Personal War Service Record - Rev 1.0


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CONTENT BEGINS BELOW THIS LINE







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

384th BG Patch


PERSONAL WAR SERVICE RECORDS

of

Merlin Howard Reed


546th BS Patch

546th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)


CONTENTS

Individual Personnel Data
Original Crew
Combat Missions Summary
Combat Sortie Reports
Crewmate Summary
Aircraft Summary

Generated by 384thBombGroup.com on 9 May 2025, 2:03 AM (PDT).
Document design and content © 1999-2025 by Webmaster
Individual Personnel Data
Name Reed, Merlin Howard   
Rank Second Lieutenant / First Lieutenant
Serial Number O-670612   
Unit Assignments Assigned to the 546th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #121 dated 18 October 1943, effective 18 October 1943.
Duty Pilot
MOS1091 - Pilot, B-17
Last Duty Date 9 March 1944
Results Missing In Action
Final Resting Place or Memorial: Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, The Netherlands: Tablets of the Missing
Additional Information
  • Date of Birth: 3 March 1917
Related Documents Missing Air Crew Report # 3005 (31.437 MB)
Photo Album:Crew Photo Album


Crew Composition When Assigned to the 384th BG
Replacement Combat Crew
CREWMEMBER POSITION RESULTS
2nd Lt. Reed, Merlin HowardPilotMIA
2nd Lt. Rininsland, Bruce MartinCo-pilotKIA
2nd Lt. Heiss, John LawrenceBombardierKIA
T/SGT. Wellman, Robert FrancisRadio Operator / GunnerKIA
S/SGT. Johnson, Robert O (1943)Engineer / Top Turret GunnerMIA
S/SGT. Osepchook, Arthur JohnBall Turret GunnerPOW
PVT. Hardy, Emmet FrancisTail GunnerKIA
S/SGT. Plotz, John JamesFlexible GunnerPOW
S/SGT. Casey, Robert JosephFlexible GunnerCT
Missions, Aircraft, Crews
This individual was credited with 19 Combat Missions.
Number Date Target Position Aircraft Mission/Sortie Information
-- 30 October 1943 Target: Marshaling Yard
Type: Transportation
Location: Geilenkirchen, Germany
Co-pilot 42‑29636 Sortie Report
34 3 November 1943 Target: Port Area
Type: Transportation
Location: Wilhelmshafen, Germany
Co-pilot 42‑30033 Combat Mission Credit
Group deputy.
Sortie Report
35 5 November 1943 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Pilot 42‑29636 Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report
39 1 December 1943 Target: Non-Ferrous Metals Plant
Type: Industry
Location: Solingen, Germany
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron.
Sortie Report
46 24 December 1943 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Croisette, France
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Composite group.
Sortie Report
47 30 December 1943 Target: I. G. Farben Industrie, Chemical/Synthetic Rubber Plants
Type: Industry
Location: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Flying Spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report
50 5 January 1944 Target: Port Area
Type: Transportation
Location: Kiel, Germany
Pilot 41‑24578 Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report
54 21 January 1944 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Preuseville, France
Pilot 42‑29723 Aborted Mission After Taking Off
41B Group. Turned back at 1350 hrs over Beachy Head because 'this aircraft took off late and could not find a position open in the formation.'
Sortie Report
55 29 January 1944 Target: Aircraft Parts Plants
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Low group.
Sortie Report
56 30 January 1944 Target: Aircraft Assembly Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Brunswick / Braunschweig, Germany
Pilot 42‑31222 Aborted Mission After Taking Off
Lead group. Turned back at Sleaford at 1000 hrs because of runaway prop on #2 engine.
Sortie Report
57 3 February 1944 Target: Submarines (under construction)
Type: Submarine Facility
Location: Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Low Group.
Sortie Report
58 4 February 1944 Target: Alfred Teves Main Works: Aircraft Parts Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
High group, 41st A Combat Wing.
Sortie Report
59 5 February 1944 Target: Bricy Aerodrome, Luftwaffe Training and Bomber Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Orleans, France
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report
60 6 February 1944 Target: Nancy/Essey Aerodrome
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Nancy, France
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report
63 20 February 1944 Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Leipzig & Bernburg, Germany
Pilot 42‑29723 Combat Mission Credit
41B Group.
Sortie Report
66 24 February 1944 Target: Ball-Bearing Plant
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Schweinfurt, Germany
Pilot 42‑37792 Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron, low group.
Sortie Report
67 25 February 1944 Target: Aircraft Assembly & Ball Bearings Plants
Type: Industry
Location: Augsburg & Stuttgart, Germany
Pilot 42‑37885 Combat Mission Credit
41A Group, Ground Spare aircraft. Replaced 42‑31211.
Sortie Report
68 28 February 1944 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Preuseville, France
Pilot 42‑31211 Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron deputy.
Sortie Report
69 2 March 1944 Target: Alfred Teves Main Works: Aircraft Parts Plant and Machine Shop
