671st Bomb Squadron (L)

Unit History by Jim Kerns

As originally recorded in the personal diary of Gordon Russell

and transcribed by Jane Enman (pdf file download)

Lawrence Edstrom article in the Princeton Union-Eagle

Floyd Henderson article at Oregon Warbirds

Transcribed from USAF Archives

May 1944 - March 1945

By May 1st [1944] the 671st Squadron, already a veteran combat unit, was fully prepared to carry out its part in the Air Battle of Europe. During this month the greatest aerial offensive in history was launched against the Continent. As a part of this offensive the Squadron took part in 29 missions before June 1st, attacking Airdromes, Marshalling Yards, and No-ball Installations. It was apparent by the end of May that D-Day was not too far in the future. For almost 10 consecutive days the Squadron flew two missions a day against targets concentrated in the Normandy and Pas de Calais sectors. Soon the results of this terrific bombardment began to slow their effects on the transportation facilities of the enemy and shortly after the Invasion started. The Field Commander paid Special tribute to all those who took part in the air offensive.

Or success was not achieved without casualties however. On May 12th while on a mission over the Amiens area, the ship flown by Lt. R.E. Stockwell received a direct hit by enemy flak and burst into flames. Lt. Stockwell, Lt. Albert Jedinak, S/Sgt.H. A. Foster, and S/Sgt. E.W. Rust were missing in action. An excellent photograph of the ship, which was taken by the Ninth Air Force Combat Photographer, was published in many of the leading U.S. papers and magazines.

The strength of the Squadron on May 31st was 274 enlisted men and 40 officers. But several changes, especially in officer personnel occurred. Lt. George Cowgill who had been with the squadron for many months was transferred to the Forth Gunnery and Tow Target Flight (SP), AAF Station 237. Lt. Arnold, Squadron Intelligence Officer was transferred to the Ninth Air Force Headquarters. Pilots transferred in the Squadron during the month included: Lt. _._. Henderson, Lt. _._. Wipperman and Lt. _._. York on May 4th; Lt. J.H. Miller and Lt. R.C. Morehouse on May 5th; Lt. _._. Herman, Lt. T. J. Murray and Lt. C. _. Estes on May 15th.

Shortly after June 1st the white markings of allied aircraft was painted on all the ships. There was some speculation as to the purpose of the markings but since our aircraft had been marked and remarked so many times previously, no one thought seriously that this was the final preparation for the invasion. On June 6 however, the combat crews assembled for an early morning mission were given the entire plan by Coloned H. L. Mace. Our part in the first phase of the attack was to destroy lines of transportation immediately behind the beachhead. On the morning of the first day we attacked road junctions and marshalling yards at Argentan and Ecouche, attacking for the first time from an altitude of 3000 feet. Later in the day crews of the squadron attacked the heavily defended Marshalling Yards at _ergveux. Both missions were successful, although the aircraft flown by Lt. R.A. Wipperman was lost due to enemy flak. S/Sgt. H. Ahrans and S/Sgt. L.C. Mazza were also missing.

Activities of the squadron were more limited because of weather during June than prviously. In spite of this handicap the squadron took part in 24 missions.

Lt. R.F. Pair hospitalized for several weeks as a result of a forced landing on second mission returned to the squadron on June 14th. For his display of unusual skill in landing a damaged plane he was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by Lt. General Brereton, Commanding General, Ninth Air Force. Other pilots assigned were Lt. D.E. Withington III on June 18th; Lt. _._. ___ on June 19th; and Lt. J.E. Lacovich on June 27th. Lt. T.W. ____ was assigned as Asst. Squadron Intelligence Officer on June 25th.

The necessary diversion was provided by local U.S.O. shows, nightly moving pictures, liberty-runs to Braintree and individual excursions in the countryside. Weekly dances at the Aero Club were the biggest entertainment feature for the enlisted men. For the officers the big social event of the month was the Club Dance held on June 2nd. At this affair members of the 671st squadron, led by Lt. Joseph A. Haubrich and Lt. John F. Cashell again amazed and amused the Group with their unusual ability to entertain the guests. Their efforts were so effective that it was impossible to completely disperse the party at the scheduled time. Such valuable contacts were made by other members of the squadron, also, that it has been necessary to run special convoys to Cambridge for them to satisfy their special desires.

