Wesley "wes" Hochgraber

Honoring the Service of Wesley Andrew Hochgraber 

U.S. Army Air Forces | 93rd Airdrome Squadron | WWII Veteran

Wesley Hochgraber answered the call of duty during one of the most pivotal moments in world history. Enlisting in the United States Army Air Forces in October 1942, Wes proudly served with the 93rd Airdrome Squadron through some of the fiercest campaigns of the Pacific Theater in World War II. His journey took him from humble beginnings in Quincy, Illinois, through a rigorous training path across Colorado, Georgia, and Florida, and eventually across the globe to the front lines in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines.

Over the course of his three-year military career, Wes supported U.S. air operations in harsh and undeveloped jungle environments—building airfields, maintaining runways, fueling aircraft, and providing critical logistics in support of Allied bombing and troop movement campaigns. His efforts contributed directly to the success of the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns, earning him two Bronze Battle Stars and the lasting respect of his comrades.

Wes’s service wasn't just about battles and deployments—it was a story of quiet dedication, camaraderie, and the tireless work behind the scenes that helped bring victory to the Allies. After the war, he returned home to Quincy, where he married, raised a family, built a successful business, and never stopped sharing his love for country, family, and animals.

This section of our website is dedicated to preserving and sharing his incredible journey—so that future generations may know the places he served, the legacy he left, and the difference one life can make.

Military Timeline for Wesley Andrew Hochgraber

Service Branch: United States Army Air Forces (precursor to U.S. Air Force)
Unit: 93rd Airdrome Squadron
Service Dates: October 4, 1942 – January 6, 1946
Theater: Southwest Pacific (Australia, New Guinea, Philippines)
Awards: Two Bronze Battle Stars (for combat zones/campaigns)

Service Map Overview

Here’s a rough path of Wes's deployments:
Illinois (training) → Australia (staging/base setup) → New Guinea (combat support) → Philippines (liberation operations) → U.S. (discharge)

October 4, 1942 – Enlistment & Basic Training

• Location: Likely a U.S. Army Air Forces basic training center - Lorado Army Field, Texas.

• Activities:

  • Induction physicals and basic military training.

  • Introduction to Air Corps discipline, drills, weapons handling, and physical fitness.

  • Assignment to the 93rd Airdrome Squadron—a unit responsible for airfield operations, logistics, and base infrastructure at forward-deployed airstrips.

April – May 1943: Initial Armament Training at Buckley Field

Stationed: Buckley Field, Denver, Colorado
Purpose:
PFC Wesley Hochgraber began his journey in the U.S. Army Air Forces with basic armament training at Buckley Field, focusing on aircraft weapons systems maintenance.

Training Focus:

• Maintenance and repair of .30 and .50 caliber machine guns

• Disassembly and timed reassembly of .50 cal machine guns (passed at 6 min 5 sec)

• Introduction to 20mm and 37mm cannons and bomb racks for B-17 and B-24 aircraft

• Night classes (6 PM to midnight), physical training during the day

Notable Events:

• Appointed barracks chief, managing duty rosters and inspections

• Experienced intense KP (kitchen patrol) rotations and stove-firing responsibilities

• Expressed frequent frustration with mail delays and homesickness

Historical Context:
Buckley Field was a key technical training center for Army Air Forces personnel during WWII. It provided foundational armament instruction before troops were deployed for advanced specialty schooling or overseas.

May – June 1943: Advanced Armament Training at Lowry Field No. 2

Stationed: Lowry Field No. 2, Aurora, Colorado
Purpose:
Further specialized training in aircraft armament systems, bomb turrets, and aircraft electrical components in preparation for operational support roles.

Training Focus:

• Studied electrical systems used in bomb turrets

• Familiarized with hydraulic lifts, bomb releases, and gunsights

• Repaired air-cooled and water-cooled weapons

• Continued physical drills and inspections

Key Dates:

• May 10: Transferred from Buckley to Lowry Field No. 2

• May 17: Relocated to Barracks 708 for deeper technical instruction

• June 4: Noted practicing aircraft recognition and turret operation theory

Daily Life:

• Barracks inspections, clothing issue, and rationing logistics

• Anticipated a visit from family—wrote directions and prepped local tourist details

• Connected with family via frequent letters and financial updates

Historical Context:
Lowry Field served as one of the premier armament schools for the Army Air Forces, offering specialized curriculum in aircraft weapon systems and preparing soldiers for deployment to combat zones.

