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P47 Pilots Guestbook
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Welcome to the P47 Pilots Guestbook.
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 650)
Whilst I was too young to remember, I’m full of admiration for those brave Yanks who helped us Brits in our time of need. Incidentally, I live within a mike of a former wartime airfield on which jugs were stationed. More power to your association and those like it.
Posted By: mike martin
(mike.martin1@tesco.net)
on 05/15/1999 5:01:57 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 649)
I was a ’jug’ pilot in WWII, with the 513th Ftr Sqn.406th Ftr Grp. in Europe. I flew 50 ground support missions for Generals Patton & Simpson. Was in the ’Battle of the Bulge’, the Rhine Crossing, and Central Europe. My plane was named the ’wolf’ after a movie cartoon by MGM. I’m so glad to hear that so many people love the ’jug’ as I do.
Posted By: John Bazan
(jabazan@gte.net)
on 05/13/1999 1:21:08 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 648)
This is posted in memory of Gordon Blake, a fine pilot with a memorable sense of humor. I still remember his attempt to be stern,waggling his finger at me after I had chased a buddy too low over ’his’ airfield.
Posted By: Robert Bean
()
on 05/11/1999 10:32:44 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 647)
Yes, I, too, fancy the P-47 and have since I was 13 years old living in East Syracuse. That spring, the newly formed (in 1947) 138th Fighter Squadron, of the New York Air National Guard, accepted 25 P-47D-40 Thunderbolts and started flying them from the Southeast corner of the old Syracuse Army Air base - now Handcock International Airport. Things were loose in the early days and I used to ride my bike to the base and hand tools to mechanics working on the Jugs. At 17 I joined the 138th - now part of the 174th Fighter Wing flying old F-16s. As an aircraft mechanic and jet engine technician, I worked for a couple of years at Republic Avaition Corporation in Farmingdale, L.I., N.Y., in hanger 3 on early F-105Bs and 105D airplanes in production test-flight. In the Air Guard I knew a lot of pilots who flew the Jug during the war, and at Republic many mechanics who built the airplane with pride. At Republic, Robert S. Johnson worked when I did but I never had the intestional fortitude to go to the corporate offices and meet him. Johnson, by the way, was 78 on Dec. 27 when he left us to join his wife, who died in 1995. I have always felt that despite all the Mustang hoopla about that airplane winning the air war over Germany, people like Johnson, ’Gabby’’ Gabreski, ’Hub’’ Zemke and the others, paved the way for the Mustangs. Those guys of the 56th, 78th and 4th Fighter Groups - kids in their 20s - arrived in England knowing how to fly the Jug but green to combat. The British pilots laughed at the size of their fighters they would fly over the continent against German pilots who had four years of experience fooling with the Spitfires and Hurricanes over the Channel. At first the Jug pilots lost at a 3 to 1 rate to the Nazi pilots, but in a few months turned that around shooting down three ME-109s and FW-190s to the loss of a Thunderbolt. By the fall of 1943, from all I’ve read, the Jug pilots were taking a heavy toll of veteran German fighter pilots to the point that, when the Mustang became active, many of the German pilots they encountered were green rookies. Not all, of course. So it’s great to find by chance this excellent web site about the men who flew the airplane, and the P-47. Keep up the work and maybe, someday, those - you P-47 pilots - will get the proper recognition on the tube you deserve. My sincere thanks to those who’ve created this P-47 web, and to those who helped preserve world peace by risking everything flying the fighter into combat.
Posted By: John D. Hill
(writerhill@a-znet.com)
on 05/11/1999 5:31:50 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 646)
My father William Roy Brewer Jr, A P47 Pilot Flew with the distinguished 36th Fighter Group, 22nd Squadron. He was born October 6th, 1922 and left to reside with God on May 18, 1996. He has over 80 missions to his credit. He always understood and taught his 7 children to always love God, Country and Family. My Mom Joan has attended his fighter squadron reunions since his passing. I know that his children, Susan, Cindy, Debbie, Dawn, Roy III, John and myslef all miss him and love him and have the same admiration for all of the other heroic pilots of the P47 Thunderbolt and other members of the military that fought and that continue to fight for our freedom. Anyone that was either a part of the 36th Fighter Group, 22nd Squadron, please feel free to contact me and share their experiences. Peace and God Bless to you all. For if you are anything like my Dad, you are truly my heros as well.
