SORTIE REPORT #1304
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1943‑12‑31 48 171 Target: Blockade Runner 'Orsone' (name of ship)
Type: Transportation
Location: [Mouth of River Garonne], France
Target Not Found: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew as the low group of the 41st Combat Bomb Wing on today's mission. The primary target was a ship reported to be at or near the mouth of the River Garonne. However, the target was not seen due to 10/10 cloud cover, while the secondary target was hidden by 8/10 clouds, so the formation returned without attacking. Bombs were mostly jettisoned in the English Channel. Due to weather and fuel shortage, most aircraft landed at other bases.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: Landed away at RAF Thorney Island, West Sussex.
No Target Attacked
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17F 42‑29651 ⇗ 544th SU*G STELLA
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Herbert, Joseph Robert, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Farthing, Frank (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator Meyer, Robert Herman⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Zebrowski, Joseph Anthony⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Carroll, Ralph Gordon⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Boone, James Douglas, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Collins, Donald Ivan⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Van Riper, Charles (NMI), Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Buckley, Arthur Joseph⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Narog, John (NMI)⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 1304 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
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Report generated: 12 October 2026, 7:56 AM (PDT)
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