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Revised 7/7/2023

The 310th Troop Carrier Squadron

To view the 310thTCS War Diaries, click here: 310th TCS War Diaries

Text in quotes signifies verbatim text from official Squadron Outline Histories and War Diaries. These documents were required by the AAF to be submitted to higher headquarters each month to document the Squadron activities. Text in [brackets] signifies editor's addition for clarification. The original documents are archived at the Air Force Historical Department, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL. As this webpage is a testament and memorial to those who were there, their names are bolded to facilitate locating them.)

Historical Summary

Commanders:

Henry G. Hamby, Jr., May 1944 (activation) - Feb 1945; John Rylance, Feb 1945 - Jul 1945 (deactivation).

Assignments:

1st Troop Carrier Command, 15 Feb 1944; 8th Air Force, 21 Apr 1944; 315th Troop Carrier Group, 26 Apr 1944 (activated) - 31 Jul 1945 (deactivated)..

Stations:

Sedalia AAF, MO, 1 Oct 1943; Alliance AAF, NE, 19 Jan 1944; Camp Mackall, NC, 8 Mar - 21 Apr 1944; Spanhoe, England, 26 Apr 1944 (activation);

Operations:

Operation Overlord (invasion of Normandy), Market Garden (Holland), and Varsity (crossing the Rhine).

Campaigns: Decorations:

Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe. Distinguished Unit Citation for France (6 Jun 1944); Presidential Unit Citation.

The Origin. On October 1, 1943, the 443rd Troop Carrier Group, of which the 310th and the 309th Troop Carrier Squadrons were a part, was officially activated at Sedalia Army Airfield, Warrenburg, MO. The same day, Capt. Charles G. Carter, Jr., was appointed Commanding Officer of the 310th Squadron. The 310th's first C-47 arrived on Oct 26 from the 61st Troop Carrier Wing. On Jan 19, the Squadron was transferred to Alliance, NE, and added six new C-47s bringing the total to 14 by mid-February. On Feb 24, 1944, the 443rd TCG was renamed the 1st Provisional Troop Carrier Group. In March, 1944, the 310th moved to Camp Mackall, Hoffman, NC. During the month of April, the Squadron participated in intensive training and paradrops in anticipation of deployment to Europe. Activation. On Apr 26, 1944, pursuant to general Order 116, HQ 9th Air Force, the 310th [along with the 309th] was activated and assigned to the European Theater of Operations (ETO) at USAAF Station 493, Spanhoe, Northamptonshire. Activation. On Apr 26, 1944, pursuant to general Order 116, HQ 9th Air Force, the 310th [along with the 309th] was activated and assigned to the European Theater of Operations (ETO) at USAAF Station 493, Spanhoe, Northamptonshire. Post War. To view the evolution of the 310^th, click on “Next Generation”.

Gallery This page is dedicated of this page is devoted to the veterans of the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron and to the 315th TCG at large. It also contains some narrative taken directly from the official War Diaries (appearing in quotes). To see the full narratives, visit 310 TCS War Diaries. Veteran and Associate Members

(Right) 310th veteran members at 1998 reunion in Colorado Springs, CO. (Names to be identified. Please help.)

(Left) 310th veteran members at 1996 reunion in Norfolk, VA. L to R, Abry Ross, Ziggy Zartman, Ted Stewart, Len Thomas, Edney Glover. Writing on photo by Ziggy Zartman.

(Left) Lt. Col. Henry G. Hamby, Jr., USAAF, ca 1943  (Right) Col. Henry G. Hamby, Jr. (USAF, Ret.), at Reunion 98)

"On May 1, 1944, Maj. Henry G. Hamby. Jr., was assigned as Squadron Commander of the 310^th Troop Carrier Squadron. Maj. Hamby was called to active duty Jul 12, 1941, having graduated from Advanced Flying School. On Feb 17. 1942, he joined the 34^th Transport Sq., which later became part of the 315^th Troop Carrier Group. He entered Foreign Service in November 1942. Before his latest assignment, he was Group Engineering Officer, having served also as Group Communications Officer . . . Maj. Hamby (Middletown, PA) assumed command and appointed Capt. John L. Rowland (Pasadena, CA) Executive Officer. "On July 11, the enlisted men held a dance in the post chapel. The men invited girls from the surrounding towns and military establishments. . . . A very good time was had by the men and their enjoyment was not dampened when Lt. Col. Hamby, the Squadron Commander, announced that there would be no reveille the following morning. "

Lt. Col. Henry G. Hamby, Jr., (ca 1944)

(Left) Stan Smith, veteran member of the 310^th TCS, pointing to himself in the picture above.

