33rd Troop Carrier Squadron (33rd TCS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF), 374th Troop Carrier Group (374th TCG)

Background
On February 2, 1942 constituted as the 33rd Transport Squadron (33d Transport Squadron). On February 14, 1942 activated at Olmsted Field, PA as part of the 315th Transport Group (315th Troop Carrier Group). On July 4, 1942 redesignated 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron. On July 17, 1942 moves to Bowman Field, KY. On August 3, 1942 to Florence, SC. On September 30, 1942 deployed overseas to the South Pacific West Pacific (SWPA) bound for Australia.

Wartime History
On October 25, 1942 a detachment of C-47s from the squadron begins operating from New Caledonia. that remains until November 29, 1942 then join the rest of the squadron at Brisbane.

On November 1, 1942 a detachment of C-47s from the squadron begins operating from Cairns Airfield until December 10, 1942 then join the rest of the squadron at Brisbane.

On November 10, 1942 crashed is C-47 "Flying Dutchman" 41-18564 pilot 2nd Lt. George W. Vandervort near Mount Obree (Mt. Obree).

On November 12, 1942 assigned to the 374th Troop Carrier Group (374th TCG).

On December 1, 1942 moves to Brisbane.

On May 12, 1943 crashed C-47 "Chattanooga Choo Choo" 41-18651 pilot 1st Lt. Walter B. Thompson (KIA).

On December 28, 1942 moves to Port Moresby.

On October 5, 1943 moves to Garbutt Field.

During April 1944 returns to Port Moresby.

On October 15, 1944 moves to Hollandia.

On April 8, 1945 moves to Nielson Field on Luzon in the Philippines until the end of the Pacific War. On February 15, 1946 inactivated.

Awards
Distinguished Unit Citation - Papua November 1942–January 23, 1943
Distinguished Unit Citation - Wau January 30, 1943–February 1, 1943
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation

References
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II (1982) pages 162-163 (33rd Troop Carrier) [PDF pages 174-175]

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