Date: 30 Jan 1944

MISSION #1

BASE: Gioia del Colle

TARGET: Fier, Albania--Radar Station

SHIP: Sakinshack …256

ESCORT: 7-10 RAF Spitfires

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

ENEMY AIRCRAFT: none

FLAK: none

RESULTS: Missed the target by 15 miles

SORTIES: 1 Total: 1

MISSION TIME: 5:15 Total: 5:15

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NARRATIVE: Our first combat mission. Before takeoff our copilot, Lew Stewart,  passed out the escape kits: small waterproof packets containing $48 in U.S. gold seal currency; halizone tablets to purify drinking water and a small rubber bag to carry water in; a small compass; a hard bar of “desert” chocolate (would not melt even at desert temperatures); and some beautiful silk maps.

Could not see the target from 20,000 feet (hazy)so didn’t hit it. No opposition of any kind. No fighters, no flak, lots of sweat and I am now officially a combat man. I was so nervous expecting fighters. I didn’t know I could sweat so much at 30 degrees below zero. It seems these missions will be easy.