HEADQUARTERS

AAF STATION 174

APO 559

 

10 November 1944

 

SUBJECT:       History Comments

 

TO          :        Station S-2.  Attention: Historian

 

1.                  Yesterday the last combat crew of the original crews of the 486^th Bombardment Group (H) graduated from combat duty in this theatre and the organization passed beyond its 100^th mission.  The diligence and enthusiasm displayed by our original crews cannot be emphasized too greatly.  Through the transition period from B-24’s to B17’s they were tested in skill and endurance and responded well.  We will miss our old crews but it is gratifying to realize that a high percentage successfully completed their missions and have returned to the Zone of the Interior for further duty.  I have full faith that their shows will be well filled by the new replacement crews.

 

2.                  At the present time we are devoting our energies toward the development of an educational system for the members of the organization.  There are several well qualified instructors as members of the Group and under the guidance of Major Weigand, the Administrative Inspector, are being rounded up to teach various subjects.  The personnel seem to be enthusiastic in accepting the school program and it is felt that many members will benefit materially in being given the opportunity to better their education.

 

3.                  During the past month this organization has been obtaining excellent results with the new experimental H2X scope camera.  The results have been shown in both Division and Air Force Headquarters and have been well received.  More experimentation is under way and it is hoped that a better understanding of this system of bombing may result from these experiments.

 

 

 

 

[signed]

GLENDON P. OVERING

Colonel, Air Corps,

Commanding

 

[NOTE: COL Overing was promoted to full colonel on 22OCT44]

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OFFICE OF THE SURGEON

Station 174

APO 559

 

10 November 1944

 

SUBJECT:       History of the Medical Section for Month of October.

 

TO          :        Group Historian, 486^th Bombardment Group (H), AAF Station 174

 

               Wherever there is an American, he tries to surround himself with the comforts of home.  The enlisted men of the medical section have been working hard to convert an unused garage into a day-room.  SGT. John Roth did a fine job of building a fireplace, and a few easy chairs scattered in front of it makes the whole very inviting.  The waiting room, dispensary and offices at the Sick Quarters are receiving a coat of white paint in an attempt to eliminate the gloom of cloudy days and dull walls.

 

               Three enlisted men received deserved promotions.  Privates Little, Carrier and McMahon have now become PFC’s.  PFC Little stains microscope slides containing smears of gonorrhea cases.  This is a full time job, and PFC Little is convinced that thru the experience he has received in the Army and with the aid of a microscope and a bottle of sulfadiazine, he could become a full fledged “Quack” in civilian life.

 

               Our venereal disease rate remains high but the medical department is carefully following the cases after treatment to insure a permanent “cure”.  There is a great tendency for the disease to relapse, so a policy has been inaugurated of not allowing men to return to the States for at least a month following treatment.  This observation period should greatly benefit the men themselves and also prevent the spread of disease at home.

 

               The most outstanding sick call made during the month was made by Major J. W. Brooke in answer to the pleas of a civilian neighbor.  When he arrived at the neighbor’s house, eh was taken out to observe a flock of chickens which toddled and fell in all directions.  Their necks assumed the most peculiar angles.  Major Brooke being a detective as well as a doctor soon discovered that a few G.I.’s had fed the chickens alcohol soaked Post-Toasties.  It seems that chickens are much easier to catch when they are drunk.  For the sake of Anglo-American relations the kind neighbor was not told the true facts of the case but was consoled by the promise that her flock would soon be well.

 

For the Group Surgeon

 

[signed]

OSCAR O. SELKE, Jr.

Captain, Medical Corps.