326th SQUADRON

MISSION The 326th Airlift Squadron mission is C-17 global strategic airlift with 18 combat-ready aircrews flying over 4,500 hours annually in support of National Command Authorities on overseas airlift missions, joint service exercises, humanitarian relief, presidential movement and aircrew training.

LINEAGE 1st Combat Cargo Squadron constituted, 11 Apr 1944 Activated, 15 Apr 1944 Redesignated 326th Troop Carrier Squadron, 29 Sep 1945 Inactivated, 26 Dec 1945 Activated in the Reserve, 15 Jul 1947 Redesignated 326th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, 2 Sep 1949 Ordered to active service, 15 Mar 1951 Inactivated, 1 Apr 1951 Activated in the Reserve, 14 Jun 1952 Ordered to active service, 28 Oct 1962 Relieved from active duty, 28 Nov 1962 Redesignated 326th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 1 Jul 1967 Redesignated 326th Military Airlift Squadron (Associate), 25 Sep 1968 Redesignated 326th Airlift Squadron (Associate), 1 Feb 1992 Redesignated 326th Airlift Squadron, 1 Oct 1994

STATIONS , KY, 15 Apr-1 Aug 1944 Sylhet, India, 21 Aug 1944 (detachment operated from Yunannyi, China, 15 Sep-2 Oct 1944, and Hathazari, India, 19 Oct-Dec 1944) Tulihal, India, 29 Nov 1944 Tsuyung, China, 12 Dec 1944 Hsingching, China, 29 Jan 1945 (detachment operated from Liangshan, 11 Mar-9 Jul 1945) Chengkung, China, 16 Aug 1945 Piardoba, India, 15 Nov-26 Dec 1945 Morrison Field, FL, 15 Jul 1947 Reading Muni Aprt, PA, 2 Sep 1949 New Castle County Aprt, DE, 1 May 1950-1 Apr 1951 New Castle County Aprt, DE, 14 Jun 1952 Willow Grove NAS (later, US NAS Willow Grove), PA, 20 Jul 1958 Dover AFB, DE, 25 Sep 1968

ASSIGNMENTS 1st Combat Cargo Group, 15 Apr 1944 , 16 Jun-26 Dec 1945 435th Troop Carrier Group, 15 Jul 1947 512th Troop Carrier Group, 2 Sep 1949-1 Apr 1951 512th Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun 1952 512th Troop Carrier Wing, 14 Apr 1959 912th Troop Carrier (later, 912th Tactical Airlift; 912th Military Airlift) Group, 11 Feb 1963 512th Military Airlift (later, 512th Airlift) Wing, 1 Jul 1973 512th Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992

ATTACHMENTS 69th Composite Wing, 16 Aug-10 Nov 1945

WEAPON SYSTEMS C-47, 1944-1945 Unkn, 1947-1949 C-46, 1949-1951 AT-7, 1949-1951 AT-11, 1949-1951 C-46, 1952-1957 C-46A C-46D C-47A C-47B C-119, 1957-1968 C-141, 1968-1973 C-5, 1973-2007 C-17A, 2007

COMMANDERS Unkn, 15-26 Apr 1944 Maj Frank S. Aitken, 27 Apr 1944 Cpt Wilson Gillis, Dec 1944 Maj Timothy R. Johnson, 27 Jan 1945 Maj Joseph G. Manyo, 21 Jul 1945 LTC William F. Duncan, 19 Aug 1945 Maj John W. Chapman, 29 Aug 1945 Cpt John R. Boyle, Nov-26 Dec 1945 Unkn, 15 Jul 1947-Oct 1948 Cpt George P. Lescanec, Oct 1948 LTC Ignatius Sargent, 4 Oct 1949 Unkn, Jan-1 Apr 1951 Unkn, 14 Jun 1952-Mar 1959 LTC Alfred J. Wood, Apr 1959-unkn LTC James R. Morrow, Dec 1962 Unkn, Dec 1966-Sep 1968 LTC Arthur J. Kiefer Jr. 25 Sep 1968 LTC Theodore J. Killian, Apr 1973 LTC Edward R. Graves, Jul 1973 LTC William J. Cox, 17 Jun 1974 Col Robert E. Kosikowski, 23 Jul 1976 Col Robert A. Fean, 1 Jun 1979 LTC David M. H. Sibbald, 23 May 1982 Col Leland H. Hoffer, 18 Nov 1985 LTC John M. Danahy, 24 Oct 1987 LTC Patrick J. Gallagher, 1 Aug 1991 LTC Jeffrey M. Bricker, 4 Nov 1992 LTC Richard W. Johnstone, 1 May 1993 Lt Col James E. Randby, 1 May 1996 LTC Edward M. Poling, 15 Jan 1998 LTC David Arthur, c. Mar 2007-unkn LTC Robert P. Graham, 3 Mar 2012 LTC Rob Shepherd

