Mission#62 January 5, 1944 – Target: Neuss

Date: Jan 5, 44

Dispatched: 48 Aborts: 4

Mission: Support to rear 2nd ATF, 120 B-17’s (3rd Div) Field Order: 213

Time Up/Down: 10:23 hrs     13:29 hrs Leader: Lt Col. Duncan

Target: Neuss (not hit), Eberfield & Targets of opportunity

Claims Air: 01-00-00 Claims Ground: 00-00-00 Lost/Damaged: 00-00

Group made landfall over Schouwen Island on time at 11:09 hrs, 25,000ft. Bombers seen ahead at 11:25 hrs. Actual R/V was made at 11:34 hrs as planned. Group of P47s seen coming out just prior to R/V. Group of P-47s seen on right at R/V. Flew with bombers from IP to target. First CW taking a right turn, second CW taking a left turn. Half the Group escorted first while the other half escorted the other CW. Left first CW vicinity of Aachen 12:12 hrs and out enemy coast at Calais, 12:56 hrs, 20,000ft. Group escorting second CW left bombers north of Gilze-Rijen at 12:14 hrs, and out over Haamstede at 12:21 hrs, 24,000ft. Between Eindhoven and Gilze-Rijen a single Me109 with belly tank came in on rear box of B-17s lower level firing from 1500 yards. E/A was attacked by White flight and destroyed by Lt. Col Duncan. Bombing appeared to be well concentrated within target area. No bombers seen to be in trouble. One straggler observed but upon investigation was found to be escorted. Two red parachute flares seen prior to target. Moderate flak seen in target area, accurate for height, inaccurate for direction. Reception from Parker good. Contact on “C” channel excellent. One U/I A/C seen at 36-40,000ft following formation west from target area to vicinity of Tilburg where it turned and headed east. Lt Col. Duncan, Lt. Herfurth, Lt Thistlethwaite and Capt. Rose participated.

1 Me109 destroyed Lt Col. Duncan.

350th: Capt Pidduck. T/U 10:29 hrs. T/D 13:05 hrs. Total flight time 2:36 hrs. Squadron entered enemy coast on time and on course. Bombers reported late and then early. R/V made SW of Koln at about 11:40 hrs and bombed about 11:45 hrs. Bombers made left turn and did not follow prescribed course out. Front box followed correct course. Escorted bombers to vicinity Gilze-Rijen and left enemy coast about 12:15 hrs. One S/E E/A destroyed by Col Duncan vicinity Eindhoven. Heavy intense flak from Koln. Bomb results good. Channel and islands overcast 6/10 target.

Capt	Stanley R.	Pidduck	(Sqdn Ldr)
Capt	John B.	Rose
1st Lt	William J.	Price
1st Lt	Tom	Lorance
1st Lt	Wayne K.	Blickenstaff	(Flt Ldr)
2nd Lt	Robert S.	Hart
1st Lt	Roland N.	McKean
2nd Lt	Carl W.	Mueller
Capt	Dewey E.	Newhart	(Flt Ldr)
Capt		Bergman*	(361st FG)
1st Lt	Francis T.	Walsh
2nd Lt	John H.	Winder
1st Lt	John L.	Devane	(Flt Ldr)
Lt		Latimer*	(361st FG)
1st Lt	John	Zolner
2nd Lt	Richard A.	Stearns

*Capt. Bergman and Lt. Latimer on detachment from the 361st Fighter Group.

351st: Capt Lefebre. T/U 10:15 hrs. T/D 13:25 hrs. Total flight time 3:10 hrs.  Route: Entered enemy coast over Schouwen Islands. R/V at Gummershack. Escorted to Aachen area. Left coast NE of coast. Squadron made landfall over Schouwen Island 11:10 hrs, 25,000ft. Proceeding on course to planned R/V point seeing bombers well ahead. R/V finally made at Gunnersback 11:50 hrs. Bombers were flying in two boxes, 20 and 30 respectively. Escort provided to Aachen area where two left orbits were made. Left on call from Group leader to Indian at 12:12 hrs. One box of bombers made a right turn SE of Duren heading NE. Two pilots reported seeing bombs hitting in centre of large city with a winding river running passed outskirts. This city is believed to be the Meuse. No e/a seen. Left enemy coast NE of Calais 12:56 hrs, 20,000ft. R/T same as on previous mission.

