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

John Joseph DeFrancesco
POW Ribbon

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 28 August 2026, 2:16 PM (UTC).
Document design and content © 1999-2026 by Webmaster
Individual Personnel Data
Name DeFrancesco, John Joseph   ‡
Rank Second Lieutenant / First Lieutenant
Serial Number O-825120   ‡
Unit Assignments Assigned to the 544th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #190 dated 26 September 1944, effective 26 September 1944.
Duty Pilot
MOS1091 - Pilot, B-17
Last Duty Date 8 January 1945
Results Prisoner Of War
POW Camp: Stalag 13D Nuremburg (Oflag 73) Bavaria 49-11
Additional Information
  • Date of Birth: 29 January 1924
  • Appointed First Lieutenant (AUS) effective 13 November 1944 per 544th Squadron Morning report 19 November 1944.
Related Documents Missing Air Crew Report # 11579⇓ (6.117 MB)
Photos of this Veteran signing the Wing PanelDeFrancesco Signing⇗
Photo Album:Crew Photo Album⇗


Crew Composition When Assigned to the 384th BG
Replacement Combat Crew
CREWMEMBER POSITION RESULTS
2nd Lt. DeFrancesco, John JosephPilotPOW
2nd Lt. Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗Co-pilotPOW
Flt. Ofcr. Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗NavigatorCT
2nd Lt. Brown, William C⇗BombardierCT
T/SGT. Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗Radio Operator / GunnerPOW
T/SGT. Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗Engineer / Top Turret GunnerCT
SGT. Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗Ball Turret GunnerPOW
T/SGT. Hastings, Harmon Charles⇗Tail GunnerMIA
S/SGT. Walker, Ferris John⇗Tail GunnerTR
S/SGT. Williams, John Allen⇗Flexible GunnerPOW
Missions, Aircraft, Crews
This individual was credited with 35 Combat Missions.
Number Date Target Position Aircraft Mission/Sortie Information
208⇗ 9 October 1944 Target: Ball-Bearing Plant
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Schweinfurt, Germany 		Co-pilot 44‑6512⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
209⇗ 11 October 1944 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Wesseling, Germany 		Co-pilot 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Third Squadron.
Sortie Report⇗
210⇗ 14 October 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Saarbrücken, Germany 		Pilot 42‑98000⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
211⇗ 15 October 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany 		Pilot 42‑39888⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report⇗
212⇗ 17 October 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany 		Pilot 42‑39888⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
213⇗ 18 October 1944 Target: Ford Motor Works
Type: Industry
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97282⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report⇗
215⇗ 25 October 1944 Target: Nordstern Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany 		Pilot 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Fourth Squadron.
Sortie Report⇗
217⇗ 1 November 1944 Target: Nordstern Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97320⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
219⇗ 4 November 1944 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bottrop (Welheim), Germany 		Pilot 42‑39888⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
221⇗ 6 November 1944 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bottrop (Welheim), Germany 		Pilot 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Ground Spare Aircraft; replaced 42‑37822.
Sortie Report⇗
222⇗ 8 November 1944 Target: Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant (visual aim point)
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany 		Pilot 42‑98000⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
223⇗ 9 November 1944 Target: Ground Installations
Type: Military
Location: Ouvrages de Sorbey (Metz), France 		Pilot 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
224⇗ 10 November 1944 Target: Ostheim Airfield & Butzweilerhof Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany 		Pilot 44‑6512⇗ Combat Mission Credit
41D Squadron. Hot Camera ship.
Sortie Report⇗
226⇗ 16 November 1944 Target: Tactical - Artillery Positions
Type: Military
Location: Eschweiler, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97320⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Landed away at Stratford, due to weather.
Sortie Report⇗
227⇗ 20 November 1944 Target: Buer Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany 		Pilot 43‑37703⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
228⇗ 23 November 1944 Target: Nordstern Coking Plant at Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks-A.G.
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany 		Pilot 43‑37703⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
229⇗ 25 November 1944 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Lützkendorf, Germany 		Pilot 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Landed at Grafton Underwood.
