Dees crew

 

Their original plane may have been named Sweetheart of Harlech, but not 42-94824, which was Avriett's Umbriago in the 7th Squadron. Since Generator Jennie was a replacement aircraft, this would have been their 2nd B-24, but they didn't fly it often and not until July so there are questions.

 

MISSION LIST

 

CREW #47; 18th Squadron

Mission #1 May 23, 1944 18BS Dees (Ground Spare)

Mission #2 May 24, 1944 42-94889 B/O 18BS Dees Patches

Mission #5 May 28, 1944 41-29518 L/H 18BS Dees Picadilly Lucy

Mission #6 May 29, 1944 42-52496 B/L 18BS Dees        Slight damage.

Mission #7 May 30, 1944 41-28851 E/M 18BS Dees The Near Sighted Robin  (Airborne spare)

Mission #10 June 6, 1944 42-94815 B/B 18BS Dees Frivolous Sal

Mission #12 June 6, 1944 44-40468 B/H 18BS Dees Mean Kid

Mission #13 June 7, 1944 42-94824 E/Q 18BS Dees Umbriago

Mission #14 June 11, 1944 44-40468 B/H 4BS Dees Mean Kid (spare)

Mission #15 June 12, 1944 44-40468 B/H 18BS Dees Mean Kid

Mission #16 June 14, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #17 June 17, 1944 41-29599 L/B 18BS Dees Boots

Mission #19 June 20, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #20 June 22, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #22 June 24, 1944 42-94878 L/Q 18BS Dees

Mission #25 June 25, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #27 June 28, 1944 41-29542 B/L 4BS Dees Rough House Kate (Airborne spare)

Mission #28 June 29, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #29 July 2, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #31 July 6, 1944 44-40320 B/N 18BS Dees Generator Jennie (Deputy lead)

Mission #33 July 9, 1944 41-29542 B/L Dees Rough House Kate

Mission #34 July 12, 1944 44-40421 B/F 7BS Dees         apparently did not take off.

Mission #36 July 17, 1944 44-40276 E/D (scheduled for Dees but replaced)

Mission #36 July 17, 1944 44-40443 D/H 18BS Dees Jerk’s Berserk

Mission #43 July 27, 1944 44-40267 B/A 18BS Dees

 

CREW #60; 18th Squadron (as of July 31, 1944)

Mission #47 July 31, 1944 44-40320 B/D 18BS Dees Generator Jennie

Mission #49 August 2, 1944 44-40454 E/B 18BS Dees Betta Duck (lead)

Mission #54 August 7, 1944 44-40328 L/B 18BS Dees This Above All

Mission #54 August 7, 1944 44-40320 B/D Generator Jennie (scheduled for Dees but replaced)

Mission #55 August 8, 1944 44-40267 B/A Dees (ground spare)

Mission #56 August 10, 1944 44-40438 D/C 18BS Dees unknown name (lead)

Mission #61 August 16, 1944 44-40443 D/D 18BS Dees Jerk’s Berserk

 

CREW #60; 18th Squadron (as of the transition to B-17s)

Mission #74 October 6, 1944 43-38325 E/B 18BS Dees 

Mission #77 October 14, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Mission #79 October 17, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Mission #80 October 19, 1944 43-38380 L/B Dees & Capt Young           

Mission #83 October 26, 1944 43-38416 E/C Dees & Garrett        

Mission #85 October 30, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Mission #89 November 9, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Mission #93 November 26, 1944 43-38325 E/B 18BS Dees            Did not drop. Door malfunction. Bombs eventually jettisoned.

Mission #98 December 6, 1944 43-38292 B/A 18BS Dees

 

MISSION AND CREW DETAILS

 

CREW #47; 18th Squadron

DEES ROBERT M (P) (1024)                              1 LT        18            O-394074

DOZIER JOHN F (CP) (1024)                              2 LT        18            O-816268

WRIGHTMAN CLARENCE M (N) (1034)       2 LT        18            O-699297

McBEE IRA C (B) (1035)                                     F/O         18            T-123076

ALDRICH ROBERT G (AEG) (748)                   S/SGT     18            36562413

LATLIN CLIFFORD M (ROG) (757)                  S/SGT     18            12052699

HOSACK VINCENT J (AG) (612)                      SGT        18            33577880

WALCH STEPHEN F (BG) (611)                       SGT        18            16057788

FONDREN HAROLD M (BG) (611)                   SGT        18            15327449

 

Mission #1 May 23, 1944 18BS Dees (Ground Spare)

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

McBee (B)

Latain (R)

Hosack

Walch

 

Mission #2 May 24, 1944 42-94889 B/O 18BS Dees Patches

Took off at 0516 hours.

Flew position 4-2 in High Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb GP bombs. Dropped on the Secondary Target at 0930 hours from 22,000 feet.

Landed 1038 hours.

Dees, R. M. (P)

Dozier, J. F. (CP)

McBee, I. C. (B)

Latain, C. M. (R)

Aldrich, R. C. (E)

Fondren, H. M. (NG)

Hosack, V. J. (TG)

Walch, S. F. (BG)

Werner, B. (G)

 

                     May 24, 1944 Dees

Crew Status Report 1000 hours.

Crew #47, 18th Squadron

Dees (P)                                 1 Lt         OK

Dozier (CP)                            2 Lt         OK

Wrightsman (N)                   2 Lt         OK

McBee (B)                             F/O         OK

Latain (R)                               S/Sgt      OK

Aldrich (E)                             S/Sgt      OK

Fondren (NG)                        Sgt          OK

Hosack (TG)                          Sgt          OK

Walch (BG)                           Sgt          OK

Werner (G)                            Sgt          OK

 

Mission #5 May 28, 1944 41-29518 L/H 18BS Dees Picadilly Lucy

Took off at 1030 hours from Hardstand #20.

Flew position 2-3 in High Squadron.

Carried 10 500 lb GP bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 1502 hours from 22,000 feet.

No damage reported.

Landed 1812 hours.

Oxygen leak; #2 generator inoperative. Inspected and repaired.

Dees, R. M. (P)

Dozier, J. F. (CP)

Bujaiski (N) (from crew #34)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich, R. C. (E)

Walch, S. F. (NG)

Fondren, H. M. (BG)

Hosack, V. J. (TG)

Werner, B. (G)

 

Mission #6 May 29, 1944 42-52496 B/L 18BS Dees 

Took off at 0754 hours from Hardstand #15.

Flew position 4-1 Squadron.

Carried 10 500 lb GP bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 1235 hours from 21,300 feet.

Slight damage reported.

Landed 1636 hours.

#2 cylinder head temperature inoperative. Inspected and repaired.

Slight flak damage: to wing leading edge.

Dees, R. M. (P)

Dozier, J. F. (CP)

Maddux (N) (from crew #52)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich, R. C. (E)

Fondren, H. M. (NG)

Hosack, V. J. (TG)

Walch, S. F. (BG)

Werner, B. (G)

 

Mission #7 May 30, 1944 41-28851 E/M 18BS Dees The Near Sighted Robin  (Airborne spare)

Took off at 0712 hours from Hardstand #4.

Flew as Airborne Spare. Returned early when not needed.

Carried 6 1000 lb bombs. All bombs returned to base.

Landed 1103 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Fondren (NG)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #10 June 6, 1944 42-94815 B/B 18BS Dees Frivolous Sal

Took off at 0225 hours.

Flew position 1-3 in Lead Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb bombs. Brought all bombs back.

Aborted with #4 supercharger inoperative. Ground and flight checks found the aircraft to be satisfactory. This abortion was deemed unnecessary.

Landed 0826 hours.

Dees, R. W. (P)                     1 Lt

Dozier, J. F. (CP)                   2 Lt

McBee, I. C. (B)                    F/O

Aldrich, R. G. (E)                  T/Sgt

Lattin, C. M. (R)                    S/Sgt

Hosack, V. J. (TG)                S/Sgt

Walch, S. F. (BG)                  Sgt

Werner, B. (G)                       Sgt

Fondren, H. M. (NG)            Sgt

 

Mission #12 June 6, 1944 44-40468 B/H 18BS Dees Mean Kid

Took off at 1656 hours.

Flew position 1-3 in Lead Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb bombs. Dropped 8 bombs on the Primary and jettisoned 4 bombs.

No damage reported..

Landed 2356 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Berns (B) (from crew #70)

Aldrich (E)

Lattin (R)

Hosack (G)

Walch (G)

Werner (G)

Fondren (G)

 

Mission #13 June 7, 1944 42-94824 E/Q 18BS Dees Umbriago

Took off at 1706 hours.

Flew position 2-3 in High Squadron. There is some indication of a possible switch to position 2-2 in High Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb GP bombs. Dropped on the Secondary at 2041 hours from 19,500 feet.

Slight damage reported.

Landed at Bassingbourne.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (G)

Walch (G)

Werner (G)

Fondren (G)

 

Mission #14 June 11, 1944 44-40468 B/H 4BS Dees Mean Kid (spare)

Took off 0451 hours

Flew as Airborne Spare.

Flew the mission.

