Lt. Colonel (later Major General) William C. Garland, known as 'Judy' by his 401st friends, was assigned as Operations Officer of the 614th Squadron in January, 1944, and became Squadron Commander in July of that year, succeeding Colonel Hinkle.

Colonel Garland led the Group, Wing and Division on a number of occasions, including the Group's 200th mission on 28 January 1945 (target - Cologne).

He was promoted to Group Operations Officer in March, 1945.