Although this is my first post, and I'm not sure if I'm violating any formalities, I've been researching Operation Husky and the Glider involvement for nearly a year now. I can locate a plethora of information on tactical, logistical, training, and even personal testimony; however, I'm having difficulty finding a (more or less) complete checklist of what a U.S. Glider pilot carried into battle. I can only assume they were fitted with standard issue GI equipment, but I understand they had tremendous autonomy, considering their unique position as being the only pilots who regularly turned into infantry after a mission. If you could point me to a source that would shed light on what they carried, whether issued or by personal choice, I would be incredibly thankful. Steve H.
I don't think that US glider pilots became infantrymen after landing. I had read that their British counterparts did, but not the Americans. After landing, they were rounded up and extracated when possible, thus keeping a pool of experienced glider pilots ready for the next mission. Now, I read that after Operation Varsity, the US glider pilots came together to form an ad hoc platoon when things got tough, but that's all I am aware of. I could be wrong though.
Here's a brief description of the equipment of the glider pilot: Glider Pilots kit Glider Pilots wore similar uniforms and carried similar kit to that worn by the glider infantry who they were transporting, with the exception of their insignia. Instead of the airborne force insignia, Glider Pilots wore the Army Air Force insignia on their left shoulder, and Airforce wings on their collar. Although trained in a variety of weapons, it appears that most Glider Pilots were armed with the M1 Garand rifle, as I have not yet found a photo of a pilot carrying any other weapon. Silent Wings: US Gliders & their Pilots You might also try contacting this museum Silent Wing Museum
Yes, according to a memorable book I read some years back, Silent Wings: The Story of The Glider Pilots of World War II by Gerard M. Devlin (New York: St Martin's Press, 1985), American Glider pilots were not equiped with more than a leather flight jacket, crushed cap, and .45 pistol. It was often days before they could be extracted. Some D-Day Glider Pilots remained in Normandy until June 14. In the meantime, they made themselves useful as runners, litter bearers, and ammo carriers. They deserve more recognition. Greg C.
Steve, A-58 is right about both sets of Glider Pilots. The US ones had basic military training - enough to hopefully help them stay alive in the field. As the quote from the Silent Wing Museum website says, they were dressed like their passengers, but not armed in the same manner. The British were trained as 'Total Soldiers'. Thus, the latter group had quite a lot of freedom when it came to arming for the fight. Both sets were to be extracted from the field as soon as circumstances allowed. It was in preparation for Op Varsity - 65th Anniversary today - that the 435th TCG Glider Pilots were trained by their passengers - 194th GIR - as a full fighting company. They used that training to great effect in the 'Battle of Burp Gun Corner'. Steve W.
Thanks for the back-up Steve! I knew someone would come along sooner or later and set us all straight. That's what's so good about this place.
FWIW, US glider pilots were assigned to Troop Carrier units as were their gliders. They were not Airborne as were the 82, 101, 17, etc. Glider riders (airborne troops) were not glider pilots and were not trained as glider pilots. US GPs were to help unload and secure (FWIW) the glider on the ground. They were to fight as needed until such time as they could separate and get to their designated assembly area for return to base. Arms were .45 pistol and rifle. Some carried Thompson sub-machine gun, some carried "grease" guns, some carried the M-1, some carried the M-1 carbine. I do not know how the rifle type was determined other than possible choice of each pilot. The 435th Glider Pilot Combat Team was organized and trained several weeks before the Wesel mission. The 435th consisted of 4 platoons containing 6 squads of approximately 12 men per squad. For the Battle of Burp Gun Corner they had a variety of weapons including two .30 caliber machine guns and at least one .50 caliber machine gun, bazookas and anti-tank guns. Of these approximate 301 men (including HQ and platoon leaders), one was killed by sniper fire on the ground, 5 were wounded (2 in the air and 3 on the ground), two who flew pilot and copilot in same glider were MIA (glider lost) eventually deemed KIA. They killed and captured several hundred Germans and repulsed tank attacks during the night battle which lasted from approximately 2300 hours to 0130 hours.
The 435th's infantry load, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, was one company short. Gen Bud Miley, 17th AB Divn Cdr, asked the 53rd TC Wing Glider Operations Officers for a group to volunteer to fill that vacancy. Capt Charles Gordon, from 435th, stepped forward. His pilots were given just two weeks to be battle ready and were trained by the 194th. Steve W.
Not all of Gordon’s glider pilots were given two weeks training. Power/Glider pilots from the 438[SUP]th[/SUP]TCG, 88[SUP]th[/SUP] TCS were assigned on 22 March to the 435[SUP]th[/SUP] TCG, 78[SUP]th[/SUP] TCS to serve as glider co-pilots and would be part of the 194th Glider Pilots Infantry Team and reported to A-48. On 23 March they were given one day of weapons training by the 194[SUP]th[/SUP] before going into battle. The pilots carried the M-3 Sub-machine Gun (Grease Gun) and a 45 cal. pistol. –source: dates and weapon information taken from the late retired Major Elmer Lee Whitmire Statement of Service.
