1944

 

 

 

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.

 

 

2/6-15 1944

 

 

 

17TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON

SOUTHEAST ASIA COMMAND

EASTERN AIR COMMAND

 

B/G William D. Old, Commanding

 

Lalmai Airstrip, India

 

 

 

DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION

 

For action in the China-Burma-India Theater

 

WD AGO 82, 1944

 

 

7 April to 15 June 1944

 

 

C I T A T I O N

 

 

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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