{"id":918,"date":"2017-04-30T00:01:04","date_gmt":"2017-04-30T05:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terrilwalshpost432.com\/?page_id=918"},"modified":"2018-08-11T11:37:13","modified_gmt":"2018-08-11T16:37:13","slug":"cruse-diary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/terrilwalshpost432.com\/?page_id=918","title":{"rendered":"LeRoy Cruse Diary"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/code><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

S\/Sgt. LeRoy D. Cruse<\/h2>\n

S\/Sgt. Cruse kept a record of his wartime missions as his outfit flew bombing\u00a0missions over Germany 1943 – 1944. \u00a0His scrapbook included his citations, newspaper clippings of the missions, notes of news from home and a diary where he documented the unit’s actions and his personal emotional experiences. \u00a0S\/Sgt. Cruse documented 25 missions before he was killed in a war crime after bailing out of his stricken aircraft on his 26th mission.<\/p>\n

Transcription is from a photocopy of Cruse’s original diary.
\nPhotographs excerpted from\u00a0Mission 376: Battle Over the Reich, May 28, 1944
\n<\/a><\/strong>By Ivo de Jong<\/span><\/p>\n

Back to Cruse Service Record<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Diary and Scrapbook<\/h2>\n

(NO. 1)<\/p>\n

FRANKFURT-GERMANY\u00a0\u00a0 (FIGHTERS) (FIGHTERS)<\/p>\n

OCT 4-1943\u00a0 AIRCRAFT FACTORY-6HR MISSION-5HRS OXYGEN<\/p>\n

This was perhaps the biggest day I have had in the E.T.O.\u00a0\u00a0Today we made our first run. We flew with LT. Hoseapple, a\u00a0hell of a good pilot. The raid was rough, one of the\u00a0hardest since our group got\u00a0 here. Everywhere I looked was\u00a0bursting flack, we made our bomb run and then the whole German air force hit us. I saw some very unpleasant things happen today, fortress exploding all over the sky. The fighters consisted of EW190, ME109, ME110, JU88. They weren’t very scared of us and bored in and through our formation firing their 20 mm cannons. The were exploding all around us.<\/p>\n

Took off our aerial and knocked plenty of holes in our ship. The sky was full of chutes both enemy and ours. One ME bored in on our tail, I gave him a burst but he kept coming then in desperation I clamped on the trigger. He rolled over on his back one chute coming out, down he went in a uncontrolled spin. I had tasted my first blood.<\/p>\n

Strangely enough I had no fright, only I was sweating and it was 28 below zero. Our formation was breaking up. Stragglers all over the sky. Then when things looked darkest the Lord must have taken a hand because our of the sun like guardian angels come our escort of P 47’s. They knocked down several and suddenly the sky was cleared of enemy fighters and the P47’s were riding above us like proud kings daring Jerry to come back. No one in the world has more respect for the fighter pilots than I. They are the tops. It takes guts to go over in the enemy back yard and trim him with a one engine ship. Germany’s super men don’t show too good against just ordinary American boys.<\/p>\n

Then came the coast of England and the let down. I was sure happy to be back and I guess everyone felt the same. Devlin froze his finger and we will lose him now for quite some time. So ended my first mission over into Jerry land. The mission was a success and we left smoke towering up-0 to 7,000 ft. I would have liked to watch it but had no time. I wonder how Germany likes a taste of their own medicine. Down on the ground guns cleaned and on the whole a very worth while day for us. Later found I only got credit for a probable on my air craft but I know he went down and so does Collins our ball turret man.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 HOSEAPPLE
\nAlt.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 27,000 ft
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 27 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6 hrs. 5 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Aircraft factory
\nBomb load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a044 incendiaries 100 lb.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(NO. 2)<\/p>\n

MUNSTER- GERMANY\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (FLACK) (FIGHTERS) (FLACK)<\/p>\n

