Warbird Information Exchange

I'm reading it now. He was a pilot in the 354th FS in England. The book is very well written and I have learned alot already. I've only about 3 months of the war left to go before I finish the book.

I had no idea the coolant problems on a Mustang were such a big deal. And I thought they were flying more missions than 15-20/month on average (at least in this group) due to weather.

Anyone know if he's still living? The book was written in '03.

I have to say, I haven't read an actual "book" in about 5 years and haven't read a WWII book as such in about 18 years. I read constantly as a kid, and was several reading levels above my grade. But I just haven't made the time to sit, relax and read. I think I will from now on.

I am pleased to note I helped him a little bit in the book. Bud was not only an excellent pilot but a consumate gentleman - he raised some great kids also

My father, Bert Marshall, thought the world of him.

The 51 had coolant issues and the plugs were very tempermental with the higher octane fuel - a lot of engine failures.

The servicablility greatly improved from March to June - and the 355th flew an average of about 15-18 missions except for June-August with 51 in June.

Regards,

Bill Marshall

Your Dad is Bert Marshall? Holy crap! That is cool.

Are they both still with us?

no they have both passed on.. bud just recently about two years ago. Dad passed away in 1979.

miss them both.

Well I am greatly enjoying the book and thank them both (as well as the rest of the group) for all they did.

The 355FGA will be awesome this year - April at DM will include A-10 simulators for all, a firepower demo at Gila Bend with current 355FW A-10s both daylight and night demo.

It looks like the old Gen (WWII), middle Gen (Viet Nam - Thorsness, Broughton) and current Afghanistan/Iraq guys are forming an excellent multi Gen/one Wing association

I am flattered to be a part of it

I just read "Ace Of the Eighth" and I was very pleased that he wrote the book as he did, rather than "as a novel" as so many people do with such things, he stuck to the format Pappy Boyington established for writing and it worked fantastically.

It started off slow, but he is/was a great story teller, so it carried. Great book.

Chad, what is the actual title.

Here's a link to the Amazon page.

http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Eighth-Americ ... 904&sr=8-1

Django - of all the characters mentioned in Bud's book, only Henry Brown and Gordy (ace) Graham are still with us. Henry is in advanced stage of Alzheimer's and Gordy is very frail.

The ones that passed in last three years include Bud Fortier, Al White, and Deacon Priest (the guy that rescued dad) for first Piggy Back Rescue - before Ilfrey and before Green.

Regards,

Bill