Bowers Crew – Assigned 753rd Squadron – August 10, 1944

Lt Waldo Bowers and crew were assigned to the 753rd Squadron in mid-summer 1944.  Their first mission on August 24th did not go well as the were forced to abort due to a gas leak in the bomb bay.  This would be the only time that the crew would abort from an operational mission.  They flew one AZON mission towards the end of that program, and then participated in the Truckin’ missions, hauling gasoline to Gen Patton’s Army in France.

On October 23, 1944 the 458th assigned lead crews to the 755th Squadron.  All lead crews were moved into the 755th, and those non-lead (wing) crews in the 755th were transferred into the other three squadrons.  Bowers and crew were chosen to be a lead crew, however would not fly their first lead mission until the end of the year.  As a lead crew they required additional crew members in the form of two extra navigators and a command pilot.  While the Command Pilot would vary on most missions, the navigators usually became a part of the crew, however records show both Lt Richard I. Morrison from the crew of 1Lt Lester J. Skidmore, and Lt George Kovaka from the Capt Robert W.Hansen crew, flying with Bowers at different times.

The crew flew only lead missions in 1945, either as Deputy Lead or leading the group or one of the squadrons.  On three separate occasions the Bowers crew received a 458th Group “Lead Crew Commendation” certificate for their efforts on a mission.

While group records do not indicate as much, it is most likely that the crew completed their combat tour in March or April 1945.

Kneeling, 3rd from right: John Haines

If you can identify anyone in this crew, please contact me.

Mission Narrative – January 14, 1945

Our prayers for a visual run were answered on the 14th and our boys went out this day and showed what they really could do on a visual run.  Lt Col Hogg, Major Speer and Capt Matze led our formation of 28 A/C in what was to be the best bombing by the group for the month of January.  Today, the Hermann Goering Works at Hallendorf, which is important from the standpoint of its outputs of Benzol and various munitions, felt the weight of 293×500 GP’s and RDX’s, plus 3×2000 GP’s.  About half way down the bomb run, the MPI was picked up visually as the ground wind was blowing the attempted smoke screen away.  Our results today were classified as EXCELLENT with crews reporting many fires and one large explosion, and SAV’s showing a tight concentration on the MPI.  It is rumored that when “Herman the Vermin” heard of these results he immediately donned his toga, chinned his violin and attempted an air from “Faust”.

Click for larger image

Mission Narrative – March 18, 1945

“Big B” was to feel the weight of the entire VIII AF on the 18th, and the 458th was going along for the big show.  Our part in this gigantic operation was to attack the armament and heavy ordnance factory making guns, bombs, ammo and employing about 20,000 people and had not been hit since early 1944.  The victim was located in the Tegel Area.  Capt Quinn and Lt’s Helfrecht and Mitchell were chosen to lead our formation and placed 29 A/C over the target, dropping 1298 M47 IB’s on MPI and vicinity as well as 2000 FT south of MPI.  Those of us who saw the newsreel on the attack were proud of being a member of the greatest Air Force in the world, and helping in our own small way to end this conflict started by those who are getting back 1000 fold what the attempted to give to the Allied countries.

Click for larger image

(Courtesy: Coleen Pittman)

Pilotage Navigators

Lt’s Richard Morrison and George Kovaka flew with the Bowers Crew on several occasions as navigators

A2 Fight Jacket

All of Hackman’s 30 missions are represented on the right front of the jacket, while the 755th Squadron patch adorns the left.

(Courtesy: James Knights)