The Dixie Dispatch DIXIE WING, COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE, PEACHTREE CITY, GA www.dixiewing.org Col Frank Kalinowski, Editor - [email protected]

June 2016 Education through living history. Keep 'em flying.

Dixie Wing Staff Let’s Face it … Facebook is For Officers /Contacts Everyone Who Likes the Dixie Wing Wing Leader Col Jay Bess If you still think that Facebook is a place only for teenagers to share photos [email protected] and comments, then you’ve not looked at the Dixie Wing Facebook page. Executive Officer Col Larry Combs Here are some of the items you’ve missed: [email protected]

Adjutant • vintage print advertisements from WWII; Col Malcolm Lelliott [email protected] • photos of WWII vets with our planes and our members;

Finance Officer • links to videos of our Living History series; Col Paul Zampol [email protected] • photos of our and other CAF at events around the country; Maintenance Officer Col Bob Heath • video of the Missing Man Formation performed by our pilots at the WWII [email protected] Weekend in Reading, PA. Operations Officer Col Jim Buckley Whatever your age, you are never too old to sign up and keep abreast with [email protected] the Wing’s activities.

Recruiting Officer Col Michael "Zee" Zeeveld [email protected] WHAT'S INSIDE?

Public Information Officer 2 ..... From the left Seat Col Steve Forsyth [email protected] 3 ..... From Some Other Seat; XO Report 4 ..... Focus on Finance; What’s That? Marketing Officer 5 ..... From The Bookmaster Col Moreno "Mo" Aguiari [email protected] 6 ..... Web Watch; New Education Project 7 – 8 The Story of “Bad Angel” Safety Officer Col Rodney Higginbotham 9 ..... Answer to What’s That? PX Changes Rodneyhigginbotham 10-11 Scenes From The Hangar @gmail.com 12 ..... Blastards; Trivia Time Quiz Air Show Scheduling 13 ..... 2016 Atlanta Weekend Col Phillip Beegle [email protected] 14 ..... Trivia Time Answers; June 25th Cookout 15 ..... Gone West Aircraft Rides Officer Col Jerry Robinette 16 ..... CAFactoid; Candler Field Restoration News [email protected] 17-18 On The Horizon; July At A Glance

Angel Squad 19 ..... The Tailpiece Merikay Franklin [email protected]

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 2

From the Left Seat: Col Jay Bess, Wing Leader

The tide is finally turning in our favor! After a near rainout at the Reading, PA WWII Weekend event we finally had a successful rides weekend in Cincinnati with the P-51 and a great air show appearance at Jimmy Stewart Airport with the Corsair and Kate. We have been building relationships with other CAF Units and air show performers that just paid off when another performer could not make an air show and recommended the Dixie Wing to come through! The Corsair is headed to the Vero Beach Air Show this weekend!

We recently participated in a study of Peachtree City with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Explore Georgia and the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau. The outcome of our part of the meeting was the Dixie Wing was identified as a tourist draw that needs to be developed for the growing market in Peachtree City! We will be working with the state and local tourism bureaus to find new opportunities to develop and promote the Dixie Wing.

In conjunction with that development, we have partnered with Georgia State University to do an in-depth study of the potential of an expanded Dixie Wing museum and educational programs. They have created a class next fall and we will have their museum studies students working on the project. This class has experience working through this process with other Georgia historical societies and museums. GSU will also be creating another class to help develop and curate our CAF Dixie Wing exhibits at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in 2017-2018. This is a great partnership that was fostered by The Georgia Center for Innovation in Aerospace.

The highly successful CAF Rise Above educational outreach program is in the process of being expanded to include the inspirational story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Currently, the program tours the country in a large tractor trailer with a 60-seat movie theatre and has been booked solid for over 6 years. CAF HQ is developing a program for the individual units and we will be working with them to create a program for the local school systems in Georgia.

Finally, the Dixie Wing has participated in several local events such as the Peachtree City and Senoia Memorial Day programs and two events at the Atlanta History Center. Great visibility and support in our local communities.

I hope to see everyone and their kin at the Dixie Wing Family Appreciation Cookout this Saturday!

