Kenneth DeLong Mission December 20, 1942

MISSION #28

DATE Sat. 12/19 & Sun. 12/20 HOME BASE Abu Sueir, Egypt Mon. 12 21

TARGET Sousse, Tunisia Harbor

COMBAT FLYING HOURS 13:05 (Total tour 290:35)

BRIEFING Not shown TAKE OFF 0910 LANDING 1240(12/19, Gambut)

                                TAKE OFF 1150(12/20) LANDING 22:10(Gambut)

                                TAKE OFF 0020(12/21) LANDING 0335(Fayid)

                                TAKE OFF 0845    "       LANDING 0905(Abu Sueir)

CREW Capt. T. D. Brown PLANE #33 "Benghazi Express" Took Sgt. J. W. Cotham (new Flight Engineer)

BOMB LOAD 9- 500 lb TARGET TIME Not shown BOMBING ALT. 4000 '

NO. OF PLANES 9-B24's (we flew lead, 3rd element)

BOMBING RESULTS--Lt. Matheny scored 2 direct hits on ship heading for Sousse. Only our element of 3 ships attacked this ship.

ENEMY ACTION--No anti aircraft fire--no fighters.

OTHER REMARKS--Originally, we were scheduled to attack 3 motor vessels in Tunis, Tunisia Harbor. We refueled in the desert and were told that mission was cancelled due to bad weather. We slept in tent #14--very cold. Had air raid alert that night (Saturday).

We were up at 0700 Sunday and had breakfast in mess tent (standing up, no seating). Had problem with engine meshing solenoids. Took off at 1150 for new target, Sousse. Climbed to l8000 feet. It was deathly cold. Hit solid front an hour from target. Saw ship below. Dropped to 4000' feet and scored direct hits.

We were interrogated early Mon. morning and had sparse, but good meal before taking off for home at 0020. Abu Sueir was socked in, so, we had to go to Fayid first until our home base was clear.

Actual total mission time was 17:25, but received credit for 13:05 only. Unable to resolve difference.