SORTIE REPORT #7558
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑11‑10 224 709 Target: Ostheim Airfield & Butzweilerhof Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Cologne / Köln, Germany
Primary Targets Bombed: The 384th provided three squadrons to form the 41st C Combat Bombardment Wing (41C Group) and an additional 12 aircraft to form the high squadron of the 41st D Combat Bombardment Wing (41D Squadron). The 41C Group lead and low squadrons bombed Ostheim Airfield using Gee-H, but the high squadron Gee-H equipment failed on the bomb run, and a second run was necessary. They started a PFF run on the primary target, but the PFF equipment failed, then attempted a visual run but could not see the primary target. They then salvoed their bombs over the secondary target, the center of Köln. The 41D Squadron made a 'long smooth run' to attack Butzweilerhof Airfield through 'intense and accurate' flak.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Completed Mission
Comments: 41D Squadron, Squadron Deputy. Gee-H ship. 544th loading list has 'Lt. Toelhman (303rd B. Gp)' listed as GH Navigator.
Primary (Gee-H)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑97824 ⇗ 544th SU*U not known
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Gabel, Raymond John⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Co-pilot Robilotta, Robert Frank⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Navigator McCarthy, Robert George⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Bombardier Reed, Ira Ottinger, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Radio Operator Snow, James Kenneth⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Engineer/Top Turret Airhart, L G⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Ball Turret Spradlin, Clifford Wright⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Tail Gunner Kolinek, Henry Joseph, Jr⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Daniel, Paul Fitzgerald⇗ 544 Completed, Uninjured
Sortie Report 7558 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
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Report generated: 12 October 2026, 8:06 AM (PDT)
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