Keep ‘em Flying,

Jay

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 3

From Some Other Seat: Operations Col Jim Buckley, Operations Officer

The summer heat is now upon us, but that wasn't the problem at Reading this year. Our rotten luck was still hanging in there. We were able to get all 3 WWII Weekend flying shows completed, but before and after the weather was too bad for many Mustang rides. We were able to do a few, but, nothing like we expected. For a change we had no mechanical issues.

A week later, we finally broke the curse. Great weather allowed us the do 8 Mustang rides at EAA chapter 18s ride event at Cincinnati. The Corsair and the Kate had great weather at our first time at the Jimmy Stewart festival at Indiana PA.

Back on the home front, the PT -19 became airworthy after a long Annual and engine change.

Our Mustang is currently at Indianapolis in support of the Red Tail exhibit and should be ferried home next week. We still have a lot of shows in the works and can still turn this into a good year for the Dixie Wing.

Col Jim Buckley, Operations Officer

XO Report: Col Larry Combs, Executive Officer installed and should be running in a week or so. The P- It occurred to me lately 63 is ready for testing as soon as the FAA signs our Air that 2016 has brought Worthiness Certificate. The newly overhauled engine is one bad news story after ready to install on the T-34 and lastly, the new engine another and the year is was installed on the PT-26 and it has been tested and not even half over. You returned to service. All of these accomplishments can’t escape it! You turn didn’t happen in a vacuum. It was because of on the TV, listen to your dedicated, hard working members that took each of radio, read the these challenges and stuck with it until the job was newspaper, read your done. notifications on Face- book, or hear the bad As good as this news is, nothing tops the amazing skills news over coffee around that Truitt Harper demonstrated when he had to land the break table. Bad our L-16 off field on a gas line right of way. A lesser news is everywhere! pilot could have killed or injured himself and the passenger but thankfully, both walked away without a Not to lessen the tragic loss of Greg Connell while scratch. We are very proud of our very own Truitt performing in the air show at PDK. Or one of CAF’s Harper. own, William Gordon who lost his life while ditching his P-47 in the Hudson River, and Jeff Kuss of the Blue I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy but even I get down Angels that many of us met when he visited Falcon occasionally. Let’s lift each other up when it seems Field last year. May they all rest in peace. there is nothing but gloom and doom in the air. If you notice someone doing a good job, tell him or her you But let’s focus on some of the good news that’s appreciate their efforts. Thank those loyal and happened at the Dixie Wing. Remember it wasn’t long dedicated VOLUNTEERS that show up early and go ago that our Mustang, SBD, P-63, T-34, T-6, and PT-26 home late as they give their all to get our back were causing more money to go out of the door than in the air. Thank those who may not turn a wrench but was coming in. A new engine had to be located and who perform administrative, accounting, marketing, purchased for the SBD, an engine overhaul and new scheduling, and leadership duties. It takes all of us to propeller was needed for the T-34, a spinner for the make the Dixie Wing a success. Mustang, fuel pumps for the P-63, and a fuel leak in the T-6 needed to be repaired. The Mustang is back on the I am proud to be a member of the Dixie Wing and I road and making money. The SBD engine is nearly thank YOU for all you do. June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 4

Focus On In addition to verifying the bills, we need Finance the fuel slips for Col Paul Zampol, another important Finance Officer reason: The CAF qualifies The financial results for the year are starting to look for a refund of better although, as reported elsewhere, Reading was excise taxes paid not the blockbuster event we had hoped for. Our on fuel (6%). balance sheet assets are back over the $1 million mark, HQ in Dallas handles this for us annually, and remits us and the loss for the year is down to less than $60,000. a check when they get the refund. Making sure that we There is some hope that we can end the year in the turn in copies of fuel slips for all the fuel we buy black. Here’s hoping for a great performance at maximizes that refund coming to the Dixie Wing. Oshkosh. For aircraft fueling at home base (FFC), the fuel truck Aircraft fueling has been presenting documentation crew will give our pilot or ground crew a yellow slip problems for us lately. Normally, we require that with the gallons pumped, aircraft type and “N”- expenditures over $250 be approved in advance by the number. Whoever handles this for the Wing should signatures of four staff officers. This is not practical for review that information at the time and make sure that fuel purchases, which are frequently done by it is both correct and legible. Please also print your Multiservice credit card at remote locations. name on the slip, so that we can find answers to any Multiservice is very strict about getting paid promptly: questions that we have later. The yellow slip should be if they do not receive payment within ten days of the turned in to the Operations Officer. If the aircraft being billing date, they charge stiff penalties. As a result, we fueled on our ramp is not a Dixie Wing aircraft, check have to pay their bills upon receipt (we get them by in advance with the Wing Leader or Operations Officer email), and then verify the information later by to find out whether we or the pilot is paying the fuel reference to the fuel slip and aircraft logbook. If the bill. We sometimes pay for fuel if the aircraft is flying a aircraft is on a tour, the logbook won’t be accessible for Wing mission. If we are not, please offer the pilot a ride some time. This makes it critical for us to get fuel slips to the FBO to pay the bill; the fuel truck does not have promptly. Pilots and crew should be diligent to bring the ability to accept payments. fuel slips back with them from off-site events, or mail (or email) them to the Wing Operations Officer.

