RETURN to 310 TCG		Rev. 7 5/ 2023
	The 310th Troop Carrier Squadron
War Diaries
Following are re-types of the Outline Histories and War Diaries sent up to Wing HQ each month. The original documents are preserved at the Air Force History Office at Maxwell AFB. AL, and have been retyped for web format by Miles Hamby, son of Henry Hamby, original member of the 315th TCS and first commander of the 310th TCS. The duty of writing the war diaries at the time was usually assigned to the squadron adjutant and typed by the squadron clerk. Often, as can be seen by reading these, the writer was very expressive. The text herein has not been edited, but exactly that that was submitted to Wing HQ and subsequently recorded in the Air Force archives on microfilm. The type font used for these re-types is Courier to provide similarity to the original font of the typewriters upon which the diaries were originally typed. The formatting of text is not exact but approximates the original document.
310th TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON Squadron History October 1, 1943 — July 31, 1945 On October I, 1943, the 443rd Troop Carrier Group or which the 310e Squadron was a part, was officially activated at Sedalia Army Air Field. The same day Captain Charles G. Carter, Jr. was appointed Commanding Officer of the Squadron. The squadron personnel was assigned immediately, (see attached copy) and the unit settled down to work. Moving date for the first change was October 8, 1943, and for the first time we had our own orderly room and independent squadron area. The first plane, a Cub, assigned from the 405d1 Base Squadron, was put into service on October le. Immediately, the pilots began working on their flying time and by two weeks, all officers had their required time on the books. Assignments of the officers were designated by Squadron Order No. 1, dated October 14, 1943. The assignments were as follows: (see attached copy). Athletics and squadron supremacy came into its own on October 26, 1943, when the Officers of the 31oth cleaned their rivals, the 309th Officers, by the tune of 8 to 7 at softball. At work again, the Squadron basic school program began on October 25th and continued through the remainder of the month. The outstanding event of the month occurred on October 26, 1943 when the Squadron received its first C-47 from the 61st Wing. With a transport of our own to fly, the men and Officers of the 31e were at last able to acquire some training in their primary duties At work again, the Squadron basic school program began on October 25th and continued through the remainder of the month. The outstanding event of the month occurred on October 26, 1943 when the Squadron received its first C-47 from the 61st Wing. With a transport of our own to fly, the men and Officers of the 31e were at last able to acquire some training in their primary duties. /// .
HISTORICAL REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1944 The strength of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron, on February 1, 1944, consisted of 50 Officers and 178 Enlisted Men. On March I, 1944 the strength had increased to 51 Officers and 244 Enlisted Men. During the month the number of planes in the squadron was increased from 8 to 14, 4 of the new planes arriving at Alliance on February 17. Ground school subjects were given to enlisted men in Aircraft Recognition, Safeguarding Military Information, Physical Education, First Aid and Medicine, Chemical Warfare, Camouflage and Administration. Both officers and enlisted men were briefed on the situations at the x:aripus theaters and had range practice with both the carbine and the .45 pistol. The weather at Alliance was extremely good the the month of February and the Airplane hours for the month reached a total of 1540 hours. The phase flying accomplished dur8ing the month was as follows: Night Flying, 250 hours; Night Formation Flying, 250 hours; Glider Tow, 100 hours; Double Glider Tow, 41 hours; Instrument Flying, 178 hours; Minimum Alti5tude Navigation, 122 hours; Take off and Landing-Small Fields, 6 hours; Take off and Landings with Overload, 10 hours; Radar Homing Approached, 105 hours. The pilots also picked up 63 hours of Link Trainer. The squadron was fortunate to have Lt. Gilecki, a paratrooper, attached to the squadron during the first two weeks of February. He conducted ground school classes and briefed the crews on two parapack and paratroop missions which proved quite successful. On February 20 the squadron flew both a day and night rendezvous mission in formation. The afternoon mission proved quite satisfactory but the night mission left much rom for improvement. (The night rendezvous mission of February 20 was unsatisfactory due to the face that one flight was late at the rendezvous point.) A Group formation was formed on Sunday afternoon February 27, and except for faulty navigation, as well executed. An unfortunate accident occurred on the afternoon of February when on a Radar Training flight, engine trouble caused a forced landing. No one of the seven occupants was injured, but the plane was severely damaged. By Special Order No. 51, paragraph 6, Headquarters 61g Troop Carrier Wing, AAF, Sedalia Army Air Field, dated 20 February 44, the 443 Troop Carrier Group of which this squadron was a part was renamed the Is` Troop Carrier Group (prov.). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR HISTORICAL REPORT— FEBRUARY 1944 The night rendezvous mission of February 10 was unsatisfactory due to the face that one flight was late at the rendezvous point. Carrier Wing, AAF, Sedalia Army Air Field, dated 20 February 44, the 443 Troop Carrier Group of which this squadron was a part was renamed the Is` Troop Carrier Group (prov.). ///
HISTORICAL RECORD FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 1944 The strength of the 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron as of 29 February 1944 was 51 Officers and 244 Enlisted Men assigned. On 2 March notice was received that the squadron would leave Alliance Army Air Base on 8 March for Camp Mackall, Hoffman, North Carolina. On the 4 March, on (1) Officer and eight (8) Enlisted Men flew to Camp Mackall from Alliance as the advance echelon. The air echelon left Alliance AAB at 0600 XWT on 8 March and arrived at Camp Mackall on the afternoon of 9 March after having remained overnight at Bowman Field, Louisville, KY. The ground echelon consisting of 4 Officers and 102 Enlisted men left Alliance at 1615 MWT on 8 March going by the way of Kansas City, St Louis, Birmingham, Atlanta, and through northern South Carolina. This group arrived at Camp Mackall at 1700 EWT on 11 March. The main body of the rear echelon arrived at Camp Mackall on 20 March. The engineering department kept the 13 planes in excellent condition and only poor weather kept the crews from gathering a record number of flying hours. Combat crews were established during the month with pilot, co-pilot, radio operator and crew chief assigned to specific planes. With the return of Lt. Myatt and Lt. Young from Advance Glider School, Laurenburg-Maxwell AAB, and the addition to the squadron of four Flight Officer Glider Pilots, the training of the glider mechanics was started and proceeded along an elaborate scale. On verbal orders from 60^th TROOP CARRIER WING, MAXTON, NORTH CAROLINA, the squadron sent eight (80 PLANES TO Grenade, Mississippi to ferry gliders in formation from there to Bergstrom Field, Austin, Texas. This mission was accomplished 21 March 1944. The phase flying accomplished during the month was as follows: Total flying time, 1291 hours; Night flying, 447 hours; Formation flying, 548 hours; Glider tow, 47 hours, Instrument flying, 94 hours; Radio Direction Finding flying, 6 hours: Minimum Altitude Navigation, 298 hours; Take-off and landings with overload, 146 hours; Take-off and landings-small field, 89 hours. Thirteen pilots qualified 9 in code, and 8 qualified in blinker. Communications personnel received training in many phases of telephone communication when a field phone system was set up between the three squadrons, Group headquarters and offices on the line. On bivouac, communications personnel set up electric lights for the various tent offices and a transfer of the phone system to the bivouac area was also effected. Radio Operators, Radio Operator Mechanics and Radio Mechanics received 28 hours of code and blinker, 5 hours Q signals and 12 hours in other phases. Ground school subjects were given to enlisted men in Aircraft Recognition, Map Reading, Physical Education, Chemical Warfare and Interior Guard. Both Officers and enlisted men had situation briefing and the Officers had a day on the range with the Thompson Sub-Machine gun.1 A bivouac, for the benefit of all personnel, was held for five days and nights, the squadron leaving the orderly room at 1300 hours 21 March and marching to the bivouac area four miles away. The squadron was subjected to numerous gas attacks during the march, by our Chemical Warfare officer Lt. Unger. The men proved themselves at sounding the alarm and getting their gas masks on in rapid order. Upon arriving at the bivouac area we discovered that the field stoves had arrived earlier and other mess facilities had been set up. In short order the squadron had their tents set up and camouflaged. The weather during the bivouac was of a variable nature with two rainy days, one extremely cold day and two ideal days. The flight line and operations were located a mile from the bivouac area and the flying and training programs were continued as usual. During the evenings both softball and football proved interesting diversions for all, whi00 on Saturday evening movies were provided for the squadron's entertainment. On Sunday morning the Group Chaplain visited the bivouac area and church services were enjoyed by all. Throughout the bivouac, Camouflage, Chemical Warfare and blackout discipline were the o4der of th4e day and night and proved satisfactory. The strength of the squadron on 31 March was 52 Officers and 300 men. ///
HISTORICAL RECORD FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1944 The strength of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron of 31 March 1944 was 52 Officers and 300 Enlisted men assigned. On 1 April 1944 the squadron received its warning orders. ENGINEERING -All personnel attended the Mobile Training Unit school covering maintenance on the C-47. This school lasted for two weeks. Three engine changes were performed and as many as possible participated. Air evacuation and litter rack assembly classes were held, also demonstration was given by Airborne Engineer Unit. Several men attended the Aerial Glider pick-up school at Maxton Army Air Base. The squadron now has four ships with assembled for pick-up work. On the job maintenance training consisted of all routine items plus welding sheet metal and dope and fabric work for experience. Squadron maintenance on ships operational basis was over 95%. Basic training classes were attended by all personnel. The phase flying accomplished during the month was as follows: Total flying time, 1309 hours; Night flying, 402 hours; Formation flying, 549 hours; Night formation flying, 211 hours; Glider tow, 129 hours; Glider tow (double), 14 hours; Formation glider tow, 20 hours; Instrument flying (actual and hood), 311 hours; Radio direction finding, 48 hours; Minimum altitude navigation, 107 hours; Paratroop missions, 81 hours; Take-off and landings with overload, 110 hours; Number of Radar approached, 74. Pilots attended ground school under the direction of Group. Subjects such as Evacuation of Wounded, Meteorology, Personnel Equipment and Malaria were taught. The squadron participated in four (4) major paratroop missions during the month. The first was on April 6. Our ships were the last eight of twenty-four (240 ships dropping some 300 troopers from a single ship trail formation. On the 12th our ships dropped troopers from formation. On the 14 with Captain Carter leading, nine (9) ships dropped troopers for a V of V's formation before an inspecting party at Maxton, N.C. On the 21st, ten (10) ships went to Mitchell Field, New York City to take part in maneuvers there. In every case the paratroopers were dropped as designated, not one being dropped outside the prescribed area Other missions were flown with Airborne troops, and picking up gliders was practiced. COMMUNICATIONS - Many hours of classroom work and practical training were accomplished by men in all MOS numbers, the average number of hours being 30: In addition, the wire section operated the switchboard, and teletype and radio operator's worked in the Group ground station. A Radar Horning Beacon was set up for a paratroop mission, with highly successful results. A new way of sending blinker without using a hand key was discovered. Maybe someone has used it before, but we never heard of it. We use a 6-8 volt light, connected it up instead of the headsets on the Keyer TG10, and start the tape. During the month over 200 Officers and Enlisted men were qualified in Aircraft Recognition. Most of the ground school subjects taught were those handled but the Intelligence Department. A month of Chemical Warfare training was completed and specialized squads were selected and trained. All Officers and Enlisted men were given the prescribed course in Malaria. On Friday', April 28, the squadron sponsored a dance at the service club,. Which proved to be the most successful dance ever put on by any uinit at the club.. Captain Habeeb Z. Maroon, our surgeon, was hurt in a train-auto wreck and is in the hospital. The squadron took part in the Group softball league, winning one and losing one. The strength of the squadron on April 30 was 74 Officers and 282 Enlisted men.
HISTORICAL DATA -26 April 1944 to 30 April 1944. (Initial Installment) 1. ORGANIZATION A The 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron was activated as of 26 April 1944, pursuant to War Department Cable 26939, 23 April 1944, and letter Hq. USTAF file 322, 26 April 1944. Per General Order 116, No., Ninth Air Force, 28 April 1944, the 310^01 Troop Carrier Squadron was assigned to the IX Troop Carrier Command and further assigned to the 315^th Troop Carrier Group, effective 26 April 1944. B Organization of the 310^0 Troop Carrier Squadron was made in accordance with General Orders 5, IIq.. 315^th Troop Carrier Group, 30 April 1944, using as a guide 'Fable of Organization & Equipment l-37. changes 1.2 and 3, 16 August 1943. 2. STRENGTH: 20 April 1944. Although organization had bee accomplished by 30 April 1944, the bulk of personnel was not yet assigned. Assigned —2 Enlisted Men Attached — 1 Enlisted Man 3. ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE FROM EACH STATIION IN ETO: The Squadron was organized in the European Theater of Operations at USAAF Station 493, Spanhoe, Northhamptonshire. 4. LOSSES IN ACTION: Negative 5. AWARDS 8c DECORATIONS: Negative. UNIT HISTORY AND WAR DIARY — 30^th of April 1944. Climaxing several months of rumor and conjecture, paper evidence of the activation and organization of the 310 Troop Carrier Squadron came through today. Coming as it did, with invasion of the continent imminent and with preparation and training therefore at a high pitch, organization demanded immediate and complete cooperation on the part of every individual involved. As a result, the close of its first day as an organized squadron found the cadre of personnel "knuckling down". Here was a War Baby in the true sense of the word, a unit being set up while waiting for the starting gun.
HEADQUARTERS 315 TROOP CARRIER GROUP OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER 30 April 1944 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 5 1. Per General Order No. 116, Headquarters Ninth Air Force dated 28 April 1944, the 309th and 310th Troop Carrier Squadrons are assigned to the IX Troop Carrier Command effective 26 April 1944 and further assigned to the 315th Troop Carrier Group. 2. Pursuant to authority contained in General Order No. 116, Headquarters Ninth Air Force dated 28 April 1944; verbal orders of the Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command; and Letter Headquarters 52nd Troop Carrier Wing subj: "Organization of 309th and 310th Troop Carrier Squadrons" dated 29 April 1944, the following units are hereby organized and assigned to the 315th Troop Carrier Group: 309th Troop Carrier Squadron,310th Troop Carrier Squadron 3. Table of Organization and Equipment 1-317, changes 1,2 and 3, 16 August 1943 will be used as a guide for the organization of this unit, and grades and ratings authoriz4 therein will not be exceeded. Filler personnel and equipment will be requisitioned in th4 usual manner. 4. The provision of AR 345-400, dated 7 May 1943; AR 345-900, dated 22 May 1943' and Adm Cir 66, Headquarters, SOS, ETOUSA, dated 14 September 1943, will be complied with where applicable. HAMISH McLELLAND Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding DISTFRIBUTION: -B"
310TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON 1ST PROVISIONAL TROOP CARRIER GROUP Office of the Intelligence Officer Camp Mackall, NC HISTORICAL RECORD FOR 1 MAY 1944 THROUOGH 9 MAY 1944 The strength of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron as of 30 April 1944 was 74 Officers and 282 Enlisted Men assigned. On May fifth the Warning Orders which the squadron had received on April 1944 were rescinded and on 9 May 1944, General Order number 6, Hq. 60th TC Wing, Pope Field, Fort Bragg, N.C. changed the T/O and deactivated the Squadron. A New 170 calls for an Airdrome Squadron with Major Foster as Commanding Officer and Troop Carrier Squadron Commando. The former to be activated as 343rd Airdrome Squadron and the later as 315th Troop Carrier Squadron Commando. Both Squadron are a part of the 3rd Air Commando Group. These Squadrons to be activated as of 10 May 1944. The training and flying during the first nine days of May, continued as usual. FREDERICK M. ELLIS, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.