HONORS Service Streamers None

Campaign Streamers World War II India-Burma China Defensive China Offensive

Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers Panama, 1989-1990

Decorations Distinguished Unit Citation French Indochina, China, and Manchuria, 1-30 Sep 1945

Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards 1 Sep 1971-30 Jun 1972 13 Oct-14 Nov 1973 1 Jan 1974-30 Apr 1975 1 May 1975-31 May 1976 1 Jun 1976-31 May 1978 1 Jun 1978-31 May 1979 1 Jan 1988-30 Jun 1989 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995 1 Sep 1996-31 Aug 1998 1 Oct 2002-30 Sep 2004 1 Oct 2008-30 Sep 2010

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm 14 Feb-11 Mar 1968 25 Sep 1968-28 Jan 1973

EMBLEM

On a disc Celeste, a propeller aircraft descending bendwise pendent with two sets of saddlebags Vert, garnished Khaki, highlighted Argent, mounted by a rabbit caricature Brown, detailed White, grasping in its dexter paw a riding crop Proper, all within a narrow border Black. Attached below the disc, a White scroll edged with a narrow Black border and inscribed "326TH AIRLIFT SQ” in Black letters. SIGNIFICANCE: Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The aircraft equipped with saddlebags signifies the Squadron’s transportation of cargo and supplies and its airlift functions. The rabbit denotes the speed with which the unit performs its mission. (Approved, 17 Jul 1944)

MOTTO

NICKNAME

OPERATIONS Trained for overseas troop carrier operations, Apr-Aug 1944. Moved to Asia, and transported troops and supplies to forward areas in China and India, Sep 1944-Sep 1945.

When General Joseph Stilwell was ready to begin the retaking of Burma, his forces were to fight across the northern Burmese mountains to the village of Naga. From there they would head down the Hukawng Valley toward the Japanese stronghold at Mogaung, then they would head to Myitkyina. At the same time Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, would attack Burma from China's western mountainous border. British General Orde Wingate and his "Chindits" were ready to begin their push into Burma with a goal of establishing permanent areas of occupation behind Japanese lines. British General William Slim was to bring his troops from Arakan, India into Burma. The final objective of this three-pronged attack was the town Myitkyina. All these operations were to be largely supplied by air-support. These forces were initially supplied by the 1st Air Commando Group, along with the 443d Troop Carrier Group and the 177th wing of the Royal Air Force.

The Japanese were also preparing two offensives, one westward into India's Imphal Plain and the other eastward into China. With the allies were poised to attack in three directions, logistics and supply became the number one priority. Air-supply units such as the ATC and CNAC where stretched to their limits. Troop carrier units and Air Commando units in Theater were war-weary after their defeat in Burma. Theater Commander Lord Louis Mountbatten, remembering a past promise from President Roosevelt, for air support, now asked for it.

To realize the total recapture of Burma, roads would have to be built from the railheads in the Upper Assam Valley, India into central Burma. Supplying this operation and other future operations, resulted in the creation of a new type of air-supply group, whose only purpose was to be air-resupply and supply ground units in a combat zone. The new groups original specifications were to: "carry ground troops and auxiliary combat equipment to effective locations in a combat zone", "maintain combat reinforcements, supply and resupply units in the combat zone", and "evacuate casualties and other personnel from such zones." To this end a maximum of four new cargo groups were planned. Seeing that these new units were to be carrying cargo into the heart of the battle, the new units were called Combat Cargo Groups.

