(this is a scan of papers sent by Fred Buettner - some of the spelling or abbreviations are as there were on the papers, and it does not appear to be complete)

March 1, 1943

On this day the 378th Fighter Squadron, of the 362nd Fighter Group, was activated. This occurred at Westover Field, ,Mass. in accordance with general Orders #7 Par. 1 Hq. lst Fighter Command, Mitchell Field, N. Y.

The personnel of the 378th Fighter Squadron were obtained from the 321st Fighter Squadron and the 322td Fighter Sq. of the 326th Fighter Group at Westover Field, Mass.

There were two officers assigned upon squadron activation, 2nd Lt. W.W. Wilfong, Jr. adjutant, and Lloyd Thomas, Supply Officer. There was a total of two officers and 55 EM on the squadron roster at reveille.

March 30, 1943

2nd Lt. Leon Bloom assigned as Communications Officer.

March 31, 1943

Lt. Col M. D. Magoffin was assigned as Group Commander, having been on D.S. in Orlando, Florida for one month

April 6, 1943

2nd Lt. Alfred Benson assigned Engineering Officer.

April 13, 1943

1st Lt. John H. Dornheggen assigned as Squadron Surgeon.

May 24, 1943

2nd Lt. Walter W. Wilfong, Jr., promoted to lst Lt.

May 31st, 1943.

1st Lt. Roy Swanson assigned as Supply Officer.

June 7, 1943

2nd Lt. John M. McNally, Jr. assigned as Intelligence Officer.

June 12, 1943

let Lt. Frederick J. Nelander assigned as Operations Officer.

June 14, 1943

2nd Lt. Herman Koss assigned as Communications Officer and 2nd Lt. Henry Caruso assigned as Armament officer.

June 15, 1943

2nd Lt. Leon Bloom transferred out of squadron.

June 19, 1943

let Lt., Frederick J. Nelander, promoted to the grade of Captain.

June 21, 1943

1st Lts. William Flavin, Sherwin G. Desens and 2nd Lt. Harrold Peterson assigned as Pilots.

June 22, 1943

The squadron moved by truck convoy from Westover Field, Mass to Bradley Field, Conn, this morning.

June 23, 1943

F/O Spaulding, 2nd Lts. Dexter, Law, Morphew, Sipe, Burkot, Narehood, Hayden, Askew, Armstrong, Burdick, Johnson, R.P., Hall, Adams, Girvan, Glover, Benton, Adams, R.C. Jasper, Johnson, D.C., Kennedy, Haering, Jensen, Maucini, Huber, Guerriepo, Hamlin, Dixon, and King assigned as Pilots.

2nd Lt. Burdick was killed today, after landing he was taxiing and hit by another plane tearing off his canopy and cutting his head.

July 3, 1943

2nd Lt. Charles F. Kennaw assigned as assistant intelligence officer.

July 9, 1943

2nd Lts. names F. Harrold, Robert B. Bell, Leon R. Bentley and Howard C. Kelgard assigned as Pilots.

July 18, 1943

2nd Lt Peterson transferred to 379th Ftr. Sq. and 2nd Lt. Hayden transferred to 377th Ftr. Sq. 2nd Lts. Loeb, and Skeen assigned as pilots.

July 30, 1943

2nd Lt. R. P. Johnson trfd to 327th Ftr. Gp. July 31, 1943

At 1540 today 2nd Lt. Dixon took off in plane 42-8246 on runway 190 at Bradley Field, Conn. and started to the left. At about 400' he started to lose altitude. He continued his turn to the left about 270 deg in all and landed at the south end of Bradley Fld. His wheels touched the ground first just as he left the chared area of the field and crashed through the trees. No injury to pilot, slight shock. The plane was completely wrecked.

lst Lt. Hohn H. Dorhheggen was promoted to Captain. find Lt. Kasack was promoted to 1st Lt.

August 1, 1943

Lt. F1evin transferred to the 379th Fighter Squadron.

August 2, 1943

Squadron left Bradley Field, Conn. and come by truck convoy to Groton Field, Conn. this A.M.

