I just found out that my very dear friend Bill "Beads" Popp has passed away. Bill flew in the 2 great US Navy squadrons VF-17 "Jolly Rogers" under
Tom Blackburn & VF-84 "Wolf Gang" under Roger Hedrick. Bill scored 3 kills and received 4 DFC's. He stayed in the reserves and flew Corsairs at Sand Point, WA & here in Salem. He always said that he grew-up under Blackburn and matured under Hedrick. Jerry Yagen's Fg carries the markings of Bill's first Corsair #31
which he shared with Ray Beecham during their first tour then #28 on the 2nd combat tour.
Rest in Peace my friend..........................
Ens. "Beads" Popp and Hog #31 at Ondongo, New Georgia
[IMG]
Bill in #28 at Torokina Fighter Strip, Bouganville
VF-17 in Hawaii prior to their 1st combat tour Bill is at the top right while Blackburn & Hedrick are second row center. Bill gave me this photo which
is signed on the back by every VF-17 pilot. It's one of my most treasured possessions.
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