the dixie dispatch dispatch feb 2016.pdf · catch - 22 no … not the book. this refers to the...

Catch-22 No … not the book. This refers to the length of the Dixie Dispatch this month – 22 pages that I hope will catch your attention.

Why so big? Well, what else should you expect from a Wing that has big plans and ideas, plus dedicated men and women to carry them out. Since the Dixie Dispatch rose like a Phoenix last August our staff has worked late in the night to think up and bring new features for you such as “What’s That,” “Web Watch,” and my favorite, “The Tailpipe.” This issue brings not one, but FIVE new features: “Plane Talk About Safety” (p. 5), “From the Bookmaster” (p. 9), “PLANE CRAZY” (p. 10), “Members Corner” (p. 12), and “CAFactoid” (p.15). You will recognize the new features by the little red “NEW” graphic in the corner.

2016 promises to be a bigger and better year. In addition to Red Nose going on tour with Fifi, the unfortunate accident with Red Tail has pressed our P-51 into many of the Red Tail Squadron’s scheduled appearances. And don’t forget the new Living History series (p. 6) WWII Heritage Days (p. 11 & 22) and Atlanta Warbird Weekend. Plus, we are including information regarding events from one of our friends, Candler Field (p. 18 & 19).

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

The Dixie Dispatch DIXIE WING, COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE, PEACHTREE CITY, GA

www.dixiewing.org Col Frank Kalinowski, Editor - [email protected]

February 2016 Education through living history. Keep 'em flying.

Dixie Wing Staff Officers /Contacts Wing Leader Col Jay Bess [email protected] Executive Officer Col Larry Combs [email protected] Adjutant Col Malcolm Lelliott [email protected] Finance Officer Col Paul Zampol [email protected] Maintenance Officer Col Bob Heath [email protected] Operations Officer Col Jim Buckley [email protected] Recruiting Officer Col Michael "Zee" Zeeveld [email protected] Public Information Officer Col Steve Forsyth [email protected] Marketing Officer Col Moreno "Mo" Aguiari [email protected] Safety Officer Col Rodney Higginbotham Rodneyhigginbotham @gmail.com Air Show Scheduling Col Phillip Beegle [email protected] Aircraft Rides Officer Col Jerry Robinette [email protected] Angel Squad Merikay Franklin [email protected]

WHAT'S INSIDE?

2 ..... From the left Seat; What’s That? 3 ..... From The Other Seat; XO Report 4 ..... Focus on Finance; Meeting Reminders 5 ..... Plane Talk About Safety 6 ..... Living History Program; Link Trainer Update 7 ..... T-34 Update 8 ..... Dixie Wing Cols Strive to Get A Head 9 ..... From The Bookman 10 ..... P-63 Update; PLANE CRAZY 11 ..... WWII Heritage Days 12 ..... Members Corner – Jerome Kline 14 ..... New Members / Recruiting 15 ..... Web watch; CAFactoid 16 ..... Answer to “What’s That?” 17 ..... WASP Stung by Arm’s Decision 18 – 19 Candler Field Activities 20 – 21 On The Horizon 22 .... WWII Heritage Days

From the Left Seat: Col Jay Bess, Wing Leader It’s been a very busy month in the Dixie Wing hangar with the P-51, SBD & LT-6 annuals and the continued progress on the T-34. A special “thank you” to everyone who has been working on Red Nose – many of you have been here nearly every day getting her ready for the air show season. In addition to the Airpower History Tour with the B-29 “FIFI,” and a busy air show and ride event schedule, we will be filling in on the Red Tail “Rise Above” Tour. If you aren’t familiar with the CAF’s traveling educational program “Rise Above,” I encourage you to learn more at www.redtail.org. This will an extremely busy air show and rides season! Our next big event will be WWII Heritage Days on April 30th & May 1st. This has grown into a large regional event and draws several thousands of visitors each year. We are honored to host James “Pee Wee” Martin of G Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne – one of the “Toccoa Originals.” Jim will get to climb aboard the C-47 “Placid Lassie”, a D-day and Market Garden Veteran. Please consider volunteering, raising sponsorship and donations or attending! Thank you to all of the CAF Dixie Wing Volunteers – you are what makes this organization great! Keep ‘em Flying! Jay

February 2016 The Dixie Dispatch

WHAT’STHAT?ColFrankKalinowski Those of you who played along with this new feature in January remember that we had a USAAF bomber as the aircraft in question. This month we give you Navy types the opportunity to test your knowledge, so here she is: A few hints: • It was designed to be the replacement for both the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. • Although the two prototypes were built as two-seaters, the remainder of those manufactured were of the single seat variant (pictured). WHAT’S THAT? Find the answer on page 16.

