Index

Aberdeen, 85, 104, 116

Abraham, Al, 182, 186–87, 196

Adams, Charles B., 219–20, 230, 242–43

Admin Box, 81–82

Air Commandos: control of, 123, 124, 149; criticism of, 121–22; enthusiasm for concept, 204; establishment of, 122–23, 149–50, 151; organizational structure of, 150–52; personnel for, 151–52; principles for use of, 122, 149; service groups to support, 150–51; survival of concept, 249–50. See also 1st Air Commandos (1st ACG); Project 9; 2nd Air Commandos (2nd ACG); 3rd Air Commandos (3rd ACG)

Air Transport Command (ATC), 138–39, 151–52

airborne engineers company, 39, 73, 74, 76, 80, 97, 104

Airdrome Squadron (ADS), 126, 136, 151, 154, 155, 205, 206

Akyab Island, 45, 46–47, 48, 183, 184, 190–91

Alexander, Scott M., 229

Alison, John R.: ACG creation, viii–ix; Arnold, correspondence with, 17; belly tank installation, 244; bomber support for LRPGs, 64; Broadway airfield construction, 97; Broadway command of, 95, 98; C-47 flight, 100–101; career of, 14, 15–19; character of, 14; decorations awarded to, 18; Eisenhower, meeting with, 123; Fifth Air Force, move to, 230; glider landings at Broadway, 95, 96–97; glider training, 38; initiative of, 29; Mindanao plans, 209; nickname for, 14; Operation Thursday, 70; Piccadilly, 88, 91; Project 9, viii, 3, 14, 19, 23, 25–26, 34; restrictions against flying, 78–79; return to U.S., 118, 123; 2nd ACG training, 157; survival of ACG concept, 249; 3rd ACG planning, 203, 204; vertical envelopment plan, 124; YR-4s, acquisition of, 35

animals, 49, 67, 68, 87, 138, 160

Anisakan airfield, 107, 109–10, 111, 113, 117, 118

Any Place, Any Time, Anywhere, 82, 250

Arakan, Burma, vii, 5, 7, 9, 45, 48, 75, 172

Arnold, Henry H. “Hap”: ACG, additional units of, 122–23, 149–50, 203; ACG, principles for use of, 122, 124, 149; ACG, use of, 155–56, 249; ACG creation, ix–x, 3; Air Blitz Unit, 10–11; aircraft support offer, viii, 11, 13–14; Alison, correspondence with, 17; bomber support for LRPGs, 65; British operations in Burma, 123; C-47 replacement, 61; command arrangements, 43; fighter squadron activation, 125; 1st ACG, 38–39, 122; in Iceland, 29; LRPG interest of, 10–11; opinion of Alison and Cochran, 29; Project 9, viii, 23–26, 32; at Quadrant Conference, viii; redesignation of 5318th Provisional, 70; report on USAAF activities, 249; Wingate, meeting with, 10

Arnold, William W., 34

Asansol, 120, 127, 136

Ash, Paul B., 154

Aswell, Ulysses S., 206

Atha, Edward E., 167, 179–80

Auchinleck, Claude, 12, 44–46, 47, 48–49, 51, 55

Aungban airfield, 107, 113–14, 143

B-25H Mitchells, 64–65, 71, 79, 85, 104–5, 120, 127, 139–40

Balchen, Bernt, 29

Baldwin, John E. A., 44, 81–82, 88, 90, 91, 100, 121

Ball, Alfred J. “Jack”, Jr., 152, 197

Ball, Marion C., 132

Barry, Henry, 126

Beasley, David C., 126

Beck, Robert A., 167

Bhamo, Burma, 9, 48, 107, 109

Bishop, Wayne, 168–69

Bleecker, John C., Jr., 243

Blush, Neal J., 68, 95

Boebel, Richard W., 33, 93, 103

Bollum, Neil, 112, 114

bombing missions: airfields, 108–11, 112–14, 117, 118–20, 131–35, 140–41, 143, 166, 174–82, 184–88; Biscuit Bomber missions, 224; bridges, 115–16, 135, 140, 141, 142–43; control system, 105; dive-bombing attack, 77–78; enemy ships, 225; Formosa, 225–30; Luzon, 218–20; Night Intruder Section, 139–40; oil refineries, 143; Operation Eruption, 133–35; Operation L, 131–33; radar stations, 181; road reconnaissance missions, 117; supply installations, 105–6, 117

Bonham, Ernest C., 34

Borrow, George, 84

Boyd, Robert, 110, 113–14

Brackett, Robert, 97

British IV Corps: air transport need requirements, 54; Burma operations planning, 47; interest in and contributions to Burma operations, 11–12, 47, 50, 123; Operation Multivite, 144–45; 2nd ACG support for, 165–66, 188, 190–91; tasks after LRPG disruptions, 9

Broadway, Burma: airfield at, 95, 96–97; closing of, 103; command of, 88, 95, 98; decision to only use, 91; defense of, 101; glider landings at, 94–97; Japanese assault on, 101–2, 103; Olson’s command of, 88; radio communication, 95–96, 97–98; reconnassiance flights, 87, 89; success of missions to, 101; supply missions, 98