July 1943: Deployment Readiness – En Route to Alabama

Stationed: In transit to Birmingham, Alabama
Purpose:
With training nearly complete, Wesley prepared for overseas deployment. His letters reflected a shift from technical training to readiness for assignment within an operational unit.

Activities & Emotions:

• Pack-up and shipment of personal belongings

• Reflections on the pace and fatigue of military life

• Final practice drills and paperwork completion

• Expression of nervous anticipation and pride in passing his training

Historical Context:
The final leg before deployment typically included transportation to staging areas like Birmingham, where soldiers awaited orders for embarkation to international duty stations.

July – September 1943: Final Stateside Training – Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia

Stationed: Tent City, Hunter Army Airfield
Purpose:
To complete bomb loading school and serve within airfield operations.
Duties:

• Loading of 100 to 2000 lb bombs

• Aircraft turret familiarization (B-25s, B-26s)

• Parades and ceremonies

• Field maintenance and inspections

Historical Context:
Hunter Field was a key launch site for bomber squadrons headed to Europe and the Pacific. Wes's training prepared him for service in the South Pacific.

October – November 1943: Bomb Loading Training – Camp Avon Park, Florida

Stationed: Avon Park Bombing Range
Purpose:
Field deployment experience working on live bomb ranges in swampy conditions.
Duties:

• Bomb loading on B-26 Marauders

• Maintenance of turrets and engines

• Guard duty and logistical support

Historical Context:
Avon Park was one of the largest bombing and gunnery ranges in the U.S. during WWII. Many squadrons trained here before Pacific assignments.

November 1943 – February 1944: Pre-Deployment Prep – Hunter Field (Return)

Stationed: Savannah, GA
Purpose:
Final medical checkups, inspections, and preparation for overseas movement.
Duties:

• Continued aircraft armament training

• Correspondence courses (electricity, math, diesel)

• Hospital visits and vaccinations

Historical Context:
This period was a staging phase before being shipped overseas, coinciding with the escalation of the war in the Pacific.

March 1944: Deployment to Pacific Theater – Townsville, Australia

Stationed: Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Purpose:
Serve with the 93rd Airdrome Squadron, 45th Service Group, supporting air operations in the South Pacific.
Duties:

• Maintenance of bombers (B-24s)

• Equipment and turret repairs

• Logistical airbase support 

Historical Context:
Townsville was a major Allied base during the Pacific campaign, housing bombers and logistics units supporting New Guinea operations.

April – October 1944: Active Service – Townsville, Australia

Stationed: Townsville
Purpose:
Continued base support and aircraft armament services.
Duties:

• Base improvement projects (e.g., drainage, footlockers)

• Repair of gun turrets and sights

• Time off to Brisbane and local areas

Historical Context:
This period included preparations for forward deployment into active combat zones as U.S. forces advanced toward the Philippines.

November 30, 1944: Transfer to New Guinea (Lae / Nadzab)

Stationed: Lae and Nadzab airfields, New Guinea
Purpose:
To support Allied bombing and air transport operations in the New Guinea theater.
Duties:

• PX and tent city setup

• Jungle patrols and guard duty

• Aircraft armament maintenance

Historical Context:

• • New Guinea was a fierce battleground. By late 1944, U.S. forces had captured key airfields, using them as staging points for the liberation of the Philippines.  

  • The New Guinea campaign was pivotal in stopping Japanese expansion and launching the Allied counter-offensive.

  • The 93rd Airdrome Squadron was responsible for building and maintaining airstrips in dangerous, tropical terrain, often under threat of enemy bombing.

Combat Recognition:

• • 1st Bronze Battle Star likely awarded here, for participation in combat zone operations in New Guinea.

January – April 1945: Continued Service – New Guinea

Stationed: Nadzab, New Guinea
Purpose:
To maintain operational readiness for aircraft and prepare for movement to the Philippines.
Duties:

• Village outreach and trading

• Personal projects: jewelry, photography

• Supporting war effort with on-site machinery and weapons upkeep 

Historical Context:
With the success of the New Guinea campaign, U.S. forces focused on retaking the Philippines, which had strategic and symbolic importance.

May – July 1945: Service in the Philippines – Manila Area (APO 351)

Stationed: Near Manila, Luzon
Purpose:
Support post-battle efforts and infrastructure rebuilding after liberation of Manila
Duties:

• Camp setup, perimeter security, PX improvements

• Repair of aircraft and ground equipment

• Interaction with local populations 

• Continued support of airfield and aircraft operations during General MacArthur’s return to the Philippines.