From Some Other Seat: Operations Col Jim Buckley, Operations Officer

It’s been a warbird quiet zone here at Falcon Field since December. Not much flying going on, but lots of maintenance and paperwork. As some of you may know, our three trainer/rides aircraft (L-16, PT-26, LT-6) have been shut down by the FAA. We can fly them, but not for rides for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Of course our P-51 and SBD 6802 rides are still OK, but both aircraft are in Annual Inspection. Headquarters made some unannounced changes in the regulations that we are still trying to figure out. Also, changes have been made in the way we submit paperwork to become a sponsor. It used to be as simple as faxing Rita three sheets of paper. The first submission under the new “Portal” system took me 4 hours! To add to the confusion factor, Rita will be absent for a month or so recovering from back surgery. I’m sure we will get past it all. Upcoming ground school for the LT-6 is scheduled for March 19, all the rest of the ground schools have been completed. We had a pretty good number of events lined up for 2016 for the Mustang, but now, due to the unfortunate incident with RED TAIL, we have more events than we ever dreamed of. We will be busy. Our first P-51 event will be February 26, a rides event with the B-29 “FIFI” at Mobile Alabama (MOB), followed by Sarasota Florida (SRQ) the next weekend. Check the calendar on our Dixie Wing website for a complete listing. Hopefully we will have some back seats open for shows this year. The Corsair is already at its first event of the year with the Red Tail trailer at Tallahassee Florida. It should be a record year for the Wing. Col Jim Buckley, Operations Officer

XO Report: Col Larry Combs, Executive Officer What a whirlwind month February has been! While the Mustang has taken most of my time, along with many other mechanics and pilots, work continues on the restoration of the T-34 (p. 7), Link Trainer (p. 6), and the SBD Annual.

Additionally, progress is being made on the remodeling of the men’s rest room (p. 8). The lack of volunteers is not a problem at the Dixie Wing. Thank all of you for your continued dedication and hard work.

As I write this, we are 5 days from the scheduled departure of our P-51 Mustang to join up with the first leg of CAF’s Bomber Tour in Mobile, AL. The clock is ticking and we still have a small issue to resolve. We are working daily to ensure we make this date. Since becoming your Executive Officer I have been privileged to sit in on the “behind the scenes” meetings that keep our wing going. Believe me, all the work that is being done requires a lot of planning and strategy. I am truly humbled to sit among the very intelligent members of the staff. Without letting anything out of the bag I will just say you will be impressed by the plans our Wing Leader has to bring additional revenue to our coffer without turning a propeller. More to come…


Focus on Finance

Col Paul Zampol, Finance Officer

We are almost finished finalizing 2015 numbers and, as previously reported, 2015 will produce red ink on the P&L. Right now, we are looking at just over a $60,000 loss. Again, much of this is related to the accounting for the P51 spare engine overhaul, which is nearly complete. The balance sheet, however, still looks pretty strong. Most of you know that the P51 Mustang, Red Nose, is our workhorse when it comes to generating revenue, mostly from rides. Our smaller aircraft are often a challenge when it comes to covering their cost of upkeep. Last year was a bright spot for our PT-26 and our L-16, however. We did lots of rides and both turned in positive results, based on our Quickbooks accounting. The PT-26 returned $5,100 and the L-16 $800. The Corsair and the T-34 each had negative

bottom lines, but we expect those numbers to turn positive in 2016. Dixie Wing member dues are due at the end of each year for the following year. I sent around an email near the end of 2015, noting that all members should pay 2016 dues of $48 as soon as possible. Many members have done so, but a few are still outstanding. As we approach the end of February, I will check dues payments against the current roster and a reminder will be sent to those who have not yet paid 2016 dues. This will be the last notice of a member’s delinquency. Those members who have still not paid dues by the end of March or thereabouts will be moved to inactive status and will not be able to fly in Wing aircraft or participate in other Wing activities. Thank you to those members who have paid your dues and thereby supported all our Wing’s activities.


NEXT WING MEETING DATE: March 5 – as we move to the FIRST Saturday of the month instead of the third Saturday.

Angel Squad meeting, Saturday, March 5th, 10:30 a.m. Special guest, Willard Womack, will share a presentation entitled "Remembering WWII on the Home Front." All ladies of the Dixie Wing are welcome. We meet in the large meeting room at the Dixie Wing.

