The Eagle’s Scream Commemorative Air Force Florida Wing Volume 6 No 2 Fall 2012

Wing Officers Our Wing Commander, Col Chuck Downey Wing Leader: Colonel Chuck Downey 815-218-2161 is Guest Speaker at Clear Lake Lions Club Transcribed from an article in the Executive Officer: (Clear Lake, IA) Aug. 22, 2012. Colonel Stan Mitchell 386-873-4108 Mirror Reporter,

Adjutant: Colonel Ann Conway 386-673-5742 Members of the Clear Lake Noon Lions Club were treated to a historical program presented by a true Operations Officer: Colonel Steve Moddle 386-760-0797 American hero last week.

Finance Officer: Captain Charles Stanley Downey has the distinction of Colonel Woodie Sprouse 206-708-9664 being the youngest pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II. At age 89, Downey recalls his service days Maintenance Officer: with vivid detail and says he enjoys sharing his exploits Colonel Steve Moddle 386-760-0797 with not only those who remember the war, but those who were too young to experience its effects. Safety Officer: Colonel Frank Purcell 386-428-4678 Downey, who was raised on the East Coast, said he was fascinated by airplanes Air Show Coordinator: from an early age. He had wanted to drop out of high school and get in the war, Colonel Dick Russell 386-760-6188 but his father wouldn’t allow it. He was enthralled, he says, by stories about the young pilots flying for their country in the . He tried to enlist just Eagle’s Scream Editor: after high school graduation, but was told to wait until fall when he turned 18. Colonel Jim Bannerman 386-257-3853 “I enlisted as soon as I was 18, with the idea of being a mechanic on an aircraft PX Officer carrier. But the Navy thought I should be an aviation cadet. I probably wasn’t Vacant the best pilot in the class but I passed and went into training for becoming a Recruiting Officer: dive flying off aircraft carriers. We would dive down and destroy ships Colonel Stan Mitchell 386-873-4108 and land targets,” He explained.

Downey regaled the group with his tales of war, telling about the time he was in the Pacific aboard the Carrier USS Ticonderoga, got hit by two Japanese The Eagle’s Scream is the official pub- suicide pilots in one day and transferred to the USS Hancock. He went on 17 lication of the Florida Wing of the Com- strikes against the enemy, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa. memorative Air Force and is published and distributed electronically four times In 1944 Captain Downey was credited (along with another bomber aircraft) with per year. To be placed on the email dis- sinking a Japanese light cruiser in the Philippines, for which he was decorated tribution list contact the Adjutant (386- with the Distinguished Flying Cross. 637-5742). For comments or submissions contact the Editor (JimmyBannerman@ “You train for those kinds of strikes, but you’re nervous,” Downey admitted. cfl.rr.com) or (386-257-3853) “You were supposed to let the bombs go at 1,200 to 1,500 feet, but one time I contined on page 2 1 Col. Downey Speaks continued Becoming a Florida Wing went down to 800 feet because I didn’t want to miss. Well, L-17 Sponsor the enemy hit me about the same time I released by bomb. It was like the world blew up in my face. I pulled the plane out. It was smoking but still running. It was a long and CAF Sponsorship Concept lonely ride back to the ship, almost two hours. I didn’t know how much oil I’d lost and I was losing more all the way The initial goal of the CAF was to acquire one of each back.” major type of combat aircraft that served with U.S. forces during World War II. To fund this goal, the CAF relied Downey said the following day five pieces of Japanese heavily on its Aircraft Sponsorship Program. Monies ship decking were found in his engine. donated by many individuals went towards locating, purchasing, restoring and maintaining the current fleet of He shared a recently discovered photo with the Lions CAF aircraft in a flying status. which shows a Japanese cruiser being salvaged. Downey pointed to its crumpled stacks and proudly proclaimed that The CAF Sponsorship concept is a group of men and was proof of his successful strike. women who have a common interest in sharing in the cost of maintaining and flying a particular CAF aircraft. To Captain Downey went on to serve 33 years in Naval the Florida Wing as a Unit Assignment, the CAF placed Aviation Service as a reserve and in 1964 at the age of the Ryan L-17B aircraft, known as “Allie Gator”. The 39 was promoted to the rank of Captain, making him the entire responsibility for the safe operation, maintenance youngest such Officer at the time. He said he rejected the and financial support of the aircraft has been handed idea of becoming an airplane pilot because he felt he had to the Unit Staff. The “Allie” Sponsor Program makes it already done the most exciting flying possible. possible for the CAF-Florida Wing members who cannot afford to individually own and operate a military aircraft to “In the Navy Reserves, I flew jet fighters. I’ve flown over enjoy this unique opportunity by sharing expenses with 40 different planes, about half civilian and half military,” he other like-minded CAFFL members. said. Aircraft and Pilot Sponsorships Instead, he went back to school and became an engineer. Eventually he went to work for American Airlines as an industrial engineer. His involvement with aviation also included becoming vice president of Commuter Airlines in Chicago, working for Butler Aviation and helping to set up Midway Airlines in Chicago.