By the end of June we were preparing for another phase of the war. The Squadron was given orders to be prepared to move to Normandy by July 7th. The campaign did not develop as rapidly as had been anticipated though, and the move was postponed.

Bad weather continued on into July with the result that by July 20th the Squadron had taken part in only 13 missions. One of these was the One-Hundredth Mission however, and proved to be one of the most effective efforts of the 416th Group. The target for this mission was Giberville ___just northeast of Caen. This was in close support of the British-Canadian drove in that sector. Within two hours after the attack the ground forces broke through the area and drove on deep into enemy territory.

The Squadron Party, a semi-annual affair, was held in the post beer hall on July 19th. A good supply of liquor, beer and food was set in, and shortly after the girls arrived, the squadron was in the midst of one of the most hilarious events of its history. By midnight the event closed without mishap and everyone meandered home apparently ready to carry on with the war.

During July and August a feeling of uncertainty prevailed in the entire Group. All rumors regardless of how official they seemed proved to be just bad guesses at perhaps wishful thinking. The "sack" strategists who originated the ideas that we were going to France, The United States, China, Burma, India, etc. finally gave up in despair and by the end of August the Group was still at Weathersfield.

Periods of bad weather limited operations for a short time during July but later in the month good weather coupled with the successful ground campaign in France kept the combat crews on the alert. On many days two were run and when the weather was too cloudy often times the pathfinder shps from Crent Saling were called upon to lead the formation. Most common targets during this period were bridges over the Siene River. Troop cooperations in the Falaise Gap and fuel dumps located several miles behind the front lines.

Through this period the combat crews continued their excellent performance. For the attack on the Compiegne Marshalling Yards, August 5th, the Group received a special commendation from General Anderson and Colonel Backus. Major Willetts and Lt. Royalty led that formation. The next day the Group attacked th Cissel Bridge below Rouen with excellen results. This attack also brought special commendation from higher headquarters.

The strain of combat began to effect some of the crews who by now had flown between forty and fifty missions. As a result many of the crews were given seven days leave. The whereabouts and conduct of the crews on these leaves would make an interesting story, but as yet nothing has happened to effect the history of the organization. Morale of the squadron during this period was very high.

Twenty-one missions were flown during July, and the first days of August the Group established a new record by flying eighteen missions. Many of these were close support missions requiring accurate precision bombing. In spite of the heavy strain on the crews they performed their tasks in an admirable fashion. Through their efforts the Group had soon built up an enviable record which compared very favorably with any Group of the Command. The workhorses among the Flight Leaders of the 671st Bomb Squadron were Capt. Lavern A. Marzolf, Lt. Hilary P. Cole, and Lt. Richard V. Wheeler. All three pilots had flown over fifty missions by the middle of July. Lt. John T. Beck, bombardier for Capt. Marzolf had several excellent bombing missions to his credit, while Lt. Henry T. Arrington and Lt. Robert J. Basnett, two older squadron members continued their good work.

As the activities of the squadron increased more men were needed to relieve both the combat crews and ground personnel. As a result the strength of the squadron had increased to forty-eight officers and ninety-five enlisted men by August 20th.

As autumn approached, the 416th Bombardment Group (L), now a veteran combat unit, had undergone many changes of personnel, none which directly effected the 671st Bomb Squadron (L). Colonel Harold Mace, the Group Commanding Officer was given command of the 98th Bomb Combat Wing (M). Previous to his transfer Lt. Colonel Thomas R. Ford assumed command of the 409th Bombardment Group (L). Lt. Colonel Theodore Aylesworth became the new commanding officer of the 416th Bombardment Group (L) and Lt. Colonel Walter Farmer was listed as Missing in Action after the attack on Cissel Bridge near Rouen. His position was filled by Major William J. Meng, Commanding Officer of the 670th Bomb Squadron. Major Lloyd F. Dunn, Operations Officer of the 671st Bomb Squadron (L) replaced Major William J. Meng after serving only a few days as assistant Group Operations Officer. Captain Kean R. Noors from the 670th Bomb Squadron (L) took charge of operations in the 671st Bomb Squadron (L). After all transfers and replacements were completed the combat crews of the squadron read as follows:

Operations Officer Commanding Officer Asst. Operations Off.

