CBI Pilot

[mr_warbird]

I few years ago I received a grouping from a CBI pilot that had his flight clothes, leather jacket and such. But the interesting part it included his log books and records which recorded every hump flight he made in theater, where, when, aircraft types and such. It has his whole file, including physicals, life insurance, basically every form the AAF had it appears. I was not sure if anyone knows where this type of record should be? I thought it would make a great museum display and the records are interesting and historic to study possibly to get a better understanding of what it was like to be in the CBI theater. Any suggestions on museums that might like this sort of thing?

[Django]

At the Grissom Air Museum they are in the process of repainting their C-47 in CBI markings, so they would be a good candidate to accept that. Do you know what aircraft he flew primarily?

[sdennison]

Very cool. What did he fly? C-47's? Grissom is a good idea but I'd opt for EAA. They have great exposure to teh public and a pitiful CBI display. If we are trying to remember this forgotten part of the war, let's get it out to the masses. As soon as I can get all my Dad's stuff organized, I intend to lend it to the EAA for their display.

[mr_warbird]

Thank you for the ideas, He flew C-87 (Cargo B-24) C-109 (fuel tanker B-24) He also flew C-47 sometimes. He flew all kinds of cargo from goats, people, bullets to fuel.

There are some hump articles in where the talk about some close calls he had on missions. Like the one below.

http://cbi-theater-10.home.comcast.net/ ... 30145.html

[mustangdriver]

If you find yourself wanting to display it somewhere, the Grissom Air Museum would be very interested. We are building a CBI Theatre display including our C-47. The EAA Museum is a great museum so I can totally understand if that wins out over us.

[Forgotten Field]

FYI,
If you have regard for your collection of items, be careful what you do with it. Museums are not obliged, and will not be obliged if you donate items, to display your collection, retain it in entirety, or retain it at all. Once you donate items, they are the property of the museum and their's to do with as they wish. Remember also that you are responsible for appraising your items- the museums will not do that and any museum which claims they will do an appraisal for you (and claims non-profit status) is a sham/scam or privately held. Also, remember that only the designated museum staff can take donations. It is up to you to ascertain who these people are when you donate items.
There are other options, including long-term loans, short-term loans, or outright purchase of your items. Just take your time and make carefully considered decisions.

[sdennison]

Very cool. Dad told me of flying the Hump in a P-47 using a silk map on his lap for a nav aid???? Wow!

Please be careful and make your valuable collection worth what it represents.

[Russ Blow]

I still have all my dads records from his first flight in the PT 19 through 300 hours in CBI flying C 46's. I even have the flight class " yearbooks " from his time in Enid. It is interesting that they were set up just like high school yearbooks. I guess because most of the guys were right out of high school.