Among the many honors he has received, Downey says a hand-written note from former President George H. W. The CAF Florida Wing currently offers L-17B Aircraft and Bush is among his favorites. Bush, 18-years-old when he Pilot Sponsorships. Sponsor donations are tax deductible began to serve, was once credited with being the youngest and made directly to the CAF HQ, not the Florida Wing. Navy pilot in World War II. Actually, Downey was about six These funds go directly into our L-17B’s individual aircraft weeks younger. “I received a letter saying ‘I salute you as account for the maintenance and support of “Allie”. the youngest Navy aviator’. That was really something.” Prior to being designated a Pilot Sponsor, the sponsoring candidate must meet all the requirements outlined in ********************** various CAF Regulations. Once the Pilot Sponsor is approved for flying the L-17B by CAF Headquarters, he or she is expected to play an active part in assisting the Wing meet its responsibilities for maintaining, operating and funding the aircraft.

Pilot Sponsor Requirements

Our L-17B is classified by the CAF as a Basic Trainer— below 600 HP. Pilots must therefore possess a valid FAA Private Pilot’s license, along with a current Class 3 Medical Certificate, Biennial Flight Review and Cadet Matt Colan gets an orientation flight in Col. Bannerman’s J3 Cub Continued on page 3 2 Pilot Sponcer continued Executive Officer’s Report

Complex Aircraft Endorsement. The minimum flight time By Stanley R. Mitchell, PhD requirements for applying to be an L-17B Pilot Sponsor are 300 hours total time as Pilot-in-Command, 10 hours of The summer of 2012 in Florida has been challenging to which must have been in the last 12 months. say the least. Even though we have not been buffered by a hurricane (knock on wood), a couple of tropical storms have deposited a lot of water on the state. However, when the daily high temperature and humidity were combined, the Discomfort Index was on the high side. But considering other regions of this nation, we’ll take what we got.