Posted By: Connie Fiandaca
(CFiandaca@aol.com)
on 05/05/1999 10:26:48 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 645)
Have had THE JUG as my business card logo, (GHOSTWORKS) since the late seventies. I have always been fascinated with the airplane and it’s fantastic performance numbers. Found this website by chance this evening and am pleased to see all the great comments and messages. God Bless You All. Over th eyears I have worked on a lot of older aircraft but have yet to work with a Jug.
Posted By: Don Rishel
(docdon@gateway.net)
on 05/03/1999 3:41:06 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 644)
My Uncle Robert Daniel flew the P-47 in WWII. He was killed in France. I have a photo of him and 6 other flyers standing in front of a trainer. The back of the photo is stamped ’6th Army Air Force Flying Training Detachment Thunderbird Airport Glendale, Arizona. I will email a scanned copy to anyone interested. I know he was at Luke Field on April 4, 1944. He was in Class 44-D.
Posted By: Robert Daniel
(rcdann@jax-inter.net)
on 05/01/1999 5:26:20 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 643)
Anyone have a fairly extensive photo selection of P-47D accidents? Looking for a photo of a ship that hit a high power line in Dallas, Texas, on 28 Nov.1943. Ship was piloted by a WASP. I can give damage details, if needed. Thanks. MIKE VINCENT
Posted By: MICHAEL VINCENT
(SISKOTODS9@aol.com)
on 04/29/1999 10:52:57 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 642)
I’m the Unit Historian for the 353CTS (formerly 353FS). I am working on obtaining information on aircraft and pilots of the unit prior to 1953. I have some photo’s of P-47’s, including Ken Dahlberg, James Dalglish, Glenn Eagleston,Orrin Rawlings, Ken Hunt, and Loyd Overfield. If anyone out there has any information on my unit I would greatly appreciate your assistance in my efforts to preserve our heritage.
Posted By: SSgt James E. Bollinger
(james.bollinger@eielson.af.mil)
on 04/28/1999 6:43:44 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 641)
This is a wonderful site and I only wish our youth could see it and realize what a debt we owe you veterans. You folks, and the men that did not return have my eternal gratitude. I know that you all gave a tremendous amount to your country but you owe us one more payment. So that Americans never forgets what you and your kind went through and gave to America, it is absolutely imperative that ALL of you put your memories to paper. As I was born in 1944 and a Viet Nam Veteran I know that we are all aging. As we get older we tend forget all of the great times (would love to forget the bad times) which will give our children and grand children the knowledge of yesteryear. I have noticed that there is a large number of people that have lost loved ones and have no closure to their grief (even after 50 years). This is a good venue for those people to find the answers to which they have been searching for so long. I think the Internet came along 20 years too late. All of our memories were better 20 years ago. In trying to find all of my classmates for my 35th class reunion I noticed that some people thought that they did not remember any thing about some of our classmates. You would be surprised how successful (found everyone) we were when we put those little tidbits of information together. No matter how insignificant you think the information or story is, your information might be the last (or only) bit of information need to help some family find peace after all this time. Gentlemen I salute you and wish I had been born 20 years sooner so that I could have flown with true American Heros.
Posted By: Dan Chavre
(c46pilot@gte.net)
on 04/27/1999 7:30:24 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 640)
A fine site. Interested in P47D Thunderbolts because in 1944 the U.S.A.A.F. 9th Air Force, 48th Fighter Group, Nos. 492, 493 and 494 Squadrons, and 9th Air Force 371st Fight Group, Nos. 404, 405 and 406 Squadrons were stationed at Ibsley Airfield near Ringwood, on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, United Kingdom. The R.A.F. Ibsley Historical Group, researching the history of this airfield would appreciate hearing from anyone who served with the above, in whatever capacity, of any memories they may have of time spent here, during 1944. Remember the New Forest ponies wandering freely around the local roads, they still do so today. The R.A.F. Ibsley Historical Group was formed in 1992 and now has members world-wide, kept in touch with activities by means of a quarterly Newsletter. Although we have lots of photographs, information and stories on R.A.F. Squadrons which used the base we are short on the U.S.A.A.F. Do hope there is still someone out there that can contribute to our research.
