970th Airborne Air Control Squadron
Encyclopedia
The 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron (970 AACS) is part of the 513th Air Control Group
at Tinker Air Force Base
, Oklahoma
. It operates the E-3 Sentry
aircraft conducting airborne command and control missions.
patrols in the Caribbean Sea
and eastern Pacific Ocean in defense of the Panama Canal
during World War II
. It conducted replacement training from 1943 to 1945 and 1951 to 1952. The 970th monitored and located enemy radio transmitters and conducted psychological warfare
operations in South Vietnam
, Cambodia
, and Laos
from 1966 to 1972. It has trained for and flown air control missions since March 1996.
The Squadron was activated on 1 April 1941, at Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico [per G.O. No. 10, Headquarters, Puerto Rican Department, dated 1 April 1941. They were assigned, along with the newly activated Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, and the 44th and the 45th bombardment squadrons (Medium), to the newly formed 40th Bombardment Group. At the time of its activation, the 29th Bombardment Squadron was located in what was known as "Tent City," which was as the name implies, a number of tents southeast of the old runway at Borinquen Field. The 29th left "Tent City" on 27 August 1941 and moved into new barracks across the runway. The elimination of mosquitoes, dust and dirt, rain and mud made things more pleasant for all members of the Squadron.
The 29th Bombardment Squadron, from the day of its inception, until the outbreak of war, flew routine training flights from Borinquen Field to bases located within the Continental Limits of the United States, in the lesser Antilles and the North-Eastern coast of South America, and in other areas of the Caribbean, using Douglas B-18A type aircraft. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, they began flying combat anti-submarine patrols in B-18A type aircraft.
Squadron "X" consisted of 320 enlisted men and 55 officers under the command of Captain Craig M. Yengst. The personnel of the squadron were, up to that date, part of the 60th Bombardment Squadron, a First Phase Training Unit. The three crews of the 60th had been "static", acting as training personnel, while the other six crews had just completed Third Phase Training. All nine crews had been checked out in the B-24 Liberator
. Later, Captain Carl M. Cramer assumed command.
until 13 March 1943. The time was spent in physical training and preparing squadron and personal equipment for overseas shipment.
, where arrangements were made for the quartering and feeding of the squadron while at sea. The balance of the squadron embarked at Chalmette Slip, Jackson Barracks Area, on 22 March 1943. Twelve days later, on 3 April 1943, at about 1500 hours, the transport passed through the Submarine Net guarding the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal
.
On 1 March 1943, Squadron "X" proceeded to Aguadulce, Coclé
, its first duty station, where it replaced the personnel assigned to the 29th Bombardment Squadron, taking over the latter organization's equipment and planes, and assuming its identity as the 29th Bombardment Squadron. The 29th Squadron was then transferred to the 6th Bombardment Group in May 1943.
The flying crew members of the "new" 29th were sent to the Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Rio Hato
in the latter part of February and early March for transition in LB-30 Preproduction B-24
s, B-17 Flying Fortress Model B's and E's, and B-24 Liberator
model D's, as well as training in patrol procedures, et cetera. The subsequent four weeks were devoted to processing. This training would later prove to be of great value for the unit as a Patrol Squadron.
, 6th Air Force, the entire squadron , excepting three full combat crews, proceeded to Balboa, Canal Zone where they embarked on the U.S. Army Transport "Frederick C. Johnson" and headed for the Galapagos Islands
. The three flight crews of Capt. Carver, Lt. Lange and Lt. Hansen flew to the "Rock" in B24D’s on 13 May 1943. The transport arrived at Seymour Bay, Galapagos Islands on 15 May 1943. This was to be the squadron’s first permanent station while in the 6th Air Force. The Rock, also called "Beta", was an airfield on Baltra Island
.
On 14 May 1943 a new phase began for the squadron when Capt. Carver and his navigator joined Capt. P.A.Koening for an eight hour patrol over the Pacific. These were the first two officers of the 29th Squadron to participate in a patrol. Capt. Koening was from the 45th Bombardment Squadron.
On 8 June 1943, Maj. Harvey Hogan relieved Capt. Kline as Commanding officer of the 29th. Maj. Hogan, formerly a A-20 Havoc pilot quickly adapted himself to heavy bombardment and the B-24s. Capt. Kline remained with the squadron as A-3 until he was transferred to VI Bomber Command at a latter date.
On 8 July 1943, three planes and crews under the command of Capt. Bailey, Capt. Carver and Lt. Hansen were sent to Vernam Air Force Base
, Jamaica. The purpose of this trip was to shadow the USS Yorktown (CV-10)
and its escort of three destroyers. Recent enemy submarine activity in the area prompted this action for the protection of the ships. The ships were en-route to the Canal. The first plane contacting the ships was commanded by Capt. carver and remained in the air for nine hours until relieved by Capt. Bailey. The three aircraft returned to Guatemala City on 11 July 1943.
On 24 July 1943 the Navy Squadron V.P.206 took over all combat patrols initiating from "Beta" (The Rock). The 29th took over the patrol duties on 25 August 1943 when the Navy was ordered to the Atlantic side.
On 1 August 1943, the squadron began taking the B-24s to Albrook Field for a re-modification of the stabilizer and completion of many T.O. requirements. Each plane required about three weeks in the Zone for these modifications. Both officers and enlisted men participated in helping the people at the Panama Air Depot and gained valuable experience and knowledge about the aircraft. This work was completed in about six weeks.
On 26 September 1943 the Air Medal
was awarded to all crew members who had flown a total of at least 200 hours of combat patrol time. The award was based on meritorious achievement while participating in long range patrol flights over the Pacific and Caribbean approaches to the Panama Canal.
On 25 August 1943 Lt. Hansen and his crew left the Rock for San Antonio, Texas. The purpose of this trip was to have the latest and most up to date radar equipment installed in the aircraft. The average time for this installation was about 30 days and all of the squadron aircraft were equipped by 19 January 1944.
was reported as overdue on a flight in the area of Cocos Island on 14 October 1943. The next day three B-24s from the 29th were ordered-to the area to search for the missing plane. B-24 # 41-23799 was sent directly to Cocos Island
, its specific mission being to survey the island for the possible crash of the missing PBY. At 1550 G.C.T., 15 October 1943 information was received that the PBY was down at sea, had been located, and was being shadowed. During the search B-24 #799 was not heard from after reporting in at 1500 G.C.T. A search was initiated on 16 October 1943 at 1230 G.C.T. using three Navy PBM Mariner
s and two B-24s. A life raft was sighted by one of the PBMs and also by a 29th B-24. No one was aboard the raft. There were as many as seventeen heavy bombers from various squadrons involved in the search.
On 21 October 1943 the 29th was ordered to resume their normal patrol missions and leave the search activities to the Navy. On 23 October 1943, at 1500 G.C.T., Lt. W.R. Knight while on patrol deviated from his course to scan Cocos Island which had been "closed in" during the time of the search by the B-24s. Visibility was unlimited, and on passing over the island, wreckage was sighted, located near the crest of the highest peak on the west side of the island. The wreckage was about 100 feet below the crest of a spur ridge. VI B.C. was notified of the crash position. On 2 November 1943, after nine days of hard work, a ground rescue party reached the site of the crash. All crew members were killed in the crash. The crew consisted of the following men:
The entire crew of the downed B-24 were posthumously awarded the Soldiers Medal for their actions in searching for the downed PBY.
On 10 December 1943 the squadron resumed flying from one to four patrol lanes. The "Loop" plan, dating back to July 1943 was flown. The lanes were of a giant rectangular shape, all planes returning to the "Rock". The average patrol covered about 1100 miles and a flight time of 7 ½ – 8 hours. This patrol system was used until the Navy again took over patrol coverage on 4 February 1944.
