Warbird Information Exchange

After a relatively short stint in the hospital, my father in law passed away tonight peacefully in his sleep. He was '86, and as he was reflecting earlier today, he lived a long and happy life. We're still in a fog from it all, obviously. He and my mother in law just celebrated their 60th anniversary last week.

His was a P47 Thunderbolt crew chief in WWII, assigned to the Fighter Test Squadron at Wright Field. He has flown in the B17, the B25, the P38, and in the trainers of the day, while on flying status. He flew with his heros, Don Gentile and Steve "The Greek" Pisanos, as well as many other pilots who needed "ballast" sometimes.

I would like to see if I can arrange a flyover for his funeral. I've read it here before, but if someone could point me in the direction of someone with a P47 that might be willing to fly to Winston Salem later next week, that would be great.

RIP Armando,


B

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documenting restored B-17s and those undergoing restoration to flight:

So sorry for your loss.

Our prayers are with your family.

+

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Zane Adams
There I was at 20,000 ft, upside down and out of ammunition.
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Can't supply you with a P-47 but, maybe 3 Piper Cubs. I'll check and see about it.

Sorry for your loss.

My condolences to you and your family.

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David
1953 M38A1 jeep owner
& Student Pilot soloed 09/09/06
USAF 1984-1986

Sorry for your loss. We are so lucky as to have the greatest generation that sacrificed so much. Godbless them all.
Robbie

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Fly Fast Make Noise!

This is pretty much a first for me (funeral planning). I never would have thought that there was so much to do. The fact that it just happens to be the Christmas holiday only makes things more frustrating.

There isn't much more we can do today, we just tucked in her mom, so its time to put the brain in neutral for a while with a glass of wine (or 4) .

Thanks so much for everyone's kind words and thoughts! They mean a lot.

I'm going to be working on scanning photos and burning a tribute CD for the viewing on Thursday. I found a few pretty cool warbird photos I haven't seen before, of course I'll share em here.

B

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documenting restored B-17s and those undergoing restoration to flight:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eric

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The air resounds from the Rolls-Royce roar!
To an enemy the warning is dire: here only eagles soar,
and the last thing he'll see is a mirrored Spitfire!

My thoughts and prayers as well, he lived a good life and is simply an honorabe man. Be very proud. Goodspeed. He'll never be forgotten and will always be watching you from above. I'm sure he's proud of you as well.

My best to your family

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Don't touch my junk!!

Sorry for Your Loss & I know what You're going through...
My Dad was a WW2 AAF Vet also. He eventually became a Funeral Director.
He also died suddenly, at His Desk back in 1997 while typing up an Obituary for another WW2 AAF Veteran...

Here's some photos:

Grammy, Dad & Mom back in '44. Those were the Days:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ ... OMDAD3.jpg

Dad "pretending" to work on a BT-13 Valiant, while passed-out with a Hangover back in '44.
Ha! Ha! I was always asleep on the flight-line with a Hangover too, 50 years later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ ... W2AAF8.jpg

Interesting BT-13 Restoration Project. Judging from it's condition, I think this is the same Aircraft My Dad "worked on" back in '44:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfNDBsobuaY

Dad later became the Mayor of Our Town. Ha! Ha! That was GREAT...
I was a quite a troublemaker so it worked out fine. The Cops always let Me go...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ ... ADOBIT.jpg

I was a complete mess after He died. Someone told Me "It takes 5 Years to get over it" ... They were exactly right, it takes 5 Years... Just be sure to take it easy on the Booze. It's always best not to drink or smoke at all... Digger

thank you all again for your thoughts/ prayers/ support. I just sent an email to Neal at the Tennessee Aviation museum. We'll see if we can get one of the Jugs over for Friday.

B

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documenting restored B-17s and those undergoing restoration to flight:

my sentiments to you & your family. no time is right for a loss of a loved 1, but at xmas it must really hurt. your father in law would probably want you to celebrate as best you can anyway. my wife & i are coping with our 1st xmas with the passing of our 18 yr old stepson this past june, & while 6 months past, it's tough with all the holiday cheer & partying, but you've got to move on & think of your family & yourself as best you can. your dad in law was of the greatest generation, rest assured he wants his loved ones to have a nice holiday in his great memory. hang in their. best to you, tom

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

My condolences to you and your family.

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Victory By Valor (Motto of the 20th Fighter Group)

Condolences to your family and thank you by proxy for his service and his sacrifice.

Doug Ratchford,
Canso42