Info re: Sam Houston - 4th FS, 52 FG

     I am new to this Forum, but am very impressed with the amount of effort all members give to each other.  My father-in-law was Maj William (Sam) Houston, in the 4th FS, 52nd FG.  He stayed in the USAF following the war, and later died in a plane crash (Allegedly a T-33 crash / off Oahu/Hickam) in 1960.  USAF said it was a 'training accident', but we have recently learned he may have been shot down by Russians during height of Cold War (3 weeks following Gary Powers downed U-2). He was a Col - Chief of Operations, flying with his Chief of Staff, a Major, at time of crash, in a trainer, during fair weather, etc, etc - so we were told) (Still trying to get info on that, but that is a different story).
     *However, this inquiry is about his WWII experience, and I am interested in locating any photographs of his Spitfire or Mustang ("Hazel") to give to my daughter expecting her first child next week (baby also named Hazel; Sam's great granddaughter).  Any help with photos would be greatly appreciated.  Also, anyone with a remembrance of Sam, and info available would be exciting news.  Thanks and all you vets are heros.  Jeff
ps  -  My dad flew with Claire Chenault's group in China (P40s), and he was my greatest hero.

John
Thanks for the quick reply and help.  I have "Spitfires And Yellow Tail Mustangs" and found it fascinating.  When  my wife saw her dad's picture in there, several times, she started crying since she hadn't seen him since his crash in 1960 (she was 6 yrs old).  You have already answered one question I had ;  why the book showed 'Hazel' as being piloted by a different FO? (since Maj Houston had already transferred home.)  Thx again for your help.  Jeff
ps  What part of the Blue Ridge Mtns are you from?  We have a place north of Cashiers in Tuckasegee.

Hi Alex
 Thanks, and it is the same crash report.  I actually have the 100+ page crash report, and 40 pages were removed (I am told I cannot ever get them) and many portions of the remaining pages are blacked out.  There are too many questions that don't make sense for a 'routine training flight' crash for two of the senior officers in charge at Hickam.  Maybe we will never know, but many yrs ago, a very high ranking congressman told a relative of the co-pilot that "they were shot down."  Thx for info 
Jeff

Jeff,
Do you have the book, "An Ordinary Guy In Extraordinary Times"?. Your father in-law is mentioned in there a few times as early as when he was a Captain and Squadron Leader.

Thanks again to John and Alex for the info and pictures.  As everyone knows that participates in helping others in this message board, preserving family and mulitary history is so important.  Thank you. Jeff

John
Sorry I didn't respond specifically yet.  I wasn't sure if I had that particular book since I ordered over a dozen a few months back (concerning my father-in-law and my father in his P-40), and haven't been able to get to them all yet.  I checked and do have "An Ordinary Guy In Extraordinary Times", and didn't realize my father-in-law was in it.  I'll definitely check it out and correspond with the author.  Thanks again.  Jeff

Jeff
 
here is the photo Alex mentioned in post #3 - it is a 5th FS ship, however
 

 
cordially
Martin

further research revealed that the 5th FS Ship nicknamed "Hazel II" was flown by James H. Johnson; the a/c later was transferred to the 332nd FG - I'll keep searching
best, Martin

Thanks Martin.  I have a partial picture of my father-in-law sitting in his Spitfire, but the 'H' is cut off from the name Hazel in the picture.  He was definitely in the 4th FS.  Yunch thought that maybe the plane went to James Johnson when Maj Houston transferred back to the states in '44.  I don't know if planes were transferred between squadrons, or if James Johnson also had a 'Hazel' in his life too.  My granddaughter 'Hazel' was born hours ago to my daughter, and she wants a picture of her granddad's plane 'Hazel', for the nursery.  Really neat family thought, and I'll keep trying.  Appreciate the help.  Jeff