• The official USAF linages do not reflect the dropping of the "Air Corps" from Ferry Squadron designations in the spring of 1943. Contemporary records also indicate that at this time the "Ferry" was changed to "Ferrying." All of this may have been done retroactively.)

• Ferry/Ferrying and Transport Groups/Squadrons were disbanded c. 1 Dec 1943 and replaced with India-China Wing, ATC (ICWATC) Stations.

• ICWATC Stations were replaced by AAFBU designations c. 1 Aug 1944.

Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force

Operation Orders on first C-46 flight to India from 22 Aug 44 Historical Report, 2nd Ferrying Gp.

Operation Orders on first C-54 flight to India from 22 Aug 44 Historical Report, 2nd Ferrying Gp.

NATS

MATS

MATS

The 1st Ferrying Group Operations building is located in the center of a
tea plantation at Chabua, Assam, India. The thatched room serves
two purposes - it keeps the interior cool and also serves as camouflage.
-- National Archives Photo, July 1943.

3d Ferrying Squadron Chabua, Assam, India, c. 1944. If you look closely, you will see a C-46 on the runway. The white line in the distance is the Brahmaputra River. (Courtesy of Mr. Mike Bernardis) Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (3d Airlift Squadron) Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  Constituted as 3 Air Corps Ferrying Squadron on 18 Feb 1942. Activated on 7 Mar 1942. Redesignated as 3 Transport Squadron on 24 Mar 1943. Disbanded on 1 Dec 1943. Reconstituted, and redesignated as 3 Air Transport Squadron, Heavy, on 20 Jun 1952. Activated on 20 Jul 1952. Redesignated as: 3 Military Airlift Squadron on 8 Jan 1966; 3 Airlift Squadron on 1 Dec 1991. Assignments:  1 Ferrying (later, 1 Transport) Group, 7 Mar 1942-1 Dec 1943. 1703 Air Transport Group, 20 Jul 1952; 1700 Air Transport Group, 18 Jun 1957; 1608 Air Transport Wing, 24 Nov 1957; 1608 Air Transport Group, 18 Jun 1958; 1608 Air Transport Wing, 18 Jan 1963; 437 Military Airlift Wing, 8 Jan 1966; 436 Military Airlift Wing, 1 Aug 1973; 436 Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991-. Stations:  Pope Field, NC, 7 Mar 1942; Charleston, SC, 17-19 Mar 1942; Karachi, India, 15 May 1942; New Malir Cantonment, India, 17 May 1942; Chabua, India, 1 Aug 1942-1 Dec 1943. Brookley AFB, AL, 20 Jul 1952; Charleston AFB, SC, 18 Jun 1958; Dover AFB, DE, 1 Aug 1973-. Commanders: Unkn, 7 Mar 1942; Maj Roy O. Ralston, Jan 1943; Maj Hiram Griffin, 20 Jul 1952; Lt Col Eugene P. Pitts Jr., 1 Oct 1953; Lt Col Charles W. Kelso, Jun 1955; Maj Claude W. Allen, 1 Jul 1956; Maj Everett W. Langworthy, 1 Jan 1957; Lt Col Earle W. Kelly, 19 Jun 1957; Lt Col Donald E. Matthews, Jun 1958; Lt Col Earle R. Kingsley, 16 Apr 1960; Col William M. McKinzie, 1 Aug 1961; Lt Col William L. Smith, 3 Jun 1965; Lt Col Leonard F. Burke, 1 Aug 1965; Col Glen R. Hempleman, Dec 1966; Lt Col William H. McVey, Dec 1967; Col A. F. Dunlay, 5 Aug 1968; Lt Col Rudy Krueger, Sep 1969; Lt Col Joseph E. Nutt, Dec 1969; Lt Col Lawrence F. Uebel, Mar 1970; Col Robert H. Potts, 1 Apr 1971; Col Ray D. Shelton, 30 Nov 1972; Col Myron D. Harnly, 19 Aug 1974; Lt Col James B. O'Conner, 28 Feb 1975; Col Roy B. Dille Jr., 3 Sep 1976; Lt Col Delwin K. Bopp, 25 Jul 1978; Lt Col Anthony F. DiFerdinando, 16 Jul 1979; Lt Col Charles J. Dumas, 15 Jun 1981; Lt Col Douglas M. Senter, 3 May 1982; Lt Col William J. Begert, 17 Jan 1983; Lt Col Joseph F. Mathis, 18 Jun 1984; Lt Col Charles J. Jernigan, 24 Jun 1985; Lt Col John L. Sole, 3 Mar 1987; Lt Col Garold L. Garber, 7 Dec 1988; Lt Col Bradley S. Baker, 4 Jan 1991; Lt Col Daniel Schellinger, Sep 1992; Lt Col Stephen P. Nelson, 1 Aug 1993; Lt Col Ronald E. Richburg, 12 Feb 1996; Lt Col Francis W. Sick Jr., 13 Jun 1997; Lt Col John E. Ball, Jul 1998; Lt Col John R. Smith, 7 Jul 1999; Lt Col Christopher E. Coley, Feb 2000; Lt Col Andrew Redmond, 6 Apr 2001; Lt Col Gordon S. Campbell, 28 Jun 2003; Lt Col Michael K. Webb, Jun 2005; Lt Col Keith Thibodeaux, 1 May 2007; Lt Col Kevin J. Gordon, 27 Feb 2009; Lt Col Charles M. Velino, 3 Nov 2010-. Aircraft:  C-46, 1942-1943. C-124, 1952-1965; C-74, 1955; C-141, 1965-1970; C-5, 1970-2007; C-17, 2007-. Operations:  Air transport in China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater, 17 May 1942-1 Dec 1943. Began worldwide airlift in 1952. Flew missions to Southeast Asia, 1965-1973. Flew airlift missions in support of Operation Nickel Grass to Israel, 13 Oct-14 Nov 1973. Supported operations in Grenada, 24 Oct-18 Dec 1983; Panama, 19 Dec 1989-14 Jan 1990; Southwest Asia, Aug 1990-Jul 1991; Somalia ( Operation Restore Hope, 1992-1993); Rwanda ( Operation Support Hope, 1994). After 11 Sep 2001 terrorist attack on the US, was first C-5 unit to deploy to Iraq in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle; fielded C-5 Night Vision Goggles to fly blacked-out into combat zone. In 2005, supported relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, LA. Flew final C-5 mission on 11 Mar 2007; received first C-17 aircraft, "Spirit of the Constitution," on 4 Jun 2007; flew first C-17 combat mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Service Streamers:  None. Campaign Streamers:   World War II: India-Burma; China Defensive. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  None. Decorations:  Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1963-1 Feb 1964; 11 Jul 1966-10 Jul 1967; 11 Jul 1967-10 Jul 1968; 11 Jul 1968-12 Jun 1969; 13 Jun 1969-12 Jun 1970; 1 Jul 1972-30 Jun 1973; 13 Oct-14 Nov 1973; 1 Jan 1974-30 Apr 1975; 1 May 1975-31 May 1976; 1 Jun 1976-31 May 1978; 1 Jun 1978-31 May 1979; 1 Jun 1981-31 May 1982; 1 Jun 1982-31 May 1984; 1 Aug 1992-31 Jul 1994; 1 Jul 1997-30 Jun 1999; 1 Jul 2000-30 Jun 2001; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2002; 1 Jul 2002-30 Jun 2003; 1 Jul 2003-30 Jun 2004; 1 Jul 2004-30 Jun 2005; 1 Sep 2007-31 Aug 2009; 1 Jan-31 Dec 2010. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Apr 1966-28 Jan 1970. Emblem:  On a Blue disc bordered Blue, a Golden Yellow sun issuing from dexter (right), radials Blue, the perimeter surmounted by a White lighting flash arched; in chief three small White stars forming "Orion's Belt"; in sinister (left) one (1) large White star "Sirius"; over all a Golden crown trimmed Red, lined Blue with highlights White, outlines and details Blue. MOTTO: SAFE, SWIFT, SURE. Approved on 31 Jul 1959 (K 11378); newest rendition approved on 25 May 2007. Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 24 July 2012. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through May 2012. Source:  3d Airlift Squadron Alumni Association History of the 3d Airlift Squadron, 1942-1973 The 3d Squadron was first constituted as the 3d Air Corps Ferrying Squadron on 18 February 1942, and was activated on 7 March 1942. The squadron was assigned to Pope Field, NC and then moved to Charleston AAF, SC 17-19 March 1942 where it was redesignated as the 3d Transport Squadron on 24 March 1942. In May the squadron moved to Karachi, India and two days later (17 May 1942) to New Malit Cantonment, India. Two months later the squadron was shipped to Chabau, India. During the months in India (to 1 December 1943) the squadron was part of the 1st Ferrying (later 1st Transport) Group, Tenth Air Force, and later the India-China Wing, Air Transport Command. The 3d flew C-46 air transport missions over the "Hump" into China in support of the 14th Air Force. Extensive losses of aircraft and personnel were suffered supporting ground forces, including the air supply operations for General Stilwell's beleaguered forces in northern Burma in 1942. The 3d Transport Squadron was disbanded on 1 December 1943 in India. Personnel were reassigned to other flying units. When the United States became involved in the Korea Conflict, the 3d was reconstituted and was redesignated as the 3d Air Transport Squadron, Heavy on 20 June 1952. The squadron was assigned to Brookley AFB, AL on 20 July 1952 and the 3d was given the C-124. The Squadron was transferred to the 1608th Air Transport Wing, Charleston AFB, SC on 18 June 1958. During these years the squadron operated missions to Greenland, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and to North Africa. Notable operations in which the 3d took part included the United Nations Congo Airlift of the early 1960's, the Cuban Crisis, and the Electonic Counter Measure (ECM and ECCM) missions in the early and mid-60's, many humanitarian missions, and extensive exercises in the US and overseas. The squadron began flying missions to Southeast Asia in the mid-1960's in support of US operations in Vietnam. In 1966 the Military Air Transport Service was elevated to command status, and MATS became MAC. At the same time, the 1608 Air Transport Wing became the 437th Military Airlift Wing, and the 3d became the 3d Military Airlfit Squadron (MAS). The 3d continued to fly the C-124 until 14 August 1965 when it received the C-141 (40624 named the "City of Charleston"). Another first for the 3d occurred in June 1970 when it became the first operational squadron to receive the C-5. The C-5 Galaxy, the worlds largest airplane, completed it's inaugural operational mission when it touched down at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam on 9 July 1970 and unloaded 83,000 pounds of cargo. In 1973 the 3d entitled to two campaign streamers for action in India-Burma and the China Defensive, and to thirteen decorations. These include the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and eleven Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, some with Combat V devices. Other Sites of Interest: Story on 3d Ferrying Squadron Social Life 6th Ferrying Squadron  (See CBI Unit Histories) Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  6th Air Corps Ferry Squadron constituted c. 18 Feb 42, activated 7 Mar 42, redesignated 6th Transport Squadron 29 Mar 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted on or about 20 Jun 52 as 6th Air Transport Squadron, Heavy, activated 20 Jul 52, inactivated 1 Jul 55. Assignments:  1st Ferrying Group/Transport Group 1942-1943. 1703d Air Transport Group 1952-1955. Stations:  Pope Fld, NC 1942-17 Mar 42, Mohanbari Apt, Assam, India -unknown, Chabua Afld, Assam, India -1943. Brookley AFB, AL 1952-1955. 13th Ferrying Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  13th Air Corps Ferry Squadron constituted c. 18 Feb 42, activated 7 Mar 42, redesignated 13th Transport Squadron 24 Mar 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted on or about 20 Jun 52 as 13th Air Transport Squadron, activated 20 Jul 52, inactivated 1 Jul 57. Organized 15 Oct 69, inactivated 30 Sep 70. Assignments:  1st Ferrying Group/Transport Group 1942-1943. 1703d Air Transport Group 1952-18 Jun 57, Continental Divison, Military Air Transport Service -1 Jul 57. 2nd Aircraft Delivery Group 1969-1970. Stations:  Pope Fld, NC 1942-17 Mar 42, Charleston AAB, SC -1942, Karachi Apt, Sind, India (Pakistan) -unknown, Chabua Afld, Assam, India -unknown, Sookerating Apt, Assam, India -unknown, Chabua Afld, Assam, India -1943, Brookley AFB, AL 1952-1957, Dobbins AFB, GA 1969-1970. Source:  1337th Army Air Force Base Unit ...On December 1st (1942) the Headquarters Squadron, First Ferrying Group, was relieved from assignment to the Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces in India and China, Tenth U.S. Air Forces, Delhi, India and reassigned to the India-China Wing, Air Transport Command. In that manner Squadron 13 of the Air Transport Command was born. On August 9, 1943 the personnel of the 13th Ferrying Squadron were transferred to the 29th Transport Group, with Lt. Col. J.W. Gurr as the first commanding officer. Source: Brian's WWII Squadron Patch Gallery USAFPatches.com Forum The 13th FS / ATS was assigned to the 29th Transport Group and flew the India out of India over the Hump. This unit was last active as the 13th Aeromedical Transport Squadron flying the C-131's & C-118's. Designated as the 13th Ferrying Squadron and later the 13th Ferry Squardon, 13th Air Transport Squadron, and 13th Aeromedical Transport Squadron. The mission was to move supplies from the rear bases to the forward bases but these were not combat units. The combat airlift operations were flown by the troop carrier squadrons. Although the designation number (13) is the same the 13th Air Transport Squadron, and though the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron did many of the same types of missions, they are not the same units. The lineage for the Ferry Sq. lineage traces back to WWII's Air Transport Command (A Non Combat - Logistics unit tasked to move supplies and equipment from the States to the forward areas) while the Troop Carrier Sq. delivered men and equipment at the front lines and were combat units. Post war, both existed in the same manner, with ATS's working for MATS and the TCS's working for TAC and the forward Commands. In 1966, both types of units were renamed as Airlift Squadrons the ATS's becoming "Military Airlift Squadrons" and the TCS's becoming "Tactical Airlift Squadrons" with a theater role. In 1991, they were both renamed as "Airlift Squadrons" causing some units to be renumbered due to duplication. (See 29th Transport Group, below) Note:  The insignia shown on the above referenced web site and several others is incorrectly identified as the 13th Ferrying Sq. See below: 1504th AAFBU Source:  USAFPatches.com (posted 26 March 2005): "Tonight I received this information from Sam Parker, (Editor of "The Insignia Detective"): 13th Air Corps Ferrying Sq is misidentified and should be indentified as the 1504th Army Air Forces Base Unit (AAFBU). USAF (or US Army) Photo Neg K4797 C ca: 1952 for the 1504th AAFBU (from Lt Col Terry Carlson)" -- posted on USAFPatches.com by Mr. Terry L. Horstead