Brodie, Thomas, 52

Brook, Charles, 170–71

Brooke, Alan, 44

Brookfield, Donald S., 153

Brown, Joe E., 241

Bulack, Joseph T., 240

Burger, Roy, 169–70

Burma, 6; ACG use in, x; air transport need requirements, 47, 49, 54–55; Allies’ offensives in, x, 11–12; end of war in, 199; HA-GO (Z Operation), 75; Japanese control of, vii, 5; plans for operations in, 47–50, 69; priority of operations in, 44–47; rainy season in, viii, 9; strategic value of, 184; supply missions, 78; withdrawal from, 190. See also Thursday, Operation

Buxton, William E., 154, 177, 178, 188

C-47 Skytrain: character of pilots, 36; characteristics and capabilities of, 30; combat operations record, 120; glider training, 37–38, 61; gliders tow arrangement, 38, 85; inspection of, 57; loading of, 86, 87, 88; loss of, 224; LRPG use of, 10; maneuvers, 66, 68; reactivated 1st ACG use of, 126; request for, 32, 71; runway needs for, 99; supply missions, 63, 80; training maneuvers, 62, 63

Cagayan Valley, 217, 242–43

Calasiao airfield, 221–22, 223

Calvert, Michael “Mad Mike”, 5, 52, 90, 91, 95, 96–98, 104, 105

Caniff, Milton, 14–15

Cannon, John K., 23

Carter, Charles C., Jr., 206

Carter, Olin B., 112, 114, 119, 126

Casey, Patrick H., 34, 73, 74, 80, 95

Chambers, Robert, 64

Chase, Levi R., Jr,: bombing missions, 174–78, 184, 185; command arrangements, 152, 164; decorations awarded to, 187; IV Corps, support for, 165; Operation Multivite, 144, 145; rescue mission, 182–83; return to U.S., 197; rice paddy landing, 181–83; in Tunisia, 22

Chennault, Claire, vii, 15, 18, 43, 54

Cherry, William T., Jr., 33–34, 66, 91–92, 94

Chiang Kai-Shek, vii, 12, 15, 42, 127–29, 137–38

Childs, Milford N., 206

China: air route for, 46, 48; priority of operations in, 45–46; 2nd ACG in, 247; strength of, 11; supplies for, 44–45

China–Burma–India (CBI) theater, vii, 8, 12, 127–29

Chindits: aircraft support for, 49, 62–63, 77–78, 79–80, 105–6; flights over assault area, 60; formation of, viii, 5; Indaw, march to, 79–80, 83–85; Mutaguchi’s opinion of, 94; name, source of, viii, 5; Operation Longcloth, 5, 7; supplies for, 80, 85, 103–4; terrain covered by, 80; troops in, viii, 5; withdrawal of, 127, 156

Chindwin River, ix, 7, 47–48, 79–80, 83–84, 93

Chinese forces: air transport need requirements, 54; P-40s for, 15; supplies for, vii; withdrawal of, 128, 137–39, 159–60

Chowringhee, Burma, 90, 98–100, 101

Churchill, Winston: Burmese operations, concern about, 11, 12; CCS’s report to, 46–47; Mountbatten appointment, 13; Operation Longcloth, 7–8; Operation Thursday, 101; at Quadrant Conference, viii, 8; Southeast Asia Command creation, 12–13; Wingate, meeting with, 8; Wingate, messages to, 53

Clark, McGinnis, 193–94

Clark Field, 217, 219, 222

Clegg, Williams G., 159

Coble, Walter M., 244

Cochran, Philip G.: ACG creation, viii; Air Commando designation, 70; animals, airlifting of, 49; attitude of, complaints about, 86; bomber support for LRPGs, 64–65; bombing missions, 77–78; Broadway, 95–96, 101; Burma operations, 69; career of, 14, 19–23; character of, 14; Chindwin River crossing meeting, 84; comic strip based on, 14–15; copilots, request for, 86; decorations awarded to, 23; Dixie airfield evacuation, 103; 1st ACG, bases for, 57; 1st ACG, capabilities of, 62–63; 1st ACG, independence of, 122; flight to India, 39–40; glider maneuvers, 61–62, 65–67; glider mission, 88; on glider pilots, 38; glider training, 38, 61; gliders, loading of, 86; gliders, recall of, 96; gliders, responsibility for, 86–87; gliders, use of, 54–56; Hailakandi airfield as headquarters, 59; in Iceland, 29; initiative of, 29; Lalaghat, conditions at, 73–74; landing sites, changing, 91; Mountbatten, relationship with, 27, 29; Mountbatten’s L-5 flight, 69–70; Mountbatten’s speech to troops, 67–68; at NATC, 23; Operation Thursday, 70, 101; pep talk to glider crew, 59; Piccadilly, elimination of landings at, 91; Project 9, viii, 3, 14, 23–26; Pursuit Squadron command, 15, 19–20; reconnassiance flight and photos, 88–90; reconnassiance flights, 87; restrictions against flying, 78–79; return to U.S., 118, 123; survival of ACG concept, 249–50; 3rd ACG planning, 204; Wingate, concern about health of, 53–54; Wingate, meeting with, 27–28; YR-4s, acquisition of, 35