Plane Talk About Safety Col Frank Kalinowski

In my former life I once spent three years as the safety officer for a school district that had about 6,000 employees. In addition to getting this new hard hat I was already wearing several other hats, but I did take the new role seriously. One of my jobs was to review the accident/injury reports that were submitted by principals and other administrators, with the idea that this information might help prevent additional accidents and injuries, ones that were already costing the school district a substantial amount of money and time lost. As I reviewed the reports that had been collected by my predecessor, it struck me odd that a public school district had such strong religious feelings. By that I mean that time after time under “cause of accident” administrators wrote “act of God.” It was the easy way out, and God was getting a bum rap. Why go to all of the trouble of doing an investigation and identifying the real human error/cause? More than likely it was because for years they had gotten away with it. Not any more. It took a while, but each of those reports was rewritten to identify the true nature of the human cause of the accident and/or injury. Looking back some twenty years ago I think that I can categorize the major, and often combined causes of most of those reported accidents: • taking a “short cut;” • being in a hurry; • not using the proper tool or equipment; • not using a tool or equipment properly; • not following directions; • not wearing recommended protective gear;

• wearing improper footwear or clothing; • trying to do a two-person task alone; • fatigue; • “I always did it this way” attitude; and, • lack of preparation for the task.

So, what can we learn from this? We can learn to avoid most accidents by following these simple and common sense safety rules: • Take your time. Don’t cut corners. • Use the proper tool for the job. If you can’t find it, ask. And use the tool for its intended purpose. • Use the proper equipment for the job. Use recommended settings and follow directions. • Wear the proper clothing and footwear for the task at hand, and protective gear if called for.

• Seek assistance if needed. Don’t let your ego get in the way of getting help. • Take regular breaks. Fatigue increases the chance of mistakes, and stopping work is better than spending more time correcting errors. • Follow the “safe” way or working. You may have done something 99 times – it might be the 100th time that ends in disaster. • Plan and prepare for the task. The time you take to stop and “think the job through” will pay off in the end. Look for more Plane Talk About Safety articles in future issues from your new Safety Officer, Col Rodney Higginbotham. For March: Fire Extinguishers.


New CAF Living History Program Launches Monthly Seminars Col Steve Forsyth, Public Information officer

Military aviation history will come to life through a new monthly series presented by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing at the Wing’s headquarters. The public is invited to join the Saturday discussions by a variety of aviators dedicated to preserving the memory of U.S. aviation history. The series begins March 19 and concludes November 19. All events will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dixie Wing headquarters and museum, 1200 Echo Ct., Peachtree City, GA. (adjacent to Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field). Some events will include aircraft displays and the opportunity for rides. “The CAF Dixie Wing Living History program brings history out of the textbook and gives it the human perspective of those who have actually experienced it,” said Mo Aguiari, Dixie Wing marketing officer. “This is a fascinating presentation of events that is geared for the entire family and delivers on our Commemorative Air Force mission of education. Displaying the aircraft made famous by this era makes this program truly ‘hands-on’ history.” Living History Schedule March 26 – “Helicopters and Vietnam,” presented by Col. Cliff Stern and helicopter pilots from the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. April 16 –“Flying the Blackbird,” presented by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Les Dyer, a pilot in the SR 71 program until 1985. May 21 – “The L-Bird Story: Liaison Aircraft from WWII to Vietnam,” moderated by Steve Seal and George Harrison. June 18 – “Veterans of the Mighty Eighth,” presented by Veterans of the Eighth Air Force Society Georgia Chapter, moderated by Brent Bracewell and Willard Womack. July 16 – “The Making of a Pilot,” presented by Dixie Wing colonels, moderated by Keith Wood or Connie Bowlin. Aug. 20 – “The Lost Squadron,” the story of the Greenland Expedition Society, presented by Expedition Society members, led by Pat Epps. Oct. 15 – “Fighter Pilots Symposium,” the evolution of the fighter pilot from WWII to today, presented by Dixie Wing pilots, moderated by Keith Wood or Kevin Korterud. Nov. 19 – “What Makes Combat Vets Different,” presented by veteran and local author Terry Garlock. The fee to attend these Dixie Wing events is $10 (FREE to Dixie Wing members). For more information, visit www.dixiewing.org.


Link Trainer Update: Col Bill Marx Restoration efforts on the Link Trainer are progressing at an exciting pace. Most of the parts in the “blue box,” where the trainees would get their training, have been removed, cleaned, and put back into working order. Most of the components in the base of the simulator have also been removed, cleaned, and put back into working order as well. Wiring diagrams have been obtained and are being used to start the enormous job of rewiring this complicated (for its time) piece of machinery. Finally, the heart of the machine, the vacuum pump, has been made good as new. It really sucks now, which in this case is a good thing. There is still a lot of work to be done, but kudos to all who have contributed to this effort

DIXIE WING GARNERS T-34 MATCHING GRANT FUNDS

Periodically, CAF HQ seeks to raise funds from both inside and outside of our organization for the purpose of providing funds to be used for the restoration of aircraft assigned to its various Units. These funds allow the Mission of the CAF to continue without depleting HQ funds needed for normal operations. The Matching Funds Grant Program is so named because it requires Units who wish to participate in the program to raise, from their own sources, funds to match those which CAF makes available to the Unit.