(Right) 310th veteran members at 1998 reunion in Colorado Springs, CO. (Names to be identified. Please help.) (from bottom) Ziggy Zartman (wheel chair) Bill Brinson, Henry Hamby X, X, X,

(Left) 310th veteran members at 1996 reunion in Norfolk, VA. L to R, Abry Ross, Ziggy Zartman, Ted Stewart, Len Thomas, Edney Glover. Writing on photo by Ziggy Zartman.

(Above left) Dick Ford (2000 Association President) and veteran member of the 310^th TCS making a rubbing of the 310th/315th memorial plaque

(Above right) Henry Hamby's middle son 'Chip' next to 310th/315th commemorative plaque at the Air Force Museum, Dayton, OH

(Text of 315th TCG Memorial Inscription) "310th Troop Carrier Squadron 'Hamby's Rough Riders'315th Troop Carrier Group 9th AF 1943 - 1945 Operations: Airborne assault-Normandy Holland, Germany Campaigns: Normandy: Northern France Rhineland: Central Europe A memorial to our comrades who served: 309th, 34th, 43rd, and HQ squadrons and former members of the 60th and 62nd Groups Dedicated November 1, 1986"

Operations. On May 8, ten aircraft of the 310^th carried 194 paratroopers during a full moon on a training mission. On May 11, 1944, 12 aircraft of the 310^th participated in the biggest training mission to date of the IX [9^th] Troop Carrier Command, designated Operation Eagle. The Squadron carried a skeleton force of 26 paratroopers, but none were dropped. The mission was six hours long and not deemed a success. On May 23, 12 aircraft joined 36 others of the 315^th TCG for a dummy drop. These were all a prelude to Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy.

(Above) Spanhoe flightline with 310th TCS (4A) aircraft.

(Above) British paratroopers (unit not identified) in full combat gear with equipment bags. Just visible at right edge of photo on the nose of the aircraft is the number ‘4’ of ‘4A’ 310^th TCS designator. The absence of invasion stripes on the aircraft indicates this is probably a pre-Overlord training mission.

June 1944 ~ D-Day! "By the 1^st of June, paratroopers had been camping in one of the hangars and tents nearby. Around them was a string of barbed wire. At 0001 hours, Jun 2, a rigid, almost air-tight restriction was imposed on the post. With all planes grounded, painters were set to work to paint three broad white stripes separated by black ones on the tops and bottoms of each wing outside the engines and around the body behind the door. Brig. Gen. Williams, IX Troop Carrier Command, landed on the 3^rd 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 [navigation equipment used by the pathfinders to guide the airplanes into the DZ], which was later to prove invaluable. Orders from higher headquarters, required combat crews to wear gas-proof impregnated clothing on tactical missions. The Squadron surgeon gave all crewmembers a typhoid shot. Typhus shots were administered on June 3.”

For their "outstanding performance of duty against the enemy" during the Normandy invasion, the 310th Troop Carrier Squadron, as well as the 34th, 43rd, 309th, and 315th Group Headquarters, was awarded the Outstanding Unit Citation. (See A Decorated Unit.)

July 1944. “During July, 1944, the 310th participated in eight missions to the Normandy front. Cargo included: 9,500 lbs. of supplies (Jul 8); 4,000 lbs. camouflage paint and 51,659 lbs. ammunition (Jul 19); 22,174 lbs. ammunition and 19,670 lbs. miscellaneous (Jul 24); 10,060 lbs. ordnance and 10,400 lbs. medical supplies (Jul 25); 35,300 lbs. automotive, munitions, and communications and returned (Jul 27); 37,935 lbs. of camouflage paint and munitions and 18,500 lbs. of oxygen tanks and saline solution (Jul 28). During one of these trips, C-47aircraft 42-92888 crashed on takeoff, however noone was injured and its cargo was transferred to another aircraft and safely delivered. The aircraft was replaced with C-47 number 42-108969.”

(Above) 310^th TCS Aircraft Specialists

Also throughout the month of July, the Squadron practiced formation, glider towing and snatching, and four paradrop training missions. A total of 370 Polish paratroopers were dropped in three of the missions, code name Operation Burden, all at night. Although not known at the time, this was to be foreboding of Market Garden. On one of the missions, two paratroopers refused to jump. (See the War Diaries for September and October 1944).