WHAT’S THAT? Col Frank Kalinowski

There is strange and then there is really strange:

A few hints:

• The prototype was built of wood and canvas.

• Maximum speed was 138 mph.

• It used the same propeller as the F4U Corsair.

• Pass the maple syrup please.

WHAT’S THAT? Find the answer on page 9.

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 5

From The Bookmaster Col Dave Porter

BOTM* Lost in Shangri-La by – Mitchell Zuckoff

Lost in Shangri-La is a true story of survival, adventure and one of the most incredible rescue missions of World War II. In the late spring of 1945 Hollandia New Guinea was a mostly tamed rear area as World War II wound down. On May 13, 1945, a would-be pleasure tour for twenty-four U.S. Army servicemen and WACs turned into an unforgettable battle for survival when their plane, a C- 47 called “Gremlin Special” crashed in the mysterious New Guinean valley known as "Shangri-La." Only three emerged from the wreckage. Emotionally devastated and badly injured, they faced certain death unless they braved a harrowing hike down the mountainside - a journey into the unknown that would lead them to a primitive tribe of superstitious natives who had never before seen a white man-or woman.

Drawing upon interviews, diaries, declassified documents, and his own treks to the remote villages of New Guinea, Mitchell Zuckoff reveals how the determined trio traversed the dense jungle to find help, how a brave band of paratroopers risked their lives to rescue them, and how contemporary natives remember that long-ago day when strange creatures fell from the sky. Lost in Shangri-La is a riveting work of narrative nonfiction-and a thrill ride from beginning to end.

The book is 383 pages and includes numerous photographs. Among these are photos of “Fearless Faggot”, the Waco G-4 glider sent in to retrieve the survivors and their rescue party and their tow plane, “Leaking Louise,” a C-47 specially equipped for glider snatch. Author Mitch Zuckoff is a professor of journalism at Boston University.

Survivors Lt. John McCollom, Cpl. Margaret Hastings, Sgt. Ken Decker in front of “Fanless Faggot.” their G-4 rescue Glider

*BOTM - Book of the Month - It is on our bookshelf, it’s a good read; borrow it if you like but please return it!

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 6

WEB WATCH

Need a manual for some airplane built 80 years ago in another country? How about a parts catalog for a Lycoming R-680-17 engine? Try Avialogs (http://www.avialogs.com), a site that is self-described as “… an aviation organisation dedicated to preserve our aeronautic heritage and to build an online aviation library. You will find on this site technical documents, newspapers, books related to the various fields of the air.”

Disclaimer: WEB WATCH is presented solely to bring information to readers about some websites that may be of interest. Neither the Dixie Wing nor the CAF endorse or imply endorsement or agreement of opinions that may be expressed on the websites, advertisers on those websites, or links to other websites that a reader may follow.