OCT 10, 1943<\/p>\n

Today was perhaps one of the most unforgettable in all of my 28 years of life. We were roused out of our\u00a0beds at four in the morning. The target was the marshaling yards in Munster Germany. We went in at 26,000 our fighter cover left us about 20 minutes before the target. They had no sooner left than the hun hit us. We were off course and the flack was breaking all about us. Suddenly it felt as if I had a hot burning sensation in my leg and I was hurtled from my seat way back to the escape hatch. It broke all my lines. I had no felling in my leg and was afraid to look for fear it was gone. I crawled back to my gun position, hooked up my oxygen and ear phones called the pilot and told him I was hit. At this time the sky was full of enemy fighters. They swarmed all over us and it seemed like they took turns shooting at us. There were so many I didn’t know which one to shoot at. Then over the inter-phone the navigator said our oxygen was shot away. The bombardier was shot bad and he was shot in the eye. I’m sure we were all praying plenty I know I was. It seemed again like the end was near and then again in the nick of time came our p 47’s again. We started to let down and Kriesky our\u00a0radio man went up front to help out. He passed out without no oxygen. We were\u00a0running low on gas and everyone was all in. The bombardier looked \u00a0like he was dying\u00a0and the navigator looked like he had a bucket of blood spilled over his head. What a\u00a0mess. We came in at a strange field and they put all \u00a0three of us in the hospital. The first day I thought Lt. Rosenthal would die. They wouldn’t let me out of bed. They kept me\u00a0in bed for 10 days. I was black and blue from my ankle to my ass, looked like a horse had\u00a0kicked me. The hospital is full of wounded men and I met several I used to know in\u00a0gunnery \u00a0school. Groans and guys screaming in their sleep. I thot\u00a0[sic<\/em>] I would go mad.<\/p>\n

Met a kid from Storm Lake we talked of good old Iowa. His was the only ship that came\u00a0back out of his group. I was sure glad to get out of there. There \u00a0was so much suffering I was afraid I would lose my nerve.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 WRISBERG \u00a0\"\"
\nAlt.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 27,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 37 below 0
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 1\/2 hrs \u00a04 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marshaling Yards
\nBomb load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a042 incendiaries 100 lb<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clipping headline: YANKS BAG 104 CRAFT, SMASH NAZI FACTORY<\/p>\n

SCHWEINFURT-GERMANY<\/p>\n

This is the one the boys went on while I was in the hospital. They say 60 planes were lost. If the truth were known we lost almost that many at Munster and perhaps over 100\u00a0at this target. I really sweated out the crew but when I got back I found they had\u00a0engine trouble and never made it.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(NO. 3)<\/p>\n

WELHELSHAVEN-GERMANY<\/p>\n

NOV 7, 1943<\/p>\n

Today we hit shipping and docks at one of Germans biggest sea ports. We met quite a\u00a0reception but our cover was superb. The fighters came right in and flew with us. We\u00a0really sent out a force today perhaps the biggest ever sent out. We went in over Holland\u00a0and the low countries, everything looked so peaceful until the flack started to come up. I\u00a0think the temp was the coldest yet. There were quite a few enemy fighters but our cover\u00a0kept them away fine.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0SIPHER
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 25000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a045 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a05 hrs 2 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0docks, shipping<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(Entry No. 4 had part of the photocopy cut off)<\/p>\n

(No. 4)<\/p>\n

KESSEL-GERMANY<\/p>\n

Today we struck deep in Germany we carried incinderiers [sic<\/em>] and bombed on
\n____finders. The target was rail roads in the city we saw only a few
\n____uns and the flack was just moderate fighter cover was perfect. It was the
\n____ yet today but a guy don’t mind
\n____ bad if the opposition isn’t too
\n____.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SIPHER
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 25000
\nTemp \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 50 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 hrs 4 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 rail roads and city
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10-500 lb demo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 5)<\/p>\n