77th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  77th Air Corps Ferry Squadron constituted c. 30 Jan 43, activated 22 Feb 43, redesignated 77th Transport Squadron 1 Jul 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted 16 Sep 52 as 77th Air Transport Squadron, activated 24 Sep 52, inactivated 1 Jul 55. Consolidated 19 Sep 85 with 7th Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy as 7th Air Refueling Squadron. Assignments:  22nd Ferry Group/Transport Group 1942-1943. 1705th Air Transport Group 1952-20 Nov 53, 1501st Air Transport Group -1955. Stations:  Chabua Afld, Assam, India 1943-Apr 43, Jorhat, Assam, India -1943. McChord AFB, WA 1952-20 Nov 53, Travis AFB, CA -1955. 78th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  78th Air Corps Ferry Squadron constituted c. 30 Jan 43, activated 22 Feb 43 and assigned to the 22d Ferrying Gp. On 1 Jul 43, the Squadron and Group were redesignated 78th Transport Sq and 22d Transport Gp., disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted as 78th Air Transport Squadron, activated unknown, inactivated 1 Jul 55. Consolidated 19 Sep 85 with 24th Air Corps Ferry Squadron as 24th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. Assignments:  India-China Wg of Air Transport Cmd. On 1 Dec 43, Air Transport Command reorganized and the 78th was replaced by Station 6, India-China Wg, Air Transport Cmd, and on 1 Aug 44, that unit was replaced by the 1333d AAF Base Unit (Foreign Transport Station), which looked after local Air Transport Cmd operations at Chabua until Christmas 1945. Stations:Chabua Afld, Assam, India 1943-Apr 43, Jorhat, Assam, India -1943. Unknown -1955. Assigned to 22nd Ferry Group/Transport Group 1942-1943. Unknown -1955. (NOTE:  Unit stationed at Sookerating sometime 1943-1944 per several 78th TS veterans). 88th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  88th Air Corps Ferry Squadron constituted 1943, activated 10 May 43, redesignated 88th Transport Squadron 1 Jul 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Assignments:  22nd Ferry Group/Transport Group 1943-Sep 43, India Sector -1943. Stations:  Ondal Apt, Bihar, India 1943-Jun 43, Karachi Apt, Sind, India (Pakistan) -1943.

96th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  96th Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 21 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Assignments:  28th Transport Group. Stations:  Tezpur, Assam, India. 97th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  97th Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 22 Jun 43; Squadron remained inactive until 4 Aug 43; disbanded 1 Dec 43. Assignments:  28th Transport Group. Stations:  Tezpur, Assam, India. Source:  Mr. Frank Jasek C-47 Serial # 41-38597, MACR # 704, September 15, 1943        Pilot:  Thomas Caldwell        Co-pilot:  Robert Samuel        Navigator:  Tipton Tate        Radio:  James Vaffis Went down from what I gather from weather conditions reported by pilots the same day and over the same route (MACR # 00702-00704). Severe down drafts and heavy icing encountered while flying course 285.

James Vaffis

98th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  98th Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 22 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Assignments:  28th Transport Group. Stations:  Tezpur, Assam, India.

