Arrived Camp Gordon Johnston July 1, 1943

https://www.mobileradar.org/Documents/568_saw_history.pdf

** NOTE **
Due to the poor quality of the microfilm, from which this information was taken, there are gaps in
the text. As much information as possible was salvaged from the microfilm, but there are
paragraphs and pages missing because they were unreadable. Minor spelling corrections were
made that did not affect meaning or intent.
Extracts from
UNIT HISTORY 568th
SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
ACTIVATION
The 568th
Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion was activated at Drew Field, Florida, on the 3rd
of January, 1943. Originally contemplated as the 508th
Signal Aircraft Warning Regiment, under
the auspices of the Pacific Bell Telephone Company, the Table of Organization was changed prior
to activation to that of a Battalion. The original T/O of the organization as activated consisted of
50 Officers and 1010 Enlisted Men, including Medical Detachment and Chaplain. These were
divided into three companies – a Headquarters and Plotting Company of 21 Officers and 376
Enlisted Men, and two Reporting Companies of 14 Officers and 317 Enlisted Men each.
The first General Order of the Battalion, issued on 3 January 1943, read:
“Pursuant to authority contained in Par 1, General Order No. 3, Hqs, AAB Drew Field, Tampa,
Florida, dtd 1-3-43, The 568th
Signal AW Battalion is hereby activated.
“Under the provisions of Par 4, AR 600-20, and having been assigned to the organization per Par
11, SO No 3, Hqs 501st
Signal AW Regiment,

• 1 –
  Drew Field, Fla. January 4, 1943, 1st
  Lt. Clark I. Elwood, O-398179, Sig C, assumes command of
  the 568th
  Signal A W Battalion.”
  In the same order of the 501st assigning Lt. Elwood, 2nd Lts. Russel B. Sylvester, Alvis &.
  Tingle, Jr., William M. Baltz, James F. Brown, Claude D. Harding and Clifford H. Oscarson were
  assigned. 2nd Lts. William D. Elkins and J. Drexel Gibbons, originally commissioned from the
  Pacific Bell Telephone Company in the 508th Signal AW Regiment also joined the Battalion, as
  did a cadre of 109 Enlisted Men, assigned primarily from the 501st and 503rd Signal A. W.
  Regiments, and the 684th Signal A W Company.
  The original organization of the Battalion named Lt. Tingle as Executive, Lt. Harding as S-
  4, Lt. Brown as Adjutant, and Lts. Elkins, Oscarson and Sylvester as Commanding Officers of
  Headquarters and Plotting, 1st and 2nd Reporting Companies, respectively. Within the next two
  weeks 2nd Lts. Harold E. Colvin and Sanford M. Ullman were assigned to the Battalion, the
  former replacing Lt. Tingle as Executive Officer, and the latter assuming command of 2nd
  Reporting Company in place of Lt. Sylvester. Captain Arthur M. Freund, MC, and 1st Lt. Henry J.
  Climo, MC, also arrived. Basic supplies were drawn, basic administration sot up, and the Battalion
  began training.
• 2 –
  On the Morning of March 23rd
  , the Battalion – consisting now of 43 Officers and 440
  Enlisted Men – convoyed to Bradenton, leaving Lt. Ebersole of the 2nd
  Reporting Company at
  Drew as commander of Rear Echelon, consisting of some 100 men at Drew Field Specialist
  Schools.
  Arriving at Bradenton, pup tents were pitched the first night, being replaced by pyramidals
  the following day.
• 7 –
  TRAINING AT BRADENTON
  The Battalion shook down At Bradenton, dug drainage ditches and straddle-trench
  latrines, and prepared to enter training.
  Shortly thereafter- on the 27th of March – the Battalion received its first Field Officer in the
  person of Major Joseph E. Dunlap. The immediate effect of the Major’s entry into the Battalion
  was to change the, Headquarters set-up.
  Major Dunlap, of course, assumed command, while Lt. Elwood became Executive Officer,
  Lt. Colvin Adjutant, and Lt. Brown S-2 for the Battalion. Later, after Lt. Butler’s departure, Lt.
  Brown became Special Services Officer for both the Battalion and Camp Weatherford.
  The Major’s coming into the Battalion meant little other change, however – he observed
  for awhile, made minor corrections here and there – then declared himself eminently satisfied,
  even delighted, with the state of training, of morale find of discipline within the Battalion.
  After considerable effort, Major Dunlap was able to obtain for the units at Weatherford
  one SCR-270 each. The 568th Radar was assigned to 2nd Reporting Company. At the same
  time, Headquarters and Plotting Company set up a radio repair shop and a number of buzzers, to
  keep its radio men in trim. Work was begun – utilizing money laid out by the officers and
• 9 –
  men of the Company – to build plotting and filter tables and other material pertaining to an
  Information Center. These efforts – due to the necessity of maintaining a basic training program –
  were largely made after hours, during the free time of both men and officers. All in the Battalion,
  at this time, were imbued with the Idea that departure for overseas was imminent, and that every
  minute devoted to additional training would some day pay dividends in lives saved and missions ac-
  complished!
  During this period – and much to the regret of the personnel of the Battalion – Lt. Elwood,
  its first Commander, was sent to Advance Officers School at Fort Monmouth for a period of three
  months.
  With the permission of “C” Stage, obtained by Major Dunlap, some of the men were
  excised from basic training and permitted to enter a more advanced stage, Headquarters and
  Plotting Company immediately went on a series of three-day bivouacs, which entailed the setting
  up of defenses for an Information Center, and of communications. Attacks on these positions
  were made by the rest of the Battalion, and some very warm and realistic pitched battles
  developed. 2nd Reporting took its Radar into the field on a four day bivouac, and set up defenses
  and camouflage, on which the Company Commander made an aerial reconnaissance. The pilot of
  the plane – a Captain,
• 10 –
  trained in aerial observation – could not spot the installation! The Company had learned, well, the
  camouflage lesson’s that had been pounded into it – with only one exception. A cook had left a pie-
  pan out in the open which, catching the rays of the sun reflected like a heliograph from certain
  angles. One bit of carelessness, it was proven, could destroy an entire installation. The men heard
  about that in no uncertain terms.
  One of the most striking-things about the 568th during this period was the pleasant
  harmony among the Officers, and between the Officers’ and Enlisted Men. There was a mutual
  liking and respect among all ranks. Of course, during the early days of the organization, this was to
  be expected – the officers had come from the same outfit, had known each other and each other’s
  capabilities before entry into the Battalion, and had known most of the Enlisted men. The recent
  rapid growth, however, would normally have led to some friction, some outbreaks of opposing
  personalities. Nothing of the sort was experienced. As has been said – discipline, morale and
  training were of a high order, and those who had been added to the original Battalion – from Major
  Dunlap down to the lowest private – seemed to fit in perfectly with the policies and spirit and esprit
  de corps which had characterized the 568th from its inception. The organization was lucky, not
  only in its Line
  -11 –
  Officers and Enlisted Men, but in its Medical personnel. Captain Freund was a man who inspired
  confidence and deep respect. Lt. Henry Climo, its first junior Medical Officer and Lt. David
  Fogel. Who replaced him, were both of the same type. They were excellent and popular
  instructors; both attended all road marches and tactical problems, hiking right out there with the
  men, sleeping on the ground, creeping and crawling and digging in with the rest. The men,
  respected and admired both, and cheered whenever they got up to give a lecture!
  PREPARATION FOR OPERATIONAL TRAINING
  Early in May, orders were received to prepare for preliminary processing, administrative
  and medical; to prepare for Operational Training on the 10th of the month, preliminary to
  overseas shipment; to prepare lists of overages and shortages in men and supplies.
  The Battalion went to work! Orderly Rooms and supply, personnel dug into records, and
  files until 0300 and 0400 – slept for two hours, then were, back at it at 0600. 1st Reporting (to be
  eliminated from the Battalion entirely at some future date as yet undecided) received all overages
  of Officers and Men. The Battalion, filling shortages, reached a total of 48 Officers and 892
  Enlisted Ken on the 10th. It went through processing “the fastest of any organization
• 12 –
  that has ever come up here,” as one of the “C” Stage Processing Officers remarked.
  On the 9th, Major Dunlap and Lts. Harding, Ullman and
  Elkins reported to Major Higginson, CO of Operational Training Stage, for final orders and
  instructions, and were disappointed to learn that O.T. date would be delayed.
  On the 31st, Major Dunlap was transferred out, and Major
  Cary assumed command of the Battalion. On the 23rd of June, the 568th was assigned its first
  Captain – Captain Henry C. Byrd, Jr., who was appointed Executive Officer.
  MOVEMENT FROM BRADENTON
  During May and June, the Battalion built a large field Chapel for Weatherford, under the
  direction of T/5 McAllister of Headquarters and Plotting Company, who acted as construction
  carpenter. General Sherrill came down to Weatherford for the dedication ceremonies, as did
  many of the people of Bradenton.
  The 568th, itself, actually dedicated the Chapel – at least, it made the first serious use of it.
  The noncommissioned officers had been falling down on the job – and it was decided to give them
  a pep talk. Lt. Harding was chosen for the job – and really did it up brown. He started slowly and
  quietly, warmed up to his subject, then really went to town. The noncoms sat in open-mouthed
  awe, as Lt. Harding tore into them for one
• 13 –
  hour and a half — not a sound was uttered, and not once were their eyes removed from Lt.
  Harding’s face. They were spell bound — until, suddenly, the storm broke
  Rain began to come down in sheets. It swept through the open sides of the Chapel and soaked
  those inside. It ripped out tents and waterlogged papers. Nobody knew it,” then, but this was the
  beginning of the deluge that would send the Battalion from Bradenton.
  The rain poured down for days. Weatherford became a bog, then a morass. Headquarters and
  Plotting Company was almost completely under water – men, supplies, tents and all. The other
  two companies of the Battalion, however — on the high ground at the tail end of the field — were
  almost entirely on firm ground and sound footing.
  In the midst of the confusion resulting from this soaking, additional outfits began to pour into
  Weatherford from another camp1 at Myakka, which was completely afloat. No dry space was left
  on the field — so the State Guard Armory in Bradenton was requisitioned as temporary quarters.
  Conditions, however, were intolerable. Warning orders to prepare for a move were received —
  once again, the 568th
  began packing.
  On the night of June 27th, in the midst of a show being put on by the Weatherford entertainers –
  the largest turnout for any public entertainment ever known in Bradenton, incidentally
• 14 –
  movement orders were received. The officers were called out of the performance for a meeting
  with Major Cary, and were informed that the Battalion would move on 1st July to Camp Gordon
  Johnston, Florida.
  Details of the convoy were worked out. Major Cary was convoy commander for the entire
  convoy of four organizations, with Lt. Conkling as his assistant. Lt. Harding, as S-4, prepared
  details for the movement of the 568th, and issued the march order. About 100 men – those on
  Drew Field in school, on furlough, or in the hospital, were placed on DS with the 588th Sinai AW
  Battalion for administration, and Lt. Czajkowski was left behind to attend-to the details, with Lt.
  Karkalas as his assistant.
  At 0430 sharp, on the morning of July 1st, the convoy moved out, arriving at Camp
  Gordon Johnston at 1900 – almost to the minute, as planned. This was directly attributable to
  getting the trucks into condition and foresight in preparing for additional gasoline and lubricants en
  route. The other outfits of the convoy pulled in considerably later.
  CAMP GORDON JOHNSTON
  The first thing the men noticed was that they were to have barracks–actual, floored
  barracks–and beds with springs and mattresses. Then they found out that they were to have a mess
  hall where G.I. plates were furnished–many of them
• 15 –
  would be eating off plates for the first time in more than a year! Morale naturally rose like a rocket.
  For the first time, the 568th
  had access to a large film library – and Lt. Tingle, Asst. S-3, took
  advantage, of this to present training films to the entire Battalion. At the same time, field training
  went on – Gordon Johnston offered wonderful facilities for such training – as did swimming and life
  saving classes and vigorous calisthenics.
  Stringent inspections were held daily, and a healthy and lively competition for the Honor
  Flag was developed. 2nd Rept {Reporting Company}-had almost invariably, won it while at
  Bradenton, but at Carrabelle 1st Reporting took it away for awhile – until 2nd Reporting actually
  got down to business, took back the flag, end held it permanently.
  Shortly thereafter, an Officer and Enlisted Cadre – basis for a new and reanimated
  Battalion – was ordered to Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics at Orlando, Florida, for
  advance training. Many of the key men of the outfit were sent. All three Company Commanders
  went (Lts. Ullman, Oscarson, and Elkins); the Battalion S-4 went (Lt. Harding). Lt Karkalas joined
  the Cadre from Drew Field, as did Captain Wilson, newly returned from the Caribbean Theatre
  and newly assigned to the Battalion. He informed-the Officers that they, and the men with them,
  were to be trained, then go back to the outfit and sharpen it for “0” Day – entrance into Operational
  Training –
• 16 –
  60 days after their return. Everyone was delighted – and pitched in to learn as much, as they could,
  to be able to transmit it, later, to the “entire “Battalion.
  GULFPORT
  While the “cadre” was at Orlando, changes were taking place in the Battalion. It moved,
  on the 5th of August, to Gulfport Recreational Area, in Gulfport, Mississippi. On the 12th of
  August, Major Cary was relieved, and Major Nelson took his place. Major Prentiss was assigned
  and appointed Executive Officer. Lt. Tingle, then Captain Lindner took command of 2nd
  Reporting Company; Lts. Grabowski, Conkling, Weiss, then Conklin, took 1st Reporting; Lt.
  Butler, Lt. Elwood (returned from Fort Monmouth), Lt. Butler again, Lt. Baylor, Captain Byrd, Lt.
  Weiss were made commanders of Headquarters and Plotting Company, in rapid succession, Lt.
  Elwood was transferred overseas. Captain Byrd was placed on SD with 3rd Signal AW Training
  Battalion, and finally transferred.
  The Cadre returned to the Battalion on the 25th of August. Captain Wilson was appointed
  Asst. S-3, and then took over the Executive spot a few days later when Major Prentiss was trans-
  ferred out.
  More Officers were transferred out. Lt. Oscarson took over 1st Reporting Company again,
  as Lt. Conklin was alerted, and Lt. Elkins again took command of Headquarters and Plotting.
• 17 –
  Captain Wilson was transferred out, Major Smithson in as Executive. Lt. Silverman, the Adjutant,
  went to Orlando, and Lt. Bender, then Lt. Tingle took over the position. Captain Lindner was
  transferred, and Lt. Ullman again took command of 2nd Reporting Company.
  On the 30th
  of September, 253 enlisted men and 10 officers – among them Lt. Brown and
  Oscarson, who had been with the Battalion from its inception, and all three 1st Sergeants
  (Edelstein, Shannon and Gower), as well as key men from all three companies–were detached and
  sent to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as Provisional Companies.
  – 18 –
  The 568th
  Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion (hereinafter known as the 568 SIG AW BN)
  underwent a metamorphosis 1 April 1944 and out of this reorganization (Par 1, General Order 45,
  HQ, Aircraft Warning Unit Training Center, Drew Field, Tampa, Florida, 30 March 1944) there
  emerged along with other units, Company B, 568 SIG AW Bn.
  At that time 2d Reporting Co, 568 Sig AW Bn was in Operational Training in the vicinity
  of Drew Field and most of the personnel of that organization were transferred to the new
  Company B. (General Order 45 same as above. The balance of the personnel came from 1st
  Training Regiment, Aircraft Warning Unit Training Center, Drew Field, Tampa, Florida. The
  shuffling of men, records and equipment all took place while the unit was in Operational Training.
  Out of apparent confusion there finally emerged order.
  Company B was set up in accordance with T/0 11-400; its’ mission being to provide
  Aircraft Warning Service for Island defense. The company was composed of 232 enlisted men,
  12 commissioned officers, and 2 warrant officers divided among four platoons. The Headquarters
  and Plotting Platoon contained the Company Headquarters, Information Center, Wire Team,
  Radio Team, Mess and Medical Teams. Its main function was centered about the Information
  Center, which received, evaluated and transmitted to higher headquarters Information on aircraft
  in flight received from the other platoons’. The Company Commander was 1st Lt Gerhardt H
  Fruechtenicht and the Platoon Commander was
• 2 –
  1st Lt Robert E Feibel.
  The other three platoons were Radar Platoons. The 1st Platoon, commanded by 2d Lt
  Edward S McCauley, operated with an SCR-270D as did the 2d Platoon, commanded by 1st
  Lt.
  Irving Mirman. These two platoons had the mission of reporting flights at long ranges.
  Unfortunately the level terrain in Florida was not suited to the operations of these Radars and
  flights were not picked up consistently at long ranges. Greater success was the result when 1st
  and
  2d Platoons experimented with an SCR 27OD for, approximately, a week.
  The 3rd Platoon, headed by 2d Lt Richard E Gildersleeve, furnished ground controlled
  interception, a function it performed very efficiently’ by the use of the SCR 527, designed for that
  purpose. When not operating GCI, the Radar provided moderate Range aircraft warning.
  Living conditions were not ideal but life in “the weeds” was fairly comfortable. The officers
  and men slept in “pup” tents. Showers were improvised from an empty gasoline drum, salvaged
  pipe and scrap lumber. The men were given one sixteen hour pass a week. Morale picked up
  when the rumor of an imminent overseas movement gained strength.
  On 4 April 1944, Company B moved from its various sites to the vicinity of Seffner,
  Florida for a Battalion Assembly. From that date until 9 April most of the time was spent in
  checking and inspecting equipment. Then the company went into
• 3 –
  NARRATIVE REPORT
  Company D, 568th Signal AW Battalion began its training program 1 April 1944, at Lake
  Carroll, Florida. Commanding Officer, Leon F. Bugh, Captain, Sig. Corps. This consisted of Pre-
  Combat training and completing P.O.R. requirements for Officers and Enlisted Men. On 4 April
  1944 the Company moved to a site near Seffner, Florida, to join the entire battalion.
  On 10 April 1944 the Company moved out on sites for operational training as a Reporting,
  Company on a simulated tactical problem. The two platoons operating SCR-270 sets were used for
  early warning and the platoon operating the SCR-527/GCI completed more than 65 Interceptions
  during the training period.
  During above period simulated attacks both from air and on the ground were conducted.
  These included bombing and gas attacks from the air, and gas attacks on the ground.
  All platoons reported to a Company IC Center which was located in conjunction with
  Company Headquarters.
  On 10 May, Company D, together with the Battalion, moved from operational sites to
  Drew Field, Florida, for the purpose of preparing to move to a Port of Embarkation. During the
  ensuing four (4) weeks, all personnel were engaged in further technical training in schools at Drew
  Field, or packing and crating all equipment for the Battalion. All radio operators were given
  additional Instructions in procedure and code efficiency. Radar technicians were given a brief
  introductory course in the operation of the SCR-127 IFF Unit. All personnel lacking in P.O.R.
  requirements were given additional training in various combat subjects.
  On 8 June 1944, Company D departed from Drew Field, Florida, for Fort Lawton staging
  area, Fort Lawton, Washington per Par. 10 SO 153p Hq AAB Drew Field, Florida dated 1 June

1. Entrainment was accomplished on schedule and in good order. CAPT. LEON F. BUGH
   acted as train commander. One noticeable fact was the excellent morale of the troops. Troops
   were given thirty (30) minutes calisthenics at Okolona, Miss., and at Whitefish, Montana.
   Arrived at Ft. Lawton, Washington on 13 June 1944 where all men were promptly
   quartered. No Illness or accidents were reported throughout the trip. From 13 June 1944 to 30
   June 1944 the troops were given physical conditioning consisting of hikes, marches, and running
   the obstacle course. During this period all men were fully equipped and all worn clothing was
   replaced with new issue. Morale and health of troops excellent.

• 2 –
  Embarked on SS “Cushman K. Davis” at 1930 PWT at Seattle Port of Embarkation on 30
  June 1944. During the crossing two fire and boat drills were held. Special Services Officers and
  Chaplain aboard ship offered a variety of amusements for
  the troops each day. Moving pictures; record programs broadcast over the speaking system and
  boxing matches were held to determine champions of the ship in different weights and purses
  amounting to $180.00 were donated by the officers on board.
  On July 12 1944 arrived at Honolulu, Oahu, T.H. Disembarked from SS “Cushman K.
  Davis at 1400 HWT and proceeded to APO 951, Box 5, in truck and bus convoy. .
  The period from 12 July 1944 until the present date has been utilized for further training
  purposes while waiting further assignment. Swimming has been allowed each afternoon for all
  personnel. Instruction In the use and care of the K-l Carbine was given by Lt. George Lomas.
  Use of the bayonet and knife fighting was under the supervision of Lt. Ed. Hurwltz. A course In
  Identification of Aircraft is being taught by personnel of the Air Corps attached to this base.
  Special Service Officer 2dLt. George S. Tate has furnished the following facilities; for the
  men: A volley ball court, badminton court, two horseshoe pitching sets, dart games, etc. A
  company PX under the supervision of 2d Lt. Roy Clement has also been established.
  No Tactical operations have been assigned as yet.
  LELAND W. HUTCHINSON
  Warrant Officer, J.G.,
  Company Historical Officer
• 3 –

1. During the late stages of 0/T, the site was inspected by the Chief Signal Officer Major
   General Ingles, and a commendation was issued to the Company by Brigadier General Sherrill, of
   the Aircraft Warning Unit Training Center, Drew Field, Tampa, Florida. (Refer to exhibit #1,
   Copy of commendation). At this time the company was divided into its respective Platoons. Each
   platoon had a separate site. The Third Platoon was located approximately twenty-two (22) airline
   miles from the filter center. Daylight radio communications were generally fair with medium
   atmospheric noise level. This platoon, equipped with an SCR 527, performed a series of excellent
   Ground Controlled Interceptions for practice and training. Maximum distance for successful
   interception was approximately 36 miles. Those interceptions were transmitted by SCR 188 radios
   and plotted at the filter center, Company “A” 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion. This unit
   was also used to track flights up to 110 miles. The unit was located at sea level and the surrounding
   country was flat and level for more than five miles. Radio communications were reduced to R-3
   with high atmospherics noise level at night.
2. After 2200 E.W.T. and until O6OO E.W.T the unit was not in operation for three
   days. This time was spent modifying the unit to use Mark III I.F.F.