Dixie Wing Initiates New Education Project With Area College Students Col Rick Ector

The Dixie Wing of the Commemorative Air Force build a “target list” of military bases and industrial is initiating a program along with partners at facilities that we can assign to teams of students to several Georgia universities, and we would like to work on. The list will grow to be very large, and in ask the Wing Membership for some assistance. all likelihood will miss many businesses whose roles have since been forgotten. The program, which begins with the fall semester, will use college interns to develop a digital archive We are specifically asking for a list of bases, war of information on military bases in Georgia during production businesses, and contact information for World War II. This program is modeled on a local historical associations and/ or community similar effort carried out for WWII air bases in museums. This includes places such as Dekalb- Texas by CAF Curator Keegan Chetwynd at the Peachtree Airport, Ft. Benning, Camp Toccoa, 8th Dallas Headquarters. Once digitized and AF in Savannah, Chandler Field, the Atlanta structured, the information will be available History Center, and many more. Please send your publicly via our web site. list to Dixie Wing member Rick Ector who will be spearheading this project. His e-mail is Dixie Wing’s effort will encourage the students to [email protected]. volunteer and become active at various Dixie Wing events. As part of the program, the students Finally, when you see any of the students at CAF will reach out to local historical associations and events, please make it a point to engage with them museums throughout the state to obtain their and encourage them with the project. cooperation and participation. We expect this effort to broaden Dixie Wing’s visibility and increase participation in our activities on a wider basis. The educational program will be ongoing, with new groups of students starting each semester. After we develop the archive on military bases, we’ll expand to wartime industrial mobilization throughout the state and later the entire southeast region.

The request to Dixie Wing members is to help us June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 7

The Story of "Bad Angel" - Pima Air and Space Museum Reprinted with permission from the Southern Arizona Guide http://southernarizonaguide.com/pima-air-space-museum-bad-angel-mysterious-kill-markings/ Note: This article had no author listed.

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving 2013, Ms. Was it a terrible mistake? Couldn't be. If it had Karen, my 94-year-old father, Bill Gressinger, and I been an unfortunate misjudgment, certainly the were visiting Pima Air and Space Museum. We pilot would not have displayed the American flag. were in Hanger #4 to view the beautifully restored I knew there had to be a good story here. B-29, when I happened to take notice of a P-51 Fortunately for us, one of the Museum's many fine Mustang near the big bomber. It’s name … “Bad docents was on hand to tell it. Angel.” In 1942, the United States needed pilots for its war planes lots of war planes; lots of pilots. Lt Louis Curdes was one. When he was 22 years old, he graduated flight training school and was shipped off to the Mediterranean to fight Nazis in the air over Southern Europe.

Lt. Louis Curdes.

P-51 Mustang "Bad Angel" in Hanger #4 at Pima Air He arrived at his 82nd Fighter Group, 95th Fighter and Space Museum . Squadron in April 1943 and was assigned a P-38 Lightning. Ten days later he shot down three I was admiring its aerodynamic lines and recalled German Messerschmitt Bf-109 fighters. A few enough history to know that until the Mustangs weeks later, he downed two more German Bf - came into service, the skies over the Pacific 109's. In less than a month of combat, Louis was an Ocean were dominated by Japanese Zeros. Ace.

Then something very strange caught my eye. During the next three months, Louis shot down an Proudly displayed on the fuselage of “Bad Angel” Italian Mc.202 fighter and two more were the markings of the pilot's kills: seven Nazis; Messerschmitts before his luck ran out. A German one Italian; one Japanese AND ONE AMERICAN. fighter shot down his plane on August 27, 1943 Huh? "Bad Angel" shot down an American over Salerno, Italy. airplane? Captured by the Italians, he was sent to a POW camp near Rome. No doubt this is where he thought he would spend the remaining years of the war. It wasn't to be. A few days later, the Italians surrendered. Louis and a few other pilots escaped before the Nazis could take control of the camp.

One might think that such harrowing experiences would have taken the fight out of Louis, yet he volunteered for another combat tour. This time, Uncle Sam sent him to the Philippines where he Kill marks on "Bad Angel." June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 8

flew P-51 Mustangs. Japanese-held airfield on Bataan. He moved in to investigate. Much to his surprise the approaching Soon after arriving in the Pacific Theater, Louis plane was a Douglas C-47 transport with downed a Mitsubishi reconnaissance plane American markings. near Formosa. Now he was one of only three Americans to have kills against all three Axis He tried to make radio contact, but without Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan. success. He maneuvered his Mustang in front of the big transport several times trying to wave it off. The C-47 kept to its landing target.

Lt. Curdes read the daily newspaper accounts of the war, including the viciousness of the Japanese soldiers toward their captives. He knew that whoever was in that American C-47 would be, upon landing, either dead or wish they were. But what could he do?