Also, the summer ended on the Blue Moon. The evening skies were basically clear with a minimum cloud cover. The view of the globe in the sky was remarkable. By the way, the first human to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Florida Wing aircraft and operations are covered by a was buried on the Day of the Blue Moon. What were you series of insurance policies provided by CAF HQ. These doing in July1969 when the Lunar Lander set down on the include Airport Liability, Aircraft Liability & Hull Insurance, moon? Air Meet Liability insurance, Directors and Officers Insurance and Pilot Non-owner Hull Insurance. A Pilot Sponsor is required to obtain and maintain hull coverage Airshow Schedules under the CAF’s Pilot Non-owner Hull Insurance policy. The policy period is annual and runs from March 1 to The regional air show season for the Florida Wing begins March 1 of each year. It should be noted that the CAF’s in November 9 – 11, 2012. The Stuart Airshow committee Pilot Non-owner Hull coverage is only for physical damage has invited the Florida Wing to participate. We have which occurs through a pilot’s negligence and not any due accepted and are planning to take the PX trailer, the Navion to any mechanical failures. Since the aircraft is assigned L-17 “Allie” and the A-M Dog Tag machine to the weekend to the Florida Wing, any repair costs to our L-17B caused event at Stuart, FL. Based on previous Stuart Air Shows, by mechanical failures are the responsibility of the CAFFL. the event is well attended by the public and exceptional acts are scheduled. Come and join the PX staff and enjoy Additional Information and Inquiries selling (and educating the younger generation) aviation memorabilia, dog tags, and photo opportunities in the cockpit of the USAF L-17. Questions concerning the Pilot Sponsor Program procedures and policies should be addressed to the Wing Operations Officer, CAF-Florida Wing, P. O. Box 1944, Patriotic Day Visit DeLand, FL 32720 or email to [email protected]. Col. Ann Conway reported on the candidacy of the City of DeLand FL in a contest to be the most Patriotic Small Town *************************** in the US. Her report is presented here. First, before I get to next Saturday, let me report that DeLand was not chosen the “Most Patriotic Small Town in America” by Rand McNally. It was announced just recently that Gainesville, TX won that honor and I am sure deservedly so, but I am also sure that DeLand’s chances would have been far better had it not been for Tropical Storm Debbie. She was covering central Florida with wind and rain the weekend the judges were here (June 23, 24) and all outdoor activities planned by DeLand had to be canceled including a fly over by Colonel Russell’s Retro Group on Saturday afternoon. We were alerted at the Staff Meeting on Thursday June 21 that the Rand McNally judges might possibly visit the hangar on Sunday and the visit was confirmed on Saturday. They came, they saw and I believe were impressed with our hangar/library/museum. It was such a shame for DeLand that the weather was so miserable on that important weekend. Cadet Katie Parill mans (or should I say girls) Continued on page 4 the TBM ball turret 3 5th Year Anniversary Col. Woodie Spouse The 5th Anniversary of the dedication of the Florida Wing’s hangar and the establishment of the Bob Robbins Memorial olonel H. G. “Woodie” Sprouse retired from the Museum and Library passed quietly due to our involvement CNavy in 1991 after 34 years of active service in all of the airshows in which we had scheduled to to this country. As a Navy Captain, Woodie was an participate. The event had occurred on March 31, 2007. “aircraft carrier driver” (USS Lexington) and Chief Since the opening, the Wing has had a steady stream of of Staff of the 6th Fleet. He has a commercial pilot’s visitors to view the exhibits and peruse the volumes of historical books, tapes and personal artifacts. If any of the license and 5,500+ hours in Navy jets. Woodie Wing’s Colonels and Cadets would like to be docents for joined the Florida Wing in November of last year the Museum, please contact the Adjutant, Col. Ann Conway. and was immediately pressed into service as Wing

Staff Officer Elections second vocation as a bank president in the small skiFinance community Officer ofas Crested he had Butte,recently Colorado. retired from Woodie his September is the time of the year to begin the recruitment of and his wife Carol are now in their “forever” home candidates for Staff Officer positions. Col Dick Russell has volunteered to head the Nomination Committee and would in DeLand. be open to suggestions for candidates. The positions that will be open for two-year terms (2013 – 2015) are Wing Leader, Woodie Sprouse: The Hairiest Adjutant, Maintenance Officer and Safety Officer. The term of the offices begins January 1, 2013. Please contact Dick Thing I’ve Ever Done Russell at [email protected] to place you name on the list of candidates. For a description of the requirements and responsibilities, please see the CAF Policy Manual in As told by Arthur Padios (2002) the Hangar or at the www.cafhq.org website under member services. Heywood “Woodie” Sprouse and I were flight students together from the start of Pre-flight at Pensacola in L-17 Updates 1960 until the day we both got our wings in August 1961 at NAS Kingsville, TX. Woodie went on to serve “Allie” is in the process of some upgrades to the aircraft. with distinction and completed a very successful career The tasks to be performed are new carpeting on the floor, as a Naval Aviator achieving the rank of Navy Captain new shoulder harnesses and upholstery on the front seats and capturing what will probably become the all time and instrument upgrades. When complete, Allie should carrier arrestment record by one aviator because of have a new look for air shows and the Pilot Sponsorship the reduced flight time now being suffered by Naval Program described elsewhere in this issue. Aviators. Odds and Ends

