Source: Kosloski, Michael J., 1st Lt. Air Corps, Squadron Historian. “War Diary of 757th Bomb Squadron (H).” Historical Records, 30 June 1944. Reel B0607, Microfilm 1111-1114

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WAR DIARY
757TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (HV)
Office of the Squadron Historian
A.P.O. #520

30 June 1944.

1944

June 1 — 2nd Lts. Max J. Babb and Leo Carlton were transferred to the 758th Bombardment Squadron. There being no mission today, the combat crews have an opportunity to relax, some men have gone swimming while others have gone into town.

2 — 2nd Lt. Albert C. Henning was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained while riding his motorcycle. While returning from the showers he was forced off the road by a British driver. Captain Muske, our medical officer, treated him before sending him to the hospital.
    An open air show was presented by a company of French actors and musicians which afforded some entertainment for the men. 1st Lt. Rene C. Lequex, 2nd Lt.s Loius T. Hughes, Harry T. Solodyn, Abraham Stok, S/Sgts./ .Hughes, Stricklett, O’Donnell, Sahagian, Bergeson and Raby left for the Capri Rest Camp.

3 — An inspection was made of the area, Officers’ and Enlisted Mens’ tents and found to be in a satisfactory condition. It was interesting to notice how well some tents were arranged and of the numerous hand made objects adding to the comfortable living of the men.
     The enlisted men’s club has been doing quite a business affording the men considerable recreation. An Italian Orchestra plays at the club every Saturday night and with the cooperation of some of the talented members of the squadron a fgood time is always had.
     2nd Lts. Goddard, Kohler, Reinhold and Harnett; S/Sgts. Pocase, Curtis, Mannen; Sgts Berin, and Mader left to enjoy a rest at the Capri Rest Camp, not to forget St. Bartoletti.

4 — Today was an unfortunate date because one of our ships crashed after take-off. 2nd Lt.s O.E. Smith and M.L. Avery; S/Sgts T.W. Leutringer and H. Georgepul were killed and 2nd Lt. H.R. Blackburn and S/Sgt R.H. Herrington were seriously injured.
5 — Cpl. Willie Watson, the mail clerk was very busy today sorting out the great number of packages. It seems that some men are fairly well supplied now with candy, gum and all sorts of goodies now that the packages are coming through rather regularly. 1st Lt. Francis L. Munning has been transferred to the 459th Bomb. Group Headquarters.

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(757th Bomb Sq (HV) War Diary dtd 30 June 1944, cont’d)

1944
June 6 — Today was a happy day for fifty four (54) Enlisted Men who were promoted to higher grades. Three (3) men, Raul Saba, Buford Edwards and Harold E. Loheider were promoted to the grade of Master Sergeant. Thirteen men were promoted to Technical Sergeants, fourteen men were promoted to Staff Sergeants, fourteen men were promoted to Sergeants and ten men were promoted to corporals. The great news of the French invasion has finally been announced everyone is very much interested and eager to know the complete details of the invasion.
7 —     1st Lts. Hawkins, Mengel and 2nd Lt. Blain left for the Villagio Mancuso rest camp.
     2nd Lts. Ferris, Gregory and Iverson were promoted to the rank of 12st Lts. As per authority S.O. 145 Par 15 Hdqs NATUSA dated 27 May 19444.
     2nd Lts. Haiken, Hyman, Lebeck, Heffman; S/Sgts. Roberts, Birk, McLenden, Banners and T/Sgts. Dupuis and Mitchell left for the Capri Rest camp.
     Complete sets of pegs and horseshoes were received from the Special Service department and already competition is very keen.
8 —    A formation was held by the squadron for the presentation of awards Air Medals, Oak Leaf Clusters and Purple Hearts were presented as herein stated in the history section.
     Lt. LeQueuex his His cfrew returned from the Capri rest camp and from all looks and appearances everyone had an enjoyable time.
9 —    Today was a very unfortunate day since it was reported that Lt. McManus and his crew were missing in Action while participating in an aerial mission.
10 —    Lt. Henning who was injured a few days ago while riding his motorcycle has finally recuperated and is back on duty again.
11 —    Usual squadron duties.
12 —    Major Knepper, 2nd Lts. Wilcox and Hageman; T/Sgt. King; S/Sgts. Brown, Kelly and Etzkorn left for the Capri rest camp.
     Captains Kellow and Muske and 2nd Lts. Pearce and Kellenberg left for the Villiago Mancuso rest camp. Two (2) new crews have been assigned to the squadron they are 2nd Lts. Lloyd E. Lonhart, Olee M. Fox, Ralph E. Zebarsh, Robert M. Carr; S/Sgts. Caltano Pavone, James F. Anderman; Sgts. Henry S. Lambert Jr., Stephen M. Swetz, Robert L. Peacock, and Henry F. Feich; 2nd Crew 1st Lt. Robert B. Weller; 2nd Lts. Joseph W. Cross, Winston G. Ernest, Loius J. Franeholtz, S/Sgts. Gordon B. Hitchcock, Charles R. Mathis,; Sgts. Johne M. Laughlin, George W. Penningham, Richard R Sedlacek and Evan J. Pryde.

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(757th Bomb Sq (HV) War Diary dtd 30 June 1944, cont’d)

1944

June 13 —    While on a raid over Munich, Germany, two of our ships were badly damaged by enemy fighters. Captain Opper and his crew made a forced landing at a field near San Vito. Everyone returned safely to base after transportation was provided by the squadron. 1st Lt. Fletcher and his crew had to ditch in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Pescara, Italy, all members were hospitalized for treatment.
14 —    No Mission today. Usual squadron duties.
15 —    Promotional orders dated June 10, promoting 42 enlisted men came out today. Three men, James S. Andrecheck, Paul M. Beardslee and Willer H. Commer, were promoted to the grade of Master Sergeants, twenty-seven were promoted to Technical Seargeants and eleven to Staff Sergeants and one to Sergeant.
16 —    2nd Lt. Solodyn was sent to the hospital for attention and rest.
17 —    Sgt. Pless was being treated in the hospital for injuries sustained in action.
18 —    No mission today. Usual squadron duties.
19 —    Captain Opperr, 1st Lt. Murphy, 2nd Lts. Webb and McFarland; T/Sgts. Thomas, Savitsky and S/Sgts Stephens, Truet, Guazarde and Schilling left for the Capri Rest Camp. 1st Lts. Roshto and McAfee left for the Villagio Mancuso rest camp. Captains Kellow and Muske and 2nd Lts. Pearce, and Kellenberg have returned from the rest camp and are well pleased with the vacation they enjoyed.
20 —    Major Knepper, 2nd Lts. Wilcox and Hageman; S/Sgts. Brown, Kelley Etzkorn and T/Sgt. King have returned from Capri. Every one had a good time.
21 —    Two new crews have been assigned to the squadron. 1st crew consists of 2nd Lts. Walter E. Yocum, Herbert Kipnes, Robert t. Seemuller; S/Sgts. Albert Mobery, Jr., Fred D. Chauez; Sgt. Leo ardetzky. 2nd Crew consists of 2nd Lts. James J. Lester, Don L. Campbell, James R. Tilley; S/Sgts. Cyril P. Beling and Sgts. Charles Rich, Jr., and Rudolph Gareia.
22 —     Combat crew members who participated in todays raid on the Turin-Fiat Mirafiori Motor Works were well satisfied with the bombing results. Mission pictures showed an excellent concentration of hits.

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(757th Bomb Sq (HV) War Diary dtd 30 June 1944, cont’d)

1944

23 —     No mission today. Usual squadron duties.
24 —     aircraft participated in bombing the railway depot at Craiova, Roumania. All ships returned to base safely.
25 —    Captain Theans B. Kennedy was transferred to the 459th Bomb. Group Hdqs as of June 23, 1944.
     Eight aircraft participated in bombing the railroad yards at Avignon, France. Lt. Stacy and his crew failed to return to base and have been reported as missing in action.
26 —    Nine aircraft were dispatched to bomb the oil refinery and storage tanks at Moosebierbaum, Austria. Lt. Henning and his crew failed to return to base and have been reported as missing in action.
     2nd Lts. Wampler, Thomason, McAfee, Hughes, Haiken, Hagerty, Hageman, Funk, Gaddis, Green and Blain were promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. As per S.O. 166, part 15 Hdgs NATOUSA dtd 17 June 1944.
     1st Lt. Lang was promoted to the rank of Captain per S.O. 166 par. 15, Hdqs NATOUSA, 17 June 1944.
     Major Fausnaught and 2nd Lt. Holland left fro the Villagio Mancuso Rest Camp.
     1st. Lts. Keaveny, Fletcher; 2nd Lts. Lia and Halliwell; T/Sgts. Macey, Humes; S/Sgts. Sterts, Riney, Parker; and Sgt. Schnepp left for the Capri Rest Camp.
27 —    2nd Lts. Jones and Lia were promoted to the rank of 1st Lts. As per S.O. 166, par. 15, Hdqs. NATOUSA dtd 17 June 1944.
28 —    Members participating in todays mission over Karleve Airfield, Bulgaria were might proud of the excellent results that were achieved.
29 —    No mission today, usual squadron duties.
30 —    Due to bad weather the formation turned back before reaching the target.

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