Capt. Kean R. Moore Major D.L. Willetts Capt. S.H. Hixon

Lt. P. G. Royalty

T/Sgt. F.H. Larronde

S/Sgt. H. A. Lempka

"A" Flight "B" Flight "C" Flight

Lt. F.BW. DeMand Capt. R.P. Cole Capt. L. A. Marzolf

Lt. A.C. Burns Lt. R.J. Basnett Lt. J. T. Beck

S/Sgt. R.J. Troyer S/Sgt.F. R. Chvatel S/Sgt. H.A. Wellin

S/Sgt. C.W.Middleton S/Sgt. B.C. Fandre S/Sgt. L. C. Rutter

Lt. W.A. Merchant Lt. J.C. Gary Lt. M. Zubon

S/Sgt. C.J. Harp Sgt. A.E. Schoem T/Sgt.J. R. Tanner

S/Sgt. _._. Brown Sgt.R.W. Cheuvront S/Sgt. _.C. Russell

Lt. A.N. Durante Lt. F.W. Henderson Lt. N.D. Perkins

S/Sgt.N.T. Best T/Sgt. R.W. Griswold S/Sgt. V.N. Sherry

S/Sgt. I.R. DeGiusti S/Sgt. _.E. Coulombe S/Sgt. R.H. Linneman

Lt. R.W. York Lt. D.S. Withington Lt. C.L. Estes

S/Sgt. J. Wilds Sgt. C.F. Huss S/Sgt. C.R. Orvold

S/Sgt. LA. Ashton Sgt. L.D. McElhattan S/Sgt. A.E. DiMartino

"D" Flight "E" Flight "F" Flight

Lt. J.D. Adams Lt. _._. Wheeler Lt. R.R. Greenley

Lt. R.J. Hanlen Lt. H.T. Arrington Lt. R.R. Mitchell

S/Sgt. P.L. Clearman S/Sgt.K.L. Johnson S/Sgt. H.C. Worden

S/Sgt. A.J. Feikus S/Sgt. J.L. Czech S/Sgt.J.J. Rzepka

Lt. R.H. Smith Lt. R.C. Morehouse Lt. H. Ames

S/Sgt.J. Mahoney S/Sgt. LA. Zygiel Sgt. H. S. Fessler

S/Sgt. R.R. Davis S/Sgt. A.J. Burgess Sgt.R.J.Brown

Lt. H.F. Pair Lt. A.E. Herman Lt. J.J. Lackovich

S/Sgt. H.A. Marion S/Sgt. A.D. Garrett Sgt. T. Connery

S/Sgt. V.P. Adams S/Sgt.J.E. Young Sgt. R.M. Barry

Lt. Everett T. Platter (The Beard), a former flight leader was transferred to Group Operations acting as Group Training Officer.

With this array of combat talent the squadron was well prepared to attack any target selected for them during the campaign in the west. By this time the Ground Forces had broke through the enemy lines on the beach-head and were in the process of encircling the German seventh army. The 416th Group was assigned many missions in close support of this effort. Such missions as the successful attacks on Rouen, ___llens, Fuel dumps near____ntan and _lecon are proof that the Group aided materially in encircling the enemy at the ____ Gap and later trapping him at the Seine River.