Cole, Richard E., 35

Collins, Edward C., 76

Combat Cargo Groups (CCGs), 122, 124, 137, 150

Combat Cargo Task Force, 127, 137, 144, 145, 150, 163

Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS), 12, 46–47, 150, 158

Commando Division, 11

Coogan, John L. “Jackie”, 36

Cox’s Bazaar airfield, 80, 164

Crawford, Henry A., 152

Crossbow, 165

Crouch, L. H., 152

Curdes, Louis E., 206–7, 226–28, 239

Davidson, Howard C., 42, 44, 155

Davis, Robert, 237

DC-3s. See C-47 Skytrain

DeBolt, Arthur R.: career of, 152; CBI, movement to, 158; command arrangements, 152, 154; at Kalaikunda, 161; Kalaikunda accommodations, 162; Operation Multivite, 144; recovery of Pryor, 196; return to U.S., 197; training of 2nd ACG, 157

depth charges, 63, 79

DeSalvo, Joseph A., 97

Devine, Andy, 19

Dixon, Hadley M., 177, 181

Don Muang airfield, x, 175–79, 185, 186–87, 188, 248–49

Douglas C-47

Skytrain. See C-47 Skytrain

Dracula, Operation, 190, 192–93, 195–96

Driscoll, Patrick J., 37

Easley, John H., 206

Eason, Walter R., 175, 181, 182–84

East, Lee E., 198

Eastern Air Command (EAC), 44, 124–25, 137

Edmonds, Earl Y., 238

Edwards, Oliver M., 238

Edwards, Wilbur H., 34

Eichhelberger, Robert L., 222

Eisenhower, Dwight D., x, 123

Engelhardt, Charles L., 33

Enloe, Cortez, F., 102

Eruption, Operation, 133–35

Eubank, Eugene L., 35

Evans, Frederick W., 127

Everhart, Sylvester, 229

Fazio, Frank, 108

Fenny, 135–36, 140–41

Fergusson, Bernard E.: aircraft support for, 79–80; capabilities of 1st ACG, 62–63; Chindwin River crossing, 83–84; command arrangements, 52; Indaw, march to, 79–80, 83–85, 91; light planes, test for, 63–64; supply dump, destruction of, 104

Fighter Groups, 20–23

Fighter Section (1st ACG): aerial combat, 77–78, 112, 117–18, 119–20; aggressiveness of, 131–33; combat operations record, 120; command arrangements, 126; at Fenny, 140–41; planes for, 115; units assigned to, 125. See also P-51A Mustang

Fighter Section (3rd ACG), 230

Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadrons (2nd ACG): command arrangements, 153, 154; decorations awarded to, 188; designation of, 152; experience of pilots, 153; IV Corps, support for, 165–66; rockets, use of, 164; Sinthe airfield, 166–67; training for, 152–53; training of, 157

Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadrons (3rd ACG): arrival at Tanauan, 214; bombing missions, 218–20, 224–30; command arrangements, 206; experience of pilots, 204–5; support for Sixth Army, 224–25; takeoffs and landings in pairs, 214

    1st Air Commandos (1st ACG): aerial rockets, use of, 108; Boston Detachment, 129–31; capabilities of, 62–63; combat operations record, 120; command arrangements, 126; control of, 38, 70, 127, 145, 150; creation of, viii–ix, 3; demand for, x; doubts about abilities of, ix; equipment for, ix; Glider Section organization, 58; hostility toward, 59, 121; inactivation of, 247; independence of, 121, 122; maneuvers, 65–70; mission of, ix; motto of, 82; official designation of group, 102–3; Operation Thursday, 70; operations assignment, 38–39; organizational structure of, 125; performance of, ix, 120, 122, 133, 149, 248; personnel for, 32–34, 118; photo reconnaissance missions, 77; planes for, 124, 126; provisional designation, 102; reactivation of, 125, 126; redesignation of 5318th Provisional, 70; service groups to support, 150–51; supplies for, 72–73; training for, 60–61, 127; as Wingate’s private air force, 59–60, 121. See also bombing missions

Fishburn, James R., 179, 182–83, 184

    5318th Provisional Air Unit designation, 58, 70

    “Forces of Long-Range Penetration” (Wingate), 9

Forcey, Paul G., 35, 63, 113, 114, 118

Formosa (Taiwan), 208–9, 222, 225–30, 231, 235, 244–46

Fortier, Durward J., 239–40

Foster, Charles L., 206

French, Herbert R., 244–45

Fuller, Floyd W., 206

Gabu airfield, 233–34, 235–40, 242–43, 244, 246

Galahad (Merrill’s Marauders), ix, 10, 52, 79, 127, 156

Galloway, R. L., 181

Gapen, Robert D., 145

Gaty, Clinton B.: bomber support, 64, 105; Chindwin River crossing meeting, 84; 1st ACG command, 118, 126; Lalaghat airfield commander, 59; light planes, command of, 103; Operation Multivite, 144; Project 9 assignment, 34; training for 1st ACG, 127

Germany, vii, 241

Gideon Force, 4

Giffard, George, 42

Giles, Barney M., 25, 26, 152, 249

Gilhausen, William, 113, 118, 119

Gill, William H., 237

Gilliam, Julian, 180–81

Gillmore, A. H., 52

Gilmore, Richard T., 143

gliders, 31; accident between, 82; airfields for, 58–59; assembly of, 57–58; character of pilots, 36; characteristics and capabilities of, 31; combat mission, 82–83; combat operations record, 120; crashes and tow rope failures, 92–94; early release of, 92; equipment for, 37; evacuation of wounded with, 87, 129, 136; loading of, 85–86, 92; loss of, 120; LRPG use of, 10, 54–56; maneuvers, 65–69; pep talk to crew of, 59; Project 9 use of, 30; reactivated 1st ACG use of, 126; request for, 32; supply missions, 83–84, 103–4, 136; takeoff and pickup training, 37–38, 60–61; test flights, 58; 3rd ACG glider pilots, 217, 238–39; tow positions, 38, 85; training for, 58, 60–62; value of, 56

Goodwin, John H., 154

Gooney Bird, 30. See also C-47 Skytrain

Gordon, Charles M., 167, 199

Gordon, Matthew M., Jr., 153

Gotham, John E., 82–83

Greenspan, Irving A., 89–90

Griffin, Leo J., 154

Griffiss, Townsend E., 16–17

Gross, Robert E., 154

Grosvenor, William, Jr., 153, 183

Grubworm, Operation, 138–39, 159–60

Gumble, Herbert H., 197

Gumption I, Operation, 191–92

Gurkha paratroopers, 191, 196

Gwalior, India, 53, 61

Hailakandi airfield: abandonment of, 120; airfield construction, 73, 76; Cochran’s headquarters at, 59; inspection of, 58, 59; Japanese attack on, 111–12; Japanese reconnaissance over, 76; monsoon season and, 118; RAF base at, 86; supplies for, 73

Hall, Allen, Jr., 67, 196

Halsey, William F., 209

Handy, Thomas T., 150

Hanna, John R., 188

Harkins, Edward, 193

Harman, Carter, 116–17

Hartzer, Carl, Jr., 77–78

Haunt, A. E., 141

Hawkins, William B., 153, 184, 197, 198

Heho airfield, 107, 109, 113, 140, 143

Heito Airdrome, 239

helicopters: character of pilots, 36; LRPG use of, 10, 11; Project 9 use of, 31; request for, 32; YR-4 helicopters, acquisition of, 34–35; YR-4 helicopters, characteristics and capabilities of, 31; YR- 4 helicopters, rescue missions, 116–17

Herring, D. C., 82

Herring, Woodson S., 206

Hettema, Harold, Jr., 181, 182, 183

Hlegu airfield, 107, 179–80

Hmawbi airfield, 107, 134–35, 174–75, 179, 181–82, 184–85

Holm, Neil L., 126, 145, 164

Holman, William D., 177, 178

Hopkins, Harry, 16

horses and mules, 49, 67, 68, 87, 138, 160

House, Charles E., 245–46

Howe, Harmon V., 206

Hump Route, vii, 12, 43, 44–45, 46, 150, 159–60

Huntington, Clifford, 226

Hurley, Patrick J., 128–29

Hyatt, Earle, 238

Imphal, India, ix, 9, 44–45, 46, 74–76, 102, 111

Indaw, Burma, 48–50, 79–80, 83–85

Indaw airfield, 107, 109

India Command, 44, 50, 51, 53, 54, 59

Irrawaddy River, 90, 99, 112, 189

Isgrigg, William N., 221

Japan, surrender of, 246

Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF): aircraft, disappearance of, 141, 174; aircraft and personnel, replacement of, 114; aircraft used by, 107; airfields of, 107, 184; in CBI theater, vii, 5; counterattacks by, viii, ix, 9; effectiveness of, 171, 174; interception of, 112; knowledge of landing sites, 93–94; sentais, 107; surrender agreement, 199; withdrawal of, 184

Jennette, John H., 34

Kalaikunda airfield, 158, 161, 162, 171–72, 191, 196–97

Kalberer, Klem F., 204, 206, 221, 223, 230, 238

Katha, 48, 50, 109

Kaufman, Arthur, 154

Kawlin, 119

Keller, Holly, 110

Kelly, Everett L., 132

Kelly, Gene A., 97

Kelting, John A., 35

Kenney, George C., 10–11, 156, 203–4, 222

Kent, Paul C., 180

Kimbrough, Edwin R., 152

King, Ernest J., 11, 208

Kinney, Robert D., 82

Klarr, Jack, 119, 141

Krikoroff, Paul G., 243

Krout, Vincent, 207

Krueger, Walter, 222

Krug, Hubert, 102, 110

Kuter, L. S., 11, 42

L, Operation, 131–33

L-1 Vigilant, 30, 32, 37, 38, 57, 62, 116, 127

L-5 Sentinels: assembly of, 57, 127; characteristics and capabilities of, 30; fuel for, 130; L-5B, 163, 221; loss of, 80, 81; modifications to, 129–30, 244; reactivated 1st ACG use of, 126; request for, 32; supply missions, 37, 80; test for, 63–64; training with, 37, 38, 62

LaCroix, Robert, 227, 228

Lahmeyer, Ray, 220, 231–32

Lair, Walter C., 135–36

Lairmore, Glenn E., 226–27, 236

Lalaghat airfield, 58–59, 73–74, 76, 86, 87, 88, 118, 120

Lalitpur, 58, 62, 65–67, 127, 163

Laoag, Luzon, 233, 235. See also Gabu airfield

Larimore, Glenn E., 219

Lawrence, T. E., 4

Lawton, Richard R., 230

Ledo, India, 44–45, 46, 79–80, 150

LeFan, Charles H., 182

Lehecka, William C., 34

Lentaigne, William D. A., 52

Lewe airfield, 191–92, 193

Lewis, John K “Buddy”, 35

Leyte, 208–9, 211–12, 217

Liaison Squadrons: command arrangements, 126, 154, 206; 1st ACG, 126; missions of, 136; 2nd ACG, 153, 154, 157, 163, 172–73, 190–91, 197–99; 3rd ACG, 205, 206, 213, 218, 222, 223–24, 238

