Warbird Information Exchange

Here I found a picture of my grandfather H. Bruce Hoch giving an award to Pappy Boyington from the Union Air Force that he was in at Janes Field in Anoka.

Also some images of his BT-13 Vultee he had as well.

What year was that first picture taken? If I had to guess, just by going by what people were wearing, I would guess mid-70's.

1977

First time I heard of the Union Air Force. Did this warp into the Yankee Air Force or what? Shame you all never came down to Texas so we could have the last aerial battle of the Civil War before somebody made us change our name to something politically correct.

I think it was something that my grandfather and a bunch of guys started at Janes field here, will have to research more.

If I would try and guess by those pics. I think someone had a impression on them about one type of airplane at a young age!!!! I cant imagine what thats like.

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Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

Is that a Spirit of St. Louis replica in the background of the first photo?

Yes, it is the replica. I just noticed that the other day! Good eye!

Well, this will tell you something. My mother hates that this happened, I think it is funny, of course, this was back then in the early 70's and in a small town.

I was 4 years old and lived about 2 miles from the Grand Rapids, Minnesota airport.

Yup, you guessed it, packed up my little sack lunch and took off down to the airport with a friend of mine Tim, who was 3 at the time.

Sat and watched airplanes all day, while the town was looking for us.


Oppppsss. Flying was in my blood at a very young age. My mom says I came out with flight goggles on, but I cannot prove her story as of today!