jcrossed
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Best of the 99th
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04/08/2008 01:12:00 PM
I'm working on a 4 foot X 6 foot poster for the Air Museum of Kentucky. I'm taking the 15th AAF Organizational Chart, blowing it up and adding color pictures of the most representative plane and person/crew. So, 1. Who is the most famous/recognized person of the 99th? 2. What is the most recognized/famous plane of the 99th? Examples: For my dad's group, the 97th B.G.: 1. Paul Tibbets, Jr. 2. The "All American" For the 332 F.G. (Redtails): 1. Benjamin O. Davis 2. "By Request"
<message edited by jcrossed on 04/08/2008 01:16:25 PM >
John _________________________________________ Son of Herman E. "Ed" Croft, T/Sgt. Flt. Engineer of Nick Kantar crew # 90 342nd Sqdn., 97th BG (H) Amendola Airfield Foggia, Italy 9 Oct. ’44 - May 25, ‘45
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john.wingfield
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RE: Best of the 99th
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04/09/2008 07:49:22 PM
Based on all that I have read here and in "The Diamondbacks" I would venture to say that among all the most recognized / famous person would be COL Upgrove (99th BG Commander)
Among the aircraft I would venture to say that "Sweater Girl" is among the most recognized / famous of the 99ths bombers. Even though my father never flew on her, he was photographed by her nose at the completion of his 50th mission.
But, I am just a decendant of the heroes of the 99th, so what do I really know.
John W. Wingfield, Jr. U.S. Army Aviation (1990 - Present) (AH-1 and AH-64) Son of S/SGT John W. Wingfield 15th AF, 99th BG, 416th SQ (Oct 43-May 44)
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jhor9
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RE: Best of the 99th
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04/17/2008 02:44:06 PM
1. I would agree with the choice of Col Upthegrove. He was the first C.O., it was his insistance on tight formations that minimized losses
2. ?????
Jules Horowitz, B-17 pilot, 99th BG, 50 missions/sorties My tour was from 7/19/43-2/13/44
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jpeters140
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RE: Best of the 99th
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04/17/2008 05:58:50 PM
John..In addition to Sweater Girl, Second Patches is another aircraft that is recognized...if I am not mistaken, there was/is a model B17 kit that can be made to resemble Second Patches. Sweater Girl is unique in that the vertical stabilizer is also used as tail art. Jim :-)
<message edited by jpeters140 on 04/19/2008 10:41:09 AM >
James S. Peters Sr. T/Sgt B-17 Flt Engr, 27 missions 99 BG, 348BS, 5th Wing, 15th AAF Tortorella, (Foggia#2), Italy My Tour was from 12/03/44-06/19/45 M/Sgt USAF (Retired)
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martyjhawk
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RE: Best of the 99th
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04/19/2008 09:00:52 AM
As another descendent and not an original group member, I would agree with Col. Upthegrove, and I also like the suggestion of Sweater Girl.
Sweater Girl was an original group plane that stayed with the 99th to the end of the war. According to Drain's book, the plane flew 111 missions, all with the 99th, and then was kept as a weather aircraft until the end of the war.
Marty
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jcrossed
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RE: Best of the 99th
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04/23/2008 08:31:30 AM
Thanks guys, and thanks for the added perspectives Jim & Marty!
John _________________________________________ Son of Herman E. "Ed" Croft, T/Sgt. Flt. Engineer of Nick Kantar crew # 90 342nd Sqdn., 97th BG (H) Amendola Airfield Foggia, Italy 9 Oct. ’44 - May 25, ‘45
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sandruckd
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RE: Best of the 99th
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04/23/2008 11:51:50 AM
How about Ford Lauer?
Dave Sandruck, USAF Ret Nephew of Irvin Wentz, KIA 9 Dec 1944 99 BG, 347 BS Tortorella (Foggia), Italy
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