World_War_II 77th_Air_Refueling_Squadron

435th troop carrier group c-47 landing

media related 435th troop carrier group @ wikimedia commons

the squadron first activated @ bowman field, kentucky in february 1943, 1 of original squadrons of 435th troop carrier group. group used douglas c-47 skytrains , douglas c-53 skytrooopers in preparing duty overseas ninth air force.

the 77th left united states in october 1943, arriving @ raf langar, england, in november. on arrival, began training participation in airborne operation on normandy. squadron flew first combat missions on d-day dropping paratroopers of 101st airborne division near cherbourg. unit towed waco cg-4a , airspeed horsa gliders carrying reinforcements same location afternoon , on following morning. squadron received distinguished unit citation part in operation overlord, normandy invasion.

the squadron began transport services following landings in france , intermittently engaged in missions of type until v-e day in these operations 77th hauled supplies such serum, blood plasma, radar sets, clothing, rations, , ammunition. evacuated wounded personnel allied hospitals.

the squadron interrupted these supply , evacuation missions train , participate in 3 major airborne assaults. part of detachment of 3 squadrons 435th group moved tarquinia airfield, italy in july 1944 operation dragoon, invasion of southern france. detachment dropped paratroopers on assault area on 15 august , released gliders carrying troops , equipment such jeeps, guns, , ammunition. following day flew resupply mission on france, transported supplies bases in italy before returning england @ end of month.

in september 1944 squadron participated in operation market garden unsuccessful airborne operation intended seize bridges across meuse river in netherlands, dropping paratroops of 82d , 101st airborne divisions , releasing gliders carrying reinforcements. during battle of bulge, unit delivered supplies isolated combat positions of 101st airborne , 7th armored divisions in bastogne , marcouray, belgium.

the unit moved bretigny airfield, france in february 1945 prepare operation varsity, airborne assault across rhine river. each squadron aircraft participating in operation towed 2 gliders transporting troops , equipment east bank of rhine near wesel on 24 march. unit flew resupply missions germany in support of ground forces.

the squadron transported supplies occupation forces in germany , evacuated allied prisoners of war after v-e day. squadron , 435th group returned united states in august , group inactivated on 15 november 1945.