Diary - Walt Hanna - 84th Squadron - North Africa

EXCERPTS FROM DIARY OF WALT HANNA 84TH SQ. 47TH BOMB GROUP

Note: The 47th Group was stationed at Hammer Field, Fresno, California on December 7, 1941. We flew Coastal Patrol until February 1942 when we were transferred to Oklahoma City. In July and August 1942 the 47th Group was in Greensboro, North Carolina on 2nd Army Maneuvers. We had expected to return to Will Rogers Field at Oklahoma City to be the A-20 Training Unit. The 46th Group was at Blythe, California training with Patton and was scheduled for the North African Invasion (It was Top Secret at the time). The Inspector General said they were not fit to go anywhere. We received a phone call in the middle of the night alerting us for overseas deployment. I will leave out many details of the beehive of activity accompanying these orders.

Begin Sept. 7, 1942

Col. Terrell is sending me to Kansas City to assist TWA in the modifying of our new A-20B's - their first millitary contract. Burns Simpson is helping me. We took the airline at noon and arrived K.C. about midnight and took rooms at the Phillips Hotel. A few of our best mechanics accompanied us.

Sept. 8-13 Kansas City

Hard at it. As the planes are ready we test fly them and call Greensboro for crews to pick them up and take them to Westover Field, Massachusetts, where we are staging for overseas. The picture is discouraging. We were promised additional 50 Cal guns in the nose but they have failed to arrive - a major disappointment (someone in the Pentagon knew we were headed for the Libyan Desert and the plains of Tunisia).

Sept. 14th - Kansas City

Our planes are all finished and I am taking the last one (41-3166 and naming it "Nancy Lee" for our daughter. With 1470 gallons of gas she weighss almost 28,000 lbs, which is heavier than any A-20 has ever been flown. I took off with the upper cowl flaps open (stupid Jerk) but she still staggered into the air and flew. It is a remarkable airplane. I arrived at Westover about 11:00 p.m..

Sept. 14th to Oct. 3rd - Westover Field

After my experience on my flight from Kansas City we determined that the plane burned more fuel to carry the externl tank than it held and that it ruined the aerodynamics of the plane costing considerable airspeed. After a hopeless argument with an uncooperative Base Materiel Officer Bob Dehazo called Wright Field for authorization to remove the external ferry tanks. Wright Field concurred and gave appropriate instructions to the Base Materiel Officer. The tanks are coming off.

Today is the day - It is a clear morning and we are all set. I have 2 B-25s of the 310th Bomb Group assigned for Navigation (Lt. Cometh and Lt. Grow) I have Jackson, Broman, Schwartz, Gustafson, Young, Braden, Duffy, Clisby, Breece, Compton and D'Agostino. Anderson and McElhoe are coming with Deshazo. Takeoff was on time but Breece had a gear pin left in and Clisby blew his nose wheel tire. A beautiful flight to Presque Isle, Maine. Our new V.H.F. radios are working fine. It is the first time we have ever had clear communications. Breece joined us here and Clisby is coming with the Hq. flight tomorrow.

Oct. 4th

Delayed takeoff due to fog but off at 11:00 for a beautiful flight to Goose Bay, Labrador over wild and unspoiled wilderness.

Goose Bay - Oct. 4th to 14th

We are stuck in Goose Bay until Oct. 14th. It is miles from anywhere and beautiful. The weather reports to Greenland and Iceland are terrible. B-26s of the 319th Bomb Group are having a rough time and have lost some planes. After several false starts we are off for Greenland. Weather good to about 100 miles from the coast of Greenland then under low overcast to our E.T.A..We had elected to turn around when we spotted the Radio Station at the mouth of the Fiord. We broke off in trail to go up the Fiord to BW-

The field was in sight when it was suddenly closed by snow fog. We had no choice but to go back to the coast, join up and go back under the soup for the return to Goose Bay. It was a rat race turning around in the Fiord. Broke out into good weather for the last 3 hours. They were sweating us out at Goose Bay. They had already considered the possibility that we were down in the North Atlantic. Several fuel warning lights were on and the B-25s made it on extra gas smuggled into the planes by their crew chiefs. It was a very tiring and discouraging day. The 86th and 97th are at BW I and Clizbe is in England.

November 9th (21 days at Goose Bay) OFF FOR GREENLAND

Weather O.K. - All ships off but Gustafson whose engines would't start. Good flight on top at 10,000 feet. CAVU at BW-I. Deshazo and Gustafson along with Major Hinman of the 310th also in a few days later. We are stuck by bad weather in this god forsaken place. Fulford of the 85th has cracked up on the coast of Labrador. Crew O.K. but sent back. Baker and Kimm of the 85th and Taylor and Crider of the 97th all have engine failures and will probably never join the Group again.

