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416th Bombardment Group (L) Mission # 156 -- October 13, 1944, Friday AM Langerwehe, Germany Town
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416th Bombardment Group (L) Mission # 156 -- October 13, 1944, Friday AM Langerwehe, Germany Town
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Place of Take-Off : A-55 Melun/Villaroche, France A/C Dispatched : 39 Total -- 31 A-20G's, 8 A-20J's Target Ref : LANGERWEHE Illustration : STRIKE ATTACK PHOTO U.S. 416/702. DATED 12 OCTOBER 1944. NEGATIVE NO. 5008 Illustration Ref : 029026, 034023, 037021 Secondary Target : No Alternate Targets Authorized Summary of Results : Two flights Excellent, one Good, one Unknown, tow No Attack. 3 Window ships included. Primary Target Latitude/Longitude: 50.81773,6.35968 (50° 49' 4" N, 6° 21' 35" E) (Latitude/Longitude based on Google Maps, Visual match to Strike Photo) (See Latitude/Longitude Coordinates and Target Identifiers for more information. Note: This coordinate represents the Primary Target Location, the Location actually attacked may differ) |
| Date | Report |   |
A/C Serial # Type |
Mis- sion # |
Bomb Sq |
Location | Personnel (Status when available) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 13, 1944 Friday |
No_Report | 43-21717 A-20J |
156 | 668 | Osborne, Arthur E. Jr. (Not Injured)
Forma, Warren NMI (Not Injured) Newell, S. P. (WIA) Lagerman, K. G. (Not Injured) |
= Entries having actual Reports available for review. = Entries having additional Images or Photos.)Mission Loading Lists Transcription
Mission # 156 -- October 13, 1944, Friday AM
Langerwehe, Germany -- Town
| 1 671st 43-22065 5C-E A-20J Maj Price, R.F. Lt Hand, A.R. S/Sgt Fetko, C., Jr. S/Sgt Brown, D.M. |
2 668th 43-21719 5H-V A-20J Capt Shaefer, R.F. Lt Pape, M.A. Capt Fontaine, R.A., Jr. Sgt Elliott, F.W. |
3 668th 43-10176 5H-T A-20G Lt Kreh, E.B. S/Sgt Shelton, E.L. S/Sgt Schenck, D.R. [Not Airborne Brakes Out] |
| 4 668th 43-9195 5H-D A-20G Lt Stanley, C.S. S/Sgt Daugherty, L.M. Sgt Collier, C.B. |
5 668th 43-9907 5H-O A-20G Lt Hale, W.L. Sgt Bentzler, D.H. Sgt Geyer, J.F. |
6 668th 43-21809 5H-A A-20G Lt Parker, P.E. Sgt Galloway, A.F. Sgt Kochan, S.J. |
| 1 671st 43-22023 5C-G A-20J Capt Wheeler, R.V. Lt Arrington, H.T. S/Sgt Swank, O.E. Sgt Gurkin, C.W., Jr. |
2 671st 43-9841 5C-O A-20G Lt Ames, W.H. Sgt Fessler, H.S. Sgt Brown, R.J. |
3 671st 43-9719 5C-J A-20G Lt Withington, D.L., III Sgt Huss, C.F. Sgt McElhattan, L.D. |
| 4 671st 43-9714 5C-N A-20G Lt Merchant, W.A. S/Sgt Fandre, B.G. S/Sgt Chvatal, F.R. |
5 671st 43-9748 5C-A A-20G Lt VanNoorden, H.M. Sgt Thompson, G.H., Jr. Sgt Steffey, R.I. |
6 671st 43-9956 5C-Z A-20G Lt Winn, A.J.P. Sgt Stephenson, G.G. Cpl Davis, W.G., Jr. |
| 1 671st 43-9645 5C-R A-20J Lt Pair, H.F. Lt Corum, J.L. S/Sgt Marion, H.A. S/Sgt Adams, V.P. |
2 671st 43-9711 5C-M A-20G Lt Zubon, M. S/Sgt Worden, H.C. S/Sgt Rzepka, J.J. |
3 671st 43-9219 5C-D A-20G Lt Andrews, H.D., Jr. S/Sgt Cook, G.M. S/Sgt Linneman, R.H. |
| 4 671st 43-9363 5C-L A-20G Lt Smith, R.H. S/Sgt Mahoney, R.J. S/Sgt Davis, H.R. |
5 671st 43-9393 5C-K A-20G Lt Gary, J.C. Sgt Schoen, A.E., Jr. Sgt Cheuvront, R.W. |
