On behalf of the Vintage Flying Museum and the CAF Invader Squadron
http://www.a26invader.com/index.htm, we are happy to announce that the A-26B SN# 43-7140 formerly known as "The Spirit of Waco" but now known as "Hoodle Head" will make the VFM it's new home!
The airplane was moved to Midland upon the disolution of the Waco Squadron and has been looking for a new group to take care of her. A group of people from the DFW Metroplex area, including some from the DFW Wing at Lancaster decided to form a new squadron and give her the TLC she deserves. They have made several trips to Midland to work on the annual inspection and prepare her for a short flight to Ezell Aviation in Breckenridge, TX. Ezell aviation is going to address some corrosion issues on a rear spar carry through (but not the spar itself), afterwhich it will be repainted in the markings of Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient John S. Walmsley (see the artists rendering on the squadron's home page).
Quote:
*WALMSLEY, JOHN S., JR.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Air Force, 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bomb Group. Place and date: Near Yangdok, Korea, 14 September 1951. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born. 7 January 1920, Baltimore, Md. Citation: Capt. Walmsley, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While flying a B-26 aircraft on a night combat mission with the objective of developing new tactics, Capt. Walmsley sighted an enemy supply train which had been assigned top priority as a target of opportunity. He immediately attacked, producing a strike which disabled the train, and, when his ammunition was expended, radioed for friendly aircraft in the area to complete destruction of the target. Employing the searchlight mounted on his aircraft, he guided another B-26 aircraft to the target area, meanwhile constantly exposing himself to enemy fire. Directing an incoming B-26 pilot, he twice boldly aligned himself with the target, his searchlight illuminating the area, in a determined effort to give the attacking aircraft full visibility. As the friendly aircraft prepared for the attack, Capt. Walmsley descended into the valley in a low level run over the target with searchlight blazing, selflessly exposing himself to vicious enemy antiaircraft fire. In his determination to inflict maximum damage on the enemy, he refused to employ evasive tactics and valiantly pressed forward straight through an intense barrage, thus insuring complete destruction of the enemy's vitally needed war cargo. While he courageously pressed his attack Capt. Walmsley's plane was hit and crashed into the surrounding mountains, exploding upon impact. His heroic initiative and daring aggressiveness in completing this important mission in the face of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of his life, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.
Note that he was not flying "Hoodle Head" on the night of the above mission. The name "Hoodle Head" comes from his pet name for his wife. The name "Bucket Head" appears on the right side of the nose, which was her pet name for him. The "J" on the tail is from thier nickname for thier daughter "Jaybird". This way Capt. Walmsley always felt like he had his family with him.
The plane is due to arrive at the Vintage Flying Museum sometime in May and will be an active, flying aircraft. I'll keep everyone posted as more details come available. The new Invader Squadron is actively looking for new members (as is the Vintage Flying Museum), so please check out our websites or PM me.
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