Days getting short and very cold. Get up at 3:00 a.m.. to preflight planes using preheaters and waiting for the weather forecast. One morning with perfect weather forecast the engineers got into the wrong stockpile (working in the dark) and put rocks on the runway instead of sand.

November 9, 1942 (almost 3 weeks stuck in Greenland)

OFF FOR ICELAND

After getting ail ships started we finally got off leaving McElhoe (blown tire), Braden (nose wheel shimmy damper), Duffy (flat tire), Breece (plugs) and Clisby (broken oil line). It is heart breaking after working so hard to get them all ready to go and leave so many of them. There are so few good days and daylight is so short. Over the top at 16,500 feet.(-28 C. - I have never been so cold). Landed between snow squalls at Reykjavik. Deshazo also in. Part of 86th still here. Only here 3 nights before hopping on.

November 12, 1942.

Off for Prestwick, Scotland leaving Schwartz with a cylinder out. Have Deaton, Maddox, Edwards and Ullett of the 86th and 97th with me. Good flight on top at 13,000 ft. to Stornoway, CAVU to Prestwick at 2,000 ft. Visibilty at Prestwick was awful and called for assistance in finding the field. In a few minutes a Beaufighter dove across our nose and a strong British accent called "Tally Ho Yanks - follow me" . It was a wonderful welcome.

November 13th

Off around 11:00 o'clock for Topcliff (a Canadian Bomber Command Station in the Midlands). It is halfway to Horham, in East Anglia, where the 47th is presently based. We picked up Beet of the 97th at Prestwick. I now have 1 B-25 and 13 A-20s with me. The Canadians treated us royally. They were amazed at the way we flew. We landed 13 planes in 3 minutes and it knocked them for a loop. We layed over 2 days here waiting for weather during which time we took their Group Captain for a ride in the B-25 amd I took him for a ride in the A-20. Quite a change from their Lancasters.

November 15th

Gave Topcliff a royal buzzing with 13 A-20s when we left. Visibilty was awful and we would never have found Horham without the R.A.F. Navigator in the B-25. Don Smith and most of the advanced echelon have already left for Africa where we will be going as soon as our ships are checked over. The planes go to the Depot at Honington for a first class going over and to have the bomb bay tanks removed. (The rat finks stole all our emergency rations). First mail since leaving the States. It was good to get news from home. During this time I got my pay and per diem sent home and got down to London with Deshazo, Martin and Simpson. Got called back to base alerted for the trip to Africa. Col. Green is in command as Terrell has already gone. Do not see much of Green as he is not at Horham most of the time. 86th and part of 97th are on way to Africa. Nov.30th

Almost the whole Group got off for Predannic (near Land's End), the jumping off spot for Africa. A little excitement with the balloon barrage at Bristol. Spent 2 nights and one day - weather better.

Dec. 2, 1942

Departing Predannic for Africa. All Squadrons scrambled. While taxiing out for takeoff the nacelle guns on Patterson's ship ran away killing four gunners of the 85th and setting Deshazo's plane on fire (total loss). During the confusion I took off with Jackson, Broman, Gustafson, Young, Simpson and Draper with me. Several P-38s of the 14th Fighter Group tacked onto us (a welcome addition). Under a low overcast across the Bay of Biscay to Portugal. We hit one big hole about half way across (9 planes passed overhead that were probably JU-88s) They never saw us as we were very low and blended with the water. The P-38s were ready to drop their long range tanks. Just after going back under the overcast we ran smack onto a U-Boat on the surface. Did not even have a rock to throw at it but it was crash diving when last seen. It was a fine trip down the coast of Portugal, buzzing the fishing boats. Down the coast of Spain and then direct across the Atlantic to Port Lyautey in French Morocco. We hit it on the nose and landed. Jackson ran off the end of the short concrete strip and collapsed the nose gear. The loss of our first plane. The 86th is still here. It was good to see Don Smith and our advanced echelon again. Note: Col. Olds of the 14th Fighter Group caught up with me that night to congratulate my navigator. (It was me - he followed us because he thought I had a navigator.)

The rest of the Group with all the advanced and rear echelons are at Mediouna, a French Air Field east of Casa Blanca. The rear echelon came ashore with the invasion. We will be going to Mediouna as soon as the steel mat runway is completed. The weather is very wet and muddy. First encounter with Arabs. Casa Blanca is interesting but dirty. During this time Patterson got down from England with McElhoe, Braden and Duffy in England. Clisby, Breece, Compton and D'Agostino in by transport.

