Warbird Information Exchange

Hello, I'm seeking any information or photos you can post of Mr. David Wakefield and his aircraft, a ww2 pilot I met in my home town many years ago. He seemed like he was getting tired so I didn't ask him too many questions, but he indicated he flew in the flying tigers, I believe not the AVG, but the 23d FG (I am not absolutely certain). Just wanting to learn a bit more about this fellow and his life. He spurred an interest in me to learn more about the people who lived in my area who were involved in aviation during ww2. I subsequently dug into my own family's history and learned I was even related to a few! Anywho, thought I'd ask considering all the experienced historians on this board! Thank you

WW2 Memorial registry lists the following for the only David Wakefield they have.

FIGHTER PILOT, INSTRUCTOR P-40, P-47, P-51. SERVED WITH THE 14TH AIR FORCE, 55TH GROUP, 25TH FIGHTER SQUADRON. STATIONED YUNNAN, CHINA; KARACHI, INDIA

25th FS was part of the 51st FG so I imagine the 55th is a typo. Have to believe that's him though.

Nope, that's him! I must have mixed up some memories, but that's definetly the David Wakefield I'm looking for! Thanks so much, I didn't realize there was a WW2 Memorial registry. Does anyone have any photos of him or his aircraft? I'll probably be able to sleuth some out just with knowing his group and squadron, but any further information is appreciated!

Just to be more specific, if my fuzzy memory serves, he said he flew p-40's for most of the war, but also flew p-51's and flew out of china. You're right, 55th must be a typo.

I know David. What specifically are you interested in?

John

Hello John, has he written any memoirs or donated to the Air Zoo any photos of his wartime service? I'd just like to learn his story. Thank you.

I'm not aware of anything he's written, but he has donated some photos and squadron memorabilia (sp?) to the Airzoo. Dave tells a story of being the first guy shot down in his squadron to actually make it back to base. He was shot down behind Japanese lines, and Chinese guerrillas helped him get back. He was shot down on Thanksgiving day while strafing, and was very upset about missing Thanksgiving dinner!

John

That pretty much sums up why I like learning this stuff, there's a certain humor only the originals have. Thank you for sharing that story, John!

Svengi,

I sent you a PM on Saturday, 10/22. Please let me know if you received it.

John

Received your message and you have my utmost gratitude, sir!

I am Richard Wakefield, son of David Wakefield, WWII fighter pilot and former docent at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. Please feel free to contact me at rwakefield56@yahoo.com or 616-820-9729 if you have any questions regarding my father. Dad passed away June 23, 2012 at the age of 90. I have all his military records, medals, photos etc. Dad was a member of the 25th Fighter Squadron-51st Fighter Group. There are a few videos on the internet about my dad, 1 when he won the Air Zoo Volunteer of the year award in December of 2011 and found another video of him with a tour group talking about the P47 Thunderbolt. I was with my dad every week during his last 6 months fighting pancreatic cancer. I heard stories he never spoke about when I was growing up. Some amazing, others remarkable. He was a man of character, integrity and patriotism. There is not a day that goes by I don't think about him and miss him. Again feel free to contact me. I would be honored to discuss his life with anyone.