Troop Carrier Tactical Airlift

Troop Carrier Tactical Airlift. To those who served, and those who did not return.. , Since 1942, Troop Carriers were responsible for air transport of parachute troops, airborne infantry, glider units, and for conducting local air transportation within the theaters of operations, including providing air transport to air and ground combat units and evacuation of casualties from forward areas. Troop Carriers served with distinction in all theaters during World War II. The Troop Carrier mission transferred to the new United States Air Force, when it was established as a separate service. Troop Carriers provided transportation for air and ground forces during the Cold War, including operations into hostile airspace and humanitarian missions. Troop Carriers conducted part of the Berlin Airlift, then played a major role in the Korean War. Troop Carriers provided mobility to ground forces in Southeast Asia and flew Special Operations missions dropping flares for night airstrikes, leaflets, and bombs. Many of the Troop Carrier wings were redesignated as Tactical Airlift wings and retained the same mission. Time and time again, Troop Carrier Tactical Airlifters endured hardship and hostile actions as they evacuated casualties, resupplied besieged troops, and evacuated outposts under fire. They performed humanitarian missions ranging from dropping hay to stranded cattle to evacuating casualties of natural disasters. Troop Carrier Tactical Airlifters were awarded the prestigious Mackay Trophy for the meritorious flight of the year for 1963, 1964, and 1968.