Light Plane Section 3rd ACG, 223, 230

light planes: combat operations record, 120; command of, 103; evacuation of wounded with, 11, 13–14, 28, 30, 81; respect for squadrons, 249; squadron organization and assignments, 79–81, 103; test for, 64. See also L-1 Vigilant; L-5 Sentinels

Limbaugh, Rush H., Jr., 206

Lingayen, Luzon, 235

Long, Roy H., Jr., 195

Longcloth, Operation, viii, 5, 7

Long-Range Penetration Groups (LRPGs): aircraft support for, 5, 10, 11, 13–14, 27–28, 30; benefits of, viii; bomber support for, 28, 31, 64–65; development of, vii–viii, 3, 5; employment of, 9–10; “Forces of Long-Range Penetration” memorandum, 9; formation of, 10; objectives of, 9, 55; planning for, 47–50, 54–56; priority of operations, 46–47; resources for, 54; skepticism about, 46, 47, 48, 50; timing of attacks, 9; training for, 52; troops for, 10, 51–52. See also Special Forces (3rd Indian Division)

Lowry, Brents M., 141

Lukacs, Benedict, 198

Lundberg, Benjamin F., 185–86

Luzon: accommodations at, 220–21; airfield construction, 218; campaign on, 208, 217, 222–23, 242; control of, 235; Japanese troops on, 217; 3rd ACG move to, 220–22

Lynch, George, 215

Lynn, Roland, 110, 126, 131–32, 134, 142–43

Lyons, Herman G. “Doc”, 185, 193

Mabalacat Field, 234

MacArthur, Douglas, 12, 208–9, 217, 223, 242, 246

MacKenzie, Malcolm, 185–86, 187, 196

Mahony, Grant, 33, 35, 101–2, 108, 109–10, 113–14, 117–18, 214–15

Mahurin, Walker M., 206, 207, 214, 218–19, 230, 241, 248

Mallen, T. Kevin, 152, 176

Mandalay, Burma: Allied forces control of, x; bombing missions, 77–78; 1st ACG advance to, 156; importance of, 189; Mandalay–Lashio–Mandalay–Bhamo line of communication, 9; Mandalay–Myitkyina railway line, viii, 7; Mandalay–Rangoon railway line, 142–43

Mangaldan airfield, 218, 224, 230–31, 232, 234

Manila campaign, 222–23

Mansi-Katha, 47

Marshall, George C., viii, 10, 41, 52, 150, 190

Marshall, William C., 180, 186, 193, 194

Martin, Nesbit L., 68

Matousek, Glen, 170

Matterhorn Project, 76

Maurel, Anthony J., 154

McDonell. Donald P., 223–24

McKay, Archie L., 138

McKee, George R., Jr., 154

McNeill, Robert M., 239

Mead, Fergus, Jr., 240

Medical Dispensary, Aviation, 126, 154, 205

Meiktila: airfield, 135, 140, 165, 191; battle for, 168–71, 172–73; Japanese troops in, 166; Operation Multivite, 144–45, 164–65

Melton, Robley, 114, 119

Menter, Marvin, 226

Merchant, Frank B., 139–40

Merrill, Frank D., ix, 50

Merrill’s Marauders (Galahad), ix, 10, 52, 79, 127, 156

Meyer, Boniface J., 182

Meyer, John, 114

Miller, Donald V., 78

Mindanao campaign, 208–9, 222

Mindoro, 215–17

Mingaladon airfield, 107, 131–32, 134, 143, 174–75, 179, 181, 182, 184–85

Minsin, 82–83

Mitchell, Mack, 109, 118, 119

Mitchell, William, 213

Mitchell Field, 213, 218

Modine, Warren, 178

Moist, Robert E., 33

Momyer, William W., 22

Moncrief, Bernard H., 240

monsoon season: airfields and, 118; in Burma, viii; at Mangaldan airfield, 232, 234; operations in Thailand, 196; timing of operations and, viii, 9

Mooney, George W., 244–45

Moore, Temple C., 33

Morris, Robert H., 184

Morris, Stanley G., 194

Moulmein airfield, 174, 180, 181, 182, 188

Mountbatten, Louis: ACG, use of, 122, 124, 149; Air Commando designation, 70; aircraft in Burma, 190; Arnold, meeting with, 13–14; Burma operations, 69; career of, 13; Chinese forces, withdrawal of, 137; Cochran, relationship with, 27, 29; command arrangements, 41–43, 47; command headquarters, 125; Don Muang airfield raid, 179; EAC reorganization, 137; 1st ACG control, 38; 1st ACG, support for, 59; HA-GO (Z Operation), 75; injury to, 88; L-5 flight, 69–70; LRPGs, planning for use of, 55; maneuvers, 68–70; Operation Thursday, 101; Peirse, relationship with, 43; priority of Burma operations, 44; SEAC commander appointment, 13, 52–53; speech to troops, 67–68; Thailand, operations in, 190; Wingate’s convalescence, 53

