1944 |
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2 Apr 44 |
After packing all night, everything from spare engines to
typewriters, and recalling aircraft that were on Detached Service to MATS,
the squadron deploys to Lalmai Airstrip, India, via Benghazi; Cairo; Abadan,
Iran; and Karachi. The unit citation
can relate the tale much more eloquently than I. |
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2/6-15 1944 |
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17TH TROOP
CARRIER SQUADRON SOUTHEAST ASIA
COMMAND EASTERN AIR
COMMAND B/G William D.
Old, Commanding Lalmai Airstrip, India |
DISTINGUISHED
UNIT CITATION |
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For action in the China-Burma-India Theater |
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WD AGO
82, 1944 |
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7 April to 15 June 1944 |
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C I
T A T I O N |
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The 64th Troop Carrier Group and the 4th Troop Carrier
Squadron of the 62nd Troop Carrier Group are cited for outstanding
performance of duty in action against
the enemy in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during the period 7
April to 15 June 1944. On 1 April
1944, the 64th Troop Carrier Group and the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron were ordered from their
stations in the Mediterranean Theater to India to give desperately needed
support to isolated Allied units fighting in the Imphal Valley and Myitkyina
areas. Complying with utmost speed,
the C-47's were dropping supplies to the surrounded forces within 6 days
after take-off from Italy. Realizing
that a defeat in this sector would imperil the entire Allied effort in India
and China, air and ground personnel of the troop carrier squadrons valiantly
and perseveringly struggled against the most disheartening odds throughout
the emergency to accomplish their mission.
Flights were made in the unarmed and unarmored aircraft during
daylight and darkness, often in adverse weather over strange jungle and
mountainous terrain, where enemy ground fire and aerial attack were
continually encountered. Despite the
loss of 11 airplanes because of enemy action, inclement weather, and the
necessity of operating from inadequately prepared landing strips, all pilots
displayed unfailing heroism and tenacity of purpose. During repeated attacks by Japanese
aircraft the transport pilots held to course so aggressively and were so
skillful in pursuing evasive action that one Zero crashed when outmaneuvered
and a second probably was destroyed.
Frequently the aircraft and crews were subjected to hostile fire while
landing and unloading on improvised strips which were completely surrounded
by the enemy. As the crisis
intensified, safety precautions were relaxed and pararacks and parachutes removed
to permit the carrying of increased cargo loads. Through unsurpassed determination and endurance, pilots and
crewmembers were able to average 290 hours per individual for the two and a
half month emergency. Flying more
than 6,000 sorties, aircraft of these units transported 35,000 troops, 13,000
tons of food and equipment, medical supplies, arms, ammunitions and 390
mules, evacuating on return flights more than 3,500 Allied casualties. Through the proficiency and heroic
self-sacrifice on the part of each member of the expedition in accomplishing
almost impossible feats, the reinforced Allied army was enabled to resume the
offensive and drive the enemy from this area. The gallantry, fighting spirit, and outstanding performance in
combat displayed by the personnel of the 64th Troop Carrier Group and
the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron in these vital operations reflect
highest credit on themselves and the military service of the United States |
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