The 2015 program began in the late summer when the Dixie Wing prepared and submitted a detailed application which included the work to be done along with the material costs, a schedule for completion of each phase and an estimated project completion date. In early January 2016 the Dixie Wing was notified of the approval of a grant of $27,517 for our T-34. This now required the raising of a like amount to receive this award. As evidence of support for the T-34 program, several of the 12 aircraft Sponsors stepped up to the plate and have met the challenge of providing the required matching funds.

A T-34 Sponsor meeting was held to discuss priorities for best usage of resources. The old propeller was obsolete and unserviceable; it was agreed to replace it

with a new prop. The engine is also fairly high time and had been subject to operation in tropical climates before a five-year period of storage without proper preservation. The Sponsors decided to have the engine overhauled at this time, and it has now been removed and delivered to the overhaul facility.

A new paint job, in proper military colors, will follow the reinstallation of the engine, prop and test flights. There are always expenses that crop up that are not covered. The Dixie Wing would appreciate any contributions to the project, large or small. Art Martin, Willard Womack and their faithful crew have a lot of sweat equity in this project. Mike McGowan and Randy Hawkins have taken on the job of cockpit restoration, which is no small task.

While you may not have the skills or time to participate in the restoration work, you may have the ability to show your support with a tax- deductible donation to the project. This is what allows the CAF, and the Dixie Wing in particular, to continue its mission.

T-34 Team L to R: Cols Jack Van Ness, Andy Anderson, Paul Zampol, Mike McGowan, George Harrison, Art Martin, Joe Broker, Jeff Neiger.


Dixie Wing Cols Strive to Get A Head Cols at the February Wing meeting were flush with excitement over learning that the Wing’s latrine is being completely renovated. Not everyone was privy to this decision, but Col Tom Walsh and a small cadre of helpers, including Cols Paul Areson & Rodney Higginbotham, demonstrated a “can-do” spirit by plunging in and dismantling the existing facilities to make way for new tile & ADA compliant fixtures. Floor tile was being finished on Saturday by an outside worker as we had to temporarily make the ladies room a shared facility, but that will be remedied by the next meeting. Look for photos of the completed facility in the next Dixie Dispatch. Meanwhile, in loo of (groan) those photos, enjoy some of the construction photos.


As a final note: Regardless of your pride in your service, you are forbidden to put one of these on the wall of the completed facility:

From The Bookmaster Col Dave Porter BOTM* “The Dauntless Dive Bomber of World War II” by Barrett Tillman

Published by the Naval Institute Press in 1976, the book is a study of the Dauntless itself and the missions it flew, both in the Pacific and the Atlantic theaters of operation. The Dauntless was considered obsolete at the time of Pearl Harbor and was in the process of being replaced as a divebomber by the new bigger and faster SB2C Curtis Helldiver. Development and production delays of the Helldiver kept the Dauntless in production and in service throughout the war. At war’s end it was the only U.S. carrier aircraft still in service that had been operational at Pearl Harbor. Dauntlesses flew in all five naval engagements fought exclusively by aircraft carriers. Written by the son of an SBD pilot, Barrett Tillman is a native of Oregon and helped to restore a Dauntless in 1971-72 that is now in the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, VA. *BOTM - Book of the Month …. it is on our shelf – it’s a good read; borrow it if you like but please return it!


Speaking of the Dauntless, I found an interesting project in progress back in our hangar. It appears that while undergoing its annual inspection our Dixie Wing Maintenance Officer, Col Bob Heath, apparently wearied of hearing Col Buckley and other SBD pilots whining about the lack of comfort facilities on our own CAF SBD. Taking matters into his own hands, presumably with the approval of the senior wing staff, Col Heath is having comfort facilities installed. I hope they remember the toilet paper.


Work progresses on the P-63 with the installation of the 37mm cannon. Col Lee Weaver is on the forklift; L to R: Cols Walter Cantrell, Jim Arnold, and Jon Wilson.

Left and below left: Col Elizabeth Sigman from Alabama readies a cylinder for removal on the SBD. Elizabeth’s fiancé introduced her to the CAF and she became fascinated with the history of it. She said that, “As far as being able to get in there and get my hands dirty working in them, it reminds me when I would work in the shop with my grandfather turning wrenches on cars. I'm an ICU nurse by profession so not a whole lot related to the aviation industry at all.”