In this issue, the PX has presented an opportunity to purchase your favor baseball caps with a limited number of embroidered insignias. Plan to order one of them before the supply is exhausted. If you interested in other items, please inquire at (386) 337-4499.

Florida is planning many activities for 2013. It is the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by Ponce Deleon. The State is planning many activities to entertain its residents and visitors. For more information, see www.spain-florida. org. Maybe the Fountain of Youth can be found by some lucky person or everyone will have a good time discovering the benefits of visiting Florida.

The Bob Robbins Memorial Museum and Library is open A4C Skyhawk 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Come and visit. Continued on page 5

4 Woody Sprouse Story Cont. pre-designated radar-located Initial Point (IP) over the Okeefenokee Swamp at 1,500 feet altitude where Woody and I had not seen each other from the time we each Skyhawk would individually detach from the A3D got our wings until we happen to bump into each other and proceed on the attack heading to the designated at Naha, Okinawa in the Fall/Winter 1964. Woodie was target. flying the A3D Skywarrior off the USS Hancock, one of the few remaining 27 Charlie (Essex Class) carriers After leaving the A3D, the A4Cs were supposed to still operational existence at the time. With a “center- stay on the run-in heading provided by the mother- line” arrestment aboard the Hancock, there was 12 plane, time their arrival over the target, accelerate to feet wing-tip clearance between the aircraft and the 500 knots, and descend to 500 feet AGL. Using their island of the carrier. That would be hairy enough for radar altimeters for the run-in at the target. Since it the average aviator during the daytime; I shudder to was being done at night, the only way for Woodie to think what night traps must have been like-or single successfully strike the target was to fly directly over engine landings. Also there were no ejection seats in it and perform an “Over-the Shoulder” delivery. In the A3D. Bailouts were accomplished by sliding down the A4C, this is done by pulling at four Gs into the a chute behind the crew seats. So the reader may first half of a loop, matching the G program provided infer, a crash on the deck of the aircraft carrier meant by the Low Altitude Bombing System (LABS). At the crew had to manually egress from the aircraft-no approximately 120 degrees of climb of 200 knots air ejection for these guys. The pilots and crews who speed, the 2,000-pound water-sand-filled bomb is flew these aircraft off carriers must have had the balls released from the aircraft. Released is a euphemistic the size of helmet bags. Anyway, after we got back term; the bomb rack ignites an exploding cartridge together in Naha, Woodie related the following story that literally “kicks’ the bomb away from the aircraft. to me. As you might imagine, it takes a strong charge to kick 2,000 pounds safely away from an 18,000-pound aircraft traveling upside down at 200 knots. When it happens, because the A4 is only traveling at 200 knots-slow for a jet aircraft, the whole aircraft goes into a “shudder” when the bomb is ejected, approaching the stall-in fact it almost stalls. This is compounded by being upside down (inverted) at the top of loop at about 7,000 feet altitude. In Woodie’s case it was doubly compounded because it was dark outside, denying him any visual reference and requiring he complete the entire maneuver flying his instruments. After the bomb is released, the procedure is to complete a ½ Cuban 8 by remaining inverted until the nose comes 30 degrees below the horizon, then A3D Skywarrior rolling upright while still descending to 500 feet, and accelerating away from the “atomic blast” as fast as After we got our wings, at the start of his flying career in the aircraft will fly. the fleet, Woodie was assigned to fly the same aircraft I was flying, the A4C Skyhawk aboard a carrier. As Upon completing this hair-raising stunt, Woodie flew part of the Navy training evolution, Skyhawk drivers on back to the carrier where he made a successful who were Special Weapons Qualified were required to arrestment. When he returned to his Squadron make night attacks on special weapons targets. Woody Ready Room; many of pilots who had already flown was on a carrier back then operating off the coast of this type flight asked Woodie how it went. Woodie Jacksonville, FL where the targets were located. After replied, “That’s the hairiest thing I’ve ever done it my many of the squadron pilots completed this particular life.” To which they replied as one man, “You mean night training mission, Woodie’s turn came up one you really did it?” Woodie sheepishly confessed dark and moonless night. The plan called for three or that he felt rather foolish when he learned the other four Skyhawks to take off from the carrier loaded with pilots, after leaving the A3D, were making the run-in a single 2,000-pound water-sand-filled practice bomb on the target level at 1,500 feet and “punching” the each, simulating a real nuclear weapon. After they bomb off the aircraft while flying straight and level at were airborne, the A4s were to join up on a single A3D 300 feet. Skywarrior who would then take them individually to 5 The Florida Wing’s Dog Tag machines are electronically-operated and have the greatest embossing speed. Selecting and embossing characters Machine is done by simply pressing a key on a standard typewriter style of a keyboard. A safety device prevents the pressing of more than one key at a time. In this series of machines, History of the Military Dog Tag two were available, namely the 6340 and 6380. The Wing owns a Model 6341 and a 6381. Many times A-M would The Civil War provided the first recorded incident of not put the machine together until the order was placed. American soldiers making an effort to ensure that their It would be configured for a specific application before it identities would be known should they die on the battlefield. was shipped from the factory. Besides just making military Their methods were varied, and all were taken on a soldier’s identification tags, some users may have been making data own initiative. In 1863, prior to the battle of Mine’s Run in plates for electric motors where the plate may have been 6” northern Virginia, Gen. Meade’s troops wrote their names x 4” in size. and unit designations on paper tags and pinned them to their clothing. Many soldiers took great care to mark all Col. Frank Purcell took on the task of cleaning out the their personal belongings. Some troops fashioned their dirt and dust, making minor repairs and adjustments and own “ID” tags out of pieces of wood, boring a hole in one mounting and securing it to a platform with wheels. The end so that they could be worn on a string around the neck. Wing has taken it to several regional airshows in the PX trailer. Its popularity was so great that people had stood The first official advocacy of issuing identification tags in line for as long an hour waiting for a pair of dog tags. took place in 1899. Chaplain Charles C. Pierce, who The machine awaits its first trip of the season to the Stuart was tasked to establish the Quartermaster Office of Airshow on November 9 – 11. Identification in the Philippines, recommended inclusion of an “identity disc” in the combat field kit as the answer to the need for standard identification. The Army Regulations of 1913 made identification tags mandatory, and by 1917, all combat soldiers wore aluminum discs on chains around their necks.

