36th Fighter Group - June 29, 1944

[KM1957]

Frederic,

I have found additional information--you are correct two missions were flown against Vierzonville by the 36 FG. On my earlier post, the three locomotives claimed were all shared by Capt. Richard LaRoque, Lt. John Wavra, Lt. David Whitaker, and Lt. James Hodge of the 53 FS. Now on to the additional information.

The second effort by the 36 FG did not go to Vierzonville so I will skip those details. The third effort, however, did have Vierzonville as the primary. 40 P-47's took off (12 each 22 and 23 FS and 16 53 FS) at 1800 and all were home by 2125. 22 planes actually attacked the yards at Vierzonville with bombing from 5,500 feet. Three fires were observed in the yards. Results were reported as very good. Other targets were also attacked but I will skip those as well. No mention was made of which squadron(s) made this dive bomb attack. Some other strafing claims in other areas were credited to some 53 FS pilots but that doesn't help you any. I have quite a lot of information on the 36 FG so if you ever need further help, please let me know. I will do what I can to assist. Good luck with your project.

Kent

[Henofred]

Bonjour Kent,

Once again, thanks a lot for your assistance. You know, I am looking for USAAF and RAF attacks having occured in this area. (South of the Loire - Orleans-Nevers-Chateauroux area). I don’t know if the 36th FG was involved in others attacks there -- I don’t have other dates of missions -- but I am interested by what you could have about missions carried out by this Group into this area between May and mid-September 1944. This area of France was liberated on mid-September 1944.

If you are interested I can send you the handwritten report I have about the mission of June 29, 1944. If so, send me a PM with your private E-mail.

Warmest regards from France,
Frederic