As the Allies drove on into France, their supply lines became more extended. Finally to alleviate this situation General Eisenhower ordered the Air Forces to attack Brest until it was captured. It first appeared that the flight to Brest was beyond our range so arrangements were made for the Group to attack the target and land at St. Hawgin to refuel. Although extended almost to the limit, some of the planes were able to make it back to the base without refueling. However, Brest was often protected by a heavy layer of clouds making it necessary for the Group to return several times before dropping their bombs. This was much to the likig of the men in the Squadron for Brest proved to be a "Cake Run" on most occasions. When flights to Brest were getting monotonous, boys of the 671st did their part to add a bit of color and excitement to the affair. While over the target on of the engines of Lt. Merchant's plane caught fire. "Feather" immediately ordered his gunners to bail out while he nursed the plane along one engine till he reached a landing strip at Morlaix. The gunners, S/Sgt. C.J. Harp and S/Sgt.R.P. Brown returned the next day on a C-47 but for some reason, Feather was not to be found, although his airplane was known to have landed safely. Three days later Feather ended the search and killed his MIA report in the personnel basket when he phoned the Operations Officer from Southern England asking for transportation back to the base.

When Brest was captured, targets in France were very limited. The Third Army which had raced through France was now meeting stiffer resistance and was soon calling for air support in the Metz-Nancy sector. This was also at extreme range, but several targets were attacked by the Group in that area. One of these missions, the attack of Foret De Haye near Nancy, proved to be the best job of bombing done by the Group. Eleven crews of the 671st Bomb Squadron (L) participated in this flight with Major Willetts leading the first box and Captain Wheeler leading the second box, his first mission as box leader. When the mission was complete and the photos developed, it was found that all six flights had scored excellent hits on the target causing terrific explosions with smoke coming almost as high as the formation.

The complete success of the mission as more surprising when Captain Wheeler and Lieutenant Arrington revealed that they had flown the entire route and dropped their bombs without interphone communications. The same day, 12 September, the Group with six crews from the 671st Squadron attacked the first target in Germany asssigned to any IX Bomber Command unit when they bombed the Marshalling Yards at S. Wendell.

Since it was quite apparent that the war was rapidly running out of our range many rumors as to when and where we would move again spread throughout the Group. Speculation was soon ended with an announcement over the ____ System on the afternoon of September 14th that all military personnel were restricted to the base. The next morning after spending all evening checking clothes, handing out rations and ammunition, briefing and packing, the advanced echelon moved off the base to the Port of Debarkation at Southhampton. There are many and varied stories about this trip from Wethersfield to our present base near Melan, but in spite of the expected hardships, everyone needed to have a good time. The rear echelon remained on operations at Weathersfield flying one mission against enemy dikes connecting the island of Alcheren with the mainland..

For some unknown reason ( at least to us ) the rear echelon was flown over the channel to the new base in C-47's four days ahead of schedule. The rear motor echelon left later and after enjoying the hospitality of Southern England and the Royal Navy for several days landed at Utah Beach and proceeded on to Melun.

Life amid the ruins of what was once the Melun Air Base was rougher than anything we had encountered in the combat zone. Many of the men were even comparing it with those rough and rugged bivouac day we spent at Laurel, Mississippi; almost a year ago. Since the Jerries had done such an expert job of demolition and bombing there was not a building left standing on the field. Hence it was necessary to pitch pup tents and live on emergency rations. Perhaps this life was the cause of such a cooperative effort on the part of the men when the order was given to pitch the Squad tents and set up the squadron area.

Within a week the tents were up, the new kitchen built and the entire squadron area including the engineering line was operating as efficiently as at the old base in England.

Speed was necessary to keep pace with the other units and the demands of headquarters. Shortly after the planes arrived a mission in support of the Third Army was set up. Once again cloudy weather which seem quite common this time of the year in France was the cause of another scrub. The first mission from Melun Airfield or A-55 was an attacked on the Foret De Frorrey near Metz on 27 September 1944. Six crews from the 671st Bomb Squadron (L) were in this formation. Major Willetts led the Group formation, including thirteen 671st Bomb Squadron (L) crews against the same target the next day. On e of the most disastrous events in its history befell the squadron on 29 September 1944. While attacking a target near Julich, Germany that afternoon an intense heavy flak barrage accounted for three of our aircraft, Lt. DeMand's ship, leading the third flight of the second box received a direct hit in the gas tank and exploded in mid-air. As a result of the same barrage the ships flown by Lt. York and Lt. Norchouse were seen going down in the target area. Other men missing were Lt. A.C. Burns (B/N), S/Sgt. R.J. Troyer, S/Sgt. _._. Middleton, S/Sgt H.J. Wilds, S/Sgt. L.A. Ashton, S/Sgt. A.J. Burgess and S/Sgt. L.A. Zygiel.

