Lonnie; Friday, 23 February 1945**

LONNIE’s Ship and Crew
A/C No. 43-27680 Tail # 07 “Stuff”
P O’Keefe, John H.,
CP Rice, Rudolph
N None None
B Harvel, Lonnie B., Jr.,
E Smith, Warren B. “Smitty”,
R Matter, Dean R., T/Sgt
G Baker, Max E., Sgt……… ? DNB**

In the 445th BS B-25 A/C No. 43-27545 Tail # 06 “Maggie” S/Sgt Naughton flew a Photographer only on this Mission. Radio/Gunner/Photographer; S/Sgt. John J Naughton, Jr. Was the only photographer this day for all 4 Squadrons of B-25's that participated.

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, A-20s on intruder missions during the night of 22/23 Feb, hit marshalling yards and airfields throughout N Italy; medium bombers concentrate on the N end of the Brenner Pass, damaging bridges at Campo San Pietro and a railroad fill at San Felice del Benaco and hitting bridges at Dogna; fighter-bombers pound airfields, and enemy movement in the C and N Po Valley, and damage 5 bridges and cut rail lines at numerous points.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The Campo Bridges North and South were the targets for the day and in spite of the heavy flak which holed six planes and killed one man excellent concentrations were scored.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 745/mission 745) Group Mission # 745:

Campo South Railroad Bridge, Italy.

(Group mission report not available at this time)

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HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 746/mission 746) Group Mission # 746:

Campo North Railroad Bridge, Italy.(Group mission report not available at this time)

445th BS War Diary: The Campo north railroad bridge, Italy was attacked and hit with 100 per cent bombing accuracy. Rum-runner 535 (43-3535) was back from Catania following her engine change there and was slow-timed upon her return. Lts. Curry, Buckham and WH Jackson were promoted to 1st Lieutenant today. In today’s mission, 2nd Lt. Lonnie Harvel was killed by flak. He was a bombardier and was fatally wounded when a big piece of shrapnel ripped open the nose of his ship and struck him in the head. Capt. Robson flew his 70th mission today and called it quits. It was a rough one to finish on. Luxury rations were distributed for the first time in quite a while.

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445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 746/mission 746) Group Mission # 746: Group Mission #746; Squadron Mission #478: Lt. Poteete led 9 ships from this squadron in a formation of 18 ships sent out to attack the Campo north railroad bridge, Italy. 1000 pound bombs were dropped from 12,000 to 13,000 ft. P-47s flew as escort. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense and accurate, concentrating on the second flight made up of ships from the 445th Squadron. Lt. Harvel, bombardier, was killed on this raid. Five ships were holed. RESULTS: 1 pattern short and west of bridge. Others concentrated on north end and approach. Good coverage reported.

321st BG Historian, Barbi Ennis Connolly, PRINCESSBARBIB25@msn.com 57th Bomb Wing_

Lonnie B Harvel Jr