The Four Hundred and Sixteenth (416th) Bombardment Group Light was activated on 5 February, 1943, without personnel, at Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma. The authority for the organization of this Group was contained in General Orders #3, Headquarter Army Air base, Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma, dated 4 February, 1943. The components making up the Group were the 668th, 669th, 670th and 671st Bombardment Squadrons Light.

The original transfer of fifty-one (51) Officers and two hundred and forty-one (241) Enlisted Men was made on 15 February, 1943. The source of the cadre was the 46th Bombardment Group and units from Will Rogers Field; from Blythe, Calif.; from Barksdale Field, La.; and a number of men with considerable overseas experience from the Third Air Force Replacement Center, Plant Park, Florida. These key personnel were, in most cases, soldiers of valuable experience, and their contributions were especially large.

Until 15 February, all personnel were attached to their parent organization for duty, rations, and quarters. However, on that date, the 46th Bombardment Group Light moved to the North side of Will Rogers Field, leaving the South side to the 416th Bombardment Group Light (further references will call it the 416th Bomb Group (L).

The Group originally operated as a Operational Training Unit under the III Air Support Command. Under the leadership of its young and energetic Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Richard D. Dick, the Group began to lay the foundation to cope with the administrative and operational problems it would soon face. The following Officers were assigned to the duties indicated:

The Group fell back on the parent Group, the 46th, for assistance with its training. Pilots were attached to the 46 Bomb Group for transition flying during the first three months of our existence. On 11 May, the first eight (8) planes were assigned to the 416th Group. One B-25C and one A-20-B was given to each of the 668th and 669th Squadrons. Two A-20-B's were assigned to each of the 670th and 671st Squadrons. Classes in all the military occupational specialties were conducted by the 46th Bomb Group until 1 June 1943. The Pilots attended Ground School, for five hours a day, in the following subjects: code, link trainer, aircraft recognition, operation and maintenance of the A-20 and B-25, air navigation, radio, instrument procedure, etc. The Intelligence personnel attended classes for one hour a day. Training films were shown, such as DIVIDE AND CONQUER which all personnel saw on 21 and 24, May.

The training of the mind was important, but the training and conditioning of the body was just as important to produce the type of soldier that Col. Dick wanted. Therefore a physical training program was set up. Both Officers and Enlisted Men participated in the program of Calisthenics and games. All men took a physical fitness test during the third week in May. The Group participated in a march and bivouac on 21 May. The Group experience of the bivouac was important. The men pitched shelter halves. They were instructed in how to camouflage and in camouflage discipline. After eating Supper, the Group returned to the Base.

Ceremonial Reviews were held on Saturday mornings, in which all available men paraded.

Moral during this period while at Will Rogers Field was high. Military courtesy and discipline was commendable. After an inspection tour and a formal review for Brg. General McDaniel, Col. Dick sent a letter of commendation to the members of the Group.

The Commanding Officers supervised their Squadrons closely. Those who were inexperienced profited greatly by this. Everyone looked eagerly to the future.

SITE NAVIGATION