Bombs Away...Hells Angels

Missouri Mule K30

I have spent some time reading all the missions flown by the 303rd Bomb Group (H), all 364. Taking in all the information, every mission, takes some time.

This is just "one Bombardment Group" out of many, of the Eighth Army Air Force. Perhaps up to 40 Aircraft during a mission, made by up to a thousand Aircraft, and more, over HOSTILE SKIES.

I would not like to explain what I have read, but because I believe that to read it yourself would be a more humbling experience.

Take some time and "Remember" the Brave Men that were there.

If someone could post up the link better than I, Please do so.

http://www.303rdbg.com/missions.html

discusdad

great reading! thanks for this link

discusdad

read Mission # 006! the shot down plane was recovered by the German's and Marked accordingly to be used by the Luftwaffe. interesting!

Oakie

That was some cool missions. I bookmarked it to read later. 006 was a good read. Imagine the look on american pilots faces, when they seen that b17 with German markings[:0] Too bad we never shot it down, or did we???? wonder what ever happened to it??? Be interesting to find out. Oakie

spasmcreek

friday eve we lost a WW2 bomber pilot....92 yrs old...told me he flew off of grass stips in England...i asked him about the movie Memphis Belle and he said it was fairly accurate about the way it happened..he went down while attending a basketball game last Friday eve between us and another for 1st place in our league...we won....he was at the games in Topeka in 1976 when our small town team took NO 1 that league in state final...his son played on that team... had a room in his home filled with memorabilia and medals from his flying days...very proud of his service....RIP with respect and honor

shilowar

My dad had a WWII 8th ARMY Air Force Bombardier as a neighbor. He had a board in his house where he displayed bomb pins that he collected from each mission he flew during the war. He is long dead now, I hope his children saved that piece of history.

discusdad

did anyone else reading these mission reports notice all the "aborted mission" entries? lots of mechanical issues. but i guess with all the problems inherent with remote locations and maintainence/overhaul coupled with battle damage, i reckon they were lucky to keep flying.

Missouri Mule K30

Very interesting to read and see the evolvement of the way the war was conducted on both sides.

Most of the Aircraft was new equipment at the beginning of the war, being put into action after a short time, ground crew with pre flight checks the only advanced notice of any problem before takeoff.

Long flights coupled with high altitudes and heavy loads, if one engine was out your crew was at a serious disadvantage. Being shot down was the probable outcome.

Brave Men Indeed.

discusdad

Mission 033 bombs the General Motors and Ford auto plants in Antwerp Belgium.noteworthy of this is Thunderbolts shooting down Spitfires, bombers shooting at both. Updated recognition classes were recommended by all groups participating in this run...also Capt CLARK GABLE was filming his COMBAT AMERICA documentary and also manning the radio room 50 cal.