One of the CEOs of the 425th, Lt. Col. Leon G. Lewis. Lewis commended 1st Platoon of the 225th's A Battery in 1944 as follows: "The aircrew members of this squadron take this opportunity of expressing their gratitude for the aid and full cooperation extended by the 225th AAA Searchlight Battalion. The aid and cooperation have proved of inestimable value both in material and psychological benefits. On return from operational missions in several cases, the searchlight canopy has been proved necessary for the safe return of our aircraft. It has been the policy to illuminate the field when planes are expected to return but have not yet contacted the airdrome by radio. In one instance, the plane suffered flak damage which destroyed the radio. The pilot headed in the general direction of the base and was able to find the airdrome by sighting the canopy. The pilot was particularly grateful because he was returning with one engine inoperative and could not afford to remain aloft for any length of time orienting himself by other means. Due to weather conditions on the Continent, there have been innumerable instances of our aircraft being airborne when the ceiling has dropped below safe operating conditions or fog obscured the landing strip lights."