Warbird Information Exchange

Hi All,

Martin: You know I love the photo.

Dan J: Love the artwork you put together in short order.

HOWEVER...

I'm afraid the historical record is a bit incorrect as it currently stands on this thread.

As far as I can determine, by 1942 the 54th FG was composed of the 42nd, 56th, and 57th Fighter Squadrons. After service in Alaska and the Aleutians, elements of the 54th FG returned to Baton Rouge, dumped their P-39's, and became a training unit for the P-51A. When the unit moved to Bartow AAF, apparently only the 56th & 57th squadrons went along.

By early 1944 the unit was training pilots on the P-51B. Again, as far as I can find, the 54th FG (as a training unit composed of the 56th & 57th FS's) disbanded on either April 30 or May 1 of 1944. Obviously the P-51 instruction continued, but it was no longer known as the 54th FG. If Lt. Gilmore joined as an instructor in July, 1944, and his final flight was in November, I wonder if he ever was technically part of the 54th FG.

I honestly don't know, but did the AAF keep MACR's for stateside units like the 3rd AF? I simply don't know what unit identification was used for the 54th FG aircraft at Bartow after May 1 , 1944.

Happy researching!!

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

Hi Guys,

I just looked at the accident report. For Dean himself: Under (AF or command) it says (3AF) under (sub command) it says (3FC) For (Squadron) it lists (Training Section II) Present rating: (S.E. FTR. Pilot) Date received: 3-25-1944

For total hours flown it lists (634.35) He completed preflight in September 1942, so he actually flew for just 26 months when he was killed.

OK now 43-12252....... Date of manufacture: 29Sept1943...... Home Station BartowAAF....... Total hours flown, 1647........... Never overhauled.... AF or command, 3AF...........sub command III FC...........

So I guess that is the answer? I just don't know what it means exactly, could someone please explain? I must seem so stupid sometimes! Sorry guys!

If you need or want more info from the accident report please email or PM me!!

Best wishes,
Karen

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"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of
us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time"
- Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC

from what I have been told Mr Roush is shooting to have the plane done to be at this years Thunder Over Michigan. Like the last mustang he made a big push to have it at the 03 show.

_________________
Michael Luther
Yankee Air Museum's
Air Show Director
THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN

I take that back, it will not be done in time.

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Michael Luther
Yankee Air Museum's
Air Show Director
THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN

Karen,

You already had the answer (and let me stumble around in the dark for a while...you naughty, naughty girl!)

It would appear that all Dan Johnson needs to change on his profile of Lt. Gilmore's plane is the third line of type:

"Training Section 2, 3rd Fighter Command, 3rd Air Force"

By the way, has anyone determined if any significance exists behind the 11 stars surrounding the rooster/woodpecker/whatever (I think it's a lil' red rooster--you know, sheriff of the barnyard) on the vertical? I haven't had any success finding a picture of an old 57th fighter squadron patch, so I don't know if that's where the stars originated or not.

Here's a wild theory: Could the eleven stars have anything to do with the 3rd AF being situated in the Old South? In other words, when the 54th FG was based in Baton Rouge, LA, and then Bartow, FL, might the rooster (woodpecker/whatever) have picked up eleven stars off the flag of the old confederacy? Like I stated, it's just a theory.

Please, I'm a metal banger and not much into the research thing. Someone more capable than I has to step in and finish this.

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

Worked a long weekend and just saw this. Here it is with the changes. Click on the image to see it actual size. It looks better that way

Dan

Awesome artwork, Dan !

Cheers
Martin

Great artwork Dan JII!! I think Dan K has "nailed" the 11 stars mystery.
Of the eventual 13 states represented in stars in the Confederate States
Flag...11 stars stood for the original Secessionist states. 2 more stars were
added to represent the factions in Missouri and Kentucky, who wished to
be added to the CSA. Anyone got any other possible solutions?

Guys, and gals...it really makes my spirit soar to see our little group
gather together to honour a most deserving Veteran. A Vet and his family,
who have inspired us to honour his "ultimate price"...a Vet who fought
the "good fight"! Win or lose...

1st Lt. Dean R. Gilmore, DFC, 91 Combat Missions, Tac Recon/FAC, 1 kill
You have my most ultimate utmost respect..
Platinum Wings, Suh!! Long May You Run....................................
Jim

1945-2005...60yrs of Gratitude

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He bowls overhand...He is the most interesting man in the world.
"In Peace Japan Breeds War", Eckstein, Harper and Bros., 3rd ed. 1943(1927, 1928,1942)
"Leave it to ol' Slim. I got ideas...and they're all vile, baby." South Dakota Slim
"Ahh..."The Deuce", 28,000 pounds of motherly love." quote from some Mojave Grunt
DBF

Jim, Right on. 100% with you here. But unfortunately in many people's eyes if your not a top ace it just doesn't matter.

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Don't touch my junk!!

bump

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Don't touch my junk!!

Thanks for bumping this one back up.

There is a very important story behind this plane.

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Share your story: Rutgers Oral History Archive http://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/

I'll second that.
Thanks for bumping this Jack.
Amazing story behind this aircraft.
Regards,
Mark

Just slightly over three years later (doh!), but I've got a second theory on the 11 stars surrounding the "rooster tail": Perhaps they reflect the 54th FG's time spent with the 11th AF in the Aleutians?

(got a mind like a steel trap...not accountable for rust, though )

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