9/1/43 Mission:
All ADMINISTRATIVE functions of the Army Air Forces elements of the
Northwest African Air Force are transferred to the appropriate Twelfth Air
Force organizations:
HQ Northwest African Air Force (NAAF) to HQ Twelfth Air Force,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) to XII Bomber Command,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) to XII Air Support Command,
Northwest African Coastal Air Force to XII Fighter Command,
Northwest African Air Service Command (NAASC) to XII Air Force Services
Command,
Northwest African Air Force Troop Carrier Command to XII Troop Carrier
Command (Provisional),
NW African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing to Photo Reconnaissance Wing
(Provisional), and
Northwest African Training Command (NATC) to XII Training Command
(Provisional).
OPERATIONAL control remains with the Northwest African Air Force.
In Italy, P-40's bomb a zinc plant at Iglesias and strafe a factory N of Gonnesa; medium and light bombers hit Bova Marina, areas near Salina and Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte town area and bridge at Oliveto.
9/2/43 Mission:
In Italy, almost 200 B-17's and B-25's of the XII Bomber Command bomb marshalling yards at Bologna, Trento, Bolzano, and Cancello Arnone; bombers and fighters escorting the B-25's claim 28 enemy airplanes shot down;
9/3/43 Mission: OPERATION AVALANCHE–INVASION OF ITALY
In Italy, A-20's, A-36's, fighters and RAF light bombers hit gun positions throughout the toe of Italy, attack airfields at Crotone and Camigliatello and hit railway yards at Marina di Catanzaro and Punta di Staletti, troop concentration near Santo Stefano d'Aspromonte and road junctions and bridges at Cosenza. On the ground in Italy, the British Eighth Army lands on the toe of Italy between Reggio di Calabria and Villa San Giovanni (Operation BAYTOWN). The Italian government signs surrender terms.
9/4/43 Mission:
US fighter-bombers and RAF light bombers hit motor transport scattered along the Italian toe, and bomb gun positions NE of Reggio di Calabria and roads and railroad junction in the Cosenza-Catanzaro-Nicastro area and at Colosimi.
9/4/43 V-Mail
Sicily
Marfy:
Yesterday was the big day. We finally got some mail. I got your letters of August 1, 16 & 18. I am waiting patiently for the profile picture. I wish I had it in person.
I’ll try to remember to send the box from the cheese back to you.
Why don’t you tell those Gerrity brats to send more than their love. I’ve written them about 3 letters and no answer. I also got a letter from John which was good.The weather here is lazy. Warm and a nice breeze blowing. Nights are cold enough for 3 blankets. Boy, do I love my air mattress!
Yesterday was a big day in other ways. It was the opening of our continental invasion. Of particular interest to me, I lead the squadron’s 1000th sortie and finished my 1000th hour as a pilot, wheein’ around Mt. Etna.
Darling, just keep on being happy and everything will come out OK. I love you more each day. I realize hourly how much you mean to me. Cy.