THE HISTORY OF THE
"JERSEY BOUNCE"

The Air Commandos were formed in 1943 and consisted of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Air Commando Group. They trained extensively in Florida in 1944 and arrived in New Guinea in mid November 1944. In January 1945, they moved to Nadzab, New Guinea and finally on Jan. 7, 1945, they went to Tanuan airstrip on Leyte, P.I. and they flew combat missions from that strip. Most of what they did was in support of ground troops, escort duty for Navy PBYs on rescue missions, bomber escort and target of opportunity fighter sweeps.They also supported the 32nd Infantry Division as they advanced on the Villa Verde Trail. I believe this was on the way to Luzon, P.I.

P-51D Fighter plane "Jersey Bounce" 1945
Third Fighter Squadron Air Commando Group

They also flew missions to the China Coast supporting Navy PBYs. In April 1945, the unit moved to Gabu airfield in Luzon. They supported the 37th Infantry Division on their drive north through the Cagayan Valley. This location was approximately 150 miles behind enemy lines.

On September 20, 1945, the unit took off for Ie Shima and then landed in Japan at Atsugi Airfield in Tokyo. This was after the 2 nukes were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In October 1945, the unit then went to the island of Hokkaido as an occupation force.

All of the above information was obtained from the book entitled "WWII Air Commandos".

THANKS to BOB ULMER
for his family pictures of the Jersey Bounce

And to the Third Fighter Squadron Air Commando Group
for their meritorious, intrepid and invaluable service in WWII
as well as for this amazing historical information!