8th Bomb Squadron (Light) (1935-1942)
8th Bomb Squadron (Dive) (1942-1943)
8th Bomb Squadron (Light) (1943-1945) |
Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Joe Baugher sites for its detailed information on the aircraft used by the 8th during WWII. It is the premier site for historical information on aircraft. Special thanks to Ed Shook, former CO of the 8th Bomb Squadron, for providing his historical materials of the 8th used to compile this history. Special thanks to 3rd Wing History for its exceptional historical materials. We are extremely grateful to Jack Heyn for his photos and narratives on the 3rd Bomb Group as they moved from Australia to New Guinea and up the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). We are also appreciative to Peter Dunn for the use of the materials from Peter Dunn's Australia @ War web site www.ozatwar.com for materials, photos and narratives of the 3rd Bomb Groups war efforts. Thanks to the Bill Swain for his photos and materials on the 3rd BG during the Pacific campaign. Other sources include: History of the 3rd Bomb Group, 1918-1965, Lawrence Cortesi. Major source of information: History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), 3d Bombardment Group (L) AAF, 31 May 1917 - 31 March 1944 (Compiled September 1945)  8th Aero Squadron insignia
Approved February 14, 1924 (8401 A.C.)
Move to Dobodura (April 1943) By spring of 1943, the war was shifting to the Allies advantage. On April 10, 1943 a new base was established across the Owen Stanley Mountains at Dobodura, New Guinea...the first Bombardment Squadron to be stationed at a spot where the Japanese had been defeated and forced to vacate. (SITE NOTE: An interesting article on life at Dobodura can be found at Aerothentic.com: Dobodura Camp Life. The article was written by 2/Lt Adolph P. Leirer, a newly assigned pilot to the 19th Bombardment Squadron in mid-1943, then flying B-26 missions from Dobodura on New Guinea’s northern coast.)
On 10 April, the 8th moved to Dobadura to become an advance echelon for the Group, servicing missions of the 89th and 90th Squadrons. In April 1943, the 8th moved alone to Dobodura and achieved the distinction of being the first bombardment unit on the other side of the Owen-Stanley range -- in fact, the 8th Squadron and the 49th Fighter Group were the only tactical outfits on that side of the Range. The 8th Squadron moved alone from Moresby to Dobodura, and in doing so probably became the first organization to be moved entirely by air. The movement was in the nature of an experiment -- there were many mistakes and omissions - but the lessons learned were valuable for future air movements.
 Torn Sail: 8th CO Jimmy Down's mount, taken Spring 43 (Courtesy Bill Swain)In May, the Squadron finally received B-25s in quantity. Captain David J. Donovan,
Adjutant, 8th Squadron, stated, "I can remember the day the first two B-25' s arrived -- in one crew was 2nd Lt. George R. Greene, in the other F/O Shook -- both were later to distinguish themselves in combat and to become Squadron C.O.s. In my opinion, the B-25 era was the outstanding era during my stay in the organization. This was for a number of reasons - outstanding combat record, high morale in spite of hardships, and the superior quality of the C.O.' s and the personnel as a whole. During this latter part of 1943 we had some of our most famous and successful missions -- Wewak in August; Rapopo Airfield at Rabaul in October; Simpson Harbor at Rabaul in November.
During June 1943 when the pilots were still getting the feel of the planes, night barge hunts were conducted that were really "sweat jobs" for the pilots -- they had to worry about night takeoffs, night landings, bad weather, and the possibility of ack-ack. During the B-25 era we had the two most outstanding C.O.s that this organization has ever seen - Major Downs and Major Wilkins. Major Downs had taken over in March 1943 when the Squadron was really "down in the dumps", and almost immediately raised and sustained the morale.
At Dobodura we had the most miserable area of all, but morale was never higher due to the fine leadership, and because of the excellent ground and flying personnel, working as a team. We lived right in the midst of the jungle and trees crashing on our tents during and after storms caused us more concern than the visits by the Japs at night.. The Squadron's greatest note of tragedy was struck on 2 November 1943 when Major Wilkins was shot down over Simpson Harbor - on his last mission with the 8th Squadron, and the Squadron's last B-25 mission. For this action he was to posthumously receive the Congressional Medal of Honor." (See MOH and Wilkins and Article from Home of Heroes.) The Group moved to Dobodura, New Guinea on 21 May 1943. The Squadron was redesignated the 8th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on May 25, 1943 as the unit was flying the B-25 Mitchells -- along with A-20 Havocs. The B-25 era, began on 20 May 1943 when the 8th received two of its own B-25s. Many new crews were assigned and checked out.
During this time period, an 8th BS loss was recorded at Charter Towers, "On 8 July 1943, an unidentified aircraft from the 8th Bomb Squadron of the 3rd Bomb Group, based in Charters Towers, was lost in bad weather somewhere between Australia and New Guinea. It apparently had a payload of 3,000 lbs and 19 men on board. Two members of the crew were as follows:- 1st Lt. Richard G. Ruby Captain Ralph C. Payne" The aircraft was most likely a C-47 Dakota.
 8th Squadron at Cape Gloucester in attack on Japanese DD (28 Jul 1943) (Courtesy Bill Swain) 8th Squadron at Cape Gloucester in attack on Japanese DD (Jul 1943) (Courtesy Bill Swain)According to Captain John G. Rensier, Ordnance Officer, 8th Bomb Squadron (1943-1944), stated, 2. At Dobodura, in the fall of 1943, I had four men overstrength according to the T/O. All but a few of them were Ordnance trained and all had practical experience in the field. Then we started sending men home in the spring of 1944 that picture changed. Throughout the year we lost men until at one time I was below half strength. We just didn't get replacements, Ordnance trained or untrained. After the fall of 1944 none of the Ordnance sections exceeded half strength. And less than half of what we had were trained. Being familiar with the other ordnance sections in the Group and having continuously worked with other ordnance officers in the Group I am aware that this situation prevailed throughout all the squadrons.
3. At Dobo each squadron maintained its own bomb dump carrying two full missions -- figuring 12 planes to the mission - of every type of ammunition and bomb available for use in B-25s at that station. These dumps were all in the jungle and therefore heavily camouflaged. Even so Nip bombs landed about 150 yards from the 8th's Dump one night - about September 1943. I was not there but I saw evidence of where they hit. They were "Daisy-cutters" and they went off in the trees.
We then drew all ammunition components from the 1919th Ordnance Ammunition
Co. which operated the Embi Bomb Dump, main one for the Dobodura area. We got ordnance general supplies from the 1518th Ordnance Supply and Maintenance Company. We had liaison with the Ordnance Officer, Capt. McKinney, at the First Air Task Force. At Dobodura we were serviced
by the 46th Service Group of which the foregoing units were a part.
4. At Nadzab we were served by the 18l7th Ordnance Supply and Maintenance Company and obtained bombs from the "Reserve Dump Nadzab Area" operated by the 617th Ordnance Ammunition Company. We no longer had squadron dumps but drew from this dump as we needed them.
5. There was great deterioration of ammunition at Dobo where there was a very high moisture content in the air. Small arms suffered likewise. This was also reflected in the health of my personnel. At
Dobo sickness was high, at Nadzab health was much better. When Buna fell the 8th continued its assault on the Japanese with the primary mission of attacking coastal shipping that was bringing reinforcements in to the Japanese front lines. It was at this time that the 8th Bomb Squadron made one of the first raids on Wewak. The Group participated in a maximum effort against the Japanese airfields at Wewak and Boram in mid-August, effectively neutralizing them and destroying most of the aircraft. The attacks paved the way for an airborne drop of American troops and an amphibious landing of Australian soldiers, who seized Nadzab and Lae in early September. The air attacks on the Japanese airfields and landings broke the back of any effective Japanese air capability in New Guinea and cleared the way for a further advance up the coast and the clearing of Dutch New Guinea of Japanese. The 3rd Bombardment Group earned its second Distinguished Unit Citation for its support of the operation on August 17, 1943. Slowly the Japanese were pushed out of the "deep" South Pacific. Air and sea battles raged from Hollandia to Wewak. The net cost to Japanese airfields, personnel, planes and ocean-going vessels were tremendous.
B-25 Wewak Attack (Tony Fachet Print)
 8th Squadron Personnel on Wewak Raids from Dobodura, New Guinea (18 Aug 43) (Martin J. Radnick collection, Courtesy Bill Swain)Air Campaign for Rabaul Colonel John P. Henebry led the first strike against the Japanese bastion at Rabaul on 12 October 1943 -- the opening of the air campaign against Rabaul. The Japanese had seized Rabaul on the northern tip of New Britain Island in February 1942. They turned its two principal harbors, Simpson Harbor and Blanche Bay, into a major anchorage for its fleet supporting operations in the southwest Pacific. Since a direct landing assault was virtually impossible, the Americans decided on a strategy of taking the island of Bougainville to the north and occupying the southern half of New Britain. The Fifth Air Force received the mission of neutralizing the Japanese at Rabaul and supporting the landing to the north and south of the Japanese bastion.
B-25 Strafer Attack at Rabaul
3rd Attack Group B-25 Coming off Rabaul
(1943) (USAAC Photo)
3rd Attack Group Strafer at Rabaul (Bill Swain)
 8th Squadron at Rabaul (2 Nov 1943) (Courtesy Bill Swain) 8th Squadron at Rabaul (Courtesy Bill Swain)According to the 3rd Wing History, "The 3rd Bombardment Group used its A-20s and B-25s with deadly effect in low-level attacks against Japanese ground targets and shipping. By firing the machine guns, the bomber crews forced the Japanese anti-aircraft gunners to run for cover, allowing time to drop the bombs with deadly accuracy. The 8th and 89th Bombardment Squadrons employed the A-20s primarily against ground targets while the 13th and 90th Bombardment Squadron used the B-25 mostly against shipping. The 3rd Bombardment Group specialized in low-level attacks throughout the war, earning it the unofficial title, "The Grim Reapers," which the group adopted from the title claimed by the 13th Bombardment Squadron." The 8th crews were still awaiting their aircraft after the A-24B Dauntless were pulled from combat. They flew primarily with the 89th on the A-20s, but also flew with the 90th's B-25s as well."
Dobodura Quarters (May 1943) (Jack Heyn)According to Doba Dura Part II: Jack Heyn, "In Oct.,'43 they started a concentrated effort to neutralize the big Jap Naval Base at Rabaul on New Britain. The heavies had been hitting it since early in the war. But the high levels just weren't getting the job done on the shipping in Simpson Harbour. Since it was out of range of both the A-20's and B'25's it had not been one of our targets. So once again they turned to auxilliary bomb-bay tanks for the B-25's and went off with half a load of bombs. Oct. 12, '43 we hit Ropopo air strip in a low level attack with parafrag bombs, where the Japs were concentrating some naval air power. For the next two months it was a pretty regular target, and after working over the air strip we started concentrating on shipping in the harbour. But it was a costly target. On one mission the Gp. sent 18 B-25's out and got six back. Six down over the target and six down on the way home. Most of the crews that went down on the way home, eventually got back to us having been picked up by the Catalina "Dumbos" on the water; or guided back by friendly natives if on land. Our only Cong. Medal of Honor came from a Nov. raid on Simpson Harbour. Maj. Raymond Wilkins drew the fire of two Jap cruisers to give the Sq. a better chance -- he received the honor posthumously, as his plane was shot down. These missions resulted in some pretty spectacular photographs." The Fifth Air Force units hammered the bastion almost daily. The raid on 2 November by B-25 groups including the 3rd BG, supported by an escort of 70 P-38s, turned out to be the most destructive of all. The Japanese lost three destroyers and eight merchant ships sunk and 80 aircraft destroyed. By the end of the month, Americans had occupied Bougainville, ending the Japanese presence in the Solomon Islands. Rabaul had been bombed into impotency.