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Pilot 42‑37801 Combat Mission Credit
Lead group, high Squadron deputy.
Sortie Report
70 3 March 1944 Target: Roller-Bearing Factory
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Berlin, Germany
Pilot 42‑31375 Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report
72 6 March 1944 Target: Erkner Ball-Bearing Factory
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Berlin, Germany
Pilot 42‑37781 Aborted Mission After Taking Off
High Squadron deputy, high group, 40th Composite Combat Bomb Wing. Returned to base after group leader abandoned attempt to join assigned combat wing.
Sortie Report
73 8 March 1944 Target: Erkner Ball-Bearing Factory
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Berlin, Germany
Pilot 42‑37781 Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report
74 9 March 1944 Target: Heinkel Aircraft Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Oranienburg, Germany
Pilot 42‑37781 Combat Mission Credit
Failed To Return
Lost after bombs away when bombs from high group (379BG) hit this aircraft, knocking tail completely off in front of stabilizer; aircraft dived straight down into a spin with all four engines going; no chutes observed. MACR 3005
Sortie Report
SORTIE REPORT #864
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑10‑30 Target: Marshaling Yard
Type: Transportation
Location: Geilenkirchen, Germany
Weather Forces Recall: At 1040 hours the Group Leader received a messaage that the mission was scrubbed and all planes returned to this base with their bomb loads.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Mission Recalled Database Incomplete
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29636 546th BK*F X-VIRGIN Kishel, Stanley John
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot MacPhail, Philip Ray 546 Returned To Base
Co-pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Returned To Base
Navigator Grimaldi, Anthony Joseph 546 Returned To Base
Bombardier Garrett, James Patrick 546 Returned To Base
Radio Operator Hawkins, Charles Joseph 546 Returned To Base
Engineer/Top Turret Hamm, Morton Washington 546 Returned To Base
Ball Turret Paula, Placido John, Jr 546 Returned To Base
Tail Gunner Drennan, Robert Gerard 546 Returned To Base
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Shannon, Lucian Glenroie 546 Returned To Base
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Mitchell, Charles Floyd 546 Returned To Base
Sortie Report 864 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #874
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑11‑03 34 119 Target: Port Area
Type: Transportation
Location: Wilhelmshafen, Germany
Pathfinder Leads Attack: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as high group of the 41st Combat Bombardment Wing (CBW), which was the fourth (and last) wing on this mission, and contributed the High Squadron of the High Group of the Composite Wing (second wing) on today's mission. The target was completely obscured by a solid cloud cover. Bombs were dropped when the wing lead, a 'Pathfinder' aircraft, dropped theirs. This was the first 'Bombing Through Overcast' (BTO) operational mission led by radar-equipped B-17s of the 482nd Bombardment Group.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Group deputy.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑30033 546th BK*G LITTLE AMERICA Foster, Ewing H
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Kelly, James Henry 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Blount, Wilbourne Earl 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Ryberg, John Edward 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Beaupre, Jerome Bernard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Nealis, Leonard Martin Eugene 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Lane, Dennis Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Yaskow, Peter Thomas 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Mizgorski, Aloysius William 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Killin, Roland Leroy 546 Completed, Uninjured
Observer Talbot, John Mayo GpHQ Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 874 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #906
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑11‑05 35 121 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
PFF Attack: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the attack today, with a PFF aircraft borrowed from the 482nd BG at Alconbury.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29636 546th BK*F X-VIRGIN Kishel, Stanley John
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Chapin, Robert Charles 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Atkinson, Owen Glenn 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 906 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1063
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑12‑01 39 145 Target: Non-Ferrous Metals Plant
Type: Industry
Location: Solingen, Germany