mules, 49, 67, 68, 87, 138, 160

Mullins, Lee “Moon”, 132

Multivite, Operation, 144–45, 164–65

Murphy, Weldon O., 36, 93

Murray, Lester, 110

Myitkyina, Burma, 48, 138, 197–99

Nallou, George, 230, 237

Neff, William H., 80

Nelson, Ford R., 154

Nevins, John F., 198

Nienaber, Estil I., 93

Night Intruder Section, 139–40, 145

Nimitz, Chester W., 208, 209

Noble, John B., 154

Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC), 42, 129

O’Berry, Martin, 110

Odum, Clarence L., 206, 230

Ogden, Kenneth, 239

oil refineries, bombing of, 143

Okinawa, 242, 244, 246

Old, William D.: aircraft control by, 86; C-47 flight, 100; Chowringhee, flight to, 99; Cochran, opinion of, 86; command arrangements, 44; Lalaghat, conditions at, 73; landings and clearings survey flights, 71–72; Operation Thursday, 60, 70–72, 86, 88, 96; supply missions, 70–72, 98; Tamu, alternative to, 76; Wingate, opinion of, 85

Oldaker, Williams, 198

Olson, Arvid E., 19, 95; Broadway, command of, 88; Gabu field, command of, 235; glider tow rope failure, 92; Joe Brown flight, 241; on Leyte, 212; LRPGs, planning for use of, 54; overseas movement, 210; Project 9 assignment, 33; restrictions against flying, 78–79; return to U.S., 118, 248; TCS, use of, 210; 3rd ACG, close support mission, 237; 3rd ACG command, 204, 206; 3rd ACG, mission of, 205–6; 3rd ACG, restructuring of, 223, 230

Onbauk airfield, 107, 109, 110–11

Order of Shellbacks, 161, 211

P-38 fighter, 31

P-40 fighters, 15–16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 209–10

P-47 Thunderbolts, 23, 31, 32, 36, 39, 126, 127, 133–34, 141, 142–43

P-51A Mustang: assembly of, 58; bombs carried by, 77, 79; characteristics and capabilities of, 31; combat operations record, 120; depth charges training, 63; Japanese planes, interception of, 112; light planes, test for, 63; loss of, 77–78; retirement of, 127; substitution of, 39; success of missions of, 85; telephone and telegraph wires, cutting of, 106; training maneuvers, 62. See also bombing missions

P-51B Mustang, 115

P-51D Mustang: aerial rockets, use of, 164; delivery of, 162, 209–10; markings for, 162–63; takeoffs and landings, four-ship, 231; takeoffs and landings in pairs, 214; 3rd ACG use of, 214

Page, Robert C., 34, 39–40, 61

Pakokku, 144, 145, 165

parapacks for supply deliveries, 37, 56

paratroopers, 48–50, 191, 196

Park, Keith, 179

Parrott, Bishop, 82

Pearle, Edwin W., 182

Pegu, 193, 195

Peirse, Richard, 42–43, 121

Peleliu landing, 209

Petit, Robert L., 33, 63, 79, 114, 115, 124

Philippines: ACG use in, x, 203; deterioration of situation in, 184; Reno V plan, 208–9; strength of Japanese in, 209. See also Luzon

Photographic Reconnaissance Force, 125, 137

photographic unit, 76

Piccadilly, Burma, 87, 88, 89–90, 91

Pitts, Younger, 114, 134, 141, 142

polio, 237

Postlewait, Andrew, 108

Price, Earl, 143

Price, John H., Jr., 82–83

Price, William G., III, 206

prisoners of war (POWs), 78, 119, 135, 143, 183, 186, 187, 195, 196, 240

Project 9: aircraft for, 25, 28, 30–31; Arnold’s plan for, viii, 25–26; barriers to, 54; commander for, 26; 5318th Provisional Air Unit designation, 58, 70; meeting about, 27–28; mission statement, 27; morale of personnel, 39; organizational structure for, 26–27; personnel for, 32–34, 35–36; priority of operations, 46–47; rainy season in Burma, viii; recruitment for, viii, 3, 14, 23–26; resources for, 26–27, 29–32, 54; resources for, transport to India, 39; show-stealing effort, 26, 29–30; timetable for, 28; training for, 36, 37; transport to India, 39–40. See also 1st Air Commandos (1st ACG)

Project X, 151

Pryor, Roger C.: bailout from plane, 182; bombing missions, 176, 179, 180; command arrangements, 154; experience of, 153; IV Corps, support for, 165; recovery of, 195, 196; rescue mission, 183–84

Pursuit Group, 8th, 14, 15

Pursuit Squadrons, 15, 19–20

Quadrant Conference, viii, 8–10, 12, 44–47

radio communication, 28, 166

radio stations, 242

Ramree Island, 45, 46–47, 48

Ramu, Burma, 80, 81–82

Rangoon: JAAF airfield, 107; Operation Dracula, 190, 192–93, 195–96; Operation Eruption, 133–35; Operation L, 131–33

Raynak, John, Jr., 198

Rebori, Andrew P., 34, 36, 37, 80, 103, 157

Reynolds, William L., 154

Richards, Paul E., 222

Richardson, Elmer W., 206, 210, 230

Richlin, Padie, 154

Richmond, K., 33

rockets, aerial, 108, 164

Roosevelt, Franklin D., viii, 8, 10, 46–47, 128–29, 208–9

Rose, Vincent J., 34

Royal Air Force (RAF): air superiority, 190; bases for, 86; Bengal Command, 44; bomber support for LRPGs, 28, 31, 64; command arrangements, 43–44; hostility toward 1st ACG, 59; Operation Thursday, ix; squadrons in TCC, 60