PLANE CRAZY Slightly photoshopped from a photo I took at the National Museum of the USAF, I call this one the “Missing Link Trainer.”

PhotosbyColCharlesBurcher

WWII HERITAGE DAYS COL MIKE DALY

This is the 13th year for WWII Heritage Days, scheduled April 30, May 1. This year is building to be an exciting event. We have arranged two very special appearances this year: • In addition to the Dixie Wing aircraft, we have scheduled

an appearance by a historic Douglas C-47 Skytrain troop transport aircraft as the highlight of this year’s event. This restored plane, “Placid Lassie,” participated in the D-Day invasion of Europe and was utilized in the Market Garden operation in Holland.

• We will also be hosting veteran paratrooper, Jim “Pee Wee”

Martin, https://www.facebook.com/Jim-Pee-Wee-Martin-G506-150930871630989/. A member of the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles”, 506th PIR, Company G, Martin will be among several veterans honored throughout the WWII Heritage Days weekend.

So, don’t miss out. If you haven’t done so already, go to http://wwiidays.org/registrations.htm and register today! Due to the size that our event is growing to, with your help, we would like to get an accurate idea of who is joining us as soon as possible. You can also follow the buildup on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WWIIHeritageDays/?ref=bookmarks, along with viewing pictures from past events. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sending out more information, so stay tuned!


Cross-Country in An Open Cockpit - The Real Life Adventure of Col Jerome Kline By Col frank Kalinowski; Photos reproduced by Col Charles Burcher 1978 - That was the year that Col Jerome Kline decided to do what has seldom been done since the Army carried the US Mail in the 1930s – fly across the United States in an open cockpit airplane. It all started with his decision to purchase a WWII vintage Fairchild PT-19. Level of difficulty – Jerome lived in South Ft. Myers (FL) at the time and the plane was in Los Angeles – a 2,342 trip. The first part of getting it home was easy – he flew commercially to Los Angeles, but this would be the last time he would enjoy a beverage and a package of peanuts on the trip. With no modern navigation equipment other than a portable aircraft radio, he made the return trip at a maximum of 5,000 feet in order that he could see ground landmarks and keep below the freezing altitudes. To combat the ever present cold he bought traditional flying gear: leather flying hat, goggles, scarf, long johns, thermal socks, long sleeve wool shirt, sweater, and a parka.

Following, for the most part, Interstate 10 all the way into Florida, the cold and bad weather were his biggest problems. “I kept catching up to a cold front that was ahead of me and then I’d have to wait and let it get ahead again.” Altogether there were two half-day delays to let the front with its low clouds and high cold winds pass. As WWII primary trainers were not designed for long distances or high performance, at 100 mph about 3

hours of flight time could be accomplished before the need for refueling – a welcome stop to warm up a little. And without the proper equipment, night flying was out of the question.

Fortunately there was only one near emergency when the oil pressure gauge fluttered. He put down in a farmer’s field near Houston, put in more oil, and was gone before even the farmer had a chance to notice. The only other mishap was being over the wrong town, but that was resolved when he landed at an airstrip to find out exactly where he was.

Jerome wound up selling the plane back less than a year later, purchasing other aircraft and flying charters to the Bahamas and other locations. He now lives in Newnan, GA, and no longer flys, but the memory of that cross-country trip will remain with him forever.


NORTH AMERICAN P-51 MUSTANG Col Willard Womack

Part two of four parts. The first use of the P-51 by the Army Air Forces was as a ground attack aircraft named the A-36 Apache/Invader. Some sources call it an Apache, others an Invader. These names were seldom used however, as “Mustang” was used in most combat reports.

There were no funds available in 1942 for a new fighter. But there were funds for an attack aircraft. Thus the P-51 became the A-36A, with dive brakes, bomb racks, and completely rebuilt heavier wings. The bomb racks were located just outboard of the landing gear, and each could carry up to a 500lb bomb. Armed with two fifty caliber machine guns in the nose and two in each wing, it had the most firepower of any P-51 at the time. Normal attack procedures for the A-36 were to over fly the target, roll inverted, and when directly above the target, pull in to a vertical dive. The dive brakes had to be opened just before entering the dive, otherwise the high speed would cause them to open unevenly. This would result an unstable dive and make aiming difficult. With all four dive brakes open (two on top and two on bottom of the wing) the speed would be held to 390 mph. The A-36 entered combat in North Africa in April of 1943, serving throughout the Mediterranean Theater and Italy. It also served in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater along with the P-51A, which was an A-36 without the dive brakes and nose mounted machine guns. In the CBI the P-51A was used with great success by the First Air Commando Group, pictured here with the ACG’s

distinctive five white stripes on the fuselage.

