4th Observation Squadron, Ponce (Losey) Field, Puerto Rico

[RB-18B]

Have any members known any veterans of this obscure unit who may have had photo albums or scrap books?

[junkman9096]

Possibly contacting Dan Hagedorn at the Museum of Flight in Seattle might bear fruit. He's the go-to guy regarding all things Latin America and military aviation there, including US military. Maybe he has contacts. Just "spitballing" here.

[JohnB]

What time period are we talking about?
Pre-war, WWII...or post-war?
What a.c. types?
Knowing might help us help you.

[RB-18B]

This unit was at Ponce Field (later Losey Field) from 1941-1944 with intermittent breaks to Borinquen, Trinidad and Antigua and was initially equipped with 10 Curtiss O-52 Owls - the first active duty USAAC unit to be so equipped. They retained at least four survivors well into 1945. And for the record, this is the guy cited - thanks for the very kind words. Yes, another unloved airplane!

[Noha307]

Possibly contacting Dan Hagedorn at the Museum of Flight in Seattle might bear fruit. He's the go-to guy regarding all things Latin America and military aviation there, including US military. Maybe he has contacts. Just "spitballing" here.

Just an FYI, RB-18B is Dan Hagedorn. You just suggested he contact himself!

[Mark Sampson]

As I've mentioned in other contexts, the book "Flying American Combat Aircraft of WWII" may provide some information.
It includes a chapter written by Winton R. Close, who flew B-18s out of Ponce, P.R., in 1941. And another by Rick Glasebrook, who flew both the O-47 and O-52 with the 4th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron out of Borinquen filed, P.R. during WWII.
It's a fascinating book, written by the pilots who flew the planes.

Flying American Combat Aircraft of WWII
Edited by Robin Higham; Stackpole Books, 2004. ISBN 0-8117-3124-3

[Mark Sampson]

As I've mentioned in other contexts, the book "Flying American Combat Aircraft of WWII" may provide some information.
It includes a chapter written by Winton R. Close, who flew B-18s out of Ponce, P.R., in 1941. And another by Rick Glasebrook, who flew both the O-47 and O-52 with the 4th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron out of Borinquen filed, P.R. during WWII.
It's a fascinating book, written by the pilots who flew the planes.

Flying American Combat Aircraft of WWII
Edited by Robin Higham; Stackpole Books, 2004. ISBN 0-8117-3124-3

[Mark Allen M]

Dan I also have a bunch of stuff for you to take a look at. I'll post asap.

M

[RB-18B]

Thanks Mark! Could you possibly send it to me at hagedorn_dan@comcast.net?