World War Photos

C-47 ‘3J’

The 441st Troop Carrier Group (441st TCG) was a vital unit in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, playing a significant role in major airborne operations across Europe. Its contributions, particularly in support of airborne divisions, were crucial to the success of Allied campaigns from D-Day to the final crossing of the Rhine.

Operational History

Arrival in England and Early Operations (March – June 1944)

• March 1944: The 441st TCG arrived in England and began conducting general transport duties within the UK while continuing to train for the upcoming invasion of Europe.
• Bases:
  • Langar, Nottinghamshire: Arrived on 17 March 1944.
  • Merryfield, Somerset: Moved to this base on 27 April 1944.

D-Day and Normandy Campaign (June – August 1944)

• 6 June 1944 (D-Day):
  • Mission: The 441st TCG transported paratroops from the 101st Airborne Division to the Cherbourg area in Normandy.
  • 7 June 1944: Towed 50 CG-4 gliders carrying reinforcements for the 82nd Airborne Division.
  • Recognition: The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its outstanding performance during these operations.
• Post D-Day Operations:
  • The group resumed general cargo-carrying operations but maintained a focus on supporting the airborne forces.
• Detachment to Italy (July – August 1944):
  • 18 July – 24 August 1944: The 99th, 100th, and 302nd Troop Carrier Squadrons (TCS) were detached to Grosseto, Italy to conduct scheduled flights between Rome and Grosseto.
  • 15 August 1944: Participated in the invasion of southern France, dropping paratroops from the 109th Parachute Infantry Regiment and towing gliders with reinforcements.

Operations in France and the Netherlands (September 1944 – March 1945)

• September 1944: The 441st TCG moved to France, setting up bases closer to the front lines.
• 17 September 1944:
  • Mission: As part of Operation Market Garden, the group dropped paratroops from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions near Nijmegen, Netherlands.
  • Following Days: Towed 168 gliders carrying reinforcements to support the airborne assault.
• Battle of the Bulge (December 1944):
  • Mission: The 441st TCG dropped essential supplies to the surrounded 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne during the Ardennes counteroffensive, contributing significantly to the defense of the town.

Final Operations and Post-War Activities (March – December 1945)

• 24 March 1945:
  • Mission: The 441st TCG played a key role in the crossing of the Rhine, hauling 96 gliders carrying the 17th Airborne Division from Dreux and Chartres to Wesel.
  • This was one of the last major airborne operations of the war.
• April – May 1945:
  • The group continued to deliver fuel, supplies, and evacuated wounded soldiers and released prisoners of war (PoWs) until VE-Day on 8 May 1945.
• Post VE-Day:
  • The 441st TCG remained active in Europe, supporting occupation forces and aiding in the repatriation of displaced persons until after the inactivation of the 9th Air Force in December 1945.

Squadrons and Codes

• 99th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 3J  – Transferred to 27th ATG, 8th AF, on 27 August 1945
• 100th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 8C
• 301st Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): Z4 – Transferred to 442nd TCG on 18 April 1945, returned August 1945
• 302nd Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 2L – Transferred to 314th TCG on 15 May 1945

Bases

• Langar, Nottinghamshire (England): 17 March 1944
• Merryfield, Somerset (England): 27 April 1944
• Villeneuve/Vertus, Champagne-Ardenne (France): 8 September 1944
• St. Marceau, Pays-de-la-Loire (France): 2 October 1944
• Dreux, Centre-Val-de-Loire (France): 3 November 1944
• Frankfurt, Germany: 12 August 1945 (Not including 301st TCS, which had different deployment locations)

Commanding Officers

• Col. Theodore G. Kershaw: Commanding officer from 8 August 1943
• Col. William H. Parkhill: Took command on 24 November 1944

Aircraft

• C-47 Skytrain: Primary transport aircraft used for troop drops, supply missions, and glider towing.
• C-53 Skytrooper: A variant of the C-47 used for similar operations.
• CG-4 Glider: Utilized for carrying troops and equipment during airborne assaults.

Unit Decorations

• Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for extraordinary heroism during operations in France on 6-7 June 1944.

Aircraft Markings

• Camouflage: Standard USAAF two-color camouflage.
• Squadron Codes: White or sky-colored squadron code letters placed on the forward section of the fuselage.
• Call Letters: Positioned on the tail just above the aircraft serial number.