Horner and 5 pilots have joined the 15th Bomb Squadron at Youks Les Bains in eastern Algeria. The 97th (with 4 86th crews) has moved up to Thelepte on edge of the plains in western Tunisia.

(Note: My diary is incomplete in December)

January 5, 1943

Left for Thelepte with Col. Terrell (passenger), Clizbe and Fielder. Overnight in Oran (Tafaroui Airport). Terrell was pilot from Oran to Algiers and I rode in the nose. Overnight in Algiers. Next day to Thelepte. Capt. Martin has been shot down but he and crew not hurt bad. Martin probably headed home. Foy Draper has been shot down and is still missing.

January 7th

Back to Youks where the 84th will be stationed along with Horner and the 86th. Weather is clear and cold - freezes at night. Lots of Arabs.

January 21st

No missions today. Mail in including letter from Sandoe (my oldest brother) which is quite a surprise. Probably the first he has ever written. Also a letter from mother and dad. Patterson, Broman and Hoag spent the day at Thelepte but no missions there either.

January 22nd

My first combat mission - 6 ships from Youks - we were joined by 6 ships from the 85th and 97th at Thelepte. Target a vehicle repair depot new Kairouan. I was told we hit it.

Jan. 23rd through 26th

Alerted for missions every day but cancelled by foul weather. Deshazo, Braden, Duffy and one replacement Crew arrived on the 26th. This completes the 84th combat crews but we are short 3 planes including the DB-7s we inherited from the 15th Bomb Sq.. Have had to transfer planes to the 86th. Deshazo promoted to Lt. Col.

Jan. 27th

Weather fairly good but no missions. Gave the new boys some practice formation in the late afternoon. They are doing well considering their short training and lack of experience.

Jan. 28th

Weather CAVU and mild. No missions again today. The A-20 does ndtf seem to have much value on this front. We are light on fire pow&jr and most of the German Armor is still out of range. Comptb'n pulled up gear too soon and wrecked 41-3168 beyond local repair. When the Depot comes to pick it up there will little left but the skeleton - it will be the midnight spare parts depot. Burns Simpson was killed this morning. He was leading a 12 ship mission in a DB-7 and barely got in the air when it blew up. The British Bombs are very sensitive and he may have stalled and bounced back on the runway jarring the bomb loose. Will really miss him. A good friend and a fine man. Misiori .cancelled but went out an hour later With 6 86th and 6 84th -no bombs dropped. Maxwell of 85th took off from Thelepte with 2 new boys and got lost. Landed in the desert near El Guettar and all 3 ships were shot up by ME-109s . Crews back O.K.

Jan 30th

2 misions from Youks today - one cancelled because fighter escort failed to rendezvous at Thelepte.

Jan 31st

Not much doing today - 1 nine ship mission to Maknassy.

February 1st

Weather CAVU again -no missions from here today. Clizbe led one low level mission against armor in vicinity of Faid Pass. Made 3 passes. Lots of holes but all returned.

February 2nd

No missions here today. P-40s lost 2 and then jumped 10 109s and 25 JU-87s to lose 5 more. German losses not known.

February 3rd

Clear, windy and cold. One mission this afternoon. I led and bombed from 4000 ft. - results unknown. 12 Spits for cover.

February 4th

Weather cloudy -no missions today. 20 new P-40s arrived today. The army is not doing so well and have pulled back from Station Sened to Gafsa.

February 5th, 6th & 7th - Overcast and cold - no missions

February 8th

Flew 12 ship mission over Faid Pass against gun emplacements. Believed successful. Intense flak over target. One ship of 97th crash landed at Thelepte from another mission. No one hurt.

No missions today but air raid warnings all day. I test hopped Nancy Lee - one prop had a bullet hole through a blade from yesterday’s strafing. We robbed a prop from a grounded DB-7 and she runs fine - I can't tell the difference.

February 10th

Weather miserable - overcast, cold, windy and a little snow late in the afternoon. No missions. The 33rd Fighter group has gone back to re-group. Replaced by P-39's which are not much good so far.

Feb. 11th, 12th & 13th - no activity February 14th

Heaviest activity yet. Squadron flew 3 missions. Target was tank concentration stalled by mine field 5 miles s.w. of Faid Pass. Couldn't find target but caught heavy flak coming off target area. Had part of my tail blown off - lucky to get back. Jackson caught a 20 mm shell in cockpit and another in the tail - slight injuries. Hinson of 85th blew up over the field at Thelepte. THE GERMANS ARE PUSHING US BACK.