Despite having a reputation for reliability and performance, its loss rate was high, due to its mission of ground attack. Its Achilles heel was the cooling system, which could not withstand battle damage. Every thing from small arms fire on up could disable it. Along with its ground attack mission, it did shoot down over eighty enemy aircraft, and one pilot became the only ace flying the Allison powered Mustang. Its role in the history of the war is often overlooked, due to the success of the Merlin powered Mustang in air to air combat and of the ground attack abilities of the P-47 Thunderbolt. Regardless, it served the USAAF well during its combat tour. Removed from combat by mid 1944, it served on until the end of the war in small numbers, often as a trainer for future fighter pilots. Less than five hundred A-36As were built and only three hundred and fifty P-51As were ordered, for by that time both the British and North American Aircraft were looking into mounting a Rolls Royce Merlin engine in place of the Allison. The British had realized that this was a good plane, and with the Merlin it would be a great one. Next Month: Part Three Col Willard Womack served as an Army pilot for four and a half years, including service on Okinawa and Soc Trang Vietnam in December of 1962. Following his return to the states in June of 1963 leaving the Army in 1964, he flew for Trans World Airlines for 33 years, including the Lockheed Constellation, Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 727. Over the span of 40 years he has owned seven airplanes. In 2007 he moved to Peachtree city in November of 2007 and joined the CAF, piloting the LT-6 before retiring from flying. Willard now works on planes and does talks and tours.


Here We Grow Again! ColMichael“ZEE”ZeeveldRecruitingOfficer/DeputyAdjutant

Three new Colonels were sworn in at the February 20th Wing meeting. From left to right: Dick Fink, Jeff Shetterly, and Bruce Conners take the CAF oath as administered by “Zee” Zeeveld. Below, new Cols Connors and Shetterly receive their Dixie Wing patches. The addition of three new Cols brings the Wing strength to 307.


In a prior swearing in ceremony WWII P-51 combat pilot (29 missions) Paul Crawford is welcomed to the Wing. Photos by Col Charles Burcher

WEB WATCH

Like looking at photos of extremely low flying aircraft “cutting the grass?” Who doesn’t! Take this B-17 on the right making a low fly-past during the filming of the Steve McQueen film The War Lover.

As Billy Mays used to say on TV, “But wait … there’s more.” More that is if you go to the website for Vintage Wings of Canada, specifically the story “Lower Than A Snake’s Belly In A Wagon Rut” at:

http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/325/Lower-than-a-Snakes-Belly-in-a-Wagon-R.aspx Grab an adult beverage, sit back, and enjoy photos of everything from single-engine aircraft to the mighty B-36 Peacemaker going lower than low. And yes, some actually did cut the grass. Best of all, you can sign up for weekly stories from Vintage News. You can even read it in French if you choose. Pretty neat, eh?


CAFactoidThere are three wings that are authorized by the Commemorative Air Force to be worn by members / Colonels. At top is the basic wing insignia issued to all CAF Cols. This wing insignia also appears on CAF apparel, regardless of the membership level of the member. Center: Lifetime Cols are issued CAF wings with a star above the center of the wings. Bottom: Cols who are sponsors of CAF aircraft are issued wings with a star encased in a wreath above the center of the wings. Next Issue: Why we don’t put a period after Col when we use it before our name.

AnswertoWhat’sThat?The Douglas BTD-1 Destroyer was the result of the Douglas Aircraft Company’s answer to the USN’s request for a divebomber that could replace both the Dauntless and the Helldiver. The first two prototypes were built as traditional two-seaters, but changed with the Navy’s request to move to a single-seat configuration minus the defensive turret. On 8 April 1943 the prototype first flew, with greater speed than the Helldiver and twice the bomb load. The Navy ordered 358 of the single seat (BTD-1) version, but only 28 were delivered by the surrender of Japan, so the remainder of the order was cancelled. None saw combat. Note: The same Douglas team (led by legendary Ed Heinemann) responsible for the Destroyer was already working on the aircraft that would become the Douglas A-1 Skyraider. Where can I see one? You are in luck, as the one surviving example is located at the Museum of Flight (aka, Hixson Flight Museum http://www.hixsonflightmuseum.org) at 304 Russell Field Road NE, Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome, Georgia. The plane had been on display at the Florence Air & Missile Museum in South Carolina until the museum closed in 1997, then went to the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, Elmira, NY. In 2015 a crew from Tennessee retrieved her (right) and she is now being restored in Rome. This particular ship has the distinction of having been both the first Destroyer off the production line, and the last off the production line. How could that be? See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfWrxEn9ghE.

