Hi,

I do not know if this may help, here is some information from my manuscript on the 8th Combat Camera Unit.


Operation CADILLAC involved a mass air drop of supplies to Maquis units. On 14 July, Lts. Kenneth Dunaway/James Keiger (NS508) scouted 3rd BD drop-zones southeast of Chalon sur-Saone and Vercors plateau areas of France. Cameramen Sgts. George Howell and George Gamble were assigned to cover a 96th BG supply drop to French underground forces in southwestern France.


Gamble: We took off at 0340 and climbed to 11,000 feet over Snetteron Heath. After assembling, we headed for our combat wing rendezvous. We completed assembling at 0600 and headed for France. We crossed the invasion coast at 18,000 feet. Near the IP, we descended to 500 feet over enemy-occupied territory in our B-17F.

Our first run was an attempt to distinguish the target area that was identified by bonfires and people waving flags. We returned to the IP and started on our ‘cargo runs.’ It came off on schedule and the lead parachute landed in the middle of the markers. We were flying near the formations’ tail-end, so I photographed the other Forts releasing their cargoes. If a plane wasn’t sure of hitting the markers, the pilot then made an individual run. I observed trucks drive out and pickup the supplies. We did not encounter any opposition, but received a radio message that some groups were attacked by enemy fighters. However, our fighter escort was perfect, and we didn’t experience any trouble.

Norman Malayney