THE PILOT REPORTS:

"Objective broke into flames ..."
 
ANOTHER VICTIM: Included in the toll of nearly 115,000 tons of Japanese merchant marine and warships power sunk or damaged in Simpson Harbor 2 November was this 3,800-ton freighter-transport (17) shown as it received a direct hit amidships. Dropped at mast-height, the bomb blew debris high and started a large fire revealed vividly in these photographs.

"I began my run immediately after we entered the harbor area, strafing the ship heavily. I believe some fires started before I dropped my bombs. I pulled up sharply directly amidships, and dropped one 1,000-pound bomb. The objective broke into flames immediately and appeared to be seriously damaged if not in sinking condition." (From narrative report by Major Henebry, commander of the Simpson Harbor force.) This photograph was made by a member of Major Henebry's flight who followed him into the target area.

Forward
Rabaul Letter
Pilot Reports
Para frags
Low Attack
Direct Hit
Another Victim
Sinknig Ship
Utter Destruction
Crippling Hit
Strafing
Beached
Destroyer attack
Escape
Gunners Report
Lightning Action
Tactics
Results
Planning
Profiles
Profiles
Profiles
The Cost
BDA

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475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation http://www.475th.org, http://www.475thfg.org and http://www.475thfghf.org, home of Satan's Angels, the Hades, Clover & Possum. ALL material in this site ©2008, 475th Fighter Group Museum. No commercial use of these materials without written permission from the trusties of the 475th Fighter Group Museum.  Contact Lee Northrop, Museum Director for information or concerns about this website. Revised: 08/04/2008 19:04 Zulu