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 Rev. 7/1/2023

nursewings

 

The 818th Medical Evacuation Transportation Squadron

(Above right) The wings appearing here belong to Evelyn ‘Chappie’ Kowalchuk (whose name is misspelled as ‘Chaychuk in many of the reports below), member of the 818th MAETS from 1943 to 1945.Flight Nurse wings were established on Dec 15, 1943, and awarded to women in the Army Nurse Corps (ANC) who served at least six months in an AAF hospital and completed an eight week training course approved by the Commanding General, AAF. The original wings were gold but were changed to silver on Sep 12, 1944. 

818group

 

(Above) 818th MAETS flight nurses

 

818th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron

Activated at

Bowman Field, Kentucky

The following are transcripts of the official War Diaries of the 818th MAETS, archived with the Air Force Historical Office, Maxwell AFB, AL

HISTORICAL RECORDS

818TH Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron

Activated at Bowman Field, Kentucky

 

REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 10 Nov 1943 to 31 Jan 1944

 

ORGANIZATION:

     The 818th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron was activated at Bowman Field, Kentucky, 10 November 1943, per par. 7, SO 23 dated 10 November 1943, Transport Squadrons, dated 5 November 1943, and Ltr., 1st Troop Carrier Command, Stout Field, Indiana. This was the eighteenth of such organizations to be activated at Bowman Field, Kentucky. A copy of the activation order is appended (No. 1).

 

PERSONNEL:

 

    T/O for Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, 8-447, dated 15 February 1943 appended (No. 2).

 

    All personnel for the squadron was obtained from the School of Air Evacuation.

 

    Due to the fact that the total personnel of a Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron is small, all personnel assignments and changes are noted.

 

    At the time of activation the strength of the command consisted of George R. Dornberger, Major, M.C. (3160) Commanding Officer; Arthur Sonstein 2nd Lt. MAC (3010) Supply officer; Arthur Sommers (835) S/Sgt.; Orla Billiter (835) T/5; Julius Keller (313) Pfc.; George Millazzo (861) Pfc.; Peter Kovach (673) Sgt.; Paul S. Keller (501) Sgt.; Henry C. Porret (835) Sgt.

 

    During the period covered by this report the following assignments and changes in personnel were made: 16 November 1943 William J. Benton (861) Pfc. assigned and joined; 17 November 1943 David J. Galbraith (673) Sgt. Assigned and joined and given the principal duty of acting First Sgt.; 18 November 1943 Ruth Corbett Chesson, 2nd Lt. ANC assigned and joined and given principal duty of Chief Nurse; 27 November 1943 John P. Manuel (824) Assigned and joined 2 December 1943 James F. Mills, 1st Lt. M.C. (3160) assigned and joined and given principal duty of Flight Leader with additional duty of Plans and Training Officer; 8 December 1943 Harold J. Sabatier, 1st Lt. M.C. (3160) assigned and joined and given principal duty of Flight Leader with additional duties of Personal Affairs Officer, Intelligence Officer and Unit Censor; Jack R. Frank 1st Lt. M.C. (3160) assigned and joined and given principal duty of Flight Leader with additional duties of Unit Health Officer and Immunization Officer. 10 December 1943 George Millazzo (861) T5 transferred from duty to Station #10 1st PE Caribbean Wing ATC, Floridian Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida. 13 December 1943 Arthur Sonstein, 2nd Lt. MAC transferred from Duty to the School of Air Evacuation; John W. Petry, 2nd. Lt. MAC (3010) assigned and joined and given the principal duty of Supply Officer with additional duties of Adjutant, Personnel Officer, Mess Officer and Transportation Officer. 20 December 1943 Warning Order received and AW #28 read to all personnel; John P. Manuel s/Sgt. (824) transferred from duty to School of Air Evacuation. 27 December 1943 Ruth C. Chesson, 2nd Lt. ANC transferred from duty to School of Air Evacuation. 2 January 1944 John J. Kloch (861) S/Sgt.; John S. Ludden (861) t/3; Bertram (nmi) Meister (861) T/3; Kenneth J. Mead (861) Sgt.; Edward S. Janulewicze (861) Pfs.; Michael J. Keating (861) S/Sgt.; William R. Lyons (861) T/3; John A. Kliminski (861) Sgt.; Max S. Kruzansky (861) T/5; Karl K. House (861) Pvt. Assigned and joined. 3 January 1944 Richard S. Dawson (345) Pfc., Harold S. Cocker (345) Pvt. And James F. Sweeney (345) )vt. Assigned and joined. 4 January 1944 Charles B. Ennis (861) T/3, Stanley W. Mavis (861) T/3; Martin C. Otto, Jr. (861) T/3; Albert E. Watson (861) Cpl. Assigned and joined. 5 January 1944 James F. Mills, 1st Lt. M.C. promoted to Captain (temporary) per par 16 SO 344 WD dated 10 December 1943, Eugene E. Wilson (501) Pfc., Gerald H. Sheier (824) T/5, George F. Ahearn (813) Pfc., Jasper N. Boyd, Jr. (345) Pfc. Emmet R. Randolph (345) Pfc. Assigned and joined. 6 January 1944 Robert r. Smith, Captain, M.C., (3160) assigned and joined and given princi0pal duty of Flight Leader with additional duties of Assistant Supply Officer, Historian, Chemical Warfare Officer and Camouflage Officer. 7 January 1944 Paul F. Henrich (861) T/3, William T. Hart (673) T/4, Stephen S. Smulski (060) Cpl. And Martin J. Weimer (861) Pvt. Assigned and joined. 8 January 1944 Boyd, Crocker, Randolph and Sweeney transferred from duty to the 820th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron. 9 January 1944 Wilson transferred from duty to 816th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, Benton and Ahearn transferred from duty to 819th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, Sheier transferred from duty to 815th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron. 9 January 1944 Wilson transferred from duty to 816th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron. Myron E. Sargeant (824) T4, Howard C. Lindaberry (345) Pfc., Roy C. Robertson (345) Pfc., John P. Doege (060) Pfc., George J. Brunner (060) Pfc., Cary P. Kloss (060) Pfc., and Anthony A. Krysztopowicz (521) Pvt. Assigned and joined. 11 January 1944 Marie T. Larriviere, 2nd Lt. ANC assigned and joined and given principal duty of Chief Nurse. 12 January 1944 George R. Dornberger, Major, M.C. received Flight Surgeon’s Rating. 18 January Pierce P. Krouse (861) S/Sgt., Howard C. Smith (861) T/3, James R. McCaskie (861) T/5, Norbert A. Notch (861) and Arthur E. West (060) assigned and joined. 19 January 1944 Smulski transferred from duty to School of Air Evacuation. 21 January 1944 1044 Smulski transferred from duty to School of Air Evacuation. 21 January 1944 Houston (nmi) Court (521) assigned and joined. 25 January 1944 the following nurses were assigned and joined:

 

       Bain, Lola L.         N-763483   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Banigan, Catherine M.     N-787047   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Beard, Alice B.       N-787725   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Brown, Irene P.       N-745252   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Chaychuk, Evelyn L.       N-723924   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Cline, Wilma P.           N-745255   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Crawford, Josephine A.    N-725278   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Dries, Catherine E.       N-787862   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Dunker, Wilhelmina M. N-788357   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Heintz, Phyllis J.        N-727613   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Hollingsworth, Marjorie A.    N-788275   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Hunkele, Regina M.    N-788277   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Kaye, Selma J.        N-788293   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Krieble, Alice R.     N-745257   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Lofthouse, Eleanor M. N-788024   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Memler, Beatrice H.   N-788562   2nd Lt.  ANC

       O’Toole, Margaret Mary N-727949   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Payne, Marjorie S.        N-788030   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Roth, Sylvia C.           N-788226   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Rue, Dolores E.       N-788714   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Schaffer, Ada M.      N-787761   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Scholl, Velma M.      N-788048   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Shumpert, Katharyn S. N-727776   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Waddell, Caroline M.  N-787839   2nd Lt.  ANC

       White, Cordelia T.        N-763518   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Zuern, Jane H.            N-787843   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Beneshunas, Anna Mae  N-788053   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Charleston, Helen G.  N-728508   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Cronin, Vivianna      N-788474   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Harvey, Goldie L.     N-787617   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Wilson, Juanita           N-727139   2nd Lt.  ANC

       Leland, Inez A.           N-787694   2nd Lt.  ANC

Previous Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadrons had their Nurses assigned on completion of their schooling. The Nurses for this organization were assigned on entrance to the school and the organization given the responsibility of all squadron duties pertaining to the Nurses except actual teaching. It is felt that this change in policy will be an improvement due to the fact that the squadron will have a better chance to acquaint itself with these duties for a longer period of time before the squadron is ordered overseas. Also it will allow the squadrons to function as a complete unit 6 which will allow for a greater unity.

27 January 1944 Jack R. Frank, 1st Lt. M.C. and Harold J. Sabatier, 1st Lt. M.C. were promoted to Captain (temporary) per par 16 SO 21 WD dated 25 January 1944.

 

During the time covered by this report the following promotions were given the Enlisted Men: 19 November 1943, Galbraith promoted to grade of Staff Sergeant. 8 December 1943 Milazzo promoted to grade of T/5.

9 December 1943 Sommers, Kovach and Palazzolo reduced to grade of Private (disciplinary action). 15 January 1944 Sommers promoted to grade of Corporal. 25 January 1944 Galbraith promoted to T/Sgt., Mead and Keller promoted to grade of T/3, Watson, McCaskie and Kruzansky promoted to grade of Sergeant; Weimar, Notch, and Kovach promoted to grade of Corporal. 29 January Kloch, Keating and Krouse reduced to grade of Private and promoted to grade of T/3 without prejudice.

 

SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT:

 

    Upon activation the Authorized Controlled Items of Equipment were shipped to the Organization and these items were stored in the space allotted the organization in the School of Air Evacuation Warehouse. On 21 December 1943 there was an inspection of Minimum Essential Equipment made by representatives of the Base Commander and S-4 (Bowman Field). The “showdown shortage” lists were compiled and separately

submitted. Since that time practically all of the shortages have been received, the remainder are still on requisition.

 

    Due to the distance from the warehouse to the squadron orderly room it was decided to have all equipment needed in training the organization kept in a locked room in the orderly rooms and issued to members of the squadron on M/R as needed during training. It was decided this would also cut to a minimum any “midnight requisitions” which have or will occur.

 

    On 10 January 1944 a “showdown inspection” was held for the individual equipment for the enlisted men, shortages noted and proper proceedings started to obtain these items listed as short.

 

    At the time of this report the condition of supply and equipment as to accomplishment of the mission in the theater of operations was about 90% complete. T/E 8-447 with change 1, dated 15 June 1943 appended (No. 3).

 

TRAINING

 

    Due to the fact that the total personnel of the organization was small at the time of activation no unit training was undertaken. However the Surgical Technicians were all trained for the ultimate mission by the School of Air Evacuation before being assigned to the organization. The clerks, cooks and bakers, and drivers were trained through the various schools open to them and the facilities offered by the School of Air Evacuation. The Supply NCO and clerks were and are being trained under the supervision of the squadron Supply Officer through facilities given by the School of Air Evacuation and the squadron.

 

    On 19 November 1943 George r. Dornberger, Major, MC, our Commanding Officer, was sent to TC for 10 days to Maxtin AAB NC for the purpose of participating in the maneuvers going on in that area as pertained to simulated Air Evacuation. On 10 December 1943 Major Dornberger was sent on TC for 8 days to Charleston, S.C., to observe and participate in the Air Evacuation of battle casualties from the Hospital

Ship, Accadia and Seminole. These casualties were flown to various General Hospitals about the country to as far west as Temple, Texas, there being 502 casualties evacuated in the 5 days using 3 C-47’s. This will no doubt serve the organization well in the days to come when we will be doing actual evacuation of battle casualties.

 

    During the time covered by this report, the Squadron personnel, exclusive of the nurses, had participated in three road marches, the SOP being appended (No. 4).

 

    On 15 January 1944 the Officers of the Squadron went to the bivouac area of the 815, 816, 819, and 920 Squadrons, and observed the procedures being carried out in a simulated Air Evacuation set-up in combination with simulated Ground Force Medical Installations in the Combat Zone. This will no doubt prove very helpful when our own Squadron participates in a similar activity when unit    training gets under way during the month of February 1944. The Surgical Technicians’ training sch4dule in the School of Air Evacuation is appended (No. 5). The Nurses training schedule in the School of Air Evacuation is appended (No. 6).

 

    To date most of our time has been spent in preparation for overseas duty and it has been very pleasing to see the cooperation and spirit of the Officers and men. There is no doubt that this organization will be heard from plenty during their participation in Air Evacuation in the Combat Zone.

 

               ROBERT R. SMITH, Captain, M.C.

               Historian

818Chappie

 

(Above) Lt. Evelyn ‘Chappie’ Kowalchuk

(name misspelled throughout the war diaries as “Chaychuk) 818th MAETS Chief Flightnurse

 

Click her to see Chappie honored at dedication of National D-Day Memorial, Bedford, VA

818medoff

 

 

(Above) Believed to be 818th Flight Surgeon at Aldemaston, England, ca 1943

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818TH Med. Air Evac. Transport Sq.

Bowman Field, Kentucky

Report for the period 1 February 1944 to 29 February 1944

 

          During the period covered by this report, the organization was brought up to full strength in the Enlisted Men by the following assignments: 2 Feb. 1944 Wagner, Leonard D. (5010 Corporal assigned and joined from the School of Air Evacuation; Schrump, Kenneth O. (0140 T/5 assigned and joined from the 805th Med. AET Sq., Lesher, Harry E. (405) assigned and joined from the School of Air Evacuation and given principal duty of Administrative NCO; Trinkaus, Stonie A. (345) Pvt. Assigned and joined from Hq. Sarasota AAB, Sarasota, Florida; 7 February 1944 Phillips, R. J. (345) Pvt. And Vasquez, Vincent T. (345) assigned and joined from Hq. AAB Birmingham, Alabama; 8 February 1944 Kirk, Charles B. (345) Pfc., Kroonenberg, Clarence (345) Pfc., and Reeves, Jesse K. (345) Pvt. Assigned and joined from Hq. AAB MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida; Billiter and Krysztopowicz transferred to the 820th Med. AET Sq.  10 February 1944 Shanklin, Duncan B. (405) Corporal, Laskowski, Dionysius A. (405)Pvt. Assigned and joined from Stinson Field, San Antonio, Texas; Hudnick, Michael (590) Pfc., Paniccia, Joseph J. (590) Pvt., Yates, Lloyd F. (590) Pfc., Rotondi, Angelo J. (590) Pvt. Assigned and joined from Morris field, Charlotte N.C.; Morehead, Herbert E. (835) Pfc. Assigned and joined from Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho; 11 February 1944 Levine, Herman (NMI) (825) Pfc. Assigned and joined from Greenwood AAF, Greenwood, Mississippi; Vanni, David E. (405) T/5 assigned and joined from Walnut Ridge AAF, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; Bass, James F. (835) T/5 assigned and joined from Casper AAB, Casper, Wyoming; 12 February 1944 Schrump transferred to SEA, Scheiber, Anton L. (813) Pfc. And Boise, Joel L. (405) Pvt. Assigned and joined from Kelly Field, Texas; Kieselbach, Arthur H. )060) Corporal assigned and joined from Blytheville AAF, Blytheville, Arkansas; Finkelstein, Seymour A. (014) Pvt. Assigned and joined from SAE; Hawkins, Gordon C. (521) Pfc. Assigned and joined from Gunter Field, Alabama.

 

          An overage of eight nurses was maintained during the period covered by this report to allow for casualties and train nurses for possible replacement to other organizations. All administrative and medical records were brought up to date on all nurse personnel.

 

          All training during the period was directed toward being trained and ready for overseas duty on the Ready Date. Unit training consisted of training flights with the nurses and surgical technicians working together for the first time. On 28 February1944 the organization marched to the bivouac and set up bivouac under very unfavorable weather conditions. It was the decision of the School of Air Evacuation Commandant that the bivouac should be terminated at the end of 36 hours due to the extremely unfavorable condition of the bivouac area. In spite of this it was the opinion of all that the personnel had gained a world of experience from living under such unfavorable circumstances. Morale was high almost all the time and cooperation of personnel excellent. The Nurses showed the results of good training and made very good soldiers.

 

          4 February 1944 the organization was inspected by the POM Inspectors and cooperated with the SAE in demonstrating the training program to the Inspectors. Needless to say they were duly impressed. Our records were found in good condition and the main faults found were that the organization was under strength beyond thirty (30) days after activation date and had not had enough unit training. During the period covered by this report the organization was brought up to strength and a considerable amount of unit training was accomplished.

 

          During the month of February 1944 our Movement Orders and Port Call were received and all necessary administrative and supply details were taken care of. Organizational Equipment was prepared for packing and packing of the same started.

 

          It is felt that the organization has gone a long way toward being fully trained for the ultimate mission and is no doubt one of the best of this type to ever come out of Bowman Field.

 

Robert R. Smith

Captain, M.C.

Squadron Historian

818airevac

(Above) 818th ambulance receiving medical evacuees from 309th TCS (M6)

 aircraft at Spanhoe, ca 1944

(Above left and right) WW2 era photos of C-47 configured for aeromedical evacuation.

 

(Below) Contemoprary photo of 315 Airlift Wing (Charelston AFB, SC) C-17 Globemaster configured for aeromedical evacuation.

 

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

818TH Med. Air Evac. Transport Sq.

