headquarters flight c 1st vh photo recon sq history

8/3/2019 Headquarters Flight C 1st VH Photo Recon Sq History

1/30

HEADQUARTERSFLIGHT C

1ST (VH) PHOTO RECON SQAPO 210 1

HISTORYNOVEMBER - DECEMBER JANUARY

The XX Bomber Command began combat operations with photo reconnaissanceas an appendage to the groups. What photographs were needed to supp-lement those supplied through other channels were procured by design-nating one or two combat ships of each group to go on photo sorties.Their work was mainly confined to post strike damage evaluation photo-graphs and to get the latest pictures of the targets that were on thepriority list.

However this limited coverage had to expand to keep up with the rapidlymounting combat missions and the progress that was being made in thePacific. It was obvious that this highly specialized work had to bedivorced from the groups and begin an independent life.

The first step in this direction occurred during the last week ofOctober when Major Harry B. Allen took command of the combat super-fortresses then assigned to photo work and took the responsibility ofdirecting their modus operandi. These ships and crews operated fromthe four XX Bomber Command Bases located in the Chengtu area of China.The Headquarters of the 40th Bomb Group and the XX Bomber Command sit-uated at Hsinching, China (A-1) were also the Headquarters of MajorAllen, and the photo laboratory where the films were processed. AnL-5, was used for hops to the surrounding Group Bases by Major Allen,and to deliver and pick up film.

Major Allen, did not obtain the first member of his staff until an

Intelligence Officer, Captain E. H. Greene, arrived during the firstweek of December. As the month progressed an executive officer, astatistical officer, operations officer and an adjutant were added tothe staff. During the last week in December and the first days of Jan-uary this skeleton took on some firm flesh by absorbing personnel intoits life stream.

On December 2nd a new B-29 photo ship known in the business as F-13Aarrived in China. Before the last week of December rolled around fourof these ships were in operation still augmented by the combat shipsand still operating from their respective group bases.

On 24th December this dispersed organization was assembled to operateat A-1. This was another milestone passed on the road to detached

operation. Yet the skipper Major Allen, an able veteran in photo re-connaissance work, with a lot of time spent in photo mapping of Burmaand China had still to look to the 40th Bomb Group and the BomberCommand for supplies, administration and shelter. As the new personnelwere assimilated the various tasks performed by others were graduallytransferred to the now fast growing [organization]. 2

- 1 -


2/30

2

All the new arrivals were billeted in two hostels located approximatelya mile west of the line and runway. The enlisted men used Hostel 2-Dand the Officers 2-C with all hands messing in Hostel 2-D. These twohostels were formerly used by the combat crews of the 40th Bomb Group.

The second week of January saw the various maintenance departments ofthe new organization set up house on the line away from the 40th Group.On the northwest side of the runway and close to the newly establishedline is Chinese Hostel #8. this hostel of 11 large buildings was takenover from the Chinese military Forces to shelter our equipment and suppliesand to serve as offices for operations, intelligence, armament, radar,engineering and tech supply.

The squadron orderly room was housed in a room at Hostel 2-C; here alsoin other rooms the transportation and supply sections established them-selves.

On 22 January the squadron stopped work on setting up their newly ac-quired sites because they fell heir to the supplies, equipment, andhousing buildings left behind by the 40th Bomb Group and the XX Bomber

Command.

These two forward detachments have been recalled to the rear area there-fore out line has moved out to Hostel #8 and the line formerly occupiedby the 40th Bomb Group and the compound evacuated by the Bomber Commandwas taken over for administrative and operational offices. In themeantime Hostel #1 became the new home for both officers and enlistedmen.

Equipment and supplies which for the most part were meager now acquiredthe status of moderate to intense, thanks to the donors.

OPERATIONS

During the last week of October and through the month of November therewere eight combat superforts operating as photo Joes. The 40th and 468thGroups participated with two aircraft. The 444th and 462nd Groups alloted 31 and 3 respectively. For full particulars see attached exhibit #1.

The ships flew 14 sorties and 8 missions. Their operations comprisedof XX Bomber Command post strike photos for damage assessment and pre-strike for Intelligence Reconnaissance. The following targets and areaswere covered: Luzon, Omuta, Sasobo, Omura, Shinchiku and all othertargets of importance on Formosa, Nanking, Liangshan, Shanghai, Fusan,Kukuoka, Tachiarai and Tosu.

These B-29s were equipped with the following types of cameras: K-18,

K-22 and K-24 also the K-17B Trimetrogon.

- 2 -


3/30

3

During this period of flying over enemy territory our photo joes 4 didnot suffer any loss or damage due to enemy action.

December

During this month our activities increased. In addition to the usualpre-strike and post strike reconnaissance for XX Bomber Command Operationswe assumed new duties to aid the Navy and General Mac Arthur in thecoming invasion of Luzon.

This auxiliary operation commenced on 24th December and lasted until5 January 1945. There were two phases in this two sortie daily op-eration. One was to comb the island of Kyushu to determine the lo-cation of all airfields and the striking power the Jap Air Forcepossessed. The other phase was to work close in with the Navy and reportto them all enemy shipping encountered over the long overwater flightsto the enemys homeland. The second phase proved to be of inestimablevalue to the Navy in waylaying the Nip convoys as the war in the Pacificapproached a climax. Our squadron received a letter of commendationfrom the Navy (see exhibit #2) for the accurate reporting which culmin-

ated in successful tactical operations. The information of the enemysorder of battle furnished by this squadron without doubt had a vitaleffect on our planning for the Luzon invasion. Other missions wereflown over Hankow, Shanghai and Mukden.

During December operations there were 13 aircraft participating in-cluding 4 new F-13s. They flew 25 sorties and 22 missions.