By World War II, the circular disc was replaced by the oblong shape familiar to us today, generally referred to a “dog tags”. The U. S. Military required the wearing of two tags at all times by soldiers in the field. The tags contained identical information. One is worn on a long chain around the neck; the second on a much smaller chain attached to the first chain. In the event the wearer is killed, the second tag is collected, and the first remains with the body. Alternately, some units allow or require each member to wear one laced into their boot in lieu of the second around the neck.

Some myths have arisen in connection with the purpose of the identification tags. One of the more common myths involves the reason for the notch on the tag issued between 1941 and the early 1970’s. The battlefield rumor held that Wing Member Birthdays the notched end of the tag was placed between the front teeth of battlefield casualties to hold the jaws in place. No official record of American soldiers being issued these Don Hollinsworth Sept. 15 instructions exists; the only purpose of “the notch” was Lee Chalifour Sept. 29 to hold the blank tag in place on the embossing machine. The machine used at this time doesn’t require a notch to hold the blank in place; hence, today’s tags are smooth on Tim Sokolowski Oct. 2 all sides. Ken Brownell Oct. 3 George Lodge Oct. 5 Florida Wing’s Dog Tag Machine Joe Maiz Oct. 5 Al Shirley Oct. 8 In 2011, the Florida Wing purchased two Addressograph- Bob Ahrens Oct. 13 Multigraph Corporation 6300 series electric dog tag Fred Telling Oct. 21 machines. The main features of the 6300 series 6 Jerrid Stottemyer Update another CAF unit here, the Old Dominion Squadron, Jerrid was a cadet in our Florida Wing while a student at ERAU. butI will I haven’tbe here hadfor atthe least opportunity the next 3to years. swing There by and is Upon graduation he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and entered flight school check out their operation yet, though I hope to soon.

