WAR DIARY – 450TH BOMB GROUP

OCTOBER 1943 – ALAMOGORDO, NEW MEXICO

History of the Group for October 1943

The month of October was a particularly busy one due to reclassification, transfers, and a 25% personnel turn-over. The combat crews and other men in the squadrons were changed around until a satisfactory place was found for every man.

The most significant change was the replacement of Capt. Chadbourne Steward of the 722nd Squadron by Major William Lewis Orris. Capt. Steward was assigned to the 302nd Bomb Group in 'Clovis, New Mexico.

The original planes in which the first crews got their training were sent to the Ogden Aid Depot for general overhauling after serving faithfully and without mishap for almost 4 months. Much of the credit for our good fortune in training goes to these veterans.

A total of 50 planes was reached during the month of October. A few functional difficulties were encountered in the oxygen systems and in the turrets, but the Engineers and mechanics tried to fix them satisfactorily.

The accent was on training during the month of October. The first was devoted to those phases which were supplied by the B-24 Mobile Training Unit. This able group of experts retuned to give additional training to our crews in hydraulics, inspection, etc. The consolidation of training records shows a high percentage of supplementary training. Our great problem continued to be school room facilities. It is almost impossible to carry on an instructional program for a group in one lonely little shack!

The communications ground school stepped up its pace considerably. Attendance by radio men was made compulsory and by October 26th they all had a average of 45 hours.

Second and Third phase training were telescoped because of lack of time. The group schools were placed back in the squadrons in order to make the fullest possible use of the few facilities available. Under the supervision of Group, the training continued to completion.

The squadrons began their simulated and practice mission during October, preparatory to the Group missions in November.

The squadrons vied with teach other in trying to get their crews "recognition minded". Contests were held and special "peep boxes" and other contraptions manufactured in an effort to teach crew members that fine pints of modern aircraft. The results of all this work were very salutary. They introduced an element of sport which was conducive to learning and enjoyment. The 723rd Squadron rigged up an ingenious device whereby a plane could be studied at every possible angle. Its position was altered by means of strings, something on the order of a marionette. The 17 crews pooled $170.00 to be given out in prizes to the winners at the end of the week.

The crew with the highest score received $25.00 and the runner-up $15.00. the planes were changed daily, and each recognition slip signed by those participating. The scoring system was as follows: correct name and type – 5 points; correct nationality – 3 points and correct name only – 1 point. Needless to add, the winnings accrued by top crews were well utilized.

The 721st invented an electrical device with push buttons and lights so connected that a light answered the correct identification. This device was inspired by a pinball machine in the officer's club, according to its designer, Lt. Robert Ogozalek.

The 722nd Squadron, unwilling to be outdone by the other squadrons cooked up a coffin-like device elevated on legs and also resembling a pinball machine. The unique factor about this "machine" is the illusion of distance and altitude accomplished by mirrors. The aircraft models are suspended inside the box against a sky illuminated indirectly and reflected on two mirrors, the last of which is exposed to the contestant's eye through the peep window. By means of threads, the plane's position may alter at will in order to study the model at all attitudes.

Interest in the weekly contest was held at high pitch by a purse of $50.00 for winning crew, and $25.00 for runner up. The money was contributed by the crew members at the rate of 50 cents per person.

The 723rd Squadron decided to add a naval vessel recognition box for combat crews and other interested personnel. In order to simulate actual combat conditions from an altitude of 20,000 feet, the line of sight was computed by application of the definition of the tangent and found to be 35 degrees. The principles of physics and mathematics were applied by Lt. Chester Richman, 722nd Squadron Bombardier and Lt. Russell Jackson, Group weather officer. All in all, the training aids used by the departments were the most practical and efficient possible with our limited resources.

With a full realization that time was growing shorter, ground training in all departments was accelerated. The ramp was a favorite place to dismantle engines in the bright New Mexican sun.

The war bulletin in the open was a useful means of keeping up with the news. Thanks to the 722nd Squadron, anyone waiting for a bus in front of their orderly room could glance over the "World at War" and bring himself up to date. In this connection the Group S-2 kept up its situation maps in every detail possible. Special displays told the story of the Air Forces participation in various theaters. Photo intelligence put up interesting displays of the Pacific War.  

During the month of October, around 400 furloughs were given to enlisted personnel. Officers too were able to go home for a short visit. This was the best morale booster for the month. The Red Cross representative, Mr. David Hettlemen, reported loans totaling over $25,000.00 for the month of October. Every man entitled to a furlough or a leave got it.

The physical training program for the month of October was an ambitious one. Classes in Judo, Guerrilla exercises, mass combatives, boxing, etc. were held with unusual attendance in all. The Group softball tem completed its season by competing in the Southwestern tournament in El Paso. Group volleyball and basketball teams participated in matched games which helped considerable in building up more. So well received was the physical training program that the weekly hour average was raised from 3300 to 6500 by the end of the month.

The usual number of Squadron and officer parties punctuated the activities of the 450th during the month of October. There was no dearth of "good cheer" with the proximity of our "good neighbor, Mexico."

Many officers successfully talked themselves into matrimony with the Chaplain officiating. In fact, cupid worked so fast that the officers club and the service club looked and sounded like a grand party at meal times. The presence of the feminine sex was another of the factors that kept the morale of the Group at it highest pitch. Without exaggerating in the least, it may be stated that seldom has any group attained such a state of high morale!

Visitors dropped in announced and unannounced at Headquarters during the month. Major Barr of the II Air Force, Lt. Col. Weber of the P.O.M., Lt. Col. Ping of the 16th Wing, and others were among those who visited us. From all appearances, pour visitors were well impressed with our performance.

Our telescoped instructional program was further aggravated by the expansion program undertaken around the ramp. What with additional aircraft, torn up roads, and road equipment puffing all over the place it became almost hazardous to get around, but with all our handicaps the month of October puts us in shape for the last lap.