Headquarters - 1st Combat Cargo Group - August 1945

S E C R E T

Auth: CO, 1st C C Gp

Date: 29 Sept. 1945

Initials:_____________

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

1st COMBAT CARGO GROUP

APO 284

HISTORY

AUGUST 1945

The complexion of everything pertaining to this organization, was decidedly changed during this period. First, the greatest moment in history came as the Japanese were smashed into unconditional surrender, thus terminating the most devastating and total war since the beginning of civilization.

For all those who had died, prayed, and sweated for victory, this was it, this was the crescendo, this was the end of the line, we had won, and now we hoped to get back home.

The bis question arising in the minds of everyone, was how long will it be before I get home, what will they do with us now, and many other speculations, of all sorts and proportions, that led to an oblivious scope of wonderment.

To add fuel to the fire of speculations that were circulating to all corners of the organization, we lost the 3rd and 4th Combat Cargo Squadrons, and the 346th and 347th Airdrome Squadrons to the 10th Air Force. The detachment of the 4th and 347th took pace on the 4th of the month, and that of the 3rd and 346th on the date of the 23rd. This left the 2nd Combat Cargo Squadron, and the 345th Airdrome Squadron, the only units left under the jurisdiction of the Group, which was now a shadow of the organization, that had come overseas 15 August 1944.

Looking back over the happening of the past year, which saw the Group and its four squadrons operating in practically every area of the India-Burma and China theaters, as part of the air arm that helped stem the Japanese, and supply the armies that defeated their imperialistic desires in Asia, one could not help but feel proud that he was one of the men that made all this possible. The delivery of over two hundred million pounds of equipment and manpower, by one (1) supply Group, within the span of one year was hitherto fore inconceivable, but now remained a part of the history of the Groups successful accomplishment.

On the 29th, a radio message from Headquarters, India-Burma Theater, (CASX 1429 MPC) was received by the Group Commander, ordering Group Headquarters to proceed without delay, to Liuchow, China, for an undisclosed assignment under the 10th Air Force. On the authority of this radio message, Group Headquarters, commenced its move to China on the 30th, when an advanced echelon including the Group Commander proceeded to our new point of operation. At the end of the month the movement of equipment and personnel was well under way.

The 2nd CC Squadron and the 345th Airdrome Squadron also received orders on the 30th to move from Headquarters, India-Burma Theater. These squadrons were ordered to move to Peishiyi, China, sometime during the month of September.

Before becoming detached from this organization, the 2nd and 3rd Combat cargo Squadrons continued operating over the “Hump” into the Liuchow and Nanning areas, carrying on these operations until the war ended.

These operations made into South Central China, aided immeasurable in the recent China offensive, which up to the conclusion of the war, was gaining momentum with every stride, and which inevitable would have smashed the quickly fading Japanese Army in China.

AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT

One (1) major accident occurred during this period when on the 4th, aircraft # 43-16905, piloted by 1st Lt. Clayton D. Tidwell, 0-701024, 2nd CC Squadron, crashed on take-off from Luliang, China.

This aircraft, carrying a load of four (4) mules and four (4) Chinese mule-skinners, blew a tire on take-off. After rolling approximately fifteen-hundred (1500) feet, the right tire blew, and the aircraft having attained a seed of seventy (70) to eighty (80) miles per hour, carried another fifteen hundred (1500) feet, swerved violently to the right, ran off the runway, and ground looped, after striking soft earth. In his efforts to correct this situation, the pilot used his left brake and right throttle, but couldn’t keep the aircraft under control.

This accident resulted in the following damages: Ripped nose section, sprung tail wheel, damaged right flap, pitot tubes wrecked, propellers wrecked, and minor damage to both engines.

All crew members and passengers escaped injury.

The Accident Investigating Board concluded that Lt. Tidwell did all that he possibly could to hold the aircraft straight, in an attempt to avoid the accident, and that the actual cause for the accident was due to an unexpected and uncontrollable circumstance, brought on by mechanical failure.

INTELLIGENCE

Squadron S-2 sections continued to handle their own briefings during this period, as the commitment handled were similar to those of the preceding period.

The normal monthly security check was accomplished throughout all units, and resulted in negative finds.

