The Curtiss Commando Page
The Curtiss Commando Page

Commando 44-77503

Aircraft Identification

VARIANT: Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando

USAAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 44-77503

CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 32899

COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU1435

FATE: Written off

Operational Record

  November 1944 to January 1947

  44-77503 - USAAF (USA)


30 November 1944

Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, NY.

Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 54th Troop Carrier Wing, 317th Troop Carrier Group, 40th Troop Carrier Squadron operating in the Southwest Pacific theater.

18 February 1945

Ferried through Brisbane Eagle Farm, Queensland, Australia.

5 March 1945

Assigned to Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines with the 40th Troop Carrier Squadron.

16 August 1945

Assigned to Okinawa, Japan, still with the 40th Troop Carrier Squadron.

21 October 1945

Assigned to Osaka, Japan, still with the 40th Troop Carrier Squadron.

19 January 1946

Assigned to Tachikawa AB, Japan, still with the 40th Troop Carrier Squadron.

17 April 1946

Received minor damage at Kimpo AB, Korea in a ground accident.

The Commando was parked at Kimpo AB, Korea when it was hit by sistership 44-78505 commanded by James B. Huskinson taxiing nearby. Both airplanes received minor damage.

16 June 1946

Damaged beyond repair at Tachikawa AB, Japan in a landing accident.

Pilot: William E. Shaughnessy

19 September 1946

Condemned for salvage.

9 January 1947

Reclamation completed. [date quoted as 9 January 1946, discrepancy]

Last edited: 20/01/2024