HEADQUARTERS 3151H TROOP CARRIER GROUP OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER 30 April 1944 GENERAL ORDERS) NUMBER 5) I. Per General Order No. 116, Headquarters Ninth Air Force dated 28 April 1944, the 309th and 310th Troop Carrier Squadrons are assigned to the IX Troop Carrier Command effective 26 April 1944 and further assigned to the 315th Troop Carrier Group. 2. Pursuant to authority contained in General Order No. 116, Headquarters Ninth Air Force dated 28 April 1944; verbal orders of the Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command; and Letter Headquarters 52nd Troop Carrier Wing subj: "Organization of 300 and 310th Troop Carrier Squadrons" dated 29 April 1944, the following units are hereby organized and assigned to the 315111 Troop Cartier Group: 309th Troop Carrier Squadron 3l0th Troop Carrier Squadron 3. Table 9 of Organization and Equipment 1-317. Changes 1, 2 and 3. 16 August 1943 will be used as a guide for the organization of this unit, and grades and ratings authoriz4 therein will not be exceeded. Filler personnel and equipment will be requisitioned in th4 usual manner. 4. The provision of AR 345-400, dated 7 May 1943; AR 345-900, dated 22 May 1943' and Adm Cir 66, Headquarters, SOS, ETOUSA dated 14 September 1943, will be complied with where applicable. HAMISH McLELLAND Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding DISTFRIBUTION: --13
31051 IROOP CARRIER SQUADRON 315th TROOP CARRIER GROUP Office of the Squadron Commander 1 May 1944 ORDER) Na I) EXTRACT 1. Having been assigned to this Headquarters per paragraph 8. Special Orders No. 75, Headquarters, 315 Troop Carrier Group, dated 1 ay 1944;, the undersigned hereby assumes command. 2. Captain JOHN L. ROWLAND, 0-904566, is hereby appointed Executive Officer, (primary duty), and Custodian of the Squadron Funds, additional duty). 3. 1st Lieutenant JAMES J. KEVAN, 0-561413, having been attached to this Headquarters per paragraph 10, Special Orders No. 7, Headquarters, 315th Troop Carrier Group. dated 1 May 1944, is hereby appointed Adjutant. 4. Major EDWARD M. SCHWERLN, O-662181, is hereby appointed Operations Officer, (primary duty), and Tactical Inspector, (additional duty). 5. The following officers are hereby assigned duties as set opposite their names: RANK NAME A.S.N. ASSIGNED DUTY Captain MAINS, Maurion L. 0-38663 Squadron Surgeon Captain NICHOLSON, William B. 0-662163 Engineering Off Captain SUTTLER, Samuel W. 0-6621296 Communications Off. 1st Lt. CHAPMAN, Roger E. 0-790071 Historical Off. 1st Lt. CRUMBIE, James H., Jr. 0-790527 Flight “B" Leader 1 Lt. GREENE, Norman A. 0-790545 Flight "C" Leader 1." Lt. HARDIN. Joe C. 0-790079 Radar Officer I5tLi. MACKENZIE., John H. 0-784046 Intelligence Officer Lt. PERRY, Lloyd G. 0-790892 Navigation Off. (primary) Personnel Adj (Add dy) Captain MAINS, Maurion L. 0-38663 Squadron Surgeon Captain NICHOLSON, William B. 0-662163 Engineering Off Captain SUTTLER, Samuel W 0-6621296 Communications Off. 1st Lt. CHAPMAN, Roger E. 0-790071 Historical Off. 111 U. CRUMBIE, James H., Jr. 0-790527 Flight “B" Leader 1" Lt. GREENE, Norman A. 0-790545 Flight “C” Leader 1st Lt. HARDIN. Joe C. 0-790079 Radar Officer 1st Lt MACKENZIE., John H. 0-784046 Intelligence Officer 1st Lt. PERRY, Lloyd G. 0-790892 Navigation Off., (primary) Personnel, Adj (Add dy) 1st Lt RYLANCE, George ( ) Flight "A" Leader 1st Lt. SHEPPARD, [not legible] 1st Lt. SMYTH, John Veterans Insurance Off. 1st Lt. SUTTON, Robert H. 0-757670 1st Lt. WORLEY, Ceon Mr. 0-660854 demi& Off 1st Lt. PISAHL, Arthur H. 0-739336 Personal Equip Off Ist Lt. SIPE, Clinton R. Jr. 0-673719 Glider Maint..0ff, 1st Lt, ZARTMAN, Monroe D. 0-687117 Soldier Voting Off. WO BEST, Robert W. 1-1089 Glider Maint. Off. F70 BORTH, Bruce W. 1-6906440 Armament Off. F/0 BOWERS, William H. T-I099 Gas Defense Off. F/O HICKS, Lumon H. T-1161 Asst Spl Sew. Off PO HURST, William G. 1-190520 Spl Serv. Off (Pridty) Billeting Off (add thy) s) Henry G. Hamby, Jr. HENRY G. HAMBY, JR., Major, Air Corps, Commanding
Operations Diary Set up as of 31 May 1944 — 310th Troop Carrier Squadron No. 1: 3-V One plane to Station 468 — conducting business, this command. 4-V No non-operational flights 5-V No non-operational flights 6-V No non-operational flights No. 5: 7-V No non-operational flights 8-V One plane to station 486— personnel ferrying 9-V One plane to station 489 — personnel ferrying 10-V One plane to station 486 and 467 — transporting personnel 11-V One plane to station 479— conducting business, this command No. 10: 12-V No non-operational flights 13-V No non-operational flights 14-V No non-operational flights 15-V No non- operational flights 16-V One plane to Station 467 & 510, conducting business — this command No. 15: 17-V Two planes to Station 479, plane ferrying & transporting personnel 18-V One plane TO Hooten Park, transporting supplies 19-V No non-operational flights this date 20-V No non-operational flights this date 21-V No non-operational flights this date No. 20: 22-V One plane to Station 489— matters pertaining this command 23-V One plane to Station 481 — ferrying personnel 24-V No non-operational flights this date 25-V One plane to Station 519, business pertaining this command 26-V One plane to Station 479 radar check; one to 467, supply transport No. 25: 27-V One plane to Saltby, transporting personnel 28-V One plane to Station 519, business pertaining to this command 29-V Two planes to Station 480, ferrying personnel; one plane to 489 30-V No non-operational flights (transporting personnel 31-V No non-operational flights
UNIT HISTORY 1 May to 31 May 1944 Under S.O. #75, HQ 315rh T C Group, dated '1 May 1944, Major Henry G. Hamby, Jr. was assigned to and made Squadron Commander of the 310th T C Squadron. Major Hamby was called to active duty 12 July 1941, having been graduated from Advanced Flying School at that time. On 17 Feb. 1942 he joined the 34th Transport Squadron in November of 1942. Before his latest assignment he was Group Engineering Officer, having served also as Group Communications Officer. Under the same S.O. (#75) the original cadre of Officers and enlisted men was assigned to the squadron. On S.O. #1, 310th Squadron, dated 1 May 1944, Major Hamby (Middleton, PA.) assumed command and appointed John L. Rowland (Pasadena, Calif.) Executive Officer. Captain Rowland, in civilian life, a lawyer, had shown his merit as Intelligence Officer of the 34th TC Squadron, and currently as Trial Judge Advocate of the station. Is` Lt. James J. Kevan; (Ironwood, Mich.) on detached service from Hqtrs., 52nd TC Wing, and later in the month assigned, was appointed Adjutant. The job of Operations Officer fell to Major Edward M. Schwerin (San Diego, Calif.) who had filled a similar position in the 34th TC Squadron. A large number of officers and men of the original cadre were drawn from the 34th T. C. Sq. and had come overseas with that organization in November, 1943. Since that time, aircrew members had flown hundreds of hours both in this theater in North Africa, hauling freight and personnel; evacuating wounded and dying from Sicily and Italy; carrying mail and supplies, Generals and privates; out of good fields and bad. Taken as a whole, they were indeed experienced and well equipped for the tremendous job which lay ahead of the squadron. Part of officer and enlisted personnel came from the 62nd T C Group which left the U S Continental limits in September 1942, and which, on March 14 March 1944 (when these volunteer crews left it to transfer to the United Kingdom) were at Camp Casale, situated at Brindisi, Italy. In accordance with secret Operations Orders Number 72, Hqtrs 51st Troop Carrier Wirt APO 650, dated 17 March 1942, thirteen planes and crews (3 planes from each of the 7` , 8th and 51st T C Squadrons, and 4 planes from the 4th T C Squadron) progressed to Ponte Olivio, Sicily, to La Senia, Algeri0a, to Marrakech, French Morocco, to St. Mawgan in the British Isles (Cornwall), arriving at Spanhoe, USAAF Station 493, on 246 March 1944. Capt. C L Adams (navigator), the senior ranking officer, was appoin6ted temporary commanding Officer and for a little over a month, the crews, less 10 navigators returned to NATOUSA, operated as a detachment, until being incorporated into the 310 as a part of its original personnel. The squadron was fortunate in getting decent buildings to house its various sections. Tech Supply, Communications, Personnel, Parachute Section were in on bldg in the Technical site. After the first few difficult days, the Orderly Room, C.O. Adjutant, Mail Room and Administrative Supply were put under the same roof in a centrally located hut. The emphasis of the whole month was on training for the role expected of the squadron in the coming operations. But because good training pre-succeeds good organization, considerable attention had to be paid to the latter. Major Hamby, together with his staff (including r Sgt. S. W. Nagle) demanded and got co-operation in setting up the Departments. Soon ground school classes, not only for aircrews, but for all the NCO' s, were held: details were forced to landscape the headquarters area; bicycle stands and parking space were completed. Ground school involved classes in Aircraft Recognition, Ditching Procedures; Air-Sea Rescue: Radio Navigation aids; towing, paradropping and other.
UNIT HISTORY 1 May to 31 May 1944 1st. Major Hamby was assigned and appointed Squadron Commander, and from the original cadre of personnel assigned he picked his section heads and designated squadron duties. 2nd. Ninety-three enlisted men assigned to squadron. These were just the part of the steady stream of men arriving; the task of pigeon holing these men to their proper work fell to Personnel Section, Lt. Perry and T/Sgt. Davis, who were working long hours at service records and classification. 3rd. Two enlisted men assigned. On this date Major Schwerin got his Operations office set up as a separate entity. His assistants there were 1st Lt. Worley and F/O Dawkins; and as clerks, T/;Sgt. Yeckley and S/Sgt. Riordan. Operation Order #1 was issued, and squadron tactical training begun. 6th. Ten C-47's of this squadron participated in a parachute drop. He training mission was carried out at full moon and was about 2 hours in length. There was very restricted visibility with the result that an incomplete formation was made and not all of the troopers were dropped. Debriefing by Lt. Mackenzie S-2 officer and his assistant S/Sgt. Tobin. 9th. Squadron Engineering, under Lt. Crumbie and M/Sgt. Lalonde began setting up welding shop in a small but out on the field near squadron dispersal area. 10th. Classes for the radio operators — to review them in requirements demanded in tactical operations — were begun by Ly Greene, in communications, together with M/Sgt. Harrod. Preparations begun for a secret mission to be performed on a succeeding evening. Restrictions were imposed and the planes readied. llth. Twelve planes participated in the biggest training mission yet performed by the IX Troop Carrier Command. Known as the "Eagle" mission, it was in duration, the squadron carried a skeleton force of 28 troopers. It was not deemed a success — no parachutists were dropped. However, considerable experience was gained thereby, as to tactical difficulties, and steps were taken to meet those difficulties. 12th. Weather began to cut down air training but ground school classes continued. Glider officers, because of lack of maintenance men, were working checking own gliders. An insignia in the form of a four bladed fan and in the field was chosen, and put on gliders. 13th. The steady stream of personnel assignment continues. 15th. Because of the numbers of enlisted men in the squadron, tents, about 15 in number, were set up in the area to house them. The weather was cold for May and the new set up was not a happy one for some of the men, indicated by their letters home. Bur, generally speaking, the men were better than they had been in months and the morale was generally high. 16th. Plane dispatched to Aldermasten and return. 23rd. The first class in a school for all NCO's was given by Major Hamby on the subject of "Disposition of Command". This was a Tuesday — the day of the week when all personnel are ordered to wear gas mask. During the afternoon, 12 planes of the squadron participated in a dummy drop. This was a group formation of 48 planes. 25th. Second class for the NCO's, Major Schwerin talked on Military Courtesy, and T/Sgt Davis described the "Duties and Activities of the S-1 Section" to most men of the squadron. 26th. Combat crews were still enjoying 48 hour passes, and 8 hour passes were available to most men of the squadron. 31st. This evening marked the opening day of the "Rough Riders Rendezvous' the squadron pub. The men had constructed it out of the two glider crates, obtained by F/0 Best:, the Glider Maintenance officer and it houses 2/----..However, the grotto outside proved to be an outstanding attraction. Music by fiddle, guitar and accordion as provided by T/Sgts Davis and Davidson, and Pfc Catalano, added to the gala occasion: and the fact that it had been payday provided. Statistics — Month of May Total Hours flown by the squadron: in Group Formation 270 hours Glider Towing & Pickup 51:30 hours Parachute Drops 46:10 hours Local and Others 122 hours Total 549:40 hours Personnel: Qualified Pilots 30 Co-pilots 8 Navigators 9 Radio Operators 19 Crew Chiefs 21 Total Combat Crews 17 Planes assigned as of 31st of May: C-47A 19 CG-4A 10 Horsa
OUTLINE HISTORY 310TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON June 1944 1. Organization in accordance with Table of Organization and Equipment 1-317, changes 1, 2, 3 and 4, 16 August, 1944. 2. Strength: as of 30 June 1944 61 Officers Assigned 1 Officer Attached 241 Enlisted men assigned 1 Enlisted man attached 3. Arrival and departure from each station in ETO: negative 4. Losses in Action: negative 5. Awards and Decorations: Soldiers Medal to Capt Maurice Matins, MC.
UNIT HISTORY I June to 30 June 1944 Much has already been written and will be written of the part Troop Carrier played in the "Greatest Show on Earth" — the invasion of the continent which took place during this period. The activities of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron were probably no more spectacular — not less important — than any other in this critical period. The fact remains that within thirty six (36) days of its organization, the squadron was participating in this undertaking. By the first of June, paratroops had been camped in one of the hangars and tents nearby. Around them was a string of barbed wire. At 0100 hours June 2, a rigid, almost air-tight, restriction was dropped on the post. With all planes grounded, painters were set to work to painting three broad white stripes separated by black ones on the tops and bottom of each wing, outside the engines, and around the body behind the door. And every airworthy ship on the field was so marked. Brigadier General Williams. IX Troop Carrier Command, landed at the field on the afternoon of the 3rd for a "coach in the dressing room" speech; and it was evident that things were reaching the final stage. Next morning, one plane flew to North Witham to check its Rebecca against a Eureka which was later to prove invaluable. Meanwhile squadron supply (Lt. Sheppard and S/Sgt. Hardin operated at top speed. Orders from higher headquarters required combat crews to wear gas-proof impregnated clothing on tactical missions and besides there many other items were required replacements to be satisfied — from ammunition to canteens. Then too — the Squadron Surgeon gave all crew members a typhoid shot. Final briefing for D-Day was announced for 1500 hours June 4, but at the last hour it was put off 24 hours. Weather was to blame; and D-Day became 6 June1944. At dusk on the fifth twelve planes of the squadron joined the other thirty-three of the group — carrying 222 paratroopers. Rendezvous was accomplished without difficulty and we left the departure point at midnight. From the navigation standpoint planning was excellent — flashing beacons as often as every thirty miles. The use of miming lights over England eased formation difficulties for the pilots. The channel seemed calm as the moon above through a high broken overcast. Happily, the searchlights we were warned to expect from the Channel Islands failed to materialize and the first ground fire was seen when we were a few miles from the coast. A sudden bank of fog — reaching above 1500 feet — loomed up. The planes skipped over it but were able to let down to 600 feet at DZ ")", northwest of Ste Mere Eglise. During this time golden red flares of ack-ack fire came up at us, but aim was luckily hurried and erratic. We got out of there "toute suite". Skirting Cherbourg and coming back to England at 3000 feet watched trains of gliders with their armed cargo proceed on their mission. So we landed at dawn, told the Intelligence section how it went for which our reward was two ounces of bourbon and fried egg sandwiches. When the results were compared, we found the following. Twelve C-47A's of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron carried 222 paratroopers of theist Battalion, 505" Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82" Airborne Division, to DZ "0" near Ste Mere Eglise in the Cherbourg peninsula. The lime over the DZ was 0204 hours, 6 June 1944. Visibility was good during the flight, although low level, smoke, or artificial fog was encountered just before the DZ was reached. The mission was deemed a success. Adverse results consisting of the left main tank shot out on one plane; some few holes in planes; one refusal to jump mechanical failure of one parapack, but there were no casualties in the squadron. All planes returned to the field. The succeeding days went by rapidly enough, even with so severe a restriction; planes were repaired, and everyone hovered around the radio to see how our men were doing. Everyone seemed to have his own story to tell. But the routine matters had still to be taken care of Captain Rowland read the Articles of War to the men; payrolls and vouchers were completed; promotion recommendations for three flight officers came through, making them Second Lieutenants. On the 18" it was learned that aircrew members with 800 hours overseas flying hours were to enjoy a 30-day leave in the states. The names of 8 officers and 9 men were finally approved by the 52" Troop Carrier Wing and they packed to leave on the 23th. The lucky ones were: Captains Adams, Lieutenants Hurst, Roberson, Borth, Rylance, Ennis, Shankey and Worley. Also M/Sgt.s. Kolortile and Harrod, T/Sgts. Glass, Lineham and Raslcie, S/Sgts. Grigsby, Javorsky, Craft and Ply. On the 22nd 10 planes left for Ramsbury, where a total of 25 5tons of 105 nun ammunition was loaded; and early the next day under welcome umbrella of Thunderbolts, we crossed the channel. We avoided the many balloons oat the beachhead cad and landed on a 5000 foot strip of wire matting. One ship, which had picked up a nail, was forced to remain overnight until a new tire was supplied. The last week of the month passed quietly enough The men were now able to have 6 hour and 24 hour passes. On the 25th, Major Hamby received his Lieutenant Colonelcy. The first Medical Air Evacuation by the squadron was performed by two planes on the 27th in carrying 35 wounded (including 10 litter patients) from a Bristol hospital to Prestwick, for return to the United States. OUTLINE HISTORY 1. Organization in accordance with Table of Organization and Equivalent 1-317, changes 1, 2, 3 and 4, 16 August 1943. 2. Strength: As of 30 June 1944 61 Officers Assigned 1 Officer Attached 241 Enlisted Men assigned 1 Enlisted Man attached 3. Losses in Action: Negative 4. Awards and Decorations: Soldiers Medal to Capt. Maurice Rollins, M.C.
