Narrative Report No. 14 Date: 23 January 1944
Target: Perugia, Italy, Marshalling Yard.

Thirty-six B-24-H's took off to attack the M/Y at Perugia, Italy today. 32 A/C reached the target area. Because of a complete undercast no bombs were dropped on the assigned target. The following targets of opportunity were hit: (1) Porto Civitonova, 4318N - 1344E. Photos show one burst on the choke point at the south end of the M/Y. Approximately 30 bursts scattered throughout the town. 10 bursts 2,500 feet West of the town. 10 - 15 bursts scattered South of the town. This is the only target of opportunity having photo coverage. (2) Road and bridge near Cagli, 4334N - 1240E. Visual observation reports approximately 10 bombs in road and bridge. (3) M/Y north of Perugia. (4) Some hits on railroad warehouses at 4320N - 1343E. (5) Some hits on Umbertide, town directly North of Perugia. Smoke observed. (6) Visual observation of some hits on airstrip 2 miles south of Iesi. A total of 75 tons of 500 pound GP .1 and .025 bombs were dropped on the above targets at 1200 to 1315 hours from 20,000 feet. 2 A/C jettisoned their bombs at 1245, NE of target area from an altitude of 20,500 feet, through a solid overcast.

None of our aircraft is missing.

There were no attacks by enemy A/C.

Flak. a. 4237N - 1404E: Heavy, slight to moderate, not accurate. b. 4240N - 1350E: Heavy, moderate, very accurate. c. At Giulianova, 4245N - 1358E: Heavy, intense, very accurate. d. Mobile at 4240N - 1400E: Heavy, moderate, accurate.

Four A/C returned early, one because of runaway prop on #1 engine; one because of a leak in the hydraulic system in tail turret causing the fluid to obscure the vision of the gunner; one because of a bad oil leak in #3 engine; and the fourth because of flak damage sustained at 4240N - 1351E at 1155 hours. Flak hit on conduit and cut out autosyn instruments.

Weather over target 9/10 to 10/10 undercast.

-- 449th Home Page -- About the 449th -- Summary of Missions -- Original Aircraft -- January '44