. Capt. Walter H. Hunt, Flight Commander of the 29th B.S. and pilot of the B-24 that aided in the immediate rescue of the seaman filed the following report: On 21 March 1944, a tanker en route to the Galapagos, at a point about sixty miles east of San Cristobal island, radioed this base for aid. An emergency existed because of the sudden illness of one of the tanker's crew. The crash boat was sent out to intercept the tanker and take the sick man aboard and return to this base. At 1700 G.C.T. the boat had reached a point about forty miles from the probable position of the tanker. We took off in a B-24 to guide the boat to the tanker. After finding the crash boat, we flew the same course that it was sailing until we picked up the tanker on radar. We circled the tanker and headed back to the crash boat, directing them to take up a corrected heading. We then flew back to the tanker, and after many attempts, got the tanker to change course so that it was headed towards the crash boat. When the sick crewman had been taken aboard and the crash boat was under way for the Galapagos we returned to the base.
arrived at the base. She was greeted by Lt. Robert K. Roberts and T/Sgt. Stanley Rudnich, the Mess officer and Mess Sgt. Given a partitioned metal tray, Mrs. Roosevelt helped herself to portions of crumb fried sea bass, string beans, pickled beets, apple pie and coffee. Seated at the hosts table were S/Sgt John May, Pvt. Bruno Vincris, Cpl. Alexander Gifford, T/Sgt. Walter Wright, Pfc. Arthur Mix and M/Sgt. Norman Smith who answered all questions asked by Mrs. Roosevelt. The evening of her arrival an informal reception in her honor was held at the Officers Club where she mixed with the officers and civilian workers. The next morning she visited Mess Hall #1 as the guest of Lt. Estaban Negrow and the Mess Sgt., S/Sgt. Frank Lopez. Given a G.I. mess kit and cup, she had coffee and toast. She freely mixed with the troops and her guest at the table were T/Sgt. Carlos Portocarico, Cpl. Marvin Kurtzman, Pfc. Harold Rivero, 1st. Sgt. William Villa, S/Sgt. Jose Mora, Sgt. William Freeman and Pvt. Jorge Farquet.
Special order #66 APO 662 dated 8 April 1944, issued the order of transfer for the 29th Bomb Squadron. Beginning 10 April, all of the Air Echelon plus key personnel, were ferried to Howard Field in B-24's. Capt. Wilkinson took charge of the advance party, which left by air several days earlier. Approximately 180 enlisted men sailed by boat the same week. By 16 April 1944 the entire squadron had moved to Howard Field. This move resulted in the morale of the troops reaching a new high.
spillway the mission was considered successful, though dangerous, because of the poor flying conditions.
The Legion of Merit
was awarded to T/Sgt. Elroy W. Arnold on 29 April 1944 for exceptional meritorious conduct in performance of his duties as Radar Operator and Technician on duty with the squadron while patrolling the approaches to the Canal Zone.
in the transportation of freight, mail, and passengers to all outlying bases in the Caribbean Area. The schedule ceased on 10 May 1944, began again and continued until 21 May 1944. B-24s from the squadron stopped at the following bases: San Juan, Aruba, Curaçao, Managua, San Jose, Guatemala City, Salinas, Talara, and the Galapagos Islands.
The following men were assigned to the squadron effective 21 May 1944: 2d Lt. James 0. Barrett, 2d Lt. Kenneth J. Bogart, 2nd Lt. Carl G. Beard Jr. and on 22 May 1944 2d Lts James Lindenmuth and Graydon P. Sheen. The above officers were rated "Unlimited Copilot" B-24D type aircraft.
climbed on course to David to an altitude of 20,000 feet. From there all planes, in formation, crossed the Isthmus to the Atlantic side, and through a 90% cloud cover, struck the Gatun Locks and the Madden Dam.
An extract from the squadron S-3 report for the month of June 1944 states Our combat crew training has been more diversified during the past period, an effort being made to train the crews in all phases with which they are required to be familiar with. The combat crews have spent three weeks flying patrols between San Jose, Guatemala and the Galapagos Islands.
was the largest and most well known ship in the naval force.
The 29th Bomb Squadron was transferred from Rio Hato
to Howard Field on 8 December 1944. The movement was made by plane and motor transport. The remainder of the month was devoted to training, both flying and ground classes. The squadron also participated in three CPX missions during the month.
and its escort were taken.
On 27 January 1945, Major Don W. Bailey resumed command of the squadron after completing temporary duty in the U.S. On this same day the squadron returned from temporary station at Howard Field to its permanent station at Rio Hato. The move was made by truck and plane.
During January 1945 the officers strength was 61 and the enlisted strength decreased from 379 to 312. A total of 380 hours of training flying and 118 hours of operational flying were flown during the month.
On 6 February 1945 eight officers and twelve enlisted men, combat crew members, returned to the U.S. following replacement policy. They were replaced by eight officers and seven enlisted men from the 3rd Bomb Squadron on 7 February 1945.
On 6 March 1945, the squadron participated in a "Search Light Mission" over the Canal Zone with seven aircraft. On 17 March 1945 forty five officers of the squadron participated in another of their series of Beer Ball games.
During March the officer strength of the squadron increased from 62 to 64. There were 296 enlisted men on duty. A total of 687 hours were flown, 571 hours of training, 58 hours of operational, and 58 hours of "Other".
On 28 March 1945 the 29th Bomb Squadron was accorded battle participation credit for anti-submarine operations. Personnel eligible for this award can wear a bronze star on the American Campaign Medal
. Award effective 24 November 1943.
. On 26 April an advance party of 2 officers and 20 enlisted men departed from Rio Hato. Following were 49 officers and 94 enlisted men who left Rio Hato
at 0700 hours in 12 B-24s J's and L's and arrived at Seymour Island
at 1300 hours on 30 April 1945. Five officers and 156 enlisted men left Balboa by ship to Seymour Island, also on 30 April 1945. The ship arrived at the Island on 3 May 1945.
During April 1945 the squadron flew 320 training hours and 123 hours of "other". Squadron morale was poor after the move, since about half of the squadron had previously served eleven months in the Galapagos Islands.
On 8 May 1945 Lt. Col. Don W. Bailey was released from assignment and transferred out of the squadron. Maj. Paul J. Quin assumed command of the squadron.
On 22 May 1945 two combat crews joined the squadron by transfer from the 3rd Bomb Squadron. The following men were members of these crews: Charles E. Meketa, pilot; James McKay, co-pilot; Alfred Dias, bombardier; Richard Capps, navigator, James Chandler, engineer; Ernest Gonzales, radio operator; Ralph Wren, arm. gunner; Ernest Drawdy, gunner; Paul Whiteman, gunner; Charles Withrow, gunner; George Olson, pilot; Henry Baldwin, copilot; John M. Brown, bombardier; Harry Rodgers, navigator; Guy Evans, engineer; James McFall, radio operator; George Lombardi, arm. gunner; Paul Crouse, gunner; Miles Sitterson, gunner.
at about 1515Z and was not contacted thereafter. The squadron was alerted for a search at 170OZ. At 1740Z the squadron requested Base Operations to attempt to get a radar fix on the missing plane if possible. At 1740Z the Navy Ground Radio Station was requested to guard 500 kc. At 1833Z five 29 BS planes were sent out to search all islands in the Galapagos area except Culpepper and Wenmon. Three of the planes circled San Cristobal Island. A C-46 Commando
arriving from the Zone assisted in the search which ended at dusk.
On 22 May 1945 the search continued from dawn to dusk. B-24s, a C-47 Skytrain
and navy aircraft all were involved in the search. Four planes circled San Cristobal Island and at least two planes were in the vicinity all day.
On 23 May 1945 the search was resumed at dawn. Eight planes went to the outer limits of previous searches. At 1421Z, Capt. Wm. Knight, Operations Officer, took off in a North American O-47
to examine San Cristobal Island. At approximately 1450Z oxygen bottles and one survivor were sighted at Bahia Rosa Blanca. The radio in the search plane was inoperative so Capt. Knight returned to the Base. Maj. Quinn returned to the area in a C-47, dropped supplies and equipment, and found another survivor about 1/4 mile from the first.
At 163OZ a Navy crash boat departed the base with Lt. Col. Johnson aboard and reached the area at approximately 2030Z'. The second survivor appeared to be badly injured so the crash boat was directed to him. The second survivor was Cpl. Richard A. Tremper. His injuries were serious so a Navy PBM was requested to come to the scene. Lt. Comdr. H.P. Gerdon, U.S.N. made a landing near a dangerous coast line, removed Cpl., Tremper and returned to the base. The first survivor was identified as Cpl. Walter S. Beebe.
