Jonas Cecil Unruh

Staff Sgt Jonas Cecil Unruh
375th Bomb Sq - 308th Bomb Group
Dec. 1, 1924 - Jan. 14, 1944

(From the Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Oct 14 p. 3)

Jonas Cecil Unruh was born on December 23, 1921, in McPherson County, Kansas, to Pete and Dina Unruh. (Both the 1930 and 1940 Census show Sgt Unruh living in Montezuma, KS.) He was raised in a large Mennonite family with six brothers and six sisters. His father passed away prior to his own death. Known for his quiet and peaceable nature, Cecil cherished his time at home, often spending it with his mother. He expressed a deep love for his home and family, sentiments he shared during a brief furlough in June 1943.

On July 9, 1942, Cecil was drafted into the United States Army Air Forces. After nearly a year of training, he surprised his family with a short visit on July 12, 1943, which lasted only seven days. He departed on July 19, bidding his mother and others a final farewell.

Cecil died on August 21, 1943, at the age of 21 years, 7 months, and 21 days. His death was reported by the War Department to his family. He is interred at North Mennonite Cemetery in Montezuma, Gray County, Kansas.

His name is commemorated on a monument located at the Aviation Martyrs Cemetery in Nanjing, China, honoring those who served and sacrificed during World War II. Cecil’s legacy is remembered through his family’s memories and the records preserved in historical archives. (Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Oct 14 p. 3)

On August 21, 1943, the 375th Bombardment Squadron, part of the 308th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces, executed a significant mission in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. The squadron conducted an unescorted bombing raid on Japanese-held docks and warehouses in Hankow (now part of Wuhan), China. Despite facing intense anti-aircraft fire and opposition from enemy fighters, the squadron pressed the attack, demonstrating exceptional bravery and determination. This mission earned the unit a Distinguished Unit Citation for its valor and effectiveness in combat.

Operating B-24 Liberators, the 375th Bombardment Squadron was stationed at Chengkung Airfield in China at the time. Their operations were crucial in supporting Chinese ground forces and disrupting Japanese supply lines by targeting strategic locations such as airfields, coal yards, docks, oil refineries, and fuel dumps across French Indochina and Burma

A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE U.S. ARMY'S 351st INF REG, 88TH INF DIV

The 375th Bombardment Squadron, part of the 308th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces, played a significant role in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater during World War II.
AAF CBI

Formation and Training

Constituted on January 28, 1942, and activated on April 15, 1942, the 375th Bombardment Squadron began its journey at Gowen Field, Idaho. Initially, the squadron faced challenges, including personnel shortages, which were addressed by transferring experienced members from other units. Training was conducted at various locations, including Davis-Monthan Field, Arizona; Alamogordo, New Mexico; and Wendover Field, Utah. The squadron trained with B-18 Bolo and B-24 Liberator aircraft, preparing for long-range bombing missions .

Deployment to the CBI Theater

In early 1943, the 375th deployed to the CBI Theater. The air echelon ferried B-24 Liberators via the South Atlantic route, while the ground echelon traveled by ship across the Pacific. By March 20, 1943, the squadron was operational at Chengkung Airfield, China. Operating under the Fourteenth Air Force, the 375th conducted bombing missions against Japanese targets in China, French Indochina, and Burma. They also flew numerous supply missions over the Himalayas, known as “The Hump,” transporting essential materials from India to China.

Combat Operations and Achievements

The 375th Bombardment Squadron executed strategic bombing missions targeting enemy airfields, docks, oil refineries, and transportation hubs. Notably, on August 21, 1943, the squadron received a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for an unescorted bombing attack on docks and warehouses at Hankow, China, conducted through intense antiaircraft fire and fighter defenses. A second DUC was awarded for their interdiction of Japanese shipping in the East and South China Seas, the Formosa Strait, and the Gulf of Tonkin from May 24, 1944, to April 19, 1945.

Post-War Activities and Inactivation

Following the end of combat operations, the squadron moved to Rupsi, India, in June 1945, where it continued to ferry supplies over The Hump. The 375th returned to the United States in December 1945 and was inactivated on January 6, 1946 .

Legacy

The 375th Bombardment Squadron’s contributions to the Allied efforts in the CBI Theater exemplify the challenges and achievements of air operations in a complex and demanding environment. Their dedication and bravery significantly impacted the success of missions in the region.