The 3rd Bombardment Group lost four B-25s and their crews. Major Raymond H. Wilkins, commander of the 8th Bombardment Squadron, earned a posthumous Medal of Honor by deliberately drawing the fire of a destroyer so that other B-25s in his squadron could safely withdraw at Simpson Harbor in Rabaul. (See MOH and Major Raymond Wilkins and Article from Home of Heroes.)
   EPILOGUE: William Webster revisited Rabaul the site of "Bloody Tuesday" at Rabaul Harbor in April 2003. Bill Webster was an inductee into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of fame on November 15, 2003. Arkansan revisits "Bloody Tuesday"By Rod Oram
Rabaul, Papua, New Guinea -- Reliving a terrifying 90 seconds of his life from 60 years earlier, Little Rock resident stared down intently from a hill above Rabaul. He took in the sweep of the town, harbor and smoking volcano before him.
The visit in March was the first time to touch ground in Rabaul for the retired Air Force Brigadier General, who will be inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame. Webster came close on his previous visit -- November 2, 1943. Piloting a B-25 he streaked across the harbor at 240 mph, 50 feet above the water, bombing and strafing Japanese shipping. He survived and went on to command the Kentucky Air National Guard, and moved to Little Rock in 1969 to head up the trust department at a local bank. The 83 year-old now serves as Vice President of the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas.
But scores of his American compatriots and Japanese enemies did not survive the carnage of November 2, 1943. "Bloody Tuesday" was a hellish day at Rabaul, Japan's South Pacific headquarters protected by 450 anti-aircraft guns and some 200 Zero fighters.
Initially, the attack by 75 B-25 bombers from 9 squadrons covered by 100 P-38 fighters went according to plan. But then the inexperienced leader of the squadron ahead of Webster turned late and in the wrong direction. Following behind Ray Wilkins, Webster's squadron leader, flung his plane 180 degrees to the left and then into a descending, near-vertical right turn to try to get back onto the bombing run.
By now the Japanese gunners had the planes in their sights. Its first two planes -- piloted by Wilkins and Bill McKay -- plunged into the sea. The third, piloted by Lee Trout, was badly damaged but stayed airborne. Webster, in the fourth plane, led the remnants of the squadron across the harbor seeking any targets they could.
"My cockpit was filled with smoke from our right forward-firing machine guns and phosphorus bombs dropped earlier, making it hard to breathe or see the ships ahead," Webster remembered. "From the dogfights high above us, all sorts of spent bullets, shell casings and belt-linkages showered down. It was raining spent metal." Suddenly it was all over and the survivors were over open water.
They fought off several weak-hearted frontal attacks by Japanese fighters, then regrouped slowing down to 170 mph so the badly damaged planes could stick together for the four hour flight back to their airfield at the New Guinea town now known as Popundetta, northeast of Port Moresby.
LIKE A TRANCE
The three hour flight to their New Guinea airfield was like a trance... "(We) felt no elation at still being alive," Webster wrote later in his memoirs. "It was 4:30 in the afternoon (when we landed) and we had been in that damn coffin for 10 hours in a six-hour flight to hell and back with little hope of good results and losses of our own... I was so stiff and wrung out emotionally that I could barely get out of the plane."
During the day's tenacious fighting over Rabaul, the Japanese lost 52 aircraft and one stores ship and suffered damage to two heavy cruisers, a destroyer, a minesweeper and another stores ship. The U.S. attackers lost 45 airmen, making it their worst day in a long campaign against the fortified town.
Webster wasn't supposed to fly that day. Having completed his required missions, his tour of duty was over after 14 months in New Guinea. He was about to be shipped back to the United States to his 22-year-old wife, Betty, and their 7-month old son, Hank, whom he'd never seen.
But his squadron was short of pilots for the Rabaul raid. His friend and commanding officer, Ray Wilkins, asked him to fly, so he did. Wilkins was due to be married the following month in Australia, but he died in the waters of Rabaul. It was his 50th mission and he received the Medal of Honor for "exceptional bravery." (SITE NOTE: See Major Raymond Wilkins and Article from Home of Heroes.)
Today, the harbor is known as one of the best scuba diving grounds in the world, drawing several thousand visitors a year. Man and nature have made it so. The Manku Maru, the stores ship sunk on Bloody Tuesday is just one of the war wrecks that add a macabre edge to diving among the beautiful reefs and teeming sea life.
Yet the great depths, created by the collapse of an ancient caldera, haven't given up all their secrets. Nobody has ever found a trace of B-25 wreckage.
Webster tried for years to get back to Rabaul. On two previous visits to New Guinea he and Betty went to many scenes of crucial incidents during his aerial combat there, including two places he had been shot down by the Japanese -- and had evaded capture both times.
Rabaul had eluded him, particularly in the past decade. First, a 1994 volcanic eruption destroyed half the town. Then in recent years, he has fought his way through serious illness.
HOPING TO UNDERSTAND
But at last he was back, this time in the company of his son, Hank, and his son-in-law, this writer. He came to see more clearly, to understand a bit better what had happened in those 90 seconds etched so deeply in his memory. He viewed it all under the smoking volcano, which hurled black ash and lava bombs into the beautiful blue tropical sky.
There were war reminders everywhere: Cemetaries and aircraft wrecks in the jungles; Japanese Adm. Isoruku Yamamoto's bunker in town, now clinically whitewashed inside; nearly 300 miles of tunnels that prisoners of war and other slave labor dug deep into the surrounding hills to shelter the Japanese; the new airport was built six years ago with Japanese foreign aid (locally known as "we're sorry" money) on the site of a World War II fighter base; all the stories of the war, told with awe and fascination by local people born years after.
Webster, his son and I stayed in town at the Kaivuna Hotel, one of the few buildings to survive the 1994 eruption. Brian and Bev Martin, its Australian owners and 20-year veterans of Papua, New Guinea, dug the hotel out from under 200 truckloads of ash.
The rest of the time, Webster's touring base was 25 miles from Rabaul Harbor at an old plantation that the Martins have turned into a small resort hotel. Webster knew the name: Rapopo. It was the site of a Japanese airfield he'd bombed twice in 1943.
It stirred another memory, filtered through time in a spirit of a Russian proverb he quoted during a 1995 Democrat-Gazette interview: "What is difficult to endure is a pleasure to remember."
 Payson's Last Mission (4 Jul 1944) (Courtesy Bill Swain)3rd BW Convert to A-20G: The 89th and 90th Bombardment Squadrons converted to the A-20G in early 1944, making 3rd Bomb Group an all A-20 Havoc outfit. According to the Joe Baugher on the Joe Baugher: A-20A, "In early 1944, the 3rd Bombardment Group was joined in New Guinea by the 312th and 417th Bombardment Groups. The 312th and 417th Bombardment Groups began their combat operations with the A-20G from the start and the 3rd BG converted to the A-20G at about the same time.
 Douglas A-20G Havoc
In September of 1944, there were 370 Havocs on duty with the Fifth Air Force in the South West Pacific Area. They received quite a bit of action in the New Guinea theatre of operation. Most sorties were flown at low level, since Japanese flak was not nearly as intense as was German flak in Europe. During these low level bombing operations, it was found that there was little need for a bomb aimer. Consequently, the bomb aimer was often replaced by additional forward-firing machine guns mounted in a faired-over nose.
The A-20's heavy firepower, maneuverability, speed and bombload made it an ideal weapon for pinpoint strikes against aircraft, hangers, and supply dumps. In formation, their heavy forward firepower could overwhelm shipboard anti-aircraft defenses and at low level the A-20s could skip their bombs into the sides of transports and destroyers with deadly effect. These tactics were initially worked out by Army Captain Paul I. "Pappy" Gunn, who also adapted the same tactics to the B-25 Mitchell.
The spectacularly successful results of these field adaptations led to increases in the forward firepower of production A-20 which were introduced on the production line with the A-20G model."
 A-20G Uploading Bombs
Douglas A-20G HavocAccording to the Joe Baugher on the Joe Baugher: A-20A, "The A-20 groups turned their attention to the Philippines following the end of the New Guinea campaign. By mid-April of 1944, three full four-squadron A-20 groups of the 5th Air Force were active in the island hopping campaign that led to the invasion of Luzon on January 7, 1945."
The following is excerpted from Joe Baugher: A-20G,The A-20G variant was produced in greater numbers than any other A-20 variant. A total of 2850 were built at the Douglas Santa Monica plant from 1943 to 1944.
The A-20G was first ordered on June 1, 1942 and first delivered in February of 1943. It introduced a solid nose armed with four 20-mm M2 cannon with 60 rpg and two 0.50-inch machine guns with 350 rpg. The four cannon were grouped in the forward part of the nose and projected well forward of the nose, with the two machine guns further back in the lower part of the nose. This new nose was introduced as a result of combat experience in the Pacific, where glass-nosed A-20s had been fitted with field modifications to increase their forward firepower during low-level strafing missions. The new nose made the A-20G slightly longer than previous variants. The A-20G retained the 0.50-inch flexible machine gun with 500 rounds in the rear cockpit, as well as the 0.30-in or 0.50-inch tunnel gun. The dorsal gunner's position was no longer equipped with emergency flight controls, and provision for photographic equipment was also deleted. Heavier-gauge armor plate was used, adding some 400 pounds to the weight. Carburetor deicing equipment was added.
However, the 20-mm nose cannon had a slow rate of fire and were prone to jamming, and after 250 aircraft were completed, the four cannon were replaced by four 0.50-inch machine guns beginning with the A-20G-5-DO production block. Two more 0.50-inch machine guns were added in the lower portion of the nose, bringing the total number of forward-firing machine guns to six. Most of the cannon-armed A-20Gs were eventually turned over to the Soviet Union.
Production block A-20G-10-DO introduced an improved carburetor air filter. Block -15 introduced heating for winter operations.
With production block A-20G-20-DO, an electrically-driven manned Martin power turret equipped with two 0.50-inch machine guns was introduced in place of the single hand-held machine gun in the rear compartment. To accommodate this new turret, the fuselage had to be widened by six inches in the area of the gunner's compartment. The turret could rotate 360 degrees, and the guns could be elevated from horizontal to directly upwards. At the same time, the 0.50-inch machine gun in the ventral tunnel position was standardized. Also introduced on block -20 was a pair of bomb racks stressed to carry 500-lb bombs underneath the outer wing panels. Internal fuel capacity was increased from 540 US gallons to 725 gallons, and provision was made for the mounting of a 374-gallon drop tank underneath the fuselage.
A-20G-30-DO introduced an improved collection system for spent cartridges, and heavier-gauge skin on the stabilizer was introduced on A-20G-35-DO. A modified engine exhaust system was introduced on A-20G-40-DO.
Most of the A-20G-1-DOs, as well as a large number of later A-20G variants were delivered to the Soviet Union. Many of the later Soviet A-20Gs had their Martin turrets replaced by Russian-built rear turrets.
There is an A-20G on display at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. It is painted as A-20G-45-DO serial number 43-22200.
