Organic Army Aviation!
73 years ago on June 6, 1942 the United States War Department sent a memorandum to the commanding general of Army Ground Forces authorizing organic air observation for the Field Artillery. Thus began the love affair between ground forces and the unique and essential support they receive from Army Aviation. War Department Memorandum (Birth Certificate) From this humble beginning through to present day, Army Aviation has been and continues to be an indispensable combat multiplier and maneuver element commanders at all echelons demand to ensure mission success. From observation, to medical evacuation, to resupply, to air assault, to intelligence, surveillance,...
Learn MoreIn That Box is an Airplane
By LTC Paynee O. Lysne, Ret.: When the Second U.S. Army Corps went to England in 1942, it presumably went with a full complement of L-4 Cub planes and pilots, two pilots and planes per Field Artillery Battalion. These pilots were presumably and probably graduates of Class One or Two at Ft. Sill, OK. To see a PDF of the 1944 War Department Field Manual please click here Before the invasion of North Africa, or shortly thereafter, someone discovered that there were not enough pilots and airplanes to fill the authorized TO&E for the artillery. Sometime in December, 1942, I was...
Learn MoreEuropean Theater of Operations
Historical Perspective / By Mark Albertson: On November 9, 1942, Captain Ford “Ace” Allcorn led a flight of three L-4 Cubs off the deck of the fleet carrier Ranger (CV-4). Allcorn’s ill-fated effort marked the combat debut of Army Aviation in World War II.1 Despite the setback at Casablanca, intrepid Air Observation Post fliers would go on to prove that Army Aviation was here to stay. Lt. Payne S. Lysne helped to fly in supplies of blood to the wounded at Anzio, January 1944. / ARMY AVIATION MAGAZINEColonel Charles E. Hart, II Corps artillery officer, thought it prudent to organize...
Learn More