Feb. 15th

No Missions today. 97th has evacuated Thelepte leaving planes at field for 85th. We are now down to about 25 planes maximum.

Feb. 16th

84th flew mission today with Patterson leading 6 ships to target (gun emplacements) near Sidi Bou Zid. Bombed from 7000 feet - lots of flak with 3 ships damaged. 85th evacuated Thelepte today. Had to destroy everything including fuel, ammunition and repairable planes. Germans in sight as they left. Terrell promoted to Full Colonel.

Feb. 17th

Weather overcast and nasty. One mission this afternoon. Low level against a concentration of tanks & vehicles S.E. of Feriana. Capt. Maxwell leading was shot down but believed safe. Russell belly landed here. Broman hit in leg but brought flight home. Hoag's ship hit badly. Braden's - slight damage.

Feb. 18th

Naxwell and crew walked in this morning. Max busted his nose pretty badly but will be O.K.. Weather is getting pretty stinky. Almost blew the top off of our dugout tonight.

Feb. 20th

Weather cleared briefly this morning. Dust gone but low clouds and intermittent rain this afternoon. 86th and 97th moving back to Canrobert tonight. The Germans are pushing us back under cover of the weather and our troops aparently can't hold them. The weather will not permit missions against them.

Feb. 21st - overcast and raining - no missions.

Feb. 22nd

Big day today. Group ran 13 missions. 84th flew 6 missions. 5 missions were 2 ship low level in Kasserine Pass. I led the medium mission with George Goode as Bombardier. We let down through a hole and came out near Thala which was the point of the German advance. We were then at low altitude (1500 feett) and George set us up fast." Heading", "Bomb Doors Open", "Bombs Away" AND "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE". The flak opened up furiously but we were long gone through the .clouds. It must have been a good mission as Col. Terrell met me at the plane to tell me the ground commander had called in to thank us for the boost to the troop’s morale. Miles and Simmons missing, from our last low level mission.

February 23rd (at Youks)

The Germans are withdrawing from Kasserine Pass. Two missions today. Six ships of 85th bombed transport on road from Feriana to Kasserine. Patterson with Goode as Bombardier with 3 ships bombed vehicles in Kasserine Pass. Duffy & D'Agostino with him. No report

February 24th - Weather Good

Two missions. I led 9 ships and bombed Kasserine Railroad crossing with Goode as Bombardier. Myself, Braden, Clisby, Major Fletcher, Hoag, Compton and 3 85th Crews. 12 Spits for cover. Six 85th ships bombed Feriana this afternoon. Clizbe went through bad weather and bombed from low altitude - Results unknown. Fletcher’s ship out with hole in gas tank.

February 25th - Great weather

No missions today - flew bombardiers on dry runs.

February 26th - Rained hard today.

Mo "^Missions. The war correspondents say our bombing near Thala on the 22nd was highly successful and did wonders for the morale of our ground troops. Miles and Simmons found and identified. (Simmons was later reported as prisoner of war & badly injured)

February 27th. Weather improving but field is very muddy. Akers came in with 3 replacement planes and crews. MY PROMOTION TO MAJOR ALSO CAME IN. Fletcher to Lt. Col. Flew practice bombing this afternoon with Col. Fletcher as Bombardier. Transports in and quite a bit of mail.

March 2nd - Good weather prevails

Training flying only. Asst. Secretary of War here on inspection tour.

March 3rd

General Spaatz and Air Marshal Tedder here on inspecion tour this A.M. - Complimented Squadron on its' record. Training flying only.

March 4th - weather is poorly

Flew to Canrobert with Col Terrell and Clizbe. Group is moving there day after tomorrow. 8 Navigators assigned to Group. They are badly needed but will have to be trained as bombardiers.

March 5th - Rain is forecast. It will make the move more difficult.

March 6th - No rain but very windy.

Moved to Canrobert today. Flew up in 24 ship formation - the remnants of the 57 planes we left the States with in October. Fortunately most of the losses have been due to operational accidents, strafing, goof ups, etc.

March 7th - Setting up Camp in Tents.

March 8th - to Constantine with Don overnight.

March 9th - Enjoyed Constantine but it isn't much rest.

March 10th - Windy but fairly decent otherwise.

86th & 97th being brought up to strength of 21 comba/t crews and 20 planes for next effort. We are reinforcing the 86th. Tried to fly to Algiers today to take Pinkston and Anderson up. Had to turn around due to weather when almost there. Buzzed 12th Group at Berteaux. Saw 75 B-17s going out from Telergma.

