Biak, located on the equator, was unbearable due to the heat and humidity.  Crowded conditions exacerbated by the climate made for irritable living.  Persistent rashes and jungle rot led to a general malaise despite Doc's ministrations and prescription, "take two aspirin and see me in the morning".  (Map #2)

     Our operations primarily served ground forces with transport, supply and evacuation support in the Philippines.  Although rear echelon, our flights on occasion took us into combat zones. Guadalcanal, Hollandia, Admiralties, Peleilu, Leyte, Morotai and Mindoro became part of our lexicon.  The Squadron lost its first plane on Morotai.  The Group was flying aviation fuel in 55 gallon drums from Morotai to a fighter strip on Mindoro to replace fuel lost when a tanker was bombed by the Japanese.  The plane was piloted by Ray Renuart, Zack Rougan, co-pilot.  An engine caught fire on take-off.  An attempt was made to return, but they were forced to ditch short of the strip.  Ditching extinguished the fire. Rougan exited the right cockpit window.  He waded around the plane and stood watching the rest of the crew trying to launch rafts out the cabin door.

     One old worn-out C-47 was acquired by the squadron while stationed at Biak that was used as a "fat cat" to procure liquor, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables from Australia.  The planes reliability came into question and was retired for fear of structural failure and possible accident and loss of life.   To compensate, whenever food was transported as cargo, our "cut" always found its way to the lower cargo compartment of the C-46 by way of the cockpit trap door.   Steak was served in the squadron mess on several occasions through this resourcefulness.

     McArthur invaded the Island of Luzon on January 9, 1945 at Lingayen (Lingayen Gulf).  Major Bowen, Group Operations Officer, and crew were lost while dropping supplies to troops in the Lingayen area shortly thereafter.  Major Moody was transferred to Group, replacing Major Bowen.  Major Allison became CO of the 8th and Captain Beckner, Operations Officer.

     On January 21, 1945, replacement crews from the 54th Troop Carrier Wing were assigned to the 2nd Combat Cargo Group, thence to squadrons.

     The replacements were from Troop Carrier Combat Training, Bergstrom Field, Austin, Texas. On December 3, 1944 they were assigned Project 96835 and transferred by rail to Baer Field, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  On December 12, 1944 they were assigned to shipment FB-O1-AW and to proceed in military aircraft to Fairfieid-Suison AAF, Fairfield, California for shipment overseas. Operations Order 111, 15 December, 1944, ordered Project 96835 to proceed from Fairfield to Biak and deliver aircraft to FEAF Combat Replacement and Training Center, reporting to the Commanding Officer for assignment and duty.  They were assigned to the 360th Service Group from where they reported to the 54th TCW.

      Rest and Recreation, beginning in late January, 1945, eased the Biak conditions for those lucky enough to be given leave.  Sydney, Australia provided more than R and R and was indulged in with youthful zeal. Bondi Beach, Rosehill Race Track and Royal Sydney Golf Club are distant memories.  Still recalled are huge bags filled with charcoal gas mounted on car roofs to power the cars due to the shortage of gasoline.

    The Squadron suffered its first casualties at Biak. Glen Jacobs and crew were lost on a flight to Darwin, Australia.  Of a flight of three, only two arrived at Darwin.   Neither plane or crew were found.