We suffered one operational loss on the last week of the year when #225belonging to the 40th Bomb Group crashed approaching the field for land-ing. With one engine feathered, another caught on fire as it nearedthe field. All of the crew bailed out except the pilot, Capt Thomas,whose body was found in the wreckage. The Co-Pilot, Lt Fitzpatrick,bailed out last and was killed because his chute did not have time toopen.

January

The two a day program ended on the 5th at which time the combat photoJoes returned to their respective groups leaving photo reconn operations tothe F-13s which now numbered 5, one being added during the firstweek of the new year. Continuing our support of the Luzon invasion thesquadron turned its attention to the Island of Formosa and the surround-ing waters. the 5 Kyushu operations were repeated, in addition our shipsacted as weather scouts and directing strikes of the XX Bomber Commandon Formosa targets by flying in advance of the first elements and directingtheir course to visual targets. After the XX Bomber Command withdrew

from this theater and the Mac Arthur Navy team had Luzon well in handour squadron turned its attention towards photo mapping missions. Workwas started on southern Manchuria, Korea, and Central and Northern China.

- 3 -


4/30

4

During this period 9 Aircraft participated. They flew 29 sorties and18 missions. No losses or damage occurred.

During the month on two occasions while on missions in the Mukden 6 areaour ships were intercepted by Jap fighters. The score was Jap tojo,zero F-13A #567 destroyed one out of one attacking. In the secondencounter the score was again Jap nick, zero F-13A #864 destroyed oneout of three attacking.

The crews of the combat ships were veterans of many bombing missionswhile for the most part the crews of the F-13s were green and new tothis theater. However they all performed their assigned duties in avery efficient manner. When the men saw how their untiring work fittedinto the whole Japanese campaign and how it contributed to the successof our forces in the Philippine invasion and the naval activities whichplay such an important part in the pacific war, their enthusiasm andinterest in this work mounted to a new high.

A problem in the modification of Radar Control was encountered. Sincethe photo Joes do not have a Radar Operator in the Radar compartment the

scope in the Navigators compartment is useless for Navigation withoutcontrols. The problem of tuning for the purpose of obtaining scopepictures is also present. To make the maximum use of this valuableequipment there is no doubt that modifications are in order or the em-ployment of a radar operator in combat ships is necessary.

Another problem which confronted photo Joes is the lack of check points foraccurate navigation. An area to be photographed many times does not haveany check points especially in the wilds of Manchuria and Korea.Even turning points are difficult to establish because the terrain ismonotonously similar particularly at the high altitudes flown on thesemissions. We discovered that photos obtained on previous missionsserved as good check points. All officers, enlisted men and Aircraftassigned to this organization are on detached service from other organ-izations.

The official nomenclature of the squadron was changed about the middleof January from the First Very Heavy Reconn Squadron to XX Bomber Commandphoto 7 Reconn Detachment.

The personnel strength which until the last week in December was almostnil except for the crews and the skipper has now grown to 43 officersand 214 enlisted men.

- 4 -


5/30

5

(Exhibit #1)

Operations for Period Oct 26 Nov 30

GROUP A/C NUMBER SORTIES FLOWN PHOTO MISSIONS462 312 1 040 420 1 1

579 1 0444 360 2 1462 312 2 0

209 1 1346 1 1

468 415 3 2471 2 1

--- ---14 7

Operations for period 1-31 December 44

GROUP A/C NUMBER SORTIES FLOWN PHOTO MISSIONS

40 225(lost) 2 1854* 8 1 1297 1 0

444 723 2 2736 2 2855* 1 1

462 590 3 3230 2 2864* 2 2711 1 1

468 567* 4 4445 3 3415 1 0

--- ---25 22

Operations for Period 1-31 Jan 45

GROUP A/C NUMBER SORTIES FLOWN PHOTO MISSIONS40 854* 7 540 795 1 1444 736 1 0444 855* 3 1462 540 1 1462 864* 7 4462 865* 5 3462 230 1 1

468 567* 3 3468 445 2 2

--- ---31 21

*F-13A

- 5 -


6/30

6

(Exhibit 2)

COMMENDATION OF XX BOMBRECOMMND BY ADMIRAL W. F. HALSEY, JR.

Admiral Halseys 9 dispatch of commendation to General Lemay and the XXBomber Command shows:

1. The value of complete and accurate sightings reports.2. Appreciation of accurate bombing of support targets.3. This commendation applies equally to the work of combat and

photo mission aircraft.

* * * * * *

From Chunking (Navy) Secret(242031z Jan. 1945)

COM THIRD FLEET TWO ONE ZERO SIX ZERO SEVEN FOR INFO LEMAY ALSO INFODEPCOMAF TWENTY ARNOLD X COMNAV GROUP CHINA QUOTE PLEASE CONVEY TOLEMAY AND ARNOLD MY SINCERE AND VERY VERY GREAT APPRECIATION OFTHE SPLENDID COOPERATION THE THIRD FLEET HAS RECEIVED FROM THE TWENTIETHAIR FORCE IN THE FORM OF SUPPORTING STRIKES X INVALUABLE SIGHTINGSREPORTS AND PHOTO INTERPRETATIONS X GOOD UNDERSTANDING COOPERATION ISTHE BEST PROOF THAT WE NOW HAVE AN ALL SERVICES AMERICAN FIGHTING TEAMUNQUOTE.

- 6 -


7/30

7



FEBRUARY HISTORY

The squadron had become definitely settled with every man in his notchto carry on the work assigned to him. The XX Bomber Command informedus that we were no longer a detachment of Bomber Command but were hence-forth identified as Flight C of the 1st Very Heavy ReconnaissanceSquadron.

On the 10th of the month our precincts on the line, at the 1st Hosteland at the compound were invaded by the 308th Bomb Group of the 14thAir Force. This was a friendly invasion which necessitated a consoli-dation of out positions to give them room to set up shop. This wasdone in a very amicable fashion to the satisfaction of both parties.Major Allen, our skipper, extended every courtesy at his command to

help the 308th

establish itself at this base. Our squadron officerslent a helping hand with supplies, material plus the benefit of our ex-periences.