Specification of Douglas A-20G Havoc:Powerplant:
Two 1600 hp Wright R-2600-23 Double Cyclone 14 cylinder twin-row air-cooled radial engines equipped with two-speed superchargers. Rated at 1600 hp for takeoff, 1675 hp war emergency, and 1400 hp at 10,000 feet.
Performance:
Maximum speed 339 mph at 12,400 feet, 317 mph at 10,000 feet. Cruising speed 230-272 mph. Initial climb rate 1300 feet per minute. An altitude of 10,000 feet could be attained in 7.1 minutes. Service ceiling 25,800 feet. Range 1025 miles with 2000-lb bombload at 238 mph. Maximum ferry range 2035 miles.
Dimensions:
Wingspan 61 feet 4 inches, length 48 feet 0 inches, height 17 feet 7 inches, wing area 465 square feet.
Weights:
17,200 pounds empty, 24,000 pounds normal combat takeoff, maximum combat 27,200 pounds, 30,000 pounds maximum.
Armament:
Six forward-firing 0.50 Colt-Browning machine guns in the nose with 350 rpg. Two 0.50-inch machine gun in dorsal power turret with 400 rpg. One 0.50-inch machine gun in the ventral tunnel position with 400 rounds. Models prior to A-20G-20-DO had two 0.50-inch machine guns on a flexible dorsal mount. Maximum internal bomb load 2000 pounds in split bomb bay plus (on later models) 2000 pounds on four underwing hardpoints.  8th Squadron A-20 with Rocket Launchers (Courtesy Bill Swain) (NOTE: Ed Shook flew mission like this.)Eighth Converts to A-20G Havocs The November B-25 raids were the last for the 8th in this aircraft as the A-20s were arriving. The upswing began when the Squadron started flying in support of the Cape Gloucester landings on New Britain in December 1943.
The following is from the History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), 3d Bombardment Group (L) AAF, 31 May 1917 - 31 March 1944 (Compiled September 1945), Combat Narratives, showing the 8th's use of A-20s from November 1943 through February 1944. The primary mission was supply interdiction. Many of the missions were against "barge hideouts" which provided the resupply for the Japanese troops. Many missions targeted dumps and personnel areas -- and troop staging areas. During this period, there started the missions against "targets of opportunity" meaning that the A-20s were freed to search a designated area where suspected Japanese troop buildups were going on, but also indicated that the Japanese were withdrawing from the areas making targets harder to find. 19 November - 322_DD ... Nine A-20s bombed and strafed camp, supply and barge staging,
areas from Gunke to Sialua Island. 7500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 12100 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
24 November - 327-CC ... Six A-20s bombed and strafed Kalasa Village with 5700 pounds of
bombs and 6200 rounds of ammunition.
24. November - 327_DD ... Five A-20s made a barge search in Kelanea Harbor and the camp
area and barge hideout near Kiari. 4500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 2000 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
28 November - 331_BB ... Nine A-20s bombed and strafed the track from Kalasa to Sialum
with 9600 pounds of bombs and 6425 rounds of ammunition.
1 December - 334-DD ... Eight A-20s bombed and strafed barges and installations at
Rottock Bay with 4800 pounds of bombs and 5150 rounds of ammunition.
3 December -336-AA ... 11 A-20s strafed and bombed the track from Wandokai to Masaweng
River with 9300 pounds of bombs and 15400 rounds of ammunition.
4 December - 337-CC ... Six A-20s took off on a photo mission from Rein Bay to Borgen
Bay. The mission turned back due to bad weather.
6 December - 339-AA ... Nine A-20s participated in a bombing and strafing mission in the Lakona area. Results were unobserved. 8100 pounds of bombs were dropped and 10450 rounds of ammunition were expended.
8 December -341-AA ... Six A-20s took off on a barge sweep mission in the Arawe Islands and a photo reconnaissance of Cape Merkus coast. No barges were sighted but villages in the Cape Merkus area were thoroughly bombed and strafed with 5700 pounds of bombs and 2750 rounds of ammunition.
13 December - 346-EE ... 12 A-20s went on a bombing and strafing mission of dumps, supplies and personnel areas at Daurooina and along the Bogadjim Road. 10500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 5000 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
14 December - 347_EE ... Amalut Plantation was the target for 12 A-20s. 14100 pounds of
bombs and 7450 rounds of ammunition were used in throughly bombing and strafing the plantation.
14 December - 347-FF ... 12 A-20s in an afternoon mission again bombed and strafed Amalut
Plantation. Bombing was considered excellent with 11950 pounds of bombs dropped and 13250 rounds of ammunition expended.
18 December - 351-AA ... 11 A-20s participated in a bombing and strafing mission of ammunition dumps and personnel areas in the Rua and Walingai areas. One large explosion and one hut were observed to be hit. 12600 pounds of bombs were dropped and 9400 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
19 December - 352_LL ... Tracks in the Arawe area were the targets of nine A-20s. One
machine gun position was silenced by strafing and the targets were thoroughly plastered by 8000 pounds of bombs. 10750 rounds of ammunition were expended by strafing.
20 December - 353-KK ... A barge hunt and targets of opportunity along the coast and up the Pulie River was the mission of seven A-20s. Results were unobserved due to dense jungle. 6000 pounds of bombs were cropped and 6850 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
21 December - 354-KK ... 11 A-20s went on a mission to bomb and strafe the camp area and defense positions east and west of Wandokai. The Walangai area was bombed and strafed instead of Wandokai through mistaking map references. 10500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11625 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
22 December - 355_BB ... 11 A-20s went on a mission to bomb and strafe the Wandokai area. A possible serviceable barge was strafed. All targets were thoroughly hit by bombs and strafed 9750 pounds of bombs were dropped and 7560 rounds of ammunition were expended.
24 December - 357_JJ ... Ten A-20s participated in a bombing and strafing mission in the Cape Gloucester area. The bombing was excellent with several huts seen to be destroyed. 9500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11450 rounds of ammunition expended in strafing.
24 December - 357-PP ... Nine A-20s went on a search for barge hideouts and possible supply depots between Gneisenau and Scharnhorst Points. Several fires in the brush were started by the bombing and strafing. 9000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11200 rounds of ammunition were expended.
25 December - 358-HH ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed targets in the Cape Gloucester Area. Results were unobserved. 10000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 15375 rounds of ammunition expended in strafing.
25 December - 358-LL ... Nine A-20s bombed, strafed and made a photo reconnaissance of a
small unnamed island in the Cape Gloucester area. 7750 pounds of bombs were dropped and 9400 rounds of. ammunition were expended.
26 December - 359-GG ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed Target Ridge with unobserved results.
Bombing was considered excellent. 10250 pounds of bombs were dropped
and 10650 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
27 December - 360-FF ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed the coast south of Walingai. The
target was badly torn up by bombs. 10500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 9300 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
28 December - 361-AA. ... Ten A-20s participated in a strike against a ridge in the Cape Gloucester area.. The results were unobserved. 9750 pounds of bombs ere dropped and 12000 rounds of ammunition were expended.
30 December - 363-JJ ... 12 A-20s participated in a mission to bomb a gun position in the
Sag Sag area and to strafe the coastal track. One large explosion was observed due to the bombing. A machine gun position was strafed and silenced by one plane. 10750 pounds of bombs were dropped and 19150 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
1944
2 January - 2-K-1 ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed Mur Village and vicinity with two columns of white smoke observed where one bomb had exploded. Another bomb threw up logs and debris. 19000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11450 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
3 January - 3-A-1 ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed the troop-staging areas near Borgen
Bay. Bombing and strafing was excellent. 11500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 16500 rounds of ammunition were expended.
6 January - 8-I-1 ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed Bogadjim-Yaula Road. Bombing was
considered excellent. 11500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 16350 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
8 January - 8-I-1 ... A barge sweep on the Pulie and Nayaru Rivers and a bombing and strafing strike on Didmop village was participated in by six A-20s. No barges were sighted but several huts were destroyed or damaged by bombing and strafing in the village. 5750 pounds of bombs were dropped and 10000 rounds of .50 calibre ammunition were expended.
13 January - 13-C-1 ... A bombing and strafing mission against targets of opportunity on the Pogadjim-Yaula Road was flown by 12 A-20s. Several plantations and villages were thoroughly bombed and strafed and the entire road was strafed. 9,600 pounds of bombs were dropped and 14,550 rounds of ammunition were expended.
14 January - 14-J-1... Magiarapu village was the target for 12 A-20s. One hut was completely destroyed and several were damaged by the bombing. 12650 pounds of bombs were dropped and 20650 rounds of ammunition were expended.
16 January - 16-C-1 ... 12 A-20s participated in a strike against targets on Bogadjim
Road near Maumoina.. Several Villages were bombed with good results and one barge suffered a direct bomb hit. 12050 pounds of bombs were dropped and 19400 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
20 January - 20-B-1 ... Targets of opportunity in Pulie River area, Rein Bay, and west
of Cape Rasult were the goal of 12 A-20s. Villages anti plantation in the areas were thoroughly bombed and strafed. 8000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 10450 rounds of ammunition were expended.
21 January - 21..D-1 ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed Goli Village and the track along
the coast. Reinji village was also strafed. Bombing and strafing results were considered good. 11250 pounds of bombs were dropped and 22100 rounds of ammunition were expended.
26 January - 27-C-1 ... Yara village and Goli Village were the targets for a bombing and strafing mission of 12 A-20s. 11250 pounds of bombs were dropped and 22100 rounds of ammunition were expended.
27 January - 27-J_1 ... 12 A-20s participated in a strike against Nobinob Village. Three
European-type buildings were destroyed by bombing and the mansion and other buildings were badly damaged by bombing and strafing. 8500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11400 rounds of ammunition were expended.
28 January - 28-T-1 ... Troop concentrations near Silimati Point were the targets for 12 A-20s. Bombs started a large white smoke fire and two small fires. 23500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 21200 rounds of ammunition were expended.
29 January - 28-G-1 ... 12 A-20s struck at stores, personnel and barge hideout area at Tutop River near Cape Bushing. Two columns of white smoke and two small fires resulted from bombing 22000 pods of bombs were dropped and 17640 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
Move to Nadzab (Feb 1944) On 5 Feb 1944, the unit moved to Nadzab, New Guinea. On 1 February 1944, the Squadron had a strength of 40 officers and 270 enlisted men with 17 A-20Gs and 1 B-25D1. This included 19 trained combat pilots and 39 trained combat gunners and photographers. Captain David J. Donovan, Adjutant, 8th Squadron (1944), stated, "On 1 February 1944, we moved to Nadzab and Captain (now Colonel) Howe took over as Squadron C.O. This was another period of outstanding missions - Kavieng in February, Wewak in March, and Hollandia in April. The camp area in Nadzab was excellent, being in the highlands of New Guinea. The food was still poor, but it was beginning to be supplemented by "the Fat Cats" flying from Australia."
 | The early morning mists of the camp area for the 3rd Attack group have dissipated at Nadzab in New Guinea's Markham Valley, some time mid 1943. This is typical of living conditions for Fifth AF crews in New Guinea, although Nadzab was considered a more comfortable base than most. In the year 2000 this area is still exactly as shown here - except that the tents are long gone and tall kunai grass covers the area. (Source: Aerothentic) |
 Sign for the Eighth Attack Squadron at Nadzab, circa early 1944. At this stage the squadron was flying a mixture of A-20G-20s and A-20G-25s.