Audaciously, he lined up his P-51 directly behind the transport, carefully sighted one of his .50 caliber machine guns and knocked out one of its two engines. Still the C-47 continued on toward the Batan airfield. Curdes shifted his aim slightly

and knocked out the remaining engine, leaving the Pilot Lt Louis Curdes in his P-51 Mustang "Bad baffled pilot no choice but to ditch in the ocean Angel." The big plane came down in one piece about 50 Up until this point, young Lt. Curdes combat yards from his bobbing wingman. At this point, career had been stellar. His story was about to take nightfall and low fuel forced Louis to return to a twist so bizarre that it seems like the fictional base. creation of a Hollywood screenwriter. The next morning, Louis flew cover for a rescuing While attacking the Japanese-held island of PBY that picked up the downed Mustang pilot and Bataan, one of Louis wingmen was shot down. The 12 passengers and crew, including two female pilot ditched in the ocean. Circling overhead, nurses, from the C-47. All survived. Louis could see that his wingman had survived, so he stayed in the area to guide a rescue plane and For shooting down an unarmed American protect the downed pilot. transport plane, Lt. Louis Curdes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thereafter, on the It wasn't long before he noticed another, larger fuselage of his P-51 "Bad Angel," he proudly airplane, wheels down, preparing to land at the displayed the symbols of his kills: seven German, one Italian, one Japanese and one American flag.

Follow up - After reading this article I figured that I had probably taken a photo of “Bad Angel” when I visited the Pima Air Museum in 2013. I was right. In addition to one that looks exactly like the first photo in this article, there was one of the right side as well. If you ever visit the museum, located across the highway from the “boneyard” at Davis- Monthan AFB, plan on spending the entire day exploring the acres of aircraft and taking the bus tour through the boneyard. You will be glad you did. FSK June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 9

Answer to What’s That?

The Vought V-173 Flying Pancake was an experimental aircraft designed by Vought engineer Charles H. Zimmerman. Zimmerman was noted for advocating the concept of “dicoidal” aircraft, also known as “Zimmerman’s Skimmers.” Built as a lightweight test model, it was powered by two 80 hp Continental A-80 engines. The prototype first flew on 23 November 1942. The aircraft's most significant problem concerned its complicated gearbox that routed power from the engines to its two long propeller shafts. The gearbox produced unacceptable amounts of vibration in ground testing, delaying the aircraft's first test flight for months. Over the next five years it flew more than 190 times, and then became part of the Smithsonian’s collection.

Where can I see one? Next time you are in Dallas, visit the Frontiers of Flight Museum. When I visited there in 2012 I learned that to celebrate the arrival of the ship to the museum, they held a …. wait for it … pancake breakfast.

The Flying Pancake led Vought to further develop the XF5U Flying Flapjack (I am not making this up) the only completed version of which was destroyed. Had Vought continued in the tradition of Grumman with its “cats,” could we perhaps have seen the Flying Griddle Cake, Flying Tortilla, or Flying Crêpe?

We Welcome A New PX Director

After ably serving for a number of years, Col Marsha Daly will be turning over the reins of the PX to Col JEB Harper

Joseph E.B. Harper (JEB) is a native of Savannah, Georgia with 18 years experience in non-profit, military history museum and political campaign management and operations.

Most recently, he spent 3 years at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum as Assistant Project Manager of the "City of Savannah" B-17G Flying Fortress Restoration. JEB is a Commercial Instrument rated airplane and turbine helicopter pilot and has almost completed his Multi-Engine and Flight Instructor ratings. He looks forward to working with the CAF Dixie Wing and the National Warbird community in preservation and development in addition to a successful career in commercial aviation."

Joseph E.B. Harper (JEB) (912) 398-8762 [email protected]

June 2016 2016 The The Dixie Dixie Dispatch Dispatch PagePage 10 10

SCENES FROM THE HANGAR Photos by Col Charles Burcher

Max Hodges cleans the Corsair engine in preparation for run up to check for oil leaks. We all know the Corsair!

Rik Carlson & Phil Watkiss work on the T-34 engine.

Mike Rettke, Joe Basilone & Charles Kennedy work on installing the engine on the SBD. June 2016 2016 The The Dixie Dixie Dispatch Dispatch PagePage 11 10

SCENES FROM THE HANGAR (Cont.) Photos by Col Charles Burcher

How many Cols does it take to change a T-34 engine?