Censorship still remained the responsibility of Group S-2, and did not create any problem.

There are no personnel of a subversive category presently assigned to this organization.

PERSONNEL

This was a hectic period for the Personnel section insofar as the processing of records for departing units, and transfer of personnel to the Zone of Interior, and other transfers were concerned.

Following are some of the transfers to the Zone of Interior and otherwise:

Lt. Col. Frank S. Aitken, Acting Group Commander, in the absence of Lt. Col. Walter P. Briggs, Group Commander, who was hospitalized, was transferred to the Zone of Interior on the 18th, and was succeeded by Major Samuel B. Ward, who assumed the responsibility as Acting Group Commander, on the same date.

Major Thomas R. Keevy, Group Operations Officer, who returned to the Zone of Interior on the 21st, was replaced by Major Maurice D. Watson, who returned to Group from the 4th CC Squadron, and was assigned as Group Operations Officer on the 19th.

Major Lee. E. Rosebrook, Group Flight Surgeon, who returned to the Zone of Interior on the 21st, was replaced by Captain Albert D. Kistin, former Flight Surgeon for the 2nd CC Squadron, who took over his new duties on the 22nd.

Major Robert T. Tyler, Group Communications Officer, left on the 2nd, for Senior Communications Officer School, which was being held in Orlando Florida. No replacement for this officer was necessary, as he is on temporary duty to this school, and upon the completion of this course of instruction, is to return to this organization.

Captain Francis J. Griffith, Group Information and Education Officer, was transferred to Air Service Command, Headquarters, India-Burma Theater, for further assignment as Theater Information and Education Officer. This transfer took place on the 8th, and on the 22nd 1st Lt. F. C. Robertson, joined the Group as a replacement for Captain Griffith.

Captain Raymond F. Lacey, who had been transferred from his assignment as Group Engineering Officer, to accept a similar assignment with the 3rd CC Squadron on the 14th, returned to Group on the 23rd, and took over his previous assignment.

Captain Paul B. Sandwick, was transferred into Group from the 309th Air Service Squadron on the 18th, and relieved Major Maurice D. Watson, as Group Operations Officer, when the latter took over the assignment of Group S-3. Captain Sandwich, was transferred out of Group into the 3rd CC Squadron, on the 23rd, and became Squadron Operations Officer of that organization.

Lt. Col. Walter P. Briggs was relieved from assignment as Group Commander and was transferred to the Detachment of Patients of the 20th General Hospital on the 31st, and on the same date Major Samuel B. Ward, became Group Commander.

Master Sergeant Robert W. Wendall, Group Sergeant Major, Staff Sergeant Charley W. Shaw, Group Personnel Records Clerk, and Sergeant Robert W. Caple, Group Supply Clerk, left during this period for the Zone of Interior.

Sergeant Wendall, who had been highly regarded throughout the organization for his administrative abilities, will be sorely missed, as will both Sergeants Shaw and Caple.

After an exhausting period of record processing, the Group Personnel section, finally completed their tasks, and resumed what might be referred to as a period of normal function.

SUPPLY

In preparation for movement into China, six (6) old jeeps were flown from Myitkyina to Chabua, to be exchanged for new ones. The new jeeps plus five (5) old ones, were prepared for air shipment into China.

Excess vehicles were turned in, and weapons carriers were prepared for convoy into China, via the Ledo Road, which was scheduled to leave on 3 September.

Preliminary POM inspection was held on 12 August. All clothing and equipment was checked for serviceability, and all TO/E shortages were brought up to standard.

Headquarters AAF, India-Burma Theater, Inspection team, found all equipment and clothing in good condition. All TO/E equipment were covered by validated requisitions.

All preliminary preparations for the impending move into China were made, and by the end of this period everything was in readiness, and the advanced echelon was on its way on the 30th.

MEDICAL

The sanitation and health of the units stationed at Bhamo and Myitkyina East were fairly good. Water continued to be boiled and chlorinated. Quarters and latrines were in good order.

The quality of food in the mess spalls, and its preparation were very good.

