P-38J Lightnings 20th Fighter Group Part Deux

[Jack Cook]

Major DeLynn Anderson 79th FS s/n 43-28718 MC+A "Kentucky Kernal IV"

Capt Nick Nichols 79th FS s/n 43-67868 MC+N "Wilda"

L/C Cy Wilson CO 20th FG s/n 43-28393 MC+W "Wangler"

[gary1954]

Exxxxcellenttttttt
Now, just some one please splain the Top Hats, brumbrellas and broomes under the bombs.

[retroaviation]

Flying top cover and flying in the weather perhaps?

Gary

[Locobuster]

According to Bill Sharp, of the 20th Fighter Historical Group (and a child who hung out at King's Cliffe during the war,) the markings represent:

Top hats with canes = escort missions
Umbrellas = top cover missions
Bombs = bombing missions
Witch's brooms = fighter sweeps

There were also examples of trains, boats, barges, nissen huts, and even cattle. That is, of course, in addition to aerial victory markings.

Great pics, Jack! Keep 'em coming!

[Mudge]

As I said in 20th FG part #1. You'll also see outlines of locomotives indicating locomotives destroyed. The 20th's nickname was "The Loco Busters".

Mudge the 20th fan

Last edited by Mudge on Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Jack Cook]

Has a footnote L/C DeLynn Anderson USAF was shot down and killed by Chinese MIGs on April 20,1961
when he was caught over China on a recon mission

[Locobuster]

As I said in 20th FG part #!. You'll also see outlines of locomotives indicating locomotives destroyed. The 20th's nickname was "The Loco Busters".

Mudge the 20th fan

Hence my nickname on this forum, my fellow 20th fan!

Another tidbit on Anderson, as a Lt. he served in the Aleutians and, during his tour there, he appeared in the movie Report From the Aleutians, the Academy Award winning documentary directed by John Huston. When the movir was shown at the theater in his hometown (Stearn, Kentucky,) he became quite the celebrity.

[Starduster77]

Jack Cook is the most generous with his photos that's for sure.
Thank you for all the photo's.