On 24 May 1945 a ground party under the command of Capt. E.F. Herrington was sent to the scene to continue the search. Statements from the survivor able to talk said other survivors were highly unlikely. After further searching with no positive results the search was terminated with the returned of the search party on 25 May 1945.
The following parts of the aircraft and equipment were found along the beach:
Killed in the crash were the following airmen: Lt. Carl P. Haugen. pilot; Lt. Emerson Riffo. co-pilot; Lt. Theodore J. Stanford, navigator; S/Sgt. Raymond Olson, Cpl. Charles F. Glass, Cpl. Sam E. Edmondson.
Survivors were: Cpl. Walter S. Beebe and Cpl. Richard A. Tremper.
The squadron strength for May 1945 was 60 Officers and 294 Enlisted men. A total of 581 hours were flown during the month.
Starting in June 1945 the "Official History" was reduced to short one or two line items. No reason was given for this change. For June 1945 the squadron was manned by 60 Officers and 293 enlisted men. Total flying hours was 601 hours.
On 31 July 1945 the enlisted men of the squadron collected about $300 to purchase war bonds for the widow and baby daughter of one of the crash victims. The little girl was born on 21 July just one month after the crash.
On 11 July the last of 3 B-24s assigned to the squadron arrived at the base. These were "M" models, painted black underneath and were in the very last group of B-24s made. These planes were produced by the Ford motor company.
area. The squadron was asked to send aircraft for search. Four B-24s were sent on the 19th and after two days search returned on the evening of the 20th. The B-17 was found by natives where it had crashed into a mountain. On 25 August 1945 Capt. Wilcox, Squadron Intelligence Officer, was requested by base to travel to Salinas and Quayaquil for the purpose of investigating Ecuadorian workers who were given jobs at this base.
On 29 August 1945 Personnel of the squadron were individually asked if they cared to volunteer for further military duty in this area, another area, or if they wanted to be discharged as soon as possible. A very large majority agreed that they would prefer the discharge. On 30 August 1945 the morale is low for several reasons, including the requirement to sign for an additional six months in this area to be eligible for a furlough in the U.S. and because of strict mail censorship. During August 1945 a total of 768 hours were flown and the squadron was staffed by 58 officers and 300 enlisted men.
The Official Victory over Japan Day
was set as 2 September 1945 but no official celebration was held on the base and very little signs of hilarity were observed. Mostly a keen interest in the progress of the occupation forces landing on Japan proper was observed. However, church attendance proved that all troops were thankful for the war's end. Base and squadron teams were involved in sporting events.
On 4 September 1945 censorship was lifted and morale rose. On 5 September 1945 morale continued to climb as a point system for discharge allows credit to 2 September 1945. On 11 September 1945 Captains Lange and Knight (Pilots) received orders for discharge (85 points 12 May 1945). On 22 September 1945 a total of 26 men were to report to the Zone for discharge (90 points 2 September 1945). Squadron planes will take them to the Zone. On 24 September 1945 the squadron troops were informed about re-enlistment possibilities in the Regular Army (Very little excitement from troops). On 25 September 1945 men over 35 receive orders for discharge. On 27 September 1945 the squadron was officially advised that it will move to Rio Hato within a few weeks. The air echelon was to move out on 2 October and ground echelon will remain to aid in preparing Base equipment for shipment to depots. On 30 September 1945 the 70 point men received orders to move out on 3 October 1945. The Engineering Section was hit severely—the Ordnance Section was completely wiped out. The squadron ceased functioning as an operating unit. The future status of the squadron was not definitely known. During September 1945 the squadron flew 533 hours and had 53 officers and 263 enlisted men on duty on 30 September 1945.
The air portion of the squadron began to move out on 2 October 1945 to take base at Rio Hato so the above was the last Official History written at the Galapagos Islands.
. Inactivation of the 29th took place effective 1 November 1946, [per G. 0. No. 24, Headquarters, Caribbean Air Command. For authority, see War Department letter, AG 322 (27 August 1946) AO-I-AFCOR (223e)-M, dated 9 September 1946.
513th Air Control Group
The 513th Air Control Group is United States Air Force Reserve unit assigned to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.It's World War II predecessor, the 3d Combat Cargo Group was a United States Army Air Forces combat organization. It served primarily in the China Burma India Theater and Pacific Ocean Theater of...
at Tinker Air Force Base
Tinker Air Force Base
Tinker Air Force Base is a major U.S. Air Force base, with tenant U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense missions, located in the southeast Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, directly south of the suburb of Midwest City, Oklahoma.-Overview:...
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
. It operates the E-3 Sentry
E-3 Sentry
The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system developed by Boeing as the prime contractor. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force , NATO, Royal Air Force , French Air Force...
aircraft conducting airborne command and control missions.
History
Emblem: On a black disc bordered in yellow a white "Pugnacious Hare" outlined in black, wearing white boxing gloves marked with black and a red turtle-necked jersey with yellow band at neck and waist, standing in a fighting stance on a red aerial bomb bordered in yellow and white speed flashes and red and black fins. (Approved 29 April 1942)Lineage
- Constituted 29th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 22 November 1940
- Activated on 1 April 1941
- Redesignated: 29th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 7 May 1942
- Inactivated on 1 November 1946
- Redesignated 130th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium, Photographic) on 24 July 1951
- Activated on 1 August 1951
- Redesignated: 130th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) on 16 June 1952
- Redesignated: 130th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 16 October 1952
- Inactivated on 1 January 1953
- Consolidated (19 September 1985) with the 360th Reconnaissance Squadron, which was constituted, and activated, on 4 April 1966
- Organized on 8 April 1966. Redesignated 360th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron on 15 March 1967
- Inactivated on 31 July 1973
- Redesignated: 970th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron on 18 September 1985
- Redesignated: 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron on 7 March 1996
- Activated in the Reserve on 15 March 1996.
Assignments
- 40th Bombardment Group, 1 April 1941
- 6th Bombardment Group, 12 May 1943
- VI Bomber CommandVI Bomber CommandThe VI Bomber Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Sixth Air Force, based at Albrook Field, Canal Zone...
, 1 November 1943 – 1 November 1946 - 111th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, 1 August 1951
- 111th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 16 January 1952 – 1 January 1953
- 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, 8 April 1966
- 483d Tactical Airlift Wing, 31 August 1971
- 377th Air Base Wing377th Air Base WingThe 377th Air Base Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.-Mission:Provide world-class nuclear surety, expeditionary forces, and support to base operations.-Units:...
, 1 February 1972 - 463d Tactical Airlift Wing, 24 November 1972
- 1st Special Operations Wing1st Special Operations WingThe 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida is one of two United States Air Force active duty Special Operations wings and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command ....
, 1–31 July 1973 - 513th Air Control Group513th Air Control GroupThe 513th Air Control Group is United States Air Force Reserve unit assigned to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.It's World War II predecessor, the 3d Combat Cargo Group was a United States Army Air Forces combat organization. It served primarily in the China Burma India Theater and Pacific Ocean Theater of...
, 15 March 1996–present
Stations
- Borinquen Field, Puerto RicoPuerto RicoPuerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, i April 1941 - Aguadulce AAFAguadulce Army AirfieldAguadulce Army Airfield is a former United States Army Air Forces World War II airfield in Panama used as part of the defense of the Panama Canal. It was closed on 1 March 1948....
, PanamaPanamaPanama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, 16 June 1942 - Anton AAFAnton Army AirfieldAnton Army Airfield is a former United States Army Air Forces World War II airfield in Panama used as an auxiliary of Howard Field as part of the defense of the Panama Canal.Wartime units assigned to the station were:...
, PanamaPanamaPanama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, c. 29 March 1943 - Seymour Island AfldSeymour AirportSeymour Airport is an airport serving the island of Baltra, one of the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.- Facilities :The airport resides at an elevation of above mean sea level...
, Galapagos IslandsGalápagos IslandsThe Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.The Galápagos Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a...