Capt	Frederick H.	Lefebre	(Sqdn Ldr)	YJ-L
F/O	Joseph E.	Wood		YJ-S
2nd Lt	Edgar J.	Albert		YJ-H
2nd Lt	Francis L.	Edwards		YJ-T
1st Lt	Gordon B.	Compton	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-G
2nd Lt	Lloyd A.	Thornell		YJ-F
1st Lt	Harry F.	Hunter		YJ-A
2nd Lt	Hassell D.	Stump		YJ-K
1st Lt	Vernon A.	Leatherman	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-N
Lt		Feller*	(361st FG)	YJ-U
1st Lt	William R.	Burkett		YJ-Z	42-22469
2nd Lt	Harry D.	Milligan		YJ-E	42-8002
1st Lt	William J.	Maguire	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-M
2nd Lt	Don M.	Hurlburt		YJ-H
1st Lt	Francis N.	King		YJ-P	42-7972
F/O	Cletus	Peterson		YJ-R
2nd Lt	William T.	Thistlethwaite	(Spare)	YJ-I	42-22459

*Lt. Feller on detachment from the 361st Fighter Group.

352nd: Lt Col Duncan. T/U 10:23 hrs. T/D 13:21 hrs. Total flight time 2:58 hrs. Squadron up Metfield. Set course approx on time. Over North Sea heard bombers say they were late; later called they were three minutes early. Made landfall over Walcheren Islands on time. Proceeded on course and R/V’d with bombers at approx 11:33 hrs. Stayed with the bombers and escorted them over the target, when first section turned left with second box and second section turned right and escorted first box. Bombing observed to be excellent, very concentrated. “Looked like bombers dropped bombs through a funnel.” With a first section on the way out Lt. Col Duncan destroyed 1 Me109 which was attacking the bombers. The second section had no encounters with E/A. No bombers were seen to be in trouble. One straggler was observed by second section, but he was O.K. First section escorted the bombers out and left them near Gilze-Rijen area. Landed at base at 13:21 hrs. Flak – meagre, heavy flak, about 10-12 bursts from area just south of Woensdrecht. It was accurate for altitude and position bursting at about 30,000ft. Intense, heavy, concentrated flak in the target area. It was accurate for altitude but to the left. A few bursts were seen on the way out. Overcast prevailed over the North Sea and coast up to Gilze-Rijen area, tops around 12-14,000ft. 3/10ths clouds over the target area. Over the target horizontal and vertical visibility was excellent. Contrails were light and non-persistent for 27,000ft. R/T – “A” channel good “C” channel Good except for slight jamming. Course: Landfall, R/V, Target, Neuss, R/P, Landfall out, home.

Lt Col	Glenn E.	Duncan	(Gp Ldr)	LH-X
Major		Kruzel*	(361st FG)	SX-U
2nd Lt	Clifford F.	Armstrong		SX-F
2nd Lt	Glenn G.	Callans		SX-V
Capt	Thomas J.	Forkin	(Flt Ldr)	SX-W
1st Lt	William J.	Jordan		SX-T
1st Lt	William F.	Streit		SX-Y
1st Lt	Herman	Herfurth		LH-E
Capt	Raynor E.	Robertson	(Flt Ldr)	SX-S
Capt		Smith*	(361st FG)	SX-C*	42-75065
1st Lt	James N.	Poindexter		SX-B
2nd Lt	Victor L.	Vogel		SX-E
Capt	Charles J.	Hoey	(Flt Ldr)	SX-A
2nd Lt	Wilton W.	Johnson		SX-D
1st Lt	Leslie P.	Cles		SX-G
2nd Lt	William S.	Marchant		SX-O
2nd Lt	Harry H.	Dustin	(Spare)	SX-I
1st Lt	Charles W.	Kipfer	(Spare)	SX-X

*Major Kruzel and Capt. Smith on detachment from the 361st Fighter Group.

