Air Force Thunderbirds Co-Founder Pilot Dies......

Lon Moer · **Posted:** Tue May 21, 2019 4:01 pm

https://www.avgeekery.com/air-force-thunderbirds-co-founder-pilot-dies-at-94/

Quote:

Led by Maj. Richard “Dick” Catledge, the Thunderbirds first year included Buck, Bill, and four fellow officers, plus 22 enlisted maintainers and logistics members. The Thunderbirds were activated on May 25, 1953, and flew the F-84G Thunderjet as a four-ship formation, according to the Thunderbirds. The T-33 Shooting Star, a tandem seat aircraft, served as the narator’s plane for media and VIP flights.

quemerford · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:19 pm **Posts:** 1387

Sad to read this: I didn't realize he was still alive. The Pattillo name features many times across USAF history so it really feels like the end of an era.

marine air · **Posted:** Thu May 23, 2019 12:08 am

Wonder why the picked the F-84G for demo flying. Seems like the F-86A, T-33A or even some old P-80s or F-51s would’ve made a better choice.

quemerford · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:19 pm **Posts:** 1387

marine air wrote:

Wonder why the picked the F-84G for demo flying. Seems like the F-86A, T-33A or even some old P-80s or F-51s would’ve made a better choice.

The Pattillos had links with Republic I think; I'm sure one or both of the twins represented the company in later civilian life too. But possibly also that getting the Thunderjet to perform was a better demonstration of their skills.

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Air Force Thunderbirds Co-Founder Pilot Dies......

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