WAR DIARY 310T11 TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON 1 June to 20 June 1944 1st. Practice in ditching a C-47. Instructions given to all air crew members. Squadron Supply filling out requirements needed for operations. 2nd. All Glider Pilots but Lt. Sipe and F/O Best transferred. Paratroopers in wire enclosure on field. 3rd. Post sealed at midnight. Engineering Officer has men working until late at night painting white stripes on planes. 4th. Typhus shots for all crew members. Great preparations for big mission— which was scrubbed for the day. 5th. Briefing conducted for the flight. PX rations issued to crew members by 5-2 plus escape kits. The briefed crews segregated at supper. Take off 2230 hours. 6th. Landing at dawn. Debriefing. 7th. Critique on "Neptune" mission. 8th. Anticipation on part of all squadron members on next operation. 9th. Restriction and sealing op still in effect. 10th.Navigators draw up maps and plans on second mission, which has been scrubbed. 12th.Special Order #164, Para 27, HQ Ninth AF, announces F/O William C. Hurst and David M. Robertson commissioned as 2' Lt MacKenzie and S/Sgt. Tobin open S-2's aircraft identification contest to last a week. Ten pictures to be identified each day: $50 first prize. 19th.Announcement made that combat crew members with 800 overseas flying hours due for 30 days furlough in the States. Meeting held in pilot's lounge to discuss it. 20th.24-hour passes once again in effect. 22nd.Ten planes off to Ramsbury and Normandy on re-supply mission carrying ammunition. 23rd.Planes return from France Officers and men with 1050 overseas flying hours leave for the States. 28th.Bruce W. North made 2"d a per Para 36, Special Order 160, HQ ETOUSO
OPERATIONS DIARY Month of June 1944 310th Troop Carrier Squadron No. 30 1-VI No non-operational flights 2-VI No non-operational flights 3-VI No non-operational flights 4-V1 One aircraft to Station 479 — conducting business, this command 5-VI No non-operational flights No. 35 6-VI One aircraft to Station 486— transporting supplies 7-VI No non-operational flights 8-VI No non-operational flights 9-VI No non-operational flights 10-VI No non-operational flights No. 40 11-VI No non-operational flights 12-VI No non-operational flights 13-VI No non-operational flights 14-V1 No non-operational flights 15-VI One aircraft to Station 479 — transporting personnel No. 45 16-VI One aircraft to station "Secret" —conducting business this command 17- VI One aircraft to station 483 — conducting business, this command 18-VI No non-operational flights 19-VI One aircraft to station 538— conducting business, this command 20-VI One aircraft to station 489 — transporting supplies No. 50 21-VI One aircraft to Station 489 - conducting business, this command 22-VI One aircraft to station 519 — transporting one personnel. Ten aircraft to station 469— thence to "Secret" —transporting supplies 23-VI No non-operational flights 24-VI One aircraft to station 489— conducting business, this command 25-VI One aircraft to station 489— conducting business, this command No. 55 26-VI No non-operational flights 27-VI One aircraft to Station 489— thence to CLEREM — thence to FETCH thence to Station 500 — transporting personnel One aircraft to station 489— thence to FHTG1 — thence to Station 500 — transporting personnel. One aircraft to Station 467 — conducting business, this command. One aircraft to Station 489 — conducting business, this command. 28-VI No non-operational missions 29-VI One aircraft to Station 538 - training mission 30-V1 One aircraft to WATONFIELD —training mission. One aircraft to Station 469 — training mission
HEADQUARTERS IX TROOP CARRIER COMMAND GENERAL ORDERS) EXTRACT NO 41) SECTION 1: AWARDS OF THE AIR MEDAL. SECTION II: AWARDS OF THE BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER. SECTION I 1. By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No 9158 (Bul 5, WD 1942), as amended by Executive Order No. 9242-A (Bull 49, WD, 1942), and in accordance executive authority contained in paragraph 1, letter. file AG 2006. Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, Subject: "Award of the Air Medal", addressed to the Commanding General, IX Troop Carrier Co9nunand, dated 26 June 19444 the following named officers and enlisted men of the 315th Troop Carrier Group are awarded the Air Medal, in recognition of meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the European Theatre of Operations during the period from 18 March 1944 to 1 July 1944. As Troop Carrier combat crew members, these individuals meritoriously climaxed a most successful program of intensive, specialized training and joint maneuvers with airborne units in aerial flights by their superb performance in vital sorties flown during the initial Trop Carrier phases of the invasion of the European Continent. The magnificent spirit and enthusiasm displayed by these individuals, combined with skill, courage and devotion to duty is reflected in their brilliant operation of unarmed and unarmored Troop Carrier aircraft at minimum altitudes and air speeds in unfavorable weather conditions, over water, and into the face of vigorous enemy opposition, with no possibility of employing evasive action, to spearhead the Allied invasion of the continent and to support Air and Ground forces in the critical period which followed. Theft respective duty assignments were performed in such an admirable manner as to produce exceptional results in the greatest and most successful airborne operation in the history of world aviation. 315TH TROOP CARRIER GROUP HENRY G. HAMBY, JR 0-421692 Major Dawson Springs, Ky EDWARD M. SCHWERIN 0-662181 Major San Diego, Calif. WILLIAM R. NICHOLSON 0-6612163 Capt. Elkhart, Ind. ROBERT E. CRONE 0-790525 1st Lt Lt. Philadelphia, Pa. NORMAN H. GREENE 0-790545 1st Lt Providence, R.I. JOE C. HARDIN 0-790079 1st Lt Fitzhugh, Ark. JOHN J. SMYTH 0-797092 1st Lt Newark, N.J. ROBERT H. SUTTON 0-737670 1st Lt Minneapolis, Minn. LAWRENCE J. BASSETT 0-680385 lst Lt Ottawa, 111. BERNARD BERMAN 0-680385 2nd Lt Chicago, Ill. JACOB BOON, JR. 0-816039 2nd Lt North Caldwell, N.J. MAURICE F. COL WELL 0-805395 2nd Lt Malden, Mass. JAMES N. DRUMMEY 0-537603 2nd Lt Manhassett, N.Y. FLEETWOOD L. GUTHRIE 0-692962 2nd Lt Dunbar, W. Va. THEODORE A. HELLER 0-816472 2nd Lt Minot, S.D. JOHN H. LASELL, JR. 0-805176 2nd Lt Leio--- CHARLES A. McCOY 0-800738 2nd Lt Portland, OR OTTO A. ROENSCH 0-745184 2nd Lt Oak Park, II LEO M. SMITH 0-758871 2nd Lt Albuquerque, N.M. THEODORE W. STEWART 0-699596 2nd Lt Collingswood, N.J. MONROE D. ZARTMAN 0-687177 2nd Lt Shamokin, PA WILLIAM G. HURST T-190520 F/O South Gate, CA DAVID M. ROBERTSON T-70I0426 F/O Muskogee, OK William T. Davidson 14052967 T/Sgt Swannunca, N.C.. Royal C. Sessions 19011110 T/Sgt Clearfield, Utah Jeffie W. Thomas 17015995 T/Sgt Delta, Mo David T. White 6587270 T/Sgt Sacramento, Calif William 0. Witts, Jr. 6962620 T/Sgt Ogden, Utah Dodson C. Couch 14170969 S/Sgt Hamilton, Ala Howard A. Craft 33145251 S/Sgt Philadelphia, Pa Dean L. Grigsby 19083003 S/Sgt Oakland, Calif Carl L. Javorsky 19074480 S/Sgt Klaber, Wash. John Ludwick, Jr. 15377338 S/Sgt Canton, Ohio Edward L. Matheison 12086614 S/Sgt Brooklyn, NY John T. Rowe 34162842 S/Sgt Natural Bridge, Ariz Ralph E. James 35463407 Sgt Middletown, Ohio John F. Jennings 122003493 Sgt Newark, N.J. Harold J. Vondrasek 150980024 Sgt Gary, Ind. Wallace N. Timm 192031002 Sgt Whiting, Ind. James W. Williams 37199707 Sgt Cheney, Kan Irven J. Chambers 37140015 Cpl Kansas City, Mo SECTION II 1. By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order NO. 9188 Bull 25, WD 1942), and in accordance with authority delegated by the War Department, and pursuant to authority contained in paragraph 1, letter, file AG 200.6, Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, Subject: "Award of the Air Medal'', addressed to the Commanding General, IX Troop Carrier Command, doted 25 June 1044, the following named officers and enlisted men of the 315th Troop Carrier Group, in addition to the in General Orders indicated by sub-paragraphs, are awarded the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, in recognition of meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the European Theatre of Operations during the period from 18 March 1944 to 1 July 1944. As Troop Carrier combat crew members, these individuals meritoriously climaxed a most successful program of intensive specialized training and joint maneuvers with airborne units in aerial flights by their superb performance in the vital sorties flown during the initial Troop Carrier phases of the invasion of the European continent. The magnificent spirit and enthusiasm displayed by these individuals, combined with skill, courage and devotion to duty is reflected in their brilliant operation of unarmed and unarmored Troop Carrier aircraft at minimum altitudes and air speeds, in unfavorable weather conditions, over water, and into the face of vigorous enemy opposition, with no possibility of employing evasive action, to spearhead the Allied invasion of the continent and to support Air and Ground Forces in the critical period which followed. Their respective duty assignments were performed in such an admirable manner as to produce exceptional results in the greatest and most successful airborne operation in the history of world aviation. FIRST BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUS1ER * * * * * * b. G. 0. No. 15, Hq NAAFTCC, 16 July 1944 315 TROOP CARRIER GROUP * * * * * 310TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON JOSEPHUS B. MOSS, JR. 0-789586 1st Lt Lillington, N.C. JOHN R. RAWLS 0-789598 1st Lt Asheville, N.C. LESLIE A. SHANICEY 0-799611 1stLt Haverstraw, N.Y. OLIVER J. SMITH 0-2046669 1st Lt Llano, Tex. CLEON N. WORLEY JR 0-560854 1st Lt Shreveport, La Duane E. Collison 6x87254 T/Sgt Great Falls Mont Ben D. Denton 6265090 T/Sgt Kirkland, Tex, Herbert L. Glass 20467873 T/Sgt Columbus, Ga Edwin W. Peterman 7010447 T/Sgt Davis, Olda Elmer D. Raskie 16022146 T/Sgt Phillips,Wis. Wilbur B. Ely, Jr. 7013601 S/Sgt San Antonio, Tex 315TH TROOP CARRIER GROUP ROGER Chapman 0-790072 1st Lt Los Angeles, Calif. By Command of Brigadier General WILLIAMS: JAMES E. DUKE, JR. Colonel, GSC Chief of Staff
UNIT HISTORY 1 July to 31 July 1944 With the assured success of the initial invasion on the coast of Normandy, the spectacular phase of the troop carrier work was over, at least temporarily, and the more routine but equally important job of flying in vital supplies and the evacuation of wounded from the Normandy front was begun in earnest. During the month of July, the 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron participated in eight missions to the Normandy front. A totals of 53,168 pounds of freight was delivered to our forces in France while 33,292 pounds of freight, 115 walking wounded, 102 litter patients and 14 passengers were returned to various parts of England. These trips were made without incident with the exception of the crash on take-off of plane No. 42-92888 at Membury on the 29^th of July. There were no injuries to personnel and the cargo was transferred to another of our squadron planes which made a second trip across the channel to deliver it safely. In addition to much formation flying, glider towing and some practice in glider snatching, the squadron took pearl in four important paradrop training missions during the mid-part of the month. All of these drops took place in late evening and the results were generally successful, from the view-point of the squadron. A total of 370 Polish paratroopers were dropped in three missions. There were only two refusals to jump. On one mission our ships carried no paratroopers. On the 27^th of July 32 glider pilots were assigned to the squadron. Five complete C-47 crews also joined the squadron during July. Among the new ground officers assigned to the squadron, and their new squadron duties, were the following: Captain Jimmy P. Horany — Mess, Supply and Transportation 1st Lt. Ernest F. Chase. Jr. — administration 1st Lt. Michael J. Gilligan — Personal Equipment Officer 2nd Lt. John A. Edney — Assistant Operations Officer 2nd Lt. Raymond E. Steele— Assistant Communications Officer During the month, IX Bomber Command requested volunteers from Troop Carrier navigators for duty with medium bombardment units of that command. 1^st Lt. Roger E. Chapman who, in addition to his navigation duties, had been the squadron Historical Officer, volunteered and was accepted. He departed the squadron on July 13^th. Promotions among the squadron officers announced during the month were: 1st Lt. Norman H. Greene — Captain 1st Lt. John H. MacKenzie — Captain 1st Lt. George A. Rylance - Captain 2nd Lt. Arthur H. Pisahl — 1st Lt. 22nd Lt. Charles A. McCoy — 1st Lt. With the appointment of F/O Veryl C. Hewitt as Special Services Officer, squadron athletics and similar activities assumed an important place in squadron life. Seven softball teams were organized and now the familiar cry of, "Play Ball", is heard almost nightly coming from the throat of an impartial umpire as the squadron teams cease their warming up period and settle down to seven innings of sport. Devotees of basketball and volley ball also have their teams, and for those who prefer the "manly art'", a boxing ring has been constructed in the squadron area, for use in idle moments; is a day room constructed from a glider case. Here the enlisted men of the squadron may write letters or just relax in a "bull session", read magazines or listen to the radio. On the 23rd and 30th of July, opportunity was given to approximately 20 men at a time to visit the "Shakespeare Country). A trip was organized on these two dates to Stratford-on - Avon. The squadron mess supplied a picnic lunch and the Red Cross in Stratford supplied the guides. Such trips to various points of interest in the surrounding countryside have become a regular part of squadron life. Also on July 11^Th the enlisted men of the squadron held a dance in the post chapel. The men invited girls from the surrounding towns and military establishments as their guests. Beer and coffee, sandwiches and cake were "on the house" and the music was supplied by "Chapman's Commandos", a band composed of officers and enlisted men at this station. A very good time was had by the men and their enjoyment was not dampened when Lt. Colonel Hamby, the squadron commander, announced that there would be no reveille the following morning. On the 11^14 of July the squadron opened its own mess, utilizing two tents on a paved area adjoining one of the enlisted men's barracks. A noticeable increase in the morale of the enlisted men was observed due to this change. A staff officers mess occupies one of the tents and plans are afoot to feed more of the officers soon. The 18th of July was a memorable occasion in the life of the squadron, for on that date 25 officers and 18 enlisted men received the Air Medal and 5 officers and 6 enlisted men received an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. General Orders No. 41, Headquarters IX Troop Carrier Command, 18 July 1944 states, 'in recognition of meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the European Theater of Operations during the period of 18 March 1944 to 1 July 1044" and for "superb performance in vital sorties flown during the initial Troop Carrier phases of the invasion of the European Continent." The squadron has also received a letter of commendation through Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, dated 18 July 1944, from General B. L. Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Armies in France expressing the "great appreciation ---- of the allied armies now fighting in France" for "the splendid work that has been done before, during, and since, D-Day by the Allied Air Forces". Air Chief Marshall T. Leigh-Mallory, Air Commander-in-Chief, Allied Expeditionary Air Force, added his "Thanks to the Ninth Air Force for the enthusiasm and efficiency with which they have carried out the innumerable tasks assigned to them.///
WAR DIARY 310th TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON 1 July to 31 July 1944 1st. Formation flying and local transition flying to squadron crews. 4th Squadron formation flying. 5th Group formation flying. Nine planes from this squadron participated. 6th. Squadron formation flying. 8th Squadron formation flying. Six planes flew 9,500 pounds of supplies to the beach head in Normandy on Wing Mission No. 243. 11th Squadron mess opened for enlisted men and officers on Colonel Hamby's Staff Party for enlisted men in post chapel. 12th Group formation flying. Nine squadron planes participated. 12 squadron planes participated in "Burden 0" exercise paratroop drop. 112 Polish paratroopers plus equipment dropped on DZ at 2230 hours. 13th. Twelve squadron planes participated in "Burden (B)" exercise paratroop drop. 128 Polish paratroopers and equipment dropped on DZ at 2230 hours. Two refusals to jump. 1 ^h Lt. Roger Chapman, squadron navigator, transferred to ath Bomber Command. 14th. Group formation flying, nine squadron planes participated. One aircraft dispatched to Normandy beach-head via Greenham Commons on Wing Mission No. 272. 36,000 pounds of mixed freight delivered and 24 litter patients returned to Ramsbury. 15th Group formation flying, nine squadron planes participated. 16th Nine planes participated in "Darian 2, Serial No. 1", group paradrop during late evening. No paratroops or parapacks were carried by our planes on this mission. 17th Three planes on a mission to Prestwick. 18th Nine aircraft participated in "Darian 3, Serial No. 1”. group paradrop. 130 Polish paratroopers and five parapacks dropped over DZ at 2145 hours. Orders were received awarding 24 officers and 18 enlisted men the Air Medal and five officers and six enlisted men an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal for their part in D-Day operations. Presentation was made this date. 19th 13 planes on Wing Mission No. 303 to the Normandy beach-head via Aldermaston. 4,000 pounds of camouflage paint and 50,650 pounds of ammunition were carried in and seven fighter pilots were returned to various ?lints in England. Because of poor weather all our planes did not return until the 2Y^. of July. 1^st Lts. Mackenzie, Green and Rylanee notified of promotion to Captain. Second Lts. Pisahl and McCoy notified of promotion to ^1st Lt. 23th Two weapons carriers of enlisted men and two officers made a trip to Stratford-on-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace and other points of interest in the area. 24th 11 planes participated in Wing Mission No. 321 in which 20,174 pounds of ordnance and 19,670 pounds of miscellaneous freight were carried to Normandy. Two passengers were brought back to the island. Our planes returned to Spanhoe on the Seven softball teams organized in squadron. First game played. In addition squadron basketball and volley ball teams were formed. 25th. Four planes took part in Wing Mission No. 324 to the Normandy beach-head. 10,060 pounds of ordnance and 10,400 pounds of medical supplies were delivered. There was no return load. Our planes touched down at Spanhoe on the 26^th. 27th. Wing Mission No. 343 saw seven planes carry 35,300 pounds of automotive, ammunition and communication supplies to the beach-head. 78 litter patients, three nurses, 1 doctor and one technician were returned to the island on the 28. Thirty-two new glider pilots assigned to squadron. 28th. Eight C-47' s departed Spanhoe for the Normandy beach-head on Wing Mission No. 344. 37,925 pounds of camouflage paint and ordnance equipment were carried over and 33.792 pounds of bomb fuses were returned to the island. The planes returned to Spanhoe on the 29^th. Four aircraft departed on Wing Mission No. 351. They returned on the 30^th to Spanhoe. 18,500 pounds of oxygen tanks and saline solution were carried over to Normandy. 27 walking patients, five enlisted men, one officer, one nurse and one orderly were returned to England. 29th. Plane No. 42-92888 while participating on Wing Mission No. 344 crashed on takeoff from Membury. No injuries to personnel. Aircraft dropped to service squadron at Membury. New aircraft No. 42-108969 assigned to squadron as a replacement. 30th. Another group of enlisted men and one officer drove to Stratford-on-Avon to visit this historic spot and to see the many points of interest connected with the life of Shakespeare.///
OUTLINE HISTORY 310^TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON August 1944 1. Organization: 1-15 August in accordance with Tables of Organization And Equipment 1-317, changes 1, 2,2 and 4, 16 August 1943; 16-31 August in accordance with Tables of Organization and Equipment 1-317, 12 May 1944 (pursuant to authority contained in TWX A-)316, Headquarters Ninth Trap Carrier Command, 12 August 1944; and authority contained in paragraph 1, Section II, General Order Number 200, Headquarters Ninth Air Force, 7 August 1944; Squadron Order Number 14, 18 August 1944). 2. Strength: As of 31 August 1944: 72 Officers Assigned 1 Officer Attached 247 Enlisted Men Assigned No Enlisted Men Attached 3. Arrival and Departure from Each Station in ERO: Negative 4. Losses in Action - Negative 5. Awards and Decorations: See Extract Copy of General Orders No. 6 (Attached) See Extract Copy of General Orders No. 212 (Attached) ///