January 2016 The Dixie Dispatch

WASP STUNG BY ARMY’S DECISION

A decision by the Department of the Army has revoked the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) eligibility for interment at Arlington National Cemetery. The family of WASP Elaine Harmon, of Silver Spring, Maryland, has been informed that their beloved mother and grandmother no longer qualifies to choose Arlington as her own final resting place. Harmon and other pilots have attended the services of their fellow WASP interred at Arlington, never realizing their own right could be revoked. Harmon's family has said her ashes will remain in her daughter's home until she is allowed to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. The Harmon family, and the other WASP still living who may desire an Arlington burial, need your help. When the Army Air Forces was short on airmen and outcome of the war still uncertain, these women volunteered against much social prejudice and skepticism. General Hap Arnold, Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, intended to militarize the WASP, but because their service was so desperately needed he placed the WASP in a civilian capacity to expedite their creation. Unlike other women’s service auxiliaries, the WASP performed the same domestic missions that men did, freeing male pilots to go overseas at a time when the outcome of the war was in peril. The WASP flew every aircraft type in the Army Air Forces, from single engine trainers to the mighty B-29 Superfortress, and performed every kind of flying mission needed in the domestic United States from instruction, target towing, flight test, and aircraft ferry and delivery. The WASP met (and often exceeded) all military physical requirements, took and passed the same military training, and executed military missions - but because their military status had been deferred, they did so with no benefits, no recognition, and for far less pay. The WASP military service was finally recognized by Congress in 1977, who granted the WASP long

overdue veteran status. In 2002 administrators at Arlington National Cemetery found the WASP eligible to receive standard honors. In 2010 the WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their valiant and pioneering service. These women are veterans and deserve to be treated and honored as such.

U. S. Representatives Martha McSally (R-Arizona) and Susan Davis (D-California) have introduced The Women Airforce Service Pilots Arlington Restoration Act (HR4336) in the House to allow the cremated remains of the WASP to be placed in Arlington. Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) and Jodi Ernst (R-Iowa) have introduced a similar bill (S2437) in the Senate. CAF President Steve Brown has

called for your help in contacting your representatives and urging them to support these bills. Short of contacting your representative, you can sign a petition online by visiting the National WASP World War II Museum website at: https://secure.ifr-ors.com/NWASP/HR4336Petition/index.asp?info=EA0201

Above: Your editor (the dorky looking guy) with four WASP at the 2002 Sun N’ Fun Fly In. The photo was taken by Tuskegee airman Col. Charles McGee.


Candler Field Museum Hosts Two Events:

#1 - EAA TOWN HALL MEETING WITH JACK PELTON

Candler Field Museum is privileged to host an EAA Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, February 27th. That afternoon, beginning at 1 PM, Mr. Jack Pelton, CEO of EAA, will begin the meeting. Jack will discuss the medical reform proposal, the new requirements to fly Young Eagles, events for AirVenture, and other pertinent issues facing the experimental aircraft group, vintage aircraft owners, warbird owners, and general aviation. The meeting will conclude at 3 PM followed by an informal reception. This is an ideal opportunity

for all interested to catch up on all of the EAA news including AirVenture plans. You can drive in, fly in on the airline, or fly your own private plane to the meeting. Peach State Aerodrome (GA2), is a 3,000 ft grass strip perfect for a tailwheel airplane (also good for nosewheels). The website: (www.chandlerfield.com ) has a section on Airport Operations that you can review prior to flying in. In addition to learning all of the latest news you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the resident restaurant appropriately named “Barnstormer’s Grill”. A 10% discount will be offered to all VAA and EAA members by the restaurant. You can also learn about the history of the original Atlanta Airport, see an original Curtiss Jenny (that will fly weather permitting), and simply enjoy fun and fellowship with other aviation enthusiasts. You will be able to join Vintage if you are not already a member. One more item – we will raffle off a ride in the Curtiss Jenny. If the weather is such that we can fly the Jenny you will collect that day. If not, we will schedule a time. We will also have other items that will be given away. For more information please go to www.candlerfield.com or call 770-467-8318. You can also email [email protected]. We are looking forward to seeing you there!


#2 - CANDLER FIELD MUSEUM DINNER DANCE

You are cordially invited to the GREAT GATSBY benefit dance on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Candler Field Museum located in Williamson, Georgia. The evening will begin with a champagne reception at 6 PM. Dinner will be served at 7 PM catered by Barnstormers Grill. Music and dancing starts at 8 PM. The music will be presented by the Night Train orchestra featuring vocalist Karin

Williams. This 17-piece orchestra will entertain us throughout the evening. Whether you enjoy dancing or simply like to listen to the music, please plan to attend. All proceeds will benefit the Candler Field Museum. Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of 8. Please join us for this enjoyable evening.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT www.candlerfield.com. (SELECT THE JOIN MUSEUM/BUY TICKETS TAB) OR CALL 770-412-8318.


