I flew in Panchito, which was lead on the 9 aircraft formation. Some impressions from my trip:
Somewhere northwest of Pittsburgh, lead aircraft bombardier position
Tom Duffy's new B-25 Take Off Time. Nice nose art, even after the nipple cover-up:
Miss Hap and two P-47's taken from top turret on Panchito:
Sergeant Jessy (don't remember last name), who was a waist gunner in COL Benjamin Davis's B-25 squadron that didn't make it into combat. This was his first time in a B-25 since WWII.
Sergeant Jessy and myself. This was right after he told me the story about how they got in trouble for dropping .50 cal belts out of the aircraft injuring some cows on the ground. He said COL Davis was very mad that they had not fired the rounds in practice. By the way, if anybody has his contact information, I need to get in touch with him. He wanted me to come see him Sunday PM but we didn't have time.
Last formation, Sunday afternoon. Beautiful!
Briefing Time waiting on the Blue Angels routine to end before heading home.
The second most impressive appearance, in my opinion. Original 1820W powered H34. Sounded like a B-17 when it took off.
The guys who made it happen. On the way home over Lake Erie, Jerry Jeffers left seat and Larry Kelley right seat. Jerry did most of the flying and did a great job. Larry's a great pilot too, but was busy doing a lot of on-the-fly coordination to make the the 9 ship formation work. Many thanks to Larry for letting me come along on this one. Great trip, won't ever forget it. Earned the permanent appointment of Top Turret Safety Officer. Don't forget Panchito is now approved for rides. Help us keep her flying!