Sortie Report⇗
231⇗ 27 November 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Offenburg, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97320⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
232⇗ 29 November 1944 Target: Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Misburg, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97320⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Hot camera ship.
Sortie Report⇗
233⇗ 30 November 1944 Target: Synthetic Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Zeitz, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97320⇗ Flying Spare, Returned As Briefed
Low Squadron
Sortie Report⇗
234⇗ 2 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Oberlahnstein, Germany 		Pilot 42‑31484⇗ Combat Mission Credit
High Squadron hot camera ship.
Sortie Report⇗
235⇗ 4 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Soest, Germany 		Pilot 42‑97320⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
237⇗ 9 December 1944 Target: Airfield and Daimler Factory
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Böblingen (Stuttgart area), Germany 		Pilot 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
High Squadron flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report⇗
238⇗ 11 December 1944 Target: Road & Rail Bridge
Type: Transportation
Location: Mannheim, Germany 		Pilot 42‑37822⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
239⇗ 12 December 1944 Target: Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany 		Pilot 42‑102459⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
240⇗ 18 December 1944 Target: Road Junction
Type: Transportation
Location: Gemünd, Germany 		Pilot 42‑98000⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
241⇗ 19 December 1944 Target: Railway Junction
Type: Transportation
Location: Glaadt, Germany 		Pilot 42‑107148⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Ground Spare Aircraft; replaced 42‑97320. Landed away at RAF Fairwood Common near Swansea, Wales.
Sortie Report⇗
243⇗ 24 December 1944 Target: Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Kirch Göns, Germany 		Pilot 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
41C Group.
Sortie Report⇗
245⇗ 28 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Brühl, Germany 		Pilot 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
High Squadron hot camera ship.
Sortie Report⇗
246⇗ 30 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Limburg, Germany 		Pilot 42‑37822⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
247⇗ 31 December 1944 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Neuss, Germany 		Pilot 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
249⇗ 2 January 1945 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Gerolstein, Germany 		Pilot 42‑102430⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
250⇗ 3 January 1945 Target: Enemy Strong Point & Transportation Hub
Type: Military
Location: St Vith, Belgium 		Pilot 43‑38062⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
251⇗ 5 January 1945 Target: Landing Ground
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Neiderbreisig, Germany 		Pilot 43‑38850⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
252⇗ 7 January 1945 Target: Enemy Strong Point
Type: Military
Location: Blankenheim, Germany 		Pilot 42‑37822⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Low Squadron hot camera ship.
Sortie Report⇗
253⇗ 8 January 1945 Target: Railroad
Type: Transportation
Location: Kyllburg, Germany 		Pilot 42‑98000⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Failed To Return
MIA. Prior to the IP at 1022 hrs, this aircraft was observed slowing up and dropping behind formation. It was then lost to view in contrails. Flak damaged one or more engines. Crashed near BAASEM, Germany. MACR 11579
Sortie Report⇗
SORTIE REPORT #6871
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑09 208 670 Target: Ball-Bearing Plant
Type: Bearings Industry
Location: Schweinfurt, Germany
Schweinfurt Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the lead group of the 41st CBW A wing on today's mission. Weather at the target was 10/10ths clouds, and the decision was made to bomb the PFF target. Results were unobserved.
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 44‑6512 ⇗ 544th SU*K not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Smith, James Milton⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Gwin, Reginald (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 6871 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #6944
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑11 209 672 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Wesseling, Germany
Two Targets Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) provided four squadrons of the 41st CBW C Wing for today's mission. The positions of these squadrons in the formation are not apparent from available documents. Three squadrons attacked the primary, and one squadron (the 'second squadron' according to documents) attacked the secondary target, Railroad Marshalling Yards in Coblenz, Germany.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Third Squadron. 		Primary (Visual)
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 Smith, James Milton⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 6944 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #6973
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑14 210 676 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Saarbrücken, Germany
Target: Transportation: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the lead and low squadrons of the 41st CBW B Group on today's mission.