, c. 13 May 1943 - Howard Field, Canal ZonePanama Canal ZoneThe Panama Canal Zone was a unorganized U.S. territory located within the Republic of Panama, consisting of the Panama Canal and an area generally extending 5 miles on each side of the centerline, but excluding Panama City and Colón, which otherwise would have been partly within the limits of...
, c. 10 April 1944 - Rio Hato AABRio Hato AirportRío Hato Airport is an airport and former Panamanian Defense Base in Panama, Río Hato.-International Airport:In 2011 the Government of Panama gave the order to proceed for the project to rebuild the airport...
, PanamaPanamaPanama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
,, 9 September 1944 - Howard Field, Canal ZonePanama Canal ZoneThe Panama Canal Zone was a unorganized U.S. territory located within the Republic of Panama, consisting of the Panama Canal and an area generally extending 5 miles on each side of the centerline, but excluding Panama City and Colón, which otherwise would have been partly within the limits of...
, 8 December 1944 - Rio Hato AABRio Hato AirportRío Hato Airport is an airport and former Panamanian Defense Base in Panama, Río Hato.-International Airport:In 2011 the Government of Panama gave the order to proceed for the project to rebuild the airport...
, PanamaPanamaPanama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, 27 January 1945 - Seymour Island AfldSeymour AirportSeymour Airport is an airport serving the island of Baltra, one of the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.- Facilities :The airport resides at an elevation of above mean sea level...
, Galapagos IslandsGalápagos IslandsThe Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.The Galápagos Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a...
, 26 April 1945 - Rio Hato AABRio Hato AirportRío Hato Airport is an airport and former Panamanian Defense Base in Panama, Río Hato.-International Airport:In 2011 the Government of Panama gave the order to proceed for the project to rebuild the airport...
, PanamaPanamaPanama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, October 1945-1 November 1946 - Fairchild AFB, Washington, 1 August 1951 – 1 January 1953
- Tan Son Nhut Afld (later, AB)Tan Son Nhut Air BaseTan Son Nhut Air Base was a Republic of Vietnam Air Force facility. It is located near the city of Saigon in southern Vietnam. The United States used it as a major base during the Vietnam War , stationing Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine units there...
, South VietnamSouth VietnamSouth Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
, 8 April 1966 – 24 November 1972 - Dyess AFB, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, 24 November 1972 - Eglin AF Aux Field #9 (Hurlburt Field)Hurlburt FieldHurlburt Field is a U.S. Air Force installation located in Okaloosa County, Florida, immediately west of the Town of Mary Esther. It is part of the greater Eglin Air Force Base reservation, and is home to Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command , the 1st Special Operations Wing , the...
, FloridaFloridaFlorida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, 1–31 July 1973 - Tinker AFB, OklahomaOklahomaOklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
, 15 March 1996–present
Aircraft
- B-18 BoloB-18 BoloThe Douglas B-18 Bolo was a United States Army Air Corps and Royal Canadian Air Force bomber of the late 1930s and early 1940s. The Bolo was built by Douglas Aircraft Company and based on its DC-2 and was developed to replace the Martin B-10....
, 1941–1942 - Northrop A-17Northrop A-17The Northrop A-17, a development of the Northrop Gamma 2F was a two seat, single engine, monoplane, attack bomber built in 1935 by the Northrop Corporation for the US Army Air Corps.-Development and design:...
, 1942–1943 - B-24 LiberatorB-24 LiberatorThe Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber...
, 1943–1946 - RB-29 Superfortress, 1951–1952
- C/EC-47, 1966–1972
- E-3 SentryE-3 SentryThe Boeing E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system developed by Boeing as the prime contractor. Derived from the Boeing 707, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force , NATO, Royal Air Force , French Air Force...
, 1996–present
Operational history
The squadron flew antisubmarineAnti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
patrols in the Caribbean Sea
Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean located in the tropics of the Western hemisphere. It is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles, and to the east by the Lesser Antilles....
and eastern Pacific Ocean in defense of the Panama Canal
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. Built from 1904 to 1914, the canal has seen annual traffic rise from about 1,000 ships early on to 14,702 vessels measuring a total of 309.6...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. It conducted replacement training from 1943 to 1945 and 1951 to 1952. The 970th monitored and located enemy radio transmitters and conducted psychological warfare
Psychological warfare
Psychological warfare , or the basic aspects of modern psychological operations , have been known by many other names or terms, including Psy Ops, Political Warfare, “Hearts and Minds,” and Propaganda...
operations in South Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
, Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
, and Laos
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
from 1966 to 1972. It has trained for and flown air control missions since March 1996.
1941
The 29th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) was constituted and assigned to the Puerto Rican Department, pursuant to instructions contained in War Department letter, AG 320.2 (29 Oct. 1940) -M (Ret.) M-C, dated 22 November 1940.The Squadron was activated on 1 April 1941, at Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico [per G.O. No. 10, Headquarters, Puerto Rican Department, dated 1 April 1941. They were assigned, along with the newly activated Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, and the 44th and the 45th bombardment squadrons (Medium), to the newly formed 40th Bombardment Group. At the time of its activation, the 29th Bombardment Squadron was located in what was known as "Tent City," which was as the name implies, a number of tents southeast of the old runway at Borinquen Field. The 29th left "Tent City" on 27 August 1941 and moved into new barracks across the runway. The elimination of mosquitoes, dust and dirt, rain and mud made things more pleasant for all members of the Squadron.
The 29th Bombardment Squadron, from the day of its inception, until the outbreak of war, flew routine training flights from Borinquen Field to bases located within the Continental Limits of the United States, in the lesser Antilles and the North-Eastern coast of South America, and in other areas of the Caribbean, using Douglas B-18A type aircraft. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, they began flying combat anti-submarine patrols in B-18A type aircraft.
Squadron X
A major replacement of 29th Squadron personnel took place in early 1943. Late in November 1942, the Commanding Officer of Davis-Monthan Field, Tucson, Arizona unofficially activated by a Verbal Order nine flight crews for possible overseas assignment. On 1 March 1943, Special order #60 created the squadron officially and designated it as Squadron ‘X’.Squadron "X" consisted of 320 enlisted men and 55 officers under the command of Captain Craig M. Yengst. The personnel of the squadron were, up to that date, part of the 60th Bombardment Squadron, a First Phase Training Unit. The three crews of the 60th had been "static", acting as training personnel, while the other six crews had just completed Third Phase Training. All nine crews had been checked out in the B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber...
. Later, Captain Carl M. Cramer assumed command.
Preparing for Debarkation
Captain Richard W. Kline became Commanding Officer of the squadron that departed from Davis-Monthan Field on 3 March 1943 and arrived at Camp Harahan, New Orleans on 6 March 1943. The entire squadron remained at Camp HarahanCamp Harahan
Camp Harahan, also called Camp Plauche, was a troop staging area outside New Orleans, Louisiana during World War II. The camp served as a staging area for troops passing through the New Orleans Port of Embarkation. Its mission changed to that of a training base in 1942...
until 13 March 1943. The time was spent in physical training and preparing squadron and personal equipment for overseas shipment.
Deployment Overseas
On 3 March 1943 the "Advance Party", consisting of four officers and S/Sgt. Melvin Naron proceeded to the USAT John L. ClemUSAT John L. Clem
John L. Clem began her service life as the United States Navy troop transport USS Santa Ana . Between the wars she served as a commercial ocean liner under various names. In 1941 she was acquired by the U.S. Army and assigned the name USAT John L. Clem, about which time she was also briefly...
, where arrangements were made for the quartering and feeding of the squadron while at sea. The balance of the squadron embarked at Chalmette Slip, Jackson Barracks Area, on 22 March 1943. Twelve days later, on 3 April 1943, at about 1500 hours, the transport passed through the Submarine Net guarding the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. Built from 1904 to 1914, the canal has seen annual traffic rise from about 1,000 ships early on to 14,702 vessels measuring a total of 309.6...
.