UNIT HISTORY 1 August to 31 August 1944 Following General Patton's breakthrough from the confining Normandy lines, the latter part of July, August opened with much preliminary work to be done by the Troop Carrier organizations based in England, with re-supply and air evacuation missions almost a certainty and additional paradrops and airborne operations [i] activity. On 2, 3, and 4 August, planes of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron were dispatched daily on supply and air evacuation missions to France. Varying loads were carried. Following these missions, there was a lull in operations by the Squadron to the Continent and they were not resumed until the latter part of the month when on the 27th two flights, totaling 19 planes, took off on the Airdrome near Orleans, which had been recently captured. Most of these planes returned on the 29th, but Major Schwerin's aircraft was run into by another with a defective hydraulic system and the rudder was damaged. At the month's end, Major Schwerin was still in France, to the more than considerably envy of the rest of the Squadron. During the month, on the aerial supply missions flown, a total of 15,000 pounds of freight were carried and 230 wounded patients, both litters and walking wounded, were returned to hospital in the United States. The interim period of the month was spent in training missions, local flying, and preparation for the aerial mission which at the last moment degenerated into a "dry due to the fear that the proposed DZ's were overrun by the ground troops. Three airborne infantry and paratroop exercises were participated in by the Squadron; in each, 18 airplanes were employed; on one, 292 paratroops were dropped; on another, 5,588 pounds of equipment and 181 paratroopers were released; and on the third 33,387 pounds of equipment and 73 paratroopers were dropped, this being an airborne infantry exercise. The preparation for the actual mission was elaborate: due to the large number of aircraft which it was proposed to employ some o-pilots were rated pilots, several glider pilots were checked our as co-pilots of the C-47A's, and some crew chiefs were given consideration as co-pilots. Our combat crews on leave in the States were particularly missed at this time. Events moved rapidly; all 24 hour passes were cancelled on IS August then the post was sealed, the crews were briefed, and the paratroops on the field. Many of the glider pilots were transferred to another base on the 14th as the plans did not call for glider-towing by the 315th Troop Carrier Group. After the crews were briefed, they were segregated on the field and then it was just a matter of waiting for orders to take off. These orders never arrived because the ground forces moved faster than seemed possible and the DZ became obsolete, which resulted in the entire mission being scratched. The glider pilots were [unintelligible] of the month; on the le, all but eight were transferred and then returned in a few days. On the 31 of the month, orders were received to transfer every Glider Pilot and all glider engineering personnel, and these men left that day. This left a considerable hole in the Squadron, since many of the glider pilots had been occupying squadron positions, notably F/O Hewitt as Special Service Officer, F/O Sherrod, in the mess, F/O Payson in the Tech Supply, F/O Fhicaol [?] Armament Officer, F/O Bowers as Movements Officer, and F/O Blackman in the Protective Equipment Department. Lt. Sipe and F/O East, respectively the Glider Operations and Glider Engineering Officers, also left with the last contingent. Squadron Affairs went on busily. The success of the squadron mess resulted in more officers being added to [?] there, and this was set up in [?] lights. Col. Hamby was exceptionally happy when Capt. Mullins presented him with a report showing no VD cases in the Squadron for the entire month — the result of several talks on that problem during the month to officers and enlisted men. The Intelligence Department completed its wall maps in the Orderly Room hallway. and Stts. Tobin and 0"Neill kept them up to date daily — in itself a difficult job considering the speed of movement on the continents. Capt. Suttle. on DS to the Pathfinders, participated in the paratroop landings when the south of France was invaded during the month. The 310's Pilot Lounge was completed and opened in the unused Bomb-Aimers Building. Special Services did good work this month. Sgt. [Elfe's?] hardball team practices as often as operations and weather permitted. There were two Sunday excursions to Stratford-on-Avon from members of the Squadron, there was a Squadron smoker and a bingo game on the 14th, consisting of boxing and wrestling bouts at which Col. West, formerly a tackle on the Tennessee Rose Bowl team and also with the Philadelphia Eagles, provided himself capable of refereeing any type of trouble. On the [?], a dance was held for the enlisted men in the Station Chapel. The decorations for this party were extensive, refreshments were plentiful and delicious, the music was by the reorganized Base Orchestra, and the girls plentiful and attractive. Col. Hamby again topped off the patty by waiving reveille the next day. Soldier Voting was an important topic worked-on. Lt. Zartman, the Voting Officer, spent considerable time on this in his efforts to comply exactly with the law and numerous directives. He set up a separate tent in the orderly room and manned it for days. The ban on British newspapers shocked many of the men, the lifting of the ban late in the month was welcomed by all. The Squadron was reorganized under a new T/O&E. [sic] on the 18111; which will result in greater recognition being given Glider Pilots and personnel. Toward the latter part of the month, the Base rec4ived work that a VIP would visit the base on a certain day, and three days before that date were spent in sprucing-up the area and grounds; then the visitor did not arrive. One entire day during the month was spent by the combat crews to Leicester where they participated in a review. They were inspected by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. [Bremerton], and other high ranking officers. At that review announcement was made of the First Allied Airborne Army, commanded by Lt. Gen. [Bremerton] who thus relinquished his command of the Ninth Air Force. The Ninth Troop Carrier Command is included in this new Army, and so later in the month we were instructed to add an "Airborne" flash above our shoulder-patch. General Brereton, on relinquishing command of the Ninth Air Force addressed a very kind communication to all units, thanking each of them for the assistance and cooperation. The Squadron was particularly pleased to receive word that it is together with all the other tactical units of the Ninth Troop Carrier Command. has been awarded Battle Honors, and the so-called Presidential Unit Citation, for its work on D-Day. That this is a prized and coveted award goes without saying, and such recognition is always welcomed. On 16 August, 31' of the enlisted men of the Squadron were awarded the Good Conduct Medal in a roll call formation. Col. Hamby made the award in person. The following officers were promoted during the month: lst Lt. James H. Crumbie - Captain lst Lt. James J. Kavan - Captain 1st Lt. Lloyd G. Perry - Captain F/O Cecil H. Dawkins - 2 Lt. There were several promotions of the enlisted men announced as of the first of the month. Capt. John H. MacKenzie, the Squadron S-2, received secret orders to report for a new assignment, and on his departure, lst Lt. John Z. Mobus became the Squadron 5-2 during the month, and the usual service schools were attended by various Squadron members. The month ended with preparations for more exercises, weather permitting, provided the Ground Forces didn't win all the races in the France. The few members of the Squadron who ventured to London on passes during the month reported that the buzz-bombing took most of the joy out of life, except that it was easier to get a hotel room.///
WAR DIARY 310^TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON 1 August to 31 August 1944 1st One aircraft on local flight — training mission 2nd Three aircraft to station 486, thence to "SECRET , transporting supplies 3rd Seven aircraft to station 466, thence to "SECRET", transporting supplies 4th Four aircraft to local flight, - towing gliders. Two aircraft to Station 489, thence to "SECRET , transporting supplies 5th Ten aircraft on local flight, towing gliders. One aircraft to station 463, transporting personnel. One aircraft on local flight, towing gliders 6th Ten aircraft on local flight, towing gliders. One aircraft to station 595, thence to station 582, transporting equipment. One aircraft to station 510, transporting personnel 7th Ten aircraft on local flight, towing gliders. One aircraft to station 590, thence to station 583, transporting equipment 8th Twelve aircraft on local flight, towing gliders. 9th Twenty seven aircraft on local flight, training mission 10th No non-operational flights llth Eighteen aircraft to station 538, training mission. One aircraft to station 510, transporting personnel. One aircraft to station 489, matters pertaining to this command. 12th Ten aircraft on local flight, training mission. One aircraft to station 582, transporting personnel. One aircraft to station 582, transporting equipment. One aircraft to station 590, thence to station 582, thence to station 519, upon orders from higher Headquarters. 13th Nineteen aircraft on local flight, training mission 14th Eighteen aircraft to station 538, transporting Airborne Infantry. Five aircraft to station 484, towing gliders. Three aircraft to station 467, transporting supplies. 15th Six aircraft to station 466, towing gliders. One aircraft to station 429, thence to station 474, thence to station 467, training mission. Two aircraft to station 466, towing gliders. Two aircraft on local flight, training mission. 16th Four aircraft to station 466, towing gliders. One aircraft to station 530, training mission 17th No non-operational flights. 18th Seven aircraft on local flight, training mission. One aircraft to station 484, training mission. One aircraft to station 479, business pertaining to this command 19th No non-operational flights 20th No non-operational flights 21st No non-operational flights 22nd No non-operational flights 23rd No non-operational flights 24th Eighteen aircraft on local flight, training mission. One aircraft to station 538, thence to station 484, thence to RAF RENFREW, thence to RAF Hooton Park. Conducting business pertaining to this command 25th Thirty-six aircraft on local flight, training mission. One aircraft to station 111, thence to station 467, conducting business pertaining to this command. 26th Twelve aircraft to station 486, towing gliders 27th Twenty-one aircraft to station 474, transporting supplies 28th No non-operational flights 29th Six aircraft to station 483, towing gliders. Three aircraft to station 489, towing gliders. One aircraft to station 467, matters pertaining to this command. One aircraft to station 582, matters pertaining to this command. 30th Seven aircraft on local flight, training mission. One aircraft to station 483, matters pertaining to this command. 31st One aircraft on local flight, training mission Two aircraft to station RAAF CHILDBOTEN, transporting personnel One aircraft to station 466, training mission One aircraft to station 489, training mission One aircraft to station 479, training mission STATISTICS: Month of August, 1944 I. Total hours flown by squadron: In Group formation 252:05 Glider tow 1 27:30 Paradrop 37:20 Cross-country 360:50 Local 52:30 11. Personnel: Qualified First pilots 38 Co-pilots 10 Navigators 10 Radio Operators 24 Crew Chiefs 32 Total Combat Crews 21 III.Planes assigned as of the 31^n of August: C-47A's 22 CG4A's 1 Horsa 0 ///
OUTLINE HISTORY 310^1H TROOP CARRIER SQUADROON September 1944 1. Organization: in accordance with Table of Organization and Equipment 1-317, 12 May 1944 2. Strength: as of 30 September 1944 100 Officers Assigned No Officers Attached 257 Enlisted Men Assigned No Enlisted Men Attached 3. Arrival and Departure from each Station in ETO: Negative 4. Losses in Action: Six 5, Awards and Decorations: See Extract copy of IX TCC General Order No. 81 (attached) See Extract copy of ETOUSA Ltr AG 200.6 OpGa (attached) ///
310Th TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON UNIT HISTORY 1 September to 30 September 1944 By all odds, the month of September, 1944, was the busiest and most eventful month in the history of the Squadron and in the memory of most of the men who had been with the 315th Group since coming overseas; this does not exclude the trip across, the D-Day operations in June 1944, or the formation of the Squadron. For in September, the First Allied Airborne Army began to operate, and operate it did. The place-names Nijmegen, Eindhoven, and particularly Aachen are and will be stand-outs when the history of this war is written, for history was made there. The Airborne Army really made the headlines for the first time aa a tactical organization, and its first start was in full strength. The overall success of the Airborne operation, covering the period commencing 17 September and probably ending with the withdrawal by the British from the Aachen area about two weeks later, remains to be evaluated; however, during the fighting there, numerous responsible commentators stated that the operation might well have a definite and speedy influence on the rapid termination of the war in the west. It is certainly true that maximum effort was expended by all components of the Airborne Army; they worked well as a team; there was never a question as to nationality of the fighting men carried by the transports or gliders — they were all part of the Army, and that was sufficient. And the 310th Squadron played its part to the full in the entire operation. It participated in the initial paratroop drops and later ones, it was part of the first airborne landing carried out in strength, and it flew may re-supply missions of all types, with re-supply mission being almost continuous as the month ended. Also, for the first time in its short history, the Squadron suffered combat losses and many of its combat personnel received wounds. The month started prosaically enough. All units of the Ninth Troop Carrier Command were relieved from the Ninth Air Force and assigned to the Ninth Troop Carrier Command, USSTAF: obviously this was in line with the formation of the Airborne and "Airborne" flash above their Ninth Air Force shoulder patch. Re-supply missions to the Continent carried on the first part of the month while weather permitted, but often they were scratched due to the elements, for it rained, and hard, several days. August had ended with Major Schwerin still on the Continent but he at last returned on September. The base was restricted from time to time and passes were on and off. Twelve hour passes were again authorized on the 4th, and on the 5th, the base was re-restricted for one day, and on the 6th, six-hour passes were allowed. It all added up to something big brewing, and tension began to mount. On the 7th the Group was again "alerted" for a mission, but it was postponed the next day, and the next, and late in the evening of the 10th it was cancelled. However, the paratroopers remained on the field, so it was again just a question of tactical expediency. The restriction was again listed on the 10th. Meanwhile, however, flying was carried out strenuously: on the r 18 of the Squadron planes flew in Group formation; on the 9th, 18 again flew a similar formation, and later in the day 9 more participated; and on the 10th, 9 Squadron aircraft flew with the Group. On the 11th, 23 planes from the Squadron carried gasoline to France—following a hurry-up call from the tank forces there. On 12 September, 15 of our aircraft flew to Bristol, then to Brussels with ammunition for the British army in that sector (many of the men stayed in Brussels on an RON, and reported the city was still a garden spot, although prices were rising, and the British were in control.) On the 13th, 23 of the Squadron aircraft were out again on re-supply work, this time led by Col. Hamby, who remained overnight in Brussels, returning the next day. On the 15th, 45 truck loads of the 5O4 Parachute Infantry Regiment came on the field — an indication that something big was really going to happen. On 16 September, restriction was on again and the Post was closed at 1100 hours. Fourteen Flight Officers were transferred to the 61st Group, and the Engineering Department, led by Lt. Terhune and seconded by M/Sgts Gusky, LaLonde and Determan, worked overtime. The 17th of September marked the start of the hectic two-week period of the first operation of the First Allied Airborne Army. On that day, 90 aircraft of the 315th Group, including 22 from the 310th Squadron, carried paratroopers (504th Parachute Infantry Regiment) to Holland. Take-off was at 1100 hours in good weather. Col. Hamby led the Squadron planes. Approximately 1800 paratroopers were carried on the mission, together with pararacks, so the planes were carrying a full load. Within three hours, German radio reports began to come through that a massive airborne landing was being made in Holland. And meanwhile, the men remaining on the field began sweating out the planes. Finally, C-47's began to appear in the sky, and then came the agonizing job of trying to distinguish the individual marking to determine whether or not all aircraft were safe and returning. The Squadron was fortunate again, for all of the planes returned safely, although there was some flak holes in several of the p1anes. The 34th Squadron, our parent squadron, lost one plane, commanded by Capt. Bohannon. The newspapers and radio the next day were filled with stories of the paratroop landings, which were extremely successful. But the operation was not completed, and on the 18th, the next day, another mission was flown by the Group, this time carrying British paratroopers. Fifty-four planes went from the Group, including 15 planes from this Squadron, led by Major Schwerin. Lt. Dawkins carried a British Brigadier, and had a bet with him about the drop, which Lt. Dawkins would probably collect — if he shows up in the future. Again, all the Squadron aircraft returned safely, though flak-damaged, and the pilots began talking about "milk runs". On the 19th, congratulatory messages were received from General Clark and Williams, and the paradrop scheduled for that day, with Polish troopers, was scratched due to weather. The 20th, with clearing weather, promised to be another day, and the planes were loaded with the Polish paratroopers. Fifty-four planes were scheduled to go from the Group with 14 from the Squadron. With all aircraft loaded and engines miming, the mission was again scratched to the intense disappointment of the Polish troopers, one of whom shot himself while standing next to one of the Squadron's planes. On the same date, a detachment of British Mountain Airborne troops came on the field, and did some practice glider loading while waiting their turn to go over. The 21st of September will be a day long-remembered by the Squadron. The day began with the weather about the same as the prior day. However, apparently reserves were terribly needed by the men who had been dropped four and three days earlier, and so it was ordered that the Group go. Fifty-four aircraft were again decided as the Group's quota, with 14 from the 310th. Col. Hamby was to lead the second serial of 27 planes. There was a mess-up at the start, and the first serial took off an hour early. The weather was miserable. Finally in the afternoon about 1430 hours, the second serial took off. Later, the first serial returned, without having dropped its troops due to weather. The second serial however, composed of planes from the 309th and 310th Squadrons, went through and made the droop at the DZ. But it was a costly operation; seven of the Squadron's planes had to land elsewhere in England due to damage to the aircraft; five were missing that evening, those commanded by Col. Hamby, Lt. Dawkins, Lt. Boon, Lt. Waldey and Lt. 0.1. Smith. Two, only, returned to the base; Lt. Sutton made his drop and came back; Lt. Berman became separated from the formation due to weather, flew alone, and ended up over the Ruhr, with intense fire coming at him before he turned back. Col. Hamby, faced with miserable weather conditions at the altitudes considered best for paradrops, led his serial up to 10,000 feet and then went over, letting down over France and finally getting into the DZ, and making a successful drop. The night of the 21st was a wretched one for those of the men who had to stay at the Base: with no word from so many planes, with the story of Lt. Sutton about the extreme difficulty of the Operation and the intense enemy reaction, and the report of planes going down in flames, that was not a pleasant evening. The next day, however, some good news came through; we heard from the planes which had landed in England, Co1. Hamby returned in another plane — he had his rudder controls shot away and had landed at Brussels and several other planes returned. Four planes were still unreported, however, on the 22nd. All of the aircraft which returned had much flak damage, and many holes. Col. Hamby's ship had 150 holes in it, reported Sgt. Harrod, his radio operator. Sgt. Combetty, his crew chief, were both wounded; Sgt. Combetty seriously. Stories concerning the missing crews multiplied as other crews returned. On 23 Sept., Lt. O.J. Smith and his crew were reported safe, although at least some were wounded. There was still no word of Lts. Waldey, Boon or Dawkins, or their crews. On the 23nd of the month, four of the Squadron planes led by Major Schwerin, joined 37 of the Group planes with another paradrop in Holland, carrying Polish troopers; all planes returned safely from this operation, reporting strong fighter protection. Likewise, on the 23rd, six hour passes were authorized, indicating that the "heat" was partially off, due probably to the fact that most of the paratroopers in the British Isles had been carried to Holland. On the 24th came the welcome news that Lt. Worley and the rest of Lt. Dawkins crew, except Lt Dawkins, were safe and in the hands of the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division in Holland; Lt Wilson, the navigator, and Sgts Witt and Ludwig, the rest of the crew, were all names. Then came the report that Lt. Boon and his crew, Lt. Borneman and Sgts. Couch and Chambers, were also safe and Lt. Boon had been returned with a thrilling story, although for security reasons he could not tell it; of having been thoroughly taken care of by the underground in Holland, after his plane was shot down. He had been behind the German lines for two days, and had the usual help that is always a tribute to the bravery of the patriots of those countries so long occupied by the Germans. Lt. Boon was sent to London the next day to give a full report of his evasiOon. Sts. Couch and Chambers were still in the hospital in Aldermaston. On the 24th also, messages of praise were received from Generals Clark and Williams, and from the British. Needless to say, during the entire week the papers and radio were filled with news of the airborne landings in Holland. On 25th September, Lts 0.J. Smith, Ford and Provin returned; their crew members, Cpl. Doan and Sgt. James, were in hospitals, seriously wounded. After leaving the DZ, several shells burst inside the plane, wounding the enlisted men, and while still taking evasive action, Lt. Smith ordered Lts. Ford and Provin to go to the aid of the wounded. These Lts, with enemy fire still coming up, removed their flak suits and gave first aid, including a tourniquet on Cpl Doan's leg which was bleeding badly, and morphine to Sgt. James. Medical reports that that this prompt action saved the life of Cpl. Doan. It was a heroic deed. On the 25th, as that week ended, 20 of the Squadron's 26 planes were in condition to fly; five had been shot down or were unreported, and one had gone on DS. One entire plane and crew — Lt Waldey's was unreported, and Lt. Dawkins was also missing in action. The post was restricted again that day, and the Squadron did some glider towing. Lt. Kenneth H. Waldey had been with the Squadron since its organization, and had been with the 34th Squadron since Florence, where, at Pope Field, he saved