For Jim H. & The Collins Boys
Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:22 pm
http://500thbsq-b25s.com/
with 1/Lt. Ralph G. Wallace at the controls, its right engine shot out, skimming over the water of St. George's Channel after bombing a Japanese ship at Vunapope near Rabaul on October 18, 1943. On the left wing is the flight leader, Capt. Lyle E. Anacker, in SNAFU, while 1/Lt. Harlan H. Peterson, flying SORRY SATCHUL, is just about to set down in the water after losing an engine during a Japanese fighter attack. Tondelayo was under constant attack for 75 minutes in a running gun battle with approximately fifty Japanese fighter planes of the 204th Japanese Kokutai Zeros. She did get in a few good licks, though, with the turret gunner, Sgt. John A Murphy, given credit for shooting down five aircraft, making him an ace. Four other fighter planes crashed into the water after misjudging distances on their passes. The 345th Group earned the coveted Distinguished Unit Citation and Tondelayo's crew members earned a Silver Star for their bravery.
Lt Ralph Wallace pilot of Tondelayo
Lt Harlan Peterson pilot of Sorry Satchul-KIA
Capt Lyle Anacker pilot of Snafu-KIA
with 1/Lt. Ralph G. Wallace at the controls, its right engine shot out, skimming over the water of St. George's Channel after bombing a Japanese ship at Vunapope near Rabaul on October 18, 1943. On the left wing is the flight leader, Capt. Lyle E. Anacker, in SNAFU, while 1/Lt. Harlan H. Peterson, flying SORRY SATCHUL, is just about to set down in the water after losing an engine during a Japanese fighter attack. Tondelayo was under constant attack for 75 minutes in a running gun battle with approximately fifty Japanese fighter planes of the 204th Japanese Kokutai Zeros. She did get in a few good licks, though, with the turret gunner, Sgt. John A Murphy, given credit for shooting down five aircraft, making him an ace. Four other fighter planes crashed into the water after misjudging distances on their passes. The 345th Group earned the coveted Distinguished Unit Citation and Tondelayo's crew members earned a Silver Star for their bravery.
Lt Ralph Wallace pilot of Tondelayo
Lt Harlan Peterson pilot of Sorry Satchul-KIA
Capt Lyle Anacker pilot of Snafu-KIA
Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:52 pm
Great Stuff...
completely gratuitous...but this was taken after my checkride...nowhere near the league of these brave guys...but it is a privilege to be able to fly this great machine.
jim
completely gratuitous...but this was taken after my checkride...nowhere near the league of these brave guys...but it is a privilege to be able to fly this great machine.
jim
Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:23 am
It is awesome, and a great tribute to those men. I got a ride in it when it was still Hoosier Honey, and have a similar photo. It is somthing to sit where the heroes have been.
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Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:01 pm
Very cool Jim 