Jim Haus C-47 pilot

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 6:14 pm

Lt. Jim Haus, C-47 pilot in the CBI during WWII passed away Sat. Jim Haus was a true friend of aviation. Prior to WWII he was already a pilot and teaching folks to fly. He took a job working for Curtiss Electric in Beaver Falls, PA and was given a differment at the outbreak of WWII. He felt he could of some use to the war effort, and volunteered in the USAAF. He went through flight training, and qualified for some of the more glamorous aircraft. However he overheard a talk about how badly they needed C-47's and pilots to fly them, so he volunteered for the C-47. He was assigned to the 319th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 1st Air Commandos. He was based in the CBI and flew over unforgiving terrain. He was given a C-47 with a pin up painted on it. He later added the name "Do It". He was very proud of the fact that he flew wounded men out of harm's way to areas where they would get help. As far as his love of the DC-3/C-47, he described seeing one for the first time as "Love at first sight." He went on to build experimental aircraft that he recieved awards for at EAA Oshkosh. He loved all forms of aviation. He is already missed.
For those who don't know we recently painted the C-47 at the Grissom Air Museum in his markings. She now proudly carriers the name "Do It". For those who look for proof that WIX can do good things consider this story. I started doing EAA Timeless Voices Interviews with Zack Baughman who I met on WIX. We were looking for a C-47 pilot to interview, and Bob Haus (Jim's son and a WIX member) volunteered his father for the interview. After doing the interview, I felt more like extended family than a stranger. Fast Forward a year, and Rob Morelli (another WIXer) and I started volunteering at the Grissom Air Museum. We talked to the museum about repainting the C-47, and presented the idea of Jim's aircraft. They trusted us with the aircraft, and we then started stripping and prepping the aircraft. More Wixers came down for that. Then it was time to paint the nose art, and Chad Hill or Django on WIX said he would be happy to do it. He drove all the way from Chicago and met his Dad and Uncle here to do the work. ANd what an adventure it was. Many people helped with all of the painting of the base colors including WIXers Zack Baughman, Matt Jolley, and Bob Haus himself. During the dedication it was WIX memeber barry Herwald that was laying on the cockpit floor holding ropes until he could release them dropping the sheet and dedicating the aircraft. During the dedication we had a fly over made possible by WIXers Laura Stants and Trey Carroll. As you can see WIX played a very huge role in getting this C-47 together to honor a great man. It is something that WIX should be proud of. I am honored to have been a part of it and to have had the chance to know Jim Haus

WIXerGreg · **Posted:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 7:20 pm

Sorry to hear this. I'm glad the C-47 was completed and dedicated in time for him to be able to see it. It's too bad he wasn't able to make the dedication ceremony.

Greg

Bear · **Posted:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:41 am

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. It was an honor to be part of the dedication ceremony.

TAdan · **Posted:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:56 am

Sorry to hear that he has passed. I really enjoyed following his story and the Grissom C-47 online. So glad he could see the C-47 dedicated (although not in person) while he was still with us.

Zachary · **Posted:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:13 am

I am honored to have played a small part in bringing some joy into Mr. Haus's life and helping preserve his story before he made that final flight into the blue. Godspeed Jim. Rest in peace.

Zack

spookythecat · **Posted:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:21 pm

What you guys did was awesome. It's sad to hear of his passing.

Django · **Posted:** Thu Jun 23, 2011 10:48 am

I too am honored to be involved. Godspeed sir.

AviaS199 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 26, 2011 11:20 pm

You guys are the best. As I mentioned on another thread, Dad was as giddy as a teenager when he viewed the photos and videos. The guys and gals at Grissom made the last month of Dad's life one of his happiest.

We're often tempted to complain about the Internet Age. But it's undeniably true that the internet brought us gathering places like WIX. Thanks to WIX for bringing Chris and me together, and for everything that's happened since. A special thanks to the administrators and moderators who perform such indispensible work to keep this site going.

For the viewing and the funeral, we brought several photos and other memorabilia to the funeral home. One of the items was a slide show of the dedication ceremony that played on my sister's iPad. The slide show elicited several oohs and aahs from our friends and family members. Django's artwork was a huge hit.

During the dedication ceremony, I mentioned that after my article about Dad was published in Flight Journal, Dad became the world's most famous C-47 pilot - and that it was pretty much by default. C-47 pilots never got the ink accorded to fighter and bomber pilots. But the transport boys performed the dirty, unglamorous jobs that were absolutely vital to winning the war. Much the same can be said about our admins and mods. There aren't a lot of perks to being a forum administrator or moderator - or, for that matter, a museum volunteer. But where would we be without them?

To the forum admins and mods, and the guys and gals at Grissom, and all the folks on WIX: Dad didn't drink any alcohol, but I'm sure he's metaphorically :drink3:

all of you right now. As am I.

Warbird Information Exchange

Jim Haus C-47 pilot

Who is online