October missions for the Group seem to be well centered around the Lachen-Cologne area where the First U.S. Army is forging a break through the Siegfried Line into the industrial Rhur Valley. This had been a well-defended area since the allied air offensive started and thus far every mission flown in that sector has encountered moderate to intense flak.

Many of the older crewmembers are approaching the sixty-five missions mark after which they are taken off operations to await a return trip to the States. Already T/Sgt. J.H.L. Tanner, S/Sgt. P.L. Clearman and S/Sgt. J.L. Czech have finished their tour and several other gunners are sweating out their last missions. Replacements are already on hand or arriving, making the squadron strength 308 enlisted men and 61 officers on 15 October 1944.

During October and November the 416th Bombardment Group (L) made the most important transition in it's combat history. Since the activation of the group every type of A-20 from the "A" modification through the "R" modification has been flown, but never before had it's name been associated with any other type of aircraft. That precedent was broken one afternoon in the middle of October when sixteen A-26 aircraft circled the field and landed. Much to the surprise of most everyone on the base, the personnel of this mobile training unit commanded by Major Ferris, stated that they were told to report to this base and check out the combat and ground crews in the A-26. Needless to say the usual rumors as to the change of combat tactics swept through the group and squadron but the veteran rumor mongers were shocked by the fact that this major change had taken place without them even suspecting it. To speed up the transition one squadron at a time was changed from combat operations to training status until all four squadrons were checked out. The 671st Squadron was the second squadron to train with the new plane. This transition was made much more difficult and tedious by long spells of cold foggy weather, which often closed in on the field while the airplanes were in the air. Some airplanes and crews of other squadrons were lost trying to land in the fog and many pilots were forced to fly back to England. This hazardous weather limited operations of the Group also, to combat missions being flown from October 17 to November 17.

French weather received much verbal abuse from the men in the squadron. The squad tents in which they lived were very fresh and breezy during those cold nights and that "liberated" French said turned smeary mire in the fall rains. Wood chopping was the most thriving enterprise in the squadron. However being a very progressive and ingenious squadron every effort was made to supplant the wood eating sibley stoves with some labor saving device. Rube Goldberg oil burning stoves of every description were soon in use in almost every building and tent. As the nights grew colder the oil burners became hotter until one brisk morning one of the officers in the Operations Building turned the oil control valve wide open and went to breakfast. The excess oil ran out onto the floor and in spite of all emergency methods used the flaming structure was rapidly enveloped in flames. All occupants lost most of their personal possessions and the sporadic popping of ammunition made salvage work dangerous. Oil stoves became very unpopular and wood chopping was again a booming industry.

Toward the middle of November the weather cleared somewhat and the need for air support became urgent. On November 17 the Group flew their first mission using A-26 airplanes with A-20 airplanes leading each flight. The target was a supply warehouse at Hagenau, France. Ten crews of the 671st Squadron participated in the mission with Captain Cole and Captain Wheeler leading two flights. On November 18, Lt. Col. Willetts, promoted from Major on 15 October 1944, and Captain Wheeler led the boxes of the formation attacking a Bridge at _reisach, on the French-German border. Both of their flights bombed with excellent results.

Although the A-26 was a highly touted airplane, most combat crewmembers kid not like it as well as the Havoc. Its increased speed, fire power and bomb load were definite assets, but the difficulty of flying good formation in addition to the expected technical "bugs" were a source of worry to most of the pilots. Maintenance crews also experienced difficulty keeping the airplanes on operational status. Most of the problems that were major importance were overcome when the combat crews became more familiar with the aircraft.

At this stage of the allied campaign the German troops were forced out of France and Belgium and were fighting stubbornly to defend their homeland. Every small town was hastily turned into a fort or a haven in which to hide tanks and motorized vehicles during the day when allied fighter-bombers were prowling up and down the line shooting up anything that moved. During the nights when the motorized equipment was operating infantry troops were returned from the lines to these villages to sleep. As a result of this type of warfare, every small town in the path of the allies became an important target. This was the type of target that the Four Hundredth Sixteenth Bomb Group was bombing during November and early December. The high quality of bombing was maintained with the Pair-Corum, Brown-Kerns teams establishing themselves as capable box and flight leaders.