“New assignments to the Squadron included Capt. Jimmy P. Horany (Mess, Supply & Trans. Off.), 1Lt. Ernest F. Chase, Jr. (Admin.), 1Lt. Michael J. Gilligan (Personal Equipment Officer), 2Lt. John Edney (Asst. Ops. Officer), and 2Lt. Raymond E. Steele (Asst. Commo. Off.) Navigator 1Lt. Roger Champman (Historical Off.) volunteered for transfer to IX Bomber Command on Jul 13. Promotions included Norman H. Greene (to Capt), John H. Mackenzie (to Capt.), George A. Rylance (to Capt.)[who would succeed Hamby as 310^th Commander], Arthur Pisahl (to 1Lt.), and Charles A. McCoy (to 1Lt.).”

(Above) 1^st Sgt Bill Nagel and Squadron mates on the river near Spanhoe.

F.O. Varyl C. Hewitt was appointed Special Services Officer and organized seven softball teams. Other recreational activities included basketball, volleyball, and boxing and idling in a day room constructed from glider crates. "Also on July 11, 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." On July 18, 25 officers and 18, and 5 officers and 6 enlisted received the Oak Leaf Cluster [to the Air Medal] (See A Decorated Unit.) The Squadron also received a letter of commendation from Gen. B.L. Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Armies 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 "Thanks to the Ninth Air Force for the enthusiasm and efficiency with which they have carried out the innumerable tasks assigned to them."

310th TCS C-47s (4A on nose) and CG-4A Waco gliders on flightline at Spanhoe, England. (Circa January 1945 -- note 'invasion strips' around fuselage of aircraft.)

Airborne Mission. An airborne mission in support of the thrust out of Normandy was scheduled in which the 315th was to be a major player and thus the 310th trained extensively. On August 11, eighteen 310th aircraft dropped 292 paratroops. On August 14, the 310th carried 53,387 pounds of equipment and 73 paratroopers. On August 25, the 310th dropped 5,588 pounds of equipment and 181 paratroopers in an airborne infantry exercise for the 315th Group. "The preparation for the actual mission was elaborate: due to the large number of aircraft which it was proposed to employ, some co-pilots were rated pilots, several glider pilots were checked out as co-pilots of the C-47As, 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 twenty-four hour passes were cancelled on 18 August then the post was sealed, the crews were briefed, and the paratroops on the field . . . After the crews were briefed, they were segregated on the field and then it was just a matter of waiting for orders to takeoff. But these orders never arrived because the ground forces moved faster than seemed possible and the DZs became obsolete, which resulted in the entire mission being scratched . . . for fear that the proposed DZs were overrun by the ground troops." Farewell to the Gliders. Even after the extensive training with gliders, plans did not call for the 315th Group to tow gliders, and 32 glider pilots were transferred on to another base on August 14th with the intention of returning after the mission. However, by the end of August, the Group had lost this roll as part of its combat mission entirely and the 48 remaining glider pilots of the 310th were transferred out of the Squadron on August 31. "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 Services 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 Lt. Blackman in the Protective Equipment Department. Lt. Sipe and F/O East, respectively the Glider Operations and Glider Engineering Officers, also left with this last contingent. The Daily Grind. "Col. Hamby was exceptionally happy when Capt. Mulins presented him a report showing no VD cases in the Squadron for the entire month [August] -- 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 Sgts. Tobin and O'Neill kept them up to date daily -- in itself a difficult job considering the speed of movement on the continent. Capt. Suttle, on DS [detached service] to the Pathfinders, participated in the paratroop landings when the south of France was invaded during the month. The 310th's Pilot Lounge was completed and opened in the unused Bomb-Aimers Building. . . Sgt. [Elfe's?] . . .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 party by waiving reveille the next day." "The following officers were promoted during the month: 1st Lt. James H. Carmbie - Captain; 1st Lt. James J. Kavan - Captain; 1st Lt. Lloyd G. Perry - Captain; and F/O Cecil H. Dawkins - 2nd Lt. . . . On 16 August, thirty-one of the enlisted men of the Squadron were awarded the Good Conduct Medal in a special formation. Col. Hamby made the award in person . . . Capt. John H. MacKenzie, the Squadron S-2, received secret orders to [report] for a new assignment, and on his departure, 1st Lt John Z. Mobus became Squadron S-2 during the month, and the usual service schools were attended by various Squadron members." "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. " 1st Allied Airborne Army Created. ". . . announcement was made of the First Allied Airborne Army, commanded by Lt. Gen. Brererton. . . 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 their assistance and cooperation."

C-109 (B-24 modified for cargo) assigned to 310^th TCS.

Battle Honors. [August 23,] "The Squadron was particularly pleased to receive word that it, 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. " [See A Decorated Unit and War Diaries. ] 'The month ended with preparations for more exercises, weather permitting, provided the Ground Forces didn't win all the races in 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."