The daily morning staff meetings which Major Allen instituted in Januaryhave now become SOP. Any question or problem arising in the differentsections is brought up at these meetings. After the business sessionis over a short news summary is presented.

Lt Col H. D. Brown of the XX Bomber Command paid us a visit from the 1 1113th to the 19th of the month. Playing the role of Godfather he camebearing PX supplies and whatever aid he could offer to make our loteasier. He took an inventory of our supplies to see where the BomberCommand could help. To get a complete picture of our operational needshe received first hand information by flying a mission over southernManchuria and Korea.

We had two staff changes, at the beginning of the Month, Capt Grishmanreturned to the rear area and Lt Snyder took over. Our other change wasin the medical department when flight Surgeon Capt Keil replaced CaptJorgenson.

Operations

With XX Bomb Groups operating from the rear area our mission now be-came uninterrupted mapping of northern and Central China, Southern Man-churia and Korea.

On 3 February a Blanket of gloom fell on the squadron when A/C 42-93854failed to return to base long after it was due from a mission overSouthern Manchuria. The following message was received from the aircraft

- 1


8/30

8

when it was at 40N 121E at 020015z, number two engine trouble,losing oil, will not feather, returning to base. The aircraft waspiloted by Capt A. J. Humby, a very able and experienced pilot there-fore ever one kept their hopes up to hear good news from the crew.It was not until the 17th of February that we received news that CaptHumby and his crew were forced to abandon ship and that every memberof the crew was safe and in good health. They are now wards of theCommunist Army walking home. Names of the crew attached.

The weather and sick crews were responsible in curtailing our operationsfor most of the month, however our engineering section took advantageof the lapse in operations by putting every aircraft in excellentmechanical condition plus making engine changes.

To alleviate the condition created by sick crew a substitute crewarrived from the rear area to augment the existing flying personnel.Their names are attached hereto.

Enemy opposition during the month was non existent in the air and meagerfrom the ground. Four patrolling Tojos near Mukden and another an hour

later were sighted but none attacked nor pressed closer than 2,000 yards.The Japs poured a lot of flak at our boys whenever they passed overtheir industrial areas but none of it was close or effective thereforewe did not suffer any casualties or damage.

Naval sightings whenever weather permitted continued to pour in forthe benefit of the Navy. Jap freighters and tankers were the mostcommon with an occasional destroyer escort.

On 2 February 1st Lt John C. Snyder took charge of the photo lab sectionwhen Capt Irving Grisham received a new assignment.

The photo lab prior to 2 February spent all of its time in processingand printing the aerial roll film used on reconnaissance missions withlittle or no time devoted to camera maintenance. To obviate any cameramalfunction in flight Lt Snyder organized a camera repair and maintenancesection. A school was set up on the line attended by aerial photographersand camera maintenance men. Here an open discussion brought to lightall the difficulties encountered in camera maintenance and operation.

The following problems were brought up: (1) Frosting of camera men andview finders within the ship. (2) Constant pin shearange in the A-7type magazine. (3) Frequent operational failure of the A-9 typemagazine. (4) Electrical system failure in the camera control panels.(5) Consistent blowing of fuses both in the camera control panel andin the camera bodies. (6) Moisture condensation on the film withinthe magazine resulting in spotty film. (7) Devising a system of marking

film in flight to avoid complete confusion when handling a large numberof rolls.

- 2


9/30

9

The squadron attempted to solve some of these problems in the followingmanner: (1) To overcome frosting a blower unit was installed in oneship by our engineering department, however this also has not provensatisfactory. It is believed that an improved design will do the trick.The electrical type heater previously used is unsatisfactory. (2)pin shearange in A-7 magazines was eliminated by replacing the taper pinswith new spring steel stock. Since this was accomplished the pinshearange problem disappeared. (3) The troublesome A-9 aerial cameramagazine was replaced by a-5a magazine shipped in from the rear area.Experience has definitely proven that the A-9 magazine is a deficientand inferior piece of equipment that should be totally eliminated.(4) The electrical bugaboo is still with us. The aircraft electricianshave gone over the electrical system with a fine comb without success-fully locating the trouble. To keep the cameras running the aerialphotographers carry a pocket full of extra fuses for replacement.

No major changes were made in the photo lab. Our power and heatingneeds are taken care of by the use of a K5VA generator and a F-1heater unit. The electrical heating units in the A-10 dryers do notperform satisfactorily in this humid climate an auxiliary heater is

necessary, hence the F-1 unit.

- 3 -


10/30

(Exhibit 1)

FLIGHT C1ST VH PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON STATISCTICAL SECTION

APO 210

SUMMARY OF F-13 OPERATION FEBRUARY 1945

A/C NO.

TOTALFLYINGTIME

FEB.FLYINGTIME

SORTIESFLOWN

MISSIONSACCOMP-LISHED

SORTIESSUCCESSFUL

AVERAGE FLYINGTIME COMPLETED

MISSIONS

AVER. MILCOMPLETEMISSIONS

42-24567 256:45 48:55 3 3 100% 14:05 3837

42-93854 12 242:40 12:30 1 0 0% time is estimated A/C los

42-93855 225:40 50:40 4 4 100% 12:40 3144

42-93864 298:50 49:15 4 3 75% 14:53 3033

42-93865 207:20 34:00 3 3 100% 11:20 2355

_______ _______ ___ ___ ____ _____ ____

1231:15 195:20 15 13 87% 12:57 3096

======= ======= === === ==== ===== ====


11/30

11

(Exhibit 2)

