National Museum of the Pacific War 11/29/2011

[Obergrafeter]

The B-25 was in really rough shape, the Air Force had poured concrete inside of it to keep the West Texas winds from blowing it away. I recovered the control surfaces plus one rudder that came from California as the one that came from Reese disintergrated in my hands as I was trying to clean it.
Don't know if someone restored the Val or thats the way it was as a war prize. It hasn't had anything done to it in the last 30 years except maybe a wash/wax job.

[Hemiman]

i believe the nambu pistol is the older papa nambu model, not the more common type 14 model. that rex looks to be in cherry condition!!

Yep, Papa Nambu..

Here's a type 14 (bottom) and type 94 (top).... easy to distinguish from the Papa.

[Canso42]

The Rex was under restoration in the late '80's , the last time I was there. Lone Star's SBD was still sitting in there too.

Are any Texas WIXers going to the Dec.7 ceremony at Nimitz? I will be there representing the PBY men. (I'm going to post this question as a separate thread topic)

[cooper9411]

One day soon I'll get to that museum as I've heard from people it is well worth it.

[67N20]

Dave, Hope you don't mind if I add some pictures. I was there the Saturday before you and got about the same pictures of the planes (although your pictures of the Rex came out much better).

Main entrance
There are several walls where many plaques are placed. Here are 2 everyone should recognize.



GI metalwork

Not nose art, tail art

Tex Hill's cigarette case

Tex Hill"s "blood chit". Anyone recognize any of the signers?

Tex Hill's 1911 and custom holster

Tex Hill's flight jacket

Tex Hill's Naval Aviator certificate

The midget sub. It was DARK in there.

[carlisle1926]

The Rex was under restoration in the late '80's , the last time I was there. Lone Star's SBD was still sitting in there too.

Are any Texas WIXers going to the Dec.7 ceremony at Nimitz? I will be there representing the PBY men. (I'm going to post this question as a separate thread topic)

I'm either going to the Battleship Texas because it is just down the road, or possibly to Fredericksburg. Any idea of what they have planned on the 7th?

[Canso42]

Jason, they have a wreath laying ceremony, recognition of veterans and a flyover planned. It's possible that Connie Edwards may participate in a PBY.

[lmritger]

Ok, my mind is officially blown... I would have bet money, as in honest genuine Yankee dollars, that *NO* FM-2 ever wore blue-grey over light grey with the 1942 "no bar" stars. That looks absolutely bizarre to me, and yet there it is, presumably in preserved original paint.

What's the BuNo of this bird, and when did she go for a swim?

Thanks everyone for the pics, things look like they are very much on the upswing at this place!

Lynn