Carried 12 500 lb GP bombs. Brought back all bombs to base due to 10/10 cloud coverage of target.

No battle damage reported.

Landed 1033 hours

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Fondren (NG)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #15 June 12, 1944 44-40468 B/H 18BS Dees Mean Kid

Took off at 0528 hours

Flew position 4-2 in Low Squadron.

Carried 52 100 lb bombs. Dropped 31 bombs on the Primary at 0920 hours from 22,000 feet.

The record does not indicate whether they jettisoned or brought back the remaining bombs.

No damage reported.

Landed 1122 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #16 June 14, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 0341 hours.

Flew position 3-1 in Low Squadron.

Carried 52 100 lb bombs. Brought all bombs back to base.

No battle damage reported.

Landed 0946 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightman (N)

Hicks (B) (a write in)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #17 June 17, 1944 41-29599 L/B 18BS Dees Boots

Took off at 1636 hours.

Flew position 3-3 in Lead Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 2022 hours from 18,000 feet.

Slight battle damage reported.

Landed 2253 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightman (N)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #19 June 20, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 1753 hours.

Flew position 4-1 in Group B (18th)

Carried 52 100 lb GP bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 2057 hours from 22,750 feet.

No battle damage reported.

Landed 2224 hours.

No Crew Loading List available.

 

Mission #20 June 22, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 1449 hours.

Flew position 4-3 in High Squadron.

Carried 52 100 lb bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 1916 hours from 20,700 feet.

No damage reported.

Landed 2155 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R) (a write-in)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #22 June 24, 1944 42-94878 L/Q 18BS Dees

Took off at 0432 hours

Flew in High Squadron.

Carried 52 100 lb bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 0817 hours from 22,500 feet.

Minor damage reported.

Landed 1017 hours

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #25 June 25, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 1541 hours.

Flew position 2-2 in Lead Squadron.

Carried 6 1000 lb bombs. Dropped on the Secondary at 2021 hours from 20,000 feet.

Minor damage reported.

Landed 2235 hours.

Dees (P)

Nash (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #27 June 28, 1944 41-29542 B/L 4BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 0415 hours.

Flew as Airborne Spare but when Simpson aborted he likely took up position 2-2 in Low Squadron with Timblin shifting to position 2-1.

Carried 24 250 lb bombs. Brought all bombs back to base.

Recalled at 0710 hours while 15 miles NW of La Havre.

No damage reported.

Landed 0826 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #28 June 29, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 0534 hours.

Flew position 1-3 in Low Squadron.

Landed 1209 hours.

Bombsight inoperative. Inspected and repaired. Bomb racks were adjusted improperly. Corrected.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #29 July 2, 1944 41-29542 B/L 18BS Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 1010 hours

Flew position 2-1 in A Group, with target of Haute Cote.

Carried 18 250 lb GP bombs. Dropped on Primary at 1344/30 hours from 22,200 feet.

No battle damage.

Landed 1452 hours

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

McBee (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Foundren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #31 July 6, 1944 44-40320 B/N 18BS Dees Generator Jennie (Deputy lead)

Took off at 1700 hours.

Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in the Lead Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 2027 hours from 24,000 feet.

Slight flak damage reported.

Landed 2143 hours.

 

Mission #32a July 8, 1944 41-29542 B/L Dees Rough House Kate

This second mission of the day was scrubbed.

 

Mission #33 July 9, 1944 41-29542 B/L Dees Rough House Kate

Took off at 1002 hours.

Flew position 1-3 in Low Squadron, B Group.

Landed 1535 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Rankin (B) (a write-in)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Foundren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #34 July 12, 1944 44-40421 B/F 7BS Dees        

Scheduled but did not take off.

 

                       July 13, 1944 404320 B/N Dees

Took off at 1400 hours.

Landed 1518 hours.

 

Mission #36 July 17, 1944 44-40276 E/D (scheduled for Dees but replaced)

Mission #36 July 17, 1944 44-40443 D/H 18BS Dees Jerk’s Berserk

Took off at 0715 hours, a little later than the group due to having to switch planes.

Flew position 1-2, Deputy Lead of C Group, the Low Squadron

Carried 5 1000 lb bombs. Dropped on the Primary at 1051 hours from19,500 feet.

Landed 1323 hours

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Smith, R. C. (PN) (a write-in)

Rankin (B) (a write-in)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Foundren (NG)

Werner (G)

Smith, R. C. (PN)

 

Mission #43 July 27, 1944 44-40267 B/A 18BS Dees

Took off at 0500 hours

Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2, in C Group, flying as Low Squadron in 93 B Wing with 493rd C Group

Carried 6 1000 lb bombs. Returned all bombs to base as Mission was Recalled.