Posted By: Vera Smith, R.A.F. Ibsley Historical Group
(Vsmithrafihg@btinternet.com)
on 04/25/1999 9:25:41 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 639)
My late father was a jug pilot with the 365 Fighter Group, ’Hell Hawks’ - 386-387-388 is on a decal he came back from a reunion with years ago. During 44 & 45 he was in Belgium and Germany, Capt. Harry Edward ’Pete’ Peterson, from K.C., Mo., 6’4’, (a big Swed). He retired from the USAF in 1970 as a Lt./Col. Jug pilot Bob Durkee and I are researching the nose stripe ’color’ on my dad’s P-47. I have a Black and white photo I can send anyone who can help. Stripe appears to be approximately 16’ wide, mid way on the other wise bare metal cowling. I can not see the ’numbers’ in the photo, nor does there appear to be any tail colors. Bob Durkee is an excellent artist and is going to do some work re-creating my Dad’s jug in flight. Can anyone help us with our ’nose stripe color’. A.C. (760) 872-2298 Thanks! Great site.
Posted By: Jon Peterson
(<moxie@qnet.com)
on 04/17/1999 1:22:06 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 638)
I would like to hear from any P-47 pilot who flew with or knew my uncle, Capt. Joe Dugan, in the Phillipines in 1944-45. Joe died on 10 Jan 45 on Luzon. I was told that he was a member of the 310th but am not sure of the actual unit designation. His P-47(G?) was the Flying Irishman. Thanks to all in advance for replies and leads. Tom Donohoe, Washington DC posted 15 Apr 99.
Posted By: Tom Donohoe
(W2NJS@compuserve.com)
on 04/15/1999 9:45:16 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 637)
Great site. I’m a 31 years old french teacher. I’m searching about crashes in east of France between 1944 and 1945. I would like to contact members from 324th FG and 79th FG for informations. I have crashes’site from 27 th FG, 324th FG and 369th FG.
Posted By: Stéphane Muret
(StephaneMURET@wanadoo.fr)
on 04/14/1999 5:00:22 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 636)
I am trying to locate information about Robert S. Johnson. I am wondering if he is still alive today, or what year he passed away. Please email me if you know. I have a photo of him (from 1944) at my web page if you are interested.
Posted By: John Valdefierro
(valdefierro@hotmail.com)
on 04/13/1999 9:11:30 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 635)
Are there any WWII fighter pilots out there who could send me there authograph? I have a few but like to start a collection and would be very happy if you would take the trouble. Many thanks! Fred Dijkstra Uranuslaan 32 1562 XA Krommenie HOLLAND
Posted By: Fred Dijkstra
(f.dijkstra)
on 04/07/1999 6:14:49 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 634)
My interest is with the 56th Fighter Group known as ’Zemkes Wolf Pack’ flying P47C’s & D’s, that were based at Halesworth Airfield, England in 1944. I am trying to add a bit more historical interest to my web pages on Holton Hall Park where the airmen had their quarters, and would welcome any input. For anyone who was based there and is interested. I had some maps showing the airfield at that time scanned. I have combined two of the maps to a large composite. This is downloadable as a ’zip’ file from my website at http://www.batesuk.freeserve.co.uk/ I also made a plan of Holton Hall Park, with how it was in 1944 shown in green, and how it is now shown in red. This can be viewed on my website, and again can be downloaded as a ’zip’. The map of the airfield is quite large scanned at 500 bits/inch, it is 2ft wide. It should really be printed larger than actual to be able to view the detail properly.
Posted By: Martin Bates
(martin_batesuk.hotmail.com)
on 04/06/1999 6:28:23 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 633)
looking for info/picts on lt. jack berger, 511th FS,405FG ww2. thanks, braxton
Posted By: braxton bradford
(braxbrad@yahoo.com)
on 04/05/1999 6:59:53 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 632)
I love your page and I am wondering if I can Put a link from my page to yours and yours to mine. See my site is going to be (I am converting it from a different topic) strickly on WWII war birds and I need someone to come to my site. Thanks again and good uck on your page!!!!