SUCCESS! June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 12

Remember when …

Want to have a real blast at an airshow? The High Sky Wing/ Blastards have invited Dixie Wing members to participate with the pyro at the Robins Air Force Base Thunder Over Georgia Air Show on October 1 & 2.

The Dixie Wing will be bringing a 5-person team to help fuel the gas bags each day. We are looking for 10-12 volunteers from the Dixie Wing to help. The pyro field is a great place to watch the show! Dixie Wing aircraft will be performing at the show.

If interested or for more details contact Gena Linebarger directly: 432-528-0997 (cell) or [email protected]

1. The first aerial victory scored by 2. The first airplane to land on a 3. During WWII George Patton the Americans in the Korean War moving ship was made on the: often referred to General Omar was by a: Bradley when he wrote home to his A: USS Pennsylvania wife Beatrice. In those letters Patton A: F-51 Mustang B: USS Birmingham referred to Bradley as: B: F-82 Twin Mustang C: USS Langley C: F-86 Sabre D: HMS Furious A: “Gomer” D: F9F Panther E: IJN Hōshō B: “Brad” E: FJ1 Fury C: The “Soldiers General” D: “Omar the tent maker” E: “Stinky”

Find out the answers to this little trivia quiz on page 14.

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 13

The Dixie Wing and Atlanta Warbird Weekend to Host the AVG Flying Tigers 75th Anniversary

Atlanta Warbird Weekend will be held at the Dekalb- Peachtree Airport Sept. 24th-25th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For a complete schedule of activities, flight prices and reservations or to purchase tickets to “Dinner with the Flying Tigers,” sign up at: www.atlantawarbirdweekend.com

AND … For a unique opportunity, come participate in an exclusive Sunrise photoshoot hosted by the Commemorative Air Force - Dixie Wing. 3G Aviation Media instructors will be on site to assist in arranging the aircraft and setting up the photoshoot for the photographers in attendance. Price $49 per photographer. All proceeds go directly to the CAF-Dixie Wing.

http://www.dixiewing.org/845_Atlanta_Sunrise_Photoshoot.htm

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 14

Answers to TRIVIA TIME quiz:

1. The first aerial victory scored by the Americans in the Korean War was by a: B: F-82 Twin Mustang.

On 27 June 1950 Air Force pilots James W. Little and Charles B. Moran of the 68th Fighter Squadron engaged enemy aircraft north of Kimpo AFB, with each being credited with downing an enemy plane while flying their F-82 Twin Mustangs. Controversy surrounds exactly who was the first, such attribution going back and forth for a while. However, there is no doubt as to the type of plane.

Source: Victory Over Kimpo, Mustangs International, Summer, 2016

2. The first airplane to land on a moving ship was made on the: D: HMS Furious.

Although Eugene Ely made the first “carrier” landing on a ship on 18 January 1911, the USS Pennsylvania was anchored at the time at the San Francisco waterfront. On 2 August 1917, Squadron Commander E. H. Dunning, Royal Navy, landed his aircraft on HMS Furious in Scapa Flow, Orkney, becoming the first man to land a plane on a moving ship. He was killed 5 days later during another landing on Furious. An added note: After the Great war the Furious was rebuilt as a full-length flattop, and became the only aircraft carrier to serve in both world wars.

Source: The Tondern Raid, Aviation History, July 2016

3. During WWII George Patton often referred to General Omar Bradley as: D: “Omar the tent maker.”

It seemed that Patton had an approve/disapprove relationship with Bradley, with the “disapprove” feelings intensified when Bradley became his superior.

Source: The Patton Papers: 1940-1945: by Martin Blumenson.

DON’T FORGET … THIS SATURDAY

The Dixie Wing would like to recognize our hard working Dixie Wing members and their families who allow (or put up with) our obsession! Join us at the Dixie Wing on June 25th starting at 4pm and bring your families, children, grandchildren, etc. We will provide the meat and soft drinks - you bring a dish to pass and adult beverages should you choose. Tall tales and bad jokes are encouraged!

Jay Bess Wing Leader June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 15

Col Jiri Krystofek was born in 1933 in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

At the age of 17 Jiri escaped from Communist-held Prague, through Communist East Germany, into West Germany and freedom. Later, he made it to England. While living in England, Jiri tried to join the RAF, but they would not accept any foreign nationals in the British forces.

