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SQUADRON HISTORY NARRATIVE MAY 1945
Operations had already closed by the end of April, thus allowing May to start in an operational vacuum -
supposedly pilots waited for a mission but actually they just waited for the final count. Every day would
surely be the last, yet eight days elapsed, before the expected announcement came. The end of
Germany was gradual still the full realization that the end of the Nazis, their V-1s and V-2s and their prison
camps, came with a startling abruptness. Tension lifted allowing a new kind of English Sunshine to reach
us.
May 8th settled the question of the V.E. day party, and the writer of this narrative gave up hope of avoiding
the barbecue. Actually it was a “low blow” when the job of barbecuing two beef rations for the Station
was given to him without anyone considering his absolute ignorance on this subject. Sergeant Slaten,
mess sergeant, for the 862nd Bomb Squadron came to the rescue with experience with barbecue in
Alabama, and by 0200 on 11 May the actual act began. Sergeant Slaten’s barbecue sauce and the quality
of the beef combined to make a taste treat the memory of which lingered to the month’s end. Rumors
that the barbecue men, including the writer, had a spot of whiskey or two, proved unfounded when the
film was assessed. A 36 gallon beer barrel for use at the picnic sprang a leak (actually an illegal spigot)
when it was installed – very little was lost however as everyone rallied round to catch the tasty liquid with
cups, cans and bottles. Baseball and soft ball games filled in the afternoon and their conclusion sent
every one rushing for sandwiches, salad, beer, etc. To use or misuse an English expression the day’s
picnic was “smashing.”
The evening’s entertainment consisted of a dance in the hanger for all enlisted men and a dance at the
Officers Club for the Officers. Beer flowed freely and everyone had a fine time. Suffice it to say that the
evening’s entertainment was a completed cycle affair – the guys and girls started the evening on the turf
at the picnic then to the dance, and back to earth again. A day to remember for the fun and good
comradeship displayed by all.
With the celebration over the big question became “What to do now.” Many directives about schools,
training and other programs were forthcoming all quite confusing. From out of this mess of instructions a
definite plan was crystallized by the month’s end, and the only disturbing point left was our status relative
to the return to the Z of I.
The point system went into effect with a startling suddenness that took some of the Squadron’s older
members for parts unknown. May 31stwas the last day with the 38th Fighter Squadron for five real friends,
M/Sgt Carnahan, M/Sgt. Gardner, T/Sgt McCreight, T/Sgt Andress, and S/Sgt Thompson (better known as
“what fur”). M/Sgt Carnahan had expressed a desire to remain in the Army and he as well as the
squadron thought he would be allowed to remain with the Squadron, but someone apparently thought
otherwise for he left. A low blow to everyone concerned, and it is the hope of all that M/Sgt Carnahan is
given a “good deal.”
A year ago rumors were numerous as to the invasion day and the month closed with an almost certain
feeling that the great event was near. May 1945 was also a month of rumors, but this time the German
Army was no more and the rumors were relative to what plans the “Powers That Be” had in store for the
38th Fighter Squadron. The uncertainty as usual was worse than the actual news, but nothing can be
done to alleviate the situation.
Leave us look at June the “wait and see” month.
Robert W. Wood
Major, Air Corps
Squadron Historian
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