	China – Burma – India Operations

	“On 1 April the four squadrons of the 64th Group were notified that they, along with the 4th Squadron of the 62nd Group, were to leave forthwith for detached service in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. The 35th Squadron, first to take off, left the airdrome at 0600 on 2 April 1944. The other squadrons followed, and the last plane got away on 5 April. The trip was made via Bengasi, Cairo, Abadan, Karachi, and Geya. After reaching their destination, the 16th and 17th Squadrons began operations from Lalmai, Lower Bengal, and then from Dinjan, Upper Assam-and RAF 216 Squadron working out of Chandina, the Group through April, May, and the first half of June was instrumental in supplying Merril's Marauders in the Ft. Hetz Valley and 170,000 troops besieged at Imphal. According to one authority, the war in Burma was shortened two years by reason of the troop carrier units' heroic contribution. And a truly heroic contribution it was. “ USAF Historical Division Research Studies Institute Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama September 1956
	“Then suddenly, during the evening of April 1, 1944, the air echelon of the 64th Troop Carrier Group (and the 4th squadron of the 62nd group) were ordered to depart the following morning for the CBI (China-Burma-India) theater of operations. Since it was April Fools Day, our Group Operations Duty Officer did double verify the order, but it was true.” Group operations in India began on April 7, 1944. Roger Coleson, Pilot, 35th Troop Carrier Squadron

Operations Order:
:
Number 132:

1. PAC Greenline message GB 16 JC, Hq, Twelfth Air Force, 1 April 1944, and Operations Order Number 86, Hq 51st TC Wg, 1 April 1944, the air echelon of the 64th Troop Carrier Group comprising of 52 aircraft and the following named Officers and EM will depart from their home stations in Sicily on or about 2 April 1944 for a temporary station in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival in New Delhi, India, the Group Commander will report to the Supreme Commander, Southeast Asia Command for instructions.