Bowman Field, Kentucky

31 January 1944

 

SQUADRON ORDER)

NUMBER 7)

 

    1.  Temporary assignment of personnel to flights is hereby announced:

 

       Hq & HQ Section

               Commanding Officer Major Dornberger, G R 0-368104

                  Chief Nurse                 2d Lt.  Larriviers,  M T N727151

                  Medical NCO                 T/Sgt   Galbraith, D J   13044313

 

               Flight “A”

               Flight Surgeon Capt.   Mills, J B 0-1693241

               Surg Tech                    Nurses

               S/Sgt Keating, J J 33077710   2d Lt Bain, E H   N788253

               Tec 3 Henrich, P F  18023579 2d Lt Bain L L   N763483

               Tec 3 Smith, H C 32553416     2d Lt  Beard, A B  N787725

               Tec 4 Hart, W T 12055803     2d Lt Chaychuk, E L   N723924

               Cpl Weimar, M J 31088220      2d Lt Dunker, W M N788357

               Pfc House, E K 36757145      2d Lt Hollingsworth, M N788275

                                            2d Lt Kaye, S J N788293

               Flight “B”

               Flight Surgeon Capt Smith, R R 0-1695896

               Surg Tech                    Nurses

               S/Sgt Krouse, P F 14014986    2d Lt Lofthouse, E M N788024

               Tec 3  Keller, P S 13068028   2d Lt O’Toole, M M N727949

               Sgt Kliminski, J A 32244589   2d Lt Roth, S C N788226

               Sgt Kruzansky, M S 31052509   2d Lt Schaffer, A M N787761

               Cpl Kovach,P P 35301112       2d Lt Shumpert, K S N727776

               Pfc Keller, J E 35595162      2d Lt White, C T N763518

                                            2d Lt Banigan, C M N787047

                                            2d Lt Beneshunas, A M N888053

               Flight “C”

               Flight Surgeon

               Capt Sabatier, H J 0-468923

               Surg Tech                     Nurses

               S/Sgt Kloch, J J 32269519     2d Lt Cline, W P N745256

               Tec 3 Ennis, C E 35405625     2d Lt Dries, C E N787862

               Tec 3 Otto Jr, M D 36401629   2d Lt Heintz, P J N727613

               Tec 3 Ludden, J S 37119001    2d Lt Hunkele, R M N788277

               Sgt McCaskie, M R  35331362   2d Lt Krieble, A H N745257

               Sgt Watson, A C 38445954      2d Lt Payne, M S N788030

                                            2d Lt Rue, D E N788714

                                            2d Lt Scholl, V M N787048

 

(b) Outline History

    (1)  Organization – Negative

            (2)  Strength – 6 Officers, 25 Nurses, 61 Enlisted Men.

    (3)  Arrived harbor, Gourock, Scotland, 3 April 1944, departed 4 April 1944,

           arrived station 493, Spanhoe, Northants, England 5 April 1944

    (4)  Negative

    (5)  Negative

 

(c) Resume - After an uneventful sea voyage the organization arrived at the harbor of Gourock, Scotland, 3 April 1944 and everyone was very glad to see land again. However, we did not debark until 4 April 1944 at 0700 and joined the Nurses of the organization at the Troop Train at Gourock./ We departed Gourock at 1130 and arrived at Market Hasborough at 1200 where we were met by a truck convoy from the 315th Troop Carrier Group and transported to station 492, Spanhoe, Northampts, England, being assigned to the same station with the 315th Troop Carrier Group. Action was taken immediately to get our Administrative and Supply sections functioning as soon as possible and we received excellent coo0peration from the 315th and the 78th Service Group which is also stationed here. 18 April 1944 Major Dornberger, Captain Mills and Lt. Larriviere went on D.S. to North Ireland by Military Aircraft to observe the Air Evacuation being carried out there by the 811th Air Evacuation Transport Squadron. They returned 22 April 1944 and held a critique from which we all gained valuable information on how Air Evacuation is handled in the ETO. 23 April 1944 2nd Lt. Petry was promoted to 1st Lt. AUS temporary, per par 15, SO 79, Hq Washington D.C. dated 1 April 1944. 25 April 1944 Captain Smith went on DS to 313th Troop Carrier Group to be the acting Flight Surgeon for the 29th Troop Carrier Wing.

 

(d)  Negative

 

(e)  The organization felt quite feted to be met on arrival at this station by members of Air Evacuation from Wing and Command and the Staff Officers of the 315th Troop Carrier Group. A midnight feast was enjoyed by all since it was our first meal since breakfast. We were given very comfortable quarters in Nissen Huts and to date our only inconvenience has been the distance we have to go for bathing. All in all we have been very surprised to find such comforts in a theater of operations. Due to the lack of Vehicle Transportation and the distances one has to travel because of dispersion of installations bicycles were issued the organization. Minor injuries have been plentiful and one moderately severe, that being a cerebral concussion suffered by Lt. Zuern for which she was hospitalized at the 303rd station hospital, but is now back with the organization as fit as ever. Some excellent dances have been enjoyed by the squadron at Wing Headquarters and the Officer’s Club here, particularly the one given by General Clark at Wing Officer’s Club. A very impressive thing is the wonderful cooperation we have received from everyone in getting settled and acquainted in the ETO Our training program got underway very soon and with the facilities offered by the station and the 315th Troop Carrier Group we have been able to carry out considerable unit training. The mock-up on “ditching” litter patients set up at Wing Headquarters has afforded an excellent opportunity to learn this procedure.

                     

                          ROBERT E. SMITH

                                        Captain, M.C.

                                   Squadron Historian

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818TH Med. Air Evac. Transport Sq.

Bowman Field, Kentucky

Report for period 1 March 1944 to 31 March 1944

 

    During the period covered by this report the organization remained at full strength with alterations in personnel as follows: Jaulewicze, Stg. 36653339, was reduced to grade of Pvt., promoted to grade of Pfc and transferred to School of Air Evacuation; Trull, Thomas W., (521) 3443027 assgd. And jd from School of Air Evacuation; Brown 2nd Lt., N-745252 transferred to School of Air Evacuation; the following nurses were transferred to the 805th Med. Air Evac. Transport Squadron, this station, Wilson, Hunkele, Hollingsworth, Charleston, Endres, Waddell and Bain; Scheiber, Pfc, 37544671, transferred to the School of Air Evac; Bailey, Arnold (NMI), Pvt. (345), 35930243 assgd and jd from School of Air Evac. Thus by 5 March 1944 the strength of the Nurses section was brought down to T/0 and T/0 of Enlisted Men remained the same regardless of transfers and assignments – Strength as of 31 March 1944, 6 Officers, 25 Nurses and 61 enlisted Men.

 

    The first part of the period covered by this report was spent in packing, crating and getting all records up to date in preparation for movement to Port of embarkation. The organization was able to depart from Bowman Field with a minimum of shortages in clothing and equipment.

 

    14 March 1944, 0930, the organization departed from Bowman Field via Troop Train in conjunction with the 817th Med. Air Evac. Transport Squadron and after a very comfortable and uneventful journey arrived at Camp Kilmer, N.J. 1430, 15 March 1944 and immediately set about clearing the staging area prior to Embarkation. This was accomplished without incident in approximately 72 hours and the records and supplies found to be excellent. 22 March 1944, 25 Nurses departed Camp Kilmer, N.J. by rail and boarded Transport NY 375 at NY POE. 23 March 1944, the Officers and Enlisted Men departed Camp Kilmer, N.J. by rail and boarded Transport NY 368 at NYPOE. 24 March 1944 the organization sailed from NYPOE.

 

    Before departing Bowman field the organization held a party for the Enlisted Men at a nearby American Legion Hall which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A squadron Party was held for the Officers and Nurses at the Colonial Gardens, Louisville, Ky and was greatly enjoyed. At the completion of dinner and dancing the party was carried on until the respectable hour of 0200 at the School of Air Evac, Officers Mess. The guest of honor at the Officers and Nurses party was Lt. Col. C.C. Doherty. We all agreed it was a shame he could not go overseas as a member of the organization. While at Camp Kilmer the organization was off restricti0ons for 48 hours and took advantage of the time to visit the nearby towns and cities, particularly New York and Philadelphia. The entire organization was very disappointed when we learned our Nurses were sailing on a different ship.

 

They sailed on the Italian Liner SS Sauternia and the Officers and Men sailing on the British Liner HMS Dutchess of Bedford. The Officers were quartered very well aboard ship but the men were extremely crowded and uncomfortable. The food was only fair. There were several incidents of “Mal-de-mere” amongst the men, but more amongst the Officers. During the time covered at the end of this report we are still at sea, but as yet have not seen or heard of any enemy action.                   

 

ROBERT R. SMITH

Captain, M.C.
Squadron Historian

                     

                  APPENDIX

   

    Exhibit 1      Activation Orders

    Exhibit 2      T/O for Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron

    Exhibit 3      T/E for Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron

    Exhibit 4      March Orders

    Exhibit 5      Surgical Technicians Training Schedule

    Exhibit 6      Flight Nurses Training Schedule

 

H I S T O R I C A  L   R E C O R D S

818TH Med. Air Evac. Transport Sq.

Spanhoe, Northants, England

Report for period 1 April 1944 to 30 April 1944

 

 

 

(missing)

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med. Air Evac. Transport Sq.

Spanhoe, Northants, England

Report for period 1 May 1944 to 31 May 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization – Negative

    2.  Strength – 6 Officers, 25 Nurses, 61 Enlisted men.

    3.  Arrived Station 893, Spanhoe, Northants, England, 5 April 1944.

    4.  Negative.

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    Captain Mills, Captain Frank, Captain Sabatier, and Captain Smith were rated Flight Surgeons per Personnel Order 72, Par. 17, dated 24 March 1944, Hq, AAF, Washington, D.C.

 

`   During the month two Enlisted Men, Galbraith and Ludden, were sent on DS rto the Anti-Gas School conducted by the U.S. and British AVS. They considered the course an excellent one and were able to give the organization excellent instruction in the latest information regarding defense in Chemical Warfare. In conjunction with this Captain Dubow, M.C. of the 78th Service Group, brought us up to date with the latest information on the treatment of Gas Casualties.

 

    Throughout the month our Surgical Technicians were sent on DS to the 303rd Station Hospital, Thrapston, where they were given practical training, mostly in surgery and the care of surgical patients. It is felt that this was an excellent opportunity for practical training for these men and will no doubt serve them well in the days to come in completion of the Mission of Air Evacuation.

 

    7 May 1944, Captain Smith returned from DS with the 29th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313th Troop Carrier Group to duty with the organization. Lt. Chaychuk was sent on DS to attend Army Nurse Course No. 14, of the Army Nurse School Section of the American School Center, ETOUSA. She returned to duty 28 May 1944. It is felt that Lt. Chaychuk received some valuable instruction which with the instruction she received as a student in the School of Air Evacuation, Bowman field, Kentucky, should prove valuable in the manner in which our members of the ANC are to conduct themselves.

 

    23 May 1944, the following Nurses were sent on DS, being stationed in pairs at various B-17 and B-24 bases for the purpose of observing casualties as they return from missions and the handling of them. The report to date is that they have gained some valuable information as well as enjoying the life that exists on such a base. They are to remain approximately 30 days at the end of which time they will return to the organization. Lt. Banigan, Lt. Cronin, Lt. Kaye, Lt. Lofthouse, Lt. Rue, Lt. Shumpert, Lt. Crawford, Lt. Dunker, Lt. Leland, Lt. roth, Lt. Scholl, and Lt. Zuern.

 

Starting 1 May 1944, the organization was in charge of Air Evacuation Activities between North Ireland and General Hospitals within the U.K. 2 May 1944  Captain Mills was sent on Ds to North Ireland to act as Liaison Officer between Air Evacuation and Ground Force Medical Installations from which patients were being evacuated. He was able to establish a procedure which reduced the time consumed in handling patients during loading to a minimum. We also did some Air Evacuation from England to Scotland. During the month a total of 157 were evacuated. There was a minimum of air sickness and no difficulties encountered in the handling of neuropsychiatric patients which made up the bulk of the patients.

 

WAR DIARY – Negative.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    From the resume of the accounts for this period it can be seen that the organization was scattered a great deal of the time, but in spite of this Captain Mills carried on an excellent training program which was high-lighted by some exceptional training in Chemical Warfare, Air Ambulance Loading and Ditching patients from a C-47 mock-up at Wing Headquarters. It was felt that the aforementioned Air Evacuation activities afforded excellent training for all personnel. Captain Mills is to be congratulated on the excellent manner in which he conducted the liaison work in North Ireland.

 

    Several of the members of the organization have enjoyed trips to London and other spots of interest in England, North Ireland and Scotland.

 

    The organization has a well organized softball team which to date has been making a name for itself, to date being undefeated in an official game. The Officers and Men make up the team and there has been considerable enthusiasm in continuing playing in hopes we can make a name for the team outside our local confines.

 

INCLOSURES -  Negative.

 

ROBERT R. SMITH

Captain, MC

Squadron Historian

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Transport Sq.

Cottesmore, Rutland, England

Report for Period 1 June 1944 to 30 June 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization – T/O for Unit temporarily changed by IX Troop Carrier Command reducing Medical Officer strength from five to three with the statement that the Unit will be brought to full T/) strength if it is moved from this theater.

    2.  Strength – 5 Officers, 25 Nurses, 61 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Departed Station 493, Spanhoe, Northants, England, 1 June 1944.

         Arrived Station 489, Cottesmore, Rutland; England, 1 June 1944.

    4.  Negative.

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    1 June 1944, the Unit was moved from Station 493 to Station 489 by motor convoy. The reason for the transfer was inadequate quarters for Nurse personnel at Station 493.

 

    During the month the Unit continued to cooperate with the 303rd Station Hospital by sending twelve Surgical Technicians there on T. D., but with Air Evacuation Work starting they were recalled 22 June 1944.

 

    5 June 1044, Lt’s. Heintz, O’Toole, Beneshunas and Dries were on D.S. to the 313 TC Gp., Beard, Harvey Krieble, and Cline to the 314th TC Gp, to assist Medical personnel there in caring for any casualties from Invasion Missions these Groups were participating in.

 

 

    8 June 1944, the following Nurses returned to duty from DS at various 8th Air Force Heavy Bomber Stations in Eastern England, Banigan, Scholl, Lofthouse, Kaye, Roth, Rue, Dunker, Zuern, Crawford, Bain, and White.

 

    9 June 1944, Capt. Jack R. Frank, M.C., was sent on TD to the 313th TC Gp. And on 12 June 1944 was transferred to that organization, that Group having lost their Grou0p Surgeon on an Invasion Mission.

 

    13 June 1944, 2nd Lt. Larriviere 3as promoted to grade of 1str Lt. per par 2, SO 126, dated 26 May 1944, Hq, Washington, D.C. Pfc Burke promoted to grade of Cpl.

 

    15 June 1944, Lt’s O’Toole, Beneshunas, Dries and Heintz returned from DS to duty.

 

    19 June 1944, Capt. Harold J. Sabatier, M.C., was sent on DS to 313 TC Gp.

 

    22 June 1944, Lt’s. Beard, Harvey, Krieble, and Cli9ne returned from DS to duty.

 

    25 June 1944, Capt. James F. Mills, sent to TC on Strip A-6, Normandy, France, to assist in Air Evacuation Activities in that area.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    5 June 1944, the Medical Officers and four Nurses were alerted to help care for casualties which may result from D-Day activities the 316th TC Gp. Were participating in. The alert was in force until the Group returned from its second mission at 0800, 7 June 1944. The Medical Officers were placed on duty in ambulances stationed around the Field and the Nurses placed on duty in the Station sick quarters. There were no casualties from the first mission, but six resulted from the second mission, two resulting in death.

 

    22 June 1944, the available Medical Officers, Nurses and Surgical Technicians were sent on their first Mission to France with 30 C-47’s from the 316th TC Gp. And 10 C-47’s from the 61st TC Gp. It was a supply mission, the supplies being ammunition. Of the 40 planes only 12 carried patients back on the 22nd June 1944, and during the day of 23 June 1944, a total of 186 patients being evacuated. No air sickness or other trouble was reported. Due to a slight shortage in personnel at the time, we were assisted by Major David Wier and 1st Lt. Ellen E. Church, of the 52nd Wing.

 

    25 June 1944, Capt. James F. Mills, MC, was sent to ALG #5 in Normandy for the purpose of serving as Liaison Officer between the Ground force Medical personnel and Air Evacuation personnel.

 

    29 June 1944, five flights were sent to France for Air Evacuation, but only two brought back casualties, a total of 30 casualties being evacuated on this date.

 

    Other than missions to France the Unit participated in several intra U.K. missions, a total of 76 patients being evacuated from Southern England General Hospitals to Prestwick, Scotland.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    The month of June 1944, is to date one of the most active for the 818th MAET Sq. First of all we were moved to Cottesmore where we have the best quarters and food in the ETO plus the wonderful cooperation given us by the 52nd Troop Carrier Wind and the 316th Troop Carrier Group. We were moved from Spanhoe, Station 493, because of inadequate quarters for the Nurses.

 

    We really feel a bit lonesome lately with Captains Frank and Sabatier off with the 313th Troop Carrier Group, and Captain Mills over in France. We trust that it will not be too long before the entire unit can be together again.

 

    The Medical Officers and Nurses felt that they had really contributed something by being on the alert crews for the missions on D-Day and D-Day plus one. Although there was very little to do, we were doing more than just sitting on the side lines.

 

    The Nurses who were on DS to the various Bomber Bases felt that they learned a great deal about the true hardships those fellows go through. There was very little work for them to do, but they certainly learned first hand that this war is no child’s play.

 

    Our missions to France have finally gotten us into the swing of real Air Evacuation and our one hope is that we will continue to be sent on such missions. There were several interesting personal experiences on the first mission, the most outstanding being a bit of fright produced by an air-raid alert catching some of the personnel sleeping in planes loaded with TNT. There were, fortunately, no sad experiences. A lot of problems were ironed out by these missions and it is felt that the Unit is very qualified to participate in Air Evacuation.

 

    The Unit has organized a softball team and is at present in the League of Station 489, having to date won two games and lost three games, standing sixth in a League of twelve teams. The team is fairly new and it is felt that their standing in the League will improve as the summer progresses. The worst blow of all was being defeated twice by the undefeated 813th MAET Sq.

 

INCLOSURES – Negative.

 

                              ROBERT R. SMITH,

                              Captain, MC,

                              Squadron Historian

 

 

                                                           

                                   

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Transport Sq.

Cottesmore, Rutland, England

Report for Period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization – Negative.

    2.  Strength – 5 Officers, 25 Nurses, 61 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Negative.

    4.  Negative.

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    5 July 1944, Rotondi, Pvt, 32477937, from duty to TD in Normandy to be driver for Captain Mills.

 

    12 July 1944, Porret, Sgt. 3988901, promoted to S/Sgt. (Temp).

 

    19 July 1944, Lt. Scholl, from duty to TD with the 816th AET Sq at Prestwick, Scotland. The purpose of this TD was to allow Lt. Scholl to participate in Trans-Atlantic Air Evacuation in order that she could get home to see her mother who is seriously ill.

 

    28 July 1944, Captain Mills and Pvt. Rotondi returned from TD in Normandy.

 

    30 July 1944, Pvt. Rotondi’s MOS changed from 590 to 345 – Pfc Robertson, promoted from Pfc to T/5 (Temp) and his MOS changed from 345 to 014.

 

    31 July 1944, Lt’s. Crawford, Chaychuk, Heintz, O’Toole, and Shumpert; T/3’s Mead, Ludden, Kruzansky, Mavis, and Kloch from duty to DS with the 816th Med AET Sq. for the purpose of participating in Trans-Atlantic Air Evacuation.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    5 July 1944, Six flights left for Scotland on this date for the purpose of evacuating sick and wounded. Lt. Zuern and T/3 Ennis returned late in the evening, bringing back a total of thirteen patients while the other medical crews were still in Scotland.

