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SEVEN SIXTY-FIFTH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) 31 October 1943 History for Month of October The first few days of October were busy ones for all members of the 765th Bombardment Squadron. The primary task was that of getting settled at our new home, Wendover Field, Utah. This procedure, by necessity, had to be carried out with the utmost rapidity; for two days subsequent to the arrival of the Squadron, the critical and helpful eyes of an Administrative Inspector were scanning our records and forms. Our accommodations, while not the most comfortable, were adequate and proved good experience for the men. The members of the Squadron took to the tents without complaint. The food, consumed from mess kits, was good. On the first day of October, the 765th Bombardment Squadron was a small group of officers and men working and living together in the attempt to build a tactical organization. At that time, our complement of personnel totaled 12 officers and 94 enlisted men, but a fraction of Table of Organization strength, and the original model crew was the solo comprisal of our air echelon. By October 31st, this same Squadron was no longer an offspring; it was an adolescent rapidly reaching the adult stage. Its personnel were over one-half complete, with 57 officers and 258 enlisted men assigned to this organization. Moreover, its roster showed the addition of 13 flying crews during the month. This was a total gain of 45 officers and 196 enlisted men. A vigorous training program was undertaken at Wendover Field with particular emphasis placed on qualification in arms, first aid and sex hygiene, safeguarding military information, defense against chemical attack, elementary map and aerial photograph reading, the Articles of War, and military discipline and courtesy. All during October a weeding out process was under way which eliminated from the Squadron those physically unfit for combat duty. On October 3rd, jubilant news reached the ears of the men. An announcement was made that ten per cent of the Squadron could be on furlough at any one time. Men started leaving within a week; and, over the month, 90 enlisted men of the Squadron visited home, families, and friends. Leaves for officers were granted later in the month and 30 officers, most of whom were aircrew men, took advantage of this privilege during October. On October 25th, the 461st Bombardment Group received a new commander. Lt. Col. W. M. Carter was removed from flying status for physical reasons and Col. F. E. Glantzberg assumed responsibility for the guidance of the destiny of the Group. The sorrow over the loss of our Group Commander was accompanied by the determination and resolution to work, learn, and train under our new leader to become a highly potent combat unit. The last few days of the month were busily occupied by getting ready for a change of station. The 461st Bombardment Group was leaving the jurisdiction of the 2nd Air Force and entering that of the 4th Air Force at Hammer Field, Fresno, California. An advance party was sent ahead to California to prepare for the arrival of the Squadron. A detail was appointed to remain at Wendover Field after the departure of the Squadron for the purpose of cleaning up the area. Transportation difficulties made it necessary for the Squadron to travel in two separate groups leaving one day apart. It was with no measure of regret that the 765th Bombardment Squadron departed from Wendover Field for it was on to more advanced training and one step closer to our goal, actual combat with our enemies.
SEVEN SIXTY-FIFTH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) 31 October 1943 Summary of events for the month of October October 1 The major part of the day was occupied in the task of getting organized at Wendover Air Field, Utah. October 2 This was a busy day preparing for the arrival of an Administrative Inspector. All preparations for the habilitation of the Squadron were approved. Eight EM joined the Squadron. October 3 An announcement of furloughs for the EM was met with great approval. October 4 Lt. Nathan, Squadron Medical Officer gave the men a lecture on sanitation and hygiene. Capt Drobeck, gave a Group lecture on rifle instruction and care. An inspection by Lt. Sinai and Capt. Rainen was made of the EM in the Squadron. October 5 Capt. Drobeck, took the EM out on the firing range for qualification on the rifle. Eleven EM joined the Squadron. October 6 Our Squadron was taken out for dress inspection by Capt. Rainen before Lt. Col. Carter and Lt. Col. Dippy. October 7 Eleven EM joined the Squadron. October 8 Twelve EM joined the Squadron. October 9 Eight EM joined the Squadron. October 11 Fourteen EM joined the Squadron and also the following officers 1st Lt. William S. Sullivan 1st Lt. Edmund F. Stefenson 2nd Lt. John K. Specht 2nd Lt. Francis G. Rapp 1st Lt. William H. Tallant F/O Harold D. Brown October 14 Six EM joined the Squadron also the following officers 2nd Lt. Noble A Taylor 2nd Lt. Frank E. Warner 2nd Lt. Irving H. Kaufman October 15 Ten EM joined the Squadron. October 16 Lt. Dusenberry returned to duty from leave. October 17 Twenty-five EM joined the Squadron. October 18 2nd Lt. Warner from duty to leave. The following officers joined the Squadron 2nd Lt. Harold Kurzberg 2nd Lt. Harold E. Milne F/O Irving Smithkin October 20 Thirty-two officers and twenty-five EM joined Squadron. October 21 1st Lt. Murphy from duty to DS. Five EM were transferred out of the Squadron. Twenty-eight officers were given leaves. October 22 Five EM were transferred out of the Squadron. Twenty-five EM joined our Squadron. October 24 Two officers and 20 EM from duty to temp asgnt to new field in California. October 25 2nd Lt. Willie M. Platt, Intelligence Officer joined our Squadron. Four EM joined our Squadron. This day marked the change of Group Commanders, Col. F. E. Glantzberg replacing Lt. Col. Carter. October 26 2nd Lt. Kurzberg and 2nd Lt. Lightbody and 4 EM were sent out on temp duty. 2nd Lt. Dusenberry returned from leave. Officers 1st Lt. Tallant 1st Lt. Mixon F/O Brown 2nd Lt. Wilson, these officers on leave. October 27 Three EM were transferred out of the Squadron. October 28 Two EM and the following officers on DS Hammer Field. 2nd Lt. Specht 2nd Lt. Milne 2nd Lt. Rapp October 29 Twenty EM for DS Hammer Field Cal. Fifty-nine EM for duty Wendover Utah to DS enroute to AAB Hammer Field Cal, to be assigned from the Second Air Force to the Fourth Air Force. October 30 Forty-six EM for DS enroute to Hammer Field. October 31 One officer and 110 EM from DS AAB Wendover Field to duty to AAB Hammer Field California. |
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