CREW OF A/C 42-93854 - MISSING

NAME RANK POSITION ASNHumby, A. J. Capt Pilot 0-433373Double, A. L. 1st Lt CP 0-731840Morrison, J. B. 2nd Lt F/E 0-867946Etling, D. C. 1st Lt Nav 0-667147Lovell, H. K. 2nd Lt Nav 0-694885Wosterhouse, J.H. Sgt Gunner 36154174Fall, T. J. Cpl Gunner 16064708Toby, R. E. Cpl ROM 19005483Kelsey, R. L. Sgt CFC 17129063Carnicelli, E. M. T/Sgt Foto 6981260Kamiak, A. (nmi) Cpl Gunner 16169709

RELIEF CREW ON DS FROM 462nd GROUP

NAME RANK POSITION ASNCoe, Alvin R. Capt Pilot 0-420369Marr, Verne L. 2nd Lt CP 0-829261Sheetz, Frederick 1st Lt Nav 0-797412Crawford G. D. T/Sgt F/E 13038172Perry, H. B. Cpl ROM 31257350Fortner, T. E. Cpl CFC 18116276Flick, R. R. Cpl Gunner 19151928Hathcock, S. J. Cpl Gunner 14154559Gustafson, D. V. Cpl Gunner 42026046Dragoni, J. R. Cpl Gunner 31369354Petty, J. T. Sgt F 32694042

- 5 -


12/30

12



MARCH HISTORY

The 1st Photo Reconn Sq (VH) Flight C observed open house and acted asgeneral host to many distinguished visitors. Our number one skipper,General Ramey was out guest for a few days at the beginning of the month,accompanied by Colonel Monteith formerly the commanding officer of theForward Echelon of the XX Bomber Command while it was stationed at thisbase. General Ramey during his visit presented awards to the crew men ofour squadron who had earned them. The citations and a list of the awardsare attached hereto (Exhibit 1).

Next came Captain L. P. Backmann a feature writer for Air Force Maga-zine. The Captain came to get a story of this Units operations for hismagazine. Among the many stories that he had to choose from while he waspreparing one for write up, another hot story broke. On March 12th one

of out sorties spotted more than half the Japanese battle fleet. Thisstory received the nod from the Captain and will appear in the Air Forcemagazine in the near future.

Another writer of note to visit us was Captain Jerome Bahr. Captain Bahrhas written two books and many short stories for leading American magazines.He came here to get the local color for a book which will be released thisfall to the public. This book will give the story of the whole B-29 projectoperations over Japan from the Marianas.

The chief of staff to general Ramey in the person of General Smith alsofavored us with a visit.

Mr. Green, the tech representative of the XX Bomber Command spent about aweek with us and participated in the mission which sighted the Jap battlefleet. Mr. Green devised a new method of aiding ship identification bymeasuring the length of a ship by means of using the gun sights and aslide rule. He oriented the crews in the use of this device and thenwent on a mission to test the invention. Wherever Mr. Greens method wasused it was found to be successful.

All the enlisted men and officers of the squadron fired on the range tokeep their eyes sharpened just in case. The scores disclosed that thesquadron did not forget how to use their small arms and could give a goodaccount of itself if it was called to do so.

Captain Paul E. Gremmler 0-40756, replaced Robert A. Gresham as

Operations Officer at the beginning of the month when Captain Gresham wasrecalled to the rear area. Captain Gremmler is doing a bang up job asOperations Officer in addition to taking his turn flying missions. Hecommands respect and whole hearted support from all the crewmen as wellas confidence of the Commanding Officer, Major Allen.

- 1


13/30

13

The food at the mess hall is becoming monotonous and very unappetizing.The menu of soup, meat, potatoes, and a vegetable of carrots or boiledcabbage is nauseating when it becomes SOP. The meat is of a very inferiorgrade, pork or beef, and the vegetables are usually frost bitten andalways boiled. It all adds up to a bare existence fare and wholesalegrumbling.

The mail situation also comes in for criticism. Our letters are held inthe rear area for a week or longer before they arrive here. Going withoutmail for 10 day periods definitely affects morale even among those whounderstand the difficult transport situation which must be overcome.

Despite the irritations caused by an inferior mess and poor mail servicethe esprit de corps is tops. One of many instances of the way the men keepworking to put the squadron over the top was recently demonstrated by anelectrical repairman on the line. After guarding an aircraft on the linefor four hours this man voluntarily remained to aid in getting some electri-cal kinks out of the ship he had guarded because it was due to take offon a mission within three hours. That ship took off on time to make asuccessful mission.

A new ship and complete crew joined our squadron on March 18th. AircraftF-13 93849 with 1st Lt T. D. Wilkinson as pilot. The names of all thecrew are attached hereto (Exhibit 2).

OPERATIONS

The first twenty days of this month were used to complete our mappingassignment of Southern Manchuria, Korea and northern and central China witha pickup of what was missed on Kyushu and Honshu. Weather was extremely badover the target areas however, nine sorties were flown and the job wascompleted with excellent results.

O)ur ship sightings kept pouring in. Lt Benjamin F. Tator, Liaison Officer,from Chunking Navy compiled a list of the sightings and an estimate of thetonnage which makes this small unit proud of this achievement. Here arethe figures given, 829 merchant vessels totalling 3,579,500 tons plus 85warships composed of the following: 8 battleships, 5 large carriers, 2small carriers, 11 heavy cruisers, 6 light cruisers, 15 destroyers and 3submarines which total another 648,500 tons. The prize sighting of allwas made on the 12th by Captain Coe, and his crew when they spotted a majorportion of the Japanese War fleet in the Japanese inland Sea in and aroundthe city of Kure. The sighting brought to light 3 battleships, 3 largecarriers, 4 heavy cruisers and 1 light cruiser. This is more than half ofthe dwindling Jap fleet. The US 5th Fleet went in on the 20th of themonth to work on all these Jap ships.