The hills in the background were always a lush green, and Nadzab was not far from the Markham River where the men could bathe in the afternoon after missions or working on their aircraft.
(Source: Aerothentic) |
The following is from the History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), 3d Bombardment Group (L) AAF, 31 May 1917 - 31 March 1944 (Compiled September 1945), Combat Narratives, showing the 8th's use of A-20s from February 1944 through March 1944. The squadron continued its primary mission of interdiction. The missions were not without some humor interjected. On 4 Feb, "Three cows and four horses were strafed with undetermined results." Larger coordinated attacks against airdromes provided outstanding results with Japanese aircraft left burning on the ground. Attacks on harbors resulted in excellent results.
2 February - 33 ... 12 A-20s struck at Nobinob Mission and completely destroyed the
mission and village with 10000 pounds of bombs and 17850 rounds of ammunition.
4 February - 35-A-2 ... 12 A-20s took off for bombing and strafing mission against Marienberg. Three large buildings were hit and badly damaged. A two-story frame house was demolished and other buildings were damaged. Three cows and four horses were strafed with undetermined results. Three fires were also started. 8850 pounds of bombs were dropped and 6850 rounds of ammunition were expended.
5 February - 36 ... 12 A-20s participated in a shipping sweep of Hansa Bay and a bombing and strafing mission at Bogia Mission. One small lugger was completely destroyed by a direct hit. A direct hit was made on a large empty Type A barge. Stores, one large and one small building were hit and demolished and the mission building was holed. Strafing was considered excellent. One plane was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. 19000 pounds of bombs were dropped 16400 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
8 February 39-A--2 ... 12 A-20s struck at Alexishafen Plantation area. A possible barge
or jetty was blown up. A barge was left burning and a jetty was destroyed. Bombs hit another jetty or barge but results were unobserved. A large black fuel fire was started in the village area. 19500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 17000 rounds of ammunition were expended.
9 February -40-B-2 ... Mindiri Plantation was the target for 12 A-20s in a bombing and
strafing mission. One bomb was dropped on a suspected 3 inch dual-purpose
gun position on Herwarth Point. The target was heavily strafed and bombing was excellent. 24000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 18800 rounds of ammunition were expended.
12 February - 2B-309 ... 12 A-20s attacked the Darapap and Karau villages in a bombing
and strafing mission. Many shacks were set afire and a bomb blew up the largest native shack. 22500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 17450 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
14 February - 14B-309 ... Dague Airdrome was the target for 12 A-20s. Bombs were dropped on stores and dispersal strip, and among dispersal and revetment areas. One unidentified fighter had a direct hit scored on it. Four twin engine planes were definitely destroyed. One fuel dump fire was started. Two Helens were damaged. Bombs fell on six single seat fighters but damage was unobserved. A grey smoke fire was started. Other bombs were seen to fall among parked airplanes and in the stores area. but no specific results were observed. Bombing and strafing was considered excellent. The Squadron was intercepted twice by enemy aircraft. The first interception occurred when approximately 11 single seat fighters made one pass. The second happened when from10 to 15 single seat fighters made a similar pass. The squadron hit the deck and soon outdistanced the enemy. 7200 pounds of bombs were dropped and 12050 rounds of ammunition were expended.
15 February -15B-309 ... Shipping in Kavieng Harbor; stores and personnel areas were the targets for 12 A-20s. A Fox Uncle or Fox Tare was believed damaged by near misses. Two luggers were destroyed and other luggers and barges were believed damaged. One unidentified float plane was strafed and set afire. A large square building in the building and dump area was bombed, demolishing it and setting the ruins afire. Two large buildings in the town area were blown up and one stores fire was started. Other buildings, stores and personnel areas along the east, coast of Kavieng Harbor were bombed. Four planes buffered damage from anti-aircraft fire and one gunner was slightly injured. 19500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 12950 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
19 February - 19A-309 ... 12 A-20s struck at Brandi Point and Cape Moem bombing and strafing
buildings, stores, tents and two luggers near Cape Moem. A large building was blown up, and several large buildings were damaged. One small and one large fire was started and a near miss was probable on a lugger. One plane was damaged due to a premature bomb blast. 12500
pounds of bombs were dropped and 11500 rounds of ammunition were expended
in strafing.
21 February - 21C-309 ... Nine A-20s bombed and strafed Sa River from its mouth to two miles
inland. Three villages were bombed and strafed with excellent results. 15000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 16600 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
23 February - 54-A-2 ... Buriu Airdrome, building areas in vicinity, and Keregi village were the targets for 11 A-20s. Two buildings received full direct hits and a large red-roofed building was also hit. The entire airdrome area was thoroughly strafed. 19000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 13750 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
24 February 55-A-2 ... 11 A-20s struck at Dagua Airdrome. An oil drum fire was started
and three single seat fighters were bombed with unobserved results. An anti.-aircraft gun position was hit by one bomb. Shacks and tents were bombed and four moving trucks were strafed. One luger and two barges were strafed. Bombing and strafing were considered excellent. 16000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 14675 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
25 February - 56-D-2 ... Boram Airdrome was the target for ten A-20s. An anti-aircraft gun position, six parked planes, buildings and entire airdrome area were thoroughly bombed and strafed. Results were considered excellent. 18500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11900 rounds of ammunition were expended.
27 February - 58K ... . One A-20 completed a courier mission from Nadzab to Gusap and return.
27 February - 58L ... One A-20 completed a courier mission from Nadzab to Finschhafen airdrome to Cape Gloucester airdrome and return.
28 February - 59-C ... 11 A-20s struck at the dispersal area and stores east of Nubia airdrome. Bombing was very good although results were obscured by clouds of dust. The entire area was completely strafed. One small fire was started and a small barge was strafed. 19500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 8400 rounds of ammunition were expended.
3 March - 63-H ... One A-20 made a search mission for a B-24 and crew downed on 29 February 1944. The missing B-24 crew was not sighted.
3 March - 63-M ... One A-20 made a courier mission to Finschhafen and return.
4 March - 64-J ... One A-20 made a courier mission to Dobodura and return.
4 March - 64-L ... One A-20 made a courier mission to Saidor and return.
5 March - 65-F ... 12 A-20s participated in a bombing and strafing mission at the landing beach at lalau Plantation. Only four planes reached the target due to bad weather. The rest turned back. No results were observed. One plane was missing. 6500 pounds or bombs were dropped and 4800 rounds of ammunition were expended.
6 March - 68-A ... One A-20 completed a courier mission to Milne Bay, Finschhafen and return.
6 -7 March - 66-L ... One A-20 completed a courier mission to Port Moresby, Mune Bay, Goodenough Island, Finschhafen and return.
11 March- 71_G ... 12 A-20s struck at Boram Airdrome area with excellent bombing
and strafing results. One gasoline dump fire was started and one plane and four trucks were strafed. One Sally bomber was also strafed. One anti-aircraft position was bombed and many anti-aircraft
positions near Wewak mission were heavily strafed. Several native huts were seen to catch fire. Five planes were holed by machine gun fire. 28000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 14000 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
12 March- 72-G ... Boram Airdrome, stores and supply areas was the target for 12
A-20s. Wewak mission suffered a direct hit and one bomb hit the supply area. One single seat fighter was bombed and destroyed. Several anti-aircraft positions were straddled by bombs and practically
silenced. The entire area was heavily strafed. Three planes were holed by anti-aircraft fire. 4800 rounds of ammunition expended.
13 March - 73-F ... Brandi Plantation was struck by 12 A020s with many fires started,
due to excellent bombing and strafing. Results were not definite due to excessive smoke and dust. 22500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11800 rounds to ammunition were expended in strafing.
14 March - 74-B ... One A-20 made a bombing and strafing mission on the Brandi Plantation area including Opa village. Damage was unassessed. 3000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 600 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
14 March - 74-B ... 11 A-20s struck at Brandi Plantation. Bombing and strafing was considered excellent with three black smoke fires and two large white smoke fires started. Several other fires were started in the area. 29000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11400 rounds to ammunition
were expended in strafing.
15 March - 75-E ... 12 A-20s bombed and strafed Kairiru personnel area. One small lugger was probably destroyed. Many bombs fell among buildings in the target but damage was not determined. Two black smoke fires were started. The entire area. was heavily strafed. Six planes were holed
by machine gun tire. 15000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 14450 rounds to ammunition were expended in strafing.
15 March - 75-L ... One A-20 completed a courier mission to Finschhafen and return.
16 March - 76-P ... One A-20 completed a courier mission to Dobodura, Milne Bay,
Goodenough Island and return.
17 March -77-D ... 11 A-20s struck at personnel areas at Cape Moem. Three fires
were started and one small unserviceable power boat was strafed. The entire area was covered with bombs and thoroughly strafed. 24000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 16200 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
18 March -78-C ... Brandi Plantation was again the target for 12 A-20s. Three fires were started in the target area and one in the shacks of Kasimin village. Bombing and strafing was considered excellent. 32500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 14350 rounds of ammunition were expended.
19 March - 79-F ... 12 A-20s attacked the 1000 yard airstrip along the west side of
Cape Moem, but results were obscured due to excessive smoke, debris and dust over the whole target area. 25500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 10350 rounds of ammunition were expended.
19 March - 79-L ... Seven A-20s took off to bomb and strafe a convoy northwest of Kairiru Island. One lugger was sunk by direct bomb hits. A large Fox Tare Charlie was sunk. One A-20 was believed shot down in the water by a strafing B-25 and one plane landed at Dumpu with machine gun holes in the gunner's compartment, also believed due to the strafing of the B-25. 4000 pounds of bombs were dropped and 4050 rounds to ammunition were expended in strafing.
21 March - 81-E ... The south side of Brandi Plantation was bombed and strafed by
seven A-20s, starting a small black smoke fire. Other results were unobserved due to heavy smoke and clouds of dust. One large truck was strafed. 19500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 10050 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
25 March - 85-F ... Eight A-20s bombed and strafed east and north sections of Wom Point. Several small fires were started and several. Native huts were hit by bombs. Specific results were unobserved due to smoke and dust. 20500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 5600 rounds of ammunition were expended.
26 March - 86-K ... Nine A-20s struck at positions south of Lorengau. Many buildings were blown up in the target area but results were hard to see due to smoke and dust. 23500 pounds of bombs and 13600 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing.
27 March - 87-B ... Eight A-20s hit Wom Point causing a. large fuel fire. One large bridge was damaged and three black smoke fires were started. A large 70 foot barge or lugger was heavily strafed and badly damaged. Several native huts were hit and damaged. 22500 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11500 rounds of ammunition were expended.