 

    6 July 1944, Five more flights returned from Scotland on this date. Lt. Heintz and T/3 Keating bringing back a total of eighteen patients, Lt. Crawford and T/e Kliminski having fourteen patients, Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Kloch brought back twelve patients, Lt. O’Toole and T/3Mavis having fifteen patients. All in all the 818th evacuated a total of eighty-seven patients.

 

    8 July 1944, Leaving on this date for evacuation purposes in Scotland was one medical crew from the 818th MED AET Sq. consisting of Lt. Leland and T/3 Krouse.

 

    9 July 1944, Lt. Leland and T/3 Krouse, having left the previous day for evacuation missions into Scotland, returned on this date with thirteen patients. Several missions scheduled throughout this week were cancelled due to inclement weather.

 

    10 July 1944, Evacuation missions into Scotland were once again put on a full scale basis on this date as eight medical crews from the 818th MED AET Sq. were assigned the aforementioned tasks. Each crew brought back a total of seventeen patients while Captain Robert R. Smith was the only Flight Surgeon making the journey to Scotland. Those respective crews making the tip included, Lieutenants Dunker, Rue, Roth, Beneshunas, Dries, Lofthouse, Kaye, and Croniin, while T/3’s Hart, Otto, Ludden, McCaskie, Mead, Hawking, Meister, and H. C. Smith comprised the enlisted men personnel.

 

    Five other medical crews left on this date for evacuation purposes and are due back tomorrow, 11 July 1944.

 

    11 July 1944, Five flights returned from Scotland on this date with no patients in any of the planes. Those returning from Flight included: Lt’s. Heintz, Shumpert, Chaychuk, Crawford, and O’Toole, while the T/3’s included P. Keller, Lyons, Keating, House, and Ennis.

 

    13 July 1944, Several flights took off for Scotland, Ireland, and France on this date, this respective mission being the largest full scale one that the 818th Med AET Sq., has participated in. No flight surgeon accompanied the flight nurses and surgical techs on this trip and they were, proverbally speaking, “on their own”.

 

    14 July 1944, Nineteen teams of flight nurses and surgical technicians returned from their respective missions with only one team having no patients to evacuate. Missions were made into the landing strip in France, where Captain James F. Mills is acting as liaison officer, into Scotland, and one trip into Ireland. Those who made the trip and the number of patients evacuated in parenthesis include: Lt. Lofthouse and H. C. Smith (27),; Lt. Dries and T/3 Ludden (0); T/3 Hawkins (27); Lt. Crawford and T/3 Keating (24); Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (22); Lt. Heintz and T/3 P. Keller (27); Lt. Kaye and T/3 Henrich (24); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (19); Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (18); Lt. Payne and T/3 Kloch (16); Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (16); Lt. Krieble and T/3 Krouse (20); Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Meister (17); Lt. Cline and T/3 Mavis (17). All in all the 818th Med AET Sq evacuated a total of 364 patients.

 

    16 July 1944, Busiest day for the 81`8th Med AET Sq was seen on this date, when according to incomplete returns, 454 patients were evacuated from France, Scotland, and Ireland. As yet, not all flights have returned from their announced destinations and the above figure will tend to increase even higher, making it an all-time individual day record for the squadron. The following are the flights who made the trips and their number of evacuees following their names: Lt. Payne and T/3 Kloch (20); Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (25); Lt. Roth (20); Lt. Cli9ne and T/3 Meister (24); T/3 Kovach (28); Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (20); Lt. Beard (20); Lt. Shumpert and Lt. Perry (24); T/3 Weimar (27); Lt. Leland (23); Lt. O’Tooole and T/3 Kliminski (24); T/3 J. Keller (24); Lt. Larriviere and Capt. Sabatier (24); T/3 Ennis (26); Lt. Kaye (24); Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (20); T/3 Henrich (27); Lt. Dries and T/3 Watson (24); Lt. Bain and T/3 P. Keller (24); Lt. White and Capt. Smith (6). Still more flights are out and are scheduled to return sometime on 17 July 1944. These evacuees will be tabulated on that day’s roll.

 

    17 July 1944, Continuing its fast pace in evacuation missions, the entire staff of nurses and surgical technicians were sent out once again on various missions. While speaking of praise for the outstanding work the nurses and technicians are doing in this wholesale evacuation work, it might be well to mention the forgotten work-h9orses of the Squadron, the clerks, whose duty it is to make the evacuation reports for those returning from flight. Day or night it makes no difference to these energetic, ambitious fine specimens of manhood; they stick to their job until it is finished. Flights began to return on this date, also and following is a complete list of those who made the various evacuation missions and the number evacuated in parenthesis: Lt. Church (24); Lt. L:arriviere and T/3 Mavis (24); Lt. Bain (24); Lt. White (23); Lt. Scholl lL(24); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (24); Lt. Banigan and T/3 House (24); Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Hawkins (24); Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (15); Lt. Shumpert and T/3 Kloch (16); Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (20); Lt. Payne and T/3 Watson (19); Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (19); Lt. OToole and T/3 Kliminski (1`7); Lt. Leland and T/3 J. Keller (17); Lt. Roth and T/2 Ennis (19); Lt. Dries and T/2 P. Keller (18); Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimer (19); Lt. Harvey and T/3 McCaskie (16); all in all a new high in evacuees was set at 526 on this date.

 

    19 July 1944, Six more flights were made on this date into Scotland with five returning thus far. Those returning include, Lt. Dunker and T/3 Mead (17); Lt. Cronin and T/3 Mavis (17); Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Notch (17); Lt. Leland and T/3 Weimar (17); and Lt. Krieble and T/3 Hawkins (17).

 

 

    20 July 1944, Continuance of the fast occurring evacuation missions for the 818th Med AET Sq was seen on this date. The following crews made flights with the number of evacuees in parenthesis: Lt. Payne and Pfc Trinkaus (15); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Kruzansky (18).

 

    22 July 1944, Full scale evacuation missions were once again the “order of the day” as tired and weary, but nevertheless anxious nurses and surgical techs of the 818th prepared to leave and return with full loads. Following are the crew members returning on this date: Lt. Kay and T/3 Mead (20); Lt. Roth and T/3 P. Keller (18); Lt. Krieble and T/3 Hart (16); Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (13); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Kloch (16); Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (17) and Lt. Bain and T/3 Hawkins (15).

 

    23 July 1944, More medical crews returned on this date including, Lt. Payne and T/3 Henrich (27); Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ennis (18); Lt. Crawford and T/3 Kruzansky (27); Lt. Cronin (25); Lt. Harvey and T/3 Notch (26); T/3 Hart (24); Lt.. Kay (28); Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Kliminiski (20); Lt. Rue (22); Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (24); Lt. Beard and T/3 Kliminski (20); Lt. Rue (220; Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (24); Lt. Beard and T/3 House (16); Lt. Leland and T/3 Watson (12); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Keating (11).

 

    25 July 1944, Getting a few hours rest from their previous mission, the nurses and surgical technicians were once again set on their merry way in quest of new men to evacuate. Those medical cxrews who did the work on this date included: Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (23); Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (24); Lt. Roth (24); T/3 Hart (17); T/3 Kruzansky (18); Lt. Payne and T/3Kloch (24); Lt. Kaye (18); Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mavis (18); Lt. Rue (18); T/3 Keating (18); Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (24); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Ennis (18); and Lt. Cline and T/3 Ludden (22).

 

    27 July 1944, Five more medical crews set out on their respective missions this date with all five destined to enter Scotland (Prestwick). Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead were the first to return but with no patients due to inclement weather. However, Lt’s. Beard, Dries, Crawford, Cline and T3’s Mavis, Weimer, P. Keller and Pfs Trinkaus made successful flights on this date.

 

    29 July 1944, Continuing its fast pace, the 818th made numerous evacuation missions on this date with the following results being occurred: Lt. Chaytchuk and T/3 Smith (24); Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (18); Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (15); Lt. Dunker and T//3 Hart (18); Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (18)); Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (18); Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (17); Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (18); T/3 Smith (24); Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (15); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (18) Lt. Dries and Pfs Trinkaus (18); Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (18); Lt. Crawford and T/3 Mavis (18); T/3 Lyons (17); Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (18); Lt. Beard and T/3 P. Keller (18); Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (18); Lt. Shumpert and T/3 McCaskie (18); Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (17).

 

    30 July 1944, A momentary lull expected on this date in evacuation missions was not the exception as more crews from the 818th set out for their respective duties, the results of which follow: Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (24); Lt. Harvey and T/3 McCaskie (21), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (27); Lt. Crawford and T/3  Mavis (18); Lt. Zuern and T/3 Weimar (27); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (18); Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (28); Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (18); Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (18); Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (18); Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Klimiinski (17); Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (18); Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (18); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (19); Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27); Lt. Payne and T/3 Keller (27); Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Notch (15); Lt. Kaye and T//3 Kovach (14); Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (14) Lt. Dries and Pfs Trinkaus (24).

 

    31 July 1944, Continuing its high stepping pace throughout the month, the 818th Med AET Sq brought the month of July record shattering performances to its conclusion with more missions being accomplished on this date with the following results: Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (22); Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (27); Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (20); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (24); Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (27); Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (27); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (24); Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (27); Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27); Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (14); Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (13); Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (17); Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (17); Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (15); Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (24); Lt. Dries and Pfs Trinkaus (27). Up to this date and including this day the squadrons evacuated for the month of July, 4,074 patients, there being 2,630 litter patients and 1,444 ambulatory patients.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    The month of July 1944 saw the 818th get into full swing with a total of 4,074 being evacuated, the majority of this work being done the latter half of the month. Although this meant the teams had very little rest, not one word of complaint was heard from anyone about being overworked. We were hampered at times with only two Medical Officers on hand, but with the return of Capt. Mills from Normandy, no difficulties should be experienced along these lines. We have at times been so busy it has been necessary to use the Flight Surgeons and the First Sergeant to substitute ads Nurse and Technician on a mission.

 

    During the month Lt. Scholl learned that her mother was seriously ill. It was arranged for her to go on TD to the 816th Med AER Sq in order that she could get home for a brief visit.

 

    The organization now has a Squadron fund, the fund being in the form of a money order for $57.42, sent as our share of the proceeds from the Bowman Field Post Exchange. At present it will be used to equip a day room that we have been promised in the near future. We are not trying to thing of other ways we can increase the amount of the fund.

                                                                                                ROBERT R. SMITH

                              Captain, MC,

                              Squadron Historian.

INCLOSURES – Negative.

 

H I S T OR I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Transport Sq.

Cottesmore, Rutland, England

Report for Period 1 August 1944 to 31 August 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

    1.  Organization – Negative

    2.  Strength – 5 Officers, 25 Nurses, 60 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Negative.

    4.  Negative

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    1. August 1944, Lt. Scholl returned to duty from TD with the 816th Med AET Sq.

   

    9. August 1955, Captain Sabatier transferred from this organization to 313th TC Gp., per par 2, SO 182, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 7 August 1944.

 

    12 August 1944, Lt. Cronin from duty to TD with 816th Med AET Sq., per par 1, SO 224, Hqs, IX TCC for purpose of participating in Trans-Atlantic Air Evacuation in order that she could visit her seriously ill brother.,

 

    19 August 1944, Cpl. Sommers from absent sick 303rd Station Hospital LD yes, to transferred absent sick, 184th General Hospital.

 

    22 August 1944, Cpl. Sommers from absent sick 184th General Hospital,, LD yes, to transferred to Detachment of Patients 4200, U. S. Army Hospital Plant, per par 7, SO 163, Hqs. 184th General Hospital.

 

    25 August 1944, Lts. Crawford, Heintz, and O’Toole, T/3’s Mead, Ludden, Kloch, Mavis, and Kliminski, from DS to duty.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    1 August 1944, The first day in August saw the 818th starting off where they left off on the last day in July, with the whole squadron going out on various missions. It was also on this date that five nurses and five surgical techs were sent on temporary duty with the 816th MAET Sq., with the prospect of making trips to the long sought after good old USA. The following results were obtained on the missions of the date: Lt. Dries and Pfc Trinkaus (27); Lt. Bain and T/3 Keller (18); Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (18); Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keaating (25); Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (27); Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (24); Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (28); Lt. Payne and T/3 Notes (12); Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (24); Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (23); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (18); Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (27); Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (19); Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Meister (22).

 

    4 August 1944, A welcome lull was the occurrence for the days in between the above dates, but on this date the squadron once again set out for the missions for which they trained so vigorously with the following results: Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (13); Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (13); Lt. Dries and Pfc Trinkaus (18); Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (16); Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (17); Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (20); Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (18); Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (21).

 

    5 August 1944, More missions were in action on this date as the 818th set out in earnest to establish a higher total than did the previous month. Following are the results of this date’s missions: Lt. Payne and T/3 Keating (22), Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (26), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (27), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (18), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (27), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (27), Lt. Benehunas and T/3 Kruzansky (24), Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (12), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (24), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (27), Lt. Zuern and t/3 P. Keller (13), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (18), Lt. Dries and Pfs Triinkaus (27), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (18).

 

    7 August 1944, A one day lull was had by members of the 818th but on this date more missions were sent out to various landing strips for the purpose of evacuating with the following results being obtained: Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (18), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (18), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (20), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (24), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (18), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (24), Lt. Larriviere (24), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (27), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (18), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (18), Lt. Kayae and T/3 Kovach (27), Lt. Payne (24), Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (27), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (17), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (18), Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (24), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (18), Lt. Dries and Pfc Trinkaus (27), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (22), Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (18).

 

    9 August 1944, After a one day lull in actdivities the 818th swung into action again on this date with the following results: Lt. Harveyu and T/3 Keating (16), Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (27), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (18), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (17), Lt. Cronin and T/3 Hawkins (25), Lt. Dries and Pfs Trinkaus (20), Lt. Petry and M/Sgt. Galbraith (11), Lt. Rue and  T/3 Lyons (24), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (18), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (27), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (18), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (17), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (21), Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (18), Lt. Larriviere (18), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (20), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (22), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (24)  Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (24), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (20), Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (20).

 

    12 August 1944, A long rest was had as the result of the lapse of the above dates, but on August 12, this date, the squadron once again set out on respective missions. Also on this date, the day room for the squadron was begun in the building adjacent to the orderly room which when completed will tend greatly to increase the morale of the enlisted men. Following are the results of today’s missions: Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (20), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (18), Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (20), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (20),Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (20), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (18), Lt. White and t/3 Krouse (22), Lt. Cline and T/3 M3ister (20), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (20), Lt. Dries and Pfc Trinkaus (20), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (21), Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (16), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (11).

 

    13 August 1944, Following its more pattern schedule, the 818th took off on this date once again with the following results: Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (15), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (24), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (23), Lt. Banigan and t/3 Watson (20), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (16), Lt. Scholl and t/3 McCaskie (20), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (16), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (23).

 

    14 August 1944, A momentary lapse in the amount of missions was in evidence on this date as the following results were turned in: Lt. Beard and T//3 Weimar (14), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (24), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (17).

 

    15 August 1944, Lack of work was in evidence on this date as but one mission was performed, that being by Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Meister who brought back a total of eighteen patients.

 

    19 August 1944, Getting back into more of the swing of things (proverbally speaking) twice the amount of flights that took place in the above mentioned date (therefore-two)(which is quite a lot off the previous month’s outstanding records) took place on this date: Lt. Banigan and T/3 Notch evacuated a total of seventeen patients while Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller had twelve.        

 

    21 August 1944, This date saw again but one plane on an initial mission, that being Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie bringing back twenty-one patients.

 

    24 August 1944, Flights and their respective totals which took place on this date are as follows: Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (10), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Henrich (9), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Smith (16), Lt. Crawford and T/3 J. Keller (21), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Trinkaus (12).

 

    25 August 1944, Flights and their respective totals which participated in missions on this date are as follows: Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (14), Lt. Beard and T/3 Kovach (19), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (12), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (14), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (24).

 

    26 August 1944, Five flights were in evidence on this date with the following results: Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (20), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (20), Lt. White and M/Sgt. Galbraith (15), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Mavis (14), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (13).

 

    28—29-30 August 1944, On these three days six missions were performed by this squadron with the following results: Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (20), Lt. Leland and T/3 Kloch (19), Lt. Beard and t//3 Weimar (17), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Kruzansky (18), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (20), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (7).

 

    Throughout the month of August a total of 24823 patients were evacuated. Following is a short synopsis of figures compiled pertaining to air evacuation work.

 

       Total evacuated in August: 2482

       Total evacuated since arriving in ETO: 6664.

   

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS\

 

    The squadron continued Air Evacuation from France and Intra-UK, but on a smaller scale than during the month of July 1944. The main reasons for this were weather and the planes being tied up for other missions. A total of 2482 patients were evacuated for the month of august 1944. It is hoped that the month of September 1944 will see the squadron back in full swing.

 

    5 August 1944, Cpl. Sommers, Cpl. Palazszolo and Cpl. Burke were involved in an accident, turning over in a weapons carrier. Cpl. Palazzolo and Cpl. Burke suffered only minot injuries, but Cpl. Sommers suffered a fracture of the second cervical vertebra and a simple fracture of the right fibula and has been subsequently transferred out of the Squadron to be returned to the Zone of Interior. Cpl. Sommers was one of the first men in the squadron and it is with regret that we lose him.

 

    During the month Lt. Cronin learned that her brother was seriously ill and it was arranged for her to go on TD with the 816th Med AET Sq in order that she could get home for a brief visit. It was later learned that her brother died before she reached home. 28 August 1944, we were notified, officially that Lt. Cronin was killed in the crash of a C-543 returning to Prestwick, Scotland. As many of the members as could, attended the funeral services for her at the U.S. Army Cemetery, Cambridge, England, 31 August 1944. Lt. Cronin’s loss is deeply felt by all members of the squadron as she was a favorite of all. No record of this has been made as yet as there has been no official communication received.

 

    With the Squadron Fund and help from the Special Service Officer, the Squadron now has an excellent Day Room which is thoroughly enjoyed by all the men. A bar has been built and to date the men have been fairly successful in keeping it supplied with beer. It is felt that the Day Room is a great asset to the Squadron.

 

    Captain Sabatier has been permanently transferred out of the Squadron to the 313th TC Gp. And his presence is greatly missed. It is hoped that in the future we will be able to have him and Captain Frank back with the Squadron.

 

    The big event of the month was the marriage of Lt. Harvey to Lt. Raymond Tudor of the 315th TC Gp. The ceremony was performed in the Oakhum Methodist Church followed by a reception in General Clark’s house on the base. The affair was enjoyed by all. We all wish Lt. Harvzey all the happiness in the world.

 

Inclosures – Negative.   

                              ROBERT R. SMITH

                              Captain, MC,

                              Squadron Historian.

 

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Transport Sq.

Cottesmore, Rutland, England

Report For Period 1 September 1944 to 30 September 1944.

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization – T/O & E 8-447, dated 19 July 1944, was made effective 0001 hours 27 September 1944, by General Order No. 95, Headquarters, IX Troop Carrier Command, dated 23 September 1944, copy of T/0 attached.

