Warbird Information Exchange

Jim,

It hadn't clicked until this evening that your group has a B-24 crew tribute opportunity shortly.

From the posted schedule it would appear that on either 7/13 or 7/14 the tour will be migrating from Anoka, MN down to La Crosse, WI. Your flight plan could take you right down the upper Mississippi River and over the remains of B-24L 44-49908, which still lie at the bottom of Lake Pepin.

In a nutshell, 44-49908 crashed into the partially-frozen lake (between Lake City, MN and Pepin, WI) with an inexperienced ATC ferry crew in December 1944. Apparently recovery of the three deceased crewmen was achieved the following spring by winching major pieces of the aircraft to a barge. Those pieces were ultimately dumped back into the deepest part of the lake.

One would think you could generate some significant PR with a few phone calls and a low pass over Lake Pepin.


Linked period pic of B-24 sections recovered that will eventually get dumped back in south end of Lake Pepin:

http://www.missingaircrew.com/images/barge.jpg


Link to the accident report:

http://www.missingaircrew.com/pdf/15dec44.pdf

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

missed opportunity Dan...looked at this too late...nuts, maybe next year. here are a few recent shots...

Jim

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www.spiritof44.com

I never get anywhere near tired of these pictures, thanks again Jim.

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Cheers,
Kurt Maurer
League City, Texas

PIC, Ford 6600 pulling Rhino batwing up and down the runway

a few more...epic clouds...and Basil Hackleman, signing my logbook...he flew 30 missions with the 91st and 14 in the original "909". Basil still gets in the right seat between cities and flies like he never quit.

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www.spiritof44.com

More from West Virginia...what is their motto? "almost heaven"...beautiful flying weather after the last week of solid rain.

Jim

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www.spiritof44.com

My neighbor (Chuck Brewick) flew approximately 15 missions as Navigator on the "909". He's around 87-88 years young, still volunteers at the local hospital. Great guy.

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45-47=-2

great story!! I'd love him to recreate that photo!

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www.spiritof44.com

Great Photos Jim as always. Im glad I was able to shake your hand Jim and talk with you briefly at Morgantown W.V. on Friday before you left in Betty Jane to get to Altoona P.A. By the way Jim we had a wonderful flight up to Altoona in the B-24. Thanks to the Collings Foundation for keeping these historic aircraft in the air, and for the American Public to see and fly in and take a glimpse into the past 70 years ago.
Iam proud to be a Collings Foundation Member, and to support such a great organization. Keep sharing those pictures Jim when you have the time as I know your busy.

you never know what will happen on the road

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www.spiritof44.com

Here is another...

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www.spiritof44.com

Cool shots. Those mountains look very Virginia-like.


Chappie

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Brrring. Dispersal? TWO SECTIONS SCRAMBLE!!

Great photos and stories Jim. I never thought of getting signatures in my log book like that, great ideal...

Fly Safe...

Lynn

so...got a pretty nastygram from a "colleague" in the warbird industry today...I'm an egotist who should rename it "I'm a Mustang pilot look at me"...when in actuality everyone is involved in this thread...so...I put it out to you..should I have Scott delete this whole thread or continue...??? I leave it to you all...

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www.spiritof44.com

I'd say your thread is quite a hit, very much appreciated by all of us who enjoy warbirds and far from someone looking for accolades and confirmation they're a mustang pilot. I'm just one of many who follow and greatly appreciate all the great work and dedication you have put into this outstanding thread. Quite frankly I'm surprised this thread is not a sticky. It certainly should be.

Whom ever your "colleague" is, I would suggest not giving him/her the satisfaction of any time worrying about it. Please carry on Jim, your thread has been one of this sites shining stars. It would be a tremendous loss to WIX to lose it.

Thanks for all your contributions,

Mark

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“With bottomless pockets...anything is possible”

Carry on, Jim. I haven't sensed a bit of ego in your threads, PM's or when we talked in person a few years ago. All I see are some great shots posted by someone with an obvious interest in history and possibly the coolest job in the world.

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