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The mission of the Chinese Operational Group was the formation, training, equipping, and attachment of American personnel for twenty Chinese Commandos. This mission was decided upon at conferences between Maj. Gen. Donovan, CG of O.S.S., Lt. Gen. Wedemeyer and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek during the month of January 1945, and it was based upon their belief that small units of Chinese properly trained and equipped with veteran American officers and soldiers assigned would fight more effectively than the normal Chinese division. The nucleus of the American personnel consisted of the Operational Groups who had parachuted into France from North Africa and from England, and an OG unit which operated amphibiously against the Burmese coast from Ceylon. Additional officers and men were recruited from replacement centers in the States. Total American personnel reached 160 officers and 230 men, under the control of Lt. Col. Alfred T. Cox. A Commando was made up of 154 Chinese, 19 Americans and 8 interpreters. It had a small headquarters, three rifle sections, one 60 mm mortar section, one LMG section and one demolition section. Americans included an SI officer and NCO. Although plans called for over 3000 Chinese troops, only about a quarter of this number were in good physical condition, enough for only five commandos initially. Although thousands of "able bodied men" in uniform were available, screening yielded limited numbers whose physical condition and military training were adequate for additional units. Better food, physical training and good instruction by the Americans soon produced good results in the planned eight-week training period, and in the following parachute training consisting of four days of ground activity and four jumps. Greatly admired in the Chinese soldiers were their high spirits, eagerness to be selected, and pride in being a Commando. Seven Commando units went on missions. Training of the remainder was interrupted by the end of hostilities.
Chinese Operational Group,
Much of this summary is taken from the report of Lt. Col. A.T. Cox, compiled here by John Hamblet.
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