 

    2   Strength – 5 Officers, 25 Nurses, 60 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Negative.

    4.  2nd Lt. Vivianna (NMI) Cronin, ANC, N-788474, killed in Airplane crash,

C-54, 0130, 28 August 1944, Prestwick, Scotland. Was returning from Trans-Atlantic Air Evacuation Duty.

 

`   5.  The following named Officers and Nurses were a3arded the Unit Citation according to Ltr, Hqs, 52nd Troop Carrier Wing, dated 1 September 1944, being attached for duty to the 313th, 314th, and 316th Troop Carrier Groups during Normandy D-Day activities. Major Dornberger, Capt. Frank, Capt. Mills, Capt. Sabatier, Capt. Smith, 1st Lt. Larriviere, 2nd Lt’s. Beard, Beneshunas, Chaychuk, Cline, Cronin, Dries, Harvey, Heintz, Krieble, Leland, O’Toole, and Payne.

 

    The 818th Med AET Sq. has been included in the Battle Participation Award and entitled to battle credit for participation in the campaign of “Western Europe” per Ltr., Hqs, ETOUSA, dated 14 September 1944.

 

 

RESUME

 

    1 September 1944, Trinkaus, MOS changed from 345 to 861.

 

    2 September 1944, Trinkaus , promoted from Pfc to T/3, per par 2, SO No. 40, dated 1 September 1944; Otto reduced to grade of Pvt., per par 1, SO No. 40, dated 1 September 1944 and promoted to Cpl. Per par 2, same order.

 

    3 September 1944, Dornberger, Frank, Mills, Sabatier, Smith, Larriviere, Chaychuk, Cronin, Payne, Leland. The VOCGm Gqs, 52nd TDCW, 5 June 1944, attaching the above named Officers and Nurses to the 316th TC Gp., this Station, for TD from 5 June 1944 to 7 June 1944, is hereby confirmed and made record of per par 4, SO 198, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 30 August 1944.

 

    8 September, N-729548, Church, Ellen E., 1st Lt., assigned this organization from 817th MAET Sq. and will remain on DS with Hqs, 52nd TCW per par 4, SO 201, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 5 September 1944. )-4735593, McNally, Howard J., Captain, assigned this organization from Hqs, Ninth TCC and placed on indefinite TD with Hqs, IX TCC, station 480, per par 8 SO 247, Hqs, IX TCC, dated 3 September 1944. Chaychuk and Shumpert from DS to duty.

   

    12 September 1944, Rue from duty to TD with 816th TD 816th MAET per par 1, S0 203, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 8 September 1944. Purpose, to participate in Trans-Atlantic Air Evacuation Activities.

 

    15 September 1944, N-788474, Cronin, 2nd Lt., from TD 818 MAET Sq to death, 0130, 28 August 1944, in Airplane Crash at Prestwick, Scotland. Keller, Paul S. and Lyons from duty to TD, 62nd Station Complement Sq., per par 1, S0 8, dated 15 September 1944.

 

    16 September 1944, Keller, Paul S. and Lyons from TD to duty. Otto and Yater from duty to TD 62nd Station Complement Sq., per par 1, S0 9, this Hqs., dated 18 September 1944.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    September 1st to 10th, A decided lull was evidenced during these first days of September as no flights were scheduled to take off. On certain days flights were called for but the final result was “cancelled”.

 

    11 September 1944, One flight was made on this date that being made by Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis who brought back a total of 23 patients going from strips !-63 to A-54.

 

    19 September 1944, Nine flights were made on this date, the busiest this month thus far. All flights were made off the continent. Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach brought back a total of 18 patients, Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (24);, Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (24), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (24), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (21), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (28), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (28), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (24), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27).

 

    28 September 1944, Nine more flights equaling the high total set for the month were in action on this date. Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister brought back a total of 27 patients, Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (27), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (27), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (27), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27), Lt. Roth and T/3 Lyons (25), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (25), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (27), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (27).

 

    29 September 1944, Eight flights made up the total on this date with the following results: Lt. Crawford and T/3 P. Keller (27), Lt. Chaychuk and T3 Ludden (25), Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (14), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (23), Lt. Bain and t/3 J. Keller (16), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (1), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (18), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (18).

 

    30 September 1944, Only one flight was made on this date to round out the month of September, that being accomplished by Lt. Church who returned from Scotland with 15 patients. Major Dornberger also made this run.

 

    The month of September was a very uneventful one as far as the 818th MAET Sq. was concerned. Flights were at a minimum, sports activities were curtailed and all in all, a very un-newsworthy month was the result.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    The Officers and Nurses named in the Resume as being eligible for the Unit Citation given the Troop Carrier Groups in the 52nd TCW were very pleased to learn they had been included even though their contribution was extremely small.

 

    Official notification of Lt. Cronin’s death has been received, making the account in the special Accounts for the month of August concerning her official.

 

    Air Evacuation Activities for the month of September were extremely small due to a great deal of airborne activities being carried out by Troop Carrier in Holland. It is hoped the month of October will see a return to more work.

 

    During the month Lt. Rue was placed on TD with the 816th MAET Sq to partici0pate in Trans-Atlantic Air Evacuation activities in order that she could get home to see her brother whom she had not seen for four years, he having just returned from a long tour of duty in the South Pacific.

 

     

INCLOSURES – Copy of T/0 8-447, dated 19 July 1944.

 

                              ROBERT R. SMITH

                              Captain, MC,

                              Squadron Historian

 

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Sq.

Cottesmore, Rutland, England

Report For Period 1 October 1944 to 31 October 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

        1.  Organization – Negative.

       2.  Strength – 5 Officers, 25 Nurses, 60 Enlisted Men.

       3.  Negative.

       4.  Negative.

       5.  Unit Citation according to Ltr. Hqrs., 52nd TCW, dated 1 September 1944, for previously named Officers and Nurses has been received.

 

RESUME

 

    1 October 1944, 2nd Lt. Heintz from duty to DS per par 1, S0 215, Hqs, 52nd TCW. 2nd Lt. Rue from TD to duty 30 September 1944.

 

    3 October 1944, Cpl. Otto and Pfc Yater from DS to duty.

 

    12 October 1944, Major Dornberger from duty to 7 day leave per auth VOCG, 52nd TCW. 2nd Lts. O’Toole and Beneshunas from duty to 7 day leave, S0 12, par 1, dated 12 October 1944, this Hqs.  Major Dornberger relieved of command, Captain Smith assumed command.

 

    13 October 1944, Captain Mills and Pvt Rotondi from duty to DS, per par 1, S0 225, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 12 October 1944. 2nd Lt. Shumpert from duty to TD per paar 2, S0 13, this Hqs, dated 12 October 1944.

 

    14 October 1944, 2nd Lt. Heintz from Ds to duty.

 

    16 October 1944, T/3 Kliminski from duty to 7 day furlough, 14 October 1944 T/4 Doege and T/5 Kieselbach from duty to 7 day furlough.

 

    18 October 1944, Major Dornberger from 7 day leave to duty, assumed command, Captain Smith relieved of command.

 

    19 October 1944, 2nd Lts. Cline, Crawford, Krieble, and Scholl promoted to grade of 1st Lt. 16 October 1944, per par 3, S0 220, Hqs, USTAAF, 16 October 1944.

 

    20 October 1944, 2nd Lts. O’Toole and Beneshunas from 7 day leave to duty.

 

    21 October 1944, T/3 Kliminski from 7 day furlough to duty.

 

    23 October 1944, Pfs Yater’s MOS changed from 590 to 673, Pvt. Finkelstein’s MOS changed from 014 to 673; Cpl. Burke’s MOS changed from 405 to 825; Cpl. Otto’s MOS changed from 345 to 825; Pvts. Court and Trull’s MOS changed from 590 to 657; T/Sgt Lesher’s MOS changed from 502 to 673; Cpls. Palazzolo, Shanklin, Vanni, and Wagner;s MOS changed from 405 to 673; Pfc Boies’ MOS changed from 825 to 673.

 

    24 October 1944, 1st Lt. Church from DS 52nd TCW to TD IX TCC Sta 472. T/4 Doege and T/5 Kieselback from 7 day furlough to duty.

 

    31 October 1944, 2nd Lts. Kaye and Leland from duty to 7 day leave.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    1 October 1944, The initial day in October saw one flight into Scotland that being made by Captain Mills and T/3 Krouse who brought back a total of 10 patients. The flight was from Langford Lodge to Rednall.

 

    2 October 1944, The newly liberated country of Belgium, Brussels the particular locality, was the scene of the next evacuation work done by this organization. Six flights were made to Brussels on this date with the following results: Lt. Beard and T/3 Mavis (20), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (23), Lt. Shumpert and T/3 Kovach (20), Lt. Church and T/3 Notch (21), Lt. Chaychuk and aT/3 Ludden (20), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (19).

 

    4 October 1944, Five more flights were made into Brussels on this date and according to nurses and technicians who were fortunate to RON, the town of Brussels offered many interesting sights, most favorable of which was the abundance of the long sought after and cherished, ice cream. The results of this day’s trips were: Lt. Zuern and T/3 Hawkins (19), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (18), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (20), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (21), Lt. Beard and T/3 Mead (22).

 

    6 October 1944, Only one flight was made on this date, that being into Scotland by Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 House who carried a total of 15 patients.

 

    7 October 1944, Five more flights were sent into the Brussels area on this date with the following results: Lt. Dries and T/3 Mead (21), Lt. Roth and T/3 Kloch (18), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (18), Lt. Crawford and T/3 Mavis (18), Lt. Lofthouse and M/Sgt. Galbraith (15). The last mentioned flight to correct our above statement, flew into Scotland.

 

    7 to 11 October, 1944, Although flights were scheduled for these dates they were all postponed mainly due to inclement weather.

 

    12 October 1944, Sixteen flights were sent out on this date, the busiest day thus far in October. Results of the flights were: Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Keating (16), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (15), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (15), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (15), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (16), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (15), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (20), Lt. Bain and T/3 Kloch (15), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (15), Lt. Cline and T/e Meister (20), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (15), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (15), Lt. rue and T/3 Lyons (15), Lt. Payne and T/3 Mavis (15), and Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (15).

 

    15 October 1944, Ten more completed missions were accomplished on this date with the following results: Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (24), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (28), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (27), Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 House (15), Lt. Zuern and T/3 Weimar (17), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (27), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (26), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (27), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (24), Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (24); while on October 14, Lt. rue and T/3 Lyons (15).

 

    18 October 1944, This date saw eleven more completed missions with the following results: Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Mavis (19), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (22), Lt. Harvey and T/3 Keating (23), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (15), Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Notch (12), Lt. Zuern and T/3 Trinkaus (18), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (14), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (17), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (18), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (19), and Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (18).

 

    23 October 1944, Six more flights were completed on this date with the following results: Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (28), Lt. Leland and T/3 Heinrich (24), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (24), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (17), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (15), and Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (24).

 

    24 October 1944, Ten more flights were made on this date with the following results: Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (9), Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ludden (27). Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (27), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (27), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (14), T/3 Hawkins and T/3 Keating (27), Lt. Beneshunas and t/3 Kruzansky (27), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (27), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Kliminski (27), and Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (15).

 

    25 October 1944, This date saw seven flights go out and return with the following results: Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (21), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (15), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (15), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27).

 

    28 Octobe 1944, This date saw the 818th send out eleven more teams who returned with the following results: Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (20), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (17), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (28), Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (19), Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ludden (18), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (19), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (21), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (22), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (17), Lt. Crawford and T/3 Mavis (14), and Lt. Banigan and t/3 Watson (14).

 

    31 October 1944, Eight more flights were accomplished on this date with the following results to bring the month to a close: Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (23), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (20, Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (20), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (20), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (20), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (16), and Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (21). The total number of patients evacuated for the month of October was 1890.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    First on the list this month is the marriage of our Commander Officer Major Dornberger to Miss Alice Gass, Red Cross worker who hails form New York City. The marriage was consummated at the Cottesmore Church, Cottesmore, Rutland, England, 1600, 11 October 1944, Vicar Guilford officiating. Captain James F. Mills gave the bride away. Miss Gass had Miss Beatrice Ecker, her Red Cross supervisor, as maid of honor and Mrs. Anna Dexter as matron of honor. Major Dornberger had Captain Robert R. Smith as best man and Major William I. Coddington as attendant. The ushers were: Major John M. Brodie, Captain Jack R. Frank, Captain Harold J. Sabatier, and Lt. John W. Petry. A reception for all friends, Officers, men and civilians was held at the American Red Cross Aero-Club immediately following the ceremony. The bride and groom spent their honeymoon in the Trossachs Country in Scotland.

 

    The other marriage of the month was that of our Chief Nurse Lt. Marie T. Larriviere to Lt. Howard J. Beagle of the 315th TC Group. The marriage was consummated at 1600, 4 October 1944, in the Chapel of Exton Hall, with  P. J. Honlon officiating. Major G. R. Dornberger gave the bride away. Lt. Evelyn Chaychuk was the maid of honor and the groom had Major S. M. Watson as best man. Following the ceremony a reception was held at the Nurses Quarters on Station 489. The bride and groom spent their honeymoon in London.

 

    Air evacuation for this month has some pleasure mixed in with the work in that some of the teams have been fortunate enough to RON in such places as Brussels and Paris. The amount of work has been stepped up considerably, but still isn’t up to what we were doing in July 1944.

 

    Seven day leaves and furloughs were authorized for our personnel during the month and a considerable m=number have already availed themselves this opportunity to see various parts of England and Scotland.

 

    The outstanding social event, other than the two above mentioned weddings, was the 42nd TCW cocktail party and dance held in the Base Officers Club at Station 4789. All Nurses and Officers were invited and had a most enjoyable time.

 

    The organization had their Tri-Annual Command Inspection during the month and received a rating of Excellent.

 

    Captain Mills and Pvt. Rotondi are still in Brussels supervising Air Evacuation Activities there. They report excellent living and social conditions, but their work has been held to a minimum due to bad weather. Pvt. Rotondi received notice that he was the father of a boy, from the first part of the month.

 

                              ROBERT R. SMITH,

                              Captain, MC,

                              Squadron Historian

 

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Sq.

Cottesmore, Rutland, England

Report For Period 1 November 1944 to 30 November 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization - Negative

    2.  Strength – 5 Officers, 23 Nurses, 56 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Negative.

    4.  Negative.

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    6 November 1944, Lt. Church promoted from 1st Lt. to Captain, SO 234, par 1, Hqs, USSAF in Europe, dated 1 Nov 44.

 

    7 November 1944, Captain Church relieved from assignment to this Organization, letter Hqs. IX TCC, AG.300.4, dated 2 Nov 44, Subject: Orders. S/Sgt. Sargent reduced to grade of Pvt. And promoted to grade of Sgt., S0 43, par 1, this Hqs, and MOS changed from 824 to 060, 1 Nov 44.

 

    10 November 1944, Sgt. Sargent transferred in grade from this Organization to 203rd Med Disp (Avn), Station 472 (S), per par 3, S0 242, Hqs, 52nd TCW dated 6 Nov 44.

 

    12 November 1944, Pfc Levine and Pvt Panniccia transferred in grade from this organization to 71st Med Supply Platoon (Avn), Station 466, per par 2, SO 242, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 6 Nov 44.

 

    18 November 1944, Pfc Laskowski transferred in grade from this organization to 71st Med Supply Platoon (Avn), Station 466, per par 2, S0 242, Hqs, 52nd TCW dated 6 Nov 44.

 

    21 November 1944, Lt. Shumpert transferred to Det. Of Patients, 7th U.S. General Hospital, per par 1, S0 297, Hqs, 7th U.S. General Hospital, dated 20 Nov 44, effective 21 Nov 44.

 

    30 November 1944, Lt. Harvey transferred to Det. Of Patients, 4201 U.S. Army General Hospital Plant, per par 2, S0 69, Hqs, 162nd General Hospital, dated 27 Nov 44.

WAR DIARY

 

    4 November 1944, First flights during the month of November were made on this date with the following results: Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (24), Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (17), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (24), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (24), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawking (27), Lt. Leland and t/3 Kloch (27), Lt. Cline (24), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (27), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (25), Lt. Roth and T/3 Keating (24), Lt. Beneshnas and t/3 Kruzansky (19), Lt. Crawford and t/3 Mavis (16), Lt. Rue and t/3 Ludden (25.

 

    5 November 1944, This day saw only three missions from the 818th with the following results: Lt. Bain and t/3 Weimar (15), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (19), and Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (22).

 

    6 November 1944, This date proved a busy one for nurses and techs of the 818th as they returned with the following results: Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (28), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27), Lt. Dries and T/3 Ludden (28), Lt. Crawford and t/3 Mavid (28), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (18), Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (15), Lt. Cline and t/3 Meister (25), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Kloch (20), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (18), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (22), Lt. Heintz and T/3Mead (140, Lt. Bear and T/3 Weimar (10), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (27), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (24),. Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (24), and Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (12).

 

    7 November 1944, This day saw only three flights turning out with the following results: Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (15), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (15), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (16).

 

    8 November 1944, The following nurses and techs went on missions this date with the following results: Lt. Leland (24), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kruzansky (240, Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (22), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (20), T/3 Kloch (24), Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (24), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Smith (22), and Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ludden (25).

 

    9 November 1944, Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (17), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Klininski and Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ludden (1), and Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (24).

 

    10 November 1944, This proved to be another busy day as the following results were forthcoming: Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (27), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (27), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (19), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (19), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Kloch (16), Lt. Scholl and T/3 Lyons (17), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Keating (24), Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ludden (1), and Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (24).

 

    15 November 1944, Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (16), Captain Smith and T/3 P. Keller (16), Lt. Beard and T/3 Kruzansky (16), Lt. Rue and T/3 Lyons (17), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (18), were the results of the flights accomplished on this date.

 

    18 November 1944, Four flights were made on this date with the following results: T/3 Watson and T/3 McCaskie (16), T/3 Henrich and T/3 House (16), Capt. Smith and T/3 P. Keller (3), Lt. Krieble and T/3 Krouse (17).

 

    21 and 22 November 1944, These two dates proved to be the busiest activity yet to be accomplished by the 818th since arriving in the ETO. Every available nurse and tech was sent out separately on various missions including eitht medical techs from the local station sick quarters. For awhile it looked as though even cooks, baker, clerks, etc., were to become temporary techs, but the aforementioned medical techs took their places. Following are the results of the two days work: Lt. Larriviere (24), T/3 Kliminski (24), Lt. Rue (24), T/3 Meister and T/3 Mead (24), T/3 P. Keller (240, Lt. Beard (24), T/3 Trinkaus (24), T/3 Ennis (24), T/3 Krouse (24), T/3 Kloch (24), T/3 Watson (24), Lt. Heintz (24), Lt. Banigan (25), Lt. Beneshunas (22), Lt. White (24), T/3 Henrich (15), T/3 Kawking (24), Lt. Dries (28), Lt. Scholl (24), Sgt. Nitz (24), Lt. Payne (24), Lt. Chaychuk (24), Ltr. Leland (240, Lt. Bain (24), T/3 Ludden (24), Lt. Bain (27), T/3 Smith (24), Lt. White (27) and Lt. Crawford (24).