KNABEN-NORWAY<\/p>\n

Nov 16, 1943<\/p>\n

Today we stretched out on a long raid. We went to Knaben Norway. We were only\u00a0supposed to be on oxygen for a couple of hrs. but the clouds were high and we had to\u00a0climb above them. As it was we were on oxygen about 6 1\/2 hrs the run was about 1800\u00a0miles. Most of the flight was over water and the navigator sure was on the ball he hit a\u00a0very small target right on the nose. Norway was covered with snow really beautiful. Lakes, mountains, trees, sure did look peaceful.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 LT HOSEAPPLE
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12000-18000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 30 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8 hrs 6 1\/2 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Molybdenum Mine
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a06-500 lb demo.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 6)<\/p>\n

EMDEN-GERMANY<\/p>\n

Today we hit Emden the good old stand by. We encountered a heck of a lot of flack and\u00a0the formations ahead really had hell with fighters. The count shot down was 138 by\u00a0fighters and bombers. We got up at four o’clock had beautiful fresh eggs. We pulled\u00a0against a strong wind on the way in. I thought we would never get across the north sea.\u00a0We ran out of gas on the way home and got ready to put her down in the channel. We\u00a0threw out everything that was loose so we could glide farther, finally found some gas in\u00a0the Toykio [sic<\/em>] tank and made it on home. Only 17 forts lost today on a whole it wasn’t a\u00a0very bad raid.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0MCCLUSKEY (Iowa)
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 26000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 42 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 1\/2 hrs 4 1\/2 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 shipping and docks
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a010-500 lb demo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(Entry No. 7 had part of the photocopy cut off)<\/p>\n

(No. 7)<\/p>\n

CALIS AREA-FRANCE<\/p>\n

Dec 24, 1943 (Christmas Eve)<\/p>\n

Today was the easiest raid yet we had no opposition at all. We went
\n__ hit the rocket guns the Jerry had
\n__ to throw rockets into London
\n__was quite a scheme but after
\n__y it was just a dream
\nas far as Hitler is concerned. We dropped demo bombs they say\u00a0there were 1500 planes in the sky. \u00a0Really was a good
\n__ we really knocked hell out of the targets.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 EIKOFF
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 20 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 hrs
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rocket Guns
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a016-300 lb demo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 8)<\/p>\n

FRANKFURT-GERMANY<\/p>\n

Jan 24, 1944 (date of 24th was amended by Cruse, possibly incorrectly as it is out of sequence with later missions)<\/em><\/p>\n

Today we got up at 3:30 the loading was Bombay tanks and 500 lb demolition bombs so\u00a0we knew it was to be rough. Then we were briefed the target was Frankfurt and being\u00a0there before I knew it was to be plenty rough. We got all ready, loaded with plenty of\u00a0amo. We had a hard time forming but finally left the coast. We went in through\u00a0Belgium and about 5 minutes over enemy territory we got a recall telling us to return to\u00a0our base. We had already been shot at so gave us a mission out of it. That makes eight,\u00a0not very close to 25 but I’m cutting them down a little. Almost a third finished. I guess I\u00a0will never have a easier one. So it don’t hurt to give us one once in awhile, not very\u00a0many ever finish anyhow.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 PETERS
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 24000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 45 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3 1\/2 hrs
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 RECALL from (Frankfurt)
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0500 lb demo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

S\/Sgt Cruse lists the next mission as No. 8 duplicating the count of the previous recalled mission.<\/p>\n

(No. 8)<\/p>\n

FRANKFURT-GERMANY<\/p>\n

Jan 23 1944<\/p>\n

Today we hit Frankfurt. I really sweated it out because I thought for sure it would be\u00a0tough as last time, it really wasn’t too bad still the papers and Raido [sic<\/em>]says we lost 30\u00a0bombers and 15 fighters. There were a lot of enemy fighters but I never had any good\u00a0shots but really didn’t care because when you get good shots they are generally shooting\u00a0plenty at you too. The flack was plenty thick and it looked pretty bad for us for awhile. I\u00a0guess it don’t make any difference just so we get back.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 MACCULSKY
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 24000
\nTemp\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 22 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7 hrs 6 hrs oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 piston factory
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012 500 lb demo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 9)<\/p>\n