Primary Target Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew today's mission under very challenging conditions. During initial climb in wing formation, the low squadron was forced to fly through a cloud layer with icing conditions. This caused three aircraft to fall out of position, which were then unable to return to the formation. Also, during most of the mission, flying speeds were excessively high - as much as 175 mph - causing fuel shortages on return.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Maahs, Robert Edward 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret MacDonald, Donald Van Buskirk 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Drennan, Robert Gerard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1063 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1257
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑12‑24 46 164 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Croisette, France
Two Targets Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as parts of two groups of the 41st Combat Wing on today's mission. The low squadron of the composite group (9 aircraft) bombed the primary target, while aircraft of the low group (18 aircraft) were unable to locate the primary target and attacked a target of opportunity (TOO), also a 'NOBALL' target, located at 50°17'N, 2°14'E.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Composite group.
Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Murphy, David Williams 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1257 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1286
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑12‑30 47 169 Target: I. G. Farben Industrie, Chemical/Synthetic Rubber Plants
Type: Industry
Location: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Primary Target Attacked: Bombs were away at 1202 hours on PFF from 22,000 feet, with unobserved results.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Spare, Completed Mission
Comments: Flying Spare; joined formation.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1286 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1337
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑01‑05 50 176 Target: Port Area
Type: Transportation
Location: Kiel, Germany
Smokescreen Not Effective: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the lead group of the 41st Composite Combat Wing on today's mission. Weather at the target was CAVU, and a defensive smokescreen failed to hide the target, permitting a successful visual attack.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17F 41‑24578 547th SO*U OLD RELIABLE
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Bertram, Harold John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Iverson, Bennie Franklin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1337 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1442
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑01‑21 54 187 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Preuseville, France
Weather Affects Bombing: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) provided two group formations of two squadrons each for today's mission: one flew as the Lead Group of the 41st A Combat Bombardment Wing (41A Group) and the other flew as the Low Group of the 41st B Combat Bombardment Wing (41B Group). The 384th was alerted for an operational mission just as they were about to take off for a practice mission. In the space of one and one-half hours, these 34 aircraft were reconfigured for combat, and dispatched to attack 'NOBALL' targets in France. The 41A Group of 18 aircraft, led by Major Alfred C Nuttall, attacked the Preuseville target on their fourth bomb run. The 41B Group of 16 aircraft, led by Major George W Harris, were unable to locate the assigned target in the Pommereval area due to cloud obscuration, despite making seven bomb runs, and returned their bomb loads to base.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Aborted Mission After Taking Off.
Comments: 41B Group. Turned back at 1350 hrs over Beachy Head because 'this aircraft took off late and could not find a position open in the formation.'
No Target Attacked
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Aborted
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Aborted
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Aborted
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Aborted
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Aborted
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Aborted
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Aborted
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Jacobson, Joseph (NMI) 546 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Aborted
Sortie Report 1442 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1523
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑01‑29 55 198 Target: Aircraft Parts Plants
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Technology Trumps Overcast Targets: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) supplied two group formations for today's mission, which flew as lead and low groups of the 41st Combat Wing B wing. Bombs were released using PFF aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low group.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1523 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1533
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑01‑30 56 200 Target: Aircraft Assembly Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Brunswick / Braunschweig, Germany
