Mission Timeline
B-17G Pilot Ralph L. Minker

_
1700 - Dinner
        - after dinner, stop at the base weather office
        - check availability list in squadron orderly room
            + red = alert for mission
            + green = standby until 2230
            + white = released for training
       - visit with crew members, censor letters, read personal mail, write letters, etc.
_
2130 - Return to barracks; go to bed
0300 - Squadron C.Q. wakes the crew
        - gives briefing time, bomb load, and gas load
_
0300-0400 - dress, wash, eat (45 minutes)
                - receive briefing (15 minutes)
_
0400 - Check flying equipment
        - don thermal underwear beneath G.I. suntan/khaki uniform
_
0500 - Pilots, navigators, and bombadiers attend a general briefing
         - groups split to receive more specialized briefings
         - Information received:
                    > wing and division order
                    > route and assembly
                    > altitudes
                    > temperatures
                    > weather
                    > primary and secondary targets
                    > enemy resistance
                    > friendly fighter escort
                    > call signs
                    > colors of the day
                    > escape procedure
                    > special instructions
_
0545 - Return to locker to dress
         - Clothes / equipment worn:
                    > 2 piece green General Electric wire lined A-3 electric heated flying suit
                    > light green coverall type flying suit
                    > heavy green wool lined jacket (as needed for cold weather)
                    > heavy wool socks
                    > light felt electric shoe
                    > heavy fleece lined rubber boot
                    > silk inner-gloves
                    > electric heated leather gloves
                    > wool lined leather helmet (with built in radio head phones)
                    > plastic sun goggles with electric heat filaments (to prevent clouding)
                    > radio throat microphone
                    > 40 pound back-pack parachute
                    > rubber oxygen mask, steel flak helmet, and cord for the electric suit (all carried)
_
0605 - Truck takes pilot to his plane (Hardstand 14 - Blue Hen Chick)
        - quick check with crew chief & engineer
        - assemble crew in waist of plane for last check of each man (position and equipment)
        - a last briefing
        - prayer
_
0630 - Start Engines
        - taxi to perimeter track and takeoff runway
_
0700 - Pullout onto runway
        - note green light from the control tower
        - "give it the gun" (Takeoff!)
_
1520 - Land
        - check with crew chief about the aircraft
        - ride truck back to the briefing room
        - shot of scotch provided
_
1700 - Supper......
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source:  personal letter, Ralph L. Minker Jr., 19 March 1945.
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Ralph L. Minker Jr.