• Wes and his unit would have played a vital role in supporting tactical aircraft that provided cover for infantry landings and ground movements.

Combat Recognition:

• • 2nd Bronze Battle Star likely awarded here, signifying participation in the Philippine Liberation Campaign.

Historical Context:
The liberation of the Philippines was ongoing. Manila had suffered massive destruction, and U.S. forces worked to stabilize the region and prepare for a potential invasion of Japan.

Mid–Late 1945: Stationed in the Philippines (Post–New Guinea Deployment)

Stationed: Manila and surrounding areas, Luzon, Philippines
Purpose:
Following his service in New Guinea, Wes was transferred to Manila, part of the Philippines campaign under U.S. Sixth and Eighth Armies. The location was still in ruins following Japanese occupation.
Duties Included:

• Equipment salvage and inventory duties

• Tent construction and drainage

• Preparing and maintaining electrical lighting, screens, radios, and creature comforts in tent camps

• Occasional guard duty and kitchen patrol

• Continuation of armament responsibilities (rotating shifts, airfield operations)

Personal Projects:

• Continued creating and mailing jewelry home (rings, bracelets, keychains)

• Organized, labeled, and sent dozens of wartime photos including airfields, jungle life, and New Guinea salvage yards

• Traded with local villagers and learned basic Tagalog phrases

• Kept detailed letters to family about his daily life, physical conditions, and plans for post-war

Historical Context:

• This period overlaps with the final phase of WWII in the Pacific

• Manila was still recovering from the February–March 1945 Battle of Manila

• U.S. forces were occupying former Japanese facilities and helping with civilian recovery

• Troop morale was mixed: joy about V-E Day (May 1945) but uncertainty over when the war in the Pacific would end

August 1945: V-J Day & Reflections on Ted’s Death

Event: Victory over Japan (V-J Day), August 15, 1945
Wesley's Reaction:

• Underwhelmed by local reactions to V-J Day compared to Europe

• Reflected emotionally on his brother Ted’s death and the cost of the war

• Felt the war might still last longer despite surrender rumors

• Showed concern for how the news would affect morale and next assignments

Personal Life:

• Continued routine of digging ditches, battling typhoons, working on diesel and electrical correspondence courses

• Mail volume increased as censorship relaxed

Notable Quote:

“Being overseas, and to think when we come back there will be Ted not to return… It just doesn’t seem right.”

September–October 1945: Transfer to APO 351 (Luzon)

Stationed: Likely within a more central command post on Luzon, possibly near Clark Field or Nichols Field
Duties Included:

• Supporting rotating aircraft armament maintenance shifts (6 hours on / 12 off)

• Rebuilt bomb racks, turrets, and serviced aircraft from returning missions

• Worked in salvage yard overseeing damaged and decommissioned airframes

• Focused on “rotation points” and speculated about return home

Historical Context:

• The Philippines was being used as a staging and demobilization point post-war

• Massive aircraft build-up and teardown efforts

• 5th Air Force realigning and reducing presence in the Pacific

November–December 1945: Illness, Photos & Waiting for Orders

Stationed: Luzon, possibly moved to another base temporarily
Events:

• Hospitalized for tropical illness (likely dengue or malaria)

• Recovered and resumed limited duty, mostly paperwork, light maintenance

• Sent photos and stories of the “mud hell” his base had become after monsoon floods

• Continued training via correspondence courses (diesel, electrical, photography)

• Final packages from home received—Christmas items, books, shaving gear

Notable Quote:

“Meals in bed. Never had it so good. And we have good-looking nurses that come around in the evening to give us a back rub. What more could you want?”

December 1945 – January 1946: Awaiting Return Home

Transition Period:

• Clearance procedures begin

• Talks of demobilization and point system evaluations

• Wes is hopeful but unsure when he’ll ship out

Duties & Routine:

• Still contributing to base operations (light armament support, barrack cleaning, letter writing)

• Sent holiday reflections and photos from previous locations

• Mail was slower but family communication continued

Personal Reflection:

• Began expressing fatigue and desire to return to Quincy, IL

• Talked more about post-war business plans (possibly trucking or auto work)

• Compared Christmas 1945 with 1943 and 1944 experiences, longing for normalcy

Historical Context:

• Post-WWII occupation logistics in Asia were underway

• Demobilization took months depending on rank, points, and availability of transport

• Servicemen like Wes who served primarily in support roles often waited longer to return