Chain of command varied greatly.  These units were Quartermaster Boat Companies at the start of the war.  In 1943 they transferred to the Air Corps as AAF Emergency Rescue Boat Squadrons (there were also separately numbered AAF Emergency Rescue Boat Crews).

As an example, the 1001st Quartermaster Boat Co (later the 14th AAF Emergency Rescue Boat Squadron) served in the Pacific and was assigned in turn to XIII AF Service Command, V AF Service Command, 59th Service Group, XIII AF Service Command (again), 5276th Emergency Rescue Composite Group (Provisional), 5th Emergency Rescue Group, and V Bomber Command.

Bernie Shearon
Push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. Pull the stick back, the houses get smaller (unless you keep pulling -- then they get bigger again)

Regarding the ERBS and who they reported to.

As Bernies points out a convoluted issue depending on where they were located.

As for the 12th ERBS, from a carbon copy of a letter I have, it would appear the boat Skipper reported to the CO, 12th ERBS, who reported to the HQ, 6th AF.  The letter had no via's and I've otherwise not stumbled across anything more definitive to date.  Some time ago on this site someone suggested the boats reported to some Operational Office, but I've not been able to confirm that.  Could be some did, but not altogether carved in stone it doesn't appear.

Regarding the signatures on dad's discharge...none belong to a boat officer.  The Major and the Captain were assigned to Camp Atterbury in some capacity not otherwise explained.  Simply 'AC' followed their names.

It's noteworthy that on each discharge during that period, the last command the airman belonged to is listed on the actual discharge.  I wonder what the purpose was and when did they stop that practice.  With all the majority of records having been destroyed for the WWII vet's, it has proven to be a great idea to make that identification on the separation document. 

Also, why not just discharge the airman where he was, and send him home, bypassing any need for a separation center?  Probably wouldn't work for the individuals overseas, but did they send everyone to these places or did their CONUS commands do that honor?

Just to straighen out any misconceptions...there are no such things as 'ex' Marines!  Former Marines is the appropriate way to discuss us types :-)

Larry

Son of Cpl Charles Caldwell, Engineer Crewman, USAAF Crash Boat P-258, Rey Island, Panama (Pacific side)

I have read all of this fascinating discussion and just have to comment on why it is so difficult. I dug out my discharge in 1946 and it lists the unit as "4,000th AAF Base Unit", but it is signed by Major Edward Babcock, Major Air Corps. And the main thing is that it big letters is says "Army of the United States" and again in small letters. No wonder there is such confusion!