• 3 –
  The First and second Reporting Platoons, each equipped with SCR 270 BB units, which
  they themselves had modified from SCR 270 (?) units, were located approximately fifteen Airline
  from the filter center. Radio communication was by SCR 188 to the filter center. Both platoons
  were assigned to the same Radio frequency at all times during the operation. This called for
  excellent NCS supervision. It did, however, slow reports of flights picked up to less than half, of
  the possible number of reports. It also created some confusion in the minds of the radio operators
  and tellers involved because of the constant alternating reports. Daylight radio communications
  were R-4. From approximately 2200 E.W.T until 0600 E.W.T., radio communications wore
  reduced to, R-1 with no signal audible and very high atmospheric noise level. Other channels
  were not available. At fifteen miles with a frequency of about3700 K.C. the ground wave signal
  was inaudible and the antennas were too close in distance to come within skip distance. Line of
  sight radio communication would have been highly desirable. V.H.F. or F.M. radios with voice
  transmission and separate channels may have solved his problem. When possible, radio
  reporting on C {?} used exclusively as it was called for in the S.C. I. For standby operation
  to these two platoons, wire communications were available direct from the filter center.
  Headquarters platoon consisted of administrative personnel to keep the records of the
  company and other routine company administration. This included the company supply, mess,
  and transportation section. In addition the above sections, the headquarters platoon contained a
  filter team complete with
• 4 –
  Filter officers, plotters and tellers, filterers and radio operators and maintenance men and a wire
  communications team.
  The filter center was supposed to be equipped with an ANTT/Q-1 set. Actually
  Company “A” used the ANTT/Q-l for one-half the operation and another company in the
  battalion used it during the other half. In lieu of the ANTT/Q-1, a filter center was set up using
  EE8-A telephones, a BD-72 switchboard, home made lighting and a filter officers stand built of
  scrap lumber. The tables wore constructed of five ply wood. Provisions were built in to allow
  the filter officer to monitor or talk over any line in the filter center and to the platoons and
  Battalion Headquarters. The limitation was that the filter officer could not monitor the radios or
  break in on the radios. The pulse clock was a converted sign f lasher, and electric bulb
  arrangement. Plotting equipment was borrowed from spares in the ANTT/Q-1. Three teams of
  men, working four, six hour shifts out of twenty-four, were maintained. Officers worked eight
  hours out of twenty-four each day. Operations in the Company closed down, for a three hour
  period each day for maintenance and instruction.
  While on operational training, the men in the organization were quartered in shelter tents
  and all sections were housed in tentage. The morale of the men during this stage of their training
  was good. They had been somewhat successfully bonded together as a team. Their training had
  fitted them to take
  – 5 –
  part in actual practice maneuvers.
  The greatest difficulty encountered in operational training was inferior equipment. The
  equipment used was for training purposes and In spite of preventative maintenance required freq-
  uent repair. Also equipment was often lacking as In the case of the ANTT/Q-1.
  Personnel at this stage of training were continuously being transferred in and out of the
  company which required extra paper work and activity on the part of the company clerks and First
  Sergeant.
  Training reports, duplicate reports and routine paper work kept Company Clerks working
  late at night, sometimes all night. They could have no satisfactory system of work shifts.
  The 10th of May 1944, Company, “A” moved from operational training to Drew Field,
  Tampa, Florida, to begin the final stages for overseas movement. These preparations were finished
  and the company entrained 8 June 1944 for Lawton, Washington. The unit arrived at Ft. Lawton,
  Washington, 13 June 1944 after traveling by rail a total of 3657 miles. Here Company “A” joined
  the other units of, the 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion. June 30, 1944 the Battalion
  entrucked, to Pier 42 Seattle, Washington and embarked on the SS Cushman K. Davis under
  secret orders.
  The time spent on the boat was taken up with routine administrative duties, eating,
  sleeping, games, church services, movies and boat drill. The morale of the men was only fair at this
  time due to very inferior food, congested Quarters and inadequate ventilation facilities. Meat on
  board ship was rare at the table. Cooking facilities were limited in that steam tables
• 6 –
  and ovens were the only means of cooking. The ovens could only be used in preparing pastries.
  Arrived at Honolulu, Hawaii, July 12, 1944 and was transported to Bellows Field where it
  took up usual camp duties.
  The 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion underwent reorganization 1 April l944 in
  accordance with paragraph No. 1, General Order No. 45, Headquarters Aircraft Warning unit,
  Training Center Drew Field, Tampa, Florida. Out of the original 568th Signal Aircraft Warning
  Battalion, consisting of a Headquarters and Plotting Company and the 1st and 2nd Reporting
  Companies emerged the present Battalion made up of a Headquarters and Headquarters
  Company, and four Reporting Companies, designated Reporting Companies A, B, C and D. The
  major part of the reorganization took place while the Battalion was in combat and operational
  training, functioning as a provisional organization in anticipation of forthcoming orders. When the
  official word came through, the change-over was merely a paper transaction and the making of
  routine adjustments with fillers and reclassifications were faithfully carried out with the major part
  of the grief thrust upon the clerical personnel.
  Upon receipt of General Order No. 45, plans were made for an extensive operational
  training for functional and tactical missions. The Battalion was then ordered to assemble for five
  days so that the TBA equipment might be checked as well as the physical status of the officers and
  enlisted men, and for the newly, assigned personnel to meet the rest of the outfit. With the Field
  Order prepared by the Training Regiment, our March Order was written and within forty-eight
  hours after breaking camp all radars were “on the air” and all companies were simulating combat
  conditions. During this training period we were honored with a visit from the Chief Signal Officer
  who inspected several of our installations and stayed to dinner (roast turkey and trimmings) at
  Battalion Headquarters. Another distinguished visitor from Washington was the Representative of
  the Air Forces in charge of Radar and operation. Training continued until we were ordered back
  to Drew Field, our mission satisfactorily consummated. We then prepared our impedimenta for
  overseas shipment, working night and day packing and crating, loading and releasing our freight.
  All our records were brought up-to-date and final fillers Joined the units; all of us thoroughly
  “Pommed”.
  Three trains pulled away from Drew Field, the last of which carried the Battalion
  Commander. The Command General of the Third Air Force was among the well-wishers. The
  last train leaving Tampa was the first train to arrive in Seattle five days later, being met with trucks
  to carry the first contingent up to the hills to Fort Lawton. There followed a completion of
  individual equipping (organization equipment having been handled well by the Battalion S-4 who
  had arrived much in advance to prepare for loading). A small amount of training, consisting of
  close order drill, marches, obstacle course, lectures; and movies together with a familiarization with
  debarkation nets. All the training was climaxed by a Retreat Parade reviewed by the Post Com-
  mander. Usual garrison duties were performed in the day, and much of the last minute
  celebrations were successfully carried out in Seattle at night.
  On 31 June 1944, with the aid of the Red Cross with doughnuts and coffee and a swing
  band, the Battalion boarded the S. S. Cushman K. Davis, a converted Liberty ship, and departed
  the continental United States. The voyage at first a little rough settled down to calm seas and was
  rather un eventful and was highlighted by special service activities including movies, boxing bouts,
  and games of all descriptions In addition to the universal military diversion of discussion and
  grousing with a good deal of money changing hands. On the 12th of July, we were greeted by the
  strains of “Aloha”, and realized we were in the Hawaiian Islands. The debarkation went quickly and
  all units were’ trucked to Bellows Field, with the exception of Reporting Company “D” which is
  quartered at Kualoa Air Base. Battalion Headquarters was immediately set up and the Battalion S-
  2 was sent to the Post Office for the mail. With everyone helping, the mall was assorted and
  delivered that night, and morale was at the peak. The following days settled us down to cleaning up
  the area and making conditions comfortable. The Companies were again happy to have their own
  separate messes and with a PX close at hand all were well satisfied. Many improvements were
  made very quickly and, the organization is proud of its quarters. Reporting Company “B” was
  ordered to Kajuku Air Base leaving three companies at Bellows, all five companies eager to start
  on their tasks, to prepare the Battalion for its mission.
  UNIT HISTORY, COMPANY “C”
  568TH SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION AP0951
  For
  October 1944
  8 November 1944
  On 1 October 1944 the company was occupied with testing and checking of operational
  equipment. A training schedule was also started on this date to include combat and technical train-
  ing in preparation for a unit operational training period.
  The SCR-527 was checked and found to be in an operative condition by 6 October 1944.
  The two SCR-270-DA’s were checked and put in an operative condition by 12 October 1944.
  For the next fifteen, days training and final preparations were made for going into
  operational training. All members of the company seem to be well acquainted with their particular
  assignment and indications are that, the company will be able to attain required proficiency
  standards without difficulty.
  On 31 October 1944 the reporting platoons and the filter center were, ready to commence
  operations at 0830 Wednesday, 1 November 1944. Company strength as of 2400 31 October
  1944, was 10 Officers, 1 Warrant Officer, and 228 Enlisted Men.
  /S/
  ROBERT E. GUILES,
  1st Lt., Sig C.,
  Commanding
  SECRET
  HEADQUARTERS Auth: CG AAFPOA
  ARMY AIR FORCES, PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS Init: /S/
  APO 953 Date : 1 0 N o v . 4 4
  10 November 1944
  ASSIGNMENT ORDER)
  NUMBER 30)

1. Effective 10 November 1944 the following units are relieved from assignment to 7th
   Fighter Wing and are assigned to the Seventh Air Force for reassignment, to the VII Fighter
   Command:
   568th Signal AW Bn
   726th Signal AW Co
   302nd Fighter Control Sq
2. Effective upon date of departure, from Oahu, the following units are relieved from
   assignment to the 7th Fighter Wing and are assigned to the Seventh Air Force for further
   assignment to the VII Fighter Command:
   696th Signal AW Co
   AAF Fighter Control Detachment “B”
   Immediately after the above action has been accomplished, one platoon, 696th Signal AW Co., is
   attached to the 7th Fighter Wing.
   By command of lieutenant General HARMON:
   /S/
   C. F. TAYLOR
   Lt Colonel, Air Corps
   DISTRIBUTION: Actg Adjutant General
   2 – TAG Washington
   5 – CG, AAF
   2 – CG, Twentieth Air Force
   2 – CinCFOA
   15 – CG, USAFPOA
   5 – CG, CPBC
   2 – CG, SPBC
   5 – CG, RTC, APO 957
   2 – CG, Pacific Division, ATC
   5 – CO, VI a SAC
   5 – CO, Air Depot, APO 953
   5 – CO, Air Depot, APO 234
   5 – CO, 7th Fighter Wing
   5 – CG, XXI Bomber Command
   2 – AAF Library, Washington, DC
   1 – Master Locator, APO 958
   2 – MRU, APO 958
   2 – 9th SCU
   5 – AAFPOA SCU
   1 – Theater Postal Officer
   1 – Postal Officer, APO 958
   1 – Postal Officer, APO 953
   5 – CG, Seventh Air Force
   2 – CG, 13th Replacement Depot
   2 – Ea Orgn Concerned
   1 – Ea Staff Section
   4 – Sta Control
   5– File
   UNIT HISTORY, COMPANY “C”
   568TH SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 951
   For
   November 1944
   8 December, 1944
   This company began its scheduled operational training period on the first of November.
   This training is to continue for an indefinite period of time,
   The SCR-527 (Third) Platoon was unable to participate as an integral part of the company.
   This Platoon was attached to Company “A” of the 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion for
   administration and duty (par 1; SO #137, Hq 568 Sig A W Bn, 7 Nov 44). In preparation for a
   tactical assignment in the near future, the Third Platoon began training as a part of the
   organization to which it was attached. The loss of this Platoon was keenly felt as they were con-
   sidered a very capable unit in addition to the very commendable character and attitude of the
   personnel. The Platoon is commanded by First Lieutenant (0110) Howard D Rector, 02427795 –
   AUS.
   During the first week of Operational Training, the Radar and Filter Center Section
   adapted themselves to the type of equipment which is now being used
   On the eighteenth of November the installation of Identification Equipment, RC-350, was
   completed and it was operating successfully at both stations.
   On the tenth of the month fifty Men of this organization were authorized to wear the
   Good Conduct Medal (G0 #11, Hq 568Sig A W Bn, 10 Nov 44). A formal presentation of the
   Ribbon, in lieu of the medal, was made to these men at a company formation held on the
   twentieth of November. It was interesting to note the morale factor brought out by the formal
   presentation in comparison to that which exists when a soldier, is presented with an award just as a
   matter of routine
   The state of morale, training accomplished and the general welfare of the company has
   been above the average during this month. Company strength as of midnight 30 November 1944:
   Twelve Officers, One Warrant Officer, Two Hundred Thirty-two Enlisted Men.
   /S/
   ROBERT E. GUILES,
   1st Lt., Sig. C.,
   Commanding.
   HEADQUARTERS
   568TH
   SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 951
   FIELD ORDER )
   NUMBER 5 ) 12 November 1944
3. Reporting Companies “A” and “D” of the 568th
   Signal AW Battalion and personnel
   attached thereto will commence intensive operational training effective 0600, Monday 13
   November, 1944.
4. The mission of the Battalion during the training period will be to train and equip all
   personnel; complete necessary modifications and test all operating equipment; and waterproof,
   pack and crate all organizational impediments. Every effort will be made to accomplish the above
   with the minimum interruption of operational training.
5. a. Reporting Company “A” will operate the following equipment:
   Two SCR-270 DA radar sets.
   Two SCR-527-A radar sets.
   Two SCR-575 VHF homer stations.
   Two SCR-573 and SCR-574 VHF radio stations.
   One SC-3 Navy type radar station (to alternate in operation with one SCR-270 DA).
   b. Reporting Company “D” will operate the following equipment:
   One Permanent type ADCC with associated communications equipment.
   One assault type mobile ADCC with associated Communications equipment when
   available (mounted in SCR-572 trailer). A tentative date for this unit to be in operation
   is 20 November 1944. The assault and permanent ADCC will be operated
   concurrently as long as both are available.
   Two SCR-270 DA radar sets.
   One SC-3 Navy type radar set.
   One SCR-575 VHF homer station.
   One SCR-573 and SCR-574 VHF radio stations.
   One SCR-527-A radar set.
   c. All equipment will be operated at the present location until further notice.

• 1 –
  Field Order #5 Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn APO 951 dtd 12 Nov 44 (Cont’d)
  d. The eighteen (18) hour operations day (7 days weekly) will be from 0600 to 2400.
  e. All tactical operations will be in accordance with appropriate VII Fighter Command
  Standard Operating Procedures.
  f. The SCR-527-A, SCR-573, SCR-574, SCR-575 sets operated by Reporting Company
  “D” will cease operations at 1500, 24 November 1944. At that time it will be in
  waterproofing and packing. By 0600, 29 November 1944, the above equipment plus all
  organizational and individual equipment of the 3rd
  platoon of Reporting Company “D” and
  Fighter Control Detachment #3 will be prepared for loading. On 29 November 1944,
  (time and exact location to be announced later), this platoon and attached personnel will
  be loaded aboard LST-633.
  g. One SCR-527-A set operated by Reporting Company “A” (4th
  Platoon) will cease
  operations at 2400, 26 November 1944, and begin packing. This platoon with all its
  organizational and individual equipment will be prepared for loading by 0600, 29
  November 1944. On 29 November 1944 (time and exact location to be announced later)
  it will be loaded aboard LST-759.
  h. The complete complement of personnel referred to in paragraphs f and g above need
  not be loaded on 29 November. At the discretion of the Company Commanders concern
  certain personnel which will not be needed for the calibration and tests scheduled may be
  held for other duties ashore.
  i. At 2400, 21 November 1944, the SCR-573, 574 and 575 operated by Fighter Control
  Detachment #2 (attached to 4th
  platoon, Reporting Company “A”) will cease operations
  and move to the site of the permanent ADCC. It will be installed in the immediate vicinity
  and prepared to operate by 1200, 24 November 1944.
  j. The SCR-527, 573, 574 and 575 operated by the 3rd
  platoon of Reporting Company “A”
  and Fighter Control Detachment #1(?) will cease operation at 2400, 29 November 1944,
  and begin packing. This platoon and attached personnel with all its organizational and
  individual equipment will be prepared for loading by 0600, 2 December 1944. On 2
  December 1944 (exact time and place to be announced later), it will be loaded aboard
  LST-781.
  k. The dates operating equipment not mentioned above will be released from operation
  will be announced later.
  l. It is desired that the maximum number of day and
• 2 –
  2445-25 HEADQUARTERS, V AMPHIBIOUS CORPS,
  049/112 c/o FLEET POST OFFICE, SAN FRANCISCO
  Serial #10786 23 December, 1944
  RESTRICTED
  From: The Commanding General.
  To: The Commanding Officer, 568th Signal
  Aircraft Battalion (Reinforced)(Army).
  Subject: Orders, temporary duty.

1. Commencing on or about 28 December,. 1944, the following units
   under your command:
   3d-Platoon/”Company “A”, 568th
   Signal Aircraft
   Warning Battalion (Reinforced)
   4th
   Platoon, Company “A”, 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion
   (Reinforced)
   3d Platoon, Company “D”, 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion
   (Reinforced)
   will embark on designated ships for transportation to a destination which cannot be quoted herein
   for temporary duty. Upon completion of this temporary duty and when directed by proper authority
   the above units of the 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion (Reinforced) (Army) will report to the
   Commanding Officer, 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion (Reinforced)(Army) and-resume their
   regular duties.
2. Copies of this order endorsed as appropriate to the Officer in Charge of each unit of your
   command as may embark on separate ships will constitute original orders for embarkation and
   travel.
3. The travel herein enjoined is necessary in the public Service
   H. SCHMIDT
   Copy to:
   CMC; V
   CINCPAC
   ;
   USAFPOA(1O); CG,FMF,Pac(5); PersSec(5)
   TAG; ComPhib sPac (3); CG,AGF,APO#86(3 ; CO,568thSAWBn(90;
   C o r S i g O ; F I L E
   A certified true copy:
   /S/
   EDWARD C GESSERT
   Capt, Sig C
   568 Sig AW Bn, Co A
   HEADQUARTERS
   568TH
   SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 951
   FIELD ORDER ) TAW:njk
   22 December 1944
   NUMBER 6 )
4. Reporting Companies “A” and “D” and attached units will commence the second phase of its
   operational training at 0600, 23 December 1944.
5. The mission of the battalion during the phase of training will be to:
   a. Install a SCR-527 radar set with associated radio equipment on the main deck of each
   of three LST’s.
   b. Calibrate the SCR-527 sets with the LST ‘ tank decks empty and again when loaded.
   c. Familiarize all operating and maintenance personnel with the limitations and difficulties
   involved in the operation of the equipment aboard ship as compared with those of a land site.
   d. Train operating and fighter director personnel in the use of the SOR-270 DA and SC-3
   for use as a GCI unit.
6. a. Reporting Company “A” will take the following action:
   (1) On 23 December, the 1st platoon will install its SC-3 on the beach site at
   Kahuku Air Base and the 2nd platoon will install its SCR-270 DA on the site formerly occupied by
   the 1st
   platoon. These radar sets and associated radio equipment will be in operation by 0600, 26
   December, and will be used primarily to accomplish the mission stated in paragraph 2 above.
   When not in use as GCI stations, they will be under tactical control of the ADCC.
   (2) The SCR-527, SCR-573, SCR-574 and SCR575 and necessary organizational
   equipment of the 3d platoon will be loaded aboard LST 792 at Kewalo basin on 25 December.
   Loading will begin at 0800.
   (3) Tho SCR-527, two SCR-399’s and necessary organizational equipment of the
   4th platoon will be loaded aboard LST 642 at Kewalo Basin on 25 December. Loading will begin
   at 0800.
   (4) The SCR-573, SCR-574 and SCR-575 formerly used in conjunction with the
   SCR-527 of the 4th platoon will be installed at a convenient location on Kahuku Air Base available
   for FM link operation from the SCR-270 DA or SC-3 by 0600, 26 December.
   b. Reporting Company “D” will take the following action:
   (1) On 23 December, the first platoon will install a SC-3 and

• 2 –
  the 2d platoon a SCR-270 DA at Koko Head. These radar sets and
  associated radio equipment will be in operation by 0600, 26 December, and
  will operate in accordance with instruction from the ADCC.
  (2) The SCR-527, SCR-573, 574 and SCR-575 and necessary organizational
  equipment operated by the 3d platoon will be loaded at Kewalo Basin 25
  December. Loading will begin at 0800.
  (3) The assault ADCC (modified SCR-272) and associated radio equipment will
  be completely loaded for shipment by 0800, 24 December. At 0800, 24
  December, it will be driven around Bellows Field and back to its present
  position where it will be reinstalled and ready for operation by 0600, 26
  December.
  (4) The spare SCR-573 and SCR-574 will be installed in the vicinity of the
  ADCC ready for operation by 0600, 26 December.
  x. (1) All tactical operations will be in accordance with appropriate VII Fighter
  Command’ Standard Operating Procedures.
  (2) Tactical operation of the SCR-527 radar equipment afloat will be in
  accordance with Annexes Charlie and Dog of the Navy Operations Order
  governing the movements of LST’s, to be distributed later.
  (3) Radar reporting from the SCR-527’s to the ADCC will be in
  Polar Coordinates using nautical miles using the ADCC site as a reference
  site.
  (4) Radar reporting from the SCR-270 DA and SC-3 radars will be in Jan
  grids.
  (5) The complete complement of personnel accompanying the SCR-527 units
  need not be loaded on 25 December. At the discretion of the Company
  Commanders concerned, certain personnel which will not be required for the
  calibration and tests scheduled may be hold for other duties ashore. Personnel
  held ashore during the calibration and test will be loaded at
  Honolulu Harbor on the night of 9 January.