The incidence of communicable diseases was low during this period. There seemed to be considerable decrease in the amount of otomyoocis throughout the units stationed at Myitkyina East. The 18th General Hospital reported that serological tests performed in Washington indicated that the cases of headache and fever which occurred during the month of July were Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis. The recovered patients were sent to the 18th General Hospital for further tests. There were no outbreaks of diarrhea, and no cases of malaria for this period. The venereal disease for units of this organization were as follows: Headquarters 00.00, 2n Combat Cargo Squadron 00.00, 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron 00.00, 345th Airdrome Squadron 00.66, 346th Airdrome Squadron 00.00, and Detachment 52nd Service Group 00.00, Detachment 272nd, 124th AACS Squadrons, and the 86th Base Unit 00.00.

During this month detachment from the 52nd Service Group, 272nd and 124th AACS Squadrons, and 86th Base Unit were attached to Group for medical care.

SPECIAL SERVICE

Special Service activities continued under the normal function it has, during preceding periods, and has been a well established factor in keeping the morale of this organization high.

Three (3) movies per week were shown at Myitkyina East, and Bhamo continued to show movies during the entire week. The two (2) outstanding movies shown at Myitkyina East were, “Valley of Decision” with Greer Garson and Gregory Peck, and “The Affairs of Susan” with Joan Fontaine and George Brent. On the 25th “Weekend at the Waldorf” was given its world premiere at Bhamo. The showing to two (2) Laurel and Hardy pictures during this period, proved excitedly disappointing. The average GI feels he is too mature to appreciate the adolescent character parts played by these two personalities.

To the satisfaction of all concerned, fourteen-hundred (1400) pounds of Special Service equipment was received and distributed during this period.

On 1 August, which was declared “Air Force Day” a special program was provided by Special Service and the Red Cross. An air show was provided by the 60th Fighter Squadron, after which a program of games was arranged. One of these games was the dropping of a volley ball from an L-5, and a prize of two (2) cartons of cigarettes, to the lucky individual recovering the volley ball. Upon the completion of the aerial exhibition and recreational program, the Red Cross served doughnuts and coffee, topping off an afternoon of fun for those who enjoyed it. Later in the evening two GI films, pertaining to the construction and flight performance of the B-29 were shown. These films had been previously seen by most of the men, so the attendance was much lower than expected.

USAPI courses of instruction has continued, and many new applicants were enrolled and are presently pursuing their courses of study.

The Post Exchange operated to the satisfaction of all concerned.

RED CROSS

For a matter of two (2) weeks after the Nap surrender offer, case work for the Red Cross Field Director was very slow, but started to pick up at the end of the period. The late increase was not sufficient to offset the slack spell and the overall work handled was therefore slightly below that for the three (3) preceding months.

Loans made to personnel of this organization have, in the majority of cased been to assist personnel in taking advantage of rest leaves. The amount of personal loans being made during this period was at an all time low. At present there are only ten (10) loans outstanding. In most cases repayment of these loans have been prompt.

Twelve (12) new cases were carried on during this period, and disposition of these will be made as soon as requested information from outside agencies arrives.

The Field Director, assisted the Red Cross girls stationed at Myitkyina East in all recreational activities, which included the Red Cross Program on Air Force Day. The Field Director also distributed cigarettes to those men, who had run out because of the shortage of rations received during this period.

The Relationship between the Red Cross and this organization is of the highest standard.

CHAPLAIN

During this period the Chaplain was privileged to spend fifteen (15) days at the rest camp in Darjeeling, India. While at this rest camp the Chaplain had the opportunity to visit three (3) mission schools, a Buddhist Monastery, and an industrial school. In addition to attending religious services in three (3) different churches, the Chaplain served as the representative of the U. S. Army at a large Memorial Service in St. Andrew’s Cathedral at which time he participated in the service. Several interesting conferences were had with missionaries of long experience in India.

While agent from Myitkyina East, two (2) Enlisted Men and one (1) Officer were responsible for Protestant services for three (3) Sundays.

Catholic mass was read every Sunday by a visiting priest from the Myitkyina area.

JAMES D. GRIFFIN

Major, Air Corps

Historical Officer

APPROVED:

WILBUR B. SPRAGUE, JR.

Major, Air Corps

Commanding

1st Combat Cargo Group Unit History August 1945

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