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 42‑98000 ⇗ 544th SU*J FIGHTIN' HEBE
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 6973 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7013
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑15 211 678 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany
Railroad Hubs Damaged: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the lead and low squadrons of the 41st CBW A Group on today's mission. Weather was not favorable for visual bombing, so PFF (radar) aiming was used. The lead squadron's bombs fell on the primary target, but the low squadron's bombs fell some distance away, damaging another marshalling yards, which was the secondary target.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Spare, Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron flying spare; joined formation. 		Primary (PFF)
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 DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7013 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7055
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑17 212 681 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany
One Marshalling Yard Bombed: The 384th Bombardment Group flew as the 41st CBW C wing on thday's mission. Each squadron was assigned a different marshalling yard, but clouds in the target area altered the plan. All squadrons bombed the lead squadron's assigned visual primary target, releasing bombs on lead by 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 42‑39888 ⇗ 544th SU*B HOTNUTS
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Jacobs, Edward Gregory⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7055 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7069
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑18 213 682 Target: Ford Motor Works
Type: Industry
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany
Weather Challenges Crews: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st CBW B Group on today's mission. Clouds obscured the target so each squadron started a Gee-H bomb run - in each case the Gee-H equipment failed, so the deputy had to take over with PFF (radar), with varying results. The lead and low squadron deputies did not have enough time to take over on the initial bomb run, so they turned and attacked the PFF secondary. The high squadron was able to complete the attack on the primary on the first run.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Spare, Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron flying spare; joined formation. 		Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97282 ⇗ 544th SU*H REBEL
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Lyons, Jack Joseph⇗ 547 Wounded
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7069 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7141
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑10‑25 215 688 Target: Nordstern Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Primary & Secondary Attacked: The 384th Bomb Group (Heavy) flew four squadrons to form the entire 41st B Combat Bomb Wing, the second wing of three, of Air Task Force 4 on today's mission. The low squadron attacked the primary target using Gee-H aiming, but cloud obscuration and equipment failure forced the remaining squadrons attack the secondary target using PFF aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Fourth Squadron. 		Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Hamm, 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 DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7141 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7248
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑01 217 696 Target: Nordstern Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Two Squadrons Hit Primary: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 1st Air Division and the 41st CBW Wing formation in the A Group position. The Lead and high squadrons completed a Gee-H attack on the primary as planned. The low group's Gee-H equipment failed prior to arriving at the primary IP, so it flew directly to the secondary target IP and attacked that target using PFF.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Hamm, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97320 ⇗ 544th SU*G HOT ROCK
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Walker, Ferris John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7248 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7360
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑04 219 700 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bottrop (Welheim), Germany
Two Targets Attacked: Aircraft of the 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st B Combat Bombardment Wing. The Lead and Low Squadrons attacked the Gee-H primary target at Bottrop, Germany. The High Squadron attacked the PFF secondary target at Hamm, Germany.
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 42‑39888 ⇗ 544th SU*B HOTNUTS
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7360 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7431
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑06 221 704 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Bottrop (Welheim), Germany
Attack on Oil: The 384th Bombardment Group flew as the 41st Combat Wing C Group for today's mission. All three squadrons bombed separately, with the high squadron making two bomb runs due to bomb release failure. As a result, the high squadron made the return trip to Grafton Underwood alone.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Ground Spare Aircraft; replaced 42‑37822. 		Primary (Gee-H)
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 DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7431 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7468
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑08 222 705 Target: Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant (visual aim point)
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany
Another Attack on Oil: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing B Group on today's mission. Bombs were dropped in Group formation using PFF aiming.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Leuna Synthetic Oil Plant (PFF aim point)
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑98000 ⇗ 544th SU*J FIGHTIN' HEBE
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7468 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7493
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑09 223 707 Target: Ground Installations
Type: Military
Location: Ouvrages de Sorbey (Metz), France
Tactical Support Mission: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 1st Division with the 41st Bomb Wing A Group on today's mission. Bombs were aimed using Gee-H equipment and were released on the primary target. The high squadron required a second bomb run, due to traffic conflict, and as a result, returned to Grafton Underwood alone.
