Airdrop

In our February 2003 issue's "Classics," we printed a 374th FS, 361st FG P-51 Mustang photo that was sent in by Brenda Chaput; we didn't know who the pilot was or why he was wearing an officer's hat. Thanks to Ed Moynagh, USAF (Ret.), we now know the answers.

It turns out there is a similar photo on the 361st FG's website (www.361fg.com/Main/Enlarge/374fs /pS1db7m.htm). It has the following caption: "In one of the less familiar publicity shots taken of 361st FG Mustangs in July 1944, 374th Squadron P-51D 44-13626 shows off its classic profile with a pair of 75 U.S. gallon drop tanks slung under the wings and Lt. Col. Roy A. Webb Jr. at the helm. Assigned pilot was Lt. Edward B. Murdy, USAF."

Although the website's photo is in black and white, the tip of the B-1 Ts wing covers the Mustang's propeller blades and the pilot is looking in a different direction, it is certainly from the same publicity shoot. For more great 361st photos, go to its website's main page: www.361fg.com.

STOPPING TO THINK

These comments relate to your October 2002 issue. First, I must compliment you on the editorial. The description of the photo is right on target, and the statement that "today is tomorrow's history" really makes you stop to think.

I'm really writing about that fabulous P-36 photo in front of hangar 2 at Hickam AAF base on December 7, 1941; it really does make you want to know more about the scene. Obviously, the removed panel just ahead of the windscreen indicates that they are re-arming the .30- and .50-caliber guns. Did you notice that they are apparently changing the right main tire? The right side appears to be jacked up, the right strut is fully extended, and a couple of mechanics appear to be working in the tire area. Interestingly, also, the pitot cover has been installed; how odd!-perhaps habit; maybe they always did that when an aircraft was parked.

You guys do such a great job with aviation history. You just seem to know the right places to go to get the stuff and, equally important, it is so authentic. Looking forward to the next issue, and the next and the next and the next.

Jim Scott

Wilmington. DE

NOTE OF THANKS

Thank you for your article on Erik Shilling-"A Tiger's Tale"-in your December 2002 issue. Erik was in Burbank, California, when I showed up to be hired as a pilot with the Flying Tiger line. He interviewed several hopefuls-me included. He OK'd my application, which started me on a very satisfying 21-year career as a Tiger pilot.

We expected him to show up during our 1975 Cambodian operation; but no luck. I think he was busy in Laos at the time. I wrote a book about these experiences that was published in January 2001, and it would have been nice if I could have mentioned his name in that story.

Thanks again; and please accept my praise of your website.

Larry Partridge

Flying Tigers, (Ret.)

We're glad you liked the article on Erik, and our Web department send their thanks for the recognition. BD

RED RAIDERS

With pride in my heart and a tear in my eye, I read Professor W. David Lewis's telling of Joe Tafaro's mission to Balikpapan. Being the son of a Red Raider who flew 56 missions, I'm especially pleased that my Pop and all the other crew members of the 408th Bomb Squadron are being given some much-deserved recognition. Much like Tafaro, my father never considered what he had been through as heroic. And even though he lost his left leg as a result of a crash-landing off Owi in late October 1944, his comment was that he was only doing what he had been trained to do. That's the "stuff" the real heroes are made of. Thanks, Flight Journal, for giving the Red Raiders their moment in the sun. At last-a publication about aviation past, present and future.

James Udel

Van Nuys, CA

THE 5TH'S FIRST

"Mission to Balikpapan" by W. David Lewis in the February 2003 issue was a good article. Mr. Lewis says, "The Sth and the 13th Air Forces, based respectively on Owi and Numfoor in the Schouten Islands, conducted the first mission against Balikpapan ... on September 30, 1944 ...," but this was not the first Balikpapan mission conducted by the 5th AAF. On August 13, 15 and 17, 1943, the 5th AAF, 380th BG took off from Fenton and Darwin, Australia, for Balikpapan to strike the Japanese oil refineries. This was noted in General Order No. 1073 signed by George C. Kenney, as a Unit Citation given to the 380th for their outstanding performance during the devastating air strikes.

My interest in this originates with my dad, who was a bombardier in the 528th BS, 380th BG, 5th AAF. [Email]

William D. Bever

My apologies for failing to note the earlier B-24 missions to Balikpapan. Knowing how my feelings were stimulated by the participation of my uncle, Joseph Ta faro, in the mission I wrote about, I understand your pride in the missions from Australia in which your father took part. I have not seen an article about the 1943 missions. If any exist, I would certainly appreciate knowing about them. If they don't, I hope you'll write an article to pay your father the honor he so richly deserves.