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Posted by Tom Kwiatkowski Sr. - 309C
on 11/6/2009, 3:16 pm
74.44.81.74
Ted Pesch called immediately, and reported the hit saying that he was OK. His flak suit and helmet were hit, however, and although the hits had left him with some black and blue marks, there were no other injuries. This was the second time the exact same thing had happened. I asked him if he could remain in the turret, at least until we got out of the fighter area, and he said yes, he could and would do so. What a lucky break for him and all of us. Because of that hit we could have been left nose down and spinning. Finally, bombs were away and we rallied to the left and down. Once again the good feeling of the aircraft being light again was now here. We reformed, and left the target area, as the flak continued to pound us. I called Ted in the nose and allowed him to get out of the -55 degree blast, but to remain nearby in case we were jumped by fighters. At least, hopefully, he wouldn't suffer from frostbite. The 3rd Box reported they were being hit by about 20 Fw 190s and at least two B-24s reported having taken hits. One of the "Tail End Charlies" was dropping back, trailing smoke behind their #3 and #4 engines, which was bad news. They were able to maintain wings level, however, but were falling back away from the formation and losing altitude. It would be a miracle if the fighters didn't jump them now. Sgt. Dye, our tail gunner reported that the other B-24 that got hit by fighters had feathered their #4 prop, but was still remaining with the formation. He also reported that he had lost sight of the B-24 that was dropping back and down.
We were weaving considerably around the cloud formations and our Group Leader, Major Parks was doing an excellent job of keeping us in the clear. We got back to the Base OK and learned that the B-24 that was falling back and down as well as the other one that had only one engine feathered were both reported missing in action since they were unable to stay with the formation. We were truly sorry to hear this bad news. One of the strange things that we have discussed among ourselves, was that we felt guilty about the lost crews, but admitted that we were glad that it was not us. The Flight Surgeon told us, however, that we must not feel guilty about these feelings of relief and that it was a perfectly normal reaction. In fact, he said, subduing these feelings and keeping them inside would be worse and much more harmful to us.
This completed sortie #29 and all was well so far.
TO BE CONTINUED
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SOURCE: MEMORIES OF WAR AND PEACE BY ROBERT J. "BOB" GILLMAN. USED WITH PERMISSION.
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