About this Unit
The **6th Emergency Air Rescue Squadron (A.P.O. 245)** was activated during World War II to provide critical air-sea rescue operations across the Pacific Theater. Equipped with specialized aircraft such as the OA-10 Catalina and later the SB-17 "Dumbo," the squadron’s crews conducted daring missions to locate and recover downed airmen and stranded personnel, often under hostile conditions. Operating from various bases as Allied forces advanced, the 6th played a vital role in increasing the survival rates of aircrews during bombing raids and reconnaissance flights. Their valor and effectiveness earned them commendation, and they contributed significantly to the overall success of Allied air operations in the Pacific.
Historical Facts
•
Formation and Purpose: The 6th Emergency Air Rescue Squadron was activated during World War II with the mission to locate and rescue downed airmen, providing critical air-sea rescue support in the Pacific Theater.
•
APO 245: The unit’s mailing address, APO 245, identified its location as being under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Post Office in the Pacific area, which was crucial for communication and logistics.
•
Aircraft Used: The squadron was equipped with specialized aircraft such as the OA-10 “Catalina” and SB-17 “Dumbo,” both modified for air-sea rescue operations with lifeboats and medical supplies.
•
Nickname "Dumbo": The SB-17s were often referred to as “Dumbo” planes, and the entire air-sea rescue mission was sometimes called the “Dumbo Mission,” symbolizing their role in saving lives at sea.
•
Innovative Rescue Techniques: The squadron pioneered the use of airborne lifeboats, which could be dropped by parachute to survivors in the ocean, drastically increasing survival chances.
•
Coverage Area: The 6th EARS operated over vast stretches of the Pacific, often flying long endurance missions to reach downed crews far from land, sometimes operating from island bases such as Saipan or Iwo Jima.
•
Heroic Missions: Members of the 6th EARS participated in numerous daring rescues, including retrieving B-29 bomber crews shot down during raids over Japan and airmen lost during the Battle of Okinawa.
•
Decorations and Recognition: The squadron and its members received several commendations for bravery and outstanding performance, including Air Medals and Distinguished Flying Crosses for exceptional rescue missions.
•
Postwar Legacy: After WWII, the squadron’s expertise contributed to the foundation of modern Air Force search and rescue units, influencing tactics and technology in the Korean War and beyond.
•
Personal Stories: Veterans of the 6th Emergency Air Rescue Squadron have shared accounts of tense rescues, battling storms, enemy fire, and navigating treacherous waters—all in the name of saving fellow airmen’s lives.