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 42‑102459 ⇗ 544th SU*O LITTLE KENNY
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7493 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7545
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑10 224 709 Target: Ostheim Airfield & Butzweilerhof Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany
Primary Targets Bombed: The 384th provided three squadrons to form the 41st C Combat Bombardment Wing (41C Group) and an additional 12 aircraft to form the high squadron of the 41st D Combat Bombardment Wing (41D Squadron). The 41C Group lead and low squadrons bombed Ostheim Airfield using Gee-H, but the high squadron Gee-H equipment failed on the bomb run, and a second run was necessary. They started a PFF run on the primary target, but the PFF equipment failed, then attempted a visual run but could not see the primary target. They then salvoed their bombs over the secondary target, the center of Köln. The 41D Squadron made a 'long smooth run' to attack Butzweilerhof Airfield through 'intense and accurate' flak.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: 41D Squadron. Hot Camera ship. 		Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 44‑6512 ⇗ 544th SU*K not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Calnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7545 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7633
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑16 226 715 Target: Tactical - Artillery Positions
Type: Military
Location: Eschweiler, Germany
Enemy Troop Positions Bombed: The 384th BG provided all aircraft and personnel for the lead, high, and low squadrons of the 41st Bomb Wing A Group, and the lead squadron of the 41st Bomb Wing D Group. In addition, two aircraft were loaned to other groups. The mission was to attack enemy ground positions ahead of allied forces.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Landed away at Stratford, due to weather. 		Primary (PFF)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97320 ⇗ 544th SU*G HOT ROCK
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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7633 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7694
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑20 227 718 Target: Buer Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Marshalling Yards Bombed: A combination of equipment failures prevented the planned Gee-H attack on the primary target. Therefore, all squadrons of the 384th attacked the secondary PFF target.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission Secondary (PFF)
Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Münster, Germany
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 DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Moon, William Everett⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7694 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7747
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑23 228 722 Target: Nordstern Coking Plant at Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks-A.G.
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Primary Attacked Using Gee-H: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the the 41st CBW A Group on today's mission. The formation adjusted bombing altitude to compensate for weather conditions, and bombing was accomplished successfully, albeit with unobserved results.
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 DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Moon, William Everett⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Kelsey, Donald Edward⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7747 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7779
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑25 229 723 Target: Synthetic Oil Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Lützkendorf, Germany
Bad Day for German Oil: The 384th provided the three squadrons of the 41st Bomb Wing B Group. A visual attack on the primary target was not possible due to weather, so the Leuna works at Merseburg were bombed using PFF aiming. On returning to England, weather forced the diversion of 384th aircraft to Aldermaston and other fields; only two were able to land at Grafton Underwood.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Landed at Grafton Underwood. 		Secondary (PFF)
Target: Leuna Works Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, 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 DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Moon, William Everett⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7779 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7858
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑27 231 727 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Offenburg, Germany
Weather Cooperates: The 384th provided three squadrons forming the lead group of the 41st Bomb Wing A Wing. A Gee-H bombing run was started at the IP, but the weather changed to CAVU leaving enough time to complete a visual bomb run. Results were deemed 'very 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 42‑97320 ⇗ 544th SU*G HOT ROCK
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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7858 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7900
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑29 232 729 Target: Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Misburg, Germany
Refinery Bombed: The 384th provided three squadrons of the lead group of the 41st Bomb Wing C Wing. Advised that the primary target was covered by 10/10ths clouds, the group attacked the secondary (PFF aiming point) target in the same area.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Hot camera ship. 		Secondary (PFF)
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Misburg, Germany
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97320 ⇗ 544th SU*G HOT ROCK
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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 7900 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7943
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑30 233 731 Target: Synthetic Oil Refinery
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Zeitz, Germany
Traffic and Weather: The initial bomb run using PFF was terminated when traffic congestion forced the formation to alter course. A second (visual) bomb run was made after sighting the target, but it turned out to be the towns of Meuselwitz and Wintersdorf, Germany, about 5 miles southeast of the primary target. The high squadron bombed the 'Last Resort Target' of Fulda, Germany, using PFF.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
No Flying Spare, Returned As Briefed
Comments: Low Squadron 		N/A
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97320 ⇗ 544th SU*G HOT ROCK
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Navigator Moon, William Everett⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Tail Gunner Yelinich, John (NMI), Jr⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Spare, Returned
Sortie Report 7943 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #7970
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑02 234 734 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Oberlahnstein, Germany
Transportation Targeted: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 1st Division on today's mission. All squadrons attacked the primary target, but the high squadron leader decided not to release on the first bomb run due to uncertainty of the position of other squadrons at lower altitudes. A second run was made and bombs were released, following which the high group returned home alone.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: High Squadron hot camera ship. 		Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME GROUND CREW CHIEF
B-17G 42‑31484 ⇗ 545th JD*F MAIRSY DOATS Coon, Lawrence John
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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Kelsey, Donald Edward⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7970 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8030
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑04 235 736 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Soest, Germany
Transportation Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing C Group on today's mission. Each squadron bombed independently on the initial bomb run, the high squadron bombing a little later than the lead and low. As a result, they returned on the briefed route as an individual squadron.
