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October 19, 1944

At 7:30 a.m. our planes came over and caught them off guard. Anti-aircraft guns started shooting and bombs fell before the alarm sounded. About 40 minutes later we saw a large number of our planes come out of the clouds to the east –looked like flocks of birds– there was anywhere from 60 to 100 light bombers and some fighters. We saw them fly into a blanket of bursting anti-aircraft shells without breaking their formation and then split up and go into a dive for their objective. Heavy bombs were used some fires were started. No dog fights this time. All quiet until 10:05 a.m. when another wave of planes came over from the east. They moved up very pretty on the clear blue sky. Some anti-aircraft fire but no dog fights. Bombing around waterfront and bay.

Another wave of planes came over at 1:30 p.m. Very heavy bombing –one continuous roar. Awe-inspiring is the word. Then all quiet and the all clear was sounded at 5:45 p.m.