Hello, I received new information yesterday on my Grandfathers WW2 service from his Maryland Separation Papers and I was wondering if anyone could help me? Prior, I only had the following information from his US Army Hand Baggage Tags (in which I have not found any information when he was there). Earl James Parr (From Baltimore, MD. Active Duty Oct 1941-Dec 1945) PFC 337th Bomb SQD 96 Bomb Group APO - 559 Movement No. RE-7400-G Symbol E From 337th SQ AAF 138 To Z of I He sailed home from Southampton, England to NY on the Queen Mary As of yesterday and the information provided on his Separation papers his Organization was different. It states he was part of the 50th FG SQ 66 FW (as typed on his papers). It states he sailed to Scotland and he was a Truck Driver as his service occupation. I've tried to research 50th FG SQ 66 FW but I was unable to find information on the organization only the 50th and 66th as separate entities. I am hoping, someone may be able to help me out on his Organization as stated on his discharge papers and perhaps what base he may have sailed to in Scotland and how he ended up with/at the 337th before returning state side. Any information would be most helpful! Attached is his Report of Separation/Discharge papers. Thanks, Mike
Oh, Okay, I see. Yes, the unit he was assigned to during his time in England was the 337th Bomb Sqn. The 50th FG Sqn is the unit he returned to the States with, although it remains odd that he returned with a unit disbanded on 9 August 1944. I suspect there was a type of some form in his separation papers - a common thing since they were processing thousands a day at separation centers.
Thanks Richard for the information! I find it to be odd and confusing myself, especially because according to his US Army Hand Baggage Tags he was assigned to the 337th Bomb SQD 96 Bomb Group (see attached picture). If you have anymore insight please let me know, THANKS!
Because 50th FG Sq makes no sense. To me, the s looks like an h, which would be 50th FG HQ vis 50th Fighter Group Headquarters.
Still, it is confusing as the 50th FG returned stateside in August 45, and was inactivated on November 7, 1945. Perhaps the HQ was kept around a while longer fulfilling administrative tasks.
Agreed, I do not understand how his baggage tags states the 337th but the separation paper states the 50th with arrival stateside date of 11/27 and separation on Dec 3.
He was likely transferred to a unit that was close to home, so he could then be discharged near were he lived. For the most part, this was standard procedure, but not always.
While I agree with your read on the "HQ" (I plead early morning lack of coffee) it still does not make sense. The 50th Fighter Group (FG) HQ was never part of the 66th Fighter Wing (FW).
I understand about how it was standard procedure but still odd to say the least. Any suggestions on where to go from here?
I agree Richard, that is the most confusing part. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on where to go from here.
Also, are we all in agreement that he was more than likely part of the 337th Bomb SQD 96 Bomb Group during his time in the service?
