History of the 382nd Bombardment Group (VH)
February 1945

The following is a retyping of part of the official history of the 382nd Bombardment Group (VH), in its monthly report provided for February 1945. This history is taken from AFHRA Microfilm Roll B0372, starting with frame 1249. Each page from the report is separated by a horizontal rule. Neither the biography nor the appendix of supporting documents is provided.

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I. PERSONNEL

     The month of February resulted in only normal increases of personnel. The positions in the ground echelon are being filled and with the arrival of all our flying personnel the Group shall be near Table of Organization strength.

     The major change occurred in authorized personnel. Changes were authorized by TO & E 1-167, change #2 dated 21 December, 1945 [sic] and resulted in an increase of 90 officers and a corresponding decrease of enlisted men. 1/ The change authorized 60 Radar Oberservers and increased our Officer Flight Engineers to 60.

     As of the 28th of February the Group has the following personnel:

     In comparison with the assigned personnel as of 31 January 1945 this is an increase of 6 officers and 109 enlisted men. 2/

     Of the assigned personnel of the Group, 29 officers and 230 enlisted men are on Detached Service. The majority of the men on Detached Service are attached to the 247th Advanced Base Unit, APO #632, c/o Postmaster, Miami, Florida.

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1/ 2 AF TWX EY 4710 dated 17 Feb, 1945. (2AF Reporting Guide dated 28 Feb, 1945)
2/ WD Form 127, Parts I and II, dated 28 February 1945 (Headquarters Squadron, 33rd Photo Lab, 420th Squadron, 464th Squadron, 872nd Squadron.)

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     A major change was made in the organization of the Group when Colonel Audrin R. Walker assigned from Headquarters 2nd Air Force, 13 February, 1945, assumed the duties of Group Commanding Officer 16 February, 1945. 3/ Colonel William W. Jones relinquished his command 7 February, 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd E. Johnson, Jr. assumed temporary command of the Group from 7 February, 1945 to 16 February, 1945. 4/

     Several changes were made in the administrative set-ups of the Squadrons. Captain Phillip F. Locke was appointed Adjutant of the 420th Bomb Squadron (VH) 5/ and 1st Lieutenant Thomas H. Hearn became Adjutant of the 872nd Bomb Squadron (VH). 6/

II. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

     February saw little change in any organizational or administrative set-up. Administrative matters have been functioning smoothly and require only minor changes and improvements.

III. TRAINING

     The Majority of training this month was devoted to the ground echelon. Technical training for the ground echelon was started during the first of the month.

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3/ GO #2, Hq 382nd Bomb Group (VH), SHAAF, Salina, Kansas, 16 Feb, 1945.
4/ Par. 1, GO #1, Hq 382nd Bomb Group (VH), SHAAF, Salina, Kansas, 7 Feb, 1945.
5/ Par. 9, SO #41, Hq 382nd Bomb Group (VH), SHAAF, Salina, Kansas, 12 Feb, 1945.
6/ Par. 10, SO #41, Hq 382nd Bomb Group (VH), SHAAF, Salina, Kansas, 12 Feb, 1945.

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     A program of Group training in addition to the required training was instigated. The Group requirements consist of work in addition to Second Air Force requirements. The object of this is to bring the individual to his highest proficiency in his Military Occupational Specialty and to insure that he retains that proficieny.

     The Group acquired 18 combat crews on 1 February, 1945 and they were immediately sent on leave. Upon their return, 23 February, 1945, the first phase ground school program was begun.

     While the ground echelon program proceeded satisfactorily enough the attendance was small due to a large percentage of our personnel being at the 247th Advanced Base Unit, APO #632, % Postmaster, Miami, Florida.

     During the month Squadron and Staff personnel attended various Technical Schools for further training.

IV. MAINTENANCE

     Approximately one-fourth of the enlisted men and one-third of the officers assigned to the maintenance section were attached to the 247th Advanced Base Unit, APO #632, % Postmaster, Miami, Florida. The balance of the men worked here in cooperation with the 247th Base Unit.