Jiri moved to Malaysia, then in 1960 to San Francisco, his first time in the U.S. He found employment with Pan American, using his multi-lingual talents to work in terminal sales and scheduling.

Col Don Burgess met Jiri in 1980 in NYC when Don worked for National Airlines, and Jiri was with Pan Am. Delta intervened, and they both moved to Atlanta and enjoyed their careers with Delta from 1991 until retirement.

Jiri joined the Wing in 2003 at the urging of his wife, Rosemarie. She had a similar experience as Jiri - Rosemarie escaped from East Germany at age 16.

Jiri passed away last fall at the age of 82. On Saturday, May 21st, Jiri’s ashes were scattered in the presence of some of the Dixie Wing Cols. Jiri would have been so pleased to see his family and many of his Wing buddies at the occasion. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Robert H. “Punchy” Powell, Jr., a WWII Veteran Fighter Pilot, loving husband, respected father, Atlanta He was the only son of Robert H. Powell and Gypsy R. businessman, and noted WWII historian and author, Powell. Bob was married to Betty Wiley Powell, of passed away June 22nd Thorpe, WV, who predeceased him. They were 2016, at the age of 95. married, for 70 wonderful years. He is survived by 3 Funeral arrangements children, Robert W. Powell (Nancy) of Atlanta, GA, are being handled by AS Linda Powell Catarino (Roger) of Columbia, SC and Turner Funeral Home. Betsy Powell Wall (Jimmy) of St. Simons Island, GA, 6 Honorary Pallbearers are grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and extended the Faith Class at Oak family and friends. We also want to acknowledge and Grove Methodist Church thank his wonderful caregivers. Bob was a member of and Silver Wings Oak Grove Methodist Church, 352nd Fighter Group Fraternity. Pallbearers Association, The Order of the Daedalians, Silver Wings are Robert McCreary, Fraternity, The Mighty 8th Air Force Historical Society- Gilly Smith, Steve Hicks, GA Chapter, WWII Round Table and the American Travis Reynolds, Ken Legion. He flew 87 missions in the P-47 Thunderbolt McCoy, Brent Bracewell, and P-51 Mustang in WWII. On D-Day, he flew 3 Punchy at 2014 Atlanta missions totaling 16 hours in his P-51 Mustang. Bob RJ Catarino, and Chris Warbird Weekend Wall. The family will separated from the USAF in 1954 at the rank of Captain. receive friends on He attended West Virginia University where he earned Saturday evening June 25th from 5pm-7pm at AS his BS in Journalism. He and his wife Betty moved to Turner Funeral Home. Military services will be held at 2 Atlanta in 1956, where he was an advertising sales o’clock PM in the Oak Grove Methodist Church executive. They resided in Atlanta for 59 years. Sanctuary. A reception will be held after the graveside service at the church Felloship Hall. Donations in lieu of flowers to The National Museum of the Might 8th Air Force, P. O Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402 or The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton MA 01061-0151.

Services will be held on Sunday, June 26th at 2 pm at Oak Grove Methodist Chuch. “Punchy” Powell, was born November 21, 1920, in Wilcoe, WV.

June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 16

On September 6, 1961, the CAF was chartered as a nonprofit Texas corporation to restore and preserve World War II-era combat aircraft. By the end of the year there were nine aircraft in the CAF fleet. The CAFactoid first CAF airshow was held on March 10, 1963.

News From Our Friends At Candler Field Museum

In a joint venture between the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and the Candler Field Museum, a will be restored to flying condition. The replica was built by Gordon and Kay Bainbridge in the 1960’s and flown at Old Rhinebeck until an unfortunate accident thirty years later.

Craftsmen at Candler Field will bring the Nieuport back to life. It will remain on display in Georgia for a period of three years before returning to Old Rhinebeck. It will be powered by the original LeRhone rotary engine. Anyone interested in assisting with the restoration should contact Brian Karli at the museum.

You can check on the progress on this restoration at: http://nieuportrestoration.blogspot.com

Take command and make that decision to get that article in for publication in the next Dixie Dispatch. The due date is always the 20th of the month. June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 17

ON THE HORIZON ......