Russell, Bert, 169

Russhon, Charles L. “Rush”: C-47 flight, 100–101; career of, 76; combat camera unit, 76; glider landing at Broad way, 95; Joe Brown appearance, 241; Project 9 assignment, 34; reconnassiance flight and photos, 88–90; 3rd ACG assignment, 207

San Nicolas, Luzon, 234–35

Sarangani Bay, 208–9

Sartor, Samuel O., 230

Sartz, Jacob P., 33, 35

Satterstrom, John E., 206, 230

Scalley, Robert, 227

Schneider, Erle H., 110

Scott, Walter, 90–91, 95

2nd Air Commandos (2nd ACG): activation of, 152; CBI, movement to, 158–59, 160–61; command arrangements, 152–53, 154; control of, 150, 155, 163; creation of, ix; demand for, x; inactivation of, 247–48; markings for planes of, 162–63; Operation Grubworm, 159–60; organizational structure of, 125; performance of, 248–49; planes for, 124, 162–63; readiness dates, 155; return to U.S., 199; service groups to support, 150–51, 155; training of, 156–58; transfers from, 197–99; use of, 155–56

Seese, Donald E., 82, 95

Setnor, Joe, 135

77th Indian Brigade, viii, 5. See also Chindits

Shaw, Troy C., 82

Shenam Saddle, 75

Shwebo airfield, 77, 79, 107, 108, 109, 110–11, 117, 118

Shwebo–Myitkina railway, 9

Sikorsky, Igor, 31

Sikorsky XR-4 helicopters, 31. See also helicopters

Singkaling Hkamti, 83

Singletary, Joseph, 236

Sinzweya, 81

Skalin, Peter, 126

Slater, Frank J., 154

Slim, William J.: Box, Battle of the, 81; Broadway, decision to only use, 91; command arrangements, 42; 1st ACG as private air force for Wingate, 59; 1st ACG, control of, 70; HA-GO (Z Operation), 75; Operation Multivite, 144; Operation Thursday, 71, 88; Rangoon, capture of, 190; reconnassiance flight and photos, 90; 2nd ACG, success of, 165

Slocumb, Tyler H., 154

Smith, Everett F., 34, 64

Smith, Robert T. “Tadpole”, 33, 65, 67–68, 77, 78, 89, 118

Smith, Samson, 33

Snecker, Thomas P., 224

Solomon, Bertram E., 206

Somerville, James, 42

Sorenson, Sherard A., 184

Southeast Asia Command (SEAC), 12–13, 41–44, 133–34

Spaatz, Carl A., 23, 123

Spann, Bobby J., 177–78, 181, 182, 183–84

Special Forces (3rd Indian Division): command arrangements, 52, 53; 1st ACG as private air force for, 59–60; formation of, 55; gliders to transport, 54–56; headquarters of, 53; maneuvers, 65–70; Operation Thursday, 70, 71; supplies for, 56, 63, 72; training of, 52, 61; troop strength, 52; withdrawal of, 127

Special Night Squads, 4

Stewart, Ray E., 126

Stillwell, Joseph “Vinegar Joe”: Air Commandos, use of, 156; air transport need requirements, 47, 54; character of, 42; Chiang, relationship with, 127–29; Chindits, use of, 127; command arrangements, 41, 42, 43, 52; evacuation of wounded, 79; 1st ACG assignment, 38; Operation Thursday, ix; removal of, 128, 129, 156

Stinson Field, 220

Stone, Charles B., III, 42

Strategic Force, 44

Stratemeyer, George: ACG, use of, 124, 156; bomber support for LRPGs, 64–65; bombing missions, success of, 111; Broadway, activity at, 100; C-47 replacement, 61; command arrangements, 43, 44; command headquarters, 125; Don Muang airfield raid, 176, 179, 187, 188; EAC command appointment, 44; EAC reorganization, 125, 137; fighter squadron activation, 125; 1st ACG, control of, 70; 1st ACG, dissolution of, 121–22; 1st ACG reactivation, 125; 1st ACG resources, 38–39; Operation L, 131, 132; Operation Multivite, 145; Operation Thursday, 88; reconnassiance flight and photos, 90; use of 2nd ACG, 155

Sultan, Daniel I., 128, 129, 137–38

Symes, G. W., 52–53

Taiwan (Formosa), 208–9, 222, 225–30, 231, 235, 244–46

Tamu, Burma, 74, 75–76, 80, 102

Tanauan airfield, 212–13, 221

Taylor, William H., Jr.: airfields for gliders, 58–59; asleep on airfield, 69; Burma operations, 69; glider accident, 82; glider assembly, 57–58; glider landing at Broadway, 94–95; glider maneuvers, 61–62, 65–67, 68; Glider Section organization, 58; glider takeoff and pickup training, 37–38; gliders, loading of, 86; illness of, 59, 61; pep talk to glider crew, 59; personnel recruitment, 36; Piccadilly, elimination of landings at, 91; Project 9 assignment, 34