(Left) 310^th's "Umpty-pooh", tail flash 'Q', as seen from a CG-4A glider in tow by another aircraft in towing formation. Barely seen is the 'Flying Tiger Shark jaws' nose art.

September ~ Operation Market Garden. History was made here! "By all odd, 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, Eindednhoven, and particularly Aachen are and will be standouts when the history of this war is written, for history was made there." "The Airborne . . . operation, covering the period commencing 17 September and probably ending with the withdrawal by the British from the Aachen [sic -- Arnhem] area about two weeks later , . . There was never a question about the nationality of the fighting men carried by the transports or gliders -- they were all part of the Army, and that was sufficient." "The 310th Squadron played its part to the full in the entire operation . . . For the first time in its short history, the Squadron suffered combat losses and many of its combat personnel received wounds."

“On the 11th, 23 planes from the Squadron carried gasoline to France -- following a hurry-up call from the tank forces there.". . "On September 12th, 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 [remain over night], and reported that city still a garden spot, though 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 Hamby, who remained overnight in Brussels, returning the next day. On the 15th, 45 truckloads of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment [of the 82nd Abn. Div.] came on the field -- an indication that something big was really going to happen." "On the 16th September . . . Fourteen Flight Officers were transferred to the 61st [Troop Carrier] Group, and the Engineering Department, led by Lt. Terhune and seconded by M/Sgts Gusky, LaLonde, and Determan, worked overtime."

(Left) Paratroopers of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division preparing to board 310th aircraft for Operation Market Garden. Twelve troopers are shown, but each C-47 could carry 18. Note the door has been removed as was the procedure for airdrop missions. Sometime following the Normandy invasion, the stripes around the tops of the aircraft were removed.

Market Garden. (See “Extras” page for details regarding this operation.) On September 17, 1944, the Allies embarked on an attempt to drive toward Germany through Holland, known as Operation Market Garden. (See also 315 Group history.) "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 PIR) to Holland. Takeoff 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 mass airborne landing was being made in Holland. And meanwhile, the men remaining on the field [310th support personnel] began sweating-out the planes [return]." . . . "The 34th Squadron, our parent squadron, lost one plane commanded by Capt. Bohannon." "18th [Sept] . . . British paratroopers. Fifty-four planes went from the Group, including 15 planes from this [310th] 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 [the Brigadier] shows up in the future . . . .all of the Squadron aircraft returned safely, though flak-damaged. . .." "On the 19th . . Fifty-four planes were scheduled to go from the Group, with 14 form the Squadron [310th]. With all aircraft loaded and engines running, 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. [see anecdote by Col. Hamby who witnessed the event]." A day long remembered. "The 21st of September will be a day long-remembered by the Squadron. The day began with the weather. . .Fifty-four aircraft were again decided as the Group's quota, with 14 from the 310th. Colonel Hamby was to lead the second serial of 27 planes. Lt Col. Hamby, in the lead ship, instructed each succeeding aircraft to climb at 500 feet per minute, making a left turn every 1,000 feet until they broke out of the clouds. He would be on top flying a box pattern until all had joined the formation. One by one, the aircraft took off and one by one they broke out and joined the formation. The 310th finally departed for Holland with the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade. "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 drop at the DZ." "But it was a costly operation; . . . five were missing that evening: those commanded by Colonel Hamby, Lt. Dawkins, Lt. Boon, Lt. Wakley, and Lt. O.J. 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 . . before he turned back. Colonel Hamby . . led his serial [after takeoff] up to 10,000 feet, and then went over [to Holland for the drop], letting down over France and finally getting into the DZ [Nijmegen], and making a successful drop." [Ancedote form Henry hamby] As the 310th crossed the DZ, they encountered heavy flak exacerbated by the steady loss of altitude due to the slow exit of the paratroopers. Normally, 18 paratroopers could exit a C-47 in about 18 seconds. The Polish troopers of this drop were encumbered with a heavy equipment bag that had to be pushed out the door ahead of each trooper resulting in an exit time of up to 45 seconds. Because normal procedure during the drop was to reduce power on the left engine in order to reduce the propwash on the troopers exiting the aircraft, the aircraft lost considerable altitude and closed the range of the German gunners. As Hamby started a left turn to escape the DZ, his aircraft took three hits from 20mm fire -- the first round hitting the left engine stopping it from hitting him, the second round impacting the fuselage, and the third round exploding inside the cargo compartment and seriously wounding his crew chief who was retrieving the static lines. Several aircraft of the 310th were shot down and several others seriously damaged and crewmen wounded. Those who could, were instructed to return to Spanhoe while those with wounded landed in Belgium, firing a red flare as they approached to signify wounded on board. "The night of the 21st was a wretched one for those of the men who had to stay at the Base: . . . 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 . . . The next day, however, some good news came through; we heard from the [310th] planes which had [emergency] landed [at other bases] in England; Colonel 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. Colonel Hamby's ship had 150 holes in it. Sgt. Harrod, his radio operator, Sgt. Combetty, his crew chief, were both wounded; Sgt. Combetty seriously." "On the 23rd of the month [Sep], 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 hear was partially off -- due to the fact that most of the paratroopers in the British Isles had been carried to Holland.." Saved by the Dutch Underground. "On the 24th came the welcome news that Lt. Worley and the rest of Lt. Dawkins crew, except for Lt. Dawkins, were safe, and in the hands of the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division in Holland. Lt. Wilson, the navigator, and Sgts. Witte and Ludwig, the rest of the crew were all named. Then came the report that Lt. Boon and his crew Lr. Borneman and Sgts. Couch and Chambers, were also safe and Lt. Boon returned with a thrilling story, . . . of having been thoroughly taken care of by the underground in Holland, after his plane was shot down. . . Lt. Boon was sent to London the next day, to give a full report of his evasion. Sgts. Couch and Chambers were still in the hospital in Aldermaston. " Though the objective bridge [Arnhem] could not be taken, the insertion of the 1^st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade was pivotal in securing the withdrawal of Allies who had been cutoff. For his action in leading the serial into the drop, Maj. Hamby was presented the Polish Cross of Valor by the Polish Government in Exile (see A Decorated Unit).