a crew member from a burning plane. At the time of his loss, he was leading a flight. He had married a British girl in May, Miss Doreen Villiers, who he had met in Cairo. His co-pilot on the last flight was Lt. Bruce Borth, also with the Group since Florence, and who had returned from leave in the states only on the 18th of the month. His navigator was Lt. Beerman. His crew chief was Sgt. Ludwigson, and his radio operator was Sgt. Carl L. Javorsky, also an old 34th member, who likewise had just returned from the States. At month's end, this crew was still unreported, although hope was still present. Lt. Cecil H. Dawkins, formerly of the 62nd Group, joined the Squadron as a Flight Officer. He was grounded for some time due to a bad ear, but before D-Day in June he came back on flying status and flew that mission. He was an eager pilot and had particularly asked the Operations Officer to go on all. He was a gallant pilot, and when Lt. Worley returned on the 26th of the month he later told a brave story: that he felt certain that Lt Dawkins was hit by flak, but he ordered his crew to bail out, keeping the plane straight and level and even gaining altitude so that the jumps could be made at a safe altitude. Nothing has been heard of him since that time. The loss of all these men, if in truth they are lost, is a great blow to the Squadron; their absence leaves a gap both in operational strength and ability and in the personal, non-operational life of the Squadron. They will not be forgotten. They were gallant officers and men; and, if they died, they died as all soldiers should — facing toward the enemy. There were other casualties: Sgt. Harrod was wounded, and Lt. Hardin also became eligible for the Purple Heart. Lt Cleon M. Worley returned on the 26th of the month with Lt Wilson and Sgts Wins and Ludwig, the remaining members of the crew of Lt Dawkins' ship. These four men also had been in the hands of the Holland underground after they bailed out, had received needed aid, and then had been taken through the enemy lines to the 82s Airborne Division lines. Lt. Worley also went to London later to report on his evasion experience. It appeared that Lt Boon and his crew and Lt Worley and the surviving members of the crew of Lt Dawkins would get a speedy trip back to the States, from which Lt Worley had returned only on the 18th of September. Also on the 26th. the Squadron participated in the first airborne landing mission flown. Eighteen planes led by Major Schwerin, joined with 54 other ships from the Group and the 72 planes carried the British Mountain troops to a landing zone in Holland along the corridor which was such a bloody one. All planes returned safely, although there was some enemy fire encountered. The remainder of the month, operationally speaking, was quiet; 17 Squadron planes went to France on a re-supply mission on the 28th, and most found it essential to RON in Paris; on the 20th and 30th four aircraft went out each day for re-supply. All planes returned safely to base. Thus ended a strenuous two weeks of this operational period. At month's end, the press was repotting the withdrawal of the brave British airborne divisions from Aachen, and prophesying that in the future the fame of the stand there would grow. For the Squadron to have played a part in the greatest of all airborne operations is a privilege of which every man is proud; every assignment was carried out to the letter, and message from the Commanding Officers of the troops dropped all said that the paratroopers landed on the DZ's. Col. E. H. Tucker, commanding the 504th Parachute Infantry, sent a special commendation to the Group for making a "closely concentrated drop on the correct DZ" and stated that it had enabled his regiment "to immediately overwhelm the enemy and capture its objective with a minimum of loss". With restrictions going on and off so frequently, and then so many operations missions flown, Special Services in the Squadron necessarily were on a small scale, although several events were planned. Squadron health was good, thanks to Captain Matins, although with the advent of more and rainier weather, the expected increase of colds was noted. Major Rowland, appointed Trial Judge Advocate of the General Court of the Wing the last of August, spent considerable time rounding up witnesses and studying the cases sent him for trial. Flight Officer Sherrod and Captain Kevan strove mightily during the early days of the month and gave birth to an entirely new mess hall setup at which all officers and men of the Squadron were fed thende-forth [SIC], rather than only the staff and enlisted men. The food was excellent, and the tents used for mess halls were weather-proofed as well as could be, considering the limited equipment at hand. It was a big job, and many men of the outfit were kept busy for days hauling gravel and construction floors for the two mess tens. Mess Sgt Hedrieh also looked happier at the end of the struggle. During the month Pfc Charley Chapin, the oldest man in the unit, received orders to return to the Zone of the Interior. He was happy and sorry to leave; the men were sorry to have him go, for his uncomplaining and faithful work had been an inspiration to the younger men of the Squadron. On the 18th, the men of the Squadron who had gone back to the States on a 30 day leave returned, with the exception of Sgts. Grigsby and Ely, who remained on account of ill health. It was go9od to get them back, for they included some of our most experienced combat personnel. They reported fine times at home, but all seemed pleased to get back to the outfit. All were eager to go on the missions coming up, and some of them did-with some being lost in action or wounded. MSgts. LaLonde and Gusky, two Regular Army men who had been with the 34th since its organization, were honored during the month by receiving the Bronze Star. This decoration was awarded them for their excellent work in maintaining the planes in Africa under most trying circumstances. The 315th Group also was granted "battle participation" credit for the campaign "Western Europe" which started 6 June 1944 and thus every man in the unit became entitled to wear another star on his Spam ribbon. Several promotions were announced during the month as follows: Captain Rowland to Major 1st Lt Enright to Captain 2nd Lt Drummey to 1st Lt 2nd Lt Colwell to 1st Lt 2nd Lt Glover to 1st Lt 2nd Lt. Roensch to 1st Lt All of these promotions called for and received due celebration. Capt. Jimmy P. Horany, who had been the Squadron Supply Officer, was transferred to a Depot, where his prior large experience in Air supply work could be better used; the Squadron regretted his leaving, although it understood his greater usefulness to the war effort. 1st Lt Michael Gilligan, who had been transportation officer, also was transferred. The Glider Pilots and glider engineering crews had their usual active life, being transferred back and forth to various Groups several times during the month. Captain Torben, the ranking glider pilot, was back with the Squadron at the end of the month. A few of the GIs participated in the glider part of the airborne operation, but mostly reported dry runs, although some of them were in the gliders, with the tug's engines running, as many as three times. The month ended with pay call as usual and re-supply missions being flown. Lt Edney in operations, as well as Capt. Greene, were proving able assistants to Major Schwerin and all three men lost much sleep. Lt. Mobus in 5-2 spent most of his time in his office with Sgts. Tobin and O'Neil and Cpl. Widess being on the spot also. The Non-Com's Club reorganized, with Cpl West being the guiding light. A new mail room was built, with the only thing lacking being mail to fill it. Sgt. Lewis and Cpl. Harrison in the Armament Shop were very busy with all the operation, although Sgt. Lewis was in hospital for a portion of the time. Supply, both Tech and Administrative, was kept busy. Lt Chase became Administrative Supply Officer when Capt. Homy left. Sgts Riordan and Yeekley and Cpl. Daelman in Operations should also be men6tioned for losing sleep during the "Operation Market". The Orderly Room, presided over by 1st Sgt Nagle with the assistance of Cpls Catalano and Tresino, had its usual headaches — nearly all involving passes and details, but the work was done and passes obtained. There were some enlisted men's promotions announced during the month. It can be truthfully said that during this busiest of all months no one man can be singled out for special commendation, for the Squadron acted as a team, with no prima donnas, and with all —personnel deserving crew for the job that was done. ///
310th TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON WAR DIARY September 1944 1st Ninth Troop Carrier Command units relieved from assignment to Ninth Air Force, assigned to Ninth Troop Carrier Command USSTAF. 2nd Mission scratched — rain. 3th Rain. Major Schwerin returned from Brussels. 2nd Lt Drummey, Glover Colwell. And Roensch, promoted to Captain 4th 12 hour passes authorized, restriction ends. Captain Rowland promoted to Major, 1st Lt Enright to Captain. 5^th Base again restricted. 6thSix hour passes allowed. New squadron mess started. 7th War Department announces demobilization plan. VIP's to be on base but do not arrive. Group alerted once more. 8th Mission postponed. 18 planes to fly formation 9th Mission again postpone. l8 Squadron planes fly Group formation; 9 Squadron ships fly later Group formation. Flight Officers return to organization. 10th Mission postponed and then cancelled later. Restriction off Nine planes join in Group formation. Message from the King of England received. 1lth 23 Squadron planes on re-supply mission to France. 12th 15 planes to Bristol, then to Brussels, carrying ammunition to British. Squadron mess opens for all personnel. 13th 23 planes on re-supply mission to the Continent. All RON. 15th 45 truck loads of 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment come on field. MSgts Guslcy and LaLonde awarded Bronze Star. 16th Post closed, 1100 hours. 14 Flight Officers leave for 61st Group. 17th 1100 hours: "Operational Market" commences, with 90 planes from the Group, including 22 from 310^th Squadron, take off for Holland, carrying approximately 1800 paratroopers of the 504^th Parachute Infantry Regiment with pararacks. Col. Hamby leads Squadron aircraft. All planes return safely, with no wounded in Squadron. 316 paratroops and 1225 bundles carried by Squadron, drop on DZ and mission successful 18th Fifty-four Group aircraft, including 15 of the 310^th, led by Major Schwerin carry British paratroopers to Holland, 225 paratroopers, 47 bundles, three motorcycles and eight bicycles carried. Drop successful. All Squadron planes return safely to Base. Men on leave in the States return. 19th Mission with Polish paratroopers scratched due to weather. 20th 54 Group planes with 14 from the 310^th Squadron scheduled to go on Polish drop. Scratched at last moment due to weather. 21st 54 Group aircraft scheduled to drop Polish troops. Second serial led by Lt. Col. Hamby. First serial aborts due to weather, second serial goes through and drops. Seven of the 14 planes of the 31Oth Squadron down elsewhere in England, five missing, two return to Spanhoe, Col. Hamby missing, 182 paratroopers, 56 bundles, 9 motorcycles, 4 bicycles carried.22^nd Most of crews return, with many flak holes in ships. Col. Hamby RON's in Brussels due to rudder controls shot away. Four crews still unaccounted for. Some wounded men. 23th Four Squadron aircraft in 41 plane Group formation droop Polish paratroops in Holland. Our planes carry 49 troopers, 20 parapacks, one motorcycle. One crew reported missing on 21^st reported safe, although some wounded. All planes return safely from this day's mission. 24th Lt Boon and crew reported safe, after being in the hands of Holland underground, Lt. Dawkins' crew with the exception of Lt Dawkins. reported safe with the 82^thl Airborne Division. Congratulatory messages from Generals Clark and Williams, also from British. 25th Lt 0.J. Smith and crew reported safe, although some wounded crew members. One plane—Lt. Waldey's still unreported. Post again restricted. 26th Eighteen Squadron aircraft in 72 plane Group formation carry 166 British Airborne Infantry on first Airborne landing operation to Holland. 72,532 pounds of equipment also carried by Squadron. Mission successful, all planes return, some flak encountered. Lt Dawkins still unreported. 27th No operational missions. Twenty-four hour passes authorized. 28th Seventeen Squadron planes on re-supply mission to Continent; most of them RON in Paris. 29th Four planes on re-supply to Continent. Battle participation credit for campaign "Western Europe" authorized Group. 30th Four Squadron planes on re-supply to Continent. ///
OPERATIONS DIARY 310th TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON Month of September 1944 1 IX One aircraft to Station 538 — matters pertaining to this command. One aircraft to Station 467, thence to Station 485 — training mission One aircraft on local flight — training mission. 2 IX No non-operational flights 3 IX No non-operational flights 4 IX No non-operational flights 5 IX Four aircraft on local flight— training mission 6 IX One aircraft to Station 489 — training mission 7 IX No non-operational flights 8 IX Eighteen aircraft on local flight — training mission 9 IX Thirty-three aircraft on local flights — training missions. One aircraft to Station 500— matters pertaining to this command 10 IX Eighteen aircraft on local flight — training mission 11 IX Twenty-three aircraft to Station 469, thence to SECRET — transporting supplies 12 IX Fifteen aircraft to RAF Kemble, thence to SECRET, transporting supplies. Two aircraft on local flight. — training mission. One aircraft to Station 466, thence to Station 467 — training mission. One aircraft to Station 595, thence to SECRET — transporting supplies 13 IX Fifteen aircraft to SECRET, thence to SECRET — transporting supplies Eight aircraft to RAF Kemble, thence to SECRET— transporting supplies 14 IX No non-operational flights 15 IX Fifteen aircraft to Station 510, transporting personnel 16 IX One aircraft to Station 483 - transporting personnel. One aircraft to Station 483 — matters pertaining to this command. 17 IX Twenty-two aircraft to SECRET - transporting personnel 18 IX Two aircraft on local flight — training mission One aircraft to Station 469 — transporting supplies 19 IX Four aircraft to Station 484, delivering aircraft which are to remain on D.S 20 IX Three aircraft to Station 489, delivering aircraft which are to remain on DS. 21 IX No non-operational flights 22 IX One aircraft on local flight — test hopping aircraft 23 IX Three aircraft on local flight — training mission 24 IX Two aircraft on local flight, training mission 25 IX Eight aircraft on local flight — towing gliders. One aircraft to Station 474, matters pertaining to this command. One aircraft to Station 538 — training mission 26 IX One aircraft on local flight — training mission 27 IX Two aircraft on local flight— towing gliders. One aircraft to Station 474 — transporting personnel. One aircraft to Station 467— transporting personnel. One aircraft to Station 174, thence to Station 122 — transporting personnel 28 IX Seventeen aircraft to Station 486, thence to SECRET, transporting supplies 29 IX Three aircraft to Lyneham, thence to SECRET— transporting supplies. Two aircraft to Station 510 — transporting personnel 30 IX Four aircraft to Station 467, thence to SECRET, transporting supplies. One aircraft to Station 479, thence to Station 590, matters pertaining to the command Statistics Month of September. 1944 I Total Hours flown by Squadron In Group formation 123:45 Glider tow 4:15 Paradrop 109:25 Cross Country 1121:00 Local 86:10 II Personnel Qualified — First Pilots 35 Co-Pilots 10 Navigators 10 Radio Operators 27 Crew Chiefs 38 Total Combat Crews 22 III Planes assigned as of the 30th September 1944 C-47's 21 CG-4A's 1 Horsa 0 ///
RESUME OF ACTIVITY 310th Troop Carrier Squadron 1 October to 31 October 1944 October was not a particularly eventful month for the 310^th Squadron, to the great relief of all personnel, for September had gone all out in activity and excitement. The Squadron was very busy, however, and, as weather permitted, a great deal of essential flying was accomplished. The records of operational sorties flown and pounds carried are impressive and speak well for the energy of the pilots and crew members and maintenance men. There were no combat missions flown during the month; however, re-supply missions were frequent for the entire Group, and the 310th Squadron pulled its weight at all times. Loads carried ranged from diesel oil and ammunition to overcoats for the infantrymen beginning to get a taste of winter in Northern France, Belgium, and Holland. And of course on many of the return trips wounded were evacuated to hospitals in Britain. Weather was rather poor, on the average, and there were several periods of three or four days when the planes, although loaded, stayed on the ground at the home station due to bad weather here or on the Far Shore. Destinations varied from Brussels to Paris, Reims, Cherbourg and Nancy—wherever supplies were needed quickly, there they went. The new system of loading one day, returning to home base, then leaving direct the next morning saved time and made it possible for most missions to be flown for the return trip the same day, so the pilots had few chances to RON on the Continent. Also, the institution of new flying corridors to and from the Far Shore shortened the trip by several hours. The month saw several changed in personnel. Several power pilots and glider pilots fresh from the States were assigned to the outfit; several of the old officers and men Were sent home for rest and reassignment. Captain NICHOLSON was among the lucky ones to leave. His loss is a heavy one for the Squadron: he was a flight leader, had been with the Squadron, or the 34th, since Florence, and had filled numerous other positions in the unit. His wit and good humor will be missed as much as his flying ability. Sergeants SHERMAN, DUPRE and STOMBAUGH also went home—which leaves a gap in the Mess Section which Lt. SHERROD was hard put to fill. But no one begrudged the good fortune of those lucky ones, and all hoped their chance would come next. The going-home fever rumors were thick. The men who were shot down over Holland, 1st Lt. WORLEY, and 2nd Lts. WILSON and BOON, T/Sgt. WITTE, S/Sgts. LUDWIG and CHAMBERS and who returned, also went home, at least those who were able to travel, and the wounded members were rapidly recovering. Several members of the Squadron received decorations for the "Market Operation" during the month. The Bronze Star Medal awarded to 1st Lt. TERHUNE, M/Sgt. DETERMAN, T/Sgt. YECKLEY, S/Sgt. TOBIN, S/Sgt. RIORDAN, Pfc ORUCH. The Purple Heart awarded to Lt. HARDIN, 2nd Lt. BOON, M/Sgt. HARROD, S/Sgt. CHAMBERS. The Bronze Star Medals were granted for ground work on the Operation, and all were entirely deserved by the recipients. The Group and Squadron continued to receive congratulatory messages from various sources, including the Commanding Officer of the Polish Paratroop Battalion which was dropped in Holland. In war news, Aachen occupied the spotlight for most of the month, and its fall was a real victory for the United States troops who took it. German radio made much of its destruction, but none on the other side, was surprised or worried about that. With the approach of winter, ground operations were slowed a bit, and the hope of a complete victory this year dwindled with every rainy day. The Lord may not have been on the side of the Germans during this past summer and fall, but the weather certainly has been. Marshal ROMMEL's death was finally admitted by the Germans, after weeks of denials. Captain Maurice L. MALINE, the Squadron Flight Surgeon, was transferred during the month and was replaced by Captain Duncan S. HATTON. Captain HATTON is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and practices in Philadelphia before entering the Army. With the cessation of combat operations and the reopening of leaves and passes, the VD rate spurted forward, unfortunately, and corrective measures were taken. Otherwise, the Squadron health was excellent, save for the usual colds, especially among the new men who had acquired no immunization or insulation against British weather. Leaves of a week were granted many of the men, and they were in most of the larger cities of England and Scotland. Colonel HAMBY took a week visiting Edinburgh and reported a good rest. T/Sgt. SESSIONS was married after having had the wedding postponed during the Holland operations. On the 5^th of the month a Squadron dance was held, with all the enlisted men attending. Cpl. WEST worked hard to make the party the successful it was. The Bond Lottery was drawn at the dance and the proceeds for the Squadron purchased a radio for the mess hall, which the Communications Department promptly installed---with loudspeakers in both the Enlisted Men's and Officers' Messes. Captain ENRIGHT went on detached service to the Far Shore and had not returned at the month's end. Other detachments of men were sent on DS, and the Duty Roster added gray hairs to the heads of Cpl. CATALANO and Captain ICEVAN, despite the disbanding of the Defense Platoon. Promotions announced during the month are as follows: 1st Lt. MOBUS to Captain; 2nd Lts. HURST, ROBERTSON, PROVIN, LOVETT, BERMAN and ROSS to 1st Lt.; F/O’s BEST, FLUEGAL, HEWITT, SHERROD and PAYSON, to 2nd Lts. The deaths of Lt. WAKLEY and Sgt. LUDVIKSON on the 2Ist of September were confirmed by the report of their burial near the lines in Holland. No details of their deaths were received, and the fate of the other members of the crew is still unknown. No word of Lt. DAWKINS has been heard. The loss of these men still grieves the Squadron, for they cannot be replaced. The Glider Training program got underway under the direction of Capt. TARBETT and Lt. SIPE, and progress in a true program was made. More gliders were assigned to the Squadron and there was considerable glider-towing on days when the weather on the Continent was poor. Lt. BEST has his problems with glider engineering also. The aircraft engineering section also had its headaches, for there were two planes damaged at Cherbourg on a slippery field, and one plane was damaged in a hangar here. No one was injured in any of the accidents, however. Considering that during the month the Squadron flew 251 aircraft on re-supply missions and carried 1,455,000 lbs. of freight, minor accidents were understandable, though not to be encouraged. The month ended with re-supply missions being flown, going-home rumors circulating, and preparations for the Two Year Overseas Anniversary party occupying the Squadron's mind in its off-duty hours.