August 4, 1943

2nd Lts Charles Armstrong and Richard Huber were killed today in an air collision.

August 5, 1943

2nd Lt. Crutchfield assigned as pilot.

August 15, 1943

2nd Lt. Benton, Loeb, and Jasper trfd to 368th Fighter Gp.

August 21, 1943

2nd Lts. John H. McNally, Jr., and Alfred Benson promoted to 1st Lts.

August 25, 1943

2nd Lt. Clifford assigned us assistant communications officer.

September 1, 1943

Month of Aug. flew largest number of flying hours to date, 1993 hours total.

September 11, 1943

In attempting to land at Groton Field, one of Lt. Jensen's wheels was stuck up, he proceeded to Westover F1d. Mass, and made belly landing.

September 12, 1943

Lt. Carl Haering crash landed when his plane caught fire and his engine failed. He suffered cuts and bruises.

September 16, 1943

2nd Lt. Bogue assigned as Pilot.

September 19, 1943

Lt, Crutchfield bailed out this morning when he was practicing stalls and his plane snapped over and went into a spin, his controls failed and he bailed out at 2,000'.

September 28, 1943

2nd Lt. Frederick E. Warth assigned as new engineering officer and Lt. Benson transferred to the 377th Fighter Sq.

September 29, 1943

2nd, Lt. Harrold promoted to lst Lt.

October 12, 1943

Personnel inspection was held this morning by Brig Gen. Craigie, Lt. Col M. D. Magoffin and Major C. G. Teschner.

October 16, 1943

The end of a long grind of training has been completed. Begun July, the OTU training program for officers and enlisted men gasped its final breath today. A program of marches and bivouacs is to be instituted in the Staging Area. Good old K Rations.

Lt. Clifford, Ralph H. was trfd to the 326th Fighter Grp.

lst Lt. John W. Jaco assigned as new adjutant replacing lst Lt. W.W. Wilfong who was trfd to the 85th Sta. Comp. Sq. as of Oct. 13.

October 22, 1943

On this day the Squadron received movement Orders to report to Mitchell Fld. New York. As usual the Sq. EM and material vas moved by truck convoy. They were assigned quarters in the Camp Mills sector of the field in tents. Movement was completed by Oct. 23. Officers were quartered in barracks behind the hangar line.

October 23, 1943

2nd Lts Girvan, Dexter and Johnson, D. C. were trfd to the 326th F.G..

A group mission was begun with a 36 plane formation. 12 planes from each sq. Objective being to escort B-24's from Knoxville to Smyrna. 378th with the following pilots took off from Mitchell Field at 1020. Major Chase flew with us and the following pilots. Major Teschner. Capt Nelander, Lt. Chloupek, Cline, Desens, Lovett, Askew, Crutchfield, Haering, Harroll, and King.

October 25th, 1943

2nd Lt. Jensen 'was trfd to the 370th Fighter Gp.

October 29th, 1943

The escort mission to Knoxville, Tenn returned. All Pilots landed safely. Adverse weather conditions forestalled the return escort originally scheduled for October 26, 1943.

November 12, 1943

378th Fitr. Sq. left Camp Mills, Mitchell Field, L. I. N. Y. Arrived at Camp Shanks New York at 1300 by G.M.T. This move constituted the staging procedure for our outfit and was the last move before going overseas. Every one was frantically' writing letters home containing veiled hints (if you could term them such) of what wars about to happen to them soon. Naturally the censors (snoopers to you) were on the job and the squadron left the field safely.

November 22, 1943

The great day had come and the squadron prepared to move on to the great beyond. Amongst-flag-waving and the curses of the men shuffling the duffle bags around to maneuver them into a comfortable position we moved from dear Camp Shanks by train to -a ferry at Wehawken, N.Y. where by devious twistings and waiting in the middle of the river we finally drew alongside of the Queen Elizabeth which was to be our home on the perilous journey to ? How did we know?