 

    23 November 1944, Lt. Rue and t/3 Lyons (14), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (17), Lt. Beard and t/3 Weimar (17), and Lt. Chaychuk and t/3 Ludden (23), formed the crews that went out on this date.

 

    7 November 1944, Another busy day was seen on this date with the following results: Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (22), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (230, Lt. Leland and T/3 Keating (25), Lt. Lofthouse and t/3 Smith (16), Lt. Krieble and T/3 Henrich (16), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (19) Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (16), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (220), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (21), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (23), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Kloch (22), Lt. Chaychuk and t/3 Ludden (16), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (22), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (14), Lt. Beard and T/3 Watson (16), and Lt. Leland and T/3 Lyons (17).

 

    29 November 1944, Only one flight was made on this date – that of Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart who brought back fifteen patients.

 

    30 November 1944, Numerous flights were made on this last day of the month with the following results: Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (24), Lt. Crawford and T/3 Mavis (25), Lt. Cline and T/3 Kloch (24), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (24), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (24), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (24), Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (24), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (27), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (27), Lt. ZSuern and T/3 P. Keller (24), Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (25), Lt. Kaye and T/e Kovach (27), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (16), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (160, Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Ludden (24), and Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (17).. This day brought the month to a close with a total of 3534 patients evacuated for the month of November.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    The two most outstanding events for the month of November were two more weddings. Lt. Cline was married to Major Siguard Matson of the 315th TC Group, Saturday, 18 Nov 44, at 1700 hours, the ceremony being performed at the Cottesmore Church, Vicar Guilford officiating. The reception was held in the Pilot’s Lounge at the 315h TC Group Field. The bride and groom went to London for their honeymoon. The second wedding was that of Lt. Bain to Major Shadwell of the 316th TC Group. The ceremony was performed at the Cottesmore Church, 1630 hours 27 Nov 44, Vicar Guilford officiating. The bride and groom went to Scotland for their honeymoon. These two weddings bring the total of weddings in the organization to six since we have been overseas.

 

    We were pleased to see Capt. Church get her promotion and want to wish her luck on her new assignment to the School of Air Evacuation at Randolph Field, Texas. Capt. Church came overseas with the 802nd Med Air Evac Sq. without having attended the school and is being returned to fulfill that requirement.

    We are very sorry to see Lt’s. Shumpert and Harvey leave the organization. Both of them are being returned to the States, Lt. Shumpert because of a knee injury sustained in an Air Evac Flight and Lt. Harvey due to Cyesus, the blessed event being expected around 1 May 45.

 

    The T/0 strength was brought down to authorized strength by the transfer of Sgt. To the 203rd Med Disp (Avn), Station 472 and the transfer of Pfc’s Levine and Laskowski and Pvt Panniccia to the 71st Med Supply Platoon (Avn), Station 466. We regret the necessity of such changes, especially since the organization has been together so long.

 

    The 818th Med Air Evac Sq celebrated its anniversary 10 November 44, since it was activated that date 1943. A squadron party is being planned for 11 Dec 44, in honor of this and from all accounts it promises to be an extremely festive affair.

 

    Seven day leaves and furloughs have continued to be authorized and as many as possible of the personnel have taken advantage of them visiting various parts of England and Scotland.

 

    Air Evacuation activities were increased for the month of November, the number of patients being evacuated were double the number for the month of October 1944. There was one near tragedy during the month, the plane of Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis being fired on by enemy ground fire. The plane was hit in several places but was able to land at !-54 and fortunately no one aboard was injured. There were no patients on board at the time.

 

INCLOSURES – Negative.

 

                              ROBERT R. SMITH

                              Captain, MC

                              Squadron Historian

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Sq.

Cotttesmore, Rutland, England

Report For Period 1 December 1944 to 31 December 1944

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization – Negative.

    2.  Strength – 6 Officers, 23 Nurses, 55 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Negative.

    4.  Negative

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    1 December 1944, Major Dornberger and Captain Smith from duty to TD Com. Zone, Paris, per par 1, SO 253 TCW, dated 289 Nov 44.

 

    2. December 1944, Major Dornberger and Captain Smith from TD to duty.

 

    4 December 1944, 2nd Lt. Rue from duty to 7 day leave.

 

    5 December 1944, 2nd Lt. Bain from 7 day leave to duty. T/3 J. Keller from 7 day furlough to duty.

 

    6 December 1944, 2nd Lt. Blanche V. Garwood, ANC, N-730732, assigned and joined this organization per par 2, S0 219 Hqs, 53rd TCW, dated 1 Dec 44, from 814th Med Air Evac Sq. Captain A. Morton Karlan, MC, 0-381946, assigned and joined this organization per par 7, S0 335, Hqs, IX TCC, dated 30 Nov 44, from 203rd Med Disp.

 

    8 December 1944, Captain Smith from duty toi TD at 203rd Med Disp (Avn), per par 1, S0 20, this Hqs, dated 5 Dec 44.

 

    9 December 1944, T/4 Doege promoted to S/Sgt and MOS changed from 060 to 824, per par 2, S0 45 this Hqs, dated 1 December 1944. T/5 Kieselbach promoted to T/4 per par 1, S0 45, this Hqs, dated 1 Dec 44. Pvt. Rotondi promoted to Pfc per par 2, S0 45, this Hqs, dated 1 Ded 44. Captain Mills and Pfc Rotondi from TD to duty.

 

    14 December 1944, T/3 Weimar from duty to 7 day furlough.

 

    21 December 1944, T/3 Weimar from 7 day furlough to duty.

 

    24 December 1944, 1str Lt. Larriviere promoted to Captain, per par 5, S0 268, Hqs, USTAAF, dated 16 Dec 44.

 

    26 December 1944, Lts. Krieble, Beard, Beneshunas, Dunker, Kaye, Leland, Lofthouse, Payne, Roth and White from duty to TD to 806th MAE Sq per par 1, S0 269 Hqs, 52nd TWC, dated 23 Dec 44. T/3’s Ennis, Hawkins, Keating, Krouse and Lyons from duty to TD to 320 Transport Sq, per par 1, S0 269, Hqs, 52nd TCW, dated 23 December 44.

 

    28 December 1944, Pfc Kroonenberg transferred in grade to 316th TC Gp, per par 1, S0 268, Hqs, 52nd TWC.

 

    29 December 1944, T/3 Mavis, Cpl. Palazzolo and Pvt Reeves from duty to TD to USAAF Sta 590, per par 1, S0 117, US AAF Sta 489, dtd 28 Dec 44.

 

    31 December 1944, T/3 Mavis, Cpl Palazzolo and Pvt Reeves from TD to duty.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    2 December 1944, First flights for this month were accomplished on this date with the following results: T/3 Kruzansky (25), Lt. Zuern and Pvt Phillips (27), T/3 P.. Keller and Pvt Kirl (22); Lt. Payne and T/3 McCaskie (27), Lt. White and S/Sgt Porret (24), T/3 Trinkaus and T/4 Doege (25), T/3 Krouse and Pfc Dawson (22), Lt. Roth and Pfc Boies (22) Lt. Chaychuk ant  Pvt Bailey (16), T/3 Keating and Cpl Vanni (23), Lt. Dries and Pvt Vasquez (260, T/3 Notch (29), Lt. Rue and Cpl. Shanklin (150.

 

    3 December 1944, More flights were made on this date with the following results: T/3 Hart (24), T/3 Lyons (24), Lt. Benehunas (23), Lt. Krieble (24), Lt. O’Toole and T/3 Kliminski (24), Lt. Crawford (24), Lt. Kaye (24), Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (24), Lt. Dunker (24), Lt. Lofthouse and T/3 Kloch (24); t/3 Mavis (23), Lt. Banigan and T/3 Watson (16).

 

    4 December 1944, One of the busiest days of the month occurred opn this date with the following results: Lt. Beard (265), T/3 Kruzansky (24), T/3 McCaskie (20), T/3 Hart (24), Lt. White (16), T/3 Krouse (27), t3 Mavis (24), T/Sgt. Lesher (24), Captain Smith (20), Lt. Cline (18), T/3 Meister (23), Lt. Scholl (20), Lt. Banigan (21), T/3 Watson (16).

 

    5 December 1944, This date was also a full one in reference to missions as the following results will prove: T/3 Ludden (1), Chaychuk (24), Lt. Payne (23), T/3 Notch (16), T/3 Smith (26), T/3 Krouse (27), T/3 Weimar (23), Lt. Dries (27), Lt. O’Toole and t/3 Kliminski (24), Lt. Beneshunas and T/3 Kruzansky (24), Lt. Dunker and T/3 Hart (28), Lt. Krieble and T/3 House (27), Lt. Beard and T/3 Weimar (16), Lt. Leland and T/3 Meister (24).

 

    6 December 1944, Flights on this date were : Lt. Larriviere and T/3 Hawkins (27), Lt. Payne and T/3 Notch (27).

 

    7 December 1944, On this, the third anniversary of Pearl Harbon, the 828th celebrated by turning in the following results: Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (24), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (18), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (27), Lt. Beneshunas and t/3 Krusansky (24), Lt. Beard and T/3 Lyons (27), Lt. Crawford and T3 Keating (23), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (27), Lt. Cline and T/3 Ludden (24), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (24), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (28), Lt. Zuern and t/3 P. Keller (240, Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (24), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (27), T/3 Hart (15), Lt. Dunker (16), T/3 Watson (15) and T/3 Kloch (14).

 

    9 December 1`944, Another full day was put in on this date by members of the 818th with the following results forthcoming: Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 Henrich (24), Lt. Benehunas and T/3 Kruzansky (24), Lt. Beard and T/3 Notch (24), Lt. White (24), T/3 Keating (24), Lt. O’Toole (20), Captain Karlan and T/3 McCaskie (19), Lt. Roth and T/3 Ennis (23), Lt. Payne and T/3 Lyons (24), Lt. Bain (240, T/3 Watson and T/3 J. Keller (24), Lt. Banigan (16). Lt. Leland (24), T/3 Keating (24), T/3 Watson and T/3 J. Keller (24), Lt. Banigan (16), Lt. Leland (24), T/3 Keating (15), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (11), Lt. Dries and t/3 Trinkaus (27), Lt. Dunker (24), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (28), Lt. Scholl (24), T/3 Krouse (23), T/3 Mead (28), T/3 Kliminski (26), T/3 Mead (27).

 

    12 December 1944, A few flights were made on this date with the following results: Lt. Lofthouse (20), Lt. Dries (20), Lt. Beneshunas (20), Lt. Garwood (20), T/3 Kloch (20), T/3 Kruzansky (20), Lt. Kaye (20), Lt. Crawford (20).

 

    13 December 1`944, T/3 Hart (24), Lt. Rue (24), t/3 Lyons (24), T/3 Ennis (24), Lt. Roth (24), Lt. Dunker (24), Lt. Chaychuk (24), Lt. White and T/3 Krouse (27), Lt. Bain and T/3 J. Keller (24), Lt. Payne and T/3 Mead (24), Lt. Banigan and t/3 Watson (24) were flights made on this date.

 

    18 December 1944, Flights made on this date included: Lt. Leland and T/3 Henrich (16), Lt. Kaye and T/3 Kovach (16), Lt. Dries and T/3 Trinkaus (25).

 

    30 December 1944, Flights made on this date were as follows: T/3 Ludden (24), T/3 Meister (23), T/3 Weimar and T/3 P. Keller (20), Lt. Heintz (24), Captain Larriviere (243), Lt. Banigan (24), T/3 Smith (24), T/3 Hart and T/3 Mead (24), Lt. Chaychuk (24), T/3 Kliminski and T/3 Klock (24), Lt. Zuern (26), Lt. Rue (27), Lt. O’Toole (24), Lt. Crawford (27), Lt. Cline and T/3 Watson (24), Lt. Dries (24), Lt. Garwood (24), Lt. Scholl and T/3 McCaskie (27). This day brought the month to a close with a total of 3389 patients evacuated for the month of December.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    Highlight of the past month activity centered upon the social stage as the 818th ,

celebrating its activation as a Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, held a gala party, just one year and one month after its debut into the forementioned Medical category. The party, held on December 10, proved a gala affair with the proper requisites so necessary for the successful completion of such an affair, wine, women and song, being much in evidence.

 

INCLOSURES – Negative.

 

                              G. R. DORNBERGER

                              Major, MC

                              Commanding

 

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818TH Med Air Evac Sq.

Le Bourget, Nor D’Guerre

France

Report for Period 1 January 1945 to 31 January 1945

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization – Negative

    2.  Strength – 3 Officers, 23 Nurses, 455 enlisted Men

    3.  Negative.

    4.  Negative.

    5.  Negative.

 

RESUME

 

    3 January 1945, Lt. Bain reld fr asgmt and dy with this orgn per par 1, S0 21, dtd 13 Dec 44, this Hqs, and trfd to 814th Med Air Evac Sq, sta 489.

 

    4. January 1945, T/3 Kloch fr dy to 7 day fur. Lt. Francis I. Ralls asgd and jd this orgn per par 1, S0 240, Hqs 53d TCW, APO 133, dtd 29 Dec 44, fr 815th Med Air Evac Sq.

 

    6 January 1945, Sgt. Bethel H. Matthews trfd to this orgn fr Hqs Sq IX TCC, APO 133, U S army, per par 5, S09 3, IX TCC, dtd 3 Jan 45, jd at 1700, MOS 861.

 

    7 January 1945, T/3 Trinkaus fr dy to 7 day fur. Captain Morton A. Karlan trfd fr this orgn per par 1, S0 1 Hqs 818th MAE Sq, dtd 1/1/45, to 434th TCGp, USAAF Sta 467. Sgt. Matthews fr dy to SD, Hqs Sq 52d TCW, per par 1, S0 2, Hqs 818th MAE Sq, dtd 7/1/45.

 

    8 January 1945 T/3 House fr dy to 7 da dur. Lt. Crawford fr dy to

TD per par 2, S0 4, Hqs 52d TCW dtd 5/1/45 to the 806th MAE Sq.

 

    10 January 1945. Lieutenant’s Scholl and Banigan fr dy to Td to Hq, IX Tr Carr Service Wg (Prov), Sta 548, per par 3, S0 5, Hqs 52d TCW, dtd 7/1/45.

 

    11 January 1945, T/3 Kloch fr 7 da fur to dy.

 

    13 January 1945Pvt. Weimar rd fr gr of Tec 3 to gr of Pvt for cause, per par 1, S0 2, dtd 13 Jan 45/

 

    14 January 1945, T/3 Trinkaus fur extended 1 da VOCO.

 

    15 January 1945, T/3 Trinkaus and House fr 7 day fur to dy.

 

    19 January 1945, Lt. White fr TD to dy, 19/1/45.

 

    21 January 1945, Captain Larrivere fr dy to 7 da lv.

 

    22 January, Lieutenant’s Scholl and Banigan fr Td to dy.

 

    24 January 1945, Sgt. Matthews trfd fr this orgn per par 2, S0 16, Hqs 52d TCW, APO 133, U S. Army, dtd 23 Jan 45. Orgn left USAAF Sta 489 at 14230 hrs by air. Arrived at Le Bourget at 1700 hours. Auth: Secret ltr 370.5, Subj: Movement Orders, Hqs 52d TCW, dtd 24 Jan 45.

 

    27 January 1945, Lt. Ralls fr dy to 7 da fur.

 

    30 January 1945, Capt. Larrivere fro lv to 65 Gen Hosp 28 Jan 45. T/3 Henrich and Trinkaus fr dy to sk in qrs.

 

WAR DIARY

 

    3 January 1945, First flights for the new year were made on this date with the following results: Lt. Crawford and T/3 Kloch (24 litter).

 

    9 January 1945, More extensive missions were accomplished on this date by nurses and surgical technicians of the 818th MAE Sq with the following results: Lt. Garwood and T/3 J. Keller (23 litter), Lt. Zuern and T/3 P. Keller (21 walking), Lt. Larrivere and T.3 Hart (17 litter), Lt. O’Toole  and T/3 Kliminski (21 walking), Lt. Rue and T/3 Mavis (18 litter), Lt. Cline and T/3 Meister (24 litter).

 

    10 January 1945, Flights made on this date returned with the following results: Lt. Chaychuk and T/3 McCaskie (24 litter0, T/3 Kruzansky and T/3 Notch (5 litter, 3 walking), Lt. Heintz and T/3 Mead (23 litter, 1 walking).

 

    11 January 1945, Lt. Dries and T/Sgt. Lesher (17 litter, 4 walking) was the only flight made on this date.

 

    21 January 1945, Only two flights were made on this date, the results being as follows: Lt. Garwood and T/3 Kloch (22 litter, 2 walking), Lt. Rue and T/3 Mavis (24 litter.

 

    29 January 1945, First flights since arriving on the Continent were made on this date, which was the busiest of the month for the flying personnel of the 818th MAE Sq. The following results were forthcoming: Lt. O’Toole (24 litter), Lt. Heintz (24 litter), Lt. Chaychuk (24 litter), Lt. Garwood (27 walking), T/3 Kloch (24 litter), T/3 Kovach (23 litter), T/3 House (27 walking), Lt. Zuern (24 litter), T/3 Meister (27 walking), %/3 Mavis (24 litter), T/3 Keller, J (27 walking), Lt. Scholl (24 litter), T/3 Ludden (27 walking), T/3 Kruzansky (27 walking), Lt. White (24 litter), Lt. Rue (27 walking), T/3 Mead (24 litter), T/3 Notch (24 litter) and T/3 Trinkaus (24 litter).

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    First social event of this month occurred on Tuesday, January 23, when Lieutenant Catherine Dries, one of the most popular nurses in the Squadron, was united in marriage to Major John D. Conquest. As has been the custom in the past, the service took place in the Cottesmore Church, Cottesmore, Rutland, England. Following the marriage, a reception was held at

Station 493.

 

    Most important event on this month’s calendar was the movement of the entire 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron from Cottesmore, England, to Le Bourget, France. The Squadron left by air on the afternoon of the 26th of January and arrived at Le Bourget the same evening. For many of its personnel, the air trip was their first, but all came through in good physical condition, including several dogs which made the trip as mascots. Extensive Air Evacuation work, as done by the 813th Squadron, which previously was stationed at Le Bourget, is looked forward to by members of the 818th, as evidenced by the large number of patients evacuated on 29 January 1945.

 

                              JOHN W. PETRY,

                              1st Lt., MAC

                              Squadron Historian

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th Med Air Evac Sq.