1. a. Loading of the LST’s will be in accordance with Annex Able.
   b. Companies will provide twenty-five 55 gallon drums of gasoline
   with each SCR-527.
   c. Each SCR-527 platoon will carry the following rations per individual:
   7 days C Ration
   3 days K Ration
   2 days D Ration
   d. Each SCR-527 platoon will carry five units of fire per weapon. The following
   table shows the number of rounds per unit of fire:
   Carbine 45 rounds
   BAR 500 rounds
   .45 Cal. Pistol 14 rounds
   .50 Cal. M.G. 600 rounds
   .45 Cal.TSMG 200 rounds

• 2 –
  HEADQUARTERS
  568TH
  SIGANL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
  APO 951
  ANNEX ABLE TO FIELD ORDER NUMBER 6
  PART 1
  Instructions for loading the SCR-527 Radar unit and associated radio equipment aboard LST
  723 and LST 792.

1. All vehicles and trailers will be identified by placards or chalk markings as follows:
   Description Number
   SCR-527 Receiving antenna trailer 1
   SCR-527 Transmitting antenna trailer 2
   SCR-575 Radio truck (Homer) 3
   SCR-527 Operations trailer 4
   ¾ ton W/C (one of two) 5
   ¼ ton 4X4 (without AN/VCR) 6
   1 ton water trailer 7
   ¼ ton trailer 8
   1 ton trailer (one of three) 9
   1 ton trailer (one of three) 10
   2-1/2 ton 6X6 cargo 11
   SCR-527 Maintenance truck 12
   ¾ ton W/C 4X4 (one of two) 13
   SCR-527 Power truck (one of two) 14
   SCR-527 Power truck (one of two) 15
   SCR-573 Radio truck (VHF) 16
   SCR-527 Communications truck 17
   SCR-574 Radio truck (VHF) 18
   1 ton trailer (one of three) 19
   ¼ ton 4X4 (with AN/VRC) 20
2. The vehicles will be arranged in convoy as follows: 6, 8, 18, 19, 17, 7, 15, 1, 14, 2, 13,
   5, 9, 16, 10, 11, 12, 4, 3, 20.
3. Upon arrival at the LST, an officer and fifteen (15) enlisted men will proceed to the
   main deck and number the deck with chalk in accordance with the attached diagram. As each
   vehicle is brought up the ramp, they will direct it to its proper position on the deck
   corresponding to its number.
4. The loading procedure will be as follows:
   a. #6 pulling #8 is driven up the ram and into position.
   b. #18 will back #19 to the bow doors.
   c. #19 is pulled up the ramp by the winch and pushed into position.
   d. #18 backs up the ramp and into position.

• 1 –
  Morale in the organization, at this time, was very good due in general to state of training
  of men and anticipation of probable imminent departure of organization to a forward area.
  On December 24-th orders were received transferring Lt Melvin W. Naylor and his
  entire SCR 527 platoon to Co C 568th
  SAW Bn. This was followed by subsequent orders in the
  next few days transferring Lt John Huebel and thirty-two of Lt Huebel’s Men (1st platoon), and
  thirty-two of Lt Kerttula’s men (2nd platoon) to Company C 568th SAW Bn. pending a
  reorganization of T/O and E of B Company to a AN TPS-1 reporting company. This was a
  move felt most keenly by officers and men of the company, as it meant a breaking up of the
  organization and separation of men, most of whom, had been together for over a year.
  Needless to say morale fell to a record all time low for the company.
  Operational training was immediately discontinued and radars brought in from operation sites
  to be prepared to be turned in to Hawaiian Air Depot.
  The company was intact for the last time for Christmas. Lt Wagner, mess officer and S/Sgt
  Pettit, company mess sergeant had supervised the preparation, for a very nice Xmas Dinner
  complete with all the trimmings.
  The next three days Dec 26, 27, 28th were spent in effecting actual movement of most of the one
  hundred and thirty odd men transferred to C Company 568th SAW Bn at Kahuku Air Base
  /S/
  Arch B. Thomson
  Capt., Sig C.
  Commanding.
  UNIT HISTORY
  COMPANY “C”
  568TH
  SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
  APO #951
  FOR
  DECEMBER 1944.
  On 1 December 1944 this company was engaged in operational training. The equipment
  in use consisted of two long range early warning Radar Set SCR270-DA, an operations center,
  ANTTQ-1, and associated equipment. Preparations were being made during the first few days of
  the month to conduct a company maneuver, how ever a tentative assignment of the company in
  the near future necessitated the activities and preparations be directed other wise.
  On 9 December 1944 1st. Lt Allen R Matthews, 0391779, having been previously assigned to
  this company, assumed command, relieving 1st Lt Robert E Guiles, 0455070. Lt Matthews had
  been on DS with forward elements in the Marianas and Philippines previous to Joining
  Company “C”.
  During the remaining days of December, Company “C” was a hub of activity with troops
  “being transferred in and, other troops being assigned to special schools and on DS to receive
  instructions and to operate new equipment. The Second Platoon was placed on DS with
  Company “D”, 580th. Signal A W Battalion, on 21 December 1944 to go into additional
  Operational Training on the SCR-615-A. The First Platoon was placed on DS with 735th Signal
  A W Company, APO #244, to train on MEW Radar Equipment. This group departed on 29
  December 1944. Two lightweight Radar Reporting Platoons were assigned to this company from
  Company “B”, 568th Signal A W Battalion, and Joined on 26 December 1944.
  Christmas Day was perhaps the only day of the month which was not filled with
  numerous military activities. The Company observed a very quiet and peaceful Day.
  As the month ended many members of the company were attending Radar Schools,
  Information Center Schools, and otherwise receiving training on new equipment.
  The morale of the company has been very good during this month.
  Company strength as of midnight 31 December 1944:
  Officers – 12; Warrant Officers – 1; Enlisted Men – 312.
  ALLEN R. MATTHEWS,
  1st
  Lt., Sig. C.,
  Commanding.
  UNIT HISTORY, COMPANY “D”
  568T H
  SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
  APO 951
  VII FIGHTER COMMAND, SEVENTH AIR FORC E
  ARMY AIR FORCES, PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS, APO 244
  Installment for Month of December 1944
  Du r ing the e ar ly par t of the month o f D ece mb er 1944 the o per atio nal tr aining of the radar un its in c onjunction w ith the
  as sau lt and f ixe d A.D .C.C. co ntinue d w ith day and nig ht G.C.I, c o ntro l w or k f o r the S CR 527 and e ar ly war ning and tr ac king
  mis s io ns f o r the S CR 270 -D A.
  About December 10, 1944 the operational training was brought to a temp orary close, at which time the fixed A.D.C.C.
  was closed down and permanently packed for shipment. This period during the month in which there was no act ual operational
  training taking place was well spent by all platoons and units in packing and crating most of their equipment.
  On December 22, 1944 the officer and enlisted personnel of the First Reporting platoon (270-DA) rejoined the organization
  at Bellows Field from its temporary operational training site at Fort Hasse, Oahu, T.H.
  Also on December 22, 1944 the 270-DA of the Second Reporting Platoon and the SC-3 unit were sited at Koko Head,
  Oahu, T.H. to undergo further operational training.
  The Third Reporting Platoon (SCR 527) on December 29, 1944 boarded the U.S.S. LST 72 35 at Kewalo Basin,
  Honolulu, T.H, and set up the radar unit for operation from the deck. Further operational training and calibration of the unit was
  then carried out from this site in accordance with Field Order No. 6, Headquarters 568th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, dated 22
  December 1944
  R O B E R T F . N E W M A N
  Captain, Signal Corps
  Commanding
  LST’s, prepared to operate during, the .approach to the target, and that one would be released
  from operation afloat for landing immediately after a suitable site became available
  ashore.
  The latter part of November it was learned that a new height-finding radar set (AN/TPS-
  10), was being made available to this organization for use in conjunction with the SCR-527. Since
  the date of arrival was too late for loading, arrangements were made to have the equipment flown
  to Saipan and loaded aboard LST-792, so as to be available for use with the SCR-527 scheduled to
  land first.
  Personnel allotted to operate this equipment was as follows:
  Each AN/TPS-1 1 Officer 34 EM
  Each SC-3 2 Officers 29 EM
  Each SCR-527 * 10 Officers 52 EM
  Each SCS-3 1 Officer 18 EM
  Each AN/TPS-10 1 Officer 32 EM
  Assault ADCC 13 Officers 32 EM
  *0ne of these officers being a Navy Fighter Director.
  Immediately after notification, the necessary detachments were formed,
  additional equipmen t needed was requisition ed, Field Order #6, this head
  quarters, dated 22 December 1944. (3), was published and intensive train ing
  started. See appendix (4) , Training Order #A243-44, Headquarters
  Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fle et, dated 24 December 1944, for
  schedule of .training exercises.
  Considerable reequipping was necessary in the case of the 726th Signal AW Company
  since they had recently returned from a previous operation. The old SCR-602 radar sets
  and SCR-l88 radios previously operated by this company were replaced by AN/TPS-1 radar
  sets and AN/TRC-1 radios. The Special List of Equipment authorized was drawn for all
  units. The complete modification of the SCR-572 trailer to be used as the ADCC and
  minor
  – 5 –
  changes in radio remote control systems of the SCR-527 was begun.
  Upon completion of the second phase of operational training this headquarters published Field
  Order #7, dated 20 January 1945. (5), to be used for the Air Defense of Iwo Jima.
  Direct liaison with the VAC Signal Section and the Signal officer of the Navy TF-53 was authorized
  by higher headquarters for tactical planning purposes.
  Tentative radar sites were selected from contour maps, aerial photographs and the radar
  siting device at the Fleet Radar School, Camp Catlin. Radar sets wore sited for training on sites,
  comparable on the island of Oahu to those tentatively selected. A plan view of the main dock of an
  1ST was laid out on the ground and a SCR-527 and SCS-3 installed upon it to determine the
  amount of radar-radio mutual interference. No serious interference was experienced. Upon
  completion of the Assault ADCC it was installed and operated for training. Particular emphasis
  was placed on night-fighter direction by the SCR-527 and SCS-3 units during the training phase.
  Distribution of the six AN/TPS-1 radar sets of the 726th Signal AW Company was decided upon
  as follows: One to be attached to each of the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions to provide the Divisions
  with direct information on the status of enemy air activity. These units were also to report to the
  ADCC upon its installation ashore. Detachment #1 Joined the 4th Marine Division on Maui and
  Detachment #5 the 5th Marine Division on Hawaii on 23 November 1944. – Four to be attached
  to the fifth Amphibious Corps Headquarters. One to provide information on the status of enemy
  air activity to the Corps Headquarters until the ADCC was established ashore and the
• 6 –
  other three to be sited no as to obtain complete radar coverage of the Inland,
  Arrangements wore made with the Navy to clear the side of the LST on which the radar
  antennas wore to be located of all life rafts and other obstructions and to provide each radar with a
  gyro compass repeater to be installed in the operations room of the SCE-527.
  Arrangements were made with AdComPhibaPac to issue the necessary orders for the use
  of the three LST’s for training and calibration of the radar sets both before and after the tank deck
  load was applied. This was necessary due to the height finding calibration of the radar changing
  with the draft of the ship. It was also considered advisable to familiarize the operating and
  maintenance personnel with the now problems they would experience due to the roll of the ship.
  The SCR-527 Platoon of Reporting Company “A” and one SCS-3 Section from the 302d
  Fighter Control Squadron was loaded aboard LST 792, and the SCR-527 Platoon of Reporting
  Company “B” was loaded aboard LST 642 at Kewalo Basin 25 December 1944 Since it was
  anticipated that the radar aboard LST 642 would operate in conjunction with either of those
  aboard LST 792 or LST 723, it was not considered necessary to install an SCS-3 unit aboard LST

1. All equipment aboard LST’s 792 and 642 was installed and tuned the next two days. On 27
   December, the two ships were taken to redesignated locations on the west shore of Oahu and
   calibrated by personnel and aircraft provided by the HI Fighter Command. LST 723 was to have
   been loaded at the same time as the other two but due to damage to the ship its loading was
   delayed until 28 December at which time the SCR-527

• 7 –
  platoon of Reporting Company “D” And an SCS-3 section of the 302d Fighter Control Squadron
  was loaded. After installation and tuning was completed, LST-723 joined the other two for
  calibration. Upon completion of the calibration, the three ships cruised off the west shore of Oahu
  for operational training conducting day and night fighter direction exercises until 5 January 1945.
  On 5 January 1945, LST 642 and LST 723 were taken to Maui and LST 792 returned to Kewalo
  Basin for the tank deck load. Upon completion of loading, the three ships returned to the
  predesignated calibration points and were recalibrated for the full load draft of the ships. On 10
  January 1945, the three ships departed for Maui to participate in the Marine rehearsal.
  During the Marino rehearsal at Maui, the three radar LST’s were employed as radar picket
  ships, but no fighter direction problems were assigned to them. The two AN/TPS-1 detachments
  with the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions participated in the Command Post exercises and rehearsal.
  No other units wore employed by the Marines or Navy during the rehearsal period but did
  continue training and preparation for increment on Oahu.
  Upon completion of the Maui rehearsal, the three radar LSI’s returned to Oahu for final
  loading and grouping preparatory to departure on 22 January 1945 for Saipan. Prior to departure
  for Saipan, all radar and radio equipment was secured and protected from the weather as much as
  possible.
  The balance of the Assault Phase was loaded as follows: Detachment #1 of the 726th Signal
  AW Company attached to the 4th Marine Division embarked on PA 118 and LSM 260 and
  departed from Maui 3 January 1945. Detachment #2 of the 726th Signal AW Company attached
  to the 5th Marine
• 8 –
  Division embarked on PA 90 and departed from Hawaii on 4 January 1945. The four AN/TPS-1
  sections of the 726th Signal AW Company attached to VAC Headquarters embarked on PA 66 at
  Pearl Harbor on 25 January 1945 and departed 27 January 1945. Due to breakdown of the ship,
  they were returned to Pearl Harbor and transferred to PA 70 departing again 3 February 1945.
  The equipment of these detachments was loaded on KA 6l and departed from Pearl Harbor 27
  January 1945. The personnel and equipment of the SC-3 Detachment of Reporting Company “A”
  and the Assault Phase ADCC of Reporting Company “D” loaded aboard LST 641 and departed
  from Pearl Harbor 24 January 1945.- The personnel and equipment of the SC-3 Detachment of
  Reporting Company “D” loaded aboard LST 809 And departed from Pearl Harbor 24 January,
  1945.
  During the rehearsal at Saipan the three radar LST’s were again used as picket ships although they
  were not employed for fighter direction problems. None of the other units participated in the
  Saipan rehearsal.
  The three radar LST’s remained in operation during the approach phase from Saipan to Iwo Jima
  searching and ready to perform fighter direction upon instruction from Delegate Base.
  Upon arrival at Iwo Jima on D-Day, the SCR-527 and SCS-3 units aboard LST 792 were advised
  by Delegate Base that they were being released from operation and to dismantle their equipment
  and prepare for landing. This was accomplished and the ship held near the island awaiting
  instructions to land.
  The SCR-527 and SCS-3 units aboard LST 723 and the SCR-527 unit aboard LST 642 continued
  to operate under the tactical control of Delegate Base as Picket ships prepared to assume fighter
  direction operation upon direction.
• 9 –
  The equipment of Detachment #5 of the 726th Signal AW Company attached to the5th
  Marine Division was landed at 2000, D-Day and the personnel landed at 0800, D plus 1 on Beach
  Red 2. 1st Lt (0110) Dale M. Bebb, 0-466083, Detachment Commander, received a slight
  shrapnel wound in the back while bringing his men ashore. After receiving medical attention he
  returned to duty, Due to the heavy fire still being received in the Division CP area, it was
  considered inadvisable to install the radar at that time. The radio and siren were installed and the
  Division kept informed of enemy air activity through liaison with Delegate Base.
  At 1830 on D plus 3, the ADCC of Reporting Company “D” and the SC-3 radar of
  Reporting Company “A” were landed at Beach Yellow 1. Both units remained on the beach during
  the night.
  D plus 4 according to plan, the ADCC was to be installed at or near the location of the
  Landing Force Commander’s Headquarters. The VAC Signal Officer was located on the beach in
  the morning of D plus 4 and it was learned from him that the Landing Force Commander’s
  Headquarters had not yet come ashore, but the proposed location was obtained and the area
  reconnoitered. A suitable location was found approximately one hundred-yards from the
  proposed site of the Landing Force Commanders Headquarters and the equipment moved to that
  location (TA 147 T) at 1100. Two bulldozers were obtained from the beachmaster of Beach Red
  1 and necessary revetting started. That afternoon a reconnaissance was made of the proposed
  SC-3 site which was found to be suitable. At 1900 on D plus 4, LSI 792 was beached prepared to
  unload the SCR-527 and AN/TPS-10 of Reporting Company “A” and the SCS-3 of the 302d
  Fighter Control Squadron. While on the beach, it was hit with five or six enemy mortar shells and
  moved out to sea
• 10 –
  returning to unload at 0900 on D plus 5. The previously selected site for this equipment being
  unavailable due to enemy activity and no other suitable site available, the personnel and equipment
  were brought to the ADCC site temporarily. During the attempted landing during the night of D
  plus 4, the equipment damaged by mortar fire included the SCR-527 transmitting antenna (not
  repairable with facilities available to this unit), the SCR-527 power van (no serious damage to
  power unit), the AN/TPS-10 antenna (repairable by operating personnel) and some spare parts,
  rations and minor items of organizational equipment. No personnel of the organization were
  injured. Personnel and equipment of Detachment #1 attached to the 4th
  Marine Division landed
  on Beach Yellow 2 on D plus 4. The equipment was installed in the Division CP Area (TA 148
  E) and in operation at 1900. Liaison was established with Delegate Base and air warning
  information supplied to Division D-3.
  Tec 5 (060) Rudy J. Pristic, 33467796, a cook with Detachment #5, attached to the 5th
  Marine Division, was evacuated due to a leg wound caused by enemy sniper fire, while on duty in
  his bivouac area in TA 148-F.
  D plus 5 installation was continued on the ADCC and liaison established with Delegate
  Base and the Landing Force Commander’s Headquarters. Information received from Delegate
  Base on air warning conditions was relayed to VAC Headquarters by telephone. The SC-3 was
  not installed due to the unavailability of bulldozers necessary to move the equipment to the site
  and prepare revetments.
  Sgt (510) Clyde E. Wilson, 17046001, Reporting Company “D” was evacuated from his
  bivouac area in TA 147_T, when a hand grenade exploded beneath the fire on which he was
  heating his food, thereby causing a wrist wound.
• 11 –
  D plus 6 a bulldozer was obtained from VAC engineers at 1000, and the movement of the
  SC-3 to its present site (TA 148 K) started. Revetting and installation of the site was begun
  immediately upon arrival. – At 14OO, the ADCC was officially established with all radio channels
  operational and wire lines to VAC Headquarters. Agate 1 (AN/TPS-1, Detachment #l) was the
  only radar reporting. – At 1900, Agate 10 (SC-3, Detachment Company “A”) reported into the
  ADCC by radio and began sending radar information. – At 24OO the personnel and equipment of
  the SC-3 unit of Reporting Company “D” was brought ashore remaining on the beach for the rest
  of the night.
  D plus 7 the site previously selected for the SC-3 of Reporting Company “D” still being in
  enemy territory and no suitable alternate site being available, its personnel and equipment were
  brought to the ADCC area during the morning. Agate 5 (AN/TPS Detachment #5) was installed at
  TA l47 J and reported by radio to the ADCC at 1500 stating they wore in operation and started
  sending radar plots.
  D plus 8 at l4OO, a message was received from VAC Headquarters stating that the
  AN/TPS-1 Detachment #5 was being released by the 5th Marine Division and would revert to the
  administrative and tactical control of this headquarters. – Installation was completed on the VHF
  transmitter and receiver of the first SCS-3 unit located at the ADCC and two channels of high
  power VHF (l40.58 mc and 142.02 mc) were made available to the ADCC. – Construction was
  begun on the SCR 527 site at Motoyama Air Field #1 during the day with bulldozers provided by
  the Marine engineers working at the field. – The personnel to operate the AN/TPS-10 radar unit
  received at Saipan were landed at 1500 and brought to the ADCC site. An
• 12 –
  inspection was made of the damage Incurred by mortar fire (see account of D plus 4) and plans
  made to erect the set in the ADCC area for further check. -At 1800, a message was received from
  Delegate Base stating that the remaining two LST radar ships were “being released from operation
  and preparing to land.
  D plus 9 construction work was continued on the SCR-527 site at Number 1 Air Field, –
  The AN/TPS-10 radar unit was installed and repairs necessary for operation made by the
  operating personnel. Arrangements were made to move it to the SCR-527 site at Number 1 Air
  Field. – A Jeep with a VHF radio installed was lent to CASCU to act as a temporary control tower
  at Air field 1. – At 2355, radio communication was established with the AAA units who reported
  ready for operation.
  D plus 10 the personnel and equipment of the SCR-527 platoon of Reporting Company
  “D” and the SCS-3 section of the 302d Fighter Control Squadron aboard LST-723 was landed at
  l400. Since the site selected for this unit was still in enemy territory, the personnel and
  equipment were brought to the ADCC site. – The equipment of the remaining four AN/TPS-1
  units was brought ashore and located in the vicinity of the SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”. – At
  0250, a flash Red Control Yellow was instigated by the Navy and repeated to units ashore by all
  agencies by the ADCC. The flash white control green was received from the Nary at 0425 and
  again repeated to units ashore by the ADCC. The Navy later reported shooting down one Betty.
• At 0230, a fire believed to have been the result of enemy mortar fire, was started in an
  ammunition dump near Agate 5. The fire and explosions completely destroyed the AN/TPS-1
  radar unit. None of the crew of Agate 5 were injured during the fire. The gas generated by the
  burning dump was quite
• 13 –
  heavy in the ADCC area but operating personnel wore able to continue operation with gas masks, –
  At 0450, Agate 1 reported they were out of operation due to the power unit being hit by mortar
  fire. – Detachment #6 of the 726th Signal AW Company was landed at 1500 and temporarily
  located near the SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”.
  D plus 11 the personnel and equipment of the SCR-527 platoon of Reporting “B” was
  landed at 0930. There being no available site for this platoon it was located In the area of the SC-
  3 of Reporting Company “A”. – The AN/TPS-1 unit operated by Detachment #6 was installed just
  north of Number 1 Air Field (TA 181 T) and reported into the ADCC ready for operation at