Arriving in Panama
The squadron disembarked at Colon, Canal Zone, and traveled across the Isthmus by train to Howard Field. After lunch the squadron went on to Anton by truck convoy. It was soon learned that "X" was to be known and designated as the 29th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) for the purpose of staging and orientation to the new area of operations.On 1 March 1943, Squadron "X" proceeded to Aguadulce, Coclé
Aguadulce, Coclé
Aguadulce is an agricultural city in the Coclé province in Panama. It is the capital of Aguadulce District and it is located on the Pan-American Highway, near but not on the coast on the Bahia de Parita.-References and agriculture:...
, its first duty station, where it replaced the personnel assigned to the 29th Bombardment Squadron, taking over the latter organization's equipment and planes, and assuming its identity as the 29th Bombardment Squadron. The 29th Squadron was then transferred to the 6th Bombardment Group in May 1943.
The flying crew members of the "new" 29th were sent to the Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Rio Hato
Río Hato
Río Hato is a town in the Coclé province of Panama.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
in the latter part of February and early March for transition in LB-30 Preproduction B-24
Preproduction B-24
The Consolidated Preproduction B-24 aircraft began in the fall of 1938 when the United States Army Air Corps approached Consolidated Aircraft Corporation with the intent of starting a second Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress production line. The president of Consolidated Aircraft, Reuben H. Fleet, as...
s, B-17 Flying Fortress Model B's and E's, and B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber...
model D's, as well as training in patrol procedures, et cetera. The subsequent four weeks were devoted to processing. This training would later prove to be of great value for the unit as a Patrol Squadron.
Deployment to the Galapagos Islands
On 12 May 1943, pursuant to Secret Movement Order #3, Annex "All, VI Bomber CommandVI Bomber Command
The VI Bomber Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Sixth Air Force, based at Albrook Field, Canal Zone...
, 6th Air Force, the entire squadron , excepting three full combat crews, proceeded to Balboa, Canal Zone where they embarked on the U.S. Army Transport "Frederick C. Johnson" and headed for the Galapagos Islands
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.The Galápagos Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a...
. The three flight crews of Capt. Carver, Lt. Lange and Lt. Hansen flew to the "Rock" in B24D’s on 13 May 1943. The transport arrived at Seymour Bay, Galapagos Islands on 15 May 1943. This was to be the squadron’s first permanent station while in the 6th Air Force. The Rock, also called "Beta", was an airfield on Baltra Island
Baltra Island
Baltra Island, or Isla Baltra, is a small island of the Galápagos Islands. Also known as South Seymour , Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galápagos. It was created by geological uplift...
.
On 14 May 1943 a new phase began for the squadron when Capt. Carver and his navigator joined Capt. P.A.Koening for an eight hour patrol over the Pacific. These were the first two officers of the 29th Squadron to participate in a patrol. Capt. Koening was from the 45th Bombardment Squadron.
Flying Patrols
Starting on 16 May 1943, the 29th Bomb Squadron officers flew patrols carrying enlisted crew members from the 45th Bombardment Squadron. The first date the 29th took over all patrols with only their own combat crews aboard was on 23 May 1943. Capt. Carver, Capt. Bailey, Lt. Lange and Lt. Knight commanded the first four official patrols. These patrols were flown from the Galapagos Islands to Guatemala City and back. The 74th Bomb Squadron, stationed in Guatemala City would fly alternate routes with the 29th, each staying at the other’s base overnight.On 8 June 1943, Maj. Harvey Hogan relieved Capt. Kline as Commanding officer of the 29th. Maj. Hogan, formerly a A-20 Havoc pilot quickly adapted himself to heavy bombardment and the B-24s. Capt. Kline remained with the squadron as A-3 until he was transferred to VI Bomber Command at a latter date.
On 8 July 1943, three planes and crews under the command of Capt. Bailey, Capt. Carver and Lt. Hansen were sent to Vernam Air Force Base
Vernam Air Force Base
Vernam Field is a former World War II United States Army Air Forces airfield located in Clarendon Parish, west-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica...
, Jamaica. The purpose of this trip was to shadow the USS Yorktown (CV-10)
USS Yorktown (CV-10)
USS Yorktown is one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. She is named after the Battle of Yorktown of the American Revolutionary War, and is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name...
and its escort of three destroyers. Recent enemy submarine activity in the area prompted this action for the protection of the ships. The ships were en-route to the Canal. The first plane contacting the ships was commanded by Capt. carver and remained in the air for nine hours until relieved by Capt. Bailey. The three aircraft returned to Guatemala City on 11 July 1943.
On 24 July 1943 the Navy Squadron V.P.206 took over all combat patrols initiating from "Beta" (The Rock). The 29th took over the patrol duties on 25 August 1943 when the Navy was ordered to the Atlantic side.
On 1 August 1943, the squadron began taking the B-24s to Albrook Field for a re-modification of the stabilizer and completion of many T.O. requirements. Each plane required about three weeks in the Zone for these modifications. Both officers and enlisted men participated in helping the people at the Panama Air Depot and gained valuable experience and knowledge about the aircraft. This work was completed in about six weeks.
On 26 September 1943 the Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
was awarded to all crew members who had flown a total of at least 200 hours of combat patrol time. The award was based on meritorious achievement while participating in long range patrol flights over the Pacific and Caribbean approaches to the Panama Canal.
On 25 August 1943 Lt. Hansen and his crew left the Rock for San Antonio, Texas. The purpose of this trip was to have the latest and most up to date radar equipment installed in the aircraft. The average time for this installation was about 30 days and all of the squadron aircraft were equipped by 19 January 1944.
A Fatal Crash
The first fatal crash involving a 29th Bomb Squadron aircraft happened on 15 October 1943. A Navy PBY CatalinaPBY Catalina
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was an American flying boat of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War II. PBYs served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other...
was reported as overdue on a flight in the area of Cocos Island on 14 October 1943. The next day three B-24s from the 29th were ordered-to the area to search for the missing plane. B-24 # 41-23799 was sent directly to Cocos Island
Cocos Island
Cocos Island is an uninhabited island located off the shore of Costa Rica . It constitutes the 11th district of Puntarenas Canton of the province of Puntarenas. It is one of the National Parks of Costa Rica...
, its specific mission being to survey the island for the possible crash of the missing PBY. At 1550 G.C.T., 15 October 1943 information was received that the PBY was down at sea, had been located, and was being shadowed. During the search B-24 #799 was not heard from after reporting in at 1500 G.C.T. A search was initiated on 16 October 1943 at 1230 G.C.T. using three Navy PBM Mariner
PBM Mariner
The Martin PBM Mariner was a patrol bomber flying boat of World War II and the early Cold War period. It was designed to complement the PBY Catalina in service. A total of 1,366 were built, with the first example flying on 18 February 1939 and the type entering service in September 1940.-Design and...
s and two B-24s. A life raft was sighted by one of the PBMs and also by a 29th B-24. No one was aboard the raft. There were as many as seventeen heavy bombers from various squadrons involved in the search.
On 21 October 1943 the 29th was ordered to resume their normal patrol missions and leave the search activities to the Navy. On 23 October 1943, at 1500 G.C.T., Lt. W.R. Knight while on patrol deviated from his course to scan Cocos Island which had been "closed in" during the time of the search by the B-24s. Visibility was unlimited, and on passing over the island, wreckage was sighted, located near the crest of the highest peak on the west side of the island. The wreckage was about 100 feet below the crest of a spur ridge. VI B.C. was notified of the crash position. On 2 November 1943, after nine days of hard work, a ground rescue party reached the site of the crash. All crew members were killed in the crash. The crew consisted of the following men:
| Name | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Lt Lester R. Ackeberg | Pilot | |
| 2d Lt Robert E. Moore | Co-Pilot | |
| 2d Lt Owen F. Camp | Bombardier | |
| 2d Lt Charles J. Sweeney | Navigator | |
| T/Sgt Francis X. Thanner Jr | Crewman | |
| S/Sgt Richard E. French | Crewman | |
| Sgt James C. Plemons | Crewman | |
| Sgt Glen F. Day | Crewman | |
| Sgt Herman E. Sherdon | Crewman | |
| Cpl Edward A. Kostrzewa | Crewman |
The entire crew of the downed B-24 were posthumously awarded the Soldiers Medal for their actions in searching for the downed PBY.