BRUINSWICK-GERMANY<\/p>\n

Jan 24, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we hit Germany again on a deep penetration raid. They really tired a guy out\u00a0yesterday. I was almost dead when I got out of the plane then another one today. They\u00a0always get us up about 3:30 on a mission so there isn’t very much rest for one so tired. I\u00a0guess it is the nervous strain that makes us so dam [sic<\/em>] tired. Today we bombed through the\u00a0clouds so I don’t know how we did. There were quite a few fighters and I should have\u00a0got one if it hadn’t been going so fast. He came from the front and if I had known he was coming I could have got him easy but our bombs wouldn’t release and the bombidier [sic<\/em>]\u00a0was busy and never saw him in time. We had beautiful fighter cover or it would really\u00a0have been rough. All in all it wasn’t so bad.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0MACCULSKY
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 22000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 32 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 hrs 3 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 plane factory
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0 12 500 lb demolition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 10)<\/p>\n

WILHELMSHAVEN-GERMANY<\/p>\n

Feb 3, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we hit one of Germany’s most important sea bases. We took off at eight the alt\u00a0supposed to be 22000 we kept flying through clouds and was forced up to 28000 to clear\u00a0them. We got to the target with beautiful fighter cover. We bombed through the clouds\u00a0and never saw any enemy fighters. The flack was there but very inaccurate the we\u00a0started back over the north sea. We started our let down and went from 22000 to 2500 ft in clouds so thick you couldn’t see your wing tips. Plenty of ice and snow. The sky was full of planes I thought that sure we would run into one another. Lost a new friend he was trying to crank up the bomb bay\u00a0doors and passed out from lack of oxygen and fell 28000 ft with no chute on, hell of a way\u00a0to die.<\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MACCULSKY
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 28000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 44 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6 1\/2 hrs 4 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ship building
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a042 incendiaries<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 11)<\/p>\n

Feb. 5<\/p>\n

CHEATUROUX-FRANCE [sic<\/em>]<\/p>\n

Today we hit an air field deep in France. It was a long trip and we encountered quite a few fighters but no flack. All in all it was a pretty easy raid. There was a lot of flack but\u00a0none of it got into us. The fighter cover was pretty good but the minute they left the\u00a0Jerrys came in shooting 20 mm to beat hell. We never got a hole in our ship. Guess the\u00a0good Lord is taking care of me. We really plastered the target and it will be out of\u00a0operation for a long time. Our P-47’s knocked hell out of everything that bothered us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MACLELAN
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 14000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 24 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7 hrs
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cheaturoux [sic]<\/em> France
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012-500 lb Demolition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 12)<\/p>\n

DIPPE-FRANCE<\/p>\n

Feb 6, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we were again kicked out of bed at four o’clock. Ever since I got back from\u00a0furlough it has been four or earlier. A lot of them have been canceled but just the same\u00a0it ruins a guys rest. The past three days they have really worked us. I think I have lost\u00a010 lbs. and I’m sure all in. We were supposed to hit an air field deep in France in fact it\u00a0was only about 60 miles from Switzerland. We went over their and found the target\u00a0closed in by clouds. We started back and somehow lost our escort so the fighters came\u00a0in. One went by so close I could have spit in his eye. I was too eager tho [sic<\/em>] kinda like\u00a0buck fever and I shot too quick. I hit him a little but not a direct burst so he went on his\u00a0way. I’ll nail him next time but shooting at a target attacking from the nose at 400 mph\u00a0and you going about 200 mph is a pretty tough target and you have to be on him or he is\u00a0gone. We carried our bombs back almost to the coast and dumped them on Dippe Air\u00a0Port, really splatted it.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0MACLELEN
\nAlt \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 14000
\nTemp \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a018 below
\nTime \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 6 hrs. 3 1\/2 oxygen
\nTarget \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Marshaling yards
\nBomb Load \u00a0 42 – 100# incendiaries<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 13)<\/p>\n