• 10 Dec 1943:  29th Transport Group redesignated as ICWATC Station No. 7

• 4 Aug 1944:  Station No. 7 redesignated as 1337th AAFBU

13th Ferry Squadron / Air Transport Squadron  (See above) 99th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  99th Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 21 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted on or about 20 Jun 52 as 99th Air Transport Squadron, activated 20 Jul 52, inactivated 25 Jul 55. Consolidated 19 Sep 85 with 10th Aeromedical Evacuation Transport Squadron (later 10th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron) as 10th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron. Assignments:  29th Transport Group 1943. 1611th Air Transport Group 1952-1955. Stations:  Sookerating Apt, Assam, India 1943. McGuire AFB, NJ 1952-1955. 100th Transport Squadron Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (300th Airlift Squadron) Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  Constituted as 100 Transport Squadron on 4 Jun 1943. Activated on 21 Jun 1943. Disbanded on 1 Dec 1943. Reconstituted, and redesignated 100 Air Transport Squadron, Medium, on 20 Jun 1952. Activated on 20 Jul 1952. Inactivated on 25 Oct 1955. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 300 Military Airlift Squadron (Associate), which was constituted on 31 Jul 1969. Activated in the Reserve on 25 Sep 1969. Redesignated: 300 Airlift Squadron (Associate) on 1 Feb 1992; 300 Airlift Squadron on 1 Oct 1994. Assignments:  29 Transport Group, 21 Jun-1 Dec 1943. 1503 Air Transport Wing, 20 Jul 1952; 1611 Air Transport Group, 9-25 Oct 1955. 943 Military Airlift Group (Associate), 25 Sep 1969; 315 Military Airlift (later, 315 Airlift) Wing, 1 Jul 1973; 315 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-. Stations:  Sookerating, India, 21 Jun-1 Dec 1943. Haneda AB (later, Tokyo International Aprt), Japan, 20 Jul 1952-8 Oct 1955; McGuire AFB, NJ, 9-25 Oct 1955. Charleston AFB, SC, 25 Sep 1969-. Commanders:  Unkn, Jun-Dec 1943. Maj John K. Thompson, 21 Jun 1952; Lt Col Gordon L. Kelley, by Jun 1953; Maj William H. Munn, 8 Apr 1954; Lt Col Gordon L. Kelly, 15 Sep 1954-Oct 1955. Lt Col Knox R. Hardy, 25 Sep 1969; Maj Donald C. Hart, 29 Mar 1972; Maj Ronald W. Hull, by Dec 1972; Maj Earl E. Fairchild Jr., by Sep 1973; Maj Malvin D. Sinclair, by Aug 1974; Maj Earl E. Fairchild Jr., Jul 1975; Lt Col Jerome Yarchever, 1 Nov 1975; Lt Col Benjamin H. Tollison, 6 Nov 1979; Lt Col Charles F. Gosser, by Jun 1981; Lt Col Malvin D. Sinclair, by Jun 1983; Lt Col Raymond L. Bell Jr., 30 Jun 1986; Lt Col William Dubis, 2 Sep 1987; Lt Col Steven R. Donovan, 1 Jul 1991; Lt Col Sidney W. Stuart, 20 Jun 1993; Lt Col Donny E. Griffin, 19 Jun 1994; Lt Col Michael C. Stampley, 18 Jun 1995; Lt Col John G. Mentavlos, 3 May 1998; Lt Col Jeffrey R. Morrow, 8 Aug 1999; Lt Col John P. Hall Jr., 9 Sep 2000-. Aircraft:  C-47, 1943; C-46, 1943. C-54, 1952-1955. C-141, 1969-1997; C-17, 1997-. Operations:  Airlifted military supplies from India to Allied forces in Burma and China in 1943. Between 1952 and 1955, flew airlift missions within Japan and to Southeast and southern Asia and in 1953, airlifted ill and US ex-prisoners of war wounded in Korea from Japan to the United States. In 1954, transported French troops wounded in Indo-china from Japan to France and Algeria. Augmented active duty crews flying airlift missions worldwide, 1969-. Aircrews deployed to Vietnam for duty in the war there until 1973. Later in 1973, carried war supplies to Israel during a conflict in that region. In 1983, supported Operation URGENT FURY by airlifting US troops to Grenada and US students from Grenada to the United States. In 1989, flew missions in support of Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama. Flew humanitarian missions to Washington DC and New York City in aftermath of 11 Sep 2001 terrorist attack on the US. Service Streamers:  Korean Theater. Campaign Streamers:  World War II: India-Burma. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  Panama, 1989-1990. Decorations:  Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 13 Jun 1970-30 Jun 1972; 1 Jul 1972-30 Jun 1973; 1 Jan 1982-31 Dec 1983; 1 Jul 1988-30 Jun 1989; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990; 21 Sep-31 Oct 1989; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jul 1995-30 Jun 1997; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 2000; 1 Sep 1998-31 Aug 2000; 11 Sep 2001-10 Sep 2003; 1 Aug 2005-31 Jul 2007. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 25 Sep 1969-28 Jan 1973. Emblem:  Approved on 1 Aug 1978; modified on 25 Jun 1996; newest rendition approved on 13 Nov 2007. Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 22 May 2009. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 30 Sep 2001. 301st Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  301st Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 21 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted 19 Sep 85 and consolidated with 322nd Transport Squadron and 301st Air Refueling Squadron, Medium as 301st Air Refueling Squadron. Assignments:  29th Transport Group. Stations:  Sookerating Apt, Assam, India.

302nd Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  302nd Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 21 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted 19 Sep 85 and consolidated with 320th Troop Carrier Squadron and 302nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron as 302nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (see 320th Troop Carrier Sq in 20th AF Units Section). Assignments:  30th Transport Group. Stations:  Mohanbari Apt, Assam, India. 303d Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  303d Transport Squadron Constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 21 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted 19 Sep 85 and consolidated with 483d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) and 303d Air Refueling Squadron, Medium as 303d Air Refueling Squadron (see 483d Bombardment Sq in 20th AF Units Section). Assignments:  30th Transport Group. Stations:  Mohanbari Apt, Assam, India. 304th Transport Squadron Source:  Mr. Bernie Shearon Lineage:  304th Transport Squadron constituted c. 4 Jun 43, activated 21 Jun 43, disbanded 1 Dec 43. Reconstituted 19 Sep 85 and consolidated with 4th Strategic Support Squadron as 304th Special Operations Squadron. Assignments:  30th Transport Group. Stations:  Mohanbari Apt, Assam, India.

Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force

4th Troop Carrier Squadron (62nd Troop Carrier Group) Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (4th Airlift Squadron) Lineage:  Constituted 4 Provisional Transport Squadron on 1 Mar 1935. Redesignated 4 Transport Squadron on 25 Jun 1935. Activated on 8 Jul 1935. Redesignated 4 Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 13 Dec 1945. Activated on 7 Sep 1946. Redesignated: 4 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 23 Jun 1948; 4 Troop Carrier Squadron, Heavy, on 12 Oct 1949; 4 Air Transport Squadron, Heavy, on 8 Jul 1962; 4 Military Airlift Squadron on 8 Jan 1966; 4 Airlift Squadron on 1 Dec 1991. Assignments:  Rockwell Air Depot, 8 Jul 1935; 10 Transport Group, 20 May 1937; 62 Transport (later, 62 Troop Carrier) Group, 10 May 1941-14 Nov 1945 (attached to 64 Troop Carrier Group, 3 Apr-19 Jun 1944); unkn, 14 Nov-13 Dec 1945. 62 Troop Carrier Group, 7 Sep 1946 (attached to 374 Troop Carrier Wing, 1-24 Dec 1950; 6122 Air Base Group, 25 Dec 1950-25 Jan 1951; 315 Air Division, 25 Jan 1951-1 Oct 1951; Far East Air Forces, 1 Oct-7 Nov 1951); 62 Troop Carrier (later, 62 Air Transport; 62 Military Airlift) Wing, 15 Jan 1960; 62 Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991-. Stations:  Rockwell Field, CA, 8 Jul 1935; Sacramento, CA, 1 Dec 1938; Kellogg Field, MI, 29 May 1942; Florence, SC, 1 Jul-14 Aug 1942; Keevil, England, 25 Sep 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 15 Nov 1942; Casablanca, French Morocco, 16 Dec 1942; Nouvion, Algeria, 29 Mar 1943; Matemore, Algeria, 18 May 1943; Goubrine, Tunisia, 25 Jun 1943; Gela, Sicily, 7 Sep 1943; Catania, Sicily, 18 Oct 1943; Ponte Olivo, Sicily, 27 Feb 1944 (operated from bases in India, 12 Apr-11 Jun 1944); Gaudo Airfield, Italy, 8 May 1944; Galera Airfield, Italy, 29 Jun 1944; Malignano Airfield, Italy, 3 Oct 1944; Tarquinia, Italy, 9 Jan 1945; Rosignano Airfield, Italy, 26 May 1945; Marcianise, Italy, 28 Sep 1945; Naples, Italy, c. Oct-13 Dec 1945. Bergstrom Field, TX, 7 Sep 1946; McChord Field (later AFB), WA, 20 Jul 1947-28 Nov 1950; Ashiya AB, Japan, 1 Dec 1950; Tachikawa AB, Japan, 25 Jul 1951-16 Nov 1951; McChord AFB, WA, 16 Nov 1951; Larson AFB, WA, 11 May 1952; McChord AFB, WA, 13 Jun 1960-. Commanders:  Unkn, 8 Jul 1935-Jan 1942; Maj Aubrey J. Hurron, by Jan 1942; Maj Alphonse L. Coenan, 27 Mar 1943; Maj William J. Burke, 11 Jul 1944; Maj Oliver K. Halderson, 14 Aug 1944; Maj Lester A. Brinkerhoff, 19 Nov 1944; Maj Oliver K. Halderson, by 8 Mar 1945; Maj Thomas E. Hallifax, 4 Jun 1945-c. 15 Dec 1945. Col Paul W. Stephens, c. 7 Sep 1946; Lt Col Richard Jones, by Mar 1949; Lt Col Richard W. Etter, 16 Nov 1951; Lt Col Jerome M. Triolo, Dec 1952; Maj Milton W. Byrn, by 30 Jun 1954; Lt Col Harry M. Odren, by 31 Dec 1955; Maj Jack W. Weaver, by 30 Jun 1956; Lt Col Burgess Gradwell, by 30 Jun 1957; Maj Thomas J. Upton, by 30 Jun 1960; Lt Col Clarence I. Shuman, 20 Jan 1961; Lt Col Maurice A. Erickson Jr., by 30 Jun 1962; Lt Col George B. Demmon, by Dec 1965; Lt Col Donald W. Feuerstein, by Dec 1966; Lt Col James H. Newton, 14 Aug 1967; Lt Col Dale E. Borgen, 15 Jul 1968; Lt Col Clifford J. Horkans, 1 May 1970; Lt Col Robert B. Downs, 6 May 1971; Lt Col Forrest G. Johnson, 8 Jun 1972; Lt Col John H. Billings, 26 Aug 1974; Lt Col Robert E. Baltzell, 9 Sep 1974; Lt Col David R. Vance, 17 Apr 1978; Lt Col Charles Z. Ridgway Jr., 29 Mar 1979; Lt Col John S. Baughman, 16 Jan 1981; Lt Col John S. Rogers, 7 Jun 1982; Lt Col Thomas A. Mikolajcik, 17 Aug 1983; Lt Col Joseph L. Castonguay, 8 Oct 1985; Lt Col Peter J. Bein, 21 Nov 1986; Lt Col Charles A. Royce, 23 Jun 1988; Lt Col Thomas F. Watson, 11 Jun 1990; Lt Col John L. Strube, 1 May 1992; Lt Col Jeff Cain, 20 May 1993; Lt Col Brian L. Sutter, 17 Apr 1995; Lt Col Henry W. Mauer, 7 May 1996; Lt Col James L. Schneller, 1 Aug 1997; Lt Col William J. Bender, 8 Sep 1998; Lt Col Balan Ayyar, 10 Jul 2001; Lt Col David D. Blomberg, 1 Jul 2002; Lt Col Mark Camerer, 15 Sep 2003; Lt Col James Regenor, 15 Jun 2004-. Aircraft:  C-27, 1935-1937; C-33, 1936-1941; C-39, 1938-1942; C-47, 1942-1945. C-46, 1946-1947; C-82, 1947-1949; C-54, 1949-1951; C-124, 1951-1969; C-141, 1966-2000. C-17, 2000-. Operations:  World War II: Included airborne assaults on Sicily, on Myitkyina, Burma, and on Southern France; support of partisans in Northern Italy and the Balkans; aerial transportation in Mediterranean Theater of Operations and, briefly, in China-Burma-India Theater. Korea: Aerial transportation from US to Japan, and subsequently between Japan and Korea in the period 1 Dec 1950-16 Nov 1951. Airdrop of heavy equipment and personnel during the invasion of Panama on 20 Dec 1989. Assisted in the evacuation of US personnel from Philippine Islands following the Jun 1991 eruption of Mt Pinatubo. Conducted aerial delivery of rations to Afghani towns and villages during Global War on Terrorism operations in 2001. Service Streamers:  None. Campaign Streamers:  World War II: Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley; Air Combat, EAME Theater; India-Burma with Arrowhead. Korea: Chinese Communist Forces Intervention; First UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  Panama, 1989-1990. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citation: China-Burma-India Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun 1944. Meritorious Unit Award: 11 Sep 2001-10 Sep 2003. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 19 Apr-5 May 1954; 1 Jan 1961-1 Nov 1962; 1 Jul 1965-15 Jul 1966; 1 Jul 1969-30 Jun 1970; 1 Jul 1973-30 Jun 1974; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jul 1983-30 Jun 1985; 14 Jun-3 Jul 1991; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1996; 1 Jul 1996-30 Jun 1997; 1 Jul 1997-30 Jun 1999; 1 Jul 2000-30 Jun 2001; 11 Sep 2005-10 Sep 2006. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 1 Jul 1951-[15 Nov 1951]. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Apr 1966-28 Jan 1973. Emblem:  Upon a Light Blue disc edged in Black and issuant from White clouds detailed blue in base a Brown winged Army mule with provoked expression carrying a Green box strapped on its back. Approved on 17 Sep 1942 (K 2903). Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 12 Apr 2007. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Dec 2005. 16th Troop Carrier Squadron  (See CBI Unit Histories) Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (16th Airlift Squadron) Lineage:  Constituted as 16 Transport Squadron on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 11 Dec 1940. Redesignated as 16 Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1945. Activated on 19 May 1947. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948. Redesignated as 16 Troop Carrier Squadron, Assault, Light on 19 Sep 1950. Activated on 5 Oct 1950. Redesignated as 16 Troop Carrier Squadron, Assault, Fixed Wing on 8 Nov 1954. Inactivated on 8 Jul 1955. Redesignated as 16 Tactical Airlift Training Squadron on 14 Aug 1969. Activated on 15 Oct 1969. Redesignated as 16 Airlift Squadron on 1 Dec 1991. Inactivated on 29 Sep 2000. Activated on 1 Jul 2002. Assignments:  64 Transport (later, 64 Troop Carrier) Group, 11 Dec 1940-31 Jul 1945. 64 Troop Carrier Group, 19 May 1947-¬10 Sep 1948. 316 Troop Carrier Group, 5 Oct 1950; Eighteenth Air Force (attached to 463 Troop Carrier Wing), 14 Nov 1954-8 Jul 1955. 4442 Combat Crew Training Wing, 15 Oct 1969; 314 Tactical Airlift Wing, 1 Aug 1971; 34 Tactical Airlift Training Group, 1 Nov 1978; 314 Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991; 437 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1993-29 Sep 2000. 437 Operations Group, 1 Jul 2002-. Stations:  McClellan Field, CA, 11 Dec 1940; Portland, OR, 9 Jul 1941; Westover Field, MA, 12 Jun-31 Jul 1942; Ramsbury, England, 18 Aug-Nov 1942 (operated from Maison Blanche, Algeria, 11 Nov-Dec 1942); Blida, Algeria, c. 12 Dec 1942; Kairouan, Tunisia, 28 Jun 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, 26 Jul 1943; Comiso, Sicily, 4 Sep 1943 (operated from bases in India, 7 Apr-Jun 1944); Ciampino, Italy, 10 Jul 1944 (operated from Istres, France, 7 Sep-11 Oct 1944); Rosignano Airfield, Italy, 10 Jan-23 May 1945 (operated from Brindisi, Italy, 29 Mar-13 May 1945) ; Waller Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun¬-31 Jul 1945. Langley Field, VA, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Sewart AFB, TN, 5 Oct 1950; Ardmore AFB, OK, 14 Nov 1954-8 Jul 1955. Sewart AFB, TN, 15 Oct 1969; Little Rock AFB, AR, c. 15 Mar 1970; Charleston AFB, SC, 1 Oct 1993-29 Sep 2000. Charleston AFB, SC, 1 Jul 2002-. Commanders:  Capt Ralph J. Moore, 11 Dec 1940; 1 Lt John Cerny, 1 May 1941; Capt Lloyd A. Hardesty, 25 Apr 1942; Maj John Cerny, 16 Jun 1942; Lt Col John H. Champion, 18 May 1943; Capt Long, 4 Sep 1944; Capt Jack F. Linn, 29 Sep 1944-31 Jul 1945. None (not manned), 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Unkn, 5 Oct 1950-Apr 1951; Lt Col Earl A. Butts, c. May 1951; Major James S. Hamer, c. Mar 1952; Maj Louis P. Lindsay, by Mar 1953; Capt Elden C. Funk, c. 30 Jun 1953; Maj Louis P. Lindsay, c. Dec 1953-8 Jul 1955. Lt Col George A. Ashbridge, 15 Oct 1969; Lt Col John D. Hedges, 1 Mar 1970; Lt Col Ralph A. Yates, 1 Aug 1971; Lt Col Walter J. Ford, 20 Nov 1972; Lt Col Delbert A. Emerson Jr., 1 Aug 1973; Lt Col Jerry D. Livingston, 3 May 1976; Lt Col James L. Biggs, 10 Mar 1977; Lt Col Richard W. Blatter, 9 Feb 1979; Lt Col Robert C. Peck, 14 Nov 1980; Lt Col Ronald L. Morey, 11 Aug 1982; Lt Col Robert E. Snyder, 9 Mar 1984; Lt Col Charles H. Wittrock, 21 Mar 1986; Lt Col Robert W. Topel, 10 Feb 1988; Lt Col John L. Martinson, 28 Jul 1989; Lt Col Paul M. Rouse, 26 Jun 1990; Lt Col Carl W. Gustke, 25 Jun 1992; Lt Col Keith A. Feigh, 22 Jun 1993; Lt Col Charles P. Brooks Jr., 1 Oct 1993; Lt Col Kip L. Self, 18 Apr 1994; Lt Col Michael C. Jackson, 1 Mar 1996; Lt Col Richard J. Richardson, 16 Oct 1997; Lt Col James J. Wendling, 1 Dec 1998-29 Sep 2000. None (not manned), 1-25 Jul 2002; Lt Col Gary P. Goldstone, 26 Jul 2002; Lt Col Blain D. Holt, 8 Jun 2004; Lt Col Paul B. Eberhart, 16 Jun 2006; Lt Col Christopher R. Mann, 22 May 2008; Lt Col Todd A. Hohn, 25 Jun 2010-. Aircraft:  C-47, 1941-1945. C-119, 1950-1951; YC-122, 1951-1955; H-19, 1952; H-5, 1952. C-130, 1969-1993; C-141, 1993-2000. C-17, 2002-. Operations:  During World War II, conducted airborne assaults on Sicily and Southern France; supported partisans in Northern Italy, Jan-May 1945; aerial transportation in Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO), and briefly in China-Burma-India (CBI) theater. Airlifted Army assault troops in training exercises, 1951-1954. Conducted aircrew training, 1969-1993; flew humanitarian and resupply missions worldwide, including to Bosnia and Southwest Asia, 1993-2000. Provided combat ready C-17 aircraft and aircrews for worldwide airlift missions; included emergency nuclear airlift missions, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief missions, 2002-. Service Streamers:  World War II American Theater. Campaign Streamers:   World War II: Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley; India-Burma; Air Combat, EAME Theater. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  None. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citation: CBI Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: 11 Sep 2001-30 Jun 2003. Meritorious Unit Award: 1 Jul 2009-30 Jun 2010. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 30 Sep 1975-30 Jun 1976; 1 Jun 1985-31 May 1986; 1 Jul 1991-30 Jun 1993; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jul 1995-30 Jun 1997; 1 Jul 1997-30 Jun 1998; 1 Jul 1998-29 Sep 2000; 1 Jul 2005-30 Jun 2007; 1 Jul 2007-30 Jun 2008. Emblem:  On a Yellow disc edged with a narrow Blue border; a Red lion rampant with Red tongue, White wings, grasping in its dexter paw a White short sword with blade up and in its sinister paw a White rolled scroll, all details Black. Approved on 17 Dec 1980 (KE 72060); replaced emblem approved on 25 Jun 1951 (K 6239). Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 29 Aug 2012. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 29 Aug 2012. Other Sites of Interest: 16th Airlift Squadron (Charleston AFB website) 17th Troop Carrier Squadron Squadron patch of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron in North Africa during World War II. (Photograph of this actual original patch courtesy of Forrest W. Gregg, Electrician, 17th TCS, WW II.) Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (517th Airlift Squadron) Lineage:  Constituted 17 Transport Squadron on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 11 Dec 1940. Redesignated 17 Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1945. Activated on 19 May 1947. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948. Redesignated 17 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 3 Jul 1952. Activated on 14 Jul 1952. Inactivated on 21 Jul 1954. Activated on 24 Oct 1960. Organized on 8 Feb 1961. Redesignated: 17 Troop Carrier Squadron on 8 Dec 1965; 17 Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Sep 1967; 517 Airlift Squadron on 1 Apr 1992. Assignments:  64 Transport (later, 64 Troop Carrier) Group, 11 Dec 1940-31 Jul 1945. 64 Troop Carrier Group, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. 64 Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954. Tactical Air Command, 24 Oct 1960; 64 Troop Carrier Wing, 8 Feb 1961; 516 Troop Carrier Wing, 1 Jan 1963; 5040 Air Base Wing, 15 Jun 1964; 21 Composite Wing, 8 Jul 1966; Twenty-Second Air Force, 31 Mar 1975; 616 Military Airlift Group, 1 Nov 1975; 3 Operations Group, 1 Apr 1992-. Stations:  McClellan Field, CA, 11 Jul 1940; Hamilton Field, CA, 11 Jul 1941; Westover Field, MA, 13 Jun-31 Jul 1942; Ramsbury, England, 18 Aug 1942; Greenham Common Airdrome, England, 26 Sep 1942; Blida, Algeria, 27 Nov 1942 (air echelon operated from Nouvion, Algeria, 6-27 Jun 1943 and Kairouan, Tunisia, 27 Jun-26 Jul 1943); Kairouan, Tunisia, 29 Jun 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, 26 Jul 1943; Milo/Trapani Airdrome, Sicily, 1 Sep 1943; Comiso, Sicily, 4 Sep 1943 (air echelon operated from Lalmia, India, 7 Apr-9 Jun 1944); Ciampino, Italy, 8 Jul 1944 (operated from Istres, France, 8 Sep-11 Nov 1944); Rosignano Airfield, Italy, 10 Jan-23 May 1945; Waller Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun-31 Jul 1945. Langley Field, VA, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Donaldson AFB, SC, 14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954. Dyess AFB, TX, 8 Feb 1961; Elmendorf AFB, AK, 15 Jun 1964-. Commanders:  Capt Aaron H. Hoffeditz, 11 Dec 1940; Capt Albert B. Willett, 10 May1941; Maj William S. Pocock, 15 Dec 1941; Maj Earl B. Cook, 16 Mar 1942; Maj John T. Thompson, 13 Oct 1942; Maj LaVerne L. Cheney, 17 May 1943; Maj Leo J. Hagerty, 7 Nov 1944-unkn; Capt William B. Parker, unkn-4 Mar 1945; Maj Leo J. Hagerty, 4 Mar 1945; Capt William B. Parker, 21 Mar 1945-unkn. None (not manned), 19 Sep 1947-10 Sep 1948. Maj Wesly C. Brashear, by Sep 1952; Capt Robert E. Lee, by Oct 1952; Lt Col G. B. Gray, by Dec 1952-unkn. Capt Charles D. Adams, 8 Feb 1961; Maj Guy E. Ridgeway Jr., 1 Apr 1961; Lt Col Joseph J. Kesler, Oct 1961; Lt Col Guy E. Ridgeway Jr., 25 Apr 1962; Col John H. Statts, 12 Mar 1963; Lt Col Kenneth E. Bethe, 1 Jul 1966-unkn; Lt Col R. T. Tinney, by 1 Sep 1969; Lt Col John C. Parker, 22 Sep 1969; Lt Col Ora J. Baird Jr., by Mar 1971; Lt Col Charles F. Renner, by May 1971; Lt Col Ora J. Baird Jr., by Jun 1971; Lt Col Charles F. Renner, 4 Jun 1971; Lt Col Ora J. Baird Jr., 3 Sep 1971; Lt Col John D. Hedges, 26 Jun 1972; Lt Col Donald R. Gould, 11 Dec 1972; Lt Col John D. Hedges, by Apr 1973; Lt Col Donald R. Gould, 10 Apr 1973; Lt Col James H. Waldman, 1 Apr 1974; Lt Col William J. Gibbons, 22 Jun 1976; Lt Col Robert T. Shellenberger Jr., 22 Jul 1976; Lt Col David M. Calder, 26 Aug 1978; Lt Col William P. Martin Jr., by 30 Sep 1978; Lt Col Donald L. Smith, 1 Jul 1979; Lt Col Ronald B. Dorcy, 2 Jun 1981; Lt Col James W. Prouty, 4 Jan 1984; Lt Col George N. Williams, 14 Nov 1985; Lt Col Ralph G. Bent II, by Jan 1988; Lt Col Andrew M. Gessner, 6 Jul 1989; Lt Col Richard J. Casey, 29 Jun 1991; Lt Col Douglas L. Miller, 28 Jun 1993; Lt Col William M. Hudson, 20 Jun 1994; Lt Col Walter J. Tomczak, 12 Jul 1996; Lt Col Paul A. Curlett, 2 Jul 1998; Lt Col Neil B. Friedli, 17 Mar 2000; Lt Col Paul Stephenson, 23 Mar 2001; Lt Col Patrick Hollrah, 13 Mar 2003; Lt Col Paul E. Feather, 24 Aug 2004; Lt Col Gary J. Gottschall, 27 Jan 2006-. Aircraft:  C-47, 1941-1945. None, 1947-1948. C-82, 1952-1953; C-119, 1953-1954. C-130, 1961-; C-124, 1970-1971; C-12, 1992-; C-17, 2007-. Operations:  World War II: Included airborne assaults on Sicily and Southern France; support for partisans in Northern Italy, Jan-May 1945; aerial transportation in MTO, and briefly in CBI. Unmanned, 1947-1948. Resupplied Distant Early Warning (DEW) line sites in Northern Canada and radar sites in Greenland, 1964-1975. Parts of the squadron deployed to South Vietnam, 1967-1968 to provide tactical airlift. Provided intratheater airlift within Alaska including support to forward operating bases; airland/airdrop of troops, equipment and supplies; search and rescue as required. Provided C-130 aircraft and crews for Pacific airlift to Southwest Asia, Aug-Nov 1990. Since 1992, provided worldwide combat airdrop, tactical air/land, operational support airlift, airlift for theater deployed forces and resupply of remote Alaskan long-range radar sites in support of PACAF. Provided continuous rotational airlift and airdrop support for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, 2004-. Among first responders to Asian tsunami that occurred on 26 Dec 2004. Service Streamers:  World War II American Theater. Campaign Streamers:  World War II: Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley, India-Burma. Vietnam: Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  None. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citation: CBI Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: 2 May 1967-1 Jan 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1962-15 Jun 1964; 16 Jun 1964-31 May 1966; 8 Jul 1966-1 May 1967; 2 Jan-31 Dec 1968; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1969; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1970; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1971; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1972; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1974; 1 Jan-30 Mar 1975; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1979; 1 Jun 1986-31 May 1987; 1 Jun 1987-31 May 1989; 1 Jan 1994-31 Dec 1995; 1 Jan 1996-30 Sep 1998; 1 Jan 2000-31 Dec 2001; 1 Jan 2002-30 Sep 2003; 1 Oct 2003-30 Sep 2005. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Sep 1966-1 Jan 1968. Emblem:  On a disc Argent, a stylized eagle (firebird) volant traversed wings to chief Gules, all within a diminished border of the second. Attached above the disc, a White scroll edged with a narrow Red border and inscribed "517TH AIRLIFT SQ" in Red letters. Attached below the disc, a White scroll edged with a narrow Red border and inscribed "FIREBIRDS" in Red letters. MOTTO: VERSATILE, CAPABLE. Approved on 29 Mar 1962 (K 13056); modified on 16 Feb 1999. Symbolism:  The eagle in flight symbolizes the mythical firebird renowned for its strength and reflects the strength, speed and tenacity with which the unit performs its mission. The Squadron's versatility with equipment and flexibility in operation are also suggested by the powerful bird. Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 29 Sep 2006. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 29 Sep 2006. Source:  Firebird Association Gary G. Lattin, an aircraft commander in the squadron, designed the Firebird emblem of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron. In the early 1960s, the 64th Troop Carrier Wing selected Gary's work of art as being the best entered in a contest to select an appropriate emblem for the newly reactivated 17th TCS. Wearing the Firebird Patch - (from Mr. Jim Waldman) The Firebird patch as designed by Gary Lattin and worn by 17th TCS/TAS members always faced to heraldic right. However, when the 17th was transferred from AAC to MAC, the gaining command required all assigned members to wear the MAJCOM patch on the chest and the squadron patch on the right shoulder. Since this would have had the bird flying towards the wearer's rear (flying backwards), the 17th requested that the USAF heraldry board permit the insignia to be redesigned with the bird facing to the left for those occasions when display would have the bird flying backwards. The heraldry board concurred. The bird continued to be displayed in the more familiar manner, with the bird facing to heraldic right except when worn on the right shoulder. In summary, THE BIRD FACES OR FLYS RIGHT UNLESS THIS MAKES IT FLY BACKWARDS. (Note: Jim Waldman is a former commander of the 17th TAS. And, as such, he is the person responsible for having had the patch approved by the USAF Heraldry Board to face either direction.) Other Sites of Interest: Firebird Association 517th Airlift Squadron (Elmendorf AFB website) 18th Troop Carrier Squadron Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (18th Air Refueling Squadron) Lineage:  Constituted as 18 Transport Squadron on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 11 Dec 1940. Redesignated as 18 Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1945. Redesignated as 18 Troop Carrier Squadron, Heavy on 24 Jul 1948. Activated on 1 Aug 1948. Inactivated on 1 Mar 1949. Redesignated as 18 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 3 Jul 1952. Activated on 14 Jul 1952. Inactivated on 21 Jul 1954. Activated on 3 Aug 1961. Organized on 8 Jan 1962. Redesignated as 18 Troop Carrier Squadron on 1 Mar 1966. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 Jun 1967. Redesignated as 18 Tactical Airlift Training Squadron on 14 Aug 1969. Activated on 15 Oct 1969. Inactivated on 31 Aug 1972. Redesignated as 18 Air Refueling Squadron on 9 Sep 1994. Activated in the Reserve on 1 Oct 1995. Assignments:  64 Transport (later, 64 Troop Carrier) Group, 11 Dec 1940-31 Jul 1945. 5700 Composite Wing, 1 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1949. 64 Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954. Tactical Air Command, 3 Aug 1961; 64 Troop Carrier Wing, 8 Jan 1962; 516 Troop Carrier Wing, 1 Jan 1963; 314 Troop Carrier Wing, 1 Jul 1963; 317 Troop Carrier (later, 317 Tactical Airlift) Wing, 1 Apr 1965-25 Jun 1967. 516 Tactical Airlift Wing, 15 Oct 1969; 463 Tactical Airlift Wing, 1 Jun-31 Aug 1972. 931 Air Refueling Group, 1 Oct 1995-. Stations:  McClellan Field, CA, 11 Dec 1940; March Field, CA, 11 Jul 1941; Westover Field, MA, 9 Jun-31 Jul 1942; Ramsbury, England, 18 Aug-c. Nov 1942 (operated from Maison Blanche, Algeria, 11 Nov-Dec 1942); Bilda, Algeria, 16 Dec 1942; Kairouan, Tunisia, 1 Jul 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, 26 Jul 1943; Comiso, Sicily, 8 Sep 1943 (operated from bases in India, Apr-Jun 1944); Ciampino, Italy, 10 Jul 1944 (operated from Istres, France, 7 Sep-11 Nov 1944); Rosignano Airfield, Italy, 9 Jan-23 May 1945; Waller Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun-31 Jul 1945. Albrook AFB, Canal Zone, 1 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1949. Donaldson AFB, SC, 14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954. Dyess AFB, TX, 8 Jan 1962; Sewart AFB, TN, 1 Jul 1963; Lockbourne AFB, OH, 1 Apr 1965-25 Jun 1967. Dyess AFB, TX 15 Oct 1969-31 Aug 1972. McConnell AFB, KS, 1 Oct 1995-. Commanders: 1 Lt Fred D. Stevers, 11 Dec 1940; 1 Lt William J. Kennedy, 2 Jan 1941; 1 Lt Donald J. French, 25 Apr 1941; 1 Lt Thomas M. Pitts, 25 May 1941; Capt Richard T. Black, 8 Jul 1941; 1 Lt Homer C. Burns, 25 Sep 1941; 1 Lt William A. Tesch, 19 Dec 1941; Capt William G. Harley, 1942; Maj Ralph L. Zimmerman, by Oct 1942; Lt Col William A. Tesch, 13 Feb 1943; Maj Robert S. Walker Jr., 14 Oct 1944; Capt Francis E. Balshaw, 23 Jan 1945; Maj Robert S. Walker Jr., 20 Mar 1945; unkn, Jun-31 Jul 1945. Maj Marion R. McCrackin, 1 Aug 1948-unkn. Capt William P. DeWitt, by Sep 1952; Maj Charles R. Vickrey, by Oct 1952-unkn. Lt Col Robert A. Fowler, 8 Jan 1962; Lt Col Thomas O. Morison, 1 Jul 1963; Lt Col Kenneth E. Bethe, 1 Dec 1965; Lt Col George J. Liotis, 24 Jan 1966-25 Jun 1967. Lt Col Fred W. Schaumburg Jr., 15 Oct 1969; Lt Col James L. Montgomery, 15 Sep 1970; Lt Col Andrew M. Schultz, by May-31 Aug 1972. Lt Col Mario Goico, 1 Oct 1995; Lt Col Ellis E. Yoder, 1 Jun 1998; Lt Col Robert Johnson, 6 Nov 1999; Col Thomas R. Foster, 12 Jun 2004; Lt Col Barry K. Jones, 25 May 2008; Lt Col Anthony P. Brusca, 1 Jun 2009-. Aircraft:  C-47, 1941-1945. C-54, 1948-1949. C-82, 1951-1953; C-119, 1953-1954. C-130, 1962-1967. C-7, 1969-1972. KC-135, 1995-. Operations:  During World War II flew airborne assaults on Sicily, Myitkyina, Burma, and Southern France; supported partisans in Northern Italy, Jan-May 1945; aerial transportation in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and briefly in the China-Burma-India Theater. Strategic and tactical airlift missions, 1948-1954 and 1962-1967. Tactical airlift training for US and later, South Vietnamese pilots and crews, 1969-1972. Worldwide air refueling, 1995-. Supported Operations Joint Forge, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, and Desert Fox in the 1990s, and Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle after 2001. Service Streamers:  World War II American Theater. Campaign Streamers:  World War II: Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley; India-Burma with Arrowhead. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  None. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citation: CBI Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Apr-30 Jun 1965; 1 Nov 1995-31 Oct 1997; 1 Nov 1997-31 Oct 1999; 1 Sep 2002-30 Sep 2003; 1 Oct 2007-30 Sep 2009. Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 20 Sep 2013. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Dec 2011. Emblem:  Approved on 20 May 1964; newest rendition approved on 27 Apr 2004. 35th Troop Carrier Squadron Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (35th Flying Training Squadron) Lineage:  Constituted 35th Transport Squadron on 2 Feb 1942. Activated on 14 Feb 1942. Redesignated 35th Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1945. Redesignated 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 3 Jul 1952. Activated on 14 Jul 1952. Inactivated on 21 Jul 1954. Activated on 20 Dec 1962. Organized on 8 Jan 1963. Redesignated: 35th Troop Carrier Squadron on 8 Dec 1965; 35th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Aug 1967. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1971. Redesignated 35th Flying Training Squadron on 14 Apr 1972. Activated on 1 Oct 1972. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1996. Assignments:  315th Transport Group, 14 Feb 1942; 64th Transport (later, 64th Troop Carrier) Group, 9 Jun 1942-31 Jul 1945. 64th Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954. Pacific Air Forces, 20 Dec 1962; 315th Air Division, 8 Jan 1963; 374th Troop Carrier (later, 374th Tactical Airlift) Wing, 8 Aug 1966-31 Mar 1971. 64th Flying Training Wing, 1 Oct 1972; 64th Operations Group, 15 Dec 1991-1 Jul 1996. Stations:  Olmsted Field, PA, 14 Feb 1942; Westover Field, MA, 8 Jun-31 Jul 1942; Ramsbury, England, 18 Aug-Nov 1942 (operated from Casablanca, French Morocco, 14 Nov-Dec 1942); Blida, Algeria, c. 12 Dec 1942 (operated from Telergma, Algeria, 4 Jan-21 Mar 1943); Kairouan, Tunisia, 28 Jun 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, 26 Jul 1943; Comiso, Sicily, 7 Sep 1943 (operated from bases in India, Apr-Jun 1944); Ciampino, Italy, 8 Jul 1944 (operated from Istres, France, 6 Sep-11 Oct 1944); Rosignano Airfield, Italy, 9 Jan-23 May 1945; Waller Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun-31 Jul 1945. Donaldson AFB, SC, 14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954. Naha AB, Okinawa, 8 Jan 1963-31 Mar 1971. Reese AFB, TX, 1 Oct 1972-1 Jul 1996. Aircraft:  C-47, 1942-1945. C-82, 1952-1953; C-119, 1953-1954. C-130, 1963-1971. T-37, 1972-1996. Operations:  During World War II, included airborne assaults on Sicily and Southern France; support for partisans in northern Italy, Jan-May 1945; aerial transportation in MTO, and briefly in CBI. Transported cargo and personnel in the Far East and Southeast Asia, 1963-1971. Undergraduate pilot training, 1972-1996. Honors Service Streamers:  World War II American Theater. Campaign Streamers:  World War II: Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley; India-Burma. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  None. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citation: CBI Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun 1944. Presidential Unit Citation: Southeast Asia, 8 Aug 1967-7 Aug 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1964-30 Apr 1966; 8 Aug 1966-7 Aug 1967; 1 Jan 1974-31 Dec 1975; 30 Apr 1981-29 Apr 1983; 30 Apr 1983-31 Dec 1984; 1 Jan 1985-31 Mar 1986; 1 Apr 1987-31 Mar 1989; 1 Apr 1988-31 Mar 1990. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 8 Aug 1966-31 Mar 1971. Emblem (WWII):  On a disc light sky blue, border green, over the disc a lightning bolt red, point downward between two stylized clouds white in base; the bolt surmounted by a caricatured US mule, dark gray, riding a paradrop platform and pulling forward a drag chute, shades of white; the mule, platform, and drag chute outlined dark gray. (Approved 15 Jul 1954.) Emblem (Current):  Azure, two ribbons barbed, each arcing from base doubled in chief braced and arcing back to base Or, between five mullets one, two, Or, and two Argent. Approved on 20 Feb 1973 (KE 48987); replaced emblem approved on 15 Jul 1954 (150593 A.C.).