1. -At 2125 a Flash Red Control Yellow was instigated by the Nary and relayed to units ashore
   by the ADCC. The Flash White Control Green was received and relayed to units ashore at 2l44.
   Tho Navy later identified the bogie as a friendly surface craft.
   D plus 12 Detachment #3 of the 726th Signal AW Company landed at 0800 and joined
   the rest of their unit in the area of the SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”. A reconnaissance was
   made of the top of Mt. Suribachi and a decision made to install Agate 3 at the point “Hot Rocks”.
   There being no road to the top, arrangements were made to assemble a detail of all available
   personnel to carry the unit to the top the following morning,
   Sgt Lorenz M. Pijahn, 37112652, Reporting Company “A”, received shrapnel wounds in
   left shoulder and arm, when an enemy mortar shell landed nearby while he was supervising the
   installation of an SCR-527 radar unit, on Motoyama Airfield Number 1, TA 164-S.
   D plus 13 the installation of the first SCR-575 homer station of the 302d Fighter Control
   Squadron was completed and started operation as Brother

• 14 –
  Agate. – The AN/TPS-1 radar unit of the 726th Signal AW Company was carried to the top of Mt.
  Suribachi by a detail of 150 men completing the job in approximately five hours. Installation of the
  set was begun immediately.
  D plus l4, the installation and revetting of the SCR-527 unit of Reporting Company “A” was
  completed at 1200. All components except the antennas wore buried below ground.
  Arrangements were made to begin the calibration of the set at 1500. – The remaining detachments
  (#2 and #4) of the 726th were brought ashore at 2000 and joined the company. These
  detachments wore held until sites became available at the north end of the island. -Agate 3
  reported to the ADCC by radio at 1300 and started sending radar information.
  Due to the scarcity of enemy aerial activity, the SCR-527 radar units aboard the three LST’s
  were not given the opportunity to prove their worth nor can any definite opinion be formulated as
  to the desirability of repeating the installation for future operations.
  The progress of the installation of a workable aircraft warning system ashore has been slow
  due to unavailability of suitable sites. Low angle coverage to the northeast and east has been
  limited due to the high terrain in those directions still held by the enemy.
  The assault ADCC (modified SCR-572 trailer) has proved very valuable. It was landed in
  good condition and has operated very successfully. It is problematical how long a system not
  protected from the dust such as this installation was, would have operated satisfactorily. Tho only
  trouble experienced was that of relay and radio failure due to the shock resulting when friendly
  155mm artillery was fired in the immediate vicinity. These were not located when the ADCC site
  was chosen.
• 15 –
  It is considered that much time was saved and a better understanding of the mutual
  problems involved by authorizing this unit direct liaison with Marine and Navy units they were to
  work closely with during the operation.
  It in strongly recommended that units of this type be authorized at least one bulldozer to
  assist in movement of the heavy vehicles and to construct revetments for them. In all cases units
  having bulldozers were very cooperative in assisting us if they could be spared at the time, but
  much time is lost in contacting these units to find one that could be spared. One full day was lost in
  the installation of the SC-3 unit of Reporting Company “A” due to the unavailability of a bulldozer.
  Tec 5 Coley A. Weed, 32576171, 3d Platoon, 726th Signal AW Company, had the index
  finger of his left hand blown off while arming a trip flare, on 18 March 1955, in his platoon bivouac
  area at the base of Mt. Surabachi, TA 132-F. Due to enemy infiltration attempts at night it was
  necessary to set trip flares for the defense of the platoon.
  The enemy staged a counter-attack early on the morning of 26 March and some of them
  infiltrated into the 726th Signal AW Company area. Area guards awakened the personnel of the
  company who immediately took up arms to repel the enemy. During the fight T/Sgt Edward W.
  Dom, 35164588, and Tec 4 Henry R. Zeiher, 13154040, were killed, and Tec 5 Keyah Descheny,
  39852314, and Tec 5 Charles W. Harrison, 3917l6lU, were wounded.
  The supplies and equipment of the battalion and attached units that was shipped with the 1st
  Echelon began coming ashore on 7 March 1945- The Battalion S-4 established a system whereby
  an officer and two enlisted men patrolled all beaches in a Jeep checking each ship as it landed.
  When it
• 16 –
  was found that a ship contained property belonging to this battalion or attached units, the officer
  on patrol contacted the Battalion Adjutant by telephone: he in turn would have trucks dispatched
  to the designated beach, to pick; up the property before it was hauled to the central dump; thereby
  avoiding unnecessary handling of property.
  A great deal of uninterrupted pilfering was observed on the beaches as property was
  brought ashore. Unauthorized persons were observed checking packing lists attached to boxes in
  an effort to determine the contents. It is felt that pilfering could be reduced no small degree, if the
  individual packing lists attached to boxes could be eliminated; for it is believed that master packing
  lists in the hands of authorized representatives of the property would prove adequate.
  It was also noticed that fiber Air Corps packing cases were set aside for unauthorized
  inspection, when and if time permitted. This particular case may be opened by removing eight (8)
  bolts, thereby revealing contents. It is suggested that where extensive handling is necessary, these
  cases should be boxed in the usual manner.
  The Army personnel detailed to unload property as it came ashore, were entirely unmindful of the
  necessity of exercising care where possible. As a result there was much unnecessary property
  damage. It was also noted that many of these details operated without the responsible supervision
  of a non-commissioned officer. This does not apply to the Navy C.B.’s however, they did a
  commendable job,
  Tentage which is not boxed is also easily misappropriated, for with constant handling the
  outer covering becomes torn and mutilated, and identity becomes lost. It is suggested that tentage
  be boxed with the
• 17 –
  tent pins if possible.
  It is further suggested that lumber to be used for the construction of prefabricated buildings
  bet boxed, bundled or banded together, in a manner that will prevent the bundles from breaking
  apart; whereupon it is handled as dunnage. In tone instances prefabricated buildings were re-
  ceived in part, thereby defeating the purpose.
  In all, 4,950 boxes were transported, of which 146 boxes of equipment were lost, damaged,
  or pilfered. This represents a loss of 2.9%.
• 18 –
  III. OPERATIONS AND TRAINING (Cont’d)

1. During January operations and training of platoons in the assault echelon were as
   follows:
   a. Between 1 January and 17 January the 3rd
   Platoon with associated SCR-527 radar
   equipment aboard LST #792 and the 4th
   Platoon with associated SCR-527 radar equipment aboard
   LST #642 participated in amphibious maneuvers in Hawaiian waters with the V Amphibious
   Corps. GCI training with both day and night interceptions was carried out with the SCR-527s
   operating from the decks of their respective LSTs.
   b. On 18 January LST #792 returned to Kaneohe and LST #642 returned to Pearl
   Harbor.
   c. On 20 January the Company Commander, the Company Communications
   Officer and two officers and twenty-nine enlisted men of the 1st
   Platoon with a
   Navy-type SC-3 radar set loaded aboard LST #641.
   d. On 22 January LSTs #642 and #792 departed from {unreadable} destination
   unknown.
   e. On 24 January LST # 641 departed from Oahu, destination unknown.
2. During January operations and training of platoons in the 1st
   garrison echelon were as
   follows:
   a. During January Headquarters Platoon, 2d Platoon, and the remainder of the 1st
   Platoon continued preparations for movement. All packing and crating was completed 25 January.
   On 28 January loading commence on all organizational equipment not shipped in the assault
   phase. Camp and mess equipment was loaded aboard USS Cape Fear. Organizational equipment
   was loaded aboard the USS China Victory.
   IV. SUPPLY
   Negative
   V. MISCELLANEOUS
   Negative
   /S/
   Edward C Gessert
   Captain, Signal Corps
   Commanding
   HEADQUARTERS
   568TH
   SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 86
   FIELD ORDER ) TAW:njk
   20 January 1945
   NUMBER 7)
   Maps: Special Air and Gunnery Target Map, IWO JIMA, Scale 1: 20,000.
3. a. (1) See Annex Baker (Intelligence) to VAC Operations Plan 3-44.
   (2) See Annex Baker (Intelligence) to TF 51 Operations Plan No. A25-44.
4. The 568th Signal AW Battalion and attached unite will install, operate and maintain an
   adequate and continuous aircraft warning system on the island of IWO JIHA. See Annex, Love,
   VAC Operations Plan 3-44 and Appendix 4, Annex Charlie, VII Fighter Command Order 1-45.
5. a. During the assault phase, subordinate units will install, operate and maintain the
   following equipment in accordance with Annex Love, VAC Operations Plan 3-44 and Appendix 4,
   Annex Charlie VII Fighter Command Field Order l-45:
   (1) 726th Signal AW Company:
   Six (6) AU/TPS-1 radar sets and associated radio equipment.
   (2) Reporting Company “A”
   One (l) SC-3 radar” set and associated radio equipment.
   Two (2) SCR-527 radar sets and associated radio equipment.
   One (l) AN/TPS-10 radar Set.
   (3) Reporting Company “D”:
   One (l) SC-3 radar set and associated radio equipment.
   One (l) SCR-527 radar set and associated radio Equipment.
   One (l) Assault ADCC and associated radio equipment.
   b. During the consolidation phase, subordinate units will install and maintain the
   following additional equipment in accordance with U, Annex Charlie VII Fighter Command Field
   Order 1-45:

• 1 –
  FO #7 Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn APO 86 dtd 20 Jan 45 (Cont’d)
  (1) Reporting Company “A”:
  Two (2) SCR- 270DA radar sets and associated radio equipment.
  (2) Reporting Company “D”:
  Two (2) SCR-270DA radar sets and associated radio equipment.
  One (l) AN/TPS-10 radar set.
  c. During the Garrison-phase, Reporting Company “C” will install,
  operate and maintain the following equipment in accordance with Appendix 4,
  Annex Charlie, VII Fighter Command Field Order 1-45:
  One (l) AN/CPS-l and associated radio equipment.
  One (l) SCR-615-B and associated radio equipment.
  d. Assault and Consolidation phase radar sets will be released from
  operation by this headquarters as they are replaced with higher powered equipment.
  x. a. Sites chosen and shown on the attached, overlay for the ADCC and radar sets were
  selected from aerial photographs and contour maps and may be changed should personal
  reconnaissance prove them to be unavailable, inaccessible, or unsuitable for other reasons. Any
  changes necessary will be reported immediately to this headquarters.
  b. Details of the alternate- plan arc given in VAC Operations Plan 4-44
  c. All radar, radio equipment and the ADCC will be revetted and sandbagged as soon as
  possible.
  d. The officer in charge of each separate installation will establish a suitable perimeter
  defense for his installation. He will insure that automatic weapons within the platoon are deployed
  to best advantage. He will formulate and disseminate suitable plan for area perimeter defense. He
  will insure that each individual constructs an “L” shaped slit trench for himself immediately upon
  arrival at the site.
  e. All personnel will be familiarized with the contents of paragraph 6, Section IV, SOP for
  the Employment of Fighter Units and Fighter Direction Personnel, Headquarters Task Unit
  10.16.1, dated 9 January 1945.
  f. Defense against chemical attack will be in accordance with VII Fighter Command SOP.
• 2 –
  III. OPERATIONS AND TRAINING (Cont’d)
  On 23 February detachment of the 1st Platoon moved their radar equipment across
  Motoyama Air Field No 1 to a bivouac area about 1000 yards south of the air field. At 1900 LST
  792 beached on Yellow 1 Beach in an attempt to unload their VHF and SCR-527 radar
  equipment.
  The 1ST was forced off the beach after having sustained a number of hits from enemy
  artillery. One SCR-527 power unit received a direct hit. Near hits also damaged the SCR-527
  transmitter and transmitting antenna and the AN/TPS-10.
  At 0900, 24 February LST 792 again beached and commenced unloading the 3rd
  Platoon’s and VHF Fighter Control Detachment No 1’s equipment. The unloading was complete
  by 1300 and all personnel and equipment were moved to a bivouac area near the 1st Platoon.
  At 1000 on 25 February the SC-3 of the 1st Platoon was moved to a site 50 yards south of
  Motoyama Air Field No 1 and set up. The set was revetted and in operation at 1600 and
  commenced reporting to the ADCC at 1800.
  On 26 February Fighter Control Detachment No 1 commenced setting up their SCS-3 in
  the vicinity of the ADCC. The cadre with the AN/TPS-10 commenced unpacking and repairing
  the equipment.
  On 27 February the 7th Platoon landed and joined in the work on the AN/TPS-10.
  On 28 February a site in the center of Motoyama Airfield No 1 was chosen for the 3rd
  Platoon’s SCR-527. Excavation was commenced for revetting the SCR-527. This set with the
  exception of the antennae will be installed completely underground.

1. In summarizing the organization’s operations at Iwo Jima to date a number of items of
   interest might be brought out:
   a. During the approach phase to the island and after arrival neither the 3rd
   Platoon’s SCR-527 on LST 792 nor the 4th
   Platoon’s SCR-527 on LST 642 were called on by the
   Senior Fighter Director Ship for information or assistance of any kind.
   b. As a result of the tactical situation being far different than originally planned all
   the radar equipment of the 1st
   and 3rd Platoons was landed much too early. When LSTs 641 and
   792 were originally loaded in Oahu their cargo, in addition to the radar equipment, included much
   heavy beach party equipment. Due to the
   character of the assault and the losses in equipment sustained it was necessary to call LSTs 641 and
   792 ashore before the radar was
   —2—
   UNIT HISTORY, COMPANY “D”
   568TH
   SIGNAL ARICRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 86
   VII FIGHTER COMMAND, ARMY AIR FORCES
   PACIFIC OCEAN AREA APO 244
   Installment for Month of February 1945
   As the month of February opened the 1st Echelon Group, consisting of the 1st
   and 2nd
   platoons and the remainder of the Plotting Platoon, under the command of 1st Lt Frank J. Sottile,
   was rapidly bringing to a close the task of packing and crating the organizational equipment and
   preparations for loading. Finally on 5 February 1945, the 1st
   Echelon Group was loaded aboard the
   USAT Sea Sturgeon. All light general purpose vehicles and general cargo had been previously
   loaded on the Cape Fear. The radar vehicles and heavy trucks were loaded on the China Victory.
   It is significant to note that there were no Company “D” representatives aboard either the China
   Victory or the Cape Fear.
   Meanwhile the Assault ADCC personnel and the SC-3 Platoon aboard LST 641 and LST
   809 proceeded in convoy to Eniwetok and later to Guam, arriving there about 14 February 1945.
   After a two (2) day stop-over the convoy then proceeded to the Target Area. The target, Iwo Jima,
   was announced to the men and they were briefed extensively. LST 641 and LST 809 arrived on
   target D plus 1, 20 February 1945. Progress ashore proved delayed at the time and both ships
   again put out to sea and cruised in the vicinity for two (2) days. On D plus 3, 22 February 1945,
   the Assault ADCC and Personnel were loaded on Yellow Beach. As darkness had set in by this
   time, the personnel and vehicles dispersed on the beach to await morning. During the night the
   area was subject to mortar and artillery fire from enemy positions but no casualties or damage to
   the equipment was suffered. On 23 February 1945, the unit proceeded to the southern part of the
   Island-and began setting up the Assault ADCC. Actual operation of the Assault Van began at 1400,
   25 February 1945 when the first radar (AN/TPS-1) reported into the net. At 1920 on the same day
   the SC-3 of Company “A” 568th Signal AW Battalion, began operation and reported into the net.
   On 26 February 1945 at 1345 AN/TPS-5 reported in. Thus by the end of February the radar cov-
   erage consisted of one (1) SC-3 and two (2) AN/TPS stations.
   On 25 February 1945 (D plus 7) the SC-3 personnel and equipment were unloaded from
   aboard LST 809 on Red Bench 2. Again darkness prevented the personnel from moving from the
   beach and it wasn’t until the following morning that they were able to join the Assault group in their
   bivouac area to await the selection of a suitable site.