MUNSTER-GERMANY<\/p>\n

March 11, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went to Munster again. It is surprising what a difference a few months can\u00a0make. I remember as clear as any thing how on Oct 10 the Jerrys kicked hell out of us on this very same target. At that time the flack was rough. We must have seen all of 100\u00a0that day, as many as 10 on our tail at a time but today we never saw one plane of enemy\u00a0make. I got a purple heart out of this target just six months ago today.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pilot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 WINTON
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 21000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 22 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6 hrs 3 1\/2 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marshaling yards
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a042-100 lbs incendiaries<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 14)<\/p>\n

DOULLENS-FRANCE<\/p>\n

Today we went out after military objectives in France. I flew with what is left of my old\u00a0crew. We never met any fighter opposition but did see a lot of accurate flack. It looks so\u00a0ugly those big black puffs of smoke and when you hear that stuff burst near your plane\u00a0with a big woof it makes a guy mighty uneasy. It really don’t sound bad but when a guy\u00a0thinks of what will happen if one of those bursts hits his three tons of bombs it makes\u00a0him get kinda cold feet. We picked up six pretty good size holes. Today one piece hit the\u00a0navigator but went through an amo box first so it didn’t hurt him. Red, our old co-pilot flew us. It sure is nice to fly with someone you know.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 CAUGHLAN
\nAlt\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 20000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 38 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 hrs 3 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rocket Guns
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012-500 lb Demolition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 15)<\/p>\n

LEIPPSTAF-GERMANY<\/p>\n

March 23 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went deep into Germany to bomb an air field and installation. We had\u00a0beautiful fighter cover and only saw the enemy break through once making one pass. They sent down two Forts in flame. However the P-38’s got them shortly afterward on\u00a0the whole it was pretty easy. We were down on gas tho [sic<\/em>] and it looked for awhile like we\u00a0would end up in the channel. I flew as nose gunner it is really warm and nice up there, a\u00a0guy can see everything. I hope I can ride up there more as it isn’t so bad since you can\u00a0see how your engines are working. Soon I will be dropping the bombs myself if things go\u00a0good. We ended up bombing Munster.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 20,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 26 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7 1\/2 hrs
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Munster
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012-500 lb Demolition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 16)<\/p>\n

STETTIN-GERMANY<\/p>\n

April 11, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we drove deep into Germany. The whole trip was about 1400 miles and most all\u00a0of it was over enemy territory. It was a pretty bad strain. I think the paper says we lost\u00a064 Forts and 22 fighters for the toll of 122 enemy fighters and some took hits on some\u00a0air craft factories. Our group wasn’t attacked very persistent by fighters but the sky\u00a0was full of falling Forts due to flack. I think all of our boys came back. Coming out of Flack just about got me again it came up through the bottom knocking my foot over and\u00a0just barely missing my head. It made a hole I could put my fist in out the top of the plexiglas nose. They had to put on a whole new nose. I guess they are all easy if a\u00a0person gets back.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 15000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 26 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10 hrs 45 min \u00a0oxygen 6 hrs
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stettin Aircraft Factory
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a042 incendiaries<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/h2>\n

