Lowther, ON

639^th AC&W Squadron
Lowther Air Station, Lowther, Ont., Canada

Arthur A Fox, Major, USAF

1 Search Radar AN/MPS-7 in Arctic tower; 1 Height Radar AN/MPS-14 in Arctic tower; 1 IFF AN/GPX-20A; 1 Video Mapper AN/GPA-30; 1 Telephone Equipment AN/GTA-6A; 2 Teletype AN/FGC-20; 1 Teletype AN/FGC-25; 3 Radio VHF BC640 BC639; 4 Radio UHF Multi Channel AN/GRC-27; 1 Crypto Account; 4 Radio UHF Single Channel AN/GRR-7; 4 Radio UHF Single Channel AN/GRT-3;

Operations maintained its high state of readiness. The curtailment of intercepts available to the squadron for proficiency training still exists. The operation Sky Shield II exercise was fully participated in. Base alerting and DECUF procedures were implemented. All aspects of the exercise were a success from the Squadron standpoint.

Construction of the AN/FPS-26 and AN/FPS-27 towers and SAGE and GATR buildings is moving along on schedule. A mild fall has made the jobs easier. Construction of the Squadron road was halted in October and will be completed next spring.

The Division IG team under Major Arcuri conducted their semi-annual inspection on 4-5 October. The squadron was rated satisfactory. Colonel Veneziano also visited the squadron on 7 November 1961.

The Squadron received promotions for three Lieutenants to Captain and one Captain was selected for promotion to Major.

Project Money Tree is being carried out in its intent and given wide publication throughout the squadron. During November a poster contest was held. The winners were given prizes and the best posters reproduced and placed around the Squadron. The Squadron Slogan for money tree was reproduced on Burma Shave type signs and placed along the entrance road to the base. The Slogan reads: Needless Supply – Is Such a Waste – You Should Reply – Not in My Case – Project Money Tree.

On the 23^rd October 1961 the worst tragedy in the history of this Squadron occurred. The base school bus with 23 children aboard hit a dump truck filled with gravel just west of Opasatika on Highway 11. It was just past 0800 hours and the sun was just on the horizon. The driver, A/2C James Harris, AF 12572803 was evidently temporarily blinded and did not see the truck in the road before the crash. Upon impact the driver, A/2C Harris and two children, Karen L Fox, age 10 and Melvin M Fox, age 12 were killed. Shortly after being taken to the hospital in Kapuskasing, John H Morgan, age 9 died from injuries incurred in the accident. Response from both Sector and 30^th Air Division was immediate. Planes were in the air, on the way with medical supplies and medical personnel within an hour after the accident was reported. Several of the children were air evacuated to Wright-Patterson and Kinchloe AF Bases the same day. 1^st Lt. William G McKnight, A03095678 was the mortuary officer and 1^st Lt. Robert H Gardner, 61848A handled the casualty reporting. Colonel Leon H Berger flew up and was Colonel Devania’s personal representative during this period. As of this report all the children have recovered completely or are making satisfactory progress.

Arthur A Fox, Major, USAF