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U.S.A.A.F. Combat Cargo Groups of the Second World War

8th Combat Cargo Squadron, 2nd Combat Cargo Group

Dulag

     We suffered through Biak until we moved to Dulag, Island of Leyte, Philippines on March 20, 1945. Living conditions immediately improved.  The local populace seeking work provided housekeeping and laundry services.  Tents were erected on wooden floors and were enclosed with screening.  Being located on Leyte Gulf provided a seaside atmosphere.  An Officers Club was constructed on the beach and became the Squadron focal point for leisure activities.  A nursing billet was nearby.  The nurses were invited to our frequent soirees.  Liquor was procured from Manila.  The liquor came in five-gallon gasoline cans and proved palatable with no serious side effects other than hangovers.  Our flying operations were now primarily to the islands of the Philippines, Luzon, Cebu, Mindinao as well as Clark and Nielson Fields in Manila.

     Additional replacements joined the squadron at Dulag in May, 1945.

     McArthur invaded Okinawa April 1, 1945.  The 8th and Group began flying in equipment and supplies and returned with casualties.  The distance to Okinawa required an over-night stay. Crews slept in or under their planes, opting for whatever shelter was available if the Japanese made a bombing run or kamikaze attack.  C-rations were the cuisine of the day.  An impressive sight was the naval armada assembled for the invasion.  Ships were as far as the eye could see and in numbers that, with some imagination, would let one walk from one to another.

     Ie Shima, a small wind-swept island off Okinawa, served as a staging area and was the 8th's destination on flights from the Philippines.  20-30 mph cross winds made for treacherous, if not dangerous, take-offs and landings.  Doc earned his flight pay on one trip which turned out to be his most remembered, oft repeated overseas experience.  Ernie Pyle, famed journalist, was killed April 18, 1945 on Ie Shima by a Japanese sniper. He was buried on the island.

     Promotions from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt. were given to some personnel by Special Orders 148, 28 May, 1945.

     Captain Loomis became Operations Officer August, 1945, when Captain Beckner was transferred to Group Headquarters as Assistant Group Operations Officer.    

To Japan

   Lt. Emil J. Modla, 8th Combat Cargo Squadron, 2nd Combat Cargo Group.  From his manuscript  'History of the 8th Combat Cargo Squadron History,  2nd Combat Cargo Group.'  

This short History of the 8th Combat Cargo Squadron, no way tells the entire Squadron history.   It's sole purpose is to give one an idea of what the Squadron endured during it's time during the Second World War.   For a more detailed report on the the Squadrons History, one needs to access the records of the 2nd Combat Cargo Group and it's individual Squadrons at the            U.S. Air Force Historical Research Center at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL.   These records are available in microfilm.

Back to 8th Combat Cargo Squadron Page

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    I am looking for former members of the 3rd Combat Cargo Group,  1st, Combat Cargo Group, 2nd Combat Cargo Group and the 4th Combat Cargo Group.  In fact I would like to hear from anyone who flew over the Hump during WW II, or flew any Combat Cargo Missions at any time (Berlin Air-Lift, Korea, etc)

Please e-mail comment, suggestions, corrections,etc to: bill@comcar.org

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