(No. 17)<\/p>\n

SWEINFURT-GERMANY<\/p>\n

April 13 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went to that old airman’s bugabo [sic<\/em>] (editor’s note: \u00a0“airman’s bugaboo” was a reference to heavy flack.) I don’t know how many we lost as they didn’t release the score but I know it was plenty. The fighter opposition was terrific as\u00a0heavy as it was when I first came over here. They have been wondering where the\u00a0Jerrys were. I guess they know now. They hit us in droves of 25 at a time. 109’s they are\u00a0real small and fast as hell. The sky was full of burst 20mm and falling planes. Sure was a\u00a0rat race for awhile. The flack over the target was plenty tough and plenty of rockets as\u00a0well. It wasn’t into us tho [sic<\/em>] as we only picked up a few holes. Maybe the Lord is standing\u00a0by I don’t see how we get through any other way. I guess none of them are so bad when\u00a0a guy gets back. That is all that counts. Our fighter cover was good but it was out\u00a0numbered that gave Jerry a good crack at us.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 21000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 32 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8 hrs \u00a06 hrs oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ball Bearing Works
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a042-100 lb Incendiaries<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 18)<\/p>\n

KASSEL-GERMANY<\/p>\n

April 19, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went to Kassel Germany to hit another blow at the German air power. The\u00a0target was a Folk Wolfe Fighter factory. I think we hit it pretty good. I acted as a\u00a0bombider [sic<\/em>] today and laid the barrage myself. The flack was terrific and a large piece\u00a0came in the nose again and tore into my gun control. Making them run away. I had just\u00a0leaned over to drop the bombs or would have undoubtedly lost a finger or so. Guess the\u00a0good Lord continues to watch over me. Wish I could set on the ground tomorrow and get\u00a0a little rest but know we will go as long as the weather stays good and it is perfect\u00a0recently. Flew in a brand new silver plane. I think it was her first time over. She picked\u00a0up about a half a dozen holes.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0PETERS
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 21,300
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 26 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7 hrs \u00a05 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fighter Factory
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0100 – 500 lb demolition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(N0. 19)<\/p>\n

CHERBOURG-FRANCE<\/p>\n

April 20, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went on a very short raid to hit the rocket coast. They call them no ball\u00a0names. They just hit military objective. I don’t think they know what it is my opinion\u00a0Jerry looks for us to invade there and has built up a lot of rocket slides to stop the beach\u00a0head. The place is alive with activity and the flack is terrific. Those flack shooters must\u00a0have checked out on the Russian front. We got over fifty holes and of course some came in\u00a0the nose again but not as bad as the back of the plane. Maybe little damage prayers are being\u00a0answered and the Lord is watching out for me. Alice says she prays for me every night. I guess there are a lot of them for me. Devlin (?) got hit today. A piece of flack went through his\u00a0arm and into his side but guess he isn’t so bad off.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 20,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 22 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4 hrs, 1 hr 45 min oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rocket installation
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012 500 lb demolition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 20)<\/p>\n

ERDING-GERMANY<\/p>\n

April 24, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we struck again at the German Air Force. We went deep into Germany in fact\u00a0we went way over it. We went along the edge of Switzerland seeing the Alps mts.\u00a0Past Munich where Hitler got his start in the beer cellar. We hit a air field and really\u00a0pasted it good. Our fighter protection was excellent. It was a good thing because there\u00a0were plenty of enemy planes around. I rely saw a lot of dog fights. Several planes going\u00a0down, some ours and some Jerry. Heard one wing lost 27 bombers. I think all of our\u00a0group came back and most everyone in the wing. The flack on the coast was terrific and\u00a0accurate. Thot [sic<\/em>] they had us one time. Guess they are waiting for the invasion on the\u00a0coast they have so many guns there. All in all a hell of a long trip.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0CHALMERS
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 20,300
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 26 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10 hrs, 8 hrs oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Air Field
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012 500 lb demo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 21)<\/p>\n

FRANCE-MILITARY TARGETS<\/p>\n

May 1, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went to France again to bomb military targets it was all clouded in so I don’t\u00a0know if they counted it or not. I sure hope so we saw a lot of Flack and one piece came in\u00a0the nose again. We took off in the dark and it was hard on the nerves. We flew through\u00a0the clouds and you could hardly see your wing man. I had on my chute and would have\u00a0got out in a hurry in case of a crash. We encountered no enemy fighters. A very easy\u00a0raid all in all.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 26,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 38 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7 hrs \u00a04 hrs oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 France Objective
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012 500 lb G.P.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(N0. 22)<\/p>\n