1st Troop Carrier Squadron Patch handmade for Lt. Hannah and McDonald. Lettering means "Sad Sams - U Call, We Haul Staple And Fancy Foods". Named for 1st TCS commander, Lauren Cornell, aka "Sad Sam". Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Lineage:  Constituted 1st Provisional Transport Squadron on 1 Mar 1935. Redesignated 1st Transport Squadron on 25 Jun 1935. Activated on 15 Jul 1935. Redesignated 1st Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 18 Dec 1945. Assignments:  Fairfield Air Depot, 15 Jul 1935; 10th Transport (later Troop Carrier) Group, 20 May 1937; Tenth Air Force, c. 2 Feb 1943 (attached to India-China Wing, Air Transport Command, 2 Feb-7 Mar 1943, and to Troop Carrier Command, Eastern Air Command, 20 Dec 1943-6 Mar 1944); 443d Troop Carrier Group, 6 Mar 1944-18 Dec 1945. Stations:  Patterson Field, Ohio, 15 Jul 1935 (a flight operated from Wright Field, Ohio, 15 Jul 1935-9 Feb 1937); General Billy Mitchell Field, Wis, 26 May 1942; Pope Field, NC, 4 Oct 1942-9 Jan 1943; Chabua, India, 2 Feb 1943; New Delhi, India, 7 Mar 1943 (detachments operated from various bases in India and China); Sookerating, India, 19 Oct 1943; Warazup, Burma, 20 Apr 1945; Dinjan, India, 1 Jun 1945; Chihkiang, China, 28 Aug 1945; Hankow, China, 25 Sep 1945; Shanghai, China, 21-30 Nov 1945; Ft. Lawton, Wash, 16-18 Dec 1945. Aircraft:  C-27, 1935-1937; C-33, 1936-1939; included C-39 and various civilian and military modifications of DC-3s during period 1939-1941; C-47, 1942-1945; C-46, 1945. Operations:  Airborne assault on Myitkyina, Burma, 17 May 1944; aerial transportation in CBI, c. Feb 1943-27 Aug 1945; airlift of Chinese troops to eastern China for disarmament operations, Sep-Nov 1945. Service Streamers:  American Theater. Campaigns:  India-Burma with Arrowhead; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citations:  Myitkyina, Burma, 17 May-16 Jun 1944 (WD GO 26-45); China, 5-30 Sep 1945. Emblem:  None. 2nd Troop Carrier Squadron NOT A WAREHOUSE, but Headquarters building of the 2nd Troop Carrier Squadron at Shingbwiyang. Idol in the foreground was "borrowed" from a nearby Burmese pagoda. Photo by Earl J. Harris. (Ex-CBI Roundup, May 1953 issue) Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Imphal, The Hump and Beyond - U.S.A.A.F. Combat Cargo Groups of the Second World War Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (2nd Airlift Squadron) Lineage:  Constituted 2 Provisional Transport Squadron on 1 Mar 1935. Redesignated 2 Transport Squadron, and activated, on 28 Jun 1935. Redesignated 2 Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 24 Dec 1945. Redesignated 2 Airlift Squadron, and activated, on 1 Jun 1992. Assignments:  Middletown Air Depot, PA, 28 Jun 1935; 10 Transport (later, 10 Troop Carrier) Group, 20 May 1937; Tenth Air Force, c. 17 Feb 1943 (attached to India-China Wing, Air Transport Command, 9 Mar-1 Jul 1943); Assam Air Base Command, c. 1 Jul 1943 (attached to Troop Carrier Command, Eastern Air Command, 20 Dec 1943-6 Mar 1944); 443 Troop Carrier Group, 6 Mar 1944-24 Dec 1945. 23 Operations Group, 1 Jun 1992; 43 Operations Group, 1 Apr 1997-. Stations:  Olmsted Field, PA, 28 Jun 1935; Stout Field, IN, 21 May 1942; Kellogg Field, MI, 1 Jul 1942; Bowman Field, KY, 4 Aug 1942; Pope Field, NC, 1 Oct 1942-23 Jan 1943; Yangkai, China, 17 Feb 1943; Dinjan, India, 1 Jul 1943; Shingbwiyang, Burma, 14 Aug 1944; Dinjan, India, 1 Jun 1945; Chihkiang, China, 24 Aug 1945; Hankow, China, 25 Sep-21 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, 23-24 Dec 1945. Pope AFB, NC, 1 Jun 1992-. Commanders: Unkn, 28 Jun 1935-20 May 1942; Capt Sterling G. Harvey, c. 21 May 1942; Capt Robert O. Butler Jr., c. 1 Oct 1942; Maj Ralph A. Hering, 16 Oct 1942; Capt Albert E. Bivings, 19 Jan 1943; Maj Frank E. Sears Jr., 17 Feb 1943; Capt Warren D. Rose, 31 Jan 1944 (acting); Capt Eugene J. Comontofsky, 26 Feb 1944; Maj Allan L. Dickey, 1 May 1944; Maj Benjamin F. Beauman, 7 Dec 1944; Capt Ralph B. Voorhis, Apr 1945; Maj Edgar R. Owen, May-c. Nov 1945. Lt Col Randy Honnet, 1 Jun 1992; Lt Col Jerome Macken, 23 Oct 1992; Lt Col Kent Kysar, 26 Aug 1994; Lt Col Mark W. Gibson, 24 May 1996; Lt Col Robert L. English, 6 Jun 1998; Lt Col Paul J. Montgomery, 6 Jul 1999; Lt Col Scott K. Cummings, 30 May 2001; Lt Col John R. Romero, Jun 2003; Lt Col Jeffrey G. Brown, Mar 2005; Lt Col Walter H. Ward, 15 Sep 2006-. Aircraft:  C-27, 1935-1937; C-33, 1936-1939; including C-39 and various civilian and military modifications of DC-3 during period 1939-1941; C-47, 1942-1945; C-46, 1945. C-130, 1992-. Operations:  Trained transport pilots, 21 May-1 Oct 1942; airborne assault on Myitkyina, Burma, 17 May 1944; aerial transportation in China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater, 25 Feb 1943-c. Aug 1945; airlift of Chinese troops to eastern China for disarmament operations, Sep-Nov 1945. Airlift for airborne troops, 1 Jun 1992-30 Mar 1997. Primary focus was rapid global mobility and partnership with US Army 82 Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC; also provided support for the White House, US embassies in Central and South America and humanitarian relief, Apr 1997-. Service Streamers. World War II American Theater. Service Streamers:  World War II American Theater. Campaign Streamers:  World War II: India-Burma with Arrowhead; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers:  None. Decorations:  DDistinguished Unit Citations: China, Burma, and India, [25 Feb]-31 Dec 1943; Burma, 1-29 Feb 1944; China, 5-30 Sep 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 6 Jul 1992-5 Jul 1994; 31 May 1995-31 Mar 1997; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 2000; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2002; 1 Jul 2002-31 May 2004; 1 Jun 2004-31 May 2006; 1 Jun 2006-31 May 2007. Emblem:  Upon a disc per bend indented Or and Azure, a Brown spear in fesse, headed Gold, winged Gules. Approved on 5 May 1942 (K 2903). Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 4 Jun 2008. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 30 May 2008. 27th Troop Carrier Squadron  (See CBI Unit Histories) C-47A from the 27th in 1944 supporting Wingate's Chindit operations. "A" = squadron designator, "B" = aircraft letter. -- Courtesy of Mr. Nick King Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Imphal, The Hump and Beyond - U.S.A.A.F. Combat Cargo Groups of the Second World War Lineage:  Constituted 27th Transport Squadron on 19 Jan 1942 per AG 320.2 (12 Jan 42). Activated on 1 Feb 1942. Redesignated 27th Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942 per AG 320.2 (3 Jul 42). Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Assignments:   89th Transport Group, 1 Feb 1942; 10th Transport (later Troop Carrier) Group, 15 Jun 1942 (attached to 62nd Transport [later Troop Carrier] Group, 21 Jun - 5 Aug 1942); Tenth Air Force (attached to Troop Carrier Command, Eastern Air Command), 12 Jan 1944; 443d Troop Carrier Group, 6 Mar 1944 - 27 Dec 1945 (attached to 69th Composite Wing, 21 May 1944 - c. Jul 1945). Stations:  Daniel Field, Ga, 1 Feb 1942; Harding Field, La, 10 Mar 1942; Kellogg Field, Mich, 21 Jun 1942 (attached to 62nd Transport Group); Bowman Field, Ky, 5 Aug 1942; Pope Field, NC, 4 Oct 1942; Lawson Field, Ga, 2 Dec 1942; Dunnellon AAFld, Fla, 14 Feb - 13 Dec 1943; Sylhet, India, 12 Jan 1944; Yunnani, China, 21 May 1944 (detachments operated from Chanyi, Chengtu, and Kunming at various times); Chengkung, China, 15 Feb 1945; Liangshan, China, 13 Aug - 27 Dec 1945. Aircraft:  C-48, 1942; C-49, 1942; C-53, 1942-1943; C-47, 1942-1945. Operations:  Training of transport pilots and glider pilots, and later replacement crews, 21 Jun 1942 - 30 Nov 1943; aerial transportation in CBI, 13 Jan 1944 - c. 13 Aug 1945. Service Streamers:  American Theater. Campaigns:  India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive. Decorations:  None. Emblem:  Over and through a light blue disc, border red, piped white, a black and white checkered taxicab, winged gold, resting on a white cloud formation in base. (Approved 25 Feb 1943.) Photo courtesy of Mr. Paul Shindelar Source:  27th Troop Carrier Squadron "Flying Taxi": The Special Service Division, U.S. Army Air Forces, gave official approval of the "Flying Taxi" for marking of the aircraft of the Twenty Seventh Troop Carrier Squadron on 25th February 1943, per authority contained in AG letter 400. 161 OB-S-A 7 December 1942 subject "Army Air Forces Organizational Designs. Over and through a light blue disc, border red, piped white, a black and white checkered taxicab, winged gold, resting on a white cloud, formation in base, as per record drawing 28655 A.C. "Hump T Dump": On a argent and blue disc bordered red, argent and blue, a cartoon character depicting "HUMPTY DUMPTY" argent, riding a parachute with mountain tops in the background. The parachute is red, blue add argent, repeated blue and red. The lower portion of the parachute is laced with Chinese, Burmese and Indian characters depicting the name of each country. The design contains the unit motto "HUMP T DUMPS", depicting flying over the "Hump" and "Dumping" their cargo. The "Flying Taxi" insignia was used by the squadron from its inception through its arrival overseas. Interviews with former troopers confirms that the design was drawn by a member of the squadron, a former employee of the Walt Disney organization, name unknown. The "Flying Taxi" was again placed into service with the assignment of Major James H.S. Rasmussen, as commander of the Twenty Seventh in its later days of the war in China. The "Hump T Dump" patch was designed by S/Sgt. Earl J. Hohlmayer, per the request of Major Lewis C. Burwell, Jr. commander of the unit at the time. It was his desire to have an insignia more closely related to the squadron's efforts in the China-Burma-India Theater. Sergeant Hohlmayer was serving in the Twenty Seventh as a parachute rigger. Although never submitted to the Special Service Division of the United States Army Air Forces for approval, it did receive the endorsement of the Tenth and Fourteenth Air Force high commands. The rocker at the bottom of the design, carrying the Twenty Seventh's name, was added in the post war years. The design in its entirety was adopted by former members of the squadron assembled, by unanimous vote, in the post war years.  27th TCS Insignia History (courtesy of Mr. Paul Shindelar) 315th Troop Carrier Squadron Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:  (Adobe Acrobat files) Air Force Historical Studies Office or Air Force Historical Research Agency      Part I      Part II Lineage:  Constituted 315th Troop Carrier Squadron on 8 Dec 1943. Activated on 1 Jan 1944. Inactivated on 28 Dec 1945. Activated in the reserve on 11 Jun 1948. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Assignments:  Tenth Air Force (attached to Troop Carrier Command, Easter Air Command), 1 Jan 1944; 443d Troop Carrier Group, 6 Mar 1944 - 26 Dec 1945. Second Air Force, 11 Jun 1948; Tenth Air Force, 1 Jul 1948. First Air Force, 15 Aug 1948; 443d Troop Carrier Group, 28 Oct 1948; Tenth Air Force, 28 Mar - 27 Jun 1949. Stations:  Dinjan, India, 1 Jan 1944; Sylhet, India, 10 Jan 1944; Sookerating, India, 10 Jun 1944; Moran, India, 20 Jun 1944; Sookerating, India, 14 Jul 1944 (detachments operated from Shingbwiyang, Burma, 13 Jul - 8 Aug 1944, and Ledo, India, 14 Jul - 2 Aug 1944); Ledo, India, 2 Aug 1944; Dinjan, India, 10 May 1945; Chihkiang, China, 2 Sep 1945; Hankow, China, 25 Sep 1945; Shanghai, China, c. Oct - 5 Dec 1945; Ft. Lawton, Wash, 27-28 Dec 1945; Kent County Aprt, Mich, 11 Jun 1948 - 27 Jun 1949. Aircraft:  C-47, 1944-1945; C-46, 1945. Operations:  Airborne assault on Myitkyina, Burma, 17 May 1944; aerial transportation in CBI, 9 Jan 1944 - 25 Aug 1945; airlift of Chinese troops to bases in eastern China for disarmament operations, 2 Sep - 24 Oct 1945. Service Streamers:  None. Campaigns:  India-Burma with Arrowhead; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive. Decorations:  Distinguished Unit Citations: Burma, 5 Mar - 1 Oct 1944; China, 5-30 Sep 1945. Emblem:  None.