Aircraft Plant Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) supplied two group formations for today's mission, which flew as the lead and low groups of the 41st Combat Wing A Wing on today's mission. The target was attacked by PFF.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Aborted Mission After Taking Off.
Comments: Lead group. Turned back at Sleaford at 1000 hrs because of runaway prop on #2 engine.
N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑31222 546th BK*D LAZY DAISY Flynn, James Francis
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Aborted
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Aborted
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Aborted
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Aborted
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Aborted
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Aborted
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Aborted
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Aborted
Sortie Report 1533 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1603
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑03 57 206 Target: Submarines (under construction)
Type: Submarine Facility
Location: Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Challenging Weather: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) was assigned to lead the bomber stream of six combat bombardment wings as the lead and low groups of the 41st A Combat Bombardment Wing (41A Wing). Due to clouds in the assembly area, the low group lost contact with the lead group, finally tacking on to the 303rd Bomb Group in the 41B Wing. Bombs were dropped using PFF aiming of the lead ship.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Group.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1603 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #11632
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑04 58 208 Target: Alfred Teves Main Works: Aircraft Parts Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Attack On Aircraft Parts Plant: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) supplied two group formations for today's mission, which were assigned to fly as the high groups of the 41st A and B Combat Wings. Both groups completed the mission and bombed via PFF on their respective wing leads.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: High group, 41st A Combat Wing.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 11632 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1660
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑05 59 210 Target: Bricy Aerodrome, Luftwaffe Training and Bomber Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Orleans, France
Luftwaffe Airfield Bombed: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st Combat Wing on today's mission. Clear weather permitted visual bombing, with excellent results.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1660 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1695
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑06 60 212 Target: Nancy/Essey Aerodrome
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Nancy, France
Clouds, Snow Conceal Targets: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) supplied two group formations for today's mission, which were assigned to fly as the lead and low groups of the 40th & 41st Composite Combat Wing; 92nd BG supplied the high group, which finally joined the wing formation at the IP. Heavy cloud cover partially hid the primary target, and snow on the ground prevented locating it. Attempts to bomb the secondary target, target of last resort, or a target of opportunity (TOO) were unsuccessful, and the bombers returned to Grafton Underwood with their loads.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission No Target Attacked
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1695 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1781
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑20 63 226 Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Leipzig & Bernburg, Germany
Big Week Begins!: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) provided two group formations for today's operation as part of 8th Air Force Mission 226, Task Force 1. One group led the 41st A Combat Bombardment Wing (41A Group), while the other flew as the low group of the 41st B Combat Bombardment Wing (41B Group). Despite cloudy weather most of the way to the targets, they were bombed visually. The 41A Group bombed their assigned primary target, an aircraft assembly and repair facility near Leipzig, Germany. The 41B Group Bombed their assigned target, an aircraft assembly plant near Bernberg, Germany.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: 41B Group.
Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17F 42‑29723 546th BK*B WOLF PACK McIntire, Bruce Dodson
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Herrera, Presciliano Silva 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1781 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1881
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑24 66 233 Target: Ball-Bearing Plant
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Schweinfurt, Germany
