MD44 Company Rosta

An overview of our structure and members, spaces still to be filled are marked with a placeholder. As Miss Drop 44 we represent Dog company of the 502nd Airborne unit, falling under the umbrella of the 101st Airborne.

Dog Company HQ

Company Headquarters (Company HQ) was the command section of a company, led by the company commander. It included key personnel who helped run the unit — not fight on the front line directly, but manage communication, logistics, and control of the company’s platoons.

Company Commander

Cpt X
X-000000

The D Company commander of the 502nd PIR leads, trains, and prepares paratroopers for combat. They ensure mission success, discipline, and readiness in operations, they are responsible for the actions of the unit.

2nd in Command

1st Lt X
X-000000

The 1st Lieutenant, second in command of D Company, 502nd PIR, assists the commander in leading and managing the unit. They oversee daily operations and take command in the commander’s absence.

Company Top-Kick

1st Sgt Horlock, Mark

12562220

The First Sergeant of D Company, 502nd PIR, is the senior enlisted advisor to the commander. They enforce standards, manage soldiers’ welfare, and maintain discipline and readiness within the company.

Intelligence | S2

Sgt Mackay, Dan

32279865

The S2 of D Company, 502nd PIR, handles intelligence and security operations. They gather, analyze, and share information to support the commander’s decisions and mission planning.

WhatsApp Image 2025-10-27 at 22.58.06_32ca2776.jpg

Communications

Sgt Murray, Max

14590352

The Communications Sergeant of D Company, 502nd PIR, manages all company communication systems. They ensure reliable radios, networks, and signal support for effective command and control.

Operator, Radio

Technician 4th Class X

00000000

The T4 Radio Operator of D Company, 502nd PIR, operates and maintains the company’s radio equipment. They ensure clear, secure communication between the company and higher headquarters during missions.

Operator, Radio

Technician 5th Class Pusey, Dan

18360051

The T5 Radio Operators of D Company, 502nd PIR, assist in operating and maintaining radio equipment. They handle message transmission and ensure continuous communication in the field.

Operator, Radio

Technician 5th Class Jeffery, Ivan

38271532

The T5 Radio Operators of D Company, 502nd PIR, assist in operating and maintaining radio equipment. They handle message transmission and ensure continuous communication in the field.

Replacement

PFC Easson, Conan

13111384

Company HQ also included riflemen with the ranks of Pfc and Pvt to serve as replacements as and when they were needed. There were a total of 5 troopers assigned this role.

Replacement

PFC X

00000000

Company HQ also included riflemen with the ranks of Pfc and Pvt to serve as replacements as and when they were needed. There were a total of 5 troopers assigned this role.

Replacement

Pvt Clarke Rhys

16488031

Company HQ also included riflemen with the ranks of Pfc and Pvt to serve as replacements as and when they were needed. There were a total of 5 troopers assigned this role.

Replacement

Pvt X

00000000

Company HQ also included riflemen with the ranks of Pfc and Pvt to serve as replacements as and when they were needed. There were a total of 5 troopers assigned this role.

Replacement

Pvt X

00000000

Company HQ also included riflemen with the ranks of Pfc and Pvt to serve as replacements as and when they were needed. There were a total of 5 troopers assigned this role.

1st Platoon HQ

First Platoon HQ of D Company, 502nd PIR, is the leadership element of first platoon. It includes the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and key support personnel who plan, coordinate, and control first platoon’s operations in the field.

Platoon CO

1st Lt X
X-000000

The Platoon CO of First Squad, D Company, 502nd PIR, leads and directs their squad in all missions. They ensure training, discipline, and coordination to accomplish the platoon’s objectives.

Platoon 2iC

2nd Lt X
X-000000

The Platoon 2IC of First Squad, D Company, 502nd PIR, assists the Platoon CO in leading and managing the team. They take charge in the leader’s absence and oversee logistics and coordination within the squad.

Platoon Staff Sergeant

S/Sgt Borland, Tom

18441944

The Platoon Staff Sergeant of First Squad, D Company, 502nd PIR, supports the Platoon CO & 2iC in leading and training troops. They maintain discipline, oversee daily operations, and ensure the platoon is mission-ready.

