FLT O Barton Leroy Wherritt
3rd AAF Bomb SQ
Apr 9, 1924 - May 16, 1945
Barton Leroy Wherritt grew up in Montezuma. From Find A Grave Terry Healy, his niece, said, “…he loved spending time with his friends from Montezuma, he loved flying, and enjoyed playing basketball and baseball.”
Barton L. Wherritt served in the 3rd Bombardment Squadron, 1st Bombardment Group, Chinese-American Composite Wing, 14th Air Force. Flight Officer Wherritt, as co-pilot, took off on May 16, 1945, from Liangshan on a mission to bomb and strafe the Japanese-held airfield at Ichang on the Yangtze River. Over the target, the B-25J “BIG DAVE” (#722) was hit by ground fire and crashed. All six members of the crew were later reported as killed in action.
A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF The 3rd Bombardment Squadron, CAC Wing, 14th Air Force
The 3rd Bombardment Squadron, part of the 1st Bombardment Group within the Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW) of the 14th Air Force, played a significant role in World War II operations in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater. Established in mid-1943, the CACW was a unique collaboration between Chinese and American forces, aiming to bolster air operations against Japanese forces in the region.
Formation and Training:
In August 1943, the CACW was officially activated, comprising two fighter groups and one bomber group, each with four squadrons. The 1st Bombardment Group included the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Bombardment Squadrons. The 3rd Bombardment Squadron trained on B-25 Mitchell bombers at Malir Field in Karachi, British India, alongside other CACW units.
Combat Operations:
The 3rd Bombardment Squadron commenced combat operations in late 1943, focusing on missions against Japanese shipping and airfields along China’s southern coast. In early 1944, the squadron participated in “Mission A,” targeting Japanese forces along the Yellow River to disrupt their logistics and slow their advance. This mission earned the squadron a Distinguished Unit Citation for their effectiveness.
Challenges and Achievements:
Operating in the CBI theater presented numerous challenges, including limited resources, logistical difficulties, and adverse weather conditions. Despite these obstacles, the 3rd Bombardment Squadron successfully conducted numerous missions, contributing significantly to the CACW’s efforts against Japanese forces. Their operations not only targeted military installations but also aimed to support Chinese ground forces and disrupt Japanese supply lines.
Legacy:
The collaborative efforts of the 3rd Bombardment Squadron and other CACW units laid the foundation for future air combat strategies in the region. The squadron’s legacy continues to be honored, reflecting the enduring partnership between Chinese and American forces during World War II.
For a more in-depth account of the 3rd Bombardment Squadron’s experiences, “The Spray and Pray Squadron” by Margaret Mills Kincannon offers a detailed narrative of their missions and challenges during the war.