Timeline: Late 1943 - 1944 saw crucial developments in Europe.
Nature of Conflict: One of the most devastating conflicts in history.
Rise of Resistance in France
French Resistance: Formed in response to German occupation, involved both men and women.
Activities: Infiltrated German High Command, gathered intelligence on troop movements and weapons.
Risks: Constant danger; many faced execution if caught.
Key Contribution: Their intelligence was vital to Allied war efforts.
Operation Carpetbagger
Initiation: In August 1943, the U.S. planned to aid the French Resistance.
Aircraft Used: B-24 Liberators flown by select squadrons from Eastern U.S. anti-submarine patrols.
Mission Objective: Parachute supplies and send intelligence agents into occupied territories.
Anti-Submarine Warfare along the U.S. Coast
Threat: German U-boats targeted Allied shipping along the Eastern Seaboard since early 1942.
Significant incidents included the sinking of the U.S. freighter City of Atlanta.
U.S. Response: Increased military presence, including airfields and patrols off the coast.
Profile of Henry D. McMillan Jr.
Background: Grew up in Tii, North Carolina. Close family ties and community involvement.
Career: Entered the Army Air Corps to play a part in the war after Pearl Harbor.
Training: Completed aerial gunnery school and became a waste gunner on a B-24.
Community Impact: Known for his personality and adventurous spirit, developed romantic ties, including a relationship with Rachel.
Final Missions and Tragedy
Transition to Carpetbagger Squad: Henry D. McMillan and his crew were reassigned from anti-submarine missions.
First Carpetbagger Mission: Scheduled for January 4, 1944, but fate intervened with a tragic training flight on December 26.
Crash Incident: The B-24 dubbed Slightly Dangerous crashed on a training mission, killing all crew members.
Family Loss: McMillan's family received news of his death with crushing impact, magnified by the wartime uncertainty.
Aftermath of the Operation
Impact on Missions: Despite McMillan’s death, the Carpetbagger operations continued and were crucial for the success of Allied efforts in Europe.
Legacy: The contributions of those involved, especially in covert operations like Carpetbagger, are now recognized as essential to the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Commemoration: Memorial services and monuments honor heroes like Henry D. McMillan Jr. whose bravery and sacrifice are remembered in the context of WWII.