Recorded memoir of James H. Lorenz, part 2 of 2 (side B of cassette) (MC 376/225/2)
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Recorded memoir of James H. Lorenz, part 2 of 2 (side B of cassette)
1
MC 376/225/2
1 side of audio cassette
nd [c 1985]
466th Bomb Group
James H. Lorenz
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[00:00-05:00] Comments on flying decoy missions for RAF, running-in new aeroplane engines, waiting for mission orders, alerting crews for missions and censoring crew's letters. Remarks on visiting Norwich and friendship with local families. Describes attacks on Attlebridge base: V-2 rockets, 3-5 October 1944; German fighter attack, 6 January 1945, and P-51 fighters and gunners stationed to protect aeroplanes; German aeroplanes strafing airfields, 3 March 1945. [05:00-10:00] Comments on modifications to B-24 aeroplanes, January 1945, loss of pilots on practice missions and plans to use old bombers as guided missiles. Remarks on lack of time to meet RAF pilots, his return to the United States, post-war service in the reserves and work as a chemist, retiring 1982. [10:00-15:00] Comments on the 2nd Air Division Association. Describes dental problems caused by flying, his faith and church attendance. [15:00-20:00] Comments on being too busy to feel afraid on missions. Describes flight clothing, identity tags and French identity cards. [20:00-25:00] Continues about flight clothing and equipment. Describes mission routine including duties of the co-pilot and engineer. Comments on bombs and explosives used. [25:00-31:11] Bombs continued. Remarks on missions: gunners keeping alert for enemy fighters; fighter escorts and frostbite. Tribute to the skill of his ground crew. For preceding recording, see MC 376/225/1. For tape insert, see MC 376/431/17.