Group Aborts/No Take Off:

42-75065	DNTO mechanical trouble	SX-C*	Capt. Smith
42-22469	ABT smoke in cockpit	YJ-Z	Lt. Burkett flying
42-7972	ABT oil leak	YJ-P	Lt. King flying
42-22459	ABT broken glass elbow	YJ-I	Lt. Thistlethwaite flying
42-8002	ERTN escort 22469	YJ-E	Lt. Milligan flying

 *Note this code listed in the Squadron flight line up appears to be wrong. The only SX-C known in the Squadron was McCollom’s former aircraft 42-8531. The flight line-up lists A/C 42-75065 as SX-L when it was lost on February 22, 1944. Any further clarification always welcome…

Mission#61 January 4, 1944 – Target: Munster

Date: Jan 4, 44           

Dispatched: 51 Aborts: 5

Mission: Support to Rear Combat Wing, 120 B-17’s (3rd Div) Field Order: 212

Time Up/Down: 09:03 hrs 12:00 hrs Leader: Lt Col. Duncan

Target: Munster

Claims Air: 00-00-01 Claims Ground: 00-00-00 Lost/Damaged: 00-00

Group crossed the enemy coast south of Ijmuiden, 09:56hrs, 25,000ft. Flew on a course to Elberg 10:04hrs, 27,000ft. R/V with rear unit of bombers approximately at Coevorden, 10:18 hrs, 29,000ft. Other P-47 Groups seen giving support at this time. Top of bombers at 28,000ft. One formation flying well ahead of the second which was made up of two Groups of 18 and 15 a/c. This latter formation apparently bombed target north of that bombed by 1st formation whereupon they turned right to course of 300 degrees rather than following the planned withdrawal route. Group escorted this formation feeling that this course would not R/V bombers with fresh fighter protection. One Group left bombers at 11:00 hrs to west coast of Zuider Zee while others left approximately vicinity of Egmond, 11:05 hrs. On way out the 1st box of B-17s, that went to Munster, could be seen to the south with the planned escort. Two B17s were seen to collide in vicinity of Bentheim, one disintegrating, the other spinning down. Six chutes seen. Before reaching the target two Me109s were seen coming down on White flight of the 351st Squadron. Red leader broke in on them and pressed attack causing them to split “S” for the deck. After target area two Me109s came in from the west of the Group, took right turn away from the bombers into the Sun and immediately turned and made bouncing attack on Yellow flight of 351st Squadron. In the melee, one P-47 received two 20mm hits in the wing. In the same general area, two Me109s were observed circling up below the bombers. Group leader dove on them and dispersed them making no claims. One B-17 straggler in the vicinity of Enchede about to be attacked from the rear by six Fw190s with belly tanks. Four of these aircraft were flying close together line abreast with one a/c flanking each side 1,000ft above. Group leader made attack on floater to the right but made no claim. 78th Group were seen to engage 4 e/a before they could attack the straggler. It is interesting to note that on previous occasions the e/a when attacked from the rear would in most cases split “S” and hit the deck. Today’s tactics seemed to indicate more experienced and aggressive pilots, who when attacked from the rear would get into a tight climbing turn to the left with throttle chopped way back attempting to force our a/c to overshoot thereby gain[ing] the advantage. On all occasions the e/a were noted to be on the ball and could not be caught in a straight position. When in contact, they always remained in a turn. Some good bombing results were seen near the canal east of Munster. Moderate flak seen in target area and at Ijmuiden in and out. R/T with Parker good. Also channel “C.” Lt Col. Duncan, Capt. Rose and Capt. Stafford of Group HQ participated.

350th: Capt. Pidduck. T/U 09:15 hrs. T/D 11:50 hrs. Total flight time 2:37 hrs. Squadron over Ijmuiden at 24,000ft at 09:59 hrs. Proceeded on course and R/V with bombers NW of Rheine at 30,000ft at 10:16 hrs. 2nd Box of bombers appeared to bomb NW of Munster. Heavy flak over target – altitude accurate but with direction off. Bombers turned off target and split. Squadron escorted one bunch NW of Monnikendam 2 B-17s in mid air crash – 2 chutes. Flak at Ijmuiden in and out about 10 bursts on way out – altitude accurate but trailing. Out coast at 11:05 hrs. About 5 e/a Me109 vicinity target.

Capt	Stanley R.		Pidduck		(Sqdn Ldr)
Capt	John B.		Rose
1st Lt	Melvin P.		Dawson
2nd Lt	William F.		Tanner
1st Lt	Wayne K.		Blickenstaff		(Flt Ldr)
2nd Lt	Robert S.		Hart
1st Lt	Robert N.		Ireland
2nd Lt	Chauncey		Rowan
Capt	Dewey E.		Newhart		(Flt Ldr)
Capt			Bergman		(361st FG Training)
1st Lt	John		Zolner
2nd Lt	Richard A.		Stearns
1st Lt	John		Sullivan		(Flt Ldr)
Lt			Latimer		(361st FG Training)
1st Lt	Joseph F.		Furness
2nd Lt	Carl W.		Mueller
1st Lt	William J.		Price		(Spare)
1st Lt	Roland N.		McKean		(Spare)

*Capt Bergman and Lt Latimer from the 361st Fighter Group flew on the mission as part of their familiarisation training before the new Group went fully operational.