ON THE HORIZON ...... CAF AirPower History Tour - 2016 will bring the Dixie Wing’s P-51 Red Nose to Join the CAF’s B-29 Fifi as part of the CAF AirPower History Tour. See these and other amazing CAF aircraft and take a ride at one of the following locations:

March 2 - 6 Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Sarasota, Florida Book a ride: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/#!sarasota--florida/x4giu March 7 - 9 Leesburg Airport, Leesburg, Florida Book a ride: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/#!leesburg--florida/zi5r8 March 11 - 13 Punta Gorda Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida NOTE: B-29 Fifi will not be there. March 16 - 20 Naples Airport, Naples, Florida Book a ride: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/#!naples--florida/x3y1o March 23 - 27 Lakeland-Linder Airport, Lakeland, Florida Book a ride: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/#!lakeland--florida/gkum8 March 30 – April 3 Daytona Beach Airport, Daytona Beach, Florida Book a ride: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/#!daytona--florida/nv4o0 Air Shows in 2016:

April 16 & 17 Red Nose will participate in the Smoky Mountain Air Show, Knoxville, TN For more info visit: www.smokymountainairshow.com

May 20 – 22 Red Nose and the SBD Dauntless at 2016 Warbirds Over The Beach Airshow Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach, Virginia http://www.dixiewing.org/536_Warbirds_Over_The_Beach_2015.htm

Meetings in 2016 – March through May:

March 5 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad - 10:30 am; Monthly Mtg 1:00 pm April 2 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad - 10:30 am; Monthly Mtg 1:00 pm May 7 Staff Mtg - 10 am; Angel Squad - 10:30 am; Monthly Mtg 1:00 pm Other Events in 2016: March 19 Living History: Helicopters in Vietnam April 16 Living History: Flying the Blackbird WWII Heritage Days Meeting Schedule http://wwiidays.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWIIHeritageDays

April 30 – May 1 WWII Heritage Days, Dixie Wing


ON THE HORIZON (cont.) ...... September 24 – 25, 2016 Atlanta Warbird Weekend – Dekalb-Peachtree Airport, Atlanta, GA http://www.atlantawarbirdweekend.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/678366688918155


Don’tmisstheboat!Submit your articles for the nextDixieDispatchbyMarch20.

WWII HERITAGE DAYS

Why would a CAF Unit host a history event?

WWII Heritage Days Co-Chairs Col Chris Madrid and Col Scott Paul

“The mission of the CAF is education, such that generations of Americans will value and support contributions of military aviation in assuring our nation’s freedom.”

Different units have their own interpretation of executing the CAF mission, based on the location of the wing or squadron, the membership makeup and the aircraft in the unit. For the Dixie Wing, the membership has embraced event marketing as a way to reach the public and convey the mission and connect with the local community. Since moving into the Historical Airpower Facility, the Dixie Wing has hosted numerous patriotic events that commemorate and celebrate the service and legacy of America’s veterans. WWII Heritage Days, Atlanta Warbird Weekend, A Flight With Eagles, Veterans Day, Patriot Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day are all chapters in the Dixie Wing story. While WWII Heritage Days is obviously focused on the Second World War, the event draws people with a variety of interests. Aviation fans and World War II military history buffs who want to see warbirds and vintage military equipment and artifacts are the most obvious audience, but as the event has evolved and grown over the last 13 years, the challenge to offer a richer experience has pushed us to expand the event to incorporate content that will appeal to a broader audience. Fortunately, new members bring fresh ideas, energy and talent to the wing so that the event – and the CAF - can be relevant in a state where 5th graders spend less than 3 days studying the pivotal event of the 20th century. 2016 will mark the 13th consecutive year that the wing has hosted WWII Heritage Days. The event will again feature presentations by World War II veterans, living history displays and demonstrations restored military vehicles, education displays. This year, we are also adding vintage cars and actors who portray 1940s Hollywood stars. We are also introducing (weather permitting) a choreographed flyover by the Kate and Corsair. WWII Heritage Days also provides fundraising opportunities at “Keep ‘em Flying”, the wing annual 1940s hangar dinner dance and auction, a mess hall and the wing PX. The team has been hard at work since January and registration is already underway. Ultimately, over 100 organizations will take part in weekend, but Dixie Wing members are key to the success. WWII Heritage Days is an opportunity for the Dixie Wing to shine. If you would like to volunteer for WWII Heritage Days, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Dave Porter, [email protected]. In the meantime, but sure to read your Hotline for breaking news. Upcoming Meetings & Updates

March 5th - Membership Meeting Update March 19th - Planning Meeting April 2 - - Membership Meeting Update


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