Warbird Information Exchange

Hi Guys,

I have been away for a very long time for several reasons. None of which I care to rehash. As most of you know, Uncle Dean Gilmore's P-51 Mustang, 43-12252, is, as of my last information, still under restoration. She is owned by Jack Roush, and I have recently learned he has named her "U've Had It". As I have stated many times before, this Mustang is his property and he is free to do with it as he chooses. However, as one of the surviving family members of the brave young man who gave his life in this plane, I am, to say the least, still broken hearted that she will be represented as something she never was.

I will always be eternally greatful to all of you that have offered your kind support, and incredible generosity in helping me preserve Uncle Dean's memory. You are all my Angels, and my Heroes!!

I have also learned recently, that the granite Memorial that was placed at Lake Louisa, in honor of Dean and all other Aviators that perished in the skies over Florida, during WWII, was destroyed when a Hurricane tore through the area. The monument is supposed to be replaced when the funds become available, but I have found myself feeling like a terrible failure!

We worked very hard to see that Uncle Dean's sacrifice would be remembered. While I have no control over the fate of the plane........this fact has taken me a long time to come to terms with....... and I have little control over the fate of the Monument. I do believe there is one thing left I can do.

I have started to write a book about Dean's brief, but remarkable life. What I am wondering is this:

1) Would there be an audience for such a book, or am I just too close to this entire subject?

2) How would I go about getting it published?

3) Who would I contact?

Thank you all for any advice you may be able to offer! You guys are the greatest!!

Karen

_________________
"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

BY the way......

I am not looking to profit in any way from any proceeds as book may generate. All profits would go to a worthy organization. Perhaps the WIX, or the USO.

Karen

_________________
"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

Not to get off topic right away, but is the lake (Louisa) that the crash occurred at or just where the monument was put up?

_________________
Live to fly, Fly to live.....

Karen,

I very much share your feelings to the renaming of the a/c....
It's my opinion there should be a market for an upcoming book.

For those who are not familiar with Dean's story please have a look at our friend Martin Kyburz's great website Swiss Mustangs at:

http://www.swissmustangs.ch/72468.html


Take care,

Paul
The Netherlands

Hi Chuck,

Yes, Lake Louisa, in Clermont, Florida is where the plane crashed, on November 14, 1944, which was Dean's 23rd Birthday.

Paul,

Thank you! Your thoughts are much appreciated. Also, a huge thank you to Martin for maintaining his page on Dean!

Karen

_________________
"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

Karen:

Not all the battles fought end up in victory.

In life, it is my humble opinion, that you give it your best and if you are not successful in your endeavours, you have in your heart and in your mind, the certainty that you did as much as you could.

Part of your book could very well be devoted to describe your work in order to have your uncle's airplane restored in his markings and the resulting events.


Market?

Honestly, I believe that it would be limited to those who have a real interest in Mustangs for one, and in airplanes in a secondary level.

You can nowadays, do a web search for book publishers and you will find that there are several enterprises that would publish your book in a "as needed" basis, that is, they would publish as many copies as you want (prices of course, are depending on quantity) but this means that you do not have to commit to a large print run.

Another possibility should be through a local college or university (their printing houses sometimes do work like this).

Check the aviation books that you see, and look for out of the way, or "small" publishing companies.

As with any book, you run the risk of having a number of them printed, and then they would not sell.

It is good to see you again at WIX, and please keep fighting the good fight.

You are admired and respected, and . . . redheads rule! : )


Saludos,


Tulio

Hi Karen, I'd like a copy of the book when it's available. Remember, you
may feel as if you've lost, but due to your efforts Dean Gilmore's story is
well known and continues to spread due to the fine efforts of Martin Kyburz
and others. You can take satisfaction in knowing that when hundreds or
thousands of people in time...will see 43-12252 as Dean's last bird rather
than just another pretty P-51.

You can also take satisfaction in knowing that 43-12252 will live on beyond
her current owners grasp and may one day sport her former colors. You
have gained a lot...count your blessings and please don't let it upset you
anymore. Dean's memory continues to grow....

_________________
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

Thanks guys!

You guys are the best! Your words are very comforting, and appreciated! I will most definitely reserve you a copy of the book if I am ever able to get it published! I would like to include my efforts to remember Dean in the book, as you so kindly suggested Tulio, IF I can do it in a way that minimizes my role in this..... As I have said from the very beginning this is not, nor has it ever been about me.......This is Dean's legacy, and He is the only one that matters in this.

On a semi-related topic.....Daddy continues to do well. He just past his third anniversary of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and.......he will celebrate his 80th Birthday on May 26th!!

Thanks again Guys! I am starting to feel a little better!

Karen

_________________
"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

Hi Karen,
nice to hear that all is well with you and your family!

Even though it appears to get painted to represent a different aircraft, I have some background information on You've had it! and it would have been some choice ... ... !

The original You've had it! (44-13917) ended up in Sweden, making an emergency landing on Bulltofta (an airport in extreme south of Sweden) on Aug 6, 1944. It was bought by the Swedish Airforce, survived its service as 26004 and was subsequently sold to the Dominican Republic.

The pilot who flew it to Sweden (I won't mention his name) was interned and was later killed in a different Mustang (43-12463) making a "technical flight" from Ljungbyhed (another airport in extreme south of Sweden). The flight developed into "stunt flying", the Mustang hit a tree on a ridge, rammed a workshop and finally exploded in a fuel depot.

He had it and after that accident, the interned pilots were no longer allowed to fly.

In my opinion, Old Crow is a better choice than You've had it! but being true to history would have been the best!

Christer