************************** Iupdate. Since then I have completed Rotary t has been quite a while since my last flight school The Florida Wing Colonels “Knighthawk”Advanced flight in training the Helicopter in HELTRARON Sea Combat 8. I Winged (HSC) on April 13 and was selected to fly the MH-60S Ahrens Robert W. Baker George H. monthcommunity later. onI am the now East stationed coast. I alsoin Norfolk, promoted VA toin Bannerman James W. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, or LTJG (O-2), about a Barnhart Grace Brown William J. HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”. I will spend about 6 months Brownell Ken Campbell William E. in HSC-2, which is the Fleet Replacement Squadron Cary Ted andon the learn East a coastfew of for the the missions MH-60S. of While the aircraftI’m here like I’ll Chalifour Mary Lee learn everything there is to know about the MH-60S Chalifour Lee H. as we call it, is a very capable helicopter that can Conway Chip Search and Rescue and Strike Warfare. The “Sierra,” Conway Patsy Ann Crawford J. Anthony of roles. It’s primary missions include Vertical Downey Chuck perform a variety of missions and fulfills a variety Foley Patrick J. Forsythe Lance Replenishment (VERTREP), Search and Rescue Gidick Gary Lee (SAR), Surface Warfare, Anti-piracy, MEDEVAC and Gidick Ward Harriman Arthur J. CASEVAC. The Sierra is also the go to aircraft for Harrison Albert V. Special Operations missions, like SEAL Delivery. Hollinsworth Don When I finish FRS I will proceed to my fleet squadron Jacobs Peter J. Leone David Leone Earl Maiz Joe Mitchell Stanley R. Moddle Stephen S. Montague Alexis Montgomery James E. Mooney Richard D. Patstone Arthur Perry Art Prestopino John Purcell Frank. Russell Richard D. expeditionary squadron which means they deploy Russell Richard E. Shirley Alick onwhich small will ships be HSC-22 like DDGs “Sea and Knights.” CGs, rather HSC-22 than is onan Sokolowski Tim Sprouse Woodie tactical of the expeditionary HSC squadrons with a Stewart Ken greateran aircraft focus carrier. on the Thecombat Sea missions Knights areof the the Sierra. more Stottlemyre Jerrid I’ve settled in pretty nicely in the Norfolk community. Strickland David C. Telling Frederick W. I bought a house close to base and to the beach Yelvington Conrad F. complete with a guest room if any of my comrades

in the CAF get lost enough to find their way up here. 7 Macchi C.205 Veltro Three Veltros survive today, one of which was restored The Macchi C.205 (also known as MC.205, “MC” standing to flying conditions and participated in numerous aerial for “Macchi Castoldi”) Veltro (Italian: Greyhound) was an displays until the end of 1986. One, MM.91898 (bearing Italian World War II fighter aircraft built by the Aeronautica the registration MM 9372), is on display at the National Macchi. Along with the Reffiane Re.2005 and Fiat G.55, the Museum of Science and Technology in . Another two Macchi C.205 was one of the three “Serie 5” Italian fighters are on display at the Museo storio dell’Aeonnautica Militare build around the powerful Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. in Vigna di Valle.