     While maintenance operations on the base were normal the men with the advanced base unit were required to take care of all types of maintenance. Work that would ordinarily be taken care of by various base sections was handled by our crews.

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     The supply problem at the advanced base unit was great and was only overcome by the initiative of the men and their ability to repair parts that would ordinarily be disposed of. This made operations difficult, but in turn gave the men a world of experience and knowledge that will prove valuable in the future. It is felt that the operations at the advanced base unit were conducted under conditions similar to that which will be found in overseas areas and will benefit the Group when such operations are undertaken. This feeling was so strong that a policy of rotating the men at the advanced base unit was instigated. The prime purposes of this program were to give the men practical experience and to enable them to attend the technical ground school at Smoky Hill Army Air Field.

V. SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT

     The supply problem has not been a great one. Excellent co-operation by base supply has resulted in minor problems being quickly ironed out and major ones being avoided.

     Upon the receipt of our Warning Orders, 14 February, 1945, a list of organizational equipment shortages was submitted to the Base Project Supply Officer. This was acted on immediately and the Base either filled the shortage or requisitioned it as per instructions in the order.

     Several activities were undertaken in an effort to coordinate supply problems properly and to establish liaison with other units. A conference with the 316th Wing at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado was attended 13 February, 1945 to gather information regarding supply preparations for overseas movements. Along that line liason [sic] was established with the 333rd Bomb Group (VH), Great Bend, Kansas in an effort to coordinate activities concerning the requisition of mutually needed supplies.

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     Trips have been made to Camp Phillips, Salina, Kansas and other depots in a further effort to coordinate supply activities. Work is progressing on the preparation of overseas boxes and more than half of them are completed.

     Activities were also carried on for the 39th Bomb Group (VH), Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, Kansas and considerable help was rendered them in the processing and transportation of their air echelon.

VI. FACILITIES

     The physical set-up of the Group has not altered materially and is considered adequate for the present. New barracks have been acquired and set-up to house our new crew members.

VII. MORALE

     The month of February contributed much to the morale and the spirit of the men. Numerous activities, sponsored by Group Special Service, were initiated to enable the men to become better acquainted with each other and with their officers.

     The initial effort was a great success. A combination beer party and dutch supper for both the enlisted men and the officers of the Group was held 4 February, 1945. This was the first mixed get-together of Group personnel and approximately 900 men were present. The introduction of the key officers of the Group and a variety show consisting of Group talent were the high spots of the evening.

     In an effort to establish cordial and profitable relations with USO clubs and other organizations in the surrounding towns a beauty contest was sponsored to select a Group Sweetheart and four [...next page]

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Squadron Sweethearts. USO clubs in Salina, McPherson, Wichita, and Manhattan gave excellent cooperation and entered a total of 85 girls in the contest. The spirit was excellent and our men served as host for the contestants. The five winners were selected on 15 February, 1945 at the Salina USO by a board of judges composed of three officers and four enlisted men. The winners have been guests at several small parties initiated by the Squadrons they represent.

     The contacts and benefits derived from the contest cannot be overlooked. Not only is the Group now known and liked in the surrounding area, but social organizations are devoting considerable time to the welfare of the Group and to planning parties and events for it. The AMVS of Wichita has even undertaken the collection of furniture and other items for Squadron dayrooms.

     Bowling leagues for officers and enlisted men have been going on for some time. Four teams were entered in the base basketball league and one of them reached the finals. Because of the desire of the men, a Group basketball team was organized and played the AAF, Walker, Kansas, Kansas Wesleyan College, and civilian teams in McPherson and Kipp, Kansas. While the results were not very successful it gave the men a team to cheer for.

This is the end of the main sections of the February 1945 report for the 382nd Bomb Group (VH).

Return to the tribute page for the 382nd Bombardment Group

Transcribed by Kevin Anderson on 13 June 2006
Original typographic errors were left in.
All remaining transcription errors are my own.