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 42‑97320 ⇗ 544th SU*G HOT ROCK
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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8030 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8104
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑12‑09 237 743 Target: Airfield and Daimler Factory
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Böblingen (Stuttgart area), Germany
Daimler Factory Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing C Group for today's mission. All aircraft bombed the primary target: the lead squadron bombed by Gee-H with visual assist, the High squadron used Gee-H alone, and the Low squadron bombed visually.
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 42‑102459 ⇗ 544th SU*O LITTLE KENNY
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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8104 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8167
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 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
Bombardier Brown, William C⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8167 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8195
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 42‑102459 ⇗ 544th SU*O LITTLE KENNY
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 Curtin, Paul Robert⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8195 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8259
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 42‑98000 ⇗ 544th SU*J FIGHTIN' HEBE
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 Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8259 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8294
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)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Ground Spare Aircraft; replaced 42‑97320. Landed away at RAF Fairwood Common near Swansea, Wales. 		Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑107148 ⇗ 545th JD*P KORT/DARK ANGEL
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 Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8294 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8379
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 43‑38062 ⇗ 544th SU*A PLEASURE BENT
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Zeligson, Robert Lee⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Togglier Lott, Homer Lee⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8379 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8461
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
Comments: High Squadron hot camera ship. 		Primary (Gee-H)
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 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 Richardson, William Harrison⇗ 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 8461 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 #8547
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)
Yes Completed Mission Primary (Gee-H)
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 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 Dean, Donald Lloyd⇗ 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 8547 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8606
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑02 249 776 Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards
Type: Transportation
Location: Gerolstein, Germany
Transportation Targeted: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing A Group on today's mission. The group leader's Gee-H equipment failed prior to the IP, so the high squadron led the group on the bomb run. The group did not bomb on the first run as the bombardier was not able to synchronize the bombsight to the target when visual conditions occurred too close to the bomb release point. A second run was made and bombs were released by visual means, but may have gone wide of the intended 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 42‑102430 ⇗ 545th JD*O SPAM-O-LINER
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 Jenkins, Ernest Norman⇗ 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 8606 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8672
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑03 250 778 Target: Enemy Strong Point & Transportation Hub
Type: Military
Location: St Vith, Belgium
Tactical Support: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing C group on today's mission. As the city of St Vith was a German strong point, the assigned Gee-H aimpoint was the center of the city. The low squadron released bombs with the lead squadron, but the high squadron, having to aim independently, did not bomb because their Gee-H equipment failed on the bomb run.