Villacoublay, VR-9433

Report for Period 1 February 45 to 28 February 45

 

OUTLINE HISTORY

 

    1.  Organization -Negative.

    2.  Strength – 4 Officers, 22 Nurses, 55 Enlisted Men.

    3.  Negative.

    4.  Negative.

    5.  Negative.

 

 

RESUME

 

    1 February 1945, Cpl Otto and Pvt Bailey fr DS to dy, per par 2, S) 17, Hqs 52d TCW, APO 133, U S. Army

 

    2 February 1945, Lt. Ralls fr lv  to 66th Gen Hosp. Pvt Trinkaus rd fr gr of Tec 3 to gr of Pvt for cause, per par 2, S0 3, dtd 1 Feb 45. Pvt’s Bailey, Court, Finkelstein, Phillips, Reeves, Trull and Vasquez promoted to the gr of Pfc per par 1, S0 3, this Hqs, dtd 1 Feb 45.

 

    3 February 1945, Lt. Payne fr DS to dy VoCG.

 

    4 February 1945, T/3’s Ennis, Hawkins, Keating, Krouse and Lyons fr TD to dy, VOCG, 9th TCC.

 

    6 February 1945, Pfs Boies promoted to the gr of Cpl per par 4, S0 3, this Hqs, dtd 1 Feb 45. Cpl Shanklin promoted to the gr of Sgt per par 4, S0 e, this Hqs, dtd 1 Feb 45.

 

    9 February 1945, Capt Larrivere fr abs’’t sk 65th Gen Hosp to trfd to Det of Ptns 4209 USAHP, per par 1, S0 33, Hqs 65th Gen Hosp dtd 2 Feb 45. Second Lieutenant’s Heintz, White O’Toole, Lelan, Banigan, Chaychuk and Garwood promoted to gr of 1st Lt., per par 5, S0 25, Hqs USAAF, dtd 1 Feb 45.

 

    10 February 1945, 2d Lt’s Beard, Beneshunas, Dunker, Kaye, Roth, Leland, Lofthouse and 1st Lt’s Crawford and Krieble fr TD with 808th MAE Sq to TD with 815th MAE Sq, per par 1, S0 4, this Hqs, dtd 6 Feb 45, eff 1 Feb 45. 1st Lt. Krieble and 2d Lt’s Beneshunas, Dunker, Kaye and Leland fr TD to dy, VOCO 815th MAE Sq.

 

    12 February 1945, 1st Lt’s Krieble and White and 2d Lt. Payne fr dy to 7 da lv, Lt. Lofthouse fr TD to dy, VOCO 815th MAE Sq.

 

    14 February 1945, Capt Mills trfd to 814th Med Air Evac Sq, Sta 469, per par 6, S0 15, Hqs 50 TCW, dtd 8 Feb 45. Cpl Palazzolo ppromoted to the gr of Sgt per par 1, S0 4, this Hqs, dtd 14 Feb 45.

 

    15 February 1945, Lt. Ralls fr abs’t sk 65th Gen Hosp to trfd to Det of Ptns 4209 USAHP, per par 1, S0 39, Hqs 65th Gen Hosp, dtd 8 Feb 45.

 

    16 February 1945, 1st Lt Crawford and 2d Lt Beard fr TD to dy, VOCO 815th MAE Sq.

 

16 February 1945, Maj Dornberger, reld of comd. Fr dy to TD, 65th Gen Hosp, AP0 587, per par 5, S0 16, Hqs 50th TCW, PO 133, dtd 9 Feb 45. Capt Hayne asgn and jd this organ per par 1, S0 13, Hqs 811 Med Air Evac Sq, APO 133, dtd 16 Feb 45. Asumd comd.

 

    17 February 1945, 1st Lt’s Krieble and White and 2d Lt Payne, fr 7 da lv to dy. So much of M/R 16 Feb 45 reading – 0368104, Dornberger, Maj – Reld of comd. Fr dy to TD, 65th Gen Hosp, APO 583, per par 5, S0 16, Hqs 50 TCW, APO 133, dtd 9 Feb 45 is rescinded. So much jd this orgn per par 1, S0 13, Hqs 811th Med Air Evac Sq, APO 133, dtd 16 Feb 45. Asumd comd.- is amended to read, 0325710 – Hayne, Willard W – Capt. Asgd and jd this orgn per par 2, S0 13, Hqs 811th Med Air Evac Sq, APO 133, dtd 16 Feb 45.

 

    19 February 1945, Lt. Banigan fr abs sk to dy. Maj Dornberger rel fr comd. Fr dy to TD, 65th Gen Hosp, APO 587, per par5, S0 16, Hqs 50th TCW, APO 133, dtd 9 Feb 45. Capt Hayne asmd comd this date.

 

    20 February 1945, Lt. Roth fr TD to dy, VOCO 815th MAE Sq.

 

    23 February 1945, Lt. Beard fr dy to 7 da lv. Orgn left Le Bourget, VS 1245, Nor D-Guerre, at 0800 hrs by truck convoy. Arrived at Villacoublay, Y-R=944-335 at 1000 hours. Auth. Movement Order No. 3, Hqs 50th TCW, APO 133, dtd 8 Feb 45.

 

    26 February 1945, Lt. Beneshunas fr dy to abd sk 345 Gen H. Capt Stanton asgd and jd this orgn fr 815th MAE Sq per par 6, S0 15, Hqs 50th TCW, APO, dtd 8 Feb 45.

 

    27 February, Lt Cline fr abs sk 62d Gen Hosp to dy. Lt Beard fr 7 da lv to dy. Station heading on M/Rs 23, 24, 25, 26 Feb 45, Villacoublay, Y-R-944-335 is amended to read Villacoublay VR-9433, Nord De Guerre.

      

WAR DIARY

 

    1 February 1945, Starting off the busiest month since arriving in the ETO twelve flights went out on this date and returned with the following results: Lt O’Toole (24 litter), T/3 McCaskie (27 walking), Lt Chaychuk (27 walking), Lt. Garwood (27 walking), T/3 Kruzansky (27 walking), Lt. Zuern (24 litter), T/3 House (24 litter), T/3 Weimar (24 litter), Lt White (24 litter), T/3 P. Keller (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter, and Lt. Rue (24 litter).

 

    2 February 1945, One of the busiest days of the month took place on this date as twenty three plane loads of patients were safely transported to various hospitals in England. Results of this day’s work is as follows: Lt. Scholl (24 litter), T/3 Mavis (24 litter), Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), T/3 House (24 litter), Lt. Heintz (24 litter), Lt. Rue (24 litter), Lt O’Toole (24 litter), T/3 Henrich (24 litter), Lt. Scholl (28 walking), Lt Zuern (28 walking), T/3 Kovach (27 walking), T/3 J. Keller (27 walking), T/3 Notch (27 walking), Lt White (24 litter), Lt Garwood (24 litter0, T/3 McCaskie (124 litter), T/3 Kliminski (24 litter), T/3 Weimar (24 litter), T/3 Watson (24 litter), T/3 Kloch (24 litter), T/3 Ludden (24 litter), T/3 Mead (24 litter), and T/3 Hart (24 litter).

 

    3 February 1945, a slight slackening of the pace occurred on this date as only six flights went out returning with the following results: T/3 Smith (24 litter), T/3 Hart (27 walking), T/3 Keller (24 litter), Lt Cline (24 litter), Lt Dries (24 litter), and T/3 Kruzansky (24 litter).

 

    4 February 1945, Back to form might be the keynote for this date’s activities as sixteen flights returned with the following results: Lt Dried (24 litter), Lt Scholl (24 litter), Lt. Rue (24 litter), T/3 P. Keller (24 litter), T/3 McCaskie (24 litter), Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter), T/3 Watson (24 litter), T/3 Kruzansky (24 litter), T/3 Mavis (24 litter), T/3 Keller (24 litter), Lt Zuern (24 litter), Lt Garwood (27 walking), T/3 House (24 walking), T/3 Meister (27 walking), and T/3 Trinkaus (27 walking).

 

    5 February 1945, With all indications pointing toward a record breaking month, twenty more flights returned on this date with the following results: T/3 Kliminski (27 walking), T/3 Hawking (27 walking), T/3 Kloch (28 walking), T/3 Trinkaus (24 litter), T/3 Keating (24 litter),  T/3 Ennis (24 litter), T/3 Kovach (24 litter), Lt rue (24 llitter), Pvt Weimar (24 litter, t/3 Notch (24 litter, Lt. Dries (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), T/3 Krouse (24 litter), Lt Scholl (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter), T/3 Lyons (24 litter), Lt O’Toole (27 walking), Lt Chaychuk (27 walking), Lt Garwood (27 walking) and Lt Zuern (27 walking).

 

    6 February 1945, Sixteen flights were made on this date with the following results: T/3 Krouse (24 litter), T/3 P. Keller (27 walking), Lt White (24 litter), Lt Payne (24 litter), T/3 Ennis (24 litter), T/3 Lyons (27 walking), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), T/3 Watson (24 litter), T/3 Mavis (24 litter), T/3 Keating (20 litter), T/3 J Keller (24 litter), Lt Rue (27 walking), T/3 Smith (27 walking), T/3 Kruzansky (24 litter), T/3 Hart (24 litter) and T/3 McCaskie (24 litter).

 

    7 February 1945, Only ten flights were made on this date with the following results: T/3 Ludden (24 litter), T/3 Meister (24 litter), M/Sgt Galbraith (24 litter), Lt Zuern (24 litter), Lt O’Toole (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter, Lt Scholl (24 litter, Lt Garwood (28 walking), T/3 House (24 litter), and T/3 Lyons (24 litter).

 

    8 February 1945, On this date sixteen flights returned with the following results:  T/3 J. Keller (24 litter), T/3 Ennis (24 litter), Lt Rue (24 litter), Lt Payne (24 litter), T/3 Kruzanski (24 litter), T/3 Watson (24 litter), T/3 Lyond (27 walking), T/3 Mead (27 walking), T/3 Keating (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), T/3 Kloch (26 walking), T/3 Hawkins (24 litter) Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), Lt White (24 litter) and T/3 Mavis (24 litter).

 

    10 February 1945, Another  busy day occurred on this date as a total of twenty two flights went out returning with the following results: Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), T/3 Kruzansky (24 litter), T/3 House (24 litter), Lt Rue (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), T/3 McCaskie (24 litter), T/3 Krouse (24 litter), T/3 Kliminski (24 litter), T/3 J Keller (24 liltter), T/3 Hawkins (24 litter), Lt O’Toole (24 litter), T/3 P. Keller (24 litter), Lt Payne (24 litter), Lt Dries (24 litter), T/3 Hart (24 litter), T/3 Weister (24 litter), Lt Cline (24 litter), T/3 Kovach (24 litter), Lt Garwood (24 litter), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), Lt Zuern (27 walking), and Lt Krieble (28 walking).

 

    11 February 1945, Coinciding with the date, eleven flights went out on this date returning with the following results: T/3 Krouse (27 walking), Pvt Weimar (27 walking), T/3 House (27 walking), T/3 Kliminski (27 walking), Lt Rue (27 walking), T/3 Meister (18 walking), Lt Leland (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), Lt Kaye (24 litter), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), T/3 Hawkins (24 litter), Lt Dunker (24 litter) and T/3 Kruzansky (24 litter).

 

    13 February 1945, A very slow day as far as flights were concerned occurred on thi date as only four missions were accomplished with the following results: T/3 Lyons (24 litter), T/3 Kloch (27 walking), T/3 Ludden (24 litter), and Lt. O’Toole (24 litter).

 

    14 February 1945, Twenty flights took off on this date, after the lull the previous day. The following results were noted: T/3 P. Keller (27 walking), T/3 Meister (27 walking), T/3 J Keller (27 walking), T/3 Mavis (27 walking), T/3 Kovach (27 walking), T/3 Watson (27 walking), T/3 McCaskie (27 walking), T/3 Ennis (24 litter), T/3 Hawkins (24 llitter), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter), Lt Beneshunas (24 litter), Lt Zuern (24 litter), Lt Scholl (24 litter), T/3 Hart (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), Lt Garwood (24 litter), T/3 Keating (24 litter), Lt Dries (24 litter) and Lt Chaychuk (24 litter).

 

    15 February 1945, eight flights were accomplished on this date with the following results: Lt Heintz (24 litter), Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), Lt Scholl (24 llitter), Lt Dunker (24 litter, Lt Kaye (24 litter), Lt Rue (24 litter), T/3 Lyons (27 walking), and Lt. Zuern (24 litter).

 

    19 February 1945, Only four flights were made on this date with the following results: Lt. Beneshunas (24 litter), Lt White (27 walking), Lt Kaye (24 litter), and Lt Leland (24 litter).

 

    20 February 1945, Twelve flights were made o9n this date with the following results: T/3 Kliminski (24 litter), Lt O’Toole (27 walking), Lt Crawford (27 walking), Lt Chaychuk (27 walking), Lt Scholl (27 walking), T/3 Kloch (24 litter), T/3 Ludden (27 walking), Lt Zuern (24 litter), and T/3 Mead (27 walking.

 

    21 February 1945, Fourteen flights were made on this date with the following results: Pvt Weimar (24 litter),Lt Kaye (24 litter), Lt Banigan (24 litter), T/3 Keating (27 walking), T/3 Lyons (24 litter), Lt Leland (24 litter), T/3 Ennis (27 walking), Lt White (27 walking),  T/3 Kovach (27 walking), Lt Beneshunas (24 litter), Lt Scholl (24 litter), Lt Zuern (24 litter), T/3 P. Keller (24 litter), T/3 Henrich (24 litter)..

 

    22 February, 1945, Seventeen flights were accomplished on this date with the following results: Lt Garwood (27 walking), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), Lt Rue (27 walking), Lt White (18 walking), T/3 Meister (24 litter), Lt Heintz (26 walking), Lt Dunker (27 walking), Lt Kaye (27 walking), Lt Banigan (27 walking), T/3 Lyons (28 walking), T/3 House (24 litter), Lt Scholl (27 walking), Lt Leland (27 walking), T/3 Koch (27 walking), Lt Payne (27 walking), Lt Roth (27 walking) and Lt Beneshunas (27 walking).

 

    23 February 1945, Only seven flights occurred on this date with the following results: T/3 P. Keller (24 litter), Lt Zuern (24 litter), Lt Payne (24 litter), T/3 J Keller (27 walking) T//3 Kliminski (324 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), T/3 Kliminski (24 litter), Lt Rue (24 litter), and T/3 J Keller (24 litter).

 

    24 February 1945, Eight flights were accomplished on this date with the following results: T/3 Notch (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), T/3 Notch (27 walking), T/3 Kliminski (24 litter), T/3 Smith (24 litter), T/3 Kliminski (24 litter), Lt Rue (24 litter), and T/3 J Keller (24 litter).

 

    25 February 1945, Only five flights were made on this date with the following results: Lt Scholl (24 litter), T/3 Watson (24 litter), T/3 Kruzansky (24 litter), Lt Dunker (24 litter) and T/3 Krouse (24 litter).

 

    26 February 1945, Getting back to the more normal routine of air evacuation in regards to the number of flights per day, a total of twenty two flights returned on this date with the following results: Lt Crawford (24 litter), Lt O’Toole (24 litter), T/3 McCaskie (24 litter), Lt Garwood (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter)/ T/3 McCaskie (24 litter), Lt Garwood (24 litter), Lt Heintz (24 litter), Lt Roth (24 litter), Lt Lofthouse (24 litter), T/3 Kloch (24 litter), T/3 Lyons (27 walking), T/3 Ennis (27 walking), Lt Kaye (24 litter), T/3 Trinkaus (27 walking), T/3 Kruzansky (27 walking), Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), Lt White (24 litter), Lt Banigan (24 litter), Lt Leland (24 litter), T/3 Keating (127 walking), T/3 House (24 litter), T/3 Hart (24 litter), T/3 Mavis (27 walking) and Lt Dunker (24 litter).

 

    27 February 1945, Nineteen flights were accomplished on this date with the following results: T/3 Kloch (27 walking), Lt Banigan (27 walking), T/3 House (27 walking), T/3 Lyons (27 walking), Pvt Trinkaus (24 litter), T/3 McCaskie (24 litter), T/3 Ennis (27 walking), T/3 Hart (24 litter), Lt Chaychuk (24 litter), T/3 Keating (24 litter), Lt White (24 litter), T/3 Mavis (27 walking), Lt Scholl (27 walking), T/3 Meister (24 litter), Lt Rue (16 litter), Lt Payne 24 litter), Lt Crawford (20 litter), Lt Dunker (20 litter and Lt O’Toole (20 litter).

 

    A total of 7200 patients were evacuated by the 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron for the month of February. This total brings the grand total of patients evacuated to 24,371.

 

SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

 

    Adventures of a by-gone era were brought into the spot light as the 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron firmly established itself in an ancient but unique French Chateau. Where once gay knight of old with dashing dress, slashing swords and dazzling women made merry with wine and song, members of the 818th now make their home. One of the principal features of this movement was the establishment, for the initial time, of the Squadron’s own mess hall under the supervision of Mess Sergeant John P. Doege. For the first time the cooks were given a chance to prepare delicacies for fellow members and from comments heard thus far, the results have been more than satisfactory.

 

    As a fore-runner to the foothold taken by the 818th at the Chateau, the following message was received from the Mayor of the nearby village.

 

“Mayor of Bievres

To:  Sir Officers of American Unit at Pavilion Sylvia, Bievres

    Sir Officers:

    In wishing you welcome in our vicinity, we wish to thank you for employing our unemployed. I hope that they will give you full satisfaction. May your stay in Bievres be agreeable. Believe me, Sir Officers, My sincere wishes are extended to all representatives of the United States Army in Bievres.

                                 The Mayor”

                         

 

    The month of February saw a new officer assume command of the Squadron in the person of Captain Willard W. Haynes. Major George R. Dornberger, former Commanding Officer, was sent on TD to a General Hospital and from there is expected to be transferred from the Squadron. His loss will be felt severely as, having been with the Squadron since its activation, he became very popular with nurses and enlisted men alike. Other losses suffered were those of liaison Office Captain James F. Mills and Chief Nurse Captain Marie T. Larriviere. Captain Clare E. Stanton, formerly of the 815th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, was transferred in to fill the vacancy left by Captain Larriviere.

 

    For enlisted men of the 818th, February proved an eventful one with numerous promotions being handed out. One of the Squadron NCO, Sergeant Matthew J. Palazzolo is currently action as a liaison NCO at Le Bourget, assisting in the loading and unloading of patient(s.)

 

    The month of February kept all departments “on the beam”, transportation, hauling nurses, surgical techs to and from the line, clerks, typing out the various reports needed when such extensive evacuation is done. All in all, if repetition if permitted, the month of February was the busiest for all concerned, and the month of March, with 31 days, is being looked forward to eagerly in anticipation of exceeding the 7200 total established this month.