351st: Lt Col Duncan. T/U 09:03 hrs. T/D 12:10 hrs. Total flight time 03:07 hrs.  Squadron made landfall Ijmuiden, 09:56 hrs, 26,000ft. Proceeded on course as planned. After crossing Zuider Zee bombers were reported coming in at 10 o’clock. R/V was made according to plan, but due to high cloud cover check points could not be seen. Squadron took up escort position on the right of the bombers, which were flying in very good formation. Bombs seen to drop over target area near the canal east of Munster. Results looked very good. During bomb run no flak was reported, but after bombers had made a 180 degree right turn from target, meager and inaccurate for altitude flak reported. Before reaching target two Me109s were seen by Red flight leader to bounce white flight. Red leader immediately broke in on them, causing them to split S for the deck. Two other Me109s were seen by Yellow#4 after leaving target area, coming in from the west which were seen to make a right turn. The two 109s made this right turn up Sun to position themselves for an attack, which they did after Yellow leader had made a right turn from the target area. Placing them in position with their backs to the Sun. Engagement took place at 28,000ft. One P-47, Yellow#4 [Lt. Milligan], received battle damage as a result of this bounce. Escort was provided to bombers to the southern part of the Zuider Zee, where they left, leaving the enemy coast at Ijmuiden at 11:14 hrs. Two B-17s seen to collide north of the target area, both seen spinning down and six parachutes seen. R/T about same as on previous mission.

Lt Col	Glenn E.	Duncan	(Gp Ldr)	LH-X
Major		Kruzel*		YJ-S
Capt	Charles L.	Stafford		YJ-H
2nd Lt	Herbert K.	Field		YJ-F
Capt	Frederick H.	Lefebre	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-L
Lt		Feller*		YJ-D	42-8375
1st Lt	George N.	Ahles		YJ-A	42-8380
2nd Lt	Hassell D.	Stump		YJ-K	42-8674
1st Lt	Vernon A.	Leatherman	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-N
Capt	Dayton C.	Casto*		YJ-P
1st Lt	Harry F.	Hunter		YJ-H
2nd Lt	Richard D.	Stanley		YJ-R
1st Lt	Gordon B.	Compton	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-O
2nd Lt	Lloyd A.	Thornell		YJ-G
1st Lt	William R.	Burkett		YJ-Z
2nd Lt	Harry D.	Milligan		YJ-Y	42-8478
1st Lt	William J.	Maguire	(Flt Ldr)	YJ-M
2nd Lt	Edgar J.	Albert		YJ-U
2nd Lt	Irving	Toppel		YJ-I
2nd Lt	Francis L.	Edwards		YJ-T
2nd Lt	Don M.	Hurlburt	(Relay)	YJ-E
2nd Lt	Frank J.	Mincik	(Relay)	YJ-W

*The Squadron had three pilots from the 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Group, flying with them on the day’s mission. They were Major Kruzel, Lt Feller and Capt Dayton C Casto Jr.

Before reaching the target, two Me109’s were seen to get on White flight’s tail. Red flight leader immediately broke into them, causing the aircraft to split S for the deck. Capt. Dayton C. Casto Jr, from the 361st Group, was flying Capt Vernon Leatherman’s wing as Red 2:

At 27,000ft the Me109’s were circling, just to the right and below the bombers. Roughman White flight (led by Duncan) bounced them. The 109’s pulled into a steep left climbing turn. White flight overran them and the 109’s got on White four’s tail (Lt Field). My leader broke down onto the tail of the lead 109 and I pulled in on the tail of the second. I started firing from about 150 yards, while in a steep turn. The Me109 apparently saw me, for he did a violent flip to the right. When I attempted to follow through I spun out. I did not see any strikes on him. I attempted to pull out of the spin and spun in the opposite direction. I lost sight of the 109.

I recovered at 22,000ft and started climbing back up to the first box of bombers, which was heading out. I tacked onto Roughman Green flight and came home.

Lt Col. Duncan appears to have damaged one of the 109’s in this engagement, though he made no claim.

