David-aviator
Well Known Member
The only reason I went to the gathering was to accompany a friend who wanted company for the trip, and the reason he wanted to go was to meet a tent mate from their days at Madna, Italy, in 1944-45. They were both members of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group.
It was a good trip and much learned about how pilots lived and died in those days. Until these guys arrived in Italy, they had never been in a P-51. Both were shipped overseas out of basic training after a short check out in P-40's, total flying time about 200 hours. After an ocean crossing to Naples in a troop ship, they were assigned to P-47's, P-38's, or P-51's. When Tom and Charlie arrived at the 4th FS, the unit had just 9 pilots so they were thrown into the fray quickly, like after 2 or 3 days of local flying getting familiar with the P-51. The unit had no flight instructors assigned to check out duty as they were on escort or ground interdiction missions every day.
By mid 1944, most of the Luftwaffe had been pulled out of the Italy for defense of the Reich but there was plenty of action over the oil fields of Romania for the 51 pilots. Everyday the B-17's and B-24's were pounding the oil production facilities. The flack was very heavy and a great threat to bombers and fighters. Low level attacks on shipping yards and trains was very hazardous for fighters. Charlie took a hit in his coolant system one day and had to ditch in a cow pastuer. His wing leader decided the field looked good enough for a rescue attempt so he landed his 51 next to Charlies dead bird, opened the canopy and Charlie climbed in on his lap and they took off with just 3 bullet holes from an appoaching German army unit. It is the only recorded rescue mission from behind enemy lines by a P-51. I had the privilege of shaking Charlie's hand at the show.
Because I was a guest of one of these veterans, we sat in box on the flight line for the air show. Whoever set this part up did it well. They brought us lunch at noon!
There was a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen. A large trailer with about 50 survivors was pulled down the line and through the grounds. They received much applause.
The air show was typical with many war birds, military jets including the Thunderbirds, and other performers. My all time favorite was John Mohr in a stock 220 HP Stearman. He is very good at what he does just inches off the ground.
Perhaps someone can explain what the big deal is with the F-22 Raptor. To me it looks like a perfect sitting duck for any terrorist with a shoulder launched Stinger missle while it does its very slow course reversal manuever.
It was a good trip and much learned about how pilots lived and died in those days. Until these guys arrived in Italy, they had never been in a P-51. Both were shipped overseas out of basic training after a short check out in P-40's, total flying time about 200 hours. After an ocean crossing to Naples in a troop ship, they were assigned to P-47's, P-38's, or P-51's. When Tom and Charlie arrived at the 4th FS, the unit had just 9 pilots so they were thrown into the fray quickly, like after 2 or 3 days of local flying getting familiar with the P-51. The unit had no flight instructors assigned to check out duty as they were on escort or ground interdiction missions every day.
By mid 1944, most of the Luftwaffe had been pulled out of the Italy for defense of the Reich but there was plenty of action over the oil fields of Romania for the 51 pilots. Everyday the B-17's and B-24's were pounding the oil production facilities. The flack was very heavy and a great threat to bombers and fighters. Low level attacks on shipping yards and trains was very hazardous for fighters. Charlie took a hit in his coolant system one day and had to ditch in a cow pastuer. His wing leader decided the field looked good enough for a rescue attempt so he landed his 51 next to Charlies dead bird, opened the canopy and Charlie climbed in on his lap and they took off with just 3 bullet holes from an appoaching German army unit. It is the only recorded rescue mission from behind enemy lines by a P-51. I had the privilege of shaking Charlie's hand at the show.
Because I was a guest of one of these veterans, we sat in box on the flight line for the air show. Whoever set this part up did it well. They brought us lunch at noon!
There was a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen. A large trailer with about 50 survivors was pulled down the line and through the grounds. They received much applause.
The air show was typical with many war birds, military jets including the Thunderbirds, and other performers. My all time favorite was John Mohr in a stock 220 HP Stearman. He is very good at what he does just inches off the ground.
Perhaps someone can explain what the big deal is with the F-22 Raptor. To me it looks like a perfect sitting duck for any terrorist with a shoulder launched Stinger missle while it does its very slow course reversal manuever.
). One thing is for sure (may be), you are looking at the last manned fighter. Future fighters will no doubt be remote controlled and pull massive G's.