• 1 –
  The 3rd Platoon (SCR-527) and attached VHF personnel aboard LST 723 arrived at
  Saipan on 12 February 1945. At this time the radar was again set up in operation to take part in the
  final rehearsal. On 13 and 14 February 1945 the rehearsal was hold with LST 723 again acting as a
  radar picket ship. Enroute from Saipan to the Target Area, the station continued operation as a
  picket ship. LST 723 arrived at the Target on D day, 19 February 1945. The efficiency of
  operation was poor due to the constant maneuvering and the changing of the ship’s heading. On D
  day the ship unloaded the Amtracs which were in the tank deck and, later that night reloaded them
  and proceeded to their patrol area about three (3) to five (5) miles off-shore, northwest of the
  target. On D plus 3 the ship again came in and unloaded the Amtracs, after which it again took up
  its station as a picket ship. On D plus 9 the equipment and personnel of the 3rd Platoon was
  landed on the beach and proceeded to the ADCC bivouac area.
  As a summary at the end of February, the Assault ADCC, the SC-3 Platoon and the 3rd Plt
  (SGR-527) were all ashore with the 1st Echelon still enroute. The only unit in operation was the
  Assault ADCC and both platoons were awaiting availability of site.
  Captain, Signal Corps
  Commanding
• 2 –
  I. PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION
  On 7 March 1945 four officers and thirty-two enlisted men from Headquarters and
  Headquarters Company of this battalion were relieved of attachment to this organization.
  II. INTELLIGENCE
  Negative.
  III. OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

1. Headquarters Platoon, 2d Platoon, and 6th Platoon arrived at Iwo Jima on the 7th day
   of March. All personnel bivouacked south of Motoyama Airfield Number 1. On l5 March the 2d,
   3rd, 7th, and Headquarters Platoons moved into the permanent company area located four
   hundred yards north of road junction 120, within a week a pre-fabricated mess hall and a motor
   pool were set up. The area was cleared and pyramidal tents were set up. Tho 6th Platoon
   remained in bivouac south of Motoyama Airfield Number 1.
2. A detailed account of the installation and operation of radar units for the month is as
   follows:
   a. The 1st Platoon SC-3, set up the previous month, continued in operation as
   an early warning station. Operations were satisfactory. One convoy of ships was picked up sixty-five
   miles away.
   b. The 2d Platoon SCR 270DA was installed on Hill 362 and started reporting
   to the ADCC the 17th day of March. It was the first long-range early warning station in operation.
   Coverage to the north was good. On the evening of 25 March enemy planes attempting to
   approach the island were detected one hundred and ninety-five miles away.
   c. The 3d Platoon SCR-S27 and the 7th Platoon AN/TPS-10 installation on
   Motoyama Airfield Number 1 was completed. Except for the antenna, all equipment was
   underground. The AN/TPS-10 scope was mounted outside and to the rear of the SCR-527
   operations van.
   (1)Both units were in operation on 5 March. The SCR-527 was used for
   early warning and fighter-direction. The AN/TPS-10 was also used for early warning as well as
   height-finding.
   (2)During the month approximately thirty intercepts were made from this
   installation. Four were intercepts of enemy planes, the remainder were practice and identification
   intercepts. On the evening of 25 March several enemy planes attempted to approach the island.
   Two planes were shot down with one probable. No planes came within thirty miles of the island,
   and the furthest intercept was made at
   ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
   568TH
   SIGNAL ARICRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 86
   VII FIGHTER COMMAND, SEVENTH AIR FORCE
   ARMY AIR FORCES PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS
   APO 246
   Installment for the month of March 1945
   The month of March was a busy one for this organization; MEW Companies “B” and “C”
   were rounding out their training programs.
   The former 3d Platoon of Company “B”, which accompanied the Assault Forced to Iwo
   Jima, operating an SCR-527 on the deck of LST-642, was released from attachment to Company
   “A” and is awaiting transportation to Saipan. This platoon will be supplemented by other members
   of Company “B” who will leave Oahu and join the platoon at Saipan where they will be trained in
   the operation and maintenance of MEW equipment.
   The operating personnel of Company “C” are receiving training at an MEW site on Saipan,
   and will join the balance of the company at Iwo Jima where they will go into operation for the air
   defense of the island.
   The remainder of the battalion and attached units, stationed on Iwo Jima in the Volcano
   Island Group, were busily engaged in strengthening perimeters of defense and improving living
   conditions as much as possible under the circumstances, while performing the mission for which
   they trained and waited so long.
   The training program took on a new meaning back on 20 September 1944, while stationed
   at Kualoa Army Air Base, Oahu, T.H. This Organization

• 3 –
  was notified by VII Fighter Command that this battalion and attached units (726th Signal AW
  Company, and 302d Fighter Control Squadron) less Company “B”, would furnish air warning
  service for the Island of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Island Group; and that portions of the units
  mentioned above would participate in the Assault Phase of the operation under the V Amphibious
  Corps (Marine) Landing Force. Equipment to be operated in the Assault Phase was specified to be
  as follows:
  Six (6) AN/TPS-1A lightweight radar sets.
  Two (2) SC-3 Navy type medium range radar sets.
  One (l) SCR-527 fighter director radar set.
  One (l) SCS-3 VHF radio and homing equipment.
  One (1) modified SCR-572 plotting trailer to act as the ADCC.
  This Headquarters published Field Order #5, dated 12 November 1944 (l), designed to
  train and equip all personnel; complete necessary modifications and test all operating equipment;
  and waterproof, pack and crate all organizational impedimenta.
  Letter this headquarters, dated 11 December 1944, subject: Operations, (2), was issued to
  Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Companies “A” and “D” as authorization to release
  all radar, radio and plotting equipment from operation for an indefinite period effective 1200, l4
  December 1944; to allow packing and loading of all vehicles to be combat loaded prior to
  submission of U, P and T tables for the 1st Echelon.
  As a result of the successful experiments previously conducted by this organization, in
  cooperation with the Navy and the Hawaiian Air Defense Command, the Navy requested that an
  SCR-527 be installed on the weather deck of each of the two (2) LST’s, for operation as Fighter
  Direction Radar ships. Subsequently it was decided that all three (3) SCR-527 units of the Assault
  Phase be installed on the decks of three
• 4 –
  UNIT HISTORY
  COMPANY “C” 568TH
  SIGH AW BN
  APO 953
  For
  March 1945
  Company “C” was making preparations for a forward movement at the beginning of th3
  month and was busy throughout the month completing this task. Facilities for packing and crating
  equipment were inadequate and this was a long, drawn out affair.
  On 2 March 1945, Major John L. Pausch, 0329099, Lieutenant Allen R. Matthews,
  0391779, and Lieutenant Kenneth G. Ferguson, 01637406, Assistant Signal Officer, VII Fighter
  Command, Company Commander and Communications Officer, Company “C”, 568th Sig AW
  Bn respectively, departed for APO 244 to inspect the aircraft warning system in use at that station.
  Upon completion of the tour this detail returned to their present duty station at APO 953. The
  equipment now in use at APO 244 is similar to that which will be installed and operated by this
  organization. Under the direction and supervision of Major Pausch a Signal Operations
  Memorandum and a building plan for the installation and operation of radar set AN/CPS-1 were
  prepared and submitted to the Signal Officer, VII Fighter Command for approval.
  On 23 March 1945, twenty enlisted men were placed on DS at APO 244 to become
  familiar with the operation and maintenance of the AN/CPS-1. This makes a total of three officers
  and sixty-one enlisted men who are now receiving this training.
  On 31 March 1945, all details were complete and the Company was standing by awaiting
  final movement orders.
  Company strength as of 31 March 1945:
  Officers 14
  Warrant Officers 1
  Enlisted Men 284
  ALLEN R. MATTHEWS,
  1st Lt, Sig C,
  Commanding.
  UNIT HISTORY, COMPANY “D”
  568TH
  SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WRANING BATTALION
  APO 86
  VII FIGHTER COMMAND, ARMY AIR FORCES
  PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS, APO 244
  Installment for month of March 1945
  By the beginning of the month of March 1945, no tactical site had been approved for
  either the SC-3 or the 527 platoon. These men continued to bivouac in the south central part of
  the island with the members of the assault ADCC.
  On 2 March 1945 at 1844 another radar (AN/TPS-6) was added to the net. Finally on 5
  March 11945 at 1650 the SCR-527 of Company “A” was put into operation and G.C.I. control
  work began. On the same day AN/TPS-3 reported into the net. Thus by 5 March 1945, the radar
  coverage consisted of four (4) AN/TPS radars, one (1) SC-3 and one (1) SCR-527. The eight (8)
  enlisted men on detached services with the 78th
  fighter Squadron had by this time rejoined the
  Assault Group.
  The 1st
  Echelon Group, consisting of the Headquarters, Plotting Platoon (Garrison
  ADCC), and the First and Second Platoons arrived at the target aboard the US{??} Sea Sturgeon
  on 7 March 1945 (D plus 16) at 1930. Personnel were unloaded on Purple beach and proceeded
  to join the Assault Group in their bivouac area, which by this time was housing the entire
  organization. The equipment began unloading the following day and was completed by 13 March
  1945 (D plus 22).
  With the arrival of the 1st
  Echelon additional Radar Operations Officers, plotters, radio and
  wire men were made available to become familiar with local operations and help relieve the
  personnel in the Assault ADCC Van.
  At this time it became apparent that no suitable site would be available for the SC-3 so the
  platoon was disbanded and the equipment and personnel returned to their parent platoons (First
  and Second).
  On 1{?} March 1945 at 0214 our height-finding radar (AN/TPS-10) reported into the net to
  work in close conjunction with the SCR-527 already in operation. On 17 March 1945 the first
  270-DA radar began operation. This set was operated by the Second Platoon of Company “A”.
  On 23 March 1945 the First Platoon of Company “D” managed to reach the top of Mount
  Suribachi with its 270-DA, and after some difficulty in setting up, began reporting into the net.
  It now became apparent that the Assault Van was inadequate to handle the bulk of traffic
  being received. An unmodified AN/TTQ was brought in by the VII Fighter Command and this
  equipment was used by Company “D” in setting up a subassault ADCC. On 24 March 1945 at
  1200 the switch-over to this equipment was successfully made. The full Plotting Platoons of both
  “A” and “D” Companies were being used to man this ADCC, plus the radio and wire teams of
  both organizations. At the close of March wire communication to all radar units had been
  installed.
  c. Strength as of 31 December 1945: 30 Commissioned; 210 Enlisted.

1. Stations of unit of parts thereof.
   a. Battalion Headquarter and Headquarters Company:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 5 February 1945.
   Arrived Eniwetok, 13 February 1945.
   Departed Eniwetok, 21 February 1945.
   Arrived Saipan, 25 February 1945.
   Departed Saipan, 5 March 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 7 March 1945.
   b. Company “A”
2. 1st Platoon:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 24 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 22 February 1945.
3. 3rd Platoon:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 21 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 23 February 1945.
4. Fighter Control Detachment # 1:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 21 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 23 February 1945.
5. 7th Platoon:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 21 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 27 February 1945.
6. 1st Echelon:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 5 February 1945.
   Arrived Eniwetok, 13 February 1945.
   Departed Eniwetok, 21 February 1945.
   Arrived Saipan, 25 February 1945.
   Departed Saipan, 5 March 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 7 March 1945.
   c. Company “C”
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 8 April 1945.

• 2 –
  Arrived Eniwetok, 16 April 1945.
  Departed Eniwetok, 17 April 1945.
  Arrived Saipan, 21 April 1945.
  Departed Saipan, 27 April 1945.
  Arrived Iwo Jima, 30 April 1945.
  d. Company “D”

1. ADCC Personnel:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 24 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 22 February 1945.
2. SC-3 Personnel:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 24 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 25 February 1945.
3. 3rd Platoon:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 21 January 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 28 February 1945.
4. 1st
   Echelon:
   Departed Oahu, T.H., 5 February 1945.
   Arrived Eniwetok, 13 February 1945.
   Departed Eniwetok, 21 February 1945.
   Arrived Saipan, 25 February 1945.
   Departed Saipan, 5 March 1945.
   Arrived Iwo Jima, 7 March 1945.
   e. Company “B”:
   Departed Oahu, T,H., 8 Mar 1945.
   Arrived Perry Island, 16 May 1945.
   Departed Perry Island, 20 May 1945.
   Arrived Ulithi, 24 May 1945.
   Departed Ulithi, 3 June 1945.
   Arrived Okinawa, 8 June 1945.
5. Marches.
   Negative.
6. Campaigns.
   a. Saipan:
7. Duration: 15 June 1944 to 18 February 1945.

• 3-

1. Purpose: To provide aircraft warning.
2. Authority ordering: Negative.
   b. Iwo Jima:
3. Duration: 19 February 1945 to 25 June 1945.
4. Purpose: To provide aircraft warning and fighter control
   system; to provide radio communications; to install and
   maintain all radio remote control lines associated with
   the aircraft warning and fighter direction system; to
   install and maintain all wire lines associated with intra-
   battalion communications; and to install and maintain such
   extensions of the island cable system as the Tactical sit-
   uation may require.
5. Authority ordering: Field Order 1-45 Hq VII Fighter Command
   dtd 18 January 1945.
   c. Okinawa:
6. Duration: 26 March 1945 to 2 July 1945.
7. Purpose: to provide aircraft warning and control during
   capture and occupation.
8. Authority ordering: Assignment Order 63 Hq AAFPOA Adminis-
   tration dtd 23 April 1945.
9. Battles.
   Negative.
10. Commanding Officers in important engagements.
    a. Iwo Jima:
    Lt Col Henry R Chamberlain-0255481
    b. Okinawa:
    Capt Arch B Thomson-0333968

• 4 –
  ORGANIZATIONA HISTORY
  568TH
  SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
  APO 86
  VII FIGHTER COMMAND
  ARMY AIR FORCES PACIFIC OCEA AREAS
  APO 244
  Installment for month of April 1945
  Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company was established in pyramidal tents in
  the temporary area in TA 147-S at the beginning of the month. Shortly thereafter a permanent
  area was assigned in TA 131-J, and work got under way to make the area suitable as a camp site, to
  accommodate Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Companies “C” and “D”.
  The area was very rough since it was full of large boulders and many stones. The job of preparing
  it to house troops was even rougher since it was very difficult to obtain the necessary machinery to
  do the job. The area is at the base of Mt. Suribachi and has quite a slope to it, which necessitated a
  large quantity of fill. Much of this was done by hand which was a long and difficult task. To dig a
  latrine for the enlisted men it was necessary to blast, due to the large rocks encountered. By the
  17th
  , the area was suitable enough for Headquarters and Headquarters Company to move in.
  Everyone was established by the evening of the 18th
  .
  Company “D” moved into the battalion area on the 4th
  and immediately established their
  camp site. By the evening of the 25th
  the area was shaping up very nicely and looked like tit would
  be a nice looking area. However, that very night, a faulty parachute flare started a fire on the east
  shore and finally set off an ammunition dump. Missiles began falling
• 3 –
  in our area at 2400. Fortunately, no serious injuries were suffered by the personnel. The dump
  burned and exploded continuously until dawn, but the hardest blast came at 0330. It was then that
  most of the damage was sustained. At daylight the area looked a mess; the terrific force of the blast
  snapped ridge poses and tent ropes. Torn tents caused by the blast and falling missiles were not
  few. The kitchen suffered the greatest damage since it was framed and enclosed. Details soon got
  things back in order through, and meals were on time as usual.
  However, it was a different story with the radar and radio equipment that was damaged in
  the vicinity. Specific items which were the most seriously damaged were: two SCR-527 sets
  parked in target area 147-S, one SCS-3 set (SCR-573, SCR-574 and SCR-575) parked in the 302d
  Fighter Control Squadron area in target area 147-T, and the ten RC-256 and RC-257 sets which
  were stored in target area 147-T. It is believed that none of the equipment mentioned above is
  damaged beyond repair although in some cases it will require the assistance of 3d echelon repair
  shops.
  Company “C” less sixty (60) enlisted men of the MEW platoon being trained at Saipan,
  arrived on the 30th
  and immediately established camp in the Battalion area, target area 131-J.
  The improvement of the Air Warning System was a continuous task. The following
  improvements were made during the month: The three (3) horsepower, three (3) phase, 220 volt
  AC motor, for the modification of the PU-6 arrived, which permitted more satisfactory operation
  of the AN/TPS-10 heightfinder, commonly referred to as “Little Abner”.
• 4 –
  Organizational History, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn, APO 86 dtd Apr 45, (Cont’d)
  Engineer construction got under way for the SCR-270 DA radar site (Agate-13) in target
  area 235-K on the 8th
  . Two days later, on the 10th
  engineer construction was started on theSCR-270
  DA radar site (Agate 14) in target area 202-H. The second AN/TPS-10 unit arrived by air
  shipment the same day.
  Since the VHF station (1 each SCR-573, SCR-574) located in target area 132-F proved to
  be operating satisfactorily, the station in target area 147-T was removed from service, and
  preparations started for its installation at the north end of the island.
  Installation of the second AN/TPS-10 set was begun in target area 132-P on the 12th
  . This
  set will be used in conjunction with the SCR-270 DA (Agate-15). Installation and tuning was
  completed on the 14th
  and calibration begun.
  The next day, on the 15th
  , construction got under way on the VHF transmitter and receiver
  building, in target area 132-P. The engineer construction on the radar site of Agate 14 was
  completed the same day and installation of camp and equipment was started.
  On the 19th
  the installation and tuning of the SCR-270 DA (Agate 14) in target area 202-H
  was completed, and tactical operation begun.
  The assault phase SC-3 search radar (Agate 10), having been replaced by Agate 12, Agate
  14, and Agate 15, was released from operation on the 20th
  and will be dismantled and overhauled
  in preparation for future use.
  Preparations for the SCR-270 DA (Agate 13) site in target area 235-X was completed, and
  installation of camp and equipment was started on the 26th
  .
• 5 –
  Organizational History, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn, APS 86, dtd Apr 45, (Cont’d)
  The installation and tuning of the SCR-270 DA set (Agate-13), in target area 235-K was
  completed on the 29th
  and tactical operation begun. It is expected that the operation of this set will
  be quite intermittent during the daylight hours for the next ten days due to the blasting in the close
  vicinity. The set will be shut down before each blast.
  There were 1,932 flights detected during the month, excluding forty (40) mass flights of B-
  29 and P-51 strikes, and local flights including CAP and ASP.
  A breakdown of the 223 bogies detected, which is exclusive of the flights mentioned above,
  follows:
  Seventy-eight (78) of the bogies turned on their IFF when nearing the island although they
  were detected as bogies and carried on the plotting board for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes as
  bogies.
  Twenty (20) bogies were intercepted by CAP. In some cases these bogies turned on their
  IFF upon being intercepted.
  Thirty-five (35) bogies were identified by the controller from flight plans. Frequently these
  flight plans are incomplete and positive identification is sometimes impossible.
  There were forty-five (45) aircraft definitely identified as committing violation.
  The remaining forty-five (45) bogies were unidentified.
  The unidentified bogies for the most part were probably friendly as only one “Flash Red”
  was sounded during the month. This occurred on the 12th
  when bogies were detected dropping
  “snow” approximately fifty (50) miles west of the island. Interception was attempted but
• 6 –
  Organizational History Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn, APS 86, dtd Apr 45, (Cont’d)
  no enemy planes were found. A large number of unidentified bogies passed seventy-five (75) to
  one-hundred (100) miles away from the island therefore making interception impractical.
  During the last two (2) weeks of the month an improvement was noted on the B-29 mass-
  raids.
  IFF violations still occur but the number of aircraft violations has been reduced to
  approximately ten (10) percent of each mass-raid still appearing bogey.
  NOTE: Target area locations designated are in accordance with Special Air and Gunnery Target
  Map, Iwo Jima.
• 7 –
  I. PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION
  On 1 April 1945 the 4th
  Platoon was relieved from Detached Service with this organization.
  Officers and enlisted personnel left for Saipan by Air Transportation.
  On 15 April 1945 the 6th Platoon was relieved from Detached Service with this
  organization.
  II. INTELLIGENCE
  Negative.
  III. OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

