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39th Bomb Group (VH)
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# 20 July 6 – 45
The Belle not being in commission we had to use the “Silver Streak” Crew 23’s plane (Capt. Semanek). Strike was a night incendiary northern urban area of Kofu. 65 miles west of Tokyo. Carried 40 – 500# incendiary bombs. Bombing alt. 13,200’ - Bombs away at 0318 the 7th. Head over heels as we went through the heat thermal. No flak but possible one fighter (?) not of (?) attack Time: 14:30

8 July 45
Test hop to check out cylinder on # 2 engine – cause of abortion on Mission #20 of the 3rd of July.
Time: 1:00

#21 12 July 45 Night incendiary raid on the urban part of Uwajima in Shikokku
40 – 500# incendiary bombs. Bombing alt 15,200’ Bombs away at 0142 the 13th (Friday). No visible flak or fighters mostly due to 10/10 cloud coverage to and at target. Very bad weather otherwise a milk run.
Time: 15:05
Radio Operator was Lt. Gaffney – Johnny busted ear drum at beach.

15 July - 45 Hop to suring new compass Time: 1.00

# 22 – 16 July 45 Target was night incendiary raid on the urban area of Hiratsuka app. 60 miles from Tokyo.

40 – 500# incendiaries and one photo-flash bombs. Bombing alt 11,600’ Take off app 1800 the 16th. Weather was very bad. 10/10 over target. No fighters and some auto-matic weapons file. Feathered # 3 engine about one hr from base – She began to vibrate the whole plane.
Time: 14:40


Lt Bloom rode as Radar Observer

July - 45 Hop to slow time the new # 3 engine
Time: 2:50 (1A time) Act 2:20

# 23 – 24 July 45
Carried 33 500# G.P.’s – Target was aircraft factory at handa (13 miles south of Nagoya)

Flying # 8 position – no fighters – as we were turing off the target flak was light and inaccurate – (?) but to the left. Had to land at Iwo for fuel – Took off for base and then the trouble began. # 1 collector ring broke and a blue? Fire in # 1 – Oil leak in the # 4 and spurting flame – Chief made perfect landing with only # 2 and # 3 engines - # 1 and # 4 throttled way back (down 20 in) We left the lady there and came back to base in P60 – time: (time not listed in diary)

61st Squadron Crew Index

Source: Diary of C.B. Wall, CFC Gunner