March 11th - Weather about the same.

Tried for Algiers again today. The weather forced me to land at Telergma and put Pinkson & Anderson on a transport. We have several replacement airplanes and crews from the 68th Observation Group.

March 12th

Training flying going on. Group formation to award "Silver Stars" to the men who landed with the Infantry at Port Lyautey.

Flew 6 ship practice bombing mission this morning. Pilot Officer John as Bombardier/Navigator. Letter from mother. Big meeting this afternoon in preparation for the next battle. 10 replacement planes and crews arrived today. The pipeline is finally working.

March 14th - Rainy and unflyable.

Dinner at the R.A.F. Wing Mess -home early. Living in tent.

March 15th

18 ship practice mission this morning. TEA with Air Chief Marshal Cunningham, Group Staff and Squadron C.O's.One of the finest and most interesting old gentlemen I have ever met. Letter from the folks tonight. Mother says the radio gave me and some of the boys a good plug for the Kasserine battle.

March 16th - Mild & calm with showers in afternoon.

No flying today. Preparation for big push supposed to start tomorrow.

March 17th

18 ship mission went out to bomb Gafsa but returned when escort failed to rendezvous at Thelepte. 2 Squadrons of 12th Group (now based here) went out and bombed Gafsa. Later reports say our troops have reoccupied Gafsa and are halfway to El Guettar. Terrific thunderstorm late this afternooon. Rained most of night.

Narch 18th - Rained all day.

The field is a hopeless quagmire. McElhoe went to Medenine to carry a senior officer ???? Who. Don't know when he will be able to get back.

March 19th - Fairly clear today.

Five more replacement planes arrived this morning and were immediately stuck in the mud. Most of the replacements are from the 27th Bomb Group which also has A-36s (P-51 with dive brakes).

March 20th

McElhoe back from Medenine last night. Akers with 6 ships bombed Mazzouna Airdrome near Gabes. The other 12 got separated by weather. Spits got 4 JU-87s. 18 B-25s bombed airfield near Gabes. I led 18 ships to bomb Massouna Airfield in afternoon but cloud cover too thick over target to bomb. B-25s also returned their bombs from afternoon mission.

Penix led 18 ships to bomb Mazzouna Airfield this afternoon but clouds too thick again. B-25's dropped through hole and reportedly hit target. 1st Armored Division in Maknassy, New Zealanders nearing El Hamra. 8th Army is moving up. A-20 of 97th belly landed this morning.

March 23rd - (Don't know what happened to the 22nd)

Field put up five 18 ship missions today (3 A-20, 2 B25). All bombed concentration of vehicles near Sidi Mansour. 42 Spits for cover - what a change.

March 24th

Today not too successful. 18 ships (12 of 85th & 6 of 86th) went out this morning but only 6 dropped. 18 B-25s bombed Djebel Tabaga Airfield near Gabes. P-40 escort lost 3 and downed 4 Germans. 12 ships of the 84th and 6 of the 86th went out this afternoo to bomb tank repair depot southeast of El Guettar. Not much target and only 12 ships dropped.

March 25th - Alerted all day - no targets.

March 26th

Four 18 ship missions from here today in spite of bad dust storm causing poor visibility. All formations bombed Djebel Tebaga airfield near Gabes. A-20s twice & B-252s twice. Flak very intense and accurate. B-25s hit hard. I led last mission and it went pretty well. Most of flak was behind and above us but caught Pat's flight. Penix & my flight O.K. No casualties. Schwart's ship hit hard and Pat landed at Youks with engine out.

March 27th - Dust very bad

No missions today. Flew to Youks to see how Pat's plane was doing. Service squadron is repairing it and Pat flew DB-7 back.

March 28th

Last of rear echelon arrived today - nothing else doing.

March 29th - Nothing doing today.

March 30th

18 B-25s and 18 A-20s bombed La Fauconnerre landing ground this morning. Results good. Mac led 3rd Box of A-20s. Broman had elevator shot off and one engine shot out by ME-109. Crash landed near Sidi Bou Zid. Gus¹s gunner (Sgt. Soles) shot down a 109 and also shot his tail full of holes. Breece with him at Thelepte with bad prop. I took 12 ship to bomb motor transport near El Guettar this afternoon. Fairly successful. Broman and crew picked up. 2 O.K. - 2 in hospital.