1. During the month the following radar units wore in operation:
   a. On 20 April the 1st Platoon ceased operation of their
   SC-3 radar and commenced moving their camp and SCR-270 A to TA 235-F.
   On 29 April the SCR-270DA was in operation. Tho SC-3 was checked and
   moved to the company area.
   b. The 2d Platoon’s SCR-270DA continued in operation with
   good results.
   c. The 3d Platoon’s SCR-527 and the 7th Platoon’s AN/TPS-10
   continued in operation. The area surrounding the units to the north was used for an airplane
   dispersal area. The presence of planes in this area reduced the operational efficiency of both units.
   (1) During the month approximately thirty intercepts wore made. Thirteen
   were practice intercepts and the remainder were identification intercepts.
   IV. SUPPLY
   Supplies wore uncrated and a company supply tent was set up.
   V. MISCELLANEOUS
   Negative.
   EDWARD C GESSERT
   Captain, Signal Corps
   Commanding
   UNIT HISTORY, COMPANY “D”
   568TH
   SIGNAL ARICRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 86
   VII FIGHTER COMMAND, ARMY ARI FORCES
   PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS, APO 244
   Installment for Month of April 1945
   On 15 April 1945, the Second Radar Reporting Platoon proceeded to the vicinity of 202-
   H, Special Air and Gunnery Target Map, Iwo Jima, to install the SCR-270-DA and establish a
   platoon camp site. The radar reported into the ADCC on 19 April 1945 at 1745K and
   commenced operations. The Air Warning Radar coverage now consisted of 4 SCR 270-DA, 1
   SCR 527, and 2 AN/TPS-10 height finding units.
   On 24 April, personnel of Headquarters and Plotting Platoons, First Radar Reporting
   Platoon, and attached personnel proceeded from the temporary company area to the permanent
   company area located in the vicinity of 131-J, Special Air and Gunnery Target Map, Iwo Jima.
   Considerable work on the general area was necessary and the erection of a semi-permanent mess
   hall was begun.
   On 25 April 1945, at about 2330, a flare landed on a stack of demolition tubes on Green
   Beach, setting them afire. The fire spread to other revetments setting off rockets and other types
   of ammunition. Fires and explosions continued throughout the night with the greatest detonation
   occurring at 0330, 26 April 1945, when 148 500 pound G bombs were detonated simultaneously.
   The resulting blast and shrapnel caused some slight damage to the ADCC tent and several motor
   vehicles parked in the Company “D” Motor Pool were damaged. Several tents in the camp site
   were blown over but no casualties were suffered by personnel of this company. During the blasts it
   became feasible to turn control of the Air Warning System over to the G.C.I. 527 Agate 9. By
   morning the ADCC was again put into full operation and Agate Base resumed control.
   During the month of April 1945, the following promotions became effective in this
   organization. 2d Lt Sam P Teresi, 01639725 was promoted to 1st
   Lt AUS per par 6, Special Order
   96, headquarters AAFPOA to rank as 1st
   Lt as of 6 April 1945. 14 enlisted men were promoted
   from Private to Private First Class (See exhibits A and B).
   /S/
   Robert F. Newman
   Captain, Signal Corps
   Commanding
   ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
   568TH
   SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 86
   VII FIGHTER COMMAND
   ARMY AIR FORCES PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS
   APO 86
   Installation for month of May 1945
   I. STRENGTH, MOVEMENT AND ORGANIZATION.
   The 726th
   Signal Aircraft Warning Company, having completed its mission at this station,
   was released from attachment to this organization per assignment Order #66 Hq AAFPOA
   (ADMIN), dated 29 April 1945, effective upon arrival at Mariana Islands. Unit departed this
   station 30 May 1945.
   II. ADMINISTRATION.
   With announcement of V-E Day, much activity was observed in the S-1 Section, compiling
   records and reports in accordance with the Readjustment Program. To say that the Readjustment
   Program has caused much anxiety and excitement would be putting it mildly.
   III. SUPPLY.
   A battalion gas dump was established during the month to service all assigned and attached
   units. It is believed that much time is saved since the dump is centrally located and is operated in
   much the same manner as a base gas dump.
   During the operation at this station, much tentage was lost and dest-
   Inasmuch as the tentage is now considered post, camp and station property, the battalion is now
   requisitioning it on an “actual need” basis.
   IV. OPERTATIONS.
   A heavy rain, accompanied by high winds, with occasional gusts reaching a velocity of 75
   miles per hour, hit this island on the 15th
   , causing considerable damage to camp installations of
   “C”, “D” and Headquarters and Headquarters Companies. The major part of the damage was torn
   tentage and broken framework. The battalion headquarters was completely ruined by the wind,
   breaking the framework and blowing down the tents while the rain washed a considerable quantity
   of loose dirt from the new road up Mount Suribachi into the area. None of the radar or
   communications equipment was seriously damaged. The roof was blown off the new VHF
   building in target are 132-P but no damage was done to the radio equipment being installed.
   During the rain it was discovered that the new ADCC and communications building leaked very
   badly. Action was immediately initiated to have all damage repaired. The roof of the VHF
   building was repaired on the 17th
   and work began on the 23rd
   to remove the dirt from the roofs of
   the ADCC and communications building, in preparation for waterproofing. By the 26th
   all
   preparations had been completed and tarring and waterproofing began.
   The construction work on the Agate 7 and Abner 7 site in target area 235-K began on the
   1st
   of the month. Agate 7 is an SCR-527 operated by the 3rd
   platoon of Company “D”, while Abner
   7 is an AN/TPS-10 operated by the 3rd
   platoon of Company “C”. Abner 7 was formerly Abner 9,
   located in the triangle of the south Airfield where it operated in conjunction with Agate 9.
   Due to the fact that the site at Agate 9 is suitable for height finding with an SCR 527, Abner 9 was
   moved to the Agate 7 site which is not suitable for height finding with an SCR-527. There it
   became Abner 7. The engineer construction work on the VHF radio site at Agate 7 was
   completed on the 4th
   . Six days later, on the 10th
   , the engineer construction work on the Agate 7 site
   was completed, and the SCR-527 platoon moved in the next day and established camp. The
   installation of the SCR 527 got under way on the 12th
   . The AN/TPS-10 platoon moved to the
   Agate 7 site on the 13th
   and became Abner 7. The installation of the VHF radio equipment (Two
   each SCR-573 and SCR 574) was completed and remote circuits installed on the 14th
   . Remove
   circuits were also installed so as to make these VHF channels available to Agate 13 (SCR 270 DA
   operated by 1st
   platoon of Company “A” in same target area.) for GCI purposes. By the 17th
   Agate
   7, Abner 7 and associated VHF radio equipment were completely installed and operations began
   at 0430.
   Agate 9 (SCR 527 operated by the 3rd
   platoon of Company “A”) which was located in the
   triangle of the south Airfield where it was in the way of future development of the filed, was
   released from operation on the 25th
   and removed from the site. The platoon was notified that
   while a new site was being chosen and prepared, the set would be completely checked and painted
   ready for installation with ten (10) days.
   It was also found that the Agate 12 site (SCR 270 DA) operated by the 2nd
   platoon of
   Company “A”) in target area 216-P would interfere with construction of the north Airfield. A new
   site was chosen in target area 216-D and all necessary revetments and construction were completed
   in one day,
   on the 2nd
   . Agate 12 was released from operation at 0600, the next day so that the set could be
   dismantled, and moved to the new site. Reinstallation of Agate 12 at the new site started on the 4th
   .
   By 0530, on the 7th
   , the installation was complete and Agate 12 resumed operation.
   The balance of the MEW platoon of Company “C”, which had been training on the MEW
   at Saipan, arrived on the 1st
   . The MEW set AN/CPS-1-A, which will be operated by the 1st
   Platoon
   of Company “C” and the SCR 615-B which will be operated by the 2nd
   platoon of Company “C”,
   arrived on the 12. Unloading operations started immediately; dunnage and tarpaulins were
   obtained for proper storage of the equipment while being checked and prepared for installation.
   The installation of equipment in the new ADCC and communications buildings was started
   on the 2nd
   . The following day, on the 3rd
   , the construction of the ADCC diesel power building
   started. The diesel engines were set on their mountings on the 7th
   , prior to completion of the walls
   and roof of the building, for convenience in handling. The building, which is located in target area
   132-K, was completed on the 11th
   and the diesel engines were started for the first time the next day,
   on the 13th
   .
   The VHF homer station in target area 164-E, operated by the 332d Fighter Control
   Squadron, was in the way of construction at the south Airfield and had to be moved to a new site in
   target area 182-V, on the 4th
   . An SCR 573 transmitter was installed at the site to be used in
   conjunction with the SCR 575.
   The VHF radio building in target area 132-P was completed on the 5th
   and the installation
   of the radio equipment (RC 256-7) in the building
   was started on the 10th
   . Two 25 foot wooden poles were secured as VHF antenna masts for the
   station. They were moved to the site on the 9th
   , but the excavation for the pose foundations didn’t
   begin until the 25th
   .
   The engineer construction work on the VHF homer site in target area 235-N began on the
   8th
   . By the 13th
   , the installation was complete and the station began operation.
   The engineer construction for the permanent site of Detachment #1, 1st
   Signal Service
   Platoon (Sp), in target area 235-V, started on the 12th
   . This platoon will operate radar intelligence
   and RCM equipment. The platoon moved to its permanent site in target area 235-V on the 19th
   and started installation of their equipment. The installation was completed and the platoon went
   into operation at 0001, on the 26th
   .
   A total of 2,041 flights were detected during the month including both friendly and bogie.
   It does not, however, include sixty-three (63) mass flights of B-29 and P-51 strikes, which were
   carried on the board as mass raids. Nor does it include local traffic such as ASP and CAP. The
   total number of flights does not include the total number of planes since some were the result of
   several planes.
   For a complete breakdown of flights detected, see paragraph B of Inclosure #1.
   NOTE: Target area locations designated are in accordance with Special Air and Gunnery Target
   Map, Iwo Jima.
   HEADQUARTERS
   568TH
   SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
   APO 86
   319.1 TAW:ig
   17 June 1945
   SUBJECT: Operations Report for the Month of May, 1945.
   TO: Commanding General, VII fighter Command, APO 86.
   The following report is divided into two sections, Part A which is a chronological listing of
   construction and installation and Part B which it a summary of operations.
   PART A
2. 1 May 1945: The balance of the MEW platoon of Company “C” which had been
   training of the MEW at Saipan arrived this data. Construction was started on the SCR-527 and
   AN/TPS-10 (Agate 7 and Abner 7) site in target area 235-K.
3. 2 May 1945: The installation of equipment in the new ADCC and
   Communications building was started. Since it was found that the present site of Agate 12 (SCR-
   270 DA in target area 2l6-P was to be in the way of the North Airfield, a new site was chosen in
   TA-216-D and construction started on the revetments. All necessary work on the site vat
   completed in one day.
4. 3 May 1945: Construction was begun this date on the ADCC diesel power
   building. Agate 12 was released from operation at 0600 to be dismantled and moved to its new site.
5. 4 May 1945: The necessary engineer work on the site for the VHF radio
   equipment at Agate 7 in target area 235-K vat accomplished this date. The VHF homer station in
   target area 164-E, being in the war of construction work at the South Air Field, was moved to target
   area 182-U. An SCA-573 transmitter was installed at the site to be used in conjunction with the
   SCR-575. The 2d Platoon of Company “A” (Agate 12) started to install its SCR-270DA on the
   new site in target 216-D.
6. 5 May 1945: The VHF radio building in target area 132-P was completed this
   date.
7. 7 May 1945: The diesel engines for the ADCC wire set on the mountings this
   date. This was done prior to the completion of the walls and roof of the building for convenience
   in handling. Agate 12 started operation in its new locution at 0530 this date.

• 1 –
  Operations Report for the Month of May, 1945, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn. APO 86, dtd 17 Jun 45
  (Cont’d)

1. 8 May 1945: Engineer construction work was started on the VHF homer site in
   target area 235-N this date.
2. 9 May 1945: Two {?}5 foot wooden poles were secured this date and taken to
   target area 132-F to be used as VHF antenna masts.
3. 10 May 1945: The installation of the VHF radio equipment (RC-256-7) in the
   building in target area 132-P was started this date. Engineer construction work was completed on
   the site for Agate 7 this date.
4. 11 May 1945: The ADCC diesel power building in target area 132-K was
   completed this date. The 3d Platoon of Company “D” moved into their bivouac area at Aage 7
   today.
5. 12 May 1945: The diesel engines at the ADCC were started for the first time this
   date. The MEW and SCR 615-B arrived this date and unloading operations began. Dunnage and
   tarpaulins were obtained for proper storage of the equipment while being checked and prepared
   for installation. The installation of the SCR-527 at Agate 7 was started today. The necessary
   engineering work was started on the site to be occupied by Detachment #1 of the 1st
   Signal Service
   Platoon (Sp) this date. This platoon is to operate radar intelligence and RC{?} equipment.
6. 13 May 1945: The installation of the VHF homer equipment in target area 235-N
   was completed and operations began this date. The personnel and equipment formerly known as
   Abner 9 (AN/TPS-10) used in conjunction with Agate 9 was moved to the site of Agate 7 and
   became Abner 7.
7. 14 May 1945: The installation of the VHF radio equipment (two each SCR 573
   and SCR 574) at Agate 7 was completed and remote circuits installed this date. Remote circuits
   were also installed so as to make these VHF channels available to Agate 13 (SCR-270DA) for GCI
   purposes.
8. 15 May 1945: A heavy wind (approximately 75 miles per hour) and rain caused
   considerable damage to camp installations of the Headquarters and Headquarters, “C” and “D”
   Companies. The major part of the damage was torn tentage and broken framework. The battalion
   headquarters was completely ruined by the wind breaking the framework and blowing down the
   tents while the rain washed a considerable quantity of loose dirt from the new road up Mount
   Suribachi into the area. None of the radar or communications equipment was seriously damaged.
   The roof was blown off the new VHF building in target area 132-Pbut no damage done to the
   radio equipment being installed. During the rain it was discovered that the new ADCC and
   Communications building leaked very badly. Action was initiated immediately to have all damage
   repaired.

• 2 –

1. 17 May 1945: The damage caused by the wind of 15 May 1945 to the VHF radio
   building in target area 132-P was repaired this date. Agate 7, Abner 7 and the associated VHF
   radio equipment started operation at 0430 this date.
2. 19 May 1945: Detachment #1 of the 1st
   Signal Service Platoon (Sp) moved to their
   permanent site in target area 235-V and started the installation of their equipment this date.
3. 23 May 1945: Work was started to remove the dirt from the ADCC and
   communications magazines preparatory to waterproofing them.
4. 25 May 1945: Since Agate 9 (SCR-527) located in the triangle of the South Air
   Field was in the way of future development of the air field and badly in need of maintenance it was
   released from operation and removed from the site. The platoon was notified that while a new site
   is being chosen and prepared the set would be completely checked and painted ready for
   reinstallation within ten days. Excavation for the 85 foot VHF antenna pole foundations in target
   area 132-P was started this date.
5. 26 May 1945: All the dirt having been removed, tarring and waterproofing of the
   ADCC and Communications buildings was started this date. Detachment #1 of the 1st
   Signal
   Service Platoon (Sp) completed the installation of all equipment (Radar intelligence and Radar
   Countermeasures) and started operation at 0001 this date.
   Part B
6. Air Defense Control Center
   a. Total number of flights detected: 2041.
   (1) The total flights include both friendly and bogie flights. They do not
   include sixty-three (63) mass flights of B-29’s and P-51 strikes which
   were carried as Mass Raids. This figure also does not include local
   traffic such as the ASP and CAP.
   (2) Total flights also do not indicate the total planes as some are the result
   of several planes.
   b. Total Bogies: 194.
   (1) Total bogies includes all aircraft not showing IFF.
   c. Total Bogies identified: 152.

• 3 –
• 4 –
  e. During the month there were a total of eighty-three (83) SOS flights
  detected. The majority of these were B-29’s returning from strikes over the Empire, and they
  landed on the Island. Several of these planes were ditched due to battle damage and local weather
  conditions. A few of the planes showing distress continued on their course and it is believed they
  were operating faulty IFF equipment.

2. Radar Operations.

Station AGATE-7 AGATE-9 AGATE-12 AGATE-13 AGATE-14 AGATE-15 ABNER 7 ABNER-15

Type of SCR SCR SCR SCR AN/TPS AN/TPS

Equipment SCR-527 SCR-527 270 DA 270 DA 270 DA 270 DA 10 10

% Off

Maintenance .033 .068 .034 .038 .042 .040 .043 .043

%Off

Breakdown .001 .020 .004 .016 .030 .014 .099 .033

%Off

Other .004 .009 .013 .010 .010 .008 .017 .012

%Off

The Air .038 .097 .051 .064 .082 .062 .159 .087

%Operation

Time .962 .903 .949 .936 .918 .938 .841 .913

At the end of the month the following radar equipment was in operation:
3- SCR-270DA, Early Warning Stations. (1 with VHF for GCI)
1- SCR-270DA with AN/TPS-10 Early Warning and Ground Control Station.
1- SCR-527 with AN/TPS-10 Ground Control Station.
Henry R. Chamberlin,
Lt. Colonel, Signal Corps,
Commanding.
2 Incls:
Incl 1 – List of Violations Identified.
Incl 2 – Daily Tabulation of Operations in ADCC, APO 86

• 5 –
  Organizational History, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn APO 86, dtd Jun 45 (Cont’d)
  132-P. The sites selected for the sets required bull-dozing and grading, which necessitated the
  removal of Agate 151
  , and Abner 152
  and Brother Agate 153
  . It was planned to have Agate 94
  resume operations at a new site in TA-182-U, where it would be joined by Abner 15 which would
  operate in conjunction with it, to afford adequate GCI performance during the alterations at the
  Agate 1 site. Agate 9 was formerly located in TA-164-S but had to be removed because it
  interfered with air operations at the South Airdrome. The engineers began preparation of the new
  Agate 9 site on the 6th
  . Due to the sandy terrain, it was necessary to use dir-filled fifty-five (55)
  gallon drums to construct revetments. The installation of Agate 9 began on the 7th
  ; the following
  day, on the 8th
  , Abner 15 arrived and began installation. Abner 15 then became Abner 9. During
  the installation the indicator of the AN/TPS-10 was installed inside of the operations trailer of the
  SCR-527, which improved the overall operating efficiency of the combination. Previously the
  AN/TPS-10 was installed in a separate tent and telephone communication was used to the
  operations trailer. At 0600, on the 9th
  , both Agate 0 and Abner 9 went into operation. Agate 9 will
  remain in operation until such time as Agate 1 proves to be operating satisfactorily; it will then be
  dismantled and removed from the site. At that time Abner 9 will move to the Agate 1 site and
  become Abner 1. At 1200, on the 9th
  , Agate 15 was released from operation and work began
  immediately to dismantle and move the set from the site. The following day, on the 10th
  , Brother
  Agate 15 was moved to another location in the same target area, and the Sea Bees began preparing
  the site for Agate 1. In the meantime,
  1
  SCR-270-DA operated by 1st
  Plat, Co D
  2
  AN/TPS-10 operated by 4th
  Plat Co C
  3
  VHF Homer operated by 302d F C Sq AAF
  4
  SCR-527 operated by 3rd
  Plat, Co A
  Organizational History, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn APO 86 dtd Jun 45 (Cont’d)
  during the period between the 1st
  through the 9th
  , the checking of shortages on the CPS-1 (MEW)
  and SCR-615-B equipment was completed, and sub-assemblies of the MEW tower were
  assembled, and the operating equipment (Scopes, receivers, test equipment, etc.) was checked for
  faults or damage. Excavation for the foundation of the NEW antenna tower was started on the
  12th
  , and a Jamesway shelter, to house the MEW control unit and indicators plus the AN/CPX-1
  equipment during calibration, was erected the same day. It was also on the 12th
  that an additional
  SCR-573-4 combination was installed at the Agate 9 site, to provide two additional VHF channels
  for GCI purposes. Agate 15 was re-installed on the proposed site of the SCR 615-B on the 14th
  and was back in operation at 1845 on the 15th
  , to provide early warning during the time that the
  MEW is being installed and calibrated. It will remain in operation until such time as the SCR 615-
  B is ready for installation; at which time it will be dismantled and removed from the site. The
  pouring of concrete for the MEW tower foundation began on the 14th
  , and was completed the next
  day, on the 15th
  . Preparations were immediately made for the construction of the tower, and work
  began on the 16th
  . The installation of equipment in the Jamesway shelter also got underway. The
  erection of the MEW tower was completed on the 20th
  , and the installation of the antennae,
  transmitters, modulators and receivers began. By the 29th
  , the installation of all MEW equipment
  to be used for calibration was completed and tuning and checking of equipment began.
  The concrete bases for the 85 foot VHF radio masts in TA-132-P were poured on the 2nd
  .
  On the 4th
  , with the aid of a large crane, the masts were set in their bases. The special guys
  designed to be used in the limited space available, were installed on the masts on the 5th
  , and the

HEADQUARTERS
568TH
SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION
APO 86
370.2
TAW:njk
6 July 1945
UNNUMBERED )
:
MEMORANDUM )
Standard Operating Procedure for MEW Operation
During the Calibration and Final Installation Period.
In order to take full advantage of all radar facilities available, it is believed that the low angle
coverage capabilities of the MEW during the period it is being calibrated and permanently
installed should be used whenever possible. This will be accomplished as follows:
A. Radar.

1. Equipment. – Two units composed of a PPI scope, interrogator, and
   plotting board each, will be set up for operation. One additional PPI scoope and one B scope will
   be made available to be operated by the crew chief.
2. Operating Crew. – The normal operating crew will consist of:
   1 – Crew Chief.
   2 – PPI Scope operators.
   2 – AN/TPX operators.
   2 – Plotter-tellers.
   2 – Recorders.
3. Duties of the crew:
   a. Crew Chief – The crew chief will supervise the operation of other
   members of the crew to insure that all information is being properly reported. He will operate the
   extra PPI and B scopes upon the request of the radar operation officer, obtaining any special
   information desired by him. Upon the request of the radar operations officer, he will direct one of
   the AN/CPX operators to interrogate special flights beyond the range of the other interrogators.
   He will rotate other members of the crew through all positions at twenty minute intervals. He will
   keep a log of all instructions received from the radar operations officer and the results of action
   taken. He will also indicate in his log calibration and maintenance periods.
   b. PPI scope operator – He will report all targets in his assigned sweep
   to the plotter-teller.
   c. Plotter-teller – He will plot all targets reported to him
   {?} Memo Hq 568th
   Sig AW Bn, APS 86, file 370.2 dtd 6 Jul 45 (Cont’d)
   by the scope operator. He will refer the new flights to the interrogator operator for identification
   and call the targets to the ADCC plotter. After aircraft has been identified, he will have it
   interrogated as often as necessary to assure that its color does not change.
   d. Interrogator operator – He will interrogate all flights referred to him
   by the plotter-teller or crew chief.
   e. Recorder – He will record all bogies and SOS plots passed to the
   ADCC.
   f. In addition to the above, the normal technical personnel necessary
   to operate the station will be employed.
4. Communications – All reporting will be done by telephone.
   a. The crew chief will have a direct line to the radar operations officer
   and facilities for monitoring the reporting lines.
   b. The scope operator will wear a head and chest set paralleled with
   those of the plotter-teller and interrogator operator.
   c. The plotter-teller will wear a special head and chest set wired with
   one ear piece on the reporting line and the other on the local circuit. His transmitter will be
   equipped with a switch allowing him to talk on either the local line or the reporting line.
   d. The recorder will have a head and chest set on the reporting line.
   His transmitter switch will normally be in the “off” position.
5. Operations.
   a. Operators will be on a twenty-four hour-a-day schedule.
   b. Maintenance time will be taken as required at times agreeable to the
   calibration officer and the MEW platoon commander.
   c. Calibration requirements will have priority on all equipment.
   During calibration, the conditions outlined in Paragraph A1 above will be met as far as available
   equipment allows.
   d. When two PPI scopes are available for reporting, one will cover
   from 20 to 70 miles from 270˚ to 90˚and the other from 20 to 70 miles from 90˚to 270˚. When
   only one scope is available, it will cover 360˚ from 20 to 79 miles.
   e. All reporting to the ADCC will be in polar coordinates using the
   location of the station as the center of the polar chart.