Toward the middle of January when Von Munstedts forces broke through allied lines in Belgium the group again was called on to give close support to the ground forces and aid in disrupting communications behind the Nazi lines.

Life in the squadron area became more settled during this period although the usual rumors about possible moves kept most men from finding winter homes near the base.

Thanksgiving Day was celebrated in the usual army style. A full course Turkey dinner with all the trimmings was served and only a skeleton force was kept on duty during the day.

During the last week in November word was received that the congressional committee was planning to visit station A-55. As usually everyone was kept busy policing the area and preparing the program for the visitors. Finally on foggy wet morning the party arrived and after a whirlwind visit of the headquarters and squadron areas they left for wing headquarters. Apparently the station passed their inspection with flying colors.

The 671st Squadron played host to several groups of Bomber Command one afternoon when a parade was held in the squadron area for the purpose of presenting awards to crew members. Major General Anderson presented several men of the command with special awards at this ceremony. From the squadron Peter G. Royalty, Bombardier-Navigator, was presented with the Silver Star, William A. Merchant, Pilot, was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Ronald D. Perkins, Pilot, with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

As the older crew members came nearer the end of their tour of sixty-five (65) missions some were sent on temporary duty to other bases. Others finished their tour end returned to the United States. By December 30th, Lt. Ronald D. Perkins, Captain Hilary P. Cole, Lt. James D. Adams, Lt. Harold D. Andrews, and Lt. Robert Smith, all pilots, had returned to the United States.

The following gunners had also finished their tour and were on the way home: S/Sgt. Norden, S/Sgt. Rzepka, S/Sgt. Griswold, S/Sgt. Fandre, S/Sgt. Cook, S/Sgt. Wellin, S/Sgt. Lempka, S/Sgt. Chvatal, S/Sgt. DeGiusti, S/Sgt. Adams, S/Sgt. Johnson, and S/Sgt. Marion.

The Squadron strength on 20 January was 60 Officers and 304 Enlisted Men.

The German Army that was supposed to be tethering on its last legs startled the world in mid December by lashing out at the weakest point of the allied lines in the west and forcing our troops back several miles. That one time the target was so serious that the 416th Bombardment Group was put on a six-hour alert status to evacuate airfield A- 55. All units on the base doubled their guard; the base defense program was revealed to meet the threat of paratroopers, spies and saboteurs. Crews were alerted to fly the airplanes to another field if necessary.

As the allied lines became more stable the need for such a rigid defense policy decreased, but target in close support of the Bulge Drive were ordered for the Group and special mission crews were alerted for several days. It seemed that the time to test the new Invader as a versatile combat plane had arrived. A special mission calling for the Group to bomb and strafe was ordered on 26 December 1944. Due to miscalculating in the time for dropping target markers by the escorting P47's the formation of six aircraft did not bomb or strafe. Enemy flak was intense, however, and one aircraft was lost while all six sustained battle damage. No members of the 671st Bomb Squadron participated in this mission.

On 23 January the same type of mission was ordered again for twelve aircraft of the Group. Six crews of the 671st Bomb Squadron led by Captain Tutt and Lieutenant Beck participated in this mission. On this occasion weather conditions were unfavorable making it impossible for the flight to maintain formation at the bombing altitude, and soon flak was coming up from all directions.

With the flight broken up every crew was on its own. Captain Tutt's aircraft received several flak hits injuries. Lt. Beck was hit knocking out his radio and hydraulic system. Since he was unable to bomb and his aircraft was badly damaged, Captain Tutt, following the course charted by his injured navigator, Lt. Beck, crash landed safely at airfield A-69.

