P47 Pilots Guestbook
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Guestbook Entry (msg id: 578)
I am looking for information on my brother Ralph Eastman, Jr. He flew P-47s with the 9th AF, 36th Fighter Grp., 23rd Fighter Sqd. He was reported MIA on June 22, 1944. Last seen 4 miles S. of Cherbourg. Thanks very much.

Posted By: Frank Eastman (frankeastman@hotmail.com) on 12/23/1998 7:16:35 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 577)
Some time ago, whilst going thru the Ads at vets web site, I saw an ad from a man in France, who was trying to find the pilot whose plane crashed on his g-fathers farm in May, 1944. After many letters back and forth, and much searching, he found the information he was looking for, and sent me the three names that he found! I found the addresses and fone numbers,and he called them from France! The second name was the right one! The man is going over there in May for a get-together with them. Now I have to find info about a pilot named Eastman, reported MIA June 22, 1944: he was also a P-47 pilot. The closest I’ve ever gotten to a Jug was from stories one of our vol. firemen told, as he was a Jug pilot, name of Bob Gross, Pittsburgh, Pa. area. I was a ground pounder! Nice site! I’ll be back. Jim Hammitt <rustyj@nauticom.net>

Posted By: Jim Hammitt (rustyj@nauticom.net) on 12/22/1998 8:39:20 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 576)
DECKER, MELVIN EARL...My Dad was a ’Jug’ pilot with the 56th Fighter Group, Eagle Squadron, 8th AF during WWII and flew in the European Theatre. What little information I do have is sketchy, therefore, I am trying to research his Air Force career. I Would dearly love to find anyone who knew him during Wartime that could share any information, photos, etc. It truly would be the greatest gift of all not only for me but for his grandchildren as well. The P-47 Guestbook is wonderful and I will continue to read with great interest! Thanks for the memories! PS...He also went by the Nickname ’Jinx’ Decker.

Posted By: Denice Roesch (Niecie Ro@aol.com) on 12/17/1998 1:41:20 AM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 575)
Greetings to all the ’fortunate ones’ who had the opportunity to fly The Jug. I am currently an Air Force pilot stationed at Altus AFB OK. There is no doubt in my mind that I should have lived in the era of the great P-47. A walk through your site was staggering. I hold you all in the highest regard. As an aviation enthusiast (understatement), I have begun a project. I am building a half scale replica of a Razorback, a D-15 or so. This replica will be flown for my personal pleasure but more importantly for exibition at all the airshows I can attend. My search is for accurate tech data on the airframe and airfoil. My appitite for information on this ledgendary aircraft is unquenchable but has not yet yielded the paticulars I seek. If anyone knows where this information can be found I would be indebted. Thank-you in advance. The Jug will never be forgotten if I have anything to say about it. Very respectfully, Bill

Posted By: William C.(Bill)Barton (compass@intellisys.net) on 12/16/1998 1:25:03 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 574)
Greetings... I just stumbled onto this page for the first time today and must say that I am impressed and touched. Iwas raised to believe that anyone who ever flew the Jug is a member of my family. My father Jack L. Raphael was a founder member of the 336FS having transferred from the RAF 133. I was told he was the youngest US combat pilot in the ETO when he first started flying missions (Pres George Bush was youngest in the Pacific). Jack was the editor for the Jug Letter for at least one year and I enjoyed seeing him sift through all of the ’stuff’ he recieved for use in the letter. I was fortunate to meet many of his friends from his days in the 4th. I think my favorite was his buddy named Bob Nelson who still lives in So Cal. Several years ago I found myself deployed to a classified location in the Persian Gulf during the Desert Shield build up. I called my father and told him ’I can’t tell you where I’m at but I can tell you I am with your old outfit - to the numbers.’ Very small world... I was attached to the 4TFW - 336TFS! That was my war story. He had a stroke shortly thereafter and never saw me again. I have many wonderful photos that he took during the heady Debden days, many signed. I have his decorated flying jacket (Eager Beaver) his logs, a copy of Tetley’s Tenants, and a host of other things. I was fortunate to be stationed in East Anglia during the 50 anniversary celebration of VE and D-Day. It was great. I did visit Debden - very haunting for me. The O Club and 335 hanger haven’t changed a bit. I only wish I could have had my father with me... although I felt his presence everywhere I went - especially the local pubs. Cheers Great page/wonderful guests. Dave Raphael sends one night and told

Posted By: CMSgt Dave Raphael (mraphael@mindspring.com) on 12/12/1998 10:33:22 AM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 573)
I am attempting to locate survivors of the 4th Fighter Group, 334th Fighter Squadron who might have known my uncle, Flt. Off. William A. Cox who was killed 2/3/44. COX, William A. - Flt. Off., 334th FS, KIA - Near Emden, Germany, 2/3/44. Separated from his element leader Winslow Sobanski due to clouds and icing. Not seen to go down. P-47D 42-75254 QP-X.

