SORTIE REPORT #1296
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑12‑31 48 171 Target: Blockade Runner 'Orsone' (name of ship)
Type: Transportation
Location: [Mouth of River Garonne], France
Target Not Found: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the low group of the 41st Combat Bomb Wing on today's mission. The primary target was a ship reported to be at or near the mouth of the River Garonne. However, the target was not seen due to 10/10 cloud cover, while the secondary target was hidden by 8/10 clouds, so the formation returned without attacking. Bombs were mostly jettisoned in the English Channel. Due to weather and fuel shortage, most aircraft landed at other bases.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission No Target Attacked
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17F 42‑5404 545th JD*M THE GEEZIL
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Allison, Earl Thomas 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Small, Herbert William 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Gardner, Sam (NMI) 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Nagel, Jack Cameron 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Laubenstein, William Frederick 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Clements, William Arlie 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Kaufman, Vernon Herman 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Clark, Alfred Albert 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Kouski, William Louis 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Grimmett, James Harold 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1296 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
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Report generated: 18 April 2025, 6:05 PM (PDT)
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