398th Bomb Group
Memorial
Association


Captain Alan A. Arlin's Diary

Arlin Mission No. 5

June 2, 1944
Target: Marshalling Yard, South Paris, France

Arlin Mission No. 5
Date - June 2, 1944
Assigned Target - Marshalling Yard, South Paris, France
Target Attacked - As Briefed
Results - Excellent
Aircraft Number - 7855-A
Bomb Load - 6 1000 Lb. Demos
Position in Formation - Lead Low Group
Time - 5 hrs. 45 min.
Altitude over Target - 18,000'
Casualties - None
Damage - Minor flak damage, right landing flap, left wing, nose and #3 engine nacelle
Losses - None

Loading List
C.A. - Capt. Miller, Jean B.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Arlin, Alan A.
Co-P. - 2nd Lt. Stallings, Harold O.
Bomb. - 1st Lt. Baxter, Morris V.
Nav. - 1st Lt. Waaramaa, A. E.
Eng. - T/Sgt. Chmielewski, Raymond J.
Radio - T/Sgt. Buchsbaum, Louis
R.W. - Cpl. McCort, Joseph J.
Ball - Cpl. Carter, Charlie M.
Tail - S/Sgt. Hoffman, Arnold W.

Arlin Mission No. 5
Date - June 2, 1944

We led the low group on this one. Capt. Miller flew with us as C.A. Charlie was in the hospital with a fever so Lt. Waaramaa took his place.

This mission was one of those we dream about and pray for. From the briefing to the landing everything went perfectly. The take off and assembly went well. We departed the buncher on time and without any trouble slid into formation in the division. Shortly thereafter we were climbing out across the channel. We were met with light flak as we entered the enemy coast just north of Dieppe. Only once after that did we encounter any more flak before we were on the bomb run. Our fighter escort was the best I've seen yet; there were hundreds of 51's, 47's, and 36's all over the place.

The flak was comparatively light on the bomb run so Bax completely ignored it and concentrated on a good bomb run. It was a good one, too. The ships were all in good formation and the target wide open. The strike pictures showed the bombs in a perfect pattern right on the M.P.I. [Maximum Point of Impact]. This strike is the best the group has had yet.

After leaving the target, which was on the south side of Paris, we made a turn to the left and made a circle completely around the city. For a short time, I forgot just what I was there for and got in a little sight seeing. We then reformed the wing and headed home. On the trip home we rode over an undercast and unwittingly flew over three flak areas that put up quite a bit of accurate fire. We didn't lose any ships but nearly everyone picked up some damage. We let down over the channel and came home without incident.

The whole mission was very successful. The best and easiest mission I have had so far.

Notes:
  • First Lieutenant Alan A. Arlin of the 601st Squadron was the pilot of Rapid City original crew No. 31. On many of his missions, 1st Lieutenant and later Captain Alan A. Arlin was a lead pilot for his squadron or for the group.
  • The above transcription was provided by David L. Clark.
  • This transcription is a careful reproduction of the original except for occasional spelling and punctuation changes. In some circumstances, based on relevancy, some material may not have been transcribed.
  • Clarification of acronyms or special words or guesses of certain words are shown in brackets [ ].

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