That the Navy appreciates our splendid team work with is demonstrated byanother letter of commendation, this time from Admiral Nimitz himself.A copy is attached hereto (Exhibit 4).

- 2


14/30

14

To give our crews the latest poop on what remains of the Japanese shipsa review course was given by Lt (JG) Charles J. Tobin, USNR, afterwards areview of the United States ships was made, the crews received four hoursof ship recognition in all.

The fighter interception for the month was nil but anti aircraft fire wasstill present at the old familiar stands. Captain Alfke received a tasteof Jap accuracy when his number two nacelle was missed and a hold appearedin the wing next to it while over a sparsely settled area just west ofPeiking.

The aircraft numbers and the names of the crew members assigned to themthat have not been heretofore listed are attached in (exhibit 3).

The names and duty assignments of the officers of this Flight appear inexhibit three attached hereto (exhibit 6). 14

A concise Mission Report which gives the highlights of our operations,experiences and recommendations is attached hereto (exhibit 5).

Coincidental with our finishing the mapping project a new project wasassigned to the squadron. Beginning on the 20th through 5th April we con-ducted a daily one ship sea search of the East China Sea. This operationserved as a weather and Jap shipping reconnaissance for our army and navyoperations against the islands in the Ryukyus.

HUMAN INTEREST

A tail gunner of on of the crews was a former junkman on the Pacific Coastand in the course of his business sold considerable junk to the agents ofthe Japanese war machine. During a recent mission over Japan the flak wasvery heavy and close. The tail gunner cut in on the interphone and gavea short rendition of It all comes back to me now.

WILLIAM M. BOWERS1st Lt., Air Corps,Historical Officer.

- 3


15/30

15

(Exhibit 1)

TWENTIETH AIR FORCE, Office of Deputy Commander, IB and C, APO 493.

GENERAL ORDERS #50, #56 and #60 dtd 26 February 1945

(Exhibit 2)

A/C Number: 42-93849

Type and Model: F-13-A

Basic Weight:

Wilkinson T. D. 1st Lt P 0-737685Heichel John R 2nd Lt. CP 0-774647Callahan John J 2nd Lt Nav 0-674142Donnelly Donald 2nd Lt Nav 0-2060256Schimpke Burton J 2nd Lt F/E 0-869377La Pointe Donald L Cpl Gunner 31375466Pare Lawrence G Sgt F 12171315Evans George R. Cpl ROM 12214763Kinter Kenneth C Cpl Gunner 33921143Hoover Harry R Cpl CFC 37224364Krebs Dale S Cpl Gunner 33873268


16/30

16

(Exhibit 3)

CREW MEMBERS


Type and Model: F-13A

Basic Weight: 77,545

Group: 444th

NAME RANK MOS ASN

Lazzaro, Nunzio 1ST Lt P 0-660579

Schardt, Fredrick W 2nd Lt CP 0-766960

Bachman, Joel Z F/O Nav T-126222

Kimmel, William P 2nd Lt F.E. 0-861590

Mead, Donald M 2nd Lt Nav 0-722927

Hansford, Joseph W S/Sgt Gunner 20416074

Gillespie, Robert P Cpl Gunner 36449047

Badgley, Charles W Cpl ROM 36441571

Harr, Orel D Sgt CFC 39300996

Anglin, Franklin H Cpl Gunner 34269679

Christian, Hubert H Cpl F 37370100

Crew Chief Pvt Donald A. Dougherty 33276473

(No radar member assigned this crew)


17/30

17

(Exhibit 3)

CREW MEMBERS




Group: 468th

NAME RANK MOS ASN

Gremmler, Paul E Captain P 0-404756

Economos, Jack W 2nd Lt CP 0-777629

Riddle, Paul E 1st Lt Nav 0-734603

Fyffe, Pat C 1st Lt Nav 0-667149

Herman, Robert W 2nd Lt F.E. 0-572007

Elkins, Gerald A S/Sgt R.O. 32347220

Laurie, Walter L Cpl Gunner 11051996

McGlohon, John A T/Sgt F 14049555

Bieler, William H Cpl Gunner 3251865

Terry, Dal W T/Sgt V 16041888

Caswell, Peter J Cpl CFC 36566657

Durilla, Michael Cpl Gunner 13094167

Crew Chief John P Schreck S/Sgt 32409940


18/30

18

(Exhibit 3)CREW MEMBERS




Group: 462nd

NAME RANK MOS ASN

Alfke, George B Captain P 0-884154

Boydston, Jack J 2nd Lt CP 0-771277

Flynn, William J Captain Nav 0-728191

McMillen, Franklin E 2nd Lt F.E. 0-864992

Aisner, Julius Jr 2nd Lt Bombd 0-691673

Skvarna, Edward M Sgt Gunner 33439710

Ladd, Wilfred A Sgt ROM 36643454

Hendrich, Howard C Cpl Gunner 35900293

Apgar, George N Cpl Gunner 12133618

Evans, Robert A Cpl F 14027309

Lawrence, Robert L Pfc V 33005004

Tallas, Bennie G Cpl CFC 18104943

Crew Chief: T/Sgt James A Stephens 17020572


19/30

19

(Exhibit 3)

