C-47 42-93607
The 436th Troop Carrier Group (436th TCG) – overview:
Operational History
Arrival and Training:
- The 436th TCG arrived in England in January 1944 and immediately continued its rigorous training program. This training was crucial for preparing the group for its upcoming missions, culminating in its participation in the D-Day operations.
D-Day Operations:
- On 6 June 1944 (D-Day), the 436th TCG launched its first major operation, where 90 C-47 Skytrains from the group dropped paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division over the Normandy beachhead. Later that day, the group towed 48 Horsa gliders carrying field artillery reinforcements to the same area. The group’s outstanding performance in this operation earned it the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Invasion of Southern France:
- With the Normandy invasion secured, a detachment from the 436th TCG was sent to Italy in July 1944 to participate in Operation Anvil-Dragoon, the invasion of southern France. On 15 August 1944, the group towed troop-carrying gliders and dropped paratroopers, supporting the ground forces. The group also flew resupply sorties and dropped supplies to Allied forces in other parts of Italy before returning to England late in August.
Airborne Assault on Holland:
- In September 1944, the 436th TCG took part in Operation Market Garden, dropping paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division over Holland. The group also towed 207 CG-4 gliders carrying reinforcements to the same area. This operation was one of the largest airborne operations of the war, though it faced significant challenges and mixed results.
Rhine Crossing:
- After moving to France in February 1945, the 436th TCG participated in the Rhine crossing operation on 24 March 1945. During this operation, each of the group’s 72 C-47s towed two CG-4 troop-carrying gliders to Wesel, Germany. This operation was crucial in facilitating the Allied advance into the heart of Germany. Following this, the group transported fuel to the front lines and evacuated casualties.
Post VE-Day Operations:
- After the end of hostilities in Europe on VE-Day (8 May 1945), the 436th TCG focused on transporting released prisoners of war and conducting practice missions with the French Army. The group remained active in these duties until it returned to the United States in August 1945.
Squadrons and Codes
- 79th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): S6
- 80th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 7D
- 81st Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): U5
- 82nd Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 3D
Bases
- Bottesford, Leicestershire: January 1944
- Membury, Berkshire: 3 March 1944
- Melun/Villaroche, Alsace (France): 26 February 1945
- Detachment to Voltone, Italy: 20 July 1944 – 23 August 1944
Commanding Officer
- Col. Adriel N. Williams: 4 February 1944
Aircraft
- C-47 Skytrain
- CG-4 Waco Glider
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for operations in France, 6-7 June 1944.
Aircraft Markings
- The aircraft of the 436th TCG followed the standard USAAF two-color camouflage scheme. Squadron codes were painted in White, Identification Yellow, or Sky color on the forward fuselage, with the aircraft call letter positioned on the tail just above the serial number.