hump: "Where do we get such men?", The

Mobility Forum, May/Jun 2000 by Sherman, J M

During WW II the U.S. was tasked to provide supply lines into China. It was 1944 and with the Japanese as our enemy, we were forced to use airlift to accomplish the mission. For some it was such a long time ago this is unfathomable, for others this operation it is a firmly held memory. Recently, a group of veterans and their families joined together to celebrate not only the success of The Hump, but to recognize the importance the 328' Airlift Squadron played in this important military mission. Some of the veterans told stories of how they couldn't allow the weather to control the mission - they called this "no weather." Others told stories that made us laugh.

Such as the story told by Maj Jean Tool (who unfortunately couldn't attend the reunion) in his "Scribbling Book" which was later titled A C-B-I Adventure in WW II. "Just as I cut off the engines after landing and parking for the unload at one of our dirt strips near the Burma front, I noticed four obviously highranking officers near the parking spot next to mine. First glance suggested that three were dressed in the olive drab of the RAF and/or the British Army. The fourth wore the sparkling-white dress uniform of the Royal Navy.

"As I watched, the pilot planning to park next to me taxied toward this group, he locked his left wheel brake and revved his right engine in order to turn his craft around for parking.

"This is standard procedure. But we were at the top of the premonsoon dry season and dust as fine as talcum powder ''"1 covered the whole area to the depth of several inches.

"As the airplane turned away just in front of them, the prop blast from the one speeding propeller buried that quartet in a cloud of blowing dust that hid them completely from our view for nearly a whole minute. The white uniform turned into a dark grey.

"It was worn by Lord Louis Mountbatten, cousin of the King, and Commander of all Allied Forces in the Southeast Asia Command."

The 328th Airlift Squadron traces its lineage to the 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron, activated in April 1944, and formed in response to the need to re-supply ground forces in the China - Burma - India (CBI) theater during WW II. Combat Cargo Squadrons were considered an elite branch of the Transport Command and would, far the first time, supply an entire army exclusively from the air.

In August 1944 the Squadron, equipped with C-47 aircraft, deployed to the CBI Theater. On 29 September 1945, while operating from Kunming China, the unit was re-designated the 328th Troop Carrier Squadron. The Squadron was deactivated for a short time from December 1945 until being reactivated in the Reserve in 1948.

The 328th was eventually moved to Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY, in March 1958. The unit was then equipped with C-119 aircraft.

Since December 1970 the unit has flown -A, E, and -H3 model C-130 aircraft. The Squadron continues to fly contingency; humanitarian, and disaster relief missions.

Due to medical reasons, one of the Hump pilots isn't able to remember his time in the CBI theater. Far him this reunion was an opportunity to learn about his own participation in the war. Other members of the 328th attended because this reunion gives them a sense of pride in their unit. Current squadron members attended, as well as past commanders:

General Hopper, 21 AF/CC, spoke at the reunion. He spoke of the importance of history and tradition. As he displayed the 328t'' Airlift Squadron's patch he solemnly stated, "these men with us tonight are very lucky...we appreciate their service."

The evening came to a-close with Lt Col Walter O. Gordon, 328t'' AS/CC, reading a letter from their first Commander. A hush settled over the crowd, these men and women who now serve, sitting with the men who have served before. A letter that talked about his memories of living with danger every day and of the bonds built between men that even a half century cannot destroy. He signed this letter "Sincerely, John." Not Col Moriarity, but John. Not just their commander, but their friend.

Just before we got up to say good night, TSgt Ray LeWallen asked to address the crowd. He walked to the podium and said simply that he wanted to thank his pilot and copilot for the many safe trips over the Himalayas.

"Where do we get such men." With that, we said Good night.