Warbird Information Exchange

BTW, there is a connection between the Arizona Wing CAF's B-25 called Maid in the Shade, of which I am a sponsor, and the first full A-26 combat unit to go to the Pacific theatre in WWII besides some test units. Anybody know what it is?? If you look at the vertical tails, there is a clue!!! It's so easy even a caveman or an O2 driver could figure it out. Just kidding!! Is she fuming... I am afraid to look?? But I have not harassed the Duck Drivin Lady in about a week and it is time to buzz the ol bat even if the pattern is full. Hang on Goose... eeeehawww Mav

I'll throw an offhand guess out.......both part of 13th BS in Pacific 1943-1944 range ????????

ole bat.... you say

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Offhand, I would say... aaaaaant... thanks for playing. Please try again!!! JR

what's the B/N on Maid in the Shade???????? I know nothing about the a/c's history other than seeing a pretty picture taken by Ebdon at MAF AIRSHO last year. But 13 BS did have both B-25s and A-26s in Pacific in latter part of WWII

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OK. here is a hint... B-25 "Maid in the Shade" vertical tail and 57th Bomb Wing, 319th Bomb Group, 437th Squadron based in Corsica in 1944. Does this help??

OK, I suppose you want another clue. This A26 is on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. Does this help?? JR

Both have blue tails ......thought you said Pacific????? Corsica is not in Pacific, but it is an island

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I said it was a B25 unit on Corsica and got switched to the A26 in the Pacific. The 319th BG was the only full combat A26 equipped group in the Pacific in WWII. They were based on Okinawa in 1945 and participated in the bombing of Japan. Interestingly enough, only one or two of their aircraft were ever painted in the livery with the blue tail and white number due to the rush to get them into combat. And now you know, the rest of the story!! For extra bonus points, what early Astronaut was a member of this unit when it flew Martin B-26's and switched to new B-25's at Corsica AND then A-26's in the Pacific? O2 Lady, did you follow all this or is that Italian vino messin up your computer?? JR

No vino yet....but maybe I need some.......Astronaut=the one writing the book LOLOLOL

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Dear, try to focus here. EARLY astronaut.. EARLY being the key factor. The one writing the book in progress right now is a lot later Shuttle type Astronaut. OK??? He wasn't even born during WWII. Does this help? JR

........ and pick you up a good lookin shirt. These have not been seen since On Mark Engineering went out of business and are a collector's item for sure even if you don't wear it.
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Is coming by the hanger the only way to get one of those shirts? 1250 miles is a bit much to just "Drop by"!!!!!!!!!

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Randy Ryman
Project Big Eagle
NKP Thailand 1966
http://www.coastcomp.com/av/florence/florandy.htm

Are you still coming in May to TX? I can save you one or be glad to mail. Send me a PM with size(s) and address if you want them mailed. JR

geeeezzzz it was a joke....I don't even know who the "later" one is.......maybe I should ask names next time

Deke Slayton <Google is your friend>

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Ding ding ding ding... WE have a WINNER.... yesssssss... Deke Slayton is the correct answer. You are the lucky winner of 16 bonus points and a gold star beside your name. You may redeem these points at some time in the future when needed to help extricate your lower phalanges from between the maxilla and mandible. Bet this keeps your Google line hot for a little bit!!! LOL JR

Speaking of astronauts, Karen did I ever tell you about the time I flew Gordo Coopers Bonanza?