Dailies of the 323rd - the 91st Bomb Group!

1/Lt. Edwin R. Reid, Co-pilot, 2/Lt. Richard O. Morgan,
Navigator, 2/Lt. John S. Haus, Bombardier, 2/Lt. George Marghita,
Engineer, T/Sgt. Ernest O. Kretchmer, Assistant Engineer, Sgt.
Melvin P. Stoddard, Radio Operator, T/Sgt. Benton E. Lowry, Sr.,
Assistant Radio Operator, S/Sgt. Arnold L. Hovey, Tail Gunner,
S/Sgt. Anthony W. Czarnecki, and Utility Gunner, S/Sgt. John A.
Gustafson, Jr. This was a crew that had anywhere from nine to ten
missions credited to each individual. They had a good record for
combat and as soldiers. Every reason of hope that they are safe
is still held by this squadron. As yet, nothing has been heard of
them.
Ships returning to the base, after this mission, were all
considerably damaged by the enemy. During the following three
days, the ground crews were busy getting them back into
commission again. That was achieved by the 14th thanks to a very
capable engineering staff who spared no pains to do their best
work on ships in need of it. Combat crew engaged in ground school
and training activities.
It is the policy of the Squadron Commander to permit forty-eight
hour passes to combat crews. This is handled by means of a roster
posted by squadron operations in advance so that a man may make
up his mind as to where he would rather go and make plans to
enjoy his time off duty. In that period, both officers and
enlisted men are enabled to visit most any place in England that
strikes their fancy. These passes are given as often as
conditions warrant and usually, each man gets two a month. In
addition, twenty-four hour passes are given as well as the usual
evening pass, which is called the "blue" one and is for local use
only.
14 - 20 Jan. 1944:Mission to Croisette, France: On January 14th
another of Hitler's secret construction works at Croisette,
France was successfully bombed, three ships of this squadron
participating. All returned safely. The crews reported but little
enemy opposition. Ships #712, #746 and #965, with Capt. Bramble
and crew, 2/Lt. Harding and crew, 2/Lt. Pickard and crew
represented this squadron. This was what the crews speak of as
"an easy one". They like one of this sort now and then. One
reason for it being easy for us is a strong escort all the way.
On the 15th, 18th, 19th and 20th, missions were scheduled but
usually, just before their takeoff, they were scrubbed. Our ships
that were scheduled to take off were curtailed since the ground
crew had spent a lot of time getting ready for the missions that
did not materialize. Major Bishop and Captain Gladstone would
wait for next time since it would be their 25th mission, then