(IDDaylight mission cancelled due to weather. Released for day for maintenance. Broman and Land came in about 2:00 o'clock today. Broman wounded in shoulder and Land with head wound. After successful forced landing Land was trapped in nose. 109 strafed 6 times but Welch climbed back in plane and drove him off while Broman and Botts released land with ship on fire.

April 1st. - Bad weather - no missions.

Sent Broman and Land to Constantine for R.& R. - 86th and 97th moved to Thelepte.

April 2nd - Bad Weather here again - No missions

Thelepte ran 2 missions. Binkley of 86th missing due to enemy fighters. Jackson stuck at Thelepte.

April 3rd - Bad weather - no missions

B-25s flew one mission on airfield near Tunis. Simmons is reported a prisoner of war in Italy.

April 4th - Good Weather

Ran mission on La Fauconnere airfield. 16 ships dropped from

000 feet, Results fairly good. Flak very intense and accurate. Mr. Gaskill of "American Magazine) rode with us and is going to write an article about the mission.

April 5th

B-25s ran 18 ships over El Djem and lost one ship to flak. Another crash landed - crews O.K.. 18 A-20s raided La Fauconnere this afternoon. Lot of Flak but Mac's Six not hit. One ship of 85th down at Sbeitla and Patterson is down at Youks (his 2nd home). Moving to Thelepte.

April 6th

Flew 18 ships from Canrobert this morning, bombed La Fauconnere again and landed at Thelepte to stay. Schwartz hit by flak and had engine shot out by ME-109. We slowed down and tucked him beneath us - back to Thelepte O.K.. Bombing successful. Took 12 ships back in afternoon and bombed successfully. Reed of 85th bailed out his gunners and came in with no brakes - was hit in leg by flak. Mac took 6 back later with 6 of 85th - also successful. We hit this target six times today including once by the B-25s.

Two 12 ship formations bombed our favorite targey again this morning. Mac led ours. Anderson hit by flak and belly landed. Slight wound in side. Sharpless shot down out of formation led by Fielder. Crew all killed. Three 12 ship missions bomber motor transport on El Guettar/Gabes road. Jerry withdrawing to south. The wind and dust is utterly miserable.

April 8th & 9th - Dust and wind terrible - one dry run.

April 10th

Nothing doing in morning. Two 12 ship formations agaains vehicle concentrations north of Sousse.- fairly successful. Good reconnaisance from mission. Expect big day here tomorrow. Rommel is on the run. Our forces moving toward Kairouan. La Fauconnere is plowed up. El Djem and La Smala evacuated. Sfax taken.

April 11th

Big day - 77 sorties flown against vehicle concentrations on roads north of Sousse, Kairouan and up to Enfidaville. I led first mission of 12 with F/0 Parsons as bombardier. I have never seen such a sight. All the roads were jammed with German venicles going north towards Tunis. We laid a long string of bombs that straddled the road almost perfectly. VERY SUCCESSUL. Other missions also good.

April 12th

Took 12 ships to Souk El Arba and landed to refuel for Mission against St. Marie Du Zit airfield. Visibility very poor and target identification doubtful but dropped our bombs. The flak was the heaviest I have experienced and was of long duration. Returned to Thelepte - 7 ships with flak damage -none serious.

April 13th

Moved Squadron to Souk El Arba today. 15 planes. Getting settled. Living in French School House. 86th and 97th still at Thelepte. It is fair and warm today and the prettiest place I have been in Africa.

April 14th

Group flew four 6 ship missions. I led first mission with Parsons as Bombardier. Bombed gun emplacements on slope of hill northwest of Medjez-El-Bab. Bombed through hole in clouds. Were able to see coverage when coming off the target and it looked good. 12 Spits for cover. Next two missions also hit. 4th mission blocked by cloud cover.

No Missions. Weather good. Country reminds me of home.

April 16th

Four missions here today. I led two with Parsons. Six ships each. Gun emplacements and motor transport near Medjez. Mac brought his bombs back from his mission. 85th bombed a target in a Wadi and one ships bomb bay exploded over target - crew all bailed out O.K. 109s and 190s bombed and strafed field late this afternoon - little damage. 86th and 97th arrived in time for the bombing and strafing.

April 17th

Not much doing today. 85th ran one mission on hill near Medjez. 86th and 97th each ran one mission in afternoon - results unknown.

April 18th

No mission - dry run with 36 A-20s and 18 B-25s in preparation for next push. Meeting of C.O.s at 1st Army Hqs. tonight.

April 19th

Group flew four 12 ship missions against La Sebala landing ground near Tunis. B-25s two missions. Broman led 2nd box with Patterson this morning. I led mission with Parsons in afternoon. Bombs all went in target area and results believed good. B-25s lost a shp to flak over target. Got flak going out and coming back but no one hit.

