C-47 438th Troop Carrier Group, 90th TCS
The 438th Troop Carrier Group (438th TCG) – overview:
Operational History
Arrival and Preparation:
- The 438th TCG arrived in England in February 1944. The unit underwent rigorous training, focusing on glider-towing and paratroop operations in preparation for the impending Normandy invasion.
D-Day Operations:
- On 6 June 1944 (D-Day), the 438th TCG was designated as the lead element in the airborne invasion of Normandy. The group towed 50 CG-4 and Horsa gliders carrying troops from the 82nd Airborne Division. Their critical role in these operations earned the unit the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its exceptional performance.
Invasion of Southern France:
- In July 1944, three of the four squadrons of the 438th TCG were detached and sent to Italy to participate in Operation Anvil-Dragoon, the invasion of southern France. On 15 August 1944, these squadrons towed gliders and dropped paratroops into the invasion area. The detachment returned to England later that month, while the fourth squadron continued to operate from Welford.
Operation Market Garden:
- In September 1944, the 438th TCG played a key role in Operation Market Garden, the Allied airborne operation in the Netherlands. The group towed 198 CG-4 gliders carrying reinforcements to the Eindhoven/Nijmegen area. This operation was crucial in supporting the ground forces advancing towards Germany.
Battle of the Bulge:
- At the end of December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes, the 438th TCG conducted similar resupply operations, dropping urgent supplies to support Allied forces under attack from the German counter-offensive.
Crossing of the Rhine:
- In February 1945, the 438th TCG moved to France in preparation for the crossing of the Rhine in March, the group’s final major operation in the European Theater of Operations (ETO). During this operation, the group’s C-47s played a crucial role in ferrying troops and supplies across the Rhine River into Germany.
Post VE-Day Operations:
- Following VE-Day (Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945), the 438th TCG focused on evacuating Allied prisoners of war and transporting displaced persons. The unit remained in France until August and September 1945, after which it returned to the United States.
Squadrons and Codes
- 87th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 3X
- 88th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): M2
- 89th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 4U
- 90th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): Q7
Bases
- Welford Park, Berkshire: February 1944 (Squadrons also at Langar)
- Greenham Common, Berkshire: 16 March 1944
- Prosnes, Alsace (France): February 1945
- Amiens/Glisy (France): May 1945
Commanding Officers
- Col. John M. Donalson: 13 July 1943
- Col. Lucien N. Powell: 27 December 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 438th TCG’s aircraft featured standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Sky squadron code letters located on the forward section of the fuselage. The aircraft call letter was positioned on the tail just above the aircraft serial number.