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THIRD AIRDROME SQUADRON HISTORY, MONTH OF DECEMBER
This first of December found the organization still sitting around in San Pablo mud without any apparent purpose in life, no assignment having been given us other than to operate a strip, subsequently abandoned.
On the evening of December 7th, we were attacked (along with other air corps units) by approximately 200 paratroopers, dropped in a surprise attack following a routine bombing which occurred at dusk. The chutists landed outside the area (only one inside, whom we killed in the air) where we thought they would group for an attack. However, their number, upon second and calmer consideration precluded any such attack. We quickly set up our pre-arranged defense perimeter and made ready to secure the immediate tent area. There was to be no firing at anything unless at close range, and, definitely Jap infiltration. This order was obeyed implicitly and the men held their fire throughout the night, although several attempts were made to draw our fire and give our position away. By morning, the infantry came through and pushed the enemy out of the immediate vicinity.
The perimeter was also maintained the following night. Although not quite so imperative as the previous night, it was still necessary in the event of a Jap breakthrough. It was on this evening that the organization suffered its first combat casualty. Jap snipers were around the area and their occasional attempts to draw fire created much wild firing on the part of air corps units nearby. Our tents were riddled by "friendly" bullets in the undeclared war between air corps units, and during the whole affair, our men displayed extremely good judgement and good soldiering by not firing at all, but merely "laying low." However, early in the morning, the men in one tent were aroused by a soldier suffering a nightmare and contrary to orders they began moving around, thereby creating a false alarm in another tent. In the resulting confusion, several shots were fired, killing one man and wounding three others. The soldier killed was Sgt. Albert T. Radler, 37231120. Those wounded were Cpl. Glenn E. Ranta, 39188663, Cpl. Ivan E. Hoover, 38153719 and Cpl. Earl P. Reinhalter, 13136322 who suffered only slight wounds.
Three days later, the unit was ordered to the new Tanauan strip, 10 miles south of Tacloban, where we began to set up our permanent area. The next day we took over strip operations. The only installation completed was the runway itself, but figher planes were in operation immediately. The organization has since been engaged in hard work, trying to operate, and succeeding, with inadequate communication and transportation being the hardest problem, not to mention supply.
Morale was restored by the rush of work and the resulting rapid passage of time. Our squadron area took shape and at this time of writing, boasted some well-built tent homes, a mess hall with cement floor, and adequate shower facilities.
During the month, our communication officer, 2nd Lt. Charles B. Zakskorn was returned to the United States under rotation, having served 34 months in the S.W.P.A.
During the month eight men were transferred out of the squadron other than the aforesaid casualties. They are as follows:
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| Cpl. Alexander J. Karageorge, |
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13136201 |
| Cpl. Edward C. Kelly, |
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33363182 |
| Cpl. Eugene R. Yanke, |
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35311688 |
| T/5. Thomas J. Thomas, |
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15046800 |
| Pfc. Robert H. Fleshman, |
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35432714 |
| Pfc. James L. Jackson, |
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14082413 |
| Pvt. Francis H. Taylor, |
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56730 |
| Pvt. Worth A. Wallace, |
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14053204 |
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Total strength of the squadron is as follows:
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Enlisted men 255
Officers 11
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[signature]
FERDINAND W. KRUMBHOLZ,
1st. Lt., A. C.,
Historical Officer.
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Source: Pages 318-320 of PDF file made from microfilm reel A0514, obtained from the Air Force Historical Research Agency).
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