CREW MEMBERS




NAME RANK MOS ASN

Simpson, Thomas I 1st Lt P 0-734146

Leonard, John B 2nd Lt CP 0-771453

Bonelli, John P 1st Lt Nav 0-1057964

Yates, Paul C Jr. 2nd Lt Nav 0-723494

Hirschman, Aaron Cpl 2756 32918665

Albright, Robert Cpl Gunner 37358730

Meyer, Raymond M Cpl CFC 19205088

Odom, Emory A Jr. S/Sgt Gunner 13014104

Blinn, William H Cpl V 11081709

Jones, Robert K Cpl Gunner 39272879

Harpster, Charles R Jr. S/Sgt F 16011585

Perry, Richard E T/Sgt F.E. 20813826

Crew Chief T/Sgt Lawrence H. Thompson 6912143


20/30

20

(Exhibit 4) 15

240837Z

FROM: CHUNKING NAVY TO: TATOR INFO ALLENAT: HSINCHING

EXCERPTS FROM CINCPAC PEARL DISPATCH TWENTY TWO ZERO TWO THREEEIGHT ARE PASSED TO TATOR INFO ALLEN QUOTE AIR AND COASTWATCHER SIGHTINGS PASSED TO SUBMARINES HAVE BEEN EXTREMELYVALUABLE AND RESULTED IN MANY SINKINGS X COMNAVGRP CHINA EFFORTSTO ASSIST PACIFIC COMMANDS ARE WELL KNOWN AND APPRECIATEDUNQUOTE


21/30

21

(Exhibit 5)


1ST (VH) PHOTO RECON SQAPO 210

3 April 1945

Subject: Mission Report

To : Commanding General, XX Bomber Command, APO 493

1. The operation of this organization, first as the Photo ReconnDetachment and Later as Flight C, 1st (VH) Photo Reconn Sq from November1944 to date is a story of growth from one man and no regularly assignedplanes to a compact efficient Reconnaissance Flight complete with five

F-13 Aircraft.

While the XX BC was active from its China bases the tasks performedby the Flight were mainly reconnaissance, post strike photography, weathermissions and pre strike scouts.

When XX BC evacuated its advanced fields the flight remained toobtain further long range reconnaissance and to map all of Korea, Manchuriasouth of 42north, the Jap islands of Kyushu Honshu and Shikoku, and all ofthe coast of China from the mouth of the Yangtze River north to a depthof 200 miles. This mapping directive is at the present time more than95% completed and in addition large portions of interior China have beenphotographed. The area photographed for mapping purposes aggregates345,000 square miles.

Under directive of the XX BC, Tsushima Straits have been photographedwhenever it has been possible to tie in a ship in the straits with a landmass. It is hoped that these numerous photographs will be of help in aidingthe Navy to plot the mine fields in these straits.

As our ships were out practically every day, our sighting reportsprovided accurate and continuous information to our submarines operatingin enemy waters. Up to April 1st our sightings have included 829 enemymerchant vessels totaling approximately 3,500,000 tons, and 85 enemyNaval vessels including 8 battleships, 5 aircraft carriers, 11 heavy cruisers,6 light cruisers and 15 destroyers. The Chunking Navy has advised usthat our sighting reports have been instrumental in the submarine sinking

of large numbers of vessels.


22/30

22

Joint Army-Navy operations in the Pacific have called upon this Flightfor extensive Reconnaissance work and sea search. During he Luzon invasiontwo ships were flown each day over the airfields of Kyushu to obtain dailyaircraft counts on these fields and search the western sea approaches tothis island for naval task forces. At the present time the flight is workingon the Iceberg project flying a daily sea search from the southern tipof Kyushu to Tsushima straits and the ports of southern Korea and fourflight lines in the East China Sea.

2. It is recommended by this flight that all crews reporting in thetheater will have completed the following training in addition to the trainingthat is being received now.

Have accomplished at least three heavy (130,000-134,000 lbs) nighttake offs.

Have completed a minimum of three 15 hours missions.

Missions should be flown in all types of weather. Missions could wellbe routed through known bad weather.

More emphasis should be given instrument training in the B-29. Thisinstrument training should not be given in the B-17.

A minimum of three instrument take offs made at night.

More training be given on runway localizers.

Co-pilots should be given more training and actual experience inlanding the ship. They should also be checked out in the left hand seat.

Co-pilots of reconnaissance squadrons should receive more training inweather observing and reporting.

Co-pilots should be given training in flying a flight strip.

Both radar operator and camera man should have training in makingrepairs on their equipment during actual flight.

Training for navigators should include more intensive work in pilotageand the importance of dead reckoning stresses.

3. Modification and changes in the F-13 aircraft are recommendedas follows:

A better grade of flight instruments should be used.

The F-13 should have two radio compasses.

That a guard be placed on the inboard end of the Pilot and Co-pilotsinstrument panel so that a crew member leaning over the photo navigatorwill not throw the panels out of adjustment when he places his hands onthem to steady himself.


23/30

23

A guard should be placed over the vertical trimet so that groundcrew men and crew members entering the compartment will not step on it.

There should be fans in the nose and in the CFC position.

The vacuum nose for the cameras should be of heavier construction.Several cases occurred where the nose collapsed.

More A-8 magazines should be supplied each ship. The a-9 magazinehas proven unsatisfactory and should not be included.

Racks should be provided for the photo navigators sextant and briefcase.

For the tail gunners cabin better arrangements should be made for heat-ing and also a relief tube should be provided.

4. Extremes of weather conditions were encountered by this flight onits operations over Japan, Manchuria, and Korea. Weather forecasting atthe target area by the 2nd combat weather squadron was unusually accurate

so little bad weather was encountered at the target but extreme conditionsof iceing and turbulence were encountered to and from the target area.Base weather conditions were the worst being on an average from fair to poor.

5. The present radar installation and location of equipment inF-13 aircraft is not suitable. Radar set HN/HPQ-13 has not been used effi-ciently as an aid to navigation, nor have satisfactory scope pictures beentaken while the aircraft were over the target areas. The problem arisesfrom two major factors. First bad physical arrangement of the radar setin the aircraft and second lack of a trained radar operator on the aircrew.

The present arrangement does not provide adequate space for anoperator to use maps and charts in conjunction with radar controls at theoperators position. The navigator is prevented from using maps, and facili-ties for dead reckoning, celestial navigation are not available at thisposition. The installation of split vertical cameras is such that conesand magazines overlap on to the operators chair and do not allow for tableinstallation.

