July 2017

In this issue

Page

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In June’s “The Plane Scoop,” we reach the point where Eric Krelle has received an envelope containing WWII items and photos from PFC Harold Schultz surviving relative, his stepdaughter Dezreen.

The last thing Krelle pulls from the envelope is the iconic flag raising photo. He slowly turns it over and there is nothing written on the back – it is blank. Harold Schultz hasn’t provided anything to solve the linger-ing mystery of the Iwo Jima flag-raising.

James Bradley, John Bradley’s son and the Marine Corps either deny or mainly remain silent on the Krelle and Foley findings.

As mentioned earlier, of the three members of the “Flag Raising” Bond Tour, John Bradley was the one sta-ble person. Ira Hayes was plagued by his horrendous combat experienc-es at Bougainville and Iwo Jima. This combined with his passive up-bringing as a Pima Native American and his inability to deal with alcohol which was made available during the bond tour, made him an unstable leg in the trio.

Rene Gagnon’s domination by a pro-tective mother and later he and his wife’s attempt to capitalize on his flag raising fame resulted in him be-ing unreliable and flighty. At one point during the bond tour, all three are reprimanded by Bud Gerber of the U.S. Treasury Dept. who tells them that the country cannot afford the war and if the bond drive fails, the U.S. will abandon the war in the Pacific, have a negotiated surrender for peace by Japan, and many of the sacrifices made will be for nothing. The three go on to help raise $24

Billion to help finance the war and de-feat Japan. To put this into perspective, the total U.S. Budget in 1946 was $56 Billion. This would be the largest bor-rowing from the American Public in his-tory and most successful WWII Bond Drive.

Of the three men, John Bradley was the only successful person after the war. He ultimately became owner of a suc-cessful funeral business in Antigo Wis-consin, was an outstanding citizen and pillar of the community. How and why Bradley acknowledged being one of the flag raisers is known only to him. Did John Bradley initially become confused during the heat of battle that took place prior to, during and after the flag raising that date at Iwo Jima on Mount Suriba-chi. Or, could it be he initially went along with being a part of the flag rais-ing as he had no idea the photo would become an icon of history propelling him into the resulting limelight and fame. Perhaps once he realized his two co-horts, Hayes and Gagnon were not sta-ble and reliable, requiring the steadfast-ness provided by Bradley plus the pres-sures placed on him to make the bond drive a success, he chose to remain si-lent and just work hard to help develop the billions to finance the war effort. He may have even divulged the fact that it wasn’t him in the picture to the Marines or to Gerber of the Treasury Department only to be told to accept the fact they needed him as a flag raising hero in or-der to sell bonds. Bradley was the kind of fellow that would have done this for his country.

Continued on Page 2

Who Raised the Stars and Stripes at Iwo Jima?

(A Three Part Series by Morris Garcia)

The Plane Scoop

A publication of the Central Valley Aviation Association

Page 2

One never knows what it’s like to walk in another’s shoes. What really happened on Mount Surabachi on February 23, 1945 is known only to God and all those brave young men who either sacrificed their lives on Iwo Jima or were willing to do so and have since past on into history. My admiration for Doc Bradley is as strong as ever whether or not he is in “the picture.”

About 8 months ago, a semi-truck pulled up to the front of the School of Aeronautics hangar at Fresno Chandler Executive Airport and a very large crate was unloaded via forklift. Several other large crates were also unloaded and quickly moved into the hangar. Being a curious aviation newsletter editor, I immediately went over to the hangar to see what was in the crates. Julie and Steve McShea were busy opening the large crate when I arrived and be-low is what I saw that day…

It was an airplane, but not just any airplane; it was an Aircam designed by Lock-wood Avi-ation for the National Geographic Society. Julie told me that she and Steve planned to build the plane in 6-8 months, put it on amphibious floats, and go to Alas-ka to train pilots to fly Aircams on floats!! All I could say was, “Wow!!”

Well, 8 months later and this is what I saw to-day…

Now it is North to Alaska for the McSheas!!

Congratulations to Julie and Ste-ve on a job well done!! Watch for the McShea Aircam flying around Chan-dler the next few weeks as they do test flights. It is real-ly cool to see fly!!

July Activities

July 1– Regular Meeting, KFCH Sheriff’s Air Squadron meeting room, 8:30 am, Speaker: Ron Paliughi on David Steeves and the missing T-33.

July 13--Board Meeting, 6:30 pm, location is Airport Manager’s Conference Room, Chandler Terminal Building at 510 W. Kearney Blvd., Fresno, CA.

Central Valley Squadron of CAF Saturday Lunch. See website for details: http://www.cafvalleysquadron.org/saturday-

New Bird Takes to the Air at Chandler Who Raised the Stars and Stripes at Iwo Jima? (Continued from Page 1)

Page 3 The Central Valley Aviation Association

On June 3, CVAA surprised long time member and founder, John Pugliese, with a surprise award of the Wright Master Pilot Award at our regular meeting. John was completely surprised and members took turns telling stories of adventures with John during his long and successful aviation career spanning 71 years! Be-low are images from the day.

Congratulations John!! Keep’em Flying!!

Page 4 The Central Valley Aviation Association

The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Northern California Chapter 38 hosted the Coalinga West-ern Showdown June 1-3, 2017. Over 30 various types of aerobatic aircraft attended the three day event. The CVAA Newsletter covered this event and captured these images on the afternoon of June 3.

Taildraggers Rule!!

This is the 5th year that the IAC Chapter 38 has hosted the event in Coalinga and it draws aero-batic pilots from all over the world to compete. The event was not advertised to the public, but the airport was open to pilots wanting to fly in and watch the show!!

Aerobatic Team Competition-June 1-3, 2017

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