CC and Sir Patrick O'Malley

[Hemiman]

I recently received a couple pics from my good friend, Col. (Ret) Ed Shook. Major C.C. Smith was the CO of the 8th Sqdn. In Sep 44' he rotated home on a pretty unusual mission. Per Ed, C.C. flew this fighter from Hollandia to Finschhafen, where it was loaded on a flat top and delivered to Long Beach. After a short stay, Major Smith departed on a cross country trip to deliver the a/c to Wright Patterson. After 4 emergency landings, he was able to reach his destination. Ed succeeded CC as the CO of the 8th and can be seen standing on CC's right in the second pic. Can any of the sleuths on here add anything??

Bill

[BTromblay]

Hi,

The airplane, in my opinion is a Japanese KI-43 Oscar. The story is a really cool one. With the airplane in American markings, it would keep it from being shot down while it is travelling to Wright Patterson.

It would be intersting to get a better picture of the nose art on the cowling. It is possible that this is one of the airplanes that went to NASM after the test work was completed by the military.

Does the pilot, still have his log book or any more information on the AC serial number?

If you find that this airplane is still in existence at a museum, please forward these pictures and the story to them, so it can be saved in their aircraft records.

Cheers,
Bill

[Lightning]

Howdy All

This well known Ki-43 was resurected by the 84th Airdrome Squadron at Hollandia
For further info and photo's see below

http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/dave ... oscars.htm

Lightning

[Lightning]

Howdy All again

For more light reading

http://www.j-aircraft.org/smf/index.php?topic=7478.0

http://www.j-aircraft.org/smf/index.php?topic=6393.0

Lightning

[Hemiman]

Lightning..

Thanks much for the info. I just posted on the J-Plane site. should have searched more thoroughly! Will pass the info to Ed. Not sure if Smith is still with us..

Bill

[jamesintucson]

Based on the markings on the plane in your photos and that fact that it was sent to the U.S. it is this one:

http://www.pimaair.org/collection-detail.php?cid=374

James

[Hemiman]

Thanks much for the info, James!

Bill