The K-24 camera is an excellent camera for scope pictures whenproperly handled and inspected by the person directly responsible for itsproper operation. It does require attention, however, the arrangement ofa paralleled third scope for K-24 installation results in too large a drainon the radar set and much mechanical and electrical out of phase operationand micro switch breakdown occurred to prove a satisfactory method ofoperation.

Constant surveillance of tilt, gain and tuning controls and rangeswitching are necessary for proper operation of the radar set. A radaroperator is inoperative. At present, navigators select the forward positionsince good navigation is inhibited at the radar position because of spacelimitations. Thus the radar set is used infrequently and scope pictures havebeen of poor quality because proper adjustments by trained personnel werenot possible.


24/30

24

It is recommended that the table of organization for very heavyphoto reconnaissance units be augmented to include a radar operator(2867) as an integral member of the crew of F-13 type airplane, also thatthe operators scope and the navigators scope be left in their respectivepositions. A third scope should be installed mounted with the K-24 camerafor radar photography. Field trial modification using a third scopeparalleled to the navigators scope requires extensive rewiring and hasproven unsatisfactory. It has caused undue out of phase operation andadded maintenance. It is recommended that a system of amplification anddifferential selsyn drive similar to that used in handling multiple scopeinstallations in trainer aircraft be used for a third camera scope.

6. Anti aircraft fire has been encountered by our aircraft overpractically every large city in China, Manchuria, Korea, Formosa andKyushu, as well as from considerable number of naval vessels. In themain their fire has been inaccurate due probably to the surprise factorand of course the speed of the F-13.

Enemy air interception has been light, the flight having only threedestroyed to its credit, and only in one case have we suffered battle

damage.

7. The following successful photo missions were flown by this flightfrom November 6, 1944 to March 20, 1945:

TIME MILEAGE (SM)4MR 15 1510 3200 Nov 6, 1944

18 14-- 3000 619 1045 2550 1020 1120 2354 1421 905 2250 1622 1405 3450 1725 1125 2245 2330 1305 3600 Dec 10, 194431 1400 3507 1032 1400 3748 1333 1350 3400 1334 1105 3000 1640 1400 3895 1741 1335 2994 1842 1615 2800 1943 1005 2565 2144 1430 3600 2145 1120 3201 2246 510 1300 2347 1625 3625 2548 1425 3312 25

49 1430 3525 2550 1620 3850 2651 1400 3794 26


25/30

25

TIME MILEAGE (SM)52 1300 4040 Dec 26, 194453 1620 4091 2854 1700 3660 2855 1420 3190- 30

56 1610 3500 305MF 1 17-- 3500 Jan 1, 19452 1520 3874 13 1450 3380- 14 1400 3200 25 1200 3393 26 1430 3310 37 1450 3300 68 1425 3585 69 1115 2800 1310 1110 2800 1511 1135 2857 1412 1250 4260 1513 1305 3100 16

14 1115 3600 1715 1145 3085 1816 345 700 1917 1600 3800 1818 1540 3700 2419 1425 3000 2420 1425 3000 2421 1400 3200 3022 1525 4700 Feb 2, 194523 1325 3000 524 1305 3200 625 1015 2400 926 1210 2644 9

27 1315 3575 1428 1345 3611 1429 815 1820 1530 1220 2700 1731 1345 3600 1832 1335 2600 2233 1345 3200 2234 1345 3200 2735 1430 3500 Mar 7, 4536 1020 2500 737 1130 2588 738 1510 4008 838 1530 3250- 840 1200 2900 9

41 1505 4300 942 1815 3800 1243 1110 2678 16

HARRY B. ALLENMajor, Air CorpsCommanding


26/30

26

HEADQUARTERS XX BOMB COMMAND 16ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET

SUBJECT: 1st Photo Recon Sq., April History.TO: Historical Section (Maj Sass) DATE: 22 May 1945

COMMENT NO 1FROM: Staff Photo Section INITIALS 2c-LWB/sg

PHONE 112

1. The following information is furnished regarding the Aprilhistory of the 1st Photo Recon Sq:

2.a. Unit evacuated from China on 11 April, using F-13

aircraft and C-46s from 1st ATS. The Squadron wastemporarily based at Dudhkundi.

b. The air echelon departed for the new area in the POA on29 April 1945.

c. The Squadron flew the following photo missions duringApril:

(1) 1 April aircraft #94865(2) 1 April aircraft #24567 (aborted)(3) 2 April aircraft #93855(4) 3 April aircraft #93849

[signature]L. W. BLANDCaptain, Air Corps,Astg Photo Officer


27/30

27

Flight C. 1st Photo Recon Sq. 17

Flight C of the 1st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron was activated 10

February 1945 per PAR 2 WD AGO letter file AG 322 (22 Jan 1945) OB-1

AFRPGM: 18 Subject: Augmentation and Reassignment of certain Army Air

Forces Unit dated 5 February 1945 (without personnel and equipment).

The Flight C was formed from crews in Bomb Groups of the 20th

Bomber Command whose headquarters was India. Flight C had a number of

designations as follows:

1st Photo Reconnaissance Sq. (VH)

1st Photo Reconnaissance Detachment XX Bomber Command

XX Bomber Command Photo Reconn. Detachment

1st

Photo Reconnaissance Sq.Flight C 1st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron

The flight was based at an advance station located at Tsingching,

19 China in the Szechwan Province. On February 1 the unit had 470

officers and 227 enlisted men. They had 5 F-13 airplanes and crews.

Flight C carried on many photo missions over Jap held Chinese

territory and along the China Coast. They cooperated with Naval

Intelligence and had 3 Naval officers attached to the flight. Besidephoto recon and mapping missions they spotted Japanese Naval Units off

the China Coast. Photographs and locations of the Japanese Naval Units

proved to be of great help to the U. S. Navy in determining the enemies

20 position.

