from
http://www.tnairmuseum.com/warbirds.htm
WARBIRD TRIBUTE -- April 18, 2009
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation presents a WARBIRD TRIBUTE
featuring the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
Our first annual WARBIRD TRIBUTE will be held on April 18, 2009. During the day, the museum will feature guest speakers along with flight demonstrations, and provide "rare" photo opportunities of the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Nicknamed the "Jug" because of its big bottle shape, the P-47 Thunderbolt was loved by the men who flew it, partly because it could take a pounding and still fly back to base. Thunderbolt pilots were known to refer to the P-47 as "The plane that will bring you home." The P-47 was used in all theaters of the war and was very effective as a bomber escort when coupled with drop tanks. The enormous Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine was the most powerful engine fitted to a single-engine aircraft during World War II.
More Thunderbolts were produced than any other U.S. fighter for World War II. Although over 15,000 were built, only a handful are still flyable today. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is proud to house two magnificently restored P-47 Thunderbolts, both of which are painted with the 65th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group markings. The paint scheme of the "Hun Hunter XVI," was modeled after the personal aircraft of Commander Gil Wymond. The "Wicked Wabbit" was piloted by James Hare during the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The 65th Fighter Squadron were known as the Fighting Cocks. They flew over 11,000 sorties, dropping almost 8 million pounds of bombs. They destroyed enemy troop tanks, box-cars, bridges, tunnels, boats, aircraft, and airfields in numerous strafing operations.
During the event, we will feature several guest speakers, such as WWII Thunderbolt pilots and a P-47 crew chief, sharing their first hand knowledge. Come and hear the stories and share in the memories. During WWII, more than 16.1 million men and women served in the armed forces. Unfortunately, we lose over 1,100 of those brave men and women each day. Bring the family and introduce the next generation to the greatest generation.
ADMISSION & HOURS FOR THE WARBIRD TRIBUTE
Normal museum admission rates apply but during these special events, visitors are issued all-day wristbands that make it easy to come and go during the day.
Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM