Sworn to Secrecy......first shuttle run to Russia

[DaddyMax]

They were sworn to secrecy. As bombers penetrated deeper into enemy territory, it was easier to fly to allied bases then returning back. Mission No 43 & 44 starts with the shuttle run to Russia. A selected few from each crew made up what became the first shuttle run to Russia. It consisted of officers all the way down to mechanics. Only four (4) of my father?s crew was picked. They were taken to a movie house where everyone had to swear not to tell anyone of the mission. Not even other crewmembers could be told until they came back. (Life in Russia taken from my father?s diary)


Mission No 43 & 44
June 2, 1944
Debreczen, Hungary

The target was the Marshalling yards. We were at an altitude of 25,000 ft and it was 30 degrees below zero. There was no flak at the target. Got some flak just before we got into Russia. Saw a B17 blow up after we left the target.

June 3, 1944, Saturday ? Was in Mergorod, Russia. Went to look the town over. The country here is nice.

June 4, 1944, Sunday ? Just fooling around town. People here treat us nice.

June 5, 1944, Monday ? Went to town again. Had a lot of fun. Talked to the people in Polish.


Mission No 45
June 6, 1944
Galati, Rumania

The target was an airdrome. We were at 21,000 ft and it was 28 degrees below zero. Had some flak at the target, but no enemy fighters. Came back to Russia.

June 7, 1944, Wednesday ? Still in Russia. Just fooling around town.

June 8, 1944, Thursday ? Still lying around Mergorod, Russia.

June 9 & 10, 1944, Friday & Saturday ? Still in Russia. Just laying around.


Mission No 46 & 47
June 11, 1944
Fosgani, Rumania

The target was the Marshalling yards. We were at 21,500 ft and it was 28 degrees below zero. Had some flak at the target but no enemy fighters. We flew back to Italy.