Signal, Radio & Code

Cpl X

00000000

The Signal, Radio, and Code Corporal of D Company, 502nd PIR, manages communications and encryption within the platoon. They operate radios, send coded messages, and maintain secure, reliable contact during missions.

Operator, Radio

Technician 5th Class X

00000000

The T5 Radio Operators of 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, assist in operating and maintaining radio equipment. They handle message transmission and ensure continuous communication in the field.

Rifleman

PFC X

00000000

The Rifleman in 1st Platoon HQ, D Company, 502nd PIR, provides security and fire support for the platoon leadership. They assist in combat operations and protect command elements during missions.

Messenger

Pvt X

00000000

The Messenger in 1st Platoon HQ, D Company, 502nd PIR, delivers orders and information between units. They ensure rapid and reliable communication when radios are unavailable or compromised.

1st Rifle Squad

The First Rifle Squad of 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, is one of the platoon’s two main combat squads. It’s led by a squad leader and composed of paratroopers trained to carry out assaults, flanking manoeuvres, and direct fire missions in support of platoon objectives.

Squad Leader

Sgt Wormald, Alec

20217383

The Squad Leader (Sergeant) of the First Rifle Squad, 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, commands and directs their squad in combat and training. They ensure discipline, coordination, and mission success through effective leadership and tactical control.

Assistant Squad Leader

Cpl Abbey, George

17211528

The Assistant Squad Leader of the First Rifle Squad, 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, supports the squad leader in leading and managing the squad. They take charge in the leader’s absence and oversee coordination during missions.

LMG No.1 (Gunner)

Pvt Cooper, Dan

20966416

The LMG Gunner operates the squad’s light machine gun to deliver sustained, suppressive automatic fire. They control firing position and coordinate with their team to keep continuous fire on target.

LMG No.2 (Assistant)

Pvt Haywood, Thomas

18746327

LMG No.2 carries extra ammo, assists with barrel changes, and helps set up the weapon in adequate firing positions. Provides security and supports the gunner in maintaining suppressive fire.

LMG No.3 (Ammo Bearer)

Pvt Hart, Pete

12017948

The Ammo Bearer carries extra ammo for the LMG, feeds the gunner, and assists with reloads and barrel changes. They also provide security and help maintain continuous suppressive fire.

Rifleman

PFC Capowski, Andrew

15466231

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

PFC Catt, Ben

45423025

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

PFC Merriman, Marcus

42352221

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

Pvt Brown, Harry

14449555

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

Pvt X

00000000

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

2nd Rifle Squad

The Second Rifle Squad of 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, is the second of the platoon’s two main combat squads. It’s led by a squad leader and composed of paratroopers trained to carry out assaults, flanking manoeuvres, and direct fire missions in support of platoon objectives.

Squad Leader

Sgt X

00000000

The Squad Leader (Sergeant) of the Second Rifle Squad, 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, commands and directs their squad in combat and training. They ensure discipline, coordination, and mission success through effective leadership and tactical control.

Assistant Squad Leader

Cpl X

00000000

The Assistant Squad Leader of the Second Rifle Squad, 1st Platoon, D Company, 502nd PIR, supports the squad leader in leading and managing the squad. They take charge in the leader’s absence and oversee coordination during missions.

LMG No.1 (Gunner)

Pvt X

00000000

LMG No.2 (Assistant)

PFC X

00000000

LMG No.2 carries extra ammo, assists with barrel changes, and helps set up the weapon in firing positions. Provides security and supports the gunner in maintaining suppressive fire.

LMG No.3 (Ammo Bearer)

Pvt X

00000000

The Ammo Bearer carries extra ammo for the LMG, feeds the gunner, and assists with reloads and barrel changes. They also provide security and help maintain continuous suppressive fire.

Rifleman

Pvt X

00000000

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

Pvt X

00000000

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

Pvt X

00000000

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

Pvt X

00000000

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

Rifleman

Pvt X

00000000

Fires and maintains their M1 Garand to engage the enemy and support squad manoeuvres. These Troopers provide close-in fire, perform recce, perimeter security, and carry additional ammo.