352nd: Major Bailey. T/U 09:08 hrs. T/D 11:45 hrs. Total flight time 2:37 hrs. Target support to second box, First Task Force, B-17s. Course: Landfall, Elburg, R/V Nordhorn, Target (Munster) Sendenhorst, Grosbeck, Home. Squadron up at Metfield. Set course at 10,000ft. Clouds covered coast and it is believed we crossed on course, on time. Proceeded a little north of planned route and R/V with second box of bombers (approx 33) on time. The bombers were flying a “V” stepped down formation. Shortly after R/V 2 B-17s were seen to collide and one chute observed to open. The ships spun down and one was on fire. It is believed that our box of bombers did not bomb and turned north of the target to head home. They flew a course of 300-310 degrees. After the turn near Altenberge one P-47 was seen chasing a 109. We stayed with the bombers until approx landfall out. Believed we made landfall out north of Ijmuiden. Landed at base at 11:45 hrs. One burst of white marker flak at 33,000ft south of Bursteinfurt. Two bursts from Enschede. Two from Amsterdam. Other flak from Borghorst, bursts were 8,000ft below us. Sky was 7/10ths to overcast over entire route, tops 24-27,000ft building up. Plenty of holes. Visibility aloft excellent. Light non-persistent contrails up to 33,000ft. R/T “A” channel – fair to good, “C” – good.

Major	William B.	Bailey	(Sqdn Ldr)	SX-B
Capt		Smith*	(361st FG)	SX-F
1st Lt	Jesse W.	Gonnam		SX-U
1st Lt	Gordon L.	Willits		SX-X
Capt	Charles J.	Hoey	(Flt Ldr)	SX-A
Lt.		Duncan*	(361st FG)	SX-Y
1st Lt	Robert P.	Geurtz		SX-I
2nd Lt	Victor L.	Vogel		SX-G
1st Lt	James N.	Poindexter	(Flt Ldr)	SX-S
2nd Lt	Harry H.	Dustin		SX-C
1st Lt	Clinton H.	Sperry		SX-E
2nd Lt	Wilton W.	Johnson		SX-D
Capt	Thomas J.	Forkin	(Spare)	SX-W	42-8664
1st Lt	William J.	Jordan	(Spare)	SX-T
1st Lt	William F.	Streit	(Spare)	SX-O

*Capt. Smith and Lt. Duncan from the 361st Fighter Group flew with the Squadron for familiarisation.

Group Aborts/ERTN/Damaged:

42-8375	ABT   engine cutting out	YJ-D	Lt.   Feller flying
42-8380	ABT   engine cut out	YJ-A	Lt.   Ahles flying
42-8674	ABT   rough engine	YJ-K	Lt   Stump flying
42-8664	ABT oil   leak	SX-W	Capt.Forkin
42-8478	BD Cat   AC	YJ-Y	Lt.   Milligan flying

Lt. Johnson in SX-D also returned early in the 352nd with radio and pitot tube problems. He was not awarded a mission credit and so is not included in the figures. In the 351st Capt. Lefebre returned early (possibly as escort to his flight) and was awarded a single credit for the mission.

**Any further information on the 361st Fighter Group pilots (full name, Squadron etc) welcome

Collector’s Corner

Over the years the village of Raydon has produced a good number of reunion brochures and ephemera to mark the return of 353rd veterans. Here I’ve hauled them out of my files for your further information and guidance if you are, like me, an avid 353rd collector.

Cover of the report on the first return visit by a group of 353rd Veterans to Raydon, August 25-26, 1984. Next to unobtainable I should imagine (353rd FG Archive)

Report on the dedication of the Vestry Doors at Raydon Church, 1985 (353rd FG Archive)

Brochure for the next reunion in September, 1990. Artwork by Denzil Reeves and text by Graham Cross. If you have one of these you are one of the lucky few. (353rd FG Archive)

The previous reunion brochure inspired Denzil Reeves and Graham Cross to collaborate on a brief history of the airfield in 1991. You can spot a first edition (there were only 500) by the quality blue cover that has a bumpy finish. Reeves produced a true work of art here and it even has a foreword by the late Roger Freeman. (353rd FG Archive)

Later print runs of the Raydon Airfield book have a flat-surfaced and lighter blue cover. The overall production is much poorer quality and rather misses the point of the first edition to my mind. The same text and photos as the first edition though (353rd FG Archive)

