WAR DIARY – 450TH BOMB GROUP

SEPTEMBER THRU NOVEMBER 1943 – ALAMOGORDO, NEW MEXICO

History of the Group for September 1943

During the month of September, the 450th Bomb Group swung into high gear. 'All personnel shortages in Ground and Air Echelons were completed with a total of 70 crews distributed among the four squadrons. The month of October was a particularly busy one due to reclassification, transfers, and a 25% personnel turnover. The combat crews and other men in the squadrons were changed around until a satisfactory place was found for every man. The month of November was fairly static. The 450th was up to strength and ready to compete its III Phase of training.

By September 13, First Phase of Ground School was completed for the 24 combat crews available at the time. The same date marked the arrival of the B-24 Mobile Unit of the Technical Training Command with a crew of 13 instructors headed by Lt. James S. Faith. The Group Schools Officer set up schedules for members of combat crews, and instruction got under way in 24 hours. By the end of the month, crew members and maintenance men had learned the latest developments in B-24 aviation.

The Briefing Rooms of the various Squadrons were the center of interest for crew members being taught a new method of recognition of aircraft. Lt. Robert A. Ogozalek, just returned from a special course of Recognition at Davis-Montham Field, had some new ideas that he was eager to try. The byword in the school rooms became "What is it? Shoot or Salute."

As a result of the intensified program in Recognition instruction, a number of ingenious devices appeared in Group Headquarters and in the Squadrons. Anyone entering the Intelligence Section at Headquarter caught sight of a blinking shadow box silhouetting a plane against a transparent screen. This device was changed into a peep hole box using various plastic models of aircraft. Just to break the monotony or Sergeant introduced a luscious "Pretty" model into the peep box. Our C.O. Colonel Mills, received an interesting eye full when he peeped into the box.

Extensive use of F.F.'s and F.S. has been made by all squadrons. During the month of September, 100 films and 25 strips were shown with unusually good results. The quality of visual and aural instruction has improved to a point where learning is easy as well as interesting.

The 450th softball team decided to tackle the Base champions (Guard Squadron), and the Alamogordo Ballpark was used as the setting for the occasion. Hundreds of men and officers filled the stands for the big game. Col. Mills and Jam. Price were officiating. The game opened up and so did the pitcher, Sgt. Cinkowsky of the 722nd Squadron. At the end of the game, the score was 17 to 2, in our favor. The championship changed hands and so did a few five dollar bills.

Fired with success, the team challenged both the 455th and 449th Groups to a betting spree, and defeated both. The 450th next turned to volleyball, and in short order disposed of all adversaries.

Volleyball, football, and softball games are continually in progress in the 450th area. New Mexico's September weather has been conductive to outdoor activities. Of particular interest are the cannon-like serves of a certain Major Huber who is always first on the volleyball courts. Only such stars as Capt. McKamy in Group Intelligence and the Adjutant can stop him.

The physical fitness tests in September disclosed that the condition of the Group was among the highest in the Second Air Force.

The first day of the doe season found Major Giedon and Lt. Campa at a cattle tank near the Sacramentos gunning for birds. By sundown, the 450th nimrods had bagged the limit and returned home with pleasant anticipation of a nice mess of dove's breast ala gourmet. The nicely cleaned birds went into the officers mess ice box for safekeeping, and Major Gideon is still wondering how the cooks "threw" the doves out by mistake.

The personnel of the 450th occasionally find it necessary to bolster its morale with a trip to El Paso, Texas. As a good neighbor gesture, both officers and enlisted men pay a visit to the ancient city of Jaurez across the border. The old church, the market place, and the Plaza de Toros are a source of great interest to lovers of relics in the 450th. They bring back souvenirs just for old time sake – the older the souvenir, the better.

Church services are sponsored (7) each Sunday by individual Squadrons. Chaplain Paul Stevens has been very successful in getting his men to attend regularly. More than 1200 out of the 1600 men of the 450th have been to Church in September.

The White Sands National Park has been the scene of a number of picnic suppers and old fashioned "sings" given by the various squadrons and the Officers Club. Blood circulation, body temperature, and morale have soared with the aid of wieners, sandwiches and beer.

Above the harmonious blending of such bards as Capt. George L. Thorpe of the Medics, the busty basso of Major Donald North has been heard leading the "sailor" song.

Numerous get-togethers at the recreation hall have punctuated the weekends with friendly suppers and buffets. Our Red Cross representative, Dave Hettlemen threw a little party of his own for the officers during the month of September. Just a little memento to remember him while he went on leave. The "Quiet" little party grew in direct ratio to the popping of champagne corks, (Dave does not approve of Spiritus Frumenti) and a number of officers found themselves included in the party by late evening. It was more than a remembrance: in fact, Majors Robert Gideon and Orlie Price have been trying hard to forget it. The Colonel smiles every time he recalls the quiet little evening, and Capts. Donovan and Snaith still claim they weren't present. They can't remember.

No accidents occurred during the month of September, and we are still knocking on wood.

The augmented personnel to be trained in September strained our resources considerably. Utter lack of schoolroom space complicated the program. The facilities offered at the Base could not be extensively utilized because of transportation problems resulting from our field dispersion. Red tape and procedure slowed up our program considerably when supplies had to be secured from Base Headquarters. It took three times as long to secure materials as it did to build.

General Newton P. Longfellow of the 16th Bombardment Operation Training Wing visited the 450th briefly during September. Major French gave an interesting lecture and showed a film on the Interrogation of Combat Crews.

Major Gideon's smile was considerably broadened by the arrival of Anne at the end of this month. She just got in under the wire ringing the door bell with all her 8 pounds 5 ounces on September 30.