RESUME OF ACTIVITY 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron 1 November to 30 November 1944 Election month continued with a great deal planned for the [?] of the month. Of course the election was the most important event of the month and there was considerable interest in it. As was correct, most of the men voted, and 1st Lt. ZARTMAN, the Soldier Voting Officer, wound up his work, to the his intense relief, and was checked-out. Perhaps not as much interest in the election was shown as should have been, on the whole, but it was the feeling of most of the men that we were a bit far removed from the scene of action, and that the strenuous months of September and October, with their tactical flying had prevented any considerable study of the true issues of the campaign. However, everyone was relieved when the returns were in and the matter was settled. The British [?] were jubilant in a restrained way. And all the men of the Squadron hoped that at the next presidential election they could vote in the normal way—at home. Another important, and a bit more immediately personal, event which occurred during the month was the celebration of a two Year Overseas Anniversary. The men of the original 315^th Group remembered well that day of 7 November 1942 when the first planes of the air echelon took off from Presque Isle for [?], Labrador, and then on across the North Atlantic, with the too long leg to Greenland, for England. That trip was still vivid in everyone's memory, and the celebration was a good one. The actual party consumed two days, with Wing Headquarters cooperating to the great extent of not requiring any flying from the Group for those two weekend days of 4 and 5 November. There was an officers' party on the fourth, complete with "tea" in the afternoon, followed by dinners at the squadrons, and then a dance, with complete floor-show, in the evening. The next day, the fifth, was the same for the enlisted men. There were many girls for both parties, and the station sick quarters were turned into a hotel for them. All reports indicate that it was a full house. Needless to say, work was suspended about Saturday noon, and was taken up again sometime Monday morning, but not too early. It was a good celebration, and that length of time overseas merited it. Putting-up the fourth service bar on blouses occupied the time of many of the men about that period, also. There was a change in command of the Group during November, also. Colonel Hamish McLELLAND, who had been our Group Commander since long before we started overseas, and he was thoroughly admired and loved by everyone, had to go home for medical reasons and Lt. Col. Howard B. LYON, likewise with the Group since its inception, assumed command. With his elevation, Lt. Col. Ronald G. LENIN, the former commanding officer of the 34th Squadron, the 316th parent outfit, became Group Executive. But Col. LEICIN's incumbency was short and Lt. Col. Robert J. GIBBONS became executive officer of the Group. This caused other changes, and some Squadrons lost men to Group because of it. The Squadron also had its losses, via orders to return to the Zone of the Interior, in both officers and enlisted men. They were key personnel, and their loss is and will be keenly felt. Captains GREENE, CRUMBIE and PERRY left on one order. Sergeants Petennan, Benton, and Peterson were on the same order. All six checked out rapidly, and we were sorry to see them go, although also glad of their good fortune. On the 14th of the month more orders arrived, this time for Major Edward M. Schwerin and 1st Lt. 0. J. SMITH. Major SCHWERIN's loss is a tough one for the unit, for he had been the Operations Officer since the Squadron's organization and had assisted in all ways. Lt. SMITH, formerly of the 60th Squadron, had (earned) a firm place in the outfit and his expert piloting of his aircraft on the Holland operations will not be forgotten, especially his work on 21 September when he was able to safely crash-land his plane with two wounded men aboard and save them both. More enlisted men left for home later in the month, and again they were men holding responsible positions which will be hard to fill. Sgts. BECKLEY, from Operations, BRYAN, from transportation, and LEWIS, from the Armament shop, all left at once. Another one who left was Sgt. Basil S. DENN. On Major SCHWERIN's departure, Captain George A. RYLANCE, with the outfit since its organization, became Operations Officer. Lt. MOSS, became his assistant. There were other changes and losses later in the month. lst Lt. Ernest F. CHASE, the Administrative Supply Officer, left to become a part of the group preparing to embark on the United States Strategic Bombing Survey, a job which promises to be long and interesting. Sgt. Alan B. SMITH, of the Personnel Department, also was chosen from a great number of applicants to become a member of that Survey. On Capt. PERRY's departure, Lt. Joe C. HARDIN became Squadron Navigator and Lt. HEWITT became Personnel Officer, or P1. Sgt. DAVIS and CAVALIER' in personnel decided, in spite of the loss of their coworker Sgt. SMITH that they would go it along, although everyone in that department had been working late almost every night. 2nd Lt. PAYSON became head of both branches of supply when Lt. [?] left. A number of promotions were announced during the month, as follows: 1st Lts.to Captain ENNIS, ROSS, BAWLS, SHANKEY; 2nd Lts. to 1st Lt. SIPE, LASELL Also, a goodly number of decorations were received, and all were well deserved. Col. HAMBY was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his work as a serial leader during the Holland operations. Air Medals, or Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal, where appropriate, were awarded to members of the combat crews who participated in the same operations. 2nd Lt. Jacob BOON, new in the States, was awarded the high honor of the Silver Star, and he deserved it fully. There were also Good Conduct Medals awarded to some of the enlisted men, and the list appears elsewhere in the month's history. Despite the many changes in personnel, which naturally resulted in some dislocations, tactical and practice flying continued at all times, and the Squadron held up its end of all flying requirements and commitments. Weather was not particularly good during the month, and that caused a number of RON's, but those were not minded by the crews, for the most part. There was another practice period, in which the Group dropped British paratroopers around the 20th of the month. The planes were away for three days, but finally the weather allowed the drop to take place. Thanks, and praise, were received from the British Officer Commanding. Cargoes carried to all parts of the Far Shore ranged from gasoline to Thanksgiving turkeys, with the fixings, and wounded were brought back on the return trips in many instances. Many men and officers were sent to various service schools. Capt. ENRIGHT was on SS to the Far Shore using his excellent skill and knowledge in installing radio stations, a job he had also done in Alaska. The glider department was likewise busy. The glider maintenance men did grand jobs in making the many variations required, and they all worked long hours at the job. The GP training program, under the leadership of Capt. YARBETT and Lt. SIPE, continued to progress. With so many men leaving and, on the 16th, 29 pilots arrived from the States, qualified pilots as well as power pilots, As mentioned above, from the operational side, tactical and local practice flying was accomplished whenever weather permitted. Numerous missions were scrubbed, however, due to bad weather either here or on the Continent also occupied considerable time, and all the Glider Pilots did their share of plenty of time in the air. Squadron health was good, not considering the colds which the bad weather caused. Capt. HATTON's Dispensary was well used for his coffee urn, and officers and men were delighted with the attention, both what they had received from him and prevention treatment for the combat crews, with good results indicated. Special service during the month was occupied [illegible] One sad note of the month was the report of the identification information of Lt. BEERMAN and Tech Sgt, HUDVIKSON. These men were lost in Lt. WAKLEY's plane on the 21st of September at Holerhouk, Holland and the report stated they were buried in the US Military Cemetery at Holerhoulc, Holland in Plants B4-77 and 78, 80, and 81, and these bodies probably were those of the remains of the plane's crew. The word of Lt. DAWICINS has not yet been received. Thanksgiving Day was celebrated as usual. The Mess Section did yeoman duty, and turned out a full meal. Work on the [undiscernible] and everyone was well-stuffed. In summary, changes in personnel appear to have the most important events of the month, for flying was not unusual, although busy. Those who left for the states and elsewhere will be sorely missed, for many of them were personnel whose successors have high marks at which to shoot at but as new replacements are to be expected, one that is one of the encouraging things that a military unit—the ability to absorb and train new men, and to take on new additional duties, the Squadron is showing that it is entirely competent to carry on. ///
RESUME OF ACTIVITY 310th Troop Carrier Squadron 1 December to 31 December 1944 With the arrival of December, the prospect of the Group spending the third consecutive Christmas Overseas also loomed up. This prospect was fulfilled, causing no surprise to anyone. The month was fairly quiet, but the Squadron did a great deal of flying and, when the new weather minimums were favorable, made its full share of freight and personnel flights to the Far Shore. The month also saw the resurgence of the German power, for VON RUNDSTEDT started his counter-offensive in the latter half of the month, and this was the main topic of conversation so far as the war went. General PATTON again proved his ability, and the town of Bastogne became almost as well-known as Arnhem, but this time with American airborne soldiers, fighting as foot-soldiers, in the hot spot. They were relieved by General PATTON's army toward the end of the month. The operation of the Germans indicated that they were still a force to be reckoned with, also brought out the Luftwaffe in strength, and the German weather men again hit their predictions squarely with bad flying weather for the first week of the operation, thus preventing the Allied air superiority from functioning. Around Bastogne, where the 101st Airborne Division was fighting, there were supply missions flown by Troop Carriers, although the 315th Group did not participate. We did have news that Capt. SUTTLE, Lt. AL WOOD, and Lt. Frank HAYDEN, formerly of the Group, and Capt. SUTTLE of this Squadron, were missing in action after one of these resupply missions. Whether they are dead or not, we do not know, although their plane was seen to make a perfect crash landing. These officers were at the Pathfinder Group, therefore were in the very point of the spearhead. We hope that they are safe, for they are well-known to most of the men of this outfit. Of more immediate interest to the Squadron was the great amount of flying done by our pilots during the month. Weather during the month was not very good and numerous missions were scrubbed due to weather here or on the Continent. Because of too many accidents in other Groups, minimum weather rules were adopted by Command, and this also cut down flying. However, the Squadron Operations Diary will indicate that a great deal of flying—both local transition and re-supply and evacuation—were accomplished. The new pilots were given training by the older first pilots, there was instrument flying and the ground school conducted by Capt. RYLANCE was showing results. Another item of interest from the operational end was the acquisition of two C-109's (B-24's) fitted as gasoline-carrying planes. Each Squadron of the Group received these. Some B-24 pilots were assigned to the outfit temporarily to train the pilots, and there were also maintenance men on TD here. Some of the unit's engineering personnel went elsewhere to attend schools connected with B-24 maintenance and operations. The pilots enjoyed the opportunity to fly a four-engine ship, and several of the older pilots were checked out in it. There were some personnel changes during the month: a few men and officers joined the outfit; a few received that long awaited order to return to the ZI. Sgts. YACKLEY, from Operations, LEWIS, from the Armament Shop, and BRYAN, from Transportation got the nod. Basil DEEIN also went home with them to the envy of the other men in his department. No officers received this good news during the period, but their time was running out. Some of the enlisted men earned promotions and received them. 1^st. Lt. Joe HARDIN, the Squadron Navigator, received his promotion to Captain, and 2nd Lt STEELE of the Radar wizards, donned a silver bar. During the month, on one of the non-flying (due to weather) days, the Group held a Medal Presentation ceremony, at which men of our Squadron received the medals they had won in the Holland operation. Also during the month, T/Sgt. James D. DAVIS, the strong man of personnel, was awarded the Bronze Star, and everyone in the Squadron was pleased, for Sgt. DAVIS has deserved such recognition for a long time. Weather during the month was not so good. On Christmas Day we awoke to a White Christmas, with rime frost everywhere and even making the barbed wire look like Christmas tree tinsel. The British papers, after their customary two [hour?] wait, announced that London's Christmas was the coldest for which there is any official record. There was much fog, of the real variety, during the latter half of the month, and many of the liberty nuns were cancelled. Trains everywhere were late and also packed with persons frantic to get home during part of the holiday season. The cold frost was continuous, with practically no rain, which was a blessing, for the mud was displaced by frozen ground. There were snow flurries as early as the 10^th of the month. The month's carrying record shows the varied loads hauled: equipment totaling 321,657 lbs. consisting of jeeps, clothing, personnel's baggage, oil, kerosene, rations and steel matting, was carried to the continent by this Squadron. A total of 184 walking patients were brought back to the U.K. For the month, 17,535 gallons of gasoline were carried. 286 passengers were carried for the month. 17 of these were personnel of GLEN MILLER's Band and 201 were A/B Glider Infantry personnel. The remainder were incidental personnel. In addition, partly in November but mostly in December, 2 aircraft completed 13 separate missions to Holland, carrying a total of 132,480 lbs. of lard for civilian use. There was an article in the Daily Mail relative to these missions. From all indications it was widely publicized. Col. HAMBY received one welcome visitor during the period in the person of Lt. BORNEMAN who was shot down over Holland and then hospitalized with a bad leg and knee. He was on his way home. Wonderful news was received from the States that Lt. DAWKINS, whom we all feared had been killed, was a prisoner of war in Germany. His sister sent the newspaper clipping about this which cheered the entire Squadron. Capt. TARBETT's Glider Department continued with its training, both on the ground and in the air, and the glider pilots were far in advance of the other Squadrons simply because of this systematic training program. There morale was also better because they had something regular to do. As before, glider officers continued to render valuable aid in squadron jobs with Lt. CHILD working in the Orderly Room as assistant adjutant, Lt. PAYSON working in Supply, Lt. FEUERSTEIN keeping Special Service active, and Lt. HEWITT serving in the Personnel Department. Lt. FEUERSTEIN helped reorganize the NCO's Club, which continued to serve the men in the area. He also arranged numerous excursions to dances—the ATS camp was popular, as was Corby. There was a Squadron enlisted Men's Dance on the 23rd, with Christmas decorations both inside and out. The Group band, just back from a successful week in London, furnished the music. The dance was well-attended and successful. Col. HAMBY wished all the men a Merry Christmas and thanked them for their help during the year. Major ROWLAND was finally relieved of his General Court Martial TJA duties and was able to get back to some Squadron work. Capt. KEVAN continued to work with no letups. Save for an occasional evening with his old outfit at Cottesmore. Lt. SHERROD was relieved as Mess Officer and F/0 LANGENFELD too charge. Eating conditions remained somewhat primitive, but progress was made and the men and officers grumbled not much more than was healthy for them. A revised Squadron Duty Policy was inaugurated,and the Squadron OD was given additional duties. Some of the changes were still growing pains, for the Squadron is still an infant, although it has carried its full weight from the start. One major pin-prick of the month for everyone was the cigarette situation. On the first of the month the ration was completely cut; resulting in loud howls from the entire Theater of Operations. Three days later it was restored in part; and at month's end were all were on five packs a week ration. The non-smokers were hunted assiduously by the others who needed more than fifteen a day, and in general, pipes made a hurried appearance. The shortage was on in the States too, to the amazement of all the troops, and there were calls for investigations in all corners of the world. The question has not been answered by the end of the year however, The month and year ended with a standby inspection of the Squadron, and a fervent hope in the minds of all that sometime during the near 365 days, the war on this side would be ended and we might get back to the States. In the eight months of the Squadron's life, it has gone far; no favors were asked, granted, or wanted as far as operational commitments were concerned, and the Squadron's record on operations speaks loudly. Building a new unit a month before D-Day and having it function as successfully as it has, is an achievement in which every man in the organization had a part, and of which he cane proud. ///
RESUME OF MONTH'S ACTIVITY 310th Troop Carrier Group 1 January to 31 January 1945 The main time of note directly affecting the Squadron during the month of January was the change of Squadron Commanders, which event is always an important one. Lt. Col. Henry G. HAMBY, Jr., the first commanding officer of the Squadron, went back to the States early in the month for rest, rehabilitation and reassignment and Capt. George A. RYLANCE, became Squadron Commander. Col. HAMBY, in the eight months of the Squadron's life, had effectively organized the outfit into a fighting unit; the fact that less than forty days after the activation of the Squadron the 310th pulled its full weight on D-Day indicated that its foundation was sound. There were the innumerable problems of activation to be solved, especially the formation of a unit in a theater of operations with increased burdens of supply and personnel, and all of these factors called for intense work, organizing ability and capacity for improvisation. The settling of the Squadron area on a crowded base is an instance of the problem which had to be met. The entire month of May 1944, with its intense aerial training in preparation for the initial invasion of Europe, was a hectic one, and, coupled with the many housekeeping problems of a new unit, called for a leader. The later work of the Squadron is proof that its early building was of the best. All of the Squadron joined in wishing Col. HAMBY Godspeed and the best possible luck in any new assignment he may receive. Capt. George A. RYLANCE was Squadron Operations Officer before assuming command of the outfit. He joined the Group at Florence, South Carolina, and was assigned to the 34^th Squadron, remaining with that organization until his assignment to the 310^th on its activation. With the 34th or the 310th, he has participated in all the activities of the Group, having flown to England, then accompanying the outfit to Africa where he amassed a tremendous amount of flying hours and returning to participate in D-Day and the Holland operation. He has more operational flying hours than any pilot in the Squadron, a fact which, with his other proven abilities of leadership fully qualifies him to be a commanding officer. In the few weeks of his command, some changes have been made which demonstrate his qualifications for the job and the Squadron is happy in his appointment and has no fears for the future. Capt. RYLANCE's home is in Vail, Arizona. He graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Mountain View, California, and from Arizona State College, with additional study at the University of Arizona. Before enlisting in the Army in 1941 he was a teacher in the Arizona school system, and also did some athletic coaching as "additional duty". He enlisted in the Infantry and later transferred to the Air Corps for his flying training. In the Squadron, he has held the job of Supply Officer, Flight Leader and Liaison Officer. In the summer of 1944, after D-Day, he spent a month's leave in the States, which was richly deserved. Another major change during the month was the acquisition of a new First Sergeant. First Sergeant Serenus W. NAGLE came to the Squadron from the 34th Squadron on its activation. He also assisted ably in the birth of the unit and helped shepherd the organization through its initial growing pains. He had been with Group, then was First Sergeant of the 34th Squadron until assigned to the 310^th. During January [1945], Sgt. NAGLE requested to be relieved of his duties as First Sergeant, assigning as his reasons for this request that he felt he had gone stale and had lost his knack for the extremely important duties of the position and that he did not want to endanger the efficiency of the Squadron through any possible shortcoming on his part. Such an attitude is an admirable one and proves that Sgt. NAGLE has the best interests of the Squadron uppermost in his mind. After very serious consideration, the Squadron Commander relieved Sgt. NAGLE of his duties, assigned him to the Glider Department, and appointed M/Sgt. Elwood M. WHITTINGTON as First Sergeant. M/Sgt. WHITTINGTON joined the Squadron as a M/Sgt. With fourteen years experience in the Army His rank and experience indicate that he is fully capable of filling his position, and he has taken hold rapidly. Thus the 310th Squadron started a new year with a new Commanding Officer and a new First Sergeant. Operationally, the month was a quiet one, for the major portion of the time was spent in a training program for both airplanes and gliders. The weather was miserable during the month, and flying was cut to a large extent. There was snow on the