Tazeo Noboru, 94

telephone and telegraph wires, 106, 238

Tempest, Robert L., 163

Terhune, Charles H., Jr., 248

Thailand, x, 175–79, 185–88

Thibodeau, Earl J., 215

    3rd Air Commandos (3rd ACG): activation of, 204–5; command arrangements, 206–7; creation of, ix; demand for, x; discharge from, 241–42; experience of pilots, 206–7; glider pilots, 217, 238–39; inactivation of, 248; in Japan, 248; mission of, 205–6, 208–9; move to Luzon, 220–22; movement of, effort required for, 222; organizational structure of, 125, 204; overseas movement, 209–12; performance of, 249; planes for, 124, 207–8; recreational activities, 240–41; restructuring of, 223, 230, 239; southwest Pacific, movement to, 158; takeoffs and landings, four-ship, 231; takeoffs and landings in pairs, 214; training of, 157, 205, 208

    3rd Indian Division. See Special Forces (3rd Indian Division)

Thomas, Clarence, 206

Thompson, Wirt E., 154, 159

Thursday, Operation: delay to start of, 91; landings and clearings survey flights, 71–72; losses during, ix; planning for, 70–72; preparations for, 85–87; purpose of, ix; success of, ix–x, 101, 149, 248, 250; training for, 82; troops and equipment for, ix

Tillou, John B., 243

Tom, Ngon T., 80

Tomaro, Michael, 230

Toungoo airfield, 166, 190, 195

Troop Carrier Command (TCC): command arrangements, 44; copilots, request for, 86; dissolution of, 125; forces in, 60; glider test flights, 58; Operation Thursday, ix, 60, 70; planes to tow gliders, 72, 86; supply missions, 70–72, 80, 103–4

Troop Carrier Section (3rd ACG), 230

Troop Carrier Squadron, Commando: 2nd ACG, 153, 154, 158–60, 163, 165, 191, 197; 3rd ACG, 205, 206, 210, 215–17, 224, 227–28

Troop Carrier Squadrons (TCS) 1st ACG, 60, 72, 80, 126, 138–39

Tudor, William T., 215

Tulihal, India, 86

Tulloch, Derek, 50, 53, 60, 70–71, 76

Tulloch, Donald C., 126

UC-64A Noorduyn Norseman: assembly of, 127; belly tank installation, 244; character of pilots, 36; characteristics and capabilities of, 30–31; delivery of, 239; reactivated 1st ACG use of, 126; request for, 32; supply missions, 86, 98

Ulery, Vincent L., 37, 126, 145

United States: Burmese operations, committment to, 11–12; China views of, 11

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, 250

U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF): 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), 52; air superiority, 190; bases for, 86; command arrangements, 43–44; 1st ACG under control of, 70; squadrons in TCC, 60

Van Wagner, Fred H., 126

Vandenberg, Hoyt S., 14, 24, 25, 26, 123

vertical envelopment, 124

Villa Verde Trail, 230, 232, 236–37

Vincent, S. F., 105, 144

Wagner, Barrett D., 236

Wagner, Edward, 34, 139

Waugh, Walter R., Jr., 81

Wavell, Archibald, 5, 7, 12, 53

Wedemeyer, Albert C., 42, 129, 137

Weesner, Hilton D., 135

Wells, Kenneth L., 82

Wheeler, Raymond A., 129

White, Edwin B., 34

Whitehead, Ennis, 222

Wilkerson, Steven H., 206

Wilkins, Malcom, 142

Williams, Marshal T. M., 70

Williams, Thomas J., 243

Williams, Volie A., 222

Wilson, William, 182

Wimer, Dean E., 179, 186–87, 196

Wingate, Orde C.: air transport need requirements, 71; Broadway, decision to only use, 91; Broadway, light planes to, 97–98; Broadway, radio communication from, 95–96; Burma operations, 69; career of, 4–5; character of, 3–4; Chindwin River crossing meeting, 84–85; Chowringhee, decision to abandon, 99; Churchill, meeting with, 8; Churchill, messages from, 53; Cochran, meeting with, 27–28; Cochran’s name for, 14; death of, ix, 104–5; 1st ACG as private air force for, 59–60, 121; 1st ACG, capabilities of, 62; “Forces of Long-Range Penetration” memorandum, 9; Gideon Force, 4; hostility toward, 51, 121; illness of, 50–51, 52–53; Imphal and Kohima, offensives in, 74–76; landings and clearings survey flights, 71, 72; LRPG development, vii–viii, 3, 5; LRPG employment, 9–10, 11; LRPGs, planning for use of, 47, 54–56; LRPGs, strategy for use of, 50; maneuvers, 65–67, 68–69; Operation Longcloth, 5, 7; Operation Thursday, 70, 101; at Quadrant Conference, viii, 8–10; reconnassiance flights, 87, 90; Roosevelt, meeting with, 10; skepticism about LRPGs, 46; Special Forces training, 61; Special Night Squads, 4; suicide attempt, 4; supply dropping expertise of, 85; troops for LRPGs, 51–52

Wingo, Raymond E., 243

wounded soldiers, evacuation of: airfields for, 136; from Broadway, 97–98; gliders for, 87, 129, 136; from Kabaw Valley, 129; light planes for, 11, 13–14, 28, 30, 64, 129–30; from Luzon, 222, 223; from Meiktila, 172–73

Wuntho, 77, 107–8

Yazagyo airstrip, 129–31

Yunnan, China, 44, 49

Yunnan Force, 128–29, 150

Zayatkwin airfield, 107, 134, 179, 180

Zemke, Hubert “Hub”, 15, 16

Ziegler, Jack S., 154