31 March - 91-A ... Nine A-20s struck at barges off Muscha Island and personnel areas on the island. Native villages were heavily damaged end one barge was strafed. 8700 pounds of bombs were dropped and 11400 rounds of ammunition were expended in strafing. (15) The month of April was spent primarily strafing and bombing airfields or hunting for barges. The highlight of the month was the outstanding strike mission to Hollandia that left Japanese aircraft burning on the airfield. The missions concentrated on Hollandia which would be the next stop for the 8th. In the Monthly Unit History Report, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), April 1944, it states, "The first mission performed by the 8th Bombardment Squadron (L) during the month of April was April 3rd. It was a bombing and strafing mission against grounded aircraft and anti-aircraft positions at Hollandia and Cyclops Airdromes, in Dutch New Guinea. 15 of our A-20G aircraft took off from Gusap, New Guinea. All planes reached the target and dropped 130X100 pound parachute demolition bombs on the target area. Bombs were seen to fall directly among 20 to 25 twin engine unidentified airplanes off the northwest end of Hollandia Airdrome, causing many of these planes to blow up or burn fiercely. 6 to 8 apparently serviceable aircraft on the northeast end of Hollandia Airdrome were bombed. They are believed to have been heavily damaged or destroyed. 2 twin engine bombers were left burning on the south end of Hollandia Airdrome. Several other bombers and single seater fighters were heavily strafed. The entire area of Sentani and Cyclops Airdromes was strafed with many parked aircraft set afire. All our planes returned safely, but one was forced to land at Dumpu, New Guinea, damaged by anti-aircraft fire." In May 1944, the same routine followed with the strafing and bombing along the coastal areas. Operations were temporarily suspended from 14th May to 17th May in preparation for the move to Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea.
 A-20s bombing over Hollandia (Courtesy Bill Swain) Hollandia Results: Destroyed Japanese aircraft at Hollandia (Courtesy Bill Swain)According to Nadzab: Jack Heyn, There were three things that stuck in my mind about our Nadzab stay. No. 1 was the encampment. Up to this point the Sqs. had all been located at different locations, and individual tents and offices were dispersed and not close together. After two years we pretty much owned the skies and the only raids we got now was a night-time nuisance raid occasionally. So the 5 Sqs. of the 3rd Bomb Gp. were all together, and the tents all in nice neat rows, close together with what could be considered streets between the rows. Looked more like a states side encampment getting ready for a general inspection -- and we hadn't had a general inspection since leaving Savannah, Ga. ...
Our main target from here was Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, which proved to be our next stop. Wewak had been a principal target for quite a spell, but it was pretty well neutralized. Once again MacArthur would use his leap frog approach and by pass Wewak and let it die on the vine. ...
 3rd Bomb Group Ground Crews
In Front of A-20G at Nadzab (Aerothentic)We had four main courses of time-killers while over there: letter writing, card playing, volley ball and Chess tournaments. I was a prodigious letter writer. I spent a lot of time in Tack's operations office at the typewriter. ... Card playing - every bodies favorite, especially around payday. Poker and black jack were the games of choice. For about a week after payday the games were hot and heavy. We broke up many a game to go to breakfast. It took just about a week and all the money would wind up in a few hands, get sent home, and we would wait for the next payday. I did manage to send about $1200.00 home during the time that I was over there. After the money was gone Bridge and Pinochle were the big games, no money involved. ...
Volley ball and softball were the ones that helped to keep one in shape. I never did care much for the softball, but just about everynite after supper, if we didn't have mission film to process we would play for a couple hours. Being in close proximity to the equator, one could work up quite a sweat, and work off some of the calories we had partaken of at supper time. Then a good refreshing shower and off to a card game, a typewriter -- or a chess game. Chess was big with a lot of the guys. The Photo Section, Operations Office and Intelligence Sections all had chess teams and we would have tournaments. What volley ball did for the body, chess did for the grey-cells -- kept one from getting rusty. On 1 March, the Squadron strength was 46 officers and 275 enlisted men including 30 trained combat pilots. There were 14 A-20Gs available for combat. March was the first month of operation with the new "long legger" type of A-20Gs. These planes gave the Squadron considerably longer range and more potent striking power as a result of larger gas tanks and the addition of wing racks. These racks enabled the planes to carry two additional 500 pound bombs one under each wing. Strikes against the enemy were frequent and morale was high.
According to Kensmen: 5th AAF: April 1944, Sunday, 16 April, 1944 was referred to as "Black Sunday" in New Guinea "as the Fifth Air Force lost thirty-seven aircraft to a late-afternoon frontal system which cut them off from their home bases of Gusap, Nadzab and Saidor. Another nine were seriously damaged and, as a result, the Fifth Air Force suffered its biggest operational loss of the war. The freak weather created the biggest weather-related loss in aviation history. Also in New Guinea, over 170 B-24s, B-25s and A-20s bomb Hollandia town and airfield and numerous other targets in the area; P-39s hit a wooded area and communications targets along Hansa Bay and attack villages and supply dumps from Bogia to Uligan Harbor; P-38s hit Madang area; B-24s fly a light strike against Wakde Island; other aircraft, operating singly or in pairs, attack targets of opportunity on the Northeast coast of New Guinea and Southeast coast of New Britain Island. Other B-25s bomb Koepang on Timor Island."
Move to Hollandia (May 1944) The group moved to Hollandia on 7 May 1944 as the Japanese gave way to repeated assaults on their New Guinea strongholds. The 3rd Bomb Group carried out strikes against Japanese shipping, struck airfields at low-level and supported Army landings at Wakde and Biak Islands off the northwest coast of Dutch New Guinea during May.
According to theMonthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), May 1944, Part II Administrative, "May was a most eventful month for the 8th Bombardment Squadron (L). On 8th May, the ground echelon left Lae on an LST for the new area at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, arriving on 12th May, where work was begun to prepare the new camp site for the arrival of the flight echelon. Progress was very slow until 15th May, when the rear echelon arrived with much needed materiel. The flight echelon arrived on 16th May and began operating the following day. The strength of the Squadron on 1st May was 42 officers and 275 enlisted men."
The movement of the 8th to Hollandia took place between 14-17 May. On 17 May, operations from Hollandia Airdrome began with six plane missions supporting the landing at Wakde Island. Fires were started in fuel dumps on Wakde, causing several explosions. Two loaded barges, a fuel dump, several wooden shacks, and four or five trucks were bombed and strafed near Sarmi A/D, causing destruction of the barges and heavy damage to the other targets.
According to the Monthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), May 1944, Part I Chronological Narrative, it stated, Shipping at Manokwari Harbor and aircraft on Kamiri A/D on Noemfoor Island were the targets for 12 planes on 19th May was one of the most outstanding missions ever flown by the 8th Bombardment Squadron (L) as far as damage to the enemy is concerned. The strike resulted in the sinking or damaging of seven Sugar Charlies from 150-800 tons, direct hits on a 1000-1500 ton ship, and damage to several smaller luggers and a power launch by misses and strafing in Manokwari Harbor. Nine of the twelve planes made strafing passes on parked aircraft on Kamir A/D, destroying four planes definitely and causing heavy damage to at least ten others. Many Japs of a group of approximately 100 working on Kamiri strip were seen to fall after a strafing pass had been made on them. Four trucks were heavily strafed, probably rendering them completely unserviceable. Anti-aircraft first at Manokwari was of all calibers, ranging from moderate to intense, but inaccurate. At Kamiri A/D, medium and light A/A fire was received, inaccurate as to lead. One enemy float plane, type Pete, attempted to intercept, but was shot down by P-38 escort about one mile west of Kamiri A/D. All of our planes returned safely. (FFO 140).
On 20th May, 12 planes were turned back from the primary target of Kamiri A/D by weather, but attacked the secondary target of the airdromes and vicinity on Biak Island. One type Tony fighter, three trucks, and four or five shacks were completely destroyed and several vehicles were damaged by near misses and strafing. Two 20 mm. A/A positions were silenced by strafing. One lugger and one barge were destroyed near Bosnek A/D and two other barges and supplies along the shore were heavily strafed. (FFO 141)
Twelve planes hit Kamiri A/D on 21st May, destroying three bombers and five fighters in flames by bombing and strafing. At least eight other planes were heavily damaged, and two large fuel dump fires were started. (FFO 142)
On 22nd May, 11 planes were turned back from an attack on Babo A/D and town by bad weather, but attacked the secondary target of Sorido A/D and shipping near Mokmer and Bosnek on Biak Island. Four barges were sunk and several others received heavy damage. Fuel and supplies on three jetties near Mokmer and Bosnek were set on fire by bombing and strafing, and four trucks were strafed near Bosnek Village with undetermined results. (FFO 143)
Targets of opportunity on Biak Island west of Mokmer A/D were hit by 11 planes on 23rd May. Four trucks were damaged by bombing and strafing, one heavy A/A position was silenced, one large lugger was sunk and heavy damage was inflicted on several European type buildings and a jetty in Bransfari Village. (FFO 144)
Kamiri and Namber A/Ds were attacked by 10 planes on 24th May, setting afire one Val dive bomber, two trucks, one staff car, and a fuel dump on Namber A/D. One barge was sunk and another damaged in a cove near Namber. Damage on Kamiri included three bombers and six fighters left in flames, one bomber and five fighters heavily damaged by strafing, two fuel dumps set ablaze, and piles of supplies damaged. (FFO 145A)
Photo interpretation by Fifth Air Force showed that in the three strikes of 19th, 21st and 24th May on Kamiri A/D, 24 planes were destroyed and 12 rendered unserviceable, making a total of 36. Comment in the photo interpretation stated that "No serviceable planes remain on the A/D" (1)
On 27th May, this squadron in conjunction with the other three squadrons of the 3rd Bombardment Group (L), furnished ground support for the landing operations on Biak Island. One flight of from 4-6 planes took off every 45 minutes, this unit furnishing two flights totalling 11 planes. On the first mission, 6 planes attacked targets designated by the ground station, starting fuel fires, and bombing and strafing the road to Mokmer A/D. No support was required on the second mission, so coastal area from Betaf to Podena was bombed and strafed, causing fires among the huts in all of the villages along that section of the coast. (FFO 148G)
Two missions were scheduled for the 28th May, on the same basis as the preceeding day, continuing the ground support on Biak Island. The first flight was told by the ground station to return to base because no target was available. The second flight of four planes made bombing runs and strafing runs as directed by the ground stations. Damage was unobserved due to dust from exploding bombs and the speed of the planes. One of our A--20's, piloted by Lt. David W. Brown, with Captain Goldber as Observer, and S/Sgt. Darling as gunner, was hit in the right engine by enemy machine gun fire, causing it to crash and burn near Mokmer A/D with the loss of the entire crew. (FFO 149H/L)
Under the same operating conditions as the two preceding days, two five plane ground support missions were flown on 29th May, striking targets designated by the ground station on Biak Island. One enemy tank was destroyed by a direct hit with a 500 lb. bomb, by Lt. James L. Brown, and a second tank was heavily strafed near Mokmer A/D. It is believed that this may the first instance of a tank being destroyed by a plane in this theater. A fuel fire was started about one-half mile east of Mokmer A/D, and various roads and tracks were bombed and strafed. (FFO 150A)
On 31st May, three of the series of missions in aid of the operations at Biak Island flown by the the 3rd Bombardment Group (L) were carried out by a total of 18 planes of the 8th Bombardment Squadron (L). One flight attacked the secondary target causing damage to two fishing boats and several native huts on the south coast of Japan Island. One mission to Biak wa ordered to return to base for lack of targets, and the third mission caused undetermined damage along roads and tracks near Mokmer A/D. (FFO 152B)
The month of May was outstanding for the number of missions carried out by the 8th Bombardment Squadron (L). A total of 28 missions involving 214 sorties and 784.3 combat hours were flown during the month. (1) 131.6 tons of bombs were dropped, and 233,475 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition were expended by strafing. (2) Maintenance of aircraft was particularly noteworthy, considering that 25 missions were flown from 17th May to 31st May and the fact that, for ten days, this squadron was the only offensive unit based at Hollandia and the planes had to be available every day for one or more missions. (3) This maintenance required much night work by both the armament the armament and engineering departments, in addition to very rapid work in refueling, checking engines, and replacing expended bombs and ammunition of days when from three to five missions were flown. The month of June saw the loss of six crews in combat, less on gunner. According to the Monthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), June 1944, Part I Chronological Narrative, "Combat Losses": "This was attributed to intense pilot fatigue which developed toward the middle of June when 13 pilots had to fly 12 planes daily, some of them going on 6 to 7 missions of 5 to 6 hours duration in a row. It was also attributable in part to an abnormal number of mechanical failures due to three factors: -- (a) physical impossibility of the Engineering Section, under drastic orders to produce 12 flyable planes daily, to provide its previous top standard of maintenance and inspection; (b) to excessive wear and tear caused by the unusual dust and gravel conditions of Hollandia A/D; and (c) to the use of new A-20G-40s which had to be pressed into service immediately on receipt and which were found to have extremely dangerous exhaust stack defects. Another factor was the attacking of several enemy bases such as Moemi and Babo where the only targets were intense concentrations of A/A."