60mm Mortar Squad

The 60mm Mortar Squad provides short-range, high-angle indirect fire—high-explosive, smoke, and illumination—to suppress, neutralize, or obscure enemy positions in support of platoon and company manoeuvres. They emplace, zero, and operate the mortar system, manage ammunition and fuse selection, and move/displace quickly as missions require. The squad coordinates closely with company HQ for target acquisition, fire direction, and battle damage assessment, and enforces firing safety and ammunition accountability at all times.

Squad Leader

Sgt X

00000000

Leads the 60mm mortar squad and oversees firing procedures. Coordinates fire missions with forward observers and company HQ, manages ammo, safety, and rapid displacement.

Gunner, Mortar

PFC Howling, Scott

12162028

Operates and fires the 60mm mortar, handles laying, fuse selection, and immediate maintenance. Prepares charges, assists with aiming, and ensures safe, accurate indirect fires to support manoeuvre and obscuration.

Assistant Gunner, Mortar

PFC X

00000000

Assists the mortar gunner with laying, fuse/charge selection, and loading rounds into the tube. Helps move and displace the mortar, manages tools and ammo handling, carries baseplate.

Ammo Bearer

Pvt Vone Monte, Martin

15466227

Carries and hands 60mm rounds and fuzes to the gunner, manages ammo accountability and storage. Assists loading, moves and displaces the tube, and provides security and immediate maintenance support.

Ammo Bearer

Pvt X

00000000

Carries and hands 60mm rounds and fuzes to the gunner, manages ammo accountability and storage. Assists loading, moves and displaces the tube, and provides security and immediate maintenance support.

Ammo Bearer

Pvt X

00000000

Carries and hands 60mm rounds and fuzes to the gunner, manages ammo accountability and storage. Assists loading, moves and displaces the tube, and provides security and immediate maintenance support.

Surgeons & 3rd Auxiliary Surgical Group

Surgeon:
The surgeon provides advanced medical and surgical care to wounded soldiers near the front lines. They perform emergency operations, control bleeding, treat trauma, and work with medics and nurses to stabilize patients for evacuation.

3rd Auxiliary Surgical Group:
The 3rd Auxiliary Surgical Group was a mobile Army medical unit that set up forward surgical hospitals close to combat zones. Its doctors and nurses performed lifesaving operations, stabilized casualties, and prepared them for evacuation to rear hospitals.

Surgeon | 502 PIR | Doc Lage

Cpt Abbey, Russell

O-494766

Doc Lage, surgeon for the 502nd PIR, provided care to wounded paratroopers in combat. He stabilized injuries, managed evacuations, and kept soldiers combat-ready under intense conditions.

Nurse | 3rd Aux. Surgical Group

2nd Lt Guntrip, Sarah

N-792571

A nurse in the 3rd Auxiliary Surgical Group assisted in surgeries, managed triage, and cared for wounded soldiers. They worked with doctors and medics, stabilizing patients and supporting recovery in combat.

Nurse | 3rd Aux. Surgical Group

2nd Lt "Bird" Neal, Natasha

N-797382

Nurse | 3rd Aux. Surgical Group

2nd Lt Eaglesfield, Megan

N-301501

Nurse | 3rd Aux. Surgical Group

2nd Lt Clarke, Leyla

N-794334

Understanding the TO&E

The TO&E seen is the Feb 1942 version with the Feb 1943 amendments added in.

Miss Drop 44 was based around Company HQ (column 3), Platoon HQ (column 4); and the first rifle squad (column 5). However, since recruiting and growing so rapidly the whole group structure has had to been amended. Many members have had ranks changed as a result. The group is now building from the bottom up. Starting with 1st Platoons two rifle squads and mortar squads, then filling out the 1st Platoon HQ from there. Next, we will fill the Company HQ. Should that get full, we can then build up the 2nd Platoon rifle squads and mortar squad and so on. The result will be a much larger number of Pvts and PFCs that any other rank. Although as you know, this depends on who can make it to a show, but it really isn't that important. Considering we are set in mid-July 44, all the fighting for the 101st is pretty well done with and the losses have already happened. The result is that there will be gaps in the rosta... and since that's realistic for the time period, we can certainly live with that.

As many people are not familiar with these tables, I will break them down and explain what information can be obtained from them, including who got what weapons. Firstly, and importantly, NO M1911 automatic pistols are at Company level and below. These were all withdrawn in the Feb 43 changes. M1A1 Thompsons have also been removed; not even the S/Sgt was issued a Thompson. Yes, you'll have seen both Thompsons and M1911s in photographs. This table is for Infantry Rifle Company, Parachute. That doesn't include signals, engineers etc. Of course, people also did their own thing and took items they weren't supposed to have, obtained things, found things... This is about what you are supposed to have!