Posted By: Ronald G. Cox (ronncox@worldnet.att.net) on 12/01/1998 6:11:47 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 572)
My father was Lt Col Joseph K Kirkup. He was squadron commander of the 22nd fighter squadron, 36th fighter group, 9th AF. He served in Pueto Rico prior to being sent to ETO and was stationed in Belgium during the D-Day operations I would love contact someone who knew him and share information, letters, pictures, etc. Please e-mail me if you knew him. Thanks

Posted By: Stephen C. Kirkup (skirkup@aol.com) on 11/30/1998 5:17:40 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 571)
Wonderful to see that so many people have enjoyed this website. Being a member of the association, having flown the jug in Italy and France, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the comments. Was with the 79th FG, 85th FS. All the best to a wonderful group.

Posted By: Ed Evans (EEvansp47@aol.com) on 11/29/1998 11:02:48 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 570)
My father, Billy B. Arledge, was a member of the 368th Fighter Group, 397th Fighter Squadron, 9th Air Force in 1944/45.

Posted By: Thomas Arledge (uncleskunk@compuserve.com) on 11/27/1998 7:26:40 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 569)
I’m trying to research the flying of my Grandfather Lt. George Nortie Ahles. He flew two tours in the P-47 with the 353rd group 351st squadron. He had six kills while in the Europeand theater. Any info. would be appreciated.

Posted By: David L. McCloskey (durt@mindspring.com) on 11/27/1998 4:57:34 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 568)
There is no doubt that the P-47 ’broke the back of the Luftwaffe’ in Europe in WW II. It was clearly the premier fighter/bomber of the war. Cheers for the ’Jug’.

Posted By: John E. Hartshorn () on 11/25/1998 8:20:00 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 567)
Loved reading Robert S. Johnson’s book about WWII. Would like to have flown in the aircraft.

Posted By: Phil Rhodes (BumperRhod@aol) on 11/23/1998 6:41:48 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 566)
I was with the 371st Fg 406th Fs 9Th AF Eto .Flew out of Bistern England. Escorted gliders on d-day -we were landing in France in France at St Mere Eglise D-day + 2. Moved to St Mere Eglise permanently d-day plus 10. Supported Patton’s spear- head across France.Have 4 German planes - 2 probables & 1 damaged to my credit. Would love to find others of my squadron or group or any other P47 pilots -especially e-mail thier addresses.

Posted By: Gene Madore (gene.madore@dexis.net) on 11/22/1998 3:19:07 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 565)
Was on a Search and Recovery Team that travled to Papua New Guinea and brought home 2 P-47 Pilots. Great site.

Posted By: Dan (seymourd@gte.net) on 11/21/1998 6:07:16 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 564)
MY DAD FLEW THE ’JUG’ FROM 1944 TO 1947. I AM LOOKING FOR WHATEVER I CAN FIND ABOUT THE AIRPLANE.

Posted By: TERRY E. DECKER (TDe1874373@AOL.COM) on 11/18/1998 7:58:50 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 563)
Spectacular site decicated to the Thunderbolt and its pilots. Keep up the good work! Another site that might be of interest is the Aviation Archives site. They do records searches for a slight fee and have many interesting forums on WWII planes. The site is http:/www.aviation-archives.com/. Once again, great site!

