Source: Jaffe, Cpl. J. “War Diary of 756th Heavy Bomber Squadron.”Historical Records, 459th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) May 1944. Reel B0607, Microfilm 1176-1182.

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DIARY OF 756TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

May 5- Nothing very exciting so far this month. On the second we were joined by Lt. Welburn and crew from the States. F/O Olen and crew was added to the roster on the following day, and Lt. Kullmans warriors left for a rest at the Isle of Capri… Today ten of our planes bombed the Ploesti oil fields. Huge columns of smoke rose to the bombing altitude. It is believe that good results were obtained.

May 6- Eleven of our planes bombed marshalling yards and military installations at Campina, Rumania. Results were believed to be good. We certainly hope so. It cost us three of our original crews. They were the crews of Lt. Ellis, Lt. Danko, and Lt. Oliver. It is likely that most of the personnel are safe. Lt. Oliver’s crew abandoned their plane over the target and 10 chutes were seen. Lt. Danko’s plane exploded after 4 chutes were observed. Lt. Ellis and crew were last seen over Yugoslavia with two engines out. This was the costliest undertaking in which our squadron has ever participated.

May 12- On the seventh, ten of our planes bombed marshalling yards at Bucharest. Heavy flak was encountered, but no fighters were seen… Today the target was Steria Italy. Little flak and no fighter opposition was encountered. Results are believed to be excellent.

May 14- Yesterday, railroad yards north of bolonia was bombed. Slight flak was encountered. Bombing results were poor… today’s commendation was received from General Twinning for the bombing of the Reggio Emilia Airdrome in Italy… Lt. Buchler and crew are the latest additions to our Squadron… Treat of treats – – vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream for dessert.

 

Cpl. J. Jaffe

 

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DIARY OF 756TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

May 18 – Ten of our planes attacked Ploesti oil refineries in Romania today. Fairly heavy, but inaccurate flak was encountered. Bombing results were obscured by heavy cloud formations. A ship being flown by one of our new crews is missing… The “Diamond Dusters” took advantage of a lull in the schedule to sharpen their batting eyes with a two-hour hitting drill… “Brass Row” held a rehearsal in the War Room this evening for their theatrical debut, when they will supply the entertainment for the Officers Club.

May 19 – Ten of our planes attacked Leghorn in Northern Italy today. Results were unobserved. The flak was slight but accurate. No enemy fighters were encountered. One of our ships is missing… The EM softball team took it on the chin from the 757 stick swingers, to the tune of 3-4, in spite of a homer by third baseman Bennett. The narrow margin didn’t discourage our boys and they were eagerly awaiting their next encounter… Hats off to T / Sgt. Richardson and his hash slingers for taking advantage of the fresh vegetables which are attainable in the area. The recent appearance of radishes, onions, cabbage, carrots and peas are indeed refreshing and add new zest to the meals that formerly possessed a generous smattering of dehydrated products. The addition of cold drinks in the noon chow line has proven to be stimulating tonic in the hot weather we’re experiencing of late.

May 20- Weather prevented a mission today, but a squadron practice mission was held in which some of our newer pilots accomplished some formation time… The best news of the day was the report that Lt. Dabbert and crew, who had been reported as missing on the previous mission, was safe after an emergency landing landing in Corsica… A detachment of Company J of the 366th Infantry Division has been added to this field’s Personnel. They will act as a guard Squadron and will stand watch From Dusk to Dawn.

May 21- Weather once again prevented a combat mission, but it wasn’t bad enough to keep the “Eager Beavers” of the 756th on the ground. A practice mission was held instead… The chow was especially good today. Roast beef for lunch and pork chops for supper. Keep it up Cookies… Lt. “Grosenbach’s Gremlins” took a beating from 757th “Brass Row” in a dull 3-2 ball game. We’ve been told that the week sticking was due mainly to a strong wind blowing in the direction of home plate. Uh – huh!

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DIARY OF 756TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)

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May 22– Eleven of our planes attacked Spezis Harbor in Italy, with bombing results not regarded as good. The flak was inaccurate and no enemy fighters were encountered. All of our planes returned… The EM baseball team was not Emily Post’s version of good hosts as they pounded out a 7-0 win over the new Guard Squadron in a non-league tilt. The colored boys should be able to offer stiffer resistance after they get a few warm-up skirmishes under their belts… Chow highlight: delicious banana ice cream for dessert this evening.

May 23- Ten of our planes attacked troop concentrations at Marino, Italy. Very little flak and no fighters were encountered. Bombing results were partly obscured by clouds but believed to be good. All of our planes returned… Lt. Dabbert and crew returned from Corsica – none the worse for their experience… Lt. Buchanan and crew started for a well-earned rest at the Isle of Capri… Tonight at the Officers Club, the 756th “Brass Row” will be in the spotlight. If Lt. Hamilton’s thespians prove as good as they are promising, the show should be a howling success.

May 24- Nine of our planes bombed the Munchedorf airdrome in Austria with unobserved results. Sever flak was encountered but no enemy fighters were seen. All of our planes returned… Henceforth, it will require 10 sorties for the air medal but an additional 10 for each cluster. Up until now a cluster could be obtained for every five sorties.

May 26- Ten of our planes attacked Chumbarry M/Y in France. No enemy fighters or flak was encountered. Bombing results are believed to be excellent. All of our planes returned… Both of the Squadron softball teams sustained defeats this evening. The EM bowed to the 758’ers in a grueling 3-2 affair. LT Grosenbach’s Gremlins went down to a humiliating 8-1 defeat at the hands of the 759th “Brass Row”. Poor fielding counted heavily in the latter engagement… Major Christy lifted the restriction placed on the Squadron EM two days ago. He believed that it was unfair to punish a few hundred men because of some “unknown stinker”… Sorry to hear that the popular Lt. Firsch is transferring to the 758th.  Lt. P.J. Connor will succeed him as Squadron bombing officer.

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May 31- Our planes completed their 10th mission in 9 days today when they bombed oil refineries at Ploesti. Smoke screens prevented good observation, but results are thought to be satisfactory. Flak and fighters were encountered, but all of the ships in our squadron returned… Since the last report, another milk run over France, two easy ones over Yugoslavia, and a close call over Austria were accomplished… Lt. Jones brought a guest speaker down this week in the person of Captain Reed. The guest had just returned from a visit at the front lines. His lecture was interesting and some of his souvenirs more so. They included some lusty German pix, a captured hand machine gun, and a prayer book (Der Feurer’s version)… Captain Stewart’s phone call to the town MPs brought prompt results in ridding the premises of a couple of native whores who are doing a landslide business out in the bushes of a nearby farm… Lt. Layton and Lt. Booker and Crews departed for the States for a rest. Before leaving Lt. Layton was awarded the DFC. A little later in the day Lt. Beach received the same award.

Cpl. J. Jaffe