Mission 41
Berlin
Outbound
First hit by a night fighter just before Berlin: put a round into our starboard wing tank which self-sealed, knocked out the port ammo track, and put the tail gunner's heated suit out of action — a definite mistake as Cedric got him on the next pass. (Me-110 destroyed — Sgt. Cedric Shaw).
Over target
Somehow, even with all the clouds, we were caught in a searchlight and immediately attacked by a Me 109. Before he could do any damage Cedric hit him so bad he turned away trailing smoke (Me-110 FBOA - Sgt. Cedric Shaw). Bomb run was on but with the clouds (10/10) we bombed on indicators and bomb aimer, Sgt. Bill Milan, estimates we were 20% accurate. Began to descend because of Cedric's suit (he did not have any frostbite — said he was too busy to get cold) a Me-110 attacked: his first pass he missed us completely and on the second the mid-upper destroyed him. (Me-110 destroyed - Sgt. Wm. Worthington).
Return
Leaving Berlin area a night fighter attacked who did some damage including two into the starboard wing root and a round into the pilot compartment which did nothing but scare the hell outta 'flight' and me. After three passes he turned away without us ever hitting him.
The port wing flap inoperable but the landing went okay.
"Star Gazer"
F/O Ryan McCloud (Pilot)
Peckham Points: 100