Posted By: Zack Baughman (zwb76@hotmail.com) on 11/18/1998 6:23:10 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 562)
Hi all P-47 lovers, I am a Post World War II military aviation researcher living in Holland. Yugoslav P-47 aircraft have been the subject of discussions among aviation researches in Europe. I need any information about the P-47 in Yugoslavia. Between 1952 and 1961 the Yugoslav Air Force had a total of 150 P-47 aircraft. I am searching for USAF serials, delivery information/dates, crash information and place of losses etc. I am happy to support you P-47 side and look forward to receiving information on Yugoslav P-47 aircraft. Thank you for your attention. Cheers, Jeroen

Posted By: J. Nijmeijer (jn1email@worldonline.nl) on 11/14/1998 1:33:25 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 561)
My father worked at Republic Aviation, Farmingdale, Long Island - Personnel during the entire war. I have a number of photographs of P-47’s and a few air show photos from Republic Aviation, Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. I will make copies of P-47’s and related Republic Aviation Information for museum purposes. Please advise!

Posted By: Ed Reisman (edr123@erols,com) on 11/11/1998 8:27:02 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 560)
VETERANS’ DAY, 1998. To all veterans who read this message: THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, FOR ALL THE SACRIFICES YOU GUYS MADE FOR ME, US AND OUR COUNTRY, SO MANY YEARS AGO, SO MANY MILES AWAY. YOU ARE WHAT HAVE MADE AMERICA GREAT. IN MY MIND YOU ARE ALL HEROES AND THERE IS NO WAY I CAN REPAY YOU. THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES AND MANY OTHER COUNTRIES ARE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT; I JUST HOPE THEY REALIZE IT. THANKS AGAIN AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Posted By: Dave Piscitelli (CoachPisco@aol.com) on 11/11/1998 6:14:55 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 559)
VETERANS’ DAY, 1998. To all veterans who read this message: THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, FOR ALL THE SACRIFICES YOU GUYS MADE FOR ME, US AND OUR COUNTRY, SO MANY YEARS AGO, SO MANY MILES AWAY. YOU ARE WHAT HAVE MADE AMERICA GREAT. IN MY MIND YOU ARE ALL HEROES AND THERE IS NO WAY I CAN REPAY YOU. THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES AND MANY OTHER COUNTRIES ARE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT; I JUST HOPE THEY REALIZE IT. THANKS AGAIN AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Posted By: Dave Piscitelli (CoachPisco@aol.com) on 11/11/1998 6:13:07 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 558)
Hello everyone, I’m arranging an event at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum in Denver,CO. The event is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 27,1999. I’m looking for former military pilots and aircrew who would be willing to speak to our Military History/Wargaming club and museum visitors about their experiences. If you or someone you know in the Denver area might be interested please contact me.

Posted By: Kevin Walsh (kjwalsh@wans.net) on 11/01/1998 11:21:36 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 557)
509th Sq. / 405th Group...I was named after Carl James Hooper who was KIA on October 12, 1944 near Saarbrueken, Germany. It was a recon mission hunting targets of opportunity and they jumped a train. Carl’s ’bolt was hit by a lucky shot from a German 88, probably fired from a tank being hauled on one of the cars. I would like to know when and where the next 405th reunion will be if anyone can email me and let me know. Thanks! CJ

Posted By: Carl James Holliday (Doccom509@AOL.com) on 10/31/1998 6:20:44 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 556)
I was a teen in HS when an old jug pilot who owned a type-writer repair store in Homestead, FL told me about his flight training in P-40s, and his operational duty in P-47s. He said the P-40s he trained on were pretty ragged, and the reason pilots LOVED that P-47 was because ’it brought us back home despite severe battle damage, unlike other fighters’. The flip-side to that as told by an old P-47 crew chief: some pilot’s were as shot up as their airplane. I never met Col Gabreski, but served with his son in an AFSOC, MC-130 unit in the AF at Hurlburt Fld, FL. Here’s to a genuine warhorse!

Posted By: Scott Burnett (KBur107017@aol.com) on 10/30/1998 12:23:11 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 555)
NORBERT PAUL ’YUMMY’ BILLINGER. Does anyone out there remember this man? He was a Jugs crew chief in France during World War II. He was my father in law and I would like to find out about him from someone that knew him during the war. He was a big guy from Pennsylvania that loved football. If anyone knew him, could you please contact me at my email address CoachPisco@aol.com Thanks. DAVE PISCITELLI

Posted By: Dave Piscitelli (CoachPisco@aol.com) on 10/29/1998 7:54:05 PM EST

Guestbook Entry (msg id: 554)
At the present time I am working with people at Wright-Patterson Air force base trying recover a P-47 that is sitting out in the woods on government property.

Posted By: Terry Lambert (TLAM227L@AOL.COM) on 10/29/1998 4:20:38 PM EST

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