CBI Hump pilot stuff

[Vincennes]

I have obtained some material from the estate of Captain Eugene Heilpern, Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama who died Dec. 3, 2011. He was an ATC pilot in World War II. He flew the C-46 and an occasional C-47 transport Planes flying freight to Hump Stations in the Himalayas in support of China operations, and over the hump into China and Burma. He was Stationed in Lal Hat, India, in the 1326th AAFBU (Army Air Force Base Unit).

 

I have his first 5 flight log books from Dec. 1942 through August, 1948. And another Log Book from July 1970 to Feb. 1976. They cover his civilian pilots license training before he enlisted, his period as a civilian Instructor at BFTS #1 (Terrell, TX), his military pilot training, all his CBI flights, and some flying after he got out of the service.

 

I also have:
4 WW2 photos of him (one taken in CBI [shown below], and 3 in training in US);
his CBI theater made shoulder patch [shown below];
4 of his pilots medical certificates from 1943 until 1966;
his temporary reinstated Commercial Pilot's License issued in 1964;
his Hump Pilots Association membership certificate;
his Chinese Air Force Certificate (and translation);
his Quiet Birdman Code Book [shown below].

 

His log books are fascinating reading! At a quick glace I only see one remark about an accident and that was in his civilian flight training. He flew to India via the southern route in a C-46 from Jan 3, 1945 to Jan 18, 1945. He began fling missions out of Lal Hat on Jan. 25, 1945. His last CBI flight was on Nov. 14, 1945 with 1035.25 hours of overseas flight time, over 953 hours in the CBI Theater, with 208 hours and 15 minutes of hump time.

 

He was born Jan. 29th, 1916 in Birmingham, Alabama. After spending two years at the University of Alabama he was awarded a swimming scholarship to Ohio State University. There he qualified for the 1936 US Olympic swimming team in the breaststroke, but did not attend the games because he was Jewish. He married in 1937. He was a big man, 6' 2" in height and about 200 lbs.

 

When WW2 broke out he applied for pilot training but was turned down because he was too old. So, at his own expence, he took flying lessons. He received his private pilots license on Feb. 24, 1943 and his commercial pilots license on July 9, 1943. He went to work on August 16, 1943 as a pilot instructor at BFTS#1 in Terrell, TX teaching British pilots to fly in the PT-17 and AT-6. But he still wanted to fly in combat. So he contacted Senator Lister Hill of Alabama pleading his case. Senator Hill contacted General Hap Arnold and "suggested" that Heilpern be allowed to serve his country. Hap Arnold agreed and in April, 1944 Hailpern was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the Army Transportation Corps. He was sent to Great Falls, Montana and began training in multiengine aircraft, much of his training was in 4 engine B-17 and B-24 bombers. He was assigned to fly C-46 and C-47 cargo planes over the hump from India to China and Burma.

 

He rose to the rank of Captain in the AAF. He was discharged after 2 years. He received 2 bronze stars and other commendations and medals.

 

Paul

[Old Crow 1986]

Nice grouping that documents an amazing and well lived life. Thanks for sharing!