Command Post Exercises
About once a month a "C.P.X." had been called by the VI Bomber Command. These exercises, under full alert status, simulated actual combat interception problems. An alert was usually called for all bomber squadrons in the area. This involved interception by patrolling planes of friendly carriers or cruisers on their way to the Canal. As an example of such a mission, the following took place: On 22 November 1943, the 29th B.S. was fully alerted at 2020 G.C.T. A carrier was intercepted at 02-30’ south and 82-10’ west on a course of 360 degrees at 15 knots. Five B-24s from the squadron took off and landed at Salinas, Ecuador, the same evening, most of the mission being a night formation flight. 1st Lt. Roy H. Crow. squadron navigator, led the flight throughout the three-day period. The five B-24s under Maj. Harvey Hogan spent 23 November 1943 making simulated bombing runs on various ships in the group of Navy vessels.Combat Action
On the afternoon of 24 November 1943 twelve planes of the squadron under the command of Maj. Hogan were again on a mission to find U.S. Navy ships in the area and make simulated attacks against them. The weather grew worse and they were ordered to David. The squadron was then ordered to Rio Hato and were briefed on information of enemy submarines on the Atlantic side which were responsible for sinking ships that day. Search patterns were laid out to be flown the following day, 25 November, Thanksgiving Day to seal all attempts of the submarines to escape the area. During the briefing, Lt. Sumnicht appeared with his crew and made the following announcement: They were on their one-ship search of the sinkings and damaged an enemy submarine at 11 10’N, 79 10’W. Lt. Arnold, the bombardier, said they had suddenly broken through a cloud layer to discover a surfaced submarine below them. It was dusk, and evidently the sub .commander had felt safe in surfacing. The sub immediately began to dive, and so did the B-24. Unfortunately the bomb bay doors would not open on the first run. The plane circled, (by this time the sub was just going under the surface) and dropped a pattern of six, six-hundred-fifty pound depth charges in front of the wake. Though not claiming to have sunk the U-boat, Lt. Sumnicht and Arnold stated that it must have certainly suffered damage. For the next few days all tracks of the search area were flown without a sign of the sub or further attacks. It was a grim sight to fly over one of the torpedoed freighters, awash amid-ship, and still, not sunk.On 10 December 1943 the squadron resumed flying from one to four patrol lanes. The "Loop" plan, dating back to July 1943 was flown. The lanes were of a giant rectangular shape, all planes returning to the "Rock". The average patrol covered about 1100 miles and a flight time of 7 ½ – 8 hours. This patrol system was used until the Navy again took over patrol coverage on 4 February 1944.
1944
On 4 February 1944 thirty-three officers and men from the 29th were sent from the Galapagos Is. to Orlando, Florida to attend the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics.Rescue Operation
During March 1944 the unit rescued a disabled seaman from a tanker off the coast of San Cristóbal IslandSan Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago, and one of the oldest geologically.Its Spanish name "San Cristóbal" comes from the patron saint of seafarers, St. Christopher...
. Capt. Walter H. Hunt, Flight Commander of the 29th B.S. and pilot of the B-24 that aided in the immediate rescue of the seaman filed the following report: On 21 March 1944, a tanker en route to the Galapagos, at a point about sixty miles east of San Cristobal island, radioed this base for aid. An emergency existed because of the sudden illness of one of the tanker's crew. The crash boat was sent out to intercept the tanker and take the sick man aboard and return to this base. At 1700 G.C.T. the boat had reached a point about forty miles from the probable position of the tanker. We took off in a B-24 to guide the boat to the tanker. After finding the crash boat, we flew the same course that it was sailing until we picked up the tanker on radar. We circled the tanker and headed back to the crash boat, directing them to take up a corrected heading. We then flew back to the tanker, and after many attempts, got the tanker to change course so that it was headed towards the crash boat. When the sick crewman had been taken aboard and the crash boat was under way for the Galapagos we returned to the base.
Eleanor Roosevelt Visits
On 31 March 1944, Eleanor RooseveltEleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and became an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt continued to be an international...
arrived at the base. She was greeted by Lt. Robert K. Roberts and T/Sgt. Stanley Rudnich, the Mess officer and Mess Sgt. Given a partitioned metal tray, Mrs. Roosevelt helped herself to portions of crumb fried sea bass, string beans, pickled beets, apple pie and coffee. Seated at the hosts table were S/Sgt John May, Pvt. Bruno Vincris, Cpl. Alexander Gifford, T/Sgt. Walter Wright, Pfc. Arthur Mix and M/Sgt. Norman Smith who answered all questions asked by Mrs. Roosevelt. The evening of her arrival an informal reception in her honor was held at the Officers Club where she mixed with the officers and civilian workers. The next morning she visited Mess Hall #1 as the guest of Lt. Estaban Negrow and the Mess Sgt., S/Sgt. Frank Lopez. Given a G.I. mess kit and cup, she had coffee and toast. She freely mixed with the troops and her guest at the table were T/Sgt. Carlos Portocarico, Cpl. Marvin Kurtzman, Pfc. Harold Rivero, 1st. Sgt. William Villa, S/Sgt. Jose Mora, Sgt. William Freeman and Pvt. Jorge Farquet.
Move to Howard Field
On 3 April 1944, orders from Headquarters VI Bomber Command were received outlining the movement of all heavy bombardment squadrons in the command as follows:- 3d Bomb Squadron from David to Howard Field
- 29th Bomb Squadron from Galapagos to Howard Field
- 74th Bomb Squadron from Guatemala to Rio Hato
- 397th Bomb Squadron from Rio Hato to Galapagos.
Special order #66 APO 662 dated 8 April 1944, issued the order of transfer for the 29th Bomb Squadron. Beginning 10 April, all of the Air Echelon plus key personnel, were ferried to Howard Field in B-24's. Capt. Wilkinson took charge of the advance party, which left by air several days earlier. Approximately 180 enlisted men sailed by boat the same week. By 16 April 1944 the entire squadron had moved to Howard Field. This move resulted in the morale of the troops reaching a new high.
Rescue of Major Ford
On 17 April 1944, Maj. Ford stationed at Howard Field, took off in a L-1 Vigilant for Cape Mala to arrange for the payment of some of the personnel at remote sites. Late that afternoon he was not heard from and three B-24's of the 29th initiated a search covering the entire area south and west of Cape Mala with no success in locating the aircraft. The visibility was near zero. The following day, 18 April 1944 three more B-24's from the squadron searched further, this time to the south and east of Cape Mala with negative results. It turned out that Maj. Ford, with one passenger, was rescued by a boat shortly after a forced landing and taken to Nicaragua.Mock Attack on the Canal
On 27 April 1944 all B-24's available from the squadrons assembled at Rio Hato. The mission was to stage a surprise attack on the locks of the Panama Canal the following morning. Flights of two and three planes were assigned various tracks. An element of surprise was enhanced by the aircraft approaching the locks from different directions with altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Despite a 90% cloud cover over the locks and the Gatun DamGatun Dam
The Gatun Dam is a large earthen dam across the Chagres River in Panama, near the town of Gatun. The dam, constructed between 1907 and 1913, is a crucial element of the Panama Canal; it impounds the artificial Gatun Lake, which in turn carries ships for of their transit across the Isthmus of Panama...
spillway the mission was considered successful, though dangerous, because of the poor flying conditions.
The Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
was awarded to T/Sgt. Elroy W. Arnold on 29 April 1944 for exceptional meritorious conduct in performance of his duties as Radar Operator and Technician on duty with the squadron while patrolling the approaches to the Canal Zone.
Milk Runs
Training within the squadron came to a temporary halt on 5 May 1944 when the 29th Bomb Squadron replaced the 20th Troop Carrier Squadron20th Tactical Air Support Squadron
The 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron is the former name of the 20th Reconnaissance Squadron, a unit of the United States Air Force. It is currently assigned to the 432d Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Its original term of service overlapped World War II, and it was inactivated in 1949...
in the transportation of freight, mail, and passengers to all outlying bases in the Caribbean Area. The schedule ceased on 10 May 1944, began again and continued until 21 May 1944. B-24s from the squadron stopped at the following bases: San Juan, Aruba, Curaçao, Managua, San Jose, Guatemala City, Salinas, Talara, and the Galapagos Islands.