• 2 –
  Operations Report for the Month of August 1945, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn, APO 86 dtd 6 Sep 45
  (Cont’d)
  b. At the end of the month the following radar equipment was in tactical
  operation:
  Three (3) SCR-270-DA search stations (one equipped with VHF and a
  direct line to Abner 7 for GCI use).
  One (1) SCR-527 with AN/TPS-10 for Ground Control Station.
  One MEW (AN/CPS-1) with AN/TPS-10 for GCI and early warning
  (station is temporarily off the air for 3 days while relocating in new building).
  Henry R. Chamberlin
  Lt. Colonel, Signal Corps
  Commanding
  4 Incls:
  Incl 1 – IFF Violations Identified
  Incl 2 – Plot Air Alert 0836 4 Aug
  Incl 3 – Plot Air Alert 1010 4 Aug
  Incl 4 – Plot Air Alert 1335 10 Aug
• 3 –
  Appendix to Organizational History of August 1945, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn, APO 86 (Cont’d)
  c. Company “B” detached per Assignment Order #18, Headquarters AAFPOA
  (ADMIN), dated 14 February 1945, and later attached to FEAF for administration and operational
  control, per Assignment Order #15, Provisional Headquarters AAFMIDPAC, dated 20 August
  1945.
  d. Assigned to VII Fighter Command, per Section II, General Orders #103,
  Headquarters Seventh Air Force, dated 22 July 1944.
  e. Reassigned to 7t Fighter Wing, per General Orders #6, Headquarters AAFPOA,
  dated 15 August 1944.
  f. Reassigned to VII Fighter Command, per Section II, General Orders #153,
  Headquarters Seventh Air Force, dated 15 November 1944.

1. Stations
   a. Drew Field, Tampa, Florida 4 Jan 43 to 23 Mar 43
   b. Camp Rutherford, Bradenton, Florida 23 Mar 43 to 1 Jul 43
   c. Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida 1 Jul 43 to 5 Aug 43
   d. Gulfport, Mississippi 5 Aug 43 to 15 Nov 43
   e. Drew Field, Tampa, Florida 15 Nov 43 to 8 Jun 44
   f. Enroute to Fort Lawton, Seattle,
   Washington 8 Jun 44 to 13 Jun 44
   g. Fort Lawton, Seattle, Washington 13 Jun 44 to 30 Jun 44
   h. Enroute to Oahu, T. H. 30 Jun 44 to 12 Jul 44
   i. Bellows Field, Oahu, T. H. 12 Jul 44 to 28 Sep 44
   j. Kualoa Air Base, Oahu, T. H. 28 Sep 44 to 5 Nov 44
   k. Bellows Field, Oahu, T. H. 5 Nov 44 to 5 Feb 45
   l. Enroute to Iwo Jima 5 Feb 45 to 7 Mar 45
   m. Iwo Jima 7 Mar 45 to date.

• 4 –
  Appendix to Organizational History of August 1945, Hq 568th
  Sig AW Bn, APO 86, (Cont’d)
  Month Officers WO EM Month Officers WO EM
  January 1944 47 10 805 May 1945 54 5 838
  (Less Co “B” det)
  February 1944 50 10 819 June 1945 51 5 831
  (Less Co “B” det)
  March 1944 No Record 1290 July 1945 52 5 828
  (Less Co “B” det)
  April 1944 No Record August 1945 49 7 808
  (Less Co “B” det)

1. Strength, airplanes by types, on last day of each month: Negative.
2. Losses, airplanes by types, by month: Negative.
3. An evaluative narrative or summary covering the period since 7 December 1941, is
   as follows:
   This organization was activated under T/O & E 11-400, dated 1 July 1942; on 4 January
   1943, at Drew Field, Tampa, Florida. It consisted of a Headquarters & Plotting Company and two
   (2) Reporting Companies. The reporting companies were designated 1st
   Reporting and 2d
   Reporting Companies. The Headquarters & Plotting Company was made up of a Battalion
   Headquarters, one (1) radar plotting platoon, ten (10) information center operator teams, three (3)
   radar maintenance teams, three (3) message center teams, ten (10) radio teams, three (3) wire
   teams, three (3) teletype teams, one (1) ground observer plotting platoon, twelve (12) ground
   observer teams (radio), twelve (12) ground observer teams (telephone), five (5) mess teams, one
   battalion medical section, two (2) company medical sections, and one chaplains section. Each
   reporting company consisted of one (1) company headquarters, six (6) SCR-270 radar reporting
   platoons, and six (6) platoon medical sections. The authorized strength of the battalion was 48
   officers, 17 warrant officers, and 986 enlisted men.

• 5 –
  On 23 March 1943, the battalion moved to Camp Rutherford, Bradenton, Florida. While
  there it did not operate any equipment, but concentrated on basic training for enlisted men. In
  formation available at this time indicated the reason for the move was due to a lack of housing
  facilities at Drew Field.
  The Battalion remained at Camp Rutherford until 1 July 1943, at which time it moved out
  due to inadequate facilities. It was scheduled to move to Gulfport, Mississippi, but had to stop at
  Camp Gordon Johnson Florida, while enroute. Gulfport was not ready to receive the battalion,
  which necessitated its stopping at Camp Gordon Johnson, from 1 July to 5 August 1943.
  It was on 5 August 1943, that the battalion finally moved into Gulfport, Mississippi. There
  too, it seemed like just a question of camp space, for there was little training accomplished. The
  training program was of a basic nature. There was no technical training program whatever. Some
  members of the command, officers and enlisted men, went to school at AAFSAT, Orlando,
  Florida. Upon completion of their respective courses they rejoined the battalion at Gulfport.
  On 15 November 1943, the battalion broke camp and returned to Drew Field, Tampa,
  Florida.
  From 15 November 1943 to 9 February 1944, the training program concentrated on
  qualifying men for overseas movement. The month of February found an intensified training
  program in progress. At time it was very difficult to maintain the program efficiently, due to the
  changeover in personnel. At time the organization took on the appearance of a replacement
  center. Personnel were transferred out of the battalion as replacement for organizations scheduled
  for immediate movement oversea.
• 6 –
  On 9 February 1944, the provisional reorganization of the battalion began, per General
  Orders #15, Headquarters AWUTC, dated 6 February 1944. The two (2) reporting companies
  were split up into four (4) detachments, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Battalion Headquarters
  remained on Drew Field, while the detachments moved out into training sites just outside Drew
  Field, where they received pre-operational training, before going into operational training.
  On 10 March 1944, Lt. Colonel Henry R. Chamberlin assumed command, vice Lt.
  Colonel George E. Kilpatrick, transferred. With Colonel Chamberlin came a complete new staff
  with the exception of the S-4.
  By the 1st
  of April, the battalion was completely reorganized under T/O & E 11-400, dated
  1 March 1944, per General Orders #66, Headquarters Third Air Force, Dated 27 March 1944.
  Out of the old Headquarters & Plotting Company and 1st
  and 2d Reporting Companies, emerged a
  Battalion Headquarters & Headquarters Company, and four (4) Reporting Companies, A, B, C
  and D. From a battalion of three (3) companies, it had now grown to five (5). The Battalion
  Headquarters & Headquarters Company now consisted of a battalion headquarters, a company
  headquarters, one (1) message center tem, six (6) radio teams, one (1) wire team, one (1) teletype
  team, two (2) mess teams, one (1) battalion medical section, one (1) company medical section, and
  one (1) chaplains section. The four reporting companies each consisted of a company
  headquarters, two (2) SCR-270 radar reporting platoons, and one (1) SCR-527 radar reporting
  platoon, one (1) radar operating team, one (1) radar plotting platoon, and one information center
  operating team, three (3) radio teams, one (1) wire team, two (2) mess teams, one (1) company
  medical section, ant three (3) platoon medical sections. The authorized strength of the battalion
  was now 62 officers, 13 warrant officers, and 1027 enlisted men.
• 7 –
  The reorganization was a tremendous task; many problems were encountered, but were
  soon overcome by sheer determination and much hard work. The battalion was out in the field on
  operational training, when the major part of the reorganization took place. It is interesting to note
  the significance of this reorganization. The original organization consisted of twelve SCR-270 Early
  Warning radar sets, six (6) in each reporting company. There was but one (1) information center,
  which was operated by the Headquarters & Plotting Company; the ground observer teams were
  also operated by the Headquarters & Plotting Company, under the new T/O & E, the ground
  observer teams were eliminated entirely. The information center in the Headquarters & Plotting
  Company was also eliminated; being replaced by an information center in each of the four (4)
  reporting companies. Each reporting company consisted of only three (3) radar sets – two (2)
  SCR-270s or SCR-270-Das, used for Early Warning, and one (1) SCR-527, used for Ground
  Control Interception. Each reporting company was so organized, that it could operate
  independently from the rest of the battalion. During the final stages of Operational Training, the
  battalion was spread out over a goodly portion of Florida, tracking flights from Drew Field, Florida.
  On 2 May 1944, Warning Orders were received. Six days later, on the 8th
  , the battalion
  received its POM inspection, and came through with flying colors. Operational Training having
  been completed, the battalion returned to Drew Field on the 10th
  . Packing and crating of
  equipment started on the 13th
  .
  Immediately after returning to Drew Field, an intensive training schedule was followed to
  further qualify individual specialists. Refresher training was given to all technical specialists.
  Individual weapons were fired by those who had been reclassified, and issued a different weapon.
• 8 –
  By 7 June 1944, the battalion was all set to leave for the Port of Embarkation, Fort Lawton,
  Seattle, Washington. Two troop trains left Drew Field, on the 7th
  ; the third and last troop train,
  with the commanding officer and his staff aboard, left Drew Field on the 8th
  .
  All trains arrived at Fort Lawton, Seattle, Washington, on the 13th
  . While there all
  personnel were check and rechecked to insure that they were fully equipped before departing for
  an overseas station. While awaiting Port Call, the battalion spent its time running obstacle courses,
  climbing cargo nets, going on field marches, attending lectures and movies, and performing close
  order drill. All training was climaxed by a Retreat Parade reviewed by the Post Commander.
  On the 30th
  of June 1944, with the Red Cross on hand with doughnuts and coffee, the
  battalion boarded the SS Cushman K. Davis. The voyage, which lasted twelve days, was rather
  uneventful. The boxing bouts held during the trip were the most exciting events encountered.
  On the 12th
  of July, we were greeted by the trains of “Aloha,” and realized we were in the
  Hawaiian Islands. We docked in Honolulu, Oahu, and the debarkation went quickly. All units
  were trucked to Tent City Bellows Field, with the exception of Company “D” which was quartered
  at the Kualoa Air Base. Camp was established immediately and everyone began to settle down.
  Shortly thereafter Company “B” was ordered to Kahuku Air Base. Everyone was eager to get on
  with our mission, but at the time it was apparent that we didn’t have one. Not in the immediate
  future, at any rate.
• 9 –
  On the 7th
  of August 1944, the 696th
  and 759th
  Signal AW Companies (with AAF Fighter
  Control Detachment “B” attached) were attached to the battalion for administration, per Section I,
  General Orders #34, Headquarters VII Fighter Command, dated 7 August 1944. These units, on
  the 15th
  were detached when the battalion was released from the VII Fighter Command, and
  attached to the 7th
  Fighter Wing, per Section II, General Orders #6, Headquarters 7th
  Fighter
  Wing, dated 31 August 1944.
  A major transfer of personnel took place in the battalion during the month of August due
  to the policy of higher headquarters, which affords newly arrived troops from the mainland an
  opportunity to obtain additional training and experience on the sites of the Hawaiian Defense
  Command. All but a few of the personnel in the reporting companies were transferred to
  Hawaiian units, while personnel in the Hawaiian units were transferred into the battalion as
  replacements. Authority: Paragraphs 15, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 of
  Special Orders 101, Headquarters VII Fighter Command, dated 31 July 1944. Needless to say,
  this situation had a terrific effect on the morale of the organization.
  Battalion Headquarters & Headquarters Company moved to Kualoa Air Base on 28
  September 1944, and immediately set up housekeeping. The housing facilities were a big
  improvement over Tent City at Bellows Field.
  The 302d Fighter Control Squadron AAF, APO 959, with an authorized strength of
  twenty-four (24) officers and 292 enlisted men, was attached to the battalion per General Orders

2, Headquarters 7th

Provisional Control Group (SP) dated 1 October 1944.

• 10 –
  On 6 October 1944, the Battalion Commander outlined the battalion training program,
  which was designed to prepare all personnel for the mission everyone hoped would not be too
  long awaited.
  Five days later, on the 11th
  , the Battalion Commander called a company commanders’
  meeting to inform them that a mission had been assigned the battalion. Plans were discussed to
  prepare the battalion for its mission, and activity with the battalion increased twofold. A new
  interest was detected in the students attending the various training classes.
  It was on the morning of 4 November 1944 that the Battalion Commander called a staff
  meeting to inform them that the Headquarters & Headquarters Company and Company “D”
  would move to Bellows Field, on the 5th
  . The reason being that everyone would profit from the
  advantage of working more closely with other units of the task force, and in that way establish
  personal contacts which are of great value in a theatre of operations. The following day, on the 5th
  ,
  Headquarters & Headquarters Company was completely moved and established at their new
  location on Nob Hill, Bellows Field. Company “D” moved into Tent City, Bellow Field.
  The battalion was relieved from assignment to the 7th
  Fighter Wing and assigned to the
  Seventh Air Force per paragraph 1, Assignment Orders #30, Headquarters AAFPOA, dated and
  effective 10 November 1944, and further assigned to VII Fighter Command, per Section II,
  General Orders #153, Headquarters Seventh Air Force, dated 15 November 1944, effective 10
  November 1944.
  The 302d Fighter Control Squadron was automatically relieved of attachment to the
  battalion upon release from the 7th
  Fighter Wing, but was again attached to the battalion per
  Section II, General Orders #48, Headquarters VII Fighter Command, dated 18 November 1944,
  effective 10 November 1944.
• 11 –
  The 726th
  Signal AW Company was also attached to the battalion per Section II, General
  Orders #48, Headquarters VII Fighter Command, dated 18 November 1944, effective 10
  November 1944.
  This organization was notified by VII Fighter Command that this battalion and attached
  units (726th
  Signal AW Company and 302d Fighter Control Squadron) less Company “B”, would
  furnish air warning service for the island of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Island Group; and that
  portions of the units mentioned above would participate in the Assault Phase of the operation
  under the V Amphibious Corps (Marine) Land Force. Equipment to be operated in the Assault
  Phase was specified to be as follows:
  Six (6) AN/TPS-1A lightweight radar sets.
  Two (2) SC-3 Navy type medium range radar sets
  One (1) SCR-527 fighter director radar set
  One (1) SCS-3 VHF radio and homing equipment
  One (1) modified SCR-572 plotting trailer to act as the ADCC
  This headquarters published Field Order #5, date 12 November 1944, (1), designed to
  train and equip all personnel; complete necessary modifications and test all operating equipment;
  and waterproof, pack and crate all organizational impedimenta.
  Letter this headquarters, dated 11 December, subject: Operations, (2), was issued to
  Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Companies “A” and “D” as authorization to
  release all radar, radio and plotting equipment from operation for an indefinite period effective
  1200, 14 December 1944; to allow packing and loading of all vehicles to be combat loaded prior to
  submission of U, P and T tables for the 1st
  Echelon.
  As a result of the successful experiments previously conducted by this organization, in
  cooperation with the Navy and the Hawaiian Air Defense Command, the Navy requested that an
  SCR-527 be installed on the weather deck of each of the
• 12 –
  two (2) LSTs, for operation as Fighter Direction Radar ships. Subsequently it was decided that all
  three (3) SCR-527 units of the Assault Phase be installed on the decks of three LSTs, prepared to
  operate during the approach to the target and that one would be released from operation afloat for
  landing immediately after a suitable site became available ashore.
  The latter part of November it was learned that a new height-finding radar set (AN/TPS-
  10), was being made available to this organization for use in conjunction with the SCR-527. Since
  the date of arrival was too late for loading, arrangements were made to have the equipment flown
  to Saipan and loaded aboard LST-792, so as to be available for use with the SCR-527 scheduled to
  land first.
  Personnel allotted to operate this equipment was as follows:
  Each AN/TPS-1 1 Officer 34 EM
  Each SC-3 2 Officers 29 EM
  Each SCR-527 *10 Officers 53 EM
  Each SCS-3 1 Officer 18 EM
  Each AN/TPS-10 1 Officer 34 EM
  Assault ADCC 13 Officers 32 EM
  Note * One of these officers being a Navy Fighter Director.
  Immediately after notification, the necessary detachments were formed, additional
  equipment needed was requisitioned, Field Order #6, this headquarters, dated 22 December
  1944, (3), was published and intensive training started. See appendix (4), Training Order A243-44,
  Headquarters Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, dated 24 December 1944, for
  schedule of training.
  Considerable reequipping was necessary in the case of the 726th
  Signal AW Company since
  they had recently returned from a previous operation. The old SCR-602 radar sets and SCR-188
  radios previously operated by this company were replaced by AN/TPS-1 radar sets and AN/TRC-
  1 radios. The Special List of Equipment
• 13 –
  authorized was drawn for all units. The complete modification of the SCR-572 trailer to be used
  as the ADCC and minor changes in radio remote control systems of the SCR-527 was begun.
  Upon completion of the second phase of operational training this headquarters published
  Field Order #7, date 20 January 1945, (5), to be used for the Air Defense of Iwo Jima.
  Direct liaison with the BAC Signal Section and the Signal Officer of the Navy TF-53 was
  authorized by higher headquarters for tactical planning purposes.
  Tentative radar sites were selected from contour maps, aerial photographs and the radar
  siting device at the Fleet Radar School, Camp Catlin. Radar sets were sited for training on sites
  comparable on the island of Oahu to those tentatively selected. A plan view of the main deck of
  an LST was laid out on the ground and a SCR-527 and SCS-3 installed upon it to determine the
  amount of radar-radio mutual interference. No serious interference was experienced. Upon
  completion of the Assault ADCC it was installed and operated for training. Particular emphasis
  was placed on night-fighter direction by the SCR-527 and SCS-3 units during the training phase.
  Distribution of the six AN/TPS-1 radar sets of the 726th
  Signal AW Company was decided
  upon as follows: One to be attached to each of the 4th
  and 5th
  Marine Divisions to provide the
  Divisions with direct information on the status of enemy air activity. These units were also to
  report to the ADCC upon its installation ashore. Detachment #1 joined the 4th
  Marine Division on
  Maui and Detachment #5 the 5th
  Marine Division on Hawaii on 23 November 1944. Four to be
• 14 –
  attached to the Fifth Amphibious Corps Headquarters. One to provide information on the status
  of enemy air activity to the Corps Headquarters until the ADCC was established ashore and the
  other three to be sited so as to obtain complete radar coverage of the island.
  Arrangements were made with the Navy to clear the side of the LST on which the radar
  antennas were to be located of all life rafts and other obstructions and to provide each radar with a
  gyro compass repeater to be installed in the operations room of the SCR-527.
  Arrangements were made with AdComPhibsPac to issue the necessary orders for the use
  of the three LSTs for training and calibration of the radar sets both before and after the tank deck
  load was applied. This was necessary due to the height finding calibration of the radar changing
  with the draft of the ship. It was also considered advisable to familiarize the Operating and
  maintenance personnel with the new problems they would experience due to the roll of the ship.
  The SCR-527 Platoon of Reporting Company “A” and one SCS-3 Section from the 302d
  Fighter Control Squadron was loaded aboard LST 792, and the SCR-527 Platoon of Reporting
  Company “B” was loaded aboard LST 642 at Kewalo Basin 25 December 1944. Since it was
  anticipated that the radar aboard LST 642 would operate in conjunction with either of those
  aboard LST 792 or LST 723, it was not considered necessary to install and SCS-3 unit aboard
  LST 642. All equipment aboard LSTs 792 and 642 was installed and tuned the next two days.
  On 27 December, the two ships were taken to predesignated locations on the west shore of Oahu
  and calibrated by personnel and aircraft provided by the VII Fighter Command. LST 723 was to
  have been loaded at the same time as the other two but due to damage to the ship its loading was
  delayed until 28 December at which time the SCR-527 platoon of
• 15 –
  Reporting Company “D” and an SCS-3 section of the 302d Fighter Control Squadron was loaded.
  After installation and tuning was completed, LST 723 joined the other two for calibration. Upon
  completion of the calibration, the three ships cruised off the west shore of Oahu for operational
  training conducting day and night fighter direction exercises until 5 January 1945. On 5 January
  1945, LST 642 and LST 723 were taken to Maui and LST 792 returned to Kewalo Basin for the
  tank deck load. Upon completion of loading, the three ships returned to the predesignated
  calibration points and were recalibrated for the full draft of the ships. On 10 January 1945, the
  three ships departed for Maui to participate in the Marine rehearsal.
  During the Marine rehearsal at Maui, the three radar LSTs were employed as radar picket
  ships, but no fighter direction problems were assigned to them. The two AN/TPS-1 detachments
  with the 4th
  and 5th
  Marine Divisions participated in the Command Post exercises and rehearsal.
  No other units were employed by the Marines or Navy during the rehearsal period but did
  continue training and preparation for movement on Oahu.
  Upon completion of Maui rehearsal, the three radar LSTs returned to Oahu for final
  loading and grouping preparatory to departure on 22 January 1945 for Saipan. Prior to departure
  for Saipan, all radar and radio equipment was secured and protected from weather as much as
  possible.
  The balance of the Assault Phase was loaded as follows: Detachment #1 of the 726th
  Signal
  AW Company attached to the 4th
  Marine Division embarked on PA 118 and LSM 260 and
  departed from Maui 3 January 1945. Detachment #2 of the 726th
  Signal AW Company attached to
  the 5th
  Marine division embarked on PA 96 and departed from Hawaii on 4 January 1945. The
  four AN/TPS-1 sections of the
• 16 –
  726th
  Signal AW Company attached to VAC Headquarters embarked on PA 66 at Pearl Harbor
  on 25 January 1945 and departed 27 January 1945. Due to breakdown of the ship, they were
  returned to Pearl Harbor and transferred to PA 70 departing again 3 February 1945. The
  equipment of these detachments was loaded on KA 61 and departed from Pearl Harbor 27
  January 1945. The personnel and equipment of the SC-3 Detachment of Reporting Company “A”
  and the Assault Phase ADCC of Reporting Company “D” loaded aboard LST 641 and departed
  from Pearl Harbor 24 January 1945. The personnel and equipment of theSC-3 Detachment of
  Reporting Company “D” loaded aboard LST 809 and departed from Pearl Harbor 24 January
  1945.
  During the rehearsal at Saipan the three radar LSTs were again used as picket ships
  although they were not employed for fighter direction problems. None of the other units
  participated in the Saipan rehearsal.
  The three radar LSTs remained in operation during the approach phase from Saipan to
  Iwo Jima searching and ready to perform fighter direction upon instruction from Delegate Base.
  Upon arrival at Iwo Jima on D-Day, the SCR-527 and SCS-3 units aboard LST 792 were
  advised by Delegate Base that they were being released from operation and to dismantle their
  equipment and prepare for landing. This was accomplished and the ship held near the island
  awaiting instructions to land.
  The SCR-527 and SCS-3 units aboard LST 723 and the SCR-527 unit aboard LST 642
  continued to operate under the tactical control of Delegate Base as picket ships prepared to
  assume fighter direction operation upon direction.
  The equipment of the Detachment #5 of the 726th
  Signal AW Company attached to the 5th
  Marine Division was landed at 2000, D-Day and the personnel landed at 0800, D plus 1 on Beach
  Red 2. 1st
  Lt (0110) Dale M. Bebo, 0466083, Detachment
• 17 –
  Commander, received a slight shrapnel wound in the “back while bringing his men
  ashore. After receiving medical attention he returned to duty. Due to the heavy fire still being
  received in the Division CP area, it was considered inadvisable to install the radar at that time.
  The radio and siren were installed and the Division kept informed of enemy air activity through
  liaison with Delegate Base.
  At 1830 On D plus 3, the ADCC of Reporting Company “D” and the SC-3 radar of
  Reporting Company “A” were landed at Beach Yellow 1. Both units remained on the beach
  during the night.
  D plus 4 according to plan, the ADCC was to be installed at or near the location of the
  Landing Force Commander’s Headquarters. The VAC Signal Officer was located on the beach
  in the morning of D plus 4 and it was learned from him that the Landing Force Commander’s
  Headquarters had not yet come ashore, but the proposed location was obtained and the area
  reconnoitered. A suitable location was found approximately one hundred yards from the
  proposed site of the Landing Force Commander’s Headquarters and the equipment moved to
  that location (TA 147-T) at 1100. Two bulldozers were obtained from the beachmaster of Beach
  Red 1 and necessary revetting started. That afternoon a reconnaissance was made of the
  proposed SC-3 site which was found to be suitable. At 1900 on D plus 4, LST 792 was beached
  prepared to unload the SCR-527 and AN/TPS-10 of Reporting Company “A” and the SCS-3 of the
  302d Tighter Control Squadron. While on the beach, it was hit with five or six enemy mortar
  shells and moved out to sea returning to unload at 0900 on D plus 5. The previously selected site
  for this equipment being unavailable due to enemy activity and no other suitable site available, the
  personnel and equipment were brought to the ADCC
• 18 –
  site temporarily. During the attempted landing during the night of D plus 4, the equipment
  damaged by mortar fire included the SCR-527 transmitting antenna (not reparable with facilities
  available to this unit), the SCR-527 power van (no serious damage to power unit), the AN/ TPS-10
  antenna (reparable by operating personnel) and some (pare parts, rations and minor items of
  organizational equipment. No personnel of this organization were injured. Personnel and
  equipment of Detachment #1 attached to the 4th Marine Division landed on Beach Yellow 2 on D
  plus 4. The equipment vas installed in the Division CP Area (TA 148-E) and in operation at