ground almost every day of the month, temperatures were far below freezing all over the United Kingdom, fog conditions prevailed at times, and in general the British weather lived up thoroughly to its reputation. Coal and coke supplies all over England became scarce also, so it was no pleasure to stay on the ground. Liberty runs to the neighboring towns were cancelled several times due to the icy condition of the roads. The newspapers said it was the coldest month in many years, which again showed that the Germans have had all the breaks in the weather during this war. In the early days of the month some operational flying was accomplished, and the 310th did its share. The later portion of the month was entirely training, and whenever the weather allowed it, the pilots flew. Capt. TARBETT's glider pilots embarked on a v=navigation course, taught by Capt. ADAMS, and Lts. Col. WELL and LASELL. Capt. Leslie A. SHANKEY became Squadron Operations Officer and 1st Lt. Ralph BAYSINGER became Liaison Officer. There were several other changes in duty assignments during the month, with additional officers being given assignments. The Glider department continued its ground schooling, and flying when possible, and credit is due Capt. TARBETT and Lt. DUNCAN for carrying this successfully. Capt. Duncan HATTON, the Squadron Surgeon, after making a valued place for himself in the outfit, was promoted to Group Surgeon during the month. Naturally, the Squadron was delighted at the Doe's good fortune, but it was also sorry to lose him. A few days later, Capt. George A. SEIKEL, was assigned as Squadron Surgeon. Capt. SEIKEL, who is from Ohio, has a long record of service in the Reserve and many years practice of medicine in Ohio. Promotions of officers announced during the month were as follows: 2nd. Lts. ZARTMAN. BAROODY, EDNEY, FORD, GUEBARD, HELLER, HYDER, KELLY, LIVINGSTON, MORAN, SMITH, TAPPER, THOMAS, TIDWELL, TINSLEY, ULRICH and STEWART, to 1st Lts. The following awards were announced during the month: 2nd Lt. ENGLUND, the Air Medal; Capt. SHANICEY and T/S. GLASS, Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. The Squadron lost a valued member during the month by way of the Combat Crew Rotation policy of the command. Capt. Joe C. HARDIN, Squadron Navigator, returned to Tupelo, Arkansas. Capt. HARDIN first navigated the 60th Group to England in the summer of 1942, then returned to the States and was assigned to the 315^th Group and stayed in it henceforth. He, likewise, was with the Squadron from its inception, and his loss will be felt both from the operational standpoint and from the aid he was always willing to give in any Squadron activity or duty. Four enlisted men also went home: S/Sgt. HEDRICK, the Mess Sergeant; Sgt. GUNN, from Tech Supply; T/Sgt. WHITE, a radio operator; and T/Sgt. COLLISON, a crew chief Sgt. HEDRICK, ever since the injury to his hand, had not been well and his return was indicated. St. Gunn had been overseas for a very long time. Sgts. WHITE and COLLISON went back under the rotation policy mentioned above. The loss of these men in their respective departments inevitably causes some temporary dislocation, for it is hard to lose competent men, but substitutes are constantly being trained and the successors are entirely capable. Sgt. HAWKINS became Mess Sergeant when Sgt. HEDRICK left, and the mess, with his and F/O LANGENFELD's help, has continued to improve. Lt. COLWELL became Squadron Navigator on Cptn. HARDIN' s departure. The Group Commander, Lt. Col. LYON, went home on a thirty day leave, and during his stay there his promotion to eagles was announced. At month's end he was still away, enjoying some free time. In his absence, Lt. Col. GIBBON became Group and Station Commander, with Lt. Col. STARK moving from the 309th Squadron to Group Executive. The usual number of men and officers of the Squadron were away on DS to schools or to various other stations in this Theater, so the educational training continued. More emphasis was placed on the Army Educational Program, and F/O POMEROY, the Squadron Education Officer, was busy with questionnaires and data sheets. One development during the month has high hopes following its launching; this is the formation of an Enlisted Men's Council, to meet with the Executive officers of the Squadron and to bring problems affecting the men as a whole up for discussion. The members were selected from the departments and all ratings are represented. The first members of the council elected by the men by secret ballot, were: M/Sgt. HARROD, T/Sgts. ALLLEN, DAVIS and RASKIE; Sgt. DECKER and Pvt. PROBST. The new War Department policy of taking men for the infantry reached down to the lower echelons in January and seven men from the Squadron were transferred to Reinforcement Depots. The main war news in the West was the jump-off of the Russian winter offensive and its amazingly swift progress towards the German Capitol. VON RUNDSTEDT' s offensive in Luxemburg and France petered out after a month and the U.S. and British armies regained the initiative. At the end of the month most of the ground regained by the Germans has been lost by them and the Allies armies were making progress forward. ///
RESUME OF MONTH ACTIVITY 310th Troop Carrier Squadron 1 February to 28 February 1945 The second month of Capt. RYLANCE's command of the Squadron showed continued advances in all departments and phases of the organization's activities. The training program which had been started in January was continued until after the middle of the month, with a considerable amount of flying of all types being accomplished the last two weeks of the month found the Squadron carrying some freight to the Continent, with the normal activities of flying continuing. The weather during February was far better than the preceding month, and the threatened coal and coke shortage did not materialize, although care was exercised at all times to conserve fuel. On the whole, February was a good month so far as weather was concerned, and the pilots were able to log numerous hours in the air. The pace of the war in Europe quickened markedly during the month. The Russian's drive took spearheads within fifty miles of Berlin, and there was great excitement on all sides because of this. On the Western Front, apparently after the divisions which were badly mauled by the German counter-offensive in December and January had been re-equipped and reinforced, the British, Canadian and American armies again gained the initiative and at month's end were pushing steadily toward the Rhine in all sectors. January and February were costly months in number of casualties suffered by the United Nations troops, but progress was made and the German casualties were reportedly far greater than those of the allies. The month started for the Squadron with a series of inspections. On the first of February there was an inspection of enlisted men's clothing and equipment throughout the Base, and on the next morning a similar inspection was made of the officers. The inspections were well organized and teams of officers of the Squadron worked efficiently and rapidly in accomplishing them. On the third of the month the usual standby inspection of the men and billets was made by the Commanding Officer, and considerable improvement in all ways, was noted. The Squadron area received a great deal of attention during the month, and, in spite of the mud throughout the area, it began to be more livable. The usual Saturday inspections were continued. The Infantry Reinforcement system took several men from the Squadron during the month, and the unit received several former infantrymen who had been wounded, hospitalized, and returned to duty, with a transfer to the Air Forces. Two men also were sent to the Infantry Officers' Candidate School, and the Squadron, while extremely sorry to lose them, wished them all luck in gaining commissions. These men were Cpls. William W. WEST and William H. TINKER. More applications were on file for OCS as the month ended. There were several Squadron social functions arranged for officers and men. On the 6th of the month, Lt. CARY, the Special Service Officer, had a successful dance for the enlisted men. Girls from Leicester, Kettering and Stamford attended; music was furnished by the Group Band; and decorations and food were well supplied by the Squadron Committee. Later in the month, an Officers' Soiree was held in the Group Pilots Lounge. Lt. SUTTON headed the committee, assisted by Capt. ROSS, Lts. BERMAN, BAYSINGER, and others. A snack bar was set up and food and beer were plentiful. Songs, from a special song sheet prepared by Capt. KEVIN were led by Capt. HATTON on the piano, and there were several sessions of noise. Guests from the other Squadrons and the Group Headquarters were there and were greeted in a special manner. On the 17th, the former member of the 34th Squadron attended a 34th Squadron Anniversary Dance, and two days later the 34^th Officers had a dinner which was attended by the former 34th officers in the 310th. • Mrs. Arletta 0. THOMPSON was selected the "Sweetheart" of the 315th Troop Carrier Group in a contest sponsored by the American Red Cross Club at this base. She is the wife of Sgt. Earl D. THOMPSON, one very proud aerial engineer in this Squadron, who has participated in several operational missions over the Continent. Pictures of wives and sweethearts were submitted by the enlisted men of the Group and the results of the contest were announced at a Valentine Dance by Miss Violet KOCHENDOEFER, Club Directress. Mrs. THOMPSONN picture appeared in "Stars and Stripes" on the 22nd of February. Admirers of feminine pulchritude take note. The Enlisted Men's Council started to function during the month. M/Sgt. HARROD was elected Chairman, with T/Sgt. DAVIS, Secretary. The Council met several times with the Executive officers of the Squadron and numerous matters were discussed and acted upon. It is the believed, and the hope, that the Council will be a valuable asset to the outfit. From the operational standpoint, the flying personnel were far more active than during the previous month. There were several Group formations of 72 planes; several 72-plane glider tow formations, and a large amount of Squadron flying. Also, during the latter days of the month, freight and personnel hauling to the Continent was resumed, although the training program was not abandoned. Among the missions flown was the moving of the 53rd Wing, and gliders were used. Col. H. B. LYON, the Group Commander, returned from a leave in the States wearing eagles instead of leaves. He had communicated, either by telephone or telegraph, with the families of a number of the men in the Group, and these messages were much appreciated by everyone. Lt. Col. GIBBONS resumed his duties as Group Executive, and Lt. Col. STARK returned to his job at CO. of the 309th Squadron. Beside the former infantrymen assigned to the unit, there were other additions to the strength in February. More flying personnel arrived from the States, and three glider pilots were transferred from the 313th Group. The officer strength of the Squadron was at its highest figure, with more than 150 officers assigned — a far cry from the old Troop Carrier Squadrons with a TC of officers of 45. Good news was heard of Lt. DAWKINS. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and word came to the Squadron from his sister that he was a prisoner of war in Germany but was safe and well. He was slightly wounded in the face and head during the mission, but bailed out at 300 feet, landed in water, was rescued and captured. Other decorations received during the month were two battle stars for the campaigns "Northern France" and "Germany" for the entire Squadron; Sgt. Allen ANDERSON received an Air Medal for his part I the Holland campaign. Weather during the month was amazing. Although there was some rain, it was far less than normal. Temperatures were higher than normal, and the 16th, according to the British press, was the warmest February day since 1904. Good weather brought thoughts of leaves and furloughs, and the number of applications for same increased. Lt. PAYSON conducted a course in the Educational Program on the Base. His subject was Small Businesses, and the lectures were well attended by officers and enlisted men, which indicated both good lectures and an interest in postwar plans for the individual. The course was continuing at the end of the month. The entire Squadron was saddened and worried by the possible loss of an entire crew and airplane on a routine flight to the Continent. Lts. McKERR and MATTHEWS, and Sgts. CUTLER and QUATTRENE flew to the Continent on one of the freight missions in the latter part of the month. On their way home, they cleared from an airdrome near Paris but that was the last heard from them. No report had been received by month's end, although urgent search on the Continent and in the United Kingdom was continuing, with all available means being utilized. ///
RESUME OF MONTH'S ACTIVITY 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron I March to 31 March 1945 For the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron, March, 1945, was a busy month in many ways. There was a combat operation, there were supply missions practically to the front lines, and the entire Squadron was occupied at all times. The war in the West increased in tempo. At the first of the month the west bank of the Rhine had been reached by several of the Allied armies, but no crossings had been made and the press was full of the tremendous difficulties to be encountered in spanning this great natural barrier with any appreciable amount of men and material. General PATTON in the south, and Generals HODGES and BRADLEY further north, as well as Field Marshal MONTGOMERY with his combined force of British, Canadians and Americans, all were consolidating their positions along the west bank of the river preparatory to the crossing operation. The enemy was cleared of all great strength on the west bank. Then, about the tenth of the month, came the amazing news of the capture of the Remagen Bridge intact, just a few minutes before the demolition charges were due to expose, and thus the first Rhine bridgehead was established, with the American troops and supplies being poured over it rapidly. The Remagen Bridge did not last very long, for in a few days it collapsed, but those days had allowed a bridgehead to be established and the first crossing was accomplished. Enemy attempts to destroy it were desperate, the Luftwaffe made suicide sorties to attack it, and for some time the bridgehead was compared with Anzio. One Rhine crossing was not enough, however, and the days up to the twenty-fourth of March increased in tension; "crossing the Rhine" was in everyone's mind; friendly and enemy radio programs discussed it—the enemy predicting complete failure and tremendous casualties in the attempt. In the Squadron, it appeared that something was in the air as the days went by, but whether the outfit would participate in the operations was not known. On the 20th it was announced that a "task force" of ground personnel of the Squadron would leave for Boreham [RAF base], in the south of England, to do some housekeeping work for the Group for a temporary stay at that field, and then it could be guessed that the Group was scheduled to take part in some mission within a comparatively short time. This task force and the operations are covered fully in another portion of this month's history. The Rhine was crossed on 24th March, and the rest of the month was consumed in consolidating positions, making additional crossings at numerous points. By month's end, the troops of the United Nations controlled the eastern bank of the Rhine as well and were pushing eastward rapidly, with organized German resistance dwindling. The press reported confusion in the portion of Germany still held by the enemy; the USAAF and RAF continued heavy bombing by day and by night on a target which was becoming more and more compressed. The Russians, although comparatively quiet in the Berlin sector, were pushing westward in the south towards Vienna, with many prisoners and much booty captures. Orders of the Day announcing victories continued to be issued by Marshal STALIN. As for the immediate life of the Squadron, the month was active. Weather was exceptionally good for flying the entire month, and almost every day saw planes I the air. Leaves and furloughs were granted, taken, and enjoyed by officers and men, with itineraries ranging from the British south coast to Scotland. With good weather prevailing, Special Services, under the guidance of Lts. CARY and COLA, organized softball and volleyball matches, and there were both intra-and inter-squadron games. M/Sgt. HARROD's pitching was the downfall of many of the officers in the softball games between the officers and men. An enlisted men's dance was held during the month in the Base Movie Room, and it was well attended by the men, with partners from the ATS detachments in Leicester, WAAF's from neighboring British airfields, and civilians from Kettering, Leicester, and nearby towns. There also were dances for all enlisted men on the Base at the Red Cross during the month. The Enlisted Men's Council of the Squadron commenced preparations for the Squadron's First Anniversary Party for the EM's, and Capt. MOBUS worked on a similar function for the officers. Several promotions of officers were announced: the most important was the promotion of Capt. RYLANCE to Major RYLANCE, and 1st Lt. SUTTON became Capt. SUTTON, with this news being given him as he stepped out of his plane upon the successful completion of his flight in the "Varsity" mission on the 24th. Enlisted men also received their share of promotions. There were no reductions in grade during the month. The Good Conduct Medal was awarded to qualified enlisted men and their names will be found on the attached extract copy of the Order awarding the medals. Congratulatory messages were received for the successful accomplishment of the Varsity mission. Lt. PAYSON was removed permanently from flying status during the month, due to a punctured ear drum, and was assigned to the Squadron as a ground officer. This made no change in Lt. PAYSON's duties, as he merely continued as primary duty, in the job of Supply Officer which he has been filling so competently. The Squadron was r=fortunate in retaining this officer. There were other minor changes in assignments in assistant staff officers, and changes in departments for some of the men, such changes being made for the good of both the individuals and the organization. The staff had regular meetings, and the Enlisted Men's Council also met, with M/Sgt. HARROD and T/Sgt. DAVIS later conferring with the Executive officers of the outfit on the suggestions made by the Council. Major RYLANCE also presided over several Squadron formations which were called for the discussion of various problems of the unit. A number of men from the infantry joined the Squadron, and some men were sent to the Infantry from the Squadron in March. This was in accordance with the reinforcement policy for the infantry, and the outfit was glad to furnish its share for the ground forces. In spite of the absence of the Squadron Surgeon, Capt. McKAY, who, although he was assigned, is still on detached service during the month, the Squadron health was good. The VD rate was lowered. Sgts. HAFKE and DIEHL and Cpl. HANCY presided over the Squadron dispensary, with Capt. HATTON being on deck when needed. The Squadron lost one man in March. T/Sgt. James W. WILLIAMS, one of our crew chiefs, was killed in action in the Rhine crossing operation Sgt. WILLIAMS had been with the outfit since its organization, and before that had been with the 34th Squadron since its Florence days, so he was well-known and very well-liked by all. He was an extremely efficient crew chief and a fine soldier. Sgt. WILLIAMS was in Lt. HURST's plane on the mission, and he was instantly killed when a shell hit him in the head. His body was brought back in the plane, and on the 27th of the month he was buried with full military honors at the Cambridge American Military Cemetery. Many of the officers and men of the Squadron, and of the 34th Squadron, attended the funeral Sgt. WILLIAMS's loss was a great one to the Squadron, and a gap remains in it due to his death. By far the most important portion of the Squadron history for the month was the "Varsity" mission, with its attendant preparations both on the ground and in the air. This is covered separately in the history. The month ended with the Squadron back to its normal duties and pursuits, with resupply missions over the Rhine being flown, passes normal, and all personnel settling down to the usual routine. ///
DAILY WAR DIARY 310^1h Troop Carrier Squadron 1 March 1945 to 31 March 1945 1. Fifteen Squadron planes on Group day formation; fifteen on Group night formation; one to Continent carrying supplies. 2. Major RYLANCE's promotion announced. Eighteen aircraft on Group day formation flight; seventeen on night formation flight. Local flying, one plane to Continent. 3. Blood donors give blood to traveling tem—am, Air raid alert "Red" with intruders over Midlands, and Cottesmore bombed. Sixteen planes to Far Shore. 4. "Red" air raid alert for second successive night. Nine aircraft to Continent transporting supplies. 6. Thirteen planes to Far Shore. Local flying and glider towing. 7. Five aircraft ferry gliders to Far Shore. 9. Nine planes to Far Shore transporting supplies and ferrying gliders. Local flying. 13. Fifteen aircraft to Continent carrying supplies. 14. Fourteen planes local flying. 15. Twelve aircraft to Far Shore transporting supplies. Local flying. 17. Special Service excursion to Stratford-on-Avon. Sixteen planes to Continent. 19. Ground task force for Boreham announced. 20. Preparations for Ground Echelon to leave for Boreham. 21. Ground Task Force of officers and men leave for Boreham; combat crews and aircraft leave for same destination in afternoon. 22. Additional officers and men leave to assist ground echelon at Boreham. 23. Great quantities of mail arrive from the States. 24. Mission "Varsity" flown by Wing, Group, and Squadron. Twenty-one of Squadron's planes and crews participate, carrying paratroopers of the 6`^11British Airborne Division. T/Sgt. WILLIAMS killed inaction; five officers and men wounded, two planes lost. Ground echelons return from Boreham. 25. Remainder of ground echelon returns from Boreham. Additional reports of missing crews. Group CO unheard-of, as well as CO of 43'^d Squadron. 27. T/Sgt. WILLIAMS buried at Cambridge American Military Cemetery, with funeral attended by many officers and men of 34^th and 310^th Squadrons. 28. Local flying 29. Local flying Thirteen planes transport supplies and personnel. 30. Twelve aircraft to Far Shore (Germany) 31. Twelve aircraft to Continent (Germany carrying supplies. ///
