shooshoobaby
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M/Sgt. ret. Merle Olmsted has Passed Away
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01/10/2008 12:04:00 PM
After a long Battle , Merle Olmsted passed away yesterday.
Merle was the 357th Fighter Group Historian and Author of
Several Excellent Books on the Subject.
He served as a Crew Chief in the 362d Sq. and retired after
many years in the Air Force.
Althouh very ill , and against his Doctor's orders , He was able
to attend the recent Gathering of Mustangs and see his beloved
P - 51s and some of his Old Buddies one last time.
God Speed Merle
Michael Howell
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PJP51
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RE: M/Sgt. ret. Merle Olmsted has Passed Away
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01/10/2008 12:36:33 PM
Mike,
Although we expected this to come it struck me when I heard it today...We all will miss him !
Blue Skies Merle !
Paul
Associate member of the Awon http://www.awon.org/ __________________ Fighters for Victory (357th FG)
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GREMLIN2
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RE: M/Sgt. ret. Merle Olmsted has Passed Away
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01/10/2008 03:17:19 PM
Very sad to learn of Merle's passing. Merle was so helpful to so many looking for information on the 357th FG.
I remember in only his first mailing to me in the 1990's Merle providing so much info after my years searching for a certain P-51 named PHIL'S FOLLY... not only the name of the 357th FG pilot who escorted my dad's crews ship back from a mission when they lost # 3 and it flew off their starboard wingtip but a great close up in air photo of the pilot and his ship PHILLIES FOLLIES.
Rest in Peace Merle!
Jack
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Col.J.D.Landers
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RE: M/Sgt. ret. Merle Olmsted has Passed Away
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01/11/2008 12:08:33 PM
Though I only knew Merle for the last few years, he was generous, supportive and always went that extra bit further to ensure even the greenest of researchers like me got what they needed, with interest. I think he stands as one of the very best, for many reasons, but surely for the astonishing legacy of the historical library and clarity he has made available to ours, and future generations, of his service to his country and his commorades in arms. In this way I am sure few could have done any more. Another hero gone! Good journey Merle, and thank you! Nathan S!
<message edited by Col.J.D.Landers on 01/11/2008 12:12:44 PM >
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GREMLIN2
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RE: M/Sgt. ret. Merle Olmsted has Passed Away
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01/12/2008 09:50:36 AM
Merle's supplied info details on my previous post
LT. STEPHEN WASYLYK
PHILLY-DILLIES applied to both sides of a/c
44-13621 P-51D 364th Sqdn
C5-X
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Bill Larkins
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RE: M/Sgt. ret. Merle Olmsted has Passed Away
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01/12/2008 01:24:52 PM
Yes indeed, and he was a real enthusiast as well as an historian. Here is a photo of him in his "office" in Paradise before he moved to Missouri.
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