398th Bomb Group
Memorial
Association


S/Sgt. Chilton H. Jorgenson's Diary
Ball Turret Gunner 601st Squadron

Jorgenson's Mission No. 12

7 July 1944
Target: Leipzig, Germany

Mission # 12
July 7, 1944

This is my first mission in almost a month and I have to admit I was scared stiff. Target was Leipzig, Germany. Time 7 hours and 40 minutes.

We were supposed to have heavy fighter attacks and every one was on edge. General Gross 1st Division Commander flew in the lead ship and Col. Hunter our group C.O. flew in the deputy lead. No fighters hit us although they hit B-24’s very hard. Flak was heavy but was late getting started. We were over the target and bombs away before it really got bad. We lost 2 ships to flak. Last seen of one it fell out of formation and disappeared. The other one had a wing come off and then it blew up. Saw 6 parachutes open so some got down OK. Are now probably prisoners.

Notes:
  • S/Sgt. Chilton H. Jorgenson's was the Ball Turret Gunner for the Selmar Gustaves, Merwin L. Genung, and John J. Falkenback 601st Squadron crews.
  • The above transcription was provided by Raymond Borys.
  • This transcription is a reproduction of the original. Spelling and punctuation changes have been made to improve readability. In some circumstances, material may not have been transcribed or was rewritten.
  • Clarification of acronyms or special words or guesses of certain words are shown in brackets [ ].

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