The following men were assigned to the squadron effective 21 May 1944: 2d Lt. James 0. Barrett, 2d Lt. Kenneth J. Bogart, 2nd Lt. Carl G. Beard Jr. and on 22 May 1944 2d Lts James Lindenmuth and Graydon P. Sheen. The above officers were rated "Unlimited Copilot" B-24D type aircraft.
More Mock Attacks
On two occasions, planes from the 74th, 3d, and 29th Bomb Squadrons made simulated attacks on the Canal. One of these flights, because of the weather, was flown at an altitude of 6,000 feet. The last attack, on 7 June 1944, came closer to actual combat conditions. B-24s from the squadrons assembled over Rio HatoRío Hato
Río Hato is a town in the Coclé province of Panama.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
climbed on course to David to an altitude of 20,000 feet. From there all planes, in formation, crossed the Isthmus to the Atlantic side, and through a 90% cloud cover, struck the Gatun Locks and the Madden Dam.
An extract from the squadron S-3 report for the month of June 1944 states Our combat crew training has been more diversified during the past period, an effort being made to train the crews in all phases with which they are required to be familiar with. The combat crews have spent three weeks flying patrols between San Jose, Guatemala and the Galapagos Islands.
U-Boat Alert
The arrival of submarines in the Caribbean area, and the torpedoing of three ships, resulted in the alerting of the 29th Bomb Squadron at 0900 GCT on 5 July 1944. The same morning, patrols by the 74th, 3rd, and the 29th were flown from France Field. Numerous disappearing radar contacts were encountered, giving proof to the theory that several submarines were covering the area from 400 to within 100 miles of the Canal. On 11 July 1944, an enemy submarine was sighted by a ship heading for the Canal at 10-OON 78-44W. Patrols were flown by the Navy around the "Hot Spot" the remainder of the day and throughout the evening. The B-24s continued the search the following day, 12 July 1944 without success. Under orders from VI Air Force, 9 July 1944, 6 B-24s were dispatched to Vernon Field, Jamaica to continue the anti submarine operations. Eight B-24s continued to patrol from Howard Field, four from Curaçao, N.W.I. and two from Francis Field. These patrols were flown daily until 17 July 1944 when the search was discontinued.Mock Attack on the Nevada
A mock attack against a U.S. Navy force took place on 30 November 1944. Three planes from the 29 BS piloted by Lt.'s Smith, Jenkins, and Lange completed a successful mission against the naval force, which included the USS Nevada. The battleship USS Nevada (BB-36)USS Nevada (BB-36)
USS Nevada , the second United States Navy ship to be named after the 36th state, was the lead ship of the two Nevada-class battleships; her sister ship was...
was the largest and most well known ship in the naval force.
The 29th Bomb Squadron was transferred from Rio Hato
Río Hato
Río Hato is a town in the Coclé province of Panama.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
to Howard Field on 8 December 1944. The movement was made by plane and motor transport. The remainder of the month was devoted to training, both flying and ground classes. The squadron also participated in three CPX missions during the month.
1945
On 1 and 2 January 1945, the squadron went on Practice Full Alert. Panamanian newspapers and news magazines from the U.S. indicated the alert was occasioned by unsettled Panamanian political conditions.Mock Attack on the Shangri-La
On 22 January 1945, the 29th and the 3d Bombardment Squadrons engaged in a CPX mission, with the 3d in the lead. Radar of the lead plane was inoperative and a plane from the 29th established visual contact with the CV Shangri-La. The formation completed its bomb run without interception from carrier planes. Vertical photographs of the USS Shangri-La (CV-38)USS Shangri-La (CV-38)
USS Shangri-La was one of 24 s completed during or shortly after World War II for the United States Navy.Commissioned in 1944, Shangri-La participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations in World War II, earning two battle stars...
and its escort were taken.
On 27 January 1945, Major Don W. Bailey resumed command of the squadron after completing temporary duty in the U.S. On this same day the squadron returned from temporary station at Howard Field to its permanent station at Rio Hato. The move was made by truck and plane.
During January 1945 the officers strength was 61 and the enlisted strength decreased from 379 to 312. A total of 380 hours of training flying and 118 hours of operational flying were flown during the month.
On 6 February 1945 eight officers and twelve enlisted men, combat crew members, returned to the U.S. following replacement policy. They were replaced by eight officers and seven enlisted men from the 3rd Bomb Squadron on 7 February 1945.
Red Alert
On 23 February 1945 at 0145 hours the 29th Bomb Squadron was placed on a Full Red Alert indicating danger of air and ground attack. All personnel were at alert posts within 15 minutes or less. It was learned the following morning that the alert was called because of political activity in Panama. The alert was canceled at 1200 hours on 24 February 1945.Quiet Times
During the month of February the strength of the squadron was 62 officers and the enlisted strength fell from 312 to 296. A total of 512 hours were flown, 478 hours of training and 34 hours of operational flying.On 6 March 1945, the squadron participated in a "Search Light Mission" over the Canal Zone with seven aircraft. On 17 March 1945 forty five officers of the squadron participated in another of their series of Beer Ball games.
During March the officer strength of the squadron increased from 62 to 64. There were 296 enlisted men on duty. A total of 687 hours were flown, 571 hours of training, 58 hours of operational, and 58 hours of "Other".
On 28 March 1945 the 29th Bomb Squadron was accorded battle participation credit for anti-submarine operations. Personnel eligible for this award can wear a bronze star on the American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
. Award effective 24 November 1943.
Back to the Rock
In April 1945 the squadron was ordered to take station at the Galapagos IslandsGalápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.The Galápagos Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a...
. On 26 April an advance party of 2 officers and 20 enlisted men departed from Rio Hato. Following were 49 officers and 94 enlisted men who left Rio Hato
Río Hato
Río Hato is a town in the Coclé province of Panama.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
at 0700 hours in 12 B-24s J's and L's and arrived at Seymour Island
Seymour Island
Seymour Island is an island in the chain of 16 major islands around the tip of the Graham Land on the Antarctic Peninsula. Graham Land is closer to continental land mass than any other part of that Antarctica. It lies within the section of the island chain that resides off the west side of the...
at 1300 hours on 30 April 1945. Five officers and 156 enlisted men left Balboa by ship to Seymour Island, also on 30 April 1945. The ship arrived at the Island on 3 May 1945.
During April 1945 the squadron flew 320 training hours and 123 hours of "other". Squadron morale was poor after the move, since about half of the squadron had previously served eleven months in the Galapagos Islands.
On 8 May 1945 Lt. Col. Don W. Bailey was released from assignment and transferred out of the squadron. Maj. Paul J. Quin assumed command of the squadron.
On 22 May 1945 two combat crews joined the squadron by transfer from the 3rd Bomb Squadron. The following men were members of these crews: Charles E. Meketa, pilot; James McKay, co-pilot; Alfred Dias, bombardier; Richard Capps, navigator, James Chandler, engineer; Ernest Gonzales, radio operator; Ralph Wren, arm. gunner; Ernest Drawdy, gunner; Paul Whiteman, gunner; Charles Withrow, gunner; George Olson, pilot; Henry Baldwin, copilot; John M. Brown, bombardier; Harry Rodgers, navigator; Guy Evans, engineer; James McFall, radio operator; George Lombardi, arm. gunner; Paul Crouse, gunner; Miles Sitterson, gunner.
Liberator Down
On 21 May 1945 a B-24L #44-41641 was reported missing at 00-55S-89-21W. The aircraft had taken off at 1435Z on a training flight in the local area. The ETA was 1705Z. The plane was last seen by another squadron plane in the area of San Cristóbal IslandSan Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago, and one of the oldest geologically.Its Spanish name "San Cristóbal" comes from the patron saint of seafarers, St. Christopher...
at about 1515Z and was not contacted thereafter. The squadron was alerted for a search at 170OZ. At 1740Z the squadron requested Base Operations to attempt to get a radar fix on the missing plane if possible. At 1740Z the Navy Ground Radio Station was requested to guard 500 kc. At 1833Z five 29 BS planes were sent out to search all islands in the Galapagos area except Culpepper and Wenmon. Three of the planes circled San Cristobal Island. A C-46 Commando
C-46 Commando
The Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando was a transport aircraft originally derived from a commercial high-altitude airliner design. It was instead used as a military transport during World War II by the United States Army Air Forces as well as the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps under the designation R5C...
arriving from the Zone assisted in the search which ended at dusk.
