Skytrains of the 437th TCG, 83d Troop Carrier Squadron
The 437th Troop Carrier Group (437th TCG) played a significant role in several major airborne operations during World War II, contributing to the success of Allied forces in Europe.
Operational History
Arrival and Preparation:
- The 437th TCG arrived in England in January 1944 and quickly integrated into the operations of the Ninth Air Force, focusing on intensive training in preparation for the upcoming invasion of Normandy.
D-Day Operations:
- On 6 June 1944 (D-Day), the 437th TCG was heavily involved in the Normandy invasion, towing 60 CG-4 Waco and 18 Horsa gliders to the Cherbourg area. These gliders were crucial in delivering troops and equipment to support the airborne divisions on the ground. The group followed up with 50 re-supply sorties for the 82nd Airborne Division on D-Day and the following day. The unit’s exceptional performance during these operations earned it the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Invasion of Southern France:
- Following the successful Normandy campaign, a detachment from the 437th 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 conducted re-supply sorties the following day. The detachment also flew general transportation missions in the region before returning to England on 24 August 1944.
Operation Market Garden:
- In September 1944, the 437th TCG participated in Operation Market Garden, one of the largest airborne operations of the war. Between 17 and 25 September, the group towed 140 CG-4 gliders carrying reinforcements and flew several missions carrying troops and equipment. The operation was challenging, with six of the group’s C-47s being shot down, resulting in heavy casualties.
Rhine Crossing:
- Preparing for the final push into Germany, the 437th TCG moved to France in February 1945. On 24 March 1945, during the airborne assault across the Rhine, the group’s 80 C-47s each towed two gliders to Wesel, Germany. These operations were crucial in facilitating the Allied advance into Germany.
Post VE-Day Operations:
- After VE-Day (Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945), the 437th TCG remained in France until August 1945. During this time, the group focused on transporting displaced persons, homebound ex-prisoners, and other post-war duties before returning to the United States.
Squadrons and Codes
- 83rd Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): T2
- 84th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): Z8
- 85th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 90
- 86th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 5K
Bases
- Balderton, Lincolnshire: 20 January 1944
- Ramsbury, Wiltshire: 5 February 1944
- Coulommiers/Voisins, Alsace (France): 25 February 1945
- Detachment to Montala, Italy: 19 July 1944 – 23 August 1944
Commanding Officers
- Col. Cedric E. Hudgens: 1 May 1943
- Col. Donald J. French: 12 June 1944
Aircraft
- C-47 Skytrain
- C-53 Skytrooper
- CG-4 Waco Glider
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for operations in France, 6-7 June 1944.
Aircraft Markings
- The 437th TCG’s aircraft followed the standard USAAF two-color camouflage. Squadron code letters, which were either White, Identification Yellow, or Sky, were located on the forward fuselage, while the aircraft call letter was positioned on the tail just above the serial number.