Date: 15 FEB 1944

MISSION #4

BASE: Gioia del Colle

TARGET: Campoleone, Italy--Anzio Beachhead Troop Support.

Crossroad of Rome Cisterna RR and Anzio Campoleone RR

SHIP: Sakinshack …256

ESCORT: None

BOMBS: 10 x 500 lb. General Purpose from 20,000 feet

ENEMY AIRCRAFT: Two radial engine enemy flew alongside us over Anzio. They climbed above our formation and dropped a bomb through the formation. 10 ME-109's over Campoleone. 2 FW-190's east of Campoleone.

FLAK: Moderate Volume, Accurate Aim, Heavy Caliber.

RESULTS: We hit RR and roads outside of town.

SORTIES: 1 Total: 4

MISSION TIME: 5:30 Total: 21:45

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NARRATIVE: We flew without escort and without other groups. Our mission was to stop enemy troop and supply movement toward our infantry and artillery soldiers who were stuck on the Anzio beachhead. Reaching the target area, it was covered by cloud and ground haze. 45 degrees below zero centigrade. And the second section, stacked up, was blinded by the vapor trails of the first section. This all made for a poor bombing visibility. We can only pray for better weather so our missions will be more successful.

And on the way to the IP, the flak was thick--just black. When the shout went up about the black puffs I just turned my turret and crossed my fingers. SAKINSHACK was being bounced around like a rubber ball. I believe both the Germans and the Americans were shooting at us.