Big Week, Day Five: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) provided two formations for today's mission. The main formation of group size flew as the lead group of the 41st 'Regular' Combat Bombardment Wing. The second formation, consisting of two squadrons, combined with a squadron from the 303rd BG to form the composite low group of the same combat wing. The weather cooperated, with CAVU conditions over the target area. A smoke screen did not hide the target very well, and, in fact, helped the bombardiers identify and confirm the target location! Bombing was by visual aiming and results were good.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron, low group.
Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑37792 545th JD*B ELEANOR MAUREEN / BERMONDSEY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Van Beveren, John Edward 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1881 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1895
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑25 67 235 Target: Aircraft Assembly & Ball Bearings Plants
Type: Industry
Location: Augsburg & Stuttgart, Germany
Big Week, Last Day: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) provided aircraft and crews to two separate combat wings for today's mission. One formation flew as the high group of the 41st Combat Bombardment Wing (41A Group), and another small contingent flew as portions of the lead and low groups of the 41st Composite Combat Wing (41C Group). Weather at the 41A Group's target area near Augsburg was CAVU and visual bombing results were good.
During assembly, one aircraft was forced out of the 41A Group while avoiding a mid-air collision and ended up joining the 41C Group and bombing a ball bearing plant with them. Weather at the 41C Group's target area near Stuttgart was CAVU and visual bombing results were good.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: 41A Group, Ground Spare aircraft. Replaced 42‑31211.
Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑37885 544th SU*L MRS. F.D.R. / FROSTIE Pierce, Howard Bundy
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Rymer, Albert Ray 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1895 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1926
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑02‑28 68 238 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Preuseville, France
Weather Prevents Bombing: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew today's mission alone: there was no wing or division assembly, or organized 'bomber stream.' Because the briefed target was in occupied territory, bombardiers were required to make positive visual identification of the aiming point before releasing their bombs; this was not possible due to the nearly solid cloud cover in the target area. Many bomb runs were flown (lead and high squadrons made eight, and the low squadron made nine or more) but in the end, all bombs were returned to base.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron deputy.
No Target Attacked
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑31211 546th BK*H RENO'S RAIDER Pierce, Howard Bundy
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1926 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1970
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑03‑02 69 244 Target: Alfred Teves Main Works: Aircraft Parts Plant and Machine Shop
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Radar Bombing, Results Unobserved: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the lead and composite low groups (with one squadron of the 303rd BG) of the 41st Combat Wing A on today's mission. The target was covered by solid clouds so a PFF attack was required. The wing deputy led the bomb run, as the lead aircraft PFF equipment had failed.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Lead group, high Squadron deputy.
Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑37801 547th SO*G DYNAMITE EXPRESS
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1970 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #1987
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑03‑03 70 246 Target: Roller-Bearing Factory
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Berlin, Germany
8th AF: Mission Recalled: Mission recalled by 8th AF after entering enemy airspace, due to fuel shortage caused by maneuvering necessitated by weather: recalled crews were awarded combat credit for the mission.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Mission Recalled No Target Attacked
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑31375 546th BK*S not known Priesnitz, Frank Joseph, Jr
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1987 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #2042
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑03‑06 72 250 Target: Erkner Ball-Bearing Factory
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Berlin, Germany
Berlin Attacked - Finally!: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) was assigned to provide a full group formation to fly as the high group of the 40th Composite Combat Wing, and a squadron to fly as the high squadron of the composite high group of the 41st Composite Combat Wing. Due to difficulties in assembly, only the squadron formation completed the mission: the remaining aircraft and crews returned to Grafton Underwood without attacking. The squadron assigned to the 41st CCBW completed the mission, attacking an industrial target in the Berlin area.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Aborted Mission After Taking Off.