LUXEMBERG-GERMANY [sic<\/em>]<\/p>\n

Today we hit the rail road yards at Luxembourg. It was a good raid and not too hard.\u00a0We really plastered the target good. We had one attack made by fighters but our escort\u00a0was wonderful and we never had much trouble. I lost my jacket containing my\u00a0identification card and some other things including my short snorter bill.\u00a0\u00a0Sure hated to lose it as\u00a0my wallet was in there too.<\/p>\n

(editor’s note: A short snorter<\/b> is a banknote inscribed by people traveling together on an aircraft. The tradition was started by Alaskan Bush flyers in the 1920s and spread through the military and commercial aviation.)<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 WRISBERG
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 19,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 18 below zero
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 hrs – 4 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marshaling yards
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a05 – 1000 lb G.P.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 23)<\/p>\n

LUXEMBURG-LUXEMBURG \u00a0[sic<\/em>]<\/p>\n

May 11, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we went back to the marshaling yards at Luxemberg [sic<\/em>]. It was a very easy raid\u00a0almost like a practice mission. Our fighter escort was wonderful. We hit the target right\u00a0on the nose again. It was realy [sic<\/em>] a nice raid. I would like to get seven more like that.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 19,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 20 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 hrs 45 min
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marshaling yard
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a06 – 1000 lb GP<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(N0. 24)<\/p>\n

POLITZ-GERMANY<\/p>\n

May 13, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we again went on a long raid. It was to a vital German target so a guy don’t mind. It was 9 hrs long, about 6 on oxygen and that’s a long time with that dam [sic<\/em>]\u00a0thing on your\u00a0face. The target was well hit and I hope we don’t have to go back there. The flack wasn’t\u00a0bad and we only picked up one hole but it was a good one. We were attacked by from 50\u00a0to 75 German fighters. Things looked kinda dark for awhile, however they never hit our\u00a0group at all. I must have shot a few hundred rounds. I think the score of the day was 54\u00a0Germany fighters against 10 of our escort and eight bombers.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SCARLETT
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 25,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 32 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9 hrs 6 oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 oil refiners
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a038 100 lb GP<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

(No. 25)<\/p>\n

BERLIN-GERMANY<\/p>\n

May 24, 1944<\/p>\n

Today we again hit the big B. I don’t see how we ever get any planes back from there. The flack is terrific. You travel miles in it. I guess quite a few Forts were lost but we\u00a0never had any trouble. Today is the day after the raid and the rest of the guys had a\u00a0easy touch into France. It seems every raid I don’t go. Sure wish I could get some of\u00a0these easy ones. Wish I would get in these 5 more before they change it again.<\/p>\n

Pilot \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0RASER
\nAlt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 22,000
\nTemp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 42 below
\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8 hrs \u00a06 hrs oxygen
\nTarget\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Berlin
\nBomb Load\u00a0\u00a0\u00a010 – 100 lb GP, 32 Incendiaries<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0(No. 26)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

On Sgt. Cruse’s twenty sixth mission his plane lost an\u00a0engine over\u00a0Germany due to flack. Reports from other airmen stated that there were\u00a0parachutes seen and that all men should have gotten out. It was later discovered that Cruse landed safely but was killed impulsively by an agitated German soldier who was later found guilty at trial for the war crime.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

S\/Sgt. LeRoy D. Cruse S\/Sgt. Cruse kept a record of his wartime missions as his outfit flew bombing\u00a0missions over Germany 1943 – 1944. \u00a0His scrapbook included his citations, newspaper clippings of the missions, notes of news from home and a diary where he documented the unit’s actions and his personal emotional experiences. \u00a0S\/Sgt. Cruse documented 25 missions before he was killed in a war crime after bailing out of his stricken aircraft on his 26th mission. Transcription is from a…<\/p>\n

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