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OPNAV-16-223
Form ACA-1
Sheet 1 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT ACTION
REPORT |
RESTRICTED
(Reclassified when
filled out)
SECRET |
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(a) Unit Reporting |
VMB 613 |
(b) Based on or at |
Kwajalein Is. & Atoll forward echelon
Eniwetok Is, & atoll. |
(c) Report No. |
8 |
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(d) Take
off:
Date |
3 February, 1945 |
Time (LZT) |
0530 |
(Zone) |
Lat |
11°-20' N |
Long |
162° -21'E |
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(e) Mission |
Reconnoitre Ponape Island. |
(f) Time of Return |
1240 |
(Zone) |
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II. OWN AIRCRAFT
OFFICIALLY COVERED BY THIS REPORT. |
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TYPE |
SQUADRON |
NUMBER |
BOMBS
AND TORPEDOES
CARRIED (PER
PLANE) |
FUZE
SETTING |
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TAKING OFF |
ENGAGING
ENEMY A/C |
ATTACKING
TARGET |
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(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(g) |
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PBJ-1H |
VMB-613 |
2 |
None |
2 |
No bombs.
21 rnds. 75 mm. shells. |
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III. OTHER U.S. OR ALLIED
AIRCRAFT EMPLOYED IN THIS OPERATION. |
None |
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TYPE |
SQUADRON |
NUMBER |
BASE |
TYPE |
SQUADRON |
NUMBER |
BASE |
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IV.
ENEMY AIRCRAFT OBSERVED OR ENGAGED
(By Own Aircraft
Listed in II Only). |
None |
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(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(g) |
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TYPE |
NO
OBSERVED |
NO ENGAGING OWN
AIRCRAFT |
TIME
ENCOUNTERED
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LOCATION OF
ENCOUNTER |
BOMBS, TORPEDOES
CARRIED;
GUNS OBSERVED |
CAMOUFLAGE AND
MARKING |
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(ZONE) |
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(ZONE) |
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(ZONE) |
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(h) Apparent Enemy Mission(s) |
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Did Any Part
of
(i)
Encounter(s) Occur in Clouds? |
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If so, Describe
Clouds
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(YES OR NO) |
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(BASE IN FEET, TYPE IN
TENTHS OF CLOUD COVER) |
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Time of Day and Brilliance
(j)
of Sun or
Moon |
------ |
(k) Visibility |
------ |
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(NIGHT, BRIGHT MOON, DAY,
OVERCAST, ETC.) |
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(MILES) |
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V. ENEMY AIRCRAFT DESTROYED OR DAMAGED IN AIR
(By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only). |
None |
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(a) |
(b) DESTROYED
OR DAMAGED BY |
(c) |
(d) |
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TYPE
ENEMY A/C |
TYPE A/C
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SQUADRON
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PILOT OF
GUNNER
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GUNS USED
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WHERE HIT,
ANGLE
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DAMAGE
CLAIMED
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ALLSET --
MFD. BY THE EGRY REGISTER CO. PATENTED |
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OPNAV-16-223
Form ACA-1 Sheet 2 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT ACTION
REPORT |
RESTRICTED
(Reclassified when
filled out)
SECRET |
| |
VI. LOSS OR DAMAGE, COMBAT OR OPERATIONAL, OF OWN AIRCRAFT
(of those listed in II only). |
None |
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(a)
TYPE OWN A/C |
(b)
SQUADRON |
(c)
CAUSE: TYPE ENEMY
A/C,
TYPE GUN, OR OPERATIONAL
CAUSE |
(d)
WHERE HIT, ANGLE
(List armor,
self-sealing tanks,
equipment hit) |
(e)
EXTENT OF LOSS OR
DAMAGE
(Give Bureau serial
number of planes destroyed) |
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1
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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10 |
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11 |
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12 |
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13 |
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14 |
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VII. PERSONNEL CASUALTIES
(in aircraft listed in II only; identify with planes listed in VI by
Nos. at left).
None |
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(a)
NO. |
(b)
SQUADRON |
(c)
NAME, RANK OR RATING |
(d)
CAUSE |
(e)
CONDITION OR STATUS |
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VIII. RANGE, FUEL, AND AMMUNITION DATA FOR RETURNING PLANES. |
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(a)
TYPE
A/C |
(b)
MILES
OUT |
(c)
MILES
RETURN |
(d)
AV HOURS
IN AIR |
(e)
AV FUEL
LOADED |
(f)
AV FUEL
CONSUMED |
(g)
TOTAL AMMUNITION EXPENDED |
(h)
NO. OF
PLANES
RETURNING |
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.30 |
.50 |
20MM |
75MM |
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PBJ-1H |
490 |
490 |
7.2 |
1160 |
885 |
-- |
550 |
-- |
4 |
2 |
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IX.
ENEMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED
(Check one block on each line). |
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CALIBER |
NONE |
MEAGER |
MODERATE |
INTENSE |
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HEAVY -- Time-fuzed shells, 75mm and over |
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X |
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MEDIUM -- Impact-fuzed shells, 20mm-50mm |
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X |
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LIGHT -- Machine gun bullets, 6.5mm-13.2mm |
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X |
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X.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE, OWN AND ENEMY AIRCRAFT
(use check list at left). |
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SPEED, CLIMB
at various altitudes
TURNS
DIVES
CEILINGS
RANGE
PROTECTION
ARMAMENT |
None Observed. |
|
ALLSET --
MFD. BY THE EGRY REGISTER CO. PATENTED |
|
OPNAV-16-223
Form ACA-1 Sheet 3 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT ACTION
REPORT |
RESTRICTED
(Reclassified when
filled out)
SECRET |
| |
XI.
ATTACK ON ENEMY SHIPS OR GROUND OBJECTIVES
(By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only). |
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(a) Target(s) and Location(s) |
Installations and boats Ponape Is. |
(b) Time Over Target(s) |
0730-1000 |
(Zone) |
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(FOR SHIPS INCLUDE ALL IN
AREA UNDER ATTACK) |
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(c) Clouds Over Target |
1200' cumulus,
8/10 lifting to 5/10 at 3,500' |
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( BASE IN FEET. TYPE IN
TENTHS OF COVER) |
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(d) Visibility of Target |
Clear |
(e) Visibility |
15 |
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(CLEAR, HAZY, PARTIALLY
OBSCURED BY CLOUDS, ETC.) |
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(MILES) |
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(f) Bombing Tactics: Type |
level |
Bomb Sight Used |
AN-APG 13 |
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(LEVEL, GLIDE, OR DIVE) |
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(TYPE) |
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Bombs Dropped per Run
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-- |
Spacing
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-- |
Altitude of Bomb Release
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-- |
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(NUMBER) |
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(FEET) |
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(FEET) |
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(g) Number of Enemy Aircraft Hit on Ground: Destroyed |
None
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Probably Destroyed
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None
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Damaged
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None
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(h)
AIMING POINT |
(i)
DIMENSIONS OR
TONNAGE |
(j)
NO. A/C ATTACKING
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(l)
BOMBS AN AMMUNITION
EXPENDED EACH AIMING POINT |
(m)
NO. HITS On
Aiming Point |
(n)
DAMAGE (None, slight,
serious, destroyed, or sunk) |
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(k)
SQUADRON
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1 |
Building probably
warehouse. |
30 X 100' |
VMB 613 |
1 75mm. shell.
100 rnds. 50 cal. |
All |
Destroyed |
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1 PBJ-1H |
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2 |
Bridge over inlet Ponape
Town. |
300' long |
1 PBJ-1H |
1 75mm. shell. |
1 |
Destroyed |
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VMB 613 |
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3 |
Motor boat patrol craft. |
60' LOA |
1 PBJ-1H |
2 75mm. shells.
100 rnds..50 cal. |
All |
Sunk |
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VMB 613 |
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4 |
6
outrigger canoes. |
15'-20' LOA |
1 PBJ-1H |
200 rnds..50 cal. |
All |
Destroyed |
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VMB 613 |
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5 |
3
boats. |
30' LOA |
1 PBJ-1H |
150
rnds..50 cal. |
All |
Sunk |
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VMB 613 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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(o)
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RESULTS:
(For all claims
made on ship targets of special interest, draw diagram, top or side view
or both, as appropriate, showing type and location of hits. For
all targets give location and effect of hits, and identify by number
above. Use additional sheets if necessary)
1. A large building located in headquarters area was attacked from 300'
altitude. Was seen to explode and burn.
2. The bridge connecting
installations on the east and west banks of inlet was attacked from 200'
altitude and point blank range and was destroyed.
3. A 60' navy craft,
probably a patrol boat, was sunk in the inlet at its mooring.
4. Six outrigger canoes
encountered at different locations in Ponape lagoon were strafed and
destroyed. Some occupants escaped by diving overboard. The
balance were killed.
5. Three boats, probably
lighters, moored together in the inlet were attacked and sunk.
See diagram next page. |
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(p) Were Photographs Taken? |
No.
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Photographs of Damage, When
Taken, Should Be Attached By Staple
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|
ALLSET --
MFD. BY THE EGRY REGISTER CO. PATENTED |
|
OPNAV-16-223
Form ACA-1 Sheet 4 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT ACTION
REPORT |
RESTRICTED
(Reclassified when
filled out)
SECRET |
| |
XII.
TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA.