The Combat Cargo Groups were to be self-contained groups, capable of being 100% operational and always ready to go at a moment’s notice. To that end, each Combat Cargo Squadron was to have an Airdrome Squadron assigned with it. Each Airdrome Squadrons mission was to supply all tasks, including everything (from cooking to aircraft maintenance), necessary for the Combat Cargo Squadron to be self-sufficient. Both of these groups would function as one unit. Each of the Combat Cargo Groups was to consist of four Squadrons, each with 25 aircraft (originally C-47's). To fly these aircraft, 25 compete crews were assigned along with 25 extra Flying Officers.

The 1st and 2nd Combat Cargo Groups were officially authorized in April 1944, and a four month training period began in May 1944. The 1st Combat Cargo Group (1st, 2nd, 3d, and 4th Combat Cargo Squadrons) was to be sent to the CBI theater on or about August 1944. While the 2nd Combat Cargo Group (5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Squadrons) would be sent into the Pacific to support the scattered fighting there. Men and material were assembled and the 1st and 2nd Combat Cargo Groups began their training.

Airdrome Squadrons were assigned to the Combat Cargo Group in the states. The 1st Combat Cargo Group as assigned the 344th, 345th, 346th, and 347th Airdrome Squadrons. The 2nd Combat Cargo Group was assigned the 336th, 337th, 338th, and 339th Airdrome Squadrons.

By late 1943 General Stilwell had now begun his campaign in northern Burma, while General Wingate had pushed deep into Burma and was setting up bases behind enemy lines. The Japanese too began their campaign to capture the city of Imphal and the occupation of India. Their success depended upon the capture of Imphal. The Japanese managed to capture communication points around Imphal and laid siege to the city and the whole Imphal Plain. They also surrounded General Slims army, thus preventing the third prong of the Allied offensive from beginning. If Imphal fell, the door to India was wide open for Japanese occupation. Since no existing air supply groups were available anywhere in any Theater to help relieve the siege at Imphal, it was decided to create the 3d Combat Cargo Group (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Combat Cargo Squadrons). This group would skip the training then being given to the 1st and 2nd Combat Cargo Groups. They would be deployed immediately and would return to the after the situation in Imphal was ended. The group never returned to the United States for that training. They remained in Asia until they were inactivated in 1946. At the same time, the 4th Combat Cargo Group (13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Combat Cargo Squadrons) was ordered into training.

The 3d Combat Cargo Group was assigned the 329th, 330th, 331st and 332nd Airdrome Squadrons. These four Airdrome Squadrons would not depart for the CBI with the 3d Group; they first would under go training. The 4th Combat Cargo Group was assigned the 348th, 349th, 350th and 351st Airdrome Squadrons respectively.

It was obvious the new group would see action as soon as it arrived in theater. Supplies, parts and equipment were immediately shipped to the CBI (China-Burma-India Theater). Orders were issued on May 8, 1944 directing personnel to report to Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida to form this new group under the code name of 'Bond Project' (Project 90752). The official indication was that this was to be a short overseas tour involving cargo operations. All men were initially assigned TDY, to the Air Transport Command (ATC).

One hundred new C-47A aircraft were delivered to Morrison Field along with 100 experienced multi-engine rated pilots, 100 experienced multi-engine rated copilots, one whom was my Dad, 2nd Lt. William J. Bielauskas, and with 75 additional Flying Officers as a reserve. Each aircraft was assigned a crew chief and radio operator, plus a navigator who was on loan from the ATC. When the Aircraft finished their overwater flights these navigators would return to the USA. Crews were assembled and shakedown flights began. To aid the aircraft during their long flight to India a large 500 gallon fuel tank was installed in the fuselage. Briefings were given to the crews and passengers, including survival training, and lectures on disease control. The lectures included among other things, malaria and venereal disease. Orders were issued on May 19, 1944 creating the aircraft flights that would fly together to India.

