Warbird Information Exchange

I finally got a chance to ride in a WARBIRD!!!!
I recently played in the Yankee Air Museum's "Golf War" Golf outing in September. First time playing golf in 3 years but ended up winning the grand door prize, a ride in Yankee Lady.

I arrived early and to make a once in a lifetime experience that much greater I had the honor of being accomponied by 381st BG B-17 crewmates who were shot down flying B-17G 42-31417 "Patches" on 1/11/1944. MACR: 1879. Louis Gill was the Bombardier and Ed Schuitema was one of the Waist Gunners. They became POWs.

If that was not good enough (which it more than was) the normal flight lasted about one half hour. Ours was a special mission this day. A local family has had their loved one missing since WWII. He was found in a cemetary in St. Louis. We were honored to perform a fly-over of the memorial ceremony being held. He is now home.

And for the pictures:



Louis Gill (L) and Ed Schuitema (R)

It was a perfect morning. As Louis Gill stated, "typical English weather."

Louis Gill telling stories to his Sister-in-Law. He loved to tell stories, I loved every minute of them.

Louis Gill, WWII B-17 Bombardier poses behind Yankee Lady



Beautiful Fall colors this time of year in Michigan.



Louis Gill back at his post. I sat up there with him for about 15 minutes. Him telling stories over the roar of the wind, propellers and radial engines.

Best Seat in the House!!




Data Plate for all you rivet counters. Whats up with the PB-1G plate? Was that because she never went to combat and was stripped and put into service with the USCG as a rescue ship?

Turning Final


Ed Schuitema exiting Yankee Lady like he did it yesterday!

No Problems!!!

Louis and Ed were presented with medals as a momento to say "Thank You" for their service that we be free.



Thats me after the flight.

Next to my daughter being born and the day I was married, nothing compares to my first Warbird experience with 2 real WWII heroes.

Not a bad deal for a bad round of golf!

You can read about Louis and Ed's story here:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/METRO/710230378&imw=Y

Regards,
Mark...still smilin'

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Once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards... for there you have been and there you will long to return. Leonardo daVinci

Dude that is awesome. Great times. I flew on Fuddy Duddy at Oshkosh a few years back, and I know the feeling.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Thanks for sharing the experience with us, Mark. Seeing those veterans at their combat stations always gives me a warm feeling.

Here is a photo of Patches from the 381st Bombardment Group website.


Scott

I think you hit the nail on the head.

Sounds like a rather boring afternoon. Who wants to waste thier time riding around in that noisy, drafty old relic?

Fantastic pics! The fall colors look gorgeous.


SN

I flew on "909" last week! It was great. Glad to hear another WIXer got up in a B-17.

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Shop the Airplane Bunker At
www.warbirdbunker.com

Thanks for sharing the pics and the story

Looks like an awsome time.

I flew on Yankee Lady this past June in Reading PA. It was amazing.