(Narrative and comment. Describe action fully and comment freely,
following applicable items in check list at left. Use additional
sheets if necessary). |
|
ENGAGEMENT WITH ENEMY
OWN AIRCRAFT
Disposition
Altitude
Speed
Approach Tactics
Use of Cover, Deception
Angles of Attack and
Their Effectiveness
Distance of Opening Fire
Defense Tactics and
Their Effectiveness
ENEMY
AIRCRAFT
Method of Locating, Distance
Disposition
Altitudes
Speed
Approach Tactics
Use of Cover, Deception
Angles of Attack
Distance of Opening Fire
Defense Tactics and
Their Effectiveness
COMMENTS
AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Own Weaknesses
Enemy Weaknesses
Offensive Tactics, Own
"
" , Enemy
Defensive Tactics, Own
"
" , Enemy
Flexible Gunnery, Own
Escort Tactics
Fighter Direction
Use of Radar
Night Fighting
Recognition, Aircraft |
Two planes of
this squadron took off on a reconnaissance mission over Ponape Island
with orders to attack targets of opportunity. Upon arriving on the
target a circling patrol until the weather had lifted sufficiently to
allow flying over the island itself. When visibility was
sufficient the two planes made coordinated runs over Ponape Town and the
adjoining inlet, the old and new airfields, and the various small
islands around the shore of Ponape Island proper. While one plane
was performing low level reconnaissance the other maintained cover over
it at approximately 3,000 feet. During these runs photos were
taken and attacks were made on boats moored in the inlet and other
installations enumerated on page three. Light A/A was intense in
the vicinity of Ponape Town and appeared to originate in the town sight
and on the ridge opposite Jokaj Island and also south of the old
airstrip. Meagre, heavy, inaccurate A/A from Langar Island was
also encountered. Light moderate A/A came from a position on the
south side of Metalanim Harbor. While circling the island at
various times during the morning a total of six native canoes were
discovered in the lagoon and destroyed. It is known that some of
the personnel in the canoes were killed although an accurate count could
not be obtained. The pilots estimated 3 occupants per canoe
approximately half of whom escaped. At 1000 the planes left Ponape
according to order returning to Eniwetok and landing at 1240 Mike.
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ATTACK
OWN AIRCRAFT
Method of Locating Target
Approach
to Target
Altitudes,
Speeds
Approach
Dive
Pull-Out
Dive Angle
Strafing
Retirement
Defensive
Tactics
Use of
Jamming
DEFENSE ENEMY
Evasive
Tactics, Ships
Concealment
Searchlights
Night
Fighter Tactics
Use of
Jamming
COMMENTS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bombing
Tactics
Torpedo
Tactics
Effectiveness of
Bombs,
Torpedoes
Selection of Targets
Fuzing
Strafing
Tactics
Defensive Tactics
Use of
Radar
Reconnaissance
Photography
Briefing |
|
OPERATIONAL
Navigation
Homing
Rendezvous
Recognition, Ships
Communications
Flight Operations
Search and Tracking
Base Operations
Maintenance |
|
ALLSET --
MFD. BY THE EGRY REGISTER CO. PATENTED |
|
OPNAV-16-223
Form ACA-1 Sheet 5 of 5 |
AIRCRAFT ACTION
REPORT |
RESTRICTED
(Reclassified when
filled out)
SECRET |
| |
XIII.
MATERIAL DATA.
(Comment freely on performance or suitability, following check list at
left
Use additional sheets if necessary). |
|
ARMAMENT
Guns, Gunsights
Turrets
Ammunition
Bombs, Torpedoes
Bomb Sights
Bomb Releases
COMMUNICATIONS
Radio, Radar
Homing Devices
Visual Signals
Codes, Ciphers
RECOGNITION
IFF
Signals
Battle Lights
Procedures
PROTECTION
Armor;
Points and Angles
of Fire
Needing Further
Protection
Leak
Proofing
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Parachutes
Life
Belts, Life Rafts
Safety
Belts
Emergency Kits
Rations,
First Aid
NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Compasses
Driftsights
Octants
Automatic Pilots
Charts
Field
Lighting
INSTRUMENTS
Flight
Power
Plant
OXYGEN SYSTEM
CAMOUFLAGE AND
DECEPTION DEVICES
STRUCTURE
Airframe
Control
Surfaces
Control
System
Dive
Flaps
Landing
Gear
Heating
System
Flight
Characteristics
At
Various Landings
POWER PLANT
Engines
Engine
Accessories
Propellers
Lubricating System
Starters
Exhaust
Dampers
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Auxiliary Plant
Lights
FUEL SYSTEM
FLIGHT CLOTHING
MAINTENANCE |
All materiel functioned
satisfactorily. |
| REPORT
PREPARED BY: |
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APPROVED BY: |
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7 March 1945 |
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SIGNATURE
RANK AND DUTY |
SIGNATURE RANK AND DUTY |
DATE |
|
C.R. MOCINE, Captain,
S-2.
|
G.W. Nevils, LtCol.,
Commanding.
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|
ALLSET --
MFD. BY THE EGRY REGISTER CO. PATENTED |
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