 

                              JOHN W. PETRY,

                              1st Lt., MAC

                              Squadron Historian

 

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th (US) Medical Air Evac

Villacoublay, VR-9433

Nord De Guerre

Report for Period 1 March 1945 to 31 March 45

      

 

PREFACE

 

    The 818th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron was activated at Bowman Field, Kentucky on 10 November 1943 per par 1, General Order Number 23, Headquarters Army Air Base, Bowman Field, Kentucky dated 10 November 1943. Original cadre and filler personnel were obtained from the Army Air Forces School of Air Evacaution, Bowman Field, Kentucky. This Squadron departed for Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, on 15 March 1944 and left for an overseas destination on 22 March 1944. Upon arrival in England, this Squadron was assigned to the Ninth Troop Carrier Command and was stationed at USAAF Station 493. Designation of unit has subsequently been amended to read “818th (US) Medical Air Evacuation Squadron.”

 

    Transfers of personnel to this unit included 1st Lt. Patricia M. Glendenning, ANC * and Cpl William J. Richey **.

 

WAR DIARY

 

  1 Mar 45, Two missions went out on this date returning with 54 walking patients.

  2 Mar 45, Twenty-nine missions went out on this date returning with 482 litter and 228 walking patients.

  3 Mar 45, Twenty-two flights went out on this date returning with 460 litter and 189 alking patients.

  4 Mar 45, Nineteen flights went out on this date returning with 216 litter and 206 walking patients.

  5 Mar 45, Twenty-two flights went out on this date returning with 384 litter and 8 walking patients.

  6 Mar 45, Seven flights went out on this date returning with 120 litter and 54 walking patients.

  7 Mar 45, Seventeen flights went out on this date returning with 388 litter and 135 walking patients.

  8 Mar 45, Seventeen flights went out on this date returning with 375 litter and 135 walking patients.

  9 Mar 45, Five flights went out on this date returning with 97 litter patients.

10 Mar 45, Seven flights went out on this date returning with 120 litter and 54 walking patients.

11 Mar 45, Nineteen flights went out on this date returning with 233 litter and 215 walking patients.

12 Mar 45, Thirteen flights went out on this date returning with 160 litter and 129 walking patients.

13 Mar 45, Twenty-two flights went out on this date returning with 368 litter and 116 walking patients.

15 Mar 45, Fourteen flights went out on this date returning with 223 litter and 116 walking patients.

16 Mar 45, Fifteen flights went out on this date returning with 208 litter and 116 walking patients.

17 Mar 45, Twenty-five flights went out on this date returning with 451 litter and 109 walking patients.

18 Mar 45, Forty missions went out on this date returning with 787 litter and 309 walking patients.

19 Mar 45, Twelve flights went out on this date returning with 204 litter and 68 walking patients.

20 Mar 45, Forty-four flights went out on this date returning with 685 litter and 316  walking patients.

21 mar 45, This date saw the first glider “pickup” evacuation accomplished by Lt Suella V. Bernard, on DS fr the 816th (US) Medical Air Evacuation Squadron and also saw thirty-eight flights evacuate 600 litter and 262 walking patients.

22 Mar 45, Forty-nine flights went out on this date returning with 727 litter and 439 walking patients.

23 Mar 45, Twenty-five flights went out on this date returning with 636 litter and 173 walking patients.

24 Mar 45, Nineteen flights went out on this date returning with 268 litter and 226 walking patients.

25 Mar 45, Twenty-nine flights went out on this date returning with 671 litter and 235 walking patients.

26 Mar 45, Fifteen missions went out on this date returning with 188 walking and 179 litter patients.

27 Mar 45, Thirteen flights went out on this date returning with 299 litter and 125 walking patients.

28 Mar 45, Eighteen flights went out on this date returning with 324 litter and 183 walking patients.

29 Mar 45, Twelve flights went out on this date returning with 142 litter and 74 walking patients.

30 Mar 45, Seven flights went out on this date returning with 88 litter and 74 walking patients.

31 Mar 45, Fifteen flights went out on this date returning with 345 litter and 37 walking patients.

 

*    Per Par 6, SO 15, Hqs 50th TCW, APO 133 dtd 8 Feb 45

**  SO 21, Hq 313th TCGp dtd 5 Feb 45

 

COMBAT OPERATIONS

   

    (a) – Negative.

 

NON-COMBAT OPERATIONS

 

    Together with nurses and medical technicians of the 816th (US) Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, a total of 591 flights were accomplished and a total of 14,582 patients evacuated, of which 9,998 were litter and 4,584 were ambulant.

    The Squadron also accomplished the first glider “pickup” evacuation on 21 March 1944.

 

STATISTICS

 

    (a)  - A short statistical resume of the air evacuation work as done by the 818th (US) Medical Air Evacuation Squadron during the month of March 1945 is presented below:

                 Ambulant……………………………...14,582 

           Litter…………………………………..  4,584

           Sick……………………………............     309

           Wounded………………………………11,273

           Avg patients per day……………………    470

           Maximum number of patients in one plane.. 29

 

STAFF ACTIVITY AND CONFERENCES

  (a) – Negative

 

 

                                         

H E A D Q RA R T E R S

50TH TROOP CARRIER WING

                   

                               APO 133, U S Army

                               20 March 1945

 

SPECIAL ORDERS):

NUMBER 31)

 

  4. Fol C are directed. EDCMR: 23 Mar 45.  DN via govt-owned vehicle, rail and/or mil acft.  60-*** P 432-02  A 212/50425

 

Name,Rank,ASN         Rel fr asgnt w        Asgd to:        Auth:

 

Blance V Garwood      818TH (US) Med Air Hq, Ninth Air       Messageform MF04835

2d Lt N739732 ANC     Evac Sq, A042         Force,APO 696   Hq SSTAF. 18 Feb 45

Jane E. Zuern         818th (US) Med Air    Hq, Ninth Air   MessageformMFO4835

2d Lt N787843 ANC     Evac SQ. A-42         Force,APO696    Hq USSTAF 18 Feb 45

Evelyn L. Chaychuk, c 818th (US) Med Air    Hq, Ninth Air   MessageformMF04835

2d Lt N723924 ANC     Evac Sq, A-42         Force,APO696    Hq USSTAF 18 Feb 45

 

         By Command of Brigadier General CHAPPELL:

 

                            /s/ J.R. Higley,

                                        Major, AGD

                                Adjutant

OFFICIAL:

      /s/ J.R. Higley

      /t/ J.R. Higley

      Major, AGD

      Adjutant

 

“A TRUE COPY’

ROBERT J. LEE,

1ST Lt., MAC

      Adjutant

 

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818TH (US) Medical Air Evac

Metz   VU 835-548

Report for Period of 1 April 1945 to 30 April 1945

 

ORGANIZATION

 

(a)  T0 8-447 dated 19 July 1944.

(b)  2 Apr 45, Lee, Robert J. 1st Lt., asgd and jd this orgn fr 814th (US) MAESq, 1 Apr 45, per par 1, S0 19, Hq 814th(US) MAESq. Dtd 30 Mar 45. Asmd Comd.

Haynes, Willard W., Captain, fr dy to trfd 811th(US) MAESq, 1 Apr 45, Sta 519, per par 5, S0 86, Hq, IX TCC, dtd 27 Mar 45. Reld of comd.

Traub, Paul M, Major, asgd and not yet jd this orgn fr 815th (US) MAESq, 1 Apr 45, per par 5 S0 86, Sq IX TCC, dtd 27 Mar 45.

Halpern, Morton M, Captain, asgd and jd this orgn fr 815th (US) MAESq, 14 Mar 45, per paar 1 S) 12, Hq 815th(US) MAESq, dtd 14 AMar 45 and placed in indef DS, ALG &-60 per auth: IX TCC dtd 14 Mar 45.

Kaye, Selma J. 2d Lt, fr dy to trfd to 806th (US) MAAESq, A-55, per par 2, S0 14, this Hq, dtd 1 Apr 45.

Leland, Inez A and O’Toole, Margaret M, 1st Lt’s, fr dy to trfd 810th (US) MAESq, Sta 500, per par 1 S0 13, this Hq, dtd 1 Apr 45.

Crawford, Josephine A, 1st Lt, and Roth, Sylvia C, 2d Lt, fr dy to trfd 813th (US) MAESq, Sta 519, per par 1 S0 13, this Hq, dtd 1 Apr 45.

Heintz, Phyllis, J, 1st Lt, fr dy to trfd 814th (MASq, Sta 469, dtd 1 Apr 45.

 

6 Apr 45, Dries, Catherine M, 2d Lt, fr abs sk 1st Gen Hosp to trfd to Det of Ptns 4322 USAHP, per par 1 S0 87, Hqs 1st Gen Hosp dtd 28 Mar 45.

 

7 Apr 45, Vannuccini, Myra F, 1st Lt, asgd and not yet jd this orgn fro 818th(US) MAESq, per par 1 S0 18, Hq 815th(US) MAESq, dtd 5 Apr 45.

 

10 Apr 45, Dornberger, George

R, Major fr asgd abs to trfd to 170th Gen Hosp, per par 51, S0 94, Hq ETOUSA ddtd 4 Apr 45.

 

13 Apr 45, Galbraith, David J, M/Sgt, Henrich, Paul F, S/Sgt, Pallazzolo, Matthew J, Cpl, Robertson, Roy C, %/5, Vasquez, Vincent T, Cpl, Finkelstein, Seymour A, Pfc and Reeves, Jesse K, Pfs, trfd in gr fr this orgn to 815th(US) MAESq, per par 8, S0 99, Hws 50th TCW, dtd 9 Arp 45.

Dittmer, Fred D, M/Sgt, Schipper, Guy, Cpl, Wheat, Oliver J, Cpl, and Hadley, Joseph, Pfc, asgd and jd this orgn fr 815th(US) MAESqq, Sta 1408, per par 7 S0 99, Hqs 50th TCW dtd 9 Aapr 45.

Anderson, Kenneth W, S/Sgt, Markwardt, Arthur E, Cpl, and Wold, George J, T/5, asgd and not yet jd this orgn fr 815th(US) MAESq, Sta 14008, per par 7, S0 99, Hqs 50th TCW, dtd 9 Apr 45.

 

22 Apr 45, Grau, Harry R, Major asgd and not yet jd to trfd to 808th Med Sv Det (Hosp Center) per par 23, S0 107, Hq ETOUSA dtd 17 Apr 45.

(c) – Total authorized strength – 6 Officers – 25 Nurses – 56 E M

 

STRENGTH

  (a) – 4 Officers – 13 Nurses – 56 EM

 

STATIONS

  (a) – No movement during month of April – Squadron at Villacoublay, VR-9433,  Nord De Guerre.

 

LOSSES IN ACTION

  (a) – Negative.

 

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

  (a)  Major Paul M Traub          Awarded Air Medal per sec IV, G0 28

        Captain Morton M. Halpern            Hq, IX TCC 3 Apr 45

        Captain Clare E. Stanton

 

NARRATIVE

 

  During the month of April this organization evacuated a total of 7170 patients. Throughout the month various nurses and technicians were placed on TD and DS with other organizations. Lieutenants Banigan, Cline, Dunker, Rue, Scholl and White went on TD with the 815th (US) MAESq*1, Tec 3’s Kovach, Smith, Watson and Cpl Weimar went on DS*2, Lieutenant Clendenning to TD*3, as were Lieutenant Krieble*4 and Lieutenant Lofthouse*5.

  Transfers of personnel from this to other units included, Haynes, Willard W, Captain*6, Kaye, Selma J, 2d Lt*7, Leland, Inex A and O’Toole, Margaret M, 1st Lt’s*8, Crawford, Josephine A, 1st Lt and Roth, Sylvia C, 2d Lt*9, Heintz, Phyllis J, 1st Lt*10, Dries, Catherine M, 2d Lt*11, Dornberger, George R, Major *12, Galbraith, David J, M/Sgt, Henrich, Paul F, S/Sgt, Vasquez, Vincent T, Cpl, Robertson, Roy C, T/5, Palazzolo, Matthew J, Cpl, Finkelstein, Seymour A, Pfc, and Reeves, Jesse K, Pfs,*13, and Grau, Harry R, Major*14.

  Transfers of personnel to this unit included: Lee, Robert J, 1st Lt*15, Traub, Paul M, Major*16, Halpern, Morton M, Captain*17, Vannuccini, Myra F, 1st Lt*18, Dittmer, Fred D, M/Sgt, Schipper, guy, Cpl, Wheat, Oliver J, Cpl, Hadley, Joseph, Pfc, Anderson, Kenneth W, S/Sgt, Markwardt, Arthur E, Cpl, and Wolf, George J, T/5*19.

*1   Per Par 1, S0 15, Hqs 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 12 Apr 45.

*2   Per Par 1, S0 16, Hqs 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 20 Apr 45.

*3   Per Par 2, S0 17, Hqs 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 25 Apr 45.

*4   Per Par 1, S0 19, Hqs 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 27 Apr 45.

*5   Per Par 2, S0 20, Hqs 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 28 Apr 45.

*6   Per Par 5, S0 86, Hq IX TCC dtd 27 Mar 45.

*7   Per Par 1, S0 23, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 1 Apr 45.

*8   Per Par 1, S0 13, this Hq dtd 1 Apr 45.

*9   Per Par 1, S0 17, this Hq dtd 1 Apr 45.

*10 Per Par 1, S0 17, this Hq dtd 1 Apr 45.

*11 Per Par 1, S0 17, this Hq dtd 1 Apr 45.

*12 Per par 1, S0 87, Hqs 1st Gen Hosp dtd 28 Mar 45.

*13 Per Par 8, S0 99, Hqs, 50th TCW dtd 9 Apr 45.

*14 Per Par 23, S0 107, Hq ETOUSA dtd 17 Apr 45.

*15 Per Par 1, S0 19, Hq 814th (US) MAESq, dtd 30 Mar 45.

*16 Per Par 5, S0 86, Hq, IX TCC, dtd 27 Mar 45.

*17 Per Par 1, S0 12, Hq 815th (US) MAESq, dtd 14 Mar 45.

*18 Per Par 1, S0 18, Hq 815th (US) MAESq, dtd 5 Apr 45.

*19 Per Par 7, S0 99, Hqs 50th TCW dtd 9 Apr 45.

 

WAR DIARY

 

  2 Apr 45, Five missions went out on this date returning with 120 litter patients.

  3 Apr 45, Nine missions went out on this date returning with 144 litter patients and 74 walking.

  4 Apr 45, Twelve missions went out on this date returning with 204 litter and 91 walking patients.

  5 Apr 45, Eleven missions went out on this date returning with 152 litter and 91 walking patients.

  6 Apr 45, Eight missions went out on this date returning with 144 litter and 42 walking patients.

  7 Apr 45, Eight missions went out on this date returning with 192 litter patients.

  8 Apr 45, Eleven missions went out on this date returning with 194 litter and 77 walking patients.

  9 Apr 45, Fifteen missions went out on this date returning with 229 litter and 154 walking patients.

  10 Apr 45, Six missions went out on this date returning with 120 litter and 93 walking patients.

  11 Apr 45, Ten missions went out on this date returning with 240 litter patients.

  12 Apr 45, Twelve missions went out on this date returning with 267 litter and 24 walking patients.

  13 Apr 45, Two flights went out on this date returning with 48 litter patients.

  14 Apr 45, Eight flights went out on this date returning with 106 litter and 52 walking patients.

  15 Apr 45, Two flights went out on this date returning with 10 litter and 67 walking patients.

  16 Apr 45, Nine flights went out on this date returning with 140 litter and 67 walking patients.

  17 Apr 45, Five flights went out on this date returning with 120 litter patients.

  18 Apr 45, Eighteen flights went out on this date returning with 335 litter and 108 walking patients.

  19 Apr 45, Fourteen flights went out on this date returning with 192 litter and 162 walking patients.

  20 Apr 45, Seven flights went out on this date returning with 104 litter and 80 walking patients.

  21 Apr 45, Six flights went out on this date returning with 107 litter and 27 walking patients.

  22 Apr 45, Three flights went out on this date returning with 48 litter and 27 walking patients.

  23 Apr 45, Seventeen flights went out on this date returning with 201 litter and 60 walking patients.

` 24 Apr 45, Eleven flights went out on this date returning with 184 litter and 60 walking patients.

  25 Apr 45, Twenty flights went out on this date returning with 241 litter and 136 walking patients.

  26 Apr 45, Fourteen flights went out on this date returning with 216 litter and 136 walking patients.

  27 Apr 45, Twenty four flights went out on this date returning with 336 and 270 walking patients.

  28 Apr 45, Nine flights went out on this date returning with 63 litter and 135 walking patients.

  29 Apr 45, Ten flights went out on this date returning with 168 litter and 50 walking patients.

  30 Apr 45, Five flights went out on this date returning with 68 litter and 51 walking patients.

 

COMBAT OPERATIONS

  (a) – Negative

 

NON-COMBAT OPERATIONS AND AIR EVACUATIONS

  A total of 289 flights went out during the month of April 1945, which brought in a total of 4596 litter patients and 2576 walking casualties.

  Among the personnel evacuated were included a great many of the newly liberated Allied prisoners of war.

 

TRAINING

  (a) – Negative.

 

STATISTICS

  (a) – A short statistical resume of the air evacuation work as done by the 818th (US) Medical Air Evacuation Squadron during the month of April 1945, is presented below:

         Total patients evacuated…………………………………7170

                          Ambulant…………………………………2576

                        Litter……………………………………...4594

                  

                            Sick………………………………………1957

                           Wounded…………………………………5213

                      tients per day……………………... 240

 

PRESS RELEASES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

  (a) – Negative.

 

APPENDIX

  (a) – Compiled in chronological order according to type I accordance with

              Memorandum No. 200-4, Hq, IX Trp Carr Comd, dated 7 Mar 45.

 

                            ROBERT J. LEE,

                            1st Lt., MAC

                            Historical Officer

     

 

 

 Section        I:    AWARDS OF THE AIR MEDAL

 Section       II:    AWARDS OF THE OAK LEAF CLUSTER TO THE AIR MEDAL

 Section      III:    AMENDMENTS OF GENERAL ORDERS

 

                 SECTION I

 

  1.    By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order Number 9158 (Bull 25, WD 1942), as amended by Executive Order Number 9242-A (Bull 49, WD 1942), and in accordance with authority delegated by the War Department, and pursuant to authority contained in letter, Headquarters, United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe, file 200.6, Subject” “Awards and Decorations”, dated 8 September 1944, an AIR MEDAL is awarded to each of the following named officers and enlisted men, organizations and residences as indicated, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights. During the periods indicated these individuals served with distinction on difficult and dangerous air evacuation missions flown in unarmed and unarmored aircraft. Charged with the responsibility of ministering to wounded personnel being evacuated by air from combat and communications zones to rear areas, they exhibited a high degree of courage, technical proficiency and devotion to duty, often under the hazards of unfavorable weather and when attack by hostile aircraft or ground forces was probable and expected. Their achievements are exemplary of the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.