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 43‑38062 ⇗ 544th SU*A PLEASURE BENT
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 Whear, Harold Lewis⇗ 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 8672 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8722
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 Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 43‑38850 ⇗ 544th SU*D not known
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 Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Howell, Evan Lawrence⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Ginder, John Pershing⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 8722 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8743
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑07 252 785 Target: Enemy Strong Point
Type: Military
Location: Blankenheim, Germany
Support For Ground Troops: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing A Group on today's mission. The primary target was attacked using Gee-H methods; bombs were dropped in group formation on the group leader.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Low Squadron hot camera ship. 		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 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 Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 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 8743 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
SORTIE REPORT #8790
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1945‑01‑08 253 787 Target: Railroad
Type: Transportation
Location: Kyllburg, Germany
Railroad Attacked: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the 41st Combat Wing C Group on today's mission. The railroad line in Kyllburg passes through two tunnels and crosses the Kyll River, making it a significant target for the purpose of interdicting the flow of supplies and reinforcements to the front lines. Bombs were dropped in group formation with Gee-H aiming: results were unobserved.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Failed To Return
Comments: MIA. Prior to the IP at 1022 hrs, this aircraft was observed slowing up and dropping behind formation. It was then lost to view in contrails. Flak damaged one or more engines. Crashed near BAASEM, Germany. MACR 11579 		Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑98000 ⇗ 544th SU*J FIGHTIN' HEBE
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot DeFrancesco, John Joseph⇗ 544 POW
Co-pilot Simmons, Robert Edwin⇗ 544 POW/Wounded
Navigator Spann, Lynwood Erskin⇗ 544 POW
Togglier Lott, Homer Lee⇗ 544 POW/Wounded
Radio Operator Bias, Ira J, Jr⇗ 544 POW
Engineer/Top Turret Williams, John Allen⇗ 544 POW
Ball Turret Doleshal, Charles Joseph⇗ 544 POW
Tail Gunner Hastings, Harmon Charles⇗ 544 MIA
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Reed, Gordon Wilbur⇗ 544 POW
SORTIE-RELATED DOCUMENTS:
TYPE IDENTIFICATION
MACRMissing Air Crew Report # 11579⇗
Sortie Report 8790 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
SortieEngine.php Rev. 3.3.2, 22 June 2022
John Joseph DeFrancesco flew combat missions
with the 27 crewmates listed below.
Those appearing in bold text are members of his original crew.
Rank Name Position Missions Flown
Together		 Results
T/SBias, Ira J⇗R30POW
2LtBrown, William C⇗B24CT
F/O-2LtCalnitz, Jerome (NMI)⇗N11CT
Cpl-T/SCurtin, Paul Robert⇗FG-TOG1CT
S-S/SDean, Donald Lloyd⇗R1POW
S-S/SDoleshal, Charles Joseph⇗BT36POW
Pvt-S/SGinder, John Pershing⇗TG1CT
Cpl-T/SGuentzel, Otto William⇗R1CT
Cpl-T/SGwin, Reginald (NMI)⇗WG-R1POW
T/S-M/SHastings, Harmon Charles⇗TG24MIA
T/SHowell, Evan Lawrence⇗TT35CT
2LtJacobs, Edward Gregory⇗N1POW
Cpl-T/SJenkins, Ernest Norman⇗R1CT
S-S/SKelsey, Donald Edward⇗TG2CT
Cpl-S/SLott, Homer Lee⇗FG-TOG11POW
2LtLyons, Jack Joseph⇗B1WIA
2LtMoon, William Everett⇗B-N21CT
Cpl-S/SReed, Gordon Wilbur⇗WG1POW
S-T/SRichardson, William Harrison⇗R1WIA
2LtSimmons, Robert Edwin⇗CP34POW
2Lt-CaptSmith, James Milton⇗CP-P2CT
F/OSpann, Lynwood Erskin⇗N1POW
S/SWalker, Ferris John⇗TG8TR
Cpl-T/SWhear, Harold Lewis⇗R1CT
S/SWilliams, John Allen⇗WG-TT36POW
S-S/SYelinich, John (NMI)⇗TG1CT
2Lt-1LtZeligson, Robert Lee⇗N1CT


John Joseph DeFrancesco flew combat missions in the 13 aircraft listed below.
Serial Number Sq. Code Name Missions
42-97320SU*GHOT ROCK6
43-38062SU*APLEASURE BENT6
42-102459SU*OLITTLE KENNY5
42-98000SU*JFIGHTIN' HEBE4
42-37822SU*CTHE 'LEAD BANANA'3
42-39888SU*BHOTNUTS3
43-37703SU*PTREMBLIN GREMLIN (II)2
44-6512SU*K2
42-31484JD*FMAIRSY DOATS1
42-97282SU*HREBEL1
42-102430JD*OSPAM-O-LINER1
42-107148JD*PKORT/DARK ANGEL1
43-38850SU*D1