April 20th

Parson, Anderson, Gustafson and myself too the afternoon off and went to the beach Tebarqua. Went swimming and laid in the sun. Had dinner at a little French Inn in the mountains on the way home. During the day Penix led mission on airfield northwest of Tunis. 6 85th and 6 84th. Had intense flak and Lt. Land flying with Broman was killed - our first Squadron casualty. Major Stafford came in on one engine and Brooks (85th) had to use his air brakes.

April 21st - Weather not too good

I led 12 ship mission against airfield northwest of Tunis. Flak coming and going but no serious damaaage. Our bombs fell across several airplanes we could see on the ground. At least 2 on fire.Army support targets today. Squadron flew 2 missions. I led one on enemy positions ner Sebket El Kourzia. Bombs apparently on target but could not see much on ground. Gualtierre of 97th knocked down by flak on another mission. He was slightly injured but British Photographer flying with him was killed. Saw Col. Sanders and he told me Herb Davis (Flying School friend) was O.K. Also letter from Dick Ellis (Best friend from Flying School). He is in England and delivered a P-38 to Youks when we were there. Neither of us knew the other's whereabouts. He wrote the letter when he saw the Life Magazine spread on "Hanna's Hovel" at Youks.

April 23rd

Ran 3 missions today. One on town near Medjez El Bab, One on hill in front of II Corps and one on Hill hear Sebret El Kourzia. I led last two with Parsons. Smith and Goode led first one. 85th, 86th and 97th also on missions. Ground troops having tough scrap.

April 24th - Weather bad - No activity today.

April 25th

Group ran 95 sorties today, all on hill near Sebret El Kourzia in support of ground troops. I led 12 with Parsons and Smith led 12 with Goode. Gulick and crew bailed out over target on 85th mission. Thought to be safe.

April 26th

Squadron flew one mission today led by Smith & Goode. Bombed town of Ksar Tyr. Gulick and crew reported safe.

April 27th

Squadron flew two missions today. I led one on positions near Ksar Tyr with Parsons. Bombing pattern good. Snith and Goode led one on hill near Tebourba. 12 ships in each flight.

April 28th

Squadron ran 2 missions today. I led both with Parsons. Both on hills just north of Ksar Tyr. Both successful. Heavy battle in progress on ground. Saw b-25s of 12th Group drop inside our lines. Raining tonight.

April 29th

Not much doing today. Squadron flew one mission with Smith and Goode leading. Reported successful 86th and 97th stood down all day. We stood by with B-25s until noon when we were released for rest of day. Nothing to do. Listened to radio (my hand me down Hal1icrafters) and wrote letters.

May 1st

Squadron off all day. Managed to get most of them to the beach at Tebarka. They sure enjoyed it and were badly in need of relaxation. Smith, Stafford, Goode and Parsons went with me in the Carryall. It was a beautiful drive over the mountains and it was sunny at the beach. The water was fine and we all got slightly burned. It is so beautiful and relaxing here but sometimes I am so homesick I can hardly stand it.

May 2nd through the 5th

Bad weather and no missions.

May 6th

Group flew 140 sorties today. Squadron had 3 missions (36 sorties). I led two with Parsons. Bombed town of Bou Frendz. Terrific battle going on in area. 2nd one was on motor transport but didn't find anything. Smith and Goode bombed near Massicault. Two letters from home.

May 7th.

One dry run due to weather. 85th and 86th got one mission in on motor transport. AMERICAN TROOPS TOOK BIZERTE THIS AFTERNOON AND BRITISH TOOK TUNIS - BEGINNING OF THE END.

May 8th

Another big day. Ground troops still rolling towards Cape Bon. Parsons and I bombed motor transport near Grombolia in the morning. I led afternoon mission with Goode and hit airfield near Soliman in afternoon (12 ships). Destroyed several aircraft on ground. 97th followed us in. Col. Terrell led another mission on motor transport near Soliman. 132 sorties by Group todaj/y. 23,000 prisoners taken last night.

May 9th

Parsons and I led 12 ships to bomb Merchant Vessel off the coast near Bizerte. Got some direct hits. All Germans in Bizerte area surrendered at 11:00 a.m. this morning. Smith and Goode took 12 ships in afternoon to bomb gun emplacements on Cape Bon. All activity now confined to Cape Bon. Over 60,000 prisoners so far.

Stood by all day but Squadron finally flew one mission in late afternoon. Smith and Goode. against motor transport and village of Kebilia on Cape Bon. Germans still resisting but campaign is practically wound up.