1. Liaison was established with Delegate Base and air warning information supplied to the
   Division D-3.
   Tec 5 (060) Rudy J. Pristic, 33467796, a cook with Detachment #5, attached to the 5th
   Marine Division, was evacuated due to a leg wound caused by enemy sniper fire, while on duty in
   his bivouac area in TA 148-F.
   D plus 5 installation was continued on the ADCC and liaison established with Delegate
   Base and the Landing Force Commanders Headquarters. Information received from Delegate
   Base on air warning conditions was relayed to VAC Headquarters by telephone. The SC-3 was
   not installed due to the unavailability of bulldozers necessary to move the equipment to the site
   and prepare revetments.
   Sgt (510) Clyde E. Wilson, 17046001, Reporting Company, “D” was evacuated from his
   bivouac area in TA 147-T when a hand grenade exploded beneath the fire on which he was
   heating his food, thereby causing a wrist wound. D plus 6 a bulldozer was obtained from VAC
   engineers at 1000, and the movement of the SC-3 to the present site (TA 148-K) started.
   Revetting and installation of the site was begun immediately upon arrival. At 1400, the ADCC
   was officially established with all radio channels operational and wire lines to VAC Headquarters.

• 19 –
  Agate 1 (AN/TPS-1, Detachment #l) was the only radar reporting. At 1900, Agate 10
  (SC-3, Detachment Company “A”) reported into the ADCC by radio and began sending radar
  information. At 2400 the personnel and equipment of the SC-3 unit of Reporting Company “D”
  was brought ashore remaining on the beach for the rest of the night.
  D plus 7 the site previously selected for the SC-3 of Reporting Company “D” still being in
  enemy territory and no suitable alternate site being available, its personnel and equipment were
  brought to the ADCC area during the morning. Agate 5 (AN/TPS Detachment #5) was installed at
  TA 147-J and reported by radio to the ADCC at 1500 stating they were in operation and started
  sending radar plots.
  D plus 8 at 1400, a message was received from VAC Headquarters stating that the
  AN/TPS-1 Detachment #5 was being released by the 5th Marine Division and would revert to the
  administrative and tactical control of this headquarters. Installation was completed on the VHF
  transmitter and receiver of the first SCS-3 unit located at the ADCC and two channels of high
  power VHF (140.58mc and 142.02 mc) were made available to the ADCC. Construction was
  begun on the SCR 527 site at Motoyama Air Field #1 during the day with bulldozers provided by
  the Marine engineers working at the field. The personnel to operate the AN/TPS-10 radar unit
  received at Saipan were landed at 1500 and brought to the ADCC site. An inspection was made
  of the damage incurred by mortar fire (see account of D plus 4) and plans made to erect the set in
  the ADCG area for further check. At 1800, a message was received from Delegate Base stating
  that the remaining two LST radar ships were being released from operation and preparing to land
  D plus 9 construction work was continued on the SCR-527 site at Number 1 Air Field.
  The AN/TPS-10 radar unit was installed and repairs necessary for operation made by the
  operating personnel. Arrangements were made to move it to the SCR-527 site at Number 1 Air
  Field. A jeep with a VHF radio installed was lent
• 20 –
  to CASCU to act as a temporary control tower at Air Field 1. At 2355, radio communication was
  established with the AAA units who reported ready for operation.
  D plus 10 the personnel and equipment of the SCR-527 platoon of Reporting Company
  “D” and the SCS-3 section of the 320d Fighter Control Squadron aboard LST-723 was landed at

1. Since the site selected for this-unit was still in enemy territory, the personnel and
   equipment were brought to the ADCC site.
   The equipment of the remaining four AN/TPS-1 units was brought ashore and located in
   the vicinity of the SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”. At 0250, a Flash Red Control Yellow was
   instigated by the Navy and repeated to units ashore by all agencies by the ADCC. The Flash
   White Control Green was received from the Navy at 0425 and again repeated to units ashore by
   the ADCC. The Navy later reported shooting down one Betty. At 0230, a fire believed to have
   been the result of enemy-mortar fire, was started in an ammunition dump near Agate 5. The fire
   and explosions completely destroyed the AN/TPS-l radar unit. None of the crew of Agate 5 were
   injured during the fire. The gas generated by the burning dump was quite heavy in the ADCC area
   but operating personnel were able to continue operation with gas masks. At 0450, Agate 1
   reported that they were out of operation due to the power unit being hit by mortar fire.
   Detachment #6 of the 726th Signal AW Company was landed at 1500 and temporarily located
   near the SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”.
   D plus 11 the personnel end equipment of the SCR-527platoon of Reporting Company “B”
   was landed at 0930. There being no available site for this platoons it was located in the area of the
   SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”. The AN/TPS-1 unit operated by Detachment #6 was installed
   just north of Number 1 Air Field (TA 181 T) and reported into the ADCC ready for operation at
2. At 2125 a Flash Red Control Yellow was instigated by the Navy and relayed to units whore
   by the ADCC.

• 21 –
  The Flash White Control Green was received and relayed to units ashore at 2144. The Navy later
  identified the bogie as a friendly surface craft.
  D plus 12 Detachment #3 of the 726th Signal AW Company landed at O8OO and joined
  the rest of their unit in the area of the SC-3 of Reporting Company “A”. A reconnaissance was
  made of the top of Mt. Suribachi and a decision made to install Agate 3 at the point “Hot Rocks.”
  There being no road to the top, arrangements were made to assemble a detail of all available
  personnel to carry the unit to the top the following morning.
  Sgt Lorenz M. Pijahn, 37112652, Reporting Company “A”, received shrapnel wounds in
  left shoulder in arm, when an enemy mortar shell landed nearby while he was supervising the
  installation of an SCR-527 radar unit, on Motoyama Airfield Number 1, TA 164-S.
  D plus 13 the installation of the first SCR-575 homer station of the 302d Fighter Control
  Squadron was completed and started operation as Brother Agate. The AN/TPS-1 radar unit of the
  726th Signal AW Company was carried to the top of Mt. Suribachi by a detail of 150 men
  completing the job in approximately five hours. Installation of the set was begun immediately.
  D plus 14, the installation and revetting of the SCB-527 unit of Reporting Company “A”
  was completed at 1200. All components except the antennas were buried below ground.
  Arrangements were made to begin the calibration of the Set at 1500. The remaining detachments
  (#2 and #4) of the 726th were brought ashore at 2000 and joined the company. These
  detachments were held until sites became available at the north end of the island. Agate 3
  reported to the A.DCC by radio at 1300 and started sending radar information.
• 22 –
  Due to the scarcity of enemy aerial activity, the SCR-527 Radar units aboard the three
  LSTs were not given the opportunity to prove their worth nor can any definite opinion be
  formulated as to the desirability of repeating the installation for future operations.
  The progress of the installation of a workable, aircraft warning system ashore has been slow
  due to unavailability of suitable sites. Low angle coverage to the northeast and east has been
  limited due to the high terrain in those directions still held by the enemy.
  The assault ADCC (modified. SCR-572 trailer) has proved very valuable. It was landed in
  good condition and has operated very successfully. It is problematical how long a system not
  protected from the dust such as this installation was, would have operated satisfactorily. The only
  trouble experienced was that of relay and radio failure due to the shock resulting when friendly
  155mm artillery was fired in the immediate vicinity. These guns were not located when the
  ADCC site was chosen.
  It is considered that much time was saved and a better understanding of the mutual
  problems involved by authorizing this unit direct liaison with Marine and Navy units they were to
  work closely with during the operation.
  It is strongly recommended that units of this type be authorized to have at least one
  bulldozer to assist in movement of the heavy vehicles and to construct revetments for them. In
  all cases units having bulldozers wore very cooperative in assisting us if they could be spared at the
  time, but much time is lost in contacting these units to find one that could be spared. One full
  day was lost in-the installation of the SC-3 unit of Reporting Company “A” due to the unavailability
  of a bulldozer.
• 23 –
  Tec 5 Coley A. Weed, 32576171, 3d Platoon, 726th Signal AW Company, had the index
  finger of his left hand blown off while arming at grip flare, on 18March 1945, in his platoon
  bivouac area at the base of Mt Suribachi, TA 132-F. Due to enemy infiltration attempts at night it
  was necessary to set trip flares for the defense of the platoon.
  The enemy staged a counter-attack early on the morning of 26 March 1945, and some of
  them infiltrated into the 726th Signal AW Company area. Area guards awakened the personnel of
  the company who immediately took up arms to repel the enemy. During the fight T/Sgt Edward
  W. Dom, 35164588, and Tec Henry R. Zeiher, 13154040, were killed, and Tec 5 Keyah
  Descheny, 39852314, and Tec 5 Charles V. Harrison, 39171614, were wounded.
  The troop’s supplies and equipment of the “battalion and attached units arrived with the 1st
  Echelon and began coming ashore on 7 March 1945. The Battalion S-4 established a system
  whereby an officer and two enlisted men patrolled all beaches in a Jeep checking each ship as it
  landed. When it was found that a ship contained property belonging to this battalion or attached
  units, the officer on patrol contacted the Battalion Adjutant by telephone; he in turn would have
  trucks dispatched to the designated beach, to pick up the property before it was hauled to the
  central dump, thereby avoiding unnecessary handling of property.
  A great deal of uninterrupted pilfering was observed on the beaches as property was
  brought, ashore. Unauthorized persons were observed checking packing lists attached to boxes in
  an effort to determine the contents. It is felt that pilfering could be reduced no small degree if
  the individual packing lists attached to boxes could be eliminated, for it is believed that master
  packing lists in the hands of authorized representatives of the property would prove adequate.
• 24 –
  It was also noticed that fiber Air Corps packing cases were set aside for unauthorized
  inspection, when and if time permitted. This particular case may be opened by removing eight (8)
  bolts, thereby revealing contents. It is suggested that where extensive handling is necessary, these
  cases should be boxed in the usual manner.
  The Army personnel detailed to unload property as it came ashore, were entirely
  unmindful of the necessity of exercising care where possible. As a result there was much
  unnecessary property damage. It was also noted that many of these details operated without the
  responsible supervision of a non-commissioned officer. This does not apply to the Navy C.B. s,
  however, who did a commendable job.
  Tentage which is not boxed in also easily misappropriated, for with constant handling the
  outer covering becomes torn and mutilated and identity becomes lost. It is suggested that tentage
  be boxed with the tent pins if possible.
  It is further suggested that lumber to be used for the construction of prefabricated buildings
  be boxed, banded or nailed together, in a manner that will prevent the bundles from breaking
  apart, whereupon it is handled as dunnage. In some instances prefabricated buildings were
  received in part, thereby defeating their purpose.
  In all, 4,950 boxes were transported, of which 146 boxes of equipment were lost, damaged,
  or pilfered. This represents a loss of 2.9%.
  During the month of March it was possible to get out of foxholes and start building above
  ground. By the end of the month all troops were quartered in pyramidal tents and sleeping on
  canvas cots. At the same time, kitchens were erected and the cooks began preparing the meals,
  which was a welcome change.
• 25 –
  In the meantime, Companies B and C were in the process of reorganization and training
  for their respective missions. Both companies were reorganized per General Orders #27,
  Headquarters AAFPOA (ADMIN) dated 20 February 1945, effective 1 April 1945. Both
  companies wore reorganized into MEW (Micro Wave Early Warning) companies. Company C
  was assigned the mission of operating MEW equipment on Iwo Jima. Company B was assigned
  the mission of operating MEW equipment on Okinawa.
  Company B now consists of one (l) company headquarters, one (l) AN/CPS-1 radar
  reporting platoon, six (6) radar operating teams, one (l) radar plotting platoon, seven (7)
  information center operator teams, two (2) radio teams, one (l) wire team, two (2) mess teams, and
  three (3) platoon medical sections; with a strength of 8 officers, 1 warrant officer, and 176 enlisted
  men. Company C now consists of one (1) company headquarters, two (2) radar reporting platoons,
  (one AN/CPS-1 and one SCR 615-B), seven (7) radar operating teams, one (l) radar plotting
  platoon, six (6) information center operator teams, two (2) radio teams, one (l) wire team, one (l)
  mess team, one (l) company medical section, five (5) platoon medical sections, and two (2)
  AN/TPS-10 light-weight radar reporting platoons; with a strength of 12 officers, 2 warrant officers,
  and 289 enlisted men.
  Company B was detached from the battalion per Assignment Order 18, Headquarters
  AAFPOA (ADMIN), dated 14 February 1945, and attached to 7th Fighter Wing, such attachment
  to terminate upon the units departure from Oahu, T. H.
  Daring the month of April, Battalion Headquarters & Headquarters Company and
  Company “D” moved into a permanent area in target area 131-J and established camp. By the
  evening of the 25th the area was shaping up very nicely and looked like a nice camp site.
  However, that very night a faulty parachute trip flare
• 26 –
  located In a nearby organization area, started a fire on the east shore and finally set off an
  ammunition dump. Missiles began falling our area at 2400. The dump burned and exploded
  continuously until dawn, but the hardest blast came at 0330. It was then that most of the damage
  was sustained. At daylight the area looked a mess; the terrific force of the blast snapped ridge
  poles and tent ropes. Torn tents caused by the blast and falling missiles were not few. The
  kitchens suffered the greatest damage since they were framed and enclosed. Details soon got things
  back in order though, and meals were on time as usual.
  However, it was a different story with the radar and radio, equipment that was damaged in
  the vicinity. Specific items which were the most seriously damaged were: Two SCR-527 sets
  parked in TA 147-S, one SCS-3 set (SCR-573, SCR-574, and SCR-575) parked In the 302d
  Fighter Control Squadron area in TA 147-T, and the ten RC-256 and RC-257 sets which were
  stored in TA 147-T.
  Company C less sixty (6O) enlisted men of the MEW platoon being trained at Saipan,
  arrived on 30 April 1945, and immediately established camp in the battalion area, TA 131-J.
  The improvement of the Air Warning System was a continuous task. During April only
  one “Flash Red” was sounded. Interception was attempted but no enemy planes were detected.
  The 726th Signal AW Company having completed its mission at this station was released
  from attachment to this organization per Assignment Order #66, Headquarters AAFPOA
  (ADMIN), dated 29 April 1945, effective upon arrival at the Marianas Islands. Unit departed this
  station 30 May 1945.
  A heavy rain, accompanied by high winds, with occasional gusts retching a velocity of 75
  miles per hour, hit this island on the 15th, causing considerable
• 27 –
  damage to camp installations of C, D and Headquarters and Headquarters Companies. The
  major part of the damage was torn tentage and broken framework. The battalion headquarters was
  completely ruined by the wind, breaking the framework and blowing down the tents while the rain
  washed a considerable quantity of loose dirt from the new road up Mount Suribachi into the area.
  None of the radar or communications equipment was seriously damaged. The roof was blown off
  the new VHF building in TA 132-P but no damage was done to the radio equipment being
  installed. During the rain it was discovered that the new ADCC and communications building
  leaked very badly. Action was immediately initiated to have all damage repaired. The roof of the
  VHF building was repaired on the 17th and work began on the 23d to remove the dirt from the
  roofs of the ADCC and communications buildings, in preparation for waterproofing. By the 26th
  all preparations had been completed and tarring and waterproofing began.
  The task of improving the Air Warning System continued throughout the month of May.
  Early in the month of June plans got under way to carry out plans previously formulated for
  the installation of the MEW equipment atop Mt. Suribachi, in TA 132-P. By the 29th, the
  installation of all MEW equipment to be used for calibration was completed and tuning and
  checking of equipment began. The set went on the air and began reporting in to the ADCC at
  0800, on the 7th.
  Improvement of camp sites and the Air Warning System continued throughout the month
  of July. Company C was still taking “bugs’ out of the MEW equipment and Quonset huts were
  being constructed for mess halls and battalion headquarters.
  There was much rejoicing through the battalion during August, with the announcement of
  peace negotiations with Japan. The end of August found our mission
• 28 –
  just about completed. Everyone immediately concentrated on the number of points he possessed

with an eye towards becoming Mr. John Q. Public, once again. Happy Day!!