"'Home Alive By ‘45’: Operation Magic Carpet" Topic

"Separated by vast distances, theater, branch of service, sex, race, and rank, the journey home to the United States at the conclusion of World War II was one of only a handful of incidences universal to nearly all American servicemen who fought and survived the bloodiest conflict in human history. That it was a global experience shared by millions makes it remarkable enough on its own. However, it is when the sheer volume of Americans returned are considered—eight million men and women from every service branch, scattered across 55 theaters of war spanning four continents—that one can make the case that Operation Magic Carpet stands as one of the greatest achievements of the entire war. Though lasting only 360 days, Operation Magic Carpet was the largest combined air and sealift ever organized.

Operation Magic Carpet officially commenced on September 6, 1945, four days after VJ-Day ; ending on September 1, 1946. Though on some days and months, particularly December 1945, the return rate was much higher. On average Operation Magic Carpet transported 22,222 Americans home every day for nearly one year straight. The sum total of which provides the mathematical framework behind the beginning of the post-war Baby Boom nine months later…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Very interesting article. Thanks, Armand.

My uncle (mother's younger brother) served as a US Navy officer in WW2. His ship USS General M.M. Patrick (AP-150) [ link ] was heavily involved in Operation Magic Carpet, carrying US troops from various Asian locations back to the States.

Here she is in January 1946 arriving at the port of Los Angles on a trip back from the Philippines.

Jim

Not sure for the Pacific but in Europe returning bombers would carry several "extra" passengers. My dad had the chance to come back early on one. My dad had been through Omaha Beach and the Ardennes and all the fun in between but wouldnt fly! Instead he waited for a transport ship and the long, slow, uncomfortable trip back that way.

Glad you enjoyed it my friend! (smile)

thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

World War II – Operation Magic Carpet

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Armand

My dad was stationed in Hawaii and a airplane mechanic in the USAAF and didn't make it home till June of '46. In fact spent his whole overseas duty in Hawaii.

Not a bad place… (smile)

Armand