Gooney memories

Air Classics, Feb 2001 by Novak, Bill

The C-47 on page 72 of the November 2000 issue brought back many memories. I flew a C-47 (s/n 43-16156) to Touraine, French Indochina, via Kadena and Clark Field. At Clark, the American markings were changed to French. We removed all brass and identification and were essentially civilian pilots ferrying the aircraft to the French. As you probably know, Touraine became Da-Nang when the French pulled out. We hauled "Red Cross" supplies from Clark to Touraine. All I can say is they were awfully heavy for medical supplies. I often wonder what happened to that C47. By the way, the aircraft was from the 11 th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at K-14 where I was stationed.

Bill Novak 2112 320th St. Lost Springs, KS 66859

SABURO SAKAI

While Saburo Sakai was (at one time during his service career) a Navy Aviation Pilot Ist Class, he ended the war as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. His hometown was Nishioyka Mura, not Kyushu. Kyushu is the southernmost island of Japan.

R. A. McLaughlin mcladian@isu.edu