In 1941, seeking to further improve the performance of the Note: Although considered a major power, the Italian C.202 fighter, theRegia Aeronautica decided to license-build industrial sector was relatively week compared to other the German DB605 1,475 hp liquid-cooled, supercharged, European major powers. Italian industry did not equal inverted V-12 engine in . The C.205V Veltro first flew on more than 15% of that of France or Britain in militarily 19 April 1942 as a single-seat, all-metal, monoplane fighter, critical areas such as automobile production: the number intended primarily as an interceptor but with ground attack of automobiles in Italy before the war ranged at ca. 372,000 and escort capabilities. in comparison to ca. 2,500,000 in Britain and France. Italy still had a predominantly agricultural-based economy, with The long nose housed the DB605 engine which drove a demographics more akin to a developing country (high three-blade, constant-speed metal propeller, with main illiteracy, poverty, rapid population growth and a high fuel tank situated between the engine and the cockpit. proportion of adolescents) and a proportion of GNP derived The radiator was located under the center section of the from industry less that that of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and fuselage beneath the cockpit while the short rear section Sweden. housed the radio equipment, oxygen cylinder and a 20 US gal reserve fuel tank. The wings were made of light In terms of strategic materials, in 1940, Italy produced 4.4 aluminum alloys and steel, having two spars and three Mt of coal, 0.01 Mt of crude oil, 1.2 Mt of iron ore and 1.2 sections, housing two additional fuel tanks, and the fully Mt of steel. By comparison, Great Britain produced 224.3 retractable wide-set main undercarriage gear. Apart from Mt of coal, 11.9 Mt of crude oil, 17.7 Mt of iron ore and 13.0 the all-metal flaps in the inner wing, all the other control Mt of steel and Germany produced 364.8 Mt of coal, 8.0 surfaces were metal-framed and fabric-framed covered. Mt of crude oil, 29.5 Mt of iron ore and 21.5 Mt of steel, Veltro had self-sealing fuel tanks, an armored seat, and respectively. armored windscreen as standard. Originally, the Veltros had “tropical” pattern camouflage, with a sand brown base Most of the raw material needs could be fulfilled only coat and irregular black-green lines all over their surface. through importation, and no effort was made to stockpile Those in service with Aeronautica Nationale Repubblica key materials before the entry into war. Also, Approximately ( Air Force—after the Armistice) were one quarter of Italy’s merchant fleet were located at foreign painted an overall dark green (nearly black), while others ports and, given no forewarning of Mussolini’s rash decision adapted a variation of the “tropical” pattern. to enter the war, were immediately impounded.

With a top speed of some 400 mph and equipped with a pair of 20 mm cannon as well as 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, the Macchi C.205 Veltro was highly respected by Allied and Luftwaffe pilots alike. Regarded as the best Italian aircraft of World War II, in action it proved to be extremely effective, destroying a large number of Allied and capable of successfully clashing on equal terms with such renowned fighters as the North American P-51D Mustang, a capability which encouraged the Luftwaffe to use a number of these aircraft to equip one Gruppe.

But, although the C.205 was able to match the best Allied opponents in speed and maneuverability, it was introduced late in the conflict. Moreover, due to the poor Italian industrial capability of the time, only a small production run was delivered before the end of the war. Like the Spitfire, the Veltro was tricky (in its construction) and thus slow to build. Italy’s highest scoring ace, , achieved 11 of his 26 credited victories in the few weeks he was able to fly theVeltro , with the top scoring 205 Sergente Maggiore pilota shooting down 14 enemy aircraft plus six damaged with the C.205. 8 PX Sales

Embroidered Hats. Quality stitching. One Size fits all with adjustable Velcro strap.

Aviation Hats and Golf Visor Aircraft Color Price, ea* F4U Corsair Tan $16.00 TBM Avenger Navy Blue $16.00 B-17 Flying Fortress Black $16.00 P-38 Lightning Tan $16.00 P-51 Mustang Tan $16.00 CAF-Golf visor Tan $8.00 *Includes Florida Sales Tax. Shipping & handling $5.95 per order.

