The 440th Troop Carrier Group (440th TCG) – overview:
Operational History
Arrival and Early Operations (March – June 1944)
- March 1944: The 440th TCG arrived in England, having completed training on C-47 Skytrain aircraft in the United States.
- Bases:
- Bottesford, Leicestershire: Arrived on 11 March 1944.
- Exeter, Devon: Moved to this base on 26 April 1944.
D-Day and Normandy Campaign (June – August 1944)
- 6 June 1944 (D-Day):
- Mission: The 440th TCG dropped paratroops from the 101st Airborne Division near Carentan, Normandy.
- Casualties: Three aircraft were lost during the operation.
- Next Day: Vital supplies were airlifted to the same area.
- Recognition: The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its exemplary performance during these operations.
- Subsequent Weeks:
- Continued resupply missions to support the Allied forces in Normandy.
- Detachment to Italy (July – August 1944):
- 18 July – 24 August 1944: The 95th, 96th, and 97th Troop Carrier Squadrons (TCS) were detached to Ombrone, Italy.
- Operations: Participated in the invasion of southern France, including dropping paratroopers near Le Muy on 15 August 1944, and towing gliders carrying reinforcements.
Operations in France and Beyond (August 1944 – March 1945)
- 10 August 1944:
- Mission: A detachment of the group dropped supplies to an infantry battalion under siege in northern France.
- 25 August 1944: The group reunited and soon moved to France in September to support the advancing Allied armies.
- 17 September 1944:
- Mission: Paratroops of the 82nd Airborne Division were dropped near Groesbeek during Operation Market Garden in Holland.
- Following Days: The 440th towed 168 CG-4 gliders carrying reinforcements to the area.
- Battle of the Bulge (December 1944):
- Mission: The group played a vital role in resupplying the besieged 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne by hauling supply-carrying gliders during the Ardennes counteroffensive.
Final Operations and Post-War Activities (March – October 1945)
- March 1945:
- Mission: The group towed 90 CG-4 gliders carrying 17th Airborne Division troops across the Rhine River during the assault on Wesel.
- This was the group’s final major operation.
- April – May 1945:
- The group continued flying missions to deliver supplies to the front lines and evacuate casualties until VE-Day on 8 May 1945.
- Post VE-Day:
- The 440th TCG was involved in transporting freed prisoners and displaced persons.
- October 1945: The group was disbanded.
Squadrons and Codes
- 95th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 9X
- 96th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 6Z
- 97th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): W6
- 98th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 8Y
Bases
- Bottesford, Leicestershire (England): 11 March 1944
- Exeter, Devon (England): 26 April 1944
- Reims, Champagne, Alsace (France): 11 September 1944
- Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire (France): 30 September 1944
- Orleans, Bricy, Centre-Val-de-Loire (France): 2 November 1944
Commanding Officers
- Col. Frank X. Krebs: 7 July 1943 – 29 October 1944
- Lt. Col. Loyd C. Waldorf: 18 September 1944 – (served until the group’s disbandment in 1945)
Aircraft
- C-47 Skytrain: Primary transport aircraft used for troop drops, supply runs, and towing gliders.
- CG-4 Glider: Used for transporting troops and equipment during airborne operations.
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for extraordinary heroism during operations in France on 6-7 June 1944.
Motto
- Nunquam Non Paratus (Never Unprepared)
Aircraft Markings
- Camouflage: Standard USAAF two-color camouflage.
- Squadron Codes: White or sky-colored squadron code letters were placed on the forward section of the fuselage.
- Call Letters: Positioned on the tail just above the aircraft serial number.