Air Shows and Static Displays in 2016 (through August):

July 9 PT-26 Cornell & T-6 Texan, Cracker Fly-In, Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, Gainesville, GA

July 14 – 17 Red Nose static Display, Moton Field, AL (Tuskegee)

July 24 – 31 Red Nose Rides Days, EAA AirVenture, Fond du Lac Airport, WI

August 14 – 17 Red Nose static Display, Vermont

August 19 – 21 Red Nose static Display, Wiscasset Open House and Fly-In, Wiscasset Airport, Wiscasset, MA

August 26 – 28 Red Nose static Display, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, Mount Hope, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

August 30 – 31 Red Nose static Display, Rotary Charity Airshow, Brantford Municipal Airport, Brantford, Canada

Wing Meetings in 2016 through December:

July 9 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad – 10:30 am; Wing Mtg 1:00 pm August 6 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad – 10:30 am; Wing Mtg 1:00 pm September 10 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad – 10:30 am; Wing Mtg 1:00 pm October 1 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad – 10:30 am; Wing Mtg 1:00 pm November 5 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad – 10:30 am; Wing Mtg 1:00 pm December 3 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad – 10:30 am December 11 Dixie Wing Christmas Party

Other Events in 2016:

June 25 Dixie Wing Family Appreciation Cookout

July 16 *Living History: The Making of a Combat Pilot

August 20 *Living History: The Lost Squadron

October 15 *Living History: Fighter pilots Symposium

November 19 *Living History: What Makes Combat vets Different?

*Go to: http://dixiewing.org/693__Living_History_Day.htm for more information on the Living History program, including descriptions and registration information. June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 18

ON THE HORIZON (cont.) ......

September 24 – 25, 2016 Atlanta Warbird Weekend – Dekalb-Peachtree Airport, Atlanta, GA http://www.atlantawarbirdweekend.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/678366688918155

Meeting dates have been set for the Atlanta Warbird Weekend Planning Team:

July 16 @ 1:30pm after the Living History program August 20 @ 1:30pm after the Living History program September 3 @ 10:00 am September 17 @ 10:00 am

Colonels, the Dixie Wing has the opportunity to organize the largest gathering of P-40 Warhawks since the end of WWII. Between 10 and 12 airplanes and possibly more are scheduled to appear. In order to do so we have to raise a lot of money. If you can help with leads, please contact Col Mo Aguiari at [email protected]

DIXIE WING AT A GLANCE

Staff, Angel & Wing meetings

Living History: Combat Pilot / Atlanta WW meeting

Red Nose static display Moton Field AL

Dixie Dispatch Articles Due Red Nose Moton Field AL

Red Nose rides during EAA AirVenture – Fond Du Lac Airport, 260 S Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond Du Lac, WI

Red Nose at Fond Du Lac

For the complete online calendar click HERE: http://dixiewing.org/calendar.htm June 2016 The Dixie Dispatch Page 19

THE TAILPIECE A few closing remarks from your editor A few . Censorship In WWII

Most of us have read or heard about censorship in WWII, especially in the letters that were sent home from G.I.s. Typically, all letters home were reviewed by an officer who removed any mention of troop movements, the location of the letter writer, ship deployments, or other specific information that might be perceived as helpful to the enemy if the letter was intercepted.

Did you know that photographs were censored as well? Here we have a photograph that was taken in North Africa of my father proudly standing beside his own personal jeep as befitting a squadron engineering officer. Taken sometime during 1943, the white areas indicate where the censor has carefully cut rectangular holes in the photo to remove any distiguishable terrain in the background. If you look closely you will notice that holes were even cut where the rear window is located and where you can see terrain through the widshield on the driver’s side.

With letters, some men developed codes that went from crude to elaborate with their wives, sweethearts, or family before shipping out. A reference to “Aunt Matilda’s gout” might mean that he was headed to Alaska. A list of imaginary pet names might be linked with various ships or islands.

If you notice the “Termite” name on the Jeep, there was nothing secretive about that – that was the pet name he had for my older sister Marie, who was two years old at the time.

Left: Not being able to find a cartoon that dealt with the censorship of letters, I offer this substitution. R.I.P. Bill Mauldin.

“My kid. Five Days old. Good lookin’ huh?”