No battle damage.

Landed 0957 hours

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (PN)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Walch (BG)

Hosack (TG)

Foundren (NG)

Werner (G)

 

CREW #60, 18th Squadron (as of July 31, 1944)

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Fondren (NG)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #47 July 31, 1944 44-40320 B/D 18BS Dees Generator Jennie

Took off at 0926 hours

Flew Position 1-2, Deputy Lead of High Squadron

Carried 20 250 lb bombs. Dropped on Primary at 1310 hours from 23,800 feet

Landed 1556 hours.

Airspeed indicator fluctuates. Inspected and repaired.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Fondren (NG)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #49 August 2, 1944 44-40454 E/B 18BS Dees Betta Duck (lead)

Took off at 1545 hours

Flew 93rd Wing B as Lead of 18th Squadron, Low Squadron, along with 490th A Group as Lead Squadron

Carried 6 500 lb GP bombs. Accidentally released bombs just after IP at 1922 hours from 22,500 feet.

Since they were the Lead Plane, at least 3 others ships dropped early on this accidental release.

Landed at 2056 hours

Dees (P)

Young (Command Pilot)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

Fondren (NG)

 

Mission #54 August 7, 1944 44-40320 B/D Generator Jennie (scheduled for Dees but replaced)

Mission #54 August 7, 1944 44-40328 L/B 18BS Dees This Above All

Dees (P)

Young (Command Pilot)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Fondren (NG)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #55 August 8, 1944 44-40267 B/A Dees (ground spare)

 

Mission #56 August 10, 1944 44-40438 D/C 18BS Dees unknown name (lead)

Dees (P)

Crabtree (Command Pilot)                   Capt.

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Fondren (NG)

Hosack (TG)

Werner (G)

 

Mission #61 August 16, 1944 44-40443 D/D 18BS Dees Jerk’s Berserk

Took off at 0656 hours.

Flew position 1-2, Deputy Lead, in C group, Low Squadron.

Carried 12 500 lb bombs. Dropped on the Primary target at 1127 hours from 20,100 feet.

Landed 1354 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Steiner (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Werner (G)

 

CREW #60, 18th Squadron (as of the transition to B-17s)

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Fondren (G)

 

Mission #74 October 6, 1944 43-38325 E/B 18BS Dees 

Took off at 0712 hours

Carried 10 500 lb bombs. Jettisoned bombs at 1100 hours from 25,500 feet over enemy territory, 5317N – 0952E.

Major battle damage from Flak to #3 engine, #3 gas tank, and #2 engine.

One crewman wounded.

Landed 1308 hours.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Fondren (G)           S/Sgt Harold M. Fondren (611) 15327449 Lightly Wounded in Action and admitted to 65th General Hospital.

Walch (G)

 

Mission #77 October 14, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Took off at 0757 hours from Hardstand #16.

Flew position 1-2, Deputy Lead of Low Squadron.

Carried 14 250 lb GP bombs and 4 M17. Dropped on Primary at 1156 hours from 26,500 feet.

Landed 1455 hours.

#2 oil pressure inoperative. Inspected & repaired.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (G)

Syring (G)

 

Mission #79 October 17, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Flew position 1-2, Deputy Lead, of Low Squadron

Carried 34 100 lb GP bombs and 2 M17. Dropped on Primary at 0914 hours from 24,200 feet.

No battle damage to the plane.

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Frye (G)

 

Mission #80 October 19, 1944 43-38380 L/B Dees & Capt Young           

Took off at 0620 hours

Weather & Monitor aircraft

Landed 1204 hours

Dees (P)

Capt. Young

(Other crewmembers are not listed.)

 

Mission #83 October 26, 1944 43-38416 E/C Dees & Garrett        

Weather and Monitor aircraft

Capt Dees

Major Garrett

 

Mission #85 October 30, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Took off at 0812 hours from Hardstand #16

Flew position 2-1, Deputy Lead of the High Squadron.

Carried 20 250 lb bombs. Mission Recalled at 1152 hours. All bombs returned to base.

Landed 1321 hours

Dees (P)

Dozier (CP)

Wrightsman (N)

Rankin (B)

Lattin (R)

Aldrich (E)

Hosack (TG)

Walch (BG)

Dupner (G)

 

Mission #89 November 9, 1944 43-38410 B/C 18BS Dees

Mission #93 November 26, 1944 43-38325 E/B 18BS Dees            Did not drop. Door malfunction. Bombs eventually jettisoned.

Mission #98 December 6, 1944 43-38292 B/A 18BS Dees