To order, send money or check to: PX Officer CAF-Florida Wing P. O. Box 1944 DeLand, FL 32720

Expect delivery in 2 – 3 weeks.

The CAF-Florida Wing PX carries a large inventory of warbird t-shirts and numerous aviation related pins and patches. Please inquire at: www. [email protected].

9 Colonel Woodie Sprouse made the following report by telephone:: COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE FLORIDA WING STAFF MEETING SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 has refrainedTBM salefrom – offering Colonel itFoley to a brokeris working or other with Warbirda private A regular meeting of the MUnit I N Staff U T E of S the Florida Wing, party who may be interested in purchasing the TBM. He party. As an aside, I noted that the Heritage of Flight museum collectors until he receives a firm reply from the private 21,Commemorative 2012 in the CAF Air Florida Force, was Wing called hangar, to order 1570 byOld Executive NDB went ahead and made an overture to their curator but was Officer Colonel Stan Mitchell at1100 hours on Saturday, July here in Washington did not have a TBM in their collection. I offers in the past and was not interested in purchasing a Road, DeLand Municipal Airport, DeLand, Florida. Colonels informed that Mr. Paul Allen has repeatedly declined TBM quorum.Downey (by telephone), Mitchell, Sprouse (by telephone), Conway, Moddle and Purcell were present constituting a TBM. engine sale and donation of funds I can report that the Low Jet engine swap and sale – As a recap on the jet wereMINUTES approved as distributed. Minutes of the Staff Meeting held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 Time (good) engines are still installed in the aircraft and have not been replaced with the High Time (not so good) engines. The reason for the delay is two-fold: the engine FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT sincebroker we is dowaiting not have to find the acapital buyer tofor purchase both of the the good not so engines good 29,Colonel 2012. Woodie He reviewed Sprouse, the Finance items inOfficer, the report distributed and answered copies before purchasing the not so good engines. This is necessary questions.by email of Athe copy financial of the reportsreport is for attached the period to and ending made June a trips to Vermont which we are trying to avoid, as well as purchasingengines in advance. and installing There the are engine the expenses accessories of making that may two the hangar for inspection by interested members. be required prior to selling the engines. All in all there are part of these minutes. All financial records are available at several moving parts to this operation that just take time to line up. Colonel Ann Conway, Adjutant, reported we have 43 Colonels WING LEADER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS andMEMBERSHIP 2 Cadets on the roster. 1. NEXT REGULAR STAFF MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012 AT 1100 HOURS AT THE CAF HANGAR, 1570 OLD NDB ROAD, DELAND MUNICIPAL meeting.OFFICER REPORTSHe did advise that we have received information on AIRPORT, FL. theColonel Stuart Mitchell air show dispensed November with 9, Officer10 and Reports 11. We havefor this been

Staff, the meeting was adjourned at 1120 hours. earliest.asked to confirmWe have with also Mikebeen Moonadvised that that we Vero will Beachbe there will with hold There being no further business to come before the Unit the PX and “Allie”. He will confirm this with Mr. Moon at the know yet the fate of the Vero Beach Aviation Day (1 day) whicha full fledged is usually air heldshow in (like February. three days) in 2013. We don’t The Florida Wing CAF is located in the East complex of the Deland Airport off complete. Colonel Mitchell reported that 98% of the PX inventory is of Marsh Road meeting,UNFINISHED however BUSINESS a few changes had been made since that Our mailing address is: The L-17 Sponsorship Program was adopted at the last P.O. Box 1944, Deland, FL 32721 allmeeting members and ofColonel the Staff Mitchell prior advisedto the meeting. we should Colonel ratify Chuck the changes at this meeting. The updated draft had been sent to Our web site is: WWW.CAFFL.org Downey moved, seconded by Colonel Steve Moddle, that the madeupdated a part draft of of these the L-17minutes. Sponsorship Program be adopted. Motion passed unanimously. An copy is attached to and We meet at the Hangar on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 0900 to 1300 hrs.

Lunch is served at noon on Saturdays 10