May 11th

Stood by most of the day. Flew one mission against troops and vehicles near St. Marie Du Zid. Today should wind it up.

May 12th

Stood Down all day. Deshazo, Smith and I went to beach at Tebarka. Beautiful day and good swimming. More mail tonight. Campaign over and terrific number of prisoners - nearing 200,00.

May 13th

Group off operations for at least six weeks. We have nothing to do. Squadron flew 75 missions 554 sorties during the Campaign with a combat loss of 3 airplanes and Lt. Land killed.

May 14th and 15th - No activity - Movie Jack Benny in ’’Charley's Aunt”.

May 16th

Weather rather disagreeable. Andy and Gus have gone to Algiers. Young is leading 4 ships to Casa Blanca for 3 days. I'm trying to give everyone some leave but it is a tough job. As of now no one from the Group is going home.

May 17th

Deshazo, Smith, Clizbe and I flew to Berteaux to visit 310th Group. No one around as they had 3 days off.

May 18th

Today is Nancy Lee’s birthday and I haven't seen her for almost a year. I wonder if she would know me.

May 19th

Nothing doing. Col. Terrell transferred to T.B.F. Hqs. Green is new Group C.O.

May 20th.

Notified today that Deshazo, Patterson and myself along with Spawn and Towles of 12th Group are going home to form a new Group. Will believe it when I see it. Smith new C.O. of 84th, Penix 85th, Fielder 86th. Clizbe and Horner to Group Ops. I will sure miss Smith - one of the best friends I have ever had.

May 24th

Flew today - all around Cape Bon and all our old targets. Seems strange to buzz a German Airfield with 109s and 190s sitting on it and not get shot at. Barrage balloons are up over Tunis. The sea is the bluest I have ever seen it. Still wai ting for orders.

May 25th. Got our orders today.

Leave for Algiers this A.M. - It was very hard to say goodbye to the Squadron. They are sure one grand bunch and I think they hated to see me go. I will never forget them. Damn near blubbered on saying goodbye to Don. Flew "Nancy Lee" to Algiers with Pat. Jackson along to take the ship back. I am sure attached to that airplane. Fielder brought Deshazo.

May 26th

We are all in Algiers,today and waiting for our orders. We don’t know whether we are going by boat or air. Maxwell left this morning by air. Bowen came up with Silver Stars for Deshazo and me and Air Medals for Pat and me. Algiers is a pretty City and the cleanest I have been in yet.

May 27th

Got our final orders today. No boats for at least 3 weeks so we are going by air, which will take us quite awhile. With our priority it will take us 3 days to get out of here. Will leave here on the 29th.

May 29th

Took off from Algiers at 11:00 a.m. and arrived Marrakech at 4:30. Staying at Mammounia Hotel. It is a truly beautiful spot. Good food, good bed - dont'know when we will get out of here.

May 30th and 31st

A C-54 is leaving for Prestwick tonight but we were scratched for ferry pilots with higher priority. Another C-54 in the next day but it had a cylinder out and must wait for one to be flown in.

June 1st

Another C-54 in today and we took off for Prestwick at 2030 hours - just getting dark. Sure feels good to be on our way. The weather is good about half way up and then turns stinky.

Prestwick

Arrived Prestwick at 0730 this morning. Cold and same as it was last fall. Supposed to go today but airplane trouble will delay us until tomorrow.

June 3rd

Off for Reykjavick at 1230 and landed at 1745. Instruments most of the way. Overnight - the sun never goes down.

June 4th

Departed Reykjavik at 0830 and landed at Goose Bay for Gas. Landed New York at 2030. Caught Eastern Airlines out of New York at 2200.

June 5th

Arrived in Tampa at 0830, checked into 3rd Air Force Hqs.. They had no idea why we were there. General Larson told his adjutant to get us rooms at the Floridan Hotel and for us to come back tomorrow. Shaved, showered and real ham and eggs for breakfast. Rush cleaning job on our uniforms. Reported again the next morning and they had determined that the Group we were supposed to take over and train was only on paper. The crews were just coming into the RTU (replacement training unit). General Larson asked us to take on the 46th Group at Oklahoma City which was still in sad shape. The 46th was the RTU. Have 20 days leave and am headed home

-can hardly wait.

June 6th

Left Tampa by Commercial Airline (DC3) - 3 Atlanta, Knoxvile, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, stuck by weather at North Platte, Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno and Oakland on the 7th

June 7th.

Took Bus home from Oakland to a wonderful homecoming.

zna - Prestwick