A small group of veterans came back to Raydon in 1992 and the Friends of Raydon Airfield Veterans published a commemorative brochure with many wartime photos (353rd FG Archive)

In 1995 the memorial on Raydon airfield was dedicated. The Raydon Airfield Preservation Society (who planned and built the memorial) produced a special booklet packed with wartime photos and information on the memorial. It also has a picture of all the returning veterans – I got two copies signed by all the veterans as a souvenir  (353rd FG Archive)

1995 was a good year for producing reunion booklets – there was a further publication in the village that has some photos, artwork by Denzil Reeves and a brief history of the airfield by Gordon Kinsey (353rd FG Archive)

Although it was not a UK reunion year for the Group, 1997 did see the first Raydon Wings airshow. The brochure has some nice pictures and a history of the airfield. Roger Freeman also wrote the foreword.(353rd FG Archive)

The last Raydon reunion for the 353rd was in September 1999. Raydon Wings put on an airshow and produced a brochure. Foreword by Roger Freeman, pictures of the returning veterans and an account of the Group’s mission in September 1944 are included. The wise purchaser also got the veterans to sign their copy! (353rd FG Archive)

Not strictly a reunion but the 2001 Raydon Wings Airshow produced another fine brochure. Foreword by Roger Freeman, dedication to 352nd pilot Clint Sperry and an article on Col. Glenn E. Duncan. (353rd FG Archive)

Not sure if this is of any help, but I had a fun afternoon going through my files…

The 353rd Fighter Group in Washington DC…

I’ve been absent from the blogosphere for a few weeks on a trip to Washington DC. While I was there I kept an eye out for the 353rd and here post some photos from my trip that I thought might be of interest.

Walking into the American History Museum on the Mall and heading straight for the Price of Freedom exhibit I was pleasantly surprised to see Leroy Ista’s picture as the main focus of the entrance banner. It’s nice to see a member of the Group remembered so prominently.

Lt. Leroy Ista of the 352nd Fighter Squadron remembered on the entrance banner to the Museum of American History’s Price of Freedom Exhibit (353rd FG Archive)

Next I went along the National Air and Space Museum and headed stright for the P-51 they have painted in the colours of 351st CO Fred Lefebre’s aircraft “Willit Run?” I first visited this aircraft 20 years ago and nothing has changed in this exhibit in all that time. It really is a good thing to see the 353rd represented at such a national level.

A P-51 Mustang painted to represent Fred Lefebre’s “Willit Run?” at the National Air and Space Museum. (353rd FG Archive).

“Willit Run?” again (353rd FG Archive)

A final shot of “Willit Run?” from the balcony (353rd FG Archive)

The National Air and Space Museum actually has another 353rd member in their displays. Bob Strobell, also a pilot from the 351st, went on to be a key member of “Watson’s Whizzers” after his time with the Group. They were the unit tasked to find and secure German Jet technology as the war ended. You can read more about Bob’s exciting exploits and the rest of Watson’s Whizzers HERE and also HERE.

Here is a picture of the Me262 in the museum and the panels that mention Bob Strobell.

The Me262 at the National Air and Spave Museum (353rd FG Archive)

The story of “Watson’s Whizzers” that includes a pitcure of 351st pilot Bob Strobell (353rd FG Archive)

I flew home from Dulles and so took the opportunity to tour the Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center because I had heard they have a P-47 Thunderbolt in 353rd colours. They do have one but the overall excellent preservation is spoilt (for this purist at least) by the poor research and accuracy of the markings. The markings of LH-E and serial number appear completely fictitious (maybe there is a reason for this?) and the LH-E lettering is way too small. Still, it was nice to see the black and yellow chequers.

The fictitious P-47 LH-E at the Udvar-Hazy Center (353rd FG Archive)

The P-47 at Udvar-Hazy from the other side (353rd FG Archive)

The balcony at Udvar-Hazy lets you get a good view (353rd FG Archive)

A P-47 from the European Theatre also seems a little out of context sited under one of the most famous aircraft from WWII – the “Enola Gay.” (353rd FG Archive)

Finally, and just because I read James Salter’s excellent novel “The Hunters” on my trip, I have included a picture of an F-86 and MiG15 from Udvar-Hazy. Salter’s book captures the essence of the Korean Air War and if you have an interest in the psychology of fighter pilots you would be hard-pressed to find a better fictional treatment…

F-86 at Udvar-Hazy (353rd FG Archive)

MiG15 at Udvar-Hazy (353rd FG Archive)