November 23, 1943

At 1530 the boat left the dock quietly and secretly. Like hell the sun was shining brightly. The band was playing the people line the docks and all in all the take off resembled a farewell which might have been given to tourists on leaving Hawaii. It took quite awhile for everyone to get settled down and to speak the facts it wasn't until the boat docked in Scotland that we ever quite accomplished this end. If you can imagine eating dinner while riding a roller coaster than you can readily realize the problems which confronted us constantly. Through the din of boat drills and inspections, sick calls etc, everyone was getting lost and looking for the bar which we supposed every line contained. Except for a few minor casualties of sea-sickness and sleeping with feet in your face, yew you guessed it we landed.

November 29, 1943

The Queen Elizabeth (a worthy ship) brought us to the beautiful shore of Scotland. Necessarily we shared the available space with several thousand other soldiers and sundry personnel, and the limey waiters were really sunday. The voyage was marked conspicuously by an occasional glimpse of the ocean. It goes without saying that one must simply see the ocean while crossing. The first break of dawn found us at the portholes (five to a hole) viewing the land which was soon to embrace us (and How) The harbor was crowded with all types and sizes of boats. A ferry had come to pick us up and escort us to the shore to' get our first ride on a train in the British Isles. Greeted by Scottish band playing bag pipes and the ARC had coffee and doughnuts which we really appreciated now.

November 30, 1943

Arrived at Chapel, England pursuant to going to our new home known to us as Station 159. It was good to feel the dirt of English soil on our feet but why go to extremes about such things. The wet dirt (mud to you) had thoroughly saturated everything we owned, but this gave us little concern as we all knew the advantages of sending our things to the cleaners. I must add the somewhat apropo appendum here, that "sent to the cleaners" is the correct terminology.

December 13, 1943

2nd Lt. William B. King promoted to the rank of lst Lt.

December 15, 1943

lst Lt. Vernon A. Boehle was assigned to the squadron and subsequently became a flight leader.

December 25, 1943

Xmas in the ETO, need I say more fellows?

Jan 12, 1944

Promotions: Tom V. Chloupek to Captain. Sipe, Askew Crutchfield, Narehood and Skeen to let Lt.

Jan 15, 1944

Capt. Nelander promoted to Major. lst Lt. Jaco promoted to Captain.

Feb 8, 1944

The squadrons first mission was scheduled for today. The efforts of the long weary training grind were at last to bear fruit. It goes without saying that each and every man in the Sq. was on the line to see "Our" boys take off. 13 P-47's took off. FO # 237, escorting B-24's in over the Calais area. Lt King returned early, engine failure. Target, Walthen, Fr.

Feb 9, 1944

Two missions were scheduled and both postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Lt. Col Gabreski a visiting Gp Leader from the 56th Fighter Grp. was to have led the squadron.

Feb 10, 1944

FO # 239. Escort mission across the Zuider Zee inland to Germany. Many difficulties were present in the shape of snow, rain, and icing conditions in the clouds. Pilots landed at several airfields over England in their search for the home base. Lt. Morphew's plane was badly hit by flak on the way home. Lt. Wm. F. Hall MIA

Feb. 11, 1944

12 P-47's on a bomber escort mission, F0 #241, over Fr. Tgt. St. Pol Fr.

Feb 19, 1944

The Gp. was visited by Maj. Gen. Brereton, Commanding Gen of the 9th Air Forces. He gave the pilots a lecture at the Gp. Hq.

Feb 20, 1944

14 P-47's FO #245, on escort penetration for bombers whose target was Gotha. They also accomplished withdrawal support for the same mission. 2nd Lt. Gough Kevin Pilot was assigned to the squadron.

Feb 21, 1944

14 P-47's, Penetration Escort mission No. 6, FO #246. Target Brunswick. , 2nd Lt. Matte Pilot was assigned to the 378th.

Feb 22, 1944

14 P-47's on withdrawal Escort, FO #247, Several planes received battle damage. Lt. Roscoe Adams missing in action.

Feb 24, 1944

FO 250, withdrawal support, making rendezvous with the bombers. in vic of St. Trond Lt. Kennedy suffered personal injuries during the ensuing conflict. Lt. Vernon Boehle promoted to the rank of Capt. Lt. Koss and. Caruso promoted to 1st Lt.

