Fire From the Clouds

[sdennison]

OK, so it takes me time to finally get my head out of my bum. Luckily my belt has my name on it so I know who I am. I get so soon old and so late smart...

I did this book on my Dad years ago after his death but never was able to do anything with it other than give a few CD/PDF versions to friends. I think I would like to share it with my friends here on WIX as I think some may find it interesting, not as a "How I won the war single handedly" but a view into what thousands of our young guys went through.

My Pop had my Grandmother save every letter he wrote home from getting on the train in Chicago in February 1943 to his transition to CBI. These are scans of his actual letters and I apologize in advance for some being difficult to read as the paper was quite thin at that time due to the war effort. At any rate, the words of an 18 year old kid becoming a fighter pilot in 1943.

Also, I recommend, if possible find a copy of Fading Wings, Faded Glory written by his classmate, John Dinou that documents their training "exploits" as they were spectacular. John, Dad, Frank, and Dick went through all their training together from Primary through RTU. I was able to talk with John and he was gracious enough to write the forward for this book.

So, this is going to take some time to do in its entirety and I leave it up to Scott as to where to place the post. I am not sure how much I have on photobucket already.

[Mark Allen M]

Jesus H Christmas!!!!! Doesn't anyone do a "post alert" around here?
Didn't see this thread until now. This has the making of a true classic and gem of a thread. I know I'll be checking this one daily. Absolutely fantastic that there are still folks who are willing to share this type of thing. No better way to learn about the Greatest Generation than to read their own words.

Absolutely outstanding work! Very much looking forward to reading more

Thanks Scott

[Mark Allen M]

Also perhaps you need a model built of your dad's P-47 something like this one ... http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/inde ... i-theatre/
I'm not a model builder (used to build a few as a kid) but this fellow looks to be real good at it. I think someday I'll have someone with this guys talent build me a couple of dad's planes.

[sdennison]

Looks like we have own private thread going here...ha. Don't know who blew us into the flea market. I am not trying to sell, just post the book for information and entertainment. Oh well.

Models, I have commissioned three models from our own Chris Henry (mustangdriver). He took the P-47 picture from the 33rd in Shwangliu China I posted and made the following:





Even picked up the detail from other photos of Dad and his crew chief, Joe Webber. Then I had him do the T-6 from Ajo where my uncle was a gunnery instructor. He and a first lewey were flying back to San Antonio to surprise Dad at graduation. Norm was rear seat when when hit weather and went down. Report says they should never have been given clearance.This is his paint scheme and actual tail number, AT-6C.



The first one I had Chris do was Paul's CT-33 as it is right now. Funny thing, the guy who did the decals provided Paul with the full scale for his plane.

[sdennison]

Scanning March 43 letters now, up shortly.. How and who posts alerts?

[sdennison]

Here's tonight's additions. More will come.

[Mark Allen M]

Really fantastic stuff Scott, thanks for posting. So what's the deal? This isn't the location you want this thread? Ask one of the mods to move it, shouldn't be a problem. Until then keep posting if you would. Fascinating history, thanks again pal

M

[sdennison]

I PM'd Scott. I would rather it be kept on the main page as this is a location for people trying to sell something. I am not. I am trying to share Dad's story as his words are those of thousands of young men who went through the same thing. I think it would have more impact if it were in the main hangar.

Until now, I have never searched or viewed this page much. Oh well.

[tom d. friedman]

congrats scott!!

[sdennison]

Thanks Tom.

Tonight's episode. Sorry but I have to print, scan, upload to photobucket and then get them here.

[sdennison]

Yeah, don't get much sleep lately so here's some more.

[sdennison]

Left off the last page of his last letter, sorry.



Now for more. Sorry some are difficult to read, the paper was made very thin.

[sdennison]

[CoastieJohn]

This is some great stuff to read and follow along. It's almost like you're there with those fellas as they go thru training. Thanks for posting it up sharing! I recognize the Alamo and what looks like the River Walk in some of those pics.

BTW......my sister-in-law lives in Waukesha too. My wife's nephew lives and works right around the corner from that 121 Arcadian Ave address. If you have been to Magellan's On Main St, you've probably seen him cooking.

[sdennison]

Know Magellans very well. We used to play music there all the time. Best pizza in Waukesha.