On 22 May 1945 the search continued from dawn to dusk. B-24s, a C-47 Skytrain
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
and navy aircraft all were involved in the search. Four planes circled San Cristobal Island and at least two planes were in the vicinity all day.
On 23 May 1945 the search was resumed at dawn. Eight planes went to the outer limits of previous searches. At 1421Z, Capt. Wm. Knight, Operations Officer, took off in a North American O-47
North American O-47
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7607-3432-1.* Fahey, James C. U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946. New York: Ships and Aircraft, 1946....
to examine San Cristobal Island. At approximately 1450Z oxygen bottles and one survivor were sighted at Bahia Rosa Blanca. The radio in the search plane was inoperative so Capt. Knight returned to the Base. Maj. Quinn returned to the area in a C-47, dropped supplies and equipment, and found another survivor about 1/4 mile from the first.
At 163OZ a Navy crash boat departed the base with Lt. Col. Johnson aboard and reached the area at approximately 2030Z'. The second survivor appeared to be badly injured so the crash boat was directed to him. The second survivor was Cpl. Richard A. Tremper. His injuries were serious so a Navy PBM was requested to come to the scene. Lt. Comdr. H.P. Gerdon, U.S.N. made a landing near a dangerous coast line, removed Cpl., Tremper and returned to the base. The first survivor was identified as Cpl. Walter S. Beebe.
On 24 May 1945 a ground party under the command of Capt. E.F. Herrington was sent to the scene to continue the search. Statements from the survivor able to talk said other survivors were highly unlikely. After further searching with no positive results the search was terminated with the returned of the search party on 25 May 1945.
The following parts of the aircraft and equipment were found along the beach:
- Nose wheel from the B-24
- Rear door from bomb bay to waist
- 8 Individual oxygen tanks
- 3 Large oxygen tanks
- Torn life vest
- Half inflated life vest
- Empty navigators kit
- Headrest from pilots seat
- 6 Ditching ribs
- Parts of bomb bay, radar equipment, emergency water and ration box, and flight deck
Killed in the crash were the following airmen: Lt. Carl P. Haugen. pilot; Lt. Emerson Riffo. co-pilot; Lt. Theodore J. Stanford, navigator; S/Sgt. Raymond Olson, Cpl. Charles F. Glass, Cpl. Sam E. Edmondson.
Survivors were: Cpl. Walter S. Beebe and Cpl. Richard A. Tremper.
The squadron strength for May 1945 was 60 Officers and 294 Enlisted men. A total of 581 hours were flown during the month.
Late in the War
On 5 June 1945 all base personnel were ordered to wear neck ties after 1800 hours and all day on Sunday and holidays in compliance with Base and 6th Air Force directives. This order by the Base Commander Lt. Col. Johnson was not received with much enthusiasm by the troops of the squadron.Starting in June 1945 the "Official History" was reduced to short one or two line items. No reason was given for this change. For June 1945 the squadron was manned by 60 Officers and 293 enlisted men. Total flying hours was 601 hours.
On 31 July 1945 the enlisted men of the squadron collected about $300 to purchase war bonds for the widow and baby daughter of one of the crash victims. The little girl was born on 21 July just one month after the crash.
On 11 July the last of 3 B-24s assigned to the squadron arrived at the base. These were "M" models, painted black underneath and were in the very last group of B-24s made. These planes were produced by the Ford motor company.
Post War
The 15th and 16 August 1945 was designated as an official holiday commemorating the end of the war. On 17 August 1945 the squadron resumed normal duties. On 18 August 1945 the squadron received telegram concerning a missing B-17 in the Salinas, EcuadorSalinas, Ecuador
Salinas is a coastal city located in the Province of Santa Elena, Ecuador. It is the seat of the canton that bears its name. The westernmost city on mainland Ecuador, Salinas is an important tourist center. Recently, Salinas was the center of controversy during the contentious "more fun, less sun,"...
area. The squadron was asked to send aircraft for search. Four B-24s were sent on the 19th and after two days search returned on the evening of the 20th. The B-17 was found by natives where it had crashed into a mountain. On 25 August 1945 Capt. Wilcox, Squadron Intelligence Officer, was requested by base to travel to Salinas and Quayaquil for the purpose of investigating Ecuadorian workers who were given jobs at this base.
On 29 August 1945 Personnel of the squadron were individually asked if they cared to volunteer for further military duty in this area, another area, or if they wanted to be discharged as soon as possible. A very large majority agreed that they would prefer the discharge. On 30 August 1945 the morale is low for several reasons, including the requirement to sign for an additional six months in this area to be eligible for a furlough in the U.S. and because of strict mail censorship. During August 1945 a total of 768 hours were flown and the squadron was staffed by 58 officers and 300 enlisted men.
The Official Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day is a name chosen for the day on which the Surrender of Japan occurred, effectively ending World War II, and subsequent anniversaries of that event...
was set as 2 September 1945 but no official celebration was held on the base and very little signs of hilarity were observed. Mostly a keen interest in the progress of the occupation forces landing on Japan proper was observed. However, church attendance proved that all troops were thankful for the war's end. Base and squadron teams were involved in sporting events.
On 4 September 1945 censorship was lifted and morale rose. On 5 September 1945 morale continued to climb as a point system for discharge allows credit to 2 September 1945. On 11 September 1945 Captains Lange and Knight (Pilots) received orders for discharge (85 points 12 May 1945). On 22 September 1945 a total of 26 men were to report to the Zone for discharge (90 points 2 September 1945). Squadron planes will take them to the Zone. On 24 September 1945 the squadron troops were informed about re-enlistment possibilities in the Regular Army (Very little excitement from troops). On 25 September 1945 men over 35 receive orders for discharge. On 27 September 1945 the squadron was officially advised that it will move to Rio Hato within a few weeks. The air echelon was to move out on 2 October and ground echelon will remain to aid in preparing Base equipment for shipment to depots. On 30 September 1945 the 70 point men received orders to move out on 3 October 1945. The Engineering Section was hit severely—the Ordnance Section was completely wiped out. The squadron ceased functioning as an operating unit. The future status of the squadron was not definitely known. During September 1945 the squadron flew 533 hours and had 53 officers and 263 enlisted men on duty on 30 September 1945.
The Men Come Home
On 2 October 1945 Maj. Paul Quin, Commanding the 29th Bomb Squadron, released the following statement: Between crew rotation and point system discharges, all original 29 BS pilots have now left our organization. Flying officers showed considerable interest and ability in taking over certain ground jobs. Original squadron ground officers and men had become somewhat lax because of length of service in this area and lack of a definite workable rotation policy. Squadron on the job training (flying officers learning ground jobs) has saved much time and confusion in the emergency of the squadron movement along with continual loss of experienced personnel.The air portion of the squadron began to move out on 2 October 1945 to take base at Rio Hato so the above was the last Official History written at the Galapagos Islands.
1946
The 29th converted from B-24s to B-17s. This occurred sometime in 1946. They were required to check-out in the brand new 17s and the pilots who flew them down flew the 29ths B-24s back to the States. The 29th crews were not too happy about not getting to fly their planes back. Instead the returned on the Liberty ship, S.S. General Blanchard (possibly the USS General H. B. Freeman (AP-143)USS General H. B. Freeman (AP-143)
USS General H. B. Freeman was a for the U.S. Navy in World War II. The ship was crewed by the U.S. Coast Guard until decommissioning. She was named in honor of U.S. Army general Henry Blanchard Freeman. She was transferred to the U.S. Army as USAT General H. B. Freeman in 1946...
. Inactivation of the 29th took place effective 1 November 1946, [per G. 0. No. 24, Headquarters, Caribbean Air Command. For authority, see War Department letter, AG 322 (27 August 1946) AO-I-AFCOR (223e)-M, dated 9 September 1946.