Posted By: Bob Jones
(abc__124@hotmail.com)
on 04/02/1999 9:39:57 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 631)
My uncle was 1Lt Anthony R. Rosatone (called Tony or Rosey). He was in the 353rd FG, 352nd FS flying out of Raydon England form July 1944 to January 18, 1945 when he was listed as MIA. He flew both the P-47 and P-51. Would love to find anyone who knew him. Please contact me if you have any ideas. Thanks!
Posted By: Lou Rosatone
(lou_rosa@msn.com)
on 03/29/1999 4:01:13 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 630)
Hello. My father Keith C. Lovell flew Jugs during the war. He was a transition and aerial gunnery Instructor with the 13th FS, 3rd Fighter command, out of Venice Army Air Field, Florida from late ’43 to late ‘44. Most of which was in P-47G’s and early D’s. In late ‘44 he joined the newly forming 414th FG at Selfridge Field and Bluethenthal field, and shipped out to Iwo in the early ‘45. He flew the P-47Ns on missions from there for a few months with the 437th, 456th, and 413th FS. After hostilities, he went to Clark field with the group until about mid ‘46, when he came home. Dad continued to fly privately though out his life, held various flying and aviation jobs, and instilled a love of flying (I’m a private pilot) and aviation history, especially of WW2, in me as well. He flew all the popular fighters of WW2 at one time or another and said they all had strengths and weaknesses, but if you forced him to pick one, his choice was always the Jug. Dad left us in ’89. My indulgence in R/C scale model aircraft has allowed me to fly numerous small scale versions of the T-bolt over the years and am currently working on a 5th scale, 103 inch wing span version. Can’t get enough of those Jugs. I would appreciate any info regarding the P-47 Advocates group or any relatives organization associated with the Thunderbolt Pilots Association. And finally, to all of you surviving Jug pilots, your contemporaries, living and departed, in other Service branches and all ranks, I send my sincerest gratitude for the sacrifices you made and the responsibilities you shouldered during the war. Very few people today realize how much the collective actions of your generation, truly defined the future of our civilization. God Bless. Craig Lovell
Posted By: Craig Lovell
(bdla@mailbag.com)
on 03/26/1999 5:18:00 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 629)
I WAS A CONTROL TOWER OPERATOR WITH THE 365TH FB GROUP 9TH AF. I REALLY ENJOYED READING THE COMMENTS ON YOUR SITE. WAS ABLE TO HELP SOME. WAS ALSO WITH THE 405TH FOR A SHORT TIME IN CHRISTCHURCH UNTIL THE INVASION WHEN TRANSFERED TO THE 365TH. FINISHED THE WAR AT FRITZLAR GERMANY.
Posted By: OWEN MONETTE
(MONETTE@DATASYNC.COM)
on 03/26/1999 12:29:33 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 628)
My uncle Glenn E Mayberry was a P-47 pilot with the 365th fighter group 388th squadron 9th Air Force in Europe in WWII I would like to correspond with someone who knew him or was in that group.
Posted By: Sid Mayberry
(lp16@televar.com)
on 03/26/1999 10:20:36 AM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 627)
My grandady flew the P-47 during WWII. He reached the title of ace and was a captain in WWII. Later on during WWII he was called back to the U.S. to test pilot the P-38 lighting.He survived WWII and lived to be 72 years old and died of a heart attack.I am looking for ways to look up his records and if anyone has any suggestions please contact me.
Posted By: THOMAS
(hegmannavy@aol.com)
on 03/23/1999 8:16:44 PM EST
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 626)
My grandfather flew a P-47 during the war. Although I do not know much about what he did. He only tells me bits and pieces of his stories, all I know is that he flew with the Allied Air Tactics Group and that he was stationed at a place I think was called Beakon hill, in England, but I’m not sure. I love the P-47 and I love to hear my grandad tell me some of his stories about his plane. If anyone has ever heard of this or something similar please fill free to E-mail me. thanks.
Posted By: Cody Gill
(codyg_60@yahoo.com)
on 03/22/1999 3:22:31 AM EST
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