Capt. George B. Alfke Jr. was C. O. and an airplane commander of

Flight C. Capt. Arthur Humby, also an airplane commander, had engine

trouble on one of the missions over the Jap held interior of China

which necessitated the crew bailing out. Capt. Humby and his crew were

three months getting back to their base at Tsingching, China. They hadwalked nearly all, the way from the bail out location, a distance of

over one thousand miles. Chinese people had fed them and loaded them

down with gifts and souvenirs most of which had to be left behind.

During their stay in Tsingching, Flight C experienced several Jap

bombings. The Japs dropped anti-personnel bombs and destroyed fuel


28/30

28

dumps and planes. The Chinese government furnished the flight its

entire food supply and quarters. Living conditions and food were very

good.

The air crew members received Air Medals for their work in China.

Several Distinguished Flying Crosses were awarded crew members by

Brigadier general Roger Ramey of the 58th Bomber Wing.

On 10 April 1945 Flight C departed Tsingching, China for

Dudhkundi, India per VOCG XX Bomber Command. The entire flight flew by

shuttle missions in three days.

From India the outfit moved by air and by water to Guam. On May

1, 1945, 26 officers and 38 enlisted men arrived with the organization

at Depot Field, Guam to be joined shortly after by the ground echelon

of the flight. On 16 May the flight was attached to Headquarters XXI

Bomber Command for administration and operational control and on may 17

it was further attached to the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance squadron for

administration and operational control. While at Guam the crews flew

several reconnaissance missions over the Japanese homeland area.

On 9 July 1945 Capt Daniel M. Forbes was appointed Flight

Commander relieving Capt. George B Alfke Jr. On 19 July the flight

departed from Depot Field Guam arriving at Okinawa 19 officers and 84

enlisted men. Flight C was relieved from attachment to XX Air Force

and attached to the 8th Air Force without change of assignment per

USASTAF 21 assignment order #2.

27 August, Lt. Col. Albert M. Welsh and others were attached form

221st Photo Recon. Sqdn. Per VOCO 26 August 1945, pending arrival of the

ground echelon of the Squadron


29/30

29

Annotations:

Note: The date of this version of the transcription is 21-August-2007. Every attempt hasbeen made to be faithful to the original documents contained in this transcription and toprovide as accurate a presentation as possible. This includes, wherever possible,original pagination and original spelling (or misspelling as the case may be). Obviousoriginal errors have been annotated so that anyone reading this document is certain thatmistakes and potential inconsistencies are indeed present in the original. Page numbers

have been added to the upper right hand corner of each page in order to assist in keepingthis package in order. If the reader finds an error and is either interested in whetherit was present in the original document(s) or in reporting the error for possiblercorrection, the reader should feel free to contact [email protected].

1Source of this transcription: This transcription was produced from multiple copies ofthe history for NOVEMBER - DECEMBER JANUARY; the copies were provided by Allan Minterand John B. Leonard, Jr., son of John Barry Leonard.

2Organization: Unreadable. Here the word appeared to be topsy which makes no sense. Analternate version of this history is given in a somewhat abridged form as a part of adocument entitled Statistical Summary of Operations, Flight C 1st Reconnaissance Sqdrn.(VH) China, 13 December 1944 thru 8 April 1945. In that version of the history, the wordused was organization.

3Alloted: Misspelling in original. The word should be allotted.

4Photo joes: Typographical error. The convention throughout was to capitalize the Jin Joe, ie: photo Joes.

5the: Should be initial caps.

6Mukden: Here, on the original, the word Manchuria was hand-written between Mukdenand area, rendering it Mukden Manchuria area. The source of this annotation is notknown, though it appears to be contemporaneous along with several corrections such assplitting words and

7photo: Should be initial caps.

8 854*: On the original, next to the number 854* indicating aircraft number 42-93854,someone hand-wrote Humby indicating that this was Humbys aircraft.

9Halseys: Missing apostrophe. This should be Halseys.

10Source of this transcription: This transcription was produced from multiple copies ofthe history for FEBRUARY; the copies were provided by Allan Minter and John B. Leonard,Jr., son of John Barry Leonard.

111: The 1 appears to be a typo and the sentence should simply read: Lt Col H. D. Brownof the XX Bomber Command paid us a visit from the 13 th to the 19th of the month.

12 42-93854: On the original, on the right-hand side next to the date 2 February 1945,someone hand-wrote Humby indicating that this was Humbys aircraft.

13Source of this transcription: This transcription was produced from multiple copies of

the history for MARCH; the copies were provided by Allan Minter and John B. Leonard,Jr., son of John Barry Leonard.

14exhibit three attached hereto (exhibit 6): Neither of the copies from which thistranscript was taken contained an exhibit 6.

15Exhibit 4: Neither copy from which this text was taken included an exhibit #4.However, one copy contained the text presented here and it appears to be the intendedexhibit. The original, however, did not bear the words exhibit #4, so this cannot beverified for certain.


30/30

30

16Source: Microfilm Roll Number A0861 obtained from the Air Force Historical Research

Agency.

17 Source: Microfilm Roll Number A0861 obtained from the Air Force Historical Research

Agency. This history was excerpted from the History of 1st Photo ReconnaissanceSquadron (VH) for August 1945, and was evidently written by someone who was not with

Flight C in the CBI. While some detail is rather glossed, there are some usefuldetails that merit the inclusion of this document herein.

18AFRPGM: Copy was muddy here; not entirely certain that transcription is correct.

19Tsingching:All references to Tsingching in this document should probably be understoodas Hsinching.

20enemies: This should read ememys

21USASTAF: Copy was muddy here; not entirely certain that this transcription is correct.

22form:Should read from.

headquarters flight c 1st vh photo recon sq history

Documents