CKATHLEEN LADY OF VICTORY1
42-97824SU*U1
43-38801SU*MRUTH1
44-6514SO*QDANNY1