Crew morale was dropping in June 1944. "The Group notified the Squadron that for an "indefinite period, there would be no pilot replacements and no pilots put in to go home regardless of length of service or number of missions flown: further, that the Squadron would continue to fly 12 plane missions as before. The chilling effect of the was tremendous. It was followed immediately by the tragic and unnecessary losses of 16 and 17 June, which so depleted and rocked the Squadron that there was no alternative but to give the surviving personnel the respite previously asked for (2 days). The combat losses in the three weeks, 28 May to 16 June, constituted 30% of the Squadron's pilot personnel and nearly 20% of the gunners." (NOTE: On 17 June 2Lt. Fick made an overwater landing after his aircraft sustained damage in an attack on Bentoni Bay, Dutch New Guinea. He ditched his A-20 fifty miles west of Babo and he and his gunner were seen to exit the aircraft via life raft. However, the PBY ran low of fuel and could not rescue them. When the PBY returned FIVE DAYS LATER, all they noted were crocodiles.)
In addition, in June 1944, it was noted that many of the "elder" regular Army enlisted crew chiefs -- some with 30 months service -- could NOT be promoted because of Army regulations that stated that they could not be promoted to fill vacancies created by rotations. In effect, this allowed the draftees who were promoted in the states fill positions of responsibility while they stagnated. It would not be until October that the Army's oversight seemed to be corrected when many NCOs were promoted to Staff Sergeants and Technical Sergeants.
According to the Monthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), June 1944, Part I Chronological Narrative, it stated,Combat operations of the Squadron for the month of June 1944 were on a scale never before equalled by these Squadron for any period except during the last two weeks of May 1944 and in many respects, surpassing those of any other Squadron of the group for any like period. (1)
A total of 24 combat missions and 246 combat missions and 246 individual sorties were flown on actual strikes against enemy targets in A-20G30s and 40s and A-26Bs, the second largest number (to the record, 28 in May 1944) ever flown by this Squadron and the third largest ever flown by any Squadron of the Group. None of these were reconnaissance, courier or weather, etc. missions.
 Hard to Get (Courtesy Bill Swain)
A total of 1217.7 actual combat strike hours were flown during the month, an all time high for any Squadron of the 3rd Bombardment Group (L), exceeding the 33 1/3 % the highest number ever flown by any Squadron. In addition, 3 "combat" missions of 33 sorties and about 68 "combat" hours, were flown between Nadzab, Hollandia and Wakde Island on 7 and 11 June.
Captain George R. Greene, Operations Officer, flew 4 strike sorties as well as numerous practice flights, giving A-26Bs their first combat tests in any theater of the War. Captain Greene flew a total of 16 actual combat strike missions during the month for 77 combat hours, an individual record for this Squadron and probably for the Group and also 6 technical "combat" missions. (2) (SITE NOTE: See A-26B Combat Trials for details.)
Numerous targets were attacked for the first time during the month. Two missions of 1150 miles each, the longest to date by this Squadron, were led by Captain Charles C. Smith, C.O. of the Squadron.
Expenditure of bombs and ammunition for the month also broke several records. 2146 bombs, totalling 157.57 tons were dropped on targets and 257,000 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition were expended. Both figures are all time records for this Squadron and very close seconds to all time records for any Squadron of the 3rd Group.
In Combat Readiness of airplanes, the Squadron led the Group with 80%. In July 1944, the Squadron relaxed a bit in a slack period after the hectic May-June combat missions. Only 6 strike missions of 34 sorties were flown. August 1944 continued to be slow with 5 strike missions of 40 sorties. In September 1944, 14 missions totalling 108 sorties were flown. All missions (with the exception of 2 search mission and 3 photo missions) were medium altitude missions directed toward keeping enemy air strips unserviceable.
In October 10 strike missions were flown (2 of them scheduled for Babo, but were turned back over Geelvink Bay. The missions were for medium altitude to deny the use of airstrips to the enemy. Low level missions were to strafe and bomb bivouac areas and dumps.
According to Hollandia: Jack Heyn, "In May 1944 we boarded an L.S.T. and headed for Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea. We arrived two weeks after the initial landing. We pulled up to the most congested beach we had ever encountered. There was about 50 yards of beach, and then swamp. But one road led off that beach, and it was full of traffic 24 hours a day. We did manage to get our equipment unloaded on the beach, but there was no way we were going to get off the beach that day. So the cooks set up their field stoves, and proceeded to fix something for supper. The beach had been a prime target for Jap bombers and it had been blown up three times in those two weeks. The engineers just bulldozed the debris into the swamp. So that first nite we would spend on that beach amongst piles of 500 lb. bombs and 90mm artillery shells. A lot of prayers were said that nite, and fortunately the Japs did not come over that nite."
Beach head at Hollandia (May 1944) (Jack Heyn)He went on, "While at Hollandia we had more entertainment than we had had the whole time we were over there. Bob Hope and his troupe, including Francis Langford, Jerry Colona, Patty Thomas and a guitar player I can't remember his name. Also Judith Anderson, a well-known Shakespearian actress and some lesser lights visited us. Thirdly we had a U.S.O. troupe come in, nobody famous, but good entertainers." (SITE NOTE: In August 1944, the Bob Hope Show visited Hollandia with Bob Hope, Frances Langford, Patty Thomas, Jerry Colona, Tony Ramano and Captain Lanny Ross. Two members of the 8th Cpl. William Dutton, Jr. (trumpet) and Sgt. Henry P. Hertl (accordion) performed 12 shows as members of the "Tropical Knights", a 12 piece orchestra comprised of Air Corps men of the region.)
Softball at Hollandia (Jack Heyn)
In August 1944, the enlisted men's club, known as the "El Bolero", opened with its large dance floor, band stand, circular bar and other outstanding features. According to the Monthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), October 1944, the interior of the entire club was further filtered and tinted by the golden and blue parachutes suspended overhead in the ballroom and by white silk chutes in the reading room. The results were primarily the result of the efforts of Sergeant Higgins. One of the biggest attractions at the club was the ice-cold "cokes" served at the bar. A great deal of credit must go to the makers of the coco-cola machine -- Sergeant Hertl for procuring the plans and material, Sergeants Gatter and Heath for the construction of it from two discarded oxygen bottles, bits of tubing and hose, plus a large amount of American ingenuity. With the advent of the Women Army Corps to the island, the members voted to invite their "allies in arms" to share the benefits of their work. The first dance was a success and soon the fame of the club spread.
Finally Jack added, "Being a ground support outfit we had always been the first Bomb Gp. to move up. In Oct. MacArthur fulfilled his promise to the Phillipines people and "Returned". For the first time the 3rd was not the first to move up. The 38th Bomb Gp., a B-25 outfit that had arrived in the summer of 1942 were moved up ahead of us. Unfortunately they paid a price. While waiting to disembark at Leyte they got hit by Jap bombers, and did suffer some casualties. Our pride might have been hurt, but we dodged a bullet. The next month, November, it was our turn. Once again we tore everything down, packed everything up and loaded it on an L.S.T and headed for Leyte Island in the Phillipines." Captain David J. Donovan, Adjutant, 8th Squadron (1944), stated, "In the middle of May 1944, the 8th Squadron moved alone to Hollandia and flew continuous missions from 16 to 28 May as the sole attack unit operating from this forward base. Six missions were flown the first day in support of Allied landings at Wakde Island; several missions the next, day to Riak; and continuous missions the following days to Manokwari, Biak, Utarom, and other enemy strong points. This was another tragic period for the Squadron -- seven crews were lost in 20 days, chiefly due to the lack of pilots and the intense combat fatigue which resulted. The 8th Squadron has been recommended for the Presidential Unit Citation for this period."
In June 1944 the A-20 crews of the 3rd Bomb Group claimed the sinking of 74 Japanese vessels. During July, The 3rd Bomb Group supported the Army landing on Noemfoor Island west of Biak. General MacArthur needed the islands as staging bases for his planned invasion of the Philippines. On 17 July, the 3rd Bombardment Group conducted one its longest raids when it struck the Boela oil fields on Ceram Island in the Dutch East Indies. The raid further crippled Japan's already strained ability to provide fuel for its air and naval forces
The 3rd Bomb Group spent the rest of the year supporting ground operations as the American and Australian Armies cleaned out the last vestiges of Japanese in the New Guinea and Bismarck Archipelago areas and seized additional islands closer to the Philippines. On 20 October 1944, General MacArthur’s forces landed on Leyete Island in the southern Philippines. After securing the island, they established logistical bases for further operations in the Philippines.
When the landings were made upon Leyte Island in the central Philippines on October 20th, all men in the organization knew that soon their new destination would be some location in the Philippines. Rapid preparations were made in the closing days of October for a movement by water in the early part of November.
A-26B Combat Trials (June 1944) According to the Monthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), June 1944, Part I Chronological Narrative, "THE A-26B - COMBAT TRIALS" it stated:The pilots were greatly disappointed with the A-26Bs, which received considerable testing in combat during June. Unfortunately they did not run into any really good shipping or grounded aircraft targets, but average targets of this theater were attacked.
Capts. Greene and Gordon and 1st. Lt. Shook were checked out and flew the A-26s as nearly as good a plane for low level attack as the A-20. They thought it would be good for medium bombardment and excellent as a "Fat Cat".
The principal drawback was the extraordinarily poor lateral visibility caused by the projecting engine nacelles. Visibility to the sides during a barge search or on attack is practically nil. The forward vision also is considerably restricted, compared to the A-20. This feature alone was felt to count the A-36 completely out for low level attack on average targets in this theater.
Another disappointment was the short range -- not exceeding that of an A-20; also the cruising and maximum speeds were considerably under what had been expected. On the advantage side were the terrific forward firepower (3500 X .50 cal. expenditure, or 1 1/2 to 2 times that of the A-20, being usual on strikes), the large bomb load, the comfortable cockpit and ease of flying, combined with the ability to carry a navigator, crew chief or observer, without crowding.  First A-26: "The 8th's 1st A-26...one of 4 A-26's tried out by the Reapers for Combat evaluation. Each Sqdn received one while the Group was at Hollandia. Ed Shook was one of the 8th's pilots to try it out."
