Initial Training

Ground personnel started showing up at Gowen Field, near Boise, Idaho in May, 1943, and with that the activation of the 445th Bombardment Group was officially announced by the War Department. Both Ground and Air Echelon met each other for the first time at Wendover Field, Utah, where they remained for thirty days completing ground training and learning the importance of team work between themselves.

With the forming of new squadrons, the individual commanding officers, Captain Irving H. Ward, 700th Sqdn; Lt. Howard E. Kreidler, 701st Sqdn; Captain James C. Evans, 702nd Sqdn; and Captain Willis S. Sawyer, 703rd Sqdn; with the able assistance of Captain William W. Jones, Group Operations Officer; directed the first phase of training as the unit got under way.

Here was when the first air crews were assembled. Many personnel changes would be made over the coming months as each individual learned his role within a bomber crew's organization. This would be the foundation that would enable the men to make it through the upcoming trials and tribulations. Their stay at Wendover was very short - just over 30 days, then it was off to Phase Two training.

From Wendover Field, Utah, the 445th was assigned to Sioux City Army Air Field, Iowa on July 5, 1943.

Webmaster: Mike Simpson

Last Updated: October 04, 2009