6 671st 43-9937 5C-B A-20G Lt Fero, D.A. Sgt Rojas, A.A. Sgt Skelton, T.W. |
| SPARE 671st 43-9493 5C-V A-20G Lt Adams, J.D. S/Sgt Sherry, V.N. S/Sgt Kutzer, L.G. |
| 1 668th 43-21717 5H-P A-20J Capt Osborne, A.E., Jr. Lt Forma, W. Sgt Newell, S.P. S/Sgt Lagerman, K.G. |
2 668th 43-9894 5H-R A-20G Lt Colquitt, J.K. S/Sgt Damico, E.A. S/Sgt Raines, D.E. |
3 668th 43-21764 5H-X A-20G Lt Harris, F.W. S/Sgt Hantske, D. Sgt Roberts, J.H. |
| 4 668th 43-9194 5H-C A-20G Lt Lesher, R.D. Sgt Heitell, S.L. S/Sgt Naifeh, F. |
5 668th 43-10210 5H-Q A-20G Lt Wright, J.W. Sgt Profita, P.J. Sgt Simmonds, J.R. |
6 668th 43-9362 5H-L A-20G Lt Cannon, L.E. Sgt Robinson, J.W. Sgt Brzezinski, E.P. |
| 1 669th 43-10135 2A-T A-20J Lt Greene, W.J. Lt Nichols, J.R. S/Sgt Ochaba, J.A. S/Sgt Colbert, W.F. |
2 669th 43-10197 2A-F A-20G Lt Siggs, W.C. S/Sgt Nicks, R.W. S/Sgt Fleischman, G.I. |
3 669th 43-9181 2A-A A-20G Lt Land, W.H. S/Sgt Prindle, C.A. S/Sgt Kelton, H.E. |
| 4 669th 43-9943 2A-Z A-20G Lt MacManus, P.F.E., Jr. Sgt Mani, J. S/Sgt McGuire, J.J. |
5 669th 43-9929 2A-C A-20G Lt Street, M.S. Sgt Sharp, R.P., Jr. Sgt Carstens, R.W. |
6 669th 43-9963 2A-L A-20G Lt Kehoe, J.W. Cpl Arendt, E.A. Pvt Richardson, L.L. |
| 1 669th 43-9442 2A-D A-20J Capt Huff, M.J. Lt Kupits, J. S/Sgt Basford, F.P. S/Sgt Clark, R.A. |
2 669th 43-10159 2A-G A-20G Lt Connor, J.S. S/Sgt Rodgers, H.C. S/Sgt VanDuyne, J.E. |
3 669th 43-10155 2A-V A-20G Lt Blomgren, J.E. Sgt Kruger, C.J. S/Sgt Fleming, L.R. |
| 4 669th 43-10190 2A-I A-20G Lt Allen, J.F., Jr. Sgt Getgen, L.R. Sgt Veazey, C.W. |
5 669th 43-9376 2A-O A-20G Lt Renth, E.J., Jr. Cpl Brinkman, E.R. Sgt Moskowitz, L. [Returned Early Pilot Sick] |
6 669th 43-9692 2A-M A-20G Lt DuBose, M.W. Sgt Griffin, D.L., Jr. Sgt Walters, J.H. |
| SPARE 668th 43-9701 5H-H A-20G Lt McCready, T.D. Sgt Lemonds, W.E. Sgt Fuehrer, W.F. |
| 1 669th 43-21469 2A-J A-20J Lt DeMun, E.E. Lt McQuade, R.J. S/Sgt Webb, C.L. S/Sgt Epps, E.T. |
2 669th 43-9368 2A-K A-20G Lt Butler, G.S. Cpl McClain, H.B. Sgt McGaughy, W.S. |
3 668th 43-10150 5H-N A-20G Lt Mish, C.C. S/Sgt Clark, C.J., Jr. S/Sgt Chustz, R.F. |
Group and Unit Histories
Mission # 156 -- October 13, 1944, Friday AM
Langerwehe, Germany -- Town
"416th Bombardment Group (L) - Group History 1944"
Transcribed from USAF Archives
Going back again on the following day, the 13th, the town of Langerwehe was again attacked. Three of the five flights that bombed scored "excellents." Two scored "goods." Again moderate to intense accurate flak raked the formation at the target. Major Price led the first box; Captain Osborne, the second.
"Attack Bombers, We Need You! A History of the 416th Bomb Group"
Ralph Conte
Page 163
Mission #156 - 13 October - Langerwehe town again. Since cloud cover prevented bombing of all flights yesterday, this was another try and weather cooperated. Major Price and Lt. Hand, BN with Captain Osborne and Lt. Forma, BN leading boxes. Captain Wheeler and Lt. Arrington, BN, plus Lts. Pair and Corum, BN, and Lts Greene and Nichols BN, Captain Huff and Lt. Kupits, BN led flights. Bombing was successful with excellents being scored. The enemy had 12 gun emplacements around this area but all planes returned without damage.
