World War II Honoree

Donald F. Woods

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Rockville Center, New York

Honored By

Larry A. Rickert

COMMANDER OF THE 66TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON, 433RD GROUP, 5TH AIR FORCE IN NEW GUINEA. THE 66TH WAS ACTIVATED IN DECEMBER 1942 UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE 403RD AIR TRANSPORT GROUP AND ARRIVED IN NEW GUINEA IN JULY, 1943 TO BEGAN COMBAT SUPPORT OPERATIONS. IN SEPTEMBER 1943, THE 65TH AND 66TH SQUADRONS WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE 433RD AIR TRANSPORT GROUP. DURING THE WAR, THE 66TH RECEIVED THE U.S. AND THE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATIONS. THE 66TH HAD THE LOWEST CASUALTY RATE IN THE 433RD AND RECEIVED THE U.S. AND THE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATIONS. BY JULY 1944, HE HAD LOGGED 287 COMBAT MISSIONS.