Company HQ

Two Officers:

Caption

1st Lieutenant

First Sergeant

Two Sergeants:

1 Communication Sergeant

1 S2 Sergeant (Intelligence)

11 Enlisted men:

1 T4

2 T5 Radio Operators

3 Messengers (Runners)

5 Riflemen; may be used as replacements to keep other squads at full strength

A total of 2 officers / 14 enlisted men

The First Sergeant and officers were issued an M1A1 Carbine.

The 13 enlisted men were issued M1 Garands.

The Company HQ was also issued 6 M3 Grease Guns and 1 Rocket Launcher. Which lucky soles got the job of carrying these extra weapons could be anyone guess. This is why you do see random people armed with M3 Grease Guns. You can spot them in the photographs of troopers walking to the planes, including a Captain who has dumped his Carbine in favour of the M3.

Platoon HQ

Each company had 3 platoons. Each platoon had an HQ, 2 rifle squads and a mortar squad. Platoon HQ consists of:

2 officers, each armed with an M1A1 Carbine.

S/Sgt armed with M1 Garand

Corporal in charge of the communications

A radio operator ranked at Technician 5th class

Two messengers (runners) a PFC and a PVT.

Under the part that states Technician Grade 4, Technician Grade 5, etc., it lists a total of 3 troopers. The next section specifies the roles for each trooper. Note that the AGGREGATE TOTAL sits at only 7 people total in the Platoon HQ, but lots of people make the mistake of adding up all the numbers and can get around 14 members! Troopers had to fill more than one role...

Total enlisted men 5 / total officers (at the top) 2.

At the bottom, it states how many parachutes were to be issued and the list of weapons to be issued to platoon HQ troops. Sometimes, usually in the case of HQ's, there are more weapons than men. As a result, some unlucky guy in the platoon HQ had to lug about a bazooka as well as his personal weapon. This was done to ensure both for additional support weapons on the ground and to provide replacements should others be damaged or lost.

Rifle Squads & Mortar Squad

Each squad is led by a Sergeant - the table shows Sgt 1, then below lists the role as that of Sgt 'Squad leader'.

Assisting the Sergeant is a Corporal, with his role listed below as Squad leader, assistant.

Next are 10 enlisted men ranging in rank from Pvt to PFC. This gives the impression that some of these will be Technical grade ranks. However, none of these roles are Technical roles. In the list of roles, if one does require a Technical rank, then it is marked in column 2 (which can't be see in this cut down table). Use the complete table at the top to understand this. The number of the ranks Pvt and PFC in the whole company are almost equal - 46 PFCs and 45 Pvt.

Out of the 12 members, 11 are issued M1 Garands and the only one to be issued an M1A1 Carbine would be the .30 cal LMG gunner. Carrying a .30 LMG and an M1 Garand would probably be a bit too much and certainly too awkward.

The Mortar team consists of 6 members:

The 'Squad Leader' is a Sergeant.

The rest of the squad is a mixture of Pvts and PFCs:

- 1 Gunner

- 1 Gunner, Assistant

- 3 Ammunition Bearers

All are issued M1 Garands, except for the Gunner and Gunner's Assistant, who were issued.

Honorary Members

Over the years of MissDrop44 we've been fortunate enough to meet some fantastic people, and someone (who now slips my mind) came up with the idea to have some honorary members.

Honorary Member

PFC Taylor "BREAD", Bradley
New Zealand Contingent

We met Bread on the MD44 Normandy trip in 2024. "I like Bread hes fucking sound" - Dan Mackay. Not many higher compliments....

Honorary Member

Darren & Austin

The depths of Sommerset

We also met Darren & Austin on the MD44 Normandy trip in 2024. As our drives they had to put up with the MD44 mania, and did a damn good job of it.

Honorary Member

Warrant Officer Jarrett, John

Honorary Yank (Self-Titled)

John has helped the group to no end despite never meeting any of us in person! Website admin, proof reader and fixer of all of Dan's mistakes!!!

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