4th Combat Cargo Squadron - 1st Combat Cargo Group - April 1945

FOURTH COMBAT CARGO SQUADRON

SQUADRON HISTORY

APRIL

Operations continued satisfactorily for the third month at Dohazari, India. All though supplies destined for the Burma Valley, continued to flow unendingly through the Air Base; a few days operations were cut down because of wind, and rain storms. These rain storms were welcomed for they would help to lay the dust; the coming of these storms indicated the Monsoon Season was not too far in the distant.

Organizational strength at the start of the month, was one-hundred and six officers, and one-hundred and forty nine enlisted men. While on the 30th of the month, the unit strength was down to one-hundred and four officers, and one-hundred and forty-five enlisted men.

The runway at Dohazari, measured one-hundred and fifty feet, by five thousand five hundred feet, and was at the time of the group movement covered with a fine layer of sod. Because of the numerous sorties flown, the dry season, along with inadequate equipment to keep the strip watered; the runway became nearly un-serviceable. As the field was controlled by the British, their Corps of Engineers tried to correct this mal-function, with a “Bucket Brigade” of Indian laborers. Just as always, these primitive methods, were not at all adequate to cope with the situation.

The dust situation brought on many engine changes, which ordinarily were not needed in so few operating hours. Carburetors became clogged, fuel lines stopped up, in general maintenance was a great problem. In spite of the fore-mentioned difficulties the Fourth Squadron Engineers, aided by the 347th Engineering Department established another record. The planes flyable for the entire month was 94.5%, while on the 24th 100% were in the air. These unsung hers would be commended for their outstanding achievements.

Quarters for the officers and enlisted men alike were the usual, one room bamboo basha. Frequent storms took their toll of Bashas, with their quarters destroyed, no less than fifty officers and enlisted men were homeless and without clothing. All though the Squadron is comparatively safe from enemy bombers, but the elements seem bent on making living conditions unbearable.

Inspire of the many disheartening experiences, morale remained very high. The only means of relaxation were the movie, the library, and the club. Credit should be given the 347th mess personnel for our food situation was improving, and due to the untiring efforts of Capt. Griffith, and Lt. Patton, Group Special Services Officers, and the Squadron was given all Special Services equipment available.

The Planes of the Squadron continued to carry out some sixty sorties per day. Supplies were flown to the British forces in Burma, to aid in the drive on the great seaport, and Capitol of Burma, Rangoon. A byword was adopted to foster further interest in flying, this was, “Rangoon Before the Monsoon.” Group Headquarter initiated a contest between the 2nd and 4th C.C. Squadrons. The object of this contest was to increase the tonnage carried per day. Graphs were on display in The operations tent, and in the orderly room to keep the men posted as to the outcome of this contest. In April, as in March, the 4th Squadron easily held the lead.

Many embarrassing situations arose between the British personnel and the 4th C.C Squadron. Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers were constantly backing into the planes, while in the process of loading, or unloading. Different types of corrective measures were taken, such as chocks being placed under the rear wheels of the trucks, padding was even hung from the tail gates of the trucks. These precautions put down on accidents, but inspire of the measures taken planes were still damaged.

Plane loads were regulated by a policy at six thousand pounds, however, many times planes were greatly overloaded. The department heads realized the need of the material being sent into Burma, but with a plane overloaded, the planes, and crew members were constantly in danger of an accident. Many complaints were issued to the British authorities, however the Liaison between the two Allies was very poor, and it became very evident the Ground personnel do not understand the difficulties encountered in flying. Consequently at many times relations between the British, and the flying personnel of this Squadron were severely strained.

Shocking news arrived on the 10th of the month, concerning the fatal accident of one of our most popular pilots, 1st Lt. Toivo Juntilla. Lt. Juntilla was on temporary duty with the 305th Air Service Group, and lost his live while on a routine test flight in a B-24. The plane struck the ground one mile North-West of Ondal, India.

A policy had been set up by Group Headquarters to check out four combat crews in two weeks in the C-46 transport, cargo plane. These crews were sent to the 4th C.C. Group, where they took part in regular flights, and became proficient in the flying of this plane. Because of this policy, many believe the Squadron will soon receive C-46’s to replace our battle worn C-47’s.

Eight enlisted men, having fulfilled their required amount of flying time, have been assigned for reassignment to the U.S. Zone of the Interior. They are:

S/Sgt. Miller, John A.

S/Sgt. Gunn, Allen

S/Sgt. Pate, Claude H.

S/Sgt. Fedler, John J.

S/Sgt. Hartnet, Thomas J.

S/Sgt. Shastik, Alexander

Sgt. Jacobs, Leo, R.

P.F.C. Bass, Gilbert R.

Promotions for the month, as always, performs miracles in regards to officer’s, and enlisted men’s morale. The deserving Officers and enlisted men are:

2nd Lt. Bumpass, Brian R. to 1st Lt.

2nd Lt. Duggan, Richard W. to 1st Lt.

S/Sgt. Collins, Robert H. to grade of T/Sgt.

S/Sgt. Timpson, Albert B, to grade of T/Sgt.

Sgt. Joseph, James A. to grade of S/Sgt.

Sgt. Patton, Herbert D. to grade of S/Sgt.

Sgt. Pritchard, Billy K. to grade of S/Sgt.

Sgt. Liming, Walter S. Jr. to grade of S/Sgt.

Eleven officers, and ten enlisted men were went on temporary duty to the 2nd Air Commando Group, APO #493 for approximately fourteen days. Five planes were also detailed for the this mission, which later proved to be the Air Invasion of Rangoon. While on temporary duty, the crews underwent intensive training in preparation for the all important forth coming invasion. All though the entire Squadron did not participate in the operation, we are proud to have had a part in it.

The highlight in social events was on the 15th of April, when the entire group had a special anniversary party to commemorate the start of its second year as a unit. All men of the Group took part in the different sport events, General Evans, Commanding Officer of the Combat Cargo Task Force spoke to us. A box lunch was prepared, which included such scarce items as ice cream, potato salad, tuna fish salad etc. After dinner a special, home-talent show was given. It was prior to the start of the show when a brief, but impressive memorial service was held as a tribute to our late President, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

As a reward to the men for their untiring efforts, the Theatre Commander has just cause to give the following awards: thirty-six Air Medals, twenty-seven 1st Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal, Twenty-seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, sixty-two 2nd Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal, sixty-four 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, and two 2nd Oak Leaf Clusters to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

At the close of the month, the Japanese 15th Army in Burma had been decisively defeated. All though the Squadron did not do any actual fighting, it was through our supply hauling that we felt we had done our share.

4th Combat Cargo Squadron Unit History April 1945

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