Captain Nielson, operations officer who replaced Captain Moore on 20December, was injured when flak shattered his Plexiglas windshield. He lost consciousness temporarily while at 8000 feet and regained his senses at 1000 feet just in time to level out and complete his mission. As soon as possible he opened his Bomb-bay doors and bombed the village of ___. Since his eyes were filled with shattered Plexiglas and the windshield was broken he could not see to strafe. He landed successfully at A-68.

Flight Officer Wilson when he saw that the formation was broken up over enemy territory bombed the town of Brun, then went down and strafed Schlieden and returned safely to an emergency airfield.

Lieutenant Herman and Lieutenant Murray were unable to bomb or strafe and returned safely to an emergency field.

All men of the flight were taken in to Bomber Division immediately for a consultation with General Anderson. The General seemed satisfied with the accomplishments of the Group and personally commended Captain Nielson and Flight Officer Wilson for their extraordinary achievements.

Amid all the excitement and confusion, Christmas and New Years passed with very little celebration. The usual excellent Christmas Dinner was served but since the Group was experiencing one of its most costly days in combat the spirit of the occasion was missing.

As a reality that the war was still close at hand, one German aircraft strafed the airfield during the Christmas season. About one o'clock on the morning of 27 December the enemy airplane came down on the deck and strafed the area between the 671st and the 670th Bomb Squadron. Although there were no casualties, many persons were unpleasantly surprised at the speed with which they could negotiate the distance between their warm bed and their cold foxholes. Some men are still puzzled as to now they got into the fox hole while others inspected the tents thoroughly to find that new holes were opened on their way out. Straw lined deep foxholes were dug immediately the following day. Air raids continued and several small towns in the area were strafed but the enemy did not bomb or strafe A-55 again.

By mid January the German break through was well under control and the Russian offensive had replaced the German Bulge on the headlines.

The Squadron strength on 20 January 1945 was 59 officers and 298 enlisted men.

As the situation on the front developed in favor of the allies, the Group again made plans to move closer to the battle area. On 5 January 1945 the advanced party moved to station A-69 to prepare the field for occupation by the rest of the Group. Many shuttle runs were made between the two stations before the remainder of the squadron moved by truck convoy and train on 14th and 15 February.

The new base was much more crowded then A-55 making proper dispersal of aircraft impossible. After a quick survey of the squadron area it was apparent that we had profited by the move. A tent area was located on a well-drained area around a centrally located mess hall. Again the superior mess hall, which had earned several commendations for Lt. _ow and S/Sgt. McClug was set up. This was a welcome sight to those of the advanced echelon who had been living on emergency rations and other squadrons' mess for several days.

One of the first missions to take off from the new field proved to be one of the most costly for the squadron. While attacking an ordnance depot at Cenna, Germany, the Group encountered intense accurate flak, which damaged at least twenty-three aircraft of the formation. Flight Officer Wilson has not returned from this mission. No one has any knowledge as to where or when he may have been hit or how seriously the aircraft may have been damaged.

Indications at this time are that targets of a more strategic nature will be attacked until the western front becomes more active.

By mid February the squadron was settled down to the task of improving the living and working conditions at the new base. Because of a shortage of good lumber all the tent floors and some of the buildings from A-55 were moved to A-69. The move turned out to be a decided improvement and the morale of the troops was high.

58 Officers and 296 enlisted men were on the squadron roster on 20 February 1945.

On 18 March 1945 the Group attacked the Marshalling Yards at Worms, Germany as a part of the air plan to pave the way for General Patton's Third Army. Apparently all the punch had not yet been knocked out of the enemy in this area, for as the 671st flight turned off the target a burst of flak knocked out the aircraft flown by Lieutenant Jokinen. Although immediate news at to the chances of the crew being safe were discouraging, more optimistic reports were brought bac for the front by Lieutenant Cocke who found the airplane in good shape after a crash landing.

On 24 March 1945 the huge Allied landing east of the Rhine took place. Before long all positions were consolidated and following other crossings by al the Allied Armies the enemy was again retreating rapidly ahead of our Armies. So fast was the advance that soon the Group was forced to its effective range to reach the bomb line. By the end of March speculation as to the future of the squadron was again the main topic of conversation.

65 officers and 284 enlisted men comprised the total strength of the Squadron on 31 March 1945.