Skytrain I7-T 42-92879 of the 442nd TCG Mount Farm

C-47 I7-T 42-92879 442nd TCG Mount Farm

The 442nd Troop Carrier Group (442nd TCG) – overview:

March 1944: The 442nd TCG arrived in England to continue its training in preparation for the upcoming invasion of Europe.
Bases:
- Fulbeck, Lincolnshire: The group was stationed here starting 29 March 1944.
- Weston Zoyland, Somerset: The group moved to this base on 12 June 1944, shortly after D-Day.

6 June 1944 (D-Day):
- Mission: The 442nd TCG dropped paratroops from 45 aircraft at Sainte-Mère-Église, a key location in the Normandy invasion.
- 7 June 1944: Conducted 56 re-supply sorties to support the ongoing battle, ensuring that the airborne troops were well-equipped.
- Recognition: The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its outstanding performance during these operations.
Post-D-Day Operations:
- Following the Normandy invasion, the 442nd TCG engaged in general cargo flying to support the Allied advance in Europe.

July 1944:
- Detachment to Italy: The 303rd, 304th, and 305th Troop Carrier Squadrons (TCS) were detached to Follonica, Italy, to participate in operations in Southern Europe.
- 15 August 1944: The group took part in the invasion of Southern France, towing gliders and dropping paratroops directly into the battle area.
End of August 1944:
- The detachment returned to England after successfully contributing to the operations in Southern France.

September 1944:
- Mission: The 442nd TCG participated in Operation Market Garden, the ambitious but ultimately flawed Allied operation aimed at securing bridges in the Netherlands. The group towed 161 CG-4 troop-carrying gliders during this operation.
October 1944 – March 1945:
- General Transport Work: The group resumed its general cargo transport duties, supporting various fronts as the Allies pushed further into occupied Europe.
Crossing of the Rhine (March 1945):
- 24 March 1945: The 442nd TCG was involved in the airborne crossing of the Rhine River, towing 48 gliders in a significant operation that helped establish a foothold on the eastern side of the Rhine, marking the beginning of the final push into Germany.

Post VE-Day:
- After the end of hostilities in Europe on 8 May 1945, the 442nd TCG was tasked with evacuating released prisoners of war and continuing to provide essential air transport services during the early days of the occupation.
Post-War Stationing:
- The group remained in Europe, operating from bases in France and Germany, including Munich/Riem, as part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), following the inactivation of the 9th Air Force in December 1945.

Col. Charles M. Smith: Commanded the group from its deployment in September 1943.
Col. John C. Kilborn: Took command on 25 September 1945.
Lt. Col. Paul A. Jones: Assumed command on 4 October 1945.

C-47 Skytrain: The primary transport aircraft used for troop drops, supply missions, and glider towing.
C-53 Skytrooper: A variant of the C-47, optimized for transporting troops.
CG-4 Glider: Utilized for carrying troops and equipment in airborne operations.

Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for the group’s exceptional performance during the operations in France on 6-7 June 1944.

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