Feb 25, 1944

FO 251, Penetration escort of bombers to Mannheim Area.  Lt. Col Magoffin Leading.

Feb 29, 1944

F0 255 Penetration escort to bombers in vic of Dummer Lake. 12 P-47's. Major Teschner leading the group.

March 1, 1944

Major Nelander, Sq. Opns. Officer and a grand, guy trfd to 377th F.S. as Squadron CO. Congratulations Freddie and to the 377th they are really the lucky people.

Mar 2, 1944

16 P-47's Pene. Escort of bombers in vicinity of St. Huberts.  Maj Tesschner leading the Group. F0 65. FO 66 Withdrawal support. Target-Chartres Fr. 18 P-47's Maj.Tesshner leading again.

March 3, 1944

FO 67 16n P-47's on with. escort to vic. of Giessen, Germany. Lt. Col Magoffin leading the Sq.

March 4, 1944

FO 68 16 P-47's Pene. Escort to German Border. Maj. Teschner leading withdrawal, Capt Boehle led. 12 planes in the vic. of Brussels and Antwerp.

March 5, 1944

2nd lst. James K. Wallace assigned to the squadron as personal equipment Insp.

March 6, 1944

FO 70 Pene. Es. Lt. Col. Maggffin leading our Sq. 16 P-47's in the area of Quackenbruk. On this mission Maj. Nelander formerly of our sq. was hit and last seen to bail out of his plane and land safely. We have our fingers crossed Freddie. With. Lt. Col. Magoffin leading our Sq. 17 P-47's to vic. of Quakenbruk and out.

March 8, 1944

FO 73, Teschner leading, Pene. Es. 17 P-47's. uneventful mission. No enemy fighters seen.

March 9, 1944

FO 74, Boehle leading, Pene. Es. 16 P-47's met bombers early as briefed. A thick dense overcast made pinpointing impossible and as no fighters were sighted the mission went off without incident.

March 10, 1944

Lt. King and Glover trfd to 377th F. S. In exchange Lt. we received Lehto and Brown.

March 13, 1944

Gp. went on practice divebombing mission. 12 planes from 378th led by Capt Boehle took off on this mission.

March 15, 1944

    An average evening passes by, O'Hearn brings his table in, parks his carcass and starts writing. Scarnati bids Daisy good evening (picture), Netzel records the new from the Stars and Stripes. Danny makes a mad rush from the hut with Jackson and Milam for the last liberty run. We'll make it whitty's day off today. Monk, of course has already left for the Vulcan. Menacho and Wenberg drag their bodies in from a day of slavery in the orderly room. Moore asking for volunteers to join in going to the Aero Club.
    Three hours later, Harper makes a grand entrance, parks his lard and starts cleaning his machine gun. By the way Burlin is in London. The evening paper is discussed, reviewed, cursed, denounced, mailed home, burnt, and passed on. Those feeling ambitious take off for the aero-club for coffee and sandwiches. Silence reigns.
    One hour later the gang returns from the aero-club and starts hitting Ye olde sack. Dah, Dah, Tah, Dah. Monk enters, Hmmmpf, removes his shoes and retires for the day. Harper finishes cleaning gun, slips in pretty blue pajamas and announces, "What 'da ya say fellows, lights out".  Half hour later last one flips out the lights. By this time Monk is busily grinding his teeth.  Last minute discussion for the night... Al Capone's relationship with Chicago. Good night Daisy, is echoed back and forth and silence reigns again, Hark a mouse it Whitty's hoard.
    Time passes on and all the boys from town gradually tip-toe in slamming the door, flashing torches around, climbing over the stove, and reviewing their experiences loud enough for all to hear. Again silence... one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock, I knew it "Purple Alert", Purple Alert" as usual Hopper is up and getting dressed and all ready just in time to beat Buettner to the shelter. Before he parts he bellows, "Purple Alert, Weinberg, Menacho, Davitz, Burlin,Whitty, Pete, O'Hearn, Jackson, Let's Go." The CQ then contradicts Harper and sings out with "Red Alert" at the same time the loud speaker starts speeling.