"670th Bombardment Squadron (L) History"
Transcription from USAF Archives
Major Dunn led a mission on October 8th against Linnich, Germany. This mission [No. 154] was the last flown during the month for our squadron, as on October 13th we were put on a non-operational status while our crews completed training in the new "Invader" aircraft. The 670th was the first squadron to start and to complete this training. Bad weather badly hampered the efforts of the crews to become operational in the new planes in the desired time.
"671st Bomb Squadron (L) Unit History"
Gordon Russell and Jim Kerns
October 12th & 13th, 1944
Saturation bombing of the town of Langerwehe, 14 miles east of the besieged city of Aachen, was carried out by the 416th light bombers on the 12th and 13th of October. Poor weather prevented the Havocs from doing a complete job, but each day at least three flights were able to pick up the target and hit it with damaging results. This town stands in the way of the American forces tightening the ring around Aachen.
Major Willetts and Captain Cole led the two 671st flights on October 12th but clouds and haze obscured their targets. Captain Wheeler and Lt. Pair took over on the 13th and had better luck. The Wheeler/Arrington team connected with an excellent, their bombs destroying buildings and blocking roads. Lt. Pair, however, ran into a hazy sector and was unable to drop. Another excellent, and two goods were also scored by the three other flights which were able to bomb.
Intelligence reported 12 enemy anti-aircraft gun positions in the target area and battle damage was heavy. All crews returned.
Heavy Flak met on Training Flight
A training flight on the afternoon of October 13th...Friday the 13th in fact, met sudden disaster when the seven ship formation flew too close to enemy held Dunkirk and the Nazi ack-ack gunners poured a stream of flak at the planes, knocking one down and causing battle damage to the others. Lt. Milhorn who was flying A-20G 956 received a burst in one of the engines and crashed at Lille. The gunners were seen to have bailed out, but no one saw the pilot's hatch open. The plane was completely demolished.
The flight was scheduled for a two-fold purpose. Lt. Royalty was checkˇing out Lt. Francis, the new bombardier assigned to Lt. Lackovich, on evasive action and Gee. Lt. Lackovich was giving six new crews training in combat forˇmation flying, which they would need before going on an operational mission. It was decided to head up into the Pas de Calais area to look over the bomb damage, and the question was raised as to restricted flying areas, but Dunkirk was not brought into the conversation. The crews believed this town to be in Allied hands, and proceeded straight to the coast, about two miles to the right of Dunkirk. As the planes were making a sharp right turn, and then Lt. Royalty called for two lefts and the ships were out of range. They were at 8,000 feet altitude at the time.
Lt.Milhorn, flying No. 6 position was having trouble, and Lt. Lackovich contacted him a few minutes from Dunkirk. However, he said he could make it back to the base alright. About five minutes later Lt. Jokinen saw Lt. Milhorn's ship with engines on fire and going down. The formation made a 180— turn and spotted the plane burning along side a road. His gunners, Cpl. Doran and Cpl. Chest bailed out and their chutes were seen to have opened. Lt. Mooney, who was flying A-20G 363, had his hydraulics shot out and had to hit the air bottle upon landing.
Lt. Milhorn Back From the Dead (Just like in the Movies)
Lt. Milhorn had the extreme pleasure of reading his obituary in the Diary which reported him to have gone down with his ship near Dunkirk. Crews of the other six ships saw his two gunners bail out, but they swore the pilot did not get out. Captain Shaeffer and Captain Moore flew up to an airfield near to where the crash took place and lo and behold there was Lt. Milhorn...still alive and looking none the worse for his experience. Sgt. Chest, Lt. Milhorn's engineer gunner was uninjured and returned with the pilot. Cpl. Doran, however, was hit by flak in the leg and remained at the hospital near Lille.
Lt. Milhorn, who just recently joined the Squadron, and was not yet on operational status, received burns on the side of his face and the back of his neck, but they were treated and he will soon be as good as new. Asked just what did happen, Lt. Milhorn related, "The flak popped all around my ship and lodged in several spots. I knew I was hit pretty bad, but thought there was a chance to make it back. Then I discovered there was a fire in the bomb bay and knew we had to get out and fast. I told my gunners to jump when we were at 6,000 feet. I kept the ship straight and level for them. Then I pulled the emergency hatch release, but the handle went all the way back and the hatch did not come off. The fire was getting worse in the bomb-bay, so I opened the hatch and stood up facing the tail. The slipstream caught me and I cleared the ship alright. I was about 4,000 feet then." He continued, "My gunners and I landed about five miles from each other, but we wound up at the same field. Frenchman picked us up and took us to an R.A.F. field, where we got excellent treatment."
Asked what he thought of the situation Lt. Milhorn said, " If that's an example of a training flight, I'm for combat everytime."
(Friday, the 13th does not come up again for a few months, so things should be alright for a while, anyway!)
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[October 13, 1944], HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map Map showing Western Allies and Axis troop position details in Western Europe as of approximately 1200 hours, October 13, 1944 World War II Military Situation Maps Collection Library of Congress |