The new group flew via the South Atlantic route to India. After arriving in Karachi, India, the crews and aircraft were assigned to the four squadrons (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th) of the 3d Combat Cargo Group. To determine which squadron each arriving aircraft and crew was to be assigned was easy, the first 25 aircraft went to the 9th Combat Cargo Squadron, the next 25 aircraft to the 10th Combat Cargo Squadron and so on. Of the 100 aircraft and crews that left the states, 96 aircraft and crews safely reached the final destination. The crews of the missing four aircraft all arrived safely in theater. With the Group and Squadrons now formed, the crews were briefed for their final flights to Sylhet, India, via Agra, India. Colonel Charles Farr was assigned the commander of this new group, the 3d Combat Cargo Group, and he had much knowledge of supply tactics and was familiar with the China-India-Burma Theater after being Commander of the 443d Troop Carrier Group in the CBI. Initially the 3d Combat Cargo Groups aircraft were serviced by the 98th, 497th and 498th Air Service Squadrons. The 3d Combat Cargo Group's assigned Airdrome Squadron finally arrived in theater three (3) months after the group had begun flying combat missions.

The four Combat Cargo Groups used during WW II were not the only cargo-carrying Air Transport Units. There were in addition, the Air Transport Command AAFBU's, the Ferry Command Squadrons, the Troop Carrier Groups, the Air Commando Groups, the China National Aviation Company, Royal Air Force Groups, and Royal Australian Air Force Groups and Squadrons. They all served with distinction in the CBI Theater and all other theaters and helped carry the heavy load.

Trained in the Reserve for troop carrier operations, 1947-1951.

Resumed training in the Reserve for airlift missions, 1952. Took part in various contingency and humanitarian airlift operations worldwide.

The 326th Airlift Squadron, a unit in the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 10. The squadron converts to the C-17 Globemaster III mission April 1. The base's first C-17 arrives in June and it will receive 12 more of the aircraft over the course of two years. The base will keep 18 of its original 36 C-5s. The 326th AS has been flying the C-5 since it arrived at Dover in 1973. Their sister squadron, the , will continue to fly the C-5. "It's a great moment in history for the 326th AS," said Lt. Col. Louis Patriquin, who has 3,000 flying hours on the C-5 and was the aircraft commander on the final flight. "The squadron has been flying the C-5 for 34 years, and today we're starting a new chapter adding the C-17." It was a bittersweet moment, said Lt. Col. Rob Shepherd, 326th AS commander. He too has flown 3,000 hours in the C-5 and is currently attending C-17 school at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. "The C-5 has been good to me," he said. "I have a long history with the aircraft and have made a lot of great memories. It's taken me all over the world." Colonel Shepherd will continue those travels in the C-17, adding he's excited about the new aircraft arriving at Dover. "It's an exciting time for the squadron," he said. "It's like getting handed the keys to your dad's new sports car. It's a great aircraft and paired up with the C-5 it will make a great team." "That's the beauty of Dover's airlift team; we will be able to leverage the strengths of both weapon systems in one fight," added Lt. Col. Craig LaFave, chief of the 512th AW Program Integration Office. "Nothing in the world can haul cargo like the C-5; it can clear out even the busiest aerial ports. The Galaxy can haul 36 pallets and land at a forward base with longer runways. In contrast, the C-17 can carry up to 18 pallets and, like the C-5, can haul out- sized cargo. However, the C-17 has the ability to take its load to more austere and unimproved airfields." The C-17 can land on a 3,500-foot dirt runway, taxi backwards out of tight parking spots, and can combat offload its cargo under fire. The C-17 can fly at 300 feet at high speed, and with the assistance of night vision goggles, crews can land on blacked-out assault zones. Until the first C-17 arrives, the 326th AS aircrew members who have completed C-17 school are flying the aircraft at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., and Jackson Air National Guard Base, Miss., Colonel LaFave said. Several squadron members are currently in C-17 school, and all squadron members should complete the school by next year. It takes 100 days to train each crewmember, but up to 18 more months to fully season instructors and flight examiners. The active duty unit here, the , also begins conversion in April. The wing's 3rd Airlift Squadron will fly the C-17 and its sister squadron, the 9th AS will continue to fly the C-5.

______Air Force Order of Battle Created: 25 Sep 2010 Updated:

Sources Air Force Historical Research Agency. U.S. Air Force. Maxwell AFB, AL. The Institute of Heraldry. U.S. Army. Fort Belvoir, VA. Air Force News. Air Force Public Affairs Agency.