The deaths of Lt. WAKLEY and Sgt. LUDVIKSON on the 21^st of September were confirmed by the report of

(Right) Maintenance men (unknown) in the cockpit of a 315th Group C-47.

“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; . .” 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 34^th or the 310^th 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 –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 34^th 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 34^th Squadron until assigned to the 310^th. During January, 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 310^th Squadron started a new year with a new Commanding Officer and a new First Sergeant. Operationally, the month was a quiet oone, 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 310^th 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. COLWELL and LASELL. Capt. Leslie A. SHANKEY became Squadron Operations Officer and 1^st 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 Doc’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: 2^nd. Lts. ZARTMAN, BAROODY, EDNEY, FORD, GUEBARD, HELLER, HYDER, KELLY, LIVINGSTON, MORAN, SMITH, TAPPER, THOMAS, TIDWELL, TINSLEY, ULRICH and STEWART, to 1^st Lts. The following awards were announced during the month: 2^nd Lt. ENGLUND, the Air Medal; Capt. SHANKEY 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 60^th Group to England I 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 309^th 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 RUNDSTADT’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 progres forward.

Above) 310th Engineering Officer Capt. Crumbie, Line Chief MSgt. Wilbur LaLonde, and a 82nd Airborne Division ('All American') jumpmaster (unidentified) before combat drop into Holland

[February 1945] “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. “ . . .“On the 6^th of the month, Lt. CARY, the Special Service Officer, has 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.”

(Left) Gordon Boatman and Trinen (Transportation HQ) at Aldermaston, 1943.

“The Enlisted Men’s Council started to function during the month. M/Sgt. HARROD was elected Chairman, with T/Sgt. DAVIS, Secretary.” . . . “Col. H. B. LYON, the Group Commander, returned from a leave in the States wearing eagles [full Colonel] instead of leaves.. . . Lt. Col. GIBBONS resumed his duties as Group Executive, and Lt. Col. STARK returned to his job at C.O. of the 309^th Squadron” . . . “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.” “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.” “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.”

Squadron – 1 March to 31 March 1945. “. . . rossing the Rhine” was in everyone’s mind; friendly and enemy radio programs discussed it” . . . “The Rhine was crossed on 24^th March . . 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.” “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. . . . 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: . . . Capt. RYLANCE to Major RYLANCE, and 1^st. 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 24^th.” “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. . . . 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.” “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 34^th 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 27^th 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 34^th Squadron, attended the funeral. Sgt. WILLIAMS’ loss was a great one to the Squadron, and a gap remains in it due to his death.

COMBAT OPERATIONS -- “VARSITY British paratroopers (unit not identified) preparing to board a C-47 of the 310th TCS (4A).

April 1945. “The big event of the month was the movement of the squadron, along with the other units of the 315^th Troop Carrier Group, to Air Strip B-48 at Amiens/Glisy, France. . . .Major ROWLAND, the Squadron Executive Officer, and fourteen enlisted men were flown to B-48 as an advance party. . . . 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 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 Boves.” . . . “Promotions during the month for officers were: 1^st. 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 2^nd Lt. Richard M. PAYSON promoted to 1^st. Lt.” . . .”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.”

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