*            *              *                                            *

      818TH  (US) MEDICAL AIR EVACUATION SQUADRON

  CATHERINE M BGANIGAN, N 787 047, 1st Lt, ANC, 16 May 1944 to 5 March 1945, Providence, Rhode Island

  EVELYN L CHAYCHUK, N 723 924, 1st Lt., ANC, 5 July 1944 to 15 February 1945, Newark, New Jersey.

  WILMA P CLINE, N 745 255 1st Lt, ANC, 5 May 1944 to 6 March 1945, Poland, Indiana.

  JOSEPHONE A CRAWFORD, N 725 278, 1st Lt. ANC, 5 July 1944 to 7 March 1945, McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

  BLANCHE V GARWOOD, N 730 732, 1st Lt., ANC, 24 May 1944 to 8 March 1945, Ludington, Michigan.

  PHYLLIS J HEINTZ, N 727 613, 1st. Lt., ANC, 5 July 1944 to 2 March 1945, Arlington, Massachusetts.

  ALICE P KRIEBLE, N 745 257, 1st Lt., ANC, 5 May 1945 to 5 March 1945, Linton, Indiana.

  INEZ A LELAND, N 787 694, 1st Lt. ANC, 16 May 1944 to 11 February 1945, Tacoma, Washington.

  MARGARET M O’TOOLE, N 727 949, 1st Lt, ANC, 23 June 1944 t 3 March 1945, St. Petersburg, Florida.

  VELMA M SCHOLL, N 787 048, 1st Lt., ANC, 22 June 1944 to 6 March 1945, Rockwell, Iowa.

  CORDELIA T WHITE, N 763 518, 1st Lt., ANC, 5 May 1944 to 22 February 1945, Portsmouth, Virginia.

  ALICE B BEARD, N 787 725, 2d Lt, ANC, 25 June 1944 to 5 March 1945, Clarement, New Hampshire.

  ANNA M BENESHUNAS, N 788 053, 2d Lt, ANC, 10 July 1944 to 22 February 1945, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

  CATHERINE E DRIES, N 787 862, 2d Lt, ANC 10 July 1944 to 5 February 1945, Shamokin, Pennsylvania.

  WILHELMINA M DUNKER, N 788 357, 2d Lt, ANC, 16 May 1944 to 1 February 1945, New York, New York.

  SELMA J KAYE, N 788 293, 2d Lt, ANC, 5 May 1944 to 19 February 1945, Newark, New Jersey.

  ELEANOR H LOFTHOUSE, N 788 024, 2d Lt, ANC 7 May 1044 to 5 March 1945, Rochester, New York.

  MARJORIE S PAYNE, N 788 030, 2d Lt., ANC, 7 May 1944 to 25 Febraury 1945, Greensboro, North Caroline.

  SYLVIAS ROTH, N 788 226, 2d Lt., ANC, 19 May 1944 to 2 March 1945,

 

 

H I S T O R I C A L   R E C O R D S

818th (US) Med Air Evac Sq

Orleans     VW 6723

Nord  D’Guerre

Report for Period 1 June 1945 to 30 June 1945

 

ORGANIZATION

       (a) – T/0 8-477 dated 19 July 1944.

       (b) –

15 June 1945, Motier, Jean H., Capt, MC, 0-507117, 3100, ASR 99, Asgd and jd this orgn fr 806th (US) MAESq, per par 1 S0 35, Hqs, 806th (US) MAESq, dated 7 June 1945.

21 June 45, Hickey, Mary E., 1st Lt, ANC, N 788173, 3449, ASR 55; Rice, Margaret E., 1st Lt, ANC, N 760389, 3449, ASR 60, Above 2 ANC asgd and jd this orgn fr 819th (US) MAESq per par 1 S0 48, Hqs, 819th (US) MAESq, dtd 20 June 1945.

21 June 1945, Strube, Mable, 1st Lt, ANC N 736130, 3449, ASR 93, Trfd fr this orgn to 816th (US) MAESq per VOCG, IX TCC dtd 21 June 1945.

23 June 1945, McCaskie, James R., T/3, 35331362, 409, ASR 78; Wagner, Leonard D. Jr.,Cpl, 35320216, 673, ASR 72, Above EM trfd fr this orgn to 816th (US) MAESq per par 2 S0 31 dhis Hqs, dtd 23 June 1945.

25 June 1945, Payne, Voris R., Capt, MC, 0 288527, 3100, ASR 117, Asgd and jd this orgn fr 816th (US) MAESq per par 1 S0 36 Hqs, 816th (US) MAESq, dtd 23 June 1945.

25 June 1945, Grazioso, Helene Y., 1st Lt, ANC N703326, Asgd and jd this orgn fr 816th (US) MAESq per par 2 S0 36, Hqs, 816th (US) MAESq, dtd 23 June 1945.

26 June 1045, Rice, Margaret E., 1st Lt, ANC, N 760389, ASR 60, 3449, Trfd fr this orgn to 811th (US) MAESqm per par 1 /s) 32, this Hqs, dtd 26 June 1945.

 

(c) – Total authorized strength – 6 Officers – 25 Nurses – 56 EM

 

STRENGTH

     (a) – 5 Officers – 16 Nurses – 54 EM

 

STATIONS

    (a) – No movement during the month of June – Squadron located at Orleans, VW

            6723, Nord D’Guerre.

LOSSES IN ACTION

  (a) – Negative.

 

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

      (a) – This organization was authorized Bronze Service Stars for the “Ardennes”, “Rhineland”, and “Central Europe” campaigns per 2nd Ind. ETOUSA 11 June 1945 to Ltr, Hqs, IXTCC (FWD), AG 200.6, dtd 7 June 1945.

 

NARRATIVE

 

  A total of 7890 patients were evacuated by this organization during the month of June. Throughout the month various nurses and technicians were placed on TDY and DS with other organizations.

 

  Lieutenants Banigan, Beard, Chaychuk, Clendenning, Cline, Krieble, Lofthouse, Scholl, Strube *1, and Tec 3’s Ennis, Keating, Kliminski, Kloch, Kovach, Ludden, Lyuons, McCaskie, Trinkaus, and Weimer *2, went on TDY with the 830th (US) MAESq.

 

  Transfers of personnel from this organization to other units included 1st Lt. Mable Strube *3, T/3 James R. McCaskie and Cpl. Leonard D. Wagner Jr. *4, and 1st Lt. Margaret E. Rice *5.

 

  Transfers of personnel to this unit included: Capt. Jean H. Motier *6, T/3 Sigismund S. Stempkowski *7, 1st Lt. Mary E. Hickey *8, 1st Lt. Margaret E. Rice *9, Capt. Voris R. Payne *10, 1st Lt. Helene Y. Grazioso *11.

 

*1  Per Par 1, S0 27, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 4 June 45.

*2  Per Par 2, S0 27, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 4 June 45.

*3  Per Par 2, S0 32, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 26 June 45.

*4  Per Par 2, S0 31, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 23 June 45.

*5  Per Par 2, S0 32, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 26 June 45.

*6  Per Par 1, S0 35, Hqs, 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 7 June 45.

*7  Per Par 1, S0 35, Hqs. 818th (US) MAESq, dtd 21 June 45.

*8  Per Par 1, S0 48, Hqs, 819th (US) MAESq, dtd 20 June 45.

*9  Per Par 1, S0 48, Hqs, 819th (US) MAESq, dtd 20 June 45.

*10 Per Par 1, S0 36, Hqs, 819th (US) MAESq, dtd 23 June 45.

*11 Per Par 2, S0 36, Hqs, 816th (US) MAESq, dtd 23 June 45.

 

WAR DIARY

 

  1 Jun 45, Sixteen missions went out on this date retuning with 100 litter patients and 383 walking.

  2 Jun 45, Twenty missions went out on this date returning with 66 litter patients and 421 walking.

  4 Jun 45, Twenty-one missions went out on this date returning with 135 litter patients and 336 walking.

  5 Jun 45, Twenty missions went out on this date returning with 167 litter patients and 311 walking patients..

  6 Jun 45, Fifteen missions went out on this date returning with 85 litter patients and 302 walking patients.

  7 Jun 45, Fourteen missions went out on this date returning with 81 litter patients and 263 walking patients.

  9 Jun 45, Fourteen missions went out on this date returning with 131 litter patients and 148 walking patients.

10 Jun 45, Ten missions went out on this date returning with 74 litter patients and 153 walking patients.

11 Jun 45, Ten missions went out on this date returning with 50 litter patients and 201 walking patients.

15 Jun 45, Nineteen missions went out on this date returning with 89 litter patients and 153 walking patients.

16 Jun 45, Eighteen missions went out on this date returning with 84 litter patients and 252 walking patients.

17 Jun 45, Nine missions went out on this date returning with 19 litter patients and 189 walking patients.

18 Jun 45, Ten missions went out on this date returning with 101 litter patients and 153 walking patients.

20 Jun 45, Fifteen missions went out on this date returning with 101 litter patients and 239 walking patients.

21 Jun 45, Twenty missions went out on this date returning with 34 litter patients and 372 walking patients.

22 Jun 45, Sixteen missions went out on this date returning with 68 litter patients and 299 walking patients.

23 Jun 45, Fourteen missions went out on this date returning with 25 litter patients and 310 walking patients.

25 Jun 45, Three missions went out on this date returning with 32 litter patients and 40 walking patients.

26 Jun 45, Eight missions went out on this date returning with 35 litter patients and 74 walking patients.

28 Jun 45, Six missions went out on this date returning with 71 litter patients and 74 walking patients.

30 Jun 45, Twenty missions went out on this date returning with 425 litter patients and 74 walking patients.

 

COMBAT OPERATIONS

  (a) – Negative.

 

NON-COMBAT AND AIR EVACUATION

           A total of 297 flights went out during the month of June 1945, which brought in a total of 5979 walking patients and 1911 litter patients.

 

TRAINING

      (a) – Negative.

 

STATISTICS

     (a) – A short statistical resume of the air evacuation work as done by the 818th (US) Medical Air Evacuation Squadron during the month of June 1945, is presented below:

         Total patients evacuated………………………..7890

                          Ambulant………………………..5979

                           Litter…………………………….1911

                            Wounded………………………..6000

                             Sick………………………………890

                         Injured…………………………..1000

 

STAFF ACTIVITY AND CONFERENCES

  (a) - Negative

 

PRESS RELEASES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

  (a) – Negative.

 

APPENDIX

  (a) – Compiled in chronological order according to type in accordance with memorandum 200-4, hq, IX TCC, dtd 7 Mar 45.

 

                            ROBERT J. LEE,

                            1st Lt., MAC,
                            Historical Officer.

 

 

 

818th (US Medical Air Evacuation Squadron

UNIT HISTORY

FOR

AUGUST 1945   -   DECMEBER

(Inactivated 11 December 1945)

 

  On 1 August 1945 this organization was stationed at Orleans Nord D’Guere, France. All operations had ceased and preparations were being made to return to the United States as a Category II B Unit.

  On 3 August movement by motor vehicle was made to Camp New York, Suippes, France. Two weeks passed before making the next change, this time on 17 August to the staging area, Camp Top Hat, Antwerp, Belgium.

  An advanced detachment of one officer, 6 nurses and 10 enlisted men departed for the United States, 21 Aug on the SS Wyatt. However, the main body waited until the 29 August before leaving on the SS Montclair Victory.

  The ocean voyage ended at Hampton Roads, Va., on 8 September and from there the men were moved to Camp Patrick Henry. Within the next few days all personnel were sent to various reception stations near their homes where they were either separated from the service or given 45 days temporary duty for rest and rehabilitation.

  The assembly detachment, consisting of Capt. Voris R. Payne, M.C., and T/Sgt. Duncan B. Shanklin, left for Randolph Field, Texas with all the organization records on 10 September (Movement Orders 818th (US) MAES, Hqs. ASF, CPH, Va., dated 8 September 1945). They arrived at their destination 13 September at which time the organization was attached to the 27th AAF BU, AAF School of Aviation Medicine, Randolph Field, Texas. The men then left for their homes on 45 day TDY.

  The organization remained existent in name only. All personnel with the exception of one officer and one nurse were separated from the service. On the 22 October it was attached to the 807th MAES under the command of Major N. Robert Drummond for the purpose of deactivation.

  Captain Clare E. Stanton, ANC returned on 31 October 1945. Lt. Robert J. Lee, M.A.C. returned the following day. He was assigned to the difficult problem of disposing of all supplies and equipment of this and four other air evacuation squadrons, all in the process of being inactivated.

  On 11 December 1945 this organization was inactivated and transferred to the control of the War Department (GO #11, 27th AAF Base Unit, AAF SAM, Randolph Field, Texas, dated 26 November 1945). All remaining personnel were transferred into the 27th AAF BU.                   ARNOLD BLACK,

                        M.C., 0-333019

                         A.E.S.

R E S T R I C T E D

 

27th AAF BASE UNIT

(AAF SCHOOL OF AVIATION MEDICINE)

Randolph Field, Texas

GENERAL ORDERS)

NUMBER 10)                    26 November 1945

  1.  The 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron will be inactivated at this station effective 11 December 1945.  Concurrently with inactivation, this unit is transferred to the control of the War Department.

  2.  Officers and enlisted personnel assigned to the 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron will be absorbed into appropriate squadrons of the 27th AAF Base Unit (AAF School of Aviation Medicine) Randolph Field, Texas without loss in grade.

  3.  Equipment will be turned in to the appropriate supply officer for disposition.

  4.  Records of the 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron will be disposed of and reported in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 416, War Department, 1944.

  5.  The appropriate allotments published in Section III, Circular No. 178, War Department, 1945, as amended, will be obligated to the extent necessary.

  Auth: WD AGO Washington, D. C., Letter File AG 322 (24 Oct 45) OB-I-AFCOR-M dated 25 Oct 1945, Subject: Inactivation of the 818th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron and the 209th Medical Dispensary, Aviation as amended by WD AGO Washington, D. C., Restricted Letter File AG 322 (6 Nov 45) OB-I-AFCOR-M dated 7 Nov 1045, Subject, same as above.

  BY COMMAND OF BRIGADIER GENERAL REIMARTZ:

                            CHARLES E. KANTER

                            Capt. MAC

                            Adjutant

OFFICIAL

  CHARLES E. KANTER

  Capt, MAC

  Adjutant

The following is an historical summary of the advent of aeromedical evacuation up to the Korean War, taken from a lecture by Col. Falkenheimer (http://wwwsam.brooks.af.mil/web/ram/airevac/aerevac.htm)

The Advent of Aeromedical Evacuation

Pre-war ~ A DH-4 was converted into hospital plane and redesignated DH-4 Amb-2 Special plane. A Curtiss Eagle ambulance plane was built to carry four litters or six ambulatory patients. The plane crashed on May 28, 1921, greatly hampering further development of ambulance planes.

A Fokker F-IV was converted to 2-litter ambulance. In 1928, U.S. Marines were evacuated from isolated posts in Nicaragua to general hospitals. This was the beginning of 'back-haul' or 'retro-grade flow' air evacuation concept where supplies are flown in and patients are flown out. A Ford Tri-motor was outfitted for six litters, two pilots, a flight surgeon, and a medic. In 1929, the First International Congress on Aeromedical Evacuation (le Congres International de l’Aviation Sanitaire) was held. Lauretta M. Schimmoler foresaw a need for aeromedical evacuation nurses and established the Aerial Nurse Corps of America in 1936. Miss Inez Keller was named the "first flying nurse". In 1935, Lt.C. C.L. Beaven of the US Army Medical Corps stated "the Army should adapt a small airplane and a large transport aircraft as rescue ambulances for both wartime and peacetime," becoming the kernel idea for strategic and tactical aeromedical evacuation. In 1936, an autogyro aircraft was field tested as a potential medical evacuation vehicle.

World War II ~ The USAAF Medical Air Ambulance Squadron was authorized in 1941 with Dr. Richard Meiling as the first Air Evacuation Officer in Office of the Air Surgeon. In Dec 1941, B.G. David Grant, the first Air Surgeon of Army Air Forces, proposed an air evacuation system to USAAF commander Gen. Hap Arnold, commander. In Jan 1942, the first mass movement of US patients occurred in the Alcan Highway Project. Apr 1942, the second mass aeromedical evacuation of US personnel occurred from Burma to India. In May 1942, the first US Medical Air Ambulance Squadron was activated. In Jun 1942, due to the increasing casualties of American troops involved in the war, the USAAF Air Evacuation Service was established as the first organized US military patient aeromedical evacuation system and employed the retrograde flow method. Also in 1942, Sikorsky tested the VS-300 helicopter for potential aeromedical evacuation use.

In Nov 1942, the US War Department directed training of flight surgeons, flight nurses, and enlisted technicians for AE duty. The first Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron (unit number unknown) was established and composed entirely of medical personnel commanded by a flight surgeon, six flight nurses, and six flight medics.

In Jan 1943, aeromedical evacuation didactic courses began and the first flight nurses graduated in Feb. In Jun 1943, the USAAF School of Air Evacuation established.

In Jan 1943, the first 'strategic' US air evacuation occurred when a commercial DC-3 airlifted flight nurse 2Lt. Elsie S. Ott and patients from Pakistan to Washington, D.C. over the course of six days. The flight was poorly planned and coordinated and Lt. Ott had to use her own money to buy food for patients, who were transported on cots in the aisles of the plane. Nonetheless, the flight arrived safely with all patients well.

In Mar 1943, US air evacuation expanded in the European theater and also began in the Pacific theater.

In Apr 1944, the first military helicopter evacuation occurred when Lt. Carter Harmon rescued four Allied soldiers from behind enemy lines in Burma.

In Dec 1944, the US Navy School of Air Evacuation was established.

In Mar 1945, patients were evacuated by glider snatch from Remagen, Germany.

Numbers of patients evacuated to the United States by the USAAF Air Evacuation Service: 1943 ~ 173,500; 1944 ~ 545,000; 1945 ~ 454,000.

Death rates of patients per 100,000 transported by USAAF Air Evacuation Service: 1943 ~ 6; 1944 ~ 5; 1945 ~ 1.5.

Death rates of US soldiers surviving until being seen by a physician: WWI ~ 8.5%; WWII ~ 4.5%

M.G. David N.W. Grant, MD, stated "Air evacuation . . . [along with sulfonamides and blood transfusions] is one of the three greatest life-saving measures of modern military medicine."

 

 

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Veteran Members

00-chappie&brinson

(Left) Evelyn 'Chappie' Kowalchuk, dancing with Gen. Bill Brinson, USAF, Ret., at the 2000 reunion.  Gen. Brinson was former commander of the 315th TCG and passed away in 2001.

 

 

(Right) ‘Chappie' Kowalchuk dancing with Miles ‘Chip’ Hamby, son of 315th veteran member. Chappie was commander of the nurses of the 818th MAETS assigned to Spanhoe, England. She is currently (2002) on the association Board of Directors.

00-chappie&chip