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

One new combat crew reported for a tour of duty with the squadron
composed of the following individuals: 2/Lt. William Clements,
Navigator; 2/Lt. Jack Collier, Pilot; 2/Lt. John Kelleher,
Copilot, 2/Lt. Barry McDermott, Jr., Bombardier; S/Sgt. Harry
Word Engineer; S/Sgt. Stephen Kocut, Radio Operator; Sgt. Charles
Semon, Tail Gunner; Sgt. Tommy Candall, Waist Gunner; Sgt.
Denker, Waist Gunner; and Sgt. Zirnheld, Ball Turret Gunner.
Combat crew members who did not participate in the mission on
this date engaged in ground school and training activities. One
ship flew a practice bombing mission and dropped 20 - 100 lb.
Practice bombs.
On this date, another combat crew reported for a tour of duty
with this squadron composed of the following individuals. 1/Lt.
Albert F. McCardle, Pilot; 2/Lt. Joseph Vandenboom, copilot;
2/Lt. Clifford Stanton, Jr. Navigator; 2/Lt. Everett Lunde,
Bombardier; S/Sgt. Billy Standlet, Engineer S/Sgt. Roy Neumann,
Radio Operator , Sgt. Guy Johnson, Tail Gunner; Sgt. Harold
McMurray, Ball Turret Trainer; Sgt. Donald Kovall, Waist Gunner;
and Sgt. Rex Silver, Waist Gunner.
14 - 16 April 1944: During the period of the 14th to 16th,
inclusive, due to adverse weather conditions, there was no
operational mission scheduled. Considerable local flying was done
on the 14th, and the ships flew a practice bombing mission
dropping thirty-nine 100 Lb. Practice bombs. Ground school was
well attended during this period.
17 April 1944: On the 17th, a mission was scheduled against?
Leon, but just as the ships began to taxi for the take-off, it
was scrubbed.
18 April, 1944: Oranienburg, Germany, was the target for the
18th. Six ships from this squadron participated and all of them
returned without losses. On this trip there were no "aborts" and
this is always considered good. Ground crews, who work on a ship
and get it ready for a mission, like to see it completed. This
causes them to know the value of their work. So for the ground
crew, of course they would rather go on and complete the mission,
hit the target and chalk up another completed mission on their
tour. Those taking part in today's raid were: Lt. Hackleman and
crew in ship #940, #276, Lt. Thomas and crew; #636, Lt. Reid and
crew; #304, Lt. Pryer and crew; #151, Lt. Wilkinson and crew;
#563, Lt. Klinger and crew. Bombs were dropped and the mission
was considered successful.
Since only six crews were flying in the mission, there were
several available men for ground school and training activities.