Comments: High Squadron deputy, high group, 40th Composite Combat Bomb Wing. Returned to base after group leader abandoned attempt to join assigned combat wing.
N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑37781 546th BK*U SILVER DOLLAR McKinney, Lauren Lee
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Aborted
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Aborted
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Aborted
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Aborted
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Aborted
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Aborted
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Aborted
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Aborted
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Aborted
Sortie Report 2042 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #2069
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑03‑08 73 252 Target: Erkner Ball-Bearing Factory
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Berlin, Germany
384th Leads Wing To Berlin: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st Combat Wing on today's mission. The target was not obscured by clouds, although there was heavy smoke from previous bomb strikes. Bombing results were believed to be good.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑37781 546th BK*U SILVER DOLLAR McKinney, Lauren Lee
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Casey, Robert Joseph 546 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 2069 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #2093
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑03‑09 74 253 Target: Heinkel Aircraft Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Oranienburg, Germany
Secondary Target Attacked With PFF: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the low group of the 41st Combat Bombardment Wing on today's mission. The primary target was hidden by dense clouds, so the secondary was attacked using PFF (RADAR) aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Failed To Return
Comments: Lost after bombs away when bombs from high group (379BG) hit this aircraft, knocking tail completely off in front of stabilizer; aircraft dived straight down into a spin with all four engines going; no chutes observed. MACR 3005
Secondary (PFF)
Target: City Center
Type: Non-Military
Location: Berlin, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑37781 546th BK*U SILVER DOLLAR McKinney, Lauren Lee
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Reed, Merlin Howard 546 MIA
Co-pilot Rininsland, Bruce Martin 546 KIA
Navigator Gudyka, Peter (NMI) 546 MIA
Bombardier Heiss, John Lawrence 546 KIA
Radio Operator Wellman, Robert Francis 546 KIA
Engineer/Top Turret Johnson, Robert O (1943) 546 MIA
Ball Turret Osepchook, Arthur John 546 POW
Tail Gunner Hardy, Emmet Francis 546 KIA
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Plotz, John James 546 POW
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Jacobson, Joseph (NMI) 546 KIA
SORTIE-RELATED DOCUMENTS:
TYPE IDENTIFICATION
MACRMissing Air Crew Report # 3005
Sortie Report 2093 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
Merlin Howard Reed flew combat missions
with the 39 crewmates listed below.
Those appearing in bold text are members of his original crew.
Rank Name Position Missions Flown
Together
Results
S/SAtkinson, Owen GlennR1POW
S/S-T/SBeaupre, Jerome BernardR1CT
2LtBertram, Harold JohnCP1POW
2Lt-CaptBlount, Wilbourne EarlN1CT
S/SCasey, Robert JosephFG20CT
2Lt-MajChapin, Robert CharlesN1CT
Pvt-S/SDrennan, Robert Gerard 2CT
2Lt-1LtGarrett, James PatrickB1
2Lt-1LtGrimaldi, Anthony JosephN1CT
2Lt-1LtGudyka, Peter (NMI)B-N20MIA
S/SHamm, Morton WashingtonWG1POW
Pvt-S/SHardy, Emmet FrancisTG20KIA
S/S-T/SHawkins, Charles JosephR1POW
2LtHeiss, John LawrenceB19KIA
S/SHerrera, Presciliano SilvaLW1POW
Cpl-S/SIverson, Bennie FranklinWG-NG1CT
S/SJacobson, Joseph (NMI)WG2KIA
S/S-T/SJohnson, Robert O (1943)TT19MIA
2Lt-CaptKelly, James HenryP1CT
S/SKillin, Roland LeroyWG1CT
S/S-T/SLane, Dennis JosephBT1CT
2LtMaahs, Robert EdwardCP1CT
T/SMacDonald, Donald Van BuskirkTT1KIA
2Lt-1LtMacPhail, Philip RayP1CT
Pvt-S/SMitchell, Charles FloydTG1POW
S-S/SMizgorski, Aloysius WilliamWG1CT
2Lt-1LtMurphy, David WilliamsB1CT
S/S-T/SNealis, Leonard Martin EugeneTT1CT
S/SOsepchook, Arthur JohnBT21POW
S/S-PvtPaula, Placido John 1TR
S/SPlotz, John JamesWG19POW
2LtRininsland, Bruce MartinCP19KIA
2Lt-1LtRyberg, John EdwardB1CT
2LtRymer, Albert RayB1CT
S/S-T/SShannon, Lucian GlenroieWG-TT1KIA
Capt-MajTalbot, John MayoFlSrg1
T/SVan Beveren, John EdwardR1POW
T/SWellman, Robert FrancisR19KIA
S-S/SYaskow, Peter ThomasTG-WG1CT


Merlin Howard Reed flew combat missions in the 11 aircraft listed below.
Serial Number Sq. Code Name Missions
42-29723BK*BWOLF PACK10
42-37781BK*USILVER DOLLAR3
42-29636BK*FX-VIRGIN2
41-24578SO*UOLD RELIABLE1
42-30033BK*GLITTLE AMERICA1
42-31211BK*HRENO'S RAIDER1
42-31222BK*DLAZY DAISY1
42-31375BK*S1
42-37792JD*BELEANOR MAUREEN / BERMONDSEY1
42-37801SO*GDYNAMITE EXPRESS1
42-37885SU*L, JD*DMRS. F.D.R. / FROSTIE1