COMBAT OPERATIONS "VARSITY" In participating in the airborne operational phase of the Rhine crossing maneuver on 24 March, the Squadron maintained its record of having done its share in all of the major airborne missions which had been ordered since, and including, D-Day. The success of the mission speaks volumes for the competence of the pilots and crews, and the entire ouffit may be justifiably proud of the record achieved during the month. The airborne operations differed from prior ones in that the home station was not used for the take-off. A field in the south of England, Boreham, some twenty or thirty miles northeast of London, was selected as the point of departure;. There were two reasons for this. First, British paratroopers were to be carried, and their field or Station, was nearer to Boreham than to Spanhoe; second, the field chosen was nearer the dropping zone, which made the journey to the target get shorter, with less possible resulting fatigue and nerves prior to the drop. Spanhoe, however, was designated as the base to which the planes were to return after the drop and as the operations was first planned, they were to leave the following day for the continent for further paratroop or supply missions if needed. All of this took careful planning, as the time-table was a tight one. Since the take-off point was not the Group's home base, and since Borehan was not occupied to any extent, it was necessary for the Group to send a housekeeping unit to the latter station to maintain all ground facilities such as messing, billeting, guards, maintenance, and special services. The 310th Squadron was chosen as the unit to handle this entire matter for the whole Group. Accordingly, the Squadron had more men actively engaged in the operation than any other unit of the Group. It also had many more of the headaches. On Monday, March 19th, the decision to move to Boreham was announced to the Squadron commanders. No one, of course, in the lower echelons knew the purpose of the maneuver, but with tension rising everywhere as the west bank of the Rhine was occupied, there was no doubt--a number of fairly shrewd guesses. It was also decided at the same time that the Squadron was to do the housekeeping for the entire air echelon. Accordingly, on the 19th and 20th, plans and preparations were rapidly and carefully made. Lt. PAYSON was selected as the officer to be in charge of the ground work and workers, together with F/O's LANGENFELD and YETTER of the Mess Section. It was first believed that approximately one hundred men, including the entire Mess Section, would be sufficient, with the addition of ten glider pilots to act as gate, courier and other miscellaneous officers. Transportation also was a problem for the ground men, and Lt. BOWERS, the Transportation Officer, was chosen to accompany the movement. Members of all departments of the Squadron were chosen, and thus a complete working team was sent. On Wednesday, 21 March, the Ground Echelon left by convoy in the morning, with the Air Echelon, composed only of the combat crews, with replacements, some of the air mechanics, and flying officers with replacements, leaving I the afternoon. Seventy-four officers and flight officers, and one hundred and fifty-one enlisted men left on the movement that day. The next day additional personnel were called for, and seven officers and thirty-six additional men were sent for the ground operations at Boreham. Skeleton departments were the rule at Spanhoe, with the officers messing with the 30 and the men with the 309th. So far as the work of the Ground Echelon at Boreham is concerned, it was commended highly by all organizations served. The Mess is reported to have outdone itself, and all other functions were performed more than competently. The outline of the organization and personnel needed was transmitted to Group for possible future use in connection with any similar operations. Most of the men returned to duty on the 24th, with a rear party coming back to Spanhoe the following day. From all reports, the paradrop on the east bank of the Rhine was the toughest operation yet participated in by the Group. It was by far the costliest in officers, men, and airplanes. Co. LYON, the Group Commander, was reported missing in action—he later was retaken, after having been captured by the enemy with a very seriously wounded leg. Major MATSON, the CO of the 43^th Squadron, was shot down and lost. The 43^th Squadron lost four crews and airplanes. The night of 24 March was a grim one, for many of the crews and planes were unreported, although most of them were heard of in the next day or two. T/Sgt. WILLIAMS of the 310th Squadron was killed in action by enemy anti-aircraft fire. This was the only fatality suffered by the Squadron, although several men suffered wounds or injuries. The Squadron furnished 21 airplanes and crews for the mission. Members of the 6th British Airborne Division were carried and dropped at the DZ. From all accounts, the drop was a successful one, although casualties among the paratroopers were heavy, for it was reported later that the enemy had most accurately anticipated the dropping zone and had ringed it with panzer divisions and a mass of artillery of all calibers. The drop was made in the late morning, with the Squadron's planes in the second unit in the second serial of the Group formation. Major RYLANCE led his Squadron into combat. The DZ was near Wesel, on the east bank of the Rhine, in the sector commanded by Field Marshal MONTGOMERY. Two of the Squadron's planes were lost: one, piloted by 1st Lt. BERMAN, was abandoned in mid-air by the crew after all control cables had been shot away and the plane was on fire with one engine shot out and the fuselage riddled by flak; the other, piloted by 1st Lt. ZARTMAN, made an emergency landing in friendly territory after a shell had exploded in the companionway aft of the co-pilot's seat, destroying the hydraulic system and generally making the aircraft almost unmanageable. Most of the Squadron's planes suffered damage from enemy fire, and there were many narrow escapes by crew members. Lt. BERMAN's crew all parachuted safely, although Lt. BERMAN was injured after staying with his ship until it was a certainty that he could not crash-land it; the plane was seen to explode in mid-air less than two seconds after Lt. BERMAN had cleared it. A bullet went through the window next to Lt. HURST's head, just missing the latter target; S/Sgt. JENNINGS was wounded in the leg by the same shell which killed T/Sgt. WILLIAMS; Lt. ESPLIN was hit by flak or a bullet. Cpl. CARMODY suffered a fractured leg from enemy fire, and S/Sgt. BORN received a wound in the thigh Lt. BERMAN's crew became eligible for membership in the Caterpillar Club. Lt. HURST's plane had its hydraulic system shot out. Lt. THOMAS landed with practically no controls. On this "Varsity" mission, 309 paratroopers (British) were carried by the Squadron, together with 75 bundles in the pararacks. The paratroopers were fit and eager, and all reports state that, although casualties were high, they made an excellent account of themselves. It was the unanimous opinion of the men of the Squadron who participated that the mission was by far the hardest any of them had flown. The Squadron was thankful that casualties were as light as they were. ///
RESTRICTED HEADQUARTERS C-F-3 315th TROOP CARRIER GROUP MO 133, U.S. ARMY 19 March 1945 GENERAL ORDERS) NUMBER..... 3) EXTRACT AWARDS OF THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 1. Pursuant to authority contained in Army Regulations 600-68, dated 4 May 1943, the following named enlisted men, organization indicated are awarded the Good Conduct Medal. 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron T/Sgt John T. Rowe 34 169 842 Sgt Wayne F. Bowers 13 098 595 Cpl John B. Markotan 16 169 825 Sgt. Maurice A. Carter 18 166 557 Cpl Frank Wasko 39 130 169 Sgt Charles Russo 32 815 975 Pfc Thomas C. Ayers 34 776 364 Sgt. James A. Ruthven 37 671 373 Pfc Elmer C. Denham 35 868 506 Cpl. Patrick J. Finn 12 187 923 Pfc Robert H. Hampton 42 054 754 Cpl. Orval E. King 19 178 372 Pfc Ibraham Terzich 36 613 331 By Order of Colonel LYON: WILFRED W. FRY, Captain, Air Corps, Adjutant. OFFICIAL: s/ Wilfred W. Fry t/ WILFRED W. FRY, Captain, Air Corps, Adjutant
HEADQUARTERS FIRST ALLIED AIRBORNE ARMY Office of the Commanding General APO 740. U.S. Army AG 381 FAAAE 29 March 1945 SUBJECT: Commendation TO : Commanding General, IX Troop Carrier Command, APO 133, U S Army 1. It is my desire to congratulate and to commend the officers and men of all ranks of IX Troop Carrier Command for their fine performance in Operation VARSITY. 2. The pilots and co-pilots of many aircraft displayed great courage in their determination to continue to their assigned DZ's and LZ's in the face of intense antiaircraft fire, exceeding any-thing previously encountered by our units in this theater. 3. The Commanding General, 6^th Airborne Division, was most emphatic in his high praise of the precision which characterized the drop of his division. The Commanding General of the 17^th Airborne Division has written me, expressing unbounded admiration for the skill, courage and devotion to duty of all crew members of our aircraft and gliders. 4. Many individual cases have been cited where damaged and burning aircraft continued to their assigned areas in spite of the fact that the crews well understood that continuing on course destroyed any probable chance of survival for themselves. 5. The conduct of glider pilots in general is beyond written works of commendation. Not only did they deliver a magnificent and coordinated landing which in many cases was in the midst of hostile positions, but were immediately engaged with their airborne associated, if the honest kind of hand to hand fighting. In one instance, a glider pilot serial immediately organized an all-around defense and withstood heavy counter-attacks with the weapons at their disposal, putting enemy tank out of action in this engagement. The discipline and combat efficiency of these glider pilot soldiers has call forth the highest praise of division and regimental officers. 6. The extremely low number of abortive aircraft and the speed with which abortives were re-dispatched indicates superior performances by all ground echelons. This devotion to duty is worthy of the highest praise. 7. The courage and devotion to duty of all IX Troop Carrier Command personnel is worthy of the very highest standards of our armed forces.8. It is my desire that this letter be brought to the attention of all personnel of your command. /s/ LH. Brereton /t/ L.H. BRERETON Lieutenant General, USA Commanding 1st. Ind. Headquarters, IX Troop Carrier Command (FWD), APO 133, US Army. 4 April 1945. TO: Distribution A. It is with intense pride that I pass on the foregoing letter from the Commanding General, First Allied Airborne Army. PAUL L. WILLIAMS Major General, USA Commanding A TRUE COPY: /s/ John T. MeGuelcin JOHN T. MeGUCKIN, F/O, Air Corps
RESUME OF MONTH'S ACTIVITY 310th Troop Carrier Squadron 1 April to 31 April 1945 The big event of the month was the movement of the squadron, along with the other units of the ^315th Troop Carrier Group, to Air Strip 11-48 at Amiens/Glisy, France. First notice of the projected move was received by the squadron on April 5th and the next day Major ROWLAND, the Squadron Executive Officer, and fourteen enlisted men were flown to B-48 as an advance party. For four days the squadron's planes were kept busy shuttling back and forth between Spanhoe and Amiens with their cargoes of personnel and equipment. At first, our personnel messed with the 34th Troop Carrier Squadron which provided the advance echelon for the Group, but by the 8th of April our own mess was set up and functioning and a few tables were placed out in the open to eat from. By the 10^th of April, or on the fourth day of the move, all squadron personnel had been moved to the new location except for the rear echelon of one officer and nineteen enlisted men and the two officers and twenty-two enlisted men who were detailed to bring the Squadron's heavy motorized equipment over by boat. On the 14^th of April Lt. BOWERS and five enlisted men made their appearance, completing the delivery of the motor vehicles. On the 19^th of April Lt. EDNEY's rear echelon had cleared the old base and rejoined the Squadron at B-48. The new location at Amiens/Glisy had been occupied by the Luftwaffe until it suddenly pulled out towards the last of August 1944. From that time the R.A.F. had used the field's much bombed and shelled facilities until our arrival. The area which the Squadron took over was blessed with some small wooden shacks and a few Nissen huts suitable for the housing of all the Squadron departments. The enlisted personnel and most of the officers were billeted in tents while Major RYLANCE, Major ROWLAND and Capt. SHANKEY, The Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Operations Officer, were billeted in the nearby small village of Bows. During the move and for several weeks thereafter the weather was beautiful and warm. The good weather and the abundance of abandoned material were used to the fullest advantage by both the officer and enlisted personnel of the Squadron to improve their working and living areas, so that by the time the spring rains set in toward the last of the month—varied with a short storm on the morning of April 29th every department and all personnel were comfortably settled at our new base. The month of April was a busy one for our planes and air crews. With the rapid advance of the allied mechanized armies on the western front, thousands of gallons of gasoline were flown into forward airfields by the squadron. Medical supplies and food were flown to the fighting fronts in lesser amounts. Ammunition, signal equipment and some passengers were also carried o forward areas. Often a return load of liberated prisoners of war was flown to clearing areas in Belgium or France. The Squadron returned over eighteen hundred such men during the month. Thirty-two separate service missions were performed in this period. In addition to routine flights, training flights and the movement of practically the entire squadron by air from the U.K. to France was accomplished. Promotions during the month for officers were: 1st. Lts. Lawrence J. BASSETT, Ralph W. BAYSINGER, Jr., William G. HURST, David M. ROBERTSON, Otto A. ROENSCH, Jr., and Aubrey L. ROSS promoted to Captain and 2nd. Lt. Richard M. PAYSON promoted to 1st. Lt. Seventeen enlisted men were transferred to the 316th Troop Carrier Group which is scheduled to return to the United States. The Squadron received nine officers, one Flight Officer and twenty-one enlisted men from this group. Five enlisted men were transferred from the Squadron to the ground forces and nine men were transferred from the ground forces to the Squadron. Social activities for the month were at a minimum because of the troop movement and a full flying schedule. The enlisted men had a dance on April 4th in the movie room at Spanhoe. Girls were invited from the nearby towns and villages and many women from British military organizations were also in attendance. Candlelight was used as part of the decorative scheme. Beer and light refreshments were served. There have been no social activities at our new field. An enlisted men's day room for the men of the Squadron has been opened and beer is served here. The glider pilots have opened their own day room in the officer's area and beer and light refreshments are served. An officers' club has been located in Beves, about two miles from the field for all officer personnel. Three Squadron enlisted men have organized a trio. Cpl. Tony CATALINO accordion; Cpl. Al HARMON, base fiddle, and Cpl. Roger HARMON, guitar. They play for the entertainment of the enlisted men and three times a week at the Officers' Club. All members of the Squadron were proud to learn that a rating of "excellent" had been awarded our outfit by the Group ?Air Inspector during his inspection on the 28th of April. The month ended with nineteen aircraft faking off on April 30th for our old base in England to participate in a practice paradrop with British and Polish paratroop units. ///
HEADQUARTERS IX TROOP CARRIER COMMAND (MAIN) MO 133, US ARMY AS 300.4 (22 Apr 45) 22 April 1945 SUBJECT: Order of the Day TO : Distribution A The following Order of the Day issued by the Supreme Commander, 20 April 1945, will be delivered to all personnel of the IX Troop Carrier Command: "To every member of the AEF: The battle of the Ruhr has ended with complete success. Following hard upon the final destruction of the German Forces west of the Rhine, the Twenty-First Army Group thrust powerfully across that river with the U.S. Ninth Army under command. Simultaneously, rapid drives across the Rhine and from the Remagen Bridgehead by Twelfth and Sixty Army Groups provided the southern arm of a great double envelopment which completely encircled the entire German Army Group "B" and the Corps of Army Group "H", whose mobility was rendered almost zero by our magnificent and tireless Air Forces. Thereafter, in the pocket thus created the Twelfth Army Group eliminated twenty-one enemy divisions, including three Panzer, One Panzer Grenadier and three Parachute Divisions. Over three hundred seventeen thousand prisoners of war were captured, including twenty-four Generals and one Admiral. Many tanks and more than seven hundred fifty guns were destroyed or taken Booty is immense and still being counted. The enemy's total losses in killed and wounded will never be accurately known. The rapidity and determination with which this brilliant action was executed, tore asunder the divisions of Field Marshal Model, and enabled all Army Groups without pause to continue their drive eastwards into the heart of Germany. "This victory of Allied Arms is a fitting preclude to the final battle to crush the ragged remnants of Hitler's Armies of the west, now tottering on the threshold of defeat." (signed) "DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER" By Command of Major General Williams: s/ M.S. Tilgham t/ M.S. T1LGHAM Lieutenant Colonel, AGS Adjutant General. A TRUE COPY s/ John Z. Mobus U JOHN Z. MOBUS Capt. Air Corps
HEADQUARTERS FIRST ALLIED AIRBORNE ARMY Office of the Commanding General APO 740, U;S. Army 29 March 1945 AG 381 FAAAE SUBJECT: Commendation TO: Commanding General, IX Troop Carrier Command, APO 133, U. S. Army 1. It is my desire to congratulate and to commend the officers and men of all ranks of IX Troop Carrier Command for their fine performance in Operation VARSITY. 2. The pilots and co-pilots of many aircraft displayed great courage in their determination to continue to their assigned DZ’s and LZ’s in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, exceeding anything previously encountered by our units in this theater. 3. The Commanding General, 6^th Airborne Division, was most emphatic in his high praise of the precision which characterized the drop of his division. The Commanding General of the 17^th Airborne Division has written me, expressing unbounded admiration for the skill, courage and devotion to duty of all crew members of our aircraft and gliders. 4. Many individual cases have been cited where damaged and burning aircraft continued to their assigned areas in spite of the fact that the crews well understood that continuing on course destroyed any probable chance of survival for themselves. 5. The conduct of glider pilots in general is beyond written works of commendation. Not only did they deliver a magnificent and coordinated landing which in many cases was in the midst of hostile positions, but were immediately engaged with their airborne associated, if the hottest kind of hand to hand fighting. In one instance, a glider pilot serial immediately organized an all-around defense and withstood heavy counter-attacks with the weapons at their disposal, putting enemy tank out of action in this engagement. The discipline and combat efficiency of these glider pilot soldiers has call forth the highest praise of division and regimental officers. 6. The extremely low number of abortive aircraft and the speed with which abortives were re-dispatched indicates superior performances by all ground echelons. This devotion to duty is worthy of the highest praise. 7. The courage and devotion to duty of all IX Troop Carrier Command personnel is worthy of the very highest standards of our armed forces. 8. It is my desire that this letter be brought to the attention of all personnel of your command. /s/ L.H. Brereton /t/ L.H. BRERETON Lieutenant General, USA Commanding 1st. Ind. Headquarters, IX Troop Carrier Command (FWD), APO 133, US Army, 4 April 1945. TO: Distribution A. It is with intense pride that I pass on the foregoing letter from the Commanding General, First Allied Airborne Army. PAUL L. WILLIAMS Major General, USA Commanding A TRUE COPY: /s/ John T. McGuckin JOHN T. McGUCKIN, F/O, Air Corps
HEADQUARTERS IX TROOP CARRIER COMMAND (MAIN) APO 133, US ARMY 22 April 1945 AS 300.4 (22 Apr 45) SUBJECT: Order of the Day TO: Distribution A `The following Order of the Day issued by the Supreme Commander, 20 April 1945, will be delivered to all personnel of the IX Troop Carrier Command: “To every member of the AEF: The battle of the Ruhr has ended with complete success. Following hard upon the final destruction of the German Forces west of the Rhine, the Twenty-First Army Group thrust powerfully across that river with the U.S. Ninth Army under command. Simultaneously, rapid drives across the Rhine and from the Remagen Bridgehead by Twelfth and Sixty Army Groups provided the southern arm of a great double envelopment which completely encircled the entire German Army Group “B” and the Corps of Army Group “H”, whose mobility was rendered almost zero by our magnificent and tireless Air Forces. Thereafter, in the pocket thus created the Twelfth Army Group eliminated twenty-one enemy divisions, including three Panzer, One Panzer Grenadier and three Parachute Divisions. Over three hundred seventeen thousand prisoners of war were captured, including twenty-four Generals and one Admiral. Many tanks and more than seven hundred fifty guns were destroyed or taken Booty is immense and still being counted. The enemy’s total losses in killed an wounded will never be accurately known. The rapidity and determination with which this brilliant action was executed tore asunder the divisions of Field Marshal MODEL, and enabled all Army Groups without pause to continue their drive eastwards into the heart of Germany. “This victory of Allied Arms is a fitting preclude to the final battle to crush the ragged remnants of HITLER’s Armies of the west, now tottering on the threshold of defeat. (signed) “DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER” By Command of Major General WILLIAMS: s/ M.S. Tilgham t/ M.S. TILGHAM Lieutenant Colonel, AGS Adjutant General .
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