Exterior view of the building that housed the headquarters of the
Eastern Sector of the India-China Wing of Air Transport Command at
Chabua, India. Formerly the building was used to dry tea leaves.
National Archives, 1943.

Organization	Unit Designation	Location	Year(s)
1300th AAFBU	Hq, India-China Div, ATC	Calcutta	1 Aug 44-15 Feb 46
1301st AAFBU	India-China Div Reserve	Calcutta	1 Aug 44-3 Jan 46
1302nd AAFBU	Hq, India Wing, ATC	Agra New Delhi	1 Aug 44-15 Nov 45
1303d AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Agra	1 Aug 44-20 Dec 45
1304th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station Hq, India Wing, ATC	Barrackpore	1 Aug 44-15 Nov 45 15 Nov 45-15 Jun 46
1305th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Dum Dum	1 Aug 44-14 Dec 45
1306th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Karachi	1 Aug 44-3 Jan 46
1307th AAFBU  (see photos, below)	Foreign Service Station	New Delhi	1 Aug 44-5 Dec 45
1308th AAFBU	(?)	Bombay	1 Aug 44-13 Nov 45
1309th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Bangalore	1 Aug 44-15 Oct 45
1310th AAFBU	(?)	Colombo, Ceylon	1 Aug 44-19 Oct 45
1311th AAFBU	(?) 8th Operational Training Unit	Gaya	1 Aug 44-4 Sep 45 4 Sep 45-5 Dec 45
1312th AAFBU	(?)	Ondal	1 Aug 44-7 Feb 45
1325th AAFBU	Hq, Assam Wing, ATC	Chabua	1 Aug 44-15 Oct 45
1326th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Lalmanir Hat	1 Aug 44-26 Oct 45
1327th AAFBU  (See CBI Unit Histories)	Foreign Service Station	Tezpur	1 Aug 44-26 Jun 45
1328th AAFBU "The Gas Haulers" Courtesy of Mr. James Liebgott (used with permission)	Foreign Service Station	Misamari	1 Aug 44-20 Oct 45
1329th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Dergaon	1 Aug 44-18 Jul 45
1330th AAFBU Replaced Station 21, India-China Wg, ATC 1 Aug 44 (which replaced the 22d Transport Gp 1 Dec 43) at Jorhat. Discontinued 11 Oct 45.	Foreign Service Station	Jorhat	1 Aug 44-11 Oct 45
1331st AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Moran	1 Aug 44-7 Mar 45
1332nd AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Mohanbari	1 Aug 44-5 Dec 45
1333d AAFBU  (see photos, below)	Foreign Service Station	Chabua	1 Aug 44-25 Dec 45
1334th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Golaghat	1 Aug 44-7 Mar 45
1335th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Nagpur	1 Aug 44-7 Feb 45
1336th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Tadepellegundum	1 Aug 44-7 Feb 45
1337th AAFBU  (Former 1st Ferrying Group) (See CBI Unit Histories) Other Site of Interest: 1337th Army Air Force Base Unit	Foreign Service Station	Sookerating	1 Aug 44-25 Nov 45
1338th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Yunnanyi	1 Aug 44-10 Oct 45
1339th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Chengkung	1 Aug 44-20 Oct 45
1340th AAFBU	4th Air Transport Sq, Mobile	Kunming	1 Aug 44-25 Nov 45
1341st AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Yangkai	1 Aug 44-10 Sep 45
1342nd AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Chanyi	1 Aug 44-12 Oct 45
1343d AAFBU	2nd Air Transport Sq, Mobile	Luliang	1 Aug 44-12 Oct 45
1344th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Chengtu Hsinching	1 Aug 44-? 44 ? 44-10 Sep 45
1345th AAFBU (1) (redesignated 1346th AAFBU - see below)	Foreign Service Station	Tezgaon	19 Feb 45-26 Mar 45
1345th AAFBU (2)	Foreign Service Station	Kurmitola	1 May 45-15 Dec 45
1346th AAFBU (see 1345th AAFBU (1), above)	Foreign Service Station	Tezgaon	26 Mar 45-15 Dec 45
1347th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Shamshernagar	1 Dec 44-20 Oct 45
1348th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Myitkyina (South Fld)	19 Apr 45-1 Nov 45
1349th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Jiwani	1 Aug 44-22 Sep 45
1350th AAFBU	Hq, China Wing, ATC	Kunming	1 Dec 44-26 Nov 45
1351st AAFBU	Hq, Bengal Wing, ATC	Chabua Mohanbari Kurmitola	20 Dec 44-1 Nov 45
1352nd AAFBU  (See CBI Unit Histories) The 1352d AAF Base Unit (Search & Rescue) was organized 1 Dec 44 at Tezgaon Airfield (Dacca, Bengal, India -- now Dakka, Bangladesh), under the India-China Division of Air Transport Command. Moved to Mohanbari Airfield (Guwhati, Assam, India) some time in 1945 and was discontinued on 22 Dec 45. (see photos, below)	Search & Rescue	Tezgaon Mohanbari	1 Dec 44-? 45 ? 45-22 Dec 45
1353d AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Chungking	1 Apr 45-15 Oct 45
1354th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Chengtu	1 Aug 44-23 Sep 45
1355th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Kalaikunda	14 Apr 45-23 Aug 45
1356th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Nampanmao	15 May 45-26 Jun 45
1357th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Myitkyina (North Fld)	15 May 45-26 Jun 45
1358th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Bhamo	15 May 45-15 Oct 45
1359th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Loping	17 May 45-5 Sep 45
1360th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Luhsien	17 May 45-15 Oct 45
1361st AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Rupsi	31 May 45-26 Jun 45
1362nd AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Dinjan	31 May 45-26 Jun 45
1363d AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Liuchow	15 Jul 45-28 Oct 45
1364th AAFBU (1)	Foreign Service Station	Nanning	16 Jul 45-29 Aug 45
1364th AAFBU (2)	Foreign Service Station	Canton	10 Sep 45-5 Oct 45
1365th AAFBU	Mobile	Kunming	16 Jul 45-25 Oct 45
1366th AAFBU	Maintenance Sq	Luliang	16 Jul 45-12 Oct 45
1367th AAFBU	Maintenance Sq	Chanyi	16 Jul 45-12 Oct 45
1368th AAFBU	Maintenance Sq	Chungking	16 Jul 45-20 Oct 45
1369th AAFBU (1)	Foreign Service Station	Kweilin	16 Jul 45-29 Aug 45
1369th AAFBU (2)	Foreign Service Station	Shanghai	10 Sep 45-? Nov 45
1370th AAFBU (1)	Foreign Service Station	Shwebo	16 Jul 45-23 Aug 45
1370th AAFBU (2)	Foreign Service Station	Shilong	10 Sep 45-10 Dec 45
1371st AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Piardoba	16 Jul 45-23 Aug 45
1373d AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Dudkhundi	16 Jul 45-23 Aug 45
1520th AAFBU	Hq, Central Pacific Wing, ATC	Hickam Guam	1 Aug 44-Jan 45 Jan 45-20 Dec 45
1537th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Harmon Field, Guam Harmon AFB, Guam	1 Aug 44 26 Sep 47-3 Jul 48
1538th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Guam Okinawa	1 Aug 44-? ?-29 Jan 46
1539th AAFBU	Foreign Service Station	Tinian	1 Aug 44-Sep 45 (?)

1307th AAFBU Photos

Photo courtesy of Theresa Biasi, daughter of Joseph A. Biasi (seated)

1333d AAFBU Photos

Dick Wilma's crew, 1333d AAFBU

1352nd AAFBU Photos

(Ex-CBI Roundup, November 1955 Issue)

C-47 of the 1352nd AAFBU

Photos taken at Shamshernagar, India

Can you imagine what one Japanese bomber could have done here?

I heard one of these explode upon take-off and one of the crew actually lived.
He spent a long time in Jorhat Hospital encased in plaster.

Ed Danielkiewicz was a member of the 777th EPD Co.

Source:

U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet
First Over the 'Hump:' The China National Aviation Corporation

In early 1940, lone DC-3 passenger aircraft of the China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) cautiously probed over and around the highest mountains in the world seeking air routes between China and India ... and to the outside world. CNAC's great success in finding these vital air routes led to the first regular flights over the Himalaya Mountains, known in history as the "Hump" and later becoming vital partners in the world's first strategic airlift.

CNAC was formed in 1929. By 1933, it had evolved into a partnership between the Government of China and Pan American World Airways from the United States. Following the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, CNAC became China's only direct means of communication with the outside world. Flight operations were a pilot's nightmare. The 500+ mile flights were extremely hazardous over the world's roughest terrain, in unpredictable weather conditions, and with poor navigation aids. Japanese fighter aircraft were also on the prowl.

The aircrews were typically made up of both American and Chinese pilots along with Chinese flight engineers and radio operators. In 1942 when the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) disbanded, 17 of the pilots chose to remain in China and fly for CNAC. Among notable CNAC passengers during the early war years were Lt. Col. James Doolittle and other Tokyo Raiders, who were being evacuated from China back to India after their raid on the Japanese mainland. The CNAC DC-3 on this flight was flown by Capt. Moon Chin, a Chinese-American pilot from Baltimore, Md.

After America's entry into the war, the U.S. 10th Air Force began flight operations over the Hump. As the airlift expanded operations, it came under the direct control of the Air Transport Command. CNAC flights were fully merged into the airlift along with military aircraft. CNAC was provided with C-46, C-47 and C-54 aircraft to expand their capabilities. In 1944 and 1945, CNAC also provided low-level tactical airlift support over enemy territory during the Burma campaign by dropping supplies to Chinese and American ground forces, evacuating beleaguered Chinese and British troops, and supplying the Ledo Road project with men and equipment.

Between April 1942 and August 1945, CNAC crews are reported to have flown over 38,000 missions transporting 114,500 tons of vital materials and personnel to Allied Forces in China, Burma and India. In recognition of CNAC contributions to the war effort and their successful incorporation into Air Transport Command operations, former American CNAC aircrew were granted veteran status in 1993 and awarded all due awards and decorations including the Victory Medal, Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

"Flying the 'Hump' was the foremost and by far the most dangerous, difficult and historic achievement of the entire war." -- Gen. Albert C. Wedemeyer, Commander, U.S. Forces - China

Other Sites of Interest:  CNAC Display at the National Museum of the US Air Force

CNAC C-47

CNAC C-46

CNAC Crew

CNAC display, National Museum of the United States Air Force