(Courtesy Bill Swain)Move to Dulag, Leyte, PI (Nov 1944) In November 1944, the 8th again prepared to move -- this time to Dulag, Leyte, Philippines on November 15, 1944 with 20 officers and 177 enlisted men. These men boarded an LST for the P.I. while 19 officers and 34 enlisted men remained at Hollandia. According to the Monthly Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), November 1944, "on the 8th of November the water echelon left for Leyte, P.I. APO 72, arriving there on 15 November..." On November 15th the unit landed on the beach at San Roque, Leyte and remained on the beach for two days. They then "proceeded to Rizal, south of Dulac, Leyte, where a permanent camp was set up. It was situated close to a beach. A good job was accomplished with only small amounts of essential materials, and in spite of terrific rainfalls prevalent in Leyte at that time of the year."
The November Unit History also contained a biographical sketch of "Pat", a thoroughbred Irish Terrier, popularly known as the "Old Boy". He was the squadron mascot and made the moves with the squadron from Charter Towers to the P.I. -- always by air. In Dubodura, he would leap into the air to grab onto swinging vines and hang on with his teeth until he tired.
Upon arrival in the Philippines the 8th continued to fly missions against the enemy in support of ground force action. On 1 November there were 16 serviceable A-20Gs and 1 serviceable B-25J airplanes. On 30 November there were 15 serviceable A-20Gs. While based in the Philippines, the unit attacked shipping off the northwest coast of Luzon, flew missions in support of landings at Subic Bay, provided support for the recapture of Manila and Bataan, and cooperated with allied ground forces in bombing enemy held areas on Luzon and adjacent islands.
However, the biggest change was that the 3rd Bombardment Group was no longer was the primary ground support unit for the landing forces island hopping in the South West Pacific area. It had been constantly at the brunt of battle. It was now moved to a support role. In November, only one strike mission of 10 sorties and 4.5 combat hours was flown. No strike missions were flown during the month of December 1944. In December the new A-20Hs arrived. The first aircraft was A-20H (44-693) on a local test flight.
According to Philippines: Jack Heyn, "Mid Nov. 1944 we landed on Leyte Island in the Phillipines. We landed on a beach about 20 miles south of Tacloban, the capitol of Leyte. We set up camp on the beach about 50 yards from the waters of the Gulf of Leyte. It would prove to be a period of six weeks of spinning our wheels. It was the rainy season on the east side of the archipeligo, and there was only one fighter strip in operation. Hence no place to bring our A-20s to. The six weeks surely didn't add anything to the war effort, but it was not without some interesting events.There was one variation to this camp site. There was no way to dig a slit trench in the sand.
The fighter strip was about two miles inland from our camp. One night we had a red alert and there was a lot of ack-ack over by the strip. The Japs didn't drop bombs that nite - they dropped paratroops. We put perimeter guards around the camp area, and put in a long night. Don't believe any of us did any sleeping that nite. There was a quartermaster outfit down the beach from us and there was a lot of small arms fire from that direction. but it proved to be nervous fingers. At daylight the infantry rounded up the Japs in short order.
Another night I had gone to bed, the only one in the tent. Two of them were still in Hollandia and the fourth guy was on night duty. About 2:00 AM I was awakened by rain in my face. A typhoon had blown in from Leyte Gulf with 90 MPH winds, and the rain was coming horizontally. About that time one of the cots had got upset, I stood up to set it right, and my own cot hit me right in the backside and about knocked me down.I sat down with that cot at my back, and there I stayed. Next morning there were three tents standing that had been framed with bamboo - ours was one of them. The next day was spent putting the camp back together; and we had experience another of the oddities of the South Pacific." Move to San Jose, Mindoro, PI (January 1945) The Group moved again to San Jose, Mindoro, Philippines on December 30, 1944.
The move is related to be a nightmare. According to the Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), December 1944, "Leyte to Mindoro"
The last week or December, 1944 will never be forgotten by 7 officers and 150 enlisted men of the 8th Squadron. They made a voyage by water from Leyte to Mindoro, Philippine Islands. Instead of an enjoyment, it was worse than an ordeal; it was a nightmare.
On Christmas Eve orders were unexpectedly issued that the squadron prepare to move immediately to Mindoro. Initial landings by ground forces had been accomplished on that island only a week previously.
All the squadron equipment was loaded on an L.S.T. (Landing Ship Tank) beached close to the squadron area. All of Christmas Day and Night was occupied with the loading of the boat. It was completed at 0600 the following morning.
On December 27 at 1400 the boat set sail for Mindoro. It was one of a convoy of many L.S.T.'s , Liberty ships and destroyers. Scarcely two hours after it had departed the convoy was attacked by a Japanese airplane, which attempted to dive directly on one of the boats. The aircraft missed its mark
and went to a watery grave.
Talk about the presence of Japanese pilots who participated in suicide attacks on shipping had been prevalent for the past two months. Most of it had emanated from Radio Tokyo. Its veracity was considered in the same vein as the daily Tokyo broadcasts of fantastic Japanese military and naval achievements.
Now these airplanes and pilots were actualities, not myths. It was realized that they were part of the Japanese 27th Special Attack Corps. Pilots in that organization flew flimsy aircraft, containing barely enough gasoline to reach their targets, generally ships in Uncle Sam' s Navy. Once a Nipponese
pilot of the Special Attack Corps took off, he knew he would never return. His sole aim was to dive upon the largest boat he could locate in a convoy.
The 8th Squadron L.S.T., proceeded through the Surigao Straits, Mindanao Sea and north through the Sulu Sea for three days and nights. Throughout the voyage the convoy was under constant attack. An ammunition ship approximately one and one half miles behind the L.S.T., received a direct hit by a suicide diver. It exploded and caused a concussion so terrific that it jarred every man on 'Our L.S.T. Several men were literally tossed from their bunks. Another Special Attack' Corps plane dived directly at the L.S.T.; fortunately its pilot missed by a none comfortable margin.
Sleep was out of the question for the men who participated in that voyage. They could only sweat 'out" the ride and hope for the best. Practically all the men stood on deck at all times with life preservers handy ready to abandon the ship immediately if it were hit by the Nipponese.
During daylight suicide divers were close to the convoy incessantly. From nightfall to dawn enemy
bombers performed harrassing attacks on the convoy.
On December 30th at 0900 the L.S.T. beached at San Jose, Mindoro, Philippine Islands. Nipponese planes continued to attack boats in the convoy. One of their victims was a Liberty Ship. The 8th Squadron personnel could not consider themselves safe until they were on terra firma. They
lost no time on the boat in departing and unloading the squadron equipment. The gun crews of all boats in the convoy shot down 29 Japanese airplanes. The gunners on the 8th Squadron L.S.T. accounted for two Nipponese suicide divers.
Less than half of the members of the squadron participated in the move. The others, "fat catting" in Hollandia, Sydney, and other places far from the scene of combat subsequently heard many stories about the voyage. They were well satisfied that they did not make the boat trip. According to Philippines: Jack Heyn, He went on, "On the 28th of Dec. 1944 we reloaded our equipment on an LST and about midnite shoved off. This time we were headed for the Island of Mindoro on the west side of the archepeligo, where it was the dry season. The next morning we had rounded the end of Leyte and were heading west thru the Philippine Straits, in a pretty good sized convoy. We situated somewhere in the middle and couldn't see either end of the convoy. About 10:30 AM four of us were playing cards topside, when three Jap planes came buzzing in low from our right side (never could tell starboard from port). One flew right over us a headed for a Liberty Ship one lane over and one ship back. We had got over to the rail watching as it dove right into the ship. Ammunition ship, went strait up and mushroomed out like the A-bomb explosions. When I saw that I grabbed the rail and bent my knees, as I knew there was going to be a hell of a concussion. One of the guys had started down a hatch and it blew him to the bottom. When the pieces started coming down we scrambled to get under something. We had come face to face with the divine wind -- Kamakazis." He added, "For 2 days they came at us, day and nite. The navy gunners, bless their navy souls, succeeded in knocking 25 of them out of the sky, but they succeeded in sinking 8 ships out of our convoy."
"We made landfall about midmorning on New Years eve 1944. By evening we had all of the equipment out to the camp site. Col. Ellis (later to become a 4-star General commanding SAC Hq. at Offut Air Base) called a group formation. The only thing I remember of what he said was - "I don't care what you steal from other outfits, but if I catch you stealing from one of or own Sqs. I'll court martial you." It was pretty common practice when you moved into a new area to scrounge around and get material to build a livable abode with midnite "rackquisitions". So several hundred guys prepared to spend the nite on the ground under shelter-halfs and figured it was one of the best New Years Eves we ever had -- we were just damned happy to be alive." During January the forward echelon of the 8th squadron was based at San Jose, Mindoro, P.I. The air echelon was stationed at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea from 1 January to 23 January, on which date the 89th Squadron planes left for San Jose, Mindoro, P.I., arriving on 24 January. From the 24-31 January the entire Squadron was based at San Jose. On 1 January the Squadron had 16 serviceable A-20Hs and on 31 January there were 16 serviceable A-20Hs. The unit flew 6 missions for a total of 58 sorties. Resistance was light on the missions, but on 30 Jan they encountered a new hazard when 5 planes were slightly damaged while returning from a mission and flying through "clouds of bats" which flocked up from the target area.
On 9 January 1945, Lt Col Richard H. Ellis, commander of the 3rd Bomb Group, led the first mission in the Philippines. The group, along with other units from the Fifth Air Force, conducted a massive air strike against Clark Field, near Manila. Later that month, The Grim Reapers supported the landing of US Forces at Subic Bay. On 9 February, Colonel Ellis led his group in a low-level attack against Japanese installations on Corregidor Island, in the beginning of a four-day attack. For the first time, The Grim Reapers used aerial rockets. They later supported the American parachute assault against the small island that had been the scene of the American surrender three years earlier.
In February, the pace picked up. 25 missions for a total of 191 sorties were flown during the month. The squadron mainly worked on searching the road-nets for targets of opportunity. Ground support of action near Lake Taal. In some ground attacks napalm was used. In mid-February the 8th provided smoke cover using M-10 airplane smoke tanks in the Bataan-Corrigedor corridor. At the end of February, the 8th was involved in attacks on Puerto Princessa. Major Greene, the former Squadron C.O. was killed two days after reporting to Group HQ on a practice mission.
In March, 29 missions for a total of 188 sorties were flown. At the beginning of the month, attacks on Puerto Princessa continued and towns in southern and northern Luzon. From mid-March to th end of March, most missions were for ground support in towns in the Lake Taal area. For example the 8th provided ground support in attacks on Cebu City, second largest city in the P.I., in support of the ground forces who landed and captured the city shortly thereafter. After the strike on Malvar, the ground forces were able to capture Malvar with comparative ease, finding many dead Japs, destroyed gun positions and burned out supply dumps.
In April, 37 missions for a total of 215 sorties were flown. In the early part of the month, ground attacks were in the Legaspi and Negros Island area involving the dropping of napalm. After a 9 April attack in close support of the 11th Airborne Division in the Batangas area, the ground troops were able to move in immediately into Sulac town. At least 25 dead Japanese, eight 20mm. A/A guns, 2 machine guns were found destroyed. 78% of the town was leveled and the use of napalm had effectivel cleared the town of resistance.
In April, some missions were flown under the 308th Bomb Wing on the China coast and in Formosa against factories such as the Kagi Sugar refinery. On 5 April, 3 A-20Hs of the 3rd Bomb Group attacked destroyers and a freighter off the China coast at Chis-txi Point. The pilots were Col. Ellis (Group C.O., Flight Lead), Captain Shook (8th C.O., Wingman) and Captain McClellan (90th). The damage inflicted on the enemy by such a small force against such great odds, but because the flight represents the longest range mission ever flown by A-20s -- made possible only by the innovation of using belly tanks on attack bombers.
Colonel Ellis, 25 years old and the youngest lieutenant colonel in the Fifth Air Force, reluctantly received permission to conduct a long-range anti-shipping mission against a Japanese convoy. The convoy had departed Hong Kong for the Philippines with reinforcements and supplies. Colonel Ellis had already flow 200 combat mission when he and his gunner, Sergeant Harry Slaby, took off on 5 April with three other A-20s. Despite being separated from a group of B-25s he had been ordered to fly with for safety reasons, Colonel Ellis and his gunner succeeded in sinking a transport while the other A-20 crews damaged two destroyers. On return, General Kenney promoted him to colonel and replaced him with Lieutenant Colonel Charles Howe.
As the war in the Philippines wound down, the Americans invaded Okinawa on 7 April 1945. The 3rd Bombardment Group continued its operations in the Philippines, supporting ground operations on Mindoro, Luzon and Mindanoa, attacking industrial targets and railways on Formosa. The group began receiving the Douglas A-26 Invader. Like the A-20, the Invader accommodated a pilot and a gunner. Faster, and with a longer range, it packed an impressive armament of 14 forward firing 50-caliber machine guns and could carry 2,000 pounds of bombs. (The A-26 Invader would later be redesignated as B-26s after the B-26 Marauder was decommissioned.)
In May, 23 missions for a total of 198 sorties were flown. All aircraft were staged at McGuire Strip, San Jose. At the beginning of the month, the 8th attached Japanese troop concentrations in northern and southern Luzon. Army ground elements followed on the footsteps of the 8th air attacks and found the Japanese on the hills "dazed and killed by concussion and the remnants were easily annihilated." The last organized resistance in Souther Luzon was crushed.
In June, the pace of action slowed. The squadron flew 5 missions for a total of 46 sorties. All aircraft were staged at McGuire Strip, San Jose. The 8th was involved in strikes against Japanese troop concentrations in the Cagayan Valley. Rumors of a move from Mindoro to Okinawa in July prevailed throughout the month.
The Squadron remained at Mindoro until 25 July when the water echelon embarked for Okinawa. The end of July found the water echelon at sea, while the air echelon remained at San Jose. The unit flew four missions for a total of twelve sorties. The air war in the P.I. was winding down and all missions in July were in Formosa. On 6 July two A-20s attacked railroad yards in Formosa.
Throughout July, local transition training for the A-26B was conducted with flights between San Jose and Clark Field. On 13 July "one A-26B of the 8th Squadron, flown by Captain Hellier, participated in an eight plane Group mission to the Karenko railroad yards in Formosa."
According to the Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), June 1945, Administrative, stated: "The redeployment plan, commonly known as the "point system" came into operation for the first time. It could not be described as a "howling success" for this organization. The 8th Squadron had approximately 30 enlisted men with more than 33 months of overseas service. Other men with less than 18 months of foreign duty had accumulated more points due to more service in the States and parenthood. The latter men would hence be sent home ahead of the former group. It was the opinion of a majority of the men in the squadron that the rotation plan should not have been suspended. It should have been retained at least as a supplement to the redeployment program."
According to the Joe Baugher on the Joe Baugher: A-20A, "The old 3rd Bombardment Group still retained its A-20s until the end of the war, becoming the last operational Army A-20 unit. At the end of the war, it was in preparation to move to Okinawa in anticipation of the invasion of Japan."
For their actions in the Philippines, the unit received the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Move to Okinawa (Aug 1945): The first day of August found the water echelon on the high seas enroute to Okinawa, while the air echelon remained at San Jose, Mindoro. The water echelon arrived on 6 August at Sobe, Okinawa and the air echelon arrived on 7 August. From the the 6th of August until hostilities ceased on the 12th of August, the 8th was flying missions as part of a group effort against strategic targets on Kyushu and Honshu. When peace came the 8th was transferred to the island of Honshu. In July 1945, the unit was re-equipped with the Douglas A-26Bs Invader (later redesignated as B-26s after the B-26 Marauder was decommissioned) along with its A-20Hs.
According to the Unit History, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L), August 1945, "Local Interest", On August 1 most of the men in the squadron were on a boat headed for Okinawa. When their vessel, a Landing Ship Tank, had left Mindoro on July 25, it had been expected that it would reach its destination by the first day of August. However, severe storms were encountered. The ship had been forced to deviate its course to the southeast to avoid these tempests. At one time the boat was as far south as Legaspi on the east coast of Luzon. The weather compelled most of the officer and enlisted personnel to pass more than one day in their bunk. Even the hardy veterans of L.S.T. rides from Hollandia to Leyte and from Leyte to Mindoro were affected. A few neophytes who had been enchanted by the Navy and its good chow changed their minds before the trip was concluded. Henceforth they would be content to endure Army C and K rations for the duration and six months thereafter.
Except for the weather the voyage was an excellent one. The Navy personnel were most pleasant and cooperative. Meals were fine. Movies were exhibited on deck. The balance of the time was spent in reading, card playing, or just plain "sacking". Most important, no Jap suicide planes caused any annoyance. Many a man who made the ride from Leyte to Mindoro was immensely relieved.
On Monday, August 6 the Landing Ship Tank beached at Sobe. The unloading was accomplished in time for the boat to pull out by 0500 on the next morning.
The camp area was situated a short distance from the beach. It consisted of a miserably small section. It was a task to squeeze sufficient tents for both officers and enlisted man.
To add to the difficulties, the air echelon of the squadron arrived on the following day. Missions were flown immediately and continued until V-J Day. Thus few men could be spared for ordinary camp duties.
The organization was slated to move to a new area. This location was cleared by bulldozers and would have been an ideal camp site. However, rumors of an impending move to Japan arose. Orders were issued that no permanent buildings be erected. As usual, the rumors did not become realities. On August 31, the men in the 8th squadron were still living in their temporary area.
News of the powerful effects of the atomic bomb appeared on August 7. The next day it was learned that the Nipponese were ready to sue for peace. Two nights later there was a premature victory celebration. Veteran members of the squadron W declared that not since the days of Dobodura had they ever witnessed so great a barrage of anti-aircraft shells. Tracers seemed to be spitting from every gun of the Naval and coastal Artillery forces in the immediate vicinity. The following day press and radio reported the tragic consequences of this outburst. Orders were that in the event of an announcement of a cessation of hostilities no shooting would take place in the squadron area. When the armistice was officially announced the news was received happily and without disorder.
On the night of August 25 at approximately 2300 a dramatic announcement was
made. All men with more than 85 points were called out, told to pack at once, and
prepare to depart in a few hours for a replacement center at Manila. Redeployment
was at last an actuality, not a mirage. The orderly room and personnel section
staff worked until 0400 on the following morning to process 32 fortunate enlisted men. Four days later 12 others with more than 85 points went through the same routine.
The end of the month found the remaining members of the squadron awaiting a move to Japan and undergoing transition to the status of peace time soldiers. During August the squadron flew 6 missions for a total of 55 sorties. During this time, the transition to the A-26B was complete, but the squadron was a mix of A-20Hs and A-26Bs. There were 11 A-20Hs and 6 A-26Bs.
On 9 August, the 8th Squadron participated in the first Group strike on the Japanese home islands. The town of Kushikino on Kyushu was successfully attacked with incendiaries and Napalm tanks, leaving a great part of the city enveloped in smoke and flame. Accurate light and medium anti-aircraft fire holed three planes. The important Kyushu city of Kumamoto was the target on 10 August. A number of large fires were started throughout the area, with dense palls of smoke obscuring most of the results. On 11 August the 8th Squadron participated in a Group mission to Kanjiki town on Kyushu with 11 A-20Hs. Many good sized fires were started in all sections of town, with smoke rising to 4,000 feet.
On the morning of 12 August the town of Kushikino was attacked again with 7 A-20Hs and 4 A-26Bs. Large sections of the city had been completely leveled by the two attacks. Large fires were stated in the unburned parts of the city and the town was considered almost totally destroyed. On 12 August another mission was on the town of Akune. The entire southern and central sections of town were left in a mass of flames, and the last plane to leave the target estimated that 90% of the town was destroyed by the attack.
The Eighth furnished 7 A-20Hs led by Major Shook and 4 A-26Bs led by Captain Hellier for a mission against Kushinko in Kyushu. All squadrons furnished aircraft to make three flights of A-20's and two flights of A-26's. One 8th Squadron A-26 turned back early due to engine trouble and returned all its bombs and ammunition to base. Ten 8th Squadron planes reached the target and made two passes from east to west in three plane elements. Approximately 95% of the bombs hit the buildings in the town. The first pass was made on the unburned part of the town just north of the river and near the waterfront. Six to eight large fires with smoke to 4000 feet and 20 to 25 smaller fires were started here, completely destroying this section of the town. In the large section of Kushinko just south of the river, a large number of good sized fires were started and 10 to 12 direct hits were made to previously undamaged buildings. Four or five large fires and several smaller ones were started in the southern section of the town.
One plane was holed by accurate to inaccurate, machine gun fire.
Eighteen 500 pound para-incendiaries, 28x500 pound para-demos, 5x165 gallon napalm tanks, and 14x75 gallon napalm tanks were dropped. 13.400 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition was expended in strafing. One 165 gallon napalm tank was returned due to mechanical failure.
All planes returned safely to base. End of the War: According to the Carl Pettypiece site on the A-20A, "The old 3rd Bombardment Group still retained its A-20s until the end of the war, becoming the last operational Army A-20 unit."
The war ended on 15 Aug 1945. The first US personnel from the 3rd Bomb Group to touch down at Atsugi were four 3rd Bomb Group commanders and former commanders, Colonels John P. Henebry, Richard H. Ellis, Charles Howe and Lt Col Stan Kline. The four gunners were Sergeant Cliff Britian, Sergeant Joe Watkins, Staff Sergeant Jim Lynch and Staff Sergeant Sam Hagenbush. They landed their A-26s at Atsugi Field, Japan on 31 August 1945. This landing was not without controversy as other units claimed the folks were "grandstanding."
For its actions in World War II, its honors include: Campaign Streamers: Antisubmarine, American Theater; East Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines. Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Papua, 23-29 Jul 1942; New Guinea, 17 Aug 1943. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Medal of Honor: Major Raymond H. WilkinsFor his actions on November 2, 1943, Major Raymond H. Wilkins, commander of the 8th Bombardment Squadron, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He and his crew were killed while leading his squadron on a daring attack on shipping at Rabaul, New Britain as he deliberately drew gunfire away from the rest of his squadron. (NOTE: In 1946, they considered naming Yokota Air Base after him as the 3d Bombardment Wing was moving there. However, the name was not accepted due to a change in Air Force policy for overseas installations to name bases for localities. Consequently, Wilkins Ball park was dedicated in his honor on May 17, 1947.) His citation is as follows:  WILKINS, RAYMOND H. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Near Rabaul, New Britain, 2 November 1943. Entered service at: Portsmouth, Va. Born: 28 September 1917, Portsmouth, Va. G.O. No.: 23, 24 March 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 November 1943. Leading his squadron in an attack on shipping in Simpson Harbor, during which intense antiaircraft fire was expected, Maj. Wilkins briefed his squadron so that his airplane would be in the position of gr |
