(a note herG---the waist windows were fully open as I had a machine gun out each window. When we flew through flak,the smoke would blow into the plane and it had a terrible odor. In cases like on this mission when the flak exploded beNveen the planes, we were tossed around by the concussion . The explosion sounded like some rice in a paper bag . I suppose it was the flak fragments hitting the plane.)

Now for a few other comments as to procedures etc. At the end of the day we would go down to look on the bulletin board to see if we were scheduled to fly a mission the next day. We did not fly night combat missions. If it was an early mission, the C.Q. (the Charge of Quarters) had a list of all those individuals who were scheduled to fly. He would also know which tent and which bunk held the one on the mission. If you were not scheduled to fly, you were able to sleep in. Flight personnel were normally the ones assigned as C.Q. and I drew that detail a few times. I do not recall any instance when a C.Q. would have to go back to make a second call. We would announce hat time briefing would be held. We could go to the mess tent, have breakfast and afterwards, assemble in the briefing tent. Everyone on the mission, both commissioned and non commissioned officers were in attendance Up in front of the tent was a large map that was covered with a drape. When everyone was there, the drape was pulled and we say where we would be going that day. Sometimes there was a sigh of relief and on other times it was a loud moan. The map showed our way in, the areas where Intelligence believed guns and fighters to be located, as well as the numbers. The pilot. co-pilot, bombardier and radio operator had each been issued a wrist watch . We would "hack", meaning set our watches, to the exact second for the mission.

After the briefing, we were given a pack of gum and a candy bar. I always saved my candy bar until we had crossed back over the bomb line so I could really enjoy it. Bill (Taylor) on the other hand ate his immediately saying that